WWE is on the verge of hitting a huge milestone for WrestleMania 39 ticket sales. Without a single match announced, WWE has sold nearly 100,000 tickets for the two-night event.
Pro wrestling’s biggest show of the year is still three months away, but it will be here before we know it. WWE holds multiple stadium shows throughout the year, but WrestleMania taking place over two nights insures this will be the company’s grossing event of the year.
‘WrestleMania Goes Hollywood’ on Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Our friends at Wrestletix have been tracking the WrestleMania ticket sales and according to their data, first batch of tickets are nearly sold out.
WrestleMania 39 Tickets
If you are interested in attending WrestleMania 39, you should act fast. A limited number of WrestleMania tickets are still available. You can purchase tickets for Saturday night, Sunday night or a combo pack for both nights.
SoFi Stadium has a maximum capacity of over 100,000 people, but the venue is currently configured for 51,146 fans. We’re fast approaching a sellout for both nights.
Here’s an updated look at where things stand as of Monday, January 2:
WrestleMania Saturday: 49,584 tickets distributed (97%) with 1,562 still available and 3,164 for sale on the secondary market (StubHub, etc.).
WrestleMania Sunday: 50,114 tickets distributed (98%) with 1,032 still available and 3,246 for resale.
WWE does not want to leave money on the table, in the event that WrestleMania 39 sells out several months before bell-time. In cases like this, we’ve seen WWE open up more sections to meet the demand.
Support Wrestletix on Patreon for more pro wrestling ticket sales metrics.
In a new update, FanTime congratulated Rose on a new achievement via Instagram, confirming that she racked up a whopping $1,000,000 in the month of December. Additionally, Rose is listed as one of the site’s top creators on their front homepage. With her wide success on the platform so far, Rose is expected to gradually grow her income even more going forward.
After 413 days as NXT Women’s Champion, Mandy Rose was finally dethroned by Roxanne Perez on the December 13 edition of NXT. The decision was evidently a last-minute decision, as WWE had already made up their minds on releasing her. The release wouldn’t take long to be announced, though, as Rose officially departed from the company the following day, sending shockwaves through the professional wrestling world.
Every Rose Has Its Thorn
(WWE)
The basis of her release?
Despite her seven-year tenure and historical run as NXT Women’s Champion, Mandy Rose still found herself in a tricky situation with management.
Those in the company felt her content shared on Fantime — a third party platform — went outside the parameters of a specific clause in her contract and were often explicit in their nature. Prior to her release, someone leaked some of Rose’s FanTime into the public, which may have popped up on WWE’s radar as a result.
AEW star Saraya is proud of Sasha Banks for having the guts to walk out of WWE when she felt undervalued and mistreated.
Banks now a free agent for the first time in many years. WWE attempted to re-sign her to a new deal, but the two sides failed to reach an agreement. The Legit Boss will now embark on a new chapter in her storied career. Later this week, she’s expected to attend NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom pay-per-view from the Tokyo Dome and explore other opportunities in wrestling, the entertainment industry and beyond.
Saraya tells Alistair McGeorge of Metro.co.uk that she’s proud of her former colleague for taking her career into her own hands.
“… She knows her worth and she knows she wants to be treated a certain way, and she deserves to be treated that way because she’s done a lot for the wrestling business.”
– Saraya proud of Sasha Banks
Sasha Banks is one of the rare attractions in pro wrestling who moves the needle, in terms of ‘butts in seats’ and merchandise sales. Her army of fans tune in and pay up to see her in action. We haven’t seen Banks on television since May 2022, so there is pent-up demand to see what she’ll will do next.
Banks is now in control of her own destiny. She’ll soon be wrestling in Japan, but maintains the flexibility to work wherever her schedule allows.
Saraya says whoever gets to work with Sasha Banks will be very lucky.” She “selfishly” admits that she hopes they cross paths again.
‘Wherever she ends up, I’m gonna be happy for her, and anyone that gets her is gonna be very, very lucky,” she said. “I just selfishly hope that I get to wrestle her one day,’ she admitted.
Austin Theory did not appear at Friday’s Raw-brand live event from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, but wrestling fans can rest assured he’s not been bit by the injury bug.
Theory was set to defend the Unites States Championship against Seth Rollins in the Steel Cage main event. Finn Balor filled in for Theory, but Rollins got the victory. Rhea Ripley and Becky Lynch both got involved in the match, which made for an interesting dynamic.
Shortly before the show, the building announced he would not be present. This is somewhat unusual, since typically it’s WWE that lets fans know about late changes like this (card subject to change).
