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Triple H Meets with Former Champion in Los Angeles (Photo)

Robert Lentini
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WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H met former 24/7 Champion Bad Bunny for lunch today in Los Angeles.

Bad Bunny first appeared in WWE at Royal Rumble 2021 and performed his song “Booker T”, while the two-time Hall of Famer was standing on the entrance ramp with him.

He formed a tag team with Damian Priest and they defeated The Miz and John Morrison at Night 1 of WrestleMania 37. Bad Bunny captured the WWE 24/7 Championship from Akira Tozawa on the February 15th edition of the red brand.

He relinquished the title to R-Truth 28 days later in exchange for Stone Cold memorabilia. The 24/7 Championship has since been thrown in the trash by Nikki Cross and officially retired. Bad Bunny was impressive in the ring during his short time with the company and it will be interesting to see if he returns down the line.

The Game took to Twitter today and shared a photo with the popular musician. Triple H noted that Bad Bunny is so famous that he can just fly in for a lunch and leave.

@sanbenito is such a big star that when he drops in to have lunch… he just lands his plane in downtown L.A., eats and then takes off… #RockStarLife

Speaking at the Clash at the Castle press conference following the premium live event, Triple H noted that he was going to have a conversation with Bad Bunny very soon.

A little bit of a spoiler. He and I are gonna have a conversation very, very soon. It’s already scheduled. We’re gonna go and see what’s available. [He’s The] biggest music star in the world. So let’s go.

Ric Flair Explains Why he Thinks Seth Rollins is Upset With Him

Andrew Ravens
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Over the past few years, there has been a trademark dispute between WWE and Ric Flair over The Man’ nickname as Becky Lynch has used it on television. 

Flair stated that he owns the trademark ‘To Be the Man’ as he filed for it in 2019 and was not in agreement with ‘The Man’ being trademarked for Lynch by WWE. 

Flair spoke highly of Seth Rollins on Busted Open Radio when his name was mentioned. He did note that he thinks Rollins is mad at him over the trademark situation. 

Flair revealed that Rollins ignored him at a recent signing with The Undertaker as Rollins walked past him and did not speak. He agrees that Rollins should take Lynch’s side in the situation. 

On The Situation

Ric Falir

“And Seth Rollins is a damn good worker. He’s mad at me because I’ve been up and down with his wife but I don’t really care. He ain’t me [Flair laughed]. I can say that. He’s good but he ain’t me. I got no problem with saying that. He walked right by me at an autograph session. I thought, you gotta be kidding me. Because of you and Becky [Lynch] and this ‘Man’ trademark, you’re gonna ignore me pal? Wow. I went, ‘Okay.’ I’m sitting by Taker, I said, ‘I guess I’m on timeout.’ I’m not mad at him. Everybody should take their wife’s side in any debate there is… It’s not worth it. You’re gonna take their side and I totally understand that and as long as that’s come and gone but that was a sensitive point for me.”

Flair stated that he has been saying the term since 1981, but it doesn’t matter to him anymore because he’s too happy to be upset with anybody else. 

Flair also commented on Rollins’ program with Cody Rhodes and credited him for being unselfish. 

H/T to POST Wrestling for the transcription

Sasha Banks Reportedly Appearing at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom

Nick Perkins
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WWE Superstar Sasha Banks is reportedly headed to New Japan Pro Wrestling’s biggest event of the year, Wrestle Kingdom.

The Legit Boss is reportedly headed to Wrestle Kingdom 17, which takes place Wednesday, January 4 from the Tokyo Dome. The news was first reported by Mike Johnson of PWInsider and is based on several sources close to the situation.

“While it is unknown whether Varnado will be appearing before the live crowd, we are told that NJPW is bringing Varnado in to the event.”

Banks, real name Mercedes Varnado, has been playing something of a will-they/won’t-they with WWE ever since she and Naomi (Trinity Fatu) walked out of WWE, leaving the WWE Women Tag Team Titles on a desk (or, in the trash, if WWE hyberbole is to be believed).

Recently, Varnado has filed a number of trademarks related to her given and former name, including ‘Mercedes Mone’, Mone’ talks, Bank Mone’, and Statement Maker.

Back on October 16, Varnado whet wrestling fans’ appetites by teasing a match with Kairi Sane, the reigning (and inaugural) IWGP Women’s Champion.

The Statements Don’t Lie

Varnado is a multi-time WWE Women’s Champion, winning the WWE Raw Women’s Championship, the WWE Smackdown Women’s Championship, the NXT Women’s Championship, and the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship (which, if WWE is to be believed, she ate a spaghetti dinner off of and then threw it off a mountain).

It’s unknown how, in fact, Varnado was actually able to walk out of her contract without any penalties or fines. It’s also unknown if she’ll actually be wrestling at Wrestle Kingdom, or simply making an appearance. Either way Varnado in any company is sure to make an impact (please dear God don’t let it be IMPACT).

Stay tuned to SEScoops as we provide updates on this developing story.

Booker T Reveals If He’d Consider Wrestling In The Royal Rumble

Jon Fuentes
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Booker T has finally revealed whether or not he’d be willing to wrestle in the Royal Rumble match next year.

The two-time WWE Hall Of Famer took to his podcast, “The Hall Of Fame,” to discuss his return to the wrestling ring. Booker announced recently that he’ll be returning to the ring on December 18 for his Reality of Wrestling’s Christmas Chaos event.

Since making the announcement, the former World Champion admits that his phone has been ringing nonstop with offers to wrestle. He even revealed that WWE has made offers themselves, but the circumstances just weren’t right at the time.

He did, however, note that he could be interested in doing a match for one of WWE’s Saudi Arabia shows. In regards to potentially competing in January’s Royal Rumble match, Booker T seems very interested, and is simply waiting on the call.

“I will be checking the mail everyday all the way up until that day, because if I get an invitation I’m definitely going to execute it, I’m definitely going to be there and I’m going to be prepared to be in the middle of the ring if that happens.

“But no, nobody’s talked to me or anything like that about being in the Rumble. I don’t have any itches to scratch or anything like that, but hey man, I’m always down.”

This year’s Royal Rumble event will take place from San Antonio, Texas, Booker’s home state. His presence would certainly be an electric one, as the Texas native is a six-time World Champion.

