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Beth Phoenix Warns Rhea Ripley: “Mother Is Back To Punish You”

Ella Jay
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Rhea Ripley has a big decision ahead of her, but before she can make it, she has another piece of business to tend to first.

Saturday night, Rhea Ripley punched her ticket to WrestleMania 39. “The Nightmare” entered the 2023 women’s Royal Rumble from the number one spot, but that didn’t stop her from outlasting everyone else. The final two saw Ripley clash with former tag team partner Liv Morgan — who entered at number two — before Ripley eliminated Morgan, effectively winning the 30-woman Rumble match. Now, Ripley must declare which championship she will vie for at WWE’s grandest stage, WrestleMania 39.

Before she can weigh her options, however, she appears be caught in the sights of WWE Hall of Famer, Beth Phoenix.

Awakening The Glamazon

Beth Phoenix

At Extreme Rules in October, Phoenix zoomed down to try and save her husband, Edge, from the wrath of the Judgement Day during his “I Quit” match with Finn Balor. Unfortunately for Phoenix though, Rhea Ripley took her down with a pair of brass knuckles and a chair shot to the head. At the Royal Rumble, Phoenix returned with revenge on her mind.

After Edge’s elimination in the men’s Royal Rumble at the hands of the Judgement Day, “The Rated R Superstar” brawled with Finn Balor and Damian Priest up the entrance ramp. Ripley, however, stunned Edge with an attack from behind, kicking him down.

Soon though, Ripley received a surprise of her own. “The Glamazon” Beth Phoenix appeared behind Rhea Ripley, grounding her with a spear.

Following the action, Ripley and Phoenix battled in a war of words on Twitter. Phoenix congratulated Ripley on her women’s Royal Rumble win, promising to drag her to Hell now. Ripley replied seemingly unphased, proclaiming that saying that Phoenix stepped into her playground now. “The Glamazon” answered back with a warning to “The Nightmare.”

Bobby Lashley Mocks Brock Lesnar After Royal Rumble Elimination

Michael Reichlin
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Bobby Lashley couldn’t help but ‘dunk’ on Brock Lesnar after eliminating him from Saturday night’s men’s Royal Rumble match.

Lashley cut a promo on SmackDown and warned the entire WWE Universe that he plans on being the last man standing in San Antonio. As he was speaking, Lesnar emerged from the crowd and viciously attacked the Almighty with an F5. The Beast declared his entry into the Rumble, setting the stage for another clash between these two heavyweights.

Having won Rumble in 2003 and 2022, Lesnar was considered one of the favorites the moment he was announced as a participant. In the hours leading up to the Rumble, Lashley warned WWE Superstars to stay out of his way.

He wrote, “I’m getting rid of Brock tonight, and THEN I’ll take care of the rest of you!”

Lashley Eliminates Lesnar

Brock Lesnar entered the Royal Rumble at #12 and went on a rampage. He flung Chad Gable, Santos Escobar and Angelo Dawkins out of the ring with ease. The next entrant into the Rumble was Bobby Lashley at #13. Two combustable forces like this do not co-exist for long. It all came to ahead when Lashley stunned the Alamodome by eliminating Lesnar.

As you can see below, Lesnar did not handle it well.

On Sunday morning, Lashley took a moment to mock Lesnar on Twitter. He told the former UFC Heavyweight champion to kiss his ass. It’s one thing to talk trash to Brock Lesnar. It’s another thing to antagonize him when he’s already riled up.

Brock Lesnsar vs. Bobby Lashley is rumored to be one of the top matches at ‘WrestleMania Goes Hollywood’ in April.

LA Knight on Why His Max Dupri Character Didn’t Work

Thomas Lowson
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LA Knight has proven to be a hit on WWE’s main roster, but only after ditching the name Max Dupri.

Knight joined WWE in early 2021 after previous stints in TNA/Impact Wrestling and the NWA as Eli Drake, and is a former Impact World Champion.

The 40-year-old wrestler made an impact (pardon the pun) upon his arrival to NXT, where he held the Million Dollar Championship.

Dupri No More

In May 2022, Knight was reintroduced to the WWE Universe as Max Dupri, the head of the Maximum Male Models.

After his sister Maxine Dupri was introduced later that month, Dupri would split from the group, and revert to his LA Knight persona.

Speaking to ComicBook.com, Knight explained why his tenure as Max Dupri was short-lived.

“How honest do you want me to be? I’ll just say this, at the end of the day I can make anything work. But at the end of the day, I’ve got a real tough time not being [me]. I’ll tell you this, it wasn’t me. So when things came to pass and LA Knight started to shine through, it was the right place to go and not a moment too soon.”

LA Knight.

At WWE Royal Rumble 2023, Knight lost to Bray Wyatt in the Mountain Dew Pitch Black match, which marked Wyatt’s first televised match since returning to WWE.

What’s in a Name?

Whether it’s as LA Knight, Max Dupri, or Eli Drake, the SmackDown Superstar (real name Shaun Ricker) has made a name himself, but these aren’t his only names.

