The goal of any wrestling talent is generally to get to a bigger promotion and continue growing their brand but Moose has a different mindset.
The 3-time TNA World Champion has spent the majority of his wrestling career working for the Anthem-owned promotion and his plan is to continue wrestling for them until the time comes to hang his boots.
The wrestling star recently appeared on the Battleground podcast to promote tonight’s Victory Road PPV event. He is set to challenge Nic Nemeth for the world title in the main event of the show.
During the interview, the former champion explained that in time he wants people to think of himself when they think of TNA, just like they think of AJ Styles right now.
This is why he has dedicated his career to the company instead of going elsewhere. Unlike many other wrestlers who continue competing long after their prime, the 40 year old plans to retire with the promotion once his current contract ends:
“That’s the plan. I’m not one of those guys that wants to keep wrestling until he’s 50 or 60, I want to hang those boots up and ride into the sunset and enjoy some of this money I made with pro wrestling and pro football.”
After retiring from professional football, Moose started training under Mr. Hughes. He made his pro wrestling debut in 2012 and he was competing for promotions such as ROH and NJPW by 2015.
He has been a regular part of the Impact roster since making his debut in 2016. He has won a number of titles in the promotion since then while also winning the company’s signature matches such as Call Your Shot Gauntlet.
The former NFL star confirmed that he signed a new 5-year deal with Impact back in February 2024. Barring any injuries or other unforeseen circumstances, that would put the timeline of his retirement sometime in early 2029.
The rivalry between Nigel McGuinness and Bryan Danielson is one of the most storied and intense feuds in professional wrestling history. Spanning nearly two decades, their conflict has evolved from in-ring battles to a war of words, captivating fans across multiple promotions. This article delves into the origins, key moments, and current state of this legendary feud.
Origins in Ring of Honor
Early Encounters
Nigel McGuinness and Bryan Danielson first crossed paths in Ring of Honor (ROH) during the mid-2000s. Their initial matches were characterized by technical prowess and a mutual respect for each other’s abilities. As both wrestlers rose through the ranks of ROH, their rivalry intensified, leading to several high-profile encounters.
Title Unification Matches
The feud reached new heights when McGuinness and Danielson held the ROH Pure Championship and ROH World Championship, respectively. Their attempts to unify these titles produced some of the most memorable matches in ROH history. The pure wrestling rules added an extra layer of strategy and intensity to their encounters, showcasing both men’s unreal technical skills.
Unified: The Pinnacle
The culmination of their ROH rivalry came at the aptly named “Unified” event. This match, fought under pure wrestling rules with additional stipulations, is widely regarded as one of the greatest matches in ROH history. The bout exemplified the chemistry between McGuinness and Danielson, solidifying their status as two of the best wrestlers in the world.
Diverging Paths
WWE Signing and Fallout
In 2009, both McGuinness and Danielson were set to sign with WWE. However, only Danielson passed the medical screening, mainly because he was able to conceal his long-running history of concussions, whereas Nigel’s injuries were more obviously apparent to WWE staff.
Career Trajectories
While Danielson went on to achieve great success in WWE as Daniel Bryan, McGuinness’s career took a different path. He continued wrestling on the independent circuit and even TNA before retiring in 2011 due to health issues. This stark contrast in their fortunes added a layer of real-life tension to their rivalry.
List of Notable Matches
Here’s a bullet point list of some of the most significant matches between Nigel McGuinness and Bryan Danielson:
Weekend of Champions Night 2 (April 29, 2006) – McGuinness won by countout
Generation Now (July 29, 2006) – Danielson won by pinfall
ROH Unified (August 12, 2006) – Danielson won by referee’s decision (Title Unification Match)
Driven (June 23, 2007) – 60-minute draw
6th Anniversary Show (February 23, 2008) – McGuinness won by pinfall
Rising Above (November 22, 2008) – McGuinness won by pinfall
AEW Revival
Commentary Rivalry
The feud found new life in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where McGuinness of course serves as a commentator. He frequently takes verbal jabs at Danielson.
Rumors had been circulated about a potential in-ring confrontation between McGuinness and Danielson in AEW. While McGuinness had previously downplayed the possibility, stating that Danielson is “afraid” of him, fans continued to speculate about a dream match.
The match would finally be confirmed for AEW Grand Slam, with Danielson set to defend his AEW Championship against his bitter rival.
Wednesday, 9/25 New York, NY#AEWDynamite Grand Slam TBS, 8pm ET/7pm CT
2 weeks from tonight Wednesday 9/25, only if doctors clear Bryan to fight before showtime, then it will be Danielson vs McGuinness in 2024 in New York! pic.twitter.com/yDt6RDjrFV
WWE Bad Blood, a pay-per-view event that originated in the Attitude Era, has left an indelible mark on professional wrestling history. Despite only having three editions, this event has produced some memorable matches in WWE history.
As Bad Blood makes its return to the WWE schedule after a 20-year hiatus, let’s take a look at the best matches from this iconic event, ranked in order of their impact and quality.
5. Randy Orton vs. Shelton Benjamin (Intercontinental Championship Match, Bad Blood 2004)
While Bad Blood is often associated with brutal encounters, this pure wrestling match between two rising stars stands out for its technical brilliance. Randy Orton and Shelton Benjamin, both considered among the brightest prospects on the roster at the time, delivered a nearly flawless performance.
This match showcased the incredible athleticism and in-ring prowess of both competitors. Despite being overshadowed by some of the more gimmick-heavy matches on the card, this contest remains a hidden gem that deserves recognition for its crisp execution and storytelling.
4. Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels (Bad Blood 2003)
Five years before their emotional clash at WrestleMania XXIV, Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels put on a clinic at Bad Blood 2003. This match featured a more traditional heel/face dynamic, with Flair representing the villainous Evolution stable.
