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Mandy Rose Wasn’t Given Chance to Delete Photos Before WWE Firing (Report)

Thomas Lowson
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Mandy Rose was released from WWE this week, and the promotion reportedly did not give her a chance to make things right.

Rose was released on Wednesday, 24 hours after dropping the NXT Women’s Championship to Roxanne Perez on this week’s episode of WWE NXT.

The Toxic Attraction member was cut over NSFW content she had shared on her personal website with subscribers.

Mandy Rose

Rose’s departure came as a shock to fans given how popular she had proven to be as NXT Women’s Champion for the past year.

The former Superstar was fired without being given the option to take the stuff down and tone down her site, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports.

Those in the company felt that had no other choice than to fire her because she was an active performer on the roster, and unlike the Saraya situation, these photos had been posted willingly.

The Observer reports that during one stream, Rose threatened to end the stream if she was not tipped $400 for her performance.

Despite WWE sources claiming she requested her release two weeks ago, Rose was reportedly blindsided by being fired this week.

Sympathy

Rose is gone from WWE, and many both in and out of the company believe this is the wrong decision.

While nobody has directly mentioned her, WWE talent have been sharing posts of support, in a rare example of going against management.

Cora Jade posted a heart after news of Rose’s departure was announced, while her Toxic Attraction partners Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne shared images of broken hearts.

Shawn Michaels Wanted NXT Women’s Title Off Mandy Rose Immediately After Learning of Online Content (Report)

Vince McMahon’s WWE Return Could “Cripple the Entire Company” (Report)

Thomas Lowson
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Those in WWE are concerned that Vince McMahon’s return could “cripple the entire company” if it goes ahead.

This week, it was reported that McMahon is planning a comeback, believing that he was given bad advice to retire in July of this year.

McMahon believes that the allegations of misconduct leveled against him in June would have blown over if he had stayed in his roles as CEO and Chairman.

Cripple the Company

McMahon’s potential return to WWE has been met with universal disdain, both from fans and those within the company.

The opinion within WWE is that the promotion has been doing very well under the current regime of Nick Khan, Stephanie McMahon, and Triple H.

In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reports that one longtime Vince supporter is against the idea, fearing that McMahon could “upend the entire Board.”

That same source said that removing the entire Board would likely lead to class action shareholder lawsuits that would “cripple the entire company.”

McMahon Power

Vince McMahon may have retired in July, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t still have some power.

McMahon owns 37.6% of all WWE stock (as of this past summer) but because his stock is determined differently, this gives him 80% of the voting power.

One source in WWE noted that McMahon stands to make a fortune in stock sales if he allows TV negotiations to go smoothly, which isn’t as likely with rumors of his possible return to the company.

Jim Cornette on Vince McMahon Trying to Return to WWE: “He Thought It Was Going to Blow Over”

Drew McIntyre On Vince McMahon’s Original Plans For 3MB

Anutosh Bajpai
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Drew McIntyre’s career in WWE started off on a high note. Vince McMahon himself hailed him as ‘The Chosen One’ and he looked all set to be the next star of the company. Things didn’t go as planned however and after the initial run, McIntyre slowly descended into the card until he reached the very bottom as part of the 3MB stable.

Though, according to the former WWE Champion himself, his inclusion in 3MB wasn’t meant to be a demotion and instead it was an effort from Vince McMahon to bring some personality out of him.

The WWE star was recently interviewed by Faction 919 where he talked about the different stages and milestones of his career. Speaking about his time in 3MB, Drew mentioned how there were many names suggested for the group but Vince chose him and Jinder Mahal to accompany Heath Slater:

“Vince McMahon looked at the ideas and went ‘these are kind of the obvious ones’ but he doesn’t think like everybody else.” said Drew McIntyre, “He went ‘No, no, I wanna see Drew McIntyre and Jinder Mahal.’ The two most serious guys, serious characters who have not shown anything but being serious.

Because he wants to see what we’ve got and gave us the opportunity [for] our personalities to shine a little more. In WWE, you can’t just be the same forever. It gets boring. You can’t just be angry all the time. Even when you’re winning titles. I was winning titles and just scowling all the time, for some reason, because I just wasn’t relaxed. I felt like I had to be that badass all the time.”

‘He Was Trying To Bring Something Out Of Us’: Drew McIntyre

Heath Slater and 3MB

Drew McIntyre recalled that he was plagued by personal issues at the time and wasn’t fit to be put in the top position in the company. He revealed that there were bigger plans in place for 3MB that couldn’t materialize because he got injured:

“He was trying to bring something out of us while at the same time couldn’t trust us in a prominent role. But [thought] ‘Okay, let’s see if these guys can come out of their shell a little bit more with Heath’ and that’s why 3MB was put together.

I had a broken wrist at the time, didn’t realize I needed surgery. So he did have bigger plans than ended up materializing, but six weeks after we formed, I had to get wrist surgery. I couldn’t touch anyone for about six months. So that kind of put the 3MB in the ground before we even started.”

You can check out Drew McIntyre’s full interview below:

WWE Sources Trying to Claim Mandy Rose Requested her Release

Thomas Lowson
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Why was Mandy Rose released from WWE NXT this week? Well, it depends on who you ask.

Rose was released from the company on Wednesday, a day after losing the NXT Women’s Championship to Roxanne Perez.

The former champion was released after WWE learned of the NXFW content she has been sharing with subscribers of her website.

Request?

All signs have pointed to Rose being released against her wishes, but that’s not what some in WWE are trying to claim.

