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Update On Kevin Owens’ Injury, The Rock Reacts To Triple H & Stephanie McMahon On Jimmy Fallon

Jon Fuentes
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– Former WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens hasn’t wrestled since January 9th’s episode of SmackDown Live when he and Sami Zayn suffered a loss to the team of Shinsuke Nakamura, WWE Champion AJ Styles, and Randy Orton in a handicap match. PWInsider is reporting that Owens is dealing with a back injury and he also missed this past weekend’s SmackDown live events. He is still expected to team with Sami Zayn against AJ Styles for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble.

– Late night talk show host Jimmy Fallon is set to appear at tonight’s RAW 25 after losing a Lip Sync Battle to Stephanie McMahon and Triple H last week. Fallon teamed up with The New Day and sung Boyz II Men’s “Motownphilly.” McMahon and HHH performed Disney’s Moana’s “How Far I’ll Go.” The Rock was one of the stars in “Moana” and reacted to McMahon and HHH’s performance of the song on Twitter:

Dr. Phil Offers To Help Nia Jax & Enzo Amore, Vince McMahon Comments On RAW 25

Jon Fuentes
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– Dr. Phil, who has made several appearances on Monday Night RAW over the years, made a special congratulatory video for tonight’s RAW 25 episode. Phil also said he loves offering help to all WWE’s current Superstars, and his couch is always open to them – particularly Enzo Amore and Nia Jax:

– Vince McMahon took to Twitter to comment on tonight’s episode of RAW 25. Here’s what he had to say:

https://twitter.com/VinceMcMahon/status/955490881611685889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Barclays Center’s Decorations For RAW 25 (Photos), Kota Ibushi Announced For ROH Supercard Of Honor

Jon Fuentes
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– RAW 25 is live tonight on the USA Network from both the Barclays Center and the Manhattan Center in a special simulcast event. With some huge names announced for tonight’s show, the Barclays Center has decorated their arena with several photos of some of WWE’s top stars expected for the event. Check it out here:

– Ring Of Honor (ROH) announced this morning that Kota Ibushi will compete at their Supercard Of Honor event on April 7 in New Orleans. Ibushi joins names such as Kenny Omega and Hiroshi Tanahashi who are also advertised for the show.

The Great Khali Explains How WWE “Failed” In India

Jon Fuentes
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Former WWE World Heavyweight Champion The Great Khali was recently interviewed by The New Indian Express to talk about several professional wrestling topics. During the interview Khali discussed his time with WWE and expressed his frustration with the company’s success in his native India. Khali said the WWE failed in India and it’s a key reason he decided to leave before starting his own promotion, Continental Wrestling Entertainment (CWE):

“The WWE has failed in India. They thought they would use the Great Khali fully and then leave him. I [had] been trying hard for [a long time] to leave WWE, but they kept on offering me [a] contract. Finally in 2014, I decided I [would] leave once my contract [ended] and [would] not work with them ever again. Then I came back and opened CWE [Continental Wrestling Entertainment] in Punjab, which is doing well.”

As it pertains to the state of professional wrestling in India as a whole, Khali explained how he wanted to change the mentality of how professional wrestling training is done:

“The future of wrestling is very bright and it can be better, if handled in a better way, if a coach is provided or [a better foundation] is given. The mentality of the Indian sportsmen is very weak. Many of them depend upon drugs. They feel that the consumption of drugs will help in enhancing their performance and will help them in clinching a medal. They receive too much of love after winning a medal that they forget to concentrate on sports.”

You can read Khali’s full interview with The New Indian Times by clicking this link here.

Ex-WWE Writer Shares Favorite Memories Ahead Of RAW 25

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https://twitter.com/i/moments/955448941419663362

Sunny Buries Bayley, Candice LeRae & Intergender Wrestling

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WWE Hall of Famer Sunny (Tammy Sytch) made some controversial remarks on her Facebook page over the weekend regarding inter-gender wrestling, certain female WWE Superstars being “too ugly” to be successful and why she doesn’t believe independent wrestlers bragging about the money they make if they never worked for WWE or WCW.

Here are some highlights of what she said about:

Intergender Wrestling:

“The most ridiculous stupid absurd most damaging thing to can ever happen to our business. That’s why it’s alll going to sh** in a handbasket so fast. Anyone who supports this should bury themselves alive.”

