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
Thunder Rosa says her injury rehabilitation is going “really well,” but don’t expect her back in All Elite Wrestling any time soon. She’s jogging, is finally able to lift weights again, but still has done any in-ring training.
Rosa has been on the sidelines since August 2022 when an undisclosed injury put her on the shelf. A lot has transpired since then, when she was the reigning AEW Women’s World Champion.
A tournament was held to crown an interim champion during her absence. Toni Storm won the tournament at All Out, but lost the interim title to Jamie Hayter at Full Gear. AEW has since stripped Rosa of her championship, retired the interim title and declared Hayter the official Women’s World Champion.
Several AEW stars have been critical of Rosa during her hiatus, including former champions Storm and Dr. Britt Baker.
Rosa has provided an update on her recovery. She’s back in the gym doing squats with 2-pound dumbbells, which she considers a huge win after so many months without lifting.
“The recovery is going really well,” Rosa said. “This week I was just able to do squats with a two-pound dumbbell. I haven’t done any lifting for the last four or five months so this is huge.”
She also participated in a 5k race two weeks ago. Doctors are not allowing her to do any running, but she jogged half of it and walked the rest. Despite these recovery milestones, she still has a ways to go.
I have not been able to be in the ring yet so we’re working on that.
– Thunder Rosa Injury Update
Rosa is as tough as they come. Her injury and long road back to AEW are further reminders that pro wrestlers put their bodies and health on the line every time they step through the ropes.
Prior to signing with AEW, Saraya felt she “shackled” by the restrictions put on by WWE during her nine-year tenure there. Outside projects often remained limited for WWE Superstars, which prevented “The Glampire” from pursuing certain opportunities or aspirations. However, Saraya did find some leeway to start up her own Twitch channel under her real name, and aid in the production of her biopic, “Fighting With My Family.” Despite dipping her toes into some exciting ventures, Saraya craved more.
Now signed with AEW, Saraya developed more creative and professional freedom, with some future projects already lined up. In an interview with TMZ Sports’ Dean Muhtadi (Mojo Rawley), Saraya hinted at what fans can expect from her in the new year.
Plans For 2023
(AEW)
“I can’t really give away too much. But now I have 100% freedom to do whatever I want. I did all that stuff [before] being shackled,” she explained. “I kind of had to go do that stuff [with approval]. As you know, Mojo, as much as it’s incredible being in WWE, you’re kind of limited to what you can and can’t do outside the company. So you have to like get permission to do things. It was during a pandemic too. Since I was sitting at home and not being used on TV, I was like, ‘I need to try and do something with my life and try and continue to do stuff.'”
“Even though it was limited, I still got things done, which is great. But now that I have no shackles, no nothing, and I have so much freedom, it feels really good to have people approach me — so many production companies approach me. So many book editors [and] production come up to me. There’s just so many different people that [come up to me]”
“Then obviously I work with UTA (United Talent Agency) and stuff like that. They were just like, ‘I can’t believe all these people [approach you]. We don’t even have to ask them to do it. They’re coming to us to work with you’. And I was just like, ‘That feels incredible’ because I got really scared that I was kind of like — I felt like a bum after a while because I was sitting around so much and I hate not working. So, now I’m working constantly.”
“I have like 25 friggin calls today, but I’m just very excited about the future. There’s so much more to come. 2023 is going to be a huge year for sure for Saraya,” she declared.
Saraya previously discussed her ongoing process of writing a book, presumably an autobiography, during a recent appearance at Starrcast V in Nashville, Tennessee. SEScoops was on-site to capture the star’s media scrum, prior to her signing with All Elite Wrestling.
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit TMZ Sports and give a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.
Kevin Nash has revealed how much WWE dished out to Marvel for use of the “Hulk” trademark for Hulk Hogan.
The WWE Hall Of Famer took to his “Kliq This” podcast and shed some light for fans on the trademark issue side of the professional wrestling business. Nash dove into the complexities of trademarks, including how some stars, such as 16-time World Champion John Cena, have their real names trademarked by WWE.
“It should only be able to be registered, but not trademarked. And then you would have to sign a merchandising agreement. I don’t see how they can trademark it.”
(via WWE)
Having been a part of one of the most famous professional wrestling factions of all time, the NWO, Nash was asked by co-host Sean Oliver how valuable the faction’s trademark is. Nash said that if he had the option to own the NWO trademark or his own name, he’d choose the NWO.