The Nature Boy, five years younger than in their WrestleMania encounter, was able to keep up with the Heartbreak Kid’s pace, resulting in an athletic contest filled with great back and forth action and storytelling.
The match exemplified the type of performance fans had come to expect from these two legends, with Flair securing a victory through his trademark underhanded tactics.
3. Triple H vs. Kevin Nash (World Heavyweight Championship Hell in a Cell Match, Bad Blood 2003)
While Kevin Nash’s return to WWE was marred by physical limitations, this Hell in a Cell match against Triple H stands out as the best of his second tenure.
The bout leaned heavily on brutality and the use of foreign objects to compensate for Nash’s reduced mobility. Special referee Mick Foley added to the carnage, with all three men getting busted open during the contest.
Despite its limitations, this match delivered on the promise of violence that fans expected from a Bad Blood event, proving that sometimes spectacle can overcome technical shortcomings.
2. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels (Hell in a Cell Match, Bad Blood 2004)
The blood feud between former best friends Triple H and Shawn Michaels reached its zenith in this epic Hell in a Cell encounter. Clocking in at a grueling 47 minutes, this match was a war of attrition that pushed both men to their absolute limits.
From the outset, both competitors wore the crimson mask, setting the tone for a brutal and unforgiving battle. No weapon was off-limits as Triple H and Michaels sought to destroy one another.
The match’s length, while potentially daunting on paper, was necessary to fully convey the hatred and determination of both men. Only through sheer exhaustion did this war finally come to an end, leaving an indelible mark on the Bad Blood legacy.
1. Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker (Hell in a Cell Match, In Your House: Bad Blood 1997)
Topping our list is the match that started it all – the very first Hell in a Cell encounter between Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker. This groundbreaking match set the standard for all future cell matches and remains one of the most influential bouts in WWE history.
The Undertaker dominated much of the match, finally getting his hands on the elusive Michaels. HBK’s legendary bumping ability was on full display as he was thrown from pillar to post, creating iconic moments that would be replayed for years to come. The match took the competitors to all sides and even the top of the cell, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in a WWE ring.
Adding to the match’s legacy was the debut of Kane, The Undertaker’s long-lost brother, who tore the door off the cell and laid waste to his sibling. This shocking conclusion added an extra layer of drama to an already unforgettable contest.
Return of Bad Blood
As WWE prepares to revive Bad Blood in October 2024, fans can only hope that the event will produce matches that live up to the legacy of these classics. With the Hell in a Cell match confirmed to return, there’s every chance that a new generation of superstars will add their names to the illustrious history of WWE Bad Blood.
The return of Bad Blood after two decades is a testament to the enduring appeal of its brutal, no-holds-barred approach to professional wrestling. As we look forward to the future of this iconic event, we can’t help but marvel at the incredible matches that have defined its legacy, setting a high bar for all future Bad Blood encounters to aspire to.
Dalip Singh, best known to wrestling fans as The Great Khali, is a time-traveling, sword-wielding warrior in the upcoming Indian sci-fi film, Raduaa Returns.
The storyline draws inspiration from classic science fiction tales, including H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine. The movie follows a group of characters as they journey through time, from 1955 to the distant future of 2255, and back into the past.
Scheduled for release on November 22, 2024, the highly anticipated sequel will see Khali taking on a significant role. Khali plays the character Mohd. Khan in the film, which is written and directed by Nav Bajwa.
Raduaa Returns is the sequel to Bajwa’s 2018 film Raduaa, which combined comedy and time travel in a story where the characters found themselves trapped in 1955 after an experiment gone wrong. In this new installment, the original cast, including B.N. Sharma, Gurpreet Ghuggi, and Satinder Satti, reunites for another adventure through time.
A Blueprint for WWE Stars to Follow
The film marks another chapter in The Great Khali’s successful post-WWE career, further highlighting his popularity in the entertainment world. Since leaving WWE in 2014, Khali has built a strong fanbase in India, where he is widely recognized as a national icon.
According to his IMDB page, Khali has four other acting gigs in the works. As you can see, he’s such a recognizable figure that he portrays himself in several of these projects:
The Great Khali, along with stars like Dwayne Johnson, Dave Bautista and John Cena, have created the blue print for today’s WWE Superstars to transition to a thriving acting career after they hang up their boots.
Drew McIntyre, CM Punk, Damian Priest, Liv Morgan and Tiffany Stratton are all represented by the Paradigm agency to help them further branch out into the entertainment world.
The worlds of professional wrestling and mixed martial arts will overlap once again at this weekend’s UFC 306: O’Malley vs Dvalishvili pay-per-view.
Rey Mysterio, one of WWE’s most iconic stars, has confirmed that he will attend UFC 306 this Saturday, which takes place Saturday, September 14 at The Sphere in Paradise, Nevada, as part of the Las Vegas Valley’s “Riyadh Season Noche.”
The crossover between WWE and UFC continues to grow following the merger of both organizations under the TKO umbrella last year, with stars from both promotions increasingly appearing at each other’s events.
Rey Mysterio at UFC 306
In a post on the official TKO Group Instagram page, Mysterio appeared alongside UFC fighter Brandon Moreno. The two confirmed they were in Las Vegas for the fights. Mysterio, an avid fight fan who attended a UFC event from Mexico City earlier this year, said:
“Yo, what’s up guys! This is Rey Mysterio, WWE Hall of Famer, and this is Brandon Moreno, UFC fighter. We’re very excited to be here in Las Vegas for Noche UFC 306. Let’s go, we’re ready!” Mysterio said in the video.
UFC 306: O’Malley vs Dvalishvili, also known as Riyadh Season Noche UFC, is set to take place on September 14, 2024 at The Sphere in Las Vegas.
