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NJPW Announces Super J-Cup 2020 Lineup

Evan S
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New Japan Pro-Wrestling recently announced that they would be holding their Super J-Cup, a sporadically held junior heavyweight tournament, in the United States. This tournament will include both NJPW wrestlers who are unable to travel to Japan due to COVID-19 restrictions, and non-NJPW-affiliated wrestlers.

This eight-man tournament will take place over a single day on December 12, 2020, and will be streamed live, with English commentary, on NJPW World. The first round matches are as follows. See the bracket structure in the featured image.

  • Clark Connors vs. Chris Bey [IMPACT Wrestling]
  • ACH vs. TJP
  • Rey Horus vs. Blake Christian [Game Changer Wrestling]
  • El Phantasmo vs. Lio Rush

NJPW Best of the Super Juniors 27 Cards Announced

Evan S
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New Japan Pro-Wrestling has announced the cards for their upcoming Best of the Super Juniors tournament. Normally taking place in the springtime, this Best of the Super Juniors will take place in the Fall as a result of schedule changes, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Best of the Super Juniors is a round-robin tournament exclusive to junior heavyweight wrestlers. This year’s format will be that of a single block with 10 entrants. Each entrant will wrestle each other over the course of nine block days, with the tenth and final day of the tournament being a rematch of the two top wrestlers in terms of points after the first nine days. The point scheme is as follows: 2 points gained for a victory, 1 point gained for a draw, 0 points gained or lost for a defeat.

NJPW Best of the Super Juniors 27 Schedule

November 15 (Day 1) – Combined day with World Tag League

  • Hiromu Takahashi vs Taiji Ishimori
  • Master Wato vs Yoshinobu Kanemaru
  • Ryusuke Taguchi vs El Desperado
  • SHO vs BUSHI
  • Robbie Eagles vs DOUKI

November 18 (Day 2)

  • Hiromu Takahashi vs El Desperado
  • Ryusuke Taguchi vs Taiji Ishimori
  • Master Wato vs Robbie Eagles
  • SHO vs DOUKI
  • BUSHI vs Yoshinobu Kanemaru

November 20 (Day 3)

  • Ryusuke Taguchi vs Master Wato
  • SHO vs Robbie Eagles
  • Hiromu Takahashi vs BUSHI
  • El Desperado vs Yoshinobu Kanemaru
  • Taiji Ishimori vs DOUKI

November 23 (Day 4)

  • Ryusuke Taguchi vs SHO
  • Master Wato vs El Desperado
  • Robbie Eagles vs BUSHI
  • Hiromu Takahashi vs DOUKI
  • Taiji Ishimori vs Yoshinobu Kanemaru

November 25 (Day 5)

  • Robbie Eagles vs Taiji Ishimori
  • Master Wato vs DOUKI
  • Hiromu Takahashi vs Yoshinobu Kanemaru
  • SHO vs El Desperado
  • Ryusuke Taguchi vs BUSHI

November 29 (Day 6)

  • Robbie Eagles vs Hiromu Takahashi
  • Master Wato vs SHO
  • Ryusuke Taguchi vs Yoshinobu Kanemaru
  • BUSHI vs Taiji Ishimori
  • El Despeardo vs DOUKI

December 2 (Day 7)

  • Taiji Ishimori vs El Desperado
  • SHO vs Hiromu Takahashi
  • Yoshinobu Kanemaru vs DOUKI
  • Master Wato vs BUSHI
  • Ryusuke Taguchi vs Robbie Eagles

December 5 (Day 8)

  • Master Wato vs Taiji Ishimori
  • Ryusuke Taguchi vs Hiromu Takahashi
  • BUSHI vs DOUKI
  • Robbie Eagles vs El Desperado
  • SHO vs Yoshinobu Kanemaru

December 6 (Day 9) – Combined day with World Tag League

  • SHO vs Taiji Ishimori
  • Master Wato vs Hiromu Takahashi
  • Ryusuke Taguchi vs DOUKI
  • BUSHI vs El Desperado
  • Robbie Eagles vs Yoshinobu Kanemaru

December 11 (Day 10) – Combined day with World Tag League Final

  • Final Match: Top two points leaders face off again to determine the tournament winner

Results: NJPW Power Struggle 2020

Evan S
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Watch live on NJPW World with a paid subscription. English and Japanese commentary are available! This event will have reduced attendance capacity to comply with COVID-19 social distancing restrictions.

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

NJPW World Video (English Commentary)
NJPW World Video (Japanese Commentary)

NJPW Power Struggle 2020 Results

KOPW 2020 Championship, Exposed Turnbuckles Match: Toru Yano (c) def. Zack Sabre Jr. (12:11)
The young lions removed the four turnbuckle pads before the match began. Zack repeatedly whipped Yano into the exposed turnbuckles, and Yano was forced to retreat to ringside. When doing so, he pulled one of the four turnbuckle pads out from under the ring and tried to put it back, but Zack would stop him. Yano lured Zack out of the ring and sprayed him with sanitizing fluid, causing Zack to be disoriented enough to almost lose the match by countout. In the meantime, Yano again affixed a turnbuckle pad to the corner with duct tape. When Zack reentered the ring, Yano Irish-whipped ZSJ into the only corner with a pad, and seemed surprised when Zack was not at all hurt. Yano tried to roll Zack up multiple times, but Zack kicked out every time, and then immobilized Yano with a knee bar. Yano was able to make a rope escape, and fled to the outside. Zack caught him and reapplied the kneebar with their legs between the gaps of a guardrail. However, Yano tied Zack’s boot laces together, and Zack was unable to free himself. Toru Yano wins by countout.