Former WWE, WCW and ECW performer Lance Storm chimed in on the topic of men wrestling women:

https://twitter.com/lancestorm/status/955477843688878080

Certain Women Being “Too Ugly” To Be Successful In WWE

In response to a comment about WWE signing Candice LeRae, Sunny managed to bury not only her but also got in a cheap shot on Bailey.

“And she was signed to ‘developmental’ right? Which means she’s too ugly to ever make the big show. Unless they give the girl some MAJOR plastic surgery. IE Bayley. Sorry. Had to be said.”

Wrestlers Making A Good Living Outside WWE

When a fan brought up Joey Ryan being able to make a good living while doing intergender matches, Sytch said she doesn’t believe wrestlers can make a lot on the independent scene if they never made it to the “big time.”

“Don’t you all realize that wrestling is a work and all wrestlers lie and exaggerate? I highly doubt he makes anywhere close to that. There is no money on the indies scene especially for someone who is 5’4″ and never made it to the big show. And no, TNA is NOT the big show. You’re forgetting who you’re talking to here. I’ve been around for 28 years.”

Jim Johnston Not A Fan Of Current WWE Theme Songs

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Newsweek has published an interview longtime WWE music producer Jim Johnston, who recently left the company after a 32-year tenure. Johnston is responsible for creating some of the most iconic theme songs in WWE history, including “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, The Rock, The Undertaker and countless others.

Johnston spoke with Tufayel Ahmed from Newsweek about how he came to work for WWE in the mid-1980’s, what it was like to work for Vince McMahon, how much input Superstars have into their theme songs and his next career moves.

“My last few years with WWE were sadly filled with a lot of politics. It was disappointing because I didn’t think I could contribute in the way I would have preferred. It was probably best I’m no longer there.” – Jim Johnston

Johnston’s role producing WWE theme songs was greatly scaled back in 2014 when the band CFO$ were brought on as the company’s resident composers. Johnston thinks today’s WWE entrance music sounds too generic and feels bad for the Superstars who are missing a key component of their characters.

“What’s being produced just feels too homogenous. It’s just music that plays—it doesn’t feel like each guy is really themed. All the women have a dance music kind of thing. And it’s lots and lots of loud sound effects.

What makes me the worst is not anything that happened to me, or any negativity towards those composers…I feel bad for the talent trying to build careers for themselves when I just don’t feel they’re being served well enough to become stars.”

Johnston used Steve Austin as a prime example of the impact music can have on a character. He says Austin’s ringmaster character was “dead in the water” but a couple of tweaks, different music, different attitude, and he went on to become one of the biggest stars in pro wrestling history.

“I’m wondering who is working currently at WWE who is an absolute superstar but, who, because they’re wrapped in a homogenous piece of clothing, they’re stuck and can’t break out?” said Johnston. “I would hope they would try to really brand each guy and each woman as an individual.”

Visit Newsweek to check out the full interview.

Kota Ibushi Signed For ROH Supercard of Honor

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Ring of Honor announced on Monday that New Japan Pro Wrestling star Kota Ibushi has signed on to appear at the upcoming Supercard of Honor event during WrestleMania weekend.

The article at ROHWrestling.com touts that the 3-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion holds wins over the likes of AJ Styles, Prince Devitt (Finn Balor), Tetsuya Naito and most recently Cody Rhodes at Wrestle Kingdom 12.

Other New Japan talent confirmed for the event include IWGP United States Champion Kenny Omega and IWGP Intercontinental Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi.

ROH Supercard of Honor XII takes place on Saturday night, April 7th from New Orleans, LA at the UNO Lakefront Arena.

Triple H On RAW Changing Networks, XFL Reboot Rumors

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Over the weekend, ABC News ran a story looking at the 25th Anniversary of Monday Night RAW. The article recaps the storied history of WWE’s flagship show and features quotes from Triple H, Hulk Hogan and Charlotte Flair.

While Hulk Hogan and Charlotte were in hype mode, Triple H actually covered some newsworthy topics, including rumors of Vince McMahon wanting to revive the XFL football league and the possibility of RAW changing networks when their TV deal is up with USA Network.

An XFL Reboot

Amid rumors that WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon is taking steps to revive his short-lived XFL league, Triple H doesn’t think Vince is ready to scale back his role with WWE any time soon.

“I don’t think there’s any sense of change,” said Triple H. “If anybody thinks they’re going to push him out or take this thing, there’s going to be a hell of a fight.”