Here is the main pay-per-view fight card, and visit our affiliate site MMANews.com for more UFC news.
Bantamweight Title Bout Sean O’Malley (c) vs. Merab Dvalishvili
The main event sees bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley defending his title against Merab Dvalishvili. O’Malley is known for his striking skills, while Dvalishvili is a relentless wrestler on a 10-fight win streak
Women’s Flyweight Title Bout Alexa Grasso (c) vs. Valentina Shevchenko
This trilogy fight for the women’s flyweight championship pits current champion Alexa Grasso against former champ Valentina Shevchenko. Their first two bouts resulted in a submission win for Grasso and a draw.
Featherweight Bout Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes
Former title challenger Brian Ortega faces rising contender Diego Lopes.
Lightweight Bout Daniel Zellhuber vs. Esteban Ribovics
The undefeated Mexican fighter Daniel Zellhuber takes on Argentina’s Esteban Ribovics.
Flyweight Bout Ronaldo “Lazy Boy” Rodriguez vs. Ode Osbourne
Paola Mayfield made a name for herself by appearing on the first season of TLC’s hit series 90-Day Fiancé. Now, the Columbian reality TV star is ready to show her skills in the ring as part of WOW – Women of Wrestling.
Speaking to TMZ, WOW co-founder David McLane shared his excitement over Mayfield’s involvement.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Paola Mayfield join WOW – Women Of Wrestling. I have been following her wrestling journey and her success on reality TV for some time now, and we can’t wait to see her take her talents and flare to the WOW ring in the new season.”
A press release from WOW adds that Mayfield has “raw athleticism and undeniable skill” in addition to an “on-camera charisma” that is “bound to turn heads.”
Paola Mayfield In Wrestling
Mayfield’s impending debut for WOW won’t be the first time fans get the chance to see her in the ring. In 2021, Mayfield made her in-ring debut as ‘Paola Blaze.’ She has competed for the NWA in eleven matches so far and has challenged for the NWA Women’s World Tag Team Championships.
As part of the NWA, Mayfield has worked with the likes of Angelina Love, Kamille, Marti Belle, and Chelsea Green. So far, she has an unfortunate 1-10 win/loss record but is eager to turn that around in WOW – Women of Wrestling.
WOW – Women of Wrestling will kick off its tenth season this Saturday, September 14, with episodes that were taped last December. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from WOW – Women of Wrestling.
Michael Sharrer, a wrestler who was once signed to a developmental contract with WWE, has passed away at the age of 47. Sharrer’s passing was shared publicly by former WWE star Mike Mondo, who stated the following on Facebook.
“This one isn’t easy. Still doing my best to process this. Mike Taylor was the first friend I made in OVW which carried over into a close friendship/brotherhood for the next 20+ years. We were just texting a couple weeks ago. You always looked and treated me like your younger brother. You’ve always had a huge heart. I’m grateful for all the great times we had in Louisville & of course the countless shoots on the west coast doing mocap. Those memories will last forever. I pray for Mikes family during this difficult time especially his kids Isaiah & Mina. I love you Big Mike. A-team for life. RIP buddy.”
A former marine, Sharrer joined the world of wrestling in 2003 and signed a developmental contract with WWE in 2006. Assigned to OVW and Deep South Wrestling, Sharrer was named Micah Taylor and worked with future big names including MVP and Jake Hager. The peak of this run came in May 2006 when he and Tony Santarelli captured the DSW Tag Team Championships. Their five-month reign ended with them losing the gold to Deuce and Domino.
On-screen, Sharrer competed on the October 21, 2003, edition of WWE Velocity where he teamed with Rob Begley in a losing effort to Paul London and Brian ‘Spanky’ Kendrick. He also lost a tag-team match in a dark match before the February 6, 2006, edition of WWE Heat.
On Twitter, WWE Raw General Manager paid tribute to Sharrer and recalled performing motion capture with him for WWE video games.
I’m at a loss. Micah Taylor was my friend. So many mocap days and nights. Hawaiian BBQ. Brothering in small towns. THANK YOU. For your service to our country and for the good times. For all of the memories.
MVP’s tenure with WWE came to an end earlier this year and the Hurt Business alum has made clear he doesn’t plan on going back. While the former United States Champion is no longer a part of WWE’s roster, he is not ready to retire just yet.
On Instagram, MVP shared a video of his first bump in “a long time” with Shelton Benjamin giving feedback from behind the camera. In the caption, MVP admitted that his days in the ring are numbered but he’s not finished wrestling.
The Ronin of professional wrestling has returned! I literally hit the ring yesterday!!! 1st bump in a while. A few more weeks of training and a bit of @justformen and I’ll be ready!!! My official in ring retirement is near. But, it’s not here yet!!!!
MVP returned to WWE in 2020, originally as a producer, but transitioned into an on-screen managerial role shortly after. Though he remained at ringside for the vast majority of his four-year run with the company, MVP competed 44 times and rocked up a 16-28 win/loss record. Earlier this year, MVP underwent Stem Cell Therapy which he hopes will extend his in-ring career.
What’s To Come?
MVP’s first post-WWE match will come this November when he takes on Josh Barnett at Bloodsport XII at the White Eagle Hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. The 50-year-old confronted MVP at Bloodsport XI earlier this year, setting up a fight between the two.
The Killer’s Game is the latest Hollywood blockbuster from Dave Bautista, but WWE’s Animal isn’t the only wrestler involved. The film also marks the feature-film debut of Drew McIntyre who has addressed his relationship with his fellow former World Champion.