Some sources in the company are trying to put the story out that Rose requested her release two weeks ago, Fightful Select report.

Fightful added that they have not been given any indication that this claim is true.

Those close to Mandy Rose claim she was in good spirits at the NXT show Tuesday night, as well as immediately following the release.

It is believed that Rose will be just fine from a financial standpoint, given that she is earning more with her online content than as a WWE Superstar.

Toxic Attraction

Prior to her release, Rose had spent over a year as the leader of Toxic Attraction, aligning herself with Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne.

In their report, Fightful adds that the group had been considered several times for the main roster, and had impressed a lot of people of influence.

With that said, there were no active plans for the group to be called up to the main roster at the time of Rose’s release from the company.

Toxic Attraction Reacts to Mandy Rose’s Release from WWE

Braun Strowman Says he Still Owns Control Your Narrative

Thomas Lowson
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Braun Strowman may be a WWE Superstar once more, but the former Universal Champion could still control his narrative if the situation arose.

Strowman was released from WWE in June 2021, and would begin Control Your Narrative with EC3 in February of this year.

The promotion, heavily inspired by Fight Club, earned mixed reviews from fans, many of whom felt that the company took itself far too seriously.

Control Your Narrative

In March, Control Your Narrative hosted its first event, which saw EC3 and Strowman (going by real name Adam Scherr) win the main event tag-team match.

Speaking to Shakiel Mahjouri this week, Strowman spoke about the financial side of Control Your Narrative.

“It was all financed by me and EC3. All the money that we ever made which wasn’t much, we put right back into the company. I was a firm believer in making sure if you wrestled on one of our shows that you got paid. Because this industry is so cutthroat.”

Strowman added that he is still an owner of the company, and appreciates the time he spent with CYN.

“We get to travel around the world and fight with our friends and make money doing it and how could you not? It’s every five-year-old’s dream and it was just an opportunity to try and help others live theirs and unfortunately, like I said — it’s something that I still own, CYN.”

The Future of Control Your Narrative

Control Your Narrative hasn’t hosted an event since July, and the future of the promotion looks very uncertain.

After Strowman’s WWE return in September of this year, EC3 confirmed that a planned tour of Control Your Narrative had been postponed, and no future dates have been announced.

In the interview, Braun said “who knows what’s gonna happen” with CYN, but for now, he is just happy to be ‘home’ in WWE.

Control Your Narrative React to Braun Strowman’s WWE Return

h/t: eWrestlingNews

Matt Hardy Confirms Jeff Hardy Was Going to Win MITB Match at WrestleMania

Samantha Schipman
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December 14 was the 14th anniversary of Jeff Hardy winning his first and only WWE Championship. In route to becoming champion, Hardy was rumored to win the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania 24.

On the latest episode of The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy, it focuses on the road to the WWE Championship for Jeff. On the March 3 episode of RAW, Jeff is a guest on Chris Jericho’s “Highlight Reel” when Jericho attacked him from behind. Shortly thereafter, Jeff dropped the Intercontinental Championship to Jericho. This was due to a failed drug test and 60-day suspension as it was his second violation.

Matt Explains What Happened

Jeff Hardy
Jeff Hardy

Matt confirmed the rumor that his brother was scheduled to win the ladder match and they had decided to make him champion. Freddie Prinze, Jr. was part of creative at this time and had been tasked with making Jeff the WWE Champion.

“I know Freddie Prinze had been given this edict to get Jeff ready for the championship. This was around the time too that he had started to paint his face again. I think they started to lean into some stuff that was very Jeff Hardy-ish.”

“Jeff was in Mexico on an international tour and its at some point there he ended up taking something, some sort of pill or substance — I don’t know if it was for his back or whatever it was — but he ended up getting popped in a drug test. One of the things I remember from the story is that Michael Hayes called him at home and was like, ‘what is going on here? I can’t believe you did all this. Vince is going to call you in a few minutes, so be ready to answer the phone.’ Vince called and was like, ‘what the fuck have you done?’ I guess they taiked it through and Jeff said they spoke for a while and they seemed to be kosher. Jeff just apologized and regretted taking it.”

Matt Speaks on Jeff Hardy Plane Incident

Jeff Hardy SmackDown

Matt also discussed the “Nashville incident” where Jeff was removed from a plane by police. The brothers and Shane Helms had been celebrating someone’s birthday the night before and stayed up too late. The next day, Jeff managed to get either liquor or beer and was “buzzed.”

Matt tried to get his brother to eat and Jeff smashed the sausage biscuit into the ground while laughing. Matt & Helms told him to “be cool.” Jeff talked to everyone that was boarding and someone with the airline realized he might be drunk. They asked him to leave and he said no, he’d just sleep on the flight. He was the escorted off the plane by police. This incident upset some of the locker room and Jeff lost some support.

Jeff eventually beat Edge and the WWE Champion Triple H at Armageddon, even though Triple H didn’t think Jeff was reliable enough to be champion. Matt says seeing his brother become WWE Champion was one of the highlights of his career.

Jim Cornette on Vince McMahon Trying to Return to WWE: “He Thought It Was Going to Blow Over”

Robert Lentini
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Wrestling veteran Jim Cornette recently discussed Vince McMahon trying to return to WWE and noted that it might not be the best thing for the company.

Vince McMahon resigned from the company in July on Twitter. The 77-year-old cited his age as the reason for him stepping away while news of alleged hush money payments to former female employees came to light.

Former EVP of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis was dismissed during the scandal. Nick Khan and Stephanie McMahon have been named co-CEOs of the company and Triple H has gained more power than ever since Vince stepped away.

