Home Blog Page 521

Seth Rollins Paid Tribute to Brodie Lee at WWE Show from Rochester, NY

0

On Saturday night, WWE had a house show in Rochester, NY. That is the hometown of the late, great Brodie Lee.

After a match with Austin Theory, an emotional Seth Rollins paid tribute to his late friend. “Mr. Brodie Lee, aka Luke Harper, was from here and he passed away a couple years ago, about this time. This is the first time that I’ve been here with a microphone in my hand, in this city to tell him much I miss him and how much I love him.” The crowd began chanting, “Brodie. Brodie. Brodie.”

“The Architect” continued with, “I just wanted to say tonight was for him. Every single time we’re in Rochester, in my heart, that means we’re here for him. It’s Saturday and you know what that means.”

Brodie Lee’s Death

Brodie Lee
Brodie Lee

As Rollins mentioned, it’s getting close to the anniversary of Lee’s untimely death. He passed away December 26, 2020. Lee’s wife, Amanda, detailed his health issues that started in October 2020. His health declined rapidly and he was not approved for lung transplants. On Christmas Eve, they began preparing him for end of life care.

A funeral was not held due to COVID-19. AEW’s “Celebration of Life” episode was his funeral, according to Amanda.

Amanda now works for AEW in their Community Outreach department. Negative 1 still appears on AEW programming, including the Black Friday edition of Rampage where his mentor, Preston “10” Vance, turned on Dark Order and threw the mask his father gave him down at his feet.

Photos: Bianca Belair Impresses in Bodybuilding Competition, WWE Superstars React

0

RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair competed in a fitness competition over the weekend and showed off her impressive physique on social media today.

Belair’s team defeated Damage CTRL, Rhea Ripley, and Nikki Cross in the Women’s WarGames match this past Saturday. Becky Lynch returned to the company as the mystery teammate and wound up winning the match for Team Bianca at the premium live event. The Man connected with a Leg Drop off the top of the steel cage on Dakota and IYO below for the pinfall victory.

  • 8 Best Moments from WWE Survivor Series WarGames

Bianca took to Twitter to share several photos from the competition. She disclosed that she has been training for the past 10 weeks for the WBFF Pro Atlantic City Pro Am and got to show off her hard work on the stage over the weekend.

Belair also noted that she is a part of the WBFF Pro Card Family now and received first place in wellness, and 2nd in fitness at the competition.

WWE Superstars React to Bianca Belair Competing in Bodybuilding Competition

Several WWE Superstars from the past and present praised Bianca on social media today. Charlotte Flair responded with a bunch of emojis and Impact producer Lance Storm praised The EST.

https://twitter.com/LanceStorm/status/1599478159350837248?s=20&t=iIYp1d1ZE39vEHhEbsJ3RQ

WWE authority figure Adam Pearce said that Belair was inspiring and congratulated her.

Former WWE Superstar and current producer Shane “The Hurricane” Helms also complimented Belair.

Bianca just wrapped up a long rivalry with Bayley over the RAW Women’s Championship. She defeated The Role Model in a Last Woman Standing match at WWE Crown Jewel and got the better of Damage CTRL once again at Survivor Series WarGames.

Triple H was “Very Unhappy” with William Regal’s WWE NXT Release

0

William Regal is expected to return to WWE soon, after his release in January of this year left Triple H “very unhappy.”

This week, Regal was written off of TV with an attack by AEW World Champion MJF, who chastised the British veteran for making a deal with ‘the Devil.’

It was reported not long after that Regal is expected to finish with the company and return to WWE when he is able to.

Done

Sources in AEW all are operating on the assumption that he’s leaving the company, Fightful Select has reported.

On the other side, sources from WWE who spoke to Fightful are all under the impression that Regal is rejoining their promotion.

One AEW source said that after the MJF angle that ran last week, William Regal was “done” with the company, and will not be appearing on-screen again.

Unhappy

Regal’s imminent return to WWE comes after the former King of the Ring was released in January of this year.

A WWE source said that it does not come as any surprise that William Regal is likely headed back, given how close he was to Triple H.

Working as a tag team in WCW in 1994, Regal would serve as one of the Game’s groomsmen in 2003, and the pair worked together in NXT until Regal’s release.

That same WWE source added that Triple H was “very unhappy” when Regal was let go, and those in NXT said they believed the Gentleman Villain would be a “lifer” with the brand.

Those in WWE expect him to resume an advanced role similar to the one he had before, but that wasn’t confirmed.

Kurt Angle Reveals Brock Lesnar Was Interested in Joining TNA Wrestling

0

Brock Lesnar was once interested in crossing the line to work for TNA Wrestling. This is according to Kurt Angle, who has been friends with him for years due to their amateur wrestling backgrounds and pro wrestling careers. 

Throughout 2003, they had some classic matches over the WWE Title, including Lesnar winning the championship from Angle at WrestleMania 19. 

In 2007, Angle wrestled Lesnar for one final time in a match for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. That could’ve been different if Lesnar got the money he wanted from TNA Wrestling. 

The Talk

Kurt Angle

While speaking on the latest episode of his Kurt Angle Show podcast, Angle revealed that Lesnar reached out to him about potentially joining TNA Wrestling in 2007.

“Okay, Brock calls me. He’s not in WWE,” Kurt Angle recalls. “He says, ‘Listen, man, can you get me in TNA? —’ I probably shouldn’t even be saying this, but you know what, Brock doesn’t care. So he said, ‘Hey, what are you making?’ I told him what I was making and he said, ‘If you can get me that, I’ll come. I approached TNA, and they said, ‘No, we’re not going to give him that kind of money.”

Angle said that he thinks TNA was at the top of their budget and couldn’t give any more money out at the time. He stated the Carter Family funded the venture for a long time and when TNA started making their own money,  it wasn’t enough for them to be able to afford Lesnar. 

Angle added that “TNA would have lit up” if a deal could have been reached to bring in Lesnar.

Lesnar would not return to professional wrestling until 2012 when he returned to WWE on the WWE Raw after WrestleMania 28 as he focused on his MMA career.

