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Will Ospreay Felt “Nothing” Headlining NJPW Wrestle Kingdom During the Pandemic

Thomas Lowson
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Will Ospreay is regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers working today, but the Covid-19 pandemic proved to be especially tough on the Brit.

Due to the pandemic, several wrestling promotions brought in strict measures to stop the spread of the virus, with WWE, AEW, and Impact going without live fans.

New Japan has kept some of its pandemic-era rules in place, including a restriction on cheering to lower the risk of oral transmission.

Nothing

Despite the Pandemic, Ospreay and the New Japan roster attempted to make the best of things by putting on high-quality matches when they had the chance.

Speaking to Renee Paquette on The Sessions, Ospreay recalled an emptiness inside him during arguably the heights of his career.

“For the last three years I do feel I’ve been on auto-pilot a little bit. I remember last year’s Wrestle Kingdom, and Great-O-Khan is massaging my shoulders just as I’m about to go out and he goes ‘how are you feeling?’ And I went ‘I feel nothing’ because honestly, it was one of those where even though it was the main event of the Tokyo Dome, it wasn’t the real thing. It wasn’t the real experience.”

“Great-O-Khan is massaging my shoulders just as I’m about to go out and he goes ‘how are you feeling?’ And I went ‘I feel nothing.'”

Will Ospreay on his feelings at Wrestle Kingdom 16 in 2022.

Ospreay went on to say that he tried to make the best of it by trying to goad the crowd into an audible reaction.

“It’s heartbreaking, but I tried to see it almost like a game where I was like ‘okay I’m going to be so good, that I make you make noise.’ I saw it like that but you can only play that game now and again before it becomes tedious and tiresome.

“It was heartbreaking at points because I really did feel like I was doing the best work I’ve ever done, and it was kind of going under the radar because I’m not on national TV. I’m not on weekly TV. New Japan at one point was the hottest thing going. When 2019 came in, all of our arenas were sold out. It was the best G1 we’d ever done, we performed at Madison Square Garden. All systems were go and then that f***ing pandemic came.”

Wrestle Kingdom 17

For this year’s Wrestle Kingdom, New Japan relaxed its policy on cheering and allowed fans in the Tokyo Dome to be as loud as they wished.

Speaking of the difference from last year’s show, Ospreay was grateful and much more relaxed thanks to the change.

“I don’t know anyone who likes watching clap-crowds at all. I want to hear the people, I want to engage with them, and for three years, it’s felt like I was in a prison. So it was really nice to let the doors open and let them all make noise again.

“Getting to walk out there [this year] to my music, to be in my own skin again, it felt like the old me. To do it on that platform, it felt like, for the first time that the eyes of the wrestling world were really on me.”

Ospreay would lose the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship to Kenny Omega, a result that “gutted” the British wrestler.

Will Ospreay Discusses Potential Crossover Match With Seth Rollins

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

AEW Has “Moved On” From Jade Cargill-Centric Storyline

Thomas Lowson
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AEW TBS Champion Jade Cargill is a regular on the company’s programming, but don’t expect to see her feud with rapper Bow Wow continue.

Cargill remains undefeated since arriving in AEW in 2021 and is the first (and naturally, only) TBS Champion in the promotion’s history.

This month has seen Cargill become the longest-reigning champion of any titleholder in AEW history, and is on her 377th day as champion.

Bow Wow

In late 2022, Cargill and popular rapper Bow Wow engaged in an online feud, after the latter said they’d love to get a spot in AEW.

Responding to a tweet, Cargill took aim at Bow Wow’s comments, and the two fired back and forth on social media.

Following last year’s Full Gear event, Cargill confronted Bow Wow at a meet and greet, but things did not get physical.

Since then, the feud between the two has dried up, which Cargill confirmed is finished when speaking to Bootleg Kev.

“I don’t know what happened with it. Something was supposed to happen, it didn’t happen, and we moved on from the situation.” 

Jade Cargill.

The reigning AEW TBS Champion gave no inclination as to what AEW had planned for Bow Wow that did not transpire.

Facing the Men

With the feud with Bow Wow officially a thing of the past, it remains to be seen what’s next for Jade Cargill.

Last November, Cargill tweeted that she hopes to face male wrestlers, but such a match has yet to happen.

With her impressive physique, some have compared Cargill to the late Chyna, who spent much of her wrestling career facing male WWF Superstars.

Fellow AEW star Saraya recently spoke about the possibility of intergender wrestling in the promotion, saying she too would love to square off with her male counterparts.

Jade Cargill Praised For Her Work at AEW Battle of the Belts

h/t – Fightful

Raw Women’s Championship Match Announced for Royal Rumble 2023

Thomas Lowson
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Bianca Belair’s tenure as Raw Women’s Champion has arguably never been at greater risk than it is right now.

For weeks, Belair has been feuding with Alexa Bliss, who snapped during their title match on the first Raw of 2023.

Bliss’ assault led to her being disqualified, which came weeks after Bliss leveled Belair with a vase during a backstage sit-down interview.

During this week’s Raw, a title match was set for the two at the Royal Rumble

Uncle Howdy

Whether Alexa Bliss likes it or not, she may have some serious backup on her side heading into the Royal Rumble.

