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WWE SmackDown Results (12/3): Brock Lesnar Returns, Universal Title Match, Day 1

Robert Lentini
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WWE SmackDown aired live from the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. Brock Lesnar returned on tonight’s show after it was announced his indefinite suspension was over. Sasha Banks faced Shayna Baszler this week and Roman Reigns defended the Universal Championship in the main event against Sami Zayn.

SmackDown Results (12/3)

  1. Sasha Banks def. Shayna Baszler
  2. Los Lotharios def. Viking Raiders
  3. King Woods def. Jey Uso via DQ
  4. Sheamus def. Cesaro
  5. Roman Reigns def. Sami Zayn to retain the Universal Championship

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Lesnar Returned & Urged Sami Zayn To Challenge For The Title Tonight

Brock Lesnar made his return and kicked off tonight’s show. Lesnar grabbed a microphone and smiled as the crowd chanted for him. Brock said his suspension is lifted and he is here tonight for the Universal Championship. Sami Zayn interrupted and joked that their careers are parallel, minus the UFC titles and WrestleMania main events. Zayn got in the ring with Lesnar and told him that he is a fan. Lesnar told Sami to shut up and essentially threatened to rip his head off.

Sami backed away and informed Brock Lesnar that he is the #1 contender for the Universal Championship. Lesnar humored Sami and suggested that he challenge Roman Reigns for the title tonight. Brock insisted and got in Sami’s face. Zayn put his hand on Brock to shove him back and Lesnar got annoyed. Lesnar started bending Sami’s hand back until Zayn shouted that he wanted to have the match tonight. Brock fired up Sami for his title match later tonight to end the segment.

Zayn tried to talk his way out of the match with Sonya Deville backstage. Lesnar showed up and confirmed that he will face the winner at Day 1 for the Universal Championship. Brock high fived Sami and wished him luck against Reigns.

Sasha Banks def. Shayna Baszler

Sasha Banks battled Shaya Baszler in the first match of the night. The action spilled out of the ring as SmackDown went to a break. When SmackDown returned, Baszler took control and hit Banks with some strikes in the corner of the ring. Banks battled back and connected with a Tornado DDT for a near fall.

Shayna applied the Kirifuda Clutch but Sasha quickly countered into a pin for a two count. Sasha applied the Bank Statement but Shayna was able to escape. Shayna hit a running knee to the face but Sasha shrugged it off and hit a Hurricanrana into a cover for the pinfall victory.

McIntyre & Hardy Interrupted Happy Talk

Drew McIntyre confronted Sonya Deville and wanted to know who prevented him from being in the Battle Royal last week. Deville told McIntyre to take it up with Adam Pearce. McIntyre said he’ll be looking for Pearce and walked away. Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss then made their entrance as SmackDown went to a break.

When SmackDown returned, Corbin and Moss hosted an episode of Happy Talk. Corbin claimed that eliminating Madcap in the Battle Royal was just a joke and the two chuckled. They poked fun at Jeff Hardy for getting eliminated by Sami Zayn before Drew McIntyre interrupted. Jeff Hardy got into the ring and hit them both with a Twist of Fate before McIntyre followed it up with a Claymore. Hardy and McIntyre then posed in Moss & Corbin’s goofy hats to end the segment.

Los Lotharios def. Viking Raiders

Los Lotharios (Angel & Humberto) squared off against Viking Raiders (Erik & Ivar). Erik beat Angel down to start off the action. Erik bounced Humberto off the apron and tagged in Ivar. Los Lotharios took control and isolated Erik in the ring. Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs attempted a distracted but it back fired as the Viking Raiders were distracted as well. Angel rolled up Ivar for the victory.

King Woods & Jey Uso Ended In A DQ

King Woods faced Jey Uso tonight on SmackDown. Jimmy Uso was ringside for the match. Before the bell, Woods got on the microphone and announced that Sir Kofi Kingston is back. Jey controlled the match early and hit King Woods with a Neckbreaker for a near fall. Woods battled back and made his way to the top rope. Jimmy shoved Woods off the top rope to end the match in a DQ. A brawl broke out between the two teams and New Day stood tall to end the segment.

Universal Champion Roman Reigns was shown backstage with Paul Heyman. Roman wanted to know if Heyman knew Lesnar would be returning tonight or that he would be in Sami Zayn’s corner. Heyman declined but the Tribal Chief looked skeptical. Reigns vowed to retain the Universal Championshionship and smash Brock Lesnar if he came anywhere near him tonight. Woods and Kofi said they wanted The Usos at Day 1 in a backstage interview later on the show.

Toni Storm Got Revenge On Charlotte

SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair came to the ring as the show went to a break. When SmackDown returned, Flair said that Toni is just begging for a title shot and acknowledging her feels like giving her too much credit. Charlotte joked about throwing a pie in Toni’s face and claimed that she’ll never be able to rid herself of “the stink of embarrassment”. Charlotte suggested that Toni doesn’t deserve a title shot and went to leave the ring. Storm snuck up behind Flair and hit her with a pie to face and laughed on the entrance ramp.

Sheamus def. Cesaro, Naomi Will Face Sonya Deville Next Week

Naomi confronted Sonya Deville backstage once again and Sonya wound up slapping Naomi in the face. It was later announced that they will face each other next week.

