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Marty Scurll Departs From Ring Of Honor

Andrew Ravens
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Marty Scurll is no longer under contract with Ring of Honor. 

On Monday evening, ROH announced on social media that the two sides have mutually decided to end their working relationship:

scurll statement

Marty Scurll In Ring of Honor

Marty Scurll joined Ring of Honor in 2016. He signed a new contract in January 2020. At the time, “The Villain” was a hot commodity. He was rumored to be joining either WWE or AEW.

The latest Ring of Honor contract called for him to take over as Ring of Honor’s head of creative. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be. Just as he was supposed to begin expanding his duties behind the scenes, the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Ring of Honor soon suspended live events.

Marty Scurll was later the subject of lurid allegations as part of the #SpeakingOut movement. It was alleged by a young woman that Marty Scurll took advantage of her while she was drunk and underaged. Scurll addressed the situation publicly and soon made his Twitter account private.

Marty Scurll was removed from the ROH website roster in October 2020. Since the promotion resumed holding events, he had not been at any ROH TV tapings or PPVs nor had he been involved in any behind the scenes responsibilities.

We’ll provide an update if Scrull comments on his departure from ROH.

Keith Lee Admits He Was Perplexed When WWE Changed His Theme Music

Andrew Ravens
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In the eyes of some fans, Keith Lee had a rocky start to his run on the main roster as a member of WWE Raw. 

He held both the NXT Championship and NXT North American Championship in 2020. However, he was called up after SummerSlam and immediately underwent presentation changes as his music and attire were altered. This upset some fans. 

Lee recalled how he found out about his music being changed while speaking to Bleacher Report. 

“That was something else. Originally, honestly, even I was a little perplexed. You get all the people who came up to Raw who still used their old music. Mind you, none of them did their own music. I’m the only one that did, so it would make more sense for me to be the one to keep using my music. 

However, that did not happen, so they asked me to use something else, and I did, and I tried to be as accommodating a possible by putting the front of the song on that track, and it just didn’t vibe [laughs]. It was rough, man! I did the best I could given the circumstances.”

Lee recalled thinking to himself that he just had to go with it until he can figure something out. He joked the fan backlash over it made him think if they were his friends or not. 

“I think I’m starting to understand some things here. Between the gear and the music, I just got destroyed.”

He noted that he had nothing ready for new music because he didn’t think he would have to change it. He added that he wrote some things up with the music guys until he was happy. Lee said the current music he’s using now is different from what he wanted to use but happy to have something that he wrote and performed. 

Bully Ray On WWE Sending Keith Lee Back To The Performance Center

FTR Changes Name Of Signature Move To Honor Brodie Lee

Andrew Ravens
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FTR has decided to do something pretty cool to honor Jon Huber, who passed away last month due to a non-COVID-related lung issue. 

Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood plan to change the name of their signature move as a way to remember Brodie Lee. 

Harwood took to Twitter to announce the name change and mentioned that he got the permission of Amanda Huber, Lee’s wife, to do so. He wrote the following: 

“After speaking with Amanda, and getting her blessing, we have decided to change the name of The Goodnight Express to “Big Rig”. This is our way of keeping a bit of his legacy alive in professional wrestling. We love you, Brodie. Can’t wait to see you again.”

Before making the jump to AEW from WWE, the move was called The Shatter Machined. Also, since joining the rival promotion, the tag team changed their finisher to a Spike Piledriver. 

AEW did a tribute show for Lee on last week’s episode of Dynamite, which was watched by 9777,000 fans. 

As of this writing, AEW has yet to book FTR in a match on this Wednesday’s special edition of Dynamite, which is being billed as New Year’s Smash and already has a stacked card.

https://twitter.com/DaxFTR/status/1346200774079115273

Ric Flair Says Charlotte Is Greatest Women’s Wrestler Of All-Time

Andrew Ravens
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Ric Flair is obviously very proud of his daughter, Charlotte, and her career that she’s had thus far in the pro wrestling business. 

At 34-years-old, Charlotte Flair has accomplished everything there is to accomplish in WWE. She’s held the NXT Women’s Championship, was the final WWE Divas Champion, has reigned as champion on Raw and SmackDown and is a Royal Rumble winner. Success sometimes brings detractors with it. Charlotte has deal with her share of negativity from fans, but that does not bother her father.

During an interview with CBS Sports, Ric Flair says he’s not concerned with wrestling fans who are critical of his daughter.

“I’m not so much bothered by it,” said Flair. “I just laugh at it. It’s really sad the impact that social media can have on people. She’s got thick skin. Wrestling is the only sport where somebody can’t be the best. 

Flair added that fans are critical of all pro athletes. At the end of the day, it does not detract from Charlotte’s legacy. She is currently in her prime and Flair sees his daughter as the greatest women’s wrestler of all time.

Charlotte made her return to WWE programming at last month’s TLC pay-per-view to win the Women’s Tag Team Titles with Asuka. “When she walked out at TLC, what did you think? That’s star-power,” said Flair.

The Nature Boy respects the accomplishments of Trish Stratus and Lita, but Charlotte Flair is still the greatest of all time.

“She’s the best woman on the roster, but she’s the best woman of all time,” Flair said of his daughter. “I’ve been in the business 49 years. Give me an example of who you think is better. You can’t.”

You can read the full interview at CBS Sports.

charlotte belts

Hulk Hogan: “Some of the Younger Guys Are Really Cold to Me”

Chris Stephens
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WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan will be one of many legends on-hand for tonight’s episode of RAW. Hogan spoke to ESPN to promote the event and revealed some interesting information about how talent treats him backstage at WWE shows.

