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Liv Morgan On Having WWE Cameras Around For Ups And Downs

Anutosh Bajpai
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Being famous in any field means that you have to give up your privacy and you are constantly being followed by people and cameras doesn’t matter where you are or what you are feeling.

Liv Morgan got a taste of it during the filming of her Liv Forever documentary which chronicles a rough period of time in the female star’s career in 2019, right after the breakup of the Riott Squad.

The WWE star talked about this experience during her recent interview with The Asbury Park Press where she said that having cameras around during the ups and downs almost felt like therapy:

“As it went on, it almost felt like therapy, every week I would go meet with the awesome crew I was working with and they’re going to talk to me about my life. It ended up being way more real and raw than I thought.”

The Riott Squad consisting of Ruby Riott,  Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan made their debut on the main roster in November 2017 and the group stayed together for a couple of years.

However, in the 2019 Superstar Shakeup, Liv Morgan was moved to the SmackDown brand while her partners remained on Raw, effectively breaking the group up.

The Liv Forever documentary chronicles this time in the former NXT star’s career and it will premiere on WWE Network this Sunday. You can check out the trailer for it below:

WWE SmackDown Results (11/27): Kevin Owens & Roman Reigns, Zayn vs. Bryan

Robert Lentini
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WWE SmackDown aired live from the ThunderDome. It was the first episode of SmackDown following WWE Survivor Series. Jey Uso battled Kevin Owens as Roman Reigns watched from backstage in this week’s main event.

SmackDown Results (11/27)

  1. Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode def. Street Profits (non-title match)
  2. Sami Zayn def. Daniel Bryan via countout
  3. Bianca Belair def. Natalya
  4. Murphy def. King Corbin
  5. Kevin Owens def. Jey Uso via DQ

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Roman Reigns Had Strong Words For Jey Uso

Jey Uso kicked off the show and said that everyone is talking about The Undertaker but they should be talking about Roman Reigns defeating Drew McIntyre at Survivor Series.

Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman then made their way to the ring. Reigns said “play it” and footage of Team SmackDown losing to Team RAW at Survivor Series was shown. Footage of Reigns telling Jey to go find his brother and get out of the arena at Survivor Series was also aired. Jey interfered in the match between McIntyre and Reigns at the PPV.

Reigns told Jey that he didn’t need help with Drew McIntyre and asked why he thought Team SmackDown lost at Survivor Series. Reigns suggested that they didn’t listen to Jey because they do not respect him. Roman said that if he is not the head of the table, they must think he is some wannabe bitch in the locker room begging for Thanksgiving leftovers.

Roman asked Jey if he looked at him like some bitch in the locker room because that is how he is making him feel through his failures. Reigns added that he doesn’t like how Jey is making him feel to end the promo.

Otis was scheduled to face King Corbin tonight on SmackDown. Before the match, Jey Uso beat the hell out of him with a steel chair in response to what Reigns said to him.

Ziggler & Roode Pinned The Tag Team Champs

Street Profits faced Ziggler & Roode tonight on SmackDown. Roode and Ziggler controlled the action early and isolated Ford in the ring. Ziggler went for a Splash but missed and hit the turnbuckle. Dawkins tagged in and leveled Roode with an elbow to the face.

Angelo planted Ziggler with a Neckbreaker and followed it up with a Spinebuster to Roode. Montez tagged in and hit the Frog Splash but Ziggler broke up the cover. Roode then rolled up Ford for the pinfall victory.

Zayn Won Via Countout

Sami Zayn squared off against Daniel Bryan tonight on SmackDown. Before the match, Sami Zayn cut a promo about how Thanksgiving is a terrible holiday because it celebrates the atrocities carried out against Native American people. Zayn boasted about defeating Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania and claimed that Bryan has done nothing to earn this match. Sami added that WWE is trying to sabotage him and then Bryan’s theme hit.

Bryan and Zayn locked up to start the match. Daniel bent Sami’s fingers back and then stomped on his elbow. Sami rolled to the ropes to buy himself some time before locking up with Bryan again. Daniel brought Zayn to the canvas and locked in a submission hold. Sami broke free but Bryan caught him with a Dropkick for a two count.

Zayn sent Bryan out of the ring to buy himself some more time. Sami stomped on Bryan as he entered the ring and then threw him back to the outside. Zayn bounced Bryan’s face off the barricade and rolled him back into the ring. Sami climbed to the top rope but Bryan crotched him on the turnbuckle. Bryan knocked Zayn out of the ring with a Dropkick and Bryan climbed to the top rope. Daniel went for a Crossbody but Zayn dodged it and Bryan crashed into the barricade as SmackDown went to a break.

When SmackDown returned, Sami tried to cover Bryan three times in a row but Daniel kicked out every time. Bryan hit a Dropkick in the corner of the ring and perched him up on the top turnbuckle. Daniel sent Zayn across the ring with a Hurricanrana for a near fall.

Zayn rolled out of the ring and to the apron but Daniel followed him. Sami poked Bryan in the eye and delivered an awesome Brainbuster to Daniel on the ring apron. Back in the ring, Sami connected with a Blue Thunder Bomb for a near fall. Daniel locked in an Armbar in the middle of the ring and then transitioned into the Yes Lock.

Sami got his foot on the bottom rope to break up the hold and once again rolled out of the ring. Daniel hit Sami with a Suicide Dive and brought the Intercontinental Champion back in the ring. Zayn rolled out of the ring again and Bryan hit him with another Suicide Dive.

Zayn ran up the entrance ramp and made his way backstage. Bryan chased after him and then Sami ran back to the ring to beat the count as Bryan was counted out. Jey Uso attacked Bryan backstage until Kevin Owens made the save.

Kevin Owens then confronted Jey and Roman backstage. Owens told Reigns that for someone that values family so much he sure treats his like trash. Reigns told Jey that Owens does not look at him with fear and he needs to fix that.

Bianca Belair Picked Up A Win

Natalya faced Bianca Belair tonight and Bayley joined commentary for the match. Natalya rolled up Belair for a two count and then sent Belair to the corner. Bianca escaped and went for a Spear but wound up crashing into the ring post. Natalya applied a submission hold in the middle of the ring but Belair countered into a roll-up for a two count.

