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Adnan Virk Shares his Experience Working with WWE

Tyriece Simon
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After months of silence, former WWE Commentator Adnan Virk shared his experience working for WWE. The company released Virk on May 25th.

Virk appeared on the Couch Potato Diary with Peter Klein to discuss his career with WWE. He shared that he was a Professional Wrestling fan as a kid but stopped watching when he got older. He was excited about working for WWE. However, catching up to the current product was too challenging to overcome.

“…I think the biggest challenge for me was that it’s hard to be really well versed in the sport when you’re trying to catch a freight train that’s already going 100mph,” said Virk.

Adnan Virk Career in WWE

The WWE signed Virk on April 12th. In Virk’s 45 day career in WWE, he received criticism from fans and wrestling personalities for his work. Although it did come as a surprise that WWE released Virk 45 days after signing him. AEW Commentator Jim Ross shared on the Dan Le Betard Show that WWE misused and got rid of Virk too quickly.

“Adnan got put on TV in a very unique product before he was ready, from a product knowledge standpoint,” said Ross. “Wrestling fans today, with social media and all the information flow, they have a great sense of what they like and what might be wrong. He’s a solid broadcaster, and they rushed to judgment too quick.”

However, Virk knew himself that a long-term career in WWE wasn’t possible. He admitted to Klein that the travel and being away from his family was an issue. “…I really did not like the travel, said Virk. He continued, “I knew that I would not be able to do it for 52 weeks a year, for two years.”

Virk remains thankful for the opportunity he had with WWE. Although, he believes that he couldn’t handle the play-by-play commentary for the company at the time. He also praised Corey Graves, Byron Saxton, Michael Cole, and Vince McMahon for their work ethic and help. Virk is currently working for the MLB Network.

Jon Moxley Compares Modern Wrestling To Marvel Universe

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Jon Moxley believes there are similarities between modern wrestling and the Marvel Universe.

Moxley has been having quite the ride since leaving WWE. He has competed for promotions such as NJPW and GCW but his main home is AEW. Moxley has made it clear that his passion for the wrestling business has been renewed since leaving WWE.

Jon Moxley Explains How Wrestling In 2021 Is Similar To Marvel Universe

Moxley appeared on the Throwing Down podcast and he said the wrestling industry used to be about trying to trick the audience into thinking real fights are going on. He then compared wrestling today to Marvel.

“That is not the case anymore in 2021. There’s real fighting, which is what you do, and there’s this. Fans are very passionate about it, but they know it’s — nobody’s being fooled into thinking they’re watching a legitimate thing, that’s a completely different separate sport now in 2021. What it is now is like the Marvel Universe, for instance. In real life, no one can shoot f-ckin’ spiderwebs out of their fingers or whatever, but in the Marvel Universe, there’s a guy that can and that’s accepted and you know that. So when he shoots somebody in the face with a spiderweb, Spider-Man, you totally accept it. So in pro wrestling, it’s like you have to understand the universe and then once you accept it like this is this fictional universe we’re living in, then you’re into it.”

Jon Moxley is participating in the AEW World Heavyweight Title tournament. He advanced to the semifinals where he will meet Orange Cassidy. Many expect him to take on Bryan Danielson in the finals at AEW Full Gear. Time will tell if things will shape up that way.

H/T to Wrestlezone.com for the transcribed quotes

Kota Ibushi Shares Theory On How His Shoulder Dislocated

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Kota Ibushi believes he knows why he suffered a dislocated shoulder against Kazuchika Okada.

Ibushi and Okada did battle in the finals of the G1 Climax 31 tournament. Things went south when Kota Ibushi missed a Phoenix Splash and landed hard on his arm. The match was stopped immediately and Ibushi was diagnosed with a dislocated shoulder. He’s expected to be out of action for about two months.

During an interview with Tokyo Sports, Ibushi shared his take on why he ended up suffering the injury (rough translation via Google).

“There is a cause for it, weight control. This time, I’ve lost or gained weight by then. I was able to practice Phoenix, but there were too many waves. If that is 100 grams different, it’s completely different (feeling). Because it’s such an advanced technique. That was 3 kilometers different on the day of the KENTA match (18th). I was intentionally increasing it for the championship-deciding match, but I think I was tired … I wonder if my weight was definitely (influenced).”

Ibushi has had a string of bad luck as of late. This year for the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion has been riddled with injuries and illness. Ibushi was hospitalized earlier this year due to Aspiration Pneumonia.

Ibushi was out of action from July until September. He was able to return just in time for the G1 Climax. In the tournament, Ibushi had a highly praised match with current IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Shingo Takagi. Ibushi went over 25 minutes with Okada before the injury occurred.

Cain Velasquez On Why WWE Match With Brock Lesnar Failed

Anutosh Bajpai
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Cain Velasquez has a long-standing history with Brock Lesnar. This is why people expected a competitive fight when he showed up to take on the beast incarnate in WWE but their match can only be described as disappointing.

The Mexican-American fighter recently appeared on The MMA Hour. He reflected on his pro wrestling encounter with the former world champion, among other things.

Explaining why their match couldn’t live up to the expectations, Velasquez said WWE wanted him to keep his MMA style of fighting instead of using his lucha libre skills:

“They wanted me to stay in that MMA zone. They wanted me to have a rivalry with Brock, but they weren’t willing to put the time in to have us work together. They wanted us to do that, and well, you know how that ended.

I felt good in that style (lucha libre).” said Cain Velasquez, “I don’t know if they saw it wouldn’t work. That to me, and I think everyone else, was a clear path, but that’s not what they chose for me.”

The retired MMA star explained that he was willing to do whatever the officials wanted him to and said that he is sorry to let everyone down. He also said that the failure hurt him as well because he expects a lot out of himself.

Cain Velasquez made his wrestling debut for AAA during the Triplemanía XXVII event. He made his in-ring debut for WWE facing Lesnar during the Crown Jewel 2019 event. Though Velasquez lost the bout in quick fashion, to a largely negative fan reaction.