When asked about the type of reception he gets from the WWE roster, Hogan admitted, “It’s a mixed bag. Some people I get a really warm reception from.”

He named stars like Seth Rollins and Edge as people who have been nice and credited him with being the reason they got into wrestling.

Hogan admitted some of the younger wrestlers have been less welcoming. “Some of the younger guys are really cold to me, like I’m coming to steal the main event,” said Hogan. “And I’m like, ‘I can’t do this anymore, guys! I’m not a threat!'”

He took a shot at the young WWE talent who have been unable to follow in his illustrious footsteps.

“We blazed such a trail that it’s hard for the young guys to follow that trail,” said Hogan. “It’s like what Vince McMahon always says,’Hogan, I’m always looking for an attraction.’ That’s because we branded something in Vince’s mind where he’s always looking for that next big thing, that hood ornament.”

Other topics discussed include comparisons to Steve Austin and The Rock, the Undertaker’s Final Farewell and the rumored biopic on his life with Chris Hemsworth in talks to portray him. The full interview with Hulk Hogan can be read here.

Matt Hardy Slams Vince McMahon For Hardy Bros. Tag Team

Michael Reichlin
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Matt Hardy has released a video explaining why the Hardy Boyz are the greatest tag team in pro wrestling history. Matt says he and Jeff will hold tag team gold once again. He also slams WWE Chairman Vince McMahon for attempting to “confuse the marketplace” with the Hardy Bros. tag team.

Matt calls himself the most innovative and creative trailblazer in all of pro wrestling history. He is the brains, the captain, the manager and the motivation behind the greatest tag team ever – and he’s got the evidence to back it up.

Hardy Boyz: #GTTOAT

The Hardy Boyz are the only tag team in history to hold World Tag Team Championships from WWE, WCW, Ring of Honor and Impact Wrestling.

There are several other teams that are in the conversation for Greatest Tag Team of All Time. Hardy named the Road Warriors, The Rock and Roll Express, the Young Bucks and even The New Day.

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However, the Hardy Boyz are more popular than them all. Aside from being tag team legends, Matt and Jeff have both held multiple world championships as singles competitors.

Matt claims it is a ‘documented fact’ that the Hardy Boyz have sold more merchandise than any team in history. In 2000, the the team made 20x their WWE downside guarantees because they sold so much merchandise.

The Hardy Boyz are still 100% healthy and in their prime of their careers. Matt assures viewers that he and Jeff will hold championship gold together once again.

Matt Hardy Slams Vince McMahon & The Hardy Bros.

Matt then turned his attention to Vince McMahon and the new Hardy Bros. tag team. He says McMahon is so obsessed with the greatness, success and popularity of the Hardy Boyz that he’s ripped them off with the Hardy Bros.

WWE has paired Jeff Hardy with another “Matt” (Riddle) in an effort to confuse the marketplace recreate the magic of the originals.

Matt Hardy says the Hardy Bros. will not be successful. He says the Fake Razor Ramon and Fake Diesel had a better chance of getting over than the Hardy Bros.

Brodie Lee Mural Created By Artist David Speed (Video)

Michael Reichlin
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British artist David Speed has created an amazing mural honoring the late Brodie Lee (Jon Huber). Lee recently passed away due to a lung disease unrelated to Covid-19.

Speed noted on Twitter that he does not post any wrestling content on his social media channels, but was compelled to create this work and share it with his followers because he found the Brodie Lee tribute episode of AEW Dynamite so moving.

The mural has received unanimous praise online from the wrestling community.

In the second page of the Instagram post embedded below, you can see video footage of Speed creating the work.

Bravo, Mr. Speed.

David Speed co-hosts the popular Creative Rebels business podcast.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CJl5Esyp34Z/

WWE Raw Preview: Legends Night, McIntyre vs. Lee, Alexa Bliss Burned Alive?

Michael Reichlin
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Tonight’s WWE Raw on the USA Network takes place from the ThunderDome in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The first Raw of 2021 will be a star-studded affair. The show is billed as a Legends Night, with Hall of Famers and legends scheduled to be in attendance.

Legends confirmed for WWE Raw Legends Night include Alicia Fox, Beth Phoenix, Big Show, Boogeyman, Booker T, Candice Michelle, Carlito, Hillbilly Jim, Hulk Hogan, IRS, Ivory, Jacqueline, Jeff Jarrett, Jimmy Hart, Kurt Angle, Mark Henry, Melina, Michael “PS” Hayes, Mickie James, Ric Flair, Sgt. Slaughter, Tatanka, Torrie Wilson, Teddy Long

WWE Championship Match

WWE is advertising that a “clash of the titans” will usher in 2021 for the red brand. WWE Champion Drew McIntyre’s first title defense of the new year will take place on Raw against Keith Lee.

Lee defeated Sheamus last week to earn the championship opportunity. After Raw, Keith Lee guaranteed victory over McIntyre.

Drew Mcintyre issued a stern warning to the challenger ahead of their face-off on Raw:

Alexa Bliss Update

Last week’s Raw ended with a cliffhanger. Alexa Bliss doused herself in gasoline and dared Randy Orton to set her on fire.

The Raw preview at WWE.com reads, “Since Orton set The Fiend ablaze at WWE TLC, Bliss has summoned The Legend Killer from ‘Alexa’s Playground’ hoping to evoke her demonic leader. How did Orton respond to Bliss’ fiery proposition last week?”

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Tune in to tonight’s Raw to learn if Randy Orton set Alexa Bliss on fire!

