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Nick Jackson Reveals He Was Bed-Ridden With COVID-19

Chris Stephens
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Nick Jackson of the Young Bucks recently noted on his Instagram stories that he was sick with COVID-19 for several weeks back in September.

“Crazy to think there’s still COVID deniers out there in the world,” he wrote. “I had a pretty bad case of COVID in early September that kept me bed ridden for nearly 3 weeks. I couldn’t taste or smell for 2 and a half months. At one point my whole body had hives on it and my doctor said that it was definitely from COVID.”

“Matt had to do the majority of the work in matches once I returned safely because I couldn’t catch my breath. My cardio is finally back but it took months to finally feel like myself again. Let’s protect each other and wear a mask.”

Nick Jackson went from September 5th to October 21st, 2020 without wrestling any matches in AEW.

Nick Jackson also suffered a leg contusion on AEW Dynamite this week. He was teaming with his brother and SCU against the Acclaimed and the Hybrid2 when the injury occurred. He is not expected to miss any time, however.

The Young Bucks are scheduled to team with Kenny Omega in trios action. Their opponents have yet to be named.

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Finn Balor Talks Working With Triple H & Shawn Michaels in NXT

Jake Skudder
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WWE NXT Champion Finn Balor was recently interviewed by Vicente Beltran of the ViBe & Wrestling podcast. The Irish Superstar would discuss a number of topics during his time on the show, including working with Triple H and Shawn Michaels in the ‘developmental’ brand.

“For me? I feel very fortunate that I’ve gotten to work very closely with some of my heroes in the wrestling business” Finn Balor began. “Shawn Michaels and Triple H being two. Obviously, I’ve worked very closely with Triple H for many years since I began at NXT. And of course William Regal.”

“Then more recently in the second run with NXT? Shawn Michaels is heavily involved behind the scenes” Finn Balor then continued. “So, getting to know him and learn from him and pick his brain on what he feels is a good direction to take the business? I’ve learned so much from.”

Balor finished by talking about how surreal it has been to work work with some of the wrestling legends he grew up idolizing.

“It’s always very surreal to be working with these guys that you idolized or you grew up watching and had their t-shirts or had their action figures. Now you’re having a discussion or debate on what you think is a good direction to go. I feel very fortunate to have that kind of environment in NXT.”

Listen to audio of the full interview with Finn Balor in the player embedded below:

H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcribed quotes

Cody Rhodes: “If The Younger Audience Aren’t Watching Your Show? You Should Be Terrified”

Jake Skudder
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AEW Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes recently appeared on Chris Jericho’s Talk Is Jericho podcast.

Cody discussed a number of topics during the interview, including the first year of AEW programming. He emphasized the importance of the 18-49 demographic, saying how he and other members of AEW’s management are consistently checking the top 50 shows to see where they rank.

AEW has consistently outperformed NXT amongst the younger audience since the two shows began going head-to-head in October 2019. NXT tends to trend with an older audience, who are likely to have already been ‘loyal’ to WWE over the decades Rhodes revealed a certain WCW legend convinced him to focus on engaging the younger audience.

“Konnan of all people,” he said. “I don’t speak to Konnan a lot, but he had told me his secret to success. I asked him for any advice. His secret to success? It was always being around young people. Like ‘hey, I’m gonna listen to hip hop, I’m gonna listen to modern music. Even if I don’t like it? I’m gonna listen to it. I want to know what they’re talking about.'”

Cody Rhodes on Demographics

Rhodes continued, “That to me is the brightest part of the AEW roster. The youth that is on the roster and the youth that is in the creative, the direction. With Tony [Khan] in that lead spot, the direction of the show, the artistic vision of the show, the talent on the show.”

Cody Rhodes would then discuss the demographics of the show specifically. “We joke about the demo, but it’s not a joke. Seriously there’s a potential that if you, and this is for any show, if you don’t look at that? You’re going to age out. One of the reasons I’ve turned my act around into a bit of a squeaky clean act? It is because it’s really…I want to engage a young fanbase. Not just the young, affluent, and cool. I want to engage kids, because the show has a lot of violence, a lot of adult content.”

Rhodes finished by discussing the importance of attracting the younger demographic. This holds true not just with pro wresetling, but with all television shows.

“Anyone who’s not scared, and I’m not talking about our competitor, I’m talking about any show. If you’re not in with the youth in terms of, they’re not watching your show? You should absolutely be terrified. 50 plus means you’re losing your audience. Again this is about TV in general, not about WWE and not about AEW, but because we see all top 50 shows every week.”

Do you agree with Cody Rhodes? Do you think that AEW are doing a good job of bringing a younger audience to pro wrestling?

Dalton Castle Free Agency News

Chris Stephens
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Dalton Castle is reportedly a free agent at the moment. ROH contracts often finish up at the end of the calendar year after the Final Battle PPV. According to a report from Wrestling Inc, Castle has received a strong offer from Ring of Honor to remain with the promotion. He is said to be considering the deal but also looking to see what else is out there.

Castle dropped a match to Rey Horus at Final Battle last month. He’s been with the promotion since 2013. Castle defeated Cody Rhodes for the ROH World Championship at Final Battle 2017. He held it until June 30th, 2018, before dropping it to Jay Lethal. Castle also held the promotion’s 6-man tag-team titles along with the Boys in the summer of 2017.

In 2019, Castle spoke to WWL Radio about why he enjoys being in Ring of Honor.

“They let me grow on my own,” Castle shared. “There’s a good group of men and women in the locker room. I seem to get along with just about every one of them. I feel comfortable there. And it’s the size of the promotion that allows me to connect really one-on-one with every individual fan. If they choose to come to the meet-and-greets before the show, there’s a moment for me to touch base with them there. I’m attainable. All the wrestlers in Ring of Honor are attainable and are just as big of fans of this as anybody sitting in the seats.”

