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Former WWE Title Holders Turn Down Royal Rumble Appearance

Ryan Droste
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WWE made headlines recently when it was announced that Impact Wrestling Women’s Champion Mickie James would return to the company for an appearance in this year’s women’s Royal Rumble.

It turns out that James wasn’t the only former WWE talent currently with Impact that WWE reached out regarding the Rumble. According to Fightful Select, former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions The IIconics (Peyton Royce and Billie Kay) were asked about coming in for the match.

The two are currently the Impact Knockouts Tag Team Champions as The IInspiration. Both Cassie Lee (Royce) and Jessica McKay (Kay) decided against the return. They’re happy where they are at now in their careers since their WWE releases last year.

The Fightful report notes that Impact would have signed off on the request and allowed them to compete in the match had they wanted to. Apparently they are not the only former WWE releases who have been asked about returning for the Rumble match.

Difficulty Filling Out The Rumble Roster?

Royal Rumble
WWE Royal Rumble

The women’s side of the Royal Rumble appears to be quite challenging for WWE when it comes to filling out the roster with names the general audience will recognize (read: non-rookies from NXT). Given all of the releases over the last couple of years, the roster has been left pretty thin. Several names from the past have already been announced.

So far confirmed for this year’s women’s Royal Rumble: Mickie James, Charlotte Flair, Rhea Ripley, Nikki A.S.H., Dana Brooke, Carmella, Queen Zelina, Shotzi, Natalya, Aliyah, Naomi, Shayna Baszler, Nikki Bella, Brie Bella, Lita, Michelle McCool, Kelly Kelly, Summer Rae, Bianca Belair, and Liv Morgan.

Names confirmed so far for the men’s Royal Rumble match: Johnny Knoxville, Big E, AJ Styles, Angelo Dawkins, Montez Ford, Rey Mysterio, Dominik Mysterio, Austin Theory, Sheamus, Damian Priest, Happy Corbin, Madcap Moss, Sami Zayn, Kofi Kingston, and Kevin Owens.

Regarding the note that other WWE releases have been contacted about appearing in the Rumble matches, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer recently noted that no AEW talent will appear in the match.

Check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news: Apple – Spotify – YouTube.

Thunder Rosa Appears at The Wrld on GCW

Jake Skudder
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AEW star Thunder Rosa made a surprise appearance at The Wrld on GCW PPV event tonight from the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City.

Rosa appeared during the PBR Kickoff Battle Royal, appearing as an entrant late into the match to a huge pop from the crowd.

A number of independent wrestling stars appeared during the match, including some Hall of Famers such as Rukus and B-Boy.

Thunder Rosa appeared following the appearance of LuFisto in the match, and the two women worked in tandem towards the end of the match against the two remaining male competitors.

Thunder Rosa at The Wrld on GCW

The AEW star was able to eliminate the huge Parrow during the match, and this got one of the biggest pops of the entire kickoff show.

Rosa was finally eliminated by JCW star Charles Mason, who was one of the final two competitors in the ring alongside Big Vin.

Here is the full card for the PPV event tonight:

  • GCW World Championship Match – Jon Moxley (c) vs. Homicide
  • Ring of Honor World Championship Match – Jonathan Gresham (c) vs. Blake Christian
  • Gringo Loco, Flamita & Arez vs. Bandido, ASF & Laredo Kid
  • Jeff Jarrett vs. EFFY
  • Allie Katch vs. Ruby Soho
  • Joey Janela vs. Matt Cardona w/ Chelsea Green
  • GCW Tag Team Championship Match – The Briscoes (c) vs TBA
  • Grab The Brass Ring Ladder Match – Jordan Oliver vs. Jimmy Lloyd vs. Alex Colon vs. Lio Rush vs. PCO vs Tony Deppen
  • PBR Kickoff Battle Royal (Kickoff Show)
  • PBR Kickoff Scramble: Jack Cartwheel vs. Dante Leon vs. Grim Reefer vs. Ninja Mack vs. Nick Wayne vs. Alex Zayne (Kickoff Show)

The show is available to watch now via FITE TV for $14.99.

The WRLD on GCW Results (01/23/22)

Jake Skudder
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GCW presented The Wrld on GCW Sunday night live from the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, New York.

Here are the results:

  • GCW Tag Team Championship Match – Matt Tremont and Nick Gage b. The Briscoes (c) – NEW CHAMPIONS
  • GCW World Championship Match: Jon Moxley (c) b. Homicide – Moxley took the win after hitting the Deathrider on a chair
  • Jeff Jarrett b. EFFY – Jarrett took the win after hitting Effy with a guitar and then the Stroke
  • Ruby Soho b. Allie Katch – The crowd were not happy that Allie lost
  • Matt Cardona w/ Chelsea Green b. Joey Janela – Cardona hit a Ruff Rider through a door after a million people interfered including Marko Stunt, Hornswoggle, Virgil, Brian Myers and X-Pac
  • Blake Christian b. Lio Rush – Christian took the win after hitting the 450 footstomp. Jonathan Gresham had to be replaced due to a medical precaution
  • Gringo Loco, Flamita & Arez b. Bandido, ASF & Laredo Kid – Gringo Loco took the win after hitting a Gotch style piledriver on ASF
  • Grab The Brass Ring Ladder Match: AJ Gray b. Jordan Oliver vs. Jimmy Lloyd vs. Alex Colon vs. Lio Rush vs. PCO vs Tony Deppen – Gray was a last minute addition to the match after Eddie Kingston was unable to make the event and their match was cancelled
  • PBR Kickoff Scramble: Grim Reefer b. Jack Cartwheel vs. Dante Leon vs. Ninja Mack vs. Nick Wayne vs. Alex Zayne (Kickoff Show)
  • PBR Kickoff Battle Royal (Kickoff Show): Big Vin won after eliminating Charles Mason

Impact TV Taping Spoilers From Night 2 In Fort Lauderdale

Chris Stephens
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Impact Wrestling held the second TV taping on back-to-back nights on Saturday from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Two episodes of their weekly television show were taped. The results are below.

