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Kota Ibushi Requests NJPW Unify IWGP Heavyweight & Intercontinental Titles

Chris Stephens
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Kota Ibushi defeated Tetsuya Naito to win the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships at Wrestle Kingdom 15 (Day 1). He successfully defended the titles against Jay White at Wrestle Kingdom 15 (Day 2).

During a backstage press conference following Day 2, Kota Ibushi requested that NJPW unify the two championships. “The IWGP Intercontinental Championship is the greatest belt there is,” said Ibushi. “The IWGP Heavyweight Championship is the strongest belt there is. I want to unify these titles.”

Ibushi continued, “I want it to be both the greatest and the strongest. Nobody has challenged for just one of these titles. Then what does a double championship mean? I want to unify them. Then I will make my ultimate dreams come true.”

You can watch Kota Ibushi’s comments about unification in the video player below:

IWGP Intercontinental Championship

The IWGP Intercontinental Championship was brought into the promotion in 2011. MVP defeated Toru Yano in the finals of a tournament to become the first champion. Since then, 14 other wrestlers have held the title.

Shinsuke Nakamura is the all-time leader in several categories related to the Intercontinental title. He’s held the title 5x and defended it 17 times over 901 combined days as champion.

The IWGP World Heavyweight Championship and the Intercontinental Championship have been defended together since Wrestle Kingdom 14 last year. Naito defeated Jay White at WK14 Night 1 to win the Intercontinental title. On Night 2, he defeated IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada to capture that belt as well.

Since the belts have been defended together, dual title holders have included EVIL, Naito, and now Ibushi.

kota ibushi 2 belts

(H/T to Fightful for the transcribed quotes)

Mustafa Ali Rips WWE Legends Night

Chris Stephens
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Mustafa Ali appeared on RAW Talk following last night’s show. He ripped into WWE bringing back several legends for the event and taking television time away from the current roster.

“I am agitated, I’m angry but most of all I’m confused,” Ali said on the show. “We dedicated a 3-hour show to old has-beens. You want to call them legends, call them whatever, they’ve had their time. A night like tonight is exactly what is wrong with this company. 3 hours to guys that can barely walk?”

“I know exactly that the generation before me paved the way but when the hell are you going to let me walk on that path? Guys like Drew Gulak, Akira Tozawa, myself, all of Retribution not on the show, why? Because we need to hear ‘whatcha gonna do brother?’ again for the seventh million time.”

Ali then joked about cheers having been pumped in for the legends last night.

“Why don’t you give us a chance? People that can contribute to this business, further this company but no, no let’s push them all aside. Let’s give 3 hours to people that that can barely walk.”

“They carved a path, when do I get to walk that path?” Ali continued.

“This place needs change and I am that change.”

The segment then focussed on Ali’s efforts to recruit Ricochet into Retribution. The other members of the faction joined him on the panel to close the segment.

Mustafa Ali’s comments can be head in the player below:

Jay White Says He’s Done With NJPW After New Year’s Dash (Video)

Michael Reichlin
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Jay White’s days in New Japan Pro Wrestling could be coming to an end.

“Switchblade” challenged Kota Ibushi for the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom (Day 2). Unfortunately, he came up short. After the event, he was so distraught that he announced his plans to leave the promotion after New Year’s Dash.

During the post-show backstage media scrum, White said, “I feel like I am physically closest to death that I have ever been, and hopefully that I ever will be. You just all saw what I put on the line. I put myself at risk. Not directly for your entertainment. For myself.”

He questioned why nobody came to help him when he was in such bad shape, physically and emotionally.

Jay White bemoaned, “I will never be appreciated like I should be” before talking about everything he’s had to sacrifice in New Japan Pro Wrestling. He’s spent years away from his family and put everything into his career, only to fail on the biggest stage of them all. No matter how much he believed this was his moment, his time, his destiny – he was wrong.

White then yelled, “I am not going to do this anymore” and announced, “maybe my time would be better spent some place else.” New Japan Pro Wrestling can make him show up at New Year’s Dash, but after that, he’s done.

You can watch Jay White’s comments after Wrestle Kingdom 15 in the player embedded below:

Jim Ross On What Led To Him Being Fired From WWE In 2013

Chris Stephens
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Jim Ross has been fired from WWE multiple times. One such occasion occurred in the summer of 2013. Ross hosted a panel discussion to promote the upcoming edition of the WWE 2K video game series on August 16th, 2013 and both he and Ric Flair were suspected of being intoxicated during. Ross announced his “retirement” from WWE shortly after.

During an episode of Grillin JR, Ross addressed the incident which led to his departure from WWE in 2013.

“Bad decisions on my part. I had a couple of drinks but I wasn’t drunk, that was a story, that was a lie, that was cover your as s**t,” JR said. “When I got to the shoot, I was the host/moderator whatever, I went into the ‘green room’ and the liquor was flowing like water.”

“A lot of the guys that did drink had drank too much. (Flair) and I, I guess, were considered two of those guys.”

