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Roxanne Perez Wins WWE NXT Women’s Title (Video)

Andrew Ravens
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Roxanne Perez was the person to dethrone Mandy Rose as the WWE NXT Women’s Champion. 

Perez defeated Zoey Stark, Cora Jade, Kiana James and Indi Hartwell in the first-ever Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge match at Saturday’s WWE NXT Deadline. As a result of winning the match, Perez earned the right to challenge Rose for the championship at a later date, which was supposed to be on January 10th at New Year’s Evil. 

The Match

At the start of Tuesday’s NXT episode, Rose attacked Perez from behind. This led to Perez challenging her to a title match on this show instead in the main event with Rose accepting. 

The back-and-forth match ended after Perez kicked out of Rose’s finisher and rolled up Rose for the win. 

Rose defeated Gonzalez to win the NXT Women’s Championship at Halloween Havoc last year with the help of Dakota Kai.  Rose became the unified champion at NXT Worlds Collide when she beat NXT UK Champion Meiko Satomura and Blair Davenport in a triple threat match. 

Rose held the title for 413 days, making her the third-longest-reigning NXT Women’s Champion.

Ricky Starks Comments on Comparisons to The Rock

Andrew Ravens
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Since making a name for himself in the NWA and finding more success in AEW, fans have compared Ricky Starks to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Although there are some similarities as Starks carries himself and looks like the former WWE Champion, he is his own man. 

Starks will challenge MJF for the AEW World Title this Wednesday at Dynamite: Winter is Coming. Last week during their promo exchange on Dynamite, MJF stated that Starks was a “dollar store, Dwayne.”

For Stars, he knows who he is and opened up on the comparisons while doing an interview with ComicBook.com’s Liam Crowley.

The Comparisons

Ricky Starks holding the AEW World Heavyweight Championship belt
(AEW)

“I tell this all the time, The Rock wasn’t my favorite wrestler. He was like my number three favorite wrestler,” Starks said “That’s not to discredit The Rock from any type of talent he has, but I say that to say he wasn’t a big inspiration.”

“I always tell this: I don’t hate the comparisons,” Starks continued. “What I do hate though, is being discredited for my natural creativity in lieu of someone saying, ‘Well, you’re just literally copying The Rock,’ which isn’t true at all.”

Starks pointed to his hometown of New Orleans for how he talks and doesn’t look to Rock as a mentor but respects him for having a great business mind and everything he has done in wrestling. 

Starks added, “If some by chance, somebody thinks that I’m Rock-lite, then that’s cool.”

Backstage Reaction to Vince McMahon Planning a WWE Comeback

Andrew Ravens
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The Wall Street Journal published an article on Tuesday titled, WWE’s Vince McMahon Faces Fresh Demands From Women Alleging Sexual Abuse.

In addition to McMahon facing new legal challenges stemming from alleged sexual misconduct, WSJ also reports that the former WWE boss is planning a comeback to the organization he stepped away from in July 2022 after running it for 40 years.

The internal reaction to the news of McMahon wanting back in WWE has been quite negative, according to Fightful Select. One source in WWE told Fightful that the news was “exhausting.” This person is hopeful that McMahon’s run with the company is in the rearview despite having a positive relationship with their former boss before he left in the summer.

Another star said they were concerned for the wrestlers that have been re-hired if McMahon did return as it was WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H who brought back numerous wrestlers that were cut by the McMahon regime.

A high-ranking WWE official isn’t concerned about a McMahon comeback, despite Vince still having final control over the company due to his stock holdings. The company has been in great shape since Vince left, with the stock price, television viewership and overall morale improving in the second half of this year.

“It would be a really selfish move for Vince to come back under any circumstances. The reason he left, how business has done since then — it’d be really selfish. But selfish activities are what led to him leaving in the first place.”

– Anonymous WWE source on Vince McMahon wanting to return

WWE Morale

One staff member stated that morale had increased tenfold since McMahon resigned and didn’t believe he would be back, whether he wanted to be or not. 

A longtime employee said they also believe McMahon’s family will actively encourage him to remain retired, and they think McMahon’s return would do irreparable damage to the WWE brand. The same source said that the few doubters that thought WWE would collapse internally have been proven wrong, with one notable name even admitting as much.

The unanimous reaction among numerous WWE staffers, talent, and employees was that McMahon was not wanted back in his previous roles.

Kenny Omega Names Former WWE Champion as an Inspiration

Robert Lentini
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Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks returned at AEW Full Gear after being suspended for over two months for their part in the brawl with CM Punk following All Out.

The Elite lost to Death Triangle at Full Gear but as it turns out, it was just the start of a Best of 7 Series for the Trios Championships. Death Triangle and The Elite will meet in Match 4 of series tomorrow night at AEW Dynamite: Winter is Coming. Death Triangle currently leads the series 2-1. MJF will put the AEW World Championship on the line against Ricky Starks tomorrow night as well.

Wrestling Twitter account GrappleKlips sent out a video showing RVD and Omega hitting the same move sequence.

Omega replied and revealed the ECW legend and former WWE Champion influenced his career, along with many other wrestlers today.

Rob Van Dam captured the WWE Championship from John Cena at ECW One Night Stand in 2006.

RVD on CM Punk’s Ego

Rob Van Dam recently spoke with former WWE Superstars Rene Dupree and Paul London about working with CM Punk following his rant targeting the AEW EVPs, Hangman Page, and Colt Cabana following winning the title at All Out.

I think there is a good chance that CM Punk, just from feeling his energy, probably has as big of an ego as anybody that I’ve interacted with in the business.

Those are the guys that get ahead, the guys that really believe in themselves. But then at the same time, it is really hard for me as another guy in the locker room, I think they believe in themselves too much. Some of it can be like natural heat, like The Miz. It’s just so easy to hate him.

When someone comes back through the curtain after their character could have given the most believable speech that got all the heat in the world, if they can come back through the curtain and be humble, and realize that they are one amongst many, that is a really good place to be in.

WWE Superstar Deletes Twitter After Negative Reaction to a Photo With Austin Theory

Robert Lentini
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Mia Yim posted a photograph with United States Champion Austin Theory earlier today. Austin was holding Mia up in the photo and it spawned a bizarre reaction from the Twitter mob that drove Yim off the social media platform.