Rey Mysterio: Cain Velasquez Isn’t ‘Gone For Good’

H/T to WrestlingInc for the transcribed quotes

Mercedes Martinez Opens Up About Decision To Leave Retribution

Anutosh Bajpai
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A lot of people questioned the decision of Mercedes Martinez when she made the call to leave the Retribution faction. She was sent back to NXT as a result, after having made her main roster debut. The now-former WWE star recently had an interview with Bell To Belles. During the talk, she explained her side of the story and detailed why she had to make the decision.

Martinez explained that she was under the impression that the masks they were going to wear were just for the aesthetic and not wrestling. She explained that it would have still been fine if she got some input on this part of their attire before revealing the reason why she couldn’t wrestle with the mask that was given to her:

“You know, I tried really hard but I can’t wrestle in this mask and that’s another issue is that I can’t wrestle in a mask. I have asthma, it’s hard for me to breath in the first place without a mask. How am I going to wrestle in a mask?  And you know, we’re still in (a) pandemic. For me to train or be in a gym or anything like that, I have to wear a mask and it’s so hard for me to do that-that I built my own home gym.”

Mercedes Martinez Didn’t Want To Be Known Only For Retribution

Mercedes Martinez also responded to the criticism that the decision pushed her back into her career. She said that even though she could have made more money doing it, she just didn’t feel it in her heart. The former NXT star then explained how it was the right decision for her because she didn’t want her WWE career to be valued as part of a group. She wanted to be known as herself after spending 20 years in the business:

“When something doesn’t feel right, regardless of maybe you can be on the main roster, you can make all this money and stuff, at the end of the day, I just didn’t feel it in my heart. It really came down to that. It really just didn’t feel like I should be a part of this group and people think that it’s probably the wrong decision but for me it was the right decision right then and there, for me. Maybe they could’ve gotten somebody else but for me and for the 20 years that I put in-in this business, I didn’t want my WWE career to be valued as part of a group.”

Mercedes Martinez continued by saying that her name got her signed to WWE and she wanted to leave the promotion as she came in, being herself. The female star was introduced as a member of Retribution during the September 21, 2020 episode of Raw. Though she was quietly moved back to NXT after requesting her removal from the group. She was released from her WWE contract in August this year.

Former NXT Superstar Mercedes Martinez Comments on WWE Release

H/T to Post Wrestling for the transcribed quotes

Kayla Harrison Calls Pro Wrestling a “Fake Sport” Full of Nerds and Losers

Anutosh Bajpai
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MMA star Kayla Harrison doesn’t sound like she had a great experience at AEW Dynamite last month.

Harrison is coming off a huge victory at Wednesday night’s PFL World Championships, where she became the 2021 Women’s Lightweight Champion.

The Olympic Gold Medalist recently spoke to Jim Varsallone of the Miami Herald and mocked professional wrestling. She called it a “fake sport” full of nerds and losers.

“It’s just so easy, it’s just a bunch of nerds and losers who couldn’t hack it in my sport, so they decided to go and do a fake sport,” she said. “I can’t believe I let Dan talk me into it, it’s just boring, it would be too easy to crush them. ”

Kayla Harrison Says She Does Real Sport

Kayla Harrison

Kayla Harrison claimed she does real sport with real winners and she doesn’t need anyone to tell her who she needs to beat up or when:

“I am sorry, AEW, it’s just that I do a real sport with real winners and losers and it’s not scripted. No one is going to tell me whose ass I am going to kick, if I’m going to kick, I’m going to kick whose ass I want to kick.”

Kayla Harrison also took some shots at Chris Jericho, saying that she would chew the former world champion and spit him out faster than one can say AEW. Though she admitted that Jericho did put out a great song.

American Top Team is currently feuding with the Inner Circle. They are expected to collide in a Minneapolis Street Fight at the upcoming Full Gear PPV. Though it’s yet to be confirmed which members of the group are going to wrestle on the show.

You can check out Kayla Harrison’s harsh words about pro wrestling here:

Charlotte Pulled From WWE Media Appearance (Report)

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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It looks like WWE has yanked Charlotte Flair from a scheduled media appearance.

Charlotte has been the talk of the wrestling world and not for a good reason. She was involved in a title exchange segment with Becky Lynch on the Oct. 22 episode of SmackDown.

Things didn’t go according to plan, as Charlotte didn’t allow Becky to snatch the Raw Women’s Championship in what would’ve reportedly been a ‘tug of war’ spot.

Charlotte Garners Backstage Heat Over Segment

Charlotte Flair Title Exchange

Tensions boiled over, with Charlotte and Becky getting into a shouting match backstage (via PWInsider). Sonya Deville, who was also a part of that segment, was upset to the point where she wanted to fight Charlotte.

“The Queen” was reportedly escorted out of the building, which gives you an idea about her current standing with the company.

Charlotte had been scheduled to make media rounds this week, but WWE has reportedly pulled those appearances.

Charlotte and Becky’s relationship has been strained for some time now. According to Alex McCarthy of talkSPORT, Charlotte hasn’t been chummy with Becky since a promo a couple of years back. In the promo, Becky called Charlotte, “plastic.”

SEScoops will keep you posted on the ongoing situation with Charlotte and WWE.

Charlotte Flair Showered With “DMD” Chants During Live Interview

FTR to Attend AAA Taping with Vickie Guerrero as their Manager

Tyriece Simon
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AAA Tag Team Champions FTR will appear at the Lucha Libre AAA taping in Mexico without Tully Blanchard as their manager.

Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer reports that Vickie Guerrero will act as FTR’s manager on the November 4th AAA taping. It is unclear why Blanchard will not manage the team for the show.

Meltzer also shared that AAA wants FTR in a tag title match against The Lucha Bros and Dragon Lee & Dralistico. The promotion intends to have the match take place at Triplemania Regia On December 4th. However, AAA hasn’t confirmed the match will happen.

FTR Feud with the Lucha Bros.