Quotes via Wrestling Inc.

WWE’s Upcoming India Event Will be “Built All Around” Injured Superstar (Report)

Thomas Lowson
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Vince McMahon may have once had big plans for Veer Mahaan, but right now, WWE is just trying to keep him from being injured.

After months of video vignettes, Mahaan made his Monday Night Raw debut on the post-WrestleMania 38 episode, attacking Rey and Dominik Mysterio.

Despite McMahon once believing he could be WWE’s next top monster heel, it has been months since Mahaan competed on the red brand.

Injury

In the wake of the change of management, Mahaan has been moved to WWE NXT, but hasn’t competed in weeks.

During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer confirmed that Veer is currently dealing with a minor injury.

“Veer is injured, a very minor injury, but they’re still not letting him wrestle… Anybody else in this world would wrestle with this kind of injury. It’s like a broken finger or something, which people do work through all the time.”

Dave Meltzer.

The India show

This week, PW Insider reported that WWE will be hosting an event in India next month, marking the promotion’s return to the sub-continent in six years.

Meltzer explained that WWE doesn’t want to risk Veer or his tag-team partner getting injured, as they will play a huge role in the show’s appeal.

“They’re trying to protect him because Veer and Sanga have to be healthy for that India show that’s built all around them in mid-January and a lot of money is involved. So, they can’t risk him being hurt to miss that show.”

Dave Meltzer.

Despite both Veer and Sanga competing in NXT, the show will reportedly be a SmackDown branded event.

So far, no matches or talent have been confirmed for the show by WWE themselves.

Backstage Update On Veer Mahaan’s Status

Becky Lynch Says Her Shoulder Still Isn’t ‘Feeling Right’

Andrew Ravens
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Becky Lynch made her return to the ring at WWE Survivor Series, competing in the WarGames match, which marked her first bout since WWE SummerSlam when she suffered a separated shoulder against Bianca Belair.

At Survivor Series, Lynch scored the pinfall for her team (Belair, Asuka, Alexa Bliss, & Mia Yim) against Bayley, Dakota Kai, IYO SKY, Rhea Ripley, & Nikki Cross. The finish saw her jump off the top of the cage and hit a leg drop onto SKY & Kai through a table.

Just because Lynch is back doesn’t mean she’s 100%. While speaking with The Verge, Lynch discussed her return to the ring.

Wrestling Through It

becky lynch sling

“Truth be told, my shoulder still isn’t feeling right. So to say I was nervous is probably a bit of an understatement. But once you get out there, once you get in front of the crowd and you feel that energy, then you forget everything else. There’s not another feeling like it.”

Lynch admitted the table spot was terrifying and painful, but she wanted something that fans could remember from the match. 

“If I come back then I’ve got to put my body on the line and I can’t half-ass it because then I’m not The Man and I’m not the Becky Lynch that people paid to see. I had in my head that I wanted to flatten somebody, flatten some fools with the leg drop through the table. When the opportunity came up and it was time to go, well, then there’s nothing left to do but do it.”

Lynch wrestled earlier this week on Monday’s WWE Raw by competing in a triple threat match against Bliss and Cross.

WWE Pulls Matt Riddle from Upcoming Events

Andrew Ravens
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Matt Riddle won’t be working some upcoming WWE events. 

On this week’s episode of WWE Raw, Riddle was supposed to team with Elias to take on Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos. In an angle to open the show, Elias was taken out by The Bloodline backstage. 

Riddle teamed with Kevin Owens instead on the show, but the babyface tag team came up short in challenging the champions. After the match, Solo Sikoa hit Riddle with the Asiatic spike and the Samoan Bulldozer (hip attack) in the corner of the ring. 

These two moves were made famous by the late great Umaga. Solo performing them was a tribute to the former WWE star as it happened after what would have been Umaga’s 49th birthday. 

Written Off

Riddle had a neck brace put on and was taken out on a stretcher, seemingly writing him off television. 

Pwinsider.com reported today that Riddle has been pulled from working this weekend’s live events. There’s no word yet on why Riddle is off the road. It could be due to him dealing with an injury, asking for time off, or simply selling the storyline injuries from the attack.

WWE has not commented on Riddle’s status, and Riddle has not made any public comments since the Raw match.

William Regal Bids Farewell to the Blackpool Combat Club

Michael Reichlin
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William Regal is bidding farewell to the Blackpool Combat Club once and for all. Regal appeared on this week’s AEW Dynamite in a backstage segment that will serve as his final appearance for All Elite Wrestling.

With BCC members Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta standing in the ring, Regal said it’s time for him to move on. He gave the group one final ‘lesson’ on his way out.

He urged Moxley, Castagnoli, Yuta and Bryan Danielson to “always stay one step ahead and make sure you have eyes in the back of your head.”

Regal’s Farewell to the Blackpool Combat Club

William Regal posted an official farewell to the BCC on Thursday morning.

He wrote on Twitter:

To the members of the BCC. My favourite song by my favourite band who somehow knew when I was a child to write the story that is my life. It’s been a pleasure fellas. We’ll meet again…..

– William Regal

He included a link to the song “Far Far Away” by the band Slade:

AEW Star On William Regal Situation: ‘Everyone Has An Opinion On That’

Anutosh Bajpai
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The confusion over William Regal’s status with AEW and future in the wrestling world has been the trending topic among fans. AEW star Saraya claims that his decision to leave the promotion is about how he feels.

The former Diva’s Champion recently had an interview with Metro. Among other things, she also commented on the situation with the former NXT GM.

Saraya mentioned how everyone seems to have an opinion on Regal’s decision to leave AEW. According to her, it’s doesn’t have to do with anything that happened backstage:

“Everyone has an opinion on that. The reality is, it doesn’t have anything to do with anything backstage, it’s to do with how he feels. Us behind the scenes know why, and we’re happy for him!”

‘It Doesn’t Matter’

It’s expected that William Regal would return to WWE once he is free of his AEW contract. While Saraya didn’t confirm these reports, she mentioned that Regal should be able to do whatever he wants:

“Whether he’s going there or whatever, it doesn’t matter. We’re just happy with whatever he wants to do with his life.