The Possibility of RAW Switching Networks:

WWE’s television deal with the USA Network runs through 2019, but the company hopes to have a new deal locked in by this summer. There are rumors that UFC might be ending their relationship with Fox, which would make WWE programming a very appealing substitute for the Fox family of channels.

A bidding war between USA Network and Fox would send the value of WWE’s TV rights through the roof and Triple H sounds like WWE is willing to entertain offers.

“I can tell you that WWE is uniquely positioned so whatever way it goes, whatever way our fans are telling us to go, we’re there,” he said.

Triple H also commented on the importance of the Mr. McMahon character to the success of the Attitude Era. He says Vince doesn’t like to take credit for it, but is the “guiding force” of being a top heel and was never afraid to take risks.

Visit ABCNews.com to read the full article.

Ric Flair Talks About His Health Scare, Battling Alcoholism (Video)

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WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair recently spoke with Atlanta’s Fox 5 news about his brush with death last summer, feeling lucky to still be alive and his struggle with alcoholism. Here are some quick quotes:

His health scare last August:

“I knew that something was going on because it really hurt. So, she [Fiance’, Wendy Barlow] took me and, sure enough, my intestines had ruptured.

Feeling lucky to still be alive:

“You have no idea. You want to know something? I am preoccupied with dying, does that make sense to you? I think about it every day.”

Abusing alcohol:

“I don’t carry a flask, I don’t drink at home, and I’m a social drinker. I mean my whole life, I never drank during the day. But at night, when I’m through working, yeah, I drank. I didn’t start ‘day drinking’ until probably right before my son [Reid Fliehr] died. And then, I really, after he passed away, it was 10 in the morning until 2 a.m. every day.”

You can watch Fox 5’s full segment with Ric Flair here:

#RAW25 Preview, Full List Of Advertised Legends

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Tonight, WWE celebrates the the 25th Anniversary of Monday Night RAW with a legend-packed show taking place from two separate venues in New York City.

WWE.com is hyping the following items for tonight’s shows from Brooklyn’s Barclays Center and the Manhattan Center, where Monday Night RAW began back on January 11, 1993:

  • Roman Reigns defends the Intercontinental Championship against The Miz
  • WWE Legends take over Monday Night Raw
  • John Cena and SmackDown LIVE Superstars drop by Team Red
  • How will Brock Lesnar and Kane respond to Braun Strowman?
  • History in the making (final hype for Women’s Royal Rumble)

Join us here tonight four our WWE #RAW25 Live Coverage

Here’s the complete list of legends advertised for tonight. Don’t be surprised to see a few surprises in addition to these names:

  • Stone Cold Steve Austin
  • The Undertaker
  • Ric Flair
  • Scott Hall
  • Chris Jericho
  • D-Generation X
  • Jim Ross
  • Jerry Lawler
  • The Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase
  • Christian
  • Trish Stratus
  • Torrie Wilson
  • Jacqueline
  • The Dudley Boyz
  • Maria Kanellis
  • The Bella Twins
  • The New Age Outlaws
  • Eric Bischoff
  • Terri Runnels
  • Ron Simmons
  • JBL
  • Kelly Kelly
  • The Godfather
  • The Brooklyn Brawler
  • Michelle McCool
  • Brother Love
  • Boogeyman
  • Teddy Long
  • John Laurinaitis
  • Harvey Wippleman
  • Lilian Garcia
  • Jonathan Coachman
  • MVP
  • William Regal
  • Howard Finkel

205 Live House Show Results & Photos

Chris Stephens
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WWE ran two 205 Live house shows over the weekend. The 1st show in Lowell is estimated to have drawn 1000 fans. On Sunday, the tour was in Poughkeepsie where attendance was said to have been nearly at capacity.

https://twitter.com/arshardofm/status/954971522526994432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2F411mania.com%2Fwrestling%2Ffan-report-205-live-house-show-attendance-pics%2F

205 Live tour- Lowell Results: 

  1. Hideo Itami defeated Gentleman Jack Gallagher
  2. Gran Metalik & Kalisto defeated Drew Gulak & TJP
  3. Matt Hardy defeated Bray Wyatt
  4. Akira Tozawa defeated Ariya Daivari
  5. Mustafa Ali defeated Tony Nese
  6. WWE Cruiserweight Title Match (Special Referee: Nia Jax)
    Enzo Amore (c) defeated Cedric Alexander

205 Live Poughkeepsie 

The 2nd show was yesterday in Poughkeepsie, in what is being reported as a packed house in the Hudson Civic Center.

https://twitter.com/AriyaDaivariWWE/status/955296899682193408

Matt Hardy Comments on EC3 and Undertaker’s True Age

Chris Stephens
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In addition to performing on the 205 Live shows this weekend, Matt Hardy also took time to comment publicly on Ethan Carter III and the Undertaker.