H/T to Fightful for the transcription

William Regal Returning to WWE for “Behind the Scenes” Role (Report)

0

William Regal’s impending return to WWE will see the British star work behind the scenes in an unspecified role.

On this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite Regal was betrayed by AEW World Champion MJF, who laid out the Brit with some brass knuckles.

It has been reported that this is AEW’s way of writing Regal off of TV and marks his final appearance for the wrestling legend for the promotion.

Gone

There has been some speculation that Regal could still stay with AEW, but all signs are pointing to him both leaving, and to him returning to WWE.

On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said that there will be some reference to Regal on next week’s Dynamite.

“Regal’s gone. It’s not like ‘maybe he’s gone, maybe he’s not.’ Regal’s gone. I believe that was his farewell. There’s going to be something on Wednesday’s show, there will be something addressing certain things.”

Next week’s Dynamite will air from the H-E-B Arena in Cedar Park, Texas.

Conflicting Stories

Regal’s departure from AEW has come out of nowhere, given that he has been prominently featured since signing earlier this year.

On his show, Meltzer explained how WWE’s version of events differs from what others have been saying.

“He is going back to WWE. That’s just the deal. I’ve had so many different people tell me so many different stories. The primary source story is that his contract was short-term. The WWE side says he had an out. Did he sign a nine-month deal [with AEW?] Doesn’t sound right.

“The closest thing to what I would say is official is that he signed a short-term deal. Others say he had an out or Tony [Khan] gave him an out.”

Behind the Scenes

Regal was an on-screen presence throughout his AEW run, and it is unconfirmed if he had any official role backstage.

When he returns to WWE, the former Intercontinental Champion is set to resume a role behind the scenes, but it is unclear if he will also have an on-screen presence.

“When he signed it was a three-year deal, supposedly and nine months now it’s over. Sounds weird? But if he had an out, he had an out. Or maybe Tony just said to him ‘hey look. He [WWE’s Head of Creative and Talent Triple H] is your buddy. You can go [to WWE] with the restrictions that maybe you’re not going to be on TV.

“He’s going there to work behind the scenes.”

Dave Meltzer.


“I know he’s going there to work behind the scenes but I don’t know if he’s going over there to be a TV character.”

Regal’s departure has yet to be confirmed by Tony Khan in an official capacity.

“Internal Error” Caused WWE SmackDown Superstars to Miss Dark Match

0

WWE Superstar Scarlett was close to having her first match in over a year for the company this week, before being pulled from the SmackDown post-show dark match.

Scarlett was released from WWE in November 2021 along with her husband Karrion Kross but both returned in August of this year.

Since then, Kross has been prominently featured on TV but Scarlett is yet to have a televised match in a WWE ring.

Dark Match

After this week’s SmackDown went off the air, Braun Strowman, Madcap Moss, Matt Riddle, and Liv Morgan defeated Joaquin Wilde, Cruz del Toro, Damian Priest, and Zelina Vega.

Sources who spoke to 411 Mania have said that the original plan was for a six-person tag, pitting Riddle, Strowman, and Morgan against Priest, Kross, and Scarlett.

Plans for Kross and Scarlett were set “long before Friday’s taping” but the Smokeshow was never told about her match.

A source said that if Scarlett was told about the match at the taping, it would have been “news to her.”

It is believed that there was an internal error or the match was just pitched and shot down before Friday’s taping.

Scarlett in the Ring

Despite being a trained wrestler in her own right, Scarlett has had just a handful of matches in WWE.

During the Boxing Day 2016 episode of Raw, Bordeaux was used as enhancement talent and was quickly squashed by Nia Jax.

Last year, Scarlett, now with her own character, competed in a dark match for the June 25, 2021, SmackDown taping, in a losing effort to Shotzi.

Jade Cargill Lands Role in “Huge” Animated Show

0

AEW’s TBS Champion Jade Cargill is ready to showcase her talents outside the world of professional wrestling with a “huge” animated show.

Taking to Twitter, Cargill shared the news of her upcoming voice-over role.

Cargill did not name the show or when fans will get to hear her in the unnamed role.

Voice Over Work

image 2
Bret Hart berates Mr. Burns in a 1997 episode of The Simpsons after the evil billionaire loses his fortune.

Cargill is the latest wrestler to provide voice-over work for a non-wrestling project but is far from the first.

Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart voiced an animated version of himself in The Simpsons episode ‘The Old Man and the Lisa,’ buying the home of Mr. Burns and picking a fight with neighbor ‘The Shrieking Sheik.

Fellow WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley lent his voice to his role as ‘The Boulder’ in Avatar: The Last Airbender, playing an earth-bending wrestler who competes in tournaments.

Even WWE’s Tribal Chief Roman Reigns has done voice-over work, playing the Kizin, the antagonist of one episode of the Disney show, Elena of Avalor.

Reigning AEW TNT Champion and Ring of Honor World Television Champion will voice King Shark in the upcoming DC Comics video game ‘Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.’

Jade Outside of Wrestling

This voice-over role is a big score for Cargill, who is continuing to make her name outside of wrestling.

In recent weeks, Cargill has had a (mostly online) feud with rapper Bow Wow, and the Baddies confronted him during a fan event.

Some believe that this will culminate in a match between Cargill and Bow Wow, given that the latter has expressed an interest in wrestling in the past.

Dustin Rhodes Announces 2023 Will be His Final Year in Wrestling

0

AEW’s Dustin Rhodes is ready to call it a career after announcing that next year will be his last as a wrestler.

Rhodes joined the wrestling industry in 1998 as part of Championship Wrestling from Florida but would debut for WCW in December of that same year.

Rhodes has also competed for WWE, where is best known for his envelope-pushing role as Goldust, and currently competes for All Elite Wrestling.

Retirement

At the recent Blizzard Brawl tapings, Rhodes announced that 2023 will be his last year in wrestling.

This news comes after Rhodes teased his retirement in October, saying that time comes for all of us.

Last month, the former WWE Intercontinental Champion stated that he has about a year left on his contract with AEW.