NEVER Openweight Championship Match: Shingo Takagi def. Minoru Suzuki (c) (18:56)
After an exchange of elbows and headbutts, Suzuki took the early advantage, wearing down the bigger, stronger Shingo with a single-leg Boston crab, forcibly arching Shingo’s taped lower back. Shingo broke the hold and stood up before trading with Suzuki the loudest elbow strikes they could muster. There was no decisive winner, but Suzuki tried to lock in the sleeper hold and attempt a Gotch-style piledriver too early. He couldn’t lift Shingo, but Shingo lifted him into a Death Valley driver. With a manic expression, Suzuki quickly rose to his feet, ate a Pumping Bomber, and rose to his feet again. Suzuki blocked Shingo’s attempt at a Made in Japan, and he responded to Shingo coming off the ropes for another lariat with a gorgeous single-leg dropkick. Suzuki began choking Shingo out with a standing sleeper hold, and tried again for the Gotch-style piledriver. Shingo struggled and struggled, and stopped Suzuki from picking him up. He buffeted Suzuki with heavy lariats until Suzuki’s body went stiff and he fell to the mat. The Last of the Dragon would put Suzuki away and crown Shingo Takagi a two-time NEVER Openweight Champion.

Kazuchika Okada def. The Great O-Khan (12:58)
This is O-Khan’s first singles match since his return from excursion. His music is nice, it’s very mystical-sounding and unique. I don’t love his pants, though; they look like pajamas. Will Ospreay was ringside, wearing a three-piece suit and carrying a bottle of champagne. O-Khan “dominated” the beginning of the match with Mongolian chops and knee lifts. After O-Khan’s basement dropkick, Okada slowed his roll with a reverse neckbreaker, and attempted a tombstone piledriver, but O-Khan resisted it and could not be lifted. O-Khan landed a lifting facebuster, and tried for a reverse brainbuster, but Okada was able to fight it off with clubbing blows. Okada hit a standing dropkick and applied the Money Clip, but O-Khan got to his feet and attempted the Iron Claw Slam. He did not hit it, but Okada was forced to break the hold. O-Khan planted Okada with a revesre brainbuster and went for the Iron Claw Slam, but Okada blocked it and hit a discus lariat, and then tried for the Money Clip again. O-Khan was able to stand up and reach for the ropes, but Okada brought him back with a backbreaker. This time, O-Khan could not break free from the Money Clip and passed out.

Will Ospreay got on the microphone and congratulated Okada on passing his “test”. He said he used Okada the whole time to become more popular, but he can never be the best wrestler while standing in Okada’s shadow. Ospreay said that the only way to be the best would be to end Okada’s career at Wrestle Kingdom.

IWGP US Heavyweight Championship #1 Contender Match: KENTA def. Hiroshi Tanahashi (19:57)
The IWGP US Heavyweight Championship is currently held by Jon Moxley, who has not been seen in NJPW since February due to COVID-19. Due to his inability to defend the Championship being out of his control, he has not been stripped of it. KENTA attacked Tanahashi’s head and neck, keeping him on the mat with headscissors holds, to increase the effectiveness of an eventual Go 2 Sleep. He tried to attack Tanahashi with the #1 contender’s briefcase, but it backfired on him, and ended up with Tanahashi hitting KENTA with it. KENTA was not out, though, and fired back up with spinning backfists and a rope-hung DDT. He followed up with a corner dropkick and a top rope diving foot stomp, then lifted Tanahashi for the Go 2 Sleep. Tanahashi stuffed the attempt, but would be brought to his knees with a Busaiku Knee Kick. Again, KENTA tried for the killing blow, but Tanahashi reversed the Go 2 Sleep with a Sling Blade. He landed another Sling Blade, then climbed to the top rope to land a frog splash crossbody. The Ace locked in the Texas cloverleaf, which ended KENTA in their G1 match, but KENTA was able to slip out of it this time and apply the Game Over. This match evolved into a submission battle, as both men were able to get out of each other’s holds to apply their own, but Tanahashi was not able to escape the second Game Over. KENTA wins by submission and is still the #1 contender for Jon Moxley’s IWGP US Heavyweight Championship.

Wrestle Kingdom 15 Right to Challenge Contract Match: Jay White def. Kota Ibushi (c) (18:47)
Despite Ibushi being one of only three people in history two win two G1 Climaxes in a row, Jay White was getting the better of im in the early going. Still, Gedo felt compelled to assist Jay White whenever possible, but would usually be easily fought off by Ibushi. After landing a plancha on Jay White, Ibushi’s rally began. He tried for a top rope moonsault on a prone White, but White turned so that Ibushi would land on his side, getting the worse of the impact. Jay White capitalized with the Bladebuster for a near fall. Ibushi fired back up with kicks, but the Switchblade would cut him off soon enough with the Complete Shot, followed by a uranage. White deftly attacked Ibushi from the front and the back, landing punches and knee lifts to the lower back and abdomen. That is, until Ibushi caught White’s knee and lifted him into a leg-trap piledriver! Ibushi continued the pressure, dumping White with a half-nelson suplex and a head kick. He then tried for the Kamigoye, but Jay stopped it with a headbutt to the midsection. This did not stop Ibushi, as he nearly got the three-count with a sitout elevated powerbomb. He tried for the Kamigoye once more, but Jay White pushed him into the ropes, and then pinned Kota Ibushi, using his foot on the ropes for leverage! Jay White now has the Wrestle Kingdom briefcase, and Kota Ibushi is now the first person to lose it after winning the G1 Climax.