Cody Rhodes Talks The First Year of AEW Programming

Jake Skudder
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AEW Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes recently appeared on Chris Jericho’s Talk Is Jericho podcast. Cody would discuss a number of topics during the interview, including the first year of AEW programming.

“Somebody asked me to grade it [AEW’s first year]” Cody Rhodes began on the podcast. “And of course, as part of the company I can’t give it a bad grade! But I said like ‘an A, and there’s room for an A+.'”

“We know where we need to grow” Rhodes would continue. “Even if AEW only went one year? It’s still been the greatest year of my life. I learned a lot of lessons, and learned some hard lessons about the burdens of management. If you were not popular before? You’re definitely not going to be popular as you enter that space.”

Cody Rhodes on Company Metrics

Cody would then discuss the ratings success of the promotion. “I still think like, it is surreal, like the numbers? That’s why I love the data. I love when (Chris) Harrington shows me this spreadsheet, talks about our international deals. We’re having these calls…like I was on the phone with Microsoft the other day!”

Rhodes would finish by saying how he laid out how he wanted his involvement to work with AEW President Tony Khan on day one. “I told Tony, I said do not give me this job unless you want me to really do the job. Which would mean really embrace it, which would probably include pissing you [Khan] off from time to time. But he’s never been pissed at me.”

Chris Jericho Talks Working With Younger Talent in AEW

Jake Skudder
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AEW Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes recently appeared on Chris Jericho’s Talk Is Jericho podcast. Cody would discuss a number of topics during the interview, including the younger talent who are currently working in the promotion.

Chris Jericho would specifically discuss the young tag team Private Party. Jericho faced Isiah Kassidy in a match on the September 25th 2019 episode of AEW Dynamite.

Chris Jericho on Private Party

“The thing with this those guys? They’re like 19 and 21” Jericho would begin on the podcast. “They’re never had to do a promo in their life, at least not on national TV. When I worked with Isaiah Cassidy? It was his second ever singles match on live TV. Like for us we’ve been doing it for so long, but these are kids and they need advice and are probably super happy to get it.”

“But they must also be a little scared you know? Like ‘oh these guys never say anything, they don’t talk, they don’t ask questions.’ I’d be terrified if I was those two guys at 19 and 21!”

Jericho would finish by saying how it’s the older talent’s responsibility to look after the younger stars. “It’s kind of our responsibility, but these are just really young guys.”

Chris Jericho has of course been working with his own stable of younger talent over the past year. The creation of the Inner Circle has given ‘Le Champion’ the ability to help fresh stars like Sammy Guevara, Pride & Powerful, MJF and Wardlow advance their careers and stature on AEW programming.

Cody Rhodes on Brodie Lee – “I Hated That I Was His Last Match”

Jake Skudder
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AEW Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes recently appeared on Chris Jericho’s Talk Is Jericho podcast. Cody would discuss a number of topics during the interview, including the fact that he was Brodie Lee’s final match in professional wrestling.

Cody of course faced Brodie Lee in a Dog Collar Match on AEW Dynamite; this was Cody’s return bout after being defeated handily by Lee on the show a month prior. The angle was set up so that Cody could go and record the ‘Go Big Show,’ making sure that the production was adhering to COVID-19 protocols.

“I hated the fact that I was his last match” Cody Rhodes would begin on the podcast. “Like, I loved it, and I love that feeling. But, I also hated it, because god, we were all denied all these other great matches.” Interestingly, Cody Rhodes actually defeated Brodie Lee/Luke Harper in his first ever television loss in WWE; so Brodie’s first and last televised losses came at the hands of Cody Rhodes.

Cody Rhodes on Brodie Lee

“I wasn’t confident in that…obviously he could have continued and been better and done more stuff and I could have [gone on] to be better” Cody continued, lamenting how far he and Brodie Lee could’ve gone together in their feud and AEW in general. “I hate it, but love that I shared that moment with him.”

Cody Rhodes would finish by stating how bittersweet it was to have the main event match against Brodie Lee on that Dynamite; something that Brodie Lee had worked his whole career for and the reason he left WWE, to get to the main event. “Now I look at it [the match] more with a reverence and love. Just because, he got to go out…the thing he wanted the most? He got to go out on top. Which is great.”

You can check out some of the highlights from Brodie Lee vs Cody Rhodes in the Dog Collar match below:

WWE SmackDown Results (1/8): Roman Reigns & Adam Pearce, New Champions Crowned

Robert Lentini
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WWE SmackDown aired live from the ThunderDome in Tropicana Field. Rey Mysterio, Sami Zayn, Shinsuke Nakamura, King Corbin, Daniel Bryan, and Adam Pearce competed in a Gauntlet match tonight to determine who will face Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship at Royal Rumble 2021.

SmackDown Results (1/8)

  1. Big E def. Apollo Crews to retain the Intercontinental Championship
  2. Roode & Ziggler def. Street Profits to become the new SmackDown Tag Team Champion
  3. Adam Pearce def. Shinsuke Nakamura, Daniel Bryan, Sami Zayn, King Corbin, and Rey Mysterio in a Gauntlet match to earn a shot at the Universal Title at Royal Rumble

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Roman Reigns Threatened Adam Pearce

Universal Champion Roman Reigns came down to the ring with Jey Uso and Paul Heyman. Reigns said that he liked Kevin Owens and he is sorry for what happened last week. Roman said that he wasn’t to blame for what happened and blamed WWE official Adam Pearce for everything. Heyman demanded that Adam Pearce come down to the ring to explain himself.