Dustin Rhodes: A Retrospective

Years before becoming Goldust in the WWF, Rhodes worked for the promotion under his real name from 1990 to 1991, where he was aligned on-screen with his father Dusty.

It wouldn’t be until 1995 that Rhodes would don his iconic face paint, wig, and bodysuit, but would occasionally ditch the persona in the promotion.

In 1999, Rhodes would return to WCW, this time as ‘Seven’ but would immediately break character to bash the character.

Returning to the WWF in 2002, Rhodes would remain for a few more years before joining TNA Wrestling as ‘Black Reign.’

It was Rhodes’ final return to WWE in 2013 that would see him team with his brother Cody, winning the WWE Tag Team Championships from The Shield in October of that year.

In addition to competing for AEW, Rhodes also works as a coach backstage for the promotion.

Juice Robinson Officially a Member of the AEW Roster

0

On last night’s AEW Rampage, a familiar face issued a challenge to ROH Television and AEW TNT Champion, Samoa Joe.

In a promo that aired, “Rock Hard” Juice Robinson reminded everyone that he is a three-time IWGP US Champion. He got straight to the point of issuing a challenge to Samoa Joe for the ROH belt next Saturday at Final Battle.

“You know I’ve done a lot in Japan, but I need to prove myself in America and if I’m going to be a superstar on television, then I need that ROH Television title around my waist. Joe, you may be the ‘King of TV’ now…kings get dethroned.”

As they were going into the main event for All-American Championship between Orange Cassidy and QT Marshall, Excalibur confirmed that Robinson is an official member for the AEW roster.

Juice Robinson Outside of AEW

Good Brothers vs FinJuice

AEW was rumored to have signed Robinson last month, with the company having interest in him for several months. He was last seen in the company where he wrestled then AEW World Champion Jon Moxley in a World Eliminator Championship match. Robinson lost and therefore did not earn a shot at the title.

Last year, Robinson and his former tag team partner, David Finlay spent time in IMPACT Wrestling. Under the tag team name, FinJuice (given to them when they were in NJPW’s World Tag League), they feuded with Good Brothers. FinJuice held the IMPACT Tag Team titles for two months.

Robinson is currently feuding with Blake Christian, who is also signed to AEW under the ROH brand, in NJPW Strong. He joined Bullet Club in May at NJPW’s Wrestling Dontaku show when he showed up after allegedly leaving the company to attack Hiroshi Tanahashi.

Robinson was briefly in ROH from 2018-2019 where he was the in Lifeblood. The faction featured Finlay, Bandido, Tracy Williams, Tenille Dashwood, and Mark Haskins.

Final Battle will take place in Arlington, Texas on Saturday, December 10 at 4 PM ET.

Former WWE Writer Shares Wild Ideas Discussed: Vince McMahon Having Midlife Crisis, Undertaker’s Son

0

Discussions happen all the time in WWE, but some make it to television, and others do not. When Vince McMahon was in charge of creative, some wild pitches were made, with some being approved by the former CEO and Chairman while others were not. 

On Friday, it was reported that The Rock appearing in the WWE Royal Rumble “has been discussed within WWE. 

Former WWE writer Brian Gewirtz, who worked for the company for over a decade in the early 2000s before going to work for The Rock at Seven Bucks Productions, commented on “discussions” about ideas he had during his time in the company. He shared them with the following post: 

The Ideas

Vince McMahon

“Things “discussed” in my time at wwe: Vince having midlife crisis, growing beard, wearing Hawaiian shirts and singing Black Eyed Peas songs. Kaval being Undertakers secret long lost son. [John] Cena losing to Bray Wyatt via singing possessed child… wait, that one actually happened.”

Kaval is best known as Low Ki, who was in WWE from the end of 2008 to December 2010. He also found success in ROH and TNA Wrestling. 

Wyatt defeated Cena thanks to singing children at WWE Extreme Rules 2014. Wyatt gave the following response:

As of this writing, The Rock coming back at the Royal Rumble and working a match with Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39 has not been confirmed. 

AEW World Champion MJF Reacts to Praise from Sami Zayn: “Sami is Salt of the Earth”

0

Sami Zayn was recently interviewed by Peter Rosenberg on the Cheap Heat podcast and said he would like to work with AEW World Champion MJF.

Maxwell captured the title from Jon Moxley in the main event of AEW Full Gear on November 19th. William Regal then slid MJF the brass knuckles and he punched Moxley with them to win the title. On this past Wednesday’s edition of Dynamite, MJF attacked Regal with the brass knuckles and introduced a new title design.

  • 11 Best Moments from AEW Full Gear 2022

Sami Zayn competed in the main event of WWE Survivor Series WarGames last weekend. The Honorary Uce was the reason The Bloodline picked up the victory at the premium live event. Zayn hit Kevin Owens with a low blow, a Helluva Kick, and Jey followed it up with a Frog Splash for the pinfall victory.

  • 8 Best Moments from WWE Survivor Series WarGames 2022

Peter Rosenberg asked Sami Zayn if there was anyone outside of WWE that he would like to work with and Sami thought about it for a bit before naming MJF.

AEW World Champion MJF took to Twitter to respond and called Sami the Salt of the Earth.


Sami is Salt of the Earth.

– MJF

The AEW World Champion recently appeared on Sam Roberts’ Wrestling Show and said that Sami Zayn is one of the most entertaining wrestlers on the planet.

MJF’s first AEW World Championship defense will be against Ricky Starks at Dynamite: Winter is coming on December 14th. Starks won the World Title Eliminator tournament to earn the title shot. Ricky will also be in the Battle Royal this Wednesday for the Dynamite Diamond Ring. MJF has won the ring the past three years.

https://twitter.com/OfficialEGO/status/1599099049348472833?s=20&t=lhLcV6oZqTSNWOlHymQ7GQ

WWE Repackaging Lacey Evans With New Gimmick Again

0

Lacey Evans is set to have her character revamped yet again as fans saw on this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown on FOX.

During SmackDown, a vignette aired hyping Evans’ return to the ring, which saw the Superstar reconnect with her Marine roots as she performed multiple drills.

