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NJPW Reportedly Turns Down AXS TV Deal for Roku

Jake Skudder
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It was recently confirmed that New Japan Pro Wrestling have signed a television deal with Roku in both the United States and United Kingdom.

In an update to that deal, NJPW reportedly turned down a deal from AXS TV and opted to go with Roku. New Japan was previously on the AXS TV network before the broadcaster purchased IMPACT Wrestling. AXS chose to emphasise their new wrestling content and there wasn’t a place for NJPW.

On the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio; Dave Meltzer confirmed that NJPW decided to go with Roku. The reasoning was that they felt the streaming brand was better in terms of ongoing company strategy. This strategy includes expanding more into the Western markets.

NJPW and Roku

The deal with Roku is not exclusive, meaning that New Japan can pursue a cable network deal down the line if they so wish. This would not have been the case with AXS TV and thus why NJPW opted to go with the streaming platform.

The NJPW Roku channel was launched on Thursday 11th February. New Japan Pro-Wrestling is a new one-hour weekly show that premieres Thursdays at 5pm (Eastern). Additional NJPW content from 2020 will also be available on-demand.

A press release at the NJPW website includes quotes from NJPW and Roku executives.

“Our fans in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom are among our most loyal, and they have been very clear that they want NJPW’s content made available to them,” said Takami Ohbari, President of NJPW. “NJPW is unlike any other pro-wrestling in the world. It is the most athletic, sports-oriented pro-wrestling on the planet, and we are excited to bring our athletes and matches to these markets in such a major way. Thank you to The Roku Channel, and we look forward to a successful partnership that brings NJPW to millions of new fans around the world.”

MLW Filthy Island Preview: Aztek Jungle Fight, No Holds Barred

Michael Reichlin
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Major League Wrestling presents a special edition of MLW Fusion tonight, Filthy Island.

The following matches are announced for this broadcast:

  • Aztec Jungle Fight: Mil Muertes vs. Savio Vega
  • No Holds Barred: Low Ki vs. King Mo
  • Dominic Garrini vs. Mauna Loa
  • Rocky Romero vs. Gringo Loco

MLW Fusion premieres Wednesday nights on Fubo Sports, Pluto TV and the MLW YouTube Channel at 7pm (Eastern). The show is replayed Saturdays on beIN Sports at 10pm (Eastern).

https://youtu.be/4HJyrBJJDEo

WrestleMania IV & V Venue Demolished

Chris Stephens
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Trump Plaza in Atlantic City, host venue for WWE WrestleMania IV and V, was demolished Wednesday morning. The poorly-performing casino had been closed since 2014 and Donald Trump has not been associated with it since 2009.

“The way we put Trump Plaza and the city of Atlantic City on the map for the whole world was really incredible,” said Bernie Dillon, the events manager for the casino from 1984 to 1991.

“Everyone from Hulk Hogan to Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, it was the whole gamut of personalities. One night before a Tyson fight I stopped dead in my tracks and looked about four rows in as the place was filling up, and there were two guys leaning in close and having a private conversation: Jack Nicholson and Warren Beatty.”

The actual WrestleMania events were held in nearby Jim Welan Boardwalk Hall. Trump Plaza was given the host-venue naming rights for the events.

“It was like that a lot. You had Madonna and Sean Penn walking in. Barbra Streisand and Don Johnson, Muhammad Ali would be there. Oprah sitting with Donald ringside,” Dillon continued. “It was a special time. I’m sorry to see it go.”

WrestleMania IV featured “Macho Man” Randy Savage win the WWF Championship in a single-elimination tournament. He defeated Ted Dibiase in the finals. The following year, WrestleMania V featured the Mega-Powers exploding when Savage took on Hulk Hogan. Hogan would regain the title in the main event.

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Teddy Hart Is Back In Jail Again

Chris Stephens
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Teddy Hart is currently being housed in the Tarrant County Correction Center in Fort Worth, Texas on various charges.

Hart was originally arrested and charged for “injuring a disabled person, evading arrest, and being in possession of a controlled substance” back in 2016. His records show he was also arrested on these same charges back in October and now again on February 10th, 2021. This likely means he has been arrested for violating the terms of his release on these charges.

The ever-useful Twitter account “@IsTeddyHartinJail” has been providing updates:

https://twitter.com/IsTeddyInJail/status/1361840374143139840

Teddy Hart has had many legal challenges over the years. He was arrested and charged with DUI, evading arrest, and auto theft in 2017. Hart was also arrested on sexual assault charges in 2014 but those charges were dropped in 2016.

He was arrested for possession and intent to sell or distribute a schedule III substance around this time last year in Virginia. A few weeks later he was arrested again for violating his house arrest. Then a few weeks after that, he was arrested for the 3rd time in under a month for strangulation resulting in wounding/bodily harm stemming from a domestic abuse incident.

He would later release a YouTube video talking about those arrests.

“When I went to go pick up some weed, I guess my license plate, which we have already knew had someone else’s name on it. I tried to explain to the officer that it’s already been taken care of. The officer said there’s nothing he could do about it and searched the car and needed to impound the car because the car came up as not mine and the registration [didn’t match] the license… While they were searching the car, they found some steroids, and they found some weed. Those are both charges and now I’m sitting in jail waiting,” Hart said.

Impact Results (2/16): Juice Robinson & David Finlay Debut

Chris Stephens
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Impact Wrestling on 2/16 featured the promotional debut of Juice Robinson and David Finlay. The former IWGP tag-team champions and World Tag League winners faced Reno Scum on the show. Moose and Tommy Dreamer faced off in an old-school rules match in the main event.

