Richard Holliday has provided an update on his status as he is battling cancer.
While speaking to Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, the MLW star revealed that he’s battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma and is halfway through chemotherapy.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” said Holliday. “You never expect this will happen to you. I took such pride in my health, so to get news like this was quite shocking.”
In June, he started experiencing a vicious bout of night sweats. His last match happened on June 23 when he challenged Alex Hammerstone for the MLW World Heavyweight Title in Falls Count Anywhere match at the MLW Fusion tapings.
The Details
Holliday recalled the match and noted he was taking Dayquil to try to get through every day. He said that he felt off, and when he got home, he was freezing and pale white when he left after a month.
In July, he experienced severe dizzy spells and went to the emergency room, where his iron and hemoglobin were dangerously low to the point doctors thought he was anemic. He began taking iron pills to counter that, but his levels continued to check.
“They checked if I had internal bleeding, which I didn’t, and then they ran a litany of tests and a scan of my body for a possible case of lymphoma in September. Those tests confirmed it was Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It was earth-shattering, devastating. But I knew right then I needed to change my mindset. The mind powers the body, so I needed to stay positive. I was reassured by my doctor that I could beat this, and I believe I am going to beat this. My plan is not to lose to lymphoma; my plan is to inspire people. I’m going to come out of this stronger, and I’m going to let people know they can beat it, too.”
Holliday stated that he doesn’t know when he will return to the ring but is adamant that he will beat cancer as he can’t stop thinking about making a return to in-ring action.
WWE is holding talent tryouts at the Performance Center this week in Orlando, Florida, as the company looks to sign new talent and hopes to find its next breakout star.
The company also held a two-day tryout in Tampa, Florida, recently. The company has a new recruitment strategy to find talent as they scout former college athletes and established independent wrestlers.
Among those in attendance was Melanie Brzezenski, a bodybuilder from the University of Tampa, and former USF football player Darrien Grant.
Preparation
December 1, 2022, Bradenton, Florida, USA: Melanie Brzezinski, of Tampa, performs her group promo for judges during a WWE tryout event at the IMG Academy East Campus on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, in Bradenton. Bradenton USA – ZUMAs70_ 0195985803st Copyright: xJeffereexWoox
“I got a personal trainer back in July, and I said to him that I have one goal and one goal only,” Brzezenski told ABC Action News. “That is to get into the WWE.”
Brzezenski, who goes by “Rosie Ray,’’ applied six times to qualify for a tryout. She was offered a WWE developmental contract after trying out.
Former WWE Champion Big E helped evaluate the talent as he is still recovering from suffering a broken neck earlier this year.
“We’re putting them through the paces of rolling in the ring, hitting the ropes, doing the bumps, and see how they react, seeing how they learn day-to-day,” he said. “But also, we’re seeing them on the microphone, seeing how their promos are. That’s a huge part of it. That’s what we do is having these larger-than-life characters.”
Former AEW/Impact star Kylie Rae and former MLW talent K.C. Navarro are taking part in the tryout this week in Orlando, Florida.
Naomi has been off WWE television since ‘walking out’ of a Raw taping back on May 16 due to creative differences with company company.
Cargill is scheduled to compete on Wednesday’s edition of AEW Dynamite. She’ll team up Baddies Red Velvet and Leila Grey against Madison Rayne, Skye Blue and former Baddie Kiera Hogan.
When the COVID-19 pandemic happened in 2020, WWE held its events at the Performance Center as the world shut down.
WWE NXT has made the Performance Center its home since then, but it looks like the brand will be taken on the road for big events starting in February.
According to WrestleVotes, the “Vengeance Day” Premium Live Event will take place in Charlotte, NC. The Twitter account tweeted out the following:
Taking The Show on The Road
(WWE)
“Hearing some great news out of the PC this afternoon, source states NXT is returning to the road for their future Premium Live Events. Starting with “Vengeance Day” on February 4th from Charlotte, NC.”
It’s unclear the venue that the brand will use for the show, although it’s likely to be booked at a smaller venue. In October, Shawn Michaels, who oversees creative for the brand, stated that WWE had no plans to book large buildings like they had been a few years ago for TakeOver shows.
WWE will present its Deadline special this Saturday with the main event of NXT Champion Bron Breakker defending the belt against Apollo Crews.
Maxwell Jacob Friedman is a humble young man, perhaps best known for his selflessness, kindness and compassion. Who are we kidding? He is a raging, egomaniacal narcissist who would probably marry himself if he could.
MJF now has the hardware to back up his grandiose feelings of self-satisfaction. As the reigning AEW World Heavyweight Champion, he’s more emboldened than ever. We’re just weeks into his MJF’s Reign of Terror and he’s already getting started reshaping the role of world champion in his own image.
Last week on Dynamite, we got a first glimpse at MJF’s custom AEW World championship belt. He also announced that he does not plan on defending the title as frequently as past champions, a stance some would call wise and others would call cowardly.
The Nickname
MJF appears will bre running with a new moniker, Mystic Max. On Tuesday, he posted a thread on Twitter showing off some of his biggest moments during his time in AEW. He included a caption containing a recent quote by who else but himself.
“Just call me Mystic Max because I have a feeling your happiness will soon turn into resentment, because you people are Fickle”
“Just call me Mystic Max because I have a feeling your happiness will soon turn into resentment, because you people are Fickle”- MJF pic.twitter.com/IyJSu1Vah1
Mystic is defined as, ‘inspiring a sense of spiritual mystery, awe, and fascination.’
Sounds just like our pal Max.
MJF’s next World title challenger is Ricky Starks, who won an eliminator tournament to earn a championship opportunity at Winter is Coming. MJF name dropped Eddie Kingston during his first promo since winning the world title, so a match between these two is likely in the works for early 2023.
House of Black made their long-awaited return to AEW on Thanksgiving Eve. They took out Best Friends, Orange Cassidy, and The Factory. On the latest episode of The Sessions with Renee Paquette, Brody King delves into his band, working in Hollywood, and wrestling for AEW.