Evans has competed just once since October 2022, competing in a six-pack challenge that was won by Shotzi.

Change of Character

While Evans hasn’t been featured much on WWE programming this year, she’s had plenty of changes in her character.

On the April 8, 2022, episode of WWE SmackDown, Evans appeared in a vignette as a babyface, speaking about her life as a mother.

Not long after, Evans was moved to Raw and her character became a heel once again.

Weeks later, Evans was moved back to SmackDown, but as a heel, without ever competing on Raw.

On the June 10, SmackDown, Evans turned face yet again, defeating Xia Li and qualifying for the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder match.

During the post-Money in the Bank SmackDown, Evans turned heel again by attacking her tag-team partner Aliyah.

Lacey Evans

Signing with WWE in April 2016, Evans competed in the inaugural Mae Young Classic the following year but was eliminated in the second round by Toni Storm.

In January 2019, the Sassy Southern Belle was called up to WWE’s main roster and was drafted to Raw after WrestleMania 35.

On the red brand, Evans repeatedly challenged then-Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch but was unsuccessful in winning the title.

Evans had reportedly been set to win the title from Asuka in early 2021 before her real-life pregnancy nixed those plans, as well as an on-screen romance with Ric Flair.

Kevin Owens is “Ashamed” to Admit Why He Couldn’t Enjoy WWE Universal Title Run

0

Kevin Owens will go down in history as the second-ever WWE Universal Champion, but the Prizefighter did not enjoy his time on top.

Owens won the vacated title on the August 29, 2016, episode of Monday Night Raw, defeating Seth Rollins, Big Cass, and Roman Reigns, albeit with help from Triple H.

The title, which was won by Finn Balor at that year’s Summerslam, had been vacated due to a shoulder injury the Irish Superstar suffered during his title match.

Biggest Lesson

Owens has been with WWE since 2014, but established his name on the independent scene years prior to signing.

Speaking on After the Bell, Owens was asked about what advice he’d give his younger self, and encouraged them to stop and smell the proverbial roses.

“I used to always want more and more and more. What’s next? What’s next? What’s next? There are so many moments over the past eight years that I didn’t properly enjoy because I was always worried about what was the next thing.”

Owens also expressed an interest in a return to the indies, believing it is possible now as part of WWE’s new regime.

Universal Champion.

Kevin Owens’ Universal title win marked the first (and to-date only) World Championship for the Canadian on the main roster.

Unfortunately, Owens couldn’t stop and smell the proverbial roses as he was frustrated during his run on top.

On the podcast, the Canadian Superstar explained why he could not enjoy his reign.

“When I was Universal Champion, I had this incredible run with Chris Jericho and so many great moments, so many fun moments that people still talk about today. I’m ashamed to say that I really did not enjoy that as much as I should have.

“I’m ashamed to say that I really did not enjoy that as much as I should have.”

Kevin Owens.

“I enjoy it now looking back. When I watch the stuff we were doing together, it’s so fun, it’s so good. But in that moment, I wouldn’t take the time to appreciate what I was doing because I was worried. ‘Okay next week, what are we doing?'”

Owens’ reign would end at Fastlane 2017 when he was squashed by Bill Goldberg, after being distracted by his former friend Chris Jericho.

What Happened with the House of Black After AEW Rampage?

0

The House of Black proved that they are back and better than ever after this week’s AEW Rampage went off the air.

In September, both Malakai Black and Buddy Matthews announced they were taking separate breaks from AEW, which some believed at the time was a sign of a WWE return.

Instead, both men returned on the November 23, 2022, episode of AEW Dynamite, realigning with Julia Hart and Brody King.

After Rampage

In the main event of last night’s Rampage, AEW All-Atlantic Champion Orange Cassidy retained his title in a Lumberjack match against QT Marshall.

A huge brawl broke between the lumberjacks after the match and when the lights went out, the House of Black emerged and cleared the ring of the performers.

After the show, the beatdown continued, with Brandon Cutler, who was taping the action on his Cutler Cam being singled out by the stable.

Brody King attacked Cutler from behind and put him through the table with a huge powerbomb.

Black told the fallen Cutley that while he has no problem with him, he has problems with those he associates with.

The trio walked away with Excalibur noting on commentary that the House of Black has declared war on AEW.

The House of Black Vs. The Elite

Black’s reference to those Culter associates with is a clear nod to the Elite, and the tease of a potential feud between the two stables.

Like the House of Black, the Elite only returned to AEW programming recently after being suspended for their roles in the All Out backstage fight.

Right now, Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks are 2-1 down in a best-of-seven series with AEW Trios Tag Champions Death Triangle.

What Happened With Liv Morgan After WWE SmackDown Went Off The Air

0

WWE SmackDown aired live this week from the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. It was the first episode of the blue brand following WWE Survivor Series WarGames last Saturday.

SEScoops correspondent Ella Jay was at the venue tonight and shared what happened after this week’s episode of SmackDown went off the air. Matt Riddle, Braun Strowman, Madcap Moss, and Liv Morgan defeated Legado Del Fantasma, Damian Priest, and Zelina Vega in the dark match.

After #SmackDown went off the air, Matt Riddle, Braun Strowman, Madcap Moss, and Liv Morgan beat Legado Del Fantasma (Joaquin Wilde, Cruz Del Toro and Zelina Vega) & Damian Priest in the dark match main event

Sami Zayn defeated Sheamus in the opening contest after Jey Uso interfered. The Usos had a conversation about Zayn’s lie about talking with Kevin Owens last week but Jey said Sami proved himself by winning The Bloodline the Men’s WarGames match at Survivor Series.

The finals of the SmackDown World Cup went down on tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown as well. Ricochet battled Santos Escobar to determine which superstar will challenge Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship.

Legado Del Fantasma was kicked out ringside early and Ricochet was able to pick up the victory after hitting the 630 Splash. Gunther defeated Ricochet to win the IC Title, and beat him two weeks later on the June 24th edition of SmackDown in their rematch. It will be interesting to see if the third time is the charm for Ricochet.