Jon Moxley Appears At NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15 (Video)

Michael Reichlin
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0

IWGP United States Champion Jon Moxley made a surprise appearance at New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Wrestle Kingdom 15 event.

Moxley appeared from the NJPW dojo in Los Angeles, California to declare that he is ready to defend his championship.

“Many men have vied for that US title contract,” he said. “They all thought they would get off easy. They all hoped and prayed that the United States Heavyweight Champion would never return. But I am the boogeyman and New Japan Pro Wrestling, I will get you eventually.”

Moxley finished by saying, “So, whoever walks out of the Tokyo Dome with that contract, make no mistake about it. I’m comin’ for ya.”

You can watch Moxley’s full promo in the player embedded below:

https://twitter.com/SkullGIF/status/1346021196249198594

KENTA, the current holder of the IWGP US Heavyweight championship contract, tweeted this to Moxley hours after Wrestle Kingdom 15:

KENTA followed up with another message, that stated (translated), “I’ve been ready for about half a year.”

NJPW Television Deal For US & UK To Be Announced Soon

Chris Stephens
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New Japan Pro Wrestling announced during Wrestle Kingdom 15 that a new English-language television deal in America and the UK will be coming soon. A teaser for the new deal aired during the Tokyo Dome event:

NJPW on US Television

New Japan Pro Wrestling has been without an American television deal since its partnership with AXS TV fell through. After Anthem Sports and Entertainment purchased Impact Wrestling, NJPW was given the option of remaining on the network. This was dependent upon them striking up a working relationship with Impact, however. This was addressed on Wrestling Observer Radio.

“What ended up happening was that Impact and AXS basically said that you can stay on the station if we get a working relationship going and New Japan turned down the working relationship,” said Dave Meltzer on the show. 

njtvdealsoon

In October of 2019, NJPW created NJPW of America, a subsidiary of the larger promotion. Episodes of New Japan Strong have been airing on New Japan World and feature matches filmed in the Los Angeles dojo.

“What fans in America value is the NJPW brand and concept, and the style of wrestling that represents. The NJPW brand is important, hence the name of New Japan of America,” NJPW Global Tweeted.

NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15 Results (Day 1)

Evan S
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Today is the first day of New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s largest event of the year, Wrestle Kingdom. The fifteenth annual Wrestle Kingdom will be, as it was last year, a two-day event from the Tokyo Dome.

This event will be streamed live on NJPW’s streaming service, NJPW World, and on Fite TV. English and Japanese commentary are available on both platforms. This event will have a reduced attendance capacity to comply with COVID-19 social distancing restrictions.

NJPW World VOD (English Commentary)
NJPW World VOD (Japanese Commentary)
Fite TV Live Stream

Pre Show Start Times: January 3, 11PM Pacific/January 4, 2AM Eastern, 7AM UK, 4PM Japan, 6PM East Australia

Main Show Start Times: January 4, 12AM Pacific, 3AM Eastern, 8AM UK, 5PM Japan, 7PM East Australia

Wrestle Kingdom 15 Day 1 Results

Pre Show 21-Man New Japan Rumble
The participants in this match, in order of entrance, were Chase Owens, Tomohiro Ishii, Minoru Suzuki, Yuji Nagata, Toa Henare, Hirooki Goto, Yujiro Takahashi, YOSHI-HASHI, Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Rocky Romero, DOUKI, SHO, BUSHI, Tiger Mask IV, Bad Luck Fale, Gabriel Kidd, Yuya Uemura, Yota Tsuji, and Toru Yano. Chase Owens somehow survived to the end despite starting against some of the hardest men in the whole company. BUSHI craftily hid outside the ring for much of the match. Fale entered late but ran roughshod, eliminating the most entrants out of anyone. Finally, Toru Yano, last year’s KOPW Champion, entered very last, and by the time he approached the ring, all but three others had been eliminated. Thus, he cemented himself in the final four by entering last and not doing anything.

Chase Owens, BUSHI, Bad Luck Fale, and Toru Yano will compete in a four way match on Day 2, tomorrow, for the provisional KOPW 2021 Championship.

Hiromu Takahashi def. El Phantasmo (17:46)
This match was promoted as between the winners of this year’s Best of the Super Juniors and Super J-Cup tournaments, respectively. Also, the winner of this match will challenge current IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Taiji Ishimori tomorrow. ELP’s first move was to throw Hiromu’s trophy, which enraged Hiromu, and Hiromu promptly wiped him out with a top rope senton to the floor. El Phantasmo put a stop to Hiromu’s rampage by stomping on his feet, then his hands, then raking his back. Nevertheless, Hiromu rallied and hit a Dynamite Plunger for a near fall. He tried for a Time Bomb from the top rope, but ELP managed to avoid it, and hit a top rope frankensteiner followed by a frog splash for a near fall of his own. He followed up with a Styles Clash for another near fall. He even attempted a One-Winged Angel, but Hiromu rolled through it and slammed El Phantasmo into the corner. Then, he finished El Phantasmo unceremoniously with a rana pin. As a result, he will face Taiji Ishimori tomorrow for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.