IWGP Heayvweight & IWGP Intercontinental Championship Match: Tetsuya Naito (c) def. EVIL (33:08)
This is Naito and EVIL’s fourth match in the last six months, since EVIL betrayed Los Ingobernables de Japon to join Bullet Club. At this point, Naito knows nearly all of EVIL’s tricks. With a simple necklock, Naito was able to distress EVIL so much that he bailed out of the ring. This may have been a ruse, though, as when Naito followed him, EVIL whipped Naito into the timekeeper’s table, causing the ring announcer to take a tumble. EVIL did it more than once, adding insult to injury. As EVIL was taunting the ring announcer, Naito rolled into the ring, only to get hit with a chair from Dick Togo. EVIL sent Naito crashing down with a superplex, and then applied the scorpion deathlock. EVIL had it in deep, but Naito barely managed to grab the bottom rope and force EVIL off. EVIL was still in control, though, and he hit the Darkness Falls powerbomb for a near fall. A spinebuster, followed by a top-rope Frankensteiner, finally granted Naito a reprieve, and Gloria granted Naito a two-count. Naito hit a flying forearm followed by the running Destino to get EVIL down for another two count, and then another Destino, but Dick Togo pulled the referee out of the ring! Yujiro Takahashi came out and double-teamed Naito with Dick Togo, but then SANADA came out and laid waste to the two of them! He then carried Dick Togo out of the building on his shoulders while holding Yujiro in a headlock, leaving only Naito and EVIL left to fight. Fight they did, until EVIL pushed Naito into the referee and hit a low blow. However, this did not put Naito down, and he gave EVIL a pop-up low blow of his own. Then, Jay White came out and hit Naito with a sleeper suplex, but Kota Ibushi ran in to make the save! EVIL hit another low blow in the commotion, but Naito blocked the EVIL STO, hit a big slap to the face, and landed the Destino for the victory.

Jay White entered and said that, now that he has the Wrestle Kingdom 15 briefcase, he will do nothing on January 4th, but he will win the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Championships. Then, Kota Ibushi came out and started chasing Jay White, despite Jay’s repeatedly insisting that Ibushi has no claim to fight him. Either not understanding, or not caring, Ibushi just kept following Jay until they both left the building.

WWE SmackDown Results (11/6): Sasha Banks vs. Bayley, Survivor Series Qualifiers

Robert Lentini
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WWE SmackDown aired live from the ThunderDome in the Amway Center. Sasha Banks defended her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Bayley tonight.

SmackDown Results (11/6)

  1. Sasha Banks def. Bayley via submission to retain the SmackDown Women’s Championship
  2. King Corbin def. Rey Mysterio to qualify for Team SmackDown at Survivor Series
  3. Ruby Riott def. Natalya, Zelina Vega to qualify for Team SmackDown at Survivor Series
  4. Seth Rollins def. Otis to qualify for Team SmackDown at Survivor Series
  5. Jey Uso def. Kevin Owens

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Sasha Banks Retained & Carmella Returned

sasha banks 11 6 smackdown

SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks defended the title against Bayley to begin the show. Before the match, Bayley cut a backstage promo and vowed to take back her title. Bayley added that their rivalry will end with Sasha crippled in the ring by her own failure.

Match Recap: Bayley and Banks locked up in the middle of the ring to start the action. Banks drove Bayley to the corner and the referee separated them. Sasha unloaded some punches and connected with an Arm Drag for a one count.

Sasha took Bayley down to the canvas and went for the Bank Statement but Bayley reached the ropes as SmackDown went to a commercial break. When SmackDown returned, Sasha was still in control and hit Bayley with a kick to the face.

Banks connected with Double Knees against the ring post but Bayley launched Sasha to the floor outside the ring. Back in the ring, Bayley went for the cover but the SmackDown Women’s Champion kicked out at two.

Sasha battled back and hit Double Knees again for a near fall. Bayley hit Banks with a Clothesline for another two count. Sasha climbed to the middle rope and hit a Meteora that sent both superstars to the mat.

Bayley rolled out of the ring to regroup but Banks connected with a Crossbody off the ring apron as SmackDown went to a commercial break. When SmackDown returned, Bayley bounced Sasha’s head off the announce table and rolled her back into the ring.

Bayley climbed to the top rope but Banks caught her with a right hand to the face. Sasha followed it up with a running knee and then an Elbow Drop off the steel steps. Banks then made her way to the top rope and hit a Frog Splash for a two count.

Bayley grabbed a kendo stick from under the ring but the referee ripped it away. Bayley brought in a steel chair but Sasha kicked it out away. Bayley hit Banks with a Backstabber and then a Bayley to Belly but somehow the SmackDown Women’s Champion kicked out at two.

Sasha was then able to kick out of an Elbow Drop from Bayley. Bayley connected with a Suplex and Banks was able to kick out once again. Bayley then applied the Bank Statement on Sasha in the middle of the ring.

Banks fought through the pain and countered into a roll-up for a near fall. Sasha sent Bayley into the ring post and followed it up with a Backstabber. Sasha locked in the Bank Statement in the middle of the ring and Bayley tapped out. Sasha Banks is still the SmackDown Women’s Champion.

https://twitter.com/WWEonFOX/status/1324886406725033989?s=20

After the match, Carmella attacked Sasha on the entrance ramp and hit her with a Superkick. Carmella then planted Banks with a Facebuster and posed to end the segment.

Kayla Braxton Mocked Jey Uso

kayla braxton jey uso paul

Kayla Braxton interviewed Jey Uso backstage tonight on SmackDown. Before the interview, Jey Uso had a conversation against Kevin Owens. Kevin made a couple jokes at Roman and Jey’s expense and Jey got pissed off. Owens said he was just joking and that Jey should probably lay off the coffee.

They rolled footage of Jey falling in line last week and attacking Daniel Bryan at the request of Roman Reigns. Jey said he did what he had to do and it was nothing personal against Daniel Bryan.

Jey said “family is forever” and Braxton said that it is forever as long as you do what Roman Reigns says. Paul Heyman interrupted and told Kayla that Roman Reigns did not authorize this interview. Heyman told Jey that Roman needs to talk to him and Kayla pointed out that it looks like Paul has a better spot in the family than Jey. Heyman then made Jey wait outside Reigns’ locker room until Roman was ready.

Roman showed up and told Jey that he shouldn’t be doing interviews without talking to him or Paul. Reigns brought up Kevin Owens making jokes earlier in the night and that Jey needs to handle that because he disrespected their family. Roman told Heyman that he is supposed to handle everything so he doesn’t have to. Reigns told Heyman to go find Adam Pearce because he wants to handle the Kevin Owens problem tonight.