On this week’s Raw, the pair brawled and at one moment, Belair was set to deliver a KOD onto some steel chairs.

The EST of WWE was frozen when she saw the eerie Uncle Howdy, allowing Bliss time to escape the champion’s clutches.

Bliss laid out Belair with a DDT on the hard floor, and looked puzzled by Howdy’s involvement before walking away.

Bliss as Champion

The first woman to win the SmackDown and Raw Women’s Championships (albeit at separate times) Alexa Bliss is no stranger to gold.

Bliss is a two-time SmackDown Women’s Champion and three-time Raw Women’s Champion, in addition to two reigns as WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions (with Nikki Cross.)

In recent years though, the Goddess has been on something of a singles title drought, with her most recent Raw women’s title reign ending at Summerslam 2018 at the hands of Ronda Rousey.

Bliss’ only singles title reign since then was the seconds she spent as WWE 24/7 Champion during the July 18, 2022, episode of Raw.

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

Legends & Matches Announced for Raw 30th Anniversary Show

Thomas Lowson
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WWE is pulling out all the stops to make next week’s 30th-anniversary celebration of the red brand a night to remember.

The promotion’s flagship show premiered back in January 1993 and celebrated its 1,000th episode in July 2012.

For the past decade, Raw has been a three-hour show, adding an extra hour following Raw 1,000.

Legends

With thirty years of programming, there’s no shortage of names who would be suitable for next week’s show.

On this week’s Raw, it was confirmed that The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels, who both appeared on the very first episode of the red brand, will be at Raw is XXX.

Michaels will be joined by his DX comrades Sean ‘X-Pac’ Waltman and ‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James, the latter being WWE’s Senior Vice President of Live Events.

Ric Flair has been confirmed for the show, after stating last month on his podcast that he had been invited to attend.

WWE Raw commentary veteran Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler has also been announced, as has Teddy Long and former RAW GM Kurt Angle.

WWE’s resident Hall of Fame twins Nikki and Brie Bella have also been announced to appear.

Raw is XXX

The legends scheduled to appear are just part of what will be a stacked celebration of WWE’s weekly flagship show.

It has been announced that Roman Reigns and the Bloodline will be part of an ‘Acknowledgement Ceremony’ with representatives of all generations of the Anoa’I family scheduled to appear.

United States Champion Austin Theory will defend against Bobby Lashley, who earned a shot at the young champion on this week’s Raw.

Becky Lynch Vs. Bayley will take place next week inside a Steel Cage

Former WWE Champion Set for Raw 30th Anniversary Show

Finn Balor Calls Losing the NXT Championship a Career Highlight

Thomas Lowson
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Finn Balor was once the name and face of WWE’s NXT brand, but losing the NXT Championship was hardly a sad moment for the Judgment Day member.

Balor, who debuted for WWE in 2014, captured the title from Kevin Owens in Japan at WWE’s Beast in the East event in July 2015.

The Irish Superstar would hold the title for 292 days, a record that was only broken in 2020 by Adam Cole.

Winning the Gold

Balor’s victory inside Sumo Hall in Tokyo would at the time be Finn’s biggest victory as part of WWE.

While speaking to Rob Armstrong for BT Sport, Balor recalled his ascension to the throne of WWE’s gold brand.

“That was one of the most full-circle moments that I’ve had in my career because not only it wasn’t in Japan, but it was in Ryogoku, which was Sumo Arena, where we wrestled for New Japan quite a lot. I actually had my final match for New Japan, in that arena, in the paint.”

Finn Balor.

Balor’s victory would end the 142-day reign of Owens, who won the title from Sami Zayn at February 2015’s NXT TakeOver: Rival.

Career Highlight

Balor’s reign on top would end off-screen at an NXT Live event in Lowell, MA at the hands of Samoa Joe.

In the interview, Balor spoke about how special the title loss off-screen meant to him.

“We’d done that on a house show. That was something that was so rare, and I remember this sheer surprise and shock of the people in the front row that just couldn’t believe what they had witnessed on a house show.

“After [292 days], I had been champion, and Joe pins the champion at a house show in Lowel. That was a special night. That, for me, is probably the coolest moment of my career.”

 “That was one of my favorite nights of my career.”

Finn Balor.

Joe would lose the title to Shinsuke Nakamura before later winning it back, and along with his brief 2021 victory is the only three-time NXT Champion.

Finn Balor Believes This Judgement Day Member Will Be A ‘Huge Star’

h/t – eWrestlingNews

WWE Confirms Cody Rhodes’ In-Ring Return at Royal Rumble

Andrew Ravens
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Cody Rhodes will be making his return to the ring at the WWE Royal Rumble event. 

WWE confirmed the news on Monday’s Raw where they aired a video package that showed the rehab that Cody has been doing since suffering a torn pec several months ago. It also included clips of him in the hospital and rehab at the Nightmare Factory near his home in Atlanta. 

Cody’s wife, Brandi Rhodes, was also interviewed. He vowed to deliver on his promise of becoming a World Champion in WWE. The first step in that direction is by winning the men’s Royal Rumble match. 