A winter storm led to travel issues for a lot of WWE (and AEW) performers last week. Multiple stars were unable to make their scheduled dates, which led to rewrites and last-minute substations at TV and live events. It’s still unclear why Theory missed the Toronto Holiday Tour event, but we can thankfully rule out an injury.
Theory Says He’ll Be at Raw
Theory’s situation was addressed on the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio. According to Dave Meltzer, there’s no injury and there are no disciplinary ‘problems’ that would have prevented him from being there.
Ruling out those possibilities, Meltzer speculated there may have been a problem with Theory crossing the Canadian border, but that’s just a .. theory.
The good news is that Theory is healthy and says he’ll be at tonight’s WWE Raw from Nashville. He’s scheduled to defend the US title against Rollins and has a warning for The Architect. In a tweet sent out on Sunday, Theory says Rollins will truly know his place in the WWE when he puts him in the past.
WWE is in Nashville, Tennessee tonight for a live edition of Monday Night Raw from the Bridgestone Arena.
With the new year in full swing, our focus shifts to January 28 and the 2023 Royal Rumble premium live event.
Last week’s Raw was a “year in review” highlights episode, but the big news was a surprise appearance by Cody Rhodes. The American Nightmare stated that he came back for “one thing” and one thing only, the WWE Championship. He did not explicitly state when fans can expect him back in action, but Rhodes’ return is imminent.
As of this writing, we know Raw will feature two championship matches. WWE is advertising the following matches for tonight:
Seth Rollins challenges Austin Theory for the United States Championship
Alexa Bliss challenges Bianca Belair for the Raw Women’s Championship
Here’s what else we can expect:
Bobby Lashley returned to action last week during the live events Holiday Tour. The Almighty had been serving a suspension handed down by Adam Pearce. The WWE website is listing Lashley as one of the Superstars who will be in Nashville, so there’s a strong chance he’ll be back on television this week.
We know the Royal Rumble will feature Men’s and Women’s Rumble matches. WWE is advertising a Rumble qualifier for Friday’s SmackDown, so we can expect to see qualifying matches on Raw as early as tonight as well.
The only other match set for the Rumble is the Pitch Black match between Bray Wyatt and LA Knight. Four weeks out, WWE will soon begin building a program for Roman Reigns and the Undisputed Universal Champion.
Eric Bischoff was a prominent name on TNA Wrestling for years, despite having low expectations of the company.
Bischoff joined TNA (now Impact Wrestling) in 2009 and was a key part in bringing in Hulk Hogan in 2010.
The former WCW magnate and Raw General Manager would remain with the company, mostly working behind the scenes until his departure in 2014
Reeks of Russo
Bischoff would work for TNA Wrestling for years, all the time hating the name of the promotion.
In his new book ‘Grateful‘ Bischoff recalled being hesitant to join TNA.
“To be honest, I was never interested, at any level or at any time, in potentially working for TNA. First and foremost, I hated the TNA name (‘T and A’ – do you get it? It’s just so clever.). When I heard about it for the first time, I thought, ‘This just reeks of Vince Russo.’”
Russo was TNA’s Head of Creative at the time but of course, had no role in the naming of the promotion.
Bischoff added that the idea among fans that TNA was a ‘spiritual successor’ to WCW was “ridiculous.”
Not Wanted
When approached about the opportunity to join TNA, Bischoff didn’t leap at the chance of a return to wrestling.
In his memoirs, the WWE Hall of Famer said that the success he and business partner Jason Hervey were having with their Bischoff-Hervey Entertainment made a return to wrestling seem unnecessary.
“Jason and I were having so much success, with BHE, that I doubted I would even have time to get involved in wrestling again.
“I was basically thinking, ‘Okay – I went through the WCW journey, and it didn’t end up the way I wanted it to end up, but the WWE opportunity came along, and it was a way for me to kind of write the end of my own story.”
Bischoff writes that Dixie Carter, the then-President of TNA was against bringing him in, believing that her role as the ‘female Vince McMahon’ would be jeopardised by bringing him in.
WWE Hall of Famer and AEW commentator Jim Ross has had it with talking about the infamous 1997 Montreal Screwjob.
That year’s Survivor Series saw Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart lose the WWF Championship to Shawn Michaels despite never tapping to the Sharpshooter, after Vince McMahon called for the bell.
The infamous moment is cited by many as the birth of the evil Mr. McMahon character, while Bret would debut for World Championship Wrestling not long after.
Never
As WWE’s chief play-by-play announcer at the time, Jim Ross had a ringside seat to seeing the Screwjob go down.
Since then, Ross like others involved has spoken about what went down and what followed, but JR is saying enough.
On his Grilling JR podcast, the Oklahoma native expressed is frustration about having to relive the Screwjob.