During a Reddit AMA, McIntyre was asked if Bautista is “the big soft sweetheart” he seems to be in interviews. Not only did the Scottish Warrior confirm this is the case, but he gave an example of how Batista’s personality led a young Drew to believe that the Animal didn’t like him.
“Yeah he is! Naturally introverted, much like myself, in fact a lot of us wrestlers are. When I first met him I thought he didn’t like me because he was so quiet, but then he started mentoring me when I was a youngster but it was more than that he really kept an eye out of me and clued me up on how to navigate the WWE. Now he’s doing the same as I step into this new world. All round great lad.”
The Killer’s Game tells the story of Joe Flood (Bautista) a hitman who puts out a hit on himself after being diagnosed with a terminal disease. After learning that this diagnosis was inaccurate, Flood must fend off several contract killers including McIntyre’s Rory McKenzie. The Animal personally put McIntyre’s name forward for the role.
The Killer’s Game marks the feature film debut for Drew McIntyre, but it may not be the last time fans see the former WWE Champion on the big screen. In July, McIntyre signed with the Paradigm Talent Agency, a group that represents other WWE names including Damian Priest, Tiffany Stratton, and most recently, Liv Morgan. McIntyre has spent years proving his screen presence in WWE and fans of the Scottish Warrior will be eager to see more of him in blockbuster movies.
The Killer’s Game hits cinemas on Friday, September 13.
The latest tapings of AEW Collision delivered plenty of high-octane action as the promotion continued to deal with the fallout from their All Out pay-per-view.
The show was taped on Thursday, September 12, from the Nutter Center in Dayton, Ohio. This taping comes off the back of this week’s AEW Dynamite, where Jon Moxley addressed his All Out betrayal of Bryan Danielson. Moxley, calling himself the “one true king of these lands” expressed his frustration with the out-of-control attitudes in the locker room and ended by stating “I choose war.”
AEW touts itself as the place “Where the Best Wrestle,” but the company also presents plenty of glorious violence. At AEW All Out, Jon Moxley betrayed Bryan Danielson following the American Dragon’s successful AEW World Title defense, ending the Blackpool Combat Club. Moxley’s attack on his former ally, which included suffocating Bryan with a plastic bag, has spawned a debate as to whether the segment went too far in the name of entertainment.
All Out also saw Mercedes Moné retain her AEW TBS Championship against Hikaru Shida and she was among those in the NOW Arena who saw the attack on Danielson unfold. In her newsletter, the CEO admits that the attack was hard to watch and she wouldn’t want some in her family viewing this kind of wrestling content.
“Bryan’s stuff was tough to watch. I have mixed emotions. When done right, that kind of stuff can tear a roof off like Daniel’s did. However, I wouldn’t want my brother Joshua to watch stuff like that, or kids, for that matter.”
Moné went on to recall growing up without a father, and the joy she feels meeting parents and children at meet-and-greets who’ve bonded over watching wrestling that all can enjoy. On the other hand, Moné accepts that there is “an audience that loves the extreme, and you want to cater to them, too.
AEW has opted not to feature the suffocation spot on social media due to the graphic content. There is a question as to whether those in AEW feel the spot cannot be shared, or whether this tweet was posted to demonstrate just how violent All Out was.
Due to the graphic nature of the attack on Bryan Danielson, we will not be sharing the footage. AEW does not condone such actions.
Since launching in 2019, AEW has been able to push the envelope when it comes to violence compared to its competitors at WWE. While many appreciate AEW providing an alternative in that regard, there will always be a question of where the proverbial line is, and whether AEW has crossed it. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Mercedes Mone and the action from All Elite Wrestling.
TNA Wrestling presents TNA Impact tonight on AXS TV at 8/7c, marking the final build before tomorrow’s TNA Victory Road 2024 pay-per-view event. Tonight’s episode brings several interesting matchups and appearances that will set the stage for Friday night.
Here is the confirmed lineup for the show:
• Tornado Tag Match: ABC vs. First Class
• Singles Match: Ash by Elegance vs. Xia Brookside
• Singles Match: Heather Reckless vs. Gisele Shaw
• Singles Match: Steve Maclin vs. Alex Hammerstone
• Tag Team Match: The Hardys vs. The System
• Segment: Joe Hendry will address the audience.
• Segment: Jordynne Grace will also make an appearance to share her thoughts.
Head over to our TNA section for more news about TNA Impact and Victory Road ’24.
What Happened Last Week
Catch up on what went down on last week’s show, featuring Jordynne Grace’s open challenge for the Knockouts World Championship, Joe Hendry and Mike Santana vs. Moose & JDC.
Bryan Danielson will not be battling Darby Allin as originally planned at AEW Grand Slam, but will instead be taking on longtime rival Nigel McGuinness.
The fallout after AEW All Out were a little rocky after Danielson was choked out by a plastic bag courtesy of Jon Moxley and it appeared Danielson was going to be unable to compete against Allin at Grand Slam. Instead on AEW Dynamite Moxley challenged Allin to put his title shot on the line at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Allin accepted so it appeared that Danielson would indeed be unable to compete and Mox would headline against Darby.
Not so fast. Nigel McGuinness had different plans as in a backstage segment expressed his desire to speak to Tony Khan. Later on in the evening, we see Nigel standing in the ring with a piece of paper in hand. He comments on Danielson’s hatred toward him and then says the World Champion should compete at Grand Slam. He reveals that he has a contract for a match against Danielson at the event if Bryan has the guts to compete. Later on the match is confirmed with the caveat the Bryan is able to wrestle.
McGuinness may arguably be Danielson’s greatest rival of all time due to the memorable matches they had while both in Ring Of Honor. Injuries plagued Nigel’s career in the ring and made the decision to retire from in-ring action. However, McGuiness made the exception when he came out during the Casino Royale Gauntlet at ALL IN. McGuiness came out to Oasis in Wembley to a massive crowd reaction and had a great showing in the match before it was Christian Cage who captured the contract.