Sheamus faced his former tag teammate Cesaro tonight on SmackDown. Sheamus and Cesaro locked up to begin the match. Sheamus sent Cesaro to the corner and unloaded some elbows to the face. Ridge Holland was shown watching backstage as Sheamus connected with the Irish Curse Backbreaker.

The Celtic Warrior connected with 10 Beats of the Bodhran before applying a submission hold. Cesaro broke free and unloaded some uppercuts. Cesaro sent Sheamus out of the ring and caught him with another uppercut that knocked Sheamus over the barricade.

Back in the ring, Sheamus connected with a knee to the face and began trash talking. Sheamus claimed that Cesaro always held him back and Cesaro got pissed off. Cesaro hit some strikes and set up for the Gotch Neutralizer but Sheamus blocked it. Sheamus hit the Brogue Kick for the pinfall victory.

Roman Reigns Retained & Will Defend Against Brock Lesnar At Day 1

Roman Reigns defended the Universal Championship against Sami Zayn in the main event. Before the match, Sami Zayn vowed to become the new champion and told the crowd that they never had his back. Zayn added that the only person he has to thank for tonight is Brock Lesnar. The Beast’s theme hit and Lesnar made his way down the ramp to a great reaction from the crowd. Zayn asked the crowd to make some noise for Brock and he smirked as he got into the ring.

Sami called Lesnar an honorable man and suggested that he should help him win the title tonight. Zayn noted how Lesnar hasn’t had a good track record against Roman Reigns lately. Lesnar heard enough and hit Sami with some German Suplexes before an F5. Brock delivered another F5 to Sami and set him up in the corner. Lesnar left the ring and SmackDown went to a break.

Reigns made his way to the ring with a couple minutes left in the show and Sami was now laying down on the mat. The bell rang and Reigns hit him with the Spear. Roman followed it up with a Guillotine Choke for the victory. It was announced that Reigns will defend the Universal Championship against Brock Lesnar at Day 1.

https://twitter.com/WWEonFOX/status/1466965191699091460?s=20

WWE DVDs Canceled In US And Canada Starting In 2022

Andrew Ravens
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Fans who like to buy new WWE DVDs and Blu-rays will not be able to do so starting next year. 

According to Wrestling DVD Network, WWE DVDs and Blu-rays will no longer be offered in the United States and Canada starting in 2022. WWE DVDs in Australia will also be halted while new DVDs will be released in the UK through at least March 2022.

The final United States WWE DVD release will be Survivor Series 2021 when it becomes available on December 28th. The final superstar compilation release will be out on December 14th and features Drew McIntyre. 

WWE has been releasing DVDs since 1999 beginning with WrestleMania 15 and a set featuring WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. The first VHS was available in 1985.

The report didn’t mention an exact reason for WWE halting DVDs, but all of WWE content is available on Peacock for fans in the United States and WWE Network internationally. 

WWE’s next pay-per-view event is Day 1, which goes down on Saturday, January 1, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia at the State Farm Arena.

Tony Khan Admits Cody-Andrade Street Fight Was ‘Nerve-Racking’

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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AEW boss Tony Khan was on edge at the conclusion of the street fight between Cody Rhodes and Andrade El Idolo.

Rhodes vs. Andrade closed out the Dec. 1 episode of AEW Dynamite. The show emanated from the Gas South Arena in Duluth, GA. Fans got even more than they bargained for.

The ending of the match saw Brandi Rhodes return to set a table on fire. Cody planted Andrade with a reverse DDT off the turnbuckle for the win. It was Cody who took the brunt of it, however, as he landed back-first onto the flaming table.

Tony Khan Was Nervous After Cody-Andrade

Once the match concluded, all Tony Khan wanted to know was whether or not everyone was alright. Even Arn Anderson took a spill during the match.

Thankfully, everyone is okay but Khan admitted on Busted Open Radio that things were a bit dicey backstage.

“It was amazing. It was such a great street fight and thankfully both guys will be okay and they both will be able to wrestle again because that was a crazy match.

“That’s the kind of stuff that can shorten careers, end careers. So, we’re very grateful for both Cody and Andrade El Idolo.

“Great street fight main event and absolutely Cody sent the fans home very happy from that match. I really, really enjoyed the street fight although it was pretty nerve-racking backstage.

“But thankfully everything came out okay and when you have a match like that, that’s all you can really hope for is that the wrestlers come out okay.”

The flaming table spot certainly has its supporters and detractors. Some believe that Cody taking the worst of the spot took away from the ending. Just don’t tell that to Bully Ray.

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Jim Ross Credits Paul Heyman For Roman Reigns’ Success

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Jim Ross believes Paul Heyman can be thanked for Roman Reigns’ successful shift in character.

These days, Reigns calls himself “The Tribal Chief” and demands that everyone acknowledges him. The general consensus is that Reigns’ heel persona is a hit. It’s quite the change from when Reigns was a babyface who many felt was being forced by WWE.

Heyman serves as the “Special Counsel” for Reigns. Reigns, Heyman, and The Usos together are called The Bloodline.

Paul Heyman Praised By JR

Jim Ross Paul Heyman

During an episode of the Grilling JR podcast, Jim Ross said that Paul Heyman deserves credit for Roman Reigns being the star that he is today.

“Also, Heyman’s got a great eye for talent. He’s proven that time and again. He’s proving it now. He’s making Roman Reigns one of the biggest stars in WWE’s recent history.”

Heyman and JR have long been good friends. For years, fans thought there was legit heat between the two over their days doing commentary together on WWE TV.