Speaking on episode 273 of Jim Cornette’s Drive Thru, the legendary promoter and manager spoke about Vince possibly attempting to return to the company. Cornette noted that Vince has likely been working on a way to get himself back in WWE for some time now.

Vince wasn’t gonna not work. Vince has been working on something, he’s probably been working on figuring out how to get back to work. But he has been working on something. He has been occupying his time with something.

Jim Cornette

He added that Vince probably thought this whole thing was going to blow over and always planned to come back when he announced his retirement on social media.

He thought it was going to blow over. He wasn’t going to put it over, and then someone got to him with how serious it was, that this is going to be bad if something doesn’t happen.

And he acquiesced to it, and then he started getting bored, and now he wants something to f***ing do. And you cannot stop Vince McMahon from either working or working on a way to start working again.

Jim Cornette

Jim Cornette on if Vince McMahon Returning to WWE Would Benefit the Company

Co-host Brian Last asked if Vince McMahon coming back to WWE would be good for the company and Cornette pointed out how many people have wanted to come back to WWE now that Triple H has gained power.

Cornette added that Triple H is trying to get WWE out of the “goofy funk” they were in during Vince’s final stretch as CEO of the company.

All we’ve been talking about for a couple of months now or more, guys want to go back and work for Triple H. I think he’s brought back some that he probably has buyer’s remorse on some that he’s brought back, but they want to come back and work for him.

And some more will follow. You know, Regal, etc. They didn’t want to work for Vince because he had gone out of his mind and Max Dupree was an example, and Ezekiel.

It’s bad creatively because RAW or SmackDown is not setting the world on fire with the ratings either, but at least they are trying to do something to get out of that goofy funk they were in the last little while with Vince.

The old guys that made a ton of money with Vince and worked with him before he lost his mind apparently, they love him. So no, I think Vince for PR, for creative, and potentially just for hiring, he needs to be separated from that situation.

But it’s his. How can you separate him if he don’t want to be separated?

Jim Cornette

Please credit Jim Cornette’s Drive-Thru with a H/T to SEScoops if you use any quotes from this article.

Vince McMahon Planning WWE Comeback, Regrets Retiring

Bayley on Botch During WWE RAW: “We Were So Flustered by It”

Robert Lentini
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Bayley squared off against Alexa Bliss this past Monday on RAW in a #1 contender’s match. During the match, Alexa Bliss went for a Hurricanrana but it didn’t go well and both superstars crashed to the canvas in an awkward fashion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yrCG78NdGU

The Role Model spoke about the incident during a recent Instagram Live and explained how the move went wrong.

I was taking a move from the girl [Bliss] I was wrestling, and it just kind of got wonky. It got wonky to the point where I lost my footing, and we both landed on our heads. We weren’t knocked out or anything, but we were like, ‘ oh that sucked and didn’t look good.’ 

We just tried to get back on the same page, but we didn’t know where we were going. We were so flustered by it – she and I literally went for the same move, which made us collide heads again.

I just had to give her a clothesline and just had to stop. I just said, ‘alright, let’s just stop and slow down a little bit.’

Bayley

H/T: Wrestling Inc

Bianca Belair on Alexa Bliss Almost Attacking Her on RAW

Alexa Bliss won the #1 contenders match after Becky Lynch attacked Damage CTRL ringside. Becky battled with IYO SKY and Dakota Kai through the crowd and it distracted Bayley. Alexa capitalized and hit Twisted Bliss for the pinfall victory.

RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair congratulated Alexa after the match but Bliss almost hit her with Sister Abigail out of nowhere before stopping herself.

Bianca was interviewed after RAW and stated that she was reminded that Alexa Bliss is still a competitor and that she won’t be caught off guard again.

She showed me a side of her that… I have no words for it.

I’m still trying to figure out what that was, is this what is going to be, is this a phase?

We’ll have to see. But at the end of the day, we are competitors. So once we step into the ring there are no friends and I have to remember that.

Next time we step in the ring, I have to show her that I’m the EST of WWE, and we are going to compete, but that is not going to happen again.

Bianca Belair

Roman Reigns Sends Message to WWE Universe Ahead of His Return on SmackDown

Robert Lentini
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Roman Reigns will be returning to WWE SmackDown tomorrow night and has sent a message to fans ahead of the show.

The Tribal Chief has not appeared since WWE Survivor Series WarGames. At the premium live event, Sami Zayn proved his worth to The Bloodline and hit Kevin Owens with a low blow. The Honorary Uce followed it up with a Helluva Kick and then stepped aside to allow Jey Uso to have the moment. Jey connected with a Frog Splash on KO to pick up the victory for The Bloodline.

  • 8 Best Moments from WWE Survivor Series WarGames

Ahead of tomorrow’s episode of WWE SmackDown, Roman Reigns took to Twitter to send a message to the WWE Universe. Reigns claimed he and The Bloodline are the best in the world and it isn’t even close.

Chicago!!!! Get ready to acknowledge your Tribal Chief and the greatness of The #Bloodline. The undeniable best in the world and it’s not even close.@HeymanHustle @WWEUsos @WWESoloSikoa @SamiZayn

Sami Zayn Set for a Big Night This Week on SmackDown

The Usos defended their Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships against The Brawling Brutes on last Friday’s edition of SmackDown. Sami Zayn was ringside and once again was crucial to the success of The Bloodline.