IWGP Tag Team Championship Match: Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa) def. Dangerous Tekkers (Taichi & Zack Sabre Jr.) (19:18)
This match was as chaotic in the early going as anyone would have expected, as the two underhanded teams tried to one-up each other in terms of stretching the rules and double-teaming. Meanwhile, Jado and DOUKI were attempting to back up their respective teams, and Jado even won a battle of sticks against DOUKI. Later on, the action calmed down, and the Bullet Club team used their size and strength to wear down the spindly Zack Sabre Jr., and keep him away from tagging in Taichi. A powerbomb from Tanga Loa nearly put Zack away, and when Taichi tried to save him, G.o.D. slowed his roll with a dual Tongan Twist. They set up for an assisted avalanche powerbomb on Zack, but ZSJ trapped Tanga Loa in a front sleeper hold, and Taichi came in to hit a superplex for a near fall. Dangerous Tekkers’ comeback continued until Tama Tonga tried to come in and hit Gun Stuns, but Taichi blocked it and nearly pinned Tanga Loa with a backdrop driver. Seeing their chances dwindling, G.o.D. stole Taichi’s Iron Finger from Hell and hit Taichi with it, and Tanga Loa hit the Apeshit driver for the victory. G.o.D are the new IWGP Tag Team Champions.

There was a brief video featuring Jon Moxley, the first time that we have seen him since February. He brandished the IWGP US Heavyweight Championship and said he would be coming after whoever left Wrestle Kingdom with the title shot.

IWGP US Heavyweight Championship #1 Contender Match: KENTA (c) def. Satoshi Kojima (14:12)
KENTA started the match by incessantly provoking Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima’s long-time partner, who was cheering for him ringside. It got to the point where the furious Kojima left the ring to stop him, but KENTA would push the two together, causing them to butt heads. Kojima recovered with more vigor than ever, and he landed Mongolian Chops on KENTA while shouting Tenzan’s name. KENTA left the ring for his Title Contract briefcase and tried to hit Kojima with it, but Kojima lariated it out of his hands, then hit a left arm lariat for a two count. In desperation, KENTA tried for the Go 2 Sleep, but Kojima was too heavy. KENTA’s palm strikes sounded thundering in the mostly empty Tokyo Dome, and they brought Satoshi Kojima to his knees. Once again, KENTA attempted the Go 2 Sleep, and this time it connected. KENTA retains the right to challenge for Jon Moxley’s IWGP US Heavyweight Championship.

Hiroshi Tanahashi def. Great O-Khan (17:13)
This is O-Khan’s first singles match at Wrestle Kingdom, and to have it be against Tanahashi must put someone in a world of pressure. Since he was actually a champion amateur wrestler before altering his aesthetic to that of a Jiangshi zombie, O-Khan opened with takedowns and leg catches on the Ace, forcing him to the mat with relative ease. Tanahashi retaliated by catching a bicycle kick and turning it into a dragonscrew, but as he attempted the Sling Blade, O-Khan lifted him into the air and planted him with a facebuster. He looked to follow up, but Tanahashi blocked his Mongolian Chops and finally landed the Sling Blade. He ascended to the top rope, but O-Khan grabbed his face and attempted the Iron Claw Slam, but Tanahashi stuffed it. O-Khan hit a gnarly looking reverse brainbuster, then brought a steel chair into the ring. He was trying to hit the Iron Claw Slam on the chair, but Tanahashi brought him down with a Twist and Shout. He brandished the chair that O-Khan brought in, but tossed it away, and hit a bridging German suplex, followed by two High Fly Flows to put O-Khan away. Even at 44 years old, The Ace is still The Ace.

Kazuchika Okada def. Will Ospreay (35:41)
As a result of the betrayal he faced at the hands of Ospreay on the penultimate day of the G1 Climax, Okada wasted no time putting Ospreay on the back foot. Ospreay retreated to ringside in response to Okada’s flurry of offense, but Okada dashed his hopes with a plancha, rare for him. Using the help of Bea Priestley, who would get in Okada’s way at opportune moments, Ospreay was able to soon take control of the match. This was cut short when Okada launched him ten feet into the air with a back body drop. Okada kept the pressure on, with a top rope dropkick and an attempt at the tombstone piledriver, but Ospreay would block it and land a Bloody Sunday, then attempt the Stormbreaker. Okada wriggled out of it and went for his dropkick, only for Ospreay to catch his legs in midair and land a sitout powerbomb for a two count. He brought Okada to the ringside area and suplexed him onto one of the announcers’ desks, causing it to crumble with a loud crack. Okada looked all but out, but Ospreay continued to punish him, smashing him in the back of the head with a dropkick as soon as he could rise to his feet. Okada was bleeding from the back as a result of that earlier suplex, but he seemingly managed to turn the match around with one move, hitting a nasty tombstone piledriver on the apron after being brought there by Ospreay. He locked in the Money Clip submission hold. Ospreay would get his foot on the bottom rope to break the hold, but he was now fighting from underneath, gasping for breath. With the strength he had left, he stopped a running Okada with a heavy elbow strike, and landed the Oscutter for a two count. He just had to add insult to injury, as he hit a Rainmaker on Okada! Fed up, Okada countered Ospreay’s super Oscutter, hit a piledriver, and then his first Rainmaker in nearly a year to win.