JR has said numerous times that there was never any beef. Ross said that he and Heyman simply had good chemistry and Heyman always kept him on his toes.

Few can deny that Heyman has played a key role in bringing the “Tribal Chief” version of Roman Reigns to life.

It has made for an interesting storyline involving Brock Lesnar. Heyman had been Lesnar’s advocate for years and was always a believer in “The Beast.”

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Carmelo Hayes wants to wrestle Roman Reigns: “He’s that guy.”

Michael Reichlin
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Carmelo Hayes has big aspirations in WWE.

The high-flying Superstar has garnered a lot of attention since debuting for NXT back in June. Since then, he’s won the NXT Breakout Tournament and captured the coveted North American championship.

Hayes appeared on The War Report podcast this week to discuss his plans to elevate NXT 2.0, his friendship with Trick Williams and more.

When asked who he wants to work with on the main roster, Carmelo Hayes set his sights on the biggest dog in the yard.

“Roman,” he said. “I feel like that’s the only answer. I feel like, go big or go home. It’s Roman, bro.”

Carmelo Hayes on Roman Reigns

Carmelo Hayes

Co-host Justin says that it seems like Roman Reigns is a mythical figure within the WWE locker room. Everyone looks at him as the gold standard for success. He asked Hayes if that’s true, and he agreed.

“Yeah, that’s true, bro. He’s that guy, for real. I met him when I did SmackDown. He’s that guy. He’s that guy who you should want to wrestle, because he’s the big money guy. If you think about it, big match, big moments. He’s that guy.”

For Carmelo Hayes, it makes sense that he’d want to challenge the biggest star in WWE. For Roman Reigns, it’s another example that being the best means you’ve often got a target on your back. You can’t take your foot off the gas peddle, because there’s always someone young and hungry wanting your spot.

Listen to Carmelo Hayes’ appearance on The War Room podcast:

Update On What Top Superstars In WWE Are Paid

Chris Stephens
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On WWE Raw this week, Liv Morgan implied that the reason her Riott Squad teammates had been let go from the company was Becky Lynch’s lucrative contract. The exact terms of Lynch’s contract are unknown, but she’s almost certainly making millions of dollars per year.

The salaries of top WWE stars was recently addressed in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. According to Dave Meltzer, the top guys in WWE such as Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar are making more than $5 million per year.

There is one other person who is believed to be making around $4 million per year. That could be Becky Lynch, although that is only speculation. Other top talent in the company make around $2 million or $3 million per year as well.

“Regarding contract sizes, the very top people (by this meaning Reigns and Lesnar) are above $5 million per year on their guaranteed deal and another person is at around $4 million, but a lot of the top talent is now at $2 million and some at $3 million,” wrote Dave Meltzer.

These figures are just their guaranteed dollar amount. It does not include their merchandise revenue or other potential bonuses as part of their contract.

Impact Announces Throwback Throwdown II – 80s Themed Show

Chris Stephens
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Impact Wrestling is going back to the territory days. In 2019, Impact presented an episode of their weekly television show that travelled back in time. They are set to do it again coming up on December 18th but this time the show will only air on Impact Plus.

Throwback Throwdown I in 2019 featured the fictional Impact Provincial Wrestling Federation (IPWF). Members of the Impact roster portrayed different characters that you might find in an old school wrestling promotion in the 1980s. Johnny Swinger just portrayed his same character, however, since he’s perpetually stuck in that era of wrestling.

The show will take place from the Davis Arena in Louisville, Kentucky.

Throwback Throwdown I Results

Below are the results from the first Throwback Throwdown event:

Impact Wrestling 11/26 Quick Results:

  1. Rip Rayzor defeated Rapid Delivery Pete
  2. The Hard Workers defeated Excessive Force
  3. Johnny Swinger defeated Buck Gunderson
  4. Jazzy Fitbody defeated Agnus Beerhart
  5. The Rough Riders (Blanche Ardmore, Mildred Moore, Georgia Cobb & Lady Bird Johnston) def Ray Strack, Tim Burr, Jim Nasium & Bill Ding
  6. DJ 2 Large defeated Captain Joystick (Last Week)
  7. Blindfold Match
    Cowboy Colt McCoy defeated Gama Singh
  8. IPWF TV Championship
    Loser Leaves Town
    Downtown Daddy Brown defeated Julian Cumberbun (c) – New Champion

Impact Results (12/2): Matt Cardona Pins The World Champion, JONAH In-Ring Debut

Chris Stephens
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Impact Wrestling on 12/2 continued the build to Hard to Kill. We now know who will face Moose for the Impact World Championship on the PPV.

Impact Results 12/2

  1. Chris Sabin defeated Matthew Rehwoldt
  2. JONAH defeated Jai Vidal
  3. Rachael Ellering defeated Savannah Evans
  4. Rich Swann & Willie Mack defeated Joe Doering and Deaner (Violent By Design)
  5. Matt Cardona & Eddie Edwards defeated Moose & W. Morrissey

Matt Cardona Wants A Shot At The Impact World Championship

Matt Cardona kicked off Impact this week. He said the only reason he lost to W. Morrissey at Turning Point was because of Moose’s interference. Cardona then called out Moose and told him the only reason he’s in Impact is to become the world champion. Moose called Cardona a mid-carder and the two came to blows. W. Morrissey then hit the ring and the heels had a 2-on-1 advantage. Eddie Edwards then came out to make the save for Cardona. Scott D’Amore later made a tag-team main event between Cardona & Edwards and Moose & W. Morrissey.