“I think I got taken off the team at that point. It was poorly organized and I made bad decisions, let’s get that out of the way. I made some bad decisions. I don’t mind taking responsibility for screwups, we’re human. But you’ve got to learn from those screwups to move forward and I think I did that.”

“It was kind of funny how that worked out,” JR continued. “JR gets canned and Flair gets a statue.”

Update On Why Goldberg Is Facing Drew McIntyre At The Royal Rumble

Chris Stephens
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Last night’s edition of WWE RAW concluded with Bill Goldberg challenging Drew McIntyre to a title match at the Royal Rumble. Goldberg hasn’t wrestled since losing to Braun Strowman at WrestleMania.

As for why Goldberg was chosen as Drew’s opponent for the show, this was addressed recently on Wrestling Observer Radio. It appears the decision to have Goldberg face McIntyre on the PPV was only made over the weekend.

“Bill Goldberg and Drew McIntyre is going to be the main event at the Royal Rumble,” Dave Meltzer said on the show. “This was decided on Saturday.” He continued to say that the angle seemed to come out of nowhere.

“It wasn’t a swerve, it wasn’t to throw people off, it was because they have nobody ready for anything.”

“The Goldberg decision was made on Saturday,” Meltzer continued. “So if you’re wondering why, you know, it just feels like this came out of nowhere, that is the reason, it came out of nowhere.”

The match against Goldberg will be McIntyre’s 3rd title defence in his current reign. He defeated Keith Lee last night and both AJ Styles and the Miz in a triple threat match at TLC. McIntyre successfully defended the WWE title 8x in his first run with the belt.

Eric Bischoff: “There’s No One Talent That Can Change The Course of The Business By Themselves”

Jake Skudder
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Former WCW President and WWE Executive Director of SmackDown Eric Bischoff recently hosted a Q&A episode of the 83 Weeks podcast.

Bischoff would discuss a number of topics with fans, with co-host Conrad Thompson asking Easy E if there was a talent he has seen that could “change the industry” in the same way that Hulk Hogan or Stone Cold Steve Austin did in the late 90’s.

“I don’t think that way” Eric Bischoff would reply. “I mean there’s, I just don’t process things around me that way. There’s certainly been a lot of talent that I have been impressed with both in TNA, WWE and even just as a fan watching AEW. There’s a lot of talent that I see something in. I think perhaps I see something that maybe no one else does or maybe I’m just kidding myself?”

Eric Bischoff on Modern Talent

Bischoff would then state that he doesn’t see a talent making that seismic shift in the same way. That isn’t because of talent, but because the industry/world has changed. “I firmly believe what I’m about to say. I don’t think there’s any talent on the face of the earth that can change the course of the business by themselves.”

“It’s got to be the right talent, at the right time, in the right place” Eric Bischoff would continue. “[They’ve got to be] surrounded by the right people at the right time. That’s going to shift the business. IF the business is going to shift? It’s going to shift as a result of a multitude of different things, a variety of different things.”

“It’s always going to be important, this is a talent driven business, always has been always will be” Bischoff would finish. “But it takes more than just the talent for seismic shift to occur.”

Do you agree with Eric Bischoff? Are there any talents that you could see making a huge difference if given the opportunity? Let us know in the comments

Jim Cornette Talks NBA Fans/Chris Jericho Drama

Jake Skudder
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Jim Cornette recently weighed in on the AEW/Chris Jericho and NBA Twitter fanbase and why NBA fans decided to body shame Chris Jericho.

A recent episode of AEW Dynamite was pre-empted by an NBA game. The December 23rd episode of Dynamite followed on from a game that went into overtime and some NBA fans decided to watch the opening AEW match.

That match saw Top Flight (Darius and Dante Martin) take on the Inner Circle tandem of MJF and Chris Jericho. With Jericho being arguably the biggest mainstream name in AEW? Fans were quick to mention how different he looked from when he appeared in WWE during the ‘heyday’ of 2001-2005.

Jim Cornette on Chris Jericho

“Why is anybody surprised?” Jim Cornette would begin on the Drive Thru podcast. “This is another thing that I’ve been saying for a long, long time. Whether you like it or not. Chris Jericho is the biggest mainstream name recognition star in AEW, specifically because of his years and years spent with the WWE. That was when their ratings were much higher than they are now.”

“It’s not because he had a match at the Tokyo Dome a couple of years ago” Cornette continued. “It’s not because he’s with AEW now. It’s not because he was with WCW in 1998, it’s because he was a big star on WWE TV for a significant period of time; when they were doing much better ratings themselves than they are now. That’s just math and common sense.”

Did you see the Twitter drama with Chris Jericho and the NBA fans? Do you think that Jim Cornette is right here? Let us know in the comments

WWE Royal Rumble 2021: Updated Match Card, Participants

Michael Reichlin
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The 2021 WWE Royal Rumble takes place on Sunday, January 31st from the ThunderDome at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. The show airs live on the WWE Network.