For some reason, a bunch of fans equated a photograph taken during a WWE photo shoot as Mia not respecting her marriage with AEW star Keith Lee. The absurd reaction is the latest example of fans not knowing how to interact with public figures on social media.

Mia Yim sent out a final post this morning before deleting her Twitter account.

“Ok, block button ready to go. Apparently I can’t take pics or get excited about seeing people I haven’t seen in a while. I love my husband and only have eyes for him. Apologies for any disrespect. Men and women can be friends without it being sexual.”

Mia Yim on Her Return to WWE

Mia Yim returned to the company on the November 7th edition of RAW as The OC’s answer to their “Rhea Ripley problem”.

The 33-year-old was interviewed following her return on RAW Talk and said it was good to be back after a year away. She was released in November 2021 after a brief main roster run as “Reckoning” in the failed RETRIBUTION faction.

Oh my gosh, it feels so good to be back. It took me a year to try and find myself but now I’m ready. I’m ready to go. I’m ready to kick some ass and get my retribution. But the boys are waiting on me so I’ll see ya later.

Adam Pearce Addresses Firing Bobby Lashley on Raw: “I Need to Apologize to the WWE Universe”

Robert Lentini
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Bobby Lashley battled Seth Rollins in a #1 contenders match last night in the main event of WWE RAW.

United States Champion Austin Theory watched on from backstage as Seth and Bobby fought to determine his next challenger. Lashley connected with a Spear but the referee was accidentally knocked out of the ring.

Bobby then went for another Spear but Seth counted into a Pedigree in the middle of the ring for the pinfall victory. After the match, Lashley shouted at the referee and shoved him. WWE official Adam Pearce then rushed down the entrance ramp and got in Bobby’s face. The All Mighty responded by shoving Pearce into the barricade and Adam fired Bobby on the spot.

WWE Raw Results, Takeaways (12/12/22): Bobby Lashley Fired, Alexa Bliss & Bianca Belair

Adam Pearce Addresses Firing Lashley on WWE Raw

WWE Official Adam Pearce took to Twitter today to explain why he fired Bobby Lashley last night at the conclusion of Raw.

I’d like to address to what happened last night to end Monday Night Raw between myself and Bobby Lashley.

First and foremost, despite what I said last night, Bobby Lashley is not fired.
That said, Bobby has repeatedly crossed the line, last night physically accosting two referees and putting his hands on me, not to mention Spearing WWE official Pete Williams last week.

All of that behavior is unacceptable, all of it will be addressed and it will have repercussions.

Pearce then changed his tune and offered an apology to the WWE Universe for his actions last night on WWE Raw.

Despite that, I need to apologize to the WWE Universe for the way I conducted myself.

In the heat of the moment, I allowed emotion to get the better of me, and frankly I said some things I shouldn’t have.

I’ll never apologize for having passion, but looking back on last night it is obvious I did not channel mine in the right direction. And I want you to know I regret that.

Bobby and I are going to meet later this week man to man and discuss the ramifications of what he has done, and more importantly how we can move forward and do business together with respect, like we always have up until now.

Please credit SEScoops for the transcription if you use any quotes from this article.

Eric Bischoff Clarifies His ‘Shut Up and Wrestle’ Comment About AEW

Nick Perkins
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In October of last year, Eric Bischoff made headlines, while also probably making an enemy of AEW owner Tony Khan, when he told Khan that he should “Shut up and wrestle.” It started a bit of a war of words between the two men and, coincidentally, Bischoff hasn’t been seen on AEW TV since.

Many criticized Bischoff for his stance, while many others commended him. But now, Bischoff has clarified his statement and offered the reason as to why he said it in the first place.

Bischoff discussed the ‘Shut up and wrestle’ comment on the most recent episode of his podcast, 83 Weeks with Eric Bischoff, in which he compared Tony Khan to Diamond Dallas Page.

“Going back to my first kind of negative comment about Tony, when I basically said ‘Shut up and wrestle; quit comparing yourself to WWE and creating an illusion because in the process, you’re gonna lose goodwill,'” Bischoff stated. “That was my point. No, I didn’t make that point in my comment, but that was my reason for going ‘Shut up and wrestle, dude. Just put out a better product. Then let the audience put your product over. Don’t put your own product over.'”

Bischoff said Tony Khan’s penchant for calling out WWE from time to time reminded him of when Diamond Dallas Page was trying to become a star in WCW.

DDP
Diamond Dallas Page

Bischoff Compares Tony Khan to Diamond Dallas Page

“I used to say that to DDP all the time,” Bischoff said. “Because when DDP was really starting to transition from that over-the-top, super gimmick character; trying to be a little bit of everybody – he was Superstar Billy Graham, he was Jake the Snake Roberts – he was like 15 different characters all rolled up into one, right?

“And once he started making that transition to becoming that blue-collar, all-American dude that anybody could relate to, I used to tell him in his promos ‘Man, don’t put yourself over.’ Because the minute you put yourself over, you’re taking away any need or desire by your fan base or your audience to do it for you. It’s you going out and getting the audience to put you over, because the audience putting you over makes all the difference in the world. Otherwise, you’re just another wrestling personality out there trying to get yourself over, and people tune that out. But when you quit trying to put yourself over, focus on your character and your work, all of a sudden, the audience is doing it for you. And the audience putting you over is worth tenfold you trying to do it yourself.”

It’s good advice, really. Even if Bischoff didn’t exactly make his intentions known with his original comments.

“That was my point when I made that comment about ‘Shut up and wrestle,'” Bischoff reiterated. “It’s just, ‘Quit putting yourself over and let the audience do it, because that creates goodwill.’ But the more you put yourself over – in this case, Tony – the more Tony put himself over or put AEW over and, in the process, belittled WWE who is a monster, you know? They’re Goliath and you’re not. But by constantly taking shots at them and trying to convince the audience that you’re better than they are, you’re not taking advantage of the goodwill that you have automatically. That was my point.”