Chris Sabin Beats Drama King Matt as Mickie James and Deonna Purrazzo Renew Hostilities

Former Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo accompanied Drama King Matt to the ring for his match against Chris Sabin. Purrazzo reiterated on commentary that she wants her Knockouts title back. She will face Mickie James for the title at Hard to Kill. Purrazzo would then try to provide a distraction at ringside to help her ally but this brought out James, who promptly tossed her into the steel post. Back in the ring, Sabin hit the Cradle Shock and picked up the victory.

JONAH Squashes Jai Vidal

JONAH made his in-ring debut on this week’s episode. He absolutely squashed Vidal and finished him off with his big top-rope splash. After the match, JONAH cut a promo at Josh Alexander, saying that if he wants to call himself the best he needs to go through the top dog. Alexander didn’t come out as he is likely still selling the injuries he sustained from JONAH after his attack at Turning Point.

Trey Miguel and Steve Maclin Brawl In The Back

X-Division Champion Trey Miguel was interviewed backstage by Gia Miller. Miguel said while he was happy with his victory in the 3-way at Turning Point, he didn’t get the pin on Maclin and that is what he wanted. Maclin then attacked him and the two brawled in the back.

Rachael Ellering Picks Up Victory As Knockouts Compete To Earn A Spot In the Ultimate X Match At Hard to Kill

A show long storyline involved multiple members of the Knockouts division asking Scott D’Amore to put them in the Ultimate X match at Hard to Kill. D’Amore said he’ll announce the participants on next week’s show. One of these interactions involved Jordynne Grace & Rachael Ellering get into an argument with Tasha Steelz and Savannah Evans. This led to D’Amore scheduling a match between Evans and Ellering. Ellering then picked up the victory with a fireman’s carry cutter.

The Influence and the Iinspiration Appear To Allign

Tenille Dashwood returned from her latest travels and met up with Madison Rayne and Kaleb with a K. They told her that the Iinspiration won the Knockouts tag team titles and they then set out to find them. Dashwood and her fellow Australians hit it off big time while Madison didn’t quite know what to make of everything. Kaleb just seemed to go along with the excitement. The two groups then left together.

Heath & Rhino Rescue Willie Mack & Rich Swann From Post-Match Attack

The rivalry between Willie Mack and Rich Swann continued this week. Swann and Mack picked up the victory in tag-team action after Swann pinned Deaner with a Phoenix Splash. The members of VBD would then attack after the match, however. This brought out Heath and Rhino to make the save and they chased the faction off.

Matt Cardona & Eddie Edwards Defeated Moose & W. Morrissey

Matt Cardona and Eddie Edwards picked up the victory in the main event over Moose & W. Morrissey this week. With Edwards and Morrissey both on the floor, Cardona countered a uranage attempt into a pinning combination and got the pin on the world champion.

After the match, Morrissey then hit Moose with a big boot. With Cardona having picked up the pin over Moose, and Morrissey having defeated Cardona at Turning Point, a triple threat match for the world title was made for Hard to Kill.

Coming Up In Impact Wrestling

Next Week

  • Deonna Purrazzo & Matt Rehwoldt vs Chris Sabin & Mickie James
  • The Influence & The Iinspiration vs Decay
  • Street Fight
    Eric Young vs Rhino

Hard to Kill – January 8th, 2022

  • Impact World Championship
    Moose (c) vs Matt Cardona vs W. Morrissey
  • Knockouts Championship
    Mickie James (c) vs Deonna Purrazzo
  • Ultimate X Match For The #1 Contendership to the Knockouts Championship

Cody Rhodes & Andrade Injury Updates Following Flaming Table Spot

Chris Stephens
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This week’s edition of AEW Dynamite saw Cody Rhodes and Andrade el Idolo crash through a burning table in the main event. The show was in Rhodes’ hometown of Atlanta and evidently he wanted to do something big that night.

According to a report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, both are said to be okay following the big spot. Rhodes was treated for burns backstage but his injuries are not said to be serious.

“Cody Rhodes and Andrade el Idolo were both not badly injured when they went through a flaming table at the 12/1 Dynamite street fight main event,” wrote Dave Meltzer.

Rhodes did have some type of substance on his back that was meant to prevent burning from the flaming table spot. This was visible during the match but commentary noted that the substance must have been something from the trash can he was hit with.

Both men had bits of flaming table on them as they went into the pin. Andrade can be seen flicking bits of flaming wood off his and Cody’s body as the match came to a conclusion.

Rhodes and Andrade are now 1-1 against each other in singles competition. Andrade defeated Rhodes when they first met on Dynamite at the beginning of November.

Update On AEW Contracts Expiring Soon

Chris Stephens
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Several members of the AEW roster who signed 3-year deals with the promotion in late 2018 or early 2019 are about to have their contracts come up for renewal. This was the case recently with the Young Bucks. Matt & Nick Jackson recently confirmed they are now under contract with AEW for 2 more years.

According to a report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the Young Bucks’ contracts included an option for Tony Khan to renew for an additional 2 years. Khan picked up the option and they are now under contract until December 31st, 2023.

“The original contract also gave Tony Khan the option for two more years, which included a raise both of those years, which he picked up,” wrote Dave Meltzer.