Jimmy and Jey isolated Butch in the ring and planted him with the 1D. Sheamus attempted to break up the cover but couldn’t get there in time because Sami was holding The Celtic Warrior back and the referee didn’t catch it.

After the match, Sami had a conversation with Jey Uso backstage. Jey has warmed up to The Honorary Uce following his actions at WarGames and told him that he should shave and get a haircut. Jey added that Sami is in for a big night on this week’s SmackDown and Zayn looked overjoyed to end the segment.

Braun Strowman Says He is “Carrying on a Tradition” That is Fading in Wrestling

Robert Lentini
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Braun Strowman is a freak of nature and proves that on a weekly basis on WWE television. He lifted The Nigerian Giant Omos up with ease at Crown Jewel and regularly displays athleticism that is not common for a man of his size. The 39-year-old is one of the last giants in wrestling and believes he is carrying on a fading tradition.

Giants will always have their place in wrestling but superstars are required to be more than just tall to get over with the crowd nowadays.

Strowman told Shakiel Mahjouri of CBS Sports that he is one of the last few of a “dying breed” and is carrying on the tradition of giants in wrestling in his mind.

Andre the Giant is sports entertainment. He is the reason why this industry is what it is. It’s world-renowned as a global entity. When you talk about WWE, you cannot mention this company without saying Andre the Giant.

So from him to the Big Show to Kane to Undertaker to Mark Henry to all these other giant men that have come and gone in this business, I’m one of the very last few of a dying breed of these dinosaurs, as I like to call it. So in my mind, I’m carrying on a tradition and a legacy that is fading.

Braun Strowman

Braun Strowman on Wanting to Show More of His Personality

The Monster of All Monsters drew the ire of fellow wrestlers after he poked fun at “flippy floppy” wrestlers following his impressive win at WWE Crown Jewel. Now, Braun himself has told CBS Sports that he can do a Moonsault but only if it is the right time.

I can do one, not a problem. It’s not a matter of being able to do one, it’s a matter of doing it at the right time.

Braun Strowman

Strowman added that even though he looks imposing, he’s a loving an articulate human in real life.

I look like this big, imposing, scary monster, but at the end of the day, I’m a passionate, caring, loving, outspoken human being. I’m not only able to portray I want to be able to be the monster side of things, but I want to show the world that there is more than it meets the eye. Don’t judge a book by its cover.

Braun Strowman

H/T: CBS Sports

Baron Corbin: ‘Braun Strowman is Full Of Crap for Calling Himself The Greatest Big Man’

Backstage Update on Sasha Banks’ Exit from WWE (Report)

Robert Lentini
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New details have emerged regarding Sasha Banks’ (Mercedes Varnado) reported exit from WWE and her potential deal with New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

According to Fightful Select, WWE and Sasha Banks negotiated her exit from the company several months ago, around the time Wrestling Inc’s Raj Giri tweeted that he was hearing she had been released.

It should be noted that WWE has not confirmed Sasha’s release and she is still listed on the roster on the company’s website.

Fightful added that Sasha can take wrestling-related bookings starting on January 1st, and several conventions considered rebranding as “entertainment” conventions rather than pro wrestling in an effort to try and book her before the start of 2023.

Her deal with New Japan Wrestling is a “go” and was reportedly agreed upon in November. Sources told Fightful that they hadn’t heard anything regarding Mercedes and All Elite Wrestling, but that does not mean the 30-year-old won’t appear in the promotion.

Saraya Won’t Confirm or Deny Whether Sasha Banks is her AEW Mystery Partner

Sasha Banks Teases Fans That “Something Crazy is Coming”

The Boss sent out a video ahead of Crown Jewel that led fans to speculate that she would be making an appearance at the premium live event. Sasha did not appear at Crown Jewel or at WWE Survivor Series in her hometown on November 26th.

She stated that she was taking November to prepare for making all her dreams happen and that the date she has been waiting for is approaching. Banks added that there will be something “so f***ing crazy coming”.

And I can’t wait, but I’m really going to make the most of this November to make all my dreams happen in preparation for this date that I’ve been waiting for.

I’m very excited and I hope you guys come along for this journey, which I know a lot of you have been with me for so long. So thank you.

But I just want to let you know that there is going to be something so f***ing crazy coming!

Sasha Banks Chants Censored at WWE Survivor Series

WWE Star Dealing With a Legitimate Injury

Andrew Ravens
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Over the last month, Shotzi has been in a feud with Ronda Rousey on WWE television.

Shotzi challenged for Rousey’s SmackDown Women’s Championship at Survivor Series WarGames, but came up short.

WWE shot an angle recently before an episode of SmackDown where Shotzi was shown lying in the parking lot while holding her hand and screaming in pain as Rousey and Shayna Bazsler walked away., implying that Rousey and Shayna slammed Shotzi’s arm in a car door, injuring it in the process. Rousey and Baszler injured Raquel Rodriguez’s arm a couple of weeks prior.

Reality

Shotzi Broken Hand

Shotzi was pulled from television and later shared an X-ray of her hand to show the broken bones. While at first, it looked like the injury was just part of the storyline, that’s not the case. 

According to a report by Pwinsider.com, the injury is legit and led to the angle in the first place. The extent of her injury and how she got injured is not known at this time.

The injury came at a bad time as she was being pushed on the main roster with her tank along for the ride. 

We wish her a speedy recovery and hope to see her back in the ring soon. 

WWE’s Main Roster Call-Up System Under Triple H Detailed

Andrew Ravens
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The way that WWE does its call-up system from the NXT developmental brand to the main roster has been an unknown process, as it seems like every wrestler called up is in a different situation. 

