Santino Marella, a former WWE United States, Intercontinental, and Tag Team Champion, is the new Director of Authority in Impact Wrestling.
The former WWE star was announced as the temporary replacement for the injured Scott D’Amore at the Hard To Kill 2023 pay-per-view on Friday night.
His first piece of business was to restart the Digital Media Championship match between Joe Hendry and Moose after the title was awarded to Moose when he used a low blow and spear to Hendry.
In the early days of TNA Wrestling, Dusty Rhodes was once the director of authority. Now, Santino proudly carries the mantle.
Impact Wrestling, via its parent company of Anthem Sports, recently filed to trademark the name. Anthony Carelli had previously appeared in Impact Wrestling out of character, but now, he is playing the same persona he portrayed for over a decade in WWE.
He was hired by WWE in 2005 and given an opportunity at Ohio Valley Wrestling, one of the company’s development brands. During a Raw episode from Milan, Italy, he made his debut. He won the Intercontinental Championship in his first match after being chosen as a fan from the audience and defeating Umaga. In the years that followed, he also took part in either a storyline as Santina Marella, Santino’s twin sister. He left WWE in 2015 after announcing his retirement in 2014. He founded Battle Arts Academy.
WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H held a talent meeting backstage at the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin, ahead of the live SmackDown episode on Friday night.
Fightful Select reports that Triple H thanked the wrestlers for all they do and said he understood there was some concern. He told them that the role of new WWE Chairman Vince McMahon since returning to the company last week is to spearhead the search to see if they will sell the company and to whom they may sell.
As previously noted, WWE is looking to sell the company by the middle of this year, and several companies are interested in potentially buying WWE.
Not a Done Deal
Triple H also made an attempt to squash the story of the WWE sale being a “done deal” and said even if it happened, it would take a lot longer. This comes after the rumors about the Saudi Arabia Investment Fund buying the company, only for those rumors to be squashed.
Triple H reiterated that this would not affect the current WWE creative team or process. This calmed many of the talent’s concerns over the last week.
He kept it open by noting anything could change, but Vince defers the final creative say-so to Triple H. He noted that while he and his father-in-law may have discussions, Triple H makes the final call.
Mercedes Mone (real name Mercedes Varnado) has booked a new acting role.
Deadline reported today that Mone (real name Mercedes Varnado) has a role in the upcoming action-thriller film “The Collective.” The movie has already wrapped filming.
It is a movie from Yale Entertainment. Lucas Till, Ruby Rose, Tyrese Gibson, Don Johnson, and Paul Ben-Victor are also part of the cast. Deadline wrote about the film:
The Film
“In the recently-wrapped film from director Tom DeNucci, a group of righteous assassins called The Collective take aim at a highly sophisticated human trafficking ring backed by a network of untouchable billionaires. With their backs against the wall, The Collective has no choice but to put their most important mission in the hands of rookie assassin, Sam Alexander (Till). What he lacks in experience he makes up for in savvy, grit, and a keen ability to improvise in the most dangerous situations. He is aided on his journey by Hugo (Gibson) and Liam (Johnson), former CIA operatives turned rogue vigilantes. They face off against Daisy (Rose), the cunning general manager of this evil, clandestine organization. Sam must prove to himself, Liam and Hugo that he’s Collective material on this life-or-death, take-no-prisoners mission.”
Ben-Victor will play Miro Lindell, a character who serves as auctioneer to a seedy underground cabal of billionaires bidding on human lives. Mone will play Nikita, who watches his back at all times and is the blade wielding company pit-bull and chief of security.
Mone was previously used in two episodes of “The Mandalorian,” playing the character Koska Reeves in the Star Wars series.
Several months after walking out of WWE and negotiating her WWE release, Mone returned to pro wrestling when she appeared at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 earlier this month.
Mone will challenge KAIRI for the IWGP Women’s Championship at NJPW Battle in the Valley on Saturday, February 18, from the San Jose Civic in San Jose, California, and will be available as a live Fite TV pay-per-view.
How much money would cause Vince McMahon to part ways with the creation he has overseen for close to half a century?
Last week, McMahon shocked the world with his return to WWE, months after his retirement in July of last year.
McMahon returned to oversee a sale of the promotion but has since been appointed Executive Chairman, replacing Stephanie McMahon.
Money Talks
For the right price, you could be the next owner of WWE, but it won’t come cheap.
In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reports that Wall Street analysts expect WWE to sell for anywhere between $7.4 to $8.2 billion.
WWE is optimistic and is hoping for a sale figure of around $8.5 billion.
The Observer added that the acquisitions market has cooled off in recent days.
Meltzer also pointed out that a purchase from the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund would bring a lot of bad publicity to the promotion, but that would likely be temporary.