“If we never talk about that [Survivor Series] again ever in my life, I’ll be very content. Having to relive it again and again [is awful.]”
Jim Ross.
Hart would eventually return to WWE in January 2010 and has made appearances for the promotion ever since.
In an interview, Hart would say that Michaels’ WrestleMania 25 match with The Undertaker would play a role in his return, as he questioned how he could have so much hatred for Michaels, a man he also respected.
Punching the Boss
Hart has since made amends with Michaels and McMahon, but in the heat of the moment, the Hitman wasn’t in a forgiving mood.
After the match, Hart trashed the ringside area and backstage, punched McMahon in the face.
WWE and New Japan Pro Wrestling are teaming up for Karl Anderson to compete at Wrestle Kingdom 17, but that’s not a problem for Tony Khan.
Anderson returned to WWE alongside Luke Gallows in October of last year, despite holding the NJPW Never Openweight Championship at the time.
After opting to compete at WWE Crown Jewel over NJPW Battle Autumn in November, the Machine Gun will wrestle this Wednesday at Wrestle Kingdom.
Cool
NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 will be a stacked show, with talent from New Japan, WWE, AEW, and STARDOM all competing.
Speaking to Fightful Select, New Japan’s Rocky Romero said he speaks with Khan quite frequently and was the one to tell Khan about WWE and NJPW working together.
Khan “understood why” the deal had been reached, and said he was “cool” about what was happening.
Anderson will defend the NJPW Never Openweight Championship against Tama Tonga this Wednesday.
Kenny Omega
AEW will have representation at Wrestle Kingdom 17, with Kenny Omega challenging for the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship against Will Ospreay.
Romero told Fightful that Omega was forecasting his return to NJPW, teasing a match with Ospreay, before it was even a done deal.
Speaking about Omega’s suspension from AEW following the backstage fight at All Out, Romero said it “caused a pause” as nobody knew what was going to happen.
Romero said that NJPW worked with Barry Bloom on making this happen, and that Bloom was the one that made the Chris Jericho deal when he was in NJPW years ago.
Speaking to Sportskeeda in late 2022, the two-time NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion addressed what it will be like to be a free agent.
“Truthfully, I want to explore free agency. I just want to be free of a contract and a certain brand commitment, a sort of branding of any kind for a minute and just see what comes next.”
Nick Aldis.
At the time, Aldis also spoke about wanting to focus on his Legacy Sports Nutrition brand.
Where Next?
As a free agent, Aldis is able to field offers from any promotions, and we expect he will be in high demand.
Aldis has never worked with WWE, but it has been reported that he and WWE director Bruce Prichard did not get along when they were working in Impact Wrestling.
With that said, it will be WWE’s Head of Talent Relations Triple H who decides on whether Aldis is given an opportunity, something many fans believe will happen.
A return to Impact is possible given that Aldis knows he can reach the top of the promotion, and resigning with them would allow him the chance to work with his wife.
We’re just days away from Wrestle Kingdom 17, where we know Sasha Banks will be making an appearance. She is believed to have multiple dates with NJPW scheduled and is rumored to be Saraya’s mystery partner for the January 11 episode of AEW Dynamite.
She also recently finished filming her first movie in Boston. Banks said in an Instagram Live that a makeup brand along with tutorials are coming. As of today, she is free to take wrestling bookings.
Good morning. Mercedes Varnado is free to take wrestling bookings
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) January 1, 2023
Sasha Banks Files New Trademark
On December 1, she trademarked her real name, Mercedes Varnado. There’s been strong hints that she will use the name Mercedes Mone’ in wrestling. It’s a name she trademarked in November. On Christmas Day, she tweet “Mone Christmas”.
Through her company Soulnado, Inc., she trademarked Mone Banks. The filing is merchandise related and includes items such as jewelry, collectible printed trading cards, printed posters, coffee mugs, and clothing.
In addition, here are the other names she has trademarked:
– Mone’ Talks – Bank Mone’ – Statement Maker
Whatever Banks has up her sleeve, we should know more in just a few days.
The roller coaster year that AEW had in 2022 has come to a close.
Riding high from their 2021 ending, AEW went into 2022 with tons of momentum. Hangman Page was crowned the AEW World Champion, CM Punk returned to pro wrestling, and Bryan Danielson was delivering high quality pro wrestling matches on a weekly basis.
2022 gave AEW multiple new world champions, backstage controversy, and a fresh slate to close the year out. 2023 promises to bring more exciting storylines and matches that the promotion has hung its hat on since their inception in 2019.
Here are five of the most anticipated matches for AEW in 2023.
Jon Moxley vs. Hangman Page
Hangman Page is looking for revenge against Jon Moxley (AEW)
The parallels between Jon Moxley and Hangman Page are aplenty.