Eric Bischoff: “Stephanie McMahon Would Kill Tony Khan” in a Fight

It’s a good point, and perhaps its advice that Tony Khan has taken, even subconsciously. Despite a brief, tension-fueled breakdown at the All Out press scrum, in which he said that he was ‘Tired of [WWE’s] f*ckin sh*t,’ he hasn’t really spoken too much about the company up north.

Vince McMahon Facing Fresh Demands Over Alleged Sexual Assault

Thomas Lowson
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Former WWE CEO and Chairman Vince McMahon has faced fresh demands over accusations of sexual misconduct following his retirement from the promotion this year.

McMahon’s retirement came following accusations that the billionaire paid millions of dollars in NDAs to keep female employees quiet about extramarital affairs.

An investigation into the matter found that while McMahon paid out of his own pocket, these payments should have been listed with WWE as they benefitted the company.

Rita Chatterton

In the 1980s, Rita Chatterton served as a referee in the then-World Wrestling Federation, making her the first female ref in company history.

Chatterton’s tenure with the promotion would end in 1986, and Chatterton has alleged for decades that she was raped by McMahon in a limousine.

She said in a series of 1992 interviews that Mr. McMahon told her she had to satisfy him if she wanted a $500,000 contract with WWF.

In correspondence to McMahon’s representative, obtained by the Wall Street Journal, a lawyer for Chatterton demanded $11.75 million in damages for the alleged assault.

McMahon has always denied the allegation and told people close to the situation that he will not pay the amount to Chatterton.

McMahon alleged in a 1993 lawsuit that Chatterton was induced to make a false rape charge against him by a former wrestler with an ax to grind.

That suit alleged that the promotion dismissed her in 1986 because she was a danger to wrestlers in the ring, but this suit against Chatterton was withdrawn by McMahon in 1994.

Chatterton’s lawyer John Clune writes in the recent letter that his client “has suffered years of ongoing depression, substance abuse, disordered eating, lost income, and overall a decreased quality of life.” 

Clune adds that Chatterton had passed a polygraph and that multiple sources corroborated her account, two of which corroborated her claims to the Wall Street Journal.

WWE Hall of Famer Greg ‘The Hammer’ Valentine told the WSJ that he did not believe Chatterton’s claims, arguing that she was not attractive enough for McMahon.

Leonard Inzitari, who went to wrestling school with Ms. Chatterton, said earlier this year that the ex-referee was shaking and crying as she recounted the alleged rape before a WWF event in 1986.

When asked, Inzitari told the Journal that he believes Chatterton’s telling of events.

Spa Manager

Chatterton isn’t the only person alleging assault from the former WWE CEO, as a former spa manager alleges she was assaulted by McMahon in 2011 in Southern California.

The Spa manager reported the alleged assault to the resort she was working at at the time, and also told her husband about what had happened.

The woman’s husband reportedly drove to the WWE event McMahon was in town for with a baseball bat and tried to confront the boss, but was turned away.

The spa manager’s lawyer, Michael Bressler, has been in touch with McMahon’s attorney since July.

California, like New York, has a recently-introduced law that allows alleged victims of sex abuse to file lawsuits that would otherwise be barred by the statute of limitations.

Neither WWE, McMahon, nor his legal representatives responded when requested for comment.

Vince McMahon Planning WWE Comeback, Regrets Retiring

Vince McMahon Planning WWE Comeback, Regrets Retiring

Thomas Lowson
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Could Vince McMahon return to WWE after his shocking and controversial retirement from the promotion earlier this year?

McMahon, who ran WWE for four decades, stepped down as CEO and Chairman in the summer over allegations of misconduct with female employees.

The 77-year-old was alleged to have paid millions of dollars in Non-Disclosure Agreements to women to not speak about his extramarital affairs, and allegedly coerced at least one woman into performing oral sex.

Comeback

It was the Wall Street Journal that first reported on McMahon’s NDAs that ultimately led to his retirement from pro wrestling.

In their latest article, the WSJ reports that McMahon told people that he intends to make a comeback, though it is unclear when he plans on returning.

The billionaire reportedly believes that he was given bad advice in July by people close to him that encouraged him to retire and that the allegations against him should have “blown over.”

Vince McMahon boardroom
(WWE)

Despite stepping down, McMahon remains WWE’s majority owner, controlling the most shares in the company.

Spokespersons for WWE, McMahon, and WWE’s legal head Jerry McDevitt, did not respond to the Wall Street Journal when asked for a comment.

The Investigation

After the allegations of McMahon’s behavior were first publicized, WWE conducted an investigation into the matter which has since concluded.

This investigation determined that these payments, though made by McMahon personally, should have been booked as WWE expenses because they benefited the company.

In McMahon’s absence, Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan have been appointed co-CEOs with Stephanie also serving as Chairwoman of WWE.

Backstage News on WWE Morale Since Vince McMahon’s Exit

WWE UK Tour Announced for Summer 2023

Michael Reichlin
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WWE has announced a tour of the United Kingdom to be held next summer, with five shows that include stops in Liverpool, Newcastle, Sheffield, Dublin and Cardiff.

The Raw and SmackDown brands will entertain fans across the UK from June 28 through July 2. Superstars from Raw include Bobby Lashley, Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins, Bianca Belair, Matt Riddle, Damage CTRL and The Street Profits.

SmackDown will feature Sami Zayn, The Usos, Liv Morgan, Drew McIntyre, Braun Strowman, The Brawling Brutes, Imperium, and The New Day.

Here are the dates and locations for WWE’s Summer 2023 UK Tour:

  • Wednesday, June 28th in Liverpool, UK (Raw)
  • Thursday, June 29th in Sheffield, UK (Raw)
  • Thursday, June 29th in Dublin, Ireland (SmackDown)
  • Friday, June 30th in Newcastle, UK (Raw)
  • Sunday, July 2nd in Cardiff, Wales (SmackDown)

Top stars not currently advertised to appear include WWE Undisputed Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Ronda Rousey and Cody Rhodes. Of course, we are still more than six months out from these events and the omitted names could very well be there.

Tickets for WWE’s Summer 2023 UK tour go on sale this Friday, December 16.

Real1 vs. Microman Signed for MLW Blood & Thunder (1/7)

Michael Reichlin
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Former WWE Superstar Real1 (Enzo Amore) is facing down the smallest challenge of his career.