Pearce eventually made his way down to the ring and asked Roman what can he do for him. Roman rolled a video package of Pearce giving Owens a match against Jey Uso last week. Uso and Reigns attacked Owens after the match and threw him off the ThunderDome and through a table.

Reigns told Pearce that he was done with Owens and wanted to move forward. However, Pearce is friends with Owens and was unable to make the right choice for him. Roman claimed that Owens not being able to provide for his family and that was Pearce’s fault.

Roman bitched about Pearce making a Gauntlet match tonight to determine his next opponent. Pearce stated that he was only trying to put the best challengers in front of Reigns. Roman said that it was starting to sound like Pearce thinks he is stupid and that means he is insulting him. Reigns added that if Pearce doesn’t respect him that means he doesn’t respect his family and there are consequences for that.

Reigns grabbed Pearce’s jacket but Heyman calmed the Universal Champion down. Roman said “my mistake” and that maybe nobody in this ring is stupid and that right now Adam is perfectly safe. Reigns smiled and nodded his head at Pearce to end the segment.

Big E Retained The IC Title

Big E defended the Intercontinental Championship against Apollo Crews in the first match of the night. Crews caught Big E with a boot to the face right away and went for the cover but the Intercontinental Champion kicked out at two.

Big E dodged a Splash and connected with an elbow to Crews’ face. Crews battled back and planted Big E with three German Suplexes for a near fall. Apollo followed it up with a Superplex and both superstars seemed to go for the cover and the referee called for the bell as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, the referee told Crews and Big E that both superstars’ shoulders were down and the match was a draw. Crews demanded that Big E give him the IC title and slapped him in the face. Big E hit a couple Belly to Belly Suplexes and followed it up with a Splash.

Crews connected with a knee to the face and then hit a Frog Splash off the top rope for a two count. Big E went for the Big Ending but Crews escaped. Big E connected with a massive Uranage and followed it up with the Big Ending for the pinfall victory. Big E is still the Intercontinental Champion.

Adam Pearce Will Be In The Gauntlet Match

Sonya Deville approached Adam Pearce backstage and said she is not proud of the things she has done but wants to put the past behind her. Sonya claimed that she wasn’t bitter about Mandy Rose going to RAW and forming a new tag team. Deville said she was here to help Adam Pearce and wants to learn from him.

Paul Heyman approached Adam Pearce backstage and said that he respects Adam. Heyman told Pearce that his career in the ring would have been different if he was managed by Paul E. Dangerously back in the day. Heyman informed Adam Pearce that he was in the Gauntlet match tonight to determine who will face Roman Reigns at Royal Rumble.

Roode & Ziggler Are The New Tag Team Champs

Street Profits defended their SmackDown Tag Team Championships against Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler tonight. Dawkins leveled Ziggler with a Dropkick and went for the cover but Dolph was able to kick out at two.

Montez Ford tagged in and flipped onto Dolph for another two count. Roode tagged in and bounced Ford’s face off the turnbuckle. Montez send Roode and Ziggler out of the ring and flipped onto them as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Dawkins planted Roode with a Suplex. Ziggler tagged in and leveled Angelo with a Dropkick for a two count. Dawkins was eventually able to escape to the corner and tagged in Montez.

Ford hit Ziggler with a Clothesline and then planted Roode with a Back Body Drop. Ford delivered another Clothesline to Ziggler for a near fall. Ziggler blasted Dawkins off the ring apron so Ford couldn’t tag out. Dolph hit Ford with a shot to his injured leg and tagged in Roode.

Roode connected with a Fisherman’s Suplex and went for the cover but Montez was able to kick out. Roode went for the Glorious DDT but Ford countered into an Enziguri. Ziggler and Roode then planted Montez Ford with a Spinebuster/ Zig Zag combo for the pinfall victory. Roode and Ziggler are the new SmackDown Tag Team Champions.

Carmella Mocked Sasha Banks

Carmella sat backstage with Reginald and sipped on some champagne. Carmella congratulated Sasha Banks on winning Sports Illustrated’s wrestler of the year. Carmella joked that she only won it because she took a vacation this year and that she has more natural talent than Sasha.

Adam Pearce Will Face Roman Reigns At Royal Rumble

Sami Zayn and Rey Mysterio started off the Gauntlet match. Zayn had a camera crew following him and continued to claim that there was a conspiracy going on that took the IC Title from him. Sami told Rey Mysterio that he was going to beat him and everyone else in this match. Rey immediately hit Zayn with the 619 and then the Frog Splash to eliminate Sami.

Rey Mysterio faced Shinsuke Nakamura next in the Gauntlet match. Nakamura and Rey battled to the outside and Shinsuke connected with a knee to the face. Back in the ring, Nakamura went for the cover but Rey was able to kick out at the last moment.

Nakamura perched Rey up on the top turnbuckle and went for a Superplex but Mysterio was able to block it. Rey hit a couple headbutts that knocked Nakamura to the canvas. Mysterio hit Nakamura with a Senton and rolled him up for a two count. Nakamura booted Mysterio in the face but Rey connected with another headbutt. Shinsuke went for a Powerbomb but Rey escaped and hit the 619. Rey climbed to the top rope and went for the Frog Splash but Shinsuke got his knees up. Nakamura applied an Armbar and Mysterio quickly tapped out.

King Corbin attacked Dominik Mysterio from behind and sent him into the steel steps. Corbin Chokeslammed Rey a couple of times as SmackDown went to a commercial break. When SmackDown returned, King Corbin was in control and connected with a slam for a two count.

Corbin beat Nakamura down in the corner but eventually Shinsuke was able to fight back. Nakamura dropped Corbin with a kick to the face but Corbin shrugged it off and slammed Shinsuke into the ring post. Nakamura hopped up to the second rope and hit Corbin with a Dropkick for a two count.