Both are former AEW World Champions, tough as nails, recently sober (in kayfabe for Hangman), and fathers to toddlers. On top of this, they were also across the ring from each other on the third-ever AEW Dynamite episode — a tag match where Kenny Omega and Page defeated PAC and Moxley.
Fast forward to 2021 as Hangman Page returned from paternity leave to win the Casino Ladder Match on October 6th for a shot at the AEW World Title. He battled with Jon Moxley on top of the ladder, ultimately knocking him off to secure the casino chip and title match.
October 18th, 2022. Jon Moxley knocked Hangman Page out with a lariat, giving him a concussion in the process, and retained his AEW World Championship in brutal fashion. Page has been seeking revenge ever since.
Grudges make tremendous bouts. This one is sure to be physical and likely with a lot at stake in the AEW main event picture moving forward.
Jade Cargill vs. Jamie Hayter
Picture a battle of the 2 most imposing women on the AEW roster, Jade Cargill being one of them.
The irresistible force meets the immovable object.
A Jade Cargill vs. Jamie Hayter match isn’t on the horizon for the early portion of 2023, but can you imagine if these two squared off? The athleticism and physicality in this bout would be tough to match on the women’s side of AEW.
Jade Cargill is currently the AEW TBS Champion and undefeated in the promotion. Jamie Hayter is the AEW Women’s Champion and on the biggest run of her career. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that these two women meet up in 2023.
It also would likely be for one of the championships that these women hold present day. The larger question would be: Which of these women will lose first this year? Both look to be poised for long title runs, and Jade Cargill has held the TBS title for nearly a calendar year already.
One way or another, look for the two most dominant women of last year to continue on their paths in 2023. Let’s speak this mammoth dream match into fruition as we look forward to the continued growth of Jade Cargill and Jamie Hayter this year.
MJF vs. Eddie Kingston
MJF has plenty of men breathing down his neck for his AEW world championship.
MJF is the current AEW World Champion. Can you picture a feud with fellow New Yorker Eddie Kingston?
Long Island vs. Yonkers. A cake eating, trust funded character vs. a man from the inner city with the street savvy to match. The contrast in how each man portrays themselves would build immense anticipation.
Then we move on to their exploits on the microphone. The promos alone between MJF and Eddie Kingston would make this a feud of the year candidate without physically interacting. Two of the very best talkers in pro wrestling, on top of their ability to make you feel something every time they talk or wrestle. Their styles and mouths sell themselves.
To go a step further, let’s book MJF vs. Eddie Kingston in September at the AEW Grand Slam show — which will resonate from Flushing Meadows, New York. Could you imagine the crowd responses and magic that would take place at that event?
Kenny Omega vs. Bryan Danielson
Kenny Omega vs Bryan Danielson 2 in 2023?
Speaking of AEW Grand Slam, Kenny Omega and Bryan Danielson wrestled to a 30-minute draw in September of 2021 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The bout was lauded as a match of the year contender. Since then, fans have been salivating over the thought of their eventual rematch.
Omega would take nine months off to heal from injury after losing his AEW World Title in November of 2021. When he returned in August, his focus moved towards the AEW Trios Titles with his Elite running mates, The Young Bucks.
Danielson would eventually wrestle for the AEW World Championship twice in two months, includingwrestling to a 60-minute draw with Hangman Page. He would lose the return title bout on Dynamite in January 2022.
This is a rematch that doesn’t need a championship at stake for it to be another match of the year quality affair. The larger question is: Could they one-up what the two of them put together in their first AEW encounter?
The Elite vs. CM Punk and FTR
There is business to be made in a trio’s bout for the ages
This is the biggest boom or bust match on this list. A lot of it hinges on CM Punk rebuilding trust with AEW management and most importantly, the locker room.
Yet the opportunity presents itself for AEW to do the biggest piece of business in company history if Punk returns. The storyline sells itself. The Young Bucks and FTR are the two most decorated tag teams outside of the WWE promotion in the world today.
Both teams have each won a match against the other. You proceed to add Kenny Omega and CM Punk to this equation, two of the biggest presences in pro wrestling worldwide, fresh off a backstage encounter marred with controversy.
It was rumored over the summer that CM Punk and FTR were going to team up quite a bit, all while Punk was AEW World Champion. A match with The Elite at some point in time would’ve brought the house down — now you add personal stakes to it.
Only the parties involved in “The Brawl Out at All Out” know what really happened. If those damages can be repaired (with a lot of money on the line, they should be), the fans are in for one of the largest showdowns in professional wrestling this century.