Impact 2/16 Quick Results:

  1. X-Division Championship
    TJP defeated Josh Alexander
  2. Trey Miguel defeated Willie Mack vs Suicide vs Daivari
  3. Matt Cardona defeated Hernandez
  4. FinJuice (David Finlay & Juice Robinson) defeated Reno SCUM (Adam Thornstowe & Luster The Legend)
  5. Tenille Dashwood defeated Neveah
  6. Old School Rules
    Moose defeated Tommy Dreamer

FinJuice Has Arrived, Agree To Drink Beers With The Good Brothers

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

After a video announcing their arrival aired at No Surrender, Juice Robinson and David Finlay made their Impact debuts this week. They defeated the team of Reno Scum. After the match, Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows confronted them from the stage.

Anderson spoke about how when the Good Brothers were in Japan, Finlay was just a young lion. Juice arrived in NJPW in 2015 and spent a year or so in slightly-above young lion status. All the while, Anderson and Gallows were winning the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships and the World Tag League tournament. Anderson and Gallows spoke to Juice and Finlay as if they were still those young boys. They did invite Finjuice to go grab some beers with them, however.

Juice and Finlay agreed to the drinks but noted that they are not those young lions anymore. In fact, FinJuice have also won both the NJPW World Tag League and the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships. It appears we might get a match between these two successful tag-teams sometime down the road in Impact.

Tony Khan Really Enjoys His Ads On Impact Wrestling

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlmRX5ZLBqM

Tony Khan and Tony Schiavone were dressed up in Valentine’s Day gear this week, making both look like big fans of Shawn Michaels from the early to mid-90s.

Khan was upset that nobody gave him anything for Valentine’s Day but his gift to Impact was to continue buying these ads. He also said his accountant says it counts as a charitable donation. They ran down The Good Brothers for their interference at Beach Break. Khan then continued to talk about how he is the Forbidden Door and that anyone can show up on Dynamite.

Tommy Dreamer Fails To Get Revenge On Moose

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksP55Np2Z5Q

Moose attached Rich Swann after the main event at No Surrender on Saturday. Tommy Dreamer went to Scott D’Amore and asked for an old school rules match against Moose in this week’s main event. Dreamer wanted revenge on Moose but he wasn’t able to get it.

Moose picked up the win with his Lights Out spear for the win. He would stand tall over Dreamer to end the show. At some point, we will get Moose vs Rich Swann for the world title and when that day comes, it could spell the end of Swann’s title reign.

TJP Successfully Defends The X-Division Title Against Josh Alexander

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0EGSoLFM5I

At No Surrender, Josh Alexander won the triple threat revolver match to put him in a top-spot to contend for the X-Division title. Impact announced shortly after that he would receive his title shot on this week’s show.

After a 15-minute back-and-forth athletic contest, TJP would pick up the win after a Detonation Kick and Mamba splash. Later in the show, it would be revealed that TJP has not shortage of other contenders.

Ace Austin and TJP both found themselves in Scott D’Amore’s office later. Austin was complaining that he still has not received the title shot he earned months ago. D’Amore decided there will be a 6-person tag match next week and the winning team will then face off in a triple threat match with an X-Division title shot on the line.

The teams will be Ace Austin, Chris Bey and Black Taurus vs Willie Mack, Josh Alexander and Trey Miguel 

Trey Miguel Picks Up Big Win, Sami Callihan Not Impressed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGJzV5SZ0Og

Trey Miguel made it all the way to the final 3 in the triple threat revolver match at No Surrender. He wasn’t able to win the match but didn’t take the final pin either. This week, Miguel had a chance to again move up the rankings when he took on Daivari, Willie Mack, and Suicide. The former member of the Rascalz would pick up the win after hitting a Meteora on Suicide.

After the match, Sami Callihan confronted Miguel and told him the reason he didn’t win at No Surrender was because he has no passion.

Brian Myers Confronts Matt Cardona

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U12mNzawHoY

Longtime friends, tag partners, and wrestling figure collectors, Brian Myers and Matt Cardona appear to be in the beginning stages of a feud. Cardona defeated Hernandez in singles action this week but was confronted by Myers after the match. Myers said that he came to Impact first and it’s his. Hernandez then attacked Cardona from behind but Eddie Edwards would run out to make the save.

Tenille Dashwood Attempts To Recruit Havok As Her New Partner

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_VEjI3We6c

The team of Havok and Neveah may be coming to an end. After failing to win the titles against Fire N Flava at No Surrender, some dissension was visible between the two.

This week, the two were seen talking in the back when Tenille Dashwood interrupted. While Dashwood constantly says that it is “all about her” she still seems motivated to be in a tag-team. Neveah took offence to Dashwood attempting to recruit her partner and challenged her to a match. When the two met in singles action later in the show, it was Dashwood pulling out the win with a Spotlight kick.

Next Week On Impact Wrestling

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riqL7oaATDQ

The following matches have been booked for next week:

  • Winning Team Faces Each Other For X-Division Title Shot
    Ace Austin, Chris Bey and Black Taurus vs Willie Mack, Josh Alexander and Trey Migue
  • #1 Contenders Knockouts Tag Team Championships
    Jordynne Grace & Jazz vs Kimber Lee & Susan w/ Deonna Purrazzo

MVP Injured on RAW

Chris Stephens
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MVP suffered a leg injury on WWE RAW last night. MVP teamed with his Hurt Business stablemates Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin in a losing effort against Matt Riddle and the Lucha House Party. After the show, MVP appeared on RAW talk on crutches.

According to a report from Wrestling Observer Radio, MVP needed help getting to the back after the match. PW Insider then reported this morning that MVP had traveled to Birmingham, Alabama for further evaluation. Birmingham is home to the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI), where WWE talent injuries are often treated.

As of this writing, it is not clear how severe the injury is or if MVP is expected to miss significant time.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLWQHunjKN-/?igshid=14ybd2pyxmc9d

Back in October, MVP spoke about how his return to WWE materialized.

“When I contacted WWE and asked about coming back as a surprise entry, I was blown away by how happy they were to have me. They got floor seats for my little boy so he could have a great experience, and he got to meet Rey Mysterio.”