Shinsuke went for the Kinshasa but Corbin countered into Deep Six for a near fall. Corbin followed it up with a Powerbomb and went for a Clothesline but Nakamura caught him with the Kinshasa for the pinfall victory. Daniel Bryan was next in the Gauntlet match and went right after Nakamura.

Bryan sent Shinsuke out of the ring and hit him with a Suicide Dive. Shinsuke battled back and went for the Kinshasa but Daniel countered into a Half Crab in the middle of the ring. Bryan transitioned into an Armbar of his own and then into the Yes Lock in the middle of the ring. Nakamura fought through the pain and was able to reach the bottom rope to break up the hold.

Nakamura and Bryan traded kicks and punches in the middle of the ring. Bryan brought Nakamura to the corner and hit him with a series of strikes. Daniel hit two Dropkicks but Nakamura exploded out of the corner with a Kinshasa for the pinfall. Bryan shook Nakamura’s hand as Roman Reigns’ theme hit.

Reigns, Heyman, and Jey Uso made their way to the entrance ramp as SmackDown went to a commercial break. Reigns and Jey Uso beat Nakamura down in the middle of the ring before Adam Pearce entered. Jey hit Adam with a Superkick and dragged him on top of Nakamura for the victory. Adam Pearce will face Roman Reigns at Royal Rumble for the Universal Championship.

Opinion: I’m expecting this to change over the next few weeks. I cannot imagine Pearce will actually face Roman Reigns at Royal Rumble. It seems likely that Kevin Owens or another superstar will replace him or at the very least be added to the match before the PPV. I want to see Daniel Bryan face Roman Reigns at WrestleMania so I was glad Bryan didn’t win tonight. Shinsuke Nakamura looked awesome tonight and hopefully that actually leads to something for him. Overall, this week’s episode of SmackDown was an entertaining show and the build towards Royal Rumble should be interesting over the next several weeks.

Dolph Ziggler And Robert Roode Win WWE SmackDown Tag Team Titles

Andrew Ravens
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WWE decided to do a title change on the Friday’s episode of SmackDown. 

As seen on this week’s episode, The Street Profits defended the SmackDown Tag Team Titles against Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode. 

Ziggler and Roode dethroned Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins to win the straps. This is the first blue brand title reign for Roode and Ziggler. 

During this year’s Draft in October, The New Day was drafted to Raw while The Street Profits were drafted to SmackDown. At the time, WWE official Adam Pearce had the two teams trade championships.

As a result, there was never an official title change, but rather the titles were renamed and the champions followed suit. The Street Profits had been champions since winning the titles from Murphy and Seth Rollins on the March 2nd episode of Monday Night Raw. 

The Hurt Business (Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin) dethroned The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) to win the Raw Tag Team Titles last month at the WWE TLC pay-per-view event.

Historically, WWE doesn’t have tag team champions defend their titles at the Royal Rumble, which is the next pay-per-view event on tap for the company as it takes place later this month. 

Roman Reigns Receives Unexpected WWE Royal Rumble Opponent

Andrew Ravens
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With just weeks until WWE’s next big pay-per-view event, the company has decided who Roman Reigns will face at the Royal Rumble. 

The company announced heading into Friday’s episode of SmackDown on FOX that the reveal of this contender would be determined. 

WWE held a Gauntlet Match on this show that featured Daniel Bryan, King Corbin, Shinsuke Nakamura, Sami Zayn, and Rey Mysterio. It featured Mysterio and Zayn starting things off with Mysterio going over.

Nakamura then eliminated Rey, Corbin, and Bryan. It was later revealed that WWE agent Adam Pearce would be the final competitor after Paul Heyman pulled some strings. Uso and Reigns beat down Nakamura. Uso superkicked Pearce then pulled him onto Nakamura and the referee counted the three. 

Pearce was victorious, which means he earned the right to challenge Reigns for the WWE Universal Title at the upcoming event. It will be interesting to see if WWE pulls Pearce, who hasn’t worked a match in years, from the bout. 

WWE presents the Royal Rumble pay-per-view event on January 31, 2021 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida that will air on the WWE Network. 

It was reported a few months ago that WWE had plans for Bryan to challenge Reigns for the title at either TLC, which didn’t happen, or Royal Rumble. However, plans were later changed with “The Big Dog” entering a program with Owens.

Matt & Reby Hardy Expecting Their Fourth Child: It’s A Girl!

Andrew Ravens
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Congratulations are in order for AEW star Matt Hardy and wife Reby. On Friday evening, the couple announced they are expecting their fourth child together. It will be their first daughter.

The couple got married in 2013 and had their first child, a son, Maxel in June 2015 before having their second son, Wolfgang Xander in June 2017. Their third child, Bartholomew “Bartie” Kit, was born in December 2019. 

You can see their “gender reveal” video here:

Hardy returned to WWE with his brother, Jeff, in 2017 at WrestleMania 33 after being away for several years. However, he had a run with WWE that wasn’t what he had envisioned, and thus, he decided to let his contract expire with WWE.

This was at a time where he wasn’t being used on television in a way that he wanted his brother went down with an injury that resulted in him getting surgery and being on the sidelines for several months. Hardy joined All Elite Wrestling earlier this year.

Hardy uploaded a new video on his YouTube channel earlier this week that saw him talk about where The Hardy Boyz ranks among the greatest tag teams of all-time. He even poked fun at Vince McMahon decided to put Jeff in a tag team with Matt Riddle as the Hardy Bros.