Six men with chips on their shoulders to tear the house down and prove superiority in AEW would be at stake. If this is not the most anticipated match in AEW for 2023, it will only be due to the lack of cooperation on behalf of both parties’ sides to set it up.
Kenny Omega says his brief time training in WWE’s developmental system made him question himself and if he was truly destined to reach the top of the industry.
Omega is gearing up to face Will Ospreay at Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4th. This feud between two of the best pro wrestlers in the world has been cultivated over the last year. He claims to be disgusted by the way New Japan has been operated since he left the promotion in 2019
Ospreay has arguably become the top Gaijin (foreigner) in NJPW since Omega’s departure. He claims that he’s carried the torch through the pandemic years. That he and the United Empire is the shot in the arm that New Japan needs.
Long before Kenny Omega established himself as one of the greatest wrestlers of his generation, the former IWGP & AEW champion was still finding his way. He wrestled for Deep South Wrestling, a former WWE developmental territory.
In October 2005, Omega was sent to Deep South Wrestling (DSW), WWE’s then-developmental territory for a tryout, after which he was offered a developmental contract and subsequently assigned to DSW full-time.
In August 2006, he requested his release from his contract. Omega later stated that his time in DSW was poor He particularly criticized promoters Bill DeMott, Jody Hamilton and trainer Bob Holly.
Questioning Everything
Omega spoke with Monthly Puroresu to hype Wrestle Kingdom. He spoke about his time in DSW, and what about it made him question if the wrestling he fell in love with still existed.
Kenny Omega: I never really did think that I had what it took. But the reason I went to the Harley Race camp in Elgin, Missouri was because it was for an opportunity to be implemented into the dojo system of Pro-Wrestling NOAH.
In the end, I was selected by Johnny Ace to go to WWE instead. And I thought, “Well, this is a different kind of opportunity, and maybe this is kind of where my destiny is guiding me towards, so I’m not going to ignore it.”
I did go into the WWE developmental system, Deep South Wrestling at the time, and it wasn’t for me. At that point I had thought maybe wrestling isn’t for me because I was thinking at the highest level, when it becomes more of a business rather than a passion. Maybe it isn’t what made me fall in love with wrestling to begin with.
Monthly Puroresu: You almost felt unsure of yourself. As we all know, even back then as a talent, you felt unsure of yourself going over there.
Kenny Omega: Right. I’ve understood myself going there. I felt unsure of my understanding of the professional wrestling business. I had thought some of the greatest talents, what made them successful was because they were so unique and special athletes in their own way and were in charge of their own character. And all of their wonderful ideas and all of these iconic moments in professional wrestling – you think that they came up with them all. And I think now looking back, I’m sure they did.
But when you go into the developmental system, at least it’s sort of drilled into you, “No, you’re not your own person. You’re our person! And we own you! And you do what we tell you to do!
Monthly Puroresu: They pigeonhole you into thinking, “This is what we think you should be and that’s what you’re going to be.”
Kenny Omega: Exactly. And my worry at that point was if this is what wrestling is, or if this is what it’s become, maybe this isn’t what I fell in love with. Maybe this isn’t my childhood dream anymore. Maybe I just need to consider doing something else. Or just give it up.
On to the Tokyo Dome
Kenny Omega has persevered through many trials and tribulations over the course of his two-decade career in professional wrestling. Over time, he learned that there are alternative options to make it big in the industry. That the WWE wasn’t the be all and end all of wrestling lore.
Be sure to tune in to Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4th. Kenny Omega will face off with Will Ospreay at the Tokyo Dome in an early match of the year candidate.
Wrestling legend Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat isn’t interested in making a cameo appearance at WWE’s upcoming Royal Rumble premium live event.
Steamboat is retired from active competition, but did lace up the boots in November for the first time in 12 years. At a special event for Big Time Wrestling, Steamboat teamed with FTR to defeat Nick Aldis, Jay Lethal and Brock Anderson in a 6-man tag match. The finish came when the three babyfaces simultaneously applied figure-four-leglocks to the heels.
During a recent conversation with Bill Apter for Wrestlebinge, Steamboat was asked about the possibility of entering the 2023 Men’s WWE Royal Rumble match.
He was flattered by the suggestion that he could be part of the Rumble, but doesn’t feel that he can perform at that level anymore. The multiple-time World champion told Apter, “Thanks, but no thanks!”
Steamboat knows the fans would probably go nuts for what would undoubtedly be a memorable Royal Rumble moment. The Rumble is one of the biggest wrestling events of the year and Steamboat admitted, “I think it’s too big of a stage for me.”
Steamboat vs. Jericho
Ricky Steamboat came out of retirement at WWE Backlash 2009 when he faced Chris Jericho. It was his first singles match since 1994. He tells Bill Apter that he is proud of that match and believes he had a ‘really good showing.’
