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Keiji Muto Wins Final Match Under The Great Muta Persona

Thomas Lowson
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The legendary career of the Great Muta has officially come to an end with the character’s final match this past weekend.

Muta is the most famed and successful character of Keiji Muto, who debuted the character in the NWA in March 1989 as the kayfabe son of the Great Kabuki.

The Great Muta would find success in New Japan Pro Wrestling and WCW and would become IWGP Heavyweight Champion in August 1992.

Final Match

For the past few months, Keiji Muto has been undergoing a retirement tour, with his 38-year career set to end next month.

Last night, Muto competed as The Great Muta for the final time at the appropriately named Great Muta Final Bye-Bye event in Yokohama Arena.

The legendary wrestler teamed with long-time rival Sting and fellow AEW star Darby Allin to defeat Hakushi, AKIRA, and Naomichi Marufuji.

The match ended with Muta hitting a Shining Wizard knee on Hakushi for the pinfall win, after Sting and Allin had hit their own finishers.

With Muta now a thing of the past, Keiji Muto’s final match will be against Tetsuya Naito on February 21.

Great Muta Final Bye-Bye

Here are the full results of the Great Muta Final Bye-Bye event on January 22nd.

* Kongo (Hajime Ohara & HIROKI) def. Atsushi Kotoge & Seiki Yoshioka

* Jungle Kyona & Saori Anou def. Maya Yukihi & Natsu Sumire

* Timothy Thatcher def. Masaaki Mochizuki

* Alejandro, Junta Miyawaki & Yasutaka Yano def. Eita, NOSAWA Rongai & Yoshinari Ogawa

* NOSAWA cut Miyawaki’s hair.

* Good Looking Guys (Anthony Greene, Jack Morris & Jake Lee) def. Daiki Inaba, Masa Kitamiya & Yoshiki Inamura

* GHC Martial Arts Rules: Kazushi Sakuraba def. Hideki Suzuki

* Lucha Libre Rules: AMAKUSA, Ninja Mack & Ultimo Dragon def. Dante Leon, Kzy & YO-HEY

* El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr., Kaito Kiyomiya, Satoshi Kojima & Takashi Sugiura def. Kongo (Katsuhiko Nakajima, Kenoh, Manabu Soya & Masakatsu Funaki)

* Great Muta, Sting & Darby Allin def. AKIRA, Hakushi & Naomichi Marufuji

Shinsuke Nakamura Defeats The Great Muta at Pro Wrestling NOAH Event

Bobby Lashley Wants “Really Cool Showcase” With Ex-WWE Superstar

Thomas Lowson
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Could WWE fans see Bobby Lashley’s Hurt Lock Vs. Chris Masters’ Master Lock, 16 years after the two last did battle?

When Masters debuted on WWE’s main roster in 2005, he put away countless opponents with his take on the Full Nelson, and would have a weekly ‘Masterlock Challenge.’

On the March 19, 2007, episode of WWE Monday Night Raw, Lashley broke the Master Lock on his road to the Battle of the Billionaires at WrestleMania 23.

Lashley Vs. Masters

After returning to WWE in 2018, it wasn’t long until Lashley adopted the Full Nelson himself, calling the move the Hurt Lock.

Speaking to the Hindustan Times this past week, Lashley spoke about the possibility of facing Masters again, possibly as soon as this Saturday’s Royal Rumble.

“I think if he has an opportunity to come back, I think that would be a really cool showcase. Whether it happens at the Rumble, you never know. The Rumble always has surprises. I think Chris has kind of proved himself in the professional wrestling world.”

Bobby Lashley.

Since leaving WWE in 2011, Masters has worked for TNA/Impact Wrestling, GFW, and the NWA, and is a two-time NWA National Champion.

Breaking the Lock

Masters has not been confirmed for an appearance at the Royal Rumble and has instead stated that he will likely not be competing this weekend.

In the interview, Lashley said that if somehow, the two do cross paths this Saturday, he is ready to break the Master Lock for the second time.

“If he comes back, you know what I would do? I’d literally just turn around and put my hands out and tell him to put it on me again. Then I’d ask him to do the same. And I guarantee you he’s not breaking out of The Hurt Lock.”

Bobby Lashley.
Chris Masters is Ready for the Master Lock vs. the Hurt Lock

h/t – Wrestling Inc

Karrion Kross: WWE Superstars Aren’t Scared About Losing Their Jobs

Thomas Lowson
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WWE SmackDown Superstar Karrion Kross has dismissed rumors that talent are fearful for their jobs following the return of Vince McMahon.

McMahon was reappointed to WWE’s Board of Directors on January 6, 2023, after retiring from the promotion in July of last year.

While initially claimed that McMahon’s return was solely to oversee a sale of WWE, the 77-year-old has since been appointed ‘Executive Chairman.’

Fear

In the final years of McMahon’s first era as head of WWE, the company undertook mass releases of talent, with Kross one of the names cut in 2021.