Steve Austin On His In-Ring Career Being Over: “I’m Done, I’ve Retired”

Andrew Ravens
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Steve Austin is already known as one of the best to ever do it in the pro wrestling business and one of the biggest stars that Vince McMahon has ever created. 

However, there are some who still want to see him come back for one more match. The WWE Hall of Famer recently spoke with Fox Sports to promote the new season of his series, “Straight Up Steve Austin” on the USA Network.

During it, he made it clear that he’s done and has been for quite some time. 

“Man, 100 percent. Cause, you know, I’m still the biggest fan of the business that I was when I was seven years old changing the channels and stumbled across it; and then got the chance to learn it and have a pretty good run. So, I don’t want to do nothing else in the ring. I’m done, I’ve retired, everybody knows that.” 

Austin continued by noting that he doesn’t need to go out there and drop anyone on their necks and give them stunners. He continued by noting that he’s paved the way that he did and had the career that he had, but he still watches the product. Austin added that he wants to have his finger on the pulse, which he cherishes. 

Austin has not wrestled since retiring in 2003 at WrestleMania 19 where he lost to great rival and a better friend, The Rock. 

Daniel Bryan Pushing WWE Officials To Bring More NXT Stars To SmackDown

Andrew Ravens
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Unlike some people before him, Daniel Bryan has been using his creative influence to elevate younger stars. 

Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the former WWE Champion has been pushing for more NXT talent to be brought up to SmackDown. However, he has been met with opposition.

Bryan has received pushback from this idea due to the poor track record of wrestlers brought up from NXT to the main roster over the last two years. It all comes down to Vince McMahon losing interest in call-ups soon after they debut as well as several main roster talent who don’t currently have a role on TV.

Rhea Ripley Damien Priest
Rhea Ripley and Damien Priest

We know that Damien Priest and Rhea Ripley are two NXT stars that WWE plans to call up from NXT in the near future. Priest was set to be called up to SmackDown and align with Kevin Owens. However, this plan was shelved when WWE did not come up with a storyline that worked.

Rhea Ripley is also headed to the main roster soon following her loss to Raquel Gonzalez at NXT New Year’s Evil. It is believed Ripley will resume her feud with Charlotte Flair, which was put on hold after their match at WrestleMania 36 last April.

Matt Riddle & Seth Rollins Have Squashed Their Beef

Andrew Ravens
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There have been rumors about past backstage heat between Seth Rollins and Matt Riddle since November 2019. 

The rumors about their issues go back to when Riddle’s wife made body shaming comments directed towards Becky Lynch, who is the fiance and mother of Rollins’ child, in a now-deleted Instagram post. 

Rollins made an appearance on the Friday Night SmackDown Watch Along special that aired in October. During it, he made it clear that he had no desire to work with Riddle.

Fightful now reports that those within the company suggested the two stars have moved past the issues between them. The two stars did work the Men’s Elimination Tag Team Match at the Survivor Series pay-per-view event in November and fans picked up on how Rollins didn’t look at Riddle during the contest. 

However, people backstage at the show noted that they talked about their differences at the show. Now, they’re said to be open to working with each other in the future.

It was added by sources that Riddle apologized to Rollins for his wife’s comments toward Lynch.

Rollins dropped Riddle’s name during an interview in 2018 as someone who he thought was “super talented and had an interest in wrestling. 

Latest WWE Trademark Filing Is For “MSK”

Michael Reichlin
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WWE filed a trademark application for the phrase “MSK” earlier this week.

The United States Patent & Trademark Office database shows that attorney Lauren A. Dienes-Middlen filed for the “word mark” on Monday, January 4th.

The “goods and services” usage description reads as follows:

“Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered live and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service; providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; providing information in the fields of sports and entertainment via an online community portal; providing a website in the field of sports entertainment information; fan club services, namely, organizing sporting events in the field of wrestling for wrestling fan club members; organizing social entertainment events for entertainment purposes for wrestling fan club members; providing online newsletters in the fields of sports entertainment; online journals, namely blogs, in the field of sports entertainment”

WWE also recently filed trademarks the names Leon Ruff, Dabba-Kato and Sha Samuels (NXT UK).

Jay White Leaving NJPW A Real Possibility, Interest From WWE (Report)

Staff
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Jay White could be leaving New Japan Pro Wrestling for real.

According to Super J-Cast, a podcast focusing on NJPW, several sources indicate it is unlikely that Switchblade will sign a new contract with the Japanese promotion. His current deal is rumored to be up later this month. He’s been with New Japan since 2016.

WWE is said to be making a ‘strong play’ to get White onboard. AEW would be another option for the 28-year-old star, White’s association with the Bullet Club.

@WrestleVotes notes that “a few of the boys” have gone out of their way to vouch for Jay White with WWE management.

For what it’s worth, Jay White also “liked” this tweet by NXT Champion Finn Balor earlier this week:

Jay White Hints At Leaving NJPW

“Switchblade” faced Kota Ibushi on Day 2 of Wrestle Kingdom with the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental titles on the line. However, he could not secure a win in the match.

Overwrought with his loss, White cut a promo during the backstage media scrum, where he said that he felt “physically closest to death” than he has ever been. He complained about never being appreciated for the sacrifices he has made over the years for wrestling at NJPW.

Regretting all the time he has spent away from his family for this, White said, “I am not going to do this anymore. Maybe my time would be better spent someplace else.”

He would at most appear at NJPW’s New Year’s Dash, but after that he is done with the promotion, a distraught White said.

It seems like there was some truth in Jay White’s words after all.

You can watch the video of Jay White’s comments below:

Tony Schiavone Recalls Negotiations With WWE Prior To Joining AEW

Michael Reichlin
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Tony Schiavone has enjoyed a career resurgence since he joined All Elite Wrestling (AEW). The legendary broadcaster was away from pro wrestling for nearly two decades following the demise of WCW in 2001. Longtime fans have called him “the voice of their childhood.” He now reaches a new generation of wrestling fans every week on AEW Dynamite.