King didn’t want to be off television when Malakai Black and Buddy Matthews were away from AEW. “I didn’t want to do it. I didn’t want to take a break because I feel like I had a lot of momentum at the time. Not just that, I just felt like I was really getting in my groove in AEW and like showing who Brody King, the professional wrestler was.”
“I got to wrestle Darby twice. I got to wrestle Jon and I feel like those three matches really put me on the map where people were just like ‘oh, he’s just Malakai’s side kick’ to ‘oh, shit. He’s like a threat.’ And those were the moments I was waiting for. It was never me questioning if I could do it, it was like when I can do it.”
“And I feel like it all came at the right time and I was worried about it taking the momentum away. We made this return and it was awesome and the whole crowd was standing on their feet. And I feel like it was almost like we didn’t miss a step. I feel like that’s really rare in wrestling because fans are so — I don’t want to say fickle — but they forget about you quickly. For them to give us that reception was awesome.”
The return of House of Black
(AEW)
When asked about the faction, King declared its “us versus everyone. Kind of how we live our lives outside in the world. Like me and Malakai both come from hardcore music. He kind of dips more into black metal and stuff like that. Whereas I stay kind of in my lane, more hardcore punk, like death metal adjacent. (…) We have the same thought process when it comes to the world. Then, like how we conduct ourselves. We’re very much on the same page when it comes to that. So it makes it easy when we’re coming up with concepts of how we want to look, how we want to present ourselves.”
“I feel like when it comes to AEW, we are delivering a product that they don’t have. And I feel like in wrestling, we’re delivering a product that nobody has. There’s people that have the ‘spooky’ gimmick or whatever you want to call it. But it’s like, this is authentic to us. This isn’t us putting on a costume and pretending to like the music that we like. We have deep knowledge on all things that we’re doing, you know? Malakai reads all these weird, old books on witchcraft and black magic and stuff. I’m constantly reading comic books and playing Magic: The Gathering and listening to alternative music, so it’s like we never want to present something we’re not actually involved in.”
Brody King Talks About Adding Julia Hart
Photo Credit: Scott Lesh
King says they are not currently looking to expand House of Black. “I’d say right now, we are very much kind of a hive mind. We all kind of want the same thing and know the trajectory that we want to go in. Bringing in Julia was interesting because obviously on the outside –19 year-old cheerleader makes no sense to be with us — but then she joins the group and it’s like she fits in perfectly.”
“Even when it came down to making her music, my best friend, Colin — he plays drums and writes all the music in God’s Hate — him and his brothers have like, a million bands, but they’re known and very respected in the hardcore scene. Their band, Dead Body, actually wrote the new House of Black theme, he wrote Julia Hart’s theme, he wrote the theme that Evil Danhausen came out to. He’s like a massive wrestling fan too. He didn’t make it to be a wrestler, but to have his influence in wrestling now is really cool for him.”
Hart had input on what she wanted her music to sound like. She told them she likes Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson. When she told them that, King said “it was like, there’s more here than we think. Before All Out me and my wife took her to the mall to find something for her entrance gear. We’ve become like her wrestling parents. She found this black dress and then just picked up the hat and we’re like, ‘yeah, that’s it.’ Now people are calling her ‘Tiny ‘Taker’ and she has like this Stevie Nicks vibe. She was like this bubbly, sweet teenager and now’s she’s like the most Resting Bitch Face on Earth.”
House of Black Will Be Trios Champions
King believe it’s a matter of time before they have the Trios Titles. “We’re waiting for our time. It’s wrapped up in this best-of-seven series, but I feel like with time, you will see House of Black go after those titles and take those titles at some point.”
He also believes that he and Allin are destined to keep wrestling each other since they’ve been opponents in Evolve and PWG. His dream opponent is Samoa Joe. “Not to sound like a fanboy, but he’s probably my favorite wrestler of all time. (…) I think he is the perfect wrestler and I would love to test myself against him.” Outside of AEW wrestlers, he’d love to wrestle Shingo Takagi and Kazuchika Okada.
The premiere date is set for the upcoming documentary on the life and career of Ric Flair.
Peacock announced that “Becoming Ric Flair” will premiere on December 26 on Peacock. The two-hour documentary is a partnership between WWE and Tom Rinaldi.
“Many stories have been told about The Nature Boy over the past 50 years,” said Flair, “I’m thrilled to have partnered with WWE and Peacock to produce the most accurate depiction of my life to date and hope audiences enjoy the ride. Woooo!”
Here’s the official trailer for Woooooo! Becoming Ric Flair:
Flair has previously said the documentary would be better than his ESPN 30 For 30 documentary and that the “bullsh*t” from Dark Side of the Ring would be addressed.
Flair came under fire after the Dark Side of the Ring episode aired because of Flair’s alleged behavior towards a flight attendant Heidi Doyle on the trip. Flair was accused of taking his clothes off and forcing himself on her.
“16-time World Champion and 2-time WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair is one of the most prolific and controversial superstars in professional wrestling history. Flair is a true American icon: from his famous “Woooo” that is still heard in stadiums and arenas throughout the US, to his influence on hip hop music.
At 73 years-old Flair remains a constant in American pop culture, but who is the real man behind the outrageous persona? Finally, Flair reveals all, opening up about his storied career, inside and outside of the ring, over the last 50 years.
Hulk Hogan, Mike Tyson, Post Malone, Stephen A. Smith, and Charlotte Flair are among those who join Flair in telling the tale of the man behind ‘The Man.’”
Flair and WWE parted ways in August 2021 after he requested his release.
Drew McIntyre is expected to miss a few weeks of action after being medically disqualified from this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown on FOX.
During Raw, it was announced that McIntyre won’t be teaming with SmackDown this Friday to challenge Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos.
Injury
On the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that McIntyre’s medical disqualification stems from an injury.