He’s at the age where he can do whatever he wants to without the internet deep diving into it, or everyone saying this, that and the other about him. Who cares? Let him be happy!”

How do you feel about William Regal potentially returning to WWE in near future? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

Saraya’s Second AEW Match Confirmed for Next Month

Thomas Lowson
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All Elite Wrestling’s Saraya will be back in the ring next month as part of a tag-team match.

Saraya joined AEW in September of this year, months after her contract with WWE expired.

At AEW Full Gear, Saraya competed in her first match since December 2017, defeating Britt Baker.

Second Match

On this week’s AEW Dynamite Baker congratulated Saraya on her victory at last month’s Pay-Per-View, and promised that she would not beat her again.

It was later announced that Baker and AEW Women’s World Champion Jamie Hayter will team with Saraya, a mystery partner, in the English star’s second AEW match.

Britt offered Saraya tickets to the January 11 episode of AEW Dynamite at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, where the match will take place.

The show is also set to feature the final match in the best-of-seven series between the Elite and Death Triangle, should it be necessary.

Mystery Partner

There’s no word yet on who Saraya’s partner could be, but there are plenty of options available.

Toni Storm seems a likely candidate, given that she lost her AEW Women’s World Championship to Hayter at Full Gear.

On social media, some fans speculated on her partner being Thunder Rosa, who has feuded with Baker and Hayter in the past and reportedly had heat earlier this year with both women.

Others suggested that it could be Sasha Banks, who recently trademarked her real name Mercedes Varnado for entertainment purposes.

Saraya Teases Plans Outside Of The Ring For 2023

(Spoiler) Former WWE NXT Tag Team Champion Debuts for AEW

Thomas Lowson
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Note: This article contains SPOILERS for this week’s AEW Rampage! If you want to go in completely blind, we suggest clicking on one of our other articles.

A former WWE NXT Tag Team Champion is set to make their debut this week for AEW as part of Rampage.

After this week’s AEW Dynamite went off the air, the promotion filmed its Rampage tapings, which saw the debut of Trent Seven.

Seven made his AEW debut by challenging AEW All-Atlantic Champion Orange Cassidy, and was hand-picked by Kip Sabian.

Unfortunately for Seven, he was unsuccessful in dethroning Freshly Squeezed, and there has been no word on whether there are plans for future appearances.

This match marked Cassidy’s seventh title defense since becoming champion on the October 12, 2022 episode of AEW Dynamite.

Trent Seven in WWE

After establishing himself on the independents, Seven signed with WWE in 2016, and was considered a favorite of many to win the tournament to crown the inaugural WWE United Kingdom Champion.

Seven was eliminated in the quarter-finals, but would often find himself challenging for the title, but never won.

In June 2018, Seven and Tyler Bate won the NXT Tag Team Championships from the Undisputed Era, but lost the titles back to the faction days later.

In December of last year, the two would capture the NXT UK Tag Titles and would hold the gold until June 2022, losing to Ashton Smith and Oliver Carter.

Seven would turn heel on Bate not long after, but would be released on August 18, 2022.

Trent Seven Reflects On Taking Pride In NXT UK, Kyle O’Reilly Helping Him Broaden His Wrestling Horizons

FTR Reacts to Losing AEW Tag Team Championship Match on Dynamite

Robert Lentini
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FTR finally got their shot at the AEW Tag Team Championships tonight in the main event of AEW Dynamite.

Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler gave it everything they had but it was not meant to be. The Acclaimed retained after it appeared that Cash had the match in control.

Wheeler delivered a Powerbomb and was about to go for a cover but Max Caster countered into an inside cradle for the pinfall victory.

After the match, The Acclaimed and FTR showed each other respect and “scissored” in the ring. Gunn Club showed up on the jumbotron and most assumed they were going to challenge FTR to a match for the ROH Tag Team Championships.

Gunn Club did issue a challenge but on behalf of The Briscoes. FTR will have to shake off their loss to The Acclaimed tonight quickly as they will be defending the ROH Tag Team Championships against The Briscoes this Saturday at Final Battle in a Dog Collar match.

  • ROH Final Battle 2022 Preview

Dax Harwood took to Twitter and summed up his thoughts after FTR lost their opportunity to capture the AEW Tag Team Championships for the second time.

Cash Wheeler took full blame for the loss to The Acclaimed.

6-Man Tag Team Match added to ROH Final Battle 2022

The ROH Tag Title Dog Collar match wasn’t the only title match added to the Final Battle card during this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite.

Dalton Castle & The Boys are set to defend the ROH 6-Man Tag Team Championships against Gates of Agony and Brian Cage. During tonight’s Dynamite Diamond Battle Royale, The Machine Brian Cage eliminated Dalton Castle by hurling him over the top rope and onto The Boys below. Cage was eliminated by Jungle Boy moments later.

Updated card for ROH Final Battle 2022:

  • ROH Pure Championship: Daniel Garcia (c) vs. Wheeler Yuta
  • ROH Women’s Championship: Mercedes Martinez (c) vs. Athena
  • ROH TV Championship: Samoa Joe (c) vs. Juice Robinson
  • ROH 6-Man Tag Team Championship: Dalton Castle & The Boys (c) vs. Gates of Agony & Brian Cage
  • ROH Tag Team Championship: FTR (c) vs. The Briscos in a Dog Collar Match
  • Swerve in Our Glory vs. Shane Taylor & JD Griffey
  • ROH Championship: Chris Jericho (c) vs. Claudio Castagnoli

Tony Khan on Billy Gunn in The Acclaimed: “He Has Helped Guide Them to the Top of the Sport”

Update on Why Miro Hasn’t Appeared on AEW TV Since All Out 2022

Robert Lentini
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Miro has not appeared on AEW TV since teaming up with Sting and Darby Allin on September 4th.

They defeated the House of Black in a Trios Match at the PPV. House of Black went on to disappear from television as well but for different reasons.

Wrestling fans have been wondering where The Redeemer has been and some have grown concerned that he is dealing with an unknown injury. As it turns out, Miro is not injured, he is just not being booked.

According to a new report from Fightful Select, Miro hasn’t been featured on television because creative “simply hasn’t been presented to him.” There were also plans in place for creative discussions to be held but, those haven’t taken place as of this writing.