King Corbin Qualified For Team SmackDown

King Corbin
King Corbin

Rey Mysterio faced King Corbin in a Survivor Series Qualifying match tonight. Before the match, Rey was backstage and trying to reach his daughter. She wouldn’t pick up the phone and he told Dominik to go get his ring gear. King Corbin attacked Rey from behind and beat him down as SmackDown went to a break. Dominik was ringside for the match.

Match Recap: Corbin dominated early and beat Mysterio down in the corner. Rey tried to battle back but Corbin knocked him back down to the mat. Corbin threw Mysterio out of the ring and posed as the crowd in the ThunderDome booed.

Corbin went for a shoulder tackle but Rey got out of the way and Corbin crashed into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Corbin connected with an elbow to the face and went for a Chokeslam but Mysterio countered into a cover for a two count. Seth Rollins’ music hit and Rollins came down to the entrance ramp as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Mysterio connected with a Splash for a two count. Rey went for a Moonsault but Corbin countered into a Backbreaker. Corbin controlled the next few minutes of the match as Rollins watched on with a smile on his face. Corbin locked in a Bear Hug but Mysterio escaped and connected with a Dropkick.

Mysterio hit a Senton and went for the cover but King Corbin kicked out at two. Rey connected with the 619 but got distracted as Rollins attacked Dominik. Murphy and Aalyah came down to the entrance ramp and Rey shouted that Murphy shouldn’t be here. Corbin capitalized on the distraction and hit Rey with the End of Days for the pinfall victory. King Corbin qualified for Team SmackDown at Survivor Series.

Rey Mysterio Returns To Action On WWE Friday Night SmackDown

Andrew Ravens
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Rey Mysterio made his return to in-ring action on Friday’s episode of WWE SmackDown. 

He did so by battling Baron Corbin in a qualifying match for the Men’s Team SmackDown at Survivor Series. The other qualifying match saw Otis vs. Seth Rollins.

The results of those matches were Corbin and Mysterio. As a result, they joined Kevin Owens and Jey Uso on the team. So far confirmed for Team Raw are Keith Lee, AJ Styles, Sheamus, and Braun Strowman.

WWE presents the Survivor Series pay-per-view event on November 22 in Orlando, Florida at the Amway Center that will air on the WWE Network. More participants will be announced for this match in the coming weeks. 

Rey teamed up with his son Dominik to defeat the team of Rollins and Murphy at the Payback pay-per-view event on August 30th. Mysterio had on the sidelines with a torn triceps that he suffered in this contest. 

Mysterio previously went on record when asked how much longer he plans to wrestle for that “I’m not really gonna say how much time I have left but, whenever it’s time, it’s gonna be time.”

He had touted his recent improvement with his body for doing stem cell treatments, with Cryo[therapy], with hyperbaric chambers.

Rey Mysterio Hopes To Chase WWE Gold With Dominik

WWE Star No Longer Wanted To Be Part Of Retribution

Andrew Ravens
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Last month it was revealed that Mercedes Martinez was quietly removed from Retribution and moved back to the NXT roster.

She was a core member alongside T-Bar (Dominik Dijakovic), Slapjack (Shane Throne), Mace (Dio Madden), Reckoning (Mia Yim). WWE even gave her the name of Retaliation. This was before Mustafa Ali was revealed as the leader.

According to Fightful Select, the reason that Martinez was pulled from the group was due to her request to no longer be part of the storyline. She was removed from the Retribution stable prior to the group signing new contracts.

The report goes onto state that there were other names from NXT discussed to join the faction. However, WWE officials made the decision to keep the group as-is for now. As of the end of October, there were no plans to add another female member to the stable.

Her last match in NXT came on September 8th when she lost a Steel Cage Match against Rhea Ripley during NXT Super Tuesday II. There’s still no word yet as to when she’ll return to NXT television now that she’s no longer on the main roster. 

WWE Pulls Star From Retribution, Sent Back To NXT

Details On WWE’s Planned Feud For Roman Reigns

Andrew Ravens
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Roman Reigns finds himself in a situation without a title feud on Friday Night SmackDown. 

He just wrapped up a feud with Jey Uso as last week’s episode of SmackDown saw Uso attack Daniel Bryan at the end of the show. It continued after the show. This was done to cement Uso’s heel turn as he has officially joined Reigns in his growing stable that is expected to include Jimmy Uso. 

The belief is that this angle is meant to set up Uso vs. Bryan and most likely after the Survivor Series pay-per-view. However, WWE has even bigger plans in place for Daniel Bryan. 

Dave Meltzer reported in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Reigns vs. Bryan is the planned direction for the Universal Championship. 

As it stands now, it’s not exactly clear when this feud will start. Reigns is supposed to work WWE Champion Randy Orton in the champion vs. champion match at Survivor Series. 

What we do know is that Orton vs. Reigns is a one-off match so Bryan won’t be challenging for the title until at least December if not January at the Royal Rumble. 

Bully Ray: “I Do Not Want The Hollywood Version of The Rock in this Roman Reigns Storyline”

WWE Abandons Brock Lesnar Trademark

Andrew Ravens
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The latest development regarding Brock Lesnar is in as the trademark for the former WWE Champion has been canceled. 

The reason for that is due to WWE failing to comply with a documentation request. 

WWE filed with the USPTO for the Brock Lesnar trademark on 1/9. This is standard for everyone who works for them because of merchandising purposes.

Fast forward to March 12th, the USPTO denied WWE’s request due to them needing written consent from Lesnar and there were issues with some of the verbiage in the filing.

WWE was later given six months to get written consent from Lesnar and that was not provided. As a result, on September 15th, the filing was abandoned and confirmed via correspondence to the company on October 10th. 

Lesnar is no longer under contract with WWE and he’s a free agent. His last contract ended at WrestleMania 36, which is when he was last seen in action as he dropped the Universal Title to Drew McIntyre. His merchandise contract expired in August.

As it stands now, there’s no word yet on when or if Lesnar plans on returning to WWE. What is known is that there are no signs that he plans on fighting again in UFC, according to Dana White. 