He is injured. I was told an injury, but it’s not from a firsthand source. But he’s supposed to be back for the Christmas show. So it’s only a couple of weeks, I know that.”
Dave Meltzer.
Details remain unclear as to what exact injury the two-time former WWE Champion recently suffered.
The Will to Compete
McIntyre has been pulled from this Friday’s match, and nobody is more disappointed than the Scottish Warrior himself.
On his show, Meltzer explained that Drew was adamant about competing despite not being cleared by WWE’s medical team.
“He wanted to wrestle and they would not let him wrestle. But it’s not like it’s going to be a long-term thing, at least as it stands right now.”
Dave Meltzer.
With McIntyre on the shelf, Butch will team with Sheamus for the title match.
Sasha Banks (Mercedes Varnado) has secured some interesting trademarks that provide some insight into her future plans. The trademarks were registered on behalf of her company, Soulnado, Inc., which was formed in August 2022.
The filings are clearly not WWE-related. The trademarks are listed for categories such as jewelry, decals, clothing, action figures, and entertainment services.
Performances by an Actor or Musician
Last week (December 1), she applied to trademark her real name, Mercedes Varnado.
The ‘Goods and Services’ usage description provides some interesting clues about what she’s planning for her professional career. There are some references to wrestling, but most of the description covers ‘live performances by an actor or musician.’
Entertainment services in the nature of live audio performances by an actor or musician;
Entertainment services in the nature of live visual and audio performances by an actor;
Entertainment services in the nature of live visual and audio performances by an actor or musician;
Entertainment in the nature of wrestling contests;
Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibits and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer;
Entertainment services, namely, live appearances by a professional wrestler, actor, and musician;
Entertainment services, namely, personal appearances by a professional wrestler, actor, and musician; Entertainment services, namely, providing music tours in the nature of live musical performances;
Last month, Banks posted a cryptic video that teased, “there’s going to be something so f***ing crazy coming” in the very near future.
Becky Lynch delivered an emotional address to the live crowd after Monday’s edition of WWE Raw went off the air.
Lynch is one of the most popular pro wrestlers in the world. She’s risen to the top of WWE and that doesn’t happen without the fans. Throughout her journey, including some disappointing setbacks and injuries, the WWE Universe has kept her motivated and hopeful.
‘The Man’ competed on Raw against Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross in a triple threat match. Just as she was about to score the win, Damage CTRL interfered and cost her the win.
After USA Network’s broadcast of Raw concluded, Lynch took a moment to speak from the heart and tell the people how much they mean to her.
“I just want to say thank you to each and every one of you for supporting me on my journey,” said Lynch. “I missed you guys so much, and there is no limit to what I would do to prove my love for you, for everything that you’ve shown me.”
Based on the events that transpired on the show, it appears Lynch will continue feuding with Bayley, Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky as the year closes out and we head into the Royal Rumble.
Here’s video of Becky Lynch speaking to fans after the December 5 edition of Monday Night Raw, courtesy of Twitter user @Beckyonly:
The days are getting darker. The winds are getting colder and that can only mean one thing.
The Holidays are coming!
Each year, WWE makes sure to air a Holiday episode, complete with Christmas trees and other sights associated with the most wonderful time of the year.
Countless Superstars and personalities have donned the iconic red and white suit of Santa Claus himself, but not all did so with the best of intentions.
Here are five Santas from wrestling who will be getting coal in their stocking this Christmas.
5: Damien Sandow
Damian Sandow’s 2013 ended with him on the naughty list after losing to the World’s Strongest Santa Mick Foley.
For Damien Sandow, 2013 could be best described as a ‘mixed year.’
After winning the SmackDown Money in the Bank contract, Sandow seemed on the cusp of becoming World Heavyweight Champion, but failed in his cash-in attempt on John Cena.
By December, Sandow had fallen down the card dramatically and played the role of ‘evil Santa’ on the December 23, Raw.
Facing off against the World’s Strongest Santa Mark Henry, Sandow had little chance, and what started as a promising year for the intellectual ended on a dud.
4: Bubba Ray Dudley
Tajiri used a festive red mist to defeat Bubba Ray Dudley in a Santa Vs. Santa match in 2001.
For much of the Invasion storyline, Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley were key players in the Alliance and would hold the WWF and WCW World Tag Team Titles.
Even after the Alliance was defeated, the Dudleys remained, and Bubba would don the iconic red suit for the Christmas Eve Raw.
Facing off against SanTa-jiri, Bubba earned himself on the naughty list with his heel antics throughout the match.
To their credit, both men would put on an entertaining match despite their costumes, and Bubba even used some Santa-themed taunts to rile the crowd.
In the end, Tajiri’s mist (festive red of course!) would give the Japanese Buzzsaw the win in a highly-entertaining match.
3: Bobby Heenan
Bobby Heenan tried to reveal s hocking secret while dressed as Santa Claus.
Rightly considered one of the greatest heel managers in wrestling history, Bobby Heenan earned himself a spot on the naughty list countless times with his actions.
On Christmas Day in 1989, Heenan took to Prime Time Wrestling for what he called his ‘Santa Claus Shoot,’ in which he declared to the world that Kris Kringle isn’t real.
No doubt breaking the hearts of children watching, Heenan’s rant was cut short by Roddy Piper, who told the kids Santas is real, and pushed and prodded the famed manager.
Heenan, in typical fashion, tried to talk his way out of being beaten up by Piper, and we imagine that The Brain got coal in his stocking the next year.
Of course, this Santa suit wouldn’t be the only costume Heenan would don on-screen, but his other, more iconic outfit, would be that of a weasel.
2: Xanta Claus
Xanta Claus, played by Balls Mahoney, showed that everybody has a price for the Million Dollar Man.
For In Your House 5: Seasons Beatings, Santa Claus took a break from a busy December to appear for the World Wrestling Federation, handing out presents with Savio Vega.