Knight previously worked for WWE from 2013-2014 as Slate Randall but was primarily used as an enhancement talent.

In 2011, Knight was an unnamed security guard during the infamous text message promo between Kevin Nash and CM Punk, when the latter joked that people thought Nash died years ago.

Gamers may recognize Knight (or at least his voice) as “Paragon Jay Pierce” in WWE 2K22’s MyRise mode.

LA Knight on Sharing the Ring With Undertaker, Being Managed by Paul Bearer

Sami Zayn Says He Was ‘Kept Away’ From Roman Reigns Before Triple H Took Over

Anutosh Bajpai
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Sami Zayn has proven in the past few months that he belongs at the top of the WWE mountain. He has shown the world that he can hang on his own with main eventers such as Roman Reigns. According to the WWE star himself, this has all happened only after Triple H took over creative.

The WWE star had an interview with BT Sport before Royal Rumble. He talked about his storyline with The Bloodline and noted that he wasn’t given screen time with The Tribal Chief during Vince McMahon’s reign.

Zayn mentioned that stars aligned for him to get to share the screen with Roman the first time in Montreal. It took the storyline to the next level. He is not sure if things would have gone the same way without the management change:

“All I know is I can definitely point to the time he wasn’t in charge and say I was kept away from being on screen with Roman. Then once he was in charge, all of a sudden, I’m on screen and it’s allowed to breathe and see where it goes.”

– Sami Zayn

The former IC champion mentioned how they got more room to breathe after the first interaction since the pairing started to work. He doesn’t know if it could have happened with the previous management as well.

Do you think Sami Zayn would have been given the chances he has been given in the last few months under Vince McMahon? Let us know your thoughts in the comment.

H/t Fightful

Elimination Chamber Main Event Will Culminate the Top Storyline in WWE

Thomas Lowson
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Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns will seek to remind Sami Zayn who is the Head of the Table next month at WWE Elimination Chamber.

At last weekend’s Royal Rumble event, Zayn’s tenure as the Honorary Uce ended when he refused to attack Kevin Owens, and instead struck Reigns with a steel chair.

This moment of victory for Zayn was short-lived, as he was attacked by Reigns, Jimmy Uso, and Solo Sikoa immediately after.

Elimination Chamber Main Event

Reigns has been on the roll of his career since capturing the Universal Championship at Payback 2020, but Zayn is hoping to prevent the Tribal Chief from entering his third consecutive WrestleMania as Champion.

Dave Meltzer reports that the main event of the upcoming show will see Zayn challenge Reigns for the title, in Sami’s hometown of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Sami Zayn and Roman REigns

Though Meltzer said that plans are as always, subject to change, he said that major changes to plans have been far less frequent since Triple H’s appointment as Head of Creative.

Next month’s event will be the first WWE Premium Live Event to take place in Montreal since Breaking Point in September 2009.

WWE Elimination Chamber 2023 will take place on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at the Bell Centre in Montreal.

Sami Zayn: Can He Do It?

A year ago, the idea of Sami Zayn dethroning Roman Reigns was laughable, but there has been a growing consensus that this could happen.

Not only will the Canadian have the home-field advantage, but Zayn’s popularity has proven to be undeniable in recent weeks.

Many have compared Zayn today to Daniel Bryan circa 2014, and believe WWE may push him to the top as the crowd remains firmly on his side.

There’s also the factor of Cody Rhodes (the 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble winner) who has been one of WWE’s top babyfaces since returning to the promotion.

WWE runs the risk of fans turning on Rhodes (a la AEW) if they push him instead of Zayn, and ironically, it was WWE’s steadfast focus on pushing Reigns as a babyface that caused the fans to turn on him.

Sami Zayn Answers: Can He Be The Face of WWE?

WWE Reaches Interesting New Statistic With Royal Rumble 2023

Thomas Lowson
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Statistically, entering a Royal Rumble match from the #1 position is the worst possible number for a wrestler hoping to headline WrestleMania.

As seen at the 2023 Royal Rumble, Rhea Ripley won the Women’s Rumble match from the #1 position and has made history in the process.

With Ripley’s win, the #1 spot has now produced four winners, tying the coveted #27 spot.

Being third from the last has often been touted as the best position to be in, with Big John Studd (1989,) Yokozuna (1993,) Bret Hart (1994,) and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin (1997) all winning from #27.

While #27 has long been considered the best spot, it has now fallen to second place, as Cody Rhodes’ victory in the #30 spot is the fifth overall.

Winning from #1

Rhea Ripley is just the latest Superstar (and first female) to win a Rumble match from the #1 position, and has joined some notable names.

In 1995, Shawn Michaels became the first Superstar to go the distance, eliminating ‘The British Bulldog’ Davey Boy Smith, who had entered at #2.

Nearly a decade later, Chris Benoit did the same, entering at #1 in 2004 and last eliminating the Big Show to earn a championship match at WrestleMania.

Aware that then-SmackDown GM Paul Heyman was planning to screw him, Benoit jumped from SmackDown to Raw for his WrestleMania title opportunity.