It is pointed out that the Saudis have purchased Newcastle United, and things have been business as usual since that purchase.
Going Private
It has been reported that if the Saudi PIF does purchase WWE, they intend to turn the company private once again.
In the Observer, Meltzer adds that Tony and Shahid Khan are also interested in taking the promotion private.
It was reported this week that the AEW President and his father are interested in a merger with WWE, but would pool their finances and resources with other groups.
McMahon was appointed Interim CEO in June 2022, after her father stepped down due to the investigation.
A month later, McMahon was appointed Chair of the Board and shared responsibilities as CEO with Nick Khan.
Resigning this month, Vince McMahon has replaced his daughter as Executive Chairman while Khan serves as sole CEO.
Before being appointed Interim CEO last June, Stephanie announced that she would be taking an extended break from WWE to spend more time with her family.
Andrews Medical Center
Judging by her tweet, McMahon went under the knife at the Andrews Sports Medicine Center in Birmingham, Alabama.
Named for Dr. James Andrews, the center has been the go-to place for injured WWE talent for decades.
Names who have had surgery at the center include Dave Batista, CM Punk, and Bobby Lashley.
After testing his quads in 2001 and 2007, Triple H would report to the Andrews Center for surgery.
More recently, Cody Rhodes made the trip to Birmingham after tearing his pectoral prior to Hell in a Cell last June.
WWE is gearing up to celebrate 30 years of Monday Night Raw on January 23rd.
One big name won’t be making the show as the company plans to bring in several top stars and legends for the special occasion.
WWE Hall of Famers Sean ‘X-Pac’ and the Big Red Monster Kane are scheduled to appear on the show that night. Tatanka and Ric Flair have also publicly stated that he received an invitation.
Ronda Rousey Pulled
Pwinsider.com reports that Ronda Rousey is no longer being advertised for the show. This serves as a bit of a surprise, but backs up the disclaimer that the card is subject to change. It’s unclear what WWE had in mind for her at the show nor why she was pulled.
The current advertised Main Event for the special is Austin Theory vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE United States Championship.
In recent months, Rousey has been paired with Shayna Baszler. She lost the SmackDown Women’s Title to Charlotte Flair last month on Friday Night SmackDown.
We will have to see what WWE does to celebrate 30 years of Raw, but it is presumed that Triple H will still be in charge of things when the day comes around and load up the event.
Stephanie McMahon quickly resigned from WWE this week, days after her father, Vince, returned to the company. A new report noted that the two did not work well together.
For years, the company had the dynamic of Vince as the Chairman and CEO, Stephanie working as an executive, and Paul “Triple H” Levesque overseeing developmental.
Last summer that changed when Vince resigned from his duties amid the hush money scandal, Triple H took over main roster creative, and Stephanie was named co-CEO with Nick Khan.
Vince brought himself back last week by electing himself to the WWE Board Of Directors as he looks to sell the company. A sale of the company is something Stephanie and Triple H reportedly opposed.
Stephanie resigned from the company this past Tuesday, while Vince was officially named Chairman of the Board, and Khan was named the sole CEO.
Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that those close to the situation “in WWE tried to present her [McMahon] decision to leave as being related to the decision last year.”
Buffer
Before taking over as co-CEO and Chairwoman, Stephanie announced a leave of absence with the idea of focusing on her family life. She returned once the hush money scandal broke.
“But that doesn’t explain why this was a resignation, and she left the board and cut all ties with the company she has worked for since she was a teenager. It was also conceded that she and Vince did have issues in working together as family members and how Khan was a buffer who kept things smooth between them and between Vince and Levesque,” Meltzer wrote.
WWE is looking at selling the company by the middle of this year.
WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross has looked back on having Scott Steiner feud with Triple H so soon after signing with the company.
Ross took to his podcast, “Grilling JR,” to discuss Steiner’s signing to WWE in 2002 after WCW’s demise. Steiner was thrown right into a feud with Triple H, who was the World Heavyweight Champion at the time.
The former longtime voice of WWE explained that the thinking behind having Steiner feud with a World Champion so soon was to showcase him as a star. Of course, ultimately the situation didn’t work out as they’d hoped.
“Well, if you want the perception to be he’s a star and he could be the next world champion and he comes in very lauded, very high expectations not a bad place to start. I also think it made him comfortable a little bit more comfortable because it that WWE was very serious when we were talking about with him that you know we’re going to use you.
“You’re going to be in a top spot and let’s let the cards fall where they may. I don’t think it was a bad thing. I mean there’s, hey there’s a lot of right ways to do a wrestling angle. A lot of right ways to get some skin the cat so to speak. I don’t, in hindsight, I had no major issues with that pairing.”
Steiner made a name for himself during his run with WCW from 1996 to 2001. He saw a great deal of success with WCW, establishing himself as one of their top stars after seven WCW Tag Team Title wins alongside brother Rick Steiner, a World Title run, and two United States Title wins.