Major League Wrestling has announced Real1 will battle Microman the upcoming MLW Blood & Thunder event, scheduled for January 7 from Philadelphia’s 2300 arena.

The match is being billed as, the “Certified G” vs. “The World’s Greatest Wonder.”

According to MLW, Microman lobbied league officials to book the match after Real1 literally punted him out of the ring at Battle RIOT IV. 

Real1 has reportedly has taken exception to Microman being heralded as “pound-for-pound the world’s greatest fighter.”

MLW Boss Court Bauer has been quoted saying, “MLW’s new season promised new matches and new rules and it doesn’t get any weirder than this one.”

For more information, visit MLW.com. If you’re in the Philadelphia area and are interested in attending MLW Blood & Thunder on 1/7, visit MLW2300.com.

Sasha Banks to Make far More Per Appearance in Japan than WWE

Thomas Lowson
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Sasha Banks’ reported exit from WWE will see her earn more with STARDOM per appearance than she ever did working for the McMahon family.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Banks will be appearing at New Japan’s Wrestle Kingdom event on January 4 and that she is ‘done’ with WWE.

The multi-time former Women’s Champion hasn’t been seen on WWE programming since walking out of the May 16, episode of Raw over a creative dispute.

The Deal

Banks’ deal with Bushiroad, the parent company of both NJPW and STARDOM, will make her the highest-paid contracted wrestler, Voices of Wrestling reports.

They report that STARDOM pursued Banks not long after her May walkout and that Banks also showed interest in working with the promotion.

STARDOM’s booker Rossy Ogawa walked away from negotiations after hearing Banks’ “exorbitant” asking price, which was said to be beyond the company’s budget.

These talks resumed months later after Bushiroad President Takaaki Kidani gave Ogawa the green light to pursue Banks.

It is believed that The Boss will confront IWGP Women’s Champion KAIRI, who became the first holder of the title last month at NJPWxSTARDOM Historic X-Over.

Highest Earner

Banks’ agreement with Bushiroad will make her the highest-paid name to ever be contracted, even higher than Chris Jericho.

For his feud with Kenny Omega that culminated in a match at Wrestle Kingdom 12 in 2018, Jericho was paid $100,000 per appearance for NJPW.

As Dave Meltzer pointed out on Wrestling Observer Radio, Jericho was practically underpaid due to how much revenue he brought to New Japan with his match.

Per appearance, the former Women’s Champion will earn far more than she made in WWE, though she is expected to be booked five times in 2023.

This leaves Banks with plenty of time for other projects, including possibly working in AEW, something that has reportedly been on her bucket list.

Sasha Banks’ Wrestle Kingdom Appearance was Kept Secret in NJPW (Report)

WWE Secures “King and Queen of the Ring” Trademark

Michael Reichlin
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WWE has filed another trademark that all-but-guarantees we’ll be seeing King of the Ring and Queen of the Ring tournaments in 2023.

WWE has owned the “King of the Ring” trademark for several years. In October, the company secured the rights to “Queen of the Ring” as well.

On December 8, World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. applied to trademark, “WWE King and Queen of the Ring.”

(USPTO database)

According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database, the Goods and Services usage description for the “LIVE” trademark includes:

  • Entertainment services, namely, a show about professional wrestling;
  • Entertainment services, namely, the production and exhibition of professional wrestling events rendered through broadcast media including television and distributed via various platforms across multiple forms of transmission media;
  • Providing wrestling news and information through broadcast media including television and distributed via various platforms across multiple forms of transmission media;
  • Providing information in the fields of sports and entertainment through broadcast media including television and distributed via various platforms across multiple forms of transmission media;
  • Providing a website in the field of sports entertainment information;

It’s been rumored that WWE would be bringing back the King of the Ring tournament and holding the first-ever Queen of the Ring tournament since last year.

Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE’s Chief Content Officer, has spoken about his intention to reimagine the WWE’s approach to themed premium live events. While shows like Hell in a Cell are expected to be retired, it seems increasingly likely that King and Queen of the Ring will be added to the calendar next year.

More One-Off Returns Possible in WWE After Jamie Noble’s Last Match

Thomas Lowson
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The success of Jamie Noble’s final match could lead to more one-off in-ring returns, Fightful Select reports.

Noble competed in his final match last weekend at a WWE Live event in Charleston, West Virginia.

The former Cruiserweight Champion teamed with Braun Strowman, Ridge Holland, and Butch to defeat The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa, The Usos and Sami Zayn.

On the Table

Noble’s match last weekend came over seven-and-a-half years after his previous match, though he has been working with WWE throughout that time as a backstage producer.

In their report, Fightful notes that things such as Noble wrestling at a Live event, that we wouldn’t normally see on WWE TV, are more likely under the current regime.

One source who spoke to Fightful said that the idea of one-off returns and unique ideas similar to Noble wrestling are “on the table.”

One More Match

While WWE has a huge roster of active Superstars, there are plenty of former wrestlers working behind the scenes, who could soon have their own final match.

Adam Pearce is a likely candidate, given that he is a regular on-screen, and fired Bobby Lashley on this week’s episode of Raw.

Pearce has had just a handful of matches since joining WWE as a backstage producer, with his most recent match as a full-time wrestler coming for Ring of Honor in August 2014.

Petey Williams, who joined WWE as a producer in January of this year, was speared by Lashley during last week’s Raw.

Shane ‘Hurricane’ Helms, Molly Holly, and Kenny Dykstra have all wrestled for WWE and now work as producers and could have one more match for the promotion.

Bianca Belair Reacts to Bizarre Alexa Bliss Moment on WWE RAW: “I’m Still Trying to Figure Out What That Was”

Robert Lentini
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0

RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair is set to defend the RAW Women’s Championship against Alexa Bliss in the near future.

Alexa Bliss won a Triple Threat in the main event of last week’s edition of WWE RAW to earn her way into the #1 contender’s match tonight against Bayley. Damage CTRL attacked Becky Lynch during last week’s main event and Alexa capitalized with a Twisted Bliss on Nikki Cross for the pinfall victory.