The Redeemer has competed in just four matches in 2022, despite signing an extension with the promotion earlier this year. Miro’s current contract with All Elite Wrestling has him locked up until 2026.

Orange Cassidy Set to Defend the All-Atlantic Championship this Friday on Rampage

During this week’s edition of Dynamite, All-Atlantic Champion Orange Cassidy and Kip Sabian had a backstage segment. Sabian had competed in the Dynamite Diamond Ring Battle Royale to begin the show but was eliminated early.

Cassidy told Sabian that he can have a title match if he wants it but Kip claimed he was hurt. The champ suggested that he should find someone else and Kip seemed to have someone in line to accept the challenge.

Miro debuted in All Elite Wrestling as Kip Sabian’s “Best Man”. The gimmick fizzled out but perhaps he will be Kip’s selection as an opponent for Cassidy this Friday night on AEW Rampage.

Miro Jokes About Lack of TV Time in AEW: “Remember that Guy?”

Wrestling Belts Among Items Found in Donald Trump’s Storage Unit

Robert Lentini
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Championship belts (and documents marked ‘classified’) were among the items turned up in a search of four locations linked to WWE Hall of Famer and former US President Donald Trump.

The Justice Department is investigating the former president’s handling of classified documents. In August, The FBI discovered more than 300 classified documents that were removed from the White House and in Trump’s possession.

The Washington Post has reported that two items marked as classified have been discovered in a storage facility holding pallets linked to Donald Trump. The storage facility had a wide variety of items, including wrestling belts that were turned in to the FBI. It was not revealed which championships were held in the storage facility.

A source told the Washington Post the following:

“It was suits and swords and wrestling belts and all sorts of things. To my knowledge, he has never even been to that storage unit. I don’t think anyone in Trump world could tell you what’s in that storage unit.”

The Battle of the Billionaires

Bobby Lashley battled Umaga at WrestleMania 23 in a match billed as “The Battle of the Billionaires” in 2007.

Donald Trump was in Lashley’s corner for the match while former CEO Vince McMahon was backing Umaga. The All Mighty picked up the victory and Trump shaved Vince’s head after the match. Shane McMahon served as the special referee but Stone Cold Steve Austin interfered and made his boss’ life a living hell once again.

It was reported by The Wall Street Journal that Trump had it written into his contract that his head was not allowed to be shaved regardless of what happened in the match. This information came to light after WWE’s Board found that Vince McMahon paid $5 million to Trump’s charity in 2007 and 2009.

Dog Collar Tag Title Match Announced for ROH Final Battle 2022, Updated Card

Robert Lentini
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Ring of Honor Final Battle 2022 will air live this Saturday at 4 PM from College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.

  • ROH Final Battle 2022 Preview

Two title matches were announced for the PPV this Saturday on this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite.

Dalton Castle competed in the Dynamite Diamond Ring Battle Royale but came up short. The match was eventually won by Ricky Starks, who will face MJF for the AEW World Championship and the Dynamite Diamond Ring next week at Dynamite: Winter is Coming.

Dalton Castle and The Boys will be in action this Saturday at Final Battle. They will defend the ROH 6-Man Tag Team Championships against Brian Cage and Gates of Agony.

FTR battled The Acclaimed for the AEW Tag Team Championships in the main event of tonight’s main event. The Acclaimed escaped with a hard-fought victory and the two teams showed respect to each other after the match. Gunn Club interrupted on the jumbotron with a Christmas card from The Briscoes. They announced that The Briscoes are challenging FTR to a double Dog Collar match for the ROH Tag Team Championships at Final Battle this Saturday.

Updated Card for ROH Final Battle

  • ROH Pure Championship: Daniel Garcia (c) vs. Wheeler Yuta
  • ROH Women’s Championship: Mercedes Martinez (c) vs. Athena
  • ROH TV Championship: Samoa Joe (c) vs. Juice Robinson
  • ROH 6-Man Tag Team Championship: Dalton Castle & The Boys (c) vs. Gates of Agony & Brian Cage
  • ROH Tag Team Championship: FTR (c) vs. The Briscos in a Dog Collar Match
  • Swerve in Our Glory vs. Shane Taylor & JD Griffey
  • ROH Championship: Chris Jericho (c) vs. Claudio Castagnoli
AEW Dynamite Results, Takeaways (12/7/22): MJF & Ricky Starks, The Acclaimed vs. FTR, William Regal

William Regal Explains Why He Turned on Blackpool Combat Club

Samantha Schipman
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Several weeks ago at Full Gear, William Regal slid MJF his brass knucks to cost Jon Moxley the AEW World Championship. The following Wednesday, Mox had to be stopped from beating up Regal.

Last week on Dynamite, MJF turned on Regal with his own brass knucks. We still didn’t have answers from Regal to answer the question, “Why Regal Why?”

Regal Teaches One Final Lesson

Blackpool Combat Club
(AEW)

Tonight, Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta had a match and were accompanied by Moxley. Danielson was nowhere to be found (and Moxley didn’t mention him in his promo). While celebrating their win, Tony Schiavone told them he had a video from their former leader.

Regal said if they were seeing the video, something bad has happened to him. He helped MJF win so he’d have a target on his back and to teach the Blackpool Combat Club on final lesson. A few months ago, he came to the conclusion that the veterans of BCC didn’t him anymore.

“I knew they wouldn’t let me go, but I needed to show them why they don’t need me. And I needed to show them what they could teach Wheeler to be the best professional wrestler in the world because they’ve all got that capability. But, you have to lead by example. Hopefully — and I know he will because Jon Moxley’s a very calculated man; he’ll understand this — the reason I did what I did and to lead by example was to teach you the final thing that I could ever teach you, always stay one step ahead and make sure you have eyes in the back of your head. I’m Blackpool Combat Club until the day I die.”

On the media call today, Tony Khan explained that Regal wanted to return to WWE to be with his son, NXT Superstar Charlie Dempsey. Regal will be with AEW through the holidays and then will be released.