On Monday’s WWE Raw, Bill Goldberg returned as part of Legends Night. Goldberg confronted WWE Champion Drew McIntyre during the final segment of the broadcast. Goldberg issued a challenge to McIntyre and shoved him down to the mat.

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With that match set, the following is the current lineup for the Royal Rumble:

  • WWE Champion Drew McIntyre defends against Bill Goldberg

Men’s Royal Rumble Match:

  • Daniel Bryan
  • Bobby Lashley
  • AJ Styles
  • Randy Orton
  • 26 to be determined

Women’s Royal Rumble Match:

  • Nia Jax
  • Shayna Baszler
  • 28 to be determined

Royal Rumble Rules

The rules for the Royal Rumble are simple. The battle royal begins with two Superstars in the ring. At timed intervals, another Superstar joins the fray. This continues until 30 people have entered the match.

Eliminations occur when a wrestler goes over the top rope and both feet touch the floor at ringside. The final person standing is the winner. They earn an opportunity to challenge for a championship of their choosing at WrestleMania.

Last year’s winners were Drew McIntyre and Charlotte Flair. McIntyre went on to WrestleMania to defeat Brock Lesnar and win his first WWE Championship. Charlotte faced Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania and captured the NXT Women’s Championship for a second time.

Update On Marty Scurll Potentially Signing With WWE or NJPW

Chris Stephens
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Marty Scurll is no longer with Ring of Honor. The company announced Monday night that the two parties have decided to end their working relationship.

Marty Scurll was accused of sexual assault last year during the #SpeakingOut movement. A young woman says that he sexually abused her when she was 16 years old and intoxicated. He made public statements addressing the situation:

“Although I truly believe that our encounter that evening was consensual, and the fact that the encounter was legal; is almost not the point. I understand that she now views our encounter as part of a bigger problem within the wrestling community.”

On the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer discussed Marty Scurll becoming a free agent and his options for future employment.

“I don’t anticipate AEW taking him,” Meltzer said. “I mean, it’s possible, obviously he was friends with all those guys. For AEW, it would be difficult just because there’s a lot of heat that anyone is going to get for hiring him. WWE does not feel that heat, they’re going to do what they are going to do.”

Marty Scurll
Marty Scurll with AEW Stars (Photo: Being The Elite Ep. 133)

Marty Scurll’s Options

Dave Meltzer believes WWE and NJPW would be more willing than AEW and ROH to overlook Marty Scurll’s baggage.

“I would suspect that Marty can go to New Japan Pro Wrestling right now and get a job there. Except for the fact that he couldn’t right now because of the pandemic and their economic situation. If it was normal, he could go to New Japan, I have no doubt. It wouldn’t shock me (if he goes to) WWE. AEW I think would be tougher.”

Prior to working for ROH, Marty Scurll had a stint with the National Wrestling Alliance in 2019. He was involved in a program with NWA World Champion Nick Aldis. The NWA is looking to start back up this year and Scrull would be a recognizable name to bring in.

There is no question that Scurll is one of the most talented free agents in all of professional wrestling. It remains to be seen if his scandal will blow over and his reputation can be rehabilitated.

Impact Preview: Kenny Omega & Good Brothers Return, Callihan vs. Edwards

Michael Reichlin
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Impact Wrestling on AXS TV returns tonight with the first new episode of 2021.

Impact finished the year strong with the hot inter-promotional storyline involving AEW World Champion Kenny Omega, Don Callis and the Good Brothers. Omega and Callis will be on hand tonight as the built continues for Hard to Kill later this month.

The following matches are advertised for Tuesday’s Impact:

  • Sami Callihan vs. Eddie Edwards
  • Jordynne Grace & Jazz vs. Nevaeh & Havok: Winners advance to Knockouts Tag Team Tournament Finals.
  • KC Navarro vs. Crazzy Steve vs. Ace Austin & Blake Christian
  • Rhino & Cousin Jake vs. Joe Doering & Eric Young
  • Moose vs. Matthew Palmer in a ‘Last Three Minutes’ Challenge.
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Impact Wrestling: Hard To Kill

The card is taking shape for Impact Wrestling’s next pay-per-view, Hard to Kill. Here is the updated lineup for next weekend’s pay-per-view:

  • AEW World Champion Kenny Omega & Impact Tag Team Champions The Good Brothers vs. Impact World Champion Rich Swann & The Motor City Machine Guns
  • Knockouts Champions Deonna Purrazzo vs. Taya Valkyrie

X-Division Champion Manik vs. Chris Bey vs. Rohit Raju

Knockouts Tag Team Championship Tournament Finals: Kiera Hogan & Tasha Steelz vs. Jordynne Grace & Jazz OR Nevaeh & Havok

The Impact Wrestling Hard to Kill event takes place Saturday, January 16th. You can order the show now at Fite.tv for $39.99.