Rhodes is Back

WWE pushed Rhodes as a top star from the moment he returned to the company during WrestleMania 38, as his feud with Seth Rollins further elevated him and established Rhodes as a big star.

However, he was sidelined following his Hell In A Cell match with Rollins due to a torn pectoral muscle that he suffered heading into the match. Rhodes underwent surgery for his injury and was sidelined for most of 2022. 

GCW Announces The Collective 2023 Shows for WrestleMania Weekend

Samantha Schipman
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GCW is back with its annual set of shows during WrestleMania weekend, The Collective. The group of shows always present some of the best of indie wrestling, at times mixed with stars from IMPACT and AEW (although the latter probably won’t be happening, unless Jon Moxley books directly with Brett Lauderdale).

The Collective will be taking place beginning on Thursday, March 30 and will run through Sunday, April 2.

GCW’s The Collective 2023 Schedule

josh barnett bloodsport

Some fan favorite shows will be returning along with three new shows. There will also be the Indie Wrestling Hall of Fame that weekend.

The Santino Bros. are the premiere wrestling school in Southern California. Some alumni from the school are Kidd Bandit, Brody King, Tito Escondido, Che Cabrera, and Heather Monroe.

DDT Pro will be having two shows. One will be on Thursday at 8 PM. On Friday at 3 PM, DDT vs. GCW will go down.

GCW will be having a show called #EmoNight, but no other details have been provided.

EFFY’s Big Gay Brunch, Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 9, Joey Janela’s Spring Break 7, For the Culture, Gringo Loco’s The Wrld on Lucha, and Jimmy Lloyd’s Degeneration-F will all be returning.

More info on ticket packages and streaming will be coming on Tuesday. FITE+ is now GCW’s streaming home and it costs $4.99 per month. Some shows may need to be purchased separately.

Former AEW Tag Champion Confirms Recent Talks With WWE

Andrew Ravens
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Frankie Kazarian appeared at last Friday’s Impact Wrestling Hard To Kill pay-per-view where he revealed that he had signed a long-term deal with the promotion. 

Kazarian said in his promo that he requested his release from AEW to join Impact. It was later confirmed that was true. 

While speaking with PWInsider, Kaz talked about his decision to join Impact Wrestling.

“I still had two years left on my contract, two years to get rolled over. AEW management contacted me in early December, which was only a few weeks after [Josh Alexander] match. They contacted me 30 days out, which is what they’re supposed to do, and had talked about rolling me over and wanted to get the process going. I basically said, ‘thanks but no thanks.’ I voiced concerns and frustrations and goals and aspirations and had a really good talk with management and left it there.”

Kazarian noted that he was still going to TV events and had a meeting with  Megha Parekh, head legal of AEW, at his last AEW show in San Antonio. They had a long talk about why he wanted to leave and bet on himself. He prides himself on doing business the right way and wanted to leave before any feelings of resentment or bitterness.

WWE Talks

He became a free agent on January 1. Kazarian continued on, saying that he spoke to people in WWE prior to signing with Impact

“In the spirit of transparency, I had great talks with the people at WWE. Those talks could not have been better, positive, and more professional. I have nothing but great things to say about everybody in that organization, especially the people I spoke to and texted with.”

Kazarian thought Impact was the best fit for him at this stage of his career and noted he has a great relationship with Scott D’Amore. He also has a history with the promotion and a legacy.

H/T to Fightful for the transcription

Details on WWE’s Latest Talent Meeting Held Before Monday’s Raw

Andrew Ravens
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Days after holding a talent meeting with the blue brand at Friday’s WWE SmackDown, Triple H held another talent meeting, this time with the red brand at Monday’s WWE Raw. 

Bryan Alvarez posted to his Super Followers that staff and talent met with company management in Cincinnati, Ohio, ahead of the show. Also, Fightful Select provided some details on the meeting. They noted it was led by Triple H, Kevin Dunn, and Dan Ventrelle, who was hired as WWE’s executive vice president of talent in September. 

The Details

It was said today’s meeting addressed many of the same points discussed with SmackDown talent on Friday. Triple H once again reiterated that he is still the company’s Chief Content Officer and that Vince McMahon’s return as Chairman of the WWE Board Of Directors will not impact creative or talent relations. 

Triple H also debunked last week’s rumors that the company had already been sold to the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund. 

Triple H told SmackDown talent last week that if the company is to be sold, the process will be a long one. He also noted that while discussing with Vince McMahon about creative, Vince always defers to him for the final say. 

Last Tuesday, Stephanie McMahon announced she had resigned as the Chairwoman and co-CEO of the company.

Matt Hardy Teases Bringing Back His Broken Gimmick

Andrew Ravens
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It appears that Matt Hardy is at least considering the idea of bringing back his popular Broken gimmick to television. 

Hardy first started doing the gimmick in Impact Wrestling in 2016 before portraying it briefly in 2017, months after he made his WWE return alongside his brother, Jeff, at WrestleMania 33, where they won the Tag Team Titles. 

It began as a crazed iteration of Matt and slowly evolved into a “broken universe,” with a series of supernatural elements. In WWE, he was ‘Woken’ instead of ‘Broken.’ 

