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Katsuyori Shibata Plans to End His Wrestling Career in AEW

Thomas Lowson
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Katsuyori Shibata doesn’t know when his wrestling career will come to an end but intends to spend the rest of his career in AEW. 

Shibata officially became All-Elite last month but has been competing for the promotion since 2022. Merely getting to this point is a huge feat for Shibata, who suffered a subdural hematoma in 2017 after a bout with Kazuchika Okada. At the time, it was thought that Shibata’s career had ended, but he would make a return to the ring at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 in early 2022. 

Katsuyori Shibata Wants to End His Career in AEW

Speaking to Tokyo Sports, Shibata commented on his health and his tenure with AEW thus far, compared to his run with New Japan. 

“I can’t work as an affiliated fighter. I guess that (New Japan’s decision) is not wrong. But if there is no place for me, then there is no reason for me to be here. I’ve regained a lot of my senses after competing in AEW, and I feel like I want to finish my career here.”

Shibata was also asked about his health. 

“I’ve been checked by a doctor, and I’ve given him a medical certificate. If I don’t clear it, I can’t compete.”

Shibata’s most recent match took place on the November 25, episode of AEW Rampage, where he lost the ROH Pure Championship to Wheeler Yuta. He has also challenged for the AEW International Championship and the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship. 

Matt Riddle Reveals Creative Plan To Dismantle RK-Bro Team In WWE

Aaron Varble
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WWE released Matt Riddle from his contract in September, and while that was a surprise, many fans are now wondering what could have been. RK-Bro won’t get another run, but there were apparently plans to end their team anyway. 

The Rise of RK-Bro in WWE

Randy Orton and Matt Riddle formed an unconventional tag team in 2021. Although Orton tried, Riddle was persistent, and it created some television gold for WWE.

Originally slated to be a very short angle, RK-Bro caught fire. Soon, fans all over were cheering for the team as they carried on their weekly soap opera storyline. 

Initially, The Viper and The Original Bro had a dysfunctional dynamic, but their chemistry evolved into a cohesive tag teams. After winning the RAW Tag Team Titles, they had a nice run as champions before losing a title unification match to The Usos, and then Orton took off for 18 months.

Original Plan For RK-Bro’s Breakup

During an appearance on Signed by Superstars, Matt Riddle was asked about WWE’s plans for him and Randy Orton before his release. While being cautious not to divulge too much information, given the possibility of a WWE return, the King of Bros did reveal that there were plans for a storyline involving a heel turn for one of the two members of the RK-Bro team.

”Plan was — well we were hoping it… I don’t wanna really say how, because if I do return and then we do the story — yeah, I would say eventually all teams eventually turn on each other. I don’t wanna give the spoiler of who was gonna turn on who.”

Riddle did not specify who would be turning heel in that scenario. Orton went out of action with a back injury, one that required back fusion surgery; and that injury for the Apex Predator ended the RK-Bro team. So, a heel turn was never needed.

Exclusive Insight into RK-Bro’s Reunion Plans

After Matt Riddle was released, I reached out to inquire about RK-Bro, because I was curious. I was told by members of the creative team that there was never any plan to reunite RK-Bro.

There was never any talk of getting Matt Riddle back together with Randy Orton after The Viper’s return. Of course, Riddle was fired in September, two months prior to Orton’s Survivor Series return, where he snapped that 18-month hiatus from in-ring competition. 

Cody Rhodes: CM Punk’s Great & The Rock Electrifies, But I’m Not Flinching

Thomas Lowson
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Cody Rhodes won’t let the recent returns of CM Punk and The Rock deter him from finishing the story and becoming a WWE World Champion. 

Since returning to WWE, Rhodes has made it clear he plans on winning the title that his father never officially held. At the 2023 Royal Rumble event, Rhodes won the Men’s Rumble match, earning a shot at Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. At WrestleMania 39, Rhodes would fail to ‘finish the story’ in a shocking loss that left those in the industry in awe. 

Cody Rhodes Isn’t Flinching

Up until a few weeks back, it seemed a certainty that Rhodes would win the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble and finally dethrone Reigns at WrestleMania 40. Unfortunately for the American Nightmare, the return of CM Punk at Survivor Series as well as the return of The Rock on the Day 1 Raw has left his future less clear. 

Though his long-awaited win over Roman Reigns appears to be slipping away, Cody Rhodes remains defiant that he can stand up to any WWE Superstar put in front of him. The American Nightmare made that clear when speaking with SI. 

“The Rock is The Great One–he’s still electrifying. CM Punk is one of the greatest stars in the history of wrestling. I know what I’m up against. Look at the roster–it’s loaded with stars. But that doesn’t bother me. I’m not flinching. I’m not rooting against anyone else, I’m just working to make it happen.”

No matter what comes next for Cody Rhodes, expect the American Nightmare to be his always-generous self… 

LA Knight Took Pay Cut To Make WWE Return & Was Miserable Under Vince McMahon’s Creative Vision

Aaron Varble
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LA Knight is riding a huge wave of momentum at 41-years-old. He is anything but a flash in the pan, although WWE was originally cautious about dropping a lot of merchandise for him due to that concern. Now, he can look back and see what he had to go through, and he has quite a story to tell.

LA Knight’s Road To WWE

LA Knight inked a developmental contract with WWE back in 2013, but his time there didn’t pan out, as he was released in August 2014. Naturally, this turn of events didn’t bring him any joy, but it didn’t kill his determination to make it to the top of the pro wrestling world.

Knight gained popularity as Eli Drake in Impact Wrestling, establishing himself as a major star due to his impressive promo skills and in-ring abilities. He later went to the NWA, where that Namer of Dummies character went with him. These factors paved the way for his eventual return to WWE a few years later.

While speaking to Chris Van Vliet of Insight, LA Knight disclosed that upon his return to WWE, he accepted a pay cut. This was a decision he was fully aware of. He willingly took the cut, confident that he could bet on himself to eventually earn more money.

”So finally, when I did make the jump over there, there was a little bit of not necessarily negotiation, but it was just kind of like, I knew I was going to have to take a pay cut coming in. But I was willing to take the pay cut on the bet that I could turn it into much more. Because I had hit the ceiling basically in IMPACT. And I had an awesome time (in) NWA for that little bit that we were able to do before the pandemic hit.”

LA Knight Was Miserable Working With Vince McMahon’s Creative

After making his way from NXT to the WWE main roster, Vince McMahon changed LA Knight’s name to Max Dupri. That creative shift did not result in much success.