Schiavone co-hosts the ‘What Happened When’ podcast with Conrad Thompson and the AEW Unrestricted podcast with referee Aubrey Edwards. On this week’s Unrestricted, Schiavone was in the ‘hot seat.’ He spoke about what he knew about Sting joining AEW, Kenny Omega hijacking the AEW Championship, working through the pandemic and much more.

The most interesting part of the discussion focused on Tony Schiavone’s path to AEW. Prior to joining the company, he negotiated with not just Tony Khan but also WWE. Believe it or not, Khan encouraged him to sign with WWE if they offered him enough money.

Tony Schiavone’s Road to AEW

Schiavone says Bruce Prichard reached out to him in 2019 and informed him that Vince McMahon wanted to hire him at WWE. Schivaone was interested and asked what the position would be. Prichard said it would probably be a producer role and they’d be in touch. He told Conrad Thompson that he was in talks with WWE and got a text message from Cody Rhodes “two minutes later.”

Cody told him, “I don’t want you to work for WWE” and set up a call between Schiavone and AEW President Tony Khan.

“Tony called me, we talked for over an hour and said he was going to have me come to Jacksonville,” said Schiavone. “During this time, WWE kept talking to me and I never told WWE that Tony Khan had an interest, I was just listening. They called and said, ‘We don’t have our ducks in a row yet, we’ll be back in touch.'”

Schiavone continued speaking with Bruce Prichard, who told him that Vince McMahon wants him to end his career with WWE. He received a call from someone in WWE’s HR department, who asked how much money he was interested in. He threw out a big number and was told they would be in touch.

“Meanwhile, I met with Tony Khan. It was an all-day meeting at the stadium and I knew immediately that I wanted to work there. My wife also told me, ‘If you take a job at WWE, I’ll divorce your ass.’ I didn’t play two sides against the middle, I was just waiting to hear.”

Khan made Schiavone a “phenomenal” offer, but he still owed WWE courtesy of making an offer as well. Khan told Schiavone, “If they offer you $1 million, take it!” He replied, “Don’t worry, I will.”

Schiavone’s wife Lois urged him not to work for WWE, no matter what they offered him. WWE said they would be in touch with him after SummerSlam. He received a phone call from WWE the day after SummerSlam 2019. They informed him, “Thank you for your interest Mr. Schiavone, we have nothing for you.” He replied, “You guys contacted me!” He called Tony Khan that day and said, “I’m in.”

You can listen to this week’s AEW Unrestricted at iTunes and other podcast platforms.

Nick Jackson Banged Up At AEW Dynamite, Not Expected To Miss Ring Time

Michael Reichlin
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Nick Jackson got banged up at Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite, but is not expected to miss any ring time.

Along with his brother Matt, The Young Bucks are the reigning AEW World Tag team champions. They teamed with SCU against The Acclaimed and The Hybrid 2 in the opening contest of New Year’s Smash (Night 1).

Mid-way through the contest, Jack Evans hit a 630 splash off the top rope onto Nick Jackson. Nick countered the move by putting his legs up, which resulted in Evans landing on them hard. He was limping later in the match, which indicates a possible injury. Footage of the move in question can be seen here:

Wrestling Observer Live notes that Jackson sustained a leg contusion, but thankfully there was no fracture. As of this writing, Nick Jackson still scheduled to compete next week at New Year’s Smash (Night 2). The Elite will be in action, as the Young Bucks team with AEW World Champion Kenny Omega.

The trio, along with Gallows & Anderson, were part of the show-closing angle that saw a reunion of former Bullet Club members. For more on that story, check out:

Retribution Not Happy About Meme Comparing Them To Capitol Hill Insurrectionists

Michael Reichlin
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Earlier this week, the world witnessed a dark chapter in American history. Armed insurrectionists stormed the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

Parody Twitter account @KayfabeNews released a meme comparing this group of violent terrorists to WWE’s Retribution faction. Retribution also used violent means to achieve their objectives and take over WWE events.

The meme, seen below, is an altered photo of the insurrectionists inside the Capitol. A “Trump” flag held by one of the men has been replaced by a flag depicting the Retribution logo. Another Retribution logo is overlaid front and center. The caption reads, “Worst invasion angle ever.”

Several members of Retribution saw the meme and strongly denounced the comparison. T-BAR wrote, “I’m the only white American in the group, so this comparison is not only inaccurate, quite frankly it’s embarrassing. Take your dumb joke and shove it up your ass.”

https://twitter.com/TBARRetribution/status/1347368328000626695?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1347368328000626695%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ewrestlingnews.com%2Fnews%2Fretribution-not-happy-with-a-meme-comparing-them-to-capitol-hill-insurrectionists

Reckoning also replied to the tweet, stating, said, “Don’t compare us to terrorists. Gtfo with this trash.”

Update: KayfabeNews has since deleted the original tweet and released a statement:

Jim Ross Names His Three Favorite AEW Matches

Michael Reichlin
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Jim Ross has named his three favorite matches since the launch of AEW last year. The Hall of Fame announcer has been ringside for some of the greatest matches in pro wrestling history, so his opinion on this subject carries weight.

During a recent episode of his Grilling JR podcast, Ross named the three AEW matches that fans should go out of their way to see, if they haven’t already.