Although his singles run in WWE didn’t pan out, Steiner was still recognized for his historic career in 2022 when he was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame. His nephew, Bron Breakker, currently competes in WWE as the NXT Champion.
Former WWE Divas Champion Nikki Bella and partner Artem Chigvintsev recently got married on the aptly titled Nikki Bella Says I Do.
The four-part series focuses on the couple’s wedding from August 2022. This is the latest in a long line of reality TV ventures starring the Bella twin. Along with her sister Brie, Bella was a leading star in Total Divas before moving onto a spin-off show about just the two of them. Her relationship with John Cena during the 2010s was often a key focus of both shows.
Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Bella first met when she went on the 25th season of Dancing With The Stars. Chigvintsev, a dancer on the show, was partnered with the Total Bellas star. In the years since, they have also had a son together.
The new series touches on Bella’s own issues with commitment as she moves forward with getting legally hitched. Now, though, it appears the reality TV series may not be quite as real as viewers might have initially hoped.
WWE Hall of Famer Nikki @BellaTwins took to Instagram to announce that she and @artemchigvintse have officially tied the knot.
Fans of the series recently discovered that, according to public records, Artem Chigvintsev is not legally married. Given the nature of the show, this has certainly come as quite a shock to viewers.
Considering the entire show revolves around the pair marrying, it calls into question the realism of the reality TV series. With Total Bellas coming to an end in 2021, this new series was expected to mark Nikki Bella’s return to the reality TV medium.
Despite the new 4-part series coming to E! on Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsevs wedding, they’re not legally married. Fans found recent public records post-“wedding” listing him as legally unmarried and are upset they feel lied to. WWE Star framed this show as her finally overcoming commitment issues and getting legally married, but really, its just a cash grab in front of 10 guests claiming to say I Do.
– Deuxmoi
In more recent years, the former WWE Superstar has been focusing more on game shows. Last year, she was a judge on America’s Got Talent: Extreme and the host of Barmageddon. Bella’s WWE career saw many highlights including the longest WWE Divas Championship reign in history and headlining WWE’s first all-women’s PPV, Evolution.
(via WWE)
It remains to be seen what sort of blowback this recent reveal about her news series will receive.
Do you think Nikki Bella’s marriage was just for TV?
Chris Adonis, formerly known as Chris Masters, apparently reminded Vince McMahon of Paul Orndorff.
Adonis was recently interviewed on INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet to discuss several professional wrestling topics. During the interview, Adonis touched on his time with WWE. He revealed that he actually reminded Vince McMahon of WWE Hall Of Famer “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff.
“I know for certain that I reminded Vince of Paul Orndorff,” Chris Adonis said. “To the extent where they even had Paul Orndorff work with me when we did WrestleMania 21. Coincidentally out here in LA, which is going to be here again now, 20 years later.
“It was really interesting though. So like, they have the ring set up for Wrestlemania if you need to go over anything or whatever. But they specifically designated some time for me to work with Paul, which looking back, was unbelievable to be able to work with Paul Orndorff.”
As for what Orndorff taught him during their time together, Adonis explained that the legend really helped him understand how to properly channel his anger and rage in a healthy way.
“I just remember him trying to teach me about like real intensity and how to translate that in the ring and me just being so young and green though that it was just so next level for me like I wasn’t, you know, I was hearing it but being able to receive that as a 20-year-old and under all these different circumstances and pressure.
“What he was trying to show me, I think, is what you build up when you go through life. Because you build up this edge because good stuff happens but also bad things happen, right? And then those bad things, you build those calluses, and you build that rage, that anger.
“And not necessarily negative anger but anger that can be channeled in positive ways like through pro wrestling, so I just think I was too young to really receive what he was giving me, but it was still useful information to take in.”
Previously, Adonis signed with WWE in 2003 where he competed under the ring name Chris Masters. That initial run lasted until 2007 when he was released. After competing on the independent circuit for a few years, Adonis again returned to WWE in 2009, but was again released in 2011.
That marked his final run with WWE to date, as he has since worked for promotions such as IMPACT Wrestling and the NWA.
Former WWE Superstar Eva Marie (Natalie Eva Marie Nelson) is teasing that we could see her back with the company in the near future.
Eva Marie’s first joined WWE a decade ago after winning the 2013 Diva Search competition. Her first run spanned from 2014-2019. She re-signed in October 2020, but did not return to television until June 2021. She was released in November of that year.
Late Thursday evening, Eva Marie tweeted that she’s headed into 2023 with purpose and tagged multiple WWE-related accounts and hashtags.