AEW Dynamite Results, Takeaways (12/7/22): MJF & Ricky Starks, The Acclaimed vs. FTR, William Regal

Robert Lentini
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0

AEW Dynamite will air live tonight from the HEB Center in Cedar Park, Texas. It is the final episode of Dynamite before ROH Final Battle this Saturday. In addition to the takeaways below, Jon Moxley delivered a backstage promo and said the Blackpool Combat Club will bring back the ROH and ROH Pure Championship at Final Battle.

  • ROH Final Battle 2022 Preview

Dynamite Results (12/7)

  • Ricky Starks won the Dynamite Diamond Battle Royale
  • Samoa Joe def. Darby Allin to retain the TNT Championship
  • Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta def. Jake Hager & Daniel Garcia
  • Jade Cargill & The Baddies def. Madison Rayne, Kiera Hogan, Skye Blue
  • The Acclaimed def. FTR to retain the AEW Tag Team Championships

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

MJF & Ricky Starks Had An Epic Confrontation

Jungle Boy, Ricky Starks, Dustin Rhodes, Orange Cassidy, Ethan Page, Shawn Dean, Butcher, Blade, Lee Moriarty, Matt Hardy, Kip Sabian, Dalton, Castle, competed in a Battle Royale to open the show. The winner receives the Dynamite Diamond Ring which was won by AEW World Champion MJF the past three years.

Dalton Castle hit Brian Cage with a big boot but he shrugged it off. Cage sent Castle over the top rope but The Boys caught him and paraded him around the ring. Cage then launched Castle over the top rope and he crashed onto The Boys and then to the floor. Jungle Boy got Cage over the top rope but he landed on the apron. He connected with Double Knees off the top rope onto Cage for the elimination as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

When Dynamite returned, Butcher was eliminated by Ricky Starks. Jungle Boy sent Lee Moriarty over the top rope but got hit with a big boot from W. Morrissey. He then hit him with a Chokeslam onto the ring apron. Matt Hardy, Ethan Page, and Ricky Starks were the final three. Ethan and Matt beat Starks down until Ricky battled back. Ricky launched Matt over the top rope and hit Page with a Tornado DDT.

Starks went for a Spear but Page blocked it. Ricky then sent Page to the floor to win the Dynamite Diamond Ring Battle Royale. AEW World Champion MJF made his way to the ring and joined Starks for. a promo.

MJF cut a promo on Bryan Danielson and claimed he’s terrified of him after what he did to Regal. Maxwell vowed to win their match next week at Winter is Coming to retain the Dynamite Diamond Ring and the AEW World Championship.

Friedman told Starks that he is really talented and got hit with “shut the f*** up!” chant. MJF stole The Rock’s catchphrase and told Ricky he’s a roody poo candy ass and called Starks a “dollar store Dwayne”. Maxwell joked that he is going to start calling Ricky “The Pebble” and vowed to put him in his pocket, and skip his scrawny ass all the way back to Billy Corgan’s NWA so he can wrestle on YouTube where he belongs. Friedman stated that he is a generational talent and his reign of terror has just begun.

Starks called MJF “Maxipad” and the crowd loudly chanted it. Starks went on an awesome rant about how MJF is cheap and didn’t deliver for the fans when they got behind him. Ricky told Maxwell that he avoids pressure. Starks vowed to take the title from MJF next week at Dynamite: Winter is coming. MJF booted Starks in the balls and went to hit him with the Dynamite Diamond Ring but Starks ducked and hit a Spear to an incredible pop from the crowd. Starks posed in the ring as the crowd cheered to end the segment.

Samoa Joe Retained the TNT Championship

Samoa Joe defended the TNT Championship against Darby Allin tonight on AEW Dynamite. Darby knocked Joe out of the ring and went for his patented dive but Samoe Joe simply stepped aside and Allin crashed into the barricade. Joe swung Darby into the barricade and The King of Television dominated the match early. The champion exposed the concrete floor and hit him with a Spinebuster on the floor as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

When Dynamite returned, Joe hurled Darby off the apron into the ring post and he spun around before crashing to the floor.

Allin battled back and climbed to the top turnbuckle. Darby threw caution to the win and hit Samoa Joe with a Coffin Drop onto the floor. Back in the ring, Allin hit a Stunner and followed it up with a Code Red. Darby went for a Coffin Drop in the ring but Joe caught him in the Coquina Clutch. Allin didn’t tap but eventually passed out and Samoa Joe retained the TNT Championship.

After the match, Darby stood up and Joe hit him with a headbutt. Joe brought a skateboard in the ring and flipped it wheels up on the canvas. Samoa Joe delivered a Muscle Buster on top of the trucks of the skate board.

Blackpool Combat Club Vowed to Make a Statement, William Regal Explains His Actions at Full Gear

Jake Hager & Daniel Garcia battled Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta in a tag team match. Hager presented Claudio with a bucket hat but Castagnoli booted it into the crowd. Hager dominated Yuta and hit him with a Splash for a near fall as Jon Moxley showed up ringside.

Daniel Garcia unloaded several chops to Wheeler Yuta’s chest after tagging in. Garcia hit Claudio with a cheap shot and knocked him off the ring apron. Yuta battled back and planted Garcia with a Superplex as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

When Dynamite returned, Garcia hit a big boot but Yuta responded with a German Suplex as Claudio pleaded for a tag. Hager and Castagnoli tagged in and Claudio unloaded a series of uppercuts. Castagnoli drove Jake to the corner and went for a Hurricanrana but it was botched a bit and Jake crashed to the mat.

Castagnoli went for The Swing but Garcia jumped on his back. Claudio slammed him down and Yuta hit a Splash off the top rope. Hager went for a Back Body Drop but Castagnoli escaped and got Hager in The Swing for ten rotations as Sammy Guevara was in shock ringside. Claudio followed it up with a Clothesline for a near fall.

Guevara interfered but Moxley leveled him. Jake capitalized on the distraction and applied an Ankle Lock in the middle of the ring. Yuta broke it up and Castagnoli hit an uppercut for the win.

Tony Schiavone rolled an interview with William Regal a few weeks ago. Regal in the interview that people will only see this interview if something bad happens to me. William said he gave MJF what he wanted and now everyone is going to be chasing him. Regal claimed that the three main members of the BCC didn’t need him anymore.