IWGP Heavyweight & IWGP Intercontinental Championships Match: Kota Ibushi def. Tetsuya Naito (c) (31:18)
If there’s one thing that Naito versus Ibushi matches are known for, it is danger. Their series of matches in 2019 proved that. And why wouldn’t Ibushi want to put Naito in danger after only being granted this match out of pity? Although he had more reason to be upset, both men were after each other’s necks. Even a simple lariat on the apron from Ibushi was delivered with such force that Naito landed vertically. This match was not fueled by hatred, but perhaps a mutual taste for sadomasochism. Naito deftly neutralized Ibushi’s advantage in athleticism by catching a moonsault from Ibushi and turning it into the Pluma Blanca submission, at least temporarily. Ibushi tried for a piledriver on the apron, and Naito blocked it, but charged at Ibushi only to be sent careening to the floor with a frankensteiner. Naito barely made it back into the ring before being counted out, only for Ibushi to pounce with an attempt at his feared rope-assisted German suplex. Luckily, Naito avoided it, and paid Ibushi back with a super frankensteiner of his own. Ibushi was only stunned, and brought Naito to his knees with head kicks, but he couldn’t stick his first attempt at the Kamigoye. Naito’s running Destino landed flush, but only received a near fall. Not out yet, Ibushi hit a sitout elevated powerbomb, and landed the Kamigoye, but Naito kicked out! Ibushi took to the sky, looking for a phoenix splash, but Naito rolled out of the way and hit a second running Destino. Naito tried for Valentia, but Ibushi dropped to his feet and hit a head kick, followed by another Kamigoye, but Naito kicked out again! Frustrated and desperate, Ibushi lowered the pad on his right knee, and tried once more, but Naito blocked it and went for another Destino, but Ibushi grabbed him by the wrist, hit a pump knee strike, and a third Kamigoye.

Kota Ibushi is now IWGP Heavyweight Champion, for the first time, and IWGP Intercontinental Champion for the second time. Tetsuya Naito grabbed the championship belts from the referee before he could present them to Ibushi, and then presented them to Ibushi himself.

Kota Ibushi will defend his championships against Jay White tomorrow, in the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 15 Day 2.

Booker T Stars In Bad Bunny Music Video

Michael Reichlin
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Rap sensation Bad Bunny has released the new music video for his latest hit, Booker T. The song is off the album, El Ultimo Tour Del Mundo (‘The Last Tour in the World.’)

Lyrics for the Spanish-language song can be read at Genius.com. The chorus of the song is as follows, including English translation:

Porque estoy en mi peak (ey)
Estoy en mi peak (‘toy en mi peak)
Soy un rey, campeón, Booker T (wuh, wuh, wuh) (Booker T)
Estoy en mi peak, ey (‘toy en mi peak)
Estoy en mi peak, ja (‘toy en mi peak)
Mírame en lo que me convertí (mírame, mírame)

Because I’m at my peak (hey)
I’m at my peak (‘toy at my peak)
I’m a king, champion, Booker T (wuh, wuh, wuh) (Booker T)
I’m at my peak, hey (‘toy at my peak)
I’m at my peak, ha (‘toy at my peak)
Look at me what I’ve become (look at me, look at me)

The 5-time World Champion stars in the video, which can be seen in the YouTube player embedded below:

NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15: Final Card, Results

Michael Reichlin
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NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15 is finally upon us. The two-day event from Japan’s Tokyo Dome kicks off in a matter of hours, the threat of a national State of Emergency be damned.

Wrestle Kingdom begins at 3AM (Eastern) early Monday and Tuesday morning. You can watch at NJPW World or FITE.TV.

Tetsuya Naito is in for the challenge of his life. He’ll defend both titles against Kota Ibushi at Night 1. Should he retain, Naito goes on to defend both belts against Jay White at Night 2.

Also on the cards, Kazuchika Okada takes on Will Ospreay in a special singles match. 2020 World Tag League winners, The Guerrillas of Destiny, look to reclaim the IWGP Tag Team championships against the Dangerous Tekkers (Zack Sabre Jr. and Taichi). Sanada faces Evil and we’ll see the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship and NEVER Openweight Championship up for grabs.

Wrestle Kingdom 15 Card

Here are the complete lineups for NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15:

Day 1: January 4, 2021

  • IWGP Heavyweight & IWGP Intercontinental Championships Match: Tetsuya Naito (c) vs. Kota Ibushi
  • Kazuchika Okada vs. Will Ospreay
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Great O-Khan
  • Best of the Super Juniors Winner vs. Super J-Cup Winner: Hiromu Takahashi vs. El Phantasmo
  • IWGP Tag Team Championship: Dangerous Tekkers (Taichi & Zack Sabre Jr.) (c) vs. Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa)
  • KENTA vs Satoshi Kojima
  • New Japan Rambo

Day 2: (January 5, 2021)

  • IWGP Heavyweight & IWGP Intercontinental Championships Match: the winner of the previous day’s match between Tetsuya Naito and Kota Ibushi vs. Jay White
  • SANADA vs. EVIL
  • NEVER Openweight Championship: Shingo Takagi (c) vs. Jeff Cobb
  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Taiji Ishimori (c) vs. the winner of the previous day’s match between Hiromu Takahashi and El Phantasmo
  • KOPW 2021 Trophy Match
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Brian Pillman Jr. Relinquishes OVW Title Due To AEW Commitments

Chris Stephens
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Brian Pillman Jr. has been teaming with Griff Garrison in AEW as of late. The team is now going by the name “The Varsity Blondes.” Pillman is also still with MLW although his time with that promotion could be coming to an end later this year.

Pillman recently relinquished the OVW Heavyweight Championship due to his AEW commitments. This was announced recently through the promotion’s social media accounts:

“OVW Heavyweight Champion Brian Pillman Jr, effectively immediately, will be vacating his OVW Heavyweight Championship. Because of his growing relationship with AEW his obligations have grown to a point where he cannot maintain the responsibilities attached to the OVW Heavyweight Championship. While we at OVW are sad to see him go, we are also very happy for Brian Pillman Jr on his continued success with AEW and wish him nothing but the best.”

Jim Ross also recently Tweeted out some complimentary comments about Pillman.

Pillman’s contract with MLW is believed to run until the summer. He is not currently scheduled to be part of the promotion’s “Kings of the Colosseum” event scheduled for Wednesday, however.