Confronting Million Dollar Men Ted DiBiase in the ring, it seemed the numbers were in the good guys’ favor until the unthinkable happened.
Santa Claus sold out!
Attacking Vega and aligning with DiBiase, the man was now Xanta Claus (hailing from the South Pole,) a pretender to the role who had been paid off by DiBiase.
Xanta’s one and only match would come on the Superstars of Wrestling show on December 19, defeating Scott Taylor, but the character would last a few weeks after Christmas.
Years later, Xanta would return to WWE, but under his more recognizable name as Balls Mahoney, and his actions showed that everyone has a price for the Million Dollar Man.
1: John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield
Like Damien Sandow at the start of this list, 2005 was not the best year for John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield.
In April, his ten-month-long reign as WWE Champion ended at the hands of John Cena, ushering in Cena’s rise to the top of wrestling, and the Texan would fail to regain the gold.
That December, JBL donned a camouflaged Santa outfit for that year’s Tribute to the Troops in Baghdad, and berated the troops for the
Complaining about having to use a porta-potty for his rosy backside and the lack of Dom Perignon for his reindeer, and even threatened to cancel Christmas.
JBL’s Santa didn’t stop there, threatening to cancel all holidays (even Bastille Day!) but his plans were thwarted by WWE’s resident Santa, Mick Foley.
Facing off in a match to determine the true Santa of WWE, Foley got the win with a literal bag of tricks and Mr. Socko.
JBL’s berating of the troops was certainly not becoming of Jolly Ol’ St. Nick, and when you consider his actions as a character (and his history of hazing and bullying) JBL has a lifetime spot on the naughty list.
AEW Dark is coming back to Orlando after spending the past few months on the road, Fightful Select has learned.
It is reported that the “working plan” is for Dark tapings to return to Orlando’s Universal Studios on December 17, marking the first taping at the center since August.
From September 2021 to August of this year, AEW was at Universal Studios every four to six weeks to tape content for Dark.
Since August, has been taping Dark on the road in front of live audiences, allowing wrestlers more experience traveling and working in front of different crowds.
Several AEW Dark regulars who spoke to Fightful said they are hoping to pop back up on the tapings when they returned to the Orlando area.
Fightful said they have not been told whether tapings for Dark will stay in Orlando, or go back on the road in the new year.
When AEW films Dark on the road, it allows the promotion to get a better look at local wrestlers wherever they are at.
AEW Dark
Launching in October 2019, AEW Dark marks the second weekly show for All Elite Wrestling, after AEW Dynamite.
The show airs each week on AEW’s official YouTube channel, with 173 episodes having aired to date.
Justin Roberts and Dasha Gonzalez (both former WWE talent) share roles as ring announcers, while Excalibur and Taz call the action on commentary.
In March 2021, Dark got its own sister show AEW Dark: Elevation, which showcases the younger talent that may not quite be ready for Dark, Dynamite or AEW Rampage.
Matt Hardy has big plans for his final-ever match, including facing a WWE Hall of Famer.
Hardy’s wrestling career began in 1992 and has seen Matt hold gold in WWE, TNA/Impact Wrestling, and Ring of Honor.
In April 2020, Hardy made his debut for All Elite Wrestling where he competes to this day.
Retirement
With 30 years in the wrestling business, Matt is fully aware that his days as an active competitor are coming to an end.
Speaking on his ‘Extreme Life’ podcast, Hardy revealed that he wants The Hardy Boyz’ final match to be against Edge & Christian.
“Our rivalry is just so iconic. I feel like that would be a pretty amazing way to end it, having one last match with those guys.”
Matt Hardy.
No Mercy 1999
The Hardys and Edge & Christian faced off countless times in WWE, but perhaps their best-known match took place at No Mercy 1999.
In the finals of the Terri Invitation Tournament (or T.I.T as Jerry Lawler reminded fans on commentary), the two teams faced off in the first tag-team ladder match in WWE history.
With their win, the Hardyz (then known as the New Brood) won $100,000 and the managerial services of Terri Runnels.
In their memoirs, ‘Exist 2 Inspire’ the Hardyz wrote that the four celebrated the match backstage with beers, the first time either Matt or Jeff drank alcohol.
The death-defying spots would cement both teams as ‘legitimate’ in the eyes of fans, with John Powell of SLAM! Wrestling writing at the time that the match overshadowed the Triple H Vs. Steve Austin WWF Title main event.
The Usos put their Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions on the line tonight on WWE RAW.
It was the first match of the night but it didn’t go off as planned. The Bloodline arrived to the arena but was immediately interrupted by Matt Riddle on his scooter. Elias showed up and The Bloodline beat him down.
Matt Riddle had to find another tag team partner in quick fashion but luckily there was someone backstage that hates The Bloodline. Kevin Owens joined Riddle in the tag title match but it was not meant to be. The Usos isolated Riddle and caught him with the 1D for the pinfall victory and retained the titles.
Jimmy and Jey are scheduled to defend the tag titles once again this Friday night at WWE SmackDown once again. The match was announced as the winner of the tag title match on RAW will defend against Sheamus and Drew McIntyre on SmackDown.
Drew announced on social media today that he has been “medically disqualified” and cannot compete in the title match this Friday.
Unfortunately I am medically disqualified to compete this Friday on #Smackdown I don’t like to miss any shows as everybody knows but I promise I’ll be back soon
The Usos took to Twitter and claimed that McIntyre wasn’t really medically disqualified and is just scared to face them.
After the tag title match tonight on WWE Raw, Solo Sikoa brutally beat down Matt Riddle to the point where he needed to be stretchered out. Sikoa paid homage to Umaga and hit Riddle with the Samoan Spike and the Samoan Bulldozer during the attack.
Umaga was the brother of Rikishi, and uncle to The Usos and Solo Sikoa. He passed away at just 36 years old in 2009.
Jon Moxley lost the AEW World Championship to Maxwell Jacob Friedman, aka MJF, in the main event of AEW Full Gear.