The former Eli Drake went on to open up about how this time as a male modeling agent made his miserable with creative. That was Vince McMahon’s vision, and he was calling the shots.

“(Vince McMahon) had a vision for this thing that put such a microscope on it and I didn’t know what the hell it was… and it just wasn’t going well. I was very unhappy, and I’m sure he probably was, and then at some point it was just like all of a sudden I’m not on TV, and I’m like, well, I’m pretty sure I’m fired. I’m pretty sure this whole ride is over.”

What’s Next For LA Knight in WWE?

LA Knight has a much different position in WWE now. He is 1/4 of the Undisputed Universal Title match at the Royal Rumble on January 27th. He will battle with AJ Styles, Randy Orton, and Triple H with the biggest title on SmackDown on the line. That match at Tropicana Field may turn out to be a massive notch in his belt, as LA Knight has gone through a lot to get him to this point. 

Shelton Benjamin’s First Post-WWE Booking Revealed

Thomas Lowson
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Shelton Benjamin is coming to Pro Wrestling REVOLVER’s upcoming event in March, in his first booking since his release from WWE. 

The Gold Standard was among those released in September 2023, in the first wave of cuts following the launch of TKO Group Holdings. Benjamin’s most recent tenure with WWE kicked off in 2016 though he wouldn’t compete until the following year. During this run, Benjamin held the Raw Tag Team Championships (with Cedric Alexander) and the 24/7 Championship. 

Benjamin’s Post-WWE Booking

Shelton Benjamin will be a part of the REVOLVER ‘Ready or Not’ event on March 16, the promotion has confirmed. Fans will have the chance to meet the former Superstar before the show. 

Wrestling REVOLVER: Ready or Not

Fans will be able to watch Benjamin’s match, and the rest of the show, on Triller TV+ (formerly Fite TV). The show will take place at the Horizon Events Center in Clive, Iowa. Benjamin isn’t the only former Superstar fans can expect for the show, as ‘Indy God’ Matt Cardona has also been announced. Other names announced for the event include Sami Callihan, Masha Slamovich, Jake Crist, The Rascalz, SGC, Killer Kelly, and Steve Maclin.

TNA Wrestling World Champion Alex Shelley has also been announced, as has Paul Walter Hauser of Netflix’s Cobra Kai. At this time, only one match has been announced, a dream match between ‘Speedball’ Mike Bailey and Marina Shafir. 

Shelton Benjamin is ready to take the wrestling world by storm, but he isn’t the only notable free agent in wrestling at the moment… 

Matt Riddle Says Brock Lesnar Refused To Let Him Win WWE Royal Rumble

Aaron Varble
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Matt Riddle was released from WWE in September last year, and he is already filling up his 2024 with dates. He will not have a match against Brock Lesnar, but that also wasn’t going to happen while he was with WWE, either.

Matt Riddle & Brock Lesnar’s Story

The history between Matt Riddle and Brock Lesnar has been a popular narrative for pro wrestling fans, but the match never took place. The two had a backstage confrontation during the 2020 Royal Rumble, which garnered notable attention. 

In that Royal Rumble backstage encounter, Brock Lesnar let Matt Riddle know that he had no interest in facing him. Although they eventually briefly worked together, Riddle didn’t get the marquee match he wanted. Now, The King of Bros has alleged that Lesnar intentionally sandbagged his chances of winning the Royal Rumble match.

During an interview on Signed by Superstars, Matt Riddle alleged that he was initially told he would win the 2022 Royal Rumble, but then he claimed that Brock Lesnar refused to cooperate and insisted on winning the match himself.

“I believe — you know, it’s sports-entertainment — that I was told at one point, yeah, I was gonna win the (Royal) Rumble and everything else, and then what was it? Bobby Lashley beat Brock Lesnar because somebody came in and hit him with the belt or what have you. Then Brock came in, didn’t wanna do business with everybody, said he was winning, and then he won, and then none of the producers… nobody stood up to him, and they let him do it. I didn’t either, I didn’t either. I’m like, f*ck man, I’m just here.”

Matt Riddle is very firm on the idea that Brock Lesnar harbored animosity towards him. This belief has spurred discussions among fans, especially considering the Royal Rumble incident. 

The anticipation leading up to the 2022 Royal Rumble suggested that Matt Riddle had significant momentum, leading many fans to believe it could be his moment to finally break into the main event picture with a WrestleMania main event match. That was not in the cards for the Original Bro.

Matt Riddle’s WWE Release

Matt Riddle’s release from WWE was marked by a series of internal issues, culminating in an incident at JFK Airport while returning from WWE’s final live event in India. He had a lot of internal infractions before that. 

Despite prior support from management, Matt Riddle exhausted his chances as they found themselves unable to stand behind him any longer. The Original Bro had recently rejoined the company after an extended hiatus for rehab.

After jumping back into the indies, Matt Riddle is already securing numerous dates. His upcoming first-time-ever match against RVD in March and his anticipated return to MLW are all promising prospects. Matt Riddle won’t be hard to find after his WWE tenure is over, even if Brock Lesnar wants to track him down.

WWE Warned LA Knight That He May Be Just a Flavor Of the Month

Thomas Lowson
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LA Knight has become one of WWE’s most popular Superstars competing today, despite some thinking at first he’d just be the flavor of the month. 

2023 saw a dramatic rise in popularity for the former Max Dupri, who kicked off the year the Pitch Black match at the Royal Rumble event. Throughout the year, Knight’s popularity continued to grow as fans continued to rally behind the veteran. At WWE Crown Jewel, Knight challenged Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns but failed to dethrone the Tribal Chief.

Flavor of the Month

LA Knight is one of WWE’s top stars right now, but not everybody had high hopes for the megastar. Speaking to Chris Van Vliet of Insight, Knight recalled WWE higher-ups being hesitant to go all in on him. 

“There was skepticism at first. Is this really a thing? Is this just going to be a flash in the pan? Is this going to be a flavor of the month? And that’s a thing we had talked about and was even talked about with me. ‘Well, we don’t want to give it to you too soon because then they might get over it.’ Look, fine. If that’s the case and I’m not good enough to carry that, cool, let’s go with that.

“I understand the idea of wanting to protect me at some point as well. But I have the belief in myself that I could pivot and move and adapt to whatever the situation is. You don’t want to give it to him too soon but if try and not give it to him at all, come on man. I feel like I’m better than that. And I don’t mean that in a boisterous way, but I’m confident in what I do. I’m confident in my skills. And at the same time, I want to be able to fail. Because when I fail, I get back up.”