It was Benoit’s action that led to the rule that the Royal Rumble winner can choose which title they challenge for when there are two WWE World Championships.

Fans would wait another 17 years before Edge won the Men’s Rumble at #1, at the (thankfully) only Rumble to happen without a live crowd.

Gunther Sets Record for Longest Time in WWE’s Royal Rumble Match

Gallows & Anderson’s WWE Contracts Run For Several More Years

Thomas Lowson
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Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson are locked into their WWE deals for quite some time, Fightful Select has learned.

Gallows and Anderson returned to WWE in late 2022, coming to the aid of AJ Styles in his feud with the Judgment Day.

Both men had previously been released by WWE in April 2020 as part of ‘Budget Cuts’ and had found success in Impact Wrestling, as well as other promotions.

Contracts

When Fightful Select asked sources in WWE, they were told that Gallows and Anderson are under five-year WWE contracts that have them set to stay until late 2027.

These deals are far longer than the typical WWE contract, which like other promotions is a standard three-year deal.

As WWE’s Head of Relations, Triple H oversaw the return of Gallows and Anderson, and it is reported that he encouraged the pair to re-sign with WWE in 2019, over tempting offers from Impact, AEW, and NJPW.

Fightful’s report suggests that the Game felt bad that he cost The O.C. opportunities elsewhere, only for them to be released in April 2020, hence their longer new deals.

Gallows and Anderson

After debuting in WWE in 2016 (as part of AJ Styles’ feud with John Cena,) it wasn’t long before Gallows and Anderson captured their first of two reigns as Raw Tag Team Champions.

The pair also has the distinction of being part of The Undertaker’s final match, as they (unsuccessfully) aided Styles during the Boneyard match at WrestleMania 36.

Though the pair have worked with Styles since returning, the Phenomenal One is currently out of action after suffering an injury at a WWE live event.

Karl Anderson Addresses Being Booked on The Same Date by WWE and NJPW

Cody Rhodes to Appear on Logan Paul’s ImPaulsive Podcast This Week

Thomas Lowson
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Cody Rhodes’ road to the main event of WWE WrestleMania 39 will see him make a stop as the guest of Logan Paul’s ImPaulsive podcast.

Rhodes returned to competition at last Saturday’s event, entering the Men’s Rumble match at #30 and winning the entire thing.

The American Nightmare eliminated five Superstars (including Paul) to win, last tossing out Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER, who was the #1 entrant.

ImPaulsive Podcast

In a video from the official ImPaulsive podcast Twitter account, Cody confirmed that he and the Maverick had just wrapped up recording an episode of the show.

Rhodes also brought up the fact that he eliminated Paul, to which the young Superstar insisted “I’m not mad, because you did our show.”

Like Rhodes, Paul made his own return from injury as part of the Men’s Royal Rumble match, his first time in the 30-man contest.

Entering at #29, Paul lasted over 10 minutes in the match and was the penultimate person to be eliminated.

WrestleMania

With his win, Rhodes has earned the opportunity to challenge for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania, currently held by Roman Reigns.

Rhodes infamously vowed to become WWE Champion during his promo on the post-WrestleMania 38 Raw, and fulfill a promise to his late father, the American Dream Dusty Rhodes.

As for Paul, the YouTuber had pitched to compete with John Cena this April, and at a time, it was reported that this match was in the works.

With more recent reports of Cena Vs. U.S. Champion Austin Theory, it is now rumored that Paul will face Seth Rollins, who was eliminated by the Maverick at the Rumble.

Logan Paul on a Tag Team With Jake Paul in WWE: “That Would be Amazing”

AEW Star Spotted Backstage at WWE Royal Rumble

Samantha Schipman
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Saturday night “The Road to WrestleMania” officially kicked off with the Royal Rumble.

The men’s Royal Rumble match saw a guest spot from Booker T along with the returns of Edge and Cody Rhodes. GUNTHER also set a record for the longest time in a Royal Rumble match.

AEW Star Supporting Cody Rhodes

cody rhodes 2023

Rhodes made his return from injury at the 30th entrant in the rumble match. He was able to defeat GUNTHER to earn a match against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39.

Last night, AEW star Ricky Starks tweeted that “#30 is a great number. LFG”

On Sunday evening, a photo surfaced on Starks at the Royal Rumble with Rhodes. The two wrestlers are good friends. Settle down, IWC.

In response to the photo and the Twitter jokes, Starks commented, “Damn, they brought back GTV.”

On last Wednesday’s Dynamite, Starks and Action Andretti faced “Le Sex Gods” Chris Jericho and Sammy Guevara.

Cody Rhodes On His Torn Pectoral Injury “I’m Very Sorry That I got Hurt”

Jay Briscoe’s Funeral Service Aired via Livestream

Samantha Schipman
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Nearly two weeks after his death, Jay Briscoe’s funeral service took place on Sunday. His family allowed the service to air via livestream on YouTube.

His funeral comes several days after Jay’s brother, Mark, was finally allowed to wrestle on AEW television. Mark and Jay Lethal asked to honor Jay on what would’ve been his 39th birthday. The match closed out last Wednesday’s Dynamite. AEW was also finally able to air a video package for Jay.