A released star also made their return to help Liv Morgan against Damage CTRL on this week’s WWE SmackDown and you can check that out below.

AEW Rampage Results, Takeaways (12/2/22): Orange Cassidy Defends Title, The Acclaimed & FTR, Saraya

0

AEW Rampage was taped this past Wednesday night. Orange Cassidy put the All-Atlantic Championship on the line in a Lumberjack match against QT Marshall in this week’s main event.

AEW Rampage Results

  • Darby Allin def. Cole Karter
  • Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal def. Private Party
  • Athena def. Dani Mo
  • Orange Cassidy def. QT Marshall in a Lumberjack match to retain the All-Atlantic Championship

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Darby Allin Picked Up A Victory

Darby Allin battled Cole Karter tonight on AEW Rampage. Darby brought a baseball bat and leveled Nick Comoroto outside the ring before the ball. Allin hit his insane dive through the ropes on Karter but Cole battled back.

Karter hit a Buckle Bomb and followed it up a Falcon Arrow but couldn’t keep Darby down. Cole went for a 450 Splash but Darby got out of the way at the last moment. Allin connected with a Scorpion Death Drop and then the Coffin Drop for the pinfall victory.

Shane Taylor Interrupted Keith Lee

Renee Paquette interviewed Keith Lee backstage. Shane Taylor interrupted and challenged Swerve in Our Glory to a match at ROH Final Battle. Taylor said he will find a tag partner before December 10th.

The Acclaimed Challenged FTR

Renee Paquette interviewed AEW Tag Team Champions The Acclaimed tonight in the ring. Caster and Bowens scissored with Daddy Ass Billy Gunn before the interview.

The Acclaimed said there is a tag team that has been waiting a very long time to get a shot at these and the crowd chanted “FTR!”.

The Gunn Club interrupted and the crowd greeted them with “asshole!” chants. Austin and Colten poked fun at The Acclaimed and referred to their father as “Billy”. The Gunn Club claimed that they are the best team in the world and were quickly interrupted.

Jeff Jarrett, Jay Lethal, Satnam Singh, and Sonjay Dutt interrupted and mocked the “Ass Boys”. Billy Gunn interrupted and said they wanted the best and ROH Tag Team Champions FTR made their way to the ring. Cash and Dax shook The Acclaimed’s hands to end the segment.

Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal def. Private Party

Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal battled Private Party (Isiah Kassidy & Marq Quen) tonight on AEW Rampage. Matt Hardy showed up ringside as Jay Lethal launched Kassidy into the steel steps as Rampage went to a commercial break.

When Rampage returned, Marq tagged in and leveled Jeff Jarrett with a dive through the ropes. Quen went for a 450 Splash but Jay Lethal got out of the way. Double J hit a cheap shot and Jay followed it up with the Lethal Injection for the pinfall victory.

Saraya Wants the AEW Women’s Championship

Renee Paquette interviewed Saraya about her return to the ring at AEW Full Gear. Saraya said it was incredible to be out there again after five years with her family in the front row for her victory over Britt Baker at the PPV. Saraya stated that she wants the AEW Women’s Championship at the end of the promo.

Athena Dominated

Athena battled Dani Mo tonight on Rampage. Athena hit a series of Suplexes and then the Eclipse for the pinfall victory. Mercedes Martinez will defend the ROH Women’s Championship against Athena at ROH Final Battle on December 10th.

Juice Robinson Challenged Samoa Joe

Juice Robinson issued a challenge for ROH Final Battle. He challenged Samoa Joe to an ROH TV Championship match. Juice noted that Joe may be the “King of TV” for now, but he will be dethroned. It was also announced that Samoa Joe will defend the TNT Championship against Darby Allin this Wednesday on Dynamite.

Orange Cassidy Retained

Orange Cassidy defended the All-Atlantic Championship against QT Marshall in a Lumberjack match in the main event of this week’s episode of AEW Rampage. Mark Henry interviewed both competitors before the match.

QT was in control of the match when Rampage went to the final break of the night. Cassidy battled back with a Tornado DDT but Marshall retreated out of the ring. The Lumberjacks surrounded The Factory but QT capitalized on the distracted.

Marshall set up for a Piledriver on the ring apron but Danhausen hopped on the ring apron. He tried to curse QT but obviously, it didn’t work. A brawl broke out and Cassidy flipped onto everyone with an awesome springboard move.

Back in the ring, Cassidy climbed to the top rope as Penelope Ford watched on. Penelope hopped on the ring apron and Kip Sabian showed up from behind. Kip shoved Cassidy off the top turnbuckle and into a Cutter from QT but somehow Orange kicked out at two. Cassidy hit the Orange Punch and followed it up with Beach Break to retain the All-Atlantic Championship.

The champion leveled Kip Sabian with a dive through the ropes but Sabian battled back. Kip stomped on Cassidy on the entrance ramp before the lights went out. House of Black showed up in the ring and the crowd cheered. House of Black took out everyone and stood tall to close the show.

Samoa Joe Title Defense Set for ROH Final Battle, Title Matches Announced for Next Week’s AEW Dynamite

0

Ring of Honor Final Battle will air on December 10th from College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.

Chris Jericho will defend the ROH Championship against Claudio Castagnoli in the main event. Mercedes Martinez will defend the ROH Women’s Championship against Athena at the PPV.

Another title match was added to the card during tonight’s edition of AEW Rampage. Former IWGP Champion Juice Robinson appeared in a video promo during Rampage and challenged ROH TV Champion Samoa Joe. Juice noted that Joe may be the “King of Television” for now but he will dethrone him.

Samoa Joe captured the TNT Championship as well at AEW Full Gear on November 19th. Former TNT Champion Wardlow interrupted Joe on this past Wednesday’s edition of Dynamite and warned him that he’s coming for the TNT Championship. It was also announced that Samoa Joe will be defending the TNT Championship against Darby Allin on next week’s Dynamite.