Moxley had put the company on his back following the disastrous media scrum after All Out in September. Jon lost the title to CM Punk in the main event but wound up getting it back at Dynamite: Grand Slam by winning the Tournament of Champions.
William Regal was the lead of the Blackpool Combat Club for a few months but is now on his way back to WWE. Jon entered into a rivalry with Hangman Page after he returned from injury last week.
This week on Wednesday Night #AEWDynamite, we'll hear from the 3-time #AEW World Champ @JonMoxley for the 1st time since the return of former AEW World Champion #HangmanPage, who has Mox in his sights!#AEWDynamite will be LIVE from Austin, TX this Wednesday @ 8pmET/7pmCT on TBS pic.twitter.com/yjAK9A0n6p
Jim Cornette on What is Next for Jon Moxley, Hangman Page as World Champion
Jim Cornette recently discussed former AEW World Champion Jon Moxley on episode 460 of the Jim Cornette Experience.
He wondered what AEW should do with Jon Moxley after he’s lost his championship and Wiliam Regal is no longer with the company. Cornette said that Jon should be facing off against a young heel that wanted to rub in his loss at the PPV.
Now’s the time to get a guy that’s on the ascent, a young heel, to go in there and have a program. And Moxley can probably win some or most of those, as long as you keep the young heel credible.
But it make that guy a step up the ladder working with the ex-World Champion. And as a matter of fact, Moxley should go back after MJF, and that heel that I was just speaking of that doesn’t exist, because it’s Hangnail (Hangman Adam Page).
He should be the one to f*** Moxley out of a rematch or in his rematch. But the time to plan all that was before the guy dropped the title.
Cornette claimed that Hangman Page has added nothing to his presentation since his AEW World Championship run. Jim claimed that Hangman Page has been the most disappointing champion so far.
If this is what they figured out for it to be, bleh. They are rewarding Page again for pretty much starting this whole goddamn fiasco.
He’s worthless as an attraction to begin with because the only people that want to see that bland, boring-ass imitation cowboy face are the same people that want to see the EVPs, which is shrinking by the week.
It’s the whole clown club. Page was the biggest disappointment that they’ve had as a World Champion and he’s added nothing to make himself any more interesting.
You can’t even turn Page heel because he’s so bland and disinteresting.
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit the Jim Cornette Experience and give a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.
Alexa Bliss and Bayley will battle on next week’s episode of WWE RAW to determine Bianca Belair’s next challenger.
The EST has held the title since WrestleMania 38 and has already defeated Bayley numerous times. Bayley defeated Asuka and Rhea Ripley in a Triple Threat match to earn a spot in the #1 contender’s match next week.
In the main event of this week’s WWE RAW, Alexa Bliss battled Becky Lynch and Nikki Cross in a Triple Threat match. Becky appeared to be in control but IYO SKY and Dakota Kai of Damage CTRL interfered in the match.
They Powerbombed Becky through the announce table as Alexa hit Twisted Bliss on Nikki Cross for the pinfall victory. Alexa and Bayley will battle next week to determine Bianca Belair’s next opponent for the RAW Women’s Championship.
Cathey Kelly interviewed Alexa Bliss backstage following her big victory tonight in the main event of WWE RAW. Alexa was asked how she is preparing for her #1 contenders match against Bayley next week and Bliss said
You know, we’ve had a lot of run-ins with Damage CTRL, including Bayley herself. And I think I’m prepared for Bayley this time.
Last time I wasn’t really finding my footing, but recently I have this newfound aggression and I think I’m really going to channel that with Bayley. I’m excited for next week.
William Regal has reportedly exited All Elite Wrestling after just 9 months with the company.
He arrived at AEW Revolution and convinced Bryan Danielson and Jon Moxley to work together in the Blackpool Combat Club. The group had such promise, but frittered into nothing over time.
Claudio Castagnoli and Bryan Danielson are involved in an interminable rivalry with Jericho Appreciation Society while Jon Moxley was AEW World Champion. William Regal betrayed Jon Moxley at AEW Full Gear by bashing him over the head with brass knuckles to gift MJF the title. MJF then betrayed William Regal on last week’s Dynamite and hit him with the brass knuckles. Regal was stretchered out of the arena as his send off.
Jim Cornette on the Rumors Surrounding William Regal’s Exit from AEW
ECIII claimed that Regal immediately regretted signing with AEW because of “maturity issues” within management. Cornette noted that William Regal is not the only legend the younger wrestlers apparently aren’t listening to as Rampage sets a new record-low rating this week.
Speaking on episode 460 of the Jim Cornette Experience, the legendary manager discussed the rumored comments by the former NXT GM.
Let’s see now, JR (Jim Ross) gave advice and was publicly ridiculed on Twitter and on social media by the young folks over there for trying to give advice.
Punk, said well you know nobody wants to listen to anybody’s advice. Ol’ Hangnail (Hangman Page) actually came out and said ‘no, I don’t look forward or listen to much advice’.
Do you think there might be something to this? A maturity issue within management. Almost like the people at the actual top of the company have never done any of this before.
But yet won’t take advice from people who have. It’s almost like that but that can’t be right because that is what we have been saying for quite some f***ing time now, is it not?
Jim Cornette noted that he wasn’t just talking about the talent being inexperienced.
Tony’s never done any of the sh** he’s trying to do before in his life except as we know now from his public comments, with his two other e-fed friends where they would book their e-federation for each other. And it was amazing that even though the fans in the arenas weren’t real they could get the feel of what was getting over.
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit the Jim Cornette Experience and give a H/T to SEScoops.
William Regal is expected to return to WWE in the near future, but this is something that the NXT roster has been waiting on.
Regal was released in January of this year from his role with the gold brand, as part of sweeping cuts to the backstage crew in NXT.
The former WWE Intercontinental, European, and Tag Team Champion would debut for AEW at the Revolution Pay-Per-View in March 2023.