When Van Vliet rejected the notion that Knight has failed, the megastar corrected him and shared how crazy the past year has been. 

“I’ve failed a million times but this year has been crazy… Apparently, I’ve been married twice this year as well. [Chris says Congratulations] Thank you, even though I’m not married.”

An Overnight Success? 

While Knight’s rise in WWE has been dramatic, this chapter is just the latest in his lengthy career. On the show, Knight explained how his success was both an overnight sensation as wel as something that was a long time coming. 

“It was but it wasn’t. It was 20 years, but then it was an overnight success. It was 20 years to get the overnight success basically because all of a sudden you’ve got– anywhere I’ve been any other company, had a fraction of the audience we have now. So to any of the uninitiated, most of them are seeing me for the first time. So in a certain way, it is an overnight success to the broader audience.”

La Knight will challenge for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble, as will Randy Orton and AJ Styles. Roman Reigns is understandly not happy about this… 

For use of quotes, please give an H/T to SE Scoops. 

The Undertaker Shares Hilarious First Reaction to Mick Foley as Dude Love

Thomas Lowson
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The Undertaker may have faced giants, kings, and even himself, but nothing could have prepared him for the enigmatic Dude Love persona. 

The oldest of Mick Foley’s iconic characters, the WWE Hall of Famer first crafted Dude Love while still in his youth. The fun-loving character was brought to the WWF years later after Foley had competed around the world as the ultra-violent Cactus Jack and the tortured soul known as Mankind. 

The Undertaker Reacts to Dude Love

On a recent episode of his Six Feet Under podcast, The Undertaker spoke about the Dude Love persona. The Phenom recalled seeing Dude Love for the first time and questioning how he’d ever sold for Mick. 

“I remember when he started doing Dude Love. He passed me in the hall and he could tell by the look on my face…I’ve sold more for him than anybody ever. We’ve been through hell and back together. Then here he is…Dude Love and all this tie-dyed stuff.

“He was getting into character and he was walking down the hall. Then he’d seen me and then he’d seen the look on my face. I’ll never forget him just dropping his head and walking by [like] ‘I’m sorry.’ It’s like, ‘I can’t believe I sold for you.'”

Mick Foley & The Undertaker

The Undertaker and Dude Love never faced off, but Mick Foley shared the ring several times with The Undertaker. The pair’s most iconic match came in Pittsburgh at the 1998 King of the Ring event, where the pair battled in, and on top of Hell in a Cell. 

Latest on Giovanni Vinci After Injury On Day 1 Episode of WWE Raw

Thomas Lowson
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Fans won’t be seeing Giovanni Vinci in the ring for some time after the Imperium member suffered an injury during last week’s episode of Raw. 

During the Day 1 episode of WWE Raw, Vinci and Ludwig Kaiser faced the tag-team experts Jey Uso and Kofi Kingston. The match came to a sudden conclusion when Kingston dropkicked Vinci and his head caught the back of the mat on the way down. After a consultation, medical officials at ringside determined that Vinci couldn’t compete. The match ended without a winner being determined. 

Update on Giovanni Vinci

During this week’s Raw, it was announced that Vinci would be out for “a number of weeks” due to the situation that unfolded on last week’s Raw. WWE has still not publicly disclosed details about the issue with Vinci. On Twitter, the Italian Superstar told fans “Sto bene. Grazie mille” which means “I’m fine, thanks a lot.”

A Feud Brewing?

On this week’s Raw, Ludwig Kaiser showed a new level of aggression in his singles match with Kofi Kingston. The match ended with a double count-out as Kaiser was attacking Kingston on the outside of the ring and would not stop to break the ref’s ten-count. 

On social media, WWE shared footage of Kingston being taken backstage after the match. It was noted that Kingston is being evaluated by medical staff but an update on his condition is not public knowledge at this time. 

Ludwig Kaiser was recently the victim of a sweet-treat incident at a WWE live event… 

Grayson Waller is “Fearing for His Life” Thanks to Madman Punching People in WWE

Thomas Lowson
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WWE SmackDown Superstar Grayson Waller is ‘fearing for his life’ due to a string of attacks, but it’s not CM Punk who’s to blame. 

In a video shared on Twitter, Waller spoke about his issues with Kevin Owens. The prizefighter made a surprise appearance on last week’s WWE NXT and attacked Waller during his match with Trick Williams. 

“2024 hasn’t really started off the way that I was hoping for. Last Tuesday, I go to NXT because Ilja Dragunov is too scared to fight Trick Williams, and I save the show. You’re welcome, Shawn Michaels. But what thanks do I get? I get assaulted, punched in the face by Kevin Owens for no reason at all.”

Waller then spoke about being at SmackDown in Vancouver, where he saw U.S. Champion Logan Paul suffer a similar fate. 

“I got cuts inside my lip, my jaw is sore. What do I see while I’m watching the show? Kevin Owens punches Logan Paul, the United States Champion, in the face for no reason at all. Me and Theory had enough. We go and check on Logan backstage. Because you know what? We’re starting to fear for our lives backstage. There’s a madman running around punching people.”

Waller’s comment about fearing for his life is an obvious nod to CM Punk’s release from AEW in September of last year. Addressing an AEW Collision crowd in Chicago after Punk’s release, Tony Khan claimed he was left fearing for his life during the Punk-Jack Perry altercation at AEW All In. 

This isn’t the first time that Grayson Waller has poked fun at CM Punk’s exit from AEW… 

H/T – WrestleZone

AEW’s Swerve Strickland Lands Role In Upcoming Slasher Movie

Thomas Lowson
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The star power of Swerve Strickland is only continuing to grow with the AEW wrestler landing a role in an upcoming slasher movie. 

Strickland will star in ‘Stiletto‘, a new film from Samuel Gonzalez Jr. which will see Gigi Gustin (Night of the Missing) star and produce. Other names attached to the film include Charlotte McKinney (Fantasy Island), Colleen Camp (Amsterdam, American Hustle), Pancho Moler (3 from Hell), Tyler Abron (Fear), and Stephen Blackehart (Guardians of the Galaxy)

A plot summary for the film reads as follows: 

“A year after the grisly murder of a local exotic dancer, the victim’s sister, Lyric [Gustin], searches for the serial killer responsible as he stalks and kills his favorite dancers on the night of the anniversary.”

It is unclear what role Strickland will have in the film. He is being represented by Fourth Wall Management and this will be his feature film debut. 

What’s Next for Swerve Strickland? 