Belair slammed Natalya’s head off the turnbuckle and unloaded several strikes to her midsection. Bianca sent Natalya out of the ring and Belair followed her out there. Bianca tried to punch Natalya but she ducked and caught Bayley in the face. Natalya capitalized and brought Belair back into the ring. Natalya went for the Sharpshooter but Bianca shoved her off onto Bayley on the apron. Bianca then rolled up Natalya for the pinfall victory.

The Mysterio Family Helped Murphy Beat Corbin

King Corbin squared off against Murphy on this week’s SmackDown. Aalyah, Dominik, and Rey Mysterio were in Murphy’s corner for the match. Corbin started off the match in control and sent Murphy crashing into the turnbuckle. Corbin went for his patented slide out of the ring Clothesline but Aalyah got in the way. Murphy capitalized on the distracted and sent Corbin into the steps. Back in the ring, Corbin connected with Deep Six but Rey distracted the referee when Corbin went for the cover.

Corbin sent Murphy into the corner and went for a Splash but Murphy dodged it. Dominik then tripped up Corbin and Murphy capitalized with a knee to the face. Murphy went for the cover and Dominik shoved Corbin’s foot off the ropes and the referee counted to three.

After the match, Corbin demanded a microphone. Corbin said this was outrageous and called the Mysterio family a bunch of spineless cowards. King Corbin demanded a rematch against Murphy next week and vowed to be prepared.

Sasha Banks Got Some Revenge On Carmella

Carmella cut a backstage promo tonight and claimed that she used to cater to the WWE Universe like Sasha Banks. Carmella claimed that she called the shots now and snapped her fingers. A hand appeared carrying a glass of champagne but it was revealed to be Sasha. Banks launched the drink in Carmella’s face and beat her down until WWE officials broke it up.

Kevin Owens Sent A Message To Roman Reigns

Kevin Owens battled Jey Uso in the main event. Owens controlled the action early and Jey rolled out of the ring to regroup. Owens followed him to the outside and sent him crashing into the barricade. Back in the ring, Owens stomped on Jey and then beat him down some more in the corner as Reigns and Heyman watched backstage.

The action spilled out of the ring again and Jey sent Owens into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Owens connected with a Clothesline and followed it up with a Senton. Owens then launched Jey into the ring post and then hit him with a Superkick that sent Jey over the barricade as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Owens was still in control and went for a cover but Jey kicked out at two. Jey battled back and connected with an Armbreaker. Jey focused his attack on Owens’ arm and stomped on it several times. Owens booted Jey in the face and both superstars fell to the canvas.

Owens lit up Jey’s chest with a couple chops and went for the Pop-Up Powerbomb but his arm gave out. Jey capitalized with a Superkick for a near fall. Jey Uso climbed to the top rope but Kevin caught him with a punch to the face. Jey headbutted Owens’ injured arm and went for the Uso Splash but Kevin got his knees up. Owens then hit a Neckbreaker for a two count.

Jey launched Owens into the ring post and then grabbed a steel chair from under the ring. Jey hit Owens across the back with the chair and the match ended in a DQ. Uso continued to hit Owens with the chair as Heyman watched Reigns watch Jey Uso backstage. Owens booted Jey in the midsection and followed it up with a Stunner as Reigns had a disappointed look on his face.

Kevin Owens then grabbed a steel chair and hit Jey several times. Owens shouted “are you watching Roman? Where are you? This is happening to your family because of you”. Owens added that he doesn’t fear Roman Reigns and hit him a few more times with the chair.

Heyman put his head in his hands as Reigns watched on. Owens said “Roman, you got a problem with me? Come say it to my face.” Kevin hopped on the announce desk and said he is the head of this table. Owens then hit Jey with another Stunner and took a seat at the head of the announce table. Kevin said “I’ll be waiting” as the camera zoomed in on Reigns to close the show.

Opinion: Sami Zayn and Daniel Bryan put on the match of the night but Paul Heyman just staring at Roman Reigns was my favorite part of the show. Reigns has so much power over his stable that Heyman only reacts when Roman wants him to. Overall, this week’s episode of SmackDown was a solid show.

Details On WWE Piping In Crowd Noise At The ThunderDome

Andrew Ravens
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WWE came up with the idea for its ThunderDome set up over the summer and has been running shows from the Amway Center since August. 

The set up gives company officials the ability to use piped-in crowd noise. Dave Meltzer reported in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that this is something that WWE has been doing a lot lately. 

Per the report, using recorded crowd noise has been used for every match as of late. It was noted that WWE has always wanted complete control of the crowd noise.

The reason for this is due to it making it appear as if every Superstar they want to get over is over with the fans. On the flip side, those who the company doesn’t want over then they won’t have crowd noise. As a result, this makes it easier to control the narratives.

Although WWE has control over the crowd noise, they still have to deal with visual reactions from fans in the virtual crowd. People still have the chance to give thumbs up or thumbs down among other reactions that are visible. 

Starting December 11th, WWE be moving its ThunderDome setup to Tropicana Field

Details On How Available Vince McMahon Has Been At WWE Shows

Details On How Available Vince McMahon Has Been At WWE Shows

Andrew Ravens
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WWE had to make various changes to its business due to the COVID-19 pandemic and that includes the attendance of Vince McMahon at shows. 

Fightful Select reported today that the WWE Chairman was “stowed away in his office” on most days when they were at the WWE Performance Center. When they signed a deal with the Amway Center and created the ThunderDome, things changed. 

Per the report, McMahon is likely to be sitting in the Gorilla Position a lot more now at SmackDown shows. This wasn’t something that he had been doing while at the Performance Center. 

Before the pandemic, McMahon would attend more SmackDown shows compared to RAW events. However, he did cut back on his travel schedule several months ago. 

Kevin Owens was the person to bring awareness to the WWE Chairman several months ago that people working TV tapings had relaxed on wearing masks and social distancing. This and in addition to positive COVID tests, WWE was forced to do actual COVID testing. 