Kenny Omega, Cody Rhodes, Brandi Rhodes, Adam Page and Chris Jericho also signed similar 3-year deals. Their deals are also said to include the option for AEW to renew by 2 more years. Provided Tony Khan chooses to exercise that option, they would all remain under contract until the end of 2023. There is no word on if those options have been officially picked up as of yet, however.

“I would expect all will be renewed but factually can’t confirm anything past many of them have,” Meltzer continued.

WWE Postpones Several Canadian Dates In January

Chris Stephens
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WWE has postponed several Canadian tour dates scheduled for January. No reason has been given for the postponement. Ticket sales for some of the shows were said to be quite strong.

WWE released a statement that 4 shows in January have been pushed back to later in the year.

The January 21st episode of Smackdown scheduled to air from the Canada Life Center in Winnipeg has been postponed until Friday, September 30th, 2022. Smackdown will now air from Nashville on January 21st.

The live event scheduled for January 22nd at the Brandt Centre in Regina, Saskatchewan has been pushed back to Saturday, October 1st. Another live event scheduled for Saskatoon, Saskatchewan for the following night January 23rd has been pushed back to Sunday, October 2nd.

The episode of WWE RAW scheduled for January 24th in Edmonton’s Rogers Place has been rescheduled for Monday September 26th. The January 24th RAW will now air from Toledo.

A December 29th show in Toronto is still listed on WWE’s website. Trish Stratus was recently announced as hosting the event as well. Another house show in Laval the following night is still listed as well. Those shows will both be part of the WWE Live Holiday tour and feature Superstars from the RAW brand.

Booker T Questions Why AEW Had CM Punk Beat Darby Allin

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Booker T isn’t a fan of AEW’s decision to have CM Punk defeat Darby Allin.

Darby is a rising star under the AEW banner. He is considered to be one of the “Four Pillars” of AEW. The others are MJF, Jungle Boy, and Sammy Guevara.

Darby ended up being Punk’s first opponent since 2014. The two collided at the All Out PPV back in September. Punk emerged victorious after hitting the GTS.

Booker T Scoffs At Punk Beating Darby

Three months after Punk’s victory, Booker T believes more harm than good may have been done to Darby. He gave his take on the Hall of Fame podcast.

“There’s a lot of hypocrites in the world out there because if it was a character in WWE doing the same thing that CM Punk has done since coming into AEW — like Punk said the first person he called out is Darby Allin, ‘And I beat him.’ Why?

“Tell me why. Why did you beat Darby Allin when Darby Allin is considered one of those guys, pillars of that company? Why beat him?

“I’m just trying to figure it out, and if that same thing would’ve happened vice versa it would be talked about from a negative perspective.

“So, don’t be so hypocritical when you see stuff like that happen because me personally, I do not think Darby Allin should’ve got beat. Reason why, there was no reason for Darby Allin to get beat.

“[Punk] could’ve beat all of these guys that he’s beaten after Darby Allin and we would’ve still had the same thing that we have right now and Darby Allin would still be — what has Darby Allin done since CM Punk?”

Punk is in the midst of a high-profile feud with MJF. Meanwhile, Darby has been in a rivalry with The Gunn Club, which has been disappointing to some fans.

Darby is a former TNT Champion and one of the most popular stars among the “Four Pillars.” Time will tell when he’ll get his next major feud and victory.

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Bully Ray Defends Cody-Andrade Flaming Table Spot

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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0

Bully Ray is fired up over the criticism he’s seen following the Cody Rhodes vs. Andrade El Idolo street fight.

Cody and Andrade had a memorable street fight inside the Gas South Arena in Duluth, GA. The match closed out the Dec. 1 episode of AEW Dynamite.

The match came to a thrilling conclusion when Brandi Rhodes made her return and lit a table on fire. With Cody and Andrade perched on the turnbuckle, Cody nailed Andrade with a reverse DDT through the flaming table and scored the pinfall.

Bully Ray Slams Critics Of Table Spot

Some fans have been critical over the table spot because Cody ended up taking the brunt of it, going back-first through the flames.

On an episode of Busted Open Radio, Bully Ray said he thought the spot looked cool regardless.

“Cody took the fire, Andrade took the move. Could I say, ‘Cody should’ve never went through the table? Cody should’ve been selling more through the fire and this, and this?’ Yep, I could sit here and do that all day. Who the f*ck cares? It looked cool.”

Bully then proceeded to go scorched earth on the critics.

“If Cody botched it go get a table, go get some lighter fluid, light it on fire, film it in your backyard and do it better. ‘Cody botched it. Andrade botched it.’ What did they botch? Your mother botched you at birth.”

Well then.

Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio provided a brief update on the flaming table spot. He was told that “everyone is okay.”

That includes Arn Anderson, who took a scary spill on the entrance ramp.

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The Rock says Ric Flair will always be “The Man”

Michael Reichlin
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Wrestling great turned Hollywood kingpin Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson says Ric Flair will always be, “The Man.”

Earlier this week, The Rock named his Mount Rushmore of professional wrestling. The People’s Champ named Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin and Ric Flair, with The Undertaker, Pat Patterson and Jackie Fargo in a 3-way tie for the 4th and final spot.

Ric Flair’s public image has taken a beating in recent months ever since the Plane Ride from Hell episode of Dark Side of the Ring. The Rock is a well-respected figure, so an endorsement from him goes a long way.