While Strickland has yet to hold singles gold in AEW, many feel his time will come, possibly this year. Last month, Strickland declared that he will be AEW’s first African American World Champion, a goal he plans on achieving in 2024. Whatever Strickland’s future holds, it seemingly won’t include Keith Lee. The former allies were set to face off at Worlds End before Lee was pulled from the show due to a persistent injury. Speaking after the event, Strickland said he was done waiting for the Limitless One. 

Watch: What Happened With Cody Rhodes After Raw Went Off Air

Anutosh Bajpai
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Cody Rhodes continued his new tradition after this week’s episode of Raw.

The Red Branded Show this week featured a number of strong segments that got people talking. The show opened with a heated confrontation between Drew McIntyre and CM Punk.

The episode also featured a segment between Seth Rollins and Jinder Mahal leading to the announcement of a World Title Match between the two next week.

The matches on the show included bouts such as The Miz taking on JD McDonagh, Kayden Carter and Katana Chance defending the Women’s Tag Team Titles and more.

What Happened After Raw

cody table 1

The main event of this week’s Raw saw Cody Rhodes facing off against Shinsuke Nakamura. Both these stars have been involved in a personal rivalry the last few weeks and due to it, this match had been turned into a street fight.

Neither Nakamura nor Rhodes shied away from using various weapons in this match and they introduced objects such as Kendo Sticks, Tables, and even Nunchucks.

At one point, Nakamura accidentally spit his red mist into the timekeeper’s eyes, originally meant for Cody. This took Cody’s mind out of the match for a minute as the timekeeper was Berkley Ottman, the son of former WWE star Typhoon and a cousin of Rhodes.

At the end of the night however, Cody managed to pick up the victory. He sent Nakamura crashing through a table and then pinned him with a Cross-Rhodes.

The cameras went off air with Cody Rhodes celebrating in the ring. After the show, he continued the tradition he has built recently and the American Nightmare gave away another table to one of the fans in attendance.

Related: Cody Rhodes Gives Away Christmas Tree To Fan After Raw

Cody Rhodes gives table to fan after 08/01 Raw

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Andrade El Idolo Pulls Out Of GCW No Compadre Event

Aaron Varble
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Andrade El Idolo departed from AEW, and he had kind things to say about Tony Khan’s company. Now, it appears that he is on his way back to WWE, and there is more evidence to support that idea now.

Andrade El Idolo Expected Back In WWE

Having debuted for GCW at the ‘Highest In The Room 2’ event on December 9th, 2023 as he took on Joey Janela at the show. There was a plan to see Andrade’s return to GCW. However, it seems that won’t be happening now.

Game Changer Wrestling announced Andrade El Idolo’s withdrawal from the GCW No Compadre event, where he was initially set to face Jonathan Gresham on Friday, January 12th. Lio Rush will step in to replace Andrade in the matchup.

Due to circumstances out of control, ANDRADE and MAKI ITOH will be unable to compete on Friday’s event in Chicago.

The following replacements have been signed: MASHA SLAMOVICH will replace Maki Itoh LIO RUSH will replace Andrade

*Additional Matches TBA tonite and this week*

It was previously reported that Andrade was expected to be pulled from this event. Now, GCW has confirmed this cancellation. Andrade was advertised for at least one GCW event for 2024, and that is no longer the case. Of course, WWE famously prefers to keep their talent away from other promotions, with only a select few exceptions.

Andrade’s Next Moves in Pro Wrestling

Andrade El Idolo’s departure from AEW strongly indicates his intention to return to WWE. Now, pulling out of this Game Changer Wrestling event gives even more weight to the idea that he’s WWE-bound once again.

Clearing his schedule aligns with the typical transition for individuals moving from indies to WWE, considering WWE’s demanding schedule that doesn’t often allow for independent bookings. There have been times when WWE allowed incoming stars to finish up their indie dates in the past.

The specific reasons for Andrade El Idolo’s removal from the GCW event remain undisclosed, but many speculate that this is part of the process leading up to his WWE return. There’s a strong possibility that he will return to WWE, but nothing is definite until it actually happens.

Matt Riddle Will Drop His 420 Persona While Working In Japan

Aaron Varble
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Matt Riddle’s WWE release opened a lot of doors for him. Now, at 37-yaers-old, he is ready for different challenges, even if he has to switch things up along the way.

Matt Riddle Changing Up His Character For Japan

While speaking to Signed by Superstars, Matt Riddle was asked about the possibility of facing the Bullet Club in Japan, to which he replied that his 420 Bro character probably won’t work against that kind of opponent. 

“I’ve read a lot of things. The 420 Bro probably won’t make it to Japan,” Matt Riddle responded. This implies that he might have to switch up his in-ring style, which he has already covered. 

Matt Riddle expanded on this idea, as he responded that the 420 Bro persona is going to stay in America. So, whenever Riddle is in Japan, that 420 lifestyle is going to stay out of the country. He’s never been arrested for anything, nor does he have a criminal record. He wants to keep it that way as well.

“Regardless of what people think, I’ve never been arrested. I’ve never been arrested, I don’t have a criminal record. I want to keep it that way. Regardless of what people think, I’m going to keep it that way. That’s what we’re going to do. 420 Bro stays in America.”

What’s Next For Matt Riddle

Matt Riddle has shared his desire to challenge NJPW World TV Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi. However, his “420 Bro” persona might face drawbacks in Japan. He realizes that all too well, so things may have to change when he’s in Japan.

It was previously noted by Dave Meltzer that Matt Riddle and Jeff Cobb were almost a team in NJPW before. It’s anyone’s guess to see if that team may get a second chance in 2024. Cobb would definitely help Riddle tap into a more aggressive in-ring style. 

Amazon Prime May Emerge As Top Contender For WWE RAW’s New Home

Aaron Varble
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WWE has some huge deals in the pipeline for 2024, and we already know that SmackDown and NXT have new network homes. Now, a major player in the streaming wars may be in play for RAW’s rights.

Amazon Prime Could Secure WWE RAW

With WWE’s existing media rights deal for Monday Night Raw with NBCUniversal set to conclude in October 2024, speculation is arising about the company’s next broadcasting partner. Since the USA Network secured SmackDown, the red brand’s long-time home is expected to change.

Sports Business Journalism reporter John Ourand predicts that Amazon is likely to secure the rights to WWE’s flagship show. This would see WWE RAW move behind Amazon Prime’s streaming paywall.

John Ourand’s forecast envisions Amazon keeping Raw on Monday nights. The show would then air live from whichever city they are in that week.