Hardy has been Broken in AEW before, as he first debuted in the company with that gimmick back in March 2020. Although he continued with that persona for a couple of months, he ultimately returned to his “Big Money” moniker by that year’s end. 

AEW President Tony Khan publicly gave his thoughts on the match in a past interview by noting some aspects of it were a little too much for him.

Broken Return?

However, the gimmick could be returning, as the latest episode of Being The Elite showcased Matt briefly transforming into his Broken persona before the screen went black. 

Although Hardy has never been shy about teasing “Broken” elements, this is the first time in years that he has completely transformed with gray hair and sleeveless coat.

Saraya Names Free Agent She Wants To See In AEW

Ella Jay
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Since its inception in 2019, the AEW women’s division has steadily grown in size and strength.

Dr. Britt Baker emerged as an early pillar, and arguable face, of the division, standing at the forefront for the majority of her tenure. The integration of a secondary title — the TBS Championship — then opened a window of opportunity for more talent to be regularly showcased on company programming. With another hour of programming added to their schedule on Rampage as well, All Elite Wrestling has allowed a vast expansion of their women’s roster.

One of those newer additions include former WWE Divas Champion Saraya. At Full Gear in November, she returned to in-ring action for the first time in nearly five years, defeating Britt Baker. On January 11, she geared up for her second match back, teaming with Toni Storm in a losing effort against Baker and AEW Women’s Champion Jamie Hayter. While Saraya’s own appearances in AEW have garnered great buzz, “The Glampire” wants to see another talent get time in the spotlight.

“I wanna see @thetayavalkyrie in @aew” she tweeted on Sunday.

https://twitter.com/Saraya/status/1614304191966744577?s=20&t=3ECrcVQgZnRudw8tyDLRNA

La Wera Loca In AEW?

taya valkyrie impact

Taya Valkyrie, of course, has made successful rounds on the professional wrestling circuit, especially in the past year. In 2022, Valkyrie held championships in major promotions like Impact, MLW, and AAA.

Valkyrie quickly responded to Saraya’s message, writing “Ilysm”.

Though Valkyrie’s venture into AEW is unconfirmed at this time, she previously stated she was open to competing there. Her husband, known as John Morrison in WWE, made his AEW debut last year, facing Samoa Joe in the opening round of the men’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament. He went on to accumulate two more appearances, once on Dark, and a match against Miro on Dynamite in June.

Former WWE Champion Set for Raw 30th Anniversary Show

Andrew Ravens
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The latest name has been revealed for the upcoming WWE Monday Night Raw 30th anniversary show as the company looks to load up the episode.

Names previously confirmed for the show include Kane and Sean Waltman. Tatanka noted on his official Facebook that he was invited to the event. 

According to Pwinsider.com, Shawn Michaels will appear on the broadcast on January 23 from Philadelphia, PA. It’s unclear what he will be doing on the show or if Triple H and Road Dogg will appear for another DX reunion. 

Shawn Michaels’ Raw History

Michaels has ties to the first episode of Raw and was even the first champion to defend a title on the show. It happened on the November 11, 1993, edition when he defeated Max Moon (Paul Diamond) to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship.

It was revealed last week that Ronda Rousey was removed from the Raw 30th anniversary advertisement from WWE.com. It’s unclear why she was pulled from the event, but she hasn’t been seen on television since dropping the SmackDown Women’s Title to Charlotte Flair last month. 

Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair, Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Bobby Lashley, Bayley, and Austin Theory are advertised to appear.

Saraya Lashes Out At “Neckbeard” Fans Hating On Social Media

J. Cunningham
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AEW star Saraya recently had some choice words for her critics on social media.

Last year saw the former WWE Divas Champion made a surprise return to the ring. A neck injury sustained in the ring led to Saraya, then known as Paige in the WWE, to announce her retirement from in-ring competition.

Almost five years later, she joined AEW and quickly entered into a program with Britt Baker. Baker, arguably the face of the women’s division in AEW, put Saraya over in her return match at Full Gear in November 2022.

Saraya Britt Baker Tony Schiavone
Britt Baker and Saraya

Since then, the Norwich-born star has continued her feud with Baker and her ally AEW Women’s Champion Jamie Hayter.

In a recent tweet, the former Total Divas star lashed out at the hate she gets online. Over the years, Saraya has had to deal with her fair shares of trolls, many of whom have targeted controversies in her personal life.

“Lower That Blood Pressure Brothers” – Saraya On Online Haters

In the tweet, Saraya takes aim at her haters, citing more recent trolling thrown her way. Dismissing it as hate towards her finally getting to wrestle again, she ends the tweet off with some footage from a recent match. On AEW Dynamite, the former NXT ace and Toni Storm teamed up to face Baker and Hayter.

The footage shared by Saraya on Twitter shows her performing a front flip off the apron onto Hayter before screaming her signature ‘This is my house’ catchphrase.