It is believed ECIII is WWE bound and Hardy took the time to mention his past with him:

ECIII was recently spotted at the WWE Performance Center.

Matt Hardy Q and A

Hardy also took part in a live Q and A session with fans on Facebook Live over the weekend. In addition to answering other questions, Hardy commented that he does not believe we have seen the last of the Undertaker.

According to Matt, the Undertaker has been around for nearly 4000 years:

“The Undertaker is one of the oldest souls in existence. I get chills speaking of him. He has been around for nearly 4,000 years. He was in the most powerful vessel ever when he was known as the Man of Dead, The Deadman. Yes, Undertaker — I have a very strong suspicion we have not seen the last of him. I have an enormous amount of respect for The Deadman. He is possibly the most magical Superstar in the history of World Wrestling Entertainment, the history of the WWE.”

Sasha Banks Wants WWE Women’s Tag-Team Titles

Chris Stephens
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Sasha Banks was recently interviewed by SkySports. The always out-spoken Banks had plenty to say regarding where she feels WWE should be headed with their women’s divisions.

Banks has played a key role in WWE’s “women’s revolution/evolution”. She was in the 1st ever women’s match to main event a PPV and wrestled in the 1st women’s match in Abu Dhabi. Banks will also be involved in the 1st ever women’s Royal Rumble match on Sunday.

According to her, the next step for WWE is women’s tag-team titles.

Sasha Banks on WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships

“I would love that,” Banks told Sky Sports. “I think we have enough women on the roster now to actually have a women’s tag division.

“We’ve been given multiple storylines but at the same time, it’s very hard to accomplish something if you’re not actually fighting for anything. Only one woman can go after the women’s championship and I think if we had tag team championships we’d be able to create way more interesting storylines.”

“We have tag matches all the time, every single week, so I say why not get a championship involved in that?”

Banks also referred to herself as “the greatest women’s wrestler ever” during the interview, something she did 2 days earlier in an interview with TalkSport.

NJPW/CMLL Fantastica Mania Results (Jan. 22): Kawato’s Farewell Before Excursion

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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New Japan Pro Wrestling and CMLL are live today (Jan. 22) for the final Fantastica Mania event of 2018.

The action takes place live inside Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan. It begins at 4:30 a.m. ET. SEScoops has you covered with live results from today’s Fantastic Mania card. Big stars are set to appear such as Tetsuya Naito, Rush, Gran Guerrero, Volador Jr. and many more.

Peep the live results below:

Tag Team Match: Rysuke Taguchi & Fuego vs. Disturbio & Puma

Fuego faked out Distrubio numerous times and landed a springboard arm drag. Disturbio and Puma doubled teamed Fuego. At some point, Taguchi landed a senton to the outside on Puma. The match ended with Fuego getting the la magistral pin on Disrubio.

Winners: Ryusuke Taguchi & Fuego

Eight-Man Tag Match: Kushida, Tiger Mask, Jushin Thunder Liger & Star Jr. vs. Sho, Yoh, Rocky Romero & Okumura

Romero did his clothesline in the corner spot to Kushida. Eventually Sho, Yoh and Okumura were mad at Romero for hogging the spotlight. Okumura’s manager slapped Romero. She went for her own clothesline on Kushida but missed and was inadvertently hit by Romero and Okumura.

Kushida nailed Okumura’s manager with a suplex. Okumura eventually got the pin on Star Jr.

Winners: Sho, Yoh, Rocky Romero & Okumura

Third Place Tournament Tag Match: Angel de Oro & Niebla Roja vs. Cuatrero & Sanson

Cuatrero and Sanson went on the attack, focusing on Roja. They did a double dropkick, but de Oro broke up the pin. Roja and de Oro locked in submissions.

Roja was placed on the top corner, he landed his face buster on Cuatrero. Sanson made the save, but then he was place on the top. He grabbed de Oro and landed a torture rack to spinout powerbomb for the win.

Winners: Cuatrero & Sanson

Tag Match: Hirai Kawato & Atlantis vs. Gedo & Barbaro Cavernario

This is Kawato’s farewell match before going on an excursion. Gedo and Barbaro tried unmasking Atlantis, but Kawato made the save. The action spilled into the crowd.