WWE will be moving from the Amway Center to the Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay starting on December 11th where they’ll be staying for several months until baseball season starts. 

Jon Moxley On WWE Superstars Being Independent Contractors, Why He’s Frugal With Money

Eric Bischoff Says Hulk Hogan Netflix Biopic “Not A Done Deal”

Michael Reichlin
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Eric Bischoff has provided an update on Netflix biopic about the life of wrestling legend and longtime friend, Hulk Hogan. Bischoff confirms his involvement in the project, but insists it is “not a done deal by any stretch of the imagination.”

During a discussion with Christy Olson on After 83 Weeks, Bischoff says media coverage about the Hulk Hogan caught them off-guard. He considers the project “in development” but there has been no casting and no production scheduled. He admits, if Netflix had given the Hogan movie the green light, he’d already be out shopping for a new truck.

“The information about this movie was never supposed to make the press,” Bischoff said. “The project is still technically in development, meaning it’s not scheduled for production. There’s no casting going on. There’s no scheduling going on. It’s still in, I would say, the late stages of development. So it’s not a done deal by any stretch of the imagination. I wish it was, because I’d be out looking for a new truck. But it’s not.”

Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth (“Thor”) is in discussions to portray Hogan. He’s expressed excitement about the project, but there has been no official announcement from Netflix that it is moving past the preliminary stages. Even Hemsworth’s involvement seems uncertain at this point, despite his own public comments expressing excitement to portray Hogan and learn more about the ‘fascinating’ world of pro wrestling.

Earlier this week, Hulk Hogan tweeted photos of himself and Chris Hemsworth, joking that Hemsworth is “already there” with his physique.

Bischoff added that the bulk of his involvement as a consultant on the film was in the “early, early, early phases.” Director Todd Philips and writer Scott Silver have been linked to the movie. Bischoff says “the packaging” of their involvement makes it easier to attract an A-list star like Chris Hemsworth.

“That’s called packaging, and I think the packaging is what got this movie off the ground,” he said. “That took place two years ago.”

With the Hulk Hogan Netflix project in limbo, Eric Bischoff cites the Covid pandemic as the big holdup. He thinks that it will remain on ice until the world gets back to normal

“The biggest holdup right now folks, is Covid. This is a big movie, by the way. It’s a wrestling based movie. So guess what you need to have in a wrestling based movie—a crowd! Where are you going to do that? You can’t even have ten people at your house for Thanksgiving right now. So until that part of it is figured out, it’s likely that this project is going to stay kind of right where it is, which is really far down the line.”

He finished up with some optimism, adding, “I don’t want to sound like it’s not going to happen. It’s going to happen.”

Watch the rest of Eric Bischoff’s Q&A on the latest After 83 Weeks with Christy Olson in the YouTube player embedded below:

https://youtu.be/VIwCfgiV7LE

Wrestling Trademarks: Human Suplex Machine, John Morrison’s Slamtown & More

Michael Reichlin
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A search of the United States Patent & Trademark Office database reveals several new wrestling-related trademarks filed this week.

Here are some of the latest trademark filings from earlier this week:

  • AEW star Red Velvet (Stephanie Cardona) filed to trademark her ring name on 11/22.
  • Taz (Peter Senerchia) filed for his moniker, The Human Suplex Machine on 11/22. The news of the HSM trademark comes just days after Taz’s son, Tyler Senerchia, trademarked the name “Hook” and appeared on this week’s AEW Dynamite using that name.
  • John Morrison (John Hennigan) filed to trademark SLAMTOWN on 11/23. The primary use for the SLAMTOWN mark is for, “Providing sports information in the field of wrestling.”

Kenny Omega Thought He’d Have To Retire In 2015

Steve Russell
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All Elite Wrestling’s Kenny Omega has revealed he thought he would have to retire from pro wrestling in 2015. Omega shared how he had been suffering from a “terrible herniation” in his neck months prior to Bullet Club turning on AJ Styles in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. This injury forced him to ask for time away from the ring for the first time in his career.

“I lost all power on the right side of my body and I thought that that was it. I thought that I was going to have to wrap it up and maybe I was already sort of winding down,” Omega told Fightful.

He continued, “I was able luckily enough to to turn it around. I think one of the greatest things I can ever ask for is being able to decide what time that is. It’d be great if I could, but unfortunately, as wrestlers, and doing what we do, we sometimes don’t have the ability to choose.”

Omega stressed how an in-ring career can be taken from a wrestler in a heartbeat. This awareness is why he’s so eager to “dip my fingers and toes as much as I as long as I can.”

Kenny Omega’s Outside Interests

Kenny Omega explained how he’s making an active choice to only take on responsibilities he would enjoy outside of the ring. Omega believes by doing so, there will never be a “dull moment” for him.

He then highlighted his investment in video games, anime, bodybuilding, and fitness as personal interests away from pro wrestling.

“I just want to make sure that if for some reason something happens in the ring, or outside of it, or whatever, you never know what’s going to happen, that I exit without regrets.”

Omega admitted he couldn’t put a number on how long he may be an active in-ring performer. He added that he didn’t want to continue until he couldn’t compete anymore. He hopes to be aware of when the time to step away arrives.

Until then, however, he promised to “burn the candle on both ends and go out in a blaze of glory rather than just kind of hang around in a ring longer than I should.”

Kenny Omega competes for the AEW World Championship against Jon Moxley on next week’s episode of AEW Dynamite, Winter is Coming.

Bayley: It ‘Kills Me’ That Peyton Royce ‘Hasn’t Had That Spotlight Yet’

Steve Russell
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Former WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley has praised former IIconics member Peyton Royce. During an interview with the Table Talk podcast, Bayley shared how she’s “always seen something” in Royce. She added how the Raw Superstar simply hasn’t “had that spotlight yet” to stand out.

Bayley explained how both Peyton Royce and Billie Kay lived with her when they first moved to America. She shared how it was difficult for them to find a place to live at first or even get a car. Bayley noted how she actually knew Kay already but had yet to meet Royce at the time.