Flair tweeted a photo of himself with a young Rock from 1984 to show his appreciation. He wrote, “There’s no bigger word in the world than the word respect! You looked up to me as a kid, and I continuously look up to you! WOOOOOO!”

The Rock says he’ll always have respect for Ric Flair, who has been one of his heroes for decades. He added that Flair was “The Man” back in 1984 and always will be.

The Rock and Ric Flair crossed paths a few times in WWE, including this rare match from the July 29, 2002 episode of WWE Raw:

Stephanie McMahon Addresses Ronda Rousey & Gable Steveson’s Status with WWE

Chris Stephens
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Stephanie McMahon has commented on the WWE futures of Ronda Rousey and Gable Steveson.

Earlier this week, WWE’s Chief Brand Officer was honored with the Corporate Leadership Award by the March of Dimes Greater New York/New Jersey Market during its 38th Annual Sports Luncheon.

During a brief chat with Adam’s Apple, she noted that Rousey is always welcome back in WWE – on one condition.

“She is always welcome to come back, as long as she stays away from me!” she said.

Gable Steveson in WWE

Gable Steveson Vince McMahon

Gable Steveson was recently drafted to WWE’s Raw brand, but he won’t be an active Superstar anytime soon.

He’s signed to WWE, but will be returning to the University of Minnesota for his senior year where he’ll look to defend his NCAA Heavyweight National Wrestling Championship.

“He’s still in school,” said Stephanie.”When he’s done with school, hopefully he’s gonna be a part of the full-time roster.”

Regarding Gable Steveson and WWE’s new approach to signing collegiate athletes, WWE announced a new NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) program today. The program will see WWE develop partnerships with collegiate athletes.

Those taking part in the program will have access to the WWE Performance Center, given resources on media relations, brand building, live event promotion and more as well. More on that story is available at the link below:

WWE Announces NIL Program To Recruit College Athletes

WWE May Be Ditching NXT Cruiserweight Title

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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0

WWE may be doing away with its NXT Cruiserweight Championship.

The Orlando-based developmental brand has undergone huge changes in recent months. All aspects of NXT’s identity have been revamped, from the roster to the taping studio at the Performance Center.

On the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer revealed there is reporting that WWE is considering dropping the NXT Cruiserweight Title.

NXT Cruiserweight Title Being Replaced?

  • joe gacy

Roderick Strong is the current NXT Cruiserweight Champion. He’s currently feuding with Joe Gacy, who has been hinting at introducing an “all-inclusive” championship.

Gacy will get a chance to dethrone Roderick Strong this Sunday at NXT Takeover: WarGames. Should Gacy capture the title, this would be a prime opportunity to introduce a rebranded undercard title.

Stay tuned this weekend, when we should get a better idea about the future of the NXT Cruiserweight Championship.

Dustin Rhodes On Vince McMahon’s Reaction To Pitching Match Against Cody At WrestleMania

Chris Stephens
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At Double or Nothing 2019, Cody and Dustin Rhodes clashed in a classic match. According to comments Dustin made recently on the Way of the Blade podcast, it was a match that both had frequently pitched to have at WrestleMania.

“I had fought so hard every single year to get to work my brother at WrestleMania,” Dustin said. “And point-blank, Vince (McMahon) would always tell me, ‘This match is not good enough to be on WrestleMania’. That pissed me off, that pissed me off bad. And it was hurtful, and it did something to me. It really depleted every ounce of passion that I had. I fought for it every single year, Cody too. We both fought for it every year.”

cody dustin rhodes don aew 2

Dustin also spoke about not being permitted by WWE to work the All In show. He spoke about thinking his wrestling career was over until he was given the chance to face his brother at Double or Nothing.

“So to get offered this with Cody and Tony Khan, to this new fanbase and this upstart company AEW, on this PPV? And I watched All In on PPV at home. It was like ‘Okay, here we go.’”

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While the match is widely considered one of if not the best match in both their careers, Dustin said he was not feeling confident going into it.

“I’m very excited about this but not confident at all. I was very lost in my confidence and passion, like I said. And very unsure about my ability to step into the ring with my brother and deliver a very explosive match for him.”

The match received a 5-star rating from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions.

Brett Lauderdale Talks GCW’s Hammerstein Ballroom Show & More

Chris Stephens
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Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) Brett Lauderdale was our guest on this week’s Business of the Business podcast, the official business podcast of SEScoops.

Lauderdale spoke about his promotion selling out the Hammerstein Ballroom. ”The Wrld on GCW” will take place January 23rd, 2022 from the famed venue.

With the big sellout of Hammerstein Ballroom, Lauderdale was asked about GCW possibly being the #3 promotion in the United States right now.

“I’m very confident in our product and I think that what we do is special and unique and entertaining and fun and all that stuff. As far as numbers go, #3, #2 or #1 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7, I don’t really feel like we’re competing with anyone,” Lauderdale said.

“We’re just focussed on what we’re doing and trying to be the best at what we do.”

The Briscoe Brothers

Lauderdale also spoke about some of the talent that will be appearing on the show including the Briscoe Brothers.

“The Briscoes are awesome and it’s not secret that they are awesome and that they are one of the best tag-teams of all time. Obviously, they were under contract with Ring of Honor, which was great for them,” Lauderdale said.

“Unless you were a hardcore Ring of Honor fan, you don’t really see the Briscoes as much.”

“There’s so many matchup and so many people that have never had the chance to work with them. It’s exciting for the fans and I can also tell you it’s exciting for the Briscoes.”