A few times throughout 2022, fans thought NXT stars may be called up. Typically, WWE does NXT call-ups the night after WrestleMania and on the nights of the annual WWE Draft. Up until this year, it was always up to the whims of Vince McMahon. With Triple H overseeing the main roster creative, some fans have wondered if the call-up system will also change. 

The Process

Triple H

Brian “Road Dogg” James, who works as the Senior Vice President of Live events, discussed that on his latest, Oh…You Didn’t Know podcast. 

“Yeah. So all of the above to be quite honest with you because there’s not a strict streamlined process, especially now that Hunter is in charge of the creative. He understands much more about giving fair warning so you can write the person out or write the person off or however you’re going to do it. It gives you time to prepare creatively for that. I like a heads-up. 

So sometimes we got those and sometimes we didn’t. I think going forward, you’ll always, I’m speaking now from NXT creative experience, that we had time to prepare to send people off, but sometimes we got, ‘Hey, we’re taking this person because we got an idea for this and this’, and you could be in the middle of something with them or not, and there they went.”

Road Dogg doesn’t think it’ll be that way anymore because everybody understands the star needs to get beat on the way out or finish up a feud. He thinks giving NXT time to finish a program will happen much more now because Triple H knows what that is like to not have much notice.

WWE Hall Of Famer Shawn Michaels is now overseeing NXT creative. It was recently reported that just because an NXT talent works a Main Event taping doesn’t mean they’re being called up. Instead, they view it as a reward and WWE officials simply want to take a look at them on a bigger stage. 

H/T to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription

Miro on Return to AEW TV: ‘It’s Not Up to me, I’m Waiting for The Opportunity’

Andrew Ravens
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Miro is looking forward to making a return to AEW television in the near future, but for now, he’s just waiting and doing everything he can to do so. 

Miro’s last match in AEW happened when he teamed with Sting and Darby Allin to defeat The House of Black at AEW All Out 2022. Fans have wondered when they would see him again since that time. 

Miro commented on his AEW status while  speaking to MUSE TV at the premiere of “Disney+’s National Treasure: Edge of History.”

The Latest

Miro
(Scott Lesh Photography)

“It’s not up to me, I’m doing everything I can and from then on, I’m just sitting and waiting for the opportunity.”

It was previously reported that Rusev was eager to compete and awaiting conversations around his creative direction, as he has only wrestled four times this year. 

Samoa Joe did reference Miro following his win at last Saturday’s ROH Final Battle 2022 event as he noted that if Miro wants to step up to him, he will gladly take the challenge.

He was released by WWE in April 2020, debuting in AEW as Miro in September of that year. He first aligned with Kip Sabian before going on to become a one-time TNT Champion. 

Saraya Calls For AEW Women’s Tag Team Division

Jon Fuentes
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Saraya wants to see a women’s tag team division in All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

As Saraya prepares for a tag team match of her own, she was recently interviewed by Forbes to talk about a variety of topics. One such topic being the potential of seeing a pair of AEW Women’s Tag Team Titles in the promotion one day.

The former WWE star explained that, while she doesn’t like there to be too many titles in professional wrestling, she does believe there’s room for women’s tag titles. Especially as it would give some women who aren’t on the show already a chance to get some TV time.

“I’m always for an all-women’s show, for sure. I feel like there could be a tag division we could get going as well,” said Saraya. “Like [women’s] tag team championships.

“I don’t think we should load wrestling with a ton of championships, but there is space for a women’s tag division, too. There are a lot of women we have backstage that are not on the show, and that could give them an opportunity to be on the show.

“There is always so much we could do with the women, and people don’t realize how much talent we have backstage.”

Saraya recently signed with AEW back in September after her contract with WWE expired. Following a string of injury woes keeping her from the ring, she was finally able to return to action against Britt Baker at Full Gear in November, successfully defeating Baker.

Main Event Announced For Jericho Cruise “Four Leaf Clover”

Michael Reichlin
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Chris Jericho’s Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager cruise is gearing up to set sail once again. The fourth Jericho cruise, dubbed Four Leaf Clover, will take over the Norwegian Perl once again.

It all goes down February 2-6, 2023 when the Jericho Cruise sails from Miami, FL to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. You can visit the cruise website for booking information and more details of what to expect on board.

Four Leaf Clover will feature 4 days of wrestling matches presented by AEW and the main event has now been signed.

Chris Jericho and Danhausen, collectively known as Jericho Hausen, will face The Gunns (Austin and Colton Gunn). More matches will be announced in the weeks ahead.

More Details on the next Jericho Cruise

  • Master of Ceremonies Chris Jericho
  • Guest Of Honor Mark Henry
  • Guest Cruise Director Mickie James
  • Guest Hosts Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson
  • Goodwill Ambassador Ted Irvine

There will also be live music, comedy shows, podcasts and more.

Wrestlers on board include:

  • Matt Cardona
  • Nick Aldis
  • Moose
  • “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan
  • Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake
  • Mike Rotunda
  • Dan Lambert
  • Jonathan Gresham
  • Jordynne Grace
  • Swoggle
  • Brian Myers
  • Rocky Romero
  • The Boogeyman

Live music from acts including:

  • Fozzy
  • Quiet Riot
  • Royal Bliss
  • Raven
  • Priss
  • Kuarantine
  • Guardians of the Jukebox

Live Podcasts from:

  • Talk is Jericho
  • The Major Wrestling Figure Podcast
  • Dan Lambert’s World Title Time Machine
  • Talk ‘n Shop

Shawn Michaels Wanted NXT Women’s Title Off Mandy Rose Immediately After Learning of Online Content (Report)

Thomas Lowson
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0

NXT head Shawn Michaels decided on Mandy Rose’s title loss this week immediately after learning of her exclusive online content.