“I didn’t know Peyton at all but she was awesome and super sweet. Once I saw her get in the ring, I was like, wow dude, you’re incredible,” Bayley stated. “I’ve always had an eye for her. She just hasn’t had the time to show that even when IIconics were the Tag Team Champions. She just hasn’t had that spotlight yet. It kills me that she hasn’t had that yet.”

Bayley also discussed her heel turn. She admitted it was “hard to switch” from her happy, bubbly character to the angrier, more sullen version she currently portrays.

“[…] it’s just as hard to try to change my whole personality and just be mad all the time and to find reasons to be angry,” Bayley explained. “[…] It was definitely hard to switch. It was definitely harder than I thought it was going to be. But now it is so much fun. I think I’ve found my niche where I can find a piece of my personality in it and use that to make this bigger.”

Bayley competed during last Sunday’s Survivor Series event. She participated as a member of Team SmackDown. Team Raw would eventually win the Traditional 5-on-5 elimination matchup. Lana would be Raw’s sole survivor.

Sasha Banks Dreams Of Being A General Manager, Teases Future Projects Outside WWE

Steve Russell
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WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks has shared what her future ambitions look like, both in and outside of pro wrestling.

When asked what could be next for “The Boss” during an interview with Stephanie Chase, Banks explained how she’d love to be a WWE shareholder. Furthermore, she dreams of being a general manager.

“To be a shareholder in the WWE, maybe take over Vince’s job. [It] is a dream of mine to be a general manager, make billions. There’s just so much more to do,” Banks said. “In WWE, you can absolutely be anything and everything, so my goals are not stopping here just because I’m the Grand Slam Champion.”

Banks also discussed the possibility of a clothing line or getting into music in the future. She admitted she could see “all of that” happening before revealing she has numerous plans lined up.

“I have plans for many incredible big things for myself. I’m really excited for the future,” Banks shared. “I’ve been stopping non-stop since 2020 to accomplish all my dreams that I’ve had since I was a little girl. So wrestling’s not the only thing, but you can expect all of that in the future, yes.”

Sasha Banks competed during last Sunday’s Survivor Series pay-per-view. She faced off against Raw Women’s Champion Asuka in a Champion vs. Champion bout that she eventually won.

Booker T Reflects On His Friendship With The Undertaker

Steve Russell
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Following The Undertaker’s ‘Final Farewell’ at Survivor Series, WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has looked back on his friendship with “The Dead Man.” 

Speaking on his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T shared how, although he was a similar age to The Undertaker and both men are from Texas, he “looked at Taker a little bit different from the rest of the boys in the locker room” when he first came into the then-WWF.

He explained how he couldn’t help but look at him differently because he was The Undertaker. Booker T added how “everyone else” also looked at him differently because of who he was and what he had accomplished.

It’s a respect that Booker T was adamant he give to “The Phenom.” 

“I made sure when I came in the WWF, WWE now, that I wasn’t coming in saying, hey, I’m here. It wasn’t anything like that. I said I’m going to come in here and make this thing work out. Taker was the first guy to come up to me and say, ‘Take it all in. It’s WrestleMania. It doesn’t get any bigger than this. Just slow it down and have some fun out there.'”

Booker T revealed that The Undertaker was the first person to invite him into the TV locker room. He explained how only eight people were in there, but he was chosen to join them. Despite ‘Taker’s invitation, however, Booker T declined the offer.

“I didn’t take it upon myself to dress in the TV locker room. I made sure I dressed in the locker room with all the boys and there were probably 30 plus guys in there,” Booker T explained. “He was gracious enough to see something in me as well. I thought that was pretty cool.”

He continued, “But to watch him the way he came up and the way he did it, not just with one guy or two guys. The Undertaker did it with every guy on the roster. He put Maven over. People don’t remember that kind of stuff. People don’t see that kind of stuff. They don’t understand. It’s like the wind. They can feel it but they can’t touch it.”

Booker T then noted how fans don’t get to see many Superstars celebrate 30-year careers. He acknowledged how people may work for 20 years in the industry; however, they wouldn’t consistently perform in the way The Undertaker did.

He added how modern Superstars should “pick the brain” of The Undertaker and experienced Superstars like him. Booker T argued they should be focused on asking critical questions about longevity as wrestling “is not about how fast you do it.”

Eric Bischoff Explains Why He ‘Always Hated’ The Abyss Character

Steve Russell
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Former WCW President Eric Bischoff recalled his time in TNA during a recent episode of his podcast 83 Weeks. He and Conrad Thompson discussed TNA’s 2010 Bound For Glory pay-per-view.  

During the episode, Eric Bischoff shared his thoughts on Abyss, describing him as a wonderful human being who was “stuck on this Mick Foley ripoff character.” It was a gimmick Bischoff confessed he always hated.

“Abyss is a wonderful human being. He is an amazingly talented guy but he was stuck on this Mick Foley ripoff character. I always hated that character, I couldn’t stand it when I was in TNA,” Bischoff said. “I couldn’t wait to get Abyss out of the Abyss character and get him into the Chris Park character which he did a phenomenal job at.”

Abyss competed against Rob Van Dam in a Monster’s Ball match on the card. Despite the match stipulations intending to, in theory, favor Abyss, Van Dam would emerge victorious from their bout.

In 2019, Chris Parks, who portrayed Abyss in TNA, signed a contract with WWE. He currently works for the company as a producer. He made his on-screen debut during the August 14 episode of SmackDown, appearing as AJ Styles’ statistician during Styles’ feud with Jeff Hardy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LD66lvuBrXY

The Young Bucks Talk Mick Foley’s Influence on Their New Book

Jake Skudder
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The Young Bucks, Matt and Nick Jackson, recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio. The AEW Tag Team Champions discussed a number of topics during their time on the show; these included their time in IMPACT, changing their working style and writing their new autobiography.

Matt Jackson would start by saying how much of an influence Mick Foley’s ‘Have a Nice Day’ book was when he was younger. “Ever since I was a kid I remember reading Mick Foley’s Have a Nice Day. It was when I was a freshman, I think it was in my language arts class?”