Renee Paquette interviewed AEW Tag Team Champions The Acclaimed tonight on Rampage. They said they wanted to fight the best and the crowd chanted “FTR!”. Gunn Club, Jeff Jarrett, Sonjay Dutt, Satnam Singh, and Jay Lethal interrupted but The Acclaimed ignored them. ROH Tag Team Champions FTR made their way to the ring and shook The Acclaimed’s hands. It was later announced on Rampage that The Acclaimed will defend the AEW Tag Team Championships next week on Dynamite against FTR.

Updated ROH Final Battle card

  • ROH Women’s Championship: Mercedes Martinez (c) vs. Athena
  • ROH TV Championship: Samoa Joe (c) vs. Juice Robinson
  • ROH Pure Championship: Daniel Garcia (c) vs. Wheeler Yuta
  • ROH Championship: Chris Jericho (c) vs. Claudio Castagnoli

Released WWE Superstar Returns on SmackDown

0

Damage CTRL appeared on tonight’s edition of WWE SmackDown and cut a promo in the ring.

Bayley boasted about being the longest-reigning SmackDown Women’s Champion of all-time before Liv Morgan interrupted.

Liv has had an attitude adjustment since losing the SmackDown Women’s Championship to Ronda Rousey at Extreme Rules and has seemingly lost her mind.

The 28-year-old sprinted to the ring, even though she was outnumbered 3 to 1. Tegan Nox then made her shocking return to the company and made the save. Liv hit Damage CTRL with a couple of kendo sticks shots and Tegan followed it up with a Shining Wizard. Liv and Tegan stood tall as Damage CTRL retreated to the end the segment.

Tegan was released by WWE in November 2021. Following her release, she published a list of wrestlers that she would like to face outside of WWE.

Rhea Ripley Says Tegan Nox Helped Save Her Career

Rhea Ripley was interviewed by Talk Sport ahead of Survivor Series last year and credited Tegan for helping her career. Ripley noted that she was on the verge of getting fired early in her career but Tegan made her look good in a match at the WWE Performance Center.

Tegan, she doesn’t understand how much I appreciate her and what she’s done for me. But there was a time at the Performance Center where my name was on the list to get fired and I’d only been there for a year. 
I don’t know why my name was on the list, I guess people just didn’t like me at the time. It is what it is – I changed their mind! But I was on the chopping block and I had a PC live match in front of all our peers and it was against Tegan.

One of the guys found out I was on that list and he told her – he didn’t tell me because he knew I’d freak out – but he told her and was like ‘look, you’ve got to make Rhea look good because this might be her last match here otherwise.’ And that’s exactly what she did.

Kurt Angle Birthday Celebration & Title Matches Set for WWE TV Next Week

0

WWE has announced two title matches for next week. On WWE Raw, The Usos will be defending their Undisputed Tag Team Championships against Elias and Matt Riddle.

The winner of that match will go on to defend against Drew McIntyre and Sheamus on next Friday’s edition of WWE SmackDown.

On this week’s episode of SmackDown, Sami Zayn battled Sheamus in the first match of the night. The Usos, Solo Sikoa and The Brawling Brutes were ringside for the match.

The action broke down and turned into a brawl ringside. Jey Uso hopped on the ring apron and hit Sheamus with a cheap shot. Sami capitalized with a roll-up for the pinfall victory.

Later on WWE SmackDown, The Usos were having a conversation backstage. Jimmy asked Jey about Sami lying to him and he claimed it was water under the bridge because of what the Honorary Uce did in the Men’s WarGames match at WWE Survivor Series last weekend.

Sheamus showed up with a shillelagh and beat both Jimmy and Jey down before saying that he and Drew will be waiting for them next week if they retain.

WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle was also announced for next week’s episode of SmackDown. He will appear to celebrate his 54th birthday next week.

WWE SmackDown Results, Takeaways (12/2/22): Survivor Series Fallout, World Cup Finals, Tegan Nox

0

WWE SmackDown airs live tonight from the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. It is the first episode of SmackDown following WWE Survivor Series WarGames this past Saturday night. In addition to the takeaways below, it appears Lacey Evans is getting another character reset on SmackDown.

  • 8 Best Moments from WWE Survivor Series WarGames 2022

SmackDown Results (12/2)

  • Sami Zayn def. Sheamus
  • Shayna Baszler def. Emma
  • Gunther def. Kofi Kingston
  • Ricochet def. Santos Escobar to win the SmackDown World Cup

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

The Usos Helped Sami Zayn Defeat Sheamus

The Usos, Solo Sikoa, and Sami Zayn kicked off the week’s show. Jimmy noted that the crowd was chanting “Sami Uso!” at Survivor Series and the Buffalo crowd started it up again.

Jey noted that he has doubted Sami for a long time but he earned his respect and credited Zayn for The Bloodline winning the Men’s WarGames match. Jimmy asked Sami he was feeling and Sami said he’s feeling pretty freaking Ucey. Sami did a special handshake with both of The Usos before The Brawling Brutes interrupted.

Sheamus said he hates to beat up a fellow ginger and shouted that it is fight night! The Celtic Warrior dominated the match early and sent Sami into the barricade as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Sami hit a Tornado DDT for a near fall. Sheamus caught him with a knee strike and brought Sami up the 2nd turnbuckle. Zayn escaped and hit a Sunset Flip Powerbomb off the middle turnbuckle for a near fall.

The crowd chanted “Sami!” as both superstars got up. Sheamus set up for the Brogue Kick but Sami rolled to the apron. Sheamus delivered 20 Beats of the Bodhran and posed in the ring. The Celtic Warrior geared up for the Brogue Kick once again but Jimmy Uso provided a distraction. Jimmy hit a cheap shot and Sami capitalized with a Blue Thunder Bomb but Sheamus kicked out at two.

Ridge and Butch Holland battled with The Usos outside the ring. Solo Sikoa joined the party and planted Butch with a Spinning Solo on the barricade. Solo booted Ridge in the face as Sheamus hit a knee strike. Jimmy distracted the referee and Jey Uso hit Sheamus with a Superkick. Sami capitalized with a roll-up for the pinfall victory.

Bray Wyatt Claims He Didn’t Hurt LA Knight, Kofi Kingston Will be in Royal Rumble

Kofi Kingston announced he is going to be in the Royal Rumble match.