The match against Jericho was the last time the fans got to see the real Ricky Steamboat. He felt around 70% of his former self that night, which was enough for him to carry his weight and leave people with a lasting memory of how great he once was.
The Dragon will turn 70 years old on February 28. After a successful outing during the tag match with FTR in November, it’s probably a good thing that he’s got the self-awareness to quit while he’s ahead.
Shinsuke Nakamura’s step through the ‘forbidden door’ was a triumph for the WWE Superstar who defeated the Great Muta earlier today.
Nakamura’s involvement with Pro Wrestling NOAH’s at their ‘The New Year 2023’ event was announced in late October 2022 and at the time, Nakamura called it a “miracle.”
Muta, aka Keiji Mutoh, is currently on his retirement tour, which is set to end on February 21, 2023 at the Tokyo Dome.
Nakamura Vs. Muta
Given that Nakamura is a contracted WWE Superstar, there was a ton if intrigue going into this match.
Nakamura had a special entrance for the match which included unique attire and his WWE theme music.
The match itself was a fast-paced, physical affair, with Muta using his iconic green mist to gain the advantage.
After Nakamura kicked out of Muta’s shining wizard, the former WWE NXT Champion used a mist of his own, before finishing the legend off with a Kinshasha.
After the match, Nakamura thanked Muta, calling him his idol and the King of Strong Style celebrated in the ring.
The two wrestlers helped each other walk up the stage and posed while pyro went off, bringing the show to an end.
Backstage, an exhausted Nakamura was thankful for the miracle of getting to compete in one of Muta’s final matches.
WWE Superstar Montez Ford is getting ready to release a new album of hip hop music.
Ford (Kenneth Crawford) is one half of the popular Street Profits tag team, along with Angelo Dawkins. He’s also married to Raw Women’s champion Bianca Belair.
In the music world, he goes by King Tez. Earlier this week, he announced his first album ‘SYAD’ is coming in March 2023:
John Cena made his triumphant return to WWE during this week’s episode of SmackDown on FOX, but the former World Champion was busy behind the scenes.
Cena returned to team with Kevin Owens to defeat Sami Zayn and Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, in only the latter’s second defeat in 2022.
This match marked Cena’s first and only match of 2022 and continued his tradition of having at least one WWE match a year which began in 2002.
Cena Backstage
Cena had his hands full in the ring, facing Zayn and the man who defeated him at Summerslam 2021, but his more important work was happening backstage.
Cena granted “several” Make-A-Wish wishes backstage at the event in Tampa, according to Fightful.
The two met in early 2019 when Cena was filming for the movie ‘Playing with Fire’ and married in October 2020.
Make-A-Wish
Cena’s years as a WWE Superstar and role model to young fans have made him a staple of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
In June 2022, Cena granted his milestone 650th wish and is the most requested celebrity by children facing the worst of circumstances.
Speaking to People, Cena said how he granted his very first wish in 2002, mere months after his debut on SmackDown.
Despite being a substitute for the fan’s requested Superstar, Cena was moved by what he did and vowed to always be ready to help Make-A-Wish, a promise he has continued to keep two decades later.
Fans of former WWE Superstar Biff Busick may have seen him in the ring as a professional wrestler for the last time.
Busick signed with WWE in September 2015 and was given the name Oney Lorcan.
Lorcan’s one title reign in WWE came as one-half of the NXT Tag Team Champions (with Danny Burch) and he was granted his requested release on November 4, 2021.
Already Retired
After being released, Busick was brought back to WWE in October 2022 as a coach at the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.
On Twitter, Busick reflected on 2022, saying he chose to step away from performing and spoke about the possibility that he has had his final match as a wrestler.
If that is the case, the former NXT Tag Team Champion thanked everyone who he has shared the ring with and thanked the fans for supporting him.
Biff’s tweet got responses of support from several names in the industry, including Flash Morgan Webster, AEW’s Brody King, Andrew Everett, and Colin Delaney.
Busick Outside of WWE
Biff Busick may be back with WWE, but he has enjoyed a prosperous career outside of the McMahon-owned promotion.
In 2012, Busick would debut for Combat Zone Wrestling and is a former CZW World Heavyweight Champion.
Busick would debut for Evolve the following year, before making his name in Pro Wrestling Guerilla in 2015.
Titles Busick has held include the River City Wrestling Championship, the Top Rope Promotions Heavyweight Championship, as well as the TRP Interstate Championship.
McMahon paid millions of dollars in NDAs to female employees he is alleged to have had extramarital affairs with.
Common Sense
With McMahon gone, the role as CEO is now occupied by both Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan, with Stephanie operating solely as Chairperson of the company.