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Kota Ibushi Retains IWGP Titles at Wrestle Kingdom 15

Jake Skudder
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New Japan Pro Wrestling hosted Night 2 of their Wrestle Kingdom 15 event earlier today. The two day event would be headlined both nights by the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Double Championship matches.

Night 1 would see Tetsuya Naito defend his Championships against Kota Ibushi. The ‘Golden Star’ had earned the opportunity to challenge for the titles initially by winning the 2020 G1 Climax tournament.

Ibushi would subsequently lose the title match opportunity to Jay White at Power Struggle 2020, where White put his feet on the ropes to get the pinfall. As is traditional in New Japan; winners of the G1 Climax have to rematch against the performers they lost to in the tournament itself; with the winner taking the title opportunity briefcase, as Jay White did at Power Struggle.

Despite this setback, Tetsuya Naito stated that he wanted to headline both nights of Wrestle Kingdom 15. Naito he challenged Kota Ibushi to a match on Night 1 for the Championships. As mentioned, Ibushi won the match to go on and face Jay White on Night 2. This will be his first defence of the IWGP titles.

Kota Ibushi would defeat Jay White after nearly 50 minutes of action. Ibushi hit the Kamigoye to take the pinfall victory and retain the belts he won the night before.

NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15 Results (Day 2)

Evan S
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Today is the second day of New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s largest event of the year, Wrestle Kingdom.

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

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

Results

Four Way Match for the Provisional KOPW 2021 Championship: Toru Yano def. Chase Owens, BUSHI, Bad Luck Fale (7:34)
Both BUSHI and Toru Yano were refusing to enter the ring, at first, but were forced to break up the pin when Chase Owens laid down for Bad Luck Fale to let him win. Owens and Fale worked together to abuse Yano, while BUSHI mostly tried to avoid getting involved. Yano tried to body slam Fale, who fell on top of him and nearly pinned him then and there. Fale and Chase double teamed BUSHI and put him down with the Grenade Launcher, but kept breaking up each other’s pin attempt. They argued with each other and the referee until Yano slid in, low blowed them both, and pinned the still down BUSHI. Toru Yano is the provisional KOPW 2021 Champion, but will only be crowned as such if he retains the trophy until the end of the year.

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match: Suzuki-gun (El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru) def. Ryusuke Taguchi & Master Wato
The tornillo that Master Wato pulled off on El Desperado might have been the most impressive he has looked since his return. He and Taguchi took advantage early until Suzuki-gun focused their team efforts on Taguchi, working his legs and cutting off the ring, and attacking Master Wato whenever Taguchi got even close to tagging him in. A hip attack from Taguchi gave him the room needed to rally, but Desperado and Kanemaru’s generous amount of tag team offense had him playing defense soon again. Taguchi tried for the Dodon, but El Desperado rolled through it for a near pinfall. El Desperado decisively finished off Taguchi with the Loco Mono straight punch, followed by Pinche Loco. Suzuki-gun retain the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships.

NEVER Openweight Championship Match: Shingo Takagi (c) def. Jeff Cobb (21:11)
Shingo Takagi found himself in the rare position of being the smaller, weaker man in a singles match, as Jeff Cobb ate his strikes and returned heavier ones, and tossed the former junior heavyweight like a ragdoll. Takagi was forced to get creative, pushing Cobb into the ropes and using the bounce to finally take him off his feet with a backdrop driver. Cobb tried to retaliate with a crucifix powerbomb from the apron to the floor, but Shingo avoided it, knocked Cobb off the apron, and came hurtling through the air. You don’t often see a tope con hilo from Shingo Takagi. Shingo tried to follow up with the Noshigami, but Cobb was too heavy, and he picked Shingo up from behind to land a black tiger bomb. Feeling desperate, Shingo immediately fought back with a Death Valley driver, followed by a superplex. He gave a Pumping Bomber with such speed that, despite impacting Jeff, he couldn’t stop and fell out of the ring. He came back in and immediately looked to the leg, taking Cobb off his feet again with a dragonscrew leg whip, and then hoisting him in the air for Made in Japan, which earned a near fall. Shingo came running for another Pumping Bomber, but Cobb pushed him into the ropes, then caught him on the rebound to deliver Tour of the Islands. He was too hurt to go for the pin right away, and when he did, Takagi’s foot found the bottom rope, breaking the pin. He tried to take Shingo for another Tour of the Islands, but was blasted with one more Pumping Bomber! With the Last of the Dragon, Shingo Takagi retains the NEVER Openweight Championship.