“[WWE] owned the nWo. So we got a percentage of that from the WWE. The faction makes way more money than “Kevin Nash” does. The nWo was the homerun. If I could pick owning either the nWo trademark solely 100%, or owning “Kevin Nash” in the realm of wrestling? I’ll take the nWo.”
Finally, Nash noted that WWE actually had to pay Marvel for the use of the “Hulk” trademark for Hulk Hogan – who was one of the most famous people on the planet during his run atop the WWE mountain.
Apparently, the professional wrestling juggernaut had to dish out six figures for the use of the trademark.
“It was Marvel, and [WWF] paid, I wanna say one hundred grand, to use the Hulk trademark.”
After Zayn’s loss to Johnny Knoxville at WrestleMania 38 in April, he needed to get himself back on the right track personally, and with the SmackDown locker room. So, he turned to “The Head of the Table” Roman Reigns. In the months that followed, the former WWE Intercontinental Champion emerged as a serious star and integral member of The Bloodline stable — later earning the title of “Honorary Uce.”
Now, Zayn, Reigns, Solo Sikoa, and Jimmy and Jey Uso remain atop WWE programming, holding possession of the company’s stop prizes, the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship and Undisputed Tag Team Championships.
Planting The Seeds
The Bloodline
Before Sami Zayn and Roman Reign’s on-screen relationship even budded, the seeds for the storyline were planted six months before. In a recent appearance on Cheap Heat with Peter Rosenberg, Zayn provided some insight into when the idea first sprung up.
“Well, I won’t pull the curtain back too much, but the idea was kicked just about a year ago actually….The first time I think there was any interaction between myself and the Bloodline was just after WrestleMania [38]. But in actuality, the idea was first discussed going into Survivor Series of last year,” he revealed.
“I was doing this whole thing where I was on SmackDown, I was the longest-tenured member of SmackDown as the locker room leader,” Zayn continued.” I thought there’d be something interesting there with the locker room leader and ‘The Head of the Table’. The premise sort of being, the ‘Head of the Table’ isn’t in that locker room anymore.”
“I wasn’t originally envisioning being a full-blown member of the Bloodline or anything like that, just something to where Roman and I can occasionally get on screen together in sort of a light-hearted way and I’m giving him these reports of what’s going on and here’s what he needs to be careful for. Every once in a while, I get things kicked my way too. That was sort of the idea. That was the kernel, or the little seed.”
Getting ‘The Tribal Chief’ On Board
Zayn then revealed that Roman Reigns was also aboard the early discussions, noting Reign’s prior public statement to work with him someday. “It was talked about with Roman as well,” Zayn confirmed.
“We were sitting at catering one day, and I heard an interview that he did with Ariel Helwani where he was very kind towards me and just saying nice things about me as an on-screen character, and thinks he’d like to do something down the road with me one day. We got to talking and I don’t remember exactly how it went, but it was a mutual thing.”
Sasha Banks (Mercedes Varnado) has landed her first movie role. Details have been scarce, but we’ve been able to piece together some details based on clues we’ve tracked down on social media.
On Sunday, December 4, Banks tweeted that she just wrapped her first movie in her hometown of #Bosston.
DeNucci’s latest project in development is, The Collective. IMDB lists Yale Productions as the production company, First Row Filmed Entertainment as the distributor and 2024 as a tentative release date. The synopsis reads:
“A young recruit to a mysterious agency of assassins finds himself going rouge on his first assignment, tracking down a dangerous group of human traffickers.”
The Collective (IMDb)
We also have this (brief) behind-the-scenes clip of Sasha Banks on set:
Behind-the-scenes clip of Sasha Banks on the set of her first movie
While this is Banks’ first film role, she isn’t new to Hollywood. In 2020, she set the internet ablaze when she appeared in two episodes of Disney’s The Mandolorian. She played Koska Reeves.
Claudio Castagnoli has spoken about the reports regarding William Regal’s wrestling status as he is expected to leave AEW to make a return to WWE.
Castagnoli became a member of the Blackpool Combat Club at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door when he replaced Bryan Danielson against Zack Sabre Jr and made his promotional debut. Regal founded BCC alongside Jon Moxley and Danielson.
Regal is reportedly leaving AEW and returning to WWE as his AEW contract reportedly expired in December, where he will be working in a backstage role again.
“I mean, I guess we have to … we have to wait and see. You know, we’re still talking, I think we have to have a little group meeting to figure out what’s next, or if there’s a next. So yeah, I’ll leave it at that,” he said.
Claudio also talked about what it means to him to work with Regal since he arrived in AEW. He said he never stopped learning from Regal and he was the reason he got into WWE in the first place. He was also the man to end Regal’s in-ring career.