Nigel McGuinness lays out a challenge to #AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson for #AEWGrandSlam!
Kayla Braxton didn’t realize officials had a planned heartfelt farewell for her at her final WWE appearance until the last minute.
The former WWE personality recently spoke to Adrian Hernandez. She discussed things such as meeting Ron Pearlman, her love for Game of Thrones, and more.
Speaking about her exit from the wrestling promotion, Braxton mentioned how her responsibilities had been reduced significantly after WWE pulled The Bump off air. A number of other opportunities were knocking on her door at the same time and according to the female star she thought about the decision for a long time.
Braxton mentioned that everyone at the company was very supportive of her when she finally made the call. Discussing her last appearance for the company, Kayla revealed that she had actually planned a go away party for all her colleagues:
“I had no idea they were going to give me that kind of send-off. I was already—I keep telling people—it was my last day. I had a party planned. Peter Rosenberger helped me plan a go-away party; all the talent were coming. I was already in the last set, thinking about taking tequila shots, and I was getting ready to leave.
And they’re like, ‘Kayla, don’t leave yet.’ I’m like, ‘Why?’ They’re like, ‘Don’t leave yet.’ I’m like ‘It’s my last day—I’m about to go party.’ They’re like, [don’t] And I’m thinking there’s a plan B, which is when the show runs short, they need us to run out and fill time with an interview.’ I’m like, ‘Fine.'”
Kayla Braxton’s last WWE appearance came on the June 28th episode of SmackDown this year. The show held at the legendary Madison Square Garden saw Cody Rhodes cutting a heartfelt promo for the broadcast personality after the event went off air.
The fans made things even special with huge applause for the former NXT star. According to her, the whole thing will always be one of the pinnacles of her life:
“And then Triple H came up to me, and Nick Khan—I was like, ‘Something’s going on.’ So, I went to the gorilla, and then Cody was out there. That’s when I started realizing, ‘Oh, they’re about to do something really sweet for me.’ I was in tears.
And then hearing all of Madison Square Garden erupt with ‘Thank you, Kayla’—which is something I hear my name like that—I still get emotional thinking about it. I am very aware that most people don’t get that kind of send-off, especially people who decide to walk away on their own. That will always be one of the pinnacles of my life. It was so great.”
Brock Anderson remains dedicated to professional wrestling and continuing the legacy his dad Arn made within the industry. He has gained valuable experience teaming with veteran CW Anderson as the duo already found success as the AML World Tag Team Champions. They look to add more gold working for MLW.
The old school meets new school duo faces Bomaye Fight Club at Fightland on September 14. Anderson has only heard good things about MLW.
“A couple of guys came through and managed to turn it around for themselves,” he said of the platform the promotion provides. “Parlay that into something pretty good for themselves…I think I fell into a perfect scenario. I’m tagging with someone who has been in the business for 30 years.
“He can tell me things that my old man can’t because you can be a father or a coach. Sometimes he tips around some areas. I usually know when there is something he wants to say because of that father-son bond. CW is one who can tell me this sucked, that was good, do this, do that. That experience I’m experiencing through osmosis, I’m glad it panned out the way it did. I told him, ‘You know you’re the Ole in this. You’ve turned into Ole Anderson.’ I think he has embraced it, to be honest with you.”
Anderson gained valuable experience in AEW. However, he reached a crossroads.
“After I left AEW I didn’t know where my path was going to be,” he said.”…AEW was great. I have nothing but great things to say about the people who worked there. Tony [Khan] was great to a whole industry when nobody else was working. He kept people working. It was a trying time in the business and around the world. I appreciated the experience.
“I just didn’t think I could get better there because I didn’t know if they had plans for me. There weren’t enough reps. It came down to getting reps. So, they sent something, which was a similar deal I was on. I just said, ‘I think I’ll take my chances.’ When I go out and travel, I know I’m going to wrestle and get better. That was kind of my approach to the thing. Every time I leave the house, I know I’m going to have a match.”
The 27-year-old decided to bet on himself. A difficult decision, but one that fuels his motivation. Anderson is excited to cross another legendary venue off the bucket list in Center Stage thanks to MLW. Anderson’s dad Arn retired when he was six months old. By 1997, those Center Stage days for WCW were largely in the rearview. Though the next generation talent has since caught up on Arn’s body of work and went to WWE shows while he was a producer.
“I popped in these grainy VHS tapes and there is your dad 20 years younger wrestling,” he said. “It was kind of a trip. I started to watch more of those and realized he was pretty good at this. Then I saw how the boys in the back treated him. Things started to click.”
Anderson can trace when he knew he wanted to follow in his dad’s footsteps. A milestone showdown between two Hall of Famers in Houston.
“It was WrestleMania25,” Anderson recalled. “WWE would always have their employees have their families. It was like a vacation treat for the year. We’re in the box. It was when the cards got to about six or seven hours. There was a lot of preshow and all that. It was a long night and I was already tired.
“Then all of a sudden you see the smoke come, all this white light and a guy descends from teh ceiling, white robe, white hat. You can’t see his face and all of a sudden HBK’s music hits. He was wrestling Undertaker. It was HBK and Undertaker 1. They went 40 minutes. Two legends going at it. They had the crowd in the palm of their hands with what they did. There was no wasted movement. Everything clicked. I thought, ‘This is what I want to do.’”
When Anderson told Arn about his career aspirations, the response wasn’t a flat no. Just an, “Ask your mom.” Then it was a hard no at the time. The parents wanted him to go to college and have a backup plan. He graduated on December 19, 2019, and started on the pro wrestling journey in January 2020. Then came the AEW opportunity.