Eva Marie has been a controversial figure throughout her time in pro wrestling. She was tailor made for the Divas era of the early 2000’s, which prioritized looks and sex appeal over technical wrestling abilities. However, a lot has changed since then.
Ever since the Women’s Revolution in 2015, WWE has featured well-rounded performers and pulled back on pushing bikini model types. Despite her questionable ring work, there’s always a place in wrestling for charismatic personalities. Marie has not shied away from owning who she is and has generated a great deal of heel heat owning the fact that she’s more Diva than wrestler.
WWE has brought back over a dozen former Superstars over the past year who were let go during the various rounds of budget cuts. Based on her latest social media post, it looks like Eva Marie is looking to follow this trend.
WWE and the promotion’s new Executive Chairman Vince McMahon are bringing in some heavy hitters to aid in the potential sale of the promotion.
McMahon returned to WWE’s Board of Directors last week to aid with a potential sale, alongside former co-Presidents Michelle Wilson and George Barrios.
The return of the controversial 77-year-old founder resulted in multiple resignations from the board from individuals who disagreed with the decision for McMahon to return.
Now, a new statement from WWE has announced that more names are working with them, including The Raine Group, LLC as the promotion’s financial advisor.
Kirkland & Ellis LLP will serve as legal advisor and August LLC as strategic communications advisor to support WWE’s management team.
In a quote from Vince McMahon, the Executive Chairman spoke about the future of the promotion.
“WWE’s upcoming media rights cycle will take place amid a rapidly evolving media and entertainment landscape, and we believe exploring our strategic alternatives at this critical juncture will enable WWE to fully capitalize on the significant value of our intellectual property.
“I am highly confident that our outstanding Directors, outside advisors, and executive team will provide valuable expertise and counsel to help guide the Company through this important process while our management team and employee base continue to deliver results and content our fans love.”
Despite reports earlier this week that WWE had been purchased by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, it has since been clarified that no deal has been reached at this time.
In an update from CNBC, they are reporting that several sources familiar with the situation have confirmed that the Khans are interested in a merger.
The report adds that the Khans would not seek to buy WWE themselves, but would team with a financial group and pool their resources.
The idea is described by CNBC as a “long shot” given the hostility between WWE and AEW that has existed since the latter was founded in 2019.
Shahid Khan is said to have a net worth of $7.56 billion, and in addition to AEW, the Khans own the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team, and the soccer club Fulham FC.
If this merger went ahead, it is unclear if the Khans would cease WWE production, keep the brand going, or create a new hybrid brand of WWE and AEW.
Competition
The Khans are interested in merging with WWE, but they’re not the only ones open to a deal.
This week, it was reported that the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund had purchased WWE, but those reports were later clarified to be premature.
As Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE CEO Nick Khan recently spoke to Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
Sting has spent decades building a legacy as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, and now the Icon’s daughter is ready to follow in his footsteps.
D Magazine reports that Sting’s daughter Katelyn is taking her first steps into becoming a pro wrestler herself.
In addition to her training, Katelyn works for All Elite Wrestling as part of the promotion’s social media team.
Katelyn Borden
Katelyn still has plenty to learn in the world of professional wrestling, but the second-generation star has already reached championship glory.
Borden is currently the Rhodes Wrestling Academy Women’s Champion and is in her first reign.
Going by the name ‘Jael’ Katelyn captured the title last July, dethroning inaugural champion Shawna Reed.
The End of Sting
While Katelyn’s career is on the rise, her father’s career, by his own admission is coming to an end.
Speaking to D Magazine, Sting said that he has broached the topic of his final match, which he believes will be for AEW.
The former WCW World Heavyweight Champion added that he realizes the high expectations his final match will have.
“I’ve got some insecurities about that, I guess, mainly due to age. The more focus, now you’ve got to follow that big build-up, you know?”
Sting
Sting added that he knows the details of his retirement will be decided sooner rather than later, but he is trying to avoid specifics.
The Icon said that with his final match, the most important thing to him will be how he makes the fans feel, which takes precedence in his view over the setting or the opponent.
Former WWE CEO Stephanie McMahon and her husband, Chief Content Officer Triple H, opposed a potential WWE sell, according to Axios.
This year has begun with a major shakeup with the return of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon on Jan. 6. The chairman returned after retiring last year after allegations of misconduct from former WWE employees. However, McMahon’s return also has led to the possibility of WWE being up for sale.
While McMahon is exploring the possibility of selling the company, it doesn’t seem everyone is on board with the idea. Axios’s Tim Baysinger and Sara Fischer report that Stephanie and Triple H were against the idea of WWE potentially being up for sale.
Sources told Axios that Stephanie McMahon and her husband Paul “Triple H” Levesque, the company’s chief content officer and a retired professional wrestler, had opposed a sale.