William claimed that the Blackpool Combat Club can teach Yuta to be the best professional wrestler on the planet. Regal claimed his brass knuckles shot to Moxley at AEW Full Gear was a final lesson to him is to be always be one step ahead and he’s Blackpool Combat until he dies.

  • 11 Best Moments from AEW Full Gear 2022

Moxley barely addressed it before saying BCC will put an end to the war with JAS. Jon added that Claudio and Wheeler will make a statement at Final Battle and he will make a statement on Rampage. Moxley issued a challenge to any wrestler in the world this Friday. It was later announced that Moxley will face Konosuke Takeshita on Rampage.

Jamie Hayter Will Face Winner of Regina Di Wave Title Match on AEW Rampage

Tony Schiavone sat down with AEW Women’s Champion Jamie Hayter. Jamie said the women’s division is getting interesting and everyone is coming after her title. Hayter said she will give whoever wins the Regina Di Wave Championship match between Hikaru Shida & The Bunny this Friday an AEW World Championship match.

Jade & The Baddies Picked Up A Victory

TBS Champion Jade Cargill, Red Velvet and Leila Grey battled Skye Blue, Kiera Hogan, and Madision Rayne in a Trios match. The Baddies beat Skye down to start off the action. Blue battled back and sent Red Velvet out of the ring. Velvet trapped Skye in the ring skirt and unloaded a bunch of punches as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

When Dynamite returned, Skye and Red Velvet hit a Clothesline at the same time and fell to the mat. Jade Cargill tagged in and traded strikes with former Baddie Kiera Hogan. Kiera knocked the champ down in the corner as Madison Rayne battled with Leila Grey. Jade hit a Spinebuster on Hogan and talked some trash. She set up for Jaded but Hogan escaped. Madison Rayne tagged in and Cargill quickly hit Jaded for the pinfall victory.

Britt Baker Challenged Saraya

Britt Baker confronted Saraya backstage and noted that she was handed her tickets to the January 11th edition and said she can either sit in the front row or face her again. Saraya said she’d love to face her again. Baker added that she has the AEW Women’s Champion Jamie Hayter at all times and pulled Tony away to end the interview.

The Acclaimed Retained the AEW Tag Team Championships, Briscoes vs. FTR at Final Battle

The Acclaimed defended the AEW Tag Team Championships against FTR in tonight’s main event. Cash Wheeler and Anthony Bowens started off the match and went back and forth. Max Caster and Dax Harwood tagged in and locked up in the middle of the ring.

Max took Harwood down and applied an armbar before tagging Bowens back in. Harwood caught Bowens with a forearm to the face and then some chops in the corner of the ring. The Acclaimed took control and scissored in the ring as the crowd cheered.

Billy Gunn fired up the crowd some more ringside as Max got Harwood in a Sharpshooter in the middle of the ring. Bowens did the same to Wheeler but FTR got to the ropes to break it up. FTR battled back and catapulted Caster into the steel ring beam before doing the scissor motion as Dynamite went to the final commercial break of the night.

Cash perched Max up on the top turnbuckle when Dynamite returned. Caster slammed Wheeler down as Jarrett, Lethal, Singh, and Dutt were shown watching backstage. Anthony Bowens unloaded a bunch of strikes after tagging in and knocked Harwood. Bowens connected with a Neckbreaker on Dax but he was able to kick out at two.

FTR hit Bowens with a tag team Pilediver for a near fall. Anthony leveled Harwood with an elbow strike and Caster tagged. Caster connected with a Cutter but Harwood kicked out again. FTR set up for the Big Rig but The Acclaimed broke it up. Dax launched Max into the ring post and FTR hit the Big Rig but Bowens broke it up at two. Bowens hit The Arrival and Caster went for the Mic Drop but Wheeler got out of the way.

Cash hit Caster with a massive lariat for a near fall and followed it up with two more. Wheeler followed it up with a Powerbomb and went for the cover but Caster countered into a cradle for the pinfall victory. The Acclaimed are still the AEW Tag Team Champions. After the match, FTR and The Acclaimed scissored in the ring.

The Gunn Club showed up on the jumbo tron. Gunn Club announced The Briscoes will be facing FTR in a Double Dog Collar match for the ROH Tag Team Championships at Final Battle to close the show.

Tony Khan Confirms Details on William Regal Leaving AEW This Month

Thomas Lowson
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William Regal will finish his time with All Elite Wrestling this month, company President Tony Khan has confirmed.

For the past week, it has been reported that Regal’s time with AEW was up and that he planned on returning to WWE when he had the chance.

Regal himself has kept quiet throughout this period of time, but previously stated that he signed a three-year deal with AEW when he joined after Revolution in March of this year.

Leaving

This weekend will mark ROH Final Battle, the third event for the promotion since Khan acquired the company earlier this year.

Speaking on a media conference call ahead of the show, Khan publicly confirmed that Regal is set to leave AEW this month.

Khan explained that Regal contacted him and explained that he would live to spend more time with his son Bailey, who competes in WWE NXT as Charlie Dempsey.

The two had a “long, good talk” and Khan said he realized that Regal was honest with his reasons to return to WWE.

The AEW President said that after granting Regal’s request to depart AEW, there was a need for a complete overhaul of plans for the World Championship scene which featured him aligned with MJF.

Khan concluded his talk about the former King of the Ring by saying that Regal will remain with AEW through to the end of the year and that he is sad to see him go.

Medical Issues

During his talk about Regal, Khan addressed the recent health issues his mother has faced.

The AEW President explained that prior to AEW: Grand Slam in September, his mother suffered a stroke, and would suffer a second stroke weeks after being released from the hospital.

Calling his sister an ‘unsung hero’ for being by their mother’s side, Khan stayed with her at night, and doctors found a spot on his mother’s heart.

The discovery coincided with Regal’s request, and Khan said he didn’t want to prevent any parent and son from being together.

The surgery on Mrs. Khan was a complete success and Tony said that she is recovering well.

WWE Legend Reacts to William Regal’s Rumored Comments about “Maturity Issues” in AEW Management

“Ric Flair is Not Going to Wrestle Again”

Andrew Ravens
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Some fans are still holding out hope to see Ric Flair step back into the ring for one more match despite promising that he wrestled his last bout this past July when he teamed with Andrade El Idolo to beat Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal.