“The amount of neckbeards lately angry sweating while they mad type underneath every post I do just because I’m happy wrestling again is nuts. Lower that blood pressure brothers. Don’t wanna pass out because of lil ol’ me. Anyways. Here’s a clip of me wrestling.”

https://twitter.com/Saraya/status/1615025891201134592

Saraya has recently expressed interest in potentially venturing into intergender wrestling in AEW. The wrestling subgenre has enjoyed a fair bit of interest at the independent level in more recent years but is rarely brought into play by mainstream promotions such as AEW and WWE. The former Absolution leader cited Chris Jericho as the primary male star on the AEW roster she’d potentially like to work an angle with.

Spoiler: Former Knockouts Champion Returns To The Ring At Latest Impact Tapings

Ella Jay
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0

Hot off the heels of Hard To Kill, Impact Wrestling held their Fallout event the following day that included the return of an iconic former champion.

On January 14, Impact filmed their next round of television tapings, featuring a Knockouts Tag Team Championship match on the card. Reigning champions Taya Valkyrie and Jessicka represented The Death Dollz in defending their titles against a newly formed team.

“The Quintessential Diva” Gisele Shaw was one of their opponents to step up the plate. Since officially joining the company early last year, Shaw has gone through a rotation of tag team partners, including Lady Frost, The Influence, and VXT. While Shaw’s previous track record in the tag team division hasn’t been the best, it seems as though Shaw received a chance to redeem herself by teaming with a 5-time Knockouts Champion.

After reveling in the massive Knockouts Championship win of her friend, Mickie James, the night before, Tara returned to the Impact Zone for the first time since 2013 to compete. Unfortunately for this team, though, their run didn’t last long.

Tara Ain’t The Lady To Mess With

tara impact
(via Impact)

Tensions began to brew between Tara and Shaw, leading to an in-ring confrontation between the two. After Shaw refused to tag her partner in, Tara soon delivered Widows Peak to Gisele Shaw. As a result, The Death Dollz retained their Knockouts Tag Team Championships.

This tag team bout marked Tara’s — real name Lisa Marie Varon, Victoria in WWE — first match since January 2021 at the Royal Rumble, and her second since September 2019 when she retired from professional wrestling.

The tapings took place at the Center Stage Theater in Atlanta, Georgia.

Mercedes Moné Takes Another Step to Monetize Her Intellectual Property

Ella Jay
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0

Mercedes Moné has taken another step towards monetizing her independently owned intellectual property.

On January 11, 2023, Moné filed to trademark the phrase “The CEO”, according to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database. The registration was filed under her company, Soulnado Inc.

Moné first attached “The CEO” moniker to her name on January 4th, as she made her debut for New Japan Pro Wrestling at Wrestle Kingdom 17. There, she attacked IWGP Women’s Champion KAIRI, setting up a title match between the two at NJPW Battle in the Valley on February 18th (available on FITE). Now, Moné will be known as “The CEO” of the NJPW and STARDOM women’s divisions.

The newest trademark description mostly covers services related to professional wrestling and sports entertainment.

  • 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 and sports entertainer
  • Entertainment services, namely, personal appearances by a professional wrestler and sports entertainment personality
  • Entertainment services, namely, televised appearances by a professional wrestling and sports entertainment personality
  • Providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network
  • Providing online interviews featuring a professional wrestling and sports entertainment personality in the field of professional wrestling and sports entertainment for entertainment purposes

Claiming Her Own Name And Fortune

Mercedes Monè

Following her exit from WWE, Mercedes Moné, formerly Sasha Banks, took matters into her own hands.

Her prior employer — WWE — typically owns and controls the names and characters associated with their talent, rendering them virtually unable to utilize them outside of the company. As a result, Moné cultivated her own brand, registering a series of trademarks aligned with her vision.

Previous trademarks of Moné’s widely aimed at the merchandise categories, such as jewelry, clothing, action figures, decals and entertainment services. In addition, Moné seems to be geared down a live performance path now as well, filing her real name, Mercedes Varnado, under the description of “live performances by an actor or musician” on December 1.

Recent filings of Moné’s include the other following names:

  • Mercedes Mone’
  • Mone’ Talks
  • Bank Mone’
  • Statement Maker 
  • Moné Christmas

This most recent filing is just the latest instance of Mone’ embracing the ability to be independent and grow her IP on her own terms. Outside of professional wrestling, Mone’ has been branching out into the entertainment industry, fashion and even cannabis.

WWE News Roundup: Early Raw Preview, CNN Covers Vince’s “Ruthless” Return, Batista Movie Trailer & More

Michael Reichlin
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WWE is advertising the following items for tonight’s Raw from Cincinnati, Ohio at the Heritage Bank Arena:

  • Bobby Lashley will address the WWE Universe
  • What’s next for The Judgment Day?

We’re just two weeks out from the Royal Rumble, so we can also expect more hype for the upcoming premium live event.

Vince’s Ruthless Return

CNN is the latest mainstream media outlet to cover Vince McMahon’s dramatic return to WWE’s Executive Board of Directors.

The article dives into McMahon “ruthlessly” getting his job back at WWE despite allegations of sexual assault and misuse of company funds.

“.. the real-life saga playing out in World Wrestling Entertainment’s corporate office over the last several weeks surpasses even what most of what those performers and their backstage colleagues could dream up.”