The Young Bucks on Autobiography

“Miss Mira, for some reason she had that book on her bookshelf” Matt Jackson would continue. “I picked it up, I read it and I fell in love with it. I remember telling myself at the end like ‘man if I ever have a career worth writing about that would be so cool!’ So it was always a dream of mine to write a book.”

Jackson would then describe how they were contacted by Harper Collins, one of the major global publishers. “We got an offer from from HarperCollins publishing, which is one of the biggest in the world. When HarperCollins calls? You pick up, you know? At the time Nick and I were going through a really strange thing in our career, like a kind of a fork in the road.”

Matt Jackson would then say how the timing of the book coincided with the Young Bucks getting an offer from WWE. “There was the big decision to be made, whether or not we’re gonna go to WWE or if we’re gonna start this new thing (AEW). And I remember thinking to myself like ‘this is worth documenting’ and we do have a really interesting story. It’s a story that is kind of different than all the other wrestling books you’ve probably read from the the Attitude Era guys.”

“I think we have a unique story” Matt Jackson continued. “We were the first guys from the independent ‘boom’ era that have really had a chance to write our story. I was going to say put pen to paper but it wasn’t even been to paper! It was literally all written on our iPhones in between business trips and in hotel rooms and while I was at the bus stop waiting for my daughter to get picked up from school. We were literally writing this thing while we were opening up AEW so it was really terrible timing, actually.”

Have you read The Young Bucks’ new book? Let us know in the comments

The Young Bucks
The Young Bucks

Jon Moxley On WWE Superstars Being Independent Contractors, Why He’s Frugal With Money

Steve Russell
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0

All Elite Wrestling World Champion Jon Moxley has shared his thoughts on how WWE considers its talent to be independent contractors. He stressed how WWE’s terminology “is not true.” Moxley broached the issue while appearing on the debut episode of Renee Young’s new podcast, Oral Sessions.

“When I was doing my taxes in WWE, because you’re an independent contractor – which is not true – you’re a fu–ing employee,” Moxley explained. “So, you have to pay your taxes. In the developmental first couple of years, I didn’t make that much money. I was able to do them myself on TurboTax.”

When Jon Moxley first began to earn a lot of money in WWE, he confessed the tax situation became confusing. He sought out the help of an accountant and a financial advisor who asked what he wanted to do with the money. Aware that “this could all end tomorrow,” Moxley wanted to save as much as he could. That way, he’d be covered in case anything happened.

“That was my plan when I just started to make a little money in WWE. I was going to hoard it and save it because this could end at any moment,” Moxley said. “Went up, and had really nice, long run. Went over five years, but I still have that same mentality. I don’t ever want to depend on anyone else for a paycheck if that was the case.”

Moxley added how he still doesn’t like to spend money. Despite all his success, Moxley maintains a savings mindset that sees him continue to be frugal with his earnings instead of suddenly becoming something he’s not.

Jon Moxley is set to defend his AEW World Championship against Kenny Omega. The two clash on the December 2 episode of AEW Dynamite, entitled AEW Winter is Coming.

Keith Lee To Feature In Upcoming Episode Of WWE 24

Steve Russell
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WWE Raw Superstar Keith Lee is set to be featured in an upcoming episode of WWE Network’s documentary series, WWE 24. Lee shared the news via Twitter. He acknowledged how, despite everything happening in the world, he is thankful.

Lee wrote: “Amidst all the currents of this world… I am thankful. The people close to me. The #WWEUniverse. Struggles… victories. All of it built this…so far. The people who helped create this little piece of me. I look forward to offering it to you…the #Leegion #HappyThanksgiving”

Keith Lee: WWE 24

WWE 24 first debuted on the WWE Network back in 2015 with a special episode sharing behind-the-scenes insight into the production of WrestleMania XXX.

The series has since covered not only events but the lives of some of WWE’s top Superstars. The documentary follows them for 24 hours, providing a “lightning-fast journey through a day in the life of WWE’s most intriguing Superstars.”

Keith Lee was enjoying a main event run in NXT earlier this year. He not only won the NXT North American Championship but also the NXT Championship in 2020. He would eventually drop the NXT Championship to Karrion Kross at NXT TakeOver XXX on August 22 prior to his main roster debut on Monday Night Raw on August 24.

Seth Rollins Provides Becky Lynch Pregnancy Update Ahead Of Due Date

Steve Russell
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Seth Rollins has provided a pregnancy update for his fiancee, Becky Lynch, during an interview with WWE Network. The excited couple is anticipating the birth of their first child in December.

“She’s doing really well. Our due date is fast approaching. It’s crazy to think we’ll be parents soon,” Rollins said. “I’m sure she’s ready to get back to work just like we all are. But yeah, she’s been so incredible through the entire pregnancy.”

Rollins noted how WWE’s reduced schedule due to the coronavirus pandemic has meant he’s been able to be at home more with Lynch as they count down the days. He explained how on WWE’s regular travel schedule, “we’re always traveling and never get to be home.”

He acknowledged how, on a personal level, “The timing of that worked out really well. It’s a nice break for me both physically and mentally.”

Seth Rollins competed during last Sunday’s Survivor Series pay-per-view. He was a member of Team SmackDown. Rollins sacrificed himself “for the greater good” as Team Raw eventually worked towards a clean sweep victory.

He has now reportedly been written off of WWE programming, allowing him time away from the ring in preparation for his child’s birth. At the time of writing, Rollins is expected to be gone until some time in January.

Ricky Starks On Joining AEW, Answering Cody’s TNT Open Challenge

Jake Skudder
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All Elite Wrestling star Ricky Starks recently appeared on Chris Van Vliet’s podcast. The current member of Taz’s on-screen stable discussed a number of topics during the show; these included including how signed with AEW and being friends with The Undertaker.

“I didn’t re-sign with NWA, I told them ‘no thank you I’m, I’m good'” Starks began on the show. “Then this pandemic started. I remember watching AEW Dynamite. It was the night that Cody came out and said that he would be issuing an open challenge; and then he went on Twitter and said ‘this is open to anybody.'”