PCO Working With GCW

Lauderdale was asked about bring PCO into the promotion. He noted that there were articles out there stating PCO had signed on for 40 dates but Lauderdale noted that is not true.

“It’s possible he could do that many but I don’t have 40 dates lined up right now and obviously we don’t have contracts or anything,” he said.

“Certainly PCO is a guy we like to have around as often as he can.”

Pabst Blue Ribbon

Lauderdale also spoke about working with Pabst Blue Ribbon. He wouldn’t necessarily call them a sponsor but they will be working together often in the future.

“I hate the term sponsor. We’ve talked about this with PBR. We like to consider what we do to be more of a partnership,” Lauderdale said.

“We’re kind of signed on to work together for the duration of 2022. We’ve got several events lined up that we’re going to partner on. A lot of ideas that we’re working on and developing.

PBR is a very cool brand and I think a lot of people don’t fully understand the history of that brand and what they’re doing now. From a cultural standpoint, they match up with us, they are a good match with GCW. We kind of have the same demo.”

The full podcast can be listened to in the player below:

https://www.spreaker.com/user/creativecontrolnetwork/business-53

Beth Phoenix Done With NXT Commentary After WarGames

Michael Reichlin
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Beth Phoenix is ending her run as a commentator for NXT. Her final show as a full-time broadcaster for the brand will be this Sunday at WarGames.

The WWE Hall of Famer announced her decision on Thursday. Phoenix says she is stepping away to spend more time with her family. She and WWE Superstar Edge have two children together.

“Ahead of WarGames, I wanted to share that this Sunday will be my final night in NXT,” she wrote. “While I will remain a part of WWE, I have made the choice to step away from the weekly broadcast booth to spend more time with my family.”

Phoenix says it was not an easy decision to step away from the NXT commentary table. She’s been with the brand for over three years and has called the action on 135 episodes of NXT TV.

“I’m incredibly proud of the brand.”

– Beth Phoenix

She thanked many people who have helped her in NXT, including Vic Joseph, Wade Barrett, Nigel McGuiness, Tom Phillips, Mauro Ranallo, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Michael Cole and more.

“NXT will always be a part of me and Auntie Betty will always be a part of NXT,” she added. “Leave the porch light on for me!”

The Young Bucks Top PWI Top-50 Tag Team Rankings

Chris Stephens
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Matt & Nick Jackson the Young Bucks have topped the PWI Top-50 Tag Team rankings this year. The evaluation period for this award was October 2020 to September 30th, 2021. The Young Bucks were the AEW Tag Team Champions during much of this period.

PWI Tag Team Rankings 2021 Top-5

  1. The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson)
  2. Lucha Bros (Rey Fenix & Penta El Zero M)
  3. Dangerous Tekkers (Zack Sabre Jr & Taichi)
  4. The Usos (Jimmy & Jey Uso)
  5. ALK (Giulia & Syuri)

PWI Tag Team Rankings 2020 Top-5

  1. FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler)
  2. Kenny Omega & Adam Page
  3. Golden Role Models (Bayley & Sasha Banks)
  4. The North (Ethan Page & Josh Alexander)
  5. Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins)

PWI Tag Team Rankings 2019 Top-5

  1. FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler)
  2. Kenny Omega & “Hangman” Adam Page
  3. Golden Role Models (Bayley & Sasha Banks)
  4. The North (Ethan Page & Josh Alexander)
  5. Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins)

Before 2019, PWI gave out an award for the top team and announced 3 runners-up. The Young Bucks won the award in both 2018 and 2017. The New Day won the award in 2015 and 2016 and the Usos won it in 2014. The Shield won the award in 2013, Kofi Kingston and R-Truth in 2012, and Beer Money in 2011.

WWE Announces NIL Program To Recruit College Athletes

Chris Stephens
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WWE has announced a new NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) program aimed at recruiting college athletes. This follows the historic NCAA policy that went into effect this summer allowing college athletes to monetize their name, image, and likeness.

“Dubbed “Next In Line,” the NIL program aims to enhance the talent development process through collaborative partnerships with college athletes from diverse athletic backgrounds,” reads a WWE press release.

Triple H was also quoted in today’s press release announcing the Next In Line program.

“The WWE NIL program has the potential to be transformational to our business,” said Paul Levesque, WWE Executive Vice President, Global Talent Strategy and Development. “By creating partnerships with elite athletes at all levels across a wide variety of college sports, we will dramatically expand our pool of talent and create a system that readies NCAA competitors for WWE once their collegiate careers come to a close.” 

Part of the program will include college athletes being able to train at the WWE Performance Center. Athletes will also receive education on things such as brand building, media training, live event promotion and more. Upon completion of the program some athletes will be offered a WWE contract.

This program comes on the heels of WWE signing Olympic Gold medalist, Gable Steveson. He will return to school for his senior year and defend his NCAA championship at the University of Minnesota. WWE also announced they will unveil the first class of athletes in the program soon.

Eddie Kingston Talks Mental Health, Toxic Masculinity & Jon Moxley

Chris Stephens
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Eddie Kingston was recently interviewed by CBS Sports. During the discussion, Kingston spoke about mental health, Jon Moxley, and even what toxic masculinity is.

Kingston recently posted an article to the Player’s Tribune where he spoke openly about his struggles with mental health. It’s a subject he is trying to be as open about as he can.