MVP has wrestled in 28 matches during his return to WWE. He made his return in the 2020 Royal Rumble. Since that time, he has amassed a 0-9-1 record in singles matches. His only non-loss was a no contest in a match against Mustafa Ali. He has done a little better in tag-matches with a 9-7 record. His other 2 matches were the 2020 Royal Rumble and a gauntlet match in January. He didn’t win either.

Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair Confirmed For “Punky Brewster” Episode

Chris Stephens
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Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss will both take part in an episode of NBC’s Punky Brewster reboot scheduled to begin airing later this month. The series will debut on the Peacock streaming service on February 25th, 2021.

New pictures have been released today by the Bleacher Report of Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair appearing on the show. It seems the two will be playing themselves in a special WWE-themed episode.

Screen Shot 2021 02 16 at 4.37.30 PM

The original Punky Brewster ran for four seasons between 1984 and 1988. Soleil Moon Frye, who starred as the original Punky Brewster, will reprise the role in the reboot. This time instead of being a bright-eyed child, however, Punky is a single mother of three.

Former WWE writer, Freddie Prinze Jr, also has a role on the show. He will play the role of Punky’s ex-husband.

Screen Shot 2021 02 16 at 4.37.41 PM

Bliss recently spoke about wanting to get into acting during an interview with Hollywood Life.

“I would love to, at some point, cross over [to movies] and bring a mix of WWE fans and mainstream fans together,” she said. “Merge the worlds together. I would love do something like that – or have my own little talk show on the WWE Network! I would love to test the waters and see what happens.”

Tony Khan To WWE: “Come to Jacksonville, I’m Begging You”

Michael Reichlin
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Tony Khan is open to the possibility of AEW working with WWE.

Khan appeared on the WrestleFetish podcast this week and discussed AEW’s “open borders” policy. All Elite Wrestling currently has partnerships with Impact Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling. We are just scratching the surface of what these alliance will yield, but fans are wondering what other companies could get involved.

The elephant in the room is WWE, the world’s largest and most profitable wrestling promotion. Tony Khan was asked if AEW would be receptive to working with WWE or NXT. He was very receptive.

“They are more than welcome,” Khan said about working with WWE. “As I have said, the forbidden door is open anytime. Just come and knock. If they were to knock on the door, then I would certainly be willing to let them in.”

Tony Khan Open To Working With WWE

The hosts were surprised by Khan’s answer. They referenced WWE’s ‘invasion’ of WCW Monday Nitro at the height of the Monday Night Wars. Eric Bischoff did not permit WWE Superstars to appear on Nitro that fateful night, but things would be different if WWE or NXT talent showed up at an AEW event.

“Come in, please!” Khan continued. “I would love that. I would love that. Come to Jacksonville, I’m begging you. I would love it.”

WWE’s Position

WWE knows AEW is making waves by partnering with Impact and New Japan. Triple H recently stated that people have ‘misperceptions’ about WWE’s willingness to work with other promotions.

“Are we open to the right business opportunities? Yeah, at any given time we’re open to things,” he said during the NXT Takeover: WarGames post-show media event. “It just depends on what they are and if they’re beneficial to us in the long-term.”

Triple H referenced the “best for business” attitude, stating that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon is “open to anything” if it makes business sense.

“Open for business, I think Vince says that a lot and I’ve been around him long enough that if it’s the right thing and meaningful to business, he’s open to anything.”

Kurt Angle: Ronda Rousey Picked WWE Up Quicker Than Anyone in History

Jake Skudder
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WWE Hall of Famer and Olympic Gold medallist Kurt Angle recently started a new podcast with the team at AdFreeShows. On the newest episode of The Kurt Angle Show, the former TNA performer discussed Ronda Rousey and her quick rise in WWE.

“Without a doubt, Ronda picked it up very quickly” Kurt Angle began on the show. “But, you know, she was on a crash course. I didn’t have that crash course when I started. When I started with WWE, and went to their training camp? It was only five days a month! So I didn’t have a lot of training before I started.”

“Only when I went down to Memphis after about six months and I did a few months down there did I get any type of consistent training” Angle continued. “Ronda was getting it every day, but she really came through. I mean her performance at WrestleMania was incredible. She did a fantastic job and she deserves a lot of credit, she has incredible work ethic.”

Kurt Angle on Ronda Rousey

Kurt Angle and Ronda Rousey teamed at WrestleMania 34 against Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. Many fans and critics complemented Rousey’s first ever performance in a WWE ring, and Kurt Angle himself had huge praise for the former UFC fighter’s mental approach.

“I think she wasn’t going to disappoint herself or anyone else” Angle stated. “She was going to make sure she hit a home run at WrestleMania, and she did. She picked it up, I think, quicker than anybody in the history of the sport. I think Ronda picked up the technique, very fast, and she made it her own. Everything she did, her throws and her submissions, they were all real. [It was] Judo, Jiu Jitsu type of stuff, she really made it her own, so she was very artistic in that aspect.”

There’s currently no news on the status of Ronda Rousey in WWE. Rousey left the company following her loss to Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 35’s main event; it was reported that Ronda Rousey wanted to start a family with her husband at the time.

Do you think that Ronda Rousey will be returning to WWE? Let us know in the comments

Private Party Ask For Shot Against ROH Tag Champs, Jay Lethal Responds

Chris Stephens
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Doors between wrestling promotions are swinging open all over the place these days, it seems. Now, an AEW tag-team who recently challenged for the Impact tag-team titles is calling out the tag champs from ROH.

This started when Marq Quen and Isiah Kassidy sent a message to Matt Hardy on Twitter after failing to win the Impact titles at No Surrender.

Matt Hardy then asked the team what they plan on doing to make up for the loss.

Private Party then asked for another chance. They asked to take on the ROH tag champs, the Foundation’s Jay Lethal and Jonathan Gresham.

“It would be a start. Bring me the ROH Tag Titles & find out who Jay Lethal’s there to see,” Hardy responded.

Jay Lethal then responded to both Hardy and Private Party.

More problems appear to be brewing between Private Party and Matt Hardy. This may stem from Hardy’s new interest in working with Hangman Adam Page.