Rose lost the NXT Women’s Championship to Roxanne Perez on this week’s NXT, who earned the match by winning the Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge at NXT Deadline.

A day after her title loss, WWE released Rose over the exclusive photos and videos shared on her website.

Title Change

During the latest Wrestling Observer Radio Dave Meltzer reports that this week’s WWE NXT faced significant rewrites after WWE learned of Rose’s website.

“They switched the whole show around. What happened was, there was a meeting and Matt Bloom brought to Shawn Michaels, told him what some of the stuff that she’s been putting on her subscription service is.”

Dave Meltzer.

Meltzer added that Michaels immediately made the call for Rose to lose the title.

“Shawn’s immediate thing was, ‘We’ve got to get the title off of her immediately’. Switched around the whole show, got the title off of.”

Dave Meltzer.

Mandy Rose Today

While Rose is gone from WWE, it is believed that the promotion could welcome her back down the line.

As a main roster talent (albeit one who spent the last year in NXT) Mandy Rose is subject to a 90-day non-compete clause.

Rose has given a statement on her website, thanking her subscribers for their support and promising that the site is not going anywhere.

It has been reported that Rose is earning more with her online content than she did under contract as a WWE Superstar.

Toxic Attraction Reacts to Mandy Rose’s Release from WWE

Mandy Rose Addresses Her Fans Following WWE Release

Michael Reichlin
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Mandy Rose is grateful for all the love and support she’s received following her unexpected release from WWE on December 14, 2022.

WWE has yet to publicly address the situation, but Fightful was first to report that she was let go after the company determined ‘adult content’ posted on her FanTime page violated the terms of her independent contractor agreement.

There’s been speculation that Rose may be welcomed back at some point in the future, but for now, she’s gone. Wrestling fans rallied behind Rose on social media. #JuticeForMandy and #ThankYouMandy were both trending on Twitter in the hours following the news.

Mandy Rose’s Statement

On Thursday, December 15, Rose broke her silence and addressed her followers on FanTime.

Rose thanked everybody for being in her corner during this difficult time and made sure to let them know the FanTime page isn’t going anywhere.

“Hey guys, thank you for all the messages. I am overwhelmed with all the love and support from you guys. And don’t worry the page is still up! ;)”

– Mandy Rose

Rose wrestled with WWE from 2015-2022. She was (ironically) portrayed as a sex symbol for the majority of her run there, but became a more well-rounded performer in recent years. Services that allow celebrities to keep in touch with their fans on a subscription basis can be incredibly lucrative, but you can be sure we haven’t seen the last of her in the ring.

Former WWE Superstar Tino Sabbatelli, Rose’s fiancé, showed his support with this post on his Instagram story:

tino support

More on Mandy Rose’s Release

Here are some videos breaking down Mandy Rose’s WWE release from our friends at F4WOnline and POST Wrestling:

Backstory Behind Action Andretti’s Shocking Upset Over Chris Jericho

Michael Reichlin
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Wednesday’s Winter is Coming edition of AEW Dynamite featured a surprise upset that many fans are comparing to the 1-2-3 Kid’s memorable win over Razor Ramon from May 1993.

After losing the ROH World title to Claudio Castagnoli this past weekend at Final Battle, Chris Jericho said he wanted a tune-up match against a ‘jobber’ – insider wrestling lingo for a competitor who rarely wins their matches.

Jericho got his wish in the form of Action Andretti, a competitor we’ve seen on AEW Dark, but was largely unknown to the AEW audience. It was an exciting match with several close calls, but in the end, Andretti stunned Jericho (and everyone else) by scoring a surprise victory via roll-up.

Jericho was in utter disbelief over the loss. Later in the show, he was shown backstage throwing a tantrum. No matter how he refuses to accept the outcome, a win is a win.

Update on Action Andretti’s Win

How did Action Andretti go from a relatively unknown to pinning Chris Jericho live on national television?

As it turns out, this match and the shock outcome have been planned for months – and it was all set up by Chris Jericho. On the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer explained how it all went down.

Back in October, Andretti wrestled QT Marshall on a match that aired on AEW Dark. Jericho was watching the match backstage and was blown away by the young high-flyer. Jericho saw the potential for Andretti to be a star, but he just needed a break. Jericho had a few ongoing storylines in the works, but he decided then that he wanted to wrestle Andretti on the big stage when his schedule cleared up.

Shortly after the match concluded, AEW President Tony Khan announced on social media that Action Andretti is All Elite and earned himself a contract with the promotion.

H/T F4WOnline

Wrestle Kingdom 17: Full Card, How to Watch

Michael Reichlin
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New Japan Pro Wrestling’s biggest show of the year is fast approaching.

The event will be dedicated to Japanese wrestling legend and NJPW founder Antonio Inoki, who passed away on October 1, 2022 at 79.

The star-studded lineup features IWGP World Heavyweight and Women’s Championship matches, the long-awaited showdown between Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay, AEW stars FTR defending the IWGP world tag team championships, the Great Muta’s final NJPW match and much more.

There’s also a lot of buzz that WWE Superstar Sasha Banks will be attending Wrestle Kingdom to call out the winner of the IWGP Women’s Championship match.

When is Wrestle Kingdom?