Bayley made her way to the ring with Damage CTRL to kick off tonight’s RAW but Becky got her revenge. Lynch attacked IYO SKY and Dakota Kai and chased them through the crowd. RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair then was ringside for the match. The Role Model was distracted by Bianca’s presence and Alexa once again capitalized with a Twisted Bliss for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Bianca Belair congratulated Alexa but she almost hit the champion with a Sister Abigail out of nowhere as Bray Wyatt’s logo briefly flashed on the jumbotron. Alexa stopped herself and apologized to end the segment.

Bianca Belair Reacts to Alexa Bliss Almost Attacking Her

Bianca Belair was interviewed by Byron Saxton on RAW Talk this week and said she did not see that coming. The EST noted that she has teamed with Alexa on several occasions (Clash at the Castle, Survivor Series WarGames) but tonight she revealed a new side of her.

I’m just trying to still wrap my mind around what just happened. I’m very happy for Alexa, well I was happy. Bayley, we’ve gone through this over and over and she won’t go away.
Alexa actually won tonight in the right way and she deserved it.

And we’ve gotten close over these past few months, we were WarGames partners.
We won together, so yeah, I was definitely the happiest for her tonight.

But yeah, 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.

Please credit SEScoops for the transcription if you use any quotes from this article.

WWE Raw Results, Takeaways (12/12/22): Bobby Lashley Fired, Alexa Bliss & Bianca Belair

Adam Pearce Comments on Firing Bobby Lashley on WWE RAW

Robert Lentini
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0

WWE RAW ended in chaos this week following the number one contenders match between Seth Rollins and Bobby Lashley.

Bobby Lashley appeared to have the match in control as United States Champion Austin Theory was shown watching backstage. Lashley got the Hurt Lock in but accidentally bumped the referee out of the ring.

Lashley connected with a Spear but the referee took a moment to get back into the ring and it allowed Seth to kick out at two. Bobby screamed at the referee before setting up for a 2nd Spear. Rollins was ready for it this time and countered into the Pedigree while Lashley was in midair for the pinfall victory. Seth Rollins has earned a US Title match against Austin Theory in the near future.

After the match, Lashley lost his temper and shoved the official against the turnbuckle. WWE Official Adam Pearce had already wanted The All Mighty about striking referees and confronted Bobby about it. Lashley then decided to shove Adam Pearce and it cost him his job. Pearce fired Lashley as RAW went off the air and stormed backstage.

Pearce dropped an F-bomb during the exchange and apologized on Twitter after the show.

WWE Raw Results, Takeaways (12/12/22): Bobby Lashley Fired, Alexa Bliss & Bianca Belair

Byron Saxton caught up with Adam Pearce backstage after RAW went off the air and here are his comments on the matter:

“With all due respect Byron, but seriously? It just happened. You saw what happened. It would be very very premature for me to comment at this time. Thank You”.

Adam Pearce then stormed off before Byron could get another question in. Saxton tried to interview Lashley backstage as well but Bobby was in no mood to talk.

AEW Hires Former WWE VP of Global Television Production

Thomas Lowson
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Michael Mansury is the latest person to become ‘All-Elite’ after honing his production skills for years as part of WWE.

Mansury is expected to begin his new job as AEW’s Senior Vice President and Co-Executive Producer with this Wednesday’s Dynamite, PW Insider reports.

Starting with WWE in 2009, Mansury was with the promotion for eleven years before leaving on his own accord in May 2020.

Michael Mansury

While he’s a name most fans will be unfamiliar with, Mansury had significant influence over WWE Premium Live Events and TV shows for years.

Upon his departure in 2020, it was reported that many saw Mansury as the successor to Kevin Dunn, who has worked for decades as WWE’s Head of TV production.

After Vince McMahon’s retirement in July of this year, it was suggested that Dunn would be on his way out of the promotion, though that did not happen.

Triple H is said to be a big fan of Mansury’s work, though a source who spoke to Fightful said that there there wasn’t much farther he could go above his position in WWE unless Dunn stepped aside.

Reaction

In their report, Fightful adds that both AEW and WWE are happy about Mansury’s hiring by Tony Khan.

The belief is that Mansury will go a long way in helping AEW’s content, with one WWE source saying he’s in touch with AEW’s core demographic.

One WWE source that has heavily criticized AEW has said that he saw this as AEW’s biggest hire this year.

Cody Rhodes Shares Terms Used By AEW’s Hiring Team

Eric Bischoff: Ric Flair Should Thank Me for Helping Him Get Over

Nick Perkins
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Before we begin, it’s important to note that this is probably some sort angle that will lead to either a match or, at the very least, a podcast debate.

That being said…the relationship between Eric Bischoff and Ric Flair is the stuff of legend. Their on-again, off-again friendship/business partnership has led to fist fights, lawsuits, and, this being 2022, mean tweets.

Such was the case recently when The Nature Boy took to Twitter to start the latest chapter in his decades-long beef with Easy E.

On December 8, Flair posted a video from one of the most memorable WCW Nitro moments of all time; that being when Flair returned to the company after the lawsuit with Bischoff, to reform the Four Horseman and tell Eric that he couldn’t fire Flair, Flair was already fired.

Of course, Eric being Eric, he couldn’t just let that Tweet stand, now could he? Instead, he Quote Tweeted Flair’s post and said that it was some of Flair’s best work ever. That would have been nice enough. But, you know…Controversy Creates Cash. So he also said ‘You’re welcome. I made you.’

Naturally, fans rushed to Flair’s aide, laughing at the fact that Bischoff said he ‘made’ the 16x World Champion.

Needless to say, Bischoff’s podcast partner (and Flair’s son in law) just couldn’t let those comments slide without discussing them, and Conrad Thompson didn’t waste any time on this week’s 83 Weeks podcast on confronting Bischoff and the ludicrous idea (to everybody but Eric) that he ‘made’ Ric Flair.

Eric Bischoff Ric Flair

Eric Bischoff Made Ric Flair?

“If you’re in such a good mood, why are you popping off with my father-in-law Ric Flair on social media?” Thompson asked his friend and confidante.

“He started it!” Bischoff responded indignantly. “I was perfectly content to sit back and just run my own business and stay quiet. But then he just started blabbing about a bunch of stuff that he was pissed off at me about. I was just defending myself.”