Jay Lethal & Jonathan Gresham

The Foundation’s Jay Lethal and Jonathan Gresham are just 7 days shy of tying Cesaro and Chris Hero for the 3rd most days spent with the ROH tag titles. The 426 days they have spent with the titles is the longest single-reign in the titles’ lineage. Granted, the promotion was shut down for 6 months during their reign.

Austin Theory’s Twitter Hacked By Dexter Lumis

Chris Stephens
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Austin Theory is missing. There is concern about his well-being. He was last seen walking to the ring with other members of The Way as they accompanied Johnny Gargano for his NXT North American title match against KUSHIDA. It appeared Dexter Lumis rendered him unconscious after placing a towel over his mouth and nose.

Indi Hartwell has been broken up about her brother-figure’s disappearance. She posted the following to Twitter recently.

Ever since Austin Theory went missing, his Twitter account has begun posting some suspicious content. First, the profile pic associated with the account was changed.

Then a new Gargano family portrait was posted.

Gargano successfully defended his title against KUSHIDA at TakeOver: Vengeance Day on Sunday. It seems likely that he will eventually have to face Lumis with the title on the line, however. Gargano recently regained the NXT North American title for the 3rd time when he won a triple threat against Leon Ruff and Damian Priest at War Games IV.

Gargano recently spoke about what his remaining goals in NXT are in an interview with Sportskeeda.

“For me, being the underdog ‘Johnny Wrestling’ character, I was always more about the chase than the actual title and holding it and defending it,” Gargano explained. “So now I feel like that’s the one blemish on my legacy is not being able to hold the title, not being able to defend it, not being able to have a run with it. So, I feel like that is the number one goal on my mind right now.”

WWE Signs Millie McKenzie To NXT UK Women’s Division

Jake Skudder
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WWE has reportedly signed UK star Millie McKenzie to their NXT UK brand. McKenzie has been one of the standout performers from the United Kingdom over the past few years and now she will be making her way to BT Sport Studios for Thursday night’s NXT UK programme.

talkSPORT confirmed the news this morning, saying also that the 20-year-old was uncomfortable signing for the WWE last year. Millie McKenzie was one of the more prominent UK stars to share her story during the #SpeakingOut movement, with former NXT UK star/coach Travis Banks being alleged to have abused her in the past whilst she was a trainee under his care.

Millie McKenzie To NXT UK

With WWE taking steps to remove certain people from the company it appears as though McKenzie now feels in a place to make her move to the NXT UK brand. Millie McKenzie will be performing on this Saturday’s PROGRESS Chapter 104 event, taking on Mercedez Blaze in what may be her final appearance for the promotion. That show does however take place on WWE Network, so she may be available for events going forward.

According to the report from talkSPORT, McKenzie is set to be ‘plugged right in’ to the top of the Women’s division on NXT UK. Millie will be performing against the likes of Kay Lee Ray, Jinny and newly signed Meiko Satomura.

ROH Locks Bandido And Flamita To New Deals

Anutosh Bajpai
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ROH has been on a re-signing spree recently and they have now locked high flying stars Bandido and Flamita to new deals, according to PWinsider.

Bandido, who made his wrestling debut in 2011 at a young age of 15, has wrestled for many well-known promotions in Mexico such as Lucha Libre Elite (LLE), The Crash Lucha Libre and more.

In 2018, he revealed that he turned down an offer from WWE and chose to sign with Ring Of Honor instead. He has been a regular for the promotion ever since.

Flamita, who is also a Mexican luchador enmascarado like Bandido has been wrestling from a young age as well. The 26-year-old star made his debut in 2009.

During his time in Mexico, the high flyer worked for companies such as Lucha Libre AAA World Wide (AAA) and Desastre Total Ultraviolento (DTU)

The young star, who has been compared to Rey Mysterio by Dave Meltzer joined the promotion’s roster in 2019 and now he has decided to continue his relationship with the company.

While there are no details on the length of their new deals, Bandido signed a one year contract with the company last year and these latest contracts could be of similar lengths.

News On If Sammy Guevara Has Heat For Turning Down Impact Spot

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

The reports of Sammy Guevara turning down a spot at the latest Impact tapings and being sent back home made a lot of headlines yesterday.

Many believed that the behaviour might have landed the young star in hot waters with both the companies but that’s not the case, at least with AEW, according to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Radio.

Meltzer claimed that one person from impact told them that the spot Sammy turned down was something he ‘should’ve turned down.’

He also revealed that there is no heat on the Cuban star from AEW’s side. The two companies also has no heat due to the incident, though Impact officials are not happy with Guevara.

For those who don’t know, Sammy Guevara was apparently booked for a spot at the latest Impact tapings, with the storyline playing off of him quitting the Inner Circle on last week’s Dynamite.

However, the AEW star didn’t like the ideas Impact officials had in store for him when he got to the tapings and he wanted the creative plans to be changed.

This led to Guevara taking his complains to AEW officials and the Impact officials did the same. Sammy Guevara eventually went back home and Impact used Black Taurus in the spot they had planned for him.

There is no word yet on what were the exact creative plans that led to the whole situation but we should get a better idea after this week’s episode of Impact.

What WWE Might Be Planning For The Hall Of Fame Ceremony

Anutosh Bajpai
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With the WrestleMania season kicking off, people have been wondering what the company might be planning for the Hall Of Fame ceremony which they had to cancel last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Now Davey Boy Smith Jr, son of the announced 2020 class of Hall Of Famer British Bulldog has provided some update on what the officials are planning for the show this year.

The former WWE star recently had an interview with Metro.co.uk. During the talk, he confirmed the event will be part of the WrestleMania weekend and suggested that it will be held without live audience:

“I’m not sure what or who that might be at this point because of the Covid restrictions.” said Smith Jr, “I think it will just be me inducting Davey, as far as I know. I don’t think that they’re doing an audience, just with the fans from the Network on the screens.”