JR told co-host Conrad Thompson, “I loved Dustin and Cody.” Of course, the match he is referring two was the battle of the Rhodes brothers from the inaugural AEW pay-per-view, Double or Nothing 2019. It was an instant classic that ranks on any serious list of the best AEW matches.

cody dustin
Brother vs. Brother: Double or Nothing 2019(Photo: AEW)

Best AEW Matches

Jim Ross said the best match of 2020 was the Young Bucks vs. FTR tag team ‘dream match’ from November’s AEW Full Gear pay-per-view. He also praised the Cody Rhodes vs. Brodie Lee dog collar match for the TNT Championship. Tragically, this would be Brodie Lee’s final match before his untimely passing on December 26th.

He noted that Jon Moxley had a stellar year as AEW World Champion. “There’s a couple of Moxley matches that I thought were really good, I’m a big fan of Jon Moxley.”

Jim Ross wrapped up by going back to the Cody vs. Dustin match, stating that the personal nature of the match-up and the luxury of a live crowd put it over the top for him

“Overall, just looking back in total, the Rhodes brothers match might be my favorite match thus far that we’ve done in AEW. Live crowd, the dramatic use of blood, the story behind it. It became very personal and emotional, it wasn’t a ‘rasslin’ storyline so to speak. It was based on reality. They turned it on and it got me.”

You can listen to this “Ask JR Anything” episode of Grilling JR at Westwood One or in the player embedded below:

Steve Austin Explains Why He’s Not A Fan of the WWE Royal Rumble

Michael Reichlin
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WWE legend “Stone Cold” Steve Austin has won the Royal Rumble match more times than anyone in history. He outlasted 29 other men on three separate occasions: in 1997, 1998 and 2001. Despite this unparalleled record, the Texas Rattlesnake says he’s isn’t overly fond of the match.

Austin recently spoke with Fox Sports to promote the new season of his celebrity interview series, “Straight Up Steve Austin” on the USA Network. During the discussion, Austin revealed what he does not like about the 30-man over-the-top rope battle royal.

With so many people involved in a Royal Rumble, many the spots are planned out in advance. Wrestlers know when they are supposed to be eliminated. The more planning there is, the greater chance for things going wrong and chaos. Austin alluded, “You know what I’m speaking of, without just spelling it out”

Austin recalls running into trouble during his first Royal Rumble experience back in 1996. This was his first WWE pay-per-view appearance and will never forget what transpired. “I was supposed to be the fourth guy left in the ring and Rikishi, or somebody, gave me a clothesline and the ropes were so baby oiled up from everybody wearing baby oil, I slipped.”

Austin continued, “There was a bunch of guys in the ring and I went out way early. I hit the ground, and I’m still pretty new in the company at this time. But they’re gonna try to keep me in the Rumble, so they’re giving me a little bit of a push and I blew it!”

Season 2 of Straight Up Steve Austin premieres Monday, January 11th on the USA Network. Guests this season include Charlotte Flair, Brett Favre, Ice-T, Steve-O, Tiffany Haddish and more. You can see the preview for season two at this link:

Ben Carter Debuts In NXT UK: Post-Match Interview, Praise From Triple H & HBK

Michael Reichlin
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High-flyer Ben Carter made his long awaited WWE debut on Thursday’s episode of the NXT UK show on the WWE Network.

Carter had an impressive showing in a losing effort against Cruiserweight Champion Jordan Devlin. The match was a showcase for Carter, who received praise afterwards from wrestling fans on social media, Triple H and other NXT UK talent.

Ben Carter was interviewed backstage after the contest. Carter says the match was bitter-sweet. He’s watched Jordan Devlin since the inception of NXT UK and says it is “insane” that he’s competing for the WWE Cruiserweight Champion. Despite the loss, he likes to think he impressed some people. He feels it’s the beginning of a long and successful career in WWE.

Watch Ben Carter weigh-in on his NXT UK debut:

Reactions to Ben Carter’s NXT UK Debut

Triple H called it a star-making performance and urged all of his followers to seek out the Devin vs. Carter match. He tweeted, “A match that if you have not seen, you should go and watch on WWE Network immediately,” wrote Triple H.”NXT UK continues to deliver and this main event was no different featuring a star-making performance from Ben Carter … just the beginning.”

Shawn Michaels called Ben Carter’s NXT UK debut “awesome” and said that he looked “incredibly impressive.”

WWE’s The Bump co-host Matt Camp wrote, “What an impressive NXT UK debut for Ben Carter,” wrote Camp. “He’ll be a champion soon enough.”

AEW Video Game: Details On Release Date, Create-A-Wrestler & Online Play

Michael Reichlin
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The AEW Games Youtube channel has launched 2.Show, a new digital series hosted by AEW World Champion Kenny Omega. On the premiere episode, Omega and Kip Sabian spoke discussed the AEW console video game currently in development.

Sabian asked Omega the top 5 most common questions about the game that AEW has received from fans. Topics discussed include:

  • Gameplay: Arcade or simulation?
  • Estimated release date
  • Features: Create-a-Wrestler and Online
  • WWF No Mercy creator Hideyuki “Geta” Iwashita’s involvement

Gameplay: Arcade or Simulation?

When asked if the AEW console game style will be simulation or arcade, Kenny Omega replied, “Neither.” He explained that if you look at a pure simulation game, the best example is the Fire Pro Wrestling series. This is a beloved franchise with a devoted fanbase. However, there’s a high learning curve and it makes it less fun for people who want to simply pick up and play with their friends.

AEW is looking to incorporate the speed of arcade play with the movs and countering systems of a simulation game. They are looking to create a wrestling game that lets players feel like they’re actually in the ring with their opponent. Players will have the areal offense of Rey Fenix and can perform variations of the Canadian destroyer.