Miro On AEW Pursuing Brock Lesnar: “Do We Need Him? Absolutely Not”

Paige Details Physical Abuse At The Hands of Alberto Del Rio

Chris Stephens
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As Alberto Del Rio awaits trial for assault and kidnapping charges, his ex-fiance Paige has opened up about physical abuse she suffered at his hands. The two were engaged in 2016 but later split in 2017.

Paige was a guest on “Grown Ass Women” with Mickie James, Lisa Marie Varon, and SoCal Val when she spoke about what she endured.

“I’ve never openly talked about my ex, which is very out there, it’s out there but I’ve never talked about it,” Paige said. “It was very obvious what was happening, it is very obvious what I went through and all that kind of stuff.”

She spoke about the cycle of abuse she suffered.

“In the end, it becomes a cycle. Eventually, something is happening to you every day,” Paige said.  “You could be trapped in a room for 6-7 hours, getting your ass beat every couple of minutes. And he’s doing all these crazy things to you.”

“I never thought that I’d be put in that position in my life, just cause of the way I was brought up,” Paige continued. “It happens to even the most strongest people and you should never feel bad about it.”

Paige continued to allude to the abuse she suffered, although she never mentioned her ex by name.

“I’ll never say his name again, because he’s like Voldemort to me,” she continued. “Karma’s what’s happened to him and karma’s a real thing. And you put out what you receive, and right now he’s receiving it.”

The full interview with Paige on GAW can be viewed in the player below. Her comments about past abuse suffered come in around the 24:30 mark.

WWE Announces The Undertaker Will “Bid His Final Farewell” At Survivor Series

Michael Reichlin
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The Undertaker will soon fade into the abyss.

The Dead Man made his WWE debut at the 1990 installment of Survivor Series. WWE has been promoting a ’30 Year Anniversary’ celebration for the Dead Man at the upcoming pay-per-view, but a new promo video released Friday states, “The Undertaker bids his final farewell at Survivor Series.”

At the conclusion of the Last Ride docuseries on the WWE Network, The Undertaker said that he has no plans to wrestle again.

Current Card for WWE Survivor Series

The WWE Network has been celebrating “30 Days of the Deadman” with a weekly specials focusing highlights of The Undertaker’s legendary career.

WWE Survivor Series takes places Sunday, November 22nd from the Thunderdome in Orlando, FL.

You can see the video announcing that The Undertaker “will bid his final farewell” below.

Tony Khan Reveals AEW Full Gear Match He’s “Personally Invested In” as a Fan

Jake Skudder
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AEW President Tony Khan recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio. Khan would discuss a number of topics on the show involving the Full Gear PPV this weekend. Full Gear takes place on Saturday 7th November and is available to purchase on FITE TV (for international viewers). And B/R Live in the United States.

Tony Khan was asked on the show what match he was most looking forward to on the PPV itself. The AEW President would reveal that the match he is “personally invested” in? Kenny Omega vs Hangman Adam Page.

Tony Khan on Omega vs Page

“Probably Kenny Omega and Hangman Page” Khan began on the show. “With the build? We’ve put so much story into it, but they are also just two of the best wrestlers in the world. They’ve been one of the best tag teams in AEW.”

“They’ve gone back years” Tony Khan would continue. “[Even] before there was an AEW, or before I knew I would get into the wrestling business even! They just work together. The team of Kenny and Hangman was something new and something actually that I wanted to do for Dynamite.”

Tony Khan would then reveal why he wanted to have the team together on AEW programming. “For the early episodes [of Dynamite], to have another great team within The Elite. Because you had at the time The Young Bucks and you had Cody. and then you had Hangman and Kenny, and with Hangman and Kenny I thought, ‘you know there’s a great chance for them to have some great matches and maybe we can tell this great story down the line.'”

“The more they did together? The more I think this made sense” Khan continued. “Like everyone else? I am personally invested in Kenny versus Hangman Page. From having seen them be the greatest tag team and having worked with them? I think that as individuals they can both be the AEW Champion.”

Do you think that Kenny Omega vs Hangman Page could be best the best bout at Full Gear? Do you think that this will lead to a Kenny or Page facing Jon Moxley OR Eddie Kingston down the line? Let us know in the comments

Tony Khan
Tony Khan.

Wardlow Talks Idea of MJF Joining The Inner Circle with Chris Jericho

Jake Skudder
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All Elite Wrestling star Wardlow recently appeared on Vickie Guerrero’s Excuse Me! Podcast. The ‘bodyguard’ of Maxwell Jacob Friedman discussed a number of topics during his time on the show.

These included his first match on AEW television against Cody Rhodes and MJF’s match against Chris Jericho this Saturday at Full Gear. Full Gear takes place on Saturday 7th November and is available to purchase on FITE TV (for international viewers). The PPV is available on B/R Live in the United States.

Wardlow on The Inner Circle

“As far as my opinion, or how I feel about the Inner Circle? I’ve never been one to need a bunch of friends or need to be in a group or whatever” Wardlow stated on the podcast. “At the end of the day? I’m Max’s guy. Where Max/MJF goes? I go.”

Wardlow would talk directly about the leader of the Inner Circle, Chris Jericho. MJF and Jericho are currently feuding and will be facing each other at the aforementioned Full Gear this weekend. Wardlow would say that MJF is ‘welcome’ to join Inner Circle if he wishes, and he’ll always have his back.

Tony Khan on Cody’s TNT Open Challenge Wish List: “There Were Some People That I Didn’t Want on That List”

“Whatever he wants to be a part of? I’m there to have his back. At the end of the day, Chris Jericho is Chris Jericho. So to be associated with him? I don’t find any negative. I don’t think there’s any negative that could exist in that situation.”

Do you think that MJF will join Inner Circle? Do you think that Chris Jericho will end up getting booted from the group? Let us know in the comments

Eddie Kingston Contemplated Retirement Before Joining AEW

Chris Stephens
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Eddie Kingston will face Jon Moxley for the AEW World Championship at Full Gear on Saturday. Before the big card, Kingston spoke with NY Post about contemplating retirement in 2019. He said he decided against it due to wanting to make his niece and nephew proud.