Ricky Starks on TNT Open Challenge

Ricky Starks’ first appearance in AEW was the aforementioned TNT Open Challenge issued by Cody Rhodes. Starks would outlay how the opportunity arose for him to get a shot at the title. “The next day Thursday I was at the gym, and this vision came to me, where I was like, ‘I could see myself walking out [on Dynamite]. I could see myself cutting this promo, and it just this huge thing right?”

“And so, that Sunday? I got a text message from from AEW saying ‘hey, there’s a opportunity here to challenge for the title, are you interested?'” Ricky Starks would continue. “The funny thing is? I thought that was just a one off thing. In my head? I thought I would wrestle, go back on the Indies and raise my rate, then build my stock.”

Ricky Starks
“Absolute” Ricky Starks (Photo: AEW)

Starks would then state that he was shocked when he got the call to be signed, mainly because he wasn’t expecting any companies to be hiring during the pandemic.

“I didn’t think that they were hiring. I just, I figured ‘we’re in a pandemic no one’s hiring.’ So yeah, I came to the back [after the Cody match] and really didn’t hear much, just it was good, you know? Just a good reaction to the match, but that was it. And then when it aired? I got a call from Tony Khan and kind of went from there.”

Do you think that Ricky Starks will get another shot at a singles title in AEW at some point in the near future? Let us know in the comments

Tama Tonga Talks Why Bullet Club Has Endured and Resonated with Fans

Jake Skudder
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New Japan Pro Wrestling star and Bullet Club member Tama Tonga recently discussed what has made BC such a lasting force in pro wrestling. Tonga commented on the long running stable during the latest episode of his Tama’s Island podcast.

The group was initially formed back in 2013, with Prince Devitt/Finn Balor, Karl Anderson, Tama Tonga and Bad Luck Fale becoming the nucleus and initial core group of foreign talent to call themselves Bullet Club.

Bullet Club would add (and then later throw out) some of the biggest names in pro wrestling. AJ Styles, Adam Cole, Kenny Omega and Adam ‘Hangman’ Page are all alumni of the prestigious group.

Tama Tonga on Bullet Club

“It was the foreigners doing it big in Japan” Tama Tonga would state on the podcast, saying why the group began to gain momentum. “When Americans could see like these Americans doing it so big in Japan? I think that was something they gravitated to, it was awesome.”

Tama Tonga would then heavily praise the ‘second wave’ of members who joined the group. Most notably, The Young Bucks Matt and Nick Jackson. “Another thing was The Bucks” Tonga stated. “The Buck were red hot and on the indie scenes. They brought over a lot of fans to watch us [in NJPW].”

Tonga would finish by saying that the way the group utilized social media was also a massive part of their growth and enduring nature. “It was just some of our like social media things that we were doing up there. It was this against the grain type attitude, It was just cool, it was. We’re just cool.”

Do you think that Bullet Club will continue to rise into the next decade? Let us know in the comments

Bully Ray: “Undertaker Has Now Become an ‘Adrenaline Shot’ To WWE”

Jake Skudder
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WWE Hall of Famer and co-host of SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio Bully Ray recently commented on the retirement of the Undertaker. ‘Taker of course had his ‘Final Farewell’ at Survivor Series this past weekend, with several legends and even a hologram Paul Bearer paying tribute to the WWE icon.

There has been talk of Undertaker potentially returning for one more bout, especially when there are crowds allowed in arenas once again. Bully Ray however believes that this is really it for the Deadman.

Bully Ray on The Undertaker

“After what Steve [Austin] said to him on the Broken Skull Sessions about ‘you’ve had your last match? I think that this could be it” Bully Ray would begin on the show. “I think ‘Taker now goes into the ‘in case of extreme emergency break glass’ category.”

Bully Ray would elaborate on this point, saying how Undertaker is a last ditch attraction now if all else fails. “I think Taker has now become an adrenaline shot to WWE. If someone’s dying and you can’t bring them back with the heart paddles? You stick a needle in their heart that’s full of adrenaline. I think that ‘Taker goes into that category now.

“Only if there’s some kind of disaster and Vince needs something? Do you call the Deadman” Bully continued. “But for the most part? I think, yep, that’s it. And you know what? It should be. What else is he going to do? What else is there left for him to do?”

Do you agree with Bully Ray? Do you think that Undertaker is finally finished as an in-ring competitor? Let us know in the comments

Bully Ray
Bully Ray

Shane Helms Comments On Cameos In Pro Wrestling

Steve Russell
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Shane Helms recently appeared in a cameo during All Elite Wrestling’s Elite Deletion matchup. He made an appearance during the bout between Matt Hardy and Sammy Guevara as The Hurricane. He wasn’t the only one to appear during the matchup, however, with Gangrel also making an appearance.

According to Helms, pro wrestling should utilize more cameo appearances like this. On a recent episode of the ROH Strong podcast, Helms revealed how he had been pitching cameos to WWE for years. 

“As far as multiple guests, that was something I had been putting in Matt’s ear for years because I tried to get WWE to do it on my first run,” Helms said. “Leading up to like the Raw Anniversary shows, they would bring in a surprise and the crowd would always go crazy.”

Helms continued, “I couldn’t figure out why they wouldn’t do that more. There are so many guys from WWE’s history that would come in for two or three weeks and the crowd wanted them there.”

Shane Helms On Pitching WWE

According to Helms, he frequently pitched WWE to bring in names from its past. He argued that it was obvious fans loved seeing old faces. Helms then pointed to the reception those names would get on the independent scene as evidence of this:

“They have a core group of guys and then they bring in an old school television character. It was working on the Independent level, I promise it would work on this level and in turn it would make the Independent scene hotter.”

Shane Helms one of many WWE personnel to be furloughed and subsequently released by WWE earlier this year. WWE cited the release as a decision due to the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on business. He has since been rehired by WWE.

Details Behind Braun Strowman’s Recent Storyline Suspension

Steve Russell
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Braun Strowman was reportedly in line for a WWE Championship opportunity at the upcoming TLC pay-per-view. However, WWE announced a storyline suspension for the big man after he delivered a head-butt to producer Adam Pearce.