“The best way to move on is to talk about what’s going on. And to make my own normal because no one is going through what I’m going through,” Kingston said. “I’m the one going through it so it’s my normal. Not that I’m broken, I’m just going to move on from it and move forward because that’s all I can do is move forward. Do I feel a little bit of pressure since that Players’ Tribune? Yeah, but I also kind of like it too because, look, I can move on, I can do it. I’m not the most mentally put-together person but I’m moving forward, I’m trying. So why can’t anybody else?”

Kingston also spoke about his friend Jon Moxley taking time to go to rehab and the reaction this has garnered from wrestling fans.

“My thing was, ‘I don’t care if anyone else understands. I get it. Your wife gets it, I get it. That’s all that matters.’ It does feel nice that everybody else got it. My girlfriend said this to me the other day. She’s the smart one. Toxic masculinity. I never heard of that before. She seems to think that’s dying because we’re actually celebrating men like Moxley who can accept their flaws but also work on them.”

The full interview with Eddie Kingston can be viewed in the player below.

In Kingston’s article to the Player’s Tribune he spoke about his mental health issues during the early part of his wrestling career. He also spoke about how much he drank during this period. More information on that story is available in the link below:

Eddie Kingston Talks His Struggles With Depression

Kingston wrestled against CM Punk at AEW Full Gear. In an interview with DAZN, Kingston noted that the match was not the biggest of his career but it was the most personal. Much of the story leading up to the match regarded a backstage altercation him and Punk had back when they were both on the independents.

Eddie Kingston Says Match Against CM Punk The Most Personal Of His Career

Update On Fenix Missing AEW Rampage This Week

Chris Stephens
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Fenix had been scheduled to defend the AEW World Tag Team Championships along with Penta El Zero M on Rampage this week. It was announced on last night’s Dynamite broadcast that he was injured and unable to travel, however. According to a report from Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, Fenix is not injured but rather just had travel difficulties leading to him missing the show.

“On tonight’s show for Rampage, they were supposed to do FTR against Penta and Fenix for the AEW tag team titles in a 2 out of 3 falls match. They kind of said Fenix was injured, he’s not injured he’s fine,” Meltzer said. “He had travel difficulties, he could not make it to the show, they were taping today for Friday. So, that’s why they did the promo and Pentagon and PAC faced FTR. It was obviously in a non-title match and it ended up being a 1-fall match as well.”

Meltzer continued to say that Pentagon and Fenix vs FTR for the AAA tag team titles on Saturday at TripleMania TripleMania Regia II is still scheduled to go ahead as planned.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1466228600122884097

PAC was Fenix’s replacement in the match against FTR. The titles were no longer on the line. The match was also switched from a best 2-of-3 falls match to just one fall. That match will air Friday night on AEW Rampage.

Footage of Arn Anderson’s Scary Fall On Dynamite

Chris Stephens
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Arn Anderson took a scary looking fall just as the main event to last night’s AEW Dynamite started. Cody Rhodes was making his entrance when Andrade El Idolo and his assistant Jose attacked. As Andrade went after Rhodes, Anderson lost his footing and fell off the ramp. He seemed to fall in-between the stage and the ramp area. Jose helped pick him up and then started to attack him as party of the storyline.

Anderson appeared okay and continued with the melee without showing any ill effects from the fall he took.

“I was told everyone is okay,” said Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio regarding Arn Anderson’s fall (as well as Cody’s flaming table spot).

Several fans have posted footage of Arn’s fall to social media.

https://twitter.com/JoelPearl/status/1466257948762591234

It was quite the main event last night from Atlanta. Rhodes picked up the victory over Andrade El Idolo in the Atlanta Street Fight. The finish came when Brandi Rhodes ran into the ring and poured gasoline on a table before lighting it on fire. Rhodes then suplexed Andrade through the table and got the pin. Rhodes seemed to take the brunt of the move, however, going directly through the highest part of the flames.

Following the match, AEW would post photos of Cody’s burnt back to social media. Those photos can be viewed in the link below:

Cody Rhodes’ Back Burned Following Flaming Table Spot (Photos)

Cody Rhodes’ Back Burned Following Flaming Table Spot (Photos)

Chris Stephens
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In the main event of last night’s AEW Dynamite Cody Rhodes and Andrade El Idolo went through a flaming table. After the move, Rhodes pinned Andrade while both men still had bits of flaming table attached to them.

“I was told everyone is okay,” said Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio regarding the flaming table spot (as well as Arn Anderson’s fall off the stage).

Following the match, AEW posted several photos of Cody’s burnt back to social media.

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https://www.instagram.com/p/CW905UiAY9v/

Cody Rhodes has a habit of doing big moves in Atlanta. He previously did a moonsault off the top of a steel cage when wrestling Wardlow in Atlanta’s State Farm Arena in February of 2020. He would later speak to Sports Illustrated about the spot.

“That was a very Terry Funk style of a moonsault,” said Rhodes. “I’m a bigger guy than people think, so the moonsault doesn’t come off easily.”

“The only piece of thinking in my mind was to throw my head back,” Rhodes continued. “My body will go where my head will go, that’s something John Laurinaitis and Dean Malenko told me when I first started doing the moonsault. As long as I threw my head back, I knew I’d be OK.”

Last night’s main event was the second time Rhodes and Andrade have faced off in singles action. Andrade defeated Rhodes the first time they met back on the November 3rd, 2021 episode of Dynamite.

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