Davey Boy Smith Jr also talked about the induction speech he is preparing and revealed that he is looking to include stories about the legend fans might not be aware of.

WWE has confirmed that WrestleMania 37 will feature a live audience and it’s possible that they are considering all options for the Hall Of Fame ceremony.

Though the most likely scenario for the induction ceremony is still it taking place inside a Thunderdome setup. We will have to see when the company will confirm the plans for the same.

Unseen Footage From NXT Takeover: Vengeance Day After Chaotic Main Event (Video)

Anutosh Bajpai
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The NXT Takeover: Vengeance Day event ended on a shocking note as Undisputed Era leader Adam Cole turned on his longtime partner Kyle O’Reilly. The main event of the show saw Finn Balor retaining his NXT championship over Pete Dunne but the titleholder was attacked by Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch after the bout.

The Undisputed Era came to the rescue and sent the NXT tag champions and Dunne in retreat. O’Reilly then helped Balor get on his feet and all the stars celebrated with their pose. However, Cole then suddenly superkicked the former Universal Champion, leaving the other Undisputed Era members unhappy with the sudden change.

Strong later said that he understands Adam Cole’s actions but O’Reilly continued his argument. Adam Cole then turned on his teammate and laid O’Reilly down with another superkick. The show ended with Roderick Strong acting conflicted about what just happened as they left the arena while both Balor and O’Reilly were still down.

The company later released the following post-show video which sees both the stars recovering from the attack. Balor got back up and warned his former rival to be careful. The NXT champion told O’Reilly that he wasn’t cleaning up his mess. Balor then made his exit and the Undisputed Era member followed:

There is no word yet on where WWE intends to take the storyline next and what they have in store for The Undisputed Era or Finn Balor. We should get a better idea about the plans for their future on this week’s episode of NXT.

WWE RAW Results (2/15): Gauntlet Match, Lacey Evans, Bad Bunny Wins Title

Robert Lentini
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WWE RAW aired live from the ThunderDome. It was the final episode of RAW before WWE Elimination Chamber this Sunday. In addition to the takeaways below, Bad Bunny pinned Akira Tozawa to become the new 24/7 Champion tonight.

RAW Results (2/15)

  1. Riddle & Lucha House Party def. Hurt Business
  2. Charlotte & Asuka vs. Lacey Evans & Peyton Royce ended in a no contest
  3. Kofi Kingston def. The Miz to qualify for the Elimination Chamber match
  4. Shayna Baszler def. Lana via submission
  5. Sheamus won the Gauntlet match to become the final entrant in the Elimination Chamber match

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

The Miz Removed Himself From The Elimination Chamber Match

WWE Champion Drew McIntyre was a guest on Miz TV tonight. The Miz brought up Sheamus betraying McIntyre and suggested that they weren’t ever best friends anyway. Miz claimed he would be furious if WWE management robbed him of getting revenge on Sheamus and defend the WWE Championship in the Elimination Chamber.

McIntyre shouted at Miz to shut the hell up and got in his face. Drew told Miz not to interrupt him and Miz immediately started talking. McIntyre hit Miz with the Glasgow Kiss and launched the MITB briefcase to the stage.

The Miz slowly got up and said that we are starting to see the cracks in the WWE Champion. Miz referred to Drew McIntyre as “Andy” and said he doesn’t blame him for feeling pressure heading into Elimination Chamber. The Miz stated he feels no pressure because he is bring the MITB contract to the chamber.

Miz added that he is a master strategist and he wants every superstar to be on notice. The Miz said when it is all said and done, he will be standing as champion. The Miz then announced he is removing himself from the Elimination Chamber match because he is in control.

Riddle & Lucha House Party Picked Up A Win

Riddle & Lucha House Party squared off against Hurt Business in the first match of the night. Shelton Benjamin leveled Lince Dorado with a shoulder tackle to start off the action. Cedric Alexander tagged in and continued to beat down Dorado as United States Champion Bobby Lashley watched on from backstage.

Metalik tagged in and hit Alexander with a Crossbody. Hurt Business took control as RAW went to a commercial break. When RAW returned, Hurt Business had Metalik isolated in the corner and took turns beating him down. Metalik finally was able to battle back and planted Benjamin with a DDT.

Riddle tagged in and planted Cedric with an Exploder Suplex. Riddle followed it up with a running kick to the face but MVP tagged in. MVP hit Riddle with a Clothesline but appeared to tweak his right knee. MVP hit the Ballin Elbow Drop and went for the cover but Lucha House Party broke it up at two.

Cedric hit Metalik with the Lumbar Check but turned around into a Superkick from Lince. Dorado hit Benjamin with a Splash outside the ring. Riddle leveled MVP and made his way to the top rope. Riddle connected with the Floating Bro for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Bobby Lashley attacked Riddle and Lucha House Party on the entrance ramp. Lashley then applied the Hurt Lock to Riddle on the entrance ramp and tossed him to the floor. Lashley will defend the United States Championship against Riddle & Keith Lee in a Triple Threat match this Sunday at the Elimination Chamber PPV.

Lacey Evans Announced She Is Pregnant

Charlotte Flair & RAW Women’s Champion Asuka faced Lacey Evans & Peyton Royce tonight. Asuka will defend the RAW Women’s Championship against Lacey Evans this Sunday at Elimination Chamber. Ric Flair accompanied Lacey Evans to the ring.

Asuka and Peyton Royce started off the action and circled each other in the ring before locking up. Peyton drove Asuka to the corner of the ring before the referee broke them up. Asuka went to work on Royce’s arm before Charlotte tagged in.

Flair launched Royce into the turnbuckle and dared Lacey Evans to tag in. Lacey backed away and Charlotte planted Peyton with a Fallaway Slam. Asuka tagged in and Royce connected with a boot to the face. Charlotte and Asuka took turns beating Royce down before Peyton forced Lacey to tag in.