The results from night 1 of the Fort Lauderdale tapings can be found here.

Impact TV Taping Spoilers

  • Jack Tolos defeated VSK
  • Lady Frost defeated Alisha Edwards. Following Frost’s victory, Gisele Shaw stood on the rampway and motioned at Frost.
  • Black Taurus defeated Raj Singh
  • The IInspiration (Cassie Lee & Jessica McKay) defeated The Influence (Madison Rayne and Kaleb with a K)
  • Josh Alexander cut a promo about facing the Honor No More faction at No Surrender. He said while the world title is important to him, defending Impact Wrestling from the invaders is important too. Big Kon, the former Konnor from WWE, then came out and an impromptu match began.
  • Josh Alexander defeated Big Kon. After the match, Alexander continued to assault Kon. Then security tried to break it up but he attacked them too. Scott D’Amore came out and was pushed down by Alexander. D’Amore then removed Alexander from the match at No Surrender and sent him home.
  • A segment featuring Bullet Club and the Good Brothers/VBD alliance took place. Matches were scheduled for No Surrender with Eric Young vs Jay White and GOD vs The Good Brothers.
  • Mike Bennett and Matt Taven (OKC) defeated Rhino & Rich Swann. Maria threw powder in Rhino’s eyes to help the Honor No More faction win. Steve Maclin came in to make the save after.
  • W. Morrissey defeated Brian Myers in a No DQ match. Moose attacked Morrissey after the match. Moose and Morrissey will meet for the title at No Surrender.
  • JONAH defeated Crazzy Steve of Decay and then had a stare down with Taurus.
  • Masha Slamovich defeated Kiah Dream
  • Ace Austin defeated Blake Christian and Laredo Kid in a triple threat.
  • Gisele Shaw defeated Lady Frost
  • Chris Sabin defeated Kenny King
  • Tasha Steelz & Savannah Evans defeated Mickie James & Chelsea Green
  • A contract signing between Moose and W. Morrissey surprisingly got physical.
  • Violent by Design (Eric Young, Deaner, and Joe Doering) defeated Bullet Club (Jay White, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa)

Photos From Impact Tapings From Florida

The Twitter account @MrJacobCohen Tweeted out the below photos:

MJF Snubs Wardlow Once Again

Ryan Droste
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The feud between MJF and Wardlow has been simmering for a couple of years now. The two on-screen partners have been building up to a split for pretty much the entire duration of AEW — one of the longest term stories that the company has told.

That split seems to finally be coming sooner rather than later. We saw MJF cost Wardlow a match against CM Punk on Dynamite two weeks ago, and with Dynamite taking place in Wardlow’s hometown of Cleveland this week, many are wondering if we could see that split finally take place.

MJF continues to build up heat for that eventual turn, most recently Sunday afternoon on Twitter.

MJF took it upon himself to wish a Happy Birthday to Will Hobbs in a way that read like a shot to Wardlow.

“Happy birthday to the best big man in AEW by a country mile,” MJF wrote.

One can’t overstate just how well the build has been to the eventual moment when the turn for Wardlow against MJF takes place. The crowd is sure to give it a massive reaction, especially if it occurs in his hometown this week. Everyone involved in the story has built Wardlow up into a cool character with an unstoppable feel around him, including Punk in the match two weeks ago. Of course, MJF, the top heel in AEW and arguably the entire business, has played his role perfectly in the build throughout.

Check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news: Apple – Spotify – YouTube.

MLW Blood & Thunder Results from Dallas, TX (1/22/22)

Michael Reichlin
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Major League Wrestling held its latest live event from Dallas, Texas on Saturday night, MLW Blood & Thunder.

Matches from Blood & Thunder were taped for upcoming episodes of MLW Fusion.

This event featured the MLW debuts of Rok-C, Buddy Matthews and Bandido.

Here are the results, courtesy of PWInsider:

  • King Muertes def. Richard Holliday
  • National Openweight Champion Alex Kane retained against Calvin Tankman
  • Ikuro Kwon answered EJ Nduka’s open challenge, but lost. After the match, he denied losing and called out Jacob Fatu.
  • Jacob Fatu def. Ikuro Kwon
  • Davey Richards def. ACH.
  • Amaris, El Dragon & Micro Man def. Arez, Gino Medina & Mino Abismo Negro
  • Hammerstone def. El Pagano in a Falls Count Anywhere match. After the match, Alicia Atout gave Hammerstone a low blow and presented the MLW World Championship to Richard Holliday.
  • The Saito Brothers defeated Bud Heavy & Gnarls Garvin
  • TJP def. Buddy Matthews
  • KC Navarro def. Ho Ho Lun
  • Myron Reed def. Bandido, Matt Cross & Tajiri (c) to win the MLW Middleweight Championship.
  • 5150 def. Los Parks in a Ladder Match
  • Miranda Gordy def. Rok-C
  • Jacob Fatu def. Mads Krugger

WWE Considers Money In The Bank Change

Ryan Droste
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This year’s WWE Money In The Bank premium live event is scheduled to take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, the home of the Las Vegas Raiders and the same location as last year’s SummerSlam event.