Jay Briscoe’s “Celebration of Life”

Jay Briscoe

On Wrestling Observer Radio, it was revealed that Tony Khan got a jet to take talent that worked yesterday’s Dark tapings to Jay’s funeral if they wished to attend.

There was representation for multiple companies at the funeral. Roderick Strong assisted Jay Lethal in a 10-bell salute.

One story shared was that Jay began using the catchphrase, “Reach for the sky, boy” because Woody in Toy Story said that when his string was pulled. He would always cry when watching the movie with his kids.

Mark spoke at his brother’s service and talked about how Jay viewed religion.

https://twitter.com/davidbix/status/1619835281674489856?s=20&t=3aTOP-G-K8C-VUgKMS4Gjw

Prince Nana tweeted a picture from the reception.

Donations can still be made for the Pugh family here and an AEW shirt with all proceeds going to his family is also available. The tribute show to Jay is available on both Honor Club and ROH’s YouTube channel.

Fans Asked to Stop Harassing Family of Other Driver in Jay Briscoe Tragedy

Pat McAfee’s Royal Rumble Return Kept a Secret from Michael Cole & Corey Graves

Andrew Ravens
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To start off the WWE Royal Rumble PLE, Pat McAfee made his surprise return to the company by joining Michael Cole and Corey Graves at the announce table to call the show that started with the 30-Man Royal Rumble match. 

WWE brought him in last year to be part of SmackDown, and he has been praised for his one-liners and energy during shows. Wade Barrett replaced McAfee while he was gone on SmackDown, and WWE has used Booker T in NXT to replace Barrett. 

The Shock

image 19

McAfee’s return was kept very close to the vest to prevent the news of his return from leaking out, according to a report by PWinsider. It should be noted that there were rumors on the day of the show that he may be returning.

According to this report, Cole, who has become good friends with McAfee, was legitimately surprised by the return.  On the broadcast, Cole said that he had spoken with McAfee that day, but the fellow SmackDown commentator didn’t tell him he was returning. 

WWE went as far as keeping those working in production in the dark. Not only were there rumors of him returning, but it was just a matter of time before he was back due to the college football season being over and the belief that he would return once he had finished up his duties with ESPN for the season.

Early Sunday morning, McAfee took to Twitter to deliver a “massive thank you” to the fans who were in attendance at the Royal Rumble.

Jey Uso Says He’s Out of The Bloodline

Samantha Schipman
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In a shocking turn of events at last night’s Royal Rumble, we saw Jey Uso leave his family behind after Sami Zayn turned on Roman Reigns.

Following the champ’s win over Kevin Owens, members of The Bloodline took turns beating him with a chair while he was handcuffed to the ring. Zayn had seen enough and stepped in to stop the brutal beating on his former best friend. Reigns tried to persuade him to attack Owens with the chair. Zayn ultimately pulled a Seth Rollins and hit Reigns in the back with the chair.

Jey Uso Says He’s Done

Jey Uso

After the show, Reigns declared, “you’re either in The Bloodline or you’re not.”

Tonight, Uso seemingly responded by taking to his Instagram. He posted a picture of himself with a caption that simply said “I’m out” with a blood drop emoji.

He also post a picture of himself and Reigns with text reading “run it back”. Uso is referring their matches at Clash of Champions and Hell in a Cell in 2020.

Uso and Reigns were at odds the early days of “The Bloodline” coming together as an unstoppable unit. Uso eventually fell in line and recognized his cousin as “The Head of the Table”.

WWE Royal Rumble Review: An All-Time Great Story

WWE Royal Rumble Review: An All-Time Great Story

Ryan Droste
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This week on Top Rope Nation, SEScoops Site Manager Ryan Droste is joined by Jesse Velasquez of the Unplugged Wrestling Podcast to review Saturday night’s WWE Royal Rumble event.

Each week, the video version of Top Rope Nation streams live to the SEScoops YouTube channel. You can join the live streams by subscribing to the channel and turning on notifications so you never miss a live broadcast. This will include a regular weekly edition of Top Rope Nation (typically Thursday nights), as well as reviews of all major WWE and AEW PLE/PPV shows.

On episode 282 this week, every match on the Rumble card is covered. Plus, Ryan and Jesse have a conversation about where the Bloodline, Roman Reigns, and Sami Zayn storyline ranks all-time. Also, what does Sami Zayn’s popularity mean for Cody Rhodes and the build to WrestleMania?

You can watch the show via the embedded YouTube video at the top of this page. Additionally, you can listen to the audio-only podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are found. You will also find an embedded audio player below.

Natalya Reveals the Inspiration Behind Her Royal Rumble Ring Gear

Michael Reichlin
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Natalya made a surprise return to WWE at in the 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble match. The second-generation Superstar had not publicly declared for the match. She’s been out of action since November after undergoing nasal surgery to move her dislocated nose “back to the center” of her face.