Bray Wyatt cut a backstage promo and said that we are just wild animals. Wyatt noted that animals eat each other to stay alive and we have the same instincts. Bray claimed that he is not the one that hurt LA Knight.

Shayna Baszler def. Emma

Shayna Baszler battled Emma tonight. Before the match, Madcap Moss approached Emma backstage and flirted with her. She gave him a smooch on the cheek before heading to the ring. Shayna dominated the match early but Emma battled back. Shayna eventually locked in the Kirifuda Clutch for the submission victory.

After the match, Shayna went to beat Emma down some more but Shotzi made the save. Baszler delivered a knee to the face and knocked Shotzi to the canvas. Raquel Rodriguez ran to the ring and Shayna retreated.

Gunther vs. Kofi Kingston

Intercontinental Champion Gunther battled Kofi Kingston in a non-title match tonight. The champion controlled the action early but Kingston caught him with an Enziguri. Ludwig tripped up Kofi while the referee was distracted.

Braun Strowman marched down the entrance ramp and chased Ludwig around the ring. Strowman caught Vinci in midair and smashed him into the ring post. Strowman launched Imperium over the barricade as Kofi hit Gunther with the SOS for a near fall as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Kofi connected with a Splash and went for the cover but Gunther kicked out at two. Gunther responded with a Dropkick and followed it up with a Powerbomb for a near fall. Gunther connected with his new finisher (?) for the pinfall victory.

Sheamus Attacked The Usos

The Usos were having a conversation backstage about Sami Zayn’s lie. Jey said Roman looked in his eyes and saw what he needed to see and Sami saved the day at WarGames. Sheamus showed up with the shilleliagh and beat them down. The Celtic Warrior added that he and Drew will be waiting for them.

Tegan Nox Returned

Bayley, IYO SKY, and Dakota Kai came to the ring for a promo. Bayley noted that the three of them combined were in the WarGames match for 95 minutes. The Role Model called the crowd idiots for cheering Becky Lynch even though she was only in the WarGames match for a cup of coffee. Bayley boasted about being the longest-reigning SmackDown Women’s Champion in history before Liv Morgan interrupted.

Liv Morgan said it seems like Bayley has a problem with the SmackDown women’s division and rushed the ring on her own. Damage CTRL beat Liv down but Morgan battled back. Liv tackled Bayley and got in some punches before Damage CTRL beat her down.

Tegan Nox returned to WWE and made the save. Liv hit Damage CTRL with a kendo stick and Tegan connected with a Shining Wizard to end the segment.

Karrion Kross Warned Rey Mysterio, Uncle Howdy

Karrion Kross warned Rey Mysterio in a vignette with Scarlett. Karrion boasted about his attack on Madcap Moss recently.

Uncle Howdy appeared in a video and showed clips of Bray in the past. Uncle Howdy once again claimed Bray was lying and said “revel in what you are”.

Ricochet Won the SmackDown World Cup

Ricochet battled Santos Escobar in the finals of the SmackDown World Cup. Before the match, The Usos versus Elias & Matt Riddle for the Undisputed Tag Team Championships was announced for next week’s RAW. The winner of that match will defend the titles against Drew McIntyre and Sheamus on next week’s SmackDown. Kurt Angle will also appear on next week’s SmackDown to celebrate his 54th birthday.

Santos Escobar controlled the action early as Zelina Vega kept interfering. The referee kicked Zelina and Legado Del Fantasma out from the ringside area. Ricochet battled back and hit a Shooting Star Press onto Santos off the ring apron as SmackDown went to the final commercial break of the night.

When SmackDown returned, Santos and Ricochet battled on top of the barricade. Escobar sent him to the floor with a Hurricanrana as the crowd cheered. Escobar rolled Ricochet into the ring and went for the cover but he somehow kicked out at two and the match continued.

Santos and Ricochet battled to the top rope. Ricochet knocked Escobar to the canvas and set up for the 450 but Santos rolled out of the way. Escobar went for another Hurricanrana but Ricochet incredibly landed on his feet. Santos hit a Northern Lights Suplex but Ricochet responded with a Brainbuster.

Ricochet connected with an awesome springboard Moonsault and went for the cover but Escobar kicked out at two. Ricochet hit a reverse Hurricanrana and followed it up with a 630 Splash for the pinfall victory. He will now face Gunther once again for the Intercontinental Championship. Gunther and Ricochet had a stare down on the entrance ramp to close the show.

Solo Sikoa Responds to Praise from Popular AEW Star: “He Knows How to Get Down”

0

The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa has responded to praise from AEW star Ricky Starks. Ricky took to Twitter recently and complimented Sikoa and said that The Enforcer of The Bloodline was a “beast”.

Sikoa recently joined the Superstar Crossover show and was told about the kind words from Ricky Starks. Solo complimented Ricky and said that he’s a great promo.

That’s big, man. I didn’t know he said that. Shout out to Ricky Starks. I know who he is. I’m also a fan of his mic work, man. He knows how to use a microphone. He knows how to get down, you know. I think it’s cool. I think it just shows respect, man.

At the end of the day, we both know, and everybody knows this. This is a hard business to do. Not everybody can do it. If it was easy, everybody would do it, but everybody doesn’t do it. I think when one worker shows love to another one, especially in a different company, I think that’s much respect. At least that’s what I think. That’s cool, man. Shout out to Ricky Starks.

H/T: 411Mania

Ricky Starks is set to battle MJF for the AEW World Championship at Dynamite: Winter is Coming on December 14th. On this week’s Dynamite, Ricky vowed to take everything MJF has, including the Dynamite Diamond Ring during the Battle Royal next Wednesday.

  • 11 Best Moments from AEW Full Gear 2022

MJF brutally attacked William Regal last night and bashed him over the back of the head with brass knuckles. At AEW Full Gear on November 19th, William Regal betrayed Jon Moxley in the main event and slid the brass knuckles to MJF. Maxwell hit Jon Moxley with them to win the AEW World Championship.MJF’s attack on Regal this past Wednesday apparently was done as a way to write Regal off of television as he is reportedly expected back in WWE soon.