According to Wrestling Observer Radio, the reason for the alleged change may stem from a potential injury. Dave Meltzer stated, “I have not got anything confirmed [but] there’s a story going around that there was an injury and that this tournament was a last-minute thing because Strowman was gonna get the title shot but he’s injured and that’s why they did the headbutt thing and the suspension to cover up an injury.”

WWE Champion Drew McIntyre’s opponent will now be determined via a Triple Threat match scheduled for next week’s Raw. This week’s episode featured a series of one-on-one bouts. The winners of each match earned a place in the triple threat.

Braun Strowman’s Potential TLC Opportunity

It was explained that if Strowman is medically cleared before the pay-per-view, he may ultimately get the WWE Championship shot against McIntyre at TLC. If not, however, WWE already has a contingency plan in place.

“I don’t even know if the injury story is legit. The story is that he got a knee injury at the elimination match [at Survivor Series] but I don’t know that the story is accurate. I’ve heard it, I heard that what was the tournament was for but it still could just be a storyline and Braun is getting the title shot anyway.”

Braun Strowman competed during last Sunday’s Survivor Series pay-per-view. He participated in the traditional 5-on-5 elimination matchup representing Team Raw. Team Raw soundly defeated Team SmackDown with a ‘clean sweep’ victory.

  • Aleister Black Update After Several Weeks Off WWE TV

Bully Ray: Roman Reigns Vs. Drew McIntyre Delivered What Modern Pro Wrestling Is Missing

Steve Russell
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Bully Ray has shared his thoughts on the Champion vs. Champion matchup between Drew McIntyre and Roman Reigns that took place at Survivor Series.

Speaking on his SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio, Bully Ray stressed how the bout not only met but exceeded his expectations. He believed the two clashed in Survivor Series “match of the night” and successfully delivered a “big fight feel.”

“We had a big fight feel last night. We had both of the WWE Champions in there,” Bully Ray said. “We had two big men in there, we had two men that look like what a pro wrestler should look like, two men who laid their stuff in. It looked like a fight. It felt like a spirited contest; It felt like something!”

He explained how their matchup wasn’t just two Superstars going “through the motions.” Instead, it was apparent both McIntyre and Reigns “had a will, and a desire, and a passion to win.”

Bully Ray On What The Bout Delivered

This mentality translated to Bully Ray becoming invested in the match. He then highlighted the psychology implemented throughout. Bully Ray pointed to the ending of the bout and shared how he enjoyed the finish. 

“I liked what they did at the end when Roman had that choke on after the nut shot, and the interference from Roman’s cousin. When he had that front choke on and was holding on for dear life and Drew got the one leg, I was like, ‘Wow, is he actually going to make it out of this?'”

That uncertainty is what Bully Ray believes takes a fan on a “great ride” with pro wrestling. He noted that what Reigns and McIntyre delivered at Survivor Series was “drama,” something he claimed is majorly lacking in modern pro wrestling.

Drew McIntyre ultimately lost to Roman Reigns at Survivor Series following interference from Reigns’ cousin, Jey Uso.

The Rock On Embracing Authenticity, Asking Vince McMahon For Promo Opportunity

Steve Russell
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Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has reflected on the start of his career, revealing which moment gave him the biggest rush during an interview with One Glass with Glazer.

Whilst talking with the show’s host, Jay Glazer, Johnson discussed his start in then-WWF. He shared how it’s hard to pick just one moment as he’s been blessed with so many memorable career highlights. When pressed to pick one, however, Johnson pointed to the moment he was “[…] able to speak my mind and be authentic in the WWE.”

He recalled how he was a babyface when he first debuted for the promotion. Johnson then shared the advice he was given by WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon: smile.

“I was told by Vince McMahon, who was a very close friend of mine still today, is a mentor in the world of business, he would tell me, ‘You gotta go out there, you gotta smile, you just gotta… you just gotta smile!'”

Johnson continued, “This was my rookie year, so you can imagine. Smile! So, I said OK, and again, you’re pissing vinegar… you’re ready to get out there and bang, man. And he said, ‘I want you to be… you’re grateful that you’re here, so you gotta smile.’ And then I would go out and I would hear these fans, they just knew that I wasn’t being authentic. You know, and they would be like… ‘You f–king suck!’ And I would smile, ‘Hey, thank you, man! I know I do, right?’ I gotta smile.”

Dwayne Johnson On Becoming The Rock

Vince McMahon eventually had Johnson turn heel, turning him into The Rock. At that point, Johnson knew it was time to ask for some promo time. He approached Vince and asked for two minutes on a microphone during a live Raw so he could speak his mind.

“Vince McMahon said, ‘OK, you got two minutes.’ I said, ‘Alright.’ I grabbed the microphone on live TV, which that’s a lot, man, because at that time there was just two hours of RAW live, that’s it. Pass me the ball, that was it. Just give me one shot.”

Dwayne Johnson promised Vince that if his promo bombed, he would never have to give him mic time again. He shared how he made the most of the opportunity afforded him by being as real and genuine as possible whilst also embracing who The Rock was.

“[…] I said, ‘I may be a lot of things, but sucks isn’t one of them.’ And I said, ‘Me joining The Nation is not a black thing, it’s not a white thing, it’s a respect thing, and I’m gonna earn it every night by kicking that ass.’ You know, and I start talking a little s–t, but it was in that moment, that you could feel the crowd of 15,000 or 20,000 people go, ‘That’s real. What he just said, he just spoke from the heart.'”

According to Johnson, that promo and opportunity helped lead to the birth of The Rock and all that the character would become.

MLW Fusion Results (11/25): Opera Cup 2020 Begins

Chris Stephens
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MLW Fusion 11/25 featured the start of the 2020 Opera Cup tournament. Two opening round matches took place as well as the promotional debut of Calvin Tankman.