SANADA def. EVIL (23:40)
SANADA attacked EVIL with an uncharacteristic ferocity at Power Struggle, but on this day, in the Tokyo Dome, EVIL was ready with weapons. He tossed SANADA into the barricade, causing the timekeeper’s table (and the timekeeper) to be knocked over. He set up a table outside the ring and attempted to STO SANADA through it, but it didn’t take. Nevertheless, EVIL maintained control, partly thanks to aid from Dick Togo on the outside. He lifted SANADA to the top, then brought him crashing down with a superplex. EVIL applied a scorpion deathlock, but SANADA achieved a rope break. Despite this, he was too hurt to make a comeback, and EVIL landed Darkness Falls, but SANADA weakly kicked out. As soon as SANADA rose to his feet, EVIL barreled towards him, looking for a lariat, but SANADA pushed EVIL into the exposed turnbuckle that he himself was the cause of. Seeing his advantage slip away, EVIL pushed SANADA into the referee, allowing Dick Togo to make his presence known. The two performed the Magic Killer, and Dick Togo rose to the top turnbuckle for a senton, but SANADA kicked EVIL into the ropes, causing Togo to lose his balance and fall. From there, SANADA mounted his first major comeback, trapping EVIL in the Skull End. He went for a top rope moonsault, and then another, but EVIL lifted his knees on the latter. As EVIL distracted the referee, Dick Togo tried to come in and choke SANADA out, but SANADA freed himself and pushed EVIL into Togo, causing Togo to comically crash through the table that EVIL placed. With Togo out, SANADA hit EVIL with EVIL’s own finish hold, and then landed a top rope moonsault for the pinfall victory. No bloodshed, but victory nonetheless.

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Match: Hiromu Takahashi def. Taiji Ishimori (c) (25:31)
At this point, Hiromu and Ishimori know what it’s like to fight each other very well, and often had a hard time making their moves work without being countered. Ishimori’s early strategy was to work over Hiromu’s arms, smart considering many of Hiromu’s best moves start with a fireman’s carry hold. His early attempt at the Yes Lock, with which he tapped Hiromu out at Summer Struggle, was thwarted by a rope break. Before Ishimori’s arm work could pay off, Hiromu was on the offensive, delivering multiple death valley bombs into the corner. Having already wrestled against El Phantasmo last night, Hiromu wasn’t as fresh as Ishimori, and he tried to finish the match early with the Time Bomb. Ishimori would slip out of it and land a Canadian Destroyer to stop Hiromu in his tracks. He kept Hiromu on his knees with the hardest elbow strikes that his compact but overdeveloped body could produce. With a La Mistica into the Yes Lock, Ishimori had Hiromu working for every centimeter as he wriggled to the ropes for one more rope break. Hiromu’s Victory Royale granted him a moment of respite, and he then bowled Ishimori over with a lariat, then drove him into the corner that still had no turnbuckle pad from the previous match. The Time Bomb connected, but Ishimori was not out yet! He tried once more for the Yes Lock, but Hiromu lifted him onto his shoulders and finally pinned Ishimori with the Time Bomb II. “Mr. Belt” is back in the possession of Hiromu Takahashi.

IWGP Heavyweight & IWGP Intercontinental Championship Match: Kota Ibushi (c) def. Jay White (48:05)
It feels like Jay White has been a thorn in Kota Ibushi’s side for years. True, Ibushi defeated him to win his first ever G1 Climax, but he also lost to Jay, and became the first person to ever lose the G1 briefcase. The first ten minutes were almost all Jay, as he grinded Ibushi into the mat with strikes and holds. White cleverly cut off all of Ibushi’s comebacks, sweeping Ibushi’s legs out from under him when he tried for any sort of aerial offense. Gedo called for the Kiwi Crusher, and Jay tried to oblige, but Ibushi fought him off and rallied with a half nelson suplex, followed by the hitodenashi driver. His bicycle knee missed, and Jay was finally able to connect with the Kiwi Crusher for a near fall. He tried for his first Blade Runner, but Ibushi wasn’t having it. Jay tried to roll Ibushi into a pin with his legs elevated on the ropes, but the referee noticed it and refused to count the three. Angered, Ibushi ate Jay White’s elbow strikes and blasted him with kicks, forcing him into the fetal position. He growled for Jay to hit him harder, and would return every strike twice as hard. Ibushi shoved the referee away when they told him to let Ibushi up, but Jay White pounced with a low blow. He took control with repeated German suplexes, and brought Ibushi to the apron. Ibushi rocked him with a high kick and delivered his patented rope-assisted inside to outside German suplex. His first Kamigoye missed, and this gave Jay an opening for him to dump Ibushi on his head with suplexes. He tried again for the Blade Runner, but again Ibushi avoided it, and landed a Kamigoye flush, but Jay kicked out! With no hesitation, Ibushi ascended to the top turnbuckle and delivered a beautiful phoenix splash, but Gedo pulled the referee out of the ring. He tried to hit Ibushi with brass knuckles, but Ibushi caught him and obliterated him with a Kamigoye. Ibushi brought the referee back in, but Jay sprung with a Blade Runner, keeping Ibushi down until just shy of 3. Jay locked in the TTO leglock, but Ibushi crawled with all his might and made it to the ropes. Jay hit a cross-arm Bloody Sunday and tried again for the Blade Runner, and got blasted with a bicycle knee. Jay desperately tried again for the Blade Runner, but Ibushi leveled him with a lariat! He delivered a Kamigoye to the back of Jay’s head, then spun him around for another, and it was all over. Kota Ibushi is still your IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Champion.