FTR is in an ongoing feud with the AEW Tag Team Champions, the Lucha Bros. The rivalry started when Andrade El Idolo challenged the Lucha Bros. to defend the AAA Tag Team Championship against his “masked friends.” Idolo’s friends were FTR in disguise, and they defeated The Lucha Bros at AEW Dynamite on October 16th. On October 27th, The Lucha Bros. challenged the FTR to an AEW Tag Team title match at Full Gear on November 13th.

AEW Full Gear 2021 Card

Besides the AEW Tag Team Championship match, AEW announced two confirmed matches for the Full Gear card. The World Title Eliminator Tournament will also take place at Full Gear. However, it’s unclear who will be in the finals. AEW World Champion Kenny Omega will defend the title against Hangman Adam Page in the main event. Page earned the title opportunity after winning the Casino Battle Royal at AEW Dynamite on October 6th. The other match confirmed that AEW is advertising is Tayconti will challenge AEW Women’s Champion Britt Baker.

It’s unclear if FTR’s AAA Tag Team Championship will also be on the line in their match against the Lucha Bros at Full Gear. However, FTR will have the opportunity to claim both the AAA and AEW Tag Team Championship in two weeks.

Bully Ray On Where ROH Failed

Chris Stephens
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Bully Ray has a theory about why the promotion is currently in the state that it is.

The former ROH star and tag team wrestling legend shared his views on Thursday’s episode of Busted Open Radio. He recalled a conversation he had with an ROH executive around the time the Elite left the company.

“I was asked by a higher-up at Ring of Honor ‘moving forward what do you think we should do?'” he said on the show. “The number 1 thing I said is sign Cody and the Bucks.”

“I can take you to the office I was in, the chair that I was sitting in in the office at Sinclair broadcasting at their TV studio when I was asked ‘What should we do?’ I said you have to sign Cody and the Bucks. They are the most important people to your company right now. The most important talent.”

ROH Had The Elite

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Bully Ray says Ring of Honor’s decision to low-ball Cody and the Young Bucks was a mistake that ultimately led to the company’s decline.

“And we know from interviews or discussions that Cody and the Bucks might have had, that they said the negotiations with Ring of Honor did not go the way they thought they were going to go because they felt they had earned the right to ask for the money that they were asking for and lord knows Sinclair had it.”

A clip of Bully’s comments can be heard below (via Putting You Over):

https://youtu.be/J3AzQa66IhY

Jim Ross Opening Cannabis Farm In Oklahoma

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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AEW play-by-play ace Jim Ross is in the process of getting his cannabis farm off the ground.

Ross is known for dabbling in ventures outside of wrestling. He has been successful with his own line of seasoning as well as his sauces. He once owned two restaurants and hopes to open up a bar if he can somehow make the time.

One business that many didn’t have on their bingo cards for JR is the cannabis industry. During the latest episode of his Grilling JR podcast, Ross revealed he is opening a cannabis farm in Oklahoma to grow marijuana.

Jim Ross Opening ‘Black Hat’ Cannabis Farm

“My youngest daughter, her husband and I, and another guy, a lawyer, are getting ready to start a cannabis farm. We’re looking at the working title of Black Hat Farms. I bought some land in Oklahoma recently for the grow houses and all the things. That’s gonna be their life, that’s a big deal. She’s got a great job in marketing. She’s not gonna quit that, I wouldn’t even let her consider that. So, I’m excited about that for my kids.

“I figured out it was probably smarter to leave them things while I was alive and sort through all the heartbreak and the minutiae and the legal stuff, the probate courts and all these things after I was gone. It’s gonna be hard enough after I’m gone simply because I’ve got so much memorabilia. I need a clever, creative way to have somebody that knows what the hell they’re doing come into my home, inventory my memorabilia, then figure out the best way to pair it down.”

Ross has been busy with commentary duties for AEW since 2019. JR was recently diagnosed with skin cancer, but he hasn’t let that slow him down in the booth or with his other ventures. JR has beaten skin cancer in the past.

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

King Booker Offers Advice For King Xavier

Chris Stephens
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Heavy is the head that wears the crown. That’s something King Booker knows very well. When Booker T won the King of the Ring tournament in 2006, he transformed into an all-new character. With Queen Sharmell by his side, a new accent and a propensity for sticking his pinky finger in the air, Booker had a very successful run at the time.

2 months after winning the King of the Ring, Booker defeated Rey Mysterio to win the World Heavyweight Championship. He would later win a “Champion of Champions” match against WWE Champion John Cena and ECW Champion The Big Show.

Booker was recently interviewed by WrestleZone and offered some royal advice for the newly crowned King Xavier.

“He’s definitely in a position now to where it’s sink or swim, and with that character, that role, you’ve got to be able to step outside of yourself and become something totally different,” Booker said.

“Honestly, [Woods] might be the perfect person for this role because I go back to The New Day when they first started, and everybody hated them. Nobody got behind The New Day,” Booker said. “‘The New Day sucked,’ that’s the slogan around the arenas, and they said ‘We’re going to flip this, we’re going to make you love The New Day’ and they did that to the point that they are the most decorated tag team in WWE’s history.”

“If there’s anyone that’s willing to take that role and make it their own, it’s Xavier Woods,” Booker continued. “Let’s see exactly what he does with it.”

King Booker and New Day are no strangers. They once appeared in an entertaining segment together on Smackdown.

Update On Tyson Fury’s Relationship With Vince McMahon

Anutosh Bajpai
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Tyson Fury remains in regular touch with WWE boss Vince McMahon following his pro wrestling debut at Crown Jewel 2019 match against Braun Strowman.

Paris Fury, wife of the reigning lineal heavyweight boxing champion, recently spoke with BBC Newcastle. During the conversation, she discussed the possibility of her husband returning to WWE in the future.

Paris revealed that Tyson is good friends with McMahon and taking part in a WWE event is like taking a trip to Disneyland.

Like a Disneyland Trip

“He is in touch with Vince McMahon all the time,” she said. “He loves it. My sons are all big fans of it. For Tyson to do it is kind of like a Disneyland trip, the kids love to go and they meet all the wrestlers.”