“I believe God sent my niece and nephew to me not to stop wrestling because he knew good things were gonna happen,” said Kingston.

Things were particularly difficult for Kingston back in March as well. With no independent wrestling shows taking place, he was forced to sell some of his belongings in order to make the mortgage payments on his place in Orlando.

“I think probably another month I would have sold the house and moved back to New York and back to my parents’ place until I could get a regular job and, you know, get my own apartment,” he continued.

Then in July, Kingston wrestled Cody in a match for the TNT title. His promo and match that night impressed AEW enough to sign him to a contract. Signing with AEW after having had many ups and downs in his career took an emotional toll on him.

“I just started crying in the car,” Kingston said. “I didn’t understand why I was crying and my girlfriend was just like, ‘Let it go, let it out because you reached a goal. You did it.’ I was like, damn. I was gonna be broke and homeless and back living with my parents. It hit me then. I just started bawling in the car and apologizing for crying. That whole New York tough guy thing, I can’t let anyone see me cry.”

Kingston continued to talk about the storyline between him and Moxley, noting that much of what he has said in his promos about their history is true.

“We were at a bar in Philadelphia after one of his last shows [with Chikara] and I was so happy for him and I was giving him hugs,” Kingston said. “I was like, ‘Good for you, man. You get to buy your mom a house.’ I was so happy for him. And he’s like, ‘Hey Eddie, the inmates are gonna run the asylum.’ I’ll never forget that. And what happened? Nothing, nothing.”

Update On Davey Boy Smith Jr’s MLW Status, Interest From Other Promotions

Chris Stephens
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Major League Wrestling is gearing up for its restart scheduled for November 18th. That is the date new episodes of Fusion are expected to air. Davey Boy Smith Jr. is expected to play a large role in MLW’s return.

According to a report from the Wrestling Observer, however, Smith only has a few weeks left on his MLW contract and several other promotions are interested in his services.

“He was at Chris Jericho’s Halloween party this past week and spoke to Tony Khan but they aren’t talking any business until after his MLW deal is up,” said Dave Meltzer.

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1324357406873313287

The report also stated that Smith’s MLW contract is up on December 18th, 2020. Several promotions, including WWE, Impact, and All-Japan are also interested in his services. He does not appear to be leaning to any one promotion, it seems.

“He’s had interest from WWE, Khan expressed interest, and there is interest from All Japan, Impact, and MLW and has no favorite or leaning past saying this decision will be made based on offer and whatever makes the most sense business-wise,” Meltzer continued to say of Smith’s free agency options.

The 35-year-old is a 2x WWE tag-team champion along with Tyson Kidd. He’s a 3x IWGP Heavyweight tag team champion along with Lance Archer as well. In MLW, he’s held the tag-team titles along with Teddy Hart & Brian Pillman Jr. and won the company’s Opera Cup tournament in 2019.

Tony Khan on Cody’s TNT Open Challenge Wish List: “There Were Some People That I Didn’t Want on That List”

Jake Skudder
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AEW President Tony Khan recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio. Khan would discuss a number of topics on the show involving the Full Gear PPV this weekend. Full Gear takes place on Saturday 7th November and is available to purchase on FITE TV (for international viewers). And B/R Live in the United States.

One of the topics discussed was the TNT Open Challenge that has taken place on Wednesday Night Dynamite over the past year, whilst Cody was TNT Champion. Tony Khan would reveal that Cody had a ‘wish list’ for the matches, and some of the competitors Khan didn’t want anywhere near his television show.

Whilst Khan did not specifically name anyone in particular, he made it clear that he is the final say when it comes to what is presented on Dynamite.

Tony Khan on TNT Open Challenge

“When Cody and I were doing the TNT Open Challenge and planning it out? He came in with a list of people he’d like to wrestle” Khan began on Busted Open. “There were a lot of people on the list; and there were some people that I didn’t want wrestling on Dynamite on that list, frankly.”

“Then there were some really good names on there” Khan would continue. “And the two that really stood out to me were Ricky Starks and Eddie Kingston.”

Khan would then discuss Starks and Kingston further, touting their success in AEW. “Those are the two that came in and ended up getting hired and being successful. [Those were] in addition to some of the other ones. The first [open challenge] one we did was with Jungle Boy.”

Are you looking forward to Full Gear this weekend? Do you think that Darby Allin could end up beating Cody Rhodes for the TNT Championship? Let us know in the comments

Tony Khan
Tony Khan

AEW Full Gear 2020 Betting Odds

Andrew Ravens
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The betting odds for most of the matches that will take place at the AEW Full Gear pay-per-view event have been released.

The card for the show that takes place on Saturday (November 7, 2020) in Jacksonville, Florida at Daily’s Place appears to have been finalized.

AEW World Heavyweight Champion Jon Moxley vs. Eddie Kingston is expected to headline the show. Moxley is a big favorite as he’s listed as -1430 favorite over Kingston, who is placed as a +600 underdog. 

Make sure to join us on Saturday for match recaps, and our takeaways from this latest pay-per-view event held by AEW. 

Full Gear Betting Odds

The favorites to win are listed as – while the underdogs are listed with +. Here are the final betting odds: 

  • AEW World Heavyweight Champion Jon Moxley (-1430) vs. Eddie Kingston (+600) – I Quit Match
  • AEW Tag Team Champions FTR (-278) vs. The Young Bucks (+190) – If Young Bucks don’t win, they can’t challenge for tag titles again
  • Kenny Omega (-625) vs. Hangman Page (+350) – AEW World Heavyweight Title Tournament Finals (winner gets title shot)
  • Matt Hardy (-190) vs. Sammy Guevara (+134) – If MJF wins, he joins Inner Circle
  • Orange Cassidy -950 vs. John Silver +500

Matt Cardona Reveals Which AEW Stars He Wants To Face

Ryback Talks Matt Riddle’s ‘New’ WWE Name Being a Positive Move

Jake Skudder
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Former WWE Superstar Ryback recently discussed Matt Riddle and his new ‘name’ in WWE. It was recently confirmed that the former UFC star will now just be going under the name ‘Riddle.’