The 16-time world champion previously revealed that he’d been invited to be part of the 30th Anniversary of Monday Night Raw (“Raw is XXX”) on January 23 from Philadelphia, PA as well as the Royal Rumble five days later in San Antonio, TX.

Flair has gone on record noting that he wishes he didn’t say that his most recent match would be the last as he enjoyed the experience. There has been some speculation that Flair could come back to wrestle another match, and some even think it may happen in the Men’s Royal Rumble match. 

The End

Ric Flair after his last match

Flair’s son-in-law, Conrad Thompson, has ruled out Flair wrestling again. 

“I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but that’s clickbait,” Thompson told Wrestling Inc. “Anybody who actually listens to the podcast knows that he’s said that tongue-in-cheek, laughing. Even when he talked about the Rumble, he’s like ‘Somebody reported that I’m going to be at the Rumble. I’m not. I’m going to be at the 30th Anniversary ‘Raw.’ I am going to be in San Antonio, but I’m doing a signing for Fitterman. But I’ll bring my gear, I’ll bring my robe. Hell yeah, I’ll be number 30.’ It’s a joke. It’s not serious. He’s not really going to be in the Rumble, but I know that gets people talking and it gets people buzzing. But the reality is, Ric’s not going to wrestle again.”

‘Woooooo! Becoming Ric Flair’, a new documentary about the life and career of Flair, will air on Peacock on December 26. 

Matt Hardy Believes Things Would Be Different Had Shelton Benjamin Debuted Today

Jon Fuentes
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Matt Hardy believes Shelton Benjamin would’ve thrived as a singles star in today’s age.

Hardy recently discussed The Hardy Boyz feud with The World’s Greatest Tag Team on an episode of his podcast, “The Extreme Life Of Matt Hardy.”

During the show, Hardy praised the ability of Benjamin, and speculated as to why he never took off as a singles competitor.

He noted that, had Benjamin came up in today’s day and age, he believes the former Tag Team Champion would have seen things turn out a lot different for himself.

“I don’t know. I think if you had Shelton Benjamin, a young Shelton Benjamin, come along today, it would change a lot,” Matt Hardy said.

“I think because back then it was still they were looking for larger-than-life personalities, people that really like bonded with the crowd, and I feel like they didn’t see that as much in Shelton as they would have liked to. They knew from an athletic perspective; he was just unbelievable.

“He was unreal, but I feel like in this day and age, if you have someone who’s an amazing athlete and produces these great quality matches day in and day out and does it every single time he hit the ring, then they get over in a different way because the fan base has kind of changed for their respective in-ring content as well.

“So I think if Shelton came along today, I think it would be changed. I think he would definitely be programmed a lot higher than it was back then.”

Shelton Benjamin. Photo Credit: WWE.com
Shelton Benjamin. Photo Credit: WWE.com

Benjamin entered professional wrestling as a very accomplished amateur wrestler, displaying a tremendous amount of athleticism and poise. Throughout his years in the business, he’s been highly decorated as a tag team competitor, winning the ROH World Tag Team Titles twice with Charlie Haas, as well as three runs with the WWE Tag Team Titles.

As a singles competitor, Benjamin secured the WWE Intercontinental Title three times, as well as one run with the United States Title. At 47-years-old, Benjamin still competes for WWE on Monday Night RAW.

Quotes via WrestleZone

Kurt Angle Opens Up About 2007 DUI Arrest

Jon Fuentes
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WWE Hall Of Famer Kurt Angle has opened up about his DUI arrest from 2007.

Angle recently took to his podcast to reflect on his time from TNA, discussing a variety of topics from his time with the company. One such topic being a 2007 DUI arrest he suffered shortly after joining TNA.

It was the beginning of a long string of DUIs that Angle said ultimately forced him to check into rehab in 2013.

“I was having a tough time. I was making horrible decision. Irresponsible decisions. Getting four DUIs in five years was just ridiculous. When you’re doing that, you know you have a problem. I didn’t want to admit it until I ended up going to rehab in 2013. It took me awhile to come to my gripes, but eventually I did.”

Kurt Angle

The initial DUI occurred in September of 2007, when the Moon Township Police Department in Moon Township, Pennsylvania arrested Angle at his home after a report of erratic driving from a local bar.

Ultimately, Angle was found not guilty of the charges after the complaining witness was unable to corroborate the story. However, Angle would find himself in hot water with the law at least four more times for driving under the influence.

Since checking into rehab in 2013, Angle seems to have been doing much better for himself. In 2017, Angle was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame by John Cena. He has made sporadic appearances for the company since.

“I Feel Like I Failed Shotzi” – Ronda Rousey Addresses Ridiculed Survivor Series Match

Michael Reichlin
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Ronda Rousey says she put a lot of effort into her Survivor Series match against Shotzi and feels terrible about the way things played out.

Rousey put her SmackDown Women’s Championship on the line against the #1 contender back on November 26. The match was widely criticized for looking sloppy and unprofessional, but it was an awkward DDT on the ring apron that got the most attention. Wrestling pundits and fans roasted Rousey on social media, with some of them calling for her to be fired.

The Baddest Woman on the Planet addressed the match during her latest YouTube stream. She explains there were some difficulties preparing for the bout, the match itself was abruptly cut short and doesn’t understand why she’s getting more flack than certain male performers who have injured their opponents.

Ronda Rousey & Shotzi

Rousey said she’s the one who pitched the infamous apron DDT spot, because she knows it’s something Shotzi does in a lot of her matches. She has her own wrestling ring for training, but was unable to rehearse the DDT because the ropes on her ring are too lose.

“I fucked it up because I was so concerned with keeping somebody safe. A lot of time, when you see me do something for the first time, it’s the first time I ever did it. I was really concerned with keeping Shotzi safe and I made it look bad. You know what, sorry. Apparently, I deserve to be fired or burned. It reminds me of Monty Python, ‘BURN HER!'”

– Ronda Rousey

According to Rousey, there’s a double standard when it comes to critiquing female pro wrestlers. Nobody called for Ridge Holland to be fired when he accidentally broke Big E’s neck, but people are calling for her to be released after a match she admits didn’t live up to expextations.