In an interview back in November, Pillman spoke about being able to work for other promotions while with MLW.

“It’s a pretty liberal deal where I can do a lot of things, you know? I’m not super exclusive to them; some of the later ones are. [My contract] was a little older and they were more lenient on what I could do, so I’m very happy and blessed for that. I’m also able to do AEW, MLW, and OVW television,” Pillman said on the SockMonkey Show.

Chris Jericho Says Jim Ross Lobbied For WWE To Sign Him

Chris Stephens
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0

Chris Jericho left WCW for WWE in 1999. At the time, many fans saw him as someone under-utilized in WCW and felt he would have a better chance of becoming a main event guy in WWE. Years later, Jim Ross would write in “Under the Black Hat” that he had to press Vince McMahon to sign Jericho.

Jericho recently commented on Jim Ross’ influence in bringing him into WWE. He responded to a fan’s comment online.

Jim Ross talked about Vince McMahon’s attitude toward Jericho on an episode of his podcast earlier this year.

“(Vince) was not as sold on Jericho as I was,” Ross said on the show.

“I had to negotiate with Vince basically to get Chris on the radar because of his f***ing height, and that was it.”

Ross would continue to say that Jericho ticks all the boxes aside from height. Jericho can work, talk, and is not injury prone.

“He was not the ideal height to be in a main event at WrestleMania in Vince’s view and the way it works there Conrad, you know as well as anybody, your sister-in-law is a big star there, the world revolves around Vince.”

Jim Ross talking about Vince McMahon’s attitude toward Chris Jericho can be heard in the player below:

Jim Ross Questions Why Scott Hall Isn’t Working in Creative

Jake Skudder
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AEW Commentator and WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross recently discussed Scott Hall on his Grilling JR podcast. The ‘Voice of Wrestling’ was asked on this week’s episode if he believes Scott Hall could’ve been a World Champion if not for his personal demons.

“Oh yeah, absolutely,” JR answered. “Scott’s personal demons are the only negative on his checklist. He had a great mind, still does. Various abilities, as in the machinations of producing and creating a wrestling character angle or storyline? He can work with these very well.”

Ross continued putting over Scott Hall’s aptitude for pro wrestling, but said that his personal demons kept him from achieving his full potential.

“He can be a big heel or can be a big babyface. The only thing that held Scott back? It was reliability. He was such a prisoner to the drugs and the booze. He had a hard time getting past that element. That became his identity at certain points of his career; which is totally unfortunate because he was a hell of a hand in the ring. Really, really good, and he had a great mind.”

Jim Ross on Scott Hall’s Creative

Jim Ross finished by questioning why Scott Hall has not been brought into any wrestling promotions for his creative mind.

“I’m surprised that, of course just may be his own just his decision, but I’m surprised somebody hasn’t nabbed him up .. because I think he’s that good.”

Scott Hall’s son Cody has been working for several promotions over the past couple of years. There’s a chance potentially that a company who brings in Cody may get Scott Hall in a position to help creatively.

Do you think that Scott Hall could end up in WWE, AEW, NXT or IMPACT working in a creative capacity? Let us know in the comments

NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15 Will Happen “Even If Japan Calls a State of Emergency”

Jake Skudder
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New Japan Pro Wrestling commentator Kevin Kelly recently appeared on Wrestling Observer Radio. NJPW will be holding their Wrestle Kingdom 15 shows this week, with the traditional January 4th plus the 5th being the dates in the Tokyo Dome.

With the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions there have been questions as to whether Wrestle Kingdom will be able to go ahead. Kevin Kelly would confirm that the shows will go ahead, even if Japan calls a state of emergency in the country.

“It’s not going to affect the event itself. Wrestle Kingdom will happen regardless if Japan calls a state of emergency” Kelly confirmed. “The only question will be if fans are allowed to attend. So, there was already going to be a limited number and we haven’t heard today what is the latest [regarding attendance]. Best case scenario? It happens with limited fans, and worse case? It happens but with no fans in attendance.”

kingdom

Wrestle Kingdom Won’t Be Canceled

Kelly continued, “The government is shut down and won’t re-open until the 5th. I think that they might put more restrictions on restaurants and bars? But they’ve already got it capped so low. There hasn’t been one case, thank god, of COVID that has been attributed to any New Japan event. They know exactly who has attended a New Japan event and whether or not they’ve gotten sick, and no one has been so far.”

At the time of writing there has been no official update regarding fans in attendance at Wrestle Kingdom.

Wrestle Kingdom 15 is available to watch on NJPWWorld and FITE TV. You can order the two nights of the show at a discount via FITE TV here.

Are you watching Wrestle Kingdom 15 on the 4th and 5th? What matches are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments

Arn Anderson Shares Wonderful Brodie Lee Story from WWE

Jake Skudder
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Former WWE Agent and AEW on-screen Coach Arn Anderson recently appeared on the Talk Is Jericho podcast.

This week’s episode of Talk Is Jericho is dedicated to the life of Brodie Lee; with tributes being paid to the Dark Order leader across the podcast from many different names in AEW.

Arn Anderson himself would share a story about the family man that Jon Huber was before his untimely passing. “Many nights he would come out of the building after having either their dark match like on the last day of a loop or something” Arn would begin.

Arn Anderson on Brodie Lee

“I’d be walking across the parking lot and some nights I would be heading to SmackDown and if he was on RAW? He [Brodie] would be heading home and I would go: ‘you got an early flight in the morning?’ He would go, ‘I’m driving.’ I’d go ‘how far is that?’ ‘Ah it’s about 490 [miles]’ he’d say.”