Amazon Prime has been trying hard to target a young male audience and provide Prime Video with an additional night of premium live programming alongside Thursday Night Football. Shifting from cable television to a streaming service would represent a notable transformation in the wrestling television rights industry.

Amazon Prime’s Possible Plan For WWE RAW

This transition to a streaming service like Amazon Prime Video aligns with the changing landscape of television consumption. Cable TV is experiencing a decline in viewership, while streaming services are gaining prominence. This shift has redefined how television content is monetarily valued. Streaming services offer precise data insights, enabling companies like WWE to accurately assess viewership and the value of their product.

Utilizing streaming data alongside advertising revenue and sponsorships lets companies determine the worth of their brand when negotiating media rights deals. WWE may secure an incredibly lucrative deal compared to its previous agreement with NBCUniversal after breaking down those numbers.

WBD’s Interest In WWE RAW

Warner Bros Discovery is also reportedly interested in WWE RAW’s next contract. CM Punk may have brought even more interest from them, as it ramped up after his Survivor Series debut.

If WBD secures WWE RAW, then that could mean a big change is coming for AEW programming, as their television deal is up at the end of 2024.

Tony Khan, who said that AEW’s relationship with Warner Brothers Discovery is “very strong,“ has already spoken on WBD’s reported interest in WWE, and he said that it is “a part of sports.”

WWE’s Possible RAW Backup Plan

WWE has some big money deals in motion right now, but there is another contender if Warner Bros Discovery and Amazon don’t lock in the rights for RAW.

John Ourand proposed that Disney could enter the scene. Disney might consider a deal involving both renewing its existing UFC deal and broadcasting Monday Night Raw on its FX cable channel.

FX was previously reported as a top contender to lock down the longest running weekly episodic television show in history, and they may still be in the running. This alternative option would provide WWE with a broadcasting partner, albeit on cable television.

‘In An Ideal World’ Eric Bischoff Would Love Sting to Retire Against Ric Flair

Dominic DeAngelo
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Eric Bischoff knows Sting deserves a million dollar type send-off and in a universe where the stars aligned, he thinks The Icon would have the ultimate final match dance partner in Ric Flair.

Speaking on the latest episode of 83 Weeks, the former WCW President was joined by special guest co-host Matt Mitchell for an “Ask Eric Anything” episode and was asked about how would he handle Sting’s retirement match. Would he have him do a singles bout or team up in tag action to lighten the load? Bischoff gives a sound reason as to why he wouldn’t have him to a tag match.

“It’s faster paced, usually less emotion as a result of the pace and the fact that your attention is spread out.”

Bischoff then makes the case as to why he’d love to see Flair do his ‘Nature Boy strut’ across the ring from his longtime rival.

“In an ideal world (and it’s not an ideal world, trust me, I know that), but in an ideal world I would love for it to be Ric Flair. And I know I’m gonna get blistered, ‘Ah, Ric, he’s too old, blah, blah, blah.’ Bull****. Now Ric may not be interested in going out there and physically being in that position because again, he was almost dead a couple years ago so and 74 freaking years old so it’s kind of understandable that he’s not going to want to go out there and bounce around, but if he could, if he could go out there it would be the coolest thing in the world to see Ric Flair and Sting.”

bischoff flair sting 1

Bischoff understands that Flair vs. Sting in 2024 isn’t really possible, but hopes Sting gets a proper sendoff and delivers one more classic match.

“Whoever it is, I would want it to be meaningful from a storyline point of view, and I would want that person to want nothing more in his life than to make Sting look like a million bucks because he deserves that.”

Sting’s final battle will take place at the very PPV he made his AEW debut at three years ago, AEW Revolution.

Take a Look into Pro Wrestling’s Hot Free Agent Market

Zack Heydorn
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2024 is here and with it comes a treasure trove of free agent wrestlers that are chomping at the bit to make a difference and collect a paycheck. 

2023 was a boom for the pro wrestling industry. WWE stood strong at the top of the food chain and ushered in a new era of the company under the banner of Endeavor and the newly formed TKO Group with the UFC. With Vince McMahon on the creative sideline for much of the year, the WWE roster as it’s shaped right now was done through the thoughtful lens of WWE Chief Content Officer, Paul (Triple H) Levesque. 

Levesque constructed his talent roster with standard WWE mainstays like Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Bianca Belair, Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, and others, but also rounded it out with “Triple H guys and women” like Karrion Kross, Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa, Nia Jax, and Bronson Reed — all talents that made their way through the Triple H led NXT system at some point early in their run with the company. Triple H also broke the internet and the brains of wrestling fans when he orchestrated the WWE return of CM Punk.

Over in the land of AEW, Tony Khan added to his roster in 2023 by bringing in notable talent like Kota Ibushi, Adam Copeland, Billie Starkz, Nick Wayne, Jay White, Mariah May, and also announced signing of world renowned wrestler, Will Ospreay, to a contract beginning this year.

Impact Wrestling and their soon rebrand back to TNA saw an influx of new talent hit their ring in 2023. Trinity was the most notable name of the bunch. After being away from wrestling for months due to her walkout of WWE with Mercedes Mone (Sasha Banks) Trinity made her debut in April and won the Impact Wrestling Knockouts Championship in July. 

New Japan Pro Wrestling maintained the status quo in a lot ways when it comes to their roster with the likes of Kazuchika Okada, Tetsuya Naito, Sanada, and Hiroshi Tanahashi at the top of the company. They onboarded a few new faces including Wheeler Yuta and Mike Bailey for one off appearances and will continue to make a splash in 2024 with the appearances of Nic Nemeth (Dolph Ziggler) and Matt Riddle.

Many potential free agents landed with companies at the end of 2023. CM Punk signed with WWE, Rey Mysterio renewed his deal with WWE, Dominik Mysterio did the same. Charlotte Flair also signed with WWE and will remain with the company for the foreseeable future. Tony Khan opened up the checkbook to keep Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, and Adam Page under contract with AEW.

There are plenty of free agents that will hit the open market in 2024 and where they’ll land could significantly change the outlook of the industry by the time things are said and done. The free agents we’ll analyze are talents that would have considerable impact on the organization they’re leaving and joining, and have contracts that will reportedly be up in 2024, leaving them open to joining a new promotion. First up..

Mercedes Mone

Mercedes Mone, formerly Sasha Banks, is the talk of the wrestling world and the top free agent that is currently open and available to sign a contract. Mone famously stormed out of Monday Night Raw in May of 2022, walking out of the company where she became famous and landed in Japan as a part of New Japan Pro Wrestling and Stardom. Mone had matches against Kairi Sane and others in Japan, but was injured in the summer of 2023 and has appeared for any wrestling promotion since. 