Lacey hopped off the apron and started retreating up the entrance ramp. Lacey grabbed the microphone and told Charlotte that she is pregnant. Ric Flair shouted “you can call me daddy!” and Evans’ music played to end the match in a no contest.

Kofi Kingston Will Replace The Miz

The Miz squared off against Kofi Kingston tonight on RAW. If The Miz won, John Morrison would replace him in the Elimination Chamber match. Kofi would get that spot if picked up the victory.

Kofi escaped the Skull Crushing Finale and went for Trouble in Paradise but Miz was able to get out of the way. Kofi sent Miz out of the ring and hit him with a Crossbody. Back in the ring, Kingston went for the cover but Miz kicked out at two.

Kingston followed it up with a Dropkick for another near fall. The Miz connected with a Neckbreaker outside the ring as RAW went to a commercial break. When RAW returned, The Miz hit Kingston with a DDT for a two count.

Miz threw Kofi out of the ring and bounced his head off the announce table. The Miz then launched Kingston into the barricade before the action returned to the ring. Miz slammed Kingston into the ring post and followed it up with a kick to the face for a near fall.

Kofi leveled Miz with a Double Stomp and bought himself some time to regroup. Kingston hit the Boom Drop and went for Trouble in Paradise but Miz countered into a roll-up for a two count. Kingston hit SOS for another near fall. Kingston went for a Crossbody but Miz rolled through into a cover for another two count.

The Miz hung up Kingston in the ropes and attacked Kofi’s knee. The Miz then locked in the Figure Four in the middle of the ring but Kingston was able to reach the bottom rope to break the hold. Kingston escaped the Skull Crushing Finale and hit Trouble in Paradise for the pinfall victory. Kofi Kingston is now in the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber this Sunday.

Alexa Bliss Interrupted Randy Orton

Randy Orton cut a backstage promo tonight vowing to win tonight’s Gauntlet match and become the final superstar released from his pod in the Elimination Chamber. Orton said he will win the WWE Championship at Elimination Chamber and headline WrestleMania.

Alexa Bliss interrupted and said that “he” was destroyed by fire but in the future he will be reborn. It was then revealed that Bliss was sitting on a pentagram with candles on it. Bliss laughed into the camera to end the segment.

Shayna Baszler Tapped Out Lana

Shayna Baszler faced Lana tonight on RAW. Naomi and Nia Jax were ringside for the match. Baszler dominated the match early and shoved her knee into the back of Lana’s head. Lana knocked Shayna to the canvas and hit her with a Crossbody off the top rope for a near fall. Baszler booted Lana in the face as Nia Jax attacked Naomi outside the ring.

Naomi shoved Nia into the ring post but Shayna grabbed her from behind. Lana capitalized on the distraction and rolled up Shayna for a two count. Shayna quickly locked in the Kirifuda Clutch for the submission victory.

Braun Strowman Confronted Adam Pearce

Braun Strowman confronted Adam Pearce backstage and complained about not being included in the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber match. Pearce pointed out that it only includes former WWE Champions and not Universal Champions. Pearce added that he was just the messenger and it was Shane McMahon’s call. Strowman said Shane needs to fix this or there will be consequences.

Sheamus Will Be The Final Entrant In The Elimination Chamber

AJ Styles faced Kofi Kingston in the first round of the Gauntlet match. The winner will enter the Elimination Chamber last this Sunday. Omos and Xavier Woods were ringside for the match. Styles and Kofi started out back and forth but Omos attacked Woods outside the ring. Omos Chokeslammed Woods over the barricade and onto the concrete. Omos was kicked out from ringside and Styles capitalized on the distraction and hit Kingston with a chop block to the knee as RAW went to a break.

When RAW returned, Styles locked in a Half Crab in the middle of the ring. Kofi broke free but Styles hit him with another chop block. Kingston hit a Knee Drop and went for the cover but AJ kicked out at two. AJ went back to work on Kofi’s injured leg and then set up for the Phenomenal Forearm. AJ connected and pinned Kingston to advance in the Gauntlet match.

AJ Styles faced WWE Champion Drew McIntyre next in the Gauntlet match. McIntyre hit a Clothesline and then a boot to the face that sent Styles out of the ring as RAW went to a break. McIntyre launched Styles into the top turnbuckle for a near fall when RAW returned.

Styles retreated out of the ring and McIntyre chased after him. Drew sent Styles flying into the steel steps and brought him back into the ring. McIntyre hit a Falcon Arrow and went for the cover but AJ kicked out at the last moment. Drew connected with a Reverse Alabama Slam and went for the Claymore but AJ countered with a Dropkick.

AJ sent McIntyre out of the ring and hit him with the Phenomenal Forearm outside the ring. Styles then threw McIntyre into the ring post as RAW went to a commercial break. McIntyre planted Styles with a Neckbreaker and made his way to the top rope. Drew leaped but Styles was ready and hit him with a Pele Kick.

McIntyre countered the Styles Clash into a Back Body Drop and then unloaded some chops to AJ’s chest in the corner of the ring. Styles went for the Calf Crusher and locked it in but McIntyre broke free with a headbutt. McIntyre dodged the Phenomenal Forearm and hit Styles with the Claymore for the pinfall victory.

Drew McIntyre then battled Jeff Hardy in the Gauntlet match. Jeff Hardy hit McIntyre with a Dropkick to the ribs that knocked the WWE Champion out of the ring. Jeff hit McIntyre with a Clothesline off the ring apron as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Hardy went for a Jawbreaker but McIntyre countered with a knee to the face. Drew planted Jeff with a Neckbreaker and followed it up with the Future Shock DDT for a two count. McIntyre and Jeff Hardy traded punches on the top turnbuckle. The WWE Champion got the better of the exchange and connected with a Superplex for another near fall.

McIntyre went for the Claymore but Jeff was able to get out of the way. Jeff planted McIntyre with the Twist of Fate and climbed to the top turnbuckle. Hardy went for the Swanton Bomb but McIntyre was able to get his knees up. McIntyre connected with the Claymore for the pinfall victory and to advance in the Gauntlet match.