“There weren’t calls to fire anybody when Madcap Moss and Big E were spiked on their heads,” said Rousey. “‘BURN HER ANYWAY!’ I’m so sorry that I was so concerned with keeping someone safe that I made the bump look bad.”

Rousey was especially bummed because the crowd in Boston was hostile towards her and she loves winning over a hostile crowd. Unfortunately, time constraints and the pacing of the show led WWE officials to call an audible and cut their match short before they could continue winning the crowd back.

“I was bummed though because we worked on that match for two weeks and we were really excited about it,” she said. “I felt like I really failed Shotzi. I really wanted to showcase her shit and make all of her shit look great and show everyone how great she is. That’s one of the main reasons I wanted to comeback for this run, to showcase the new talent.”

Rousey says the match fans saw is not the match they had planned out. A few spots went wrong and fans are judging them on an incomplete product.

“We literally only had eight minutes to do everything. When we hit eight minutes, ‘alright, you gotta go,’ I’m not gonna argue. They pay me to show up and do what they say to do. I’m bummed though. I feel like I failed Shotzi. Sorry. I’ll do better. I’ll make it up to her. I’ll let her beat my ass.”

– Ronda Rousey

Umaga’s Son Zilla Fatu Begins Pro Wrestling Training

Michael Reichlin
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Zilla Fatu, son of Umaga, is beginning his pro wrestling training at Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling school in Houston, TX.

Fatu is the latest in a long line of warriors from pro wrestling’s wrestling’s legendary Anoa’i family. Elders such as The Wild Samoans, Yokozuna, Rikishi, Umaga and The Rock paved the way for today’s generation, which includes Roman Reigns, the Usos and Solo Sikoa.

On Tuesday evening, ROW welcomed Zilla Fatu as he embarks on a journey to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Zilla Fatu received congratulatory messages from several family members.

MLW star Jacob Fatu wrote on Twitter, “!! BLOODLINE JUST KEEPS GETTING STRONGER WELCOME MY UNCLE RIP #UMAGA YOUNGEST SON #ZILLAFATU”

Rikishi responded to the announcement on Instagram and thanked Booker T, writing in the comments section, “Thank you @BookerTfivex @realityofwrestling”

Zilla Fatu, 22, was recently released from prison. He spent six years behind bars after being convicted of aggravated robbery at the age of 15. He documented his experience on his YouTube channel.

Umaga has been in the news this week because December 4 was the 13-year anniversary of his untimely passing. Bloodline members Jey Uso and Solo Sikoa paid tribute to Umaga are among the wrestlers who paid tribute to their uncle.

Ric Flair Calls Infamous Gimmick the “Most Humiliating” Event in His Life

Thomas Lowson
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Ric Flair has led a life unlike anyone else, but one gimmick from his past is something the Nature Boy wishes he could forget.

Flair’s wrestling journey began in 1972 and has seen the North Carolina native become a 16-time World Champion, though Ric argues the number is much higher.

In July of this year, Flair wrestled his final match, teaming with his son-in-law Andrade El Idolo to defeat Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett.

The Black Scorpion

For years, Ric Flair feuded with Sting, and in 1990, WCW introduced a new opponent for the Stinger: The Black Scorpion.

Realizing that fans had grown tired of Flair Vs. Sting, WCW introduced the character to give fans a new feud for Sting, who was still relatively green.

Months of segments played hyping the Black Scorpion as someone from Sting’s past, buying WCW time to figure out who exactly would play the character.

Wrestler Al Perez was chosen for the role, but after realizing he’d be working with the World Champion, demanded more money, which WCW refused to pay.

In a desperation act, WCW had Flair play the Black Scorpion, who was unmasked at Starrcade 1990, undoing the purpose of the character in the first place.

Humiliating

The Black Scorpion character was never resurrected by Flair, who has for years made his views on the character very clear.

Speaking on the latest episode of his To Be The Man podcast, Flair bashed the character as the most humiliating experience of his life.

“I did have the ability to make the call. I took one for the team. Do you think I like laying underneath that ring in St. Louis? A building that I sold out no less than 30 times as the NWA Champion?”

“That was the most humiliating thing I’ve ever been through in my life, and with how I conducted myself afterward. But I’m never the sh*ts.”

Ric Flair

Flair said that anyone who watches Starrcade 1990 will see that he and the Stinger did not ‘steal the show.’

Ric Flair Attending WWE’s Royal Rumble and Raw XXX Anniversary

For use of these quotes please give a h/t to SEScoops.

Jim Ross on William Regal: “I Don’t Know What the Future Holds for Him”

Thomas Lowson
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AEW commentator Jim Ross has become the latest name to suggest that William Regal’s time with the promotion has come to an end.

Regal was cut from WWE in January of this year from his role with NXT, after over 20 years with the promotion.

A former WWE Intercontinental, European, and Tag Team Champion, the 2008 King of the Ring would debut for AEW at the Revolution Pay-Per-View in March 2022.

Jim Ross

William Regal was written off AEW TV last week with an attack by MJF and it has been reported that the British legend is set to leave the company and return to WWE.

On the latest episode of Grilling JR, Ross praised what Regal has brought to All Elite Wrestling.

“He’s been a very valuable resource, you can’t replace guys with that kind of experience and in Regal’s case, the patience to help these young guys. He was in the ring every day at [AEW] TV, he always had time for the talent, young green guys.”

Jim Ross

Neither Tony Khan nor Regal have confirmed reports of his departure, and the British veteran had previously stated that his three-year contract would expire in early 2025.

The Future

Regal’s apparent exit comes not long after he betrayed the Blackpool Combat Club and aided MJF in winning the AEW World Championship at Full Gear.

On his podcast, Jim Ross spoke about the Salt of the Earth, and said he isn’t sure what’s next for William Regal.

“I mentioned to MJF, I said ‘The more you can sit under that learning tree of William Regal and talk about the psychology of being a wrestling villain, you should because he’s got great psychology.’ A very valuable asset wherever he may be, I don’t know what the future holds for him.”

“I don’t know what the future holds for him.”

Jim Ross on William Regal.

MJF (sans Regal) is expected to appear on tonight’s episode of AEW Dynamite.

Former WWE Star Claims William Regal Regretted Signing with AEW due to “Maturity Issues” in Management

h/t – WrestlingInc

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