Currently, Money In The Bank is scheduled for Saturday, July 2nd. However, the UFC will now be in Las Vegas on the very same date for a PPV event at the T-Mobile Arena. Obviously, this could create logistical chaos for people who want to attend both events.

WWE has a hold on Allegiant Stadium for Sunday, July 3rd and is reportedly considering moving Money in the Bank to that date to avoid conflict with the UFC show, according to Sean Ross Sapp.

Tickets are not on sale yet for WWE Money In The Bank, so this is still a very fluid situation. Either way, we’re looking at a massive Independence Day holiday weekend in Las Vegas.

With the Royal Rumble, SummerSlam, and of course WrestleMania having been held in stadiums, Money In The Bank now joins that elite group of regular WWE shows to be held in front of such a large live audience, not counting the twice per year Saudi Arabia special events as well as other special international events that have been held in stadiums over the years.

Last year’s Money In The Bank event was held in Fort Worth, Texas and saw Big E capture the briefcase on the men’s side, while Nikki A.S.H. won the match on the women’s side. That show was part of WWE’s first weekend live touring once again following the hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news: Apple – Spotify – YouTube.

MVP on Bianca Belair: “She’s the Fastest, the Strongest, the Best.”

Michael Reichlin
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Bianca Belair has a huge fan in MVP. The former leader of the Hurt Business says the EST is the fastest, strongest and best women’s wrestler in WWE. He’s so high on her that he’s actually tried recruiting her to his faction.

MVP sat down with Corey Graves this week for the latest episode of WWE’s After the Bell podcast.

It’s late January, so of course the main topic at hand was the Royal Rumble. However, MVP just couldn’t help gushing over Bianca Belair.

MVP says Belair vs. Sasha Banks at WrestleMania 37 was one of the greatest matches he’s ever seen. It was the moment that Bianca Belair stepped into the spotlight and showed the world that she’s the new face of WWE’s women’s division.

He couldn’t believe WWE’s decision to book Belair in a 20-second loss to Becky Lynch at SummerSlam. MVP said he could rant about that incident for a half hour, but spared us of that.

Next weekend at the Royal Rumble, Doudrop challenges Becky Lynch for the Raw Women’s Championship. It’s a match that Doudrop says is 15 years in the making.

MVP could see Doudrop winning the title, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter. He wants Bianca Belair as champion and everything else is just fodder.

“I don’t want to talk about any other women in the WWE,” said MVP. “Bianca Belair isn’t in the conversation, because she truly is The EST. She’s the fastest, she’s the strongest, she’s the best. I can’t see a conversation about the WWE Women’s Championship without Bianca Belair in it.”

MVP Wanted Bianca Belair in the Hurt Business

The Hurt Business has been one the most dominant factions in WWE over the past several years. Back when they were in full swing, MVP says people would tell him they need to add a woman to the group.

Hearing MVP profess his admiration for Bianca Belair, it should come as no surprise that MVP tried recruiting her.

“There were some discussions with Bianca Belair, but things went a different way,” said MVP. “So I say all that to say that I’m a fan of Bianca Belair and I believe that when you talk about the WWE Women’s Championship, if Bianca Belair isn’t in that conversation, I don’t want to have it.”

Listen to MVP’s appearance on the After the Bell podcast here:

Vince McMahon “Shows No Signs of Slowing Down”

Michael Reichlin
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Vince McMahon is still going strong at 76 years old. The Chairman and CEO of WWE is working as hard as ever, according to one of his closest allies.

WWE Senior Vice President Bruce Prichard has worked with McMahon on and off since the 1980’s. He’s seen McMahon operate during the glory days of Hulkamania, the dark days of the steroid trial in the mid-90’s, WWE’s peak Attitude Era and is one of the most influential people in WWE to this day.

During a recent episode of his Something to Wrestle podcast, Prichard said he could see Vince McMahon running WWE for decades to come. The latest installment focused on the 2005 Royal Rumble pay-per-view. That show featured the infamous ending of Vince McMahon charging to ringside and tearing both of his quads as he entered the ring.

Wrestlers, promotions and eras have come and gone over the past 40 years. One constant in this industry has been Vince McMahon.

“He’s a freak of nature…”

– Bruce Prichard describing Vince McMahon

During times when business is soft or fans are unhappy with WWE’s creative direction, some people question if McMahon still has “it.”

Bruce Prichard says McMahon still has the energy and vision to lead WWE into the future. When asked about Vince McMahon’s longterm future running WWE, Prichard gave a glowing review of pro wrestling’s Walt Disney.

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Vince McMahon (2022)

“Yeah, I can’t imagine him not doing it and I am sure that he will continue to do it probably for the next 25-to-30 years,” said Prichard. “His mom’s 101 and still going so, you know, he shows no signs of slowing down at all.”

Prichard added that it’s hard to imagine WWE without Vince McMahon at the helm. Thankfully, he doesn’t think we’ll have to worry about that scenario any time soon.

“He’s a freak of nature and it’s hard to imagine it without him and I don’t think that we’ll have to imagine it without him for a long, long time.”

Listen to Something to Wrestle: Royal Rumble 2005 with Bruce Prichard and Conrad Thompson below or at AdFreeShows.com.

Doudrop vs. Becky Lynch is 15 Years in the Making

Michael Reichlin
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Doudrop will battle Becky Lynch for the Raw Women’s Championship next weekend at the Royal Rumble. This is the biggest match of her career to date.