Both AEW and WWE will try to roll out the red carpet for Mone. Talks between Mone and WWE reportedly stalled, but with the Royal Rumble on the horizon and WWE showing their chops in hiding major surprises with CM Punk, a surprise appearance at the annual event can’t be overlooked.

Mone in AEW is an interesting proposition. The women’s division in the company has searched for it’s face and top star since it’s inception in 2019 and Mone could finally bring direction and top tier star power that it’s needed. With matches against Toni Storm, Britt Baker, Jaime Hayter, Saraya, and Hikaru Shida all potentially viable, signing Mone gives Tony Khan multiple years worth of material for his women’s division. 

Mone to WWE is a safe play that will pay her lots of money, but AEW is the intriguing one with fresh matches and business abound.

Drew McIntyre

Much has been made about Drew McIntyre’s contract situation in WWE, but he’s a virtual lock to stay with the company. McIntyre has been the focus of Monday Night Raw for months and has lead the show with a compelling character turn that has bolstered his act, moving it from upper mid card to main event. 

McIntyre is a WWE guy. He sees himself as a company guy and the company sees him as such. If McIntyre slides into a role as heel foil for the likes of Cody Rhodes and CM Punk in 2024, that’s a premiere spot to be in and not something that Tony Khan will be able to compete with.

AEW can offer McIntyre a fresh start and lots of money, but McIntyre vs. Omega, McIntyre vs. Copeland, and McIntyre vs. MJF just doesn’t have the same juice like his potential WWE bouts. 

Drew McIntyre is a top talent, but defined by his work in WWE at this point. Can he move the needle for AEW? A little, but his impact there won’t be as significant as it will be in WWE.

Mustafa Ali

Since officially hitting the free agent market at the end of 2023, Mustafa Ali has filled up his calendar with various independent wrestling events like GCW, Freelance Wrestling, and others. 

Ali released a video that declared his purpose as a wrestler and it very much indicated he’s out to change the narrative of himself. He clearly is set to use his time to prove how much of a draw he can be, but also how much of a character wrestler he can be. To that end, I don’t think we see him sign a contract.

Look for Ali to continue to make appearances at various top indy promotions and maybe pick up a run in Impact Wrestling. When it’s all said and done, Ali impresses with this run and creates enough demand for WWE to sign him again in a few years.

Giulia

All indications point to Giulia signing with WWE when her contract in Japan wraps up in the spring and it’s a perfect signing for both parties.

Giulia is a wonderful worker with a great look that is tailor made for the WWE product. Starting in NXT will get her the lay of the land working on a national television show in the United States and when the time is right, she’ll move up to the main roster for a permanent run there. 

Giulia is a master in the ring and the number of great matches she can have with WWE talent like Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Rhea Ripley, and others is endless. 

Kamille

Another perfect signing for WWE. Kamille has “WWE wrestler” written all over her. She was able to show her skills and wrestling chops in the NWA for the last few years, but being under the banner of WWE will help her greatly from a promotional perspective, but also for an in-ring work perspective as well.

Kamille in AEW would be an interesting twist if it ever happened, but the rest of the women’s roster there doesn’t match up well with what Kamille brings t
o the table. WWE can get the most out of her and she can deliver the most for them.

Kazuchika Okada

Reports indicate that Kazuchika Okada may hit the open market this year and let the bidding ceremony commence. Both AEW and WWE will be in on a generational talent and draw like Okada. 

AEW would have to be the likely landing spot given the working relationship that he and Tony Khan already have due to the business partnership between AEW and New Japan Pro Wrestling. Okada has worked with much of the talent on the AEW roster and the company seems like a comfortable landing place for him to slow the work down, earn good money, and get national television exposure in the United States.

Okada wouldn’t take a first look at a Vince McMahon-run WWE. McMahon has a terrible reputation pushing Japanese talent in a prominent way and likely wouldn’t take the time to understand how special of a performer Okada is. Paul Levesque isn’t Vince McMahon. It’s obvious that Levesque respects talent from other parts of the world and would give Okada the respect he deserves as the star that he is. 

If WWE has aspirations for entering the Japanese market, Okada would be the guy to bring in to help with that endeavor. He’d be top guy regularly as well.

Opposite to the situation with Mercedes Mone, AEW is the safe option for Okada, but WWE is infinitely more intriguing. 

Nic Nemeth (Dolph Ziggler)

Well, Nic Nemeth, formerly Dolph Ziggler in WWE, is a free agent, but is also tied to New Japan Pro Wrestling. Nemeth appeared at Wrestle Kingdom 18 on Thursday and had a physical altercation with David Finlay — the new IWGP Global Champion. 

Nemeth and New Japan is a strong fit for both parties. He only has his WWE work to lean on and with such a good reputation as a worker in the ring, trying his hand in Japan is a nice way for him to break away from the WWE mold. As for New Japan, 

Nemeth can help the company as a well-known American act that can help drive some interest for high level U.S. shows. He’s also someone Gedo can beat regularly, while not damaging his aura as a draw. If Nemeth enters the G1 this year, it’s a thumbs up signing for NJPW.

Becky Lynch

“The Man” will become a free agent in 2024, but she’s not going anywhere. If it hasn’t been done already, the TKO Group will send Lynch a new contract with lots of zeros on a gold platter with a platinum pen to sign it with. 

Lynch is one WWE’s top stars and TKO Group will not want to be in the business of losing her. She’s said openly that she wants to finish her career with WWE and she will do just that.

Mandy Rose

Mandy Rose doesn’t need professional wrestling. Her modeling career has flourished since leaving NXT at the end of 2022 and she’s stated on many occasions that she simply doesn’t know if a return to the ring is in the cards.

If it is, AEW should give Rose a hard look. Rose can’t wrestle like Shida can, but she’s a character wrestler that the AEW women’s division could desperately use. Being in AEW would give Rose the chance to expand her in-ring work and grow that part of her game.

WWE would certainly try to win her back, but she’s background noise in a company that is now stocked with top tier women. She likely wouldn’t crack the top tier of the women’s division on the WWE main roster, so why go back there? AEW is the landing spot as it gives her the most upside possible.

Ronda Rousey 

Since leaving WWE, Ronda Rousey has made a couple appearances for Pro Wrestling Revolver and Tony Khan’s ROH. Who had that on their bingo card? 