Drew McIntyre faced Randy Orton in the next round of the Gauntlet match. McIntyre sent Orton out of the ring and Alexa Bliss appeared on every screen in the ThunderDome. Bliss’ laughter distracted Orton and he was counted out. McIntyre hit Orton with the Claymore as he tried to get back into the ring.

Sheamus was the final superstar in the Gauntlet match and he attacked McIntyre from behind. Sheamus sent McIntyre into the barricade and then rolled the WWE Champion back into the ring. Sheamus stomped on McIntyre until the referee pulled him away.

The referee asked McIntyre if he still wanted to have the match with Sheamus and Drew said yes. The referee rang the bell and Sheamus attacked McIntyre in the corner of the ring. Sheamus controlled the match for the next several minutes and taunted McIntyre while beating him down.

McIntyre hit the Glasgow Kiss and then the Future Shock DDT. Drew planted Sheamus with a Powerslam and then both superstars stumbled back to their feet. McIntyre went for the Claymore but Sheamus got out of the way and hit the Brogue Kick for the pinfall victory. Sheamus will enter the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber last this Sunday. Sheamus shouted that he will prove this wasn’t a fluke and will win the chamber match to close tonight’s show.

The Miz Removes Himself From Elimination Chamber Match, Replacement Revealed

Anutosh Bajpai
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The current Mr Money In The Bank The Miz has removed himself from the upcoming Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Championship this Sunday.

The A Lister was originally announced as a contestant for the match last week. However, he met with Adam Pearce in a backstage segment on this week’s Raw and said that he wanted to give up his spot ‘for a younger talent.’

The Miz then suggested the name of John Morrison for the spot but Kofi Kingston also wanted an opportunity for the same and Pearce ended up booking a match between the two to determine who gets the chance.

The New Day member ended up winning this bout after hitting a Trouble In Paradise and earned the spot for himself at the PPV event this Sunday. After the latest changes, here is the updated Elimination Chamber match card:

Updated Elimination Chamber Match Card:

  • Elimination Chamber Match for WWE Championship: Kofi Kingston vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Randy Orton vs. Sheamus vs. AJ Styles vs. Drew McIntyre (c)
  • Elimination Chamber Match for shot at Universal Championship: Kevin Owens vs. Jey Uso vs. King Baron Corbin vs. Sami Zayn vs. Cesaro vs. Daniel Bryan
  • WWE Universal Championship Match: Winner of the SmackDown Elimination Chamber vs. Roman Reigns (c)
  • RAW Women’s Championship Match: Lacey Evans vs. Asuka (c)
  • WWE United States Championship Triple Threat Match: Riddle vs. Keith Lee vs. Bobby Lashley (c)

WWE Elimination Chamber Card: Updated Card For Sunday

Andrew Ravens
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There have been some changes made to the card for Sunday’s Elimination Chamber.

On Monday’s episode of Raw, the show opened with The Miz welcoming Drew McIntyre to Miz TV. After Miz kept interrupting the WWE Champion, McIntyre headbutted him and tossed his Money in the Bank briefcase out of the ring towards the stage.

This led to McIntyre leaving and Miz recovering to the point where he did a promo where he announced that he was removing himself from the WWE Title Elimination Chamber Match. He then teased cashhing in the Money in the Bank briefcase on either McIntyre or even Universal Champion Roman Reigns. 

WWE named his replacement later in the show as a Gauntlet Match took place featuring the newest member, Kofi Kingston, as well as McIntyre, Randy Orton, AJ Styles, Jeff Hardy, and Sheamus with Sheamus winning to earn the right to enter the chamber match last. 

Kingston earned the spot after beating The Miz in a singles match earlier in the night. 

Also, Lacey Evans was supposed to challenge Asuka for the Raw Women’s Title at this show, but she is pregnant and WWE will have to announce her replacement.

WWE Elimination Chamber: Updated Card

  • WWE Champion Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton vs. Jeff Hardy vs. AJ Styles vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Sheamus – Elimination Chamber Match
  • WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. TBA 
  • Kevin Owens vs. Jey Uso vs. King Corbin vs. Sami Zayn vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Cesaro – #1 Contender Elimination Chamber Match
  • WWE Raw Women’s Champion Asuka vs. TBA
  • WWE United States Champion Bobby Lashley vs. Matt Riddle vs. Keith Lee – Triple Threat Match

Bobby Lashley Wants Keith Lee in The Hurt Business

Rayan Sayyed
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Bobby Lashley says he wants Keith Lee in his Hurt Business faction. Lashley thinks Lee is a star who is ready to breakout and the Hurt Business would propel him to the next level.

While speaking to TV Insider, WWE’s reigning United States Champion was asked if he sees any similarities between himself and Keith Lee.

“Now that you say that, I kind of do,” Lashley said about seeing some of his own characteristics in Keith Lee. “When I first came in, I was a major player. Then I hovered. At certain times I faced John Cena, Booker T. and JBL, but I never broke through to get that world title. Keith has earned respect from a lot of people.”

Lashley added, “He has been going out there and doing everything he has to do. I think he’s the kind of person who might need a little Hurt Business in his life to take him to that next level. He is ready to breakout, as are others.”

Keith Lee was added to the main roster in 2020 after a great stint in NXT, where he won the NXT Championship and also the North American Championship.

Since The Hurt Business has seen some tension amongst the members, Bobby Lashley was asked if there is a possibility the group might disband.

“No. Sometimes when we disagree, it’s just being brothers — you have little spats. There’s no chance we’re breaking up.”

Meanwhile, Bobby Lashley will defend his United States title against Keith Lee himself and Matt Riddle in a triple-threat match at the Elimination Chamber event this Sunday. He defeated Apollo Crews at Payback last year to win the title for the second time in his career.

Lacey Evans Is Legitimately Pregnant

Andrew Ravens
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Lacey Evans shared some exciting news on Monday’s episode of Raw. 