As WWE’s Head of Creative, Triple H has replaced his father-in-law and has replaced long-time McMahon aide John Laurinaitis as Head of Talent Relations.
In an interview with WrestleRant, Kevin Owens talked about how logic is back in the driver’s seat.
I’m a big fan of being logical. I’ve always tried to be logical in my time in WWE, maybe more logical than most people choose to be or try to be or wanna be.
“The changes in direction also came with a change in mentality.”
Kevin Owens on WWE’s regime change of 2022.
“I can’t say that it’s always been like that. I think the changes in direction also came with a change in mentality, and everybody’s got different ways of thinking about what we do. It used to be like ‘Oh, this is in the past, people won’t remember.’ But man, I’ve been a wrestling fan my whole life and when I’d watch it, I’d remember.”
McMahon’s Return
Things seem to be much smoother sailing in WWE these days, but a monumental storm could be brewing.
It has been reported that McMahon regrets retiring last year, and believes the allegations against him would have blown over.
McMahon is reportedly plotting a comeback to WWE, one that has been met with hostility by those within the promotion.
Despite retiring, McMahon remains WWE’s majority shareholder and has influence over 80% of the voting share.
Chyna will always go down in history as the first (and to date, only) woman to win the WWE Intercontinental Championship, but should she also have had a World title reign?
The Ninth Wonder of the World debuted in the WWF in 1997 as the bodyguard for D-Generation X before splitting from the group in 1999.
Winning the Intercontinental Championship in October 1999, a title she would also win at Summerslam 2000, Chyna would capture the WWF Women’s Title at WrestleMania 17.
World Champion
In the Summer of 1999, Triple H was the number-one contender for the WWF Championship at Summerslam, but would later lose his shot.
During a triple-threat match on the August 9, 1999, Raw is War, WWF Champion ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin would attack Triple H and aid Chyna in winning the Game’s title shot.
Speaking on Foley is Pod, WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley made the case for a Chyna World title run.
“I do [think she should have been World Champion.] mean, look, Vince McMahon was World Champion. David Arquette was World Champion. Vince Russo was World Champion. Yeah, I think there’s a very real chance that she could have.”
Mick Foley.
Chyna would later lose her title shot to Mankind, who would later draw with Triple H, and a triple threat between Austin, Triple H, and Foley was set for Summerslam.
Despite plans for Triple H to win, Austin reportedly refused to put The Game over, and Foley won the title before losing it to Triple H on the post-Summerslam Raw.
WWF Champion Chyna: Could it Have Happened?
Chyna would never win the richest prize in the WWF, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t genuine talks about it.
Speaking in a 2020 interview with Wrestling Inc, Chyna’s former manager Anthony Anzaldo claimed that the ex-Superstar turned a title reign down at an undisclosed time.
“They offered her the WWE Championship belt, but Vince said, ‘But you can’t do Playboy’ because she got offered to do Playboy. She chose Playboy over the belt.”
Anthony Anzaldo.
Chyna would leave the WWF in 2001 and would pass away in 2016 at the age of 46 without ever making a return.
AJ Styles will be on the shelf for several months due to an injury he sustained at Thursday night’s Holiday Tour live event from Hershey, PA.
The Phenomenal One teamed with Karl Anderson and Mia Yim against Finn Balor, Damian Priest, and Rhea Ripley of Judgment Day. The OC picked up the win, but the big story coming out of the match was Styles’ injury. As seen below, the incident occurred during an ugly-looking over-the-top-rope spot. Styles can be seen being attended to by staff and was helped to the back by the referee and Anderson.
On Saturday, Styles confirmed he’s dealing with a broken ankle.
In a brief statement on Twitter, he assured fans he will not require surgery. The downside is that he’ll miss significant ring time.
“Just want to you guys to know that I’m ok. Broken ankle is what I’m dealing with. No surgery, this just takes some time to recover. This will be the longest I’ve ever been out of the ring. Thanks for the prayers and get well wishes.”
– AJ Styles
There’s no good time to get hurt, but right before the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania season has to be the worst time of the year for something like this to happen.
Styles’ Future
AJ Styles shocked the world by signing with WWE and debuting at the 2016 Royal Rumble event, entering the Rumble match at #3.
Earlier this year, Styles spoke about his future, and said that he doesn’t have plans to wrestle anywhere other than WWE at this point in his career.
Styles has also expressed interest in working behind the scenes in WWE once his time in the ring is over but has said he is unsure if that is going to happen.
The Phenomenal One later specified that a role as a talent scout would be ideal for him.
We here at SEScoops are wishing the two-time former WWE Champion a speedy recovery.