Rousey joining those companies was a fun gesture, but she’s certainly going to be looking for a big payday if and when she decides to sign on again as a full or part time wrestler. That leaves two companies open to her — AEW and WWE.

How much value does Rousey have to WWE anymore? She’s feuded with almost every top tier woman on the roster already aside from Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley and the run she just completed wasn’t that memorable. She’s a top name, but not nearly as “household” as she was when she first joined the company. Is she worth it? 

For AEW? She sure is. AEW needs pillar stars in their women’s division. Rousey can provide that and she also provides fresh matches for wrestling fans. Most of the AEW women’s roster she hasn’t worked with, so anything she does will feel new.

Conclusion

There’s the picture. We’ll see how each company paints it. WWE is in a strong position to sign whoever they want. Not only does the company have deep pockets, but it owns a hot product right now and case studies of outside talent being featured strong. That goes a long way.

AEW has come on some hard times as far as it’s product goes, but is still a strong landing spot due to the money they can throw at potential stars. They have deep pockets as well. 

It’ll be a fight, but a fun one to watch play out.

Nic Nemeth On The End Of His WWE Run: “I’m Being Paid Way Too Much To Sit At Home“

Dominic DeAngelo
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Nic Nemeth is now a “Wanted Man” after now officially being a free agent. The former Dolph Ziggler was one of several releases by WWE back in September, and he kicked 2024 off with a surprise appearance at Wrestle Kingdom.

However, Nemeth’s impending exit was something he actually fully expected and even inquired about.

Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Nemeth touched upon how his leave felt like a long time coming.

“I was planning for half of this entire last contract going, ‘I know at some point, I’m being paid way too much to sit at home so I’m gonna have to get out of here.’ I always wanted to be ready to go, just in case they said, ‘I know you’ve been doing 90-second matches, can you do 30 minutes with The Undertaker?’ You’re damn right I can. I was ready to go anyway.

“I just wanted to have every option available. It wasn’t out of the blue. I had sent emails to the boss over the last few months saying, ‘I have to move on to somewhere else, can you let me do this?’ Eventually, without exact back and forth, that’s how it worked out.”

Nemeth has plenty to look forward to as free agency is a new beginning for him. His appearance at Wrestle Kingdom even surprised talent backstage at NJPW, but Nemeth will be keeping busy overseas in the wrestling realm as he’ll be making appearances in the United Kingdom and Australia.

Since his release, Nemeth also has been doing stand-up appearances with his younger brother Ryan.

Please credit Busted Open Radio and h/t to Fightful for the transcription.

Rey Mysterio Eyeing WWE Royal Rumble For Return From Injury

Aaron Varble
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The WWE Royal Rumble is approaching on January 27th, and that will always spark speculation about potential returns. Rey Mysterio may be out of action with an injury, but he is eyeing a return at Tropicana Field.

Rey Mysterio Gives Positive Injury Update

Rey Mysterio is currently in recovery after undergoing knee surgery a few weeks ago. His absence from television was prompted by an attack from Santos Escobar. In reality, this was a planned procedure, because Mysterio needed to get this work done on his knee.

Unfazed by this physical setback, Rey Mysterio is determined to make a swift return to the ring. While speaking to Baker Banter, Mr. 6-1-9 mentioned actively engaging in physical therapy and expressed optimism about being back in action for the Royal Rumble.

“I’m really working hard on my physical therapy,” Mysterio stated. “I just had knee surgery, thanks to Santos Escobar, and his time will come eventually. I do hope that I can return for the Rumble, if not shortly after that. I am working very hard to make my return as soon as possible.”

Rey Mysterio Speaks on Seth Rollins

If Rey Mysterio can win the 2024 Royal Rumble match, he may elect to take on Seth Rollins for his WWE World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania 40. Myserio has seen Seth Rollins operate, and he had a unique take on The Visionary’s career metamorphosis in WWE.

“Seth Rollins, to me, he’s like a chameleon. He disguises himself as many characters. He had beef with a lot of Superstars because he does carry the World Title. But now that CM Punk is on board, it’s like he pushed all the rivals that he had on [in] his site and is now focused strictly on one person. Personally, I respect Seth Rollins. I enjoy watching his work, and I appreciate that he was Dominik’s godfather. He was the first superstar to step in the ring with Dominick [SummerSlam 2020] and trusted Dominik. So at that time, Dominik and I were very close and that makes me feel full of respect towards Seth Rollins. But in the ring right now, he’s a crazy man.”

What’s Next For Rey Mysterio in WWE?

Rey Mysterio has admitted in the past that he had to slow down a bit in the ring. The legendary luchador can feel that, as he has given so much to fans for years.

Rey Mysterio also inked a new deal with WWE, along with his son, Dominik Mysterio. While it is believed that Dominik’s contract is a full five-year deal, many believe that Rey Mysterio only inked a three-year agreement. Either way, that will ensure that WWE fans have years to come for that father/son storyline to finally circle back to each other. 

First Look at New TNA World Tag Team Championships

Thomas Lowson
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Fans have caught their first glimpse of the new TNA World Tag Team Championships, ahead of the promotion’s official relaunch at Hard to Kill.

It was announced in the closing moment of Bound for Glory 2023 that IMPACT would be rebranding as TNA. This news has been met with an overwhelmingly positive response from fans. Reigning World Champion Alex Shelley told SE Scoops that the reaction has even taken some in IMPACT/TNA by surprise. 

New TNA World Tag Team Championships

In a video shared to YouTube, TNA President Scott D’Amore spoke to reigning World Tag Team Champions ABC. D’Amore spoke about watching Chris Bey and Ace Austin grow up in the promotion, before revealing the new TNA World Tag Team Championships. 

Fans will be immediately drawn to the bright red strap of the new TNA World Tag Team Titles. Each title has a total of five silver plates with the center plate being ornated with various patterns, as well as the TNA Wrestling logo. 

What’s Next? 

ABC may be the proud holders of the TNA World Tag Team Championships, but their time with the new titles may be short-lived. At TNA Hard to Kill, ABC will defend the gold in a four-way tag-team match. They will be challenged by The Rascalz (Zachary Wentz and Trey Miguel), Speedball Mountain (Mike Bailey and Trent Seven), and the debuting former WWE tag-team of the Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson and James Drake).

These new Tag Team Championships aren’t the only titles to get a makeover… 

Cody Rhodes Explains Why He Agreed To Be Best Man For Fan’s Wedding

Aaron Varble
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Cody Rhodes is a WWE fan favorite, and that is very evident every time fans blare out “WOAH” during his Kingdom entrance. He has consistently gone above and beyond for his Nightmare Family, and that included recently agreeing to be a fan’s best man during a live event in Spokane. 

