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Paul Heyman: “I Can Guarantee You Haven’t Seen The Last Of Sami Zayn”

Anutosh Bajpai
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The case of Sami Zayn and The Bloodline is a curious one. The former NXT champion wasn’t even considered a main event talent by many fans up until a year ago. However, he has turned haters into supporters with his performance in the past year. Many believe that he should have beaten Roman Reigns at the Elimination Chamber PPV. Though Paul Heyman is promising that Sami’s story is not finished despite the loss.

The special counsel recently appeared on the SI Media podcast. He was asked if there was ever any inkling to change the WrestleMania plans for Reigns due to Zayn’s rise to popularity. The former ECW owner claimed that it’s always a possibility:

“There’s always an inkling to change any plan because the old expression is you have a test audience every night and we’re very adaptable. We think we have a really good formula here. We think we have a really good path. I don’t think you’ve seen the last of Sami Zayn. In fact, I can guarantee you haven’t seen the last of Sami Zayn, nor Kevin Owens, nor any of the other players in this act that we’ve put together.

There was a very compelling reason to put Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn on Elimination Chamber. The timing was perfect for us and oh my god, we just happened to be putting that show in Montreal, where the reception to Sami would be something that other audiences will aspire to top just because they wanna be the best audience ever.”

‘That’s What We Do’: Paul Heyman

Paul Heyman and Sami Zayn

Many people still believe that WWE should have saved the bout between Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn for WrestleMania 39. Paul Heyman addressed this belief and explained how the loss still helped the Honorary Uce:

“So we saw this Montreal opportunity. We also saw the timing could not be better. We’re heading into the Royal Rumble with Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens, and then all the different opportunities that interweave themselves with Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. The timeline for the story just fit. I understand that people have wanted more and more and more for Sami. That’s the object. We try to do that with every challenger. We did that with Drew McIntyre going on over to Cardiff in the UK. We did that with Brock Lesnar going into SummerSlam when he drove a tractor out to the ring and demolished the ring. We did that with the group that we took on in the WarGames in Survivor Series. We did it with Kevin Owens going into the Royal Rumble.

We try to do that with everyone that comes into the co-starring role with Roman Reigns in terms of who his opponent’s going to be for the match that we’re trying to sell. And hopefully, on the flip side of being defeated by the Tribal Chief, the Undisputed Champion Roman Reigns, you are worth far more. Have a far more passionate fan base. Sell far more merchandise, sell far more tickets than you did before. You are more famous, more accepted, more valued by the audience than you were before we got our hands on you. That’s the whole object of what we do. I hope six months from now, people are still clamoring more and more and more for Sami, that’s what we do. We try to make stars out of everyone that’s within our orbit.”

You can check out Paul Heyman’s full interview below:

More Originals From SEScoops:

If you use any quotes from the article, please credit SEScoops with an H/t for transcription

Brett DiBiase, Son of Ted DiBiase, Pleads Guilty to Federal Fraud Charge

Andrew Ravens
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Brett DiBiase has made a plea in the case against him connected with Mississippi’s largest welfare embezzlement scandal.

WLBT reports DiBiase pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States in US District Court. He previously pled guilty to two charges in Hinds County Circuit Court. 

Now, he awaits his sentence in state court and faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

The Scandal

Brett was one of several people who were connected to the fraud where they were accused of the embezzlement of millions of dollars in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funding. Brett paid $48,000 through his business Restore2, LLC by using false claims to get the money as he covered up these payments by falsifying documents, invoices, books, reports, and ledgers.

Others involved in the case were indicted and later convicted. The names included were former DHS Executive Director John Davis, Nancy New, Zach New, and Ann McGrew.

The son of WWE Hall of Famer Ted Dibiase did work for WWE from 2008 to 2011 where he was used in FCW (Florida Championship Wrestling), then-WWE’s developmental territory where he was a Tag Team Championship.

Paul Heyman Opens up on Emotional Promo Segment With Cody Rhodes

Andrew Ravens
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Paul Heyman and Cody Rhodes had a memorable promo segment on the February 6 edition of WWE Raw.

This was where Heyman talked with the 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble winner on behalf of WWE Undisputed Universal Champion Roman Reigns ahead of their clash at WrestleMania 39. 

The topic of Cody’s late father Dusty Rhodes was the main focal point of the promo. Rhodes thanked Heyman for reigniting Dusty’s passion during his ECW days. Heyman told Rhodes that in the last conversation he had with Dusty, the legendary wrestler told him that  Cody was his favorite son, but Reigns was the son he always wanted.

The Pressure

While speaking on the SI Media podcast, Heyman looked back on the promo. 

“I like pressure. I don’t find pressure to be burdensome. I find it to be inspiring. We have Cody coming out of the gates now one-on-one with Roman because this was the night after the Elimination Chamber where Roman Reigns defeats Sami Zayn. so you know it won’t be Sami, you know it’s going to be Cody challenging Roman and an audience. I’m sorry, this was before the Elimination Chamber, but an audience that is really honed in on the arrival of Sami Zayn as a superstar.”

Heyman continued, “Here’s Cody, with his own narrative, his own story to tell, and as he will tell his story to finish. And a compelling one at that, and an emotional one at that. We have to tell his story as well. The pressure is we have a first time WrestleMania main event and an audience that is very critical of new people in the main event of WrestleMania….The pressure really was to demonstrate Cody Rhodes as someone who is capable of hanging with and telling himself a WrestleMania main event level story for the audience to absorb and become invested in.”

If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit with an h/t to SEScoops for the transcription.

Backstage Reaction to Cody Rhodes and Paul Heyman WWE Raw Segment

Ronda Rousey Dealing With an Injury Heading Into WWE WrestleMania

Andrew Ravens
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Although Ronda Rousey is dealing with an injury, she is not expected to miss WWE WrestleMania 39 in April. 

According to PWTorch, the top WWE star has aggravated a prior injury, but the report stated that it wouldn’t prevent her from competing at WrestleMania next month in Los Angeles.

Rousey was originally set to team with Shayna Baszler to take on Tegan Nox and Natalya on Friday’s episode of SmackDown. However, plans had to change due to Rousey’s injury. 

Plans Change

WWE did an angle on the show where it was revealed that the two teams got into a brawl backstage at the show earlier in the day. The announcers would later explain that Rousey suffering an injury in the brawl caused the tag team match to be nixed and a singles match between Baszler and Nox was made. 

 Baszler won the match via armbar while Rousey was with her good friend during the match while wearing a sling on her arm.

As of late, Baszler and Rousey have been teaming together. Rousey has stated that she wants to have a tag team run with Baszler, which is reportedly the direction for both stars by WWE as they’re supposed to challenge for the Women’s Tag Team Titles at WrestleMania 39. 

Twist and Turns Expected in The Build of WWE WrestleMania 39 Match

GUNTHER Addresses Perception That Imperium Has Stigma of Fascism

Thomas Lowson
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WWE Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER has spoken about the perception from some fans that his character and the Imperium stable are rooted in Naziism.

When WWE changed WALTER’s name to GUNTHER, the original change was meant to be ‘Gunther Stark,’ also the name of a Nazi U-Boat commander in World War 2.

Last week, GUNTHER received a rating of 88 in WWE 2K23, which raised eyebrows from fans, given that the number is used as code by modern-day Nazis.

In a simple letter-number code, 88 is HH, which Nazis and white supremacists uses as a dog whistle for “Heil Hitler.”

Living With It

As an Austrian (the same nation as Hitler) who spent much of his career competing in Germany, GUNTHER is well aware of the significance of the two nations in WW2.

Speaking on The Ringer’s Cheap Heat podcast, the reigning Intercontinental Champion was asked about the negative stigma as an Austrian who was based out of Germany competing in the U.S.

“That’s the history of the two countries,” GUNTHER replied “That’s something we can never change. We have to live with it. But obviously, that’s something that got thrown at us before and still gets thrown at us. We don’t really acknowledge it because it’s so far away from what the truth is.”

GUNTHER.

GUNTHER added that often, anyone who considers himself to be in any association with fascism cannot acknowledge the differences Austria and Germany have made since 1945.

“Austria and Germany have made huge efforts to be hard on themselves when it comes to their history and keep themselves in check.”

GUTNHER.

The Austrian went on to say that he and Ludwig Kaiser (who is German) have prided themselves on how their nations treat the seriousness of their past atrocities.

Taking Things Seriously

Imperium’s appeal to WWE fans has come with how serious the characters of GUNTHER, Ludwig Kaiser, and Giovanni Vinci are portrayed on TV and at live events.

On the podcast, GUNTHER explained that taking wrestling as seriously as they do is not just part of the act fans see each week.

“We mean it! We build our livelihood around it. Why should we not take it seriously? There’s no playing a character or anything like that. That’s just what we are.”

GUNTHER.

GUNTHER will defend his Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 39 against an opponent yet to be decided.

GUNTHER To Receive Huge Main Event World Championship Push in 2023?

h/t – Wrestling Inc

Update on Sonya Deville’s WWE Status Following Arrest

Andrew Ravens
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Last month, Sonya Deville was arrested for gun possession in Atlantic City, New Jersey, but she remains in good standing with WWE. 

A valet discovered the weapon in her car’s glove box and called the cops before Deville was arrested a short time later because she didn’t have a proper New Jersey permit.

She was charged with one count of unlawful weapon possession. Deville got the gun after a man allegedly attempted to kidnap her in 2020 during a home break-in in Florida and she wanted it for personal protection. Although it is legally registered in Florida, it’s not in New Jersey.

At the time of the arrest, it was reported that Deville didn’t have heat in WWE for the arrest because they understand why she would want to protect herself following the stalker incident.

The Latest

Pwinsider.com reports that Deville has not been pulled from the road and she is still slated to make all of her scheduled appearances for WWE including wrestling SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair at the March 12th live event at Madison Square Garden in New York City. 

The report noted that WWE was aware she had applied and received a permit to carry a gun. Deville is slated for a court appearance later this month.

Watch: Lita Makes Indie Wrestling Appearance Days After WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles Win

Thomas Lowson
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WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Lita has capped off an intense week with an appearance at a recent independent wrestling event.

During this week’s Raw, Lita captured the Women’s Tag Team Titles with Becky Lynch by dethroning two-time champions Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai and IYO SKY.)

This win marks Lita’s first taste of championship gold since 2006 and makes Lynch the sixth WWE Women’s Triple Crown Champion.

Hoodslam

Lita’s win at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan was an emotional night for her, but the Hall of Famer has also appeared at a smaller show.

At last night’s Hoodslam: GET YOUR ASS TO MARCH: Fall of the Hoodslammer event, Lita made a surprise appearance to the delight of the fans.

Using language that you won’t be hearing on Raw, Lita told the crowd “f**k the fans” who chanted the phrase back in excitement.

Lita, who did not bring her WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship with her, then handed the mic to Sheikah before being on her way.

WrestleMania Plans

With WrestleMania 39 now just 28 days away, there is a real possibility that Lita will enter the April 1, show as Champion.

It has been reported that WWE plans on Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler challenging for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships at the event.

With that said, recent programming would leave you to believe that the plan is for Lita, Lynch and Trish Stratus to face Damage CTRL next month.

With WrestleMania 39 happening across two nights, there is the chance that Lita and Lynch could compete on both nights, as Natalya and Tamina Snuka did in 2021.

Bayley Reveals Which Veteran From Past She Wants To Face

“I’m a Wrestler” – Tamina Snuka on Not Fitting In with WWE’s Divas Era

Thomas Lowson
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WWE Superstar Tamina Snuka is grateful for her lengthy career in the promotion but believes much of her tenure failed to reflect who she is.

Tamina, the daughter of ‘Superfly’ Jimmy Snuka, debuted on WWE’s main roster in 2010, alongside the Usos, and would immediately feud with the Hart Dynasty.

It wouldn’t be until WWE Hell in a Cell 2019 that Tamina would win her first championship, capturing her first of nine reigns as 24/7 Champion.

Not Me

Before 2016, WWE’s female Superstars were branded ‘Divas,’ and the term continues to have a negative stigma.

Many still see the ‘Divas Era’ as a time when women’s wrestling was little more than titillation for male viewers, despite the multiple accomplished women wrestling at the time.

Speaking about her tenure as a ‘Diva’ Tamina told PW Mania that she appreciates how long she’s been with WWE, but never quite fit with the previous era.

“I would look around and think that’s not me. These women were model types of women, and I’m Tamina. I’m a tomboy, and I’m a wrestler.”

Tamina Snuka.

It wouldn’t be until 2015’s Women’s Revolution that WWE would try and drop the more harmful aspects of the Divas era, and the term was dropped entirely following WrestleMania 32 in April 2016.

Reflecting on wrestling today, Tamina said that the idea of women entering wrestling is met with much more support given how the attitude to women’s wrestling has changed.

“I have two daughters. They could very well go to college, come back and tell me they want to get into wrestling. You want a good change for everyone and want something great. Right now, I do feel like that’s where we’re at. We evolved and got better. You want good things for these women. You want to have change. You want to evolve. You want to break even more barriers.”

Tamina Names The ‘Roman Reigns’ Of WWE’s Women’s Division

Jungle Boy Vows that AEW Revolution 2023 Will be Christian Cage’s “Final Burial”

Thomas Lowson
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Fans tuning in to this weekend’s AEW Revolution 2023 Pay-Per-View will see one wrestler on the show receive their ‘final burial.’

Last June, Christian Cage turned heel on Jungle Boy Jack Perry, attacking the young star after he and Luchasaurus lost the AEW World Tag Team Championship to The Young Bucks.

This betrayal would also mark the end of Jurassic Express, as Luchasaurus would align himself with Cage as part of the feud.

Burial

During last night’s AEW Rampage, Jungle Boy appeared in a video promo and said that a fight with Cage isn’t enough, and he looks to end the Canadian veteran.

Jungle Boy vowed that there will be “grave consequences” for Cage, who has referenced Jack’s father Luke Perry as part of their feud.

The actor, best known for roles in Beverly Hills 90210 and CW’s Riverdale, died in March 2019, and his passing has been used for heat by Cage.

Jungle Boy said that he’ll allow Cage to say ‘hi’ to his dad, and promised that their match at Revolution will be the “final burial.”

Buried Alive

While not sharing the same name as WWE’s Buried Alive match, the Final Burial has clear similarities to the bout.

WWE’s first Buried Alive match came in 1996, when Mankind defeated The Undertaker, and the Phenom would also lost the second match against ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin in 1998.

It wouldn’t be until the August 30, 1999, edition of SmackDown that The Undertaker would win a buried alive match, teaming with the Big Show to defeat the Rock ‘n Sock Connection.

Unfortunately for the Phenom, he would lose the two following matches, losing to Mr. McMahon at Survivor Series 2003 (thanks to the interference of Kane) and being bested by his brother (thanks to the interference of the Nexus) at Bragging Rights 2010.

AEW Revolution Betting Odds

WWE Made Things Right with Crying Fan from Latest SmackDown

Thomas Lowson
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A young fan had a night at WWE SmackDown that they’ll never forget after being overcome with emotion during the show.

On last night’s episode of the blue brand, Rhea Ripley picked up a submission victory over her former tag-team partner Liv Morgan, in her latest momentum-building win ahead of WrestleMania 39.

When WWE’s cameras cut to the crowd, a young fan could be seen crying while being nurtured by an older guardian.

Making things Better

WWE has always claimed to be about putting smiles on the faces of fans, and that’s exactly what happened for this upset fan.

During a commercial break, the young fan was welcomed backstage and was able to greet Morgan, who was pleased to see she was feeling better.

You can check out the feel-good moment between Morgan and her fan in the tweet below.

Memorable WWE fans

This fan had a much better time at SmackDown after being able to hug the former Women’s Champion, but she’s not the only fan to have had quite the reaction.

Following The Miz’s 2010 WWE Championship victory, a young fan was shown on camera, and her feelings on his Money in the Bank cash-in were clear.

image 1

‘Angry Miz Girl’ who’s real name is Cayley, was welcomed back to WWE later that year as part of the 2010 Slammy Awards, and would have an interaction on the show with The Miz.

In 2020, to mark a decade since her WWE moment, Cayley shared an autograph given to her by The Miz on Instagram.

Fans will also remember Ellis Mbeh, who’s reaction to the Streak being broken in 2014, would earn him the moniker of ‘Shocked Undertaker Guy.’

image 2

AEW Star Fires Back at Lacey Evans Over Mental Health Post Controversy

Thomas Lowson
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Lacey Evans’ latest incident with social media has resulted in one AEW wrestler taking aim at WWE’s Southern Belle.

On her Instagram Story, Evans shared the following post from user @BedrosKeuilian, which suggested that mental health issues are easy to fix.

“How to fix 99% of anxiety & depression

  • 1) Excercise hard daily
    2) Eat clean
    3) Put purpose over pleasure
    4) Make a lot more money
    5) Stop overthinking
    6) Help others and be kind
    7) Mind your own f*cking business
  • Your problems are much easier to solve than you think…”

Evans’ post received backlash from fans, with the belief that some points are oversimple (#5) and others are purely detrimental to one’s mental health (#7.)

AEW Response

Fans are far from thrilled by Evans’ latest social media message, and AEW’s The Bunny has also spoken up.

In a video shared on Instagram, The Bunny didn’t mention Evans by name but responded to points the Superstar made.

“Some of us manage our mental health issues with medication. To suggest that simply exercising, eating a certain way, working more; etc etc etc will cure your mental illness is harmful and perpetuates the notion that mental health issues aren’t actual ILLNESSES.

“If anyone out there is struggling to do basic human activities due to their anxiety, depression, etc, you aren’t alone. Please take care of yourselves and don’t listen to the narrative that you are choosing to suffer. I know from experience that you are doing the best you can. Sending love to all of you.”

Evans and Social Media

This is hardly the first time Evans’ actions online have sparked backlash, as she posted a video that featured veterinarian-turned-naturopathic physician Joel Wallach.

In the video, Wallach (who has no medical certification despite listing himself as a physician) claims that ASD and ADHD “didn’t exist” when he was a kid (also untrue.)

Evans’ name trended on Twitter as a result, and the WWE Superstar also liked tweets that mocked those who were criticizing her.

Sgt. Slaughter Reacts to Lacey Evans Using His Cobra Clutch Finisher

Bryan Danielson Calls All Elite Wrestling Run “The Best I’ve Been”

Thomas Lowson
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Bryan Danielson is motivated to become AEW World Champion this weekend, and believes he is the best he has ever been.

Danielson arrived in the promotion in late 2021, mere months after being handed his WWE exit at the hands of WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.

Tomorrow night, Danielson will challenge AEW World Champion MJF at Revolution in the promotion’s first Iron Man match.

The Best

Before coming to AEW, Danielson made his name as Daniel Bryan in WWE, becoming a multi-time World Champion and Grand Slam winner.

While Danielson earned a legion of loyal fans during his eleven years on the main roster, he told The Ringer this week that AEW is where he shines best.

“I feel as a wrestler, I’m the best I’ve been. I feel like I’m the best I’ve been.”

Bryan Danielson.

Danielson’s time with the promotion has allowed him to work with several younger stars who he never would have had the chance to wrestle had he stayed in WWE.

Speaking about these stars of the future, Danielson recalled the question he always asks whenever he gets backstage.

“My thing with the younger talent, is mostly, ‘Hey, did you have fun? Were you able to experience joy out there? How did you feel about the match? Did you feel good about it?’”

Bryan Danielson.

Danielson added that he’s been “pleasantly surprised” by working in the ring with the likes of Wheeler Yuta, Lee Moriarty, Bandido, Konosuke Takeshita and others.

Favorite Opponent

Beginning his wrestling career in 1999 under the tutelage of Shawn Michaels, Danielson has worked with countless opponents, but one stands out.

“Randy Orton, might be one of my favorite people to ever wrestle, in the sense of he and I just clicked, and Randy Orton is so good.”

Randy Orton

WWE’s Viper has been out of action for close to a year with a severe back injury, and there have been rumblings that his in-ring career may be over.

WWE Told Bryan Danielson He Could Never Be “The Guy” After WrestleMania 30

All In Pay-Per-View Referenced on Latest WWE SmackDown on FOX

Thomas Lowson
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The 2018 All In wrestling supershow was referenced during this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown on FOX.

In September of that year, stars of various promotions came together to host the event, billed as “the biggest independent wrestling show ever.”

After showing that there was support for a non-WWE product, many of the names associated with All In would go on to be part of All Elite Wrestling, which launched in January 2019.

SmackDown

One significant name who was part of All In is Cody Rhodes, who made an appearance on this week’s edition of the blue brand.

Speaking about his upcoming WrestleMania match, Rhodes said there are those who think toppling Roman Reigns is an impossible goal, but he has a history of defying the odds.

The American Nightmare said that there were people who believed he would never be more than Randy Orton’s lackey, referring to his days in Legacy.

Rhodes added that there were some who thought that All In would be possible, saying:

“There’s no way 10,000 people would pay to see my buddy’s little indie show.”

Cody Rhodes.

At the September 2018 event, Rhodes would defeat Nick Aldis to capture the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.

The event began after Dave Meltzer dismissed the idea that any event other than a WWE show could sell 10,000 tickets, a statement that Rhodes accepted as a challenge.

Reigns Response

Rhodes, as predicted, was very passionate with his promo, but the Tribal Chief had some barbs of his own.

Speaking about being trained by Cody’s father Dusty Rhodes, Reigns bust-out an impressive impression of the American Dream, who told Reigns in developmental that he had ‘it.’

The two men shook hands without coming to blows and agreed that the better man will win next month at WrestleMania 39.

Watch: Uncle Howdy Gets Physical On SmackDown

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

Anutosh Bajpai
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Cody Rhodes made an appearance on this week’s episode of SmackDown to confront Roman Reigns. He also put on his 33-match undefeated streak on the line after the show went off air.

The opening segment of this week’s SmackDown saw The American Nightmare confronting The Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. The two had a heated exchange that got personal.

The WrestleMania opponents, however, avoided a fight before their upcoming big match. The segment ended with both the stars shaking hands.

The main event of the show saw Sami Zayn competing in a bout against Solo Sikoa. Though this wasn’t the last match of the night and WWE presented two dark matches after SmackDown went off air.

What Happened After SmackDown

The first dark match after the show featured Charlotte Flair in action. The SmackDown Women’s Champion put her title on the line against Sonya Deville.

The second dark match then saw Cody Rhodes, who has been undefeated since his return last year facing Finn Balor in a singles match.

https://twitter.com/SMS2894/status/1631855561296822273

The former AEW star went on to win the match against the Judgement Day Leader. Rhodes cut a promo after the bout and said that he hopes to leave WrestleMania as the Undisputed WWE World Heavyweight Champion.

Watch: Uncle Howdy Gets Physical On SmackDown

Anutosh Bajpai
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Uncle Howdy has remained an ominous figure who lurks around but never gets his own hands dirty ever since his introduction to WWE TV, but this changed on tonight’s episode of SmackDown.

Bray Wyatt called out the winner of the Lashley vs. Brock Lesnar match at Elimination Chamber before the PPV last month. The bout, however, ended in a disqualification after The Beast Incarnate delivered a low blow to his opponent.

Later reports revealed that Lesnar has declined a WrestleMania match with The Fiend. Wyatt then started targeting the All Mighty in various segments.

Bobby Lashley made a trip to SmackDown this week in response to Bray’s tricks. He called out the former Universal Champion for a confrontation.

Uncle Howdy In Action

While Bray was nowhere to be seen, Uncle Howdy did make an appearance. He first showed up in a video on the Titan Tron.

The mysterious character then attacked Lashley from behind, marking it the first time he has gotten physical with an opponent.

Though Bobby Lashley did not stay down for long. As Howdy ran the ropes, Lashley planted him and set him up for a spear. However, lights then went out and when they came back on, Bobby was left alone in the ring.

WWE has not made the match between the former WWE Champion and The Eater of Worlds official yet but all signs indicate that they will meet at the Show of Shows this year.

AEW Rampage Results (3/3): Keith Lee and Dustin Rhodes Dispatch of Mogul Affiliates, Blackpool Combat Club Survive Four-Way Tag Team Match, More

Colby Faria
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AEW‘s latest edition of Rampage went down on (3/3/23) from the Cow Palace in Daly City, California! Just 48-hours until the AEW Revolution pay-per-view, Keith Lee and Dustin Rhodes defeated Swerve Strickland and Parker Boudreaux of the Mogul Affiliates!

Live Coverage

Blackpool Combat Club (Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta) def. Top Flight (Dante & Darius Martin), Aussie Open (Mark Davis & Kyle Fletcher), and Dark Order (Alex Reynolds & Josh Silver)

Riho def. Emi Sakura

Powerhouse Hobbs def. Serpentico

Keith Lee & Dustin Rhodes def. Swerve Strickland & Parker Boudreaux

Invictus Pro Wrestling: The Get Down Results

Tyriece Simon
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Invictus Pro Wrestling held their live event, The Get Down, on Independent Wrestling TV on March 3 at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT.

The event had Invictus Grand Champion Ken Broadway defend his title against MV Young in the main event. Broadway’s last successful title defense was against Adam Brooks at Invictus Pro Wrestling: The Many Saints of Ridgefield Park on Dec. 30, 2022. Another match on the card was Big Game Leroy taking on J Boujii in a Cheat Code match.

For fans that want to watch Invictus Pro Wrestling: The Get Down, you can subscribe to IWTV for $9.99. If you would like more results for this week’s events in wrestling, please check back on our results section.

Invictus Pro Wrestling: The Get Down Results

  1. PJ Savage def. JS Hawthorne
  2. (C) Fight Or Die def. Max Zero and Travis Huckabee- Invictus Pro Tag Team Championship
  3. Clara Carreras def. (C) Edith Surreal- Invictus Pro Women’s Championship
  4. J Boujii def. Big Game Leroy- Cheat Code Match
  5. Ben Bishop def. Carlie Bravo
  6. Nicholi White won the Friends Who Fight Rumble match to become the number one contender for the Invictus Grand Championship
  7. (C) Ken Broadway def. MV Young- Invictus Grand Championship

WWE SmackDown Results (3/3): Cody Rhodes Confronts Roman Reigns, Sami Zayn Escapes The Bloodline’s Attack, More

Colby Faria
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WWE‘s latest edition of SmackDown went down on (3/3/23) from the Capital One Center in Washington D.C.! Cody Rhodes confronted Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns ahead of their WrestleMania 39 main event and Sami Zayn once again escaped the clutches of The Bloodline!

Live Coverage

Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and The Bloodline Confrontation

The Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns makes his way down to the ring to kick off tonight’s show. The champion is flanked by Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa, and Paul Heyman. Cody Rhodes then makes his way down to the ring. Cody says he’s not here to fight, he’s here to talk to Reigns and says that he doesn’t think there’s any reason for the rest of The Bloodline to be out here. Reigns tells Jimmy, Solo, and Heyman to leave, which they reluctantly do. Roman asks Cody if he’s more comfortable now and he drops his titles before asking Cody, ‘what do you wanna talk about?’. Cody says Roman has been the champion for over 900 days and while it seems like an impossible task to defeat Roman, he’s (Cody) made career on doing the impossible. Roman says what Cody’s done is impressive but asks ‘The American Nightmare’ if he’s ever headlined WrestleMania or won the WWE Title before. Roman said Cody’s father, Dusty Rhodes prepared him (Roman) for where he is today and even remembers Dusty telling him that he’ll headline WrestleMania and win the WWE Title one day.

Roman says Cody isn’t the only one who misses Dusty and says that he wishes Dusty was here to see their WrestleMania main event. Roman says if Dusty didn’t teach Cody something, he’d be more than happy to school him (Cody). Roman tries to shake Cody’s hand and Cody says their WrestleMania match is a necessity and the only way he (Cody) can exist, is if he beats Roman Reigns and become the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion at WrestleMania 39. Cody tells Roman that the better man will win at WrestleMania and he (Cody) finally shakes Roman’s hand. Cody’s music hits and Roman exits as the crowd sings along with Cody’s theme song.

We then see Rhea Ripley, alongside Dominik Mysterio walking through the backstage area and Rhea will face Liv Morgan after the break.

Rhea Ripley (with Dominik Mysterio) def. Liv Morgan

Dominik Mysterio (with Rhea Ripley) def. Santos Escobar

Drew McIntyre makes his way down to the ring. McIntyre wastes no time and calls out the Intercontinental Champion Gunther. However, Sheamus’ music hits and out comes the leader of the Brawling Brutes. Sheamus asks McIntyre why he’s calling out Gunther since he knows how much the Intercontinental Title means to him (Sheamus). McIntyre says Sheamus isn’t his father and doesn’t need his permission to call out anyone that he wants. Sheamus calls McIntyre a ‘backstabbing b*tch’ and McIntyre says if Sheamus doesn’t like the call out, he shouldn’t have lost to Gunther not once, but twice. LA Knight’s music hits and Knight says if you’re talking about the Intercontinental Title, you’re basically talking about him…’YEAH!’. Knight says you can’t have WrestleMania in Los Angeles without him.

The New Day’s music hits and out comes Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. The former multi-time tag champions say this whole ordeal is sad and Knight needs to worry about winning a match before he’s concerned with any titles. Karrion Kross and Scarlett then interrupt and Knight attacks New Day from behind. Sheamus joins the fray, as does McIntyre, and Kross wallops Sheamus to end the brawl and we head to a commercial break.

Back from the break and we see a pre-taped segment of Shayna Baszler and Tegan Nox attacking one another backstage before the show and Ronda Rousey helped Shayna take out Tegan.

We then had back to the arena and Shayna Baszler and Ronda Rousey make their way down to the ring and Shayna Baszler will face Tegan Nox after the break.

Shayna Baszler (with Ronda Rousey) def. Tegan Nox (with Natalya)

We then see Adam Pearce backstage with the Intercontinental Champion Gunther, who’s with his Imperium stablemates Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci. Gunther tells Pearce that he’s a waste of an official because he’s yet to book any of the three of them in a match for WrestleMania 39.

Back to the arena and Bobby Lashley is making his way down to the ring and we’ll hear from Lashley after the break.

Back from the break and Bobby Lashley says that he’s tried to call out Bray Wyatt but since he refuses to show his face on Monday Night RAW, he decided to come do it himself on Bray’s show, SmackDown. Uncle Howdy’s music hits and Howdy pops up behind Lashley and attacks the former WWE Champion. Lashley fights back and lines Howdy up for a spear but the lights go out and when they come back up, Howdy is gone. Bray Wyatt’s logo pops up on the screen and we head to a commercial break.

Backstage, we see Roman Reigns, Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa, and Paul Heyman. Roman asks Jimmy if he’s spoken to his brother, Jey, and Jimmy says he has. Jimmy tells Roman that Jey told him that he needs more time…then reveals that Jey actually told him (Jimmy) to tell Roman to ‘leave him the hell alone.’ Roman said he doesn’t understand why Jey has been acting like this but he knows it started when Sami Zayn started to come around The Bloodline. Roman says if Jey doesn’t show up next week and re-join The Bloodline, he’ll stop blaming Sami Zayn and start blaming Jimmy Uso.

Solo Sikoa (with Jimmy Uso) def. Sami Zayn

After the match, Solo and Jey continue their attack on Sami but Sami fights back and breaks free as the show goes off-the-air!

AEW All Access Premiere Date Revealed, Trailer Released

Andrew Ravens
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The premiere date is set for AEW All Access, a new reality show based on the behind-the-scenes elements of All Elite Wrestling. 

It was announced today that the series would premiere on March 29 on TBS following AEW Dynamite and will consist of six one-hour episodes for the first season. 

Adam Cole, Dr. Britt Baker, Sammy Guevara, Tay Melo, The Young Bucks, Saraya, Wardlow, Eddie Kingston, and AEW CEO, GM, and Head of Creative Tony Khan will be featured on the episode. 

The synopsis notes, “The series will showcase AEW’s stars as they navigate the week-to-week challenges to remain at the top and will track the rivalries between talent as they vie for fans’ attention. Over the course of the series, viewers will get the chance to follow the contentious lead-up to AEW’s major wrestling events and matches.”

The Trailer

The show is produced by Shed Media in association with AEW and Activist Artists Management. Tony Khan, Dan Peirson, Lisa Shannon, Sam Berns, Alan Bloom, Bernie Cahill, and Jon Kanak are the executive producers.

As previously announced, Adam Cole will work his first match since June on March 29 after being sidelined with concussion-related issues that the show will document. 

Tony Khan Has ‘Major AEW Announcements Coming Soon’

Andrew Ravens
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AEW President Tony Khan has more announcements to make. 

Khan took to Twitter today to hype this week’s AEW Rampage episode and Sunday’s Revolution pay-per-view from San Francisco. In a tweet, Khan stated that he has announcements “coming soon” that “will be important to AEW & our fans!”

Khan wrote: “This is one of the best weekends of the year: AEW Revolution, Sunday in San Francisco + Friday Night #AEWRampage & then Countdown to Revolution TONIGHT on TNT! 2023 will be the biggest year yet for AEW, I have major announcements coming soon that are important to AEW & our fans!”

The Last Announcement

Khan just made what was hyped as a major announcement on the February 22 episode of Dynamite, although Khan had Adam Cole make the big reveal, which was that AEW’s new reality show, AEW All Access, would be premiering this month. Cole also announced his in-ring return would occur the same night the show premieres. 

Khan previously announced that he would be purchasing Ring of Honor and the AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door pay-per-view. 

Rampage’s lineup includes Dustin Rhodes & Keith Lee vs. Swerve Strickland & Parker Boudreaux, as well as Top Flight, Aussie Open, The Dark Order, and Blackpool Combat Club.

Bryan Danielson is scheduled to challenge MJF for his AEW World Championship in a 60-minute iron man match at the Revolution PPV.

Vince McMahon Would’ve Let Bryan Danielson Work NJPW G1 Climax Tournament

Andrew Ravens
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Bryan Danielson had leverage when going through contract talks with Vince McMahon in 2021, as the possibility of him going to NJPW, or AEW was real. 

Danielson has often talked about wanting to work in Japan and be part of NJPW’s G1 Climax tournament, one of the most prestigious tournaments in all of wrestling that sees several great matches take place among NJPW’s top stars and sometimes some outsiders.

In a recent interview, Danielson spoke about wanting to work the tournament but doubted that AEW President Tony Khan would let him do so because the tournament takes place over the course of a few weeks. He would also run the chance of Danielson getting injured. 

Danielson said in the interview that he would give it a 33% chance that he gets to compete in a G-1.

Vince Said Yes

Dave Meltzer noted in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that McMahon would’ve let Danielson work the tournament. 

“In 2021, when Danielson was negotiating with both sides, he did not get Khan to agree to allow him to do G-1, but Vince McMahon said he could do G-1. My gut is that Vince McMahon had no idea what G-1 was at the time.”

It should be noted that WWE and NJPW reportedly had talks around this time about a potential partnership, mainly about WWE letting Danielson wrestle in Japan if he re-signed. A partnership was never made, though. 

Danielson is scheduled to challenge MJF for his AEW World Championship in a 60-minute iron man match at the Revolution PPV this Sunday.

7-year-old WWE Fan Reacts to Cody Rhodes Encounter on Raw

Bishal Roy
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WrestleMania 39 headliner Cody Rhodes, one of the fan favorites gave a young fan a lifelong memory to cherish during the latest edition of Monday Night RAW.

As Cody Rhodes made his way to the ring Monday night, he stopped at the end of the aisle and soaked in the electric atmosphere. With thousands of fans screaming inside Van Andel Arena, ‘The American Nightmare’ made his spectacular entrance.

While Rhodes stood at the end of the ramp, one of those screaming fans included the 7-year-old Ava Nawwas of Detroit. She watched her favorite wrestler but didn’t have the slightest clue that it will mark as one of her unforgettable nights. Standing at the guardrail, Ava waved a sign featuring Rhodes’ logo while wearing a shirt featuring the same design. Her mom, Mona, and dad, Ali, were also by her side.

The 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble winner, was holding a custom-made “Nightmare” weight-lifting belt and looked away from the arena crowd. He turned his attention to Ava. Cody Rhodes, who recently shared his post-WrestleMania plans, stepped toward the railing and extended his arms. He handed his belt to the joyful Ava, creating a beautiful moment shared by WWE on social media.

The fan recalls the moment

“My heart started to beat so fast,” Ava said, recalling how she felt as Rhodes approached her with his arms out. “I was wondering if he was going to give me the belt.”

After Rhodes told Ava to take the belt, he leaned in and gave her a hug before heading to the ring. Ava was emotional once she realized what had just happened.

“I felt love and happiness,” Ava said with a smile, adding that the whole thing felt like a dream come true.

Check out the video clip below:

Twist and Turns Expected in The Build of WWE WrestleMania 39 Match

Andrew Ravens
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WWE is on the road to WrestleMania, and some of the top matches have already been confirmed, while other bouts are still not official. According to a new report, fans should expect a few twists and turns along the way.

On this week’s WWE Raw, Lita and Becky Lynch beat Damage CTRL’s Dakota Kai and IYO Sky to win the Women’s Tag Team Championships with the help of Trish Stratus, who took out Bayley at ringside. 

The company has been planning for Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler to get a shot at the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania. 

Twists and Turns

Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that WWE is planning twists and turns for the titles. 

“The only thing we know is that the women’s tag title situation with the six women involved, as well as Bayley and Trish Stratus, has several twists and turns yet to come before the matches are finalized.”

It’s still unclear whether Sky and Kai will win the titles back or where the storyline is going, but “Rousey & Baszler were to face whoever ends up as the tag team champions in a few weeks.”

Rousey has publicly talked about wanting to dominate the Women’s Tag Team Division as of late.

“The Business Is Dead” – Seth Rollins On Logan Paul

J. Cunningham
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Former WWE Champion Seth Rollins has weighed in on controversial YouTuber-turned-wrestler Logan Paul once again.

Rumors continue to swirl of a Paul vs. Rollins bout at WrestleMania. Back at the Royal Rumble, ‘The Maverick’ sent ‘The Architect’ packing from the match. During a later interview with Pat McAfee, Rollins proceeded to trash Paul.

Collage Maker 03 Feb 2023 05.05 PM

To top it all off, Logan Paul cost Rollins last month’s US Champion Elimination Chamber bout. The feud has continued to bubble away on RAW, as ‘The Monday Night Messiah’ has butted heads with The Miz over his connection to ‘The Maverick’ from last year.

Rollins’ disdain for the PRIME Hydration co-founder is only growing, as evidenced by his recent appearance on After the Bell.

Seth Rollins Questions The “Long-Term Value” Of Logan Paul

When asked about Logan Paul, Rollins was immensely critical of vlogging as a whole. Questioning what entertainers such as Paul actually bring to the table, Rollins expressed concern with its potential impact on professional wrestling.

“This idea that you can just, poof, pop on your camera, film yourself, do some crap on social media, and become a star and have some worth in the world is for me, maybe I’m a crotchety old man, but I don’t understand what value you’re giving back to the world. And the Logan Paul situation, I don’t understand what long-term value he’s gonna be able to give back to us.”

Seth Rollins

‘The Visionary’, who owns a wrestling school, opined that Paul’s unconventional entry into pro wrestling could set a bad precedent. He explained that he’d much rather his students enter the business in a more traditional, ring-focused way, steadily working their way up the card.

“That [having a contract] doesn’t make you an ambassador for the business. That’s not what wrestling is. And I don’t want my students, I own a wrestling school, I don’t want the next generation of kids coming up in the business thinking that’s how you make it in professional wrestling because if everybody follows that model, the business is dead.”

Seth Rollins

While it’s likely much of this was in kayfabe given their angle on TV, Rollins’ words are scathing nonetheless.

Do you want to see Seth Rollins wrestle Logan Paul at WrestleMania?

Please provide transcription credit with a link to this article if you use any of these quotes.

Backstage Update on Jay White’s Wrestling Future

Andrew Ravens
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Jay White became a free agent on February 28, and his wrestling future remains a mystery following reports he could be heading to WWE.

At NJPW’s The New Beginning event in Osaka, White lost a “Loser Leaves Japan” match to Hikuleo before losing to AEW’s Eddie Kingston at the Battle in the Valley pay-per-view event.

In January, there had been reports that stated AEW and WWE were interested in signing the top star. WWE felt they had a better chance of signing him. Since then, there has been speculation that he could show up at WrestleMania 39 in April or make his debut by showing up on the post-WrestleMania episode of Raw. 

The Latest

In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that while the circumstances seem to indicate he’s headed to WWE, there has yet to be any confirmation that would back it up. 

Meltzer wrote, “If he is going to WWE, it’s not something well known within the company by many because multiple people who normally know haven’t heard his name mentioned.”

Meltzer previously reported that WWE was the favorite to sign White as if he was going to AEW, then NJPW wouldn’t have had him lose two “loser leaves” matches since they have a working relationship.

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