“I said ‘Jesus Christ Brodie! The flight that you got in the morning? You’ll probably get home about the same time'” Arn would continue. “He said ‘if I get the jump on it right now, I can have breakfast with the family.’ So he was going to drive 500 miles to get there two hours earlier, to have breakfast with his family. That’s who he was.”

Arn Anderson would finish by again paying tribute to the former Luke Harper. “That’s who he was, that’s what he’ll always be to me. He wasn’t being braggadocious about it or he didn’t have his chest out. He’d just rather sit in the car, all night and be home two hours early to get to be with his family.”

Did you watch the Brodie Lee tribute show on TNT? Let us know in the comments

AEW Shares Touching Moments After Dynamite Went Off Air

Chris Stephens
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This week on AEW Dynamite, the life of Brodie Lee was celebrated. At the end of the show, AEW President Tony Khan shared the ring with the Huber family. Brodie Lee Jr., who is -1 in the Dark Order, was given the TNT Championship belt and named champion for life. A new belt design will debut at a later time.

Brodie Lee’s boots were placed on the mat and Brodie Lee Jr. shared an embrace with Tony Khan. The AEW President was clearly choked up and holding back tears.

AEW posted the final moments of the show, including what did not air on Dynamite, to its official YouTube page. You can view the segment in the player below:

AEW has also announced that Brodie Lee Jr. (-1) has signed a contract with the promotion that will not begin until he is older. -1 also beat up several people in the back with a kendo stick, including members of his own faction.

https://twitter.com/SilverNumber1/status/1344666100756262918

AEW also announced that Brodie Lee Jr. (-1) has been confirmed as the promotion’s “Wrestler of the Week.”

“Thank you so much Amanda, -1 & Nolan for joining us to celebrate the life of Mr. Brodie Lee with his friends & fans. It was an honor sharing the ring with Amanda & -1, + it was great spending NYE with them last night too, where -1 won countless unsanctioned matches vs. top stars!” Tony Khan Tweeted in regards to the show.

Kazuchika Okada Proposes Super Show With NJPW, AEW, WWE & More

Chris Stephens
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Kazuchika Okada is busy preparing for his grudge match against Will Ospreay at Night 1 of NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 15.

The Rainmaker spoke to Sports Illustrated to promote the event. During the discussion, Okada proposed a wrestling super-show involving all the top promotions across the globe.

“Times are tough right now, but I hope what we do will bring joy to everyone all over the world, and give them enough strength and positivity to do their best the next day,” Okada said.

“When the world calms down, I would like to give back with other wrestling companies to all wrestling fans in the world who still support us even in this current situation. New Japan, WWE, AEW, CMLL, AAA all together. Sounds pretty cool, don’t you think?”

Okada added,”I want to show how powerful professional wrestling is. I want to cheer everyone up with that power.”

The full interview with SI.com can be read here.

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Wrestle Kingdom 15 Card

The lineups for this year’s Wrestle Kingdom events are below. Visit FITE.TV to purchase the NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15 two-day bundle for $29.99.

Day 1: January 4, 2021

  • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Great O-Khan
  • Kazuchika Okada vs. Will Ospreay
  • Best of the Super Juniors Winner vs. Super J-Cup Winner: Hiromu Takahashi vs. El Phantasmo
  • IWGP Tag Team Championship: Dangerous Tekkers (Taichi & Zack Sabre Jr.) (c) vs. Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa)
  • IWGP Heavyweight & IWGP Intercontinental Championships Match: Tetsuya Naito (c) vs. Kota Ibushi
  • New Japan Rambo
  • KENTA vs Satoshi Kojima

Day 2: (January 5, 2021)

  • SANADA vs. EVIL
  • NEVER Openweight Championship: Shingo Takagi (c) vs. Jeff Cobb
  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Taiji Ishimori (c) vs. the winner of the previous day’s match between Hiromu Takahashi and El Phantasmo
  • IWGP Heavyweight & IWGP Intercontinental Championships Match: the winner of the previous day’s match between Tetsuya Naito and Kota Ibushi vs. Jay White
  • KOPW 2021 Trophy Match

Paul Heyman Promises Big Things For Parker Boudreaux

Chris Stephens
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It appears Paul Heyman has his sights on the 6ft 5inch 265 lbs offensive guard from the University of Central Florida, Parker Boudreaux. The college junior has often been compared to Heyman’s former client, Brock Lesnar.

Paul Heyman responded to a Tweet of Boudreaux’s online, noting that 2021 is going to be a big year for the young prospect. In true Paul Heyman fashion, he noted that this is not a prediction, but rather a spoiler.

AEW Also Interested In Parker Boudreaux

AEW’s Jim Ross has also got his eyes on Parker Boudreaux it appears. Back in April, Jim Ross responded to one of his Tweets as well.

Ross also said in a separate Tweet that Boudreaux has been on his radar for a couple of years now.

In a 2015 interview with Bleacher Report, Boudreaux said he gets compared to Brock Lesnar frequently.

“Brock Lesnar. I probably get that one every day,” Boudreaux said. “I’ll get [Ivan] Drago from Rocky. I’ll get [Brian] Bosworth. Everybody has something. It’s pretty funny.”

Boudreaux is living near the Orlando area at the moment, near where both AEW and WWE have been operating during the pandemic. An interview with Parker Boudreaux can be viewed in the player below:

Jim Ross Reveals Promise He Made To Brodie Lee Jr

Jake Skudder
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AEW Commentator and WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross recently discussed the passing of Brodie Lee on his Grilling Jr podcast.