New Japan Pro Wrestling presents Wrestle Kingdom 17 live from Tokyo, Japan on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 from the Tokyo Dome.

A second show branded as Wrestle Kingdom is scheduled Saturday, January 21, 2023 from the Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan.

How to Watch Wrestle Kingdom 17

Wrestle Kingdom 17 will stream live on NJPW World (subscription is ¥999/$7.33 per month).

WK17 airs at 3 am (EST) / 12 am (PST) / 8 am (GMT).

Wrestle Kingdom 17 Card

Here are the 12 matches signed for January 4. You can visit the NJPW website for a more in-depth preview for each match.

IWGP World Heavyweight Title Match
Kazuchika Okada vs. Jay White (c)

IWGP Women’s Title Match
Tam Nakano vs. Kairi (c)

IWGP United States Heavyweight Title Match
Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay (c)

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title Fatal 4 Way
El Desperado vs. Master Wato vs. Hiromu Takahashi vs. Taiji Ishimori (c)

Tournament Finals for the Inaugural NJPW World Television Title
Ren Narita vs. Zack Sabre Jr.

NEVER Openweight Title Match
Tama Tonga vs. Karl Anderson (c)

IWGP Tag Team Titles Match
Hirooki Goto and YOSHI-HASHI vs. AAA Tag Team Champions FTR (c)

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles Match
Lio Rush and YOH vs. TJP and Francesco Akira (c)

Antonio Inoki Memorial Six-Man Tag Team Match
Minoru Suzuki, Tiger Mask, and Tatsumi Fujinami vs. Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata, and Satoshi Kojima

Keiji Mutoh, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Shota Umino vs. Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, and BUSHI

Opening Match: NJPW Young Lions Exhibition
Ryohei Oiwa vs. Boltin Oleg

Opening Match: New Japan Ranbo
Participants TBA
Final four will challenge for the Provisional KOPW 2023 Trophy at New Year Dash on January 5.

Spoilers: WWE NXT TV Tapings Results (12/14/22)

Andrew Ravens
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On Wednesday night, WWE taped the next two weeks of NXT television from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando. 

With Christmas and the New Year on the horizon, NXT taped its final two episodes of the year as the company gave talent time off. Here are the spoilers, courtesy of F4Wonline.com:

(December 20 Results)

Carmelo Hayes defeated Axiom after Trick Williams interfered. Axiom hit an Asai moonsault on Williams after the match.

Zoey Stark defeated Nikkita Lyons once Stark grabbed the ropes.

Kayden Carter & Katana Chance defeated Ivy Nile & Tatum Paxley and Jacy Jayne & Gigi Dolin to retain the NXT Women’s Tag Team Titles. 

Apollo Crews called out Carmelo Hayes. The two had a back-and-forth promo.

Elektra Lopez defeated Indi Hartwell

Sol Ruca and Alba Fyre ended when Isla Dawn attacked Fyre, smashing her hand on the ring steps with a baseball bat.

The New Day defeated Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen to retain the NXT Tag Team Titles. 

Grayson Waller called out Bron Breakker, who exited his car in the parking lot and went straight to the ring, spearing Waller, who had a metal plate under his jacket.

(December 27 Results)

Julius Creed defeated JD McDonagh after a sliding lariat. Indus Sher confronted The Creed Brothers after the match.

Wendy Choo defeated Cora Jade after a top rope splash.

Scrypts defeated Ikemen Jiro

Lyra Valkyria defeated Lash Legend

Scisim defeated Odyssey Jones, Edris Enofe, and Malik Blade

Fallon Henley defeated Kiana James

Drew Gulak came out for a training segment and was accompanied by Hank Walker. He showed other NXT wrestlers the proper way to apply holds. Charlie Dempsey came to the ring and set up a match for a future episode.

Wes Lee defeated Tony D’Angelo. Stacks attempted to interfere, but Dijak took him to the back, allowing Lee to score the win.

Apollo Crews Reveals How He Got His First Opportunity In Japan

Anutosh Bajpai
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Apollo Crews is one of the stars that found success very early in his wrestling career. His fearless style of wrestling attracted people and made him a star in indies. Turns out, he took the fearless approach not only inside the ring but outside as well. The NXT star took chances despite his limited resources which helped him get opportunities.

The former US champion recently appeared on Out of Character podcast. During the interview he talked about his run in Japan before his WWE signing. Crews told the story of how he first got the opportunity to wrestle for Dragon Gate Japan:

“When I did Dragon Gate USA, but we’re trying out for Dragon Gate Japan. 2011 It was. [It was] AR Fox that convinced me. I was wrestling around in Georgia at the time.” recalled Apollo Crews, “He’s like, ‘Man, if you really want to get your name out there, you need to come to this tryout with me this weekend.’ I had $100 to my name. I’m like, ‘Dude, if I drive to Indianapolis from Atlanta, Georgia. It’s like 13-14 hours.’

I was like ‘$50 is gonna go to gas, the tryout cost $50, I’m coming home broke. I don’t have money to do it.’ I did it. Best decision I made. I remember Ricochet being in there and I think he wrestled on the show that weekend and Rich Swann is another one. Those guys I just immediately like kind of bonded with them. Then shortly after I got to start traveling into Japan with them.”

You can check out Apollo Crews’ full interview below:

More Originals From SEScoops:

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

Brian Myers: There is Far Too Much Entitlement in Wrestling Today

Thomas Lowson
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Impact Wrestling’s Brian Myers has spoken out against the sense of entitlement he’s seen in the professional wrestling industry today.