“I want to be where is best for me,” Anderson answered when asked if his ultimate goal was a WWE run. “Personally, professionally, all that. I don’t have to pigeonhole it to one company. Wherever I feel is best for me.”
And right now that place is venturing through the independent scene and seeing what happens with MLW. The question is will we see Arn walk that aisle with his son, possibly at Fightland?
“He could show up at any time. But always keep it in the back of your head he might wonder into the building somehow or sneak down,” he said. “There is always that possibility. We always have that card up our sleeve.”
Watch MLW Fightland at 9 p.m. ET on September 14 on YouTube.
Ricochet doesn’t believe he will be able to revive the Prince Puma character from Lucha Underground but he definitely plans to pay tribute to that time of his career.
The newest AEW signing recently had an interview with the Battleground podcast. He discussed things such as making his debut at Wembley Stadium, a potential showdown with Will Ospreay, his exit from WWE, and more.
When asked about the potential of donning the Prince Puma mask once again in the future, Ricochet mentioned that he does plan on doing some throwback stuff. Bringing back the character for a prolonged period, however, would only be possible if AEW acquires the rights:
“People keep asking, but that’s like — they own that character guys. They own all of that—that’s not our stuff to even…I guess if they wanted to contact Lucha and try to get the rights to use the thing and do the…I guess maybe. But all their stuff, that’s all their stuff.
[I] definitely already planned on doing some throwbacks and stuff for sure. That’s always going to be tied in there, for sure. But as far as the actual stuff goes, like they own all that, so yeah, we’ll see.”
Prince Puma was one of the prominent stars of the Lucha Underground roster. The high-flying star, managed by Konnan, main evented the first-ever episode of the show.
He became the inaugural Lucha Underground champion after winning the Aztec Warfare battle royal and went on to rack up a number of other accomplishments during his three years with the brand.
Discussing the unique production style of the company, Ricochet mentioned how they were trying to be different than anything that came before. According to the former champion, the show helped make wrestling cool again:
“Well, that’s the thing—they were trying to make it different. They were trying to be a TV drama about a wrestling company, and not just another wrestling company on television. So, they were trying to really be like a television show about a wrestling company.
That was a really cool aspect, and I think it really did help wrestling become cool again as well. So, um, yeah, I was really happy with everything that all the guys were doing—you know, the Brian Cages, the Lucha Brothers, Johnny Mundos—you know, everybody was really putting in work.”
The One and Only was later asked about his experience at the company and he said that everyone was really nice to him and he had some of the most fun of his career working there.
Former WWE star Matt Riddle is not ruling out his comeback to the company despite his controversial departure. The Original Bro believes CM Punk’s homecoming proves anything is possible in wrestling.
“The chances of me going back, I think they’re extremely high. If CM Punk, who filed a lawsuit against WWE, and then raked them through the mud for a decade, then goes to the competition, I’ll tell you this, if he can do that, everything can be forgiven. I know I wasn’t the easiest to work with at times. I think the door is always open.”
– Matt Riddle, SI
Riddle shifted his career to pro wrestling in 2014. The highly talented athlete honed his craft and made a name for himself in the independent circuit before joining WWE in 2018. He was in WWE’s developmental brand, NXT for less than two years and was called up to the main roster in 2020. During his run on the main roster, he won the United States Championship and famously won the tag team gold twice with Randy Orton as RK Bro.
Since leaving WWE, Riddle has been competing in the independent circuit and also making appearances for MLW and NJPW. Matt Riddle is set to face Tom Lawlor in a No-Holds-Barred Vale Rudo match in MLW on Saturday, September 14.
Former WWE stars Bobby Lashley, MVP and Shelton Benjamin could soon reunite outside WWE, perhaps in AEW. They could soon be reunited as The Hurt Syndicate, judging by a trademark filing last month.
A trademark filing was made for the term The Hurt Syndicate for use in pro wrestling and entertainment services. Totally Harmless Concept LLC filed to trademark “The Hurt Syndicate” a couple of weeks ago, after previously filing for trademarks on other MVP-related phrases and names.
There’s been speculation that the faction might join AEW, and Fightful now reports the company has had talks with the group in recent weeks.
MVP has made it clear that he won’t return to WWE during a Bloodsport event. Since then fans have anticipated what he and Bobby Lashley have in store for them. Shelton Benjamin, who was released from WWE in September last year, has also been a free agent. However, another former Hurt Business member, Cedric Alexander is unlikely to be a part of the plan.
Cedric Alexander recently re-signed with WWE as per Fightful Select. He has inked a new multi-year deal with the company. Alexander has been teaming with Ashante ‘Thee’ Adonis. His most recent match took place at the NXT Great American Bash 2024: Night One a couple of months back where he defeated Brooks Jensen.
Given the indications, Hurt Syndicate could be on its way to AEW and be a great addition to the promotion’s stacked roster. The former Hurt Business faction has had an incredible run in WWE and has won several championships. The veterans bring a lot of experience to the table which could benefit AEW. Moreover, they could even target the coveted AEW Trios Titles, currently held by the Blackpool Combat Club.
WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle is set to make an appearance on an upcoming Game Change Wrestling (GCW) show.
The promotion has announced on social media that ‘The Olympic Gold Medalists’ has been booked for an appearance at the promotion’s Dream On event on Saturday, November 23. The show will take place at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Tickets will go on sale this Friday at 10:00 am ET.
*AMERICAN DREAM UPDATE*
GCW comes to The American Dream Mall on Saturday, November 23rd!
Just Signed:
WWE Hall of Famer KURT ANGLE comes to GCW for the first time on 11/23 at #GCWDream!