SANADA appeared and civilly challenged Kota Ibushi. KENTA could learn a thing or two from him.

WWE RAW Results (1/4): Legends Night, Goldberg Challenges Drew McIntyre

Robert Lentini
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WWE RAW aired live from the ThunderDome inside Tropicana Field. It was Legends Night on this week’s RAW and several superstars from the past made appearances throughout the show. Drew McIntyre defended the WWE Championship against Keith Lee in the main event.

WWE RAW Results (1/4)

  1. New Day def. The Miz & John Morrison
  2. AJ Styles def. Elias
  3. Lacey Evans & Peyton Royce def. Asuka & Charlotte Flair
  4. Riddle def. Bobby Lashley
  5. Dana Brooke def. Shayna Baszler
  6. Randy Orton def. Jeff Hardy
  7. Lucha House Party def. Hurt Business
  8. Drew McIntyre def. Keith Lee to retain the WWE Championship

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

New Day Picked Up A Win

The Miz and John Morrison kicked off RAW with an episode of Miz TV. Miz and Morrison welcomed New Day as their first guests of the new year. New Day joked that they have a new talk show called “New Day Talks” and that Miz and Morrison were their guests.

Kofi claimed he was the host and Xavier Woods was the band leader. New Day mocked The Miz by shouting “correct!” several times. The Miz finally had enough and shouted that he was sick of New Day making a joke out of his show.

Teddy Long interrupted and said that Miz and Morrison will face The Undertaker. Adam Pearce informed Teddy that Undertaker is retired and made a tag team match between Miz & Morrison and the New Day.

Kingston took Miz down to the canvas and applied a Headlock. Miz battled to his feet and broke the hold. Miz connected with a shoulder tackle but Kingston shrugged it off and hit a Crossbody for a near fall. Morrison tagged in and Kofi greeted him with a Dropkick to the face for a two count.

Kofi twerked around the ring and then leaped onto Miz and Morrison outside the ring as RAW went to a commercial break. When RAW returned, Miz and Morrison had Kofi isolated in the corner of the ring. Kofi eventually escaped and tagged in Xavier Woods.

Morrison absolutely leveled Woods with a forearm to the face but Xavier responded with a forearm shot of his own. Kingston hit Miz with a Clothesline off the steps as Woods connected with a Shining Wizard on Morrison for the pinfall victory.

Orton Didn’t Light Alexa Bliss On Fire

Randy Orton was interviewed backstage and said that he couldn’t light Alexa Bliss on fire because he was changed by The Fiend and showed restraint. Orton added that he hated himself for that but he has realized that he is truly capable of anything. Randy wondered what would happen if he directed his new found hatred for himself towards someone else. Orton claimed he was going to go find some legends and remind him why he is called “The Legend Killer”.

AJ Styles def. Elias

AJ Styles faced Elias tonight on RAW. Omos and Jaxson Ryker were ringside for the match. Elias hit a Belly to Back Suplex but AJ Styles immediately applied a Headlock. Elias escaped and caught Styles with an elbow to the face. Elias knocked Styles out of the ring with a forearm to the face as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Elias and AJ were battling in the corner of the ring. Elias hit Styles with a Chokeslam and went for the cover but AJ was able to power out at a two count. AJ went for the Phenomenal Forearm but Elias countered with a knee strike to Styles’ face for another near fall.

Styles sent Elias into the turnbuckle and followed it up with a Brainbuster. AJ then connected with the Styles Clash in hte middle of the ring for the pinfall victory. After the match, Ryker tried to hit Styles with the guitar but Omos booted it away in impressive fashion. Ryker was shocked and retreated out of the ring.

Ric Flair Cost Charlotte & Asuka The Match

Women’s Tag Team Champions Charlotte Flair .and Asuka faced Peyton Royce and Lacey Evans. Ric Flair accompanied Charlotte to the ring.

Flair and Royce started off the match by locking up. Charlotte connected with a slam and quickly tagged Lacey Evans in. Lacey waved at Ric Flair and Charlotte capitalized with a Headlock. Charlotte went for the Figure Four but Evans was able to get to the bottom rope.

Peyton Royce tagged in as Evans hit Flair with a cheap shot. Royce beat Flair down and tagged Evans back in. Flair hit Evans with a Backbreaker and tagged in Asuka. The RAW Women’s Champion hit Lacey with a Dropkick and delivered a shoulder tackle to Peyton Royce.

Asuka connected with a Hip Attack and followed it up with a Clothesline on Royce for a two count. Lacey Evans started dancing in front of Ric and Charlotte slapped her in the face. Evans and Charlotte continued to brawl ringside as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Royce and Evans had Asuka isolated in the corner. Asuka planted Royce with a Neckbreaker and tagged in Charlotte. Lacey tagged in at the same time and Flair greeted her with a Clothesline. Flair hit Evans with a series of chops and Royce tagged in.