Doudrop spoke with Alex McCarthy of talkSPORT this past week about why this match is so significant for her.

Let’s go back 15 years when she was training to be a pro wrestler. She was (literally) ‘learning the ropes’ in a small warehouse in Linwood, Scotland.

“Way back when I first started training in a little warehouse in Linwood, Scotland, there really wasn’t many experienced girls in the UK wrestling scene at all.”

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Doudrop and Becky Lynch (Photo: WWE)

At the time, the UK was a hotbed for future women’s wrestling talent. She trained in Scotland with Nikki Storm, best known to WWE fans as Nikki ASH. Mischief and Erin Angel were down in England. They all knew about this up and comer in Ireland named Rebecca Knox.

“We were very aware of Becky at the time, she said.”Even back then she was at the top of her game, she recalls. “She was the girl our trainers were trying to get in and have matches with us so we could learn from her, get some kind of experience.”

She never did get a chance to work with Becky Lynch back then. Rebecca Knox was doing everything she could to make it over to the United States, which she ultimately did.

Doudrop made a name for herself as Piper Niven in the UK and Japan. She had impressive runs in ICW, EVE and Stardom.

15 years later, Piper Niven will finally cross paths with Becky Lynch on the big stage.

Doudrop vs. Becky Lynch goes down next weekend at the WWE Royal Rumble.

Killer Kross Wants to Be a More “Complete Version” of Himself post-WWE

Jake Skudder
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0

Former WWE NXT Champion Killer Kross/Karrion Kross recently discussed his plans post-WWE, with him wanting to round out his character and in-ring performance even more.

Speaking on the Wrassle Rap podcast, the former NXT and RAW Superstar revealed “I learned so much in my entire experience with that company, with NXT and the main roster.

“I feel like a more complete version of myself actually going through that entire experience. There were different challenges on the main roster than there were in NXT” Kross continued.

Killer Kross on Post-WWE

“One of them, and this might not translate to a lot of people but this is like, just having your times changed when you’re out there” Kross noted.

“And that happened pretty frequently. Having the confidence to go out there and perform live while the entire world is watching, and change things on the fly when somebody else’s life is completely in your hands. There’s just a lot going on” Kross revealed of his time on the main roster.

It is not yet confirmed where Kross will be appearing next, however, the chances of a return to IMPACT Wrestling is certainly not out of the question.

AEW is another potential option for the former NXT Superstar, but it is not known if All Elite and Tony Khan are interested in bringing him into the company.

h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

Rey Mysterio Names His ‘Dream’ WrestleMania Moment

Jake Skudder
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0

WWE and WCW Legend Rey Mysterio recently revealed his ‘dream’ WrestleMania moment, which unsurprisingly includes his son Dominik.

Speaking to Metro.co.uk, Mysterio revealed that he wants to have a match at the iconic event alongside his flesh and blood.

“There is definitely a WrestleMania moment that has yet to be seen next to my son,” Mysterio began the interview.

“That is something that if you would have told me a year ago, that I was going to be able to share the ring with my son, let alone become tag-team champions – the first-ever in WWE – I would have said, ‘get out of here,'” Mysterio added.

Rey Mysterio WrestleMania Moment

“Now things have just flourished and have manifested,” Mysterio continued. “I’m putting this out in the world that I want to have a WrestleMania moment with my son before I end up hanging up the mask.”

Mysterio is no stranger to major WrestleMania moments, with the former WCW Cruiserweight Champion having matches against the likes of Eddie Guerrero, Kurt Angle and Randy Orton at the Showcase of The Immortals.

Getting the opportunity to share the ring with his son will of course be the most sentimental WrestleMania moment he could hope to have.

It remains to be seen if WWE will honor the request from the Luchador legend, but it would certainly make sense for the Mysterios to have a match of some form on this year’s WrestleMania 38 card.

Gisele Shaw Debuts for IMPACT Wrestling

Jake Skudder
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0

Gisele Shaw officially made her debut for IMPACT Wrestling as part of the recent television tapings that took place.

Shaw appeared on the entrance ramp after Lady Frost defeated Alisha Edwards, Gisele would pose in front of Lady Frost while ignoring her, then leave.

Gisele Shaw is currently the PROGRESS Wrestling Women’s Champion and will be appearing for the company at their Sunday 6th February show in Manchester, England.

It is not currently confirmed if Shaw is now officially signed to the company or whether this will be a short run.

Gisele Shaw IMPACT

It is also not confirmed if Shaw will be dropping the PROGRESS Women’s Championship, or whether she will be able to honor the dates she is already booked for to drop the title.

Rhio and Mercedez Blaze are set to collide at today’s PROGRESS live show return in the Revelations of Divine Love tournament final. The winner of that bout will go on to face Shaw for the title on Sunday 6th February.

It is not known when the episode of IMPACT Wrestling featuring the debut of Gisele Shaw will be aired, but it will likely be in the coming weeks ahead of the No Surrender event on Saturday February 19th.

Jon Moxley Makes Surprise Appearance, Wrestles at Indy Show Saturday Night

Ryan Droste
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One night after wrestling his first match for AEW in nearly three months on Rampage, Jon Moxley was back at it on Saturday night for Northeast Wrestling.

Moxley made a surprise appearance as part of Northeast Wrestling Wrestlefest 26 in Poughkeepsie, New York. He was a replacement for Jay Lethal. Moxley ended up wrestling, and defeating, Channing Thomas.

Check out some images from the event below courtesy of Twitter.