Robert Roode Undergoes Neck Fusion Surgery

0

WWE’s Robert Roode is on the road to recovery after undergoing neck fusion surgery

The former WWE NXT Champion posted photos after his surgery on Instagram, which he indicated was for fusion to his C-5 and C-6 vertebrae that was done in Birmingham, Alabama. He wrote the following on the surgery: 

Roode’s Statement

Robert Roode

“Big thank you to Dr. Andy Cordover and his amazing staff at @andrews_sports_medicine and St Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. C5/6 fusion is complete. Now the work begins. Recovery and Rehabilitation. Looking forward to the challenge. Thanks @deneane__17. You’re the best.”

In September, the veteran wrestler shared a picture of Southlake Orthopaedics in Birmingham, Alabama, and mentioned going home after what he believed was a successful trip. He also mentioned that he was suffering from an injury.

Roode expressed his thanks to Southlake and Andrew Sports Medicine, which typically performs surgery on injured WWE stars. He posted a picture in the post that indicated he had surgery, but he didn’t explain why he was going to the facility.

Since the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on the April 1st episode of Friday Night SmackDown in Dallas, Texas, Roode has not competed and has not made an appearance on television. Before he left, Dolph Ziggler was paired with Roode on WWE television.

Details on Becky Lynch Filming a Role for Marvel

0

Becky Lynch made a great impression portraying Cyndi Lauper on NBC’s Young Rock, a series about the life of The Rock. She’s also done voice acting for the Rumble movie after making her movie debut in The Marine 6. 

Lynch’s appearance on the comedy series wasn’t t the only on-screen role she’s had of late. In 2021, Fightful Select learned Lynch was cast for a Marvel movie. Rumors then came out that Lynch would appear in a Marvel movie, but details were far and between until late 2021 when the media outlet confirmed Lynch had a role., However, nobody connected to Marvel would confirm it on the record. 

Didn’t Make The Cut

Becky Lynch
(WWE)

After speaking with Marvel sources, it was revealed that her scenes had been left on the cutting room floor, which is something writer Kris Tapley had recently tweeted about. 

Per the report, the role was for Marvel Eternals in a post-credit scene to set up something for a future installment. It’s unclear what the role specifically was. One person who knew about the situation noted that the post-credits scene was “too depressing,” although no further context was given.

Although the post-credits scene ended up being nixed, the possibility of using Lynch in future films is not out of the question. Lynch previously confirmed earlier this year about having conversations with Marvel, but not that she’d filmed for the movie. Sources at Marvel said that they were happy with the portrayal.

The future of Marvel Eternals is in doubt due to mixed reviews and an underwhelming box office performance. The release date was pushed back multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sheamus Will Battle a Member of The Bloodline to Kick Off Tonight’s WWE SmackDown

0

A huge match has been announced to kick off tonight’s edition of WWE SmackDown.

Sheamus will battle Sami Zayn to begin tonight’s show in a few hours at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. It is the first episode SmackDown following WWE Survivor Series WarGame this past Saturday night.

  • 8 Best Moments from WWE Survivor Series WarGames

WWE uploaded a video of Cathy Kelley making the announcement that the Honorary Uce versus the Celtic Warrior will begin tonight’s show. Sheamus took to Twitter and promised another banger for the WWE Universe.

The Bloodline battled Sheamus, Butch, Ridge Holland, Drew McIntyre in the Men’s WarGames match in the main event of WWE Survivor Series WarGames.

Sheamus didn’t play much of a factor in the match, despite The Bloodline’s brutal attack on him on the October 21st edition of SmackDown. The Celtic Warrior may be able to get some revenge tonight against Sami.

Sami Zayn proved his worth to The Bloodline at Survivor Series WarGames. Jey Uso eavesdropped on a conversation between Sami and Kevin Owens on last week’s SmackDown. KO suggested that Sami turn his back on The Bloodline before they betray him. Jey asked Sami if he had spoken to anyone and the Honorary Uce lied to his face.

At Survivor Series WarGames, Roman confronted Sami about the lie and Zayn claimed that he was just trying to protect Jey because The Usos had a big match last week on the blue brand. Sami proved he had The Bloodline’s back by hitting Kevin Owens with a low blow, a Helluva Kick, and then stepping aside so Jey Uso could have the moment. Jey hit KO with a Frog Splash for the pinfall victory. Sami shared a hug with Jey and the Tribal Chief after the match and it appears that The Bloodline is as strong as ever.

Our live coverage for tonight’s WWE SmackDown will begin alongside the show at the link below.

WWE Has Yet to Decide on Raw Plans for Post-Christmas Episode

0

WWE usually puts on a special edition of Monday Night Raw around Christmas, where fans typically get a Christmas-themed street fight that is just fun to watch.

The status of this year’s edition of Raw after Christmas is unknown. In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that plans are still up in the air regarding the December 26th edition of Raw. 

WWE is planning two shows that night in Columbus, OH, and the other in Madison Square Garden, but there isn’t much information available regarding these shows as Meltzer explained. 

Where Things Stand

WWE Raw
(via WWE)

“For whatever reason, the decision was made not to tape that night. The two ideas looked at right now were either taping two shows on 12/19, which you can do with Smackdown but I don’t know how you do that with a three-hour draw or doing a Best of 2022 show. An announcement is expected to be made any day now. But both shows are advertised as house shows.”

This year’s RAW after Christmas will be the first one under Triple H’s regime. Here is what the WWE schedule during the holidays looks like: 

  • Monday, December 19: Raw – Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA
  • Monday, December 26: WWE Live Holiday Tour – Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH
  • Wednesday, December 28: WWE Live Holiday Tour – Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland
  • Wednesday, December 28: WWE Live Holiday Tour – Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C.
  • Thursday, December 29: WWE Live Holiday Tour – FTX Arena in Miami
  • Friday, December 30: WWE Live Holiday Tour – Coca Cola Coliseum in Toronto, Ontario
  • Friday, December 30: SmackDown – Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla.