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Cody Rhodes on Why He Wants to Bring Back the Winged Eagle WWE Championship

Michael Reichlin
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Cody Rhodes says he wants to bring back the iconic Winged Eagle WWE Championship belt if he can defeat Roman Reigns at WrestleMania Goes Hollywood.

The American Nightmare won the Royal Rumble this past weekend to punch his ticket to the main event of WWE’s biggest show of the year. Earlier this week, he posted a photo of the winged eagle on Instagram, which set off a frenzy of excitement on social media.

During a Wednesday appearance on WWE’s The Bump digital series, Rhodes spoke about why the Winged Eagle is so important to him.

“Through my youth, the WWE I was watching, was really synonymous with the Winged Eagle. I think there’s a lot of people who love the Winged Eagle design, some people like the Big Eagle, but the Winged Eagle was the one for me. Today’s design with the giant W is also incredibly special because it’s this walking billboard for the promotion.

Cody Rhodes Intercontinental Championship

If anybody can get the Winged Eagle brought back, it’s Cody Rhodes. He was the man responsible for reviving the since-retired Intercontinental championship belt design held by legends including Bret Hart, Mr. Perfect and The Mountie.

“It was just a pipe dream. I posted that, I don’t want people to think I’m calling a shot, I don’t want people to think I’m going into business for myself. The reality is, I was able to change the Intercontinental Championship once before, which seemed before.

So, if I’m able to get to the finish line, the biggest WrestleMania of all time, SoFi, in Hollywood, if I’m able to get to the finish line and get my hands on these things that like I said, have eluded my family up until now, maybe it’s just a pipe dream, a glimmer, but it would be fun to just say lets just boil ‘em down and bring back the winged eagle.”

Winged Eagle Dreams

Rhodes knows his comments are going to get a lot of people buzzing. He made sure to clarify that he’s just sharing how he feels about this particular subject. However, that’s how he got WWE to bring back the classic IC title, so there is some cause for optimism.

“Listen, this is me just talking. I feel like I’m going to leave and get a bazillion texts like, ‘No, no!” All the titles, it’s the equity within them that makes them special. But just from a design standpoint, I have a lot of love and reverence for that one. It’s just a little pipe dream.

I had the same pipe dream for the Intercontinental title and I was lucky enough to make that come to fruition. So, follow along, because this is where the fun begins.”

Watch Cody Rhodes’ comments about wanting to bring back the Winged Eagle WWE Championship belt on The Bump:

Tony Khan on Kota Ibushi in AEW: “I Really Want to Work With Him”

Andrew Ravens
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Former NJPW star Kota Ibushi is now on the free agent market after departing from New Japan Pro Wrestling and he knows he will have promotions interested in him including AEW. 

AEW/ROH owner Tony Khan has signed some of the biggest stars in today’s wrestling and is interested in talking with Kota about potentially being the next to become All Elite. 

During a his weekly Wednesday morning appearance on Busted Open Radio, Khan was asked about Ibushi.

“When you have a name like that, everybody in the world of pro wrestling would be very fortunate to have in their promotion. I really wanted to work with him in the past so I think that’s something we’d certainly have to consider.”

– Tony Khan

Ibushi said in an interview today that he thinks he will talk with AEW after he opens a wrestling school in Japan.

When his contract expired, NJPW issued a statement, wishing him luck in his future endeavors.

Kota has been sidelined for over a year as his last match happened in October 2021 with a dislocated shoulder suffered in the G1 Climax finals. GCW has already announced that Ibushi is slated to work Bloodsport and Spring Break during WrestleMania weekend in Los Angeles.

Kota Ibushi Discusses Possibly Joining AEW

Austin Theory Explains Why MITB Briefcase Was An ‘Anchor’ For Him

Jon Fuentes
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Austin Theory believes that the Money In The Bank briefcase was an “anchor” for him.

The current WWE United States Champion recently took part in an interview with Busted Open Radio and discussed his run with the briefcase. Theory explained why he felt like it was an “anchor” for him during that time.

“I think the briefcase is where it got a lot of controversy,” Austin Theory said. “Basically, it just kind of was getting to the point if you were looking at it from like a widescale of ‘where’s this going,’ you look at Roman Reigns, he’s pretty much immortal right now.

“So, I think, for me, in a sense of, I need to be way more built up to look even possible to beat Roman Reigns. The briefcase was just kind of an anchor on me.“

Theory won the briefcase at last year’s Money In The Bank premium live event. Rather than cash-in on Roman Reigns for one of the World Titles, Theory instead opted to cash-in on Seth Rollins for the United States Title during a November episode of RAW.

However, Theory was unsuccessful in the cash-in, but would still eventually go on to win the title later that month at Survivor Series. Now, Theory is gearing up to defend his United States Title inside of the Elimination Chamber later this month.

Quotes via 411Mania

MLW Announces BetOnline As Its New Sportsbook Partner

Michael Reichlin
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MLW sent in the following press release on Wednesday announcing BetOnline.ag as the promotion’s official sportsbook partner:

Los Angeles–Feb. 1, 2023– Major League Wrestling (MLW) – one of the fastest growing wrestling organizations in the world – today announced worldwide online gaming leader BetOnline.ag as the title sponsor and official sportsbook partner of the league.

This announcement comes on the heels of MLW’s landmark U.S. TV distribution deal with leading cable network REELZ, which will debut the new weekly flagship series MLW Underground Wrestling on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, and reveal of the first-ever MLW action figures produced by BossFightShop featuring Alex Hammerstone, Killer Kross, Jacob Fatu and Mads Krugger in the past month.

“Sports gaming is embedded in all forms of sports and a partner like BetOnline goes hand-in-hand with MLW and our distinct combat sports product,” said MLW CEO Court Bauer. “Just as they are a leader in the rapidly growing sports gaming space, MLW aims to lead in a time when pro wrestling has never been hotter, and we’re looking forward to all the ways this partnership will grow.”

“We are extremely thrilled to partner with Major League Wrestling this season,” Dave Mason, Brand Manager at BetOnline, said. “As a leading provider in the North American sports betting market, BetOnline is always eager to support initiatives that align with our product, and MLW is a burgeoning behemoth in the pro wrestling space. 

“BetOnline’s sponsorship allows us to heavily engage with MLW’s rabid fanbase, bringing new and exciting entertainment and gambling products to its growing audience. We’ve been offering wrestling odds to U.S. customers for more than 15 years, and we’re excited to be part of MLW’s trailblazing entry into the industry.”

ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE WRESTLING

Major League Wrestling (MLW®) is a sports media holding company, offering television content, action figures, apparel, live events, and ancillary entertainment. MLW operates live events in major markets throughout the United States and Mexico, including New York, Philadelphia, Dallas, and Tijuana. One of the fastest growing wrestling leagues today, MLW programming is available in over 60 countries worldwide, including its new flagship series MLW Underground Wrestling on REELZ in the United States airing Tuesdays at 10pm ET / 7pm PT; and MLW Fusion on Pro Wrestling TV in the U.S. and Ayozat TV on SKY in the United Kingdom.

For more information visit MLW.com and follow MLW on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

AEW Together is Company’s Revamped Community Outreach Initiative

Michael Reichlin
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All Elite Wrestling has announced a refresh of its community outreach program. The revamped program, named AEW Together, includes a restructure of programming and the addition of key staff.

Here’s the full announcement, sent in to SEScoops Wednesday morning:

Feb. 1, 2023 – AEW CEO, GM and Head of Creative Tony Khan today announced the company’s refreshed and refocused community outreach program under a new name: AEW TOGETHER. Moving forward, AEW TOGETHER will operate as AEW’s philanthropic initiative designed to foster lasting, positive change in each market AEW visits.

Under the leadership of new Director of Community Engagement Katelyn Borden, AEW TOGETHER will dedicate its efforts and initiatives around four core pillars: (1) Next Generation, focusing on youth programs, (2) Equity, with an emphasis on human rights and social change, (3) Service, helping those in need in the local area, and (4) Wellness, focusing on physical and mental health. The efforts of AEW TOGETHER complement AEW’s commitment to fostering the physical and mental wellness of its talent and staff. Borden and AEW Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer Megha Parekh established these core pillars with a renewed emphasis on selecting and serving causes near and dear to the hearts of AEW’s roster.

AEW TOGETHER will continue its larger-scale national partnerships with charitable organizations throughout the year, including KultureCity, the American Heart Association and Oceana. In tandem, the team will continue to develop collaborations with local nonprofits and organizations to support communities in need. AEW Together will also continue fundraising efforts and awareness campaigns for groups that align with the program’s core values.

AEW TOGETHER’s relaunch kicks off today, the start of American Heart Month, with a CPR training session done in coordination with the American Heart Association for AEW talent and staff ahead of a live episode of “AEW: Dynamite” in Dayton, Ohio.

The following updates to the AEW TOGETHER team, who will report into Parekh, are effective immediately:

Katelyn Borden will serve as AEW TOGETHER’s Director of Community Engagement. She will be responsible for driving the overall strategy of philanthropic and local activations, managing fundraising targets and overseeing team members. She will also manage the evaluation of proceeds, data and results, and work to secure and develop partnerships and implement activations.

Amanda Huber will continue her impactful work as Community Engagement Coordinator, spearheading the identification of local organizations for collaborations in AEW’s touring markets. Her role will encompass coordinating logistics for activations and meet-and-greets, as well as managing all team communications channels.

Mark Henry, Paul Wight, Jake Roberts, and “Captain” Shawn Dean have been promoted to Special Advisors to AEW TOGETHER. In this role, they will bring their experience and passion for community relations to help identify partner organizations across the country, assist in incorporating talent participation and provide counsel on enhancing activations.

“The overarching mission of AEW TOGETHER is to fight collectively for a better world, and I’m honored to lead this incredible team in our effort to create meaningful impact,” said Katelyn Borden. “With our roster of passionate wrestlers and amazing partners across the country, we have the power to make a difference. We’re thrilled to officially kick off AEW TOGETHER today, and I’m looking forward to all that’s to come this year and beyond.”

“Hand-in-hand with delivering the best product to our fans each week is our strong commitment to fostering a safe, healthy and inclusive community through the power of wrestling. AEW TOGETHER complements this by identifying causes that are important to our talent and supporting organizations in the cities we visit throughout the year,” said Tony Khan. “The team behind AEW TOGETHER will ensure that we make a positive impact in every town we visit through volunteering, fundraising and helping to drive social change.”

For the latest updates and activations, follow @AEWTogether on Twitter & Instagram and visit www.aewtogether.org.

New WWE 2K23 Gameplay Trailer features WarGames

Andrew Ravens
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2K Games has released a new gameplay trailer for WWE 2K23, this time showing the video game debut of an NXT star and what WarGames, a fan favorite match, looks like in the virtual world. 

The game is still a month away, but this new trailer highlights Roman Reigns, Logan Paul, John Cena, The Undertaker, and Bad Bunny. It also features the details gone into making WarGames look as real as possible. 

WarGames

WarGames is making its WWE video game debut this year after the company brought back the match type in 2017 for NXT. Although WWE first used WarGames on the main roster for last year’s Survivor Series event, the match will only be able to take place in one WarGames arena modeled after the 2021 event.

Also, NXT’s Cora Jade and Alba Fyre are featured as Jade hit Fyre with a Glory Bomb. It should be noted that it looks like she will have her babyface gimmick in the game, which marks her video game debut. 

The game is slated to be released on March 17, 2023. Fans who  pre-order the standard edition of the game early will be able to play as Bad Bunny and those get the Deluxe or Icon editions will have access to the game on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. 

Kota Ibushi Discusses Possibly Joining AEW

J. Cunningham
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After more than a year of inactivity, inaugural IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kota Ibushi is a free agent.

The former DDT ace finally reached the pinnacle of New Japan back at Wrestle Kingdom 15 in January 2021. After winning the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships from Tetsuya Naito on Night 1, he successfully defended them against Jay White on Night 2. In the months after, Ibushi unified the belts to create one world title moving forward for NJPW.

Even with his success early on in the year, 2021 proved to be troublesome for the former Golden Lover. He shockingly dropped the new world title in his first defense before suffering severe injuries at that year’s G1 Climax.

Kota Ibushi
(via NJPW)

Now, after well over a year of inactivity, Ibushi is gearing up to return, just not in NJPW.

Earlier today, it was confirmed that Ibushi’s contract with Japan’s premier wrestling promotion has expired. Given his notable issues with New Japan management, it’s hardly surprising to see him part ways with the company.

Kota Ibushi Discusses AEW And Wrestling School

In a recent interview with Dark Puroresu Flowsion, Ibushi was asked on whether or not he’d be interested in joining AEW. Ibushi was quick to point out friends of his, as well as younger stars in Japan, are in the promotion. This was likely a reference to Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, and Konosuke Takeshita.

Regardless, Ibushi would like to focus on opening up his own wrestling school first.

“[A] lot of my best friends are in AEW. My younger peers in Japan are also growing up [there]. Nonetheless, I don’t think of going to AEW immediately. I want to have a ‘school’ in Japan. Once that’s been worked out, I think I’ll talk with AEW.”

https://twitter.com/PuroresuFlow/status/1620771738396286981

Ibushi will make his long-awaited return to the squared circle against ‘Speedball’ Mike Bailey at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 9. The now former NJPW star is touring the US this year. In Japan, his future remains unclear though it’s likely promotion such as Pro Wrestling NOAH, AJPW, and his old stomping grounds in DDT could be interested in booking him given his popularity with puroresu fans.

Charlotte Flair on her WWE Hiatus: “The Longer You’re Away, The More Important You Become”

Michael Reichlin
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Charlotte Flair just returned to WWE after eight months out of the spotlight. That’s a long time in the fast-moving world of WWE.

During a recent chat with Ryan Satin on the Fox Sports’ Out of Character podcast, the reigning SmackDown Women’s champion says she had no concerns about being “replaced” by someone else during the hiatus.

WWE is an extremely competitive environment in and out of the ring. There is no shortage of performers eager to be featured in main events and holding championships. This can lead to some people being protective of the spots, but not Charlotte. When asked if she was worried about someone replacing her in the eyes of management, she confidently replied, “No.”

“If anything, I feel like the longer you’re away, the more important you become.”

– Charlotte Flair

Focused on Personal Development

Charlotte admits she’s a bit of a control freak. This characteristic serves her well in some respects, such as her training and how she presents herself. On the flip side, her career was on hold while the WWE machine moved forward.

“I never worry about somebody replacing me or taking my spot,” said Charlotte. “What I was feeling was like, ‘What am I doing? It’s been eight months and I haven’t done anything. Realistically, I got married. I had all these dental procedures. I was able to travel the world. But professionally, what am I doing?’

One day I’d be like, ‘You’ve been non-stop since like 2012. Relax. Maybe this is a growing period.’ But then I’d be like, ‘No, I’ve gotta be doing something.’ I went back and forth, back and forth.

“I’m someone that likes to be in control, and I didn’t feel like I was in control. So that’s more what I worried about, was not progressing at something, whether personally or professionally. But someone taking my spot? No.”

She has every reason to be this confident. While some roles are interchangeable, Charlotte Flair is a once-in-a-generation performer. She’s determined to be remembered as one of the greatest of all time and is well on her way to taking that crown.

‘Dark Side of the Ring: Season 4′ Will Profile Abdullah The Butcher, Bam Bam Bigelow & Mike Awesome

Colby Faria
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The newest season of ‘Dark Side of the Ring’ is starting to take shape.

The fourth season of ‘Dark Side of the Ring’ will feature episodes highlighting the lives and careers of Abdullah The Butcher, Bam Bam Bigelow, and Mike Awesome. The news was first reported by PWInsider.

Per the report, WWE Hall of Famers Mick Foley, Terry Funk, ‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan, and Jim Cornette have all been interviewed for the latest season of the show.

While nothing has been confirmed for season four of the series, it’s likely that more than just those three episodes will be aired as last season chronicled the likes of Brian Pillman, Nick Gage, The Ultimate Warrior, Grizzly Smith, Dynamite Kid, Chris Kanyon, Ion Croitoru, Luna Vachon, and Rob Black during their 14 episode third season.

‘Dark Side of the Ring’ History

Following the controversial ‘Plane Ride From Hell’ and ‘The Steroid Trials’ episodes in season three, it was widely speculated that VICE didn’t pick the show up for a fourth season. However the show’s director, Jason Eisener was quick to dispel those rumors, and confirmed that the show was indeed returning for a fourth season.

Since its inception in April 2019, ‘Dark Side of the Ring’ has been VICE TV’s highest rated program among the key 18-49 demographic. The season two finale, which profiled the tragic death of Owen Hart, was the highest-rated program in VICE history with 626,000 viewers. The show has been the center of many spin-offs including ‘Dark Side of Football’, ‘Dark Side of the 90s’, and ‘Dark Side of Comedy’.

SEScoops will provide any updates on the status of season four of ‘Dark Side of the Ring’, including a potential airdate as they become available.

Charlotte Flair on What Kept Her Away from WWE, Nacho Libre Officiating Her Wedding

Michael Reichlin
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Charlotte Flair made a triumphant return to WWE on the final SmackDown of 2022. She beat Ronda Rousey in an impromptu match on December 30, the same woman who took the title off her in an ‘I Quit’ match seven months prior at ‘WrestleMania Backlash.’

A lot happened during her hiatus. She married AEW star Andrade El Idolo. She also underwent dental surgery. Now that she’s back on top, the Queen looks ahead to the latest chapter of her storied career.

Charlotte is the latest guest on Fox Sports’ Out of Character podcast with host Ryan Satin. During their discussion, she reveals the moment she decided to return to WWE, her dental procedure journey, details about her wedding day and much more.

During her time away from WWE, she took inventory of her WWE career. She strived to gain a renewed understanding of character’s motivations and what’s left for her to accomplish.

Major Dental Issues

Charlotte WWE absence was primarily due to her needing to undergo dental surgery. In fact, she had 22 stitches in her mouth during her wedding.

“I have three implants and one of them failed. Like a week before the wedding, literally a week before the wedding, the implant failed,” she said. “So actually, during my ceremony, I had like 22 stitches [in my mouth], because they had to cut out the .. when it failed, it was an infection.”

“So over the summer, [I had] bone graphing, two gum graphing procedures. I mean, everyone was like, ‘Why were you gone? Why were you gone?’ Dental issues are hard to explain. It’s still not done. I’m probably going to have to replace that third implant that we tried to save.”

She’s experienced dental issues her entire life. When she was six years old, she fell off her bike and knocked out four teeth. They were only able to salvage two of them. During her days as a cheerleader in middle school and high school, more teeth got knocked out. Even as a WWE Superstar, she’s lost teeth in the ring, including several years ago during a match against Carmella in Germany.

Getting Married by Nacho Libre

Charlotte Andrade Nacho Libre

Charlotte also spoke about her wedding to Manny [Andrade]. She says the wedding was awesome, in part because it was officiated by famed luchador Fray Tormenta, who was the inspiration behind the 2006 movie Nacho Libre. Tormenta lived a wild life during his days as a wrestler, but has reformed himself and is now one of the most sought after priests to officiate weddings in Mexico.

“I did not understand the service completely, but Manny was whispering everything the guy was saying,” she said. “It wasn’t just, your typical service or ceremony. The priest was talking about how he was a luchador and participated in negative things that hurt his marriage, but changed his life, [learned about] happiness and loyalty and respect, how when he found god, it changed his life. It was really cool.”

It was very special for them to have their families together, even if just for one day. Andrade was way more stressed than her, because he had more family at the wedding than she did.

Right after they got they went to Costa Rica and Tequila, Mexico. Then later had their official honeymoon in Italy and had an amazing time.

Watch Charlotte Flair’s appearance on Out of Character:

Karrion Kross Earns His Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

J. Cunningham
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Karrion Kross recently reached an impressive milestone in his Brazilian jiu-jitsu journey.

The former NXT Champion was recently promoted to the purple belt rank, which is considered the intermediate level for adult practitioners. In his tweet on the matter, Kross thanked his coaches, training partners, and wife Scarlett. The SmackDown star trains in the popular martial art at Daniel Gracie’s Orange County gym.

“Promoted! Very grateful for my training partners, coaches, my Wife who keeps me fed to kill and everyone at @DGBJJOC. We never stop learning,” Kross wrote.

Daniel Gracie received his black belt in BJJ all the way back in 1996. Along with submission grappling, including at prestigious tournaments such as the ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship, Gracie has fought in MMA and wrestled for New Japan in the past. Needless to say, Kross is in good hands when it comes to mastering ‘The Gentle Art’.

Has Karrion Kross’ Push Come To An End?

After a disastrous run on the main roster in 2021, Kross was brought back to WWE last year for a program with Drew McIntyre. Rumors swirled of a major push being in the wings for him and Scarlett as a double act initially.

While their characters and promos received some acclaim, the duo have noticeably slid down the card of late.

Karrion Kross Scarlett

For Kross, much of the criticism has centred on his ring work, with the often slowed pace of his matches and his relatively conservative offensive arsenal drawing the ire of fans.

Kross recently ate a pinfall loss to Rey Mysterio on SmackDown and lasted less than five minutes at this year’s Royal Rumble. He was booted out quickly by old rival McIntyre and was just the second man eliminated in the bout. Kross certainly seems to’ve fallen from the upper midcard-main event-level slot initially rumored for him when he came back last year.

Do you think Karrion Kross can rise up the card?

Dave Bautista Questions Why He Never Gets Rom-Com Movie Offers: “Am I That Unattractive?”

Thomas Lowson
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Former WWE Superstar Dave Bautista has made a name for himself in the world of Hollywood, but only under specific types of roles.

With his impressive physique, the Animal is no stranger to action films, such as his role as Drax in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or as evil henchman Mr. Hinx in James Bond’s Spectre.

Unappealing

While Bautista has joined the likes of John Cena and Dwayne Johnson as a wrestler-turned-actor, the former World Champion is yet to show his more romantic side.

Speaking to Page Six, Bautista questioned why offers for a rom-com continue to allude him.

“I know I’m not your typical rom-com lead. I’m a little rough around the edges. But I always, you know, I look in the mirror and I say, I ask myself, ‘Am I that unattractive? Is there something that unappealing about me that excludes me from these parts?’”

Dave Bautista.

The Animal’s next film, Knock at the Cabin, which sees Bautista and others try to thwart the apocalypse by forcing a family to make an impossible choice, lands in cinemas this Friday.

Genres

Bautista may be best known for his action roles, but the future WWE Hall of Famer has been able to push outside that genre.

For Blade Runner 2049, the retired wrestler showed a more subdued side, and will show yet another different side in Knock at the Cabin.

Bautista has been able to flex his comedy muscles with projects like Stuber, and his years as a beloved babyface in WWE prepared him well for family movies like My Spy.

Batista on Acting: I Never Wanted to be The Next Rock

Kota Ibushi vs. Speedball Bailey Set For Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 9

Colby Faria
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Kota Ibushi is officially touring the United States in the summer of 2023.

Former UFC Heavyweight Champion and longtime leader of ‘Bloodsport’, Josh Barnett announced quite the matchup for his latest installment of the event.

IMPACT star ‘Speedball’ Mike Bailey will face none other than former IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kota Ibushi at Bloodsport 9.

Kota Ibushi Is Now a Free Agent

Following an historic run in New Japan Pro Wrestling from 2009 through 2023, Kota Ibushi would collect nearly every accolade and title possible. Ibushi would hold the IWGP World Heavyweight, Heavyweight, Intercontinental, Junior Heavyweight, Junior Heavyweight Tag, and World Tag Team Championships.

Kota Ibushi officially became a free agent on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 following a near 15-year run with the company both before and after a brief run in WWE in 2016 where he competed in the inaugural Cruiserweight Classic, where he was defeated by the tournament’s eventual winner TJ Perkins in the event’s semifinals.

GCW Collective 2023 Schedule

Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 9 takes place on Thursday, March 30 at the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Los Angeles, California at 4:00 p.m. local time. The event will be part of GameChanger Wrestling’s annual ‘GCW Collective’ during WrestleMania 39 weekend.

Thursday, March 30

  • Santino Bros Wrestling (11:00 a.m. PDT)
  • Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 9 (4:00 p.m. PDT)
  • DDT Pro-Wrestling (8:00 p.m. PDT)
  • For The Culture (11:59 p.m. PDT)

Friday, March 31

  • Jimmy Lloyd’s Degeneration-F (11:00 a.m. PDT)
  • DDT vs. GCW (3:00 p.m. PDT)
  • Joey Janela’s Spring Break 7 (8:00 p.m. PDT)
  • Emo Fight (11:59 p.m. PDT)

Saturday, April 1

  • Effy’s Big Gay Brunch: LA (11:00 a.m. PDT)
  • Gringo Loco’s The WRLD on Lucha (9:00 p.m. PDT)

Sunday, April 2

  • The Indie Wrestling Hall of Fame (12:00 p.m. PDT)

SEScoops will continue to provide any updates on Kota Ibushi’s free agency status as they become available.

WWE NXT Results (1/31/23): Final Vengeance Day Build, Tag Team Invitational

Andrew Ravens
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0

The January 31, 2023 episode of WWE NXT aired live on the USA Network from Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center. 

WWE NXT Results 

  • Indus Sher def. Creed Brothers
  • Zoey Stark def. Indi Hartwell
  • Dijak def. Von Wagner (w/ Mr. Stone).
  • Tyler Bate def. Axiom.
  • Stevie Turner def. Dani Palmer.
  • Drew Gulak def. Charlie Dempsey 
  • Duke Hudson & Andre Chase def. Mailk Blade & Edris Enofe and Duke Hudson & Andre Chase and The Dyad (Rip Fowler & Jagger Reid).

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Final Build

0NXT 4

What did WWE do for the final build for the steel cage match between Bron Breakker and Grayson Waller at Vengeance Day? 

They did a video package where both stars were talking trash. Waller vowed to become the champion and go viral while Breakker vowed to break him. 

The New Day Tag Team Invitational

3nxt 3

The Dyad vs. Edris Enofe & Malik Blade vs. Andre Chase & Duke Hudson took place in The New Day Tag Team Invitational with the winners being added to the fatal 4-way bout at Vengeance Day. That upcoming bout will also see NXT Tag Team Champions New Day vs. Gallus (Mark Coffey and Wolfgang) vs. Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince and Kit Wilson).

The match served as the main event when Chase U went over with their finisher on Reid. 

Tag Team Match

4nxt

Indus Sher vs. The Creed Brothers in a tag team bout was booked. 

Following The Creeds’ victory against Drew Gulak & Hank Walker on last Tuesday’s NXT, Indus Sher and Jinder Mahal confronted them and challenged them to a match.

The match opened the show. Juilus knocked Ivy off the apron and this led to the finish where he was pinned after taking a chokeslam. 

Let’s Talk

1nxt 4

Roxanne Perez responded to last week’s attack by Toxic Attraction’s Jacey Jayne and Gigi Dolin where she was put through a table. Perez will defend the NXT Women’s Title against them this Saturday in a triple threat match. 

They did a split interview where Perez was on one side while Toxic Attraction were on the other. Perez talked about how surreal everything is to here to get to this moment. Toxic said that she has no chance to win. Jayne said that Perez peaked at 21 years old and it is all coming to an end. Dolin said that she messed up when she went up against Toxic. Perez went to the other room and a brawl broke out. 

Kenny Omega Expected Back in AEW This Week, Visa Issue Resolved

Andrew Ravens
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Kenny Omega is slated to be back at this week’s AEW Dynamite after not appearing on AEW television since January 11 due to a visa issue. 

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported on Tuesday that Omega will be at Dynamite in Dayton, Ohio. As of this writing, it’s unclear whether Omega will be appearing on the show as he hasn’t been advertised for the episode.

Omega being cleared to travel again should pave the way for the future title defense of Trios Champions The Elite against Top Flight & AR Fox, which has been in the planning stages for weeks. Up to this point, AEW was not able to announce the date because of the visa issue.

The Elite won the titles on the January 11 episode of Dynamite in Los Angeles by defeating Death Triangle (PAC, Penta El Zero Miedo & Rey Fenix) in a ladder match.

Updated AEW Dynamite Card

image 23
  • Jon Moxley vs. Hangman Page III
  • Bryan Danielson vs. Timothy Thatcher
  • TBS Champion Jade Cargill defends against Red Velvet
  • TNT Champion Darby Allin defends against Samoa Joe in a no holds barred match
  • Konosuke Takeshita vs. Brian Cage
  • AEW Tag Team Champions The Acclaimed vs. TBA

Hulk Hogan Health Update Following Latest Back Surgery

Andrew Ravens
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Although Kurt Angle recently made some statements that worried fans, the representative of Hulk Hogan has assured fans that he is doing just fine. 

On his Kurt Angle Show podcast last week, the WWE Hall Of Famer stated that the legendary star can’t feel his legs after back surgery and needed a cane to walk around.

“He had the nerves cut from his lower body,” said Angle. “He can’t feel his lower body. He has to use his cane to walk around. I thought he was using his cane because he had pain in his back. He doesn’t have any pain. He has nothing at all. He can’t feel anything. He can’t feel his legs so he has to walk with a cane, so that’s pretty serious.”

The Olympic gold medalist noted that Hogan told him this while they were talking about their health and injuries backstage at WWE Raw’s 30th anniversary episode.

The Statement

Hogan’s representative told Entertainment Tonight through a statement that Hogan is doing well and is not paralyzed. The representative added that Hogan is able to walk without a cane.

“Everything is OK with him. Hulk is someone with a lot of humor.” 

Statement from Hulk Hogan’s representative

When hogan appeared on Raw’s 30th anniversary show on January 23, he was walking around without assistance as he and Jimmy Hart kicked off the episode as a way to welcome everyone to the anniversary celebration.

Over the years, Hogan has done a lot of damage to his body, especially due to his finisher, the leg drop. Hogan has stated in past interviews that he wishes he had picked another finishing move. 

Hulk Hogan Can’t Feel His Legs After Back Surgery, Says Kurt Angle

John Cena to Film New Movie During WWE WrestleMania 39 Season

Andrew Ravens
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John Cena was one of the names rumored to work WWE WrestleMania 39 in addition to Steve Austin and The Rock. 

With the event just over 60 days away, it’s been reported that Rock doesn’t feel like he is in good enough ring shape to work a main event match with Roman Reigns while Austin has reportedly turned down matches against Brock Lesnar and Reigns. 

For months, it’s been rumored that Cena would work Mania, but his acting schedule may keep him away from WWE television for the majority of the build up to the match itself. 

Movie Shooting

According to Variety,  the upcoming R-Rated comedy Ricky Stanicky, starring Zac Efron and the former WWE Champion will start production next month in Melbourne, Australia and run through March.

The WWE PLE is scheduled for April 1-2 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. This filming schedule won’t prevent Cena from working the show. It’s possible that he will film segments that he can send to WWE to build up whatever they have planned for him. 

His rumored opponent is current United States Champion Austin Theory, who dropped references to Cena on recent episodes of Raw. Theory reportedly filmed a backstage segment while Cena was in town for the December 30 edition of SmackDown in Tampa, FL where Cena came back to work a tag team match with Kevin Owens for a win over Reigns and Zayn. 

 Theory has been pushing for a match with Cena for years.

Samoa Joe Discusses Being Fired By WWE Twice

Jon Fuentes
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Samoa Joe has opened up on having been fired by WWE twice.

The All Elite Wrestling (AEW) star recently joined Renee Paquette on her podcast, The Sessions, to talk about a variety of topics. During the show, Joe talked about his two experiences being let go from WWE, and the opportunities that followed.

“Initially, as I understand it, unconfirmed, there were issues between the two upper echelons of management and they were playing out their war with the careers and contracts of the people underneath them.

“After the initial one, I didn’t have much of a chance to breathe because, essentially, I was hired back within hours. The second time, I just kind of chuckled as I realize it was very much the same situation. At the same time, I wasn’t bitter or mad. The truth of it is, and this is to give WWE some credence, is that I was expensive.

“I was expensive to keep around. If cutting my contract, if they say that saved the company money, trust me, I believe it did. I wasn’t hot about that. It was just more the silliness of the situation, what they were doing, and the reasoning why they were doing it, which I can never officially confirm, but I’ve heard from enough people that I have a pretty good idea…including many of the people involved.

“After that, I think I spent a day pissed. More of the situation than the actual firing. Then, all these super awesome opportunities literally materialized.” 

Samoa Joe AEW

After making a name for himself on the independent circuit and with promotions such as IMPACT Wrestling, Joe finally debuted for WWE in 2015 by joining NXT. After becoming a multi-time NXT Champion, Joe eventually got called up to the main roster in 2017.

Joe was just as impactful on the main roster, challenging the likes of Brock Lesnar for the Universal Title and becoming a two-time United States Champion. Unfortunately, Joe’s run inside the ring would be hindered by injuries.

He’d get stints on the RAW commentary desk for some time but was first released in April of 2021. Joe was signed back to WWE as part of NXT yet again later that year but was again released shortly after in the beginning of 2022.

Quotes via NoDQ.com

Tyson Fury Hoping For WWE Return ‘Soon’

Jon Fuentes
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Tyson Fury sounds eager to get back into the WWE ring.

Fury has worked with WWE before and is a big fan of the professional wrestling juggernaut. Speaking in a recent interview with GiveMeSport, Fury explained that he’s hoping to get back in the WWE ring soon, claiming he has heard the company is planning a Clash At The Castle II event coming up.

“I’m hoping to get back in there soon,” Fury said. “They’re doing Clash at the Castle 2 soon I think so I’m looking at maybe getting back in there. I’m looking at taking that heavyweight title for sure. If Roman Reigns vacates or something then maybe me and Drew can finally get that battle on.”

Fury first worked with WWE back in 2019 when he faced off against Braun Strowman at WWE Crown Jewel. The boxing World Champion won the contest via count out.

Tyson Fury
Tyson Fury

WWE would love to work with Fury again, and more often, however, it has been reported that Fury is banned from entering the United States due to alleged ties with suspected Irish Mafia boss Daniel Kinahan.

With that being said, Fury has since denied having any involvement with Kinahan or his alleged activities.

Kota Ibushi to Debut for GCW Over WrestleMania Weekend

Michael Reichlin
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Game Changer Wrestling has announced that New Japan Pro Wrestling star Kota Ibushi will return to the ring and debut for GCW next month. It all goes down over ‘WrestleMania Goes Hollywood’ weekend from Los Angeles as part of GCW’s The Collective 2023.

Ibushi last competed on October 10, 2021 when he faced (and lost to) Kazuchika Okada in the G1 Climax 2021 Final. He’s been out of action with a shoulder injury and also had a public falling-out with NJPW during that time.

Ibushi will be appearing for GCW on two shows:

Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 9
Thursday March 30, 4pm

Joey Janela’s Spring Break 7
Friday, March 31, 8pm

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Both events will stream live on FITE+ from the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Los Angeles, California. If you’ll be in town WrestleMania weekend, visit Eventbrite to buy tickets for the GCW events.

Click here for more information on additional talent announced for GCW The Collective 2023.

The Rock Not Competing at WrestleMania 39 “Not a Work” – Door Remains Open for 2024 (Report)

Thomas Lowson
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Is Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson being honest when he says that he doesn’t feel he’s ready for a match at WrestleMania 39?

In a word, yes.

For years, fans have speculated on a possible match between the People’s Champion and his cousin Roman Reigns.

It was reported last year that WWE was actively pursuing the match for this year’s WrestleMania 39 event.

Not a Work

Earlier this month, it was reported that Johnson had informed WWE that he did not feel like he could get in an adequate ring shape in time for WrestleMania.

Of course, this statement has caused fans to believe he is going to compete, and that this claim is just to try and throw fans off the proverbial ‘scent.

Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer confirmed that when The Rock says he’s not wrestling, he means it.

“Dwayne could be there [WrestleMania 39 in Los Angeles, California] in some form or fashion. I mean there are some people going ‘don’t you think it’s a swerve?’ It’s not a swerve. I mean I’ve been told this for a while. Of course, there’s always the idea that maybe, there’s a secret. Like the Pat McAfee thing [referencing the commentator’s return at last Saturday’s Royal Rumble Premium Live Event.] Only a few people know about that. But we’re past that point.

“Cody won the Royal Rumble, he’s getting that championship match. It ain’t going to be Dwayne anymore.”

Dave Meltzer.

Other Plans

The Rock could still appear at WWE’s showcase of the immortals, even if a match is off the table.

On his show, Meltzer reiterated that Johnson will not be wrestling at WrestleMania 39, but said the option remains open for down the line.

“Dwayne’s not wrestling anyone else on this show. Unless it’s a three-second match like he did with [Erick Rowan at WrestleMania 32.] He could go do that. He could do an angle if he wants to. But he did not feel like he had the time [to prepare for a match.] Which is basically what the story was. He did not feel that he had the time to get in the shape he needed to be in to do a WrestleMania-caliber main event. And the door is open for next year, if he has more time.”

“The door is open for next year, if he has more time.”

Johnson’s seven-second win over Rowan in 2016 was an attempt for the Brahma Bull to set the record for the fastest victory at a WrestleMania.

‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin has Turned Down Offer for WrestleMania 39 Match (Report)

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

‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin has Turned Down Offer for WrestleMania 39 Match (Report)

Thomas Lowson
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It seems like WrestleMania 39 will come and go without a match from ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, despite his impressive showing last year.

At WrestleMania 38, Austin competed in his first match since March 2003, defeating Kevin Owens in the main event of WrestleMania: Saturday.

It has been reported that WWE was trying to coax Austin into another match this year, with names like Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar being considered opponents.

Not Happening

With WrestleMania 39 drawing closer, WWE has yet to give any indication that Austin will compete at the show.

On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that Austin has no intention on competing this April.

“They did talk about Austin. As far as Austin goes, Steve might be at the show. I mean I wouldn’t be surprised at all. He might do something on the show, but he did in fact turn down wrestling at the show. He was offered Brock Lesnar, he was offered Roman Reigns. Probably, he could have named his opponent if he wanted to do it with anybody else. But he did not choose to wrestle on the show.”

Dave Meltzer.

Austin at WrestleMania

If a match isn’t happening for the Rattlesnake, that doesn’t mean that Austin won’t be featured at WrestleMania.