Angle will be a part of the show which is set to feature the likes of Ricky Morton, Matt Cardona, Mance Warner, Masha Slamovich, Effy, Gringo Loco, and Sonny Kiss.
The former World Champion has not been advertised to wrestle for the event. Kurt Angle retired following his “farewell match” against Baron Corbin at WrestleMania 35 in 2019. Since then he has maintained that way and has not wrestled.
Most recently, another WWE Hall of Famer John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield shocked fans when he made an appearance at GCW’s Homecoming event. Earlier this month, JBL was at AAA TripleMania XXXII: Mexico City. The former World Champion was accompanied by fellow former WWE star Nic Nemeth for his AAA Mega Championship match against Alberto El Patron.
Earlier this year, Angle revealed that he was still under contract to WWE. It is not clear whether that is still the case given the GCW booking. However, a handful of WWE stars who are under their contract have stepped through the ‘forbidden door.’ It includes Shayna Baszler and WWE NXT’s Charlie Dempsey who competed at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport X. This possibly indicates that WWE might have also allowed Kurt Angle to step through the ‘forbidden door.’
AEW star Blade has revealed that he recently underwent a back fusion surgery
The 44-year-old has been out of action most of this year with not a lot of updates on where he has been or what’s the reason behind his absence.
The wrestling veteran then took on his Instagram earlier on Wednesday. He shared some photos of himself in the hospital revealing that he underwent a successful surgery recently:
Blade, real name Jesse Guilmette made his in-ring debut way back in 2000. He had some early matches for WWE under his real name but was never signed to a long-term deal by the company.
Despite the struggles, he continued competing in the independent circuit and had stints with companies such as CZW, ROH and TNA.
The wrestling star alongside his tag team partner The Butcher and wife Allie made his debut for All Elite Wrestling during the November 27, 2019 episode of Dynamite.
The duo have been a regular on AEW programming ever since, having wrestled over a hundred matches for the promotion since their first appearance.
The Blade has not been seen in the ring since February when he worked at an indie event in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. His partner Butcher has continued making occasional appearances on AEW programming in his absence.
AJ Lee says she has no idea what’s going on with CM Punk and Drew McIntyre.
The retired wrestling star has been mentioned a number of times during the feud between the two current WWE stars. The bracelet featuring her name and the name of her and Punk’s dog Larry has been the anchor of the whole storyline.
The former Divas Champion spoke to ComicBook recently to promote her new comic release with Scrappy Hearts Production partner Aimee Garcia, Day of the Dead Girl.
When asked for her thoughts on the ongoing WWE storyline between her husband and McIntyre, Lee claimed that she has no idea what’s going on:
“I mean this in the most loving way, I have no idea what’s going on [laughs]. I’m weird about like — I don’t want to watch my husband wrestle live because I’m scared. It’s like a weird juju thing.”
My Dog Is Famous All of A Sudden: AJ Lee
The former WWE star, real name April Mendez mentioned how she is focused on her own projects and doesn’t keep up with the product. While Punk still gives her some updates, she is not really immersed in it as people would think:
“I kind of don’t know what’s happening in the storyline. I know that my dog is famous all of a sudden! He’s got some surprise merch coming. I’ve been privy to that. But it’s cool. I’m happy that he’s happy and healthy and just killing it. I’m proud.”
Fans have been rooting for an AJ Lee return for a long time. NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez who has become a protege of Punk has expressed the desire to wrestle the former champion many times.
The wrestling veteran, however, has been busy with outside projects. Punk himself has said that AJ knows there are options for her but he doesn’t want to give fans false hopes of her return.
Former WWE star Nikki ‘Bella’ Garcia has filed for divorce from husband Artem Chigvintsev after the latter’s domestic violence arrest late last month.
This doesn’t come as a huge shock as the WWE Hall of Famer had been spotted without her wedding ring after the incident and she had reportedly been in the hunt for a divorce lawyer since then.
According to TMZ, the retired wrestling star has hired lawyer Evan Craig Itzkowitz and she officially filed her petition after 2 years of marriage on Wednesday this week.
Artem was briefly arrested in Napa, California back on Thursday, August 29 on a felony charge. This came after deputies responded to a domestic violence call and observed visible injuries on the alleged victim. Though he posted bail for $25,000 the same day.
The couple have one child together, 4-year-old Matteo. Nikki has continued living in their family home in Napa Valley through this time while Artem has been staying over at a friend’s place.
Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev’s Relationship
Nikki Garcia and Artem first became friends when they were paired on the 2017 season of the Dancing With Stars reality show. Garcia was still dating John Cena at the time.
After the WWE couple broke up, Nikki reconnected with Chigvintsev. The two announced their engagement in late 2019 and the celebrity duo welcomed their son in August 2020.
They officially got married in Paris back in August 2022 and the unfortunate incident took place very close to their second marriage anniversary.
Natalya recently revealed that she had been busy with different projects which led to her absence from WWE for several months. “The Queen of Harts” returned on the latest edition of WWE Raw. This marked the season premiere of WWE’s flagship show, where she was revealed as the mystery partner of Lyra Valkyria and Zelina Vega.
Neidhart had a triumphant return as her team defeated the Pure Fusion Collective trio of Zoey Stark, Shayna Baszler, & Sonya Deville. Making an appearance on Growing Up Von Erichs, she reflected on her return to her hometown, Calagary, Alberta, Canada. She then revealed that she had been working on a couple of projects which kept her away from the programming:
“Yesterday, Monday Night Raw, I made my return back to the ring. I took the summer off, I was working on a couple of projects. We were back in Calgary, and that’s where my family started. It was so cool to make my re-debut in WWE back in Calgary. My whole family was there, Bret (Hart) was on Raw. I was able to win my match for my team. It was cool. It’s always nice to be back home.”