Claudio is set to challenge Chris Jericho for the ROH World Title at ROH Final Battle this Saturday.
2022 was quite arguably the most tumultuous year in WWE history. Most notably, the unthinkable happened when Vince McMahon announced his retirement. While Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan took on shared responsibility as the co-CEOs at the tip-top of WWE, an even more immediate impact felt by fans saw Triple H take the reins of both creative and talent relations.
Helmsley’s presence was felt in a series of surprise returns from late summer through the fall. Moreover, Survivor Series saw the emergence of the first ever War Games matches on the WWE main roster after decades of the company owning that intellectual property. That’s not to mention the choice not to run a December PPV, not to mention canceling the Day 1 New Year’s show.
Between Triple H’s sensibilities as a wrestling traditionalist and the changes to the PPV calendar, the question arises—should WWE bring back Starrcade, the former flagship annual PPV of WCW?
The History Of Starrcade
Starrcade predates WrestleMania, with its first iteration going down in 1983, and immediately establishing itself as a truly top tier annual event. Over the years, the event saw main events like Harley Race vs. Ric Flair and Flair vs. Dusty Rhodes, as well as legendary undercard attractions like the Dog Collar Match between Roddy Piper and Greg Valentine and the I Quit Match between Magnum TA and Tully Blanchard. Later, Flair would represent tradition against monster heel Big Van Vader, and the year-and-a-half-plus Sting vs. Hollywood Hogan angle would come to a head at Starrcade 1997. Starrcade also infamously played host to the end of Goldberg’s streak at the hands of Kevin Nash, as well as the end of Bret Hart’s full-time wrestling career when Goldberg gave him a stiff kick to the head.
While Eric Bischoff has, on his podcast 83 Weeks, denied that he viewed Starrcade as the biggest show of the year (alternately putting more weight on Halloween Havoc and Bash at the Beach), the consensus among fans still placed Starrcade as The Grandaddy of Them All. As the longest continual running PPV under the NWA and WCW banner, it certainly earned its place in history.
WWE Has Revisited Starrcade
WWE actually has promoted its own Starrcade-branded events. Starrcade was a SmackDown house show in November 2017. The company did broadcast this show via the WWE Network in 2018 and 2019, but it was contextualized as more of a novelty show—largely inconsequential to ongoing storylines—than a proper PPV-style event.
Indeed, WWE seemed mostly concerned with tapping into nostalgia. In 2017, Goldust shed his garb and signature entrance music in favor of returning to his old school WCW gimmick as The Natural to callback to not only his own earlier WCW performances, but his family’s—and specifically his father’s—history with the event. Moreover, the 2017 edition emanated from WCW stronghold, Greensboro, North Carolina, and 2019’s happened in Duluth, Georgia, another area favored WCW and Jim Crockett Promotions.
A New Vision For Starrcade
Triple H finally bringing War Games to the WWE main roster seems to bespeak his commitment to wrestling history and his own past enjoyment of the traditional style Dusty Rhodes, Ric Flair, and others were historically known for. Reviving Starrcade would be a natural extension of representing that aesthetic.
More than a specially promoted house show or quietly marketed WWE Network special, though, the Starrcade brand deserves to be recognized with a proper PPV event. The PPV calendar is already crowded, and it seems The Game means to be more critical about promoting fewer events more soundly. Nonetheless, running Starrcade, particularly in its traditional spot around the holidays (it originally happened in November, then moved to December to not conflict with Survivor Series) would be a powerful way of tapping into old school wrestling nostalgia at a time of year when the general public is already predisposed to feeling nostalgic.
To offer Starrcade a distinctive identity, it would only make sense to focus on tapping into the past. WWE is no stranger to bringing back part-time legends to work matches here and there. Additionally, they could conceivably could tap into some of the ethos of another WCW PPV, Slamboree, by focusing its new vision of Starrcade on legends past returning to work matches with each other, or with current talents. There have been rumblings about WWE seeking to move its Hall of Fame proceedings away from WrestleMania weekend, given how crowded the two-night structure of the event has made the weekend. Starrcade’s history as a premium event and this focus on nostalgia could make it fitting new home for when inductions would happen.
The future of the Starrcade brand is unclear. The nostalgia-based smaller events WWE ran from 2017 to 2019 served a niche audience and casually took advantage of the intellectual property at WWE’s disposal. Like so many things, Starrcade’s continuity was disrupted by the pandemic in 2020. As the world continues to settle back into sense of normalcy, there’s a real opportunity for WWE relaunch this event under a new vision.