It’s hard to defend those comments, Thompson argued. But Bischoff didn’t just defend them; he doubled down on them.

“Ric posts a video of cutting a promo on me back in 1998, and I pointed out that this was some of Ric’s best work and he should thank me for that,” Bischoff scoffed. “I brought that out in him. I brought that level of emotion and I brought out what became, really, the best Ric Flair. He should be thanking me for helping him to get over, instead of just being a whiny baby about this whole thing.”

Bischoff then tripled down on his comments.

“The truth is, WCW couldn’t make any money with Ric Flair,” Bischoff said. “So what did Ric Flair do? He went to WWE and guess what? They couldn’t make any money with Ric Flair. So guess what? Ric comes back to WCW and WCW still couldn’t make any money with him in ’93, and ’94, which is why he had to go get Hulk Hogan.”

Of course, Bischoff said, none of this was personal; it was just business.

“Ric’s a great performer, don’t get me wrong,” Bischoff yielded. “He’s a legend. But when it comes to business, I had to do what I had to do with him and that just rubs Ric the wrong way and he can’t let it go.”

Naturally, Conrad Thompson was in a bit of an awkward position. He pointed out that there seem to be two different versions of Eric Bischoff; almost as if Bischoff is acting. He said that the former President of WCW was a good man, helping to raise money for Barry Windham after a heart attack, but then he goes around criticizing Ric Flair and the Four Horsemen.

“I’m not critical; I’m just pointing out facts,” Bischoff asserted. “Why is it that people that are fans of Ric and fans of the Four Horsemen get all bent outta shape when you present facts? I wasn’t being critical of the Four Horsemen; I put them over! They were very, very popular amongst a small regional group of fans. In the business of entertaining the entire country, that small pocket of fans in North Carolina and the Southeast in particular, dug the Four Horsemen.”

Bischoff continued, stating that “The Four Horsemen were great during their era, but they certainly weren’t a national act.”

Thompson and Bischoff then got into one of their trademark arguments about how and why WCW was sold to the WWF, similarities to Jim Crockett Promotions, and more. You can hear the whole debate by downloading the 83 Weeks with Eric Bischoff podcast or by visiting adfreeshows.com.

Incidentally, in news that has absolutely nothing to do with this whole situation, Thompson and Bischoff are selling tickets now for a live podcast recording in ‘the heart of WCW country,’ on January 14.

https://twitter.com/HeyHeyItsConrad/status/1602401679642660873

We wouldn’t be surprised if a certain 16x World Champion found himself in the same area on that day. Because, it’s like we always say…

Controversy Creates Cash.

And for that, we are Grateful.

Matt Riddle Reportedly In Rehab During WWE Hiatus

Samantha Schipman
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Rumors have been swirling about why WWE pulled Matt Riddle off TV a few days ago. The storyline reason is that Solo Sikoa hit Riddle with an Asiatic spike and a Samoan Bulldozer. He was placed in a neck brace and put on a stretcher.

On December 9, WWE tweeted that the Superstar would be out of action for six weeks.

Matt Riddle Sent to Rehab

Matt Riddle
Matt Riddle

Matt Riddle was originally supposed to face Seth Rollins at SummerSlam when the match was inexplicably moved to Clash at the Castle the following month. Bodyslam.net is reporting that Riddle failed a drug test. If he failed another drug test, he would have to go to rehab or be fired.

According to Cassidy Haynes’ reporting, Riddle has either already entered rehab or will start soon. If he has entered a 30-day treatment, he will likely be able to return in the six week timeframe WWE has written him off for. It would put his return before Royal Rumble or WWE could potentially save his return for the rumble match itself.

Haynes also reportedly asked what the failed drug test was for and noted that WWE no longer tests for marijuana.

Watch: Kylie Rae Debuts for WWE Before Monday’s Raw

Robert Lentini
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Former AEW and Impact star Kylie Rae debuted for WWE tonight before this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw during a taping for Main Event. She will perform under the name “Briana Ray” in WWE. She attended a tryout recently at the WWE Performance Center and it apparently went well.

She signed with All Elite Wrestling and was a part of the promotion’s inaugural Double or Nothing event. She was advertised for a match against Leva Bates at Fyter Fester in 2019 but was replaced by Allie (The Bunny). Tony Khan announced during the All Out media scrum that Kylie had been granted her release and the split was “amicable”.

Kylie showed up at Impact Wrestling’s Bound for Glory in 2019 and entered the “Call Your Shot” Gauntlet match. Rae had a match scheduled against Deonna Purrazzo and Bound for Glory 2020 but didn’t appear at the event and was replaced by Su Yung.

Kylie Rae showed up in NWA to team with Taryn Terrell to defeat Thunder Rosa and Melina Perez at When Our Shadows Fall. It was announced that she had signed a contract with NWA in June.

Kylie Rae Signs With NWA Following Agreement With Impact

WWE Raw Results, Takeaways (12/12/22): Bobby Lashley Fired, Alexa Bliss & Bianca Belair

Robert Lentini
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WWE Monday Night Raw airs live tonight from the Fisev Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There were two #1 contenders matches on tonight’s show to determine the challengers for the RAW Women’s and United States Championships.

WWE Raw Results (12/12/22)

  • Alexa Bliss def. Bayley to become #1 contender for the RAW Women’s Championship
  • AJ Styles def. Chad Gable
  • Judgment Day def. Street Profits & Akira Tozawa
  • IYO Sky def. Candice LeRae
  • Solo Sikoa def. Elias
  • Rhea Ripley def. Asuka
  • Seth Rollins def. Bobby Lashley to become the #1 contender for the United States Championship

Here are the takeaways from this week’s episode of WWE RAW:

Becky Lynch Attacks Damage CTRL, Alexa Bliss Earned A Title shot

Bayley was set to battle Alexa Bliss in the first match of the night Becky Lynch attacked IYO SKY and Dakota Kai before the match and chased them through the crowd. Bayley then battled Alexa Bliss in the first match of the night. The winner will earn a shot at Bianca Belair’s RAW Women’s Championship. Bianca Belair made her way to the ringside area for the match.

The action spilled to the outside early and Alexa connected with a Senton off the ring apron. The Role Model battled back with a Sunset Flip Powerbomb but Alexa was able to kick out at two.