Discussing the possibility of Tyson Fury making an in-ring return, Paris then mentioned how the boxing star wants to be the cool dad before claiming that he will bounce back into the ring one day for sure:

“Being a young man, he told me he was a fan of all these wrestlers. So he’s definitely probably going to go into that again. I’m sure he will bounce into that WWE ring one of the days.”

Tyson Fury had his latest fight on October 9, 2021 where he defeated Deontay Wilder in their third boxing match against each other. Big E made an appearance during the show and he introduced both the fighters before the bout.

Drew McIntyre Responds To Tyson Fury’s Challenge

H/T to Cultaholic for the transcribed quotes

EJ Nduka Eager To Kick Down & Run Through The Forbidden Door

Michael Reichlin
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EJ Nduka is gearing up for the biggest match of his career.

After an impressive debut at July’s MLW Battle Riot III event, The Judge heads to battle at MLW War Chamber next Saturday night (11/6). He’ll team with Alex Hammerstone, Richard Holliday and a mystery partner against CONTRA UNIT inside the ominous double steel cage match.

MLW War Chamber

SEScoops correspondent Samira spoke with EJ Nduka about his aspirations in MLW, his friendship with AEW star Jade Cargill and his desire to walk through the Forbidden Door in the months ahead.

Here’s the full interview, with highlights below:

Hammerstone Winning the MLW World Championship

Alex Hammerstone captured the MLW World Title from Jacob Fatu at MLW Fightland. Nduka respects Hammerstone and expects they’ll be on the same page at War Chamber. However, he’s in MLW for gold. That might make Hammer a marked man.

“I thought it was an amazing moment for him,” Nduka said. “Well deserved. He had those two titles up, but I couldn’t help to think, ‘my boy you don’t need two.’ You know what I’m saying, one of those would look good around my waist. Big props to my boy Hammer. Hammer’s doing his thing and we’re teamed up this week and I’m looking forward to it.”

His Friendship with Jade Cargill

EJ Nduka is not your average pro wrestler. He doesn’t blend in and he’s not going to get lost in a crowd. One could say the same thing about AEW star Jade Cargill. They’re both exceptional athletes. Interestingly enough, Nduka and Cargill are close friends and got started in pro wrestling on the exact same day.

“So, Jade and I, we both went to college together. Ironically, we knew of each other, but we didn’t know each other. In college, she played basketball and I played football. We actually got close when we got in the industry the same day.”

“We had our tryout at the WWE at the PC (Performance Center). She was literally right behind me in line. We started chopping it up and ever since then we’ve just been really good friends and we train whenever we get a chance. They were in Orlando for the AEW Dynamite, so we got an opportunity to train.”

Alex Shelley, Bobby Fish & Tajiri

MLW excels at many things. One of their strengths is the ability to freshen up their roster. Talent comes and goes, but there’s always world-class talent coming in. “Filthy” Tom Lawlor finished up with MLW, so now Will Ospreay is on his way in.

Alex Shelley, Bobby Fish and Tajiri are three veterans appearing for MLW this fall. Here’s what Nduka had to say about them:

Alex Shelley: “It’s awesome because Alex Shelley, a lot of people don’t know this, he was a coach at the PC for a little bit when I first got there. I learned a lot from him. I would watch his classes, I wasn’t necessarily in his classes, but I would be one of the guys that was the first one at the PC and last one to leave. So, if he still had a class going, I would go watch.”

Bobby Fish: “Bobby Fish, he’s obviously one of the leaders in the locker room. Him and I became buddies, and I would ask him things, talk about life, and just the business in general. So, to see them at MLW locker room was awesome. You know it was like pieces of the puzzle these guys are leaders, they bring a lot to the table, and it’s always good to have that type of leadership in the locker room. People that have been there and done it, so that way you can bounce some ideas off of them.”

Tajiri: “So, I got to hangout with Tajiri. His merch table, you (Samira) saw it, it was right next to mine at the show. So, I was just talking to him, and I was just amazed at his story. This guy I’ve been watching him since I was a kid, so just to be able to stand next to him and chop it up with him was so dope. He’s such a cool dude, very humble, and he’s just awesome all around.”

When asked if he’d wrestle Tajiri, Nduka replied, “Anything could happen in that squared circle.”

The Forbidden Door

EJ Nduka is currently tearing up the ranks in MLW, but who knows where he’ll show up next? The Judge sounds more than ready to walk through the Forbidden Door and kick ass in other promotions.

“It really just depends on the back logistics of everything, but me personally, I’m open. I’m very open to walk through that Forbidden Door. In fact, I’m ready to kick that thing down and come running full speed through it and just show the world exactly what I got to offer.”

MLW War Chamber takes place Saturday, November 6th at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA. Tickets are still available at MLWLive.com.

Bray Wyatt Teases End Of 90-Day No-Compete Window

Chris Stephens
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Bray Wyatt is teasing that the end of his 90-day no-compete window is almost up. The former WWE and Universal Champion took to social media last night with a simple Tweet that got a lot of his followers talking. Wyatt was released on July 31st, 2021, meaning his 90-day window is up tomorrow, October 29th, 2021.

In terms of where Bray Wyatt could end up, several possibilities exist. Recent reports suggested that Impact Wrestling reached out to him. It was also noted that a deal between the two sides has never been close, however.

It was also noted that Wyatt started following AEW President Tony Khan on Instagram this summer.

Screen Shot 2021 10 28 at 7.24.39 AM

Tony Khan recently mentioned that he has yet to speak with Wyatt. The AEW President spoke about him during an interview with the New York Post.

“Yeah. I really like Windham,” said Khan. “I know him a little bit and I really enjoy him. The last time I saw him was at Chris Jericho’s birthday party and that was a long time ago.”

Wyatt also recently commented on his brother, the former Bo Dallas, starting a YouTube channel earlier this month:

“It makes me happy to see my brother do something that makes him happy. He inspires me to create. And create I shall.”

Update On ROH’s Future Past Final Battle

Chris Stephens
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Ring of Honor’s future appears uncertain after Wednesday’s announcement that all talent has been released from their ROH contracts. The promotion is going ‘dark’ for approximately 6 months and will ‘re-conceptualize’ their operations.

On the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reports that ROH’s television show on Sinclair has not been cancelled. If and when the company does relaunch in 2022, fans can expect some significant changes in how they operate as a business. One notable change is that talent will no longer be locked into exclusive contracts.

“They’re not going to be running with a contracted crew,” said Dave Meltzer. “So, they will essentially be an independent promotion and they will use whoever the top independent guys are that they can book on the nights that they have shows and the nights that they do television.”

This would mean any talent appearing on ROH television would be able to sign with another promotion at any given time.

“They are going to retain the TV,” Meltzer continued. “Sinclair did not cancel the TV like a lot of people thought.”

Following Final Battle, ROH will return WrestleMania weekend in Dallas. The feeling is they will be able to draw for that show. That event might be something of a re-launch for the promotion under its new business structure.

Tony Khan On The Falling Rampage Ratings

Anutosh Bajpai
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Tony Khan has been flaunting the AEW ratings for the past few weeks. Though one thing that fans think AEW should be worried about is the falling ratings of Rampage.

The AEW president recently had an interview with Monaco Streaming Film Festival. He continued talking about these metrics and what they mean for his company.

Discussing the viewership ratings of Rampage, Tony explained that their audience is great relative to the time slot and explained how it took them time to build the current audience of Dynamite:

“It took us two years for Dynamite to hit #1 of the week, and it only took us two [week] for Rampage to do that. Our second episode has hit that. It’s a challenge Friday nights at 10 o’ clock to get good viewership.

We’ve seen great audience though, relative to the time slot. We’re still being top in the slot, and I really believe with our fan base, they follow us.” said Tony Khan, “As long as we promote it and keep delivering great matches, they follow us practically everywhere we go because they really love AEW,”

The AEW owner continued by saying that he wants to keep finding ways to give fans great content without oversaturating. He feels that they are in a sweet spot with the amount of wrestling for everyone.

Tony Khan then mentioned the phrase he recently coined in watch your wrestling. He said that he wants people to find what they like and enjoy that.

Tony Khan Doesn’t Want To Make These Mistakes Made by WCW

ROH Stars React To The Promotion Going On Hiatus In 2022

Anutosh Bajpai
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ROH made the surprising announcement of going dark for the first quarter of 2022 to re-imagine the company. This came after the organization spent a good part of the last couple of years without producing an event due to COVID-19.

Later reports confirmed that the promotion has decided to release all of its contracted wrestlers. The talents who had been part of the company have been reacting to the news ever since.

The reigning ROH world champion Bandido reacted to the announcement on Twitter. He retweeted the official statement from the company and said that he will forever be the most wanted champion:

Danhausen responded to the news by teasing a move to AEW. He produced a GIF similar to the viral video of Cody Rhodes with the camera zooming in on him, to get people talking about his future:

“Kingpin” Brian Milonas sent out a statement mentioning how ROH gave him a chance when no one else did. So he is forever grateful for the opportunity.

“Kingpin” Brian Milonas sent out a statement mentioning how ROH gave him a chance when no one else did. So he is forever grateful for the opportunity.

Other people who have commented on the development include Broody King, Brian Zane, Jay Lethal, and more. You can check out all the reactions below:

https://twitter.com/IanRiccaboni/status/1453469365408522250

ROH will culminate this year with the Final Battle PPV in December. They are expected to return with the Supercard of Honor event in April next year.

AEW Dynamite Results (10/27): The Elite vs. Dark Order, Title Match, CM Punk

Robert Lentini
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AEW Dynamite aired live from the Agganis Arena in Boston, MA. CM Punk made his Dynamite in-ring debut and battled Bobby Fish tonight. The TBS and World Title Eliminator Tournaments continued and Sammy Guevara put the TNT Championship on the line against Ethan Page. In addition to the takeaways below, Lucha Bros challenged FTR to a match at Full Gear.

Dynamite Results (10/27)

  1. CM Punk def. Bobby Fish
  2. MJF def. Bryce Donovan
  3. Sammy Guevara def. Ethan Page to retain the TNT Championship
  4. Hikaru Shida def. Serena Deeb to advance in the TBS Championship Tournament
  5. Jon Moxley def. 10 to advance in the World Title Eliminator tournament
  6. Dark Order def. The Elite

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

CM Punk def. Bobby Fish

CM Punk battled Bobby Fish in the first match of the night. Punk got a great reaction from the crowd. Punk took Bobby down to the mat and applied a Headlock. Fish escaped and got Punk in a Headlock in the middle of the ring.

Fish unloaded several knee strikes to Punk in the corner. CM Punk battled back and got Fish back in the Headlock. Bobby broke free and Punk leveled him with a shoulder tackle. Punk followed it up with a couple Body Slams as the crowd applauded. Punk hit a third and the crowd erupted. Punk went for the cover but Fish kicked out at two.

Punk went for the GTS but Fish grabbed the rope. Fish escaped with an elbow to the face and followed it up with a Senton for a two count. Fish got the Headlock in again but Punk broke free with a Clothesline. Punk hit a Suicide Dive and rolled Bobby back into the ring. Punk climbed to the top rope but Bobby rolled out of the ring.

Fish tripped up Punk and slammed his knee into the apron. Bobby hit a Clothesline for a one count and followed it up with a Dragon Screw on Punk’s knee. Fish applied a submission hold to the injured knee and then tossed Punk to the outside. Fish bashed Punk into the barricade and unloaded some strikes. Fish rolled inside to break the count and then traded some punches with Punk.

Bobby got the better of the exchange and rolled Punk into the ring. Fish hit Punk with a running knee and kicked him to the canvas. Bobby wrapped Punk’s knee around the ropes before the referee broke it up. Fish perched Punk up on the top turnbuckle and delivered some forearms to the face. Punk knocked Fish off the turnbuckle and hit a one-legged Elbow Drop for a near fall.