– CNN

Knock at the Cabin

Dave Bautista is hyping his latest film, Knock at the Cabin, a suspense thriller that arrives in theaters on February 3, 2023. According Buatista, this one will have you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Heyman and “The Other Brock”

Finally, the FOX network tapped Paul Heyman to promote this weekend’s NFL Wildcard game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks.

Heyman touted 49ers Quarterback Brock Purdy, who has delivered big results for the team and will remain the starting quarterback for the remainder of the playoffs. The battle cry paid off, as Prudy led the 49ers to victory. The 49ers beat the Seahawks 41-23.

Latest on Vince McMahon’s WWE Return: Creative Input, If He’ll Be at TV

Thomas Lowson
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0

Vince McMahon is back in charge of WWE, and it may be just a matter of time before he is on our television screens.

McMahon made his shocking return to WWE earlier this month, less than half a year after his resignation in July of last year.

The 77-year-old billionaire has returned to oversee the sale of WWE, with interested companies including Comcast, FOX, the Saudi PIF, and Shahid & Tony Khan, among others.

For years, Vince McMahon was a regular on WWE programming, with his feud with ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin being a key part of the Attitude Era.

Speaking on the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said there is a feeling in WWE that McMahon wants to be in front of the cameras one more time.

“It’s only been a little over a week, and everything has changed more rapidly than I expected. Between Stephanie leaving and Vince [being appointed Executive Chairman.] He is at the office, but he hasn’t been at TV yet. I say yet.

“I mean, is he going to go on TV? I don’t know, I know there are rumors running around that he will. I’ve asked people [in WWE] and they wouldn’t be surprised. But it’s not like there is a date. It’s not like we know he’s going to be on a week on Monday [Raw’s 30th Anniversary event] or he’s going to be at the Rumble.”

“There’s that feeling that Vince is going to want to go out on TV and he’ll get the big reaction.”

Dave Meltzer.

Vince & WWE Creative

One of the biggest concerns among talent and fans is that McMahon will do more than merely oversee the sale of WWE.

Many fear that McMahon will soon be back in charge as Head of Creative, a role that Triple H has been praised for his work in since July 2022.

On his show, Meltzer said that McMahon isn’t just focused on selling WWE.

“He is in the office. He is talking about things other than the sale. There will probably be more and more Vince ‘fingerprints’ as time goes on. As far as creative goes, it just depends on… who knows. If Vince wants it, he’ll work to get it. He may do it slowly.”

Dave Meltzer.

Meltzer added that ultimately, McMahon has the influence to overrule anyone in the company.

“Nick [Khan, CEO of WWE] is running the show, but that’s the same as Triple H and creative. I mean, that’s today but let’s see what tomorrow brings.”

The idea that McMahon’s ‘fingerprints’ being over WWE’s product was also discussed by Matt Hardy on his Extreme Life podcast last week.

Ariel Helwani Calls Stephanie McMahon’s Exit a “Bad Sign” For WWE

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

Ariel Helwani Calls Stephanie McMahon’s Exit a “Bad Sign” For WWE

Thomas Lowson
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Stephanie McMahon’s shocking departure from WWE this month is a sign of bad things for the promotion, according to Ariel Helwani.

McMahon was appointed Interim CEO in June 2022 after her father stepped down due to an investigation into misconduct which saw millions paid out in NDAs.

After Vince McMahon’s retirement the following month, Stephanie was appointed co-CEO (with Nick Khan) and Chairwoman of the board.

Last week, Stephanie announced her resignation from WWE, with her father being appointed Executive Chairman and Khan now the sole CEO.

Bad Sign

An award-winning journalist, Ariel Helwani is following WWE’s ongoing changes closely and has worked with WWE for interviews in the past.

During a recent appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast, Helwani discussed Stephanie McMahon’s resignation and called it a “bad sign.”

“She’s so likable and respected. She is the quintessential businesswoman. … If she decides to do something… imagine a media company run by [Stephanie]. I feel like she’d be successful in whatever she does.”

Ariel Helwani.

McMahon is expected to take it easy (at least for a couple of weeks) after undergoing foot surgery last week following her resignation.

Vince’s Retirement

For years, it had been assumed that Vince McMahon would never retire, but that happened (albeit temporarily) last year.

On the podcast, Helwani recalled the difference in WWE before and after the 77-year-old stepped down.

It was like these clouds had opened up. Everyone’s spirits are high.”

Ariel Helwani.

Helwani added that it was a “remarkable thing” that nobody working under Stephanie during her tenure in charge had anything bad to say about her.

Vince McMahon and Stephanie McMahon Had Issues Working Together (Report)

h/t – Wrestling Inc

NWA’s Kamille: You’re Lying If You Say You’re Not Interested in Working for WWE

Thomas Lowson
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NWA Women’s World Champion Kamille has made quite a name for herself in the promotion, but has her sights set on WWE.

Kamille is in her first reign as NWA Women’s World Champion, having dethroned Serena Deeb at When Our Shadows Fall in June 2021.

Kamille’s reign, now in its 588th day, is the fifth longest reign of any NWA Women’s World Champion.

Lying

Kamille is yet to appear for WWE, but believes that working for the Stamford-based promotion is the goal of any wrestler worth their salt.