She also revealed that she underwent eye surgery and how WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H granted her the time off.
“I took a little time off this summer and the company was so great about it. They were like, ‘Take as much time as you need.’ It’s really changing so much in the best way and the culture is so different now. Our boss, Triple H, he is such a cool boss. I just recently got eye surgery to correct astigmatism in my eye and I needed a little bit more time off to get that done. He’s like, ‘Go get your eyes fixed.’ He’s like, ‘Don’t even worry about it.’ He’s like, ‘Take care of yourself’ and it was like, it’s just so cool to have a boss that’s human.”
‘Mental reset’
During the conversation Natalya revealed that she took time off for her mental health as well. This marked Natalya’s first match since the June 4th edition of NXT where she faced Izzi Dame. Nattie explained that she wanted a little break to refocus as mental health is as important as physical health. She said:
Even for me, just taking this break from WWE… I had my last match in June, so it was like, not even three months but, I took a little break because I was like, ‘I need a little mental reset.’ Or I just need some time to regroup, recalibrate, refocus… Again, it’s for my mental health because it’s one thing to be healthy and fit, like on a treadmill or you look great or you got abs but, if you’re not right up here, if your head isn’t right, you can’t do any of the fun stuff… And I always try to take the experiences that I’ve gone through and try to be there for the other girls in the locker room that may need guidance or help because life, whether you’re wrestling in WWE or you’re a mom or you’re a teacher or whatever it is that you’re doing, it’s hard. It’s day-to-day. Everything for me is just day-to-day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lrt5jip3mpw
The former WWE Women’s Champion’s return on Raw was quite emotional and a ‘full circle moment’ for her. This week’s Raw emanated from the Scotiabank Saddledome in her hometown of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and it also featured an appearance by her uncle and WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart.
It’s worth noting that the venue was where Natalya first stepped inside a WWE ring when she joined the celebration of The Hart Foundation’s victory at 1997’s In Your House: Canadian Stampede.
My very first time in a @wwe ring was in 1997 at the IN YOUR HOUSE Canadian Stampede PPV in Calgary. It was the last time my whole family was together. Last night was a full circle moment, being back in that same building, with @BretHart, The Hart family and my @wwe family.… pic.twitter.com/NheGt6W4rj
During her absence, there has been speculation that the third-generation wrestler might be jumping ship to AEW when her contract expires. However, she is not leaving WWE anytime soon. It has been reported that Natalya re-signed with WWE. She received a new deal from WWE in late June and it is reportedly a multi-year deal.
Natalya has been with WWE for more than a decade and she holds a key place on the high-talented Women’s division. The veteran is in the later stages of her pro wrestling career and also exploring different avenues.
AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam from Arthur Ashe Stadium is just weeks away and Ricochet has taken a shot at former rival Will Ospreay. The duo has continued to tease fans for a match and it seems they could be sharing the ring at the aforementioned show on September 25th.
As we move closer to the show, AEW International Champion Will Ospreay has expressed his excitement on social media. He said that he wanted to perform on the show since he witnessed the classic between Bryan Danielson and Kenny Omega at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam 2021.
Ricochet, who is set to return to Japan, noticed the post and replied with a brief message. He told Ospreay that he would see him there and called him “little bro.”
Ospreay recently confronted Ricochet on the latter’s first night on AEW Dynamite. However, before ‘The Aerial Assassin’ could go face to face, Pac attacked him. At AEW All Out, Ospreay went face to face Ricochet in a backstage segment. The Brit told Ricochet to start racking some wins and the latter responded by saying that he would see him soon.
Ospreay and Ricochet are two of the most incredibly talented wrestlers. They have a fair share of history together as they had some classic matches across NJPW, RevPro, WCPW, and EVOLVE before Ricochet signed with WWE in 2018.
The two high-flyers showcased some memorable matches which put them on the map in 2016. Their last match took place in August 2017 when they competed in WhatCulture Pro Wrestling. After going separate ways, the duo is back together in the same promotion which opens the door for yet another encounter.
A few months back the possibility of Ricochet and Will Ospreay going head-to-head looked slim. However, fast forward to today, ‘the human highlight reel’ is signed with AEW and a match with Will Ospreay is on the horizon. This comes after Ospreay candidly expressed his interest in facing Ricochet again in AEW.
Trick Williams has got a step closer to reclaiming the NXT Championship after earning a shot at the coveted title against Ethan Page.
Last week, NXT Champion Ethan Page, fresh off his victory over Joe Hendry, said that he wanted to defend his title on NXT’s debut episode on CW. After Pete Dunne’s assault on Williams set up a match between the two which resulted in a double count-out. NXT GM Ava announced a Last Man Standing rematch for last night’s show.
Williams defeated Dunne in a Last Man Standing match on the September 10th episode of NXT. The final moments of the match saw both men going through tables after a Russian Leg Sweep off the platform in the audience. Williams managed to make it to his feet and hit a backbody drop on NXT Champion Ethan Page through the announce table. Williams managed to beat the 10-count and won the match.
Trick Williams had all the momentum by his side when he put an end to Ilja Dragunov’s 206-day reign at NXT Spring Breakin’. He became the 30th man to capture the coveted title. During his title reign, he even successfully retained the title against Ethan Page. However, it was also ‘All Ego’ who dethroned Williams at NXT Heatwave.
In his reign, Page has successfully defended his title against the likes of Dante Chen, Oro Mensah, and TNA Wrestling’s Joe Hendry. On the other hand, Williams has been in pursuit of the NXT title for several months. He has now earned an opportunity to reclaim his title and become a two-time NXT Champion when NXT moves to CW on October 1. The first two weeks of the show on CW are lining up to be massive as CM Punk and Randy Orton are also scheduled to make appearances.