Gedo threw Kawato into a chair. Back in the ring, Barbaro landed his slingshot reverse splash. Kawato was fighting back, but Gedo cut him off.

Finally, Kawato was able to make the tag. Atlantis hit Gedo with a forearm and Kawato nailed Barbero with a springboard dropkick. He then landed a beautiful over the top rope senton.

Kawato landed a hurricanrana from the top rope.  Barbero submitted Kawato with La Cavernaria.

Winners: Gedo & Barbaro Cavernario

Six-Man Tag Match: Drone, Soberano Jr & Volador Jr vs. Bushi, Hiromu Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito

Los Ingobernables de Japon attacked their opponents before the bell. Volador Jr. landed a hurricanrana on Naito. Later on, Naito tried unmasking Soberano Jr.

Hiromu and Bushi teamed up on Volador Jr. Soberano Jr. landed a spinning crossbody on Hiromu and Bushi. Hiromu and Soberano Jr. engaged in a chop battle.

Another chop battle ensued. This time with Bushi and Drone. Volador Jr. landed a missile dropkick on Naito. They all dove on LIJ on the outside. Back in the ring, Bushi was able to pin Drone with the Bushi Roll.

Winners: Bushi, Hiromu Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito

Singles Match: Rush vs. Satoshi Kojima

The two brawled right away. They went back-and-forth with chops. Neither man could get the edge with shoulder blocks. Rush took Kojima down with a dropkick. Rush kept slamming his opponent’s head on the announce desk and then choked him with cable wires.

Rush grabbed a chair and nailed Kojima right on the head. Rush even grabbed his shirt and choked Kojima with it. With Kojima seated in the corner, he gave him a kick slap.

Rush copied Kojima’s chops, which of course never end well. Kojima ended up nailing his chops in the corner. Kojima planted Rush with a DDT on the outside.

Rush ran right into a lariat inside the ring, but Kojima’s leg wouldn’t allow him to make the cover. He went for another, but Rush countered it into his Rush Driver for the win.

After the match, Naito, Hiromu and Bushi joined Rush for an LIJ pose.

Winner: Rush

Tournament Tag Final Match: Dragon Lee & Mistico vs. Gran Guerrero & Ultimo Guerrero

Ultimo looked to wear down Mistico with submission holds. Mistico got out of danger and arm dragged his opponent. Dragon Lee was tagged in and he was facing Gran.

The numbers game was too much for Lee and Misitco met the same fate. They slammed him down from the top rope. Lee fought back and took out Ultimo. Mistico then landed a hurricanrana on Gran. Lee and Mistico dove on their opponents on the outside.

Mistico went up through the crowd and leaped off to hit Ultimo with a hurricanrana. In the ring, Lee and Gran had a chop battle. Lee eventually just hit a German suplex.

Mistico was nailed by Ultimo’s front suplex from the top for a near fall. Misitco went for a hurricanrana off the top rope, but received a powerbomb for his efforts.

Lee and Gran were back in the ring. Gran hit a modified suplex for a two-count. He then connected with a standing side slam. Lee hit the C-4. They had a chop off once again.

Ultimo nailed Mistico with a reverse DDT from the top for the win.

Winners: Gran Guerrero & Ultimo Guerrero

After the bout, the CMLL participants of the Fantasticamania tour came out to celebrate the end. Kawato said a few words before his excursion. Ultimo Guerrero then gave his thoughts on the tour. Everyone posed to end the show.

Chris Adonis Explains Why IMPACT Wrestling Doesn’t Have Consistency

Jon Fuentes
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Former WWE and IMPACT Wrestling star Chris Adonis (a.k.a. Chris Masters) was interviewed by Channel Guide Magazine just a day before announcing his departure from IMPACT. Adonis discussed how IMPACT lacks consistency after the company’s crazy year that included several changes:

“It has been a crazy year with all the changes in the company and guys and guys out. … There just needs to be some consistency. Consistency went out the window in the last year, but you couldn’t help that with all the changes. You just have to get some consistency going, which I think they are in route to doing. The sky is the limit. … I’ve only just met Don [Callis] and conversing over the past couple of days, but I have heard good things about him.

“It seems like he has a bigger pulse on professional wrestling, which is good. He knows the trends of what’s going in and out and how to maybe adapt to the new environment we live in with technology and how the world is evolving in general. Scott D’Amore brings a lot of experience and a good figure to help head it up at the helm. Sonjay [Dutt] is here too. Time will tell, but it seems they have the right players here in place to capitalize on the talent involved.”