MLW Fusion 11/25 Quick Results:

  1. Opera Cup 2020 (Opening Round)
    Richard Holliday defeated TJP
  2. Calvin Tankman defeated Robert Martyr
  3. Opera Cup 2020 (Opening Round)
    “Filthy” Tom Lawlor defeated Rocky Romero

Here are 6 key takeaways from MLW Fusion 11/25

Tension Between Richard Holliday and Gino Medina

Before he made his way into the arena, cameras caught up with Richard Holliday. The Dynasty member gave a quick update on Hammerstone, who was attacked last week by a mysterious new member of Contra Unit. Holliday said Hammerstone will be fine and that who attacked him isn’t what’s important right now. He then walked past former Dynasty member, Gino Medina, who was talking on his phone. Holliday stopped as he heard Medina insult him in Spanish. The two then got into a debate over whether Medina was fired from the Dynasty by Holliday or if he quit. It seems some tension is building between the two former stablemates.

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1331751270143541249

Richard Holliday Advances In The Opera Cup By Defeating TJP

Holliday insisted the referee hold up the Caribbean Championship before the bell despite the fact it was not a title match and Holliday isn’t even the rightful holder of the belt. During the match, TJP demonstrating some impressive looking submission moves but it would ultimately be Holliday who would pick up the win and advance. The finish of the match came when TJP missed a Swanton and Holliday capitalized with a spinebuster and the 2008 Market Crash for the win.

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1331755045059223552

Salina de la Renta Is Out For Revenge

Salina de la Renta was recently revealed to have been in cahoots with Contra Unit regarding the stable’s takeover of MLW offices. The league may end up terminating her contract for this but she is still scheduled to produce the January 6th show. If MLW hasn’t taken action by then, Salina will likely be out for revenge that night. She called out Konnan (who exposed her association with Contra) and threatened to sue the league.

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1331756303463510018

Calvin Tankman Impresses In League Debut

Calvin Tankman didn’t need much time at all to put away Robert Martyr. He first demonstrated that he is an agile 355lbs big man by doing leapfrogs and other impressive looking feats. He quickly put away his opponent with the Tankman Driver for the win.

After the match, Tankman cut a promo in the back and said he’s coming for the MLW World Heavyweight Championship.

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1331757813601693696

Injury Update On Hammerstone

Following the attack last week by Contra Unit, we got an injury update on Alexander Hammerstone. The National Openweight Champion revealed he suffered bruised ribs, whiplash, and tranverse mylelitis (spinal inflammation). Hammerstone was promising to get revenge on Contra Unit when the line was taken over by Josef Samael. The Contra Unit member told Hammerstone he put a target on his back when he referred to himself as “Contra Hunter.” This led Samael to hire the Black Hand of Contra to attack Hammerstone.

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1331758065150947329

“Filthy” Tom Lawlor Defeats Rocky Romero, Advances In Opera Cup

We had a veteran of New Japan Pro Wrestling against a veteran of the UFC and former MLW World Champion, Tom Lawlor in the main event this week. It was a highly competitive match and in the end neither wrestler would really prove dominance but one would come away with the victory. The finish of the match came when Lawlor was in the process of locking in a rear-naked choke but just when Rocky had fought out of the move, Lawlor responded by wrapping Romero up in a pinning combination for a 3-count.

After the match, Lawlor cut a promo expressing his frustration with not being booked in the tournament last year. He said that soon the names on the trophy like Stu Hart and George Hackenschmidt will be joined by his.

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1331764253875986433

Other Notes:

  • American Top Team’s Dan Gable and King Mo are irate with MLW officials for not including Mo in the Opera Cup. They believe that Low Ki should not be medically cleared for the tournament. As of this report, Low Ki is scheduled to face Davey Boy Smith Jr. in the first round.
  • Lio Rush vs Myron Reed has been booked for December 23rd’s “Kings of the Colosseum” event.
  • Next week’s show will have the final 2 opening round matches of the Opera Cup: ACH vs Laredo Kid, and Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs Low-Ki.

‘Roman Reigns Is The Most Compelling Character Of The Past 20 Years’ – JBL

Steve Russell
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John Bradshaw Layfield believes that WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns is the most “compelling character” he’s seen in the past twenty years.

JBL shared his thoughts when he recently appeared on WWE’s The Bump. He immediately praised The Tribal Chief. Accoding to JBL, Reigns has impressed him more than anything else he’s seen in two decades.

“Roman Reigns to me is the most compelling character I’ve seen on television, I think in twenty years, it’s unbelievable how good he is,” JBL stated. “That character, the way it’s just transitioned and become the head of the table, I’m a huge fan.”

He was then asked about Reigns’ recent Champion vs. Champion clash with Drew McIntyre at Survivor Series. JBL shared how their match “lived up to every bit of the hype.”

He noted how meeting and surpassing people’s expectations is “[…] hard to do when you talk about having a true heavyweight matchup like they had. You had two great champions and both of those guys are in the prime of their life.”

Earlier this year, John Bradshaw Layfield was announced as an inductee into the 2020 Hall of Fame. He joined other 2002 inductees, including Batista, the nWo, The British Bulldog, Jushin “Thunder” Liger, and The Bella Twins. 

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, however, WWE’s Hall of Fame ceremony was forced to postpone. The 2020 Class will now be inducted during the lead up to 2021’s WrestleMania 37 pay-per-view.

The Young Bucks Explain Why They Don’t Watch NXT

Steve Russell
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Despite All Elite Wrestling being embroiled in a ratings war every week with WWE’s NXT, AEW Tag Team Champions, The Young Bucks, have shared that they don’t really watch the competition.

Speaking with WrestlingInc to promote their new book, Killing The Business: From Backyards To The Big Leagues, The Young Bucks addressed their Wednesday night rivals, acknowledging how they’re just too busy putting on a show to give any attention to NXT.

“I forget that they have shows,” Matt Jackson revealed. “It’s tunnel vision to our own product. It’s like, ‘Oh yeah, that’s right. There’s another show tonight. That’s right.'”

His brother, Nick, explained how this focused approach encapsulates the mentality within AEW and amongst its creative team. According to him, knowing what WWE is doing could “screw up” how AEW book things.

“[…] that’s the mentality of Dynamite and AEW is we’d never wanted to know what that show is doing because we feel like if we do know, then it might screw up our brains and our minds on how we book things as well,” Nick shared. “So we never have wanted to get caught up in any of that.”

The Young Buck’s book, Killing The Business: From Backyards To The Big Leagues, is available now.

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