As the daughter of WWE legend Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, Natalya regularly wears pink and black as an homage to the Hart Foundation, his classic tag team with Bret “Hit Man” Hart.

It wasn’t a big surprise to see her rocking the ‘Hart colors’ at the Royal Rumble. On Sunday, the 2-time Women’s Champion revealed her Rumble ring attire was extra special, with deep ties to her father’s legendary tag team.

Natalya’s Royal Rumble Ring Gear

In a post on Twitter, Natalia revealed that her Rumble gear was designed by the same person who (along with her sister) is responsible for the Hart Foundation wearing pink and black in the first place.

“The costume designer who made this outfit for me, Julie, also designed the very first ever Hart Foundation gear with her sister, Terry,” she wrote. They were the ones who came up with the concept of The Hart Foundation wearing pink and black.”

She also wore a skull cap, a look coined by her father during the Hart Foundation’s tag team title reign in 1990. As seen below, you can see the inspiration behind this latest look.

Natalya has been a member of WWE’s main roster since April 2008. As a senior member of the women’s locker room, she has a ton of experience to offer some of Raw and SmackDown’s more recent additions.

Mentoring aside, Natalya is not over the hill by any means. Just last year, she challenged then-SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey at WWE’s Money in the Bank premium live event. Rousey got the win, but Natalya showed she can still compete at the highest level.

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

Rhea Ripley Shows Off Her ‘Battle Scars’ After Winning the 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble

Michael Reichlin
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Rhea Ripley was in a partying mood after winning the 2023 women’s Royal Rumble match, but she didn’t go the distance without taking a few bumps and bruises.

Ripley now has a one-way ticket to a main event match at WrestleMania Goes Hollywood. She’ll get to choose whether she challenges Bianca Belair for the Raw Women’s Championship or SmackDown women’s champion, Charlotte Flair. She’s already held the Raw Women’s title, a factor that could play into her decision.

WWE held a press conference after the Royal Rumble. Several Superstars including Cody Rhodes, Bray Wyatt fielded questions from members of the wrestling media. Ripley was all smiles when she spoke, telling the room that she’s planning to celebrate in a big way.

“The Judgment Day, we get pretty wild when we party,” she said. “There’s a lot of things that go down, I might get in trouble if I say anything. There’s definitely gonna be a good old Judgment Day party. Dom Dom’s gonna get rowdy, Priest is definitely gonna get rowdy and Finn Balor is gonna get rowdy, and I’m gonna celebrate, I don’t care.”

Update on Rhea Ripley After Winning the Royal Rumble

On Sunday, Ripley posted a photo on Twitter showing off the scrapes and cuts she sustained on the way to her big win. This is nothing compared to what happened to Sonya Deville, but you can see she didn’t make it out unscathed.

Reason Why Rey Mysterio Missed WWE’s Royal Rumble

Michael Reichlin
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Rey Mysterio did not appear in the men’s Royal Rumble match, despite WWE having creative plans for him in the match.

Mysterio was scheduled to enter the Royal Rumble at #17. His music hit, but the lucha libre legend was nowhere to be found. The following entrant was his son, Dominik, who came out wearing his father’s signature mask. He removed the mask and tore it up as he made his way to the ring to officially enter the match.

What unfolded on television was not what WWE had planned for the Mysterios at the Rumble, but the company was forced to call a last-minute audible due to Rey sustaining an injury the previous night.

Rey Mysterio Update After the Royal Rumble

Rey Mysterio was injured during his match against Karrion Kross on Friday’s SmackDown, according to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio. Mysterio defeated Kross on SmackDown, which was taped from the Sames Auto Arena in Laredo, Texas.

“[Rey Mysterio] was going to be in the Rumble, that spot was changed,” said Meltzer. “I think they were actually supposed to do some teases with him to set up a WrestleMania match [against Dominik].”

Rey Mysterio won the 2006 WWE Royal Rumble, so he would have been a formidable contender, even at this late stage in his career.

With Rey unable to compete, WWE’s creative team instead came up with what we saw on television, and the idea that the Judgment Day attacked Rey Mysterio and prevented him from participating.

We’ll be looking into the nature of Rey Mysterio’s latest injury and will provide an update when we get more information. The extent of his condition may dictate whether or not he’s healthy enough to face his son Dominik at WrestleMania Goes Hollywood.

Sonya Deville Shows Off Nasty Injury from the Royal Rumble: “I’m a Beast!”

Michael Reichlin
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WWE Superstar Sonya Deville suffered a nasty gash above her left eye in Saturday night’s Women’s ‘Royal Rumble’ match.

Deville entered the Rumble at #27, an advantageous spot that most entrants would be happy to receive. She eliminated a few people, including Indi Hartwell and Zoey Stark, before getting kicked in the head and tossed out by Asuka.

Early Sunday morning, Deville checked in on social media to let her fans know she’s alright, and to show off the full extent of her injury.