While WWE employees and fans are worried about McMahon’s return, some former WWE employees and wrestlers are happy he’s in charge. Ric Flair has spoken openly about McMahon’s return and hopes he’s on TV for the Monday Night Raw 30th Anniversary on Jan. 23.
WWE future is up in the air, as the company opens itself to be sold potentially this year. However, it doesn’t seem everyone is on board with its current direction.
WWE issued a press release Thursday evening addressing the company’s exploration of a potential sale. WWE has engaged financial, legal and strategic communications advisors to support the review of “strategic alternatives to maximize value for all WWE stockholders and other stakeholders.”
Here is the press release, including a quote by the Executive Chairman Vince McMahon.
WWE ENGAGES OUTSIDE ADVISORS TO SUPPORT REVIEW OF STRATEGIC ALTERNATIVES
STAMFORD, Conn., January 12, 2023 – WWE (NYSE: WWE) today announced that it has retained The Raine Group, LLC as financial advisor, Kirkland & Ellis LLP as legal advisor, and August LLC as strategic communications advisor to support WWE’s management team and its Board of Directors in connection with a review of strategic alternatives to maximize value for all WWE stockholders and other stakeholders.
Vince McMahon, WWE’s Founder and Executive Chairman said:
“WWE’s upcoming media rights cycle will take place amid a rapidly evolving media and entertainment landscape, and we believe exploring our strategic alternatives at this critical juncture will enable WWE to fully capitalize on the significant value of our intellectual property. I am highly confident that our outstanding Directors, outside advisors and executive team will provide valuable expertise and counsel to help guide the Company through this important process while our management team and employee base continue to deliver results and content our fans love.”
– Vince McMahon
There can be no assurances given regarding the outcome or timing of the strategic alternatives review process. WWE does not intend to comment further until the process has concluded or the Company has otherwise determined that further disclosure is appropriate or required.
# # #
About WWE WWE, a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The Company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly entertainment on its television programming, premium live events, digital media, and publishing platforms. WWE’s TVPG programming can be seen in more than 1 billion homes worldwide in 30 languages through world class distribution partners including NBCUniversal, FOX, BT Sport, Sony India and Rogers. The award-winning WWE Network includes all premium live events, scheduled programming and a massive video on-demand library and is currently available in more than 180 countries. In the United States, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, Peacock, is the exclusive home to WWE Network.
All Elite Wrestling talent Britt Baker has shared her thoughts on her husband, Adam Cole, returning to the company.
Cole made his shocking return to AEW Dynamite on Jan. 11 after several months off TV for AEW. His last match was against Jay White, Okada and “Hangman” Adam Page in a fatal four-way match at Forbidden Door on Jun. 26, 2022. He had been dealing with injuries, including a concussion that people were uncertain when Cole would return. However, Cole revealed in a promo on AEW Dynamite that he will return to competition and aspires to be the top performer in the company.
During his segment, he also spoke openly about the issues he faced from his concussion, including dealing with anxiety and motion sickness during his recovery. Baker has posted on Twitter about Cole’s return and expressed how proud she was of him.
“For months, the only time @AdamColePro left the house was to go to brain/physical therapy appointments. There was a time he wasn’t allowed to fly on planes or do anything more than go for a walk. I’m so damn proud of how hard he worked every single day to get back to you all,” said Baker.
Adam Cole responded to the tweet by saying, “Thanks for being in my corner every step of the way. Couldn’t have done it without you.”
(via AEW)
What’s Next For Adam Cole?
Although Cole made his return to AEW, it’s unclear when he will return to competition. In his promo, he didn’t say if he’s medically cleared to compete or when he expects to wrestle again. AEW also has yet to comment on when fans should expect to see Cole compete in the ring.
However, the important part of Cole’s return was that he seemed healthy and in good spirits. Cole’s immediate wrestling future may be unclear, but he is still motivated to be a top performer in professional wrestling.
WWE is looking at potentially selling the company by the middle of this year and has hired JPMorgan to help with talks.
Barron’s, the sister publication to the Wall Street Journal and a subsidiary of Dow Jones & Company, reports that AEW’s Tony and Shad Khan are said to be interested in buying WWE.
The article noted that the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund appears more likely to buy Vince McMahon‘s company. The Khan family “is in the pool of potential buyers for WWE.”
The story added, “the Khans will likely look for a financial partner to acquire the asset. Tony Khan’s father Shahid Khan, a co-owner of AEW, already owns the football team Jacksonville Jaguars and the English soccer club Fulham Football Club, indicating the duo have deep pockets.”
Other Buyers
Comcast (NBCU’s parent company), Netflix, Amazon, Endeavor Group Holdings (UFC’s parent company), Warner Bros. Discovery (TNT & TBS’ parent company), Disney, and FOX have been speculated as potential buyers.