Following on from what was of course a huge loss for pro wrestling, JR would discuss how the influence of his son Brodie Lee Jr was felt backstage. Jim Ross would say how the son of the Dark Order leader was beloved by those in the AEW locker room.

The podcast was filmed before the Brodie Lee memorial episode of AEW Dynamite. On the TNT programme Brodie Lee Jr would be given the TNT Championship and crowned as the belt’s lifetime Champion.

Jim Ross on Brodie Lee Jr

“Brodie Jr? He’s become quite the beloved figure back in the locker room area” Jim Ross would state. “Everybody loves the little fart! He’s just personable as hell.”

“He looks a lot like his dad” JR would continue. “His eyes and his dad’s eyes? His eyes and his dad’s eyes are the same. He’s a cute little kid. I was with him on Sunday at the Jags game, we hugged and talked and I made him a deal.”

Jim Ross would then reveal the promise that he made to Brodie Lee Jr, with the son of Jon Huber hoping to become a professional wrestler himself down the line. “When he wrestles for his first World Title? I promised that I would announce that match” JR would reveal.

“That’s just me, and you know I wanted to make him happy. And he thought that was the coolest deal. So apparently his dad had been saying nice things about me and my work or whatever. And the little boy remembered it and thought that was pretty cool.”

Do you think that we’ll see Brodie Lee Jr in AEW one day? Are you enjoying Jim Ross’ work in AEW? Let us know in the comments

Mick Foley Announces He Tested Positive For Covid-19

Michael Reichlin
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WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley has tested positive for Covid-19 after holding a virtual autograph signing on December 12th.

Foley posted a message on social media to discuss his situation. Foley says there were only two people in the room with him for the signing. They both wore masks, but he took his off so he could better interact with fans. One of the two people in the room with him for the signing later tested positive for the virus.

As of January 1st, he has been isolated in a hotel room for 18 days. He has experienced various symptoms, including body aches, loss of smell and fatigue. However, the worst part for him was being away from his family for Christmas and New Year’s.

Mick Foley has been outspoken on social media about the need for people to wear masks and protect others. He understands the irony that he got Covid-19 by taking his mask off. He said, “I did my best” but quickly corrected himself by adding, “Well, I could have done better.”

Foley has cut back on his schedule dramatically this year, but is still working remotely. He thought that would keep him safe, but unfortunately one ‘exception’ was all it took to be exposed.

SEScoops wishes Mick Foley a full and speedy recovery.

You can watch Mick Foley’s message about contracting Covid-19 below:

https://twitter.com/realmickfoley/status/1345177069408321536?s=21

Update On Impact Contracts: Sami Callihan, Ethan Page & More

Chris Stephens
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We have updates on a few Impact Wrestling contracts that were set to expire at the end of 2020.

Former Impact World Champion, Sami Callihan, has announced that he has re-signed with the promotion. He noted on Twitter yesterday that he’s come to terms on a 2-year deal with the promotion. Callihan originally singed with Impact in late 2017.

Callihan wrote, “Today marks when I WOULD have been a FREE AGENT. I just RE-SIGNED with @IMPACTWRESTLING, 2 years for BIG money. I got other offers…but I don’t give a damn. This is MY company. I made this company. I will be champion again in 2021. #TheDRAW.”

Ethan Page Update

In other Impact news, Ethan Page has finished up with the company. It had previously been reported that he was not expected to re-sign.

It was reported recently in the Wrestling Observer that he has left the promotion. His tag-team partner, Josh Alexander is still with the company, however, and has several months left in his contract. Dave Meltzer wrote, “Ethan Page, who is no longer with the company as he decided not to sign a new deal, which breaks up The North as a team since Josh Alexander has months left, has pulled all of his merchandise effective now.”

As for where Page is headed, pulling merchandise is often a sign someone is going to WWE. Page is the kind of guy who would throw out a red herring like that, though.

Page has said in interviews that the North will not be breaking up, however.

“If you think for one F’N second that we’re going to let Impact dictate whether we break up, or we don’t, or whatever you’re out of your damn mind,” said Page.

“I’m telling you guys. Everyone watched Final Resolution, and everyone saw my mental breakdown, whatever. It doesn’t matter. I’m telling you guys that no matter which way this goes The North are not splitting.”

Update On Erick Redbeard’s AEW Status

Chris Stephens
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This week on AEW’s Tribute to the Life of Brodie Lee, Erick Redbeard, the former Erick Rowan in WWE, made a surprise appearance. Rowan and Brodie Lee, known as Luke Harper in WWE, are former NXT and Smackdown tag-team champions.

According to a report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Erick Redbeard’s performance on Dynamite this week was scheduled to be just a one-off deal. Things can change, however, and Redbeard could still end up in AEW more regularly.

“Regarding Erick Rowan, his deal was just to make a special appearance on the Brodie Lee tribute show as a surprise. Obviously anything can change in the future,” wrote Dave Meltzer.

Erick Redbeard/Erick Rowan and Brodie Lee/Luke Harper

Real name Joseph Ruud, Redbeard began wrestling in 2003. In 2007, he moved to Japan to live and work in the Pro Wrestling NOAH dojo. He would later return to the United States and sign with WWE in 2011.

In late 2012, he was placed in the Wyatt Family in NXT along with Luke Harper and Bray Wyatt. They made their television debut in early 2013. They would debut on the main roster later that year. Following the breakup of the Wyatt Family, Harper and Rowen would be re-named the Bludgeon Brothers. They won the Smackdown titles before injuries sidelined the team.

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