Charlotte connected with a Fallaway Slam and climbed up to the top rope. Flair hit a Moonsault onto Royce and Evans and tagged in Asuka. Asuka hit Royce with a kick to the face for a near fall. Charlotte tagged back in and hit Natural Selection but Evans broke up the cover.

Royce hit Asuka with a Neckbreaker on the apron and started crawling towards Ric Flair. Charlotte hit Lacey with a Dropkick and then Ric tripped up his daughter. Peyton capitalized with a roll-up for the pinfall victory. After the match, Charlotte told Ric Flair to get out of here.

Riddle Pinned The US Champion

Matt Riddle squared off against Bobby Lashley tonight on RAW. MVP accompanied United States Champion Lashley to the ring for the match. Riddle attacked Lashley in the corner before the bell rang. The match officially started and Riddle hit Lashley with a few more strikes to the midsection.

Lashley connected with a slam and then beat Riddle down in the corner of the ring. The action spilled out of the ring and Lashley smashed Riddle’s face into the ring post as RAW went to a commercial break. When RAW returned, Lashley was still in control and had Riddle in a submission lock in the middle of the ring.

Riddle escaped and booted Lashley in the midsection but the US Champion immediately responded with a Clothesline. Riddle hit a kick to the face and then a running forearm in the corner of the ring. Riddle followed it up with a Broton and went for the cover but Lashley kicked out at one.

Riddle hit the Final Flash but Lashley kicked out at one again. Lashley planted Riddle with the Dominator and applied the Hurt Lock. Riddle accidentally bumped into the referee and tapped out but the ref didn’t see it. Lashley celebrated like he won and Riddle rolled him up from behind for the pinfall victory. After the match, Lashley vowed to punish Riddle the next time he gets his hands on him.

Orton Mocked The Legends & Beat Jeff Hardy

Randy Orton intimidated retired legends backstage throughout the show. Orton got in the Big Show’s face and dared him to do something about. Randy mocked Mark Henry for showing up on a scooter and announced that he was going to be in the Royal Rumble. Orton mocked Mark for never being able to compete in the Royal Rumble again and threatened to hit Henry if he didn’t pedal his ass out of the arena.

Orton approached Ric Flair backstage and told him that his daughter ten times the competitor he ever was. Randy brought up punting his head recently and that Ric is not the man he used to be. Orton called Ric a pathetic old man and grinned in his face.

Randy Orton faced Jeff Hardy to begin the third hour of RAW. Orton stomped on Hardy’s face and then threw him to the outside. Orton went after him and bounced Jeff’s head off the announce table several times. Back in the ring, Jeff connected with a Clothesline but Orton responded with a kick to the head.

Orton paced around Hardy and stomped on his hands a couple times before applying a Headlock. Jeff escaped and hit the Twist of Fate before making his way to the top rope. Orton rolled out of the ring and Hardy hit him with a Clothesline off the ring apron as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Orton had Hardy in another Headlock but Jeff quickly escaped. Orton hit a Clothesline for a two count and went back to the Headlock. Randy went for a DDT but Hardy countered with an inverted Atomic Drop and then a Splash for a near fall.

Hardy followed it up with Whisper in the Wind and went for the cover but Orton was able to kick out at the last moment. Orton planted Jeff with a DDT and bought himself some time to regroup. Jeff went for the Twist of Fate but Orton countered into the RKO for the pinfall victory.

Dana Brooke def. Shayna Baszler

Mandy Rose was set to face Shayna Baszler tonight. As Mandy was making her entrance, Shayna attacked Mandy from behind and launched her into the barricade. Dana Brooke rushed the ring and took Mandy’s place in the match. Shayna ducked under a Clothesline and booted Dana in the leg. Shayna applied the Kirifuda Clutch but Brooke countered into a roll-up for the win. Shayna didn’t break the hold but Mandy Rose did so by beating Baszler down.

The RAW Tag Champs Aren’t Getting Along

RAW Tag Team Champions Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander faced Lucha House Party tonight. MVP was on commentary for the match. Gran Metalik hit Benjamin with a Hurricanrana and then went for another one but Shelton caught him with a massive Powerbomb. Cedric and Lince tagged in and Dorado hit Alexander with a Hurricanrana. Hurt Business isolated Dorado in the corner and started arguing over with each other. Lince capitalized and rolled up Shelton for the pinfall victory. After the match, MVP, Benjamin, and Alexander argued ringside. Cedric then left on his own.

Goldberg Challenged Drew McIntyre

Drew McIntyre put the WWE Championship on the line against Keith Lee in the main event of this week’s show. Hulk Hogan, Booker T, and the rest of the legends stood on the entrance ramp for the title match. McIntyre and Lee locked up to start off the action.

McIntyre drove Keith Lee to the corner and then to the ropes and the referee separated the two superstars. Keith Lee and McIntyre traded chops and punches in the middle of the ring. McIntyre brought Keith to the corner again and unloaded some more chops.