A clip was shown of the Young Bucks’ Meltzer Driver tag team move in development.

aew game screen

Release Date

Kenny Omega said they are attempting to create the greatest pro wrestling video game of all time. They want it to be fun and last for a long time. To create a game that improves upon WWF No Mercy, it takes time and effort.

Omega made some jokes at the expense of WWE 2K20. “Sometimes, when games are rushed, they encounter a lot of bugs. They become almost unplayable, and then they become a meme in themselves. We don’t want that! We want people to have fun with this thing.” They’re working with the best game developers and producers. AEW Games will release a complete, playable, unbroken package.

Unfortunately, they can’t give a release date just yet. Omega hopes the game will be out “maybe next year, maybe the year after that.” He assured viewers that they will receive regular updates on the AEW Games channel.

Omega says he was impressed when he played an early build of the AEW video game.

kenny omega aew games

Features: Create a Wrestler & Online Play

The game will absolutely have a Create-a-Wrestler mode. AEW understands this is a beloved feature and it’s a high priority to them as well. They know some fans like to use the CAW suite to create themselves, fictitious characters and wrestlers from other promotions.

There will “absolutely” be online play. Wrestling fans can play with their friends or against their friends. They are exploring ways to incorporate cross-play functionality, so [example] gamers who own the AEW video game on Xbox can play against people who own the console game on Playstation. Online mode will involve all match types and specific functions will be exclusive to online play.

Geta’s Involvement

Finally, they asked about the process of getting Hideyuki “Geta” Iwashita on board with this project. Geta was the driving force behind WWF No Mercy (N64), the 2000 classic that is considered by many to be the best wrestling video game ever.

Kenny Omega says he did a lot of footwork on this game before AEW even launched. When he was still over in Japan, he visited the AKI studio, creators of WWF No Mercy. He spoke with the one remaining team member who worked on the game. Much of the original team has moved on. Many of them are developing mobile games. They all loved working on wrestling video games.

Omega received a message from someone he met at E3. This friend informed him that he was friends with Geta, who heard about the visit with AKI. Geta was eager to meet. Omega flew to Japan, where they decided to make a game together ‘when the time is right.’ They had additional meetings. AEW then linked up with Yukes and Geta was excited to join the team.

You can watch the the premiere episode of AEW Games: 2.Show below. Kenny Omega and Kip Sabian discuss the AEW game:

Impact Wrestling TV Viewership For Genesis Go-Home Show

Michael Reichlin
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Tuesday’s 1/5 episode of Impact Wrestling on AXS TV averaged 148,000 viewers and a 0.04 rating in the Adults 18-49 demographic. The show ranked 140th on cable for the evening, according to ShowbuzDaily.

The first Impact of 2021 featured the latest from Kenny Omega, Don Callis and the Good Brothers, Sami Callihan vs. Eddie Edwards, Havoc & Neveah advancing to the finals of the Knockouts tag title tourmanent and more. You can view our full recap here:

Impact’s viewership was up from the previous week, which drew 103,000 viewers and a 0.01 rating for the ‘Best of 2020: Part 2’ recap show.

Impact faced stiff competition from cable news election coverage of the two United States senate races in the state of Georgia.

MSNBC’s Election Coverage program at 8pm topped the night in cable viewership with 4.655 million viewers and a 0.68 A18-49 rating. CNN’s Election Night In America at 10pm did 3.815 million viewers and a 0.92 A18-49 rating.

Impact Wrestling presents Genesis this Saturday night on Impact Plus. The following weekend is Hard to Kill on pay-per-view.

Bullet Club Members Reunite At AEW Dynamite New Year’s Smash

Michael Reichlin
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The conclusion of AEW New Year’s Smash (Night 1) saw the shocking reunion of the Bullet Club. It was the latest chapter in a fast-moving shake-up of the professional wrestling landscape led by Kenny Omega and Don Callis.

Omega recently crossed over to Impact Wrestling and aligned himself with former partners, The Good Brothers (Gallows & Anderson). The trio are set to main event Impact’s next pay-per-view, Hard to Kill. Their opponents will be Impact World Champion Rich Swan and the Motor City Machine Guns.

At Dynamite, the ‘reunion’ came more into focus. Following Omega’s successful title defense over Rey Fenix, Jon Moxley came out. Mox had a barbed wire baseball bat and sought revenge on the man who beat him for the AEW title. Gallows & Anderson appeared and provided backup for The Cleaner. A brawl ensued, with additional AEW talent joining the fray.

AEW World tag team champions The Young Bucks hit the ring, but they soon revealed their true intentions. Nick and Matt Jackson aligned with Omega, Gallows and Anderson. Dynamite went off the air with the former Bullet Club members embracing in the middle of the ring with their famous “2 sweet” hand gesture.

Backstage after the show, the guys posed for this photo:

Bullet club AEW
Bullet Club reunion in AEW

Bullet Club Reunion in AEW

This reunion of Bullet Club members solidifies that this is a bold new direction for AEW. It will likely be be one of the company’s top storylines in the months ahead. It also poses several interesting questions to consider as we look ahead:

  • Jon Moxley is the current target of Omega and company. He has been a longer in AEW thus far. However, there are strength in numbers. Who could Moxley against this dangerous ‘new’ faction?
  • Where do former Club members Hangman Page and Cody Rhodes fit into the equation?
  • The ‘club’ now has a presence in multiple promotions, including AEW, Impact Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling. Could this angle be the next step signaling a working relationship with NJPW?
  • Perhaps the biggest question is how this new faction relates to the current incarnation of the actual Bullet Club. The organization’s members currently include NJPW stars Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, Bad Luck Fale, KENTA, El Phantasmo, Dick Togo, Jado, Taiji Ishimori and more.

What do you think about the Bullet Club reunion in AEW? Let us know in the comments section.

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