Myers, perhaps best known for his time as Curt Hawkins in WWE, was with WWE from 2006 to 2014, and later from 2016 to 2020.

The former Raw Tag Team Champion has since joined Impact Wrestling, where he recently held Impact’s Digital Media Championship.

Entitlement

In addition to wrestling, Myers also runs a wrestling school with Pat Bucks, the Create A Pro Wrestling Academy.

Speaking during the latest episode of ‘The Sessions’ Myers spoke about the sense of entitlement he has perceived in wrestling.

“There’s too much entitlement. What I had [showing respect] was maybe a little too deep. But what it is now, is too deep the other way. We need something in the middle because the entitlement that people have in the business nowadays is wild to me.

“the entitlement that people have in the business nowadays is wild.”

Brian Myers.

“The story is that when we first got called up, you were not even allowed in the locker room. So Matt and I, changed with extras in every building for at least the first three months. Then we had to go up to Chris Benoit as the locker room leader and say ‘Sir. We’ve been wrestling on TV for a couple of months. We’d like to know if it’s okay if we could change with the boys.’ I don’t know if it needs to be that extreme, but there’s got to be some kind of respect.”

When host Renee Paquette said that asking for permission to enter the locker room must have been a rite of passage, Myers said it served as a reminder of your place.

“It makes you realize just how low on the totem pole you are. That you can’t change with the boys.”

Brian Myers.

Changes

Myers is far from impressed by what he’s seen from young wrestlers today and believes that for things to change, those in charge need to lead by example.

“It [Change] has got to come from up top. It’s got to come from management or top-top locker room guys.”

Brian Myers.

When Paquette suggested that social media and the ability to control what responses you get could be a factor in this entitlement, Myers agreed with the notion.

“I think that’s another big problem in the business. People start blocking everyone who says something bad to them, and before they know it, their timeline is all praise and it messes up your self-impression.”

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

Apollo Crews Explains Why He Went Back To NXT

Anutosh Bajpai
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Apollo Crews is one of the stars who seemed to have huge potential when he started with WWE but his career didn’t go as planned. The former IC champion was called up to the main roster in April 2016, less than a year after his NXT debut in August 2015. A lot of people believed that he wasn’t ready for the main roster run and this was the primary reason why he got lost in the shuffle. This is why Crews took the opportunity to go back to the development territory with open arms earlier this year.

The WWE star recently appeared on Ryan Satin’s Out of Character podcast. Speaking about his NXT return in June, Apollo discussed how he had been stuck wrestling on Main Event and hadn’t made a PLE appearance in over a year. So he decided to take a chance and ask about a potential opportunity in NXT:

“It was weird that nothing was happening [in my career]. It got to the point where it was just like ‘man, I don’t want to be coming here and doing Main Event anymore. I want to be on the main shows. I want to be one of the guys here that’s a household name, right? I want to be one of those guys.

So like, it wasn’t coming. So I made an approach and asked if there was any spot down here essentially for me at NXT and the opportunity came about and it happened. There happened to be a spot available. I was like, ‘Man, I’m 100% for it.'”

‘I’m Gonna Control What I Can’: Apollo Crews

Apollo Crews revealed that the officials asked what kind of run he wanted to have. But for him, it was about taking the full advantage of the opportunity:

“It was one of those things where it’s like, ‘Is it long term or it’s gonna be short term?’ and I was like ‘For me honestly. It doesn’t matter.’ I’m gonna control what I can control. You give me this opportunity. I’m gonna come out here and kill it.

If they bring me back to Raw or Smackdown two weeks later so be it. If they bring me back [in] two months, so be it. But in my head, I wanted to take full advantage of the opportunity that I was being presented with because essentially, I was presented with the opportunity to kind of change the trajectory of my career and kind of really start over which not a lot of people get to do.”

You can check out Apollo Crews’ full interview below:

Kevin Owens Has Pitched for Match with Shawn Michaels

Thomas Lowson
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After facing ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin at WrestleMania 38 this year, Kevin Owens has set his sights on another legendary Texan: Shawn Michaels.

In April, Owens faced Austin in the main event of Night One, losing to the Rattlesnake in Austin’s first match in 19 years.

Austin and WWE were said to be extremely pleased with how the match went and there have been discussions of another match at WrestleMania 39 next year.

Owens Vs. Michaels

Appearing on Kevin Raphael’s podcast this week, Owens revealed that he recently pitched a match between himself and Shawn Michaels.

Owens figured that after the Austin match happened, nothing was impossible and he and Michaels discussed the match when Owens came to NXT to host the KO Show in October.

Michaels told Owens that he’d be lying if he said he hadn’t considered getting back in the ring, especially after seeing the match with Austin in April.

However, he also said that he doesn’t think he should wrestle again.

Owens said on the podcast that the goal is to wrestle two of his all-time favorite wrestlers (Austin and Michaels) a goal that he’s already half-completed.

Michaels Back in the Ring

Owens Vs. Michaels would be a huge match, but he’s hardly the first person to set his sights on Mr. WrestleMania.

AJ Styles previously pitched a match with Michaels, one that the two-time WWE Hall of Famer turned down.

Michaels retired from in-ring competition in 2010, but competed at Crown Jewel 2018, teaming with Triple H to defeat the Brothers of Destruction.

The match was the biggest payday in Michaels’ career, and it is believed he earned around $3 million, equivalent to $1,800 per second of the nearly 28-minute match.

Kevin Owens Feels Return to the Indies is Possible Under WWE’s New Regime
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