“We think that now is the time to Buy WWE,” Benchmark’s Mike Hickey wrote on Friday. “Business momentum is strong, and future growth prospects appear promising.” Through the end of trading on Wednesday, the stock was up 24% since the close on Jan. 5, before Vince McMahon said he believed WWE should consider strategic alternatives.
Dave Meltzer said on Wrestling Observer Radio today that WWE CEO Nick Khan met with Disney CEO Bob Iger and ESPN President James Pitaro this past Monday while at the college football championship game.
WWE is gearing up for its next premium live event Royal Rumble, later this month.
Every year, fans look forward to seeing who will be in the Royal Rumble matches for both the men and women from the active roster and those returning to the company and legends.
The 2023 PLE won’t be any different, as it’s believed several wrestlers will be returning at the show.
The Names
According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com, Edge and his wife, Beth Phoenix, are slated to be at the event. Neither has been on WWE television since the injury angle with Phoenix at the 2022 Extreme Rules PLE, where they were laid out by Judgment Day.
The report noted that Doudrop, who recently stated that she’s been dealing with an illness, is expected to be back in time for the show and will return to the Raw brand.
As far as other return possibilities go, Johnson noted that “Logan Paul is absolutely being talked about in regard to an appearance at the Rumble as well, as long as his knee is rehabbed and he’s ready to go.”
Paul’s recovery from injury was said to be going “better than expected, “as there has been speculation about him returning as soon as the Rumble. He last wrestled Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel in November.
All Elite Wrestling superstar Saraya wouldn’t mind participating in intergender wrestling matches in AEW.
Intergender wrestling matches I’ve caused debate throughout the years between wrestling fans. Some critics may say they don’t like seeing men wrestle women. However, people that support intergender wrestling may point out that it creates equal opportunity and that men and women should be able to work together. It’s a wrestling debate that doesn’t have a right or wrong answer but could depend on a fan’s preference.
Saraya spoke about possibly facing a male wrestler in AEW on the Whoo’s House Podcast. The AEW talent shared that she’s open to having an intergender match but doesn’t think fans would like it.
“I feel like people are really sensitive in this world currently, and it’s really hard to do matches like that without someone being offended by it. I would love to do matches like that.”
– Saraya on Intergender wrestling
Who Would Saraya Face in an Intergender Match?
(AEW)
As Saraya discussed possibly having an intergender match, DJ Whoo Kid asked about challenging Chris Jericho. She added that it is something that she has thought about with her boyfriend, Ronnie Radke.
“…It writes itself. I said even Ronnie even wanted to become part of it, like a storyline to do something against Chris Jericho,” said Saraya. Radke added that he loves Jericho, so it’s unclear if he wants to get physical with Jericho.
Saraya continued, “…He’s such a good bad guy. He plays a very good bad guy and people just love to hate him but I feel like they would have such a good storyline. I would love to wrestle one of the guys. If I have to beat up Chris Jericho, Chris Jericho I’m sure he’d be like ‘Yeah, let’s do it.’ He doesn’t care, he’s very selfless worker. He’s a good guy. He’ll wrestle anybody and if he has to let somebody win he’d be like ‘Absolutely.’ There’s never an ego there, he’s always just like ‘Sure.’ He just wants to help people.
After praising Jericho’s selflessness, she joked that if they wrestled, she’d “…beat that sh*t out of him.” It’s unclear if Jericho would be interested in doing an intergender match. Fans may remember Jericho had a rivalry with WWE Hall of Famer Chyna in the 90s. However, Jericho is currently in a feud with Ricky Starks and Action Andretti.
Saraya has put the idea to the public, and it’s up to AEW and Jericho to make it happen.
All Elite Wrestling tag team FTR will take a break from the company as their contracts expire.
After leaving the WWE, the “Top Guys” have worked with AEW since 2020. During their career in AEW, FTR has gained popularity and success by winning the AEW, Ring of Honor, IWGP, and AAA Tag Team Championships. However, FTR’s future with the company is unclear.
FTR’s Dax Harwood spoke openly about the team’s contract situation on the Jan. 12 episode of his podcast. He also received permission from his teammate Cash Wheeler to publicly discuss the team’s status. He said the team has no championship titles, so they have a clean slate for the year.
“… I’ve also got the blessing of Tony Khan to talk about this and make a statement about this. Tony has been nothing but top-notch to me and Dan since day one. There are things we haven’t agreed on, as any boss and any employee, and even any friend. There are times I felt the boat was missed on opportunities for us. There were times that I was super happy with everything we were doing,” said Harwood.