This move was reportedly made as Vince McMahon was concerned about Riddle’s past allegations of sexual abuse coming to light, especially on the likes of a Google search. Ryback would state how certain talents with just one name, himself included, actually benefited from the move in WWE.

“I mean the the names you just named (co-host Raj Giri named Goldberg, Rusev, Elias, Cesaro et al) they all had have had nice careers in WWE” Ryback began on the show.

Ryback on ‘Riddle’

Ryback elaborated further, saying “[or] now they are being used consistently. It would make sense that if they’re doing that [for Riddle]? There’s a reason WHY they’re doing it. Typically they wouldn’t just do that to someone they’re leaving catering every week, if that makes sense.”

The Big Guy would actually agree with WWE’s reasoning for the move. Typically, name changes in WWE (like Ali losing the Mustafa part of his moniker) aren’t universally welcomed. “I understand that from a business standpoint. And from the Googling standpoint? That makes as much sense as anything I’ve heard in a long time from them [WWE].”

Ryback would finish by pointing out one flaw with WWE’s perceived plan, in that if Riddle were to become popular enough the search results would still contain a litany of reports of the legal issues. “With that kind of stuff? If he becomes popular enough? Even if you just Google ‘Riddle?’ The first thing that’s gonna pop up is everything MATT Riddle.”

Do you agree with Ryback? Do you think that this could be another sign that WWE are looking to strap the rocket to Matt Riddle? Let us know in the comments

Injury Update On Matt Jackson

Chris Stephens
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The Young Bucks will face FTR Saturday night at Full Gear in a match that many fans have been waiting years for. Unfortunately, it appears that Matt Jackson is still suffering the ill-effects of a hardcore match he took part in earlier this year. According to a report from the Wrestling Observer, he’ll be going into Full Gear injured.

Matt is said to be dealing with a partially torn MCL and a slight ACL tear. The injury apparently dates back to a falls count anywhere match between the Young Bucks and the Butcher and the Blade on July 16th, 2020.

It was also noted that Jackson’s real injury is the reason why he’s been selling a storyline injury as of late. FTR attacked his leg on a recent episode of Dynamite.

Also concerning the match between the Young Bucks and FTR, Tully Blanchard has been banned from ringside. In an AEW social exclusive video, Blanchard spoke about the company’s decision to ban him from the match.

“AEW even though it is a league with a constitution and bylaws, this is extremely and excessively punitive. It’s arbitrary, capricious, and it is an imposition on discipline because other managers that have interfered and caused this, they haven’t been kicked out, they haven’t been banned from the arena.”

Update On Cody Using “Cody Rhodes” In AEW

Chris Stephens
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News broke yesterday that WWE has abandoned its attempt to renew its former trademark of the name “Cody Rhodes” seemingly opening the door for Cody to use his old ring name. According to comments he made recently on a media call to promote Full Gear, however, Cody is saying he plans on sticking with just his first name for wrestling purposes.

Cody did say that he is excited about being able to use Cody Rhodes again. He will only use the name for 3rd party projects, however. He also noted that there were no hard-feelings between him and WWE regarding the trademark.

John Pollock has been live Tweeting from the call.

Also during the call, Cody noted that he will still abide by the stipulation that says he can never challenge for the AEW World Championship again.

There have been rumours and speculation regarding another AEW show airing on TNT. Cody confirmed that the 2nd show won’t simply be AEW Dark and it won’t be an extra hour added onto Dynamite either.

Cody will look to defend the TNT Championship against Darby Allin Saturday night at Full Gear. It will be their 4th singles match in AEW, with the first match going to a time-limit draw and Cody winning the next two.

Tony Khan Hypes Full Gear On Latest AEW Unrestricted Podcast

Michael Reichlin
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AEW President Tony Khan made a special appearance on the this week’s edition of the AEW Unrestricted podcast. With AEW Full Gear just days away, the conversation focused on Saturday night’s pay-per-view.

Tony Khan spoke about which match he thinks will steal the show and which match has been brewing for years – well before the launch of All Elite Wrestling. Here are some highlights of what he said about:

MJF vs. Chris Jericho: “The Inner Circle possibly with MJF as a member is unthinkable, and the Inner Circle definitely would be the biggest force, not just in AEW, but I think the Inner Circle would be the talk of professional wrestling.” 

Kenny Omega & “Hangman” Adam Page: “For me, this has been a long time coming. I’ve wanted to do the Kenny Hangman match on PPV for a long time.”

FTR vs The Young Bucks: “This babyface team and this heel team, it’s been built up and talked about for years, long before there was an AEW, long before I knew I was gonna get into the wrestling business, and I’m just really proud that AEW’s promoting this match and that we’re having it here.”

Eddie Kingston: “Since he came in this Summer, he’s become one of the top people in AEW and one of the top people in wrestling, and he’s very effective as a wrestler; he’s very effective as a speaker; he’s very effective as a leader; and I think he could be a great champion for us.”

Other topics discussed include Chris Jericho’s original pitch for Le Dinner Debonair, what inspired Eric Bischoff’s return to Dynamite and AEW’s decision to move Orange Cassidy vs John Silver on to the main PPV card this weekend.

You can listen to the full podcast episode at Onmy.fm or in the player embedded below:

EC3 Done With Impact Wrestling

Chris Stephens
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Former TNA World Heavyweight Champion EC3 is reportedly already gone from the promotion after re-debuting for the promotion this summer. Storylines involving EC3 finished up for him at the Bound For Glory PPV last weekend.

According to a report from Fightful Select, EC3 has finished up his commitments with Impact. He is expected to remain with Ring of Honor for the remainder of the year but it is unknown if he is currently under contract to the promotion.

EC3 lost to Moose in a cinematic match from an undisclosed location at Bound For Glory. During the match, it was revealed that EC3 was really trying to teach Moose a lesson about “controlling his own narrative.” Moose then said that is what he will do on Tuesday’s episode of Impact.