Sonya Deville’s Royal Rumble Injury (Graphic)

As seen below, she suffered a huge cut on her eyebrow that likely required several stitches to close up. She’s taking the setback in stride and says, “I’m a beast!”

https://twitter.com/SonyaDevilleWWE/status/1619585697131945984

The 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble match was ultimately won by Rhea Ripley of Judgment Day. Ripley now who heads to WrestleMania Goes Hollywood, where she’ll face either Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair or SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair.

Watch What Happened with Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens After the Royal Ruble Went Off the Air

Michael Reichlin
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Saturday’s WWE Royal Rumble premium live event concluded with the latest chapter of the ongoing saga of Sami Zayn and the Bloodline (Results).

After months of tension, the storyline that many have likened to Scorsese-level cinema culminated with Zayn interrupting a Bloodline beatdown on Kevin Owens, hitting Roman Reigns with a steel chair and being left for dead by Reigns, Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso. As for Jey Uso, well, he’s a bit conflicted.

To see what happened after the Royal Rumble went off the air, watch the footage above, courtesy of the What a Vlog Youtube channel.

Cody Rhodes On His Torn Pectoral Injury “I’m Very Sorry That I got Hurt”

Tyriece Simon
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WWE superstar Cody Rhodes wants fans to know he is sorry for his injury from last year.

Rhodes shocked wrestling fans when he wrestled injured against Seth Rollins at Hell in a Cell on June 5, 2022. He hurt himself while lifting weights, resulting in a torn pectoral muscle. Despite the injury, Rhodes competed in a Hell in a Cell match and defeated Rollins.

While fans have praised Rhodes’s effort in the match, he wants his supporters to know he is sorry for the injury. In the post-royal rumble press conference on Jan. 28, Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp asked Rhodes about the injury, and the WWE superstar apologized for getting hurt.

“…I do want people to know I’m really sorry. I’ve never been hurt; I felt genuinely bulletproof. I’m very sorry that I got hurt, and it happens right, but I’m just glad that I had the chance to go out. …Once a doctor says it can’t get hurt any worse, then I have to be out there. Chicago means so much to me, and I’m myself on the chair, and I’m so embarrassed and defeated. Half my body is no longer functioning. I know that match registers with people and I really appreciate it. It doesn’t register with me, because that’s what I’m supposed to do.”

-Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes Triple H
Cody Rhodes and Triple H

Triple H Praises Cody Rhodes’s Return From Injury

Although Rhodes is apologetic about his pectoral injury, Chief Control Officer Triple H has praised Rhodes for his return and how he dealt with the injury. After Rhodes, the press conference, Triple H credited the WWE superstar’s dedication.

“…Going through what he did for all of us, for this industry, for himself, I know what’s the like. I’ve been in that spot. Unfortunately, a few different times, and I can admire what goes in with that, and for him to turn that around and come back tonight and do what he did is amazing in it of itself,” said Triple H. He also added that Rhodes is a special talent and human being.

Rhodes won the 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble match on Jan. 28. He will challenge Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39.

Triple H Shuts Down Talks of The Rock WrestleMania 39 Involvement

Tyriece Simon
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WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H doesn’t believe The Rock will be at WrestleMania 39 in April.

The spectacular event will be a two-night show held at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on April 1 and 2. Wrestling fans were excited over the speculation that The Rock could be competing at this year’s WrestleMania. He has become a dream opponent to challenge the current Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns.

With the event in California, fans were ready to see “The Great One” return to WWE. However, it doesn’t seem like that will happen this year. In a press conference after the Royal Rumble, TV Insider Scott Fishman asked Triple H about The Rock’s involvement at WrestleMania 39. The Chief Content Officer revealed that the superstar isn’t available.

“…I know for him, and I know his family, his background, and everything, there is a part of him that if he could be here for this WrestleMania in Hollywood, he would turn over every stone and walk through fire to be able to do it if he could. I just don’t think it is in the cards, but then again, you don’t know,” said Triple H.

He added The Rock is always in talks about a return, and he could come back when he wants. Triple H also said, “…I think that respect factor works both ways that he wouldn’t want to do it unless he could absolutely do it. There is no way he would half-ass it. There’s no way he would show up here and not come in and want to put every single thing he had into it.”

Roman Reigns Hollywood

What’s Next For Roman Reigns?

Wrestling fans may be unable to see The Rock challenge Reigns at WrestleMania 39.

However, they will get a chance to see Cody Rhodes challenge the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion at “WrestleMania Hollywood.” Rhodes earned his opportunity by winning the Royal Rumble match on Jan. 28. It’s unclear if the Royal Rumble winner will challenge for both titles or just the WWE Championship. Rhodes has spoken in the past about wanting to be the WWE Champion, which his father wasn’t able to do.

Reigns also have unfinished business with Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. He defeated Owens at this year’s Royal Rumble event but gave him an extra beat down after the match. When Reigns asked Zayn to attack Owens, Zayn refused and the champion in his back with a chair. Zayn’s actions led to The Bloodline beating him up to the event. It’s possible WWE could have Owens and Zayn try to get their revenge on the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.

Although The Rock will not be involved in this year’s WrestleMania event, WWE seems to have exciting plans in store for its fans.