Appearing as a guest on the Insiders Edge podcast, Kamille was asked if she would consider working for WWE.

“Yeah, I think anybody that says no to that would be lying (idea of heading to WWE). Truthfully, WWE is, like you said, the Yankees, they’re the top of the top and so I think that anybody who takes their wrestling career seriously, they wanna end up.”

Kamille

Kamille added that competing for WWE, even on a short-time basis, serves as proof that a wrestler has “made it.”

The Champion added that her desire to join WWE is hardly a secret she has kept to herself.

“I would love to have that opportunity at some point. I mean, even Billy [Corgan], my boss, he understands as well.”

Kamille

Kamille Outside the NWA

Kamille hopes to be WWE-bound one day, but she has competed elsewhere outside the NWA.

In October 2022, Kamille competed at AAA’s TripleMania XXX, replacing the injured Thunder Rosa to challenge for the Reine de Reinas Championship.

In July 2021, Kamille appeared on AEW Dynamite to watch The Bunny Vs. Leyla Hirsch to determine her challenger for NWA Empowerrr.

Hirsch won that match but lost in the title match to Kamille.

Kamille: I’m Not The Biggest Fan Of The ‘Forbidden Door’

h/t – eWrestlingNews

“Ageism” – Eric Bischoff Fires Back at Claims Vince McMahon is Out of Touch

Thomas Lowson
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Is Vince McMahon a crotchety old miser who is out of touch with what wrestling fans want?

Eric Bischoff isn’t so sure.

McMahon retired from WWE in July of last year but returned to the promotion this month to oversee a potential sale.

The 77-year-old billionaire has since been appointed Executive Chairman following the resignation of Stephanie McMahon.

Ageism

For years prior to his retirement, McMahon faced criticism from fans for being out of touch with what fans wanted.

Examples given include McMahon’s insistence on pushing certain talents over ones more beloved by fans, as seen with Roman Reigns in 2015.

Speaking on his 83 Weeks Podcast, Bischoff rejected the idea that McMahon is out of touch.

“The whole Vince is old and out of touch thing, you can argue that maybe creatively because you don’t like Vince’s vision of what wrestling should be, but it doesn’t mean that he is not in control of his faculties or that he’s missed a beat.”

“I think that’s internet wrestling chatter because people aren’t happy with what they’re seeing on television. ‘Oh, it’s because he’s too old.’ But no ageism, right?”

Eric Bischoff.

WWE Sale

It was just a few months ago that fans expected McMahon to spend his days out of the public eye after the scandals that forced him to retire.

Now McMahon has resumed his role in Titan Towers and will decide who purchases WWE if a sale goes ahead.

On his show, Bischoff argued that despite what some believe, McMahon has never seemed more on top of the wrestling world than right now.

“I would say the events of the last week would suggest that he is far from out of touch.”

Eric Bischoff.

Names listed as potential buyers of WWE include Comcast, FOX, Disney, Amazon, the Saudi Arabia PIF, and Shahid & Tony Khan.

Eric Bischoff Questions If Tony Khan Has the Skills to Buy & Lead WWE

h/t – Wrestling Inc

Latest on Popular Indie Talent Who Tried Out for WWE

Thomas Lowson
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KC Navarro may have taken a step closer to WWE, but at this time, he is still a free agent.

Navarro tried out for WWE in December of last year and attended a small tryout session with veterans including Kylie Ray, Vincent, and Dutch.

Fightful Select has confirmed that Navarro has yet to sign a deal with WWE.

The 23-year-old wrestler began his wrestling career in 2015 and would work with CZW the following year.

Navarro has also competed for Impact Wrestling and MLW and debuted for AEW Dark in January 2021.

Colby Corino

Navarro may not be with WWE at this time, but Colby Corino is set to join Vince McMahon’s promotion.

In the same report, it is noted that Corino is headed to WWE, and that WWE has been interested in him for some time.

WWE couldn’t legally reach out to him until his deal with NWA expired, which it did earlier this month.

Corino is the son of former ROH and ECW World Champion Steve Corino, who now works for WWE NXT as a trainer and producer.

Other Names

In their report, Fightful added that Cheeseburger, who also goes by the name CB, is still a free agent at this time.

Cheeseburger has competed for AEW and ROH as of late and has received acclaim from fans online.

Rhett Titus, who has previously appeared for Ring of Honor, is also a free agent according to sources within AEW/ROH.

Former ROH Stars Attend Tuesday’s WWE NXT (Photo)

Seth Rollins Wants to Main Event WWE’s Biggest Event of 2023

Samantha Schipman
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WrestleMania is drawing nearer and there’s been rumors swirling about who will be there. John Cena, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and The Rock have all been the subject of these rumors.

One Superstar that wants to be in the main event is Seth “Freakin'” Rollins. He took to Twitter to say “really feel like main eventing WrestleMania this year.”

Memorable Mania Moments for Seth Rollins

Cody Rhodes Vs Seth Rollins WrestleMania

As a member of The Shield, Rollins made his WrestleMania debut in 2013. They took on Sheamus, Randy Orton, and Big Show. The “Hounds of Justice” were victorious. At WrestleMania 30, The Shield defeated New Age Outlaws and Kane in under three minutes.