Fish and Punk traded strikes in the middle of the ring. Punk leveled Fish with an Enziguri and followed it up with a Clothesline for a two count. Punk went for the GTS but Fish countered into a Dragon Screw to the injured knee. Fish followed it up with a Clothesline for a two count. Punk then hit the GTS for the pinfall victory. Punk took a bit to get to the cover and Fish kicked out just after the three count. CM Punk shot a look at referee Paul Turner after the finish.

Darby Allin Returned & Attacked MJF

MJF faced Bryce Donovan and won in a matter of seconds. MJF mocked Boston and called all the women in the city fat. MJF brought up Darby Allin and the crowd started chanted his name. Maxwell claimed Allin made a mistake by interrupting him and saying that he couldn’t break him mentally. MJF noted how Darby is too scared to show up now and joked about knocking out Sting with the Dynamite Diamond Ring. MJF said that there is nothing stopping him from his destiny and he is the future AEW World Champion.

Sting’s theme hit but it was just a joke from MJF. The lights went out and Sting showed up in the ring. Sting hit Spears and Wardlow with the baseball bat as MJF retreated out of the ring. Darby Allin showed up in the crowd and attacked MJF. MJF once again retreated as Sting and Darby beat Spears and Wardlow down. Allin grabbed a skateboard with thumbtacks on it and hit both of them with it. Darby shouted that he wants to face MJF at Full Gear to end the segment.

Sammy Guevara Retained The TNT Title

Sammy Guevara defended the TNT Championship against Ethan Page tonight. Everyone was barred from ringside for the match. Sammy controlled the action early and beat Page down outside the ring. Sammy climbed to the top rope but Ethan knocked him over and took control of the match. Tony Nese was shown in the crowd as the show went to a commercial.

When Dynamite returned from a break, Guevara battled back and hit a Neckbreaker. Sammy followed it up with a Spanish Fly and went for the cover but Page was able to kick out at the last moment. Ethan went for the Ego’s Edge off the top rope but Sammy countered into a Frankensteiner. Guevara with the jackknife pin for the victory and retained the TNT Championship.

After the match, Ethan Page and Scorpio Sky attacked Sammy. Inner Circle made the save as Men of the Year retreated. Jericho announced that it will be a 10-man tag match at Full Gear and Tony Khan made the match a Minneapolis Street Fight.

Hikaru Shida Advanced In The TBS Championship Tournament

Hikaru Shida faced Serena Deeb in the first round of the TBS Championship tournament. Shida sent Deeb to the corner and unloaded some kicks. Deeb escaped but Shida connected with a Suplex for a near fall as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

When Dynamite returned, Shida connected with a Dropkick and followed it up with another Suplex for a two count. The action spilled out of the ring and Shida set up the chair for the running knee spot. Deeb booted the chair away and hit a Dropkick. Deeb locked in the Figure Four around the ring post for a few seconds before bring Shida in the ring.

Deeb applied a Half Crab and transitioned into a Figure Four in the middle of the ring. Hikaru Shida battled through the pain and reached the bottom rope to break the hold. Deeb grabbed Shida’s 50 win trophy but Hikaru ripped it away. Deeb poked Shida in the eye and rolled her up for a near fall. Shida then rolled up Deeb for the pinfall victory. Shida advanced in the TBS Championship Tournament.

After the match, Serena grabbed the steel chair and bashed Hikaru with it several times. Deeb applied the Serenity Lock until AEW officials were finally able to break it up.

Jon Moxley Advanced In The Eliminator Tournament

Jon Moxley faced Preston “10” Vance tonight in the first round of the World Title Eliminator Tournament. Moxley dominated early and hit a German Suplex and some stomps in the corner. Moxley bashed 10 into the steel steps and started ripping away at his mask. Jon bit 10 in the forehead before launching him into the ring post. 10 was busted open and Moxley hit some punches to the face. Moxley then hit the Paradigm Shift for the victory.

PAC Saved Cody

Cody Rhodes and Arn Anderson came to the ring and Cody said he hears the crowd. Cody noted that when he had Malakai’s arm hooked for the Tiger Driver, he thought about hitting a different move (the Pedigree). Rhodes wondered what would have happened if he did that and broke the covenant to not challenge for the world title? Cody told the crowd not forget the man that built this company and took his shoves off. He threw his shoes into the crowd and asked the people to put their feet in his shoes. Rhodes added that he knows that the easy way out is to turn (heel) but he will not do that.

Cody apologized and said it was an honor to stand in the ring with Arn. The two took hands before Andrade el Idolo interrupted. Andrade said people don’t like him either, but the difference is that he doesn’t care about the people. Andrade poked fun at Cody’s neck tattoo and vowed to make him his little bitch. The lights went off and Malakai Black showed up in the ring. Black spit the mist at Cody and Andrade joined in on the attack. PAC rushed the ring for the save and sent Andrade & Malakai on the retreat. PAC flipped them both off to end the segment.

Dark Order def. The Elite After Hangman Page Interfered

Dark Order (Colt Cabana, Evil Uno, John Silver, Stu Grayson) faced The Elite (AEW Champion Kenny Omega, Adam Cole, and The Young Bucks) in this week’s main event. The Elite came to the ring dressed as Ghostbusters. Colt Cabana was dressed as Brandon Cutler, Stu Grayson was God of War, John Silver was Bambi and Evil Uno was dressed up as a cowboy.

Adam Cole and John Silver started off the action by trading punches. Silver hit a Back Body Drop and tagged in Evil Uno. AEW World Champion Kenny Omega tagged in and got sent to the corner. Evil Uno went for a Splash but Kenny turned around and Uno crashed into the proton pack. Dark Order battled back and delivered some Body Slams and posed in the ring. Nakazawa and Cutler were dressed up ringside. Nakazawa hit Evil Uno with a Splash while wearing a fat suit.

When Dynamite returned, Grayson planted Omega with a Frankensteiner. Nick Jackson leveled Cabana with a Superkick but turned around into a Back Body Drop from Silver. Young Bucks battled back and brought Silver to a Superkick Party. Matt Jackson tagged in and hit a Brainbuster. The Elite hit Silver with some Superkicks and went for the cover but Stu broke it up at two.