Triple H Praises “Incredible” GUNTHER After Record-Breaking Rumble Performance

Thomas Lowson
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WWE Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER did not win the Men’s Royal Rumble match, but the Austrian’s performance has had everybody talking.

GUNTHER entered his first Royal Rumble match from the unfortunate #1 position, but lasted until the end and was the final person eliminated.

The leader of Imperium lasted over 71 minutes, smashing Rey Mysterio’s record for the longest stint in a 30-Man Royal Rumble match.

Incredible

Joining WWE as WALTER as part of NXT UK and later WWE NXT, GUNTHER’s career with the promotion is closely tied to Triple H.

Speaking at the Royal Rumble 2023 post-show press conference, the Game had nothing but praise for the Intercontinental Champion.

“Sometimes when people look at the Royal Rumble, they just look at the winner. I tend to look at who has the moments that are most spectacular. That’s what our business really a lot of the time is. It’s about those big moments. That moment that catapult’s you to another moment that raises you up to another even bigger moment.”

“There were a lot of people who had moments tonight. Logan Paul and Ricochet. It’s one of the craziest things I’ve ever seen. Cody with the win. But GUNTHER, going in there at number one, with Sheamus which is tough enough because you know you’re going to take a beating.”

“To have the performance that he did, all through that hour [was incredible.] There was never a moment in that Rumble match I feel where you lost GUNTHER. Where he just blended into the background. He stood out the whole thing. He’s a star. He is an incredible talent.”

“He stood out the whole thing. He’s a star. He is an incredible talent.”

Triple H.

“It’s funny how many talents come to me when they walk through that curtain after they work with him, whether it’s briefly or whether it’s a long match, and walk through that curtain and say ‘oh my God. He’s incredible.’ He’s a special talent and he had a big night tonight and I’m excited to see where he can take that. If each moment leads to another, I’m excited to see where he takes it next.”

GUNTHER on Potential Brock Lesnar Match: “I Would Gladly Take It”

For use of these quotes please give a h/t to SEScoops.

Bray Wyatt Believes Storyline With Alexa Bliss Will Be “Memorable”

Tyriece Simon
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It seems Bray Wyatt may have unfinished business with Alexa Bliss.

Wyatt has quite the history with Bliss, from his time as “The Fiend.” Both superstars were in a storyline together from July 2020 to WrestleMania 37 on April 11, 2021. WWE seemingly ended the relationship between Wyatt and Bliss after she betrayed him at WrestleMania 37. However, Wyatt has teased that his story with Bliss is far from over.

Bliss is being followed by the mysterious “Uncle Howdy,” who, after the Royal Rumble on Jan. 28, is presumably working with Wyatt. In a press conference after this year’s Royal Rumble, Wyatt talked about his relationship with Bliss and what will come from this storyline.

“…I think me and Alexa are just kind of connected forever, no matter what. It’s just kind of the way it’s gone, and where it leads, I don’t know. No one knows, but I feel like there will be something at some point, and it will be memorable; I’m sure of that.”

-Bray Wyatt
Bray Wyatt Alexa Bliss

What’s Next For Bray Wyatt and Alexa Bliss?

Based on Wyatt’s comments, Bliss will be working with him again. As of now, Uncle Howdy is the only person following her. However, that could change after this year’s Royal Rumble. Uncle Howdy seemed to be working with Wyatt after he aided Wyatt’s attack on LA Knight.

The mysterious character also appeared in a video after Bliss’s loss to Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair to tease her. The video showed images of Bliss during the time she worked with Wyatt, and Uncle Howdy repeatedly said, “Do you feel in charge.”

It’s unclear where WWE is going with this storyline between Uncle Howdy, Wyatt, and Bliss. However, Wyatt believes that wherever the story is headed, it will be something fans will remember.

Cody Rhodes Calls WWE Royal Rumble Win “Biggest Night of My Career”

Thomas Lowson
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The American Nightmare is one step closer to fulfilling his promise to his father the American Dream.

Entering the Men’s Royal Rumble match at the coveted #30 spot, Cody Rhodes eliminated 5 Superstars to win the match, earning a Championship opportunity at WrestleMania 39.

Rhodes’ final elimination saw him throw out GUNTHER, who broke the record for the longest time in a traditional Royal Rumble match.

Biggest Night of My Career

For Cody Rhodes, the road to this victory has been far from easy.

Cody was not with WWE this time last year, and plans for his return were severely delayed by his torn pectoral muscle injury last June.

Throughout his recovery, Rhodes has been on the receiving end of well-wishes from fans and those within the industry.

Speaking after the match to Ryan Satin, Rhodes thanked the fans for their support

“Thank you for everything. I can’t thank you enough [from the] bottom of my heart. The biggest night of my career so thank you very much.”

Cody Rhodes.

WrestleMania Moment

With this victory, Rhodes now has a World Championship match assured for WrestleMania, something that alluded the American Nightmare during his first run with WWE.

In a separate interview with Cathy Kelley, an emotional Rhodes made it clear he’s looking forward to walking into his first WrestleMania main event.