Harwood began to explain why the team’s future with AEW is uncertain. “But, there has come a time where we are on the tail end of our career, okay. I mean, I’m 38 years old. I talked last week about how hard it is for me to play with my daughter and things like that. We are on the tail end of our career now, so I think right now this point in our career is the most important time in our career. I mean that monetarily. I mean that creatively. I mean that personally. It is the most important time of our career. With that being said, we have asked and been granted the next few months off of television so we can sit back, reflect, decide, let our bodies heal and figure out what we are going to do for the next few years, because whatever we decided to do next will be the absolute last thing we do.”
Dax Harwood Talks About His Future and FTR’s Expiring Contract
It’s unclear what Wheeler thinks about the future of FTR or his career. However, Harwood is still determining if he or the team will be active in five years.
“…I don’t see myself after I’m done with whatever we are going to decide next. I don’t see myself in five years going on the independents and wrestling independents. I don’t see myself working in five years a Japan tour or a Mexico tour or traveling around the world and wrestling all over places. That’s why these next few months are the most important few months for us, said Harwood.
He continued, “…By April at least at most we will have an answer, but now again I have to take in my health, I have to take in my family, I have to take in my creativity and I have to take in my personal life all into consideration about what we are going to do next. I know what I want to do, but whatever we do I just want to be respected. We, I feel, I have done something so special in 2022 and most of that is in part to the fans. I think we deserve to continue to build on our legacy for ourselves, but also we owe it to the fans to build on that legacy because they made us this past year.
What’s Next For FTR?
Harwood confirmed that FTR’s contract would expire this April. He also shared that he isn’t sure how long FTR will not be on AEW TV. The company did tease a feud between The Gunn Club and FTR, but it’s uncertain if AEW will drop the storyline until they can confirm FTR will re-sign.
If FTR’s next contract is their last, it’s possible both Harwood and Wheeler could be in their early 40’s. The AEW tag team is in limbo as both men try to figure out what is best for themselves. That could also mean testing free agency in April for the best offers for their careers and personal life.
WWE hopes to secure a protective order for its anti-trust lawsuit with Major League Wrestling.
On Jan. 11, 2022, MLW filed a lawsuit against the WWE. The lawsuit alleges that WWE tried to halt MLW from finalizing media deals with Tubi and Vice TV. MLW also claims that WWE tried to poach talent away from the company.
When the anti-lawsuit was filed, MLW CEO Court Baurer said, “WWE has been wrongfully depriving its competitors of critical opportunities for many years, but its latest conduct has been even more unconscionable.” He continued, “I think we speak for the rest of the professional wrestling world when we say that this anti-competitive behavior has to stop.”
WWE has attempted to dismiss the lawsuit but hasn’t succeeded. On Dec. 14, 2022, it was reported that the case is expected to move forward. The week prior, our’s Andrew Ravens reported that “MLW laid out the materials they were seeking in discovery.”
PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reports that WWE has requested a protective order to prevent the company from providing discovery material.
“World Wrestling Entertainment filed a motion with the United States District Court, Northern District of California, San Jose Division on January 5th, seeking a protective order from the court that would suspend WWE’s obligation to search for and produce materials requested by MLW in regard to the lawsuit Major League Wrestling brought against them last year,” said the report.
WWE Reason for Requesting a Protective Order
WWE believes the company should wait to provide material for discovery as it’s still being determined if the court will have jurisdiction over the case. Johnson also reports that “…WWE’s stance is that if the Court decides they are not dismissing MLW’s antitrust allegations against the company, the remaining allegations would likely land in State Court, which could require WWE to begin the discovery process anew, at an additional cost to the company.”
The report also shared that MLW wants documents from WWE regarding”…all lawsuits, claims, or complaints, threatened or actual,” made by WWE’s employees (not just professional wrestlers) in connection with WWE employment or contractor agreements.”
It’s unclear if WWE’s request to get a protective order will be granted. WWE could also try to settle the matter out of court, especially with hopes of potentially selling the company.
McMahon reportedly strong-armed his way back into WWE by threatening to withdraw support from all future TV rights negotiations and possible sales.
Benefit
Matt Hardy’s days with WWE are behind him, as he left in 2020, but he still keeps a close eye on the competition.
On the latest Extreme Life podcast, Hardy explained how chaos and unpredictability in WWE can only help AEW.
“Vince McMahon is back and he is the head. He is sitting as the head of the table of WWE currently. We also have Stephanie gone so there’s obviously been a big shake-up. There is a lot of cells, rumors, and innuendo going around, and if you ask me more than anything who benefits from all this? I would say AEW so I’m very happy to be at AEW currently right now. AEW has been producing great content.”
“Who benefits from all this? I would say AEW.”
Matt Hardy on the ongoing power plays in WWE.
Hardy summarised his view on the situation by putting it into context with an analogy from Game of Thrones.
“One thing I love about it is at WWE, they’re playing Games of Thrones It’s like in and out. Who can retain the power and who can backstab? Who can get someone else out or how can I get back in whatever it may be. Here, fortunately, it is just TK [Tony Khan] sitting on the Iron Throne.”