On the latest episode of ROH television, EC3 teamed with the Briscoes and lost to Shane Taylor promotions.

The 37-year-old is an 18-year pro. He signed with WWE originally in 2009 and reported to Florida Championship Wrestling. Along with Fandango, he held the promotion’s tag titles twice. He was released by WWE in 2013 and made a name for himself in TNA Wrestling. EC3 then re-signed with WWE in 2018 but was released again this spring.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJb0bm9O-x0

Tully Blanchard Issues Statement On Being Banned From Ringside At Full Gear

Chris Stephens
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AEW has announced that due to Tully Blanchard’s frequent interference in FTR matches, he will be banned from ringside at Full Gear when the champions face the Young Bucks. In an AEW social exclusive, Tully Blanchard read a prepared statement from his attorney in regards to the matter.

“AEW even though it is a league with a constitution and bylaws, this is extremely and excessively punitive. It’s arbitrary, capricious, and it is an imposition on discipline because other managers that have interfered and caused this, they haven’t been kicked out, they haven’t been banned from the arena.”

Blanchard then promised a legal response to AEW’s ruling.

“I promise you, I’m going to attorneys, and I’m going to the board and this is going to be a lawsuit if it doesn’t get fixed.”

“It’s just another example of favouritism against us,” added Cash Wheeler. “It is what it is though because come Saturday, at Full Gear, we’re stepping in the ring with the Young Bucks with or without Tully Blanchard and we are going to prove once and for all that we are the best tag-team on the planet.”

“For the last decade, two tag-teams have sat at the pinnacle of professional wrestling,” Dax Harwood added. “And that’s FTR and that’s Young Bucks.”

The full interview with Tully Blanchard and FTR can be viewed in the player below:

Jon Moxley Reacts To Cody’s Claims That The TNT Title Is ‘The Most Important Belt Of The Last Year’

Steve Russell
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All Elite Wrestling World Champion Jon Moxley has responded to Cody’s recent claims that the TNT Championship is “THE most important belt of the last year.”

Cody Rhodes previously sent out a tweet with an image of the AEW TNT Championship. He accompanied it with a caption that proclaimed it not only the most important belt of the last year but that it was “THE belt in wrestling.”

Jon Moxley was made aware of Cody’s recent proclamation during an interview with TV Insider. The current AEW World Champion was dismissive of Cody’s words, arguing that statements like that are why he doesn’t “do Twitter.”

“That’s why I don’t do Twitter,” Moxley said. “Whatever, dude. I’ll classify that statement by him [Cody] as inaccurate. That’s why I don’t play Twitter games.”

Cody, who recently shared he can once again be referred to as Cody Rhodes, is set to defend his TNT Championship at AEW Full Gear. He faces off against Darby Allin. Meanwhile, Jon Moxley will compete in a personal ‘I Quit’ matchup against his former friend Eddie Kingston for the AEW World Championship.

AEW’s next pay-per-view, Full Gear, takes place on November 7, 2020, from Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida.

Cedric Alexander On Hurt Business And Nation Of Domination Comparisons

Steve Russell
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Hurt Business member Cedric Alexander has addressed comparisons between the Raw stable and 90’s faction, the Nation of Domination.

Speaking with TV Insider, Alexander acknowledged the juxtapositions made between the two groups. He noted how, when the idea was first proposed, people immediately gravitated towards the concept of a modern-day Nation of Domination.

“When we first started, people might say, ‘Oh, this is another Nation of Domination,'” said Alexander. “I feel like the group is a positive spin on strong, Black men. At the same time, we don’t want to spread the idea that race is the driving force.”

Alexander added how The Hurt Business just happens to be comprised of “[…] four, strong, Black men who believe in themselves.” He argued that it’s a great thing to have that kind of representation on TV right now, “[…] especially when racial injustice is still prevalent and things are looked at so negatively. When you have four men with a positive goal in mind to succeed and be the best they can be, why not go for it?”

Regarding the group dynamic since he joined, Cedric Alexander shared how it’s like he’s in a group with his “best friends.”

Alexander pointed out how, although he’s the newest member of the Hurt Business, he has long-standing relationships with each individual member. Because of these friendships, when he joined the group, he felt like a natural addition.

Miro On Hiding WWE Frustrations, Getting In Trouble For A Haircut

Steve Russell
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All Elite Wrestling’s Miro has opened up about not being able to talk to anyone about being unhappy in WWE. He shared his frustrations during a recent interview on Chris Jericho’s podcast, Talk is Jericho. During their conversation, he also divulged how he had gotten into trouble with his former employer for getting his hair cut.

According to Jericho, Miro reached out to him about a year ago about his interest in potentially joining AEW. Miro then shared the difficulties he faced after he first expressed unhappiness in WWE. He revealed how news leaked, making him feel unsafe about even talking about his frustrations.

“I did ask I think about 3 years ago because there was another situation where I was unhappy,” Miro admitted. “I talked to one person. The next day the conversation was in the dirt sheets. This is the problem. Who do you go to? Who do you turn to when you are down or when you need advice? You have nobody. They are all stooges. Somehow it always leaks out and you don’t feel safe. If you don’t feel safe and you have nowhere to turn to, then you are naked out there. Thank God I have my wife.”

Miro’s Haircut

Miro revealed how he cut his hair as he had “nothing going on” in WWE. According to him, the promotion was beating him “day in and day out” as he prepared himself for shoulder surgery.

“I came back for one match and they made Big Show chokeslam me four times and chokeslam me seven times and they tried to convince me to protect my character. C’mon man. I’m not that stupid.”

Miro added how he doesn’t mind as he loves The Big Show, especially as Big Show helped put him over in the past when he “needed it.”

However, according to Miro, WWE “[…] threw a big stink about my hair. They said, ‘how dare you? How can you? Why didn’t you ask?’ Sorry, I’ll ask next time.”

Miro competed during last night’s episode of AEW Dynamite. He defeated Best Friends’ Trent.

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