“I don’t have a, sorry I’m very emotional. I don’t have a frame of reference. I’ve never punched a ticket to WrestleMania.

“I don’t have any words other than, I’ve got to finish it, right? There’s no one better in the world than Roman Reigns. I can’t say I’m better, but I have to beat him to say I’m better.”

Unless Reigns drops the title before April, the Tribal Chief will face the American Nightmare at WrestleMania 39.

Original WWE WrestleMania 39 Pitch for Cody Rhodes Revealed

Sami Zayn Attacks Roman Reigns, Gets Laid Out by The Bloodline at the Royal Rumble

Andrew Ravens
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Roman Reigns made his latest title defense as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion against Kevin Owens, a rematch two years in the making. However, it was the post-match angle that had people talking. 

The title match at Saturday’s WWE Royal Rumble premium live event featured a back and forth affair to start things off. Although Owens got the upper hand after hitting a back splash on the floor, Reigns took over with a slower pace.

Owens did manage to hit a frog splash off the apron to the floor before getting back into the ring where Reigns connected with a powerbomb for 2. Reigns missed a spear, leading to a superkick and swanton bomb by Owens for 2. Owens missed a moonsault and Reigns hit a spear for 2. There was a referee bump. Although Zayn got a chair as Reigns asked him to do so, Owens managed to hit a stunner for 2. Reigns speared him through the barricade, bounced Owens’ head off the steel steps and hit a spear for the win. 

Post-match, The Bloodline beat down Owens. Zayn pleaded with Reigns to top the attack. Reigns wanted Zayn to hit Owens with the chair. Zayn hit Reigns in the back. Reigns, Solo and Jimmy Uso beat down Zayn, but Jey walked out. 

In recent months, Owens has been a thorn in the side of Reigns and The Bloodline. At Survivor Series: WarGames, Owens was on the opposite team, although he fell short thanks to Sami Zayn. 

At the 2021 Royal Rumble event, Owens and Reigns battled in a Last Man Standing bout, but dealt with interference from The Bloodline and other factors, eventually leading to his loss against “The Tribal Chief.” 

Rhea Ripley Wins 2023 WWE Women’s Royal Rumble Match

Andrew Ravens
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The winner of this year’s women’s Royal Rumble match has been revealed and it’s Rhea Ripley. Now, her journey to WrestleMania 39 begins.

It started off with Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan before Dana Brooke and Emma followed. Shayna Baszler was #5 while Bayley was out at #6. B-Fab was #7 but was quickly eliminated by Ripley. NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez entered next then Dakota Kai. IYO SKY was next out. 

Brooke was eliminated then Emma. Perez was taken out by Kai, Bayley, and SKY. Natalya entered the match next followed by Candice LeRae. NXT’s Zoey Stark and Xia Li were the next entrants. Lee was eliminated by Damage CTRL. Becky Lynch was #15. Tegan Nox was out at #16 and Asuka at #17. Piper Niven was next out (Doudrop name dropped). #19 was Tamina. Chelsea Green was #20 but was eliminated right away by Ripley. Kai and SKY were eliminated by Lynch. Bayley eliminated Lynch. Morgan eliminated Bayley. Zelina Vega was #21 and eliminated Li. Raquel Rodriguez was #22. 

Mia Yim was out next followed by Lacey Evans. Michelle McCool entered after sitting in the front row. Indi Hartwell was #26. Sonya Deville was #27 and eliminated Stark. Evans choked out Vega on the top rope and dropped her for the elimination. Shotzi was #28 then Nikki Cross. The final entrant is Nia Jax. Everyone jumped on her and she was eliminated. 

McCool and Evans were eliminated followed by Shotzi and Yim. Niven ate a big boot and was eliminated by Raquel. Ripley kicked Raquel out of the ring. Asuka sent Morgan to the floor. 

Ripley outlasted the likes of Cross, Morgan, and Asuka in the Final Four at the WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view event. Ripley and Morgan were the final two. 

With her beating out 29 other stars, she has earned the right to be in one of the main events of Mania and will have her choice to go after one of the top titles in the company. The decision for her comes down to the Raw Women’s Title, which is held by Bianca Belair. The other option is challenging SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair.

Royal Rumble List of Entrants

Here’s a list of the entry of superstars who competed in this fan-favorite match:

  1. Rhea Ripley
  2. Liv Morgan
  3. Dana Brooke
  4. Emma
  5. Shayna Baszler
  6. Bayley
  7. B-Fab
  8. Roxanne Perez
  9. Dakota Kai
  10. IYO SKY
  11. Natalya
  12. Candice LeRae
  13. Zoey Stark
  14. Xia Li
  15. Becky Lynch
  16. Tegan Nox
  17. Asuka
  18. Piper Niven 
  19. Tamina
  20.  Chelsea Green
  21. Zelina Vega
  22. Raquel Rodriguez
  23. Mia Yim
  24.  Lacey Evans
  25.  Michelle McCool
  26. Indi Hartwell
  27. Sonya Deville
  28. Shotzi
  29. Nikki Cross
  30.  Nia Jax
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