The final WWE SmackDown of 2022 is in the books and it was an eventful show to say the least. John Cena wrestled his first and only match of the year. He and Kevin Owens picked up a win over The Bloodline’s Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn. We also saw two surprise returns, including Drew McIntyre and Charlotte Flair, who stunned Ronda Rousey in an impromptu match to capture the SmackDown Women’s championship.
WWE looks to keep the momentum going with the first two shows of 2023. Several matches have been announced for these upcoming broadcasts, including two titles matches and a Royal Rumble qualifying match.
Starting next week, WWE’s focus shifts to the Royal Rumble and the road to WrestleMania 93.
SmackDown Preview: January 6, 2023
Two matches are set for next week’s SmackDown from Memphis, TN at the FedEx Forum:
Drew McIntyre and Sheamus challenge The Usos for the undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship.
Plus, Ricochet battles Top Dolla in a Royal Rumble qualifying match.
Ronda Rousey, Liv Morgan and Karrion Kross are also advertised to appear. (Tickets)
SmackDown Preview: January 13, 2023
In two weeks, SmackDown heads to Green Bay, WI at the Resch Center.
GUNTHER defends the Intercontinental championship against Braun Strowman
Ronda Rousey, The Usos, Liv Morgan and Sami Zayn are advertised to appear. (Tickets)
SEScoops will keep you updated as additional matches and segments are announced for these shows.
Outside of wrestling, West came to fame as the host of the Shop at Home Network in the 1990s and hosted “The Sports Reporters” radio show in Nashville, TN from 2001 until 2008
Final Conversation
As a TNA veteran, West spent years working closely with Jarrett who founded the promotion in 2002.
On Twitter, Double-J reflected on learning of West’s death, saying it hurt, but it is a relief that Don is no longer in pain.
Jarrett spoke about the FaceTime chat the two had a few days ago, where he did most of the talking and had one final chance to tell him he loved him and he will see him again.
Rest in Peace and Power Don West:
When I received the text from Don’s wife, Terri, earlier today on his passing I had an overwhelming feeling of mixed emotions—so happy and relieved for him that he was out of pain and his cancer was gone;but, the finality of his death was..(1/3) pic.twitter.com/7a9r39Kr2t
Dax Harwood has been especially busy as of late, competing for ROH, AEW, and AAA, but the FTR member is working hurt.
Harwood and Cash Wheeler recently competed at AAA’s Noches de Campeones event, losing the AAA World Tag Team Titles to Dragon Lee and Dralistico.
Post-match, Dragon Lee announced that he has signed with WWE and the titles have since been vacated.
Working Hurt
This title loss comes mere weeks after FTR was dethroned as Ring of Honor World Tag Team Champions, losing to The Briscoes at ROH Final Battle.
Harwood is still banged up from the Double Dog Collar match and is working through the pain, Fightful Select reports.
Harwood was reportedly injured after being suplexed by Jay Briscoe onto a pile of steel chairs.
What’s Next for FTR?
There’s no rest for Harwood though, as he and Wheeler will be defending the IWGP World Tag Team Championships next week at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17.
FTR, who won the titles at AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door in June of this year, will defend against Bishamon (Hirooki Goto and Yoshi-Hashi.)
In a previous report from Fightful, Harwood told the site that he believes his and Wheeler’s contracts with AEW expire in April of next year.
Harwood also suggested that the pair may take a year away from pro-wrestling, or possibly just work non-televised events.
Speaking on the final episode of the Gentleman Villain podcast this month, Harwood refuted claims that they complained backstage about their role in WWE, adding that they knew they’d stay “in the rut” if they remained with the promotion.
John Cena was in a particularly thankful mood after this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown on FOX wrapped up.
In the main event of the show, Cena teamed with Kevin Owens to defeat Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn.
This marked Cena’s first match with WWE in 2022, and carries on the tradition of having at least one televised match for the promotion each year which began in 2002.
After the Show
Unhappy with their loss, the Bloodline attacked Cena and Owens once SmackDown went off the air.
In videos shared by fans who were in Tampa for the show, Zayn and the Usos can be seen beating down Owens and Cena, until Drew McIntyre and the Brawling Brutes make the save.
With the tides turned, Cena and Owens are able to make quick work of the remaining Bloodline members, with Zayn taking a stunner from Owens and AA from Cena.
John Cena’s 20-year record was nearly broken this year, but the 16-time WWE World Champion won’t have to worry about this in 2023.
It has been reported that the current plan for Cena at WrestleMania 39 is to face Logan Paul, who is currently recovering from his injury suffered at WWE Crown Jewel.
Paul told listeners of his ImPaulsive podcast earlier this year that he had pitched a match with Cena to WWE’s Head of Creative Triple H.