Evil Uno hit a Neckbreaker on Nick Jackson as Omega hit a V-Trigger on Colt. The referee got knocked out and The Elite capitalized with a series of low blows. The Elite followed it up with a proton pack Splash on the Dark Order in the middle of the ring. It was then revealed that it wasn’t Cutler dressed as the Marshmallow Man, it was #1 contender Hangman Page. Hangman Page planted Kenny Omega with the Deadeye as Silver planted Matt Jackson with a Powerbomb for the pinfall victory. Dark Order and Hangman Page celebrated to close the show.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1453541803228028932?s=20

Cain Velasquez Isn’t Bitter Over WWE Release, Expresses Gratitude

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Cain Velasquez doesn’t have any ill will towards WWE.

Velasquez is a former two-time UFC Heayvweight Champion. After trying his hand in AAA for a few shows, Velasquez was signed by WWE. His run didn’t last very long, however, and he was released back in 2020 due to budget cuts in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cain Velasquez Has No Gripes With WWE

During a chat with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Cain Velasquez said that he learned a lot during his brief time with WWE and he holds no grudges.

“I don’t. I think it was meant for me to go there. I’m glad I got the experience of knowing what it’s all about. Knowing how the company works, how the guys work, everything. It was a great learning experience. I learned a lot from it. All I can do is take that and make it better next time if they give me another chance or just know what that is and appreciate my time.”

Velasquez also said his WWE release boiled down to the budget cuts and him not being developed enough. Cain said he was told by WWE officials that the focus was just on their core talent. If Velasquez can develop enough in promotions such as AAA, a return to WWE may not be far-fetched.

Velasquez will be making his return to AAA on Dec. 4. He’ll compete in a six-man tag team match at TripleMania Regia.

H/T to Fightful for the transcribed quotes

Ring Of Honor Has Released Everyone & Is ‘Reconceptualizing’

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Ring of Honor is undergoing some massive changes.

During the pandemic, ROH went through a long stretch without live events. Once the company did return, a spark had seemingly been lit. Bandido defeated Rush to become the new ROH World Champion and fans of the product were quite excited. The company also held Death Before Dishonor XVIII back in September and it garnered praise.

Despite this, ROH is in the midst of “reconceptualizing.” In an official statement sent out by ROH, the company revealed they will be going dark in the first quarter of 2022 to work on reimagining the product.

“Throughout the pandemic, our top priority was to keep everyone healthy and safe, and despite not producing any live events over 18 months, we were able to keep everyone fully contracted. We now find ourselves at a time where we need to make changes to our business operations and are planning a pivot for Ring of Honor, with a new mission and strategy.

“The year will culminate with a Final Battle in December, and we will be taking the first quarter of 2022 to work internally to reimagine ROH. ROH has the most dedicated fans in the industry, and we appreciate their loyalty and patience as we reconceptualize ROH.

“We anticipate returning to live events in April for the Super Card of Honor with a new fan-focused product and provide a unique experience for wrestling fans.”

While ROH is hoping to get back to live events this spring, they will be doing so without a slew of its current talent. That’s because everyone has been released according to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

SEScoops will keep you posted with the latest information on the situation with ROH as more details become available.

CM Punk Unfamiliar With Bobby Fish’s Work: “I Wasn’t Watching NXT”

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CM Punk takes on Bobby Fish tonight on AEW Dynamite. Ahead of their match, Punk tells DAZN that he’s not too familiar with Fish’s work. He didn’t watch NXT, or much wrestling at all, during his 7-year hiatus from the ring.

“I wasn’t paying attention to NXT or wrestling whilst I was gone,” Punk said. “I knew who he was and the group he was in but I can’t say I’ve watched him too extensively.”

“Looking at him now, he’s definitely an impressive person. I was there and to see him mix it up with Danielson a couple of weeks ago and it got the gears grinding here. He’s somebody I can’t wait to share the ring with.” 

Punk also commented on not being included in the AEW World Title Eliminator tournament that is currently ongoing. He noted that while he was disappointed not to have the opportunity, he knows his chances will come in time.

“Looking at the field and seeing the names that that that were in it, I definitely think I could have fit in there. It’ll come. You know, it’s not my time but it’ll come at a later date.”

CM Punk vs Bobby Fish

Bobby Fish will come into this match with a 4-2 record in AEW. He dropped his first match in the promotion to Sammy Guevara with the TNT title on the line. Fish would get his first AEW victory against Lee Moriarty the following week on Rampage. The next night on another edition of Saturday Night Dynamite he was defeated by Bryan Danielson. Since then, he’s rattled off 3 straight wins on episodes of Dark.

As for CM Punk, he’s 4-0 since debuting in AEW. He’s rattled off wins over Darby Allin, Will Hobbs, Daniel Garcia, and Matt Sydal.

Other matches scheduled for tonight’s show from Boston’s Agganis Arena include:

  • TBS Championship Tournament (1st Round)
    Hikaru Shida vs Serena Deeb
  • AEW World Title Eliminator Tournament First Round Match
    Jon Moxley vs #10 (Dark Order)
  • The Elite (Adam Cole, Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson) (w/Don Callis) vs. The Dark Order (Colt Cabana, Evil Uno, John Silver & Stu Grayson)
  • CM Punk vs Bobby Fish
  • TNT Championship
    Sammy Guevara (c) vs Ethan Page

nZo Will Face Matt Cross In MLW Debut at War Chamber (11/6)

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nZo has a new landing spot and it’s none other than MLW.

The man formerly known as Enzo Amore in WWE has revealed to TMZ Sports that he’s signed a deal to appear at MLW War Chamber on Nov. 6. The action will be held inside the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA.

nZo made it clear that he has no plans of being one and done with MLW.

“Is MLW gonna be a one-off? Absolutely not. Line ’em up and knock ’em down.”

The former WWE star went on to say that whoever he is matched up with better be prepared to get the best version of him.