With McMahon back, it has been reported that talent are concerned that it will be just a matter of time before these mass layoffs to the roster happen again.

Speaking with the San Antonio Express-News, Kross dismissed the idea that McMahon’s comeback has Superstars shaking in their boots.

“It’s in my news feeds, it’s everywhere. It’s inescapable at this point. But the people that I have spoken to about it, like my personal friends in the business, no one’s really concerned or afraid for their job.

“All of us are ready to adapt…. I think everyone’s just taking it day by day to see where everything lands, and we’re all trying to remain optimistic.”

Karrion Kross.

Kross, who was released in November 2021 alongside his wife Scarlett, was one of the first names Triple H rehired after becoming head of Talent Relations.

WWE Sale

WWE has not cut any names from its roster in 2023 thus far, but it could happen as talks of a sale of the promotion ramp up.

The cuts to the roster in 2020, 2021, and 2022, came at a time when the promotion was boasting record profits.

Many at the time felt that these cuts were to make those profit margins even bigger, and therefore look more appealing to a potential buyer.

Names reportedly interested in purchasing WWE include Comcast, FOX, Disney, Netflix, Amazon, the Saudi Arabia PIF, and Shahid & Tony Khan.

WWE Firings Were a Hot Topic of Conversation Backstage at SmackDown

h/t – Fightful

Okada Pushing for Wrestling World Cup involving WWE & AEW

Samantha Schipman
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Wrestling promotions love having tournaments for cups or various other prizes. But there’s not one that involves various wrestling companies around the globe, especially the one involving the biggest promotions in the world.

The so-called “Forbidden Door” was been busted down with wrestlers having dream matches around the world over the last few years. WWE even allowed Shinsuke Nakamura wrestle in Pro Wrestling NOAH against Great Muta earlier this month. Of course, NJPW and AEW had their Forbidden Door pay-per-view last year.

Okada’s Idea for a Wrestling World Cup

Adam Cole and Kazuchika Okada

Enter IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Kazuchika Okada. According to an interview with Tokyo Sport, the champion said:

“We had an all-star event before, but last year we had the World Cup (soccer), and this year we have the WBC (baseball) and the World Cup (rugby). It would be interesting to have pro-wrestling matches between different countries and have Japan represent Japan. The World Cup in soccer was interesting, and I think the WBC will be stimulating,” Okada explained.

He continued, “I think there are such events overseas, but I don’t think there are any big tournaments. I think it would be fun to have a big event on a global scale. Maybe we could have a tag team with Okada and (Shinsuke) Nakamura, or Okada and (Tetsuya) Naito if they are asked to fight for their country. I don’t know if that would work. I think it would be interesting to include various groups. If necessary, I will go see (AEW president) Tony Khan and (WWE executive) Triple H. Even in this Tokyo Dome, there are AEW wrestlers (such as Kenny Omega), WWE wrestlers (Karl Anderson), and (Mercedes) Mone, who quit the WWE. Even New Japan is worldwide now, isn’t it? There are players from many different countries, so I would like to do something interesting. I feel like I really want to do it now that I’m talking about it (laughs).” (h/t Fightful)

At this year’s New Year Dash, Okada had a dream tag team opponent in Kenny Omega and they defeated Jeff Cobb and Aaron Henare. On February 21, NJPW and NOAH will have a crossover show. Okada will be facing GHC Heavyweight Champion, Kaito Kiyomiya in a non-title match.

WWE may have been more likely to be involved before Vince McMahon forced his way back into a position of power. Depending on who WWE sells to, Okada may have to wait on WWE ever being involved in something like this, no matter how awesome it would be for wrestling and wrestling fans.

AJ Styles Was Considered For NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17

WWE Has Discussed Bringing Back Former Tag Team

Andrew Ravens
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Two more WWE stars could be making a return to the company as WWE has had internal discussions about bringing back Akam and Rezar, collectively known as the Authors of Pain or AOP.  The news comes courtesy of Fightful Select.

AOP
Authors of Pain

The report noted that bringing back the tag team has been at least discussed. AoP was integral to the NXT Black and Gold brand before being called up to WWE Raw. They were pushed as a monster team, some even comparing them to the legendary Road Warriors. 

Paul Ellering Returning?

The possibility of their longtime, original manager Paul Ellering was also discussed, as he managed them during their NXT run before being abandoned on the main roster. 

Since the split, they’ve stayed close and got his blessing to name themselves Legion of Pain outside WWE. There had been rumors Ellering didn’t want to do the main roster travel with AOP, which he’s refuted in past interviews. 

AOP hasn’t wrestled in nearly three years but remain young, as both are still under 30 years old. In 2020, WWE released them, and AOP was out of the wrestling business, besides their ill-fated promotion attempts with WES in 2022.

Rhea Ripley: “I Would Most Definitely Love to Enter the Men’s Royal Rumble”

Michael Reichlin
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Rhea Ripley wants to follow in the footsteps of her childhood hero Beth Phoenix by competing in a men’s Royal Rumble match.

Ripley is a member of The Judgment Day faction, along with Finn Balor, Damian Priest and Dominick Mysterio. While the female members of wrestling factions have typically been portrayed as eye candy, Ripley is arguably the enforcer of the group. Over the past several months, the former Raw and SmackDown Women’s champion has gone face-to-face with several male Superstars, including Luke Gallows, Solo Sikoa and Akira Tozawa.

WWE introduced the annual women’s Royal Rumble match in 2018, but Ripley sees a chance to make history and emulate one of her childhood heroes by testing herself against the men. During a recent interview with WrestleBinge, Ripley says she’s ready to make history.

“I would most definitely love to enter the Men’s Royal Rumble. I would love to.”

– Rhea Ripley

Several competitors including Phoenix, Chyna and Nia Jax have competed in the men’s Rumble. However, Ripley is open to the idea of participating in the men’s and women’s Rumbles on the same night, a feat that would etch her name in the history books.

Elsewhere in the Wrestlebinge interview, Ripley spoke about her admiration for Beth Phoenix. She was a huge fan of the ‘Glamazon’ while growing up and related to her muscular body type. She would be honored to ‘fill those shoes’ and help advance the women’s evolution by showing she’s not limited to competing with other women.

We may very well see Rhea Ripley in a men’s Royal Rumble one day. As of this writing, she is entered – and the odds-on favorite to win – the women’s Rumble match.

The 2023 WWE Royal Rumble premium live event takes place this Saturday, January 28.

Legendary Belt Maker Dave Millican Names Best-Looking Title He’s Created

Thomas Lowson
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Dave Millican is the genius behind several wrestling titles, but the legendary belt-maker has his favorite.

Millican is the man behind titles that have appeared in WWE, AAA, New Japan Pro Wrestling, Impact Wrestling, Ring of Honor, and many other promotions.

His work has also seen Millican create championship titles for the world of professional boxing and MMA.

Favorite

With so many promotions and championships to his name, it must be hard for Millican to pick a stand-out title.

On Talk is Jericho though, the belt maker chose the AEW World Championship as his favorite in wrestling today.

“My favorite — in terms of making a statement, of making an impact — is the AEW title. I legitimately believe that the AEW title is the best-looking belt on television.

“The AEW title is the best-looking belt on television.”

Dave Millican.

“To me, that one stands out, and it’s not just the convenient answer, or the politically correct answer because I would tell you the truth. I’ve made a lot of belts I don’t care for because that’s just what somebody paid me to do. But I think that one stands out.“

The AEW World Champion was first seen in 2019 when Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart revealed the title at All Out that year.

The title is currently held by MJF, who is in his first reign with the title after defeating Jon Moxley at Full Gear 2022.

MJF’s reign has seen the first edited version of the AEW World Championship, as the Devil has introduced a Burberry strap to replace the standard black leather design.

MJF’s Reign of Terror Begins with New ‘BBB’ AEW World Title

h/t – Wrestling Inc

WWE Firings Were a Hot Topic of Conversation Backstage at SmackDown

Thomas Lowson
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Recent departures from WWE were all the roster could talk about backstage at this week’s taping of WWE SmackDown on FOX.

Earlier this week, it was reported that WWE is in the process of laying off several staff members, all of which are from the corporate side.

There is no word yet on how many people have been let go, or whether the layoffs are still ongoing.

These layoffs have taken place despite (now former CEO) Stephanie McMahon saying in a meeting earlier this month that little would change following Vince McMahon’s return to WWE.

SmackDown

No WWE Superstars have been laid off (at this time) but these office cuts were a huge talking point this week.

Fightful Select reports that these layoffs were a “big topic of conversation” and many were surprised to learn that Adam Hopkins was gone.

Hopkins had worked for WWE for 25 years and was a Vice President of Communications before his departure this month.

It remains unclear whether Hopkins’ departure was a resignation or whether he was fired by the company.

Talent Cuts

While no Superstars have been released since McMahon’s departure, many feel it is just a matter of time before this happens.

On Wrestling Observer Radio earlier this month, Dave Meltzer noted that talent are worried that Vince McMahon’s return will see more mass layoffs.

When WWE was laying off talent in droves, starting with the April 15, 2020 cuts, it was suggested that the company was looking to boost profit margins and look more desirable to a potential buyer.

Another WWE Vice President Parts Ways with WWE

Chris Jericho Reacts to Being Featured in Raw Is 30 Promo

Thomas Lowson
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Chris Jericho was part of some iconic moments from Monday Night Raw, so it is only fitting that he is featured in a promo for the upcoming Raw is XXX show.

Tomorrow’s Raw will mark the 30th anniversary of the red brand which launched back on January 11, 1993.

Several Hall of Famers are confirmed for the show, including Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker, and Shawn Michaels.

Chris Jericho

Chris Jericho will (likely) not be appearing at tomorrow’s celebration, but he was featured in a video promoting the show.

In the promo, footage from Jericho’s WWF debut from 1999 is used.

Addressing WWE using footage of him, the AEW star had no issue with this, saying that good pro wrestling transcends any given company, and is about making memories.

Other AEW talent including Mark Henry and Bryan Danielson were also featured in the promotional video.

Raw’s 30th-anniversary show will air from the sold-out Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and will be the go-home Raw before the Royal Rumble.

Raw is Jericho

Debuting on the August 9, 1999, episode of Monday Night Raw, Jericho didn’t waste time making an impression, interrupting The Rock, and holding his own on the mic with the Great One.

Less than a year later, the now-face Jericho dethroned Triple H for the WWF title, but the controversial title change was later reversed and nullified.

In 2012, after over a year away, Jericho would make his return to WWE on the first Raw of the new year, and would unveil his popular ‘The List of Jericho’ on Raw in September 2016.

In early 2017, Raw would see the ‘Festival of Friendship’ in which Jericho would be betrayed by Kevin Owens.

Raw is XXX: Bloodline Acknowledgement Ceremony Scrapped, Trial of Sami Zayn Announced

AJ Styles Was Considered For NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17

Thomas Lowson
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New Japan’s Wrestle Kingdom event was almost ‘Phenomenal’ this year as AJ Styles nearly made it onto the show.

NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 took place on January 4, and saw talent from New Japan, STARDOM, All Elite Wrestling, and WWE compete at the event.

Wrestle Kingdom 17 in Yokohama Arena took place yesterday and featured a tribute to the late Jay Briscoe.

AJ Styles

WWE’s Karl Anderson competed at Wrestle Kingdom on January 4, but the Machine Gun nearly had some back-up at the event.

Fightful Select reports that there was a time in 2022 that New Japan was planning on Styles appearing on-screen at the event.

Rocky Romero told Fightful’s Wrestling Perspective Podcast that the WWE Superstar himself thought it would be a “cool idea.”

Romero added that he believes if it was up to Styles, he likely would have been in the Tokyo Dome.

It was also clarified that there were never any official plans for Styles to appear at Wrestle Kingdom.

Any hopes for the Phenomenal One to appear at the Tokyo Dome ended when Styles broke his ankle the week before the show.

Fightful adds that Doc Gallows also did not make the trip to Japan, which is said to have been a New Japan call.

AJ Styles at Wrestle Kingdom

As part of a crossover between NJPW and TNA Wrestling in 2008, Styles represented the latter at Wrestle Kingdom 2, teaming with Christian Cage and Petey Williams to defeat RISE (Milano Collection AT, Minoru, and Prince Devitt.)

At Wrestle Kingdom 9, Styles would defeat Tetsuya Naito and would unsuccessfully challenge IWGP Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura at Wrestle Kingdom 10 in 2016.

Hours after that match, news broke that Styles had given his notice to NJPW, and he debuted for WWE at the 2016 Royal Rumble later that month.

AJ Styles Says Top WWE Star “Surprised” Him with In-Ring Skills

Raw is XXX: Bloodline Acknowledgement Ceremony Scrapped, Trial of Sami Zayn Announced

Michael Reichlin
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WWE has scrapped a major segment that was originally planned for Monday’s ‘RAW is XXX’ anniversary show from Philadelphia, PA.

The Bloodline Acknowledgement Ceremony, which was going to feature several generations of the Anoa’i wrestling dynasty, will not be taking place. The news was first reported by PWInsider. The Wild Samoans (Afa and Siki) were slated to appear, along with Rikishi and Samu.

WWE has already announced a replacement segment. Due to the events that transpired on Friday’s SmackDown, The Bloodline will hold a Tribal Court for The Trail of Sami Zayn.

In addition to the Trial of Sami Zayn, top matches advertised for Raw is XXX include:

  • Becky Lynch vs. Bayley in a Steel Cage Match
  • Bobby Lashley challenges Austin Theory for the United States Championship
  • The Judgment Day (Damian Priest and Dominik Mysterio) challenge The Usos for the Raw tag team championships

WWE legends scheduled to appear include The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Road Dogg, X-Pac, Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Jerry “The King” Lawler, Teddy Long, Ron Simmons, and Kurt Angle.

WWE SmackDown Preview (1/27): Owens vs. Sikoa, Mysterio vs. Kross

Michael Reichlin
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WWE SmackDown heads to the Sames Auto Arena in Laredo, Texas this Friday night. The show takes place just 24 hours before the 2023 Royal Rumble premium live event, so fans can expect a hot atmosphere.

On the eve of the biggest match of his career, Kevin Owens won’t get a chance to rest up. He may very well be the next Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, but first he’ll have to make it to San Antonio. Before testing himself against Roman Reigns at the Rumble, Owens have to go through Solo Sikoa.

The SmackDown Tag Team Championship Contender’s tournament continues, with two semi-final matches scheduled. Plus, Rey Mysterio’s ongoing feud with Killer Kross comes to a head.

WWE SmackDown Matches (January 25, 2023)

The following matches are scheduled for Smackdown:

  • Kevin Owens vs. Sola Sikoa of The Bloodline
  • Killer Kross vs. Rey Mysterio
  • Sheamus and Drew McIntyre vs. Hit Row (SmackDown Tag Team Championship Contender’s Tournament Semi-Final Match)
  • Legado Del Fantasma vs. Imperium (SmackDown Tag Team Championship Contender’s Tournament Semi-Final Match)

AEW Dynamite Preview (1/25): Darby Allin Open Challenge, Danielson-Cage

Michael Reichlin
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All Elite Wrestling has announced five matches and a unique ‘sports entertainment’ style segment for Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite from Lexington, Kentucky at the Rupp Arena.

There are six episodes of Dynamite until the next AEW pay-per-view, Revolution on Sunday, March 5. If you’re in the Lexington area, tickets are still available at AEWTix.com.

The top items for the show including Darby Allin’s latest TNT Championship Open challenge and Bryan Danielson’s next ‘gauntlet’ match to earn a shot at MJF’s AEW World Heavyweight Championship, the ‘Big Burberry Belt.’

Ahead of Dynamite, you can catch up on results from last week’s episode.

AEW Dynamite Matches (January 25, 2023)

  • Buddy Matthews of the House of Black answers Darby Allin’s TNT Championship Open Challenge
  • JungleHOOK (Jungle Boy & Hook) vs Ethan Page & Matt Hardy
  • Women’s 3-Way Match: Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D vs Ruby Soho vs Toni Storm
  • “The American Dragon” Bryan Danielson vs. “The Machine” Brian Cage vs
  • Le Sex Gods (Chris Jericho/Sammy Guevara) vs Action Andretti/Ricky Starks

Plus, Billy Gunn will mediate a ‘family therapy’ session involving his sons, The Gunns, and AEW World Tag Team Champions, The Acclaimed.

Positive Update on Jay Briscoe’s Daughters After Tragic Car Accident

Thomas Lowson
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There has been some much-needed positive news for the Pugh family after the tragedy of earlier this week. 

On Tuesday, Jay Briscoe died in a car accident, mere minutes from his home in Laurel, Delaware.

The accident occurred when another driver (who was also killed in the accident) careened onto the lane Briscoe was using.

Daughters

Briscoe’s two daughters, Jayleigh (9) and Gracie (12) were both in the vehicle at the time of the accident, and have both undergone surgery.

On Facebook, Josh Wharton, a family friend of the Pughs, said that both have been making improvements.

“Jayleigh, 9, has had pain on and off today. She was fitted for her back brace and sat up on the side of the bed with assistance from staff. She was moved into a wheelchair for about an hour. Unfortunately, she still has the NG tube in place and is unable to eat or drink at this time. They are hoping that tomorrow they can take the tube out so she can eat some real food. She’s still on IV medications and spends most of her days sleeping.”

“Gracie, 12, had a rough night with lots of tingling and itching in her lower legs. Today, she started the day with occupational therapy and she has regained feeling in her lower extremities. She is also able to make movements in her lower extremities. She was able to make small movements with her legs by using her thigh muscle. We are so grateful, she was up in a wheelchair multiple times, which she enjoys. All of Gracie’s IV medications have been discontinued at this time and she has been switched over to oral pain medicine. She is still groggy from all the medication and lots of sleeping.”

“At this time, rehab is recommended for both girls. Although both girls have improvements today, they both have a long road of recovery ahead of them.”

A fundraiser for the Pugh family smashed two of its goals and surpassed $200,000.

NJPW/NOAH Pay Tribute to Jay Briscoe at Wrestle Kingdom 17 in Yokohama Arena

h/t – eWrestlingNews

NJPW/NOAH Pay Tribute to Jay Briscoe at Wrestle Kingdom 17 in Yokohama Arena

Thomas Lowson
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Talent from New Japan Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling NOAH came together to share their respect for Jay Briscoe, days after his death this week.

Briscoe died on Tuesday due to a car accident, mere minutes from his home in Laurel, Delaware.

The accident also killed the other driver, while Jay’s daughters, who were in his vehicle at the time, have required surgery.

Wrestle Kingdom 17 Tribute

Today, NJPW has hosted their second night of Wrestle Kingdom 17, featuring talent from their promotion and Pro Wrestling NOAH.

Opening up the main card, both rosters walked to the ring, with Naomichi Marufuji and Hiroshi Tanahashi holding portraits of Jay.

After a ten-bell salute, “Reach for the sky, boy” played through Yokohama Arena.

Briscoe competed for both NJPW and NOAH throughout his career, and held gold in both companies with his brother Mark.

Other Tributes

New Japan and NOAH are just two of the various promotions to pay tribute to the late Briscoe.

After this week’s AEW Dynamite, Tony Khan’s promotion hosted a tribute show that has been shared on Ring of Honor’s YouTube channel.

During the beginning of this week’s episode of IMPACT TV, an “In Memory Of” graphic was shown with Tom Hannifan narrating and sending condolences to his family.

On Twitter, the NWA shared a photo of the Briscoes winning the Crockett Cup and described Jay as an “amazingly talented man.”

During WWE NXT, Vic Joseph offered the brand’s condolences to Jay’s family, while Michael Cole expressed a similar sentiment during last night’s episode of SmackDown on FOX.

WWE and AEW Stars Pay Tribute To Jay Briscoe

Karl Fredericks Makes WWE Debut at NXT Live Event – Confronts Axiom

Thomas Lowson
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New Japan Pro Wrestling alum Karl Fredericks has confirmed his signing with WWE by making an appearance at an NXT live event.

Fredericks signed with WWE earlier this month, with the news broken by PW Insider.

His deal with the McMahon-led promotion comes after he confirmed last summer that he would not be re-signing with NJPW, ending his four years with the promotion.

WWE NXT

At the WWE NXT live event in Fort Pierce, Florida, Fredericks made his debut, confronting Axiom in the ring.

Fredricks’ demeanor garnered boos from the crowd, and teased saying something, but left without saying a word.

Footage of Fredericks’ debut was later shared by WWE on its Instagram Stories.

Karl Fredericks

In 2018, Fredericks entered New Japan’s LA Dojo along with Clark Connors and Alex Coughlin, and would represent the Dojo the following year in the NJPW Young Lion Tournament.

Fredericks would win the 2019 tournament with a total of 12 points and would team with Hirooki Goto that same year in the World Tag League.

In August 2020, Fredericks competed in the inaugural New Japan USA Cup Tournament, with the winner earning an IWGP United States Heavyweight Title shot, but lost to KENTA in the first round.

The next year, Fredericks challenged Tom Lawlor for the Strong Openweight Championship but came up short.

Fredericks was first spotted at the WWE Performance Center in September 2022, a month after his deal with New Japan expired.

Interestingly, Fredricks said that he did not see himself going to any other company than New Japan prior to his contract expiring.

Ex-NJPW Star Karl Fredericks Signs with WWE

WWE Going Through Another Round of Office Cuts

Thomas Lowson
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Vince McMahon’s return has led to claims from the promotion that nothing would change, but there’s been yet another example of this not being the case.

McMahon returned to WWE’s board of directors earlier this month, less than six months after his retirement in July of last year.

The 77-year-old billionaire has since been appointed Executive Chairman of WWE, replacing his daughter Stephanie in the role.

Cuts Cuts Cuts

From 2020 to McMahon’s departure in 2022, WWE experiences massive waves of cuts to both on-screen talent and those working behind the scenes.

Sources who spoke to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select have confirmed that the company is undergoing office cuts right now.

The previous releases were always described as being “budget cuts” by WWE, but no explanation for this latest wave of layoffs has been given.

There is currently no confirmation on how many names will be laid off or who has been released from the promotion thus far.

Are Talent Next?

Sapp’s report made it clear that these current cuts are sole to office staff, but many believe that talent releases are coming.

On Wrestling Observer Radio earlier this month, Dave Meltzer noted that talent are worried that Vince McMahon’s return will see more mass layoffs.

At the time of the talent cuts, it was suggested that WWE was attempting to ‘trim the fat’ and boost its profits to look more appealing to a potential buyer.

McMahon’s return to WWE has been to oversee the sale of the promotion, with names including Comcast, FOX, Netflix, and the Saudi Arabia PIF being considered possible buyers.

WWE Releases 5 Wrestlers From NXT

WWE Senior Vice President: “Never Say Never” to CM Punk’s Return

Thomas Lowson
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Could CM Punk make a shocking return to WWE, over nine years after his departure from the promotion?

In January 2014, Punk walked out of WWE following that year’s Royal Rumble and was released from the promotion that June.

The former World Champion was sent his termination papers on his wedding day, timing that Vince McMahon later said was merely coincidental and apologized for.

WWE Return

With Punk still suspended from AEW due to the All Out brawl, questions remain as to his future with AEW.

Speaking on his ‘Oh You Didn’t Know’ podcast, WWE’s Senior Vice President of Live Events ‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James weighed in on whether Punk could return.

“Never say never with these guys. They will give you a second chance. [WWE] will give you an opportunity if it’s business savvy, and bringing him back might be. The reason it might be is because he’s a needle mover.”

‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James.

Punk has had a hostile relationship with WWE following in the years since his walkout, but did appear for WWE Backstage, though his contract at the time was with FOX.