Bayley hit the Bayley to Belly but somehow Alexa managed to kick out at two. Bliss knocked Bayley out of the ring and she took a swing at Bianca but the champ blocked it. Back in the ring, Alexa hit a Dropkick and followed it up with Twisted Bliss for the pinfall victory. Alexa Bliss is the #1 contender for the RAW Women’s Championship.

After the match, Alexa Bliss almost hit Bianca Belair with the Sister Abigial but stopped short.

AJ Styles def. Chad Gable

AJ Styles faced Chad Gable of American Alpha tonight on WWE Raw. Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Mia Yim, and Otis was ringside for the match. Styles dominated early and hit a Neckbreaker for a near fall as Elias versus Solo Sikoa was announced for later tonight.

Gable battled back with a Belly to Back Suplex and both superstars were down on the mat. Chad applied an Ankle Lock in the middle of the ring but the Phenomenal One was able to escape. Gable connected with a Northern Lights Suplex but AJ kicked out at two and the match continued. AJ quickly responded with a Styles Clash for the pinfall victory.

Judgment Day Picked Up a Win

Street Profits (Montez Ford, Angelo Dawkins) & Akira Tozawa faced Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damien Priest, Dominik Mysterio) in a 6-man tag team match tonight. Rhea Ripley was ringside for the match.

Damian Priest and Angelo Dawkins started off the action. Priest hit a shoulder tackle and dragged Dawkins to the corner. Dominik tagged in and continued to beat Dawkins down before tagging in Balor.

Finn taunted Tozawa and Ford and it cost him. Montez got the tag and leveled Finn with a Dropkick for a near fall. Tozawa tagged in and booted Finn in the face. Balor drove Akira to the corner and unloaded some chops to his chest.

When RAW returned from a break, Damian sent Ford flying over the announce table. Montez got back in the ring before a ten count and Dominik tagged in. Dominik dominated as Rhea watched on with a smile on her face.

Balor tagged back in and choked Ford against the ropes until the referee broke it up. Dawkins got the tag and planted Balor with a Spinebuster but Dominik broke up the cover at two. Tozawa tagged in and Priest hit the Crucifix Powerbomb. Dominik capitalized with a cover for the victory.

The Miz & Dexter Lumis Will Have a Ladder Match Next Week

Dexter Lumis and Johnny Gargano handed out free WWE merch to the crowd as Raw went to a break. When RAW returned, The Miz tried to get his money back but Adam Pearce stopped him. A Ladder match between Miz and Lumis was set for next week with money suspended above the ring.

IYO SKY def. Candice LeRae

Candice LeRae squared off against IYO SKY tonight on RAW. Dakota Kai and Bayley were ringside for the match. Damage CTRL are set to defend the Women’s Tag Team Championships against Liv Morgan and Tegan Nox this Friday on WWE SmackDown.

LeRae hit a Tornado DDT and went for the cover but IYO kicked out at two. Rhea Ripley versus Asuka was announced for later tonight as IYO battled back and sent Candice to the corner. SKY connected with a Dropkick and knocked Candice out of the ring.

SKY got Candice up in the Electric Chair but she countered into a reverse Hurricanrana and rolled IYO back into the ring. SKY responded with a Northern Lights Suplex for a two count. IYO followed it up with the Moonsault for the pinfall victory.

Kevin Owens Confronted Solo Sikoa

Cathy Kelley interviewed Kevin Owens backstage. Elias interrupted and asked KO to be in his corner tonight. Owens brought up the mental torment he put him through with the whole Ezekiel thing. Owens noted that the last time he was in the ring with Elias he hit him with a guitar. Elias said he needed Owens ringside tonight for his match against Solo Sikoa because The Bloodline will be there.

Elias performed a song for Riddle before the match but Sikoa interrupted. Sami Zayn accompanied The Enforcer of The Bloodline to the ring for the match. Elias attacked Sikoa right away to start off the action as RAW went to a break.

When RAW returned, Sikoa went for a Headbutt but Elias got out of the way. The Drifter battled back and unloaded punches and chops on Sikoa in the corner of the ring. Elias followed it up with a couple of Splashes and a Spinebuster.

Elias hit a knee to the face and a Neckbreaker but Solo was able to kick out at two. Sami tripped Elias up and Sikoa capitalized with a kick to the face. Sikoa followed it up with the Spinning Solo for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Solo Sikoa attacked Elias and hit him with the Samoan Spike as Sami taunted The Drifter. Sikoa got out of the ring and grabbed a steel chair. He wrapped it around Elias’ head but Owens made the save. Owens sprinted down to the ring and hit Sikoa with a Stunner. Owens took the chair off of Elias’ head and challenged Solo to get in the ring but Sikoa retreated with Zayn. Owens planted Elias with a Stunner anyway.

Rhea Ripley def. Asuka

Rhea Ripley faced Asuka tonight. Dominik Mysterio accompanied Rhea to the ring and was ringside for the match. Asuka hit a Hip Attack and knocked Rhea into the ring post. The Empress of Tomorrow followed it up with another Hip Attack to knock Ripley to the floor outside the ring.

When the red brand returned from a break, Ripley went for a Suplex but Asuka countered into a roll-up for a near fall. Asuka and Ripley traded kicks to the head and both superstars fell to the canvas. The Empress connected with a spin kick to the head for a near fall.

Asuka locked in a submission hold in the middle of the ring but Dominik pulled her foot on the bottom rope to break the hold. Asuka spit mist in Dominiik’s face but Rhea capitalized on the distracted by hitting Riptide for the pinfall victory.

Seth Rollins Earned a Title Shot, Bobby Lashley was Fired

Seth Rollins battled Bobby Lashley to determine Austin Theory’s next challenger for the United States Championship.

Before the match, Dolph Ziggler cut a promo backstage and claimed Austin Theory isn’t acting like a champion because he doesn’t know how to put the show on his back. Ziggler added that Theory’s arrogance will be his downfall and ended the promo by saying “watch your back kid”.

Seth Rollins and Lashley battled out of the ring to start off the match. Rollins connected with a running knee off the apron to Bobby’s face before the action returned to the ring.