Since winning his first WrestleMania match as a member of The Shield, he has moved to 6-3 overall. An interesting stat is that “The Architect” is undefeated in tag team matches at “The Show of Shows”.

His first WrestleMania loss would come at ‘Mania 31 against Orton. It’s perhaps remembered for what many think is the best RKO ever. Rollins was going for the Curb Stomp when Orton reversed into the RKO and promptly followed up with a pin. That same night, Rollins would cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase during Reigns and Brock Lesnar’s match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Rollins would be victorious.

John Cena Filmed Additional Segment for WWE at SmackDown

Other big moments include defeating HHH in a non-sanctioned match, beating The Miz and Finn Balor to become Intercontinental Champion for the first time, and facing Cody Rhodes in his return to the company after seven years.

Perhaps if he wins Royal Rumble, “The Visionary” will get his wish to headline “The Grandest Stage of Them All”.

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John Cena Filmed Additional Segment for WWE at SmackDown

Andrew Ravens
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John Cena didn’t just wrestle a match at the December 30th edition of WWE SmackDown, but also taped something. 

A changed live event main event may have a lot more behind it than meets the eye, according to a new report by Fightful Select. 

Per the report, WWE had at least planned to film something with John Cena and WWE United States Champion Austin Theory while Cena was in for the SmackDown show. 

Original Plans

Originally, Theory was slated to headline the Toronto live event that night in a cage match with Seth Rollins, but Theory was pulled from that show to travel to Tampa, where he was set to film a segment with Cena. 

It’s unclear whether it was to be digital, for future use, for 2K, but the segment was filmed. Fightful did confirm WrestlingNews.co’s report that as of November, there were loose plans for Cena to wrestle Logan Paul at WrestleMania 39. It’s unclear whether that is still the plan. 

On the December 30th SmackDown, Cena teamed with Kevin Owens to defeat Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn in a tag team match.

Eric Bischoff Questions If Tony Khan Has the Skills to Buy & Lead WWE

Thomas Lowson
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Tony Khan may have proven himself to countless fans with the success of AEW, but would he make a good owner of WWE?

The past two weeks of news have been dominated with reports of Vince McMahon’s return to WWE, less than six months after his retirement.

McMahon returned to oversee a sale of the promotion and has replaced his daughter Stephanie as Executive Chairman.

Lacking

The list of names reportedly interested in buying WWE is lengthy and includes Comcast, FOX, Disney, Amazon, and the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund.

Tony Khan and his father Shahid are also on that list with sources close to the situation saying that the Khans are interested in a merger with WWE.

Speaking on his 83 Weeks Podcast, Eric Bischoff said that Khan may not have the necessary skills to take over from McMahon.

“Could it happen? Sure, anything is possible. But if you really think about it, does the Khan enterprise have the experience, knowledge, infrastructure, ability to run a company as complex as WWE?”

Eric Bischoff.

Bischoff added that while AEW and WWE may be in the same industry, they “don’t live and play in the same universe.”

Buying WWE

The Khans certainly have plenty of money to their name, but a solo purchase of WWE is seemingly off the table.

With WWE seeking a reported $8.5 billion for the promotion, any deal by the father-son duo is expected to be shared with another financial partner.

Wall Street analysts have said they expect WWE to sell this year for anywhere between $7.4 and $8.2 billion.

Kofi Kingston Shares How WWE Roster is Feeling Amid Sales Talks

h/t – Wrestling Inc

Details on Frankie Kazarian Leaving AEW to Join Impact Wrestling

Thomas Lowson
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Frankie Kazarian is no longer ‘All-Elite’ and is now part of the Impact Wrestling roster.

Kazarian signed with AEW in January 2019, making him one of the earliest wrestlers to join, and is one-half of the inaugural AEW World Tag Team Champions (with Scorpio Sky.)

After SoCal Uncensored was forced to disband following a loss to the Young Bucks, Kazarian would become the ‘Elite Hunter’ though struggled to pick up wins over the group.

Impact Wrestling

In July 2021, Kazarian appeared for Impact Wrestling as part of his feud with The Elite.

Returning in May 2022, Kazarian would make regular appearances for the promotion and won the X-Division Championship at Bound for Glory that October.

Invoking ‘Option C’ (vacating the X-Division title for a shot at the Impact World Championship) Kazarian would come up short in his efforts to dethrone Josh Alexander.

At Hard to Kill 2023 this week, Kazarian appeared on the Pay-Per-View and announced he has signed with Impact.

Kazarian spoke about being complacent in AEW, and working with “people he thought were his friends.”

Leaving AEW

After appearing at Hard to Kill, PW Insider confirmed that Kazarian is finished with All Elite Wrestling.

It is reported that it was after facing Alexander in November 2022 that Kazarian asked for his release which Tony Khan granted.

Kazarian’s reasons is that he wants to push himself in these final stages of his career, and believes he will have better luck in Impact than on AEW’s roster.

Kazarian reportedly “did business the right way” and would be welcomed back into the AEW locker room at any time.

Former WWE Star Named New Impact Director of Authority at Hard To Kill
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