Adonis also discussed what it was like to work with Eli Drake, who he didn’t have too good of a first impression about, but later came to realize he’s actually a ‘good dude’:

“I just never knew before I came to Impact Wrestling about Eli Drake that well. I didn’t really have an impression of him. Then after I got to work with him, I began to realize who he was. First, I thought he was an ass—-. I didn’t know him that well, but saw the way he carried himself. But I came to find out he is a good dude. He worked really hard. I didn’t really know how hard until I’ve been around him.

“It gives me faith that when you work hard and come into your own that the opportunities can be there for you. Fast forward to now, up until recently, he was the World Champion. You could have never convinced me of all that until I was around him and saw the work ethic and how much he pays attention to details.”

He also said that he didn’t want to be Drake’s ‘sidepiece’ and wanted to eventually evolve into something that benefited both he and Drake:

“I don’t always want to be Eli Drake’s sidepiece. I went into this with an understanding of that, and hopefully, it can evolve into something that will benefit both of us.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPHN57cGumU

You can read Adonis’ full interview with Channel Guide Magazine by clicking this link here.

Flip Gordon Reveals If He’ll Be Joining The Bullet Club

Jon Fuentes
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Ring Of Honor (ROH) star Flip Gordon was recently interviewed by WSVN-TV Entertainment Reporter Chris Van Vliet to talk about several professional wrestling topics. One of those topics included Gordon’s cryptic Tweet that indicated we could possibly be seeing him debut in WWE NXT soon. Gordon Tweeted “NeXT year will be even better” but revealed he was only trolling when he sent out the Tweet:

“I was just trolling. I saw a tweet going around telling people to congratulate me on stuff so I saw that they were trying to troll me so I saw the perfect opportunity to troll everybody else so I took it.”

Gordon was also asked about the possibility of joining The Bullet Club; which includes notable members such as Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, and Cody Rhodes, but said he already tried to join but was denied entry by Omega and Rhodes:

“I tried. Kenny and Cody didn’t want me in there. So if The Bucks can convince them then sure.”

Before becoming a full time professional wrestler Gordon used to work a desk job, but has since been a year without it after he was able to start paying his bills with wrestling:

“I’ve almost been a year without a job, like wrestling is now my job. I started seeing that wrestling was paying the bills so I was like why am I going to this other job when I make more wrestling. I actually put in my 2 week notice before I even got contacted by Ring of Honor.”

As for Gordon’s goals for 2018, the ROH star said he’d love to go to NJPW and be in Best of Super Juniors:

“I’d love to go to New Japan. I’d love to be in Best of Super Juniors, that’s definitely a goal of mine. It’s something I set, that I wanted to go to Japan before my 3-year mark in the business. So it’s still possible.”

Goldberg Discusses If He Ever Thought He’d End Up In The WWE Hall Of Fame

Jon Fuentes
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Former WWE Universal Champion and WCW World Heavyweight Champion Goldberg recently joined WWE Hall Of Famer Booker T’s podcast, Heated Conversations, to talk about the recent announcement that he would be inducted into the 2018 WWE Hall Of Fame class. During the interview Goldberg was asked if he ever thought that a former WCW product such as himself would ever be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame:

“Hell no! Let’s be perfectly honest man. You asked me and I answered it. You lived right next to me for a long period of time. I think it’s a shock to a lot of people. I think that by Brock making them bring me back and by them giving me the opportunity I maybe showed a little bit of something worthy of an accolade of some sort.”

Booker then asked Goldberg how he felt after receiving the news about the honor, and he responded by saying that the only negative thing about the entire situation is that it makes him feel ‘mortal’:

“The only negative to it is that it kind of makes you feel mortal. That’s all. I don’t like there to ever be an end to anything. As long as I’ve got two feet and walk and kick and punch with my hands there is always a possibility that I’ll headbutt someone to sleep.”

Goldberg returned to WWE in November of 2016 to take on Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series, and defeated “The Beast” with ease. He then went on to compete in the 2017 Royal Rumble match and eliminated Lesnar from the match quickly as well, however, he was subsequently eliminated himself by The Undertaker.