Skeletons in the Closet
There were years, decades even, when the idea of Vince McMahon retiring seemed impossible.
Once McMahon did resign due to allegations of misconduct with female employees, fans thought they’d never see him return.
On his podcast, Hardy discussed McMahon’s controversial comeback and suggested that there are more secrets that could be revealed.
“It was very controversial whenever Vince ended up leaving [in July 2022.] Some of the accusations against him. And I don’t know, considering how much pro wrestling has started to begin mirroring society which is a good thing that it has it’s no longer the wild west it is starting to try and mirror society and run a parallel to how society is. Be a little more moral. But like the Vince thing could end up being very controversial because there are a lot of skeletons in those closets.”
In all statements by WWE so far, there has been no reference to the allegations of misconduct or the millions of dollars McMahon paid in NDAs.
Fingerprints
Prior to McMahon’s return, the ex-CEO stated his attempted comeback was merely to oversee WWE’s sale to another company.
Many are skeptical (especially now that McMahon is Executive Chairman) with fans fearing he will usurp Triple H as Head of Creative.
Hardy said that while McMahon may have only returned for the sale as stated, it may be difficult for him to break old habits.
“I feel like even if Vince is being sincere about that, he won’t be able to control himself like that. If he is back, he is going to put his fingerprints on things. It’s just who he is. It’s absolutely who it is.”
“He won’t be able to control himself.”
Matt Hardy on Vince McMahon.
“There was someone, I would just say randomly, without mentioning names, who said, ‘Raw felt different on Monday. I’ve got a feeling Vince may have had his fingerprints on it.’ Which is interesting.”
McMahon’s roster has not gone down well with WWE’s roster, with some threatening to walk out of the promotion if the rumored deal with Saudi Arabia goes ahead.
GUNTHER says he’s not concerned about WWE sale rumors. He’s leaving that stuff to the executives so he can focus on doing what he does best: winning his matches.
Your reigning Intercontinental champion spoke with the Dallas Morning News this week to promote WWE’s upcoming Royal Rumble premium live event from San Antonio, TX.
It’s been an eventful news week for WWE, to say the least. Stephanie McMahon officially departed the company and Vince is back as Executive Chairman of the WWE Board of Directors. There was also the run-away rumor that WWE sold to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which has since been debunked.
During a conversation with reporter Joey Hayden, Gunther was asked for his take on the prospect of Vince McMahon selling WWE to the Saudis.
“I mean, rumors are rumors. And at the end of the day, I’m not the CEO. I’m a wrestler. So, I focus on what I do in the ring and leave the business to the people that do business.”
– GUNTHER
Gunther was also asked about Stephanie McMahon’s resignation, which caught a lot of people off guard. The Austrian grappler says he doesn’t really know her well, but respects her decision to spend more time with her family.
“I’m happy for her that she’s going to be able now to take time off and enjoy time with her family,” he said. “I think you should be happy for anyone who’s in a position to do that. All the best to her.”
WWE has announced additional dates for the company’s upcoming live event touring schedule. Tickets for these shows go on sale next Friday, January 20 at Ticketmaster.
Check out the schedule below to see if WWE will be in your area in the weeks and months ahead:
Saturday, March 4: Road To WrestleMania® Tour – Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto, ONT
Sunday, March 12: Road To WrestleMania Tour – Madison Square Garden in New York City
Monday, March 13: Raw® – Amica Medical Pavilion in Providence, R.I.
Friday, March 24: SmackDown® – MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas
Saturday, March 25: Road To WrestleMania Tour – Maverik Center in Salt Lake City, Utah
Sunday, March 26: Road To WrestleMania Tour – Ball Arena in Denver
Friday, April 7: SmackDown – Moda Center in Portland, Ore.
Monday, April 10: Raw – Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle
Friday, April 14: SmackDown – Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb.
Saturday, April 15: Saturday Night’s Main Event® – Rio Rancho Events Center in Rio Rancho, N.M.
Sunday, April 16: Sunday Stunner – Don Haskins Center in El Paso, TX
Monday, April 17: Raw – Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock, Ark.
Friday, April 21: SmackDown – Schottenstein Center in Columbus, OH
Saturday, April 22: Saturday Night’s Main Event – Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Ind.
Monday, April 24: Raw – Allstate Arena in Chicago
Friday, April 28: SmackDown – American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, TX
Saturday, April 29: Saturday Night’s Main Event – Ford Arena in Beaumont, TX
Sunday, April 30: Sunday Stunner – Brookshire Grocery Arena in Bossier City, La.
Monday, May 1: Raw – Dickies Arena in Ft. Worth, TX
Monday, May 22: Raw – GIANT Center in Hershey, Pa.