Discussion
After being written off AEW TV last week with an attack by MJF, it has been reported that Regal will be finishing up with the promotion this month.
One popular theory among fans is that Tony Khan had an agreement with Regal, stating that if Triple H took control of the company, then he’d be allowed to return.
Speaking on Wrestling Observer Live, Bryan Alvarez said that this idea has been discussed for months among the NXT roster.
“This is a story that goes back in NXT months, and months ago. They believed that story whenever it first happened. Some don’t believe it, but it’s a story that’s been going around NXT for MONTHS.”
Bryan Alverez.
Neither WWE, Khan, nor Regal have publicly confirmed reports that he is set to leave All Elite Wrestling and return to WWE.
Departure
Regal’s departure from AEW has come as a shock to fans, as the British legend has been featured prominently since arriving as part of the Blackpool Combat Club.
Speaking to Sportskeeda last week, EC3 claimed that what he was told is that Regal “immediately” regretted joining the promotion earlier this year.
It is claimed that Regal took issue with the “maturity issue” with management, though sources have labeled the rumor of AEW’s roster not listening to Regal as ‘completely inaccurate.’
Last week, she made a deal with a former WWE Superstar who happens to be a big Kansas City Chiefs fan. Since the two teams were facing off yesterday, the two made a fun bet.
Mojo Rawley’s wager was that if the Chiefs won, Paquette would have to dress up as him and act like him on her podcast. If the Bengals won, Rawley would have to wear a hot dog costume on her show.
Bet Wager Between Renee Paquette and Mojo Rawley
Mojo Rawley (Photo: WWE)
The Brodough app sponsored their bet. With the app, you can create bets with others while raising money for charity. Fans could get involved with this bet by using donation links and whomever raised the most money wins the challenge and the proceeds go to the winner’s charity. Rawley’s charity of choice was Mental Health America, while Paquette chose the SPCA of Cincinnati.
In the end, the Bengals held on in a thrilling victory with a final of 27-24. Paquette quickly took to Instagram to celebrate via her Instastory. She also posted a reel highlighting her day.
No date has been set for when Rawley has to pay up.
All Elite Wrestling and its roster’s attitude toward coaching has been a hotly debated subject since the All Out “Press Conference From Hell,” when CM Punk vented frustrations – among a number of subjects – at Hangman Adam Page for not being open to coaching from the former AEW, WWE, and ROH champ.
The latest controversy was from Ethan Carter III, who said William Regal was frustrated with talent not taking up offers to coach them prior to AEW shows and said management had maturity issues.
Several AEW sources said the story wasn’t true and blasted Carter for floating it. One source with the company described it as, “completely inaccurate.” One source noted Carter and James being frustrated themselves at not landing jobs in AEW and neither them or Russo have ever been with the company.
“There was no formal coaching session, where it was something that was scheduled or anything like that. Usually he would go down to the ring to help someone, and word would spread, like, “Hey, Regal is down in the ring.” The source said Dustin Rhodes trains younger women’s wrestlers on the roster. He also said Danielson has worked with people regularly and sessions included talent that appeared regularly on Dynamite or Rampage.
“I can’t believe this is a story,” another source said. “It’s complete bullshit. There was never some schedule you had to be down at the ring and people blew it off, and (Regal) was never going to flat tell someone they had to come to the ring so he could coach them. Regal would work with someone, people would go down and show up, a lot of people took advantage of it. Other vets do it all the time. It’s always the younger women and men. Sometimes someone would work with someone one on one, other times there could be quite a few people down. It was totally informal.”
“Regal would even sit in the stands with guys to talk about the fans point of view, or the point of view of watching on TV,” another source said. “He would tell you about making sure to know how you are looking to fans as you come to the ring or how you would look on TV. He said to make sure you’re always really nice to the camera guys, they’re the ones who make you look good (laughing).”
Regal was the on-screen manager of the Blackpool Combat Club since debuting with AEW in March. Several wrestling news sites have reported Regal will be leaving AEW for a return to WWE and would begin work there in 2023. Regal was released by WWE nearly a year ago.
Since then, his friend Paul Levesque has been named head of creative after Vince McMahon was investigated for multiple sex scandals and subsequent payoffs within the company. His son, Charlie Dempsey – who had wrestled as Bailey Matthews was brought to NXT from NXT UK in August. Dempsey scored his first win in the company early last month. Regal’s contract status is unknown, but it’s been speculated he will exercise an out clause. Regal’s relationship with Levesque goes back to the early 1990s in WCW, when Regal mentored him when the two were tag team partners. The two have been close friends for 20 years. Levesque was instrumental in bringing Regal to WWE in the early 2000s and making him a mainstay in WWE’s developmental system after he retired from wrestling.
Cain Velasquez’s run with Lucha Libre AAA is set to continue after wrestling this past weekend at AAA’s live event in Arizona while out of jail on a $1 million bail.
Velasquez requested permission for him to wrestle at the show because the event was held at his alma mater, Arizona State University. He had to take and pay for a law enforcement officer with him on the trip to make it happen.
In a trios bout, he teamed with Blue Demon Jr. and Pagano to defeat Gringo Loco, Sam Adonis & Taurus.
More Dates
Cain Velasquez
Wrestling Inc reports that the two sides are set to work together for further dates as Velasquez has reached a verbal agreement with the promotion where he is slated to do five shows with the option of wrestling at more beyond that.
It is a per-appearance agreement with no full-time deal yet agreed to, and Velasquez is “in the mix” to work their upcoming show in Carson, California, on WrestleMania weekend.
The former UFC Heavyweight Champion/former WWE star is facing attempted murder charges stemming from a February incident. He allegedly chased down a man and fired a weapon into a truck that contained several people. In the vehicle was a man who allegedly sexually assaulted both his child and one of his relatives.
Pro Wrestling Illustrated officially announced that its PWI Tag Team 100 list has been finalized, and The Usos have been named the No. 1 tag team in the professional wrestling world for the year.