Unhappy Roster

CM Punk could (in theory) return to WWE, but if so, he shouldn’t expect a warm response.

It has been reported that there are some who “absolutely do not want” Punk back, believing he would just bring the same attitude that has inflicted his AEW run.

A return to AEW won’t be much better for Punk either, with top talent refusing to work with him if he is brought back by Tony Khan.

There is a group, said to be led by former AEW World Champion Chris Jericho, which is working to prevent his return to the All-Elite promotion.

AEW Roster Don’t Buy Tony Khan’s Recent Claim About CM Punk (Report)

h/t – Wrestling Inc

More Legends Confirmed For Raw 30th Anniversary Special

Anutosh Bajpai
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WWE has added some more names to the line-up for the upcoming Raw 30th Anniversary special, including Diamond Dallas Page among others.

In a graphic shown during this week’s episode of SmackDown, the company confirmed that DDP, Ted DiBiase, Mike “Irwin R. Schyster” Rotunda, Alundra Blayze, The Godfather, and Jimmy Hart will all be a part of the upcoming celebration.

This comes after the promotion added Hulk Hogan and Triple H to an already stacked line up for the episode earlier in the day.

Raw 30th Anniversary Match Card

WWE will be celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Monday Night Raw on January 23. You can check out the announced card for the show below:

  • WWE United States Championship Match: Austin Theory vs. Bobby Lashley
  • Raw Tag Team Championship Match: The Usos vs. Judgement Day
  • Steel Cage Match: Becky Lynch vs. Bayley
  • Bloodline Acknowledgement Ceremony with WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns

Other names scheduled for the special episode include The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Road Dogg, X-Pac, Ric Flair, Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler, Teddy Long, Ron Simmons, and Kurt Angle.

Rikishi and Samu are expected to participate in the Bloodline acknowledgment ceremony. The Bella Twins who were originally announced for Raw are no longer part of the promotional graphic.

GCW Don’t Talk To Me Results (1/20/23): El Hijo del Vikingo vs. Gringo Loco

Tyriece Simon
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Game Changer Wrestling held their event GCW: Don’t Talk to Me on Jan. 20 at the Cabarrus Arena & Event Center in Concord, North Carolina.

The main event saw AAA Mega Champion El Hijo del Vikingo compete against Gringo Loco in a non-title match. The event also had a tag team match with BUSSY(Allie Katch and EFFY) against Charles Mason and Parrow and legend Ricky Morton competing against Tony Deppen. GCW: Don’t Talk to Me stream live on FITE exclusively for people with a FITE+ subscription at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT.

Fans could watch FITE+ for $4.99 a month or $49.99 annually. GCW: Don’t Talk to Me and all GCW events can be viewed on FITE+’s Video on Demand.

If you would like more results for this week’s events in wrestling, please check back on our results section.

GCW Don’t Talk To Me (1/ 20) Results

The event opened with a tribute video packing for Jay Briscoe. It then transitioned to the ring, where Emil Jay led a ten-bell salute with talent and fans around the ring. After the ten-bell salute, Nick Gage also shared his condolences to Briscoe and his family.

  1. Nick Wayne def. Arez
  2. Blake Christian def. Andrew Everett
  3. Jordan Oliver def. Kerry Morton
  4. Cole Radrick def. Marty Garner
  5. GCW Tag Team Championship: Los Macizos (Ciclope and Miedo Extremo) (c) def. The Ugly Ducklings (Lance Lude and Rob Killjoy)
  6. Axton Ray def. Jimmy Lloyd, Marcus Mathers, Zenshi, Terry Yaki, and Yoya in a scramble match
  7. BUSSY (Allie Katch and EFFY) def. Charles Mason and Parrow with Billy Dixon
  8. Tony Deppen def. Ricky Morton
  9. Second Gear Crew (Mance Warner and Matthew Justice) def. John Wayne Murdoch and George South, The Revolt (Caleb Konley and Zane Riley), and Bojack and Lucky Ali
  10. El Hijo del Vikingo def. Gringo Loco

Spoiler: Former NXT Star Makes Impact Debut

Anutosh Bajpai
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Former NXT star Steph De Lander, better known to WWE fans as Persia Pirotta made her debut for Impact Wrestling during the company’s TV taping on Friday.

The Australian professional wrestler came out and cut a promo on Jordynne Grace. She claimed that the Impact star has fallen from grace and the whole Knockout’s Division is shaking in their boots.

Jordynne Grace then made her entrance and the two female stars competed in a singles match. Lander lost her debut match for the promotion.

Steph De Lander made her wrestling debut back in 2017 under the ring name FaceBrooke. She wrestled for promotions such as Shimmer and Rise Wrestling before signing with WWE in March 2021.

She made her NXT TV debut later that year as a friend of Indie Hartwell who had come from Australia for Hartwell’s wedding with Dexter Lumis.