Cody Rhodes Is Going To Be A Best Man

During a WWE live event in Spokane, Washington, Rhodes secured a victory over Shinsuke Nakamura as the two prepare for their January 8th battle on RAW. WWE fans often bring signs to events, but one caught the American Nightmare’s eye.

After the match, Cody Rhodes noticed a fan’s sign requesting him to be the Best Man at their upcoming wedding. Cody readily agreed, which brought a huge pop from the Washington crowd.

Cody Rhodes Explains His Actions

This spontaneous and rather significant gesture surprised many fans who initially doubted Cody Rhodes’ sincerity. In a video released by WWE, Cody Rhodes addressed the fan’s request, confirming his commitment to being the best man at the wedding scheduled for March this year. 

‘‘I should have not seen that sign. Turns out, I’m gonna be his Best Man. Now here’s the funny thing, don’t even know his name. He’s gonna send me a DM on Instagram he told me. Man of my word. I’m gonna end up at that guy’s wedding. So congratulations to future guy I’m the Best Man to. Yup, I’m the Best Man.”

Cody Rhodes has his eye on winning the 2024 Royal Rumble match. He wants to finish his story, and make his way to WrestleMania 40. With this kind of connection with fans, it’s evident that he will be a huge babyface favorite when January 27th’s big event in Tropicana Field rolls around.

The Undertaker On His Scariest Moment In The Ring

Ella Jay
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WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker has conquered several daunting match stipulations and moments in his wrestling career, but which was the scariest? On episode 12 of the Six Feet Under podcast, The Undertaker provided an answer, pointing to one of his most memorable appearances inside Hell in a Cell. 

The moment in reference happened during The Undertaker’s Hell in a Cell match against Mick Foley (Mankind at the time) at the 1998 WWE King of the Ring pay-per-view. 

While many remember this match for Foley’s thunderous plunge through the announce table, The Undertaker considers another part of the match to be even more terrifying. 

Mankind / Mick Foley and Hell in a Cell (1998)

“I think probably the scariest moment was when Mick went through the Cell. When I choke slammed him through it. Not when I threw him off, but when I choke-slammed him through the cell. The way that he landed. I was legit like, ‘Come on, please move,’ because I didn’t know that he was going to. That was pretty tense there for a little bit,” Undertaker said. 

“And I’m thinking the worst because of just the way that it looked from my perspective. From my perspective, it looks like he landed on his head. And regardless of the reason why or how, in my head, it’s like, ‘You’re the one that just choke slammed him through it.’ So if he doesn’t get up, all those things are already going through your mind like ‘Are you going to be the guy that crippled Mick Foley?’ Yeah, that was pretty gnarly.”

Another ‘Scary’ Moment

Outside of his Hell in a Cell match against Mick Foley, The Undertaker says another scary moment occurred during his 2019 WWE Super ShowDown match against another fellow WWE Hall of Famer — Goldberg. At one point, Goldberg set The Undertaker in position for a suplex. However, when the two crashed onto the mat, The Undertaker then+ experienced what he described as an “incredible lightning bolt of pain” in his back. 

Mercedes Mone’s AEW Arrival Is Expected Soon

Aaron Varble
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Mercedes Mone is anticipated to make her debut on AEW television in the near future, according to sources within the company. The big question is when that debut will take place.

Mercedes Mone May Become All Elite

Dave Meltzer emphasized that the certainty of her appearance is contingent on the formalization of a signed contract. AEW has been known to have stars sign contracts just before their debut, so there is no word on whether anything official has been signed. 

During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted that there were no indications or teases during the last night’s show regarding Mercedes Mone’s potential appearance in Jacksonville. Despite this, AEW is reportedly expecting her to start her television journey soon. 

On last night’s show there were no teases for Mercedes Mone or for her appearing Wednesday in Jacksonville. What I know is that AEW does expect her to start on TV soon, but as noted, until it happens and the contract itself is signed, I wouldn’t consider anything 100 percent.

One would think there would be some sort of a tease of a surprise if she was to appear, since that’s been the case with most major signings. But Sting’s original debut in Jacksonville came out of nowhere.

Mercedes Mone’s Expected AEW Arrival

Dave Meltzer previously noted in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that, “WWE and AEW have clearly both been talking with her. Obviously this has gone on with AEW for months, if not a year, and she’s never signed yet. There was a lot of talk within wrestling of her on this week’s Dynamite, which she wasn’t on.”

He continued to say, “We do know that the expectation is she will be in AEW fairly soon, but until a contract signing is confirmed, anything can happen.”

AEW Dynamite will air their Homecoming episode from Daily’s Place on Wednesday, January 10th. That very well may be the first time we see Mercedes Mone grace an AEW ring, but AEW hasn’t dropped any blatant teases to confirm those theories yet.

There were talks between Mercedes Mone and WWE, but they reportedly hit a financial roadblock. Bayley still begs Mercedes to make a return at every chance she can, but it appears that the former Sasha Banks may sign with AEW after all. 

Backstage news on WWE changing plans for the Royal Rumble main event

Dominic DeAngelo
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WWE had an original plan for Roman Reigns at Royal Rumble, but Chief Content Officer Triple H decided to call an audible.

Royal Rumble will naturally be featuring the two 30-person matches as its cornerstone bouts, but Roman Reigns will have his table full to kick off the road to WrestleManai. Reigns will be putting his WWE Undisputed Universal Championship on the line against AJ Styles, LA Knight and The Apex Predator, Randy Orton.

From a television and speculation perspective, the overall thought was that it would be Randy Orton facing Roman Reigns one-on-one for the gold, but that clearly wasn’t the direction taken.

According to Dave Meltzer on the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, the original plan was indeed Orton vs. Reigns, but there were certain parties within WWE that felt that The Viper shouldn’t be taking a loss so soon after making a major return.

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By adding AJ Styles and LA Knight to the equation, WWE has more latitude for Reigns to keep his historic championship reign in tact without Randy Orton having to take a pin or submission, even under dubious circumstances. Everybody knows there’s money in in Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton and the company isn’t playing that card just yet.

If one were to put money on who would take the pinfall on Royal Rumble Saturday, the safe bet may likely be AJ Styles considering that LA Knight already took a pinfall loss to Roman at Crown Jewel. Styles just made a return back to the company as well, but Meltzer stated he believes AJ Styles would make the most since to take a loss.

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