After defeating Kevin Owens for the Universal Title at Fastlane a month later, Goldberg then defended the strap against Lesnar in one of the featured bouts at WrestleMania 33. It was a great return run for Goldberg in WWE but he feels as if he could’ve given more, but couldn’t as he was limited by ‘everything’:

“If you are given an opportunity you have to take it. I was limited with my repertoire because of… everything. Because of storyline or whatever it may be. I would have loved to have given more. The Goldberg and the “two move” crap, I am so sick of hearing that!”

As for his match with Lesnar at WrestleMania 33, Goldberg said that his body went into a bit of a shock weeks later as several parts of his body turned black:

“Being older, how did I feel afterwards? I think my groin turned black. The back of my right leg turned black I think like two weeks after Mania. I think my body was in shock. I was ready to go that night and I was waiting for Brock to hit me with like ten more suplexes. I was amped. If there was ever a time I realized a good formula it was that night. I was so relaxed.”

You can listen to Goldberg’s full interview with Booker T on Heated Conversations by clicking this link here.

H/T WrestleZone for the transcriptions

Update On Steroid Dealer Naming Reigns, RAW 25 Opening Video

Jon Fuentes
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– As we’ve previously reported, WWE Superstar Roman Reigns was named by steroids dealer Richard Rodriguez as a customer to a distribution ring; alongside other notable names such as Mark Wahlberg and Josh Duhamel. Reigns issued the following statement after being named by Rodriguez:

“I have never heard of Richard Rodriguez or Wellness Fitness Nutrition,” Reigns’ statement read. “I learned from the mistake I made nearly two years ago and paid the penalty for it. Since then, I’ve passed 11 tests as part of WWE’s independent drug testing program.”

TMZ reports that the DEA will not being investigating Reigns, Wahlberg or Duhamel as they instead focus their resources on going after the ring’s kingpins, manufacturers and traffickers, rather than alleged buyers.

– WWE posted the opening video package for tomorrow night’s RAW 25 episode on the USA Network. Check it out here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBpj34G1e7g

Update On Chris Jericho’s Status For RAW 25

Jon Fuentes
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RAW 25 is tomorrow night and WWE has been advertising huge names for the show such as The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Jim Ross, and Chris Jericho. “Y2J” comes off an epic program with IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), where he lost to “The Cleaner” at Wrestle Kingdom 12 earlier this month. WWE has been advertising the former WWE Champion for RAW 25, however, it looks like there’s still not a deal in place for Jericho to return.

Per a report from Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, Jericho’s status for RAW 25 is being described as “up in the air.” As of Friday a deal has not been made to have Jericho appear at the show, however, negotiations are ongoing as WWE really wants to have him there since they’ve been advertising him. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more….

Rev Pro ‘High Stakes 2018’ Results feat. WWE UK and NJPW Stars

Jake Skudder
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Revolution Pro Wrestling held their annual ‘High Stakes’ event last night from the historic York Hall in Bethnal Green, London. The show saw some of the top stars from WWE’s United Kingdom division as well as New Japan Pro Wrestling’s star studded roster collide, check out the full results below:

RPW British Cruiserweight Championship Match –  Kurtis Chapman (c) b. Rob Lias

#CCK (Chris Brookes & Travis Banks) b. Josh Bodom & Zack Gibson by submission

Adam Brooks b. Ryan Smile

IWGP Tag Team Champions Los Ingobernnables de Japon (EVIL & SANADA) b. Aussie Open (Mark Davis & Kyle Fletcher)

RPW Women’s Championship Match – Jinny (c) b. Bea Priestley & Millie McKenzie

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Will Ospreay b. Mark Andrews

RPW British Tag Team Championship Match – RPW British Heavyweight Champion, Zack Sabre Jr & Minoru Suzuki (Suzuki-Gun) b. Champions, Moustache Mountain (Trent Seven & Tyler Bate) – Japanese wresting legend Suzuki and ZSJ are now the British Tag Team champions.

Confirmed English Language Shows for NJPWWorld.com in February

Jake Skudder
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New Japan Pro Wrestling has released the schedule for NJPWWorld.com in February and the following shows will be available to view with English Language commentary:

  • Road To New Beginning 2/5
  • Road To New Beginning 2/6
  • New Beginning in Osaka 2/10
  • Honor Rising 2/23
  • Honor Rising 2/24

The New Beginning show on February 10th will be headlined by IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada taking on SANADA and the Honor Rising events are NJPW and Ring of Honor’s annual joint branded shows.

Although now confirmed, it is highly likely that both Kevin Kelly and Don Callis will be on hand for these events.