Moxley is in New York for Sunday night’s GCW PPV event at the Hammerstein Ballroom. At that show, titled The Wrld on GCW, Moxley will defend the GCW Heavyweight Championship against Homicide.

Check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news: Apple – Spotify – YouTube.

Shawn Michaels Didn’t Know Royal Rumble Would Be As Big As It Is Today

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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0

Shawn Michaels didn’t anticipate the Royal Rumble event to be as popular as it’s become.

The man known as “HBK” made his Royal Rumble debut back in 1989. At the time, he couldn’t have imagined the event becoming a huge pit stop on the road to WrestleMania. The event has become its own massive weekend for wrestling fans to the point where it’s being held in stadiums.

Shawn Michaels Talks Growth Of Royal Rumble

Serving as a guest on WWE’s The Bump, Shawn Michaels admitted he didn’t anticipate the Royal Rumble event becoming so big.

“No. So, gosh the first time you — I don’t know. You hear about it, it’s a battle royale essentially. I had no idea that it would become — look, as everybody knows now the Royal Rumble comes and it has so many implications now towards WrestleMania and that’s where you start thinking about it.

“So, no I gotta be honest, I didn’t know that the event would be such the landmark that it is now. It was an unbelievable concept but at the same time, I don’t know I guess you always feel to have almost 30-plus years of longevity in this line of work, pretty tough to do.

“But again, it’s something that to me I feel like once the Rumble comes that’s when everybody gets excited and the road to WrestleMania is right around the corner. As I say, I don’t know that that does justice to just how big that event’s become.”

This year’s Royal Rumble event will emanate from The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri. It’ll take place on Jan. 29, which falls on a Saturday.

Please H/T SEScoops with a link if you use any quotes from this article

Mark Henry Disagrees With Bully Ray: Jon Moxley Didn’t Owe Anybody An Apology

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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0

Mark Henry isn’t on board with Bully Ray’s recent take on Jon Moxley’s return promo.

Moxley was expected to make it to the finals of an AEW World Heavyweight Championship tournament. He likely would’ve gone one-on-one with Bryan Danielson. “MOX” ended up withdrawing from the tournament to enter an alcohol treatment program.

Jon Moxley Returns, Bully Ray Criticizes

Jon Moxley made his return on the Jan. 19 episode of Dynamite. Outside of one heckler who got verbally eviscerated by “MOX,” the crowd stood in silence to hear what Jon had to say. Moxley fired up the supportive fans and talked about how everyone has internal scars that they should be proud of.

Bully Ray took to Busted Open Radio to express his belief that Moxley was missing an apology in the speech.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sy7H5V7KulY

“I would have liked to have heard just a little bit of accountability from Jon. I understand the whole demons thing and we always use the word demons as a creative word to get around the real issues.

“Whether it’s an alcohol issue, whether it’s a drug issue. In Tommy’s case, it’s an eating issue. Everybody has some kind of ‘demon’ that they have to get around.

“So, okay we have our ‘demons.’ These demons got the best of Jon for a time period where he had to step away from AEW. I would’ve liked to have heard him say a bit of an apology to the AEW fans.”

Mark Henry Comes To MOX’s Defense

Mark Henry, who works with Bully Ray on Busted Open, doesn’t agree with his colleague on the “MOX” promo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHVOP6wvCEE

“I have to disagree with our contemporary Bully Ray. He didn’t owe anybody an apology.”

Moxley was back in the ring on the Jan. 21 episode of Rampage. He defeated Ethan Page to get the show started. After the match, he had a staredown with Bryan Danielson.

Please H/T SEScoops with a link if you use any quotes from this article. Thanks to Putting You Over for the videos.

Nick Gage Comments On Being Left Off GCW PPV

Chris Stephens
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0

GCW presents “The WRLD On GCW” tomorrow night from the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. One of the company’s most recognizable stars does not have a match scheduled for the show, however.

Gage hasn’t wrestled since being defeated by Minoru Suzuki at GCW War Ready on October 23rd, 2021. He has previously stated that he was taking time off to heal injuries.

In a video posted recently, Gage comments on not being scheduled to have a match on the big Hammerstein Ballroom show this weekend. In the video, Gage says he doesn’t know why he’s not on the card.

“I want to say, ‘Thank you!’” Gage opens the video. “And for Hammerstein, I ain’t on that f**king show. You know, I don’t know why I’m not on that show. You better go ask the f**king guys that own that f**king company. But I do my own motherf**king thing. I represent Murder Death Kill Gang, okay? In 2022, we’re going to take this s**t over.”

Gage’s full video is available below:

The WRLD On GCW Lineup

  • GCW World Championship
    Jon Moxley (c) vs. Homicide
  • Matt Cardona (with Chelsea Green) vs. Joey Janela
  • ROH World Championship
    Jonathan Gresham (c) vs. Blake Christian
  • GCW Tag Team Championship Open Challenge
    Briscoe Brothers (c) vs. TBA
  • Ruby Soho vs. Allie Katch
  • Jeff Jarrett vs. EFFY
  • Eddie Kingston vs. AJ Gray
  • Team Bandido (Bandido, Laredo Kid & ASF) vs. Team Gringo (Gringo Loco, Arez & Demonic Flamita)
  • Grab The Brass Ring Ladder Match
    PCO vs. Alex Colon vs. Tony Deppen vs. Lio Rush vs. Jimmy Lloyd vs. Jordan Oliver
  • Pre-Show Scramble Match
    Grim Reefer vs. Alex Zayne vs. Dante Leon vs. Nick Wayne vs. Jack Cartwheel vs. Ninja Mack

H/T To Wrestling Inc. for the above transcriptions.