“Now it’s time for me to get in the ring with real competition and beat the hell outta them. I’m not playing games. If you can beat me up, then do it. I’m standing in from of you, I’m in the ring. And I don’t really need to talk to anybody in the back. If you wanna talk to me then feel free, but if I see you in the f***ing ring and you happen to be my opponent, just know I’m coming forward.”

nZo wanted ‘real competition’ and he will get it. MLW has announced nZo will debut at War Chamber against veteran grappler Matt Cross.

War Chamber Preview

MLW War Chamber is gearing up to be another huge event for Court Bauer’s fight league. In addition to nZo’s MLW debut, here’s the full card:

  • WAR CHAMBER MATCH: Alex Hammerstone, EJ Nduka, Richard Holliday & ??? vs. CONTRA UNIT (Jacob Fatu, Mads Krugger, Josef Samael & Ikuro Kwon)
  • OPERA CUP FINALS
  • Ladder Match for the Vacant National Openweight Championship
    Alex Shelley vs. Myron Reed vs. Alex Kane vs. Zenshi vs. ???
  • LA Park vs. “Notorious 187” Homicide
  • nZo vs. Matt Cross
  • Willow Nightingale vs. Holidead (with Dr Dax)
  • Winner Gets Briefcase full or Cesar’s Cash!
    Aramis vs. Arez

Also signed to appear: Davey Richards, King Muertes, Warhorse and Calvin Tankman.

If you’re in the Philadelphia area, tickets are still available at MLWLive.com.

Keith Lee Explains How Randy Orton Boosted His Confidence

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Keith Lee received what he feels is the ultimate validation from Randy Orton.

Lee isn’t exactly a rookie. He made appearances in ROH back in 2015 and was highly praised for his classic matches with Donovan Dijak, now T-BAR in WWE, under the PWG banner. Keith Lee signed with WWE in 2018 and made a name for himself on NXT. He ended up becoming the NXT and NXT North American Champion.

Keith Lee Has A Huge Supporter In Randy Orton

Speaking to Ryan Satin on the Out of Character podcast, Lee explained how some encouraging words from Randy Orton gave him a nice morale boost.

“I don’t know many people that get to walk into the main roster and get to immediately work with Randy Orton, but that was something where I feel like, ‘I’m good for the rest of my career.’ Randy is someone that has kind of become a mentor if you will, and someone that leads the way in great fashion. The moment he told me that I’m really good at this thing, I didn’t care what anybody else thought anymore. He’s not a person that will compliment you on your abilities if he doesn’t mean it. To get his approval is something like, I’m good because now I know I’m everything I say I am and I’m good with that. However everything else goes, it’s fine.”

Lee has been undergoing a character change on Monday Night Raw. He is now going by the name “Bearcat Lee.” Lee has been facing heels as of late but he definitely has a mean streak going. There is no more smiling from Keith Lee with this change in direction.

Both Lee and Orton are currently on the same brand. This means the two may be able to mix things up again in the near future. Orton is one-half of the Raw Tag Team Champions with Riddle as “RKBro.”

H/T to Fightful for the transcribed quotes

Io Shirai Speaks Out After Insane Ladder Bump At NXT Halloween Havoc

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Io Shirai has commented on the wild ladder match spot from Halloween Havoc.

Shirai and Zoey Stark put the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships on the line against Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne of Toxic Attraction, and the team of Indi Hartwell & Persia Pirotta. In the end, Dolin and Jayne walked out of the ladder match with gold.

During the match, Hartwell shoved the ladder that Io Shirai was on and Shirai took an insane bump onto another ladder.

There was concern over whether or not Shirai was hurt during the spot. It appears the former NXT Women’s Champion is in good spirits.

“I am not dead. I will always keep getting up to do my best. Just sad that the title is not on my waist…”

Of course, Indi Hartwell won’t be getting a Christmas card from her this year.

“I HATE I N D I H A R T W E L L!!!!!!!!”

What’s next for Shirai remains to be seen. The WWE draft has come and gone and Shirai remains on the NXT brand. It isn’t impossible for WWE to call her up to the main roster anyway but if she sticks around in NXT, it’ll be interesting to see if she remains in the tag team division or returns to singles action.

Mick Foley Says Jon Moxley & Nick Gage Are Carrying The Torch He Lit With Terry Funk

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Mick Foley presented the GCW Championship belt when Jon Moxley faced Nick Gage earlier this month. Foley recently spoke to Metro about the promotion and praised Moxley and Gage in particular. Foley says that they are carrying the torch that he lit with Terry Funk back in their day.

“Who am I to tell someone their style of wrestling is wrong? I had the type of stuff that I enjoyed watching. I can appreciate lucha [libre], for example, but it wasn’t what I wanted to do,” Foley said. “I like the wild matches and these guys have taken that torch that Funk and I lit, and ran a couple of laps on their own with it.”

Foley also noted that he would love to return as Cactus Jack and face Matt Cardona for GCW. He also noted he is not able to do so, however.

“Oh, can you imagine the heat that Cardona would have if Cactus Jack came back for one last match? I can’t do it – I’m just saying, imagine! That’d be great.”

Foley continued to praise GCW.

“There’s all different types of wrestling out there for all different types of fans, and then you find a product that caters to fans who really take their wrestling seriously – I tell you, GCW’s a great show!”

https://twitter.com/GCWrestling_/status/1446193380917121029

GCW Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 7 Results

GCW’s latest event was Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport over the weekend. The results from the show are below:

  1. Yoya defeated Starboy Charlie (3:48)
  2. Zeda Zhang defeated KZT (7:05)
  3. Clark Connors defeated Royce Isaacs (5:28)
  4. Erik Hammer defeated Bad Dude Tito (4:26)
  5. Marina Shafir defeated Masha Slamovich (4:22)
  6. JR Kratos defeated Calvin Tankman (6:38)
  7. Tom Lawlor defeated Alex Coughlin (9:01)
  8. Davey Richards defeated Yuya Uemura (7:11)
  9. Josh Barnett defeated Tiger Ruas (10:08)
  10. Minoru Suzuki defeated Chris Dickinson (15:14)
https://twitter.com/GCWrestling_/status/1453156719064985600
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