As one of (if not the) biggest stars in wrestling, WWE would be wise to have Austin on the show, even if he doesn’t wrestle.

Austin has proven himself to be a referee at WrestleMania, officiating Brock Lesnar Vs. Goldberg (WrestleMania 20,) and Jerry Lawler vs Michael Cole (WrestleMania 27.)

The Texas Rattlesnake could also serve as a guest host, as we saw by The Rock (WrestleMania 27,) Hulk Hogan (WrestleMania 30,) Alexa Bliss (WrestleMania 35), and the combination of Hogan and Titus O’Neil (WrestleMania 37.)

Kevin Owens on His WrestleMania Match With Steve Austin: ‘I Still Don’t Know How That Happened’

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

WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Main Event Was A “Curtain Sellout” Backstage

Thomas Lowson
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Sami Zayn’s turn at the end of Royal Rumble 2023 captivated the 51,000+ fans in the Alamodome, millions watching worldwide, and the WWE roster and crew.

In the main event, Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns retained his title against Kevin Owens, and the Bloodline continued their beatdown post-match.

When Zayn refused to attack his best friend, he instead struck Reigns with a steel chair, and was beaten down by the Bloodline (sans Jey Uso) for his insubordination.

Curtain Sellout

The main event of WWE Royal Rumble 2023 and what transpired after the match has been heralded by many as some of the company’s best storytelling in years.

The segment was also a hit backstage, with Fightful Select reporting that it was a “curtain sellout” with wrestlers and the crew gathering around monitors to see what happened.

It has been reported that WWE’s plan for this angle will see Zayn challenge the Tribal Chief at next month’s WWE Elimination Chamber event, in Sami’s hometown of Montreal.

During this week’s Raw, 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble match winner Cody Rhodes confirmed his plans to challenge for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 39.

Rumble Backstage

After the disaster of last year’s Royal Rumble (which resulted in Shane McMahon being fired) a lot was riding on this year’s event.

Fightful adds that the mood backstage was “very laid back” and that the children of several wrestlers were having fun behind the scenes.

The WWE Royal Rumble Premium Live Event went a bit over time, as it was scheduled for four hours and lasted four hours and 12 minutes.

Pat McAfee Was Originally Supposed to Return in WWE Royal Rumble Match

Bianca Belair’s WrestleMania Opponent Will Be Decided in the Elimination Chamber

Thomas Lowson
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Six WWE Superstars will fight next month inside the Elimination Chamber, with a prize of WrestleMania-sized proportions on the line

During this week’s Raw, 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble winner Rhea Ripley announced that she will face SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair this April.

Ripley explained that she plans on getting payback for Flair defeating her at WrestleMania 36, and winning the NXT Women’s Championship in the process.

Elimination Chamber

Ripley Vs. Flair is set for WrestleMania 39, which leaves Bianca Belair without a dance partner for the biggest event of the year.

During Raw, it was confirmed that Belair’s WrestleMania opponent will be decided inside the Elimination Chamber next month.

Adam Pearce named four women who have already qualified by being the four final women in the Women’s Royal Rumble match: Raquel Rodriguez, Asuka, Liv Morgan, and Nikki Cross.

Next week, another spot will be filled when Candice LeRae, Piper Niven, Mia ‘Michin’ Yim, and the returning Carmella, compete in fatal four-way action.

Women’s Elimination Chamber

Originally a match-type solely for the men-folk, it wouldn’t be until 2018 that fans saw their first Women’s Elimination Chamber match.

At the 2018 Elimination Chamber event, Raw Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss would step into the structure with the gold and would also leave as champion.

In 2019, the Boss ‘n Hug Connection became the first WWE Women’s Tag Champions, in the first (and so far, only) Women’s Tag Chamber match.

2020 saw Shayna Baszler decimate the competition, eliminating every opponent in that year’s Women’s Chamber match.

While there was no women’s Chamber match in 2021, 2022 saw Bianca Belair earn a WrestleMania Raw Women’s title match inside the barbaric structure.

Elimination Chamber Main Event Will Culminate the Top Storyline in WWE

Seth Rollins’ WrestleMania Opponent Becomes Apparent at WWE Raw

Thomas Lowson
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Seth Rollins won’t have to wait until the day of WrestleMania to find out his opponent this year, as who he’ll face this April is abundantly clear.

This year’s show will mark Rollins’ 10th WrestleMania appearance, after making his Mania debut with the Shield back at WrestleMania 29 in 2013.

WrestleMania 39

At last weekend’s Royal Rumble, Rollins hoped to win his second Men’s Rumble match (his first win coming in 2019) but that was thwarted by Logan Paul.

Rollins entered the match at #15 and scored two eliminations in his 37 minutes in the match, before being the 27th person eliminated.

In a backstage interview at Raw, Rollins was his usual confident, cocky, self, but his mood completely changed when asked about Logan Paul.

Paul has impressed so far, and Rollins is a great opponent for him, as the former Universal Champion is a veteran who can push Paul to be his best in a fast-paced match.

WrestleMania 39

It had previously been reported that WWE’s plans called for John Cena to face Logan Paul but that obviously isn’t the direction anymore.

It has been reported that scrapping the Cena-Paul match is due to the belief that Cena will not have time to train and rehearse a match with the talented, but inexperienced YouTuber.

More recent reports state that the plan now is for Cena to take on WWE United States Champion Austin Theory in the former’s first WrestleMania match since 2020, and his first non-cinematic WrestleMania match since 2018.

During this week’s Raw, it was confirmed that Cody Rhodes will challenge Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns this April.

2023 Women’s Royal Rumble match winner Rhea Ripley also declared that she will challenge SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 39.

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