WWE Hypes Ricochet Ahead of NXT Debut

Jake Skudder
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Having finally confirmed the arrival of Lucha Underground, PWG and New Japan star Ricochet to the NXT brand WWE has released a photo gallery showcasing some of the bouts that the high flying veteran had from his time in Pro Wrestling Guerrilla.

WWE mentions that Eddie Guerrero, The Rock and Rey Mysterio are the stars in-ring inspirations and highlights that he is only ever two-time winner of the Battle of Los Angeles trophy.

As we mentioned in an earlier article the company are using Ricochet’s real name Trevor Mann in all of their promotional material so it remains to be seen if he will be going under that name in NXT or if they will assign a new character for the independent legend.

The Miz Reveals Reluctance To Impersonate John Cena

Roderick Stedman
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Leading up to WrestleMania 33, The Miz was involved with sketches that saw him take on the role of John Cena on WWE; all that was missing from the impersonation was Cena’s physique.  The Miz was joined by his wife, Maryse who portrayed Nikki Bella.

While the mockery saw immediate success, a recent interview with Sports Illustrated’s “Extra Mustard” highlighted The Miz’s cautious approach to the idea.

At the first the A-List superstar didn’t want to do it, he thought that it wouldn’t be very good and that it wouldn’t be memorable.  Having already seen Kurt Angle do a perfect imitation of John Cena, it’s not surprising that The Miz thought this way.

The Miz later started to change his mind as he experimented with different styles of Cena’s voice and catch phrases while on the road.  The indicator that the idea was worth running with came from Maryse, who is apparently hard to make laugh.

“If Maryse laughs at something, then it’s funny because she doesn’t laugh at anything. So I was like, ‘Hmm, this is something. And then I started thinking of ideas on what it would be and I was like, ‘alright we got something here.”

The Miz highlighted Maryse’s impression of Nikki as the key to opening up a simple gimmick into a running theme.  The other important factor that The Miz pinpointed was the production value and dedication; the way the editors worked to match the segments with Total Bellas, making everything as realistic as possible.

According to the former Intercontinental Champion, the reaction to John Cena & Nikki Bella VS The Miz & Maryse at WrestleMania 33 was extremely negative.  He explained that fans were expecting John Cena VS The Undertaker, with The Miz taking on AJ Styles.  However, the A-List superstar appeared to claim that his build up to WrestleMania 33 turned the pessimistic fan base on it’s head as the match became one that “everyone’s looking forward to seeing.”

The Miz also showed a softer side to his usual heel/self-centered persona as he credited Cena’s proposal to Nikki Bella, which completed the story arc “perfectly”.

Opinion/Discussion:

What is the best/funniest impression that has featured on WWE?  I’m just going to mention one name to spark it off… The Big Show.

Natalya Opens Up About Health Risks Associated With Professional Wrestling

Roderick Stedman
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Since Paige’s devastating injury at a live event on December 28th, many have spoken about the balance between career drive/passion and the health risks that are present with every match in professional wrestling.

Natalya is the latest to do so when she spoke with Sporting News about Paige’s injury and the harsh reality that faces each WWE superstar when they enter the ring.

The 18-year veteran explained that while WWE is entertainment, it’s also extremely physical.  However, this should be contrasted with the fact that anything can happen in life, and that life is full of risks, whether you’re working in a wrestling ring or not.

Natalya said that since she doesn’t know the exact details of Paige’s injury, the best course of action for anyone is to wait for the former Diva’s Champion, or WWE, to give a statement regarding the situation and future.

Making Reference to her husband, Tyson Kidd who suffered a career ending injury, Natalya mentions how a career choice with WWE provides both ups and downs, but the key is to take each day as it comes.

“What we do is physical and Paige is one of the most talented female superstars I’ve ever been in the ring with. So, I have nothing but respect for her and, obviously, my husband Tyson Kidd, who was extremely talented in the ring. I also know that we take everything one day at a time and I’m grateful for all the good time that we’ve had together in the ring.”

Opinion:

Natalya’s advice, to give Paige and WWE time, comes across as very supportive and optimistic, which contrasts with a lot of other reports that do not read well for Paige’s in-ring career.

It’s also good to point out Paige’s social media remains on the positive side as she posted this tweet on January 16th:

https://twitter.com/RealPaigeWWE/status/953299146739474432

While the tweet may not be related to WWE or her in-ring career, it can only be reassuring to see that there is a future for the superstar.

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