The two then teamed up for a number of tag team matches on the development show. In January 2022, they started a feud with Toxic Attraction. This led to a match for the NXT Tag Team Championship at Vengeance Day before her release in April 2022.

It’s unknown whether Lander has signed a long-term contract with Impact Wrestling or if the surprise appearance was a one-off deal.

Watch: Bray Wyatt Brings Back Firefly Fun House On SmackDown

Anutosh Bajpai
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The Firefly Funhouse is back!

Bray Wyatt returned to The Firefly Fun House during the January 20 episode of SmackDown and reunited with all his friends.

This week’s episode of the show saw LA Knight defeating Ren Jones in a singles match. Mercy the Buzzard, Abby The Witch, Ramblin’ Rabbit and Huskus the Pig Boy then made an appearance, confronting Knight on the Titantron.

Ramblin Rabbit revealed that he is scared of the dark and worried about Bray for his Pitch Black match at the upcoming Royal Rumble PPV on January 29.

Wyatt tried to console his friend but halfway through the segment, Uncle Howdy interrupted. He claimed that he knew all Bray needed was a push.

The segment ended with Bray Wyatt telling LA Knight that whatever happens at the upcoming PPV, whatever walks through the door, it’s his own fault.

Uncle Howdy also made an appearance on Raw this past Monday on January 16. He saved Alexa Bliss from Bianca Belair.

Bray Wyatt has wrestled a few live event matches since his return but not on TV. His bout against Knight at Royal Rumble will mark his first Televised match since WrestleMania 37 back in April 2021 where he was defeated by Randy Orton.

WWE Pays Tribute to Jay Briscoe on Friday’s SmackDown

Michael Reichlin
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WWE paid tribute to Jay Briscoe (Jamin Pugh) on Friday’s ‘SmackDown’ television broadcast on FOX.

Early in the show, commentator Michael Cole took a moment to acknowledge Briscoe’s tragic passing in an automobile accident earlier this week (January 17).

Speaking on behalf of WWE, Cole addressed the Universe:

“We would like to send our condolences to the family of Jay Briscoe. Jay passed away suddenly earlier this week. He and his brother Mark formed one of wrestling’s great tag teams.”

WWE acknowledged Briscoe’s passing on Tuesday night on NXT.

AEW, Impact and the entire wrestling world have been paying respects over the past several days. On AEW Dynamite, several stars wore armbands honoring their friend.

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(Image: @MannyGomezMedia)

A ‘Jay Briscoe Celebration of Life’ special was taped after Dynamite. That card of ROH matches will soon be available for streaming on the HonorClub service. (Spoiler Results)

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Details on WWE Royal Rumble Meetings, Ronda Rousey’s Status for The Show

Andrew Ravens
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WWE is just over a week away from this year’s Royal Rumble, and the company has been discussing the event in recent meetings. 

Fightful Select reports that while several veterans have contacted WWE about making Royal Rumble appearances, WWE was said to have been leaning out of that in some cases in favor of what they call “non-traditional surprises.” 

It’s unclear what that meant. Creative and producers were soliciting pitches for such a thing. In 2022, WWE was adamant about leaning out of NXT names appearing in the match.

Ronda Rousey’s Status

The report did note that as of last week, Ronda Rousey wasn’t planned for the Royal Rumble PPV when she lost the title. She dropped the SmackDown Women’s Championship to a returning Charlotte Flair on the December 30 edition of SmackDown. 

Until December, Rousey was scheduled for the show in a singles match.

Fightful was told that “WWE was very confident in their women’s roster as is with the hires and call-ups over the last year, and how it would play into the Royal Rumble match.”

WWE needed to call in several veterans for last year’s match because of mass talent releases, causing a depleted roster. 

Longtime indie wrestler Jason Cade has been brought in to help with the Royal Rumble while TJ Wilson will be on hand, leading the charge unlike last year as he wasn’t around. WWE had to bring in Fit Finlay to help.

Update on Plans for The Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles

Andrew Ravens
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WWE has changed how they book their Tag Team Champions as  The Usos are touted as the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions. However, they’ve always been the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Champions. 

Instead of defending the titles separately, they defend both titles. The same goes for Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, who holds both the WWE Title and Universal Championship.

WWE booked The Usos’ next title defense for Raw 30 this Monday. However, the company made sure to note they will defend the Raw Tag Team Titles against Dominik Mysterio and Damian Priest instead of noting they will defend the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles.

The Idea

Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that having The Usos defend the titles separately again is a call from Paul “Triple H” Levesque.

“The idea right now on the tag team front is that there are two sets of belts. The Usos are champions, but the Raw and Smackdown belts are different. This is a new Paul Levesque move and it does allow the Usos to lose one set of belts and keep the other. It was explained to me that the hope is it makes fans think it’s more likely somebody beats them for one set of belts.”

The Usos do not have a match lined up yet for the Royal Rumble next Saturday. 

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