The list was expanded from 50 to 100 teams for 2022. This marks the first time The Usos earned the honor and the first time a WWE team was honored.
The award was first introduced in 2020, and over the past two years, it was won by AEW’s FTR and The Young Bucks. The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) were ranked #1 in 2021, while The Usos were #4.
FTR had a strong argument to win the award again this year as they’re the current ROH, IWGP, and AAA Tag Team Champions. However, it’s hard to argue that the accomplishments Jimmy and Jey didn’t make them the best tag team in the world.
They unified the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Championships and broke The New Day’s record for the longest tag title reign in WWE history as they surpassed 500 consecutive days last week.
The Usos competed against the likes of RK-Bro (Matt Riddle & Randy Orton), The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins), The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods), and more while being part of The Bloodline alongside Roman Reigns during the evaluation period.
They defended the titles on Monday Night Raw against Matt Riddle and Kevin Owens.
WWE Raw airs live tonight from the Capital One Arena in Washington DC. JBL will hold a high-stakes poker tournament on this week’s edition of Raw. Akira Tozawa recently took all of JBL & Baron Corbin’ money during a poker game but later lost to Corbin in a singles match.
WWE Raw Results
The Usos def. Matt Riddle & Kevin Owens to retain the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships
Bayley def. Asuka & Rhea Ripley in a Triple Threat match to advance to the #1 contenders match next week
Austin Theory def. Mustafa Ali via DQ to retain the US Title
The OC def. Alpha Academy & Baron Corbin
Dominik def. Akira Tozawa
Alexa Bliss def. Nikki Cross & Becky Lynch in a Triple Threat match to advance to the #1 contenders match next week
Here are the takeaways from this week’s WWE Raw:
The Bloodline Attacked Elias
The Bloodline kicked off tonight’s show and beat Elias down in the parking lot. The Usos were set to defend the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships against Riddle and Elias tonight but The Drifter was ruled out after the attack.
The Usos Retained, Solo Sikoa Brutally Attacked Matt Riddle
The Bloodline made their way to the ring and Matt Riddle interrupted. Matt said their attack wasn’t very Ucey but Sami Zayn disagreed. The Honorary Uce hyped up The Bloodline members as being Ucey. Riddle introduced Kevin Owens as his tag team partner for the match tonight against The Usos.
Owens and Jey Uso started off the match. KO and Riddle dominated as RAW went to a break. When Raw returned, The Usos battled back and Jey planted Riddle with a Neckbreaker as RAW went to another break.
When Raw returned, Jimmy hit KO with a Superkick as WWE tweeted out Butch will be replacing Drew McIntyre as Sheamus’ partner this Friday.
BREAKING: The winners of this Undisputed Tag Team Title Match on #WWERaw will be defending against @WWESheamus and BUTCH this Friday on #SmackDown!
Back in the ring, The Usos isolated Riddle in the middle of the ring. The Usos hit the 1D for the pinfall victory. After the match, The Bloodline attacked Riddle in the middle of the ring. Kevin Owens broke it up with a steel chair and chased everyone to the back. Solo Sikoa stayed behind and attacked Riddle. Sikoa hit the Samoan Spije and then a Senton in the corner. Sikoa grabbed a steel chair and slid it into the ring. Sikoa put a steel chair on Riddle’s head and hit another Senton.
Bayley came to the ring during WWE RAW but was interrupted by Becky Lynch during her entrance. The Role Model complained about Becky always getting the spotlight and claimed she didn’t care about the WWE Universe. Lynch noted that Damage CTRL have been successful because of Dakota Kai and IYO SKY, while Bayley has failed to capture a title.
The two traded some more words before Becky exited the ring as Rhea made her entrance. Ripley and Lynch had a stare down on the entrance ramp.
Bayley, Asuka, and Rhea Ripley battled in a Triple Threat match tonight on Raw. Ripley launched Bayley into the turnbuckle and did the same to Asuka. Rhea posed for the crowd but it allowed The Empress time to hit her with a Dropkick. Bayley followed it up with a Clothesline and the two briefly teamed up to send Ripley into the ring post.
Asuka went for a Hip Attack but Bayley got out of the way. The Role Model and Asuka battled outside the ring but Rhea took them both out with a Cannonball off the ring apron as WWE Raw went to a commercial break.
When Raw returned, Rhea went for a Splash but Asuka got out of the way. Asuka leveled Bayley with a Shining Wizard and delivered a Codebreaker on Ripley for a near fall. Bayley dragged Asuka out of the ring and tried to form an alliance with Rhea Ripley. Ripley didn’t buy it and grabbed Bayley by the throat.
Bayley battled back and sent Ripley out of the ring. Asuka got Bayley in a submission hold but Ripley broke it up with a Dropkick. The Empress of Tomorrow got Ripley in an Armbar but Bayley broke it up with an Elbow Drop for a near fall.
The Role Model connected with a Bayley to Belly but Ripley broke up the cover. Ripley delivered a slam but Asuka kicked out at two. Ripley hit Bayley with a Dropkick to knock her off the apron and went for a Cannonball off the steel steps but Bayley got out of the way. Back in the ring, Asuka hit a Superkick and went for a Dropkick but Bayley got out of the way. Bayley hit Asuka with the Rose Plant for the pinfall victory.
Seth Rollins made his way to the ring for a promo tonight on Raw. Rollins said that he will go one on one with Bobby Lashley next week on Raw in a #1 contender’s match for the United States Championship.
Next week: Bobby Lashley vs Seth Rollins in a #1 Contenders match for the United States Championship #WWERAWpic.twitter.com/RUY37WN16Q
Rollins suggested that Bobby Lashley is jealous of Brock Lesnar. This led to a brawl breaking out between the two superstars before WWE security separated them. United States Champion Austin Theory was interviewed backstage but was interrupted by Mustafa Ali backstage. Theory challenged Theory to a match tonight.