WWE Royal Rumble: Details on Possible Surprise Entrants

Michael Reichlin
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0

WWE may have some surprises in store for next weekend’s Royal Rumble premium live event.

The Rumble is the official kickoff to the road to WrestleMania and surprise entrants are part of what makes the show exciting each year.

WWE already spilled the beans on several major returns scheduled for the Women’s Royal Rumble. Impact Knockouts Champion Mickie James, The Bella Twins, Lita, Michelle McCool, Kelly Kelly and Summer Rae are among the familiar faces we’ll see back in action.

Royal Rumble Surprises

bron breakker

Two wrestlers from WWE’s developmental brand are scheduled to be in town for the Royal Rumble. According to PWInsider, NXT Champion Bron Breakker and are both slated to be in St. Louis.

This in itself is not a guarantee that Bron & Gunther will be part of the 30-man over-the-top-rope battle royal. However, we have seen NXT stars appear in the Royal Rumble before. It’s a great way to showcase this talent on the big stage.

Royal Rumble Entrants

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As of this writing, the following 15 people (14 Superstars and Jackass star Johnny Knoxville) have ‘declared’ for the 2022 Men’s Royal Rumble match:

  • AJ Styles
  • Angelo Dawkins
  • Austin Theory
  • Big E
  • Damian Priest
  • Dominik Mysterio
  • Happy Corbin
  • Johnny Knoxville
  • Kevin Owens
  • Kofi Kingston
  • Madcap Moss
  • Montez Ford
  • Rey Mysterio
  • Sami Zayn
  • Sheamus

The 2022 WWE Royal Rumble takes place Sunday, January 29th from The Dome at America’s Center in St Louis, Missouri.

Summer Rae Responds To Fans Saying She’s Not A Legend

Chris Stephens
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Summer Rae made an appearance on WWE Smackdown last night. She’ll also perform in the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble match on January 29th in St. Louis. She was given a warm response from the live crowd but some fans on social media criticized her being referred to as a legend.

Summer Rae posted a video to social media in response to fans saying she shouldn’t have been called a legend.

“I am seeing so many complaints that WWE called me a legend tonight. I don’t make the rules, y’all. They said what they said,” she said.

Rae also appeared recently on Renee Paquette’s Sessions podcast and spoke about getting the call from WWE to be in the Rumble.

“When they called me about Rumble and stuff, at first they were like, ‘would you be interested? Would you even consider it?’ That was like the second thing that I said, ‘Oh, I’m red-headed now.’ I guess Sasha has every hair color under the world and [Naomi], but I think I look extremely different and some people don’t even recognize me, especially on socials. John Cone was like, ‘Johnny [John Laurinaitis] and I, will bring it up to Vince.’ I remember saying it in front of my sister and she was like, ‘Don’t use it as an excuse.’ ‘It’s not an excuse. I can’t just show up like this and Vince see me and be like who the hell is that?’”

H/T to Fightful for the above transcriptions.

Lio Rush Announces He’ll Become A Free Agent Next Month

Chris Stephens
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In a Tweet he posted this morning, Lio Rush has announced that he will become a free agent next month. He noted that his contract with AEW will expire on February 14th, 2022 and he’ll become a free agent after that.

https://twitter.com/IamLioRush/status/1484908157428113408

The last time Rush wrestled on AEW programming was the Dynamite Diamond Battle Royal on the December 8th, 2021 episode of Dynamite. He had also been involved in an angle where he had been mentoring Dante Martin. Team Taz seemingly then recruited Dante only for him to turn on them during the December 8th battle royal.

Rush recently appeared on a Fightful podcast, and noted that he considers himself something of a “lone wolf.”

“I will say this, and this is no secret, but this is just me pointing out the obvious. I’m a lone wolf. I go where I want. I like putting things on my resume. I like working in a lot of different places. I like wrestling anybody and everybody.”

“We’ve seen that ever since I left WWE. I’ve been in AAA, MLW, AEW, and New Japan. It’s (my independence) very important for my mental stability. I never really liked being stuck in one spot, especially if I don’t have control over that. I am on a deal with AEW. I’m also on a deal with New Japan. I’m also doing my own things back at home, so it’s pretty open ended and it’s just exciting.”

H/T To WrestlingNewsCO for the above transcriptions.

Spoiler On Title Change At MLW Blood and Thunder Tapings

Chris Stephens
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MLW presented Blood and Thunder from Gilley’s in Dallas, Texas last night. The MLW World Middleweight Championship changed hands on the show.

In a triple threat match for the title, defending champion Tajiri took on former champion Myron Reed and Bandido. Reed picked up the victory and won the title for a record 3rd time. Tajiri’s reign ends at 111 days. During his reign, the 51-year-old successfully defended the title on an All Japan show against Atsuki Aoyagi in a match that aired on MLW programming.

https://twitter.com/WrestlingCovers/status/1484745527124234244

Spoiler On Richard Holliday and Alicia Atout

Frequent viewers of MLW programming have witnessed a budding romance between Richard Holliday and Alicia Atout, although neither has really admitted to this. It appears there was a big development on their angle during the tapings as the below Tweet indicates.

Unfortunately for MLW, this show was dealt a significant blow when Ross and Marshall Von Erich had to be pulled after testing positive for COVID-19. A major angle had been set up with the Von Erichs attempting to win the tag team titles in Dallas for the first time in 40 years. Other matches scheduled to air as part of these tapings are below:

  • MLW World Heavyweight Championship 
    Falls Count Anywhere 
    Alexander Hammerstone (c) vs. Pagano
  • MLW Middleweight World Championship
    Tajiri (c) vs. Myron Reed vs. TBA
  • National Openweight Championship
    Alex Kane (c) vs. Calvin Tankman
  • TJP vs. Matt Cross
  • Jacob Fatu vs. Mads Krugger
  • Miranda Gordy vs. Rok-C
  • Davey Richards vs. ACH
  • Aramis, El Dragon & TBA vs. Arez, Gino Medina & Mini Abismo Negro
  • EJ Nduka vs. TBA

Will Bron Breakker Enter the WWE Royal Rumble?

Ryan Droste
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Royal Rumble season is always full of surprises, so naturally, some are wondering if reigning NXT Champion Bron Breakker will enter the Rumble this year.

This year’s Royal Rumble takes place next Saturday in St. Louis, Missouri. In year’s past, it hasn’t been uncommon for NXT stars to come out and enter the Rumble match. This year, however, is the first time since NXT rebranded themselves NXT 2.0.

Breakker was asked about potentially entering the match during an interview with Bleacher Report.

“If the opportunity presents itself, I’m going,” Breakker said. “That’d be awesome. I’d love to have that opportunity, it’d be freakin’ nuts. I hope it happens.”

Breakker’s father, Rick Steiner, competed in the 1994 Royal Rumble. The wrestling legend and former multi-time tag team champion was in Orlando for his son’s NXT title victory on January 4th.

“I didn’t really know he was coming,” Breakker revealed. “I invited him down and said ‘hey, do you want to come to the show?’ He drove down and surprised me. He showed up and it was cool. It was the first time he’s ever seen me work and getting to be a part of it in person. I got to cherish that with my dad and my brother was there, too. It’s one of those things you never forget.”

Rick Steiner and Bron Breakker
Rick Steiner and Bron Breakker

Of course, Bron’s father isn’t the only member of the family who once wrestled. Wrestling legend Tommy Dreamer recently stated that Breakker is the perfect mold of his father, Rick Steiner, and uncle, Scott Steiner.

“If you look at Bron Breakker, he has both characters — it’s like he’s the perfect mold of both Steiner brothers. The Steiner brothers were a money tag team. Rick, like I said was a money babyface, and Scott was a money singles guy as well.

“So, there’s nothing but a great future for Bron Breakker and he has that charisma, and even last night when he locked in the Steiner Recliner, that place they went nuts for it.

“He’s got the powerslam, he’s got the military press, but there was a simple spot where Ciampa went for the boot and Bron Breakker pulled himself up and caught him with the Frakensteiner in mid-air. I mean, come on. He’s athletic as can be.

“He grew up in that home with the Steiners and it’s like he’s a clone of both his father and his uncle and that’s nothing but pure money.”

Check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news: Apple – Spotify – YouTube.

Impact Television Taping Spoilers

Chris Stephens
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Impact Wrestling taped two episodes of their weekly show in Fort Lauderdale, Florida last night. Former WWE wrestlers debuted, Bullet Club returned and more took place on the show.

Impact Spoilers From Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Before the Impact Match Results:

  • Eddie Edwards defeated Big Kon (formerly Konnor of the Ascension in WWE).
  • Laredo Kid defeated Blake Christian (wrestles in GCW, formerly Trey Baxter in WWE).

Impact Wrestling Weekly Television Results:

  • Jake Something defeated Chris Bey. After the match, Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa attacked Something. Both Mike Bailey and Jay White came out and got involved in the melee.
  • The Honor No More faction of ROH invaders – PCO, Vincent, OGK & Maria Kanellis – got into a confrontation with Scott D’Amore. A 5-on-5 match of them vs. several of Impact’s top babyfaces was booked for No Surrender with the stipulation that if Honor No More win, they can remain in Impact.
  • Gail Kim came out to praise Mickie James but Tasha Steelz and Savannah Evans interrupted. This broke down into a brawl between Steelz & Evans against James and Chelsea Green.
  • JONAH defeated Johnny Swinger
  • W. Morrissey defeated Brian Myers’ Learning Tree in a handicap match.
  • PCO defeated Chris Sabin.
  • Digital Media Championship
    Matt Cardona defeated Jordynne Grace (c) – Cardona wins the title.
  • ROH Championship
    Jonathan Gresham (c) defeated Steve Maclin via DQ – Maclin refused to let go of a submission after Gresham had gotten to the ropes.
  • Josh Alexander defeated Vincent – After the match, Kenny King came out and attacked Alexander – he is now in the Honor No More faction.
  • Bhupinder Gujjar defeated John Skyler
  • Masha Slamovich defeated Kaci Lennox
  • Deonna Purrazzo defeated Santana Garrett
  • Mickie James vs. Chelsea Green – ruled a no-contest after interference from Tasha Steelz and Savannah Evans
  • Jay White, Chris Bey, Tama Tonga, and Tonga Loa (Bullet Club) defeated Ace Austin, Madman Fulton, Jake Something and “Speedball” Mike Bailey. After the match, The Good Brothers and Violent By Design attacked the Bullet Club faction.

Road Dogg Comments On If NXT 2.0 Has Been Unsuccessful

Chris Stephens
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“Road Dogg” Brian James recently responded to reports that NXT 2.0 is being viewed as unsuccessful backstage in WWE. James responded to a Tweet from the @WrestleVotes account.

“Internally WWE is said to be disappointed w/ NXT 2.0 in its first 4 months. Source said they thought more fans would gravitate towards the newer stars quicker than they have. Could it just be too much, too fast? Either way I don’t expect any changes to the concept… just yet,” wrote @WrestleVotes.

James, however, disputed this take.

“I disagree with their take. Think about it from a logical, business standpoint; They can do no wrong! Getting PAID for content, developing new character while getting experience in the ring. EVERY show wishes their ratings (which mean nothing) were higher. It’s working!” Road Dogg Tweeted.

James would continue to interact with @WrestleVotes and noted that he is the only thing not working in NXT right now.

AEW Rampage Results (1/21): Jon Moxley & Bryan Danielson, TBS Title Match, Hook

Robert Lentini
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AEW Rampage aired live this week from the Entertainment & Sports Arena in Washington, DC. Jon Moxley returned to the ring tonight and battled Ethan Page. HOOK wrestled Serpentine and Jade Cargill defended the TBS Championship against Anna Jay in the main event.

Rampage Results

  1. Jon Moxley def. Ethan Page
  2. Trent Beretta def. Nick Jackson
  3. HOOK def. Serpentico
  4. Jade Cargill def. Anna Jay to retain the TBS Championship

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Jon Moxley def. Ethan Page, Confrontation With Bryan Danielson

Jon Moxley made his entrance to begin the show and got a great reaction. Moxley threw chairs into the ring. Page told Scorpio Sky that he didn’t want him ringside and wanted to battle Moxley on his own. Moxley and Page traded punches to begin the action. Ethan took control and the announcers noted how Jon hadn’t been in the ring for a bit and was rusty. Moxley sent Page into the barricade and brought him back into the ring. Moxley went for a shoulder tackle but Page dodged it and Jon crashed into the ring post as Rampage went to a commercial break.

When Rampage returned, Page was about to hit Ego’s Edge but Moxley fought out of it. Moxley connected with a German Suplex and followed it up with another one. Page kneed Moxley in the face but Jon quickly hit a Clothesline. Moxley went for the Paradigm Shift but Page countered into a Brainbuster for a two count.

Page applied a Half Crab but Moxley made it to the ropes to break the hold. Moxley sent Page to the outside and caught him with a Suicide Dive through the ropes. Back in the ring, Page connected with a Powerslam but Moxley got out of the cover and unloaded some strikes to the face. Moxley then choked Page out and the referee called for the bell. Moxley hit Page with the Paradigm Shift after the match and made his way through the crowd. Bryan Danielson showed up and applauded Moxley. Jon stared at him and walked away.

Trent Beretta def. Nick Jackson

Nick Jackson faced Trent Beretta tonight on Rampage. Matt Jackson, Brandon Cutler, and Orange Cassidy were ringside for the match. Beretta hit some chops and launched Nick to the canvas. Trent went for a DDT but Nick countered into a Northern Lights Suplex. Trent hit a Back Body Drop but Jackson responded with a Neckbreaker after Trent got caught in the ropes. Jackson booted Trent in the face and knocked him to the floor as Rampage went to a commercial break.

When Rampage returned, Nick went for a Swanton off the top rope but Trent got his knees up. Trent hit a knee to the face for a two count and the action spilled out of the ring. Beretta hit a Spear on the floor and rolled Nick back in the ring. Trent followed it up with a DDT for a near fall.

Jackson connected with a Running Bulldog but Beretta shrugged it off and leveled him with a Clothesline. Trent planted Nick with a Piledriver but couldn’t keep him down for a three count. Nick rolled out of the ring to regroup but Trent followed him. Jackson capitalized with a Back Body Drop on the ramp and climbed to the top rope. Nick connectedn the Swanton this time on the entrance ramp. Back in the ring, Jackson hit a 450 Splash but Trent kicked out at two. Nick hit a Superkick and went for another one but Trent was ready for it. Trent ducked and connected with Strong Zero for the pinfall victory.

Hook Picked Up A Win

HOOK faced Serpentico tonight on Rampage and it was an absolute beatdown. Hook toyed with Serpentico for a bit before tapping him out with standing Red Rum in the middle of the ring.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1484733622682894336?s=20
https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1484733957040136194?s=20

After the match, QT Marshall confronted Hook on the entrance ramp and it didn’t go so well. Marshall said he was ready for a fight and Hook hit him with a Suplex on the entrance ramp. Hook then walked over QT before heading to the back.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1484734516329689088?s=20

Jade Cargill Retained The TBS Championship

Jade Cargill defended the TBS Championship against Anna Jay in the main event of Rampage. Mark Henry interviewed the competitors before the match.

Cargill and Anna Jay had a stare down to start the match. Jade flexed as Sterling and Silver were firing up the crowd ringside. Anna escaped a Headlock but got sent to the mat by a shoulder tackle from the champion. Anna went for a Crossbody but Jade caught her and connected with a slam. Jade took some time to pose for the crowd and Anna rolled her up for a near fall. Sterling went for a distraction but Silver hit him with a Brainbuster. Jade Cargill got in Silver’s face for a flex-off. Anna capitalized with a dive as Rampage went to a break.

When Rampage returned, Cargill went for Jaded but Anna Jay was able to escape. Anna applied the Queen Slayer choke hold but Cargill broke it up by bashing Anna into the turnbuckle. Anna went for it again but Cargill countered into a Powerbomb. Cargill followed it up with Jaded for the pinfall victory and retained the TBS Championship. Jade Cargill is now 25-0.

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