Asuka and Charlotte Flair fought Peyton Royce and Evans in a tag team match on this show, but Evans didn’t take a bump as she refused to tag in. Instead, she walked out from ringside before announcing she is pregnant. 

WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair implied that he is the father because he could be heard saying, “call me daddy.” Clearly, Flair is not the father but Evans is legitimately pregnant.

Evans informed WWE about her pregnancy on Monday. Thus, they had to change the direction of her storyline with Flair.

This means that she will be taking time off from WWE. The company could always pick up the storyline where it left off when she returns late this year or in early 2022. This will be the second child for Lacey and her husband Alfonso as their first child is named Summer.

WWE will also have to announce her replacement in a planned title match as Evans was supposed to challenge Asuka for the Raw Women’s Title at this Sunday’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view event from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Bad Bunny Wins WWE 24/7 Title

Andrew Ravens
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Bad Bunny is the new WWE 24/7 Champion for now. 

During Monday’s episode of Raw, Akira Tozawa won the title from R-Truth. Moments later, Akira walked into Damian Priest, who was with Bad Bunny, and the Raw star sent him into a stack of production crates. Bunny pinned him to win the title.

Bad Bunny is slated to be the musical guest on Saturday Night Live. Thus, this could’ve been done so he could hold on to the title for a while and be able to show it off on SNL.

Triple H commented on the moment by writing the following on Twitter: 

“A #RoyalRumble moment, an upcoming #SNL appearance and now @WWE #247Champion… @sanbenito has been a busy man. #ThePoint #WWERaw.”

After appearing at the Royal Rumble and getting physical with The Miz and John Morrison, the following night on Raw, it was reported that the singer is training at the Performance Center to get ready for his WWE in-ring debut. 

Bad Bunny made a chunk of change via recent WWEShop sales. A few weeks ago, he held all four of the top merch selling spots thanks to his t-shirt. This drove over $500,000 in sales to WWE and Bad Bunny as a result.

WWE Issuing Violations To Talent For Social Media Posts Naming Third Parties

Andrew Ravens
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WWE has decided to issue “violations” to talent if they send out messages on Twitter and Instagram while naming any third party business, person, brand, or charity. 

Wrestling Inc reported the news today. Per the report, the violations start with a warning, then a fine, and finally suspension. WWE claims ownership of talent Twitter and Instagram accounts because of a clause in their contract, which grants the company the exclusive use of their likeness.

WWE made it clear to wrestlers who have complained that the current “flexibility” allowed in social media could be retracted by them. 

Last September, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon sent out a memo stating wrestlers can no longer use platforms like Cameo and Twitch. A month later, WWE decided to release Zelina Vega due to fallout from her continuing to use platforms like Twitch and OnlyFans.

It was clarified that talent will be able to maintain both YouTube and Twitch accounts but has to use their real names. 

LoveUX came out with a study about how lucrative these social media posts can be to celebrities and wrestlers. Lana earned an estimated $625,922 off 59 sponsored posts last year, which turned out to be $10,608 per post. Mandy Rose got $490,104 off 71 sponsored posts ($6,902 per post).

Cody Rhodes Says An AEW-WWE Crossover Could Happen

Andrew Ravens
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Cody Rhodes has made it known that it’s entirely possible for AEW and WWE to work together, even though the chances of that happening are slim. 

All Elite Wrestling has established a working relationship with not only Impact Wrestling, but also NJPW. 

This is something the AEW Executive talked about while doing an interview with The New York Post. He made the comments on a potential AEW – WWE crossover when asked about having wrestlers from the likes of NWA, NJPW, and Impact on Dynamite. 

He thinks the All In show showed that the business can let go of various old rules. All In was an independent wrestling show with production help from ROH that was started off a bet that he couldn’t hold a show with 10,000 fans in attendance. He noted that there is no reason why AEW couldn’t work with NJPW and thus the same with WWE. 

“There’s no reason that there couldn’t be a potential WWE crossover one day,” Rhodes said. “And I don’t mean that’s a thing that’s been discussed or happening, but none of those rules that exist for other places exist for us. Wrestling is really this universal industry. The territory reference that you made, that’s fairly accurate, but the part of it that’s most accurate was there was a genuine trust.”

He brought up how Eddie Graham and Vince McMahon Sr. traded talent all of the time. The reason for this was to keep wrestlers fresh. 

“Wednesday Night War or not the main thing we have to do for fans for the rest of this run – and I want this company to be around forever — is keep it fresh. It can’t ever get stale. Our doors are open if the business is right, if the moment is right, if the time is right. Our bridges are down. I’ll be the one curmudgeon AEW guy to make sure it’s all good.”

WWE moved NXT to the USA Network in the same time slot as Dynamite when AEW reached a television deal with TNT. Since that time, AEW has won the majority of the ratings war in both total viewership and nearly all demos except for +50.

WWE Signs Blake Christian & Harlem Bravado

Chris Stephens
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WWE has signed two new talents recently, one of whom has been in appearing in Impact Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling as of late.

As first reported by Fightful, WWE has signed Blake Christian to a developmental deal. Christian has appeared recently on episodes of New Japan Strong taped from NJPW’s Los Angeles dojo. He also appeared in Impact Wrestling as recently as this weekend’s No Surrender event.

Christian had also performed regularly with Game Changer Wrestling. At Impact Wrestling’s Genesis event last month, Christian made it to the finals of the Super X Cup. He also made it to the semi-finals of NJPW’s Super J Cup tournament before losing to El Phantasmo.

According to a report from PWInsider, WWE has also signed former Ring of Honor talent, Harlem Bravado. The 31-year-old was trained by Delrious at the ROH dojo. He had also performed with EVOLVE before the promotion shut down. According to match records, Bravado has not performed since the start of the pandemic and EVOLVE’s final shows.

The signing of Christian and Bravado comes at a time when Taya Valkyrie and blue-chip prospect Parker Bordeaux have also signed with the company. Additionally, the members of MSK also signed with the company earlier this year.

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