Keith Lee sent McIntyre out of the ring and then launched him over the barricade as RAW went to a commercial break. Keith Lee was still in control when RAW returned and had McIntyre trapped in the corner. Lee planted McIntyre with a slam and went for the cover but the WWE Champion kicked out at two.

McIntyre hit a chop to the chest and went for a Belly to Belly Suplex but Lee caught him with a headbutt. Drew McIntyre showed off his power and launched McIntyre across the ring to buy himself some time. McIntyre hit a Neckbreaker and set up in the corner for the Claymore.

Lee dodged the Claymore but McIntyre rolled him up for a near fall. Keith slammed McIntyre to the mat for another two count. The action spilled out of the ring and McIntyre Powerbombed Keith Lee through the announce table as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, McIntyre connected with a flying Clothesline off the top rope for another near fall. McIntyre followed it up with the Future Shock DDT but once again Keith was able to kick out at two. Lee perched McIntyre up on the top rope and joined him on the turnbuckle.

Keith Lee hit an unbelievable Spanish Fly off the top rope and went for the cover but somehow the WWE Champion was able to kick out at two. Keith went for the Spirit Bomb but McIntyre countered into a Spinebuster for a two count. McIntyre went for the Claymore but Lee caught him. McIntyre escaped and hit the Claymore for the pinfall victory. Drew McIntyre is still the WWE Champion.

After the match, Drew McIntyre grabbed the microphone but was interrupted by Goldberg. McIntyre smiled as Goldberg entered the ring. Goldberg said he was in the back and was thinking that there could not be a better representative to be the WWE Champion. Goldberg said McIntyre has got speed and athleticism, but the one thing Drew doesn’t have is respect. Goldberg claimed that McIntyre believes that he is better than everyone of the legends in their prime. Goldberg got in McIntyre’s face and challenged McIntyre to a match for the WWE Championship at Royal Rumble. McIntyre said fighting Goldberg would be like fighting his own dad. Goldberg punched McIntyre and RAW abruptly went off the air.

Opinion: McIntyre and Keith Lee put on a great title match but the rest of tonight’s show was rough. The legends were mainly relegated to pointless backstage segments and I really don’t have any interest in another title match including Goldberg. Unless you are a die hard Goldberg fan, the ending of tonight’s show was nothing to get excited about. I’m assuming that McIntyre will win and will have the match against Sheamus at WrestleMania. I don’t see the appeal of having Goldberg as WWE Champion in 2021.

Goldberg Challenges Drew McIntyre To WWE Title Match At Royal Rumble

Andrew Ravens
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WWE didn’t waste any time in booking Drew McIntyre’s first WWE Championship defense of the new year against Keith Lee as well as setting up his next feud. 

It happened on Monday’s episode of Raw, which was hyped as Raw Legends Night, on the USA Network. The contest was saved for the main event from St. Petersburg, Florida at Tropicana Field.

It was a lengthy back and forth match. McIntyre did a lot of selling for Lee to make him look like a worthy contender. At one point, McIntyre power bombed Lee through the announce table. Lee managed to hit a Spanish fly off the top rope for a near fall. McIntyre hit the Claymore Kick for the win. 

WWE set up this contest last week on Raw as Lee battled Sheamus in the opening contest. Obviously, Lee went over and earned the title shot opportunity. 

After the match, Goldberg walked down to the ring and grabbed a microphone. He praised McIntyre for having talent, but not getting the respect he deserves. He said that McIntyre looks at legends as wrestlers out of their prime and being better than them.

Goldberg said that this is where he steps in as he challenged McIntyre for the WWE Title at the Royal Rumble. McIntyre said that fighting him would be like fighting his own dad. Goldberg pushed him down and the show went off the air. 

WWE holds the Royal Rumble pay-per-view event on January 31, 2021. 

Big Show Still Open To Match With Shaquille O’Neal

Andrew Ravens
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The Big Show has made it known that he’s still interested in a match against Shaquille O’Neal even though the chances of it happening might be decreasing every year that passes. 

This match has been talked about for years but never happened. While doing an interview with WWE UK, the former WWE Champion noted that facing Shaq at WrestleMania is his perfect scenario.

“Let’s see, in a perfect scenario at WrestleMania, it would be Big Show versus Shaquille O’Neal. That would be a perfect scenario because we never really got to make that happen. That’s one of those stones I’d like to get out of my shoe and settle that, who is the best big man of all time, period.”

Talks of this possible match started in 2016 after Shaq and The Big Show teased a match at WrestleMania 33 in Arlington, Texas at AT&T Stadium. Plans were changed as Big Show ended up competing in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal at the show. 

The two sides have given different stories about why it didn’t happen as Shaq has claimed that plans continued to change throughout talks while WWE made it seem that the NBA legend was never interested in doing the contest. 

Shaq has expressed interest in doing a match with Cody Rhodes in AEW.

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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0

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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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.

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