Austin Theory Retained the US Title after Dolph Ziggler Interfered
Austin Theory defended the United States Championship against Mustafa Ali tonight on WWE Raw. Theory dominated early but the challenger battled back. Ali hit a dropkick that knocked Theory out of the ring and caught him with a dive through the ropes. Dolph Ziggler interfered and attacked Austin Theory to end the match in a DQ. After the match, Theory still managed to beat Ali and Ziggler down.
Baron Corbin’s poker game turned into a disaster that was won by Dexter Lumis. Corbin and Alpha Academy argued with The OC and it led to a 6-man tag team match.
The OC isolated Chad Gable in the ring and took turns beating him down to start off the action as JBL joined commentary. Otis tagged in and elbowed AJ Styles in the face. Baron tagged in and hit Deep Six for a near fall. The action went back and forth until The Good Brothers trapped Gable again. Anderson and Gallows it the Magic Killer for the pinfall victory.
Dominik Mysterio battled Akira Tozawa tonight after the poker game. Tozawa got in some offense but went for a big move off the top rope but Mysterio got out of the way. Dominik followed it up with a Frog Splash for the pinfall victory. After the match, Judgment Day beat Akira Tozawa down before Street Profits made the save. Judgment Day retreated to end the segment.
Alexa Bliss Advanced to Next Week’s Triple Threat match
Nikki Cross, Alexa Bliss, and Becky Lynch battled in a Triple Threat match in the main event. The winner will go on to face Bayley to become #1 contender for the RAW Women’s Champion next week. Lynch booted Alexa in the face and knocked Nikki Cross off the ring apron.
Bliss hit Double Knees but Nikki sent her to the corner. Cross hit Splashes on Lynch and Bliss in opposite corners of the ring. Lynch beat Nikki down in the corner of the ring and connected with an Exploder Suplex as RAW went to the final commercial break of the night.
When RAW returned, Nikki applied a Headlock on Alexa Bliss in the middle of the ring. Becky broke it up and connected with a Bulldog on Cross.
Alexa knocked Becky to the floor and climbed to the top rope. Nikki Cross joined her up there and the two traded punches. Becky got back in the ring and Powerbombed Cross as she delivered a Superplex to Alexa. Cross set up for a Neckbreaker as Becky climbed to the top rope. Lynch hit a Dropkick at the same time and tried cover Alexa but Bliss kicked out at two.
Becky planted Nikki Cross with a Manhandle Slam on the ring apron. IYO SKY and Dakota Kai rushed the ring and beat Becky Lynch down. Damage CTRL got Becky up and Powerbombed her through the announce table. Alexa then hit Twisted Bliss on Nikki Cross for the pinfall victory.
Drew McIntyre has revealed that he is not medically qualified to compete at this week’s WWE SmackDown.
The former WWE Champion was slated to team with Sheamus to challenge the winners of the Undisputed Tag Team Championship match on tonight’s Raw between The Usos and Matt Riddle & Elias this Friday night on SmackDown.
The Announcement
He promised to return soon because he doesn’t like missing shows. However, he didn’t provide any specifics as to what the exact issue is. McIntyre wrote the following:
“Unfortunately I am medically disqualified to compete this Friday on #Smackdown. I don’t like to miss any shows as everybody knows but I promise I’ll be back soon.”
His last televised match was at Survivor Series in the Men’s WarGames match when the Bloodline (Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Roman Reigns, Sami Zayn & Solo Sikoa) defeated McIntyre, Kevin Owens & The Brawling Brutes (Butch, Ridge Holland & Sheamus). His last match happened on November 27 in a six-man tag team match at a house show.
Shayna Baszler (w/Ronda Rousey) vs. Shotzi (w/Raquel Rodriguez) and Kurt Angle’s birthday celebration is still advertised for this week’s SmackDown from the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.
We wish the best to McIntyre and hope to see him back in the ring soon.
Unfortunately I am medically disqualified to compete this Friday on #Smackdown
I don’t like to miss any shows as everybody knows but I promise I’ll be back soon
AEW has been criticized for running the same markets every few months, but that will be changing next year. The reason for AEW having this past strategy was to save money on production cost for its weekly shows.
Except for the Dynamite show on January 11 from The Forum in Los Angeles, CA, AEW has announced new market dates for its 2023 touring schedule thus far.
For their remaining 2022 shows, the markets they are heading to haven’t had shows there since earlier this year. The last time they went to Cedar Park and San Antonio was in March while they last ran Garland in April 2022. They haven’t held a show in Broomfield since March 2020.
Here’s an updated look at AEW’s touring schedule through March 2023. Head over to AEWTix.com if you’re located in any of these markets and interested in attending
AEW Dynamite and Rampage: December 7 – H-E-B Center in Cedar Park, TX
AEW Dynamite and Rampage (Winter is Coming): December 14 – Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas
AEW Dynamite and Rampage (Holiday Bash): December 21 – Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas
AEW Dynamite and Rampage: December 28 – 1STBANK Arena in Broomfield, CO
AEW Dynamite: January 4 – Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, WA
AEW Rampage and Battle of the Belts: January 6 – Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland, OR
AEW Dynamite and Rampage: January 11 – The Forum in Los Angeles, CA
AEW Dynamite and Rampage: January 18 – Save Mart Center in Fresno, CA
AEW Dynamite and Rampage: January 25 – Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY
AEW Dynamite and Rampage: February 1 – Nutter Center in Dayton, OH
AEW Dynamite and Rampage: February 8 – El Paso County Coliseum in El Paso, TX
AEW Dynamite and Rampage: February 15 – TBA
AEW Dynamite and Rampage: February 22 – Footprint Center in Phoenix, AZ
AEW Dynamite: March 1 – Cow Palace in San Francisco, CA
AEW Rampage: March 3 – Cow Palace in San Francisco, CA
AEW Revolution: March 5 – Chase Center in San Francisco, CA