Bobby sent Rollins right back to the outside with a Back Body Drop and sent him into the steel steps as Austin Theory was shown watching the match backstage.Lashley launched Rollins over the barricade and followed him into the crowd as RAW went to the final commercial break of the night.

When RAW returned, Lashley perched Rollins up on the top turnbuckle and went for a Superplex but Rollins blocked it. Seth bit Bobby on the top of the head and shoved him off the turnbuckle. Rollins hit a Crossbody off the top rope but Lashley kicked out at two.

Seth knocked Lashley out of the ring and connected with a dive through the ropes. Back in the ring, Rollins connected with an impressive Falcon Arrow but Lashley was able to kick out at two. Lashley battled back and bashed Seth’s face into the ring post.

The All Mighty went for a Spear but Rollins jumped over it. Seth booted Lashley in the face for a two count and then made his way to the top rope. Rollins connected with a Frog Splash but somehow Lashley was able to kick out at two. Seth went for the Stomp but Lashley blocked it.

Bobby hit a Powerslam and applied the Hurt Lock. The referee got knocked out of the ring and Lashley hit a Spear. The referee got back into the ring and Seth was able to kick out at two. Lashley went for another Spear but Rollins countered into a Pedigree for the pinfall victory.

Seth Rollins is the #1 contender for the United States Championship. Bobby Lashley was up right away and yelling at the referee again. Lashley elbowed another official in the face and Adam Pearce ran down to the ring. Bobby then shoved Adam Pearce and he fired him to end the show.

New Day’s Latest Ring Gear Influenced by Avatar: The Way of Water

Andrew Ravens
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The New Day is known to incorporate pop culture phenomena into their ring gear as they have sported things such as Power Rangers and Dragon Ball. 

The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) went down to NXT last week to start a program with Pretty Deadly, which led to them working a match over the weekend where Kingston and Woods beat Pretty Deadly to win the NXT Tag Team Championships at the NXT Deadline premium live event.

The Influence

new day wwe
WWE

The tag team had ring gear to honor Avatar: The Way of Water, the sequel to the 2009 smash hit “Avatar.” Shawn Michaels, who oversees NXT creative, stated after Deadline that he is hoping to have The New Day around through the Vengence Day special in February. 

Here is the synopsis for the movie that was written and directed by James Cameron:

“Jake Sully and Ney’tiri have formed a family and are doing everything to stay together. However, they must leave their home and explore the regions of Pandora. When an ancient threat resurfaces, Jake must fight a difficult war against the humans.”

The movie, set to come out December 16, stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, and Kate Winslet.

Matt Riddle Spotted With ‘Adult Performer’ Misha Montana

Robert Lentini
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Matt Riddle has been spotted making out with adult film actress Misha Montana. She uploaded a picture with the former United States Champion on Instagram.

Matt Riddle and Misha Montana
(IG @themishamontana)

Riddle was supposed to team up with Elias to battle The Usos for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships last Monday on WWE RAW. However, The Bloodline attacked Elias at the beginning of the show in the parking lot and Riddle had to find a replacement. Kevin Owens replaced Elias in the match but it wasn’t enough. The Usos hit Riddle with the 1D to retain the titles.

After the match, Solo Sikoa brutally beat Riddle down while paying tribute to Umaga in the process. Riddle was then stretchered out of the arena and it was announced on SmackDown that he is expected to miss six weeks of action.

Riddle’s former tag team partner, Randy Orton, has been out of action since May. RK-Bro lost the SmackDown Tag Team Championship to The Usos on the May 20th edition of the blue brand in Orton’s last match before dealing with a back injury.

Seth Rollins recently mocked Riddle for his divorce and not being able to see his family during their rivalry but it appears that the Original Bro has moved on.

It will be interesting to see if Matt Riddle returns alone to in six weeks to get revenge or Solo Sikoa or if he will have some backup of his own against The Bloodline.

Sting Reveals he Recently Underwent Surgery

Andrew Ravens
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Sting is still going strong after decades of being in the pro wrestling business, but from time to time, he needs to repair his body. 

Two years ago this month, Sting made his debut for All Elite Wrestling at ‘Winter Is Coming’ and to promote the third annual Winter Is Coming event on Wednesday, Sting appeared on The K&C Masterpiece. 

Sting revealed that he underwent surgery six or seven weeks ago to have his knees cleaned out. 

“I just had surgery. It’s been six, seven weeks ago now. Basically just a clean out on my very old knees.”

Needed a Clean

Sting
Sting

Sting was most recently in action for AEW at Full Gear, where he and Darby Allin scored a win over Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal. 

Sting recalled a story about how he blew his shoulders out in a match against Kurt Angle in TNA Wrestling and the surgeon telling him that it looked like a bomb went off inside of his shoulder. 

His recovery from surgery may explain why he didn’t accompany Darby to the ring for his TNT Title match on December 7th. 

H/T POST Wrestling

Ricky Starks Still Optimistic He’ll Get to Work With CM Punk

Michael Reichlin
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Ricky Starks faces the biggest challenge of his career later this week. The former FTW Champion looks to etch his name in the history books when he challenges MJF for the AEW World Heavyweight Championship at Winter is Coming.

Sparks spoke with DAZN about a number of topics, including the opportunity to work closely with CM Punk and William Regal in AEW over the past year.

Punk name-dropped Starks during one of his first promos after returning to pro wrestling. He thinks the ‘Punk thing’ really helped the way fans perceive him, but he’s a bit annoyed they never got to work together in the ring.

“It’s not to stroke my own ego, but it’s about iron sharpening iron,” he said. “I’m definitely a type of person that would be able to benefit from that in terms of just excelling in my talent.”

Starks says he learned a lot from working with Punk and Regal behind the scenes. Punk’s AEW status remains questionable at best, but Starks is still hopeful they’ll get to wrestle at some point down the line.

“I am hopeful that down the line I do get that matchup. If not, then I get it. That’s how the business is. But it would be nice (smiles). It would be nice to be able to work with somebody of that caliber because besides Sting, I’ve yet to work with someone of such a high caliber.”  

Catch Ricky Starks vs. MJF this Wednesday on TBS when AEW presents the special ‘Winter is Coming’ edition of Dynamite.

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