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ROH World Title Match Set for Final Battle 2022

Andrew Ravens
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The first match that will serve as the main event has been announced for the upcoming ROH Final Battle pay-per-view.

During Friday’s episode of AEW Rampage, it was confirmed that Chris Jericho would defend the Ring Of Honor World Championship against  Claudio Castagnoli on December 10th. 

The two originally faced off at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam back in September, where Claudio lost the title to Jericho, who has held it ever since. This long-standing feud between the Jericho Appreciation Society and the Blackpool Combat Club has been going on for months and will now roll on to Final Battle. 

At AEW Full Gear, Jericho retained the ROH World Heavyweight Title over Bryan Danielson, Sammy Guevara, and Claudio Castagnoli.

The Segment

Chris Jeriocho
(AEW)

During Rampage, Jericho kicked off the show and did a promo where he bragged about being the greatest Ring Of Honor Champion ever. Castagnoli interrupted him and challenged Jericho to an ROH Title rematch.

While Jericho initially denied Castagnoli the opportunity, Matt Menard suggested that Castagnoli should get another crack at Jericho and the ROH Title. However, he added a stipulation: if Claudio loses again, he should be forced to join the Jericho Appreciation Society.

Matt Hardy says WrestleCade match with Jeff Jarrett Might Get ‘Controversial’

Samantha Schipman
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Every Thanksgiving weekend, WrestleCade is held in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It brings together wrestlers and fans convention-style with a wrestling show to boot. A new match has been added to the card in a co-main event: Matt Hardy vs. Jeff Jarrett.

On last week’s episode of The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy, Hardy alluded to his relationship with Jarrett (Jarrett brought it up on his on podcast, My World, a few days prior because workers gonna work). It’s professional, but they don’t care for each other. On this week’s episode, Hardy opened up more about their relationship.

Matt Hardy vs. Jeff Jarrett Could be ‘Controversial’

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Of their match this weekend, Hardy predicts that someone will get hurt. “I’ve got a feeling when it’s all said and done, either this match is going to turn out really bad and controversial — which people would probably like if that happened, especially if our wives are around. They’re both going to be there, which is scary in itself — or maybe there’s some way we come out of this with some new found respect. I don’t know what direction it’s going to go. The biggest thing I can say is this match is going to be a wild card. This incident happened seven years ago, but its been four or five years of not associating with each other at all.”

Alba asked Hardy if this could go from a match to a fight because of the underlying animosity. “It weighs heavy on my mind. I just honestly don’t know what’s going to happen when we get into that ring.”

History at WrestleCade

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Hardy and Jarrett’s history at WrestleCade goes back to 2015. Hardy put the WrestleCade championship on the line and Double J had some help from EC3. A guitar shot split Hardy’s forehead open. Hardy talked about how it was supposed to be just a basic, straight up match. “It was really shocking that I ended up dropping the WrestleCade title to him. Maybe that could’ve been a case of him being a better politician than I was at that time.”

“The guitar shot ended up filleting my head, leaving me in the hospital late at night. Left my wife there as well. That was the real big issue that kind of drove a wedge between us. It really kickstarted the issues we have. That was the start of it. There wasn’t a lot of ‘I’m sorrys’ or apologies. We did business and he just fucked off. And then I ended up going to the hospital to get my head stitched up. WrestleCade helped out and took care of me a little bit.”

“The fact that he split me open on this errant guitar shot, y’know it kind of ruins my night. Ruins my wife’s night as well. And there was very little remorse. There was no real sorrow over it. No apology. It’s like he didn’t give a shit. ‘I just split this guy’s head open. Fuck ’em. I hope I ended his career’ as he said on his podcast. And I almost felt like that was his mentality when that was going down.”

This incident caused him to lose all respect for Jarrett. Hardy does wonder if it was “a receipt for not going to TNA” and going back to WWE.

The match will be live-streamed on Title Match Network this Saturday. Jon Alba, Kevin Gill, and Veda Scott will be on commentary.

Randy Orton Undergoes Back Surgery, WWE Future in Question

Andrew Ravens
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Fans shouldn’t expect to see Randy Orton return and perform inside of a WWE ring anytime soon due to a back injury. 

The former WWE Champion has been out of action since late May when he and RKBro teammate Matt Riddle dropped the Raw Tag Team Championships to The Usos, who were the SmackDown Tag Team Champions and now Unified Champions. WWE later wrote him off television in an attack angle. 

At the time, Orton reportedly had a “significant” injury, and was expected out for a few months and then later the rest of the year. 

Injury Update

Randy Orton has undergone a fusion in his lower back that would keep him out of action for an extended period of time. Orton’s wife recently posted a photo of him in a hospital bed, which got fans concerned about the timeframe for his return.

Back fusion surgery is very serious business and could keep him out of action for an extended period of time. At 42 years old, he’s already in the later stages of his in-ring career.

Orton remains under contract with WWE through 2024, although the company could ‘freeze’ the contract due to his prolonged hiatus.

Logan Paul Could Be Back in a WWE Ring by January

Michael Reichlin
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Logan Paul has provided an update on his health and it’s great news for fans hoping to see him back in a WWE ring.

Paul injured his knee during his match against Roman Reigns at WWE Crown Jewel earlier this month. He knew something was up mid-match, but decided to gut it out. He ended up turning in a performance that people are still talking about.

Despite the setback, he was thrilled with the experience. He plans to wrestle for a very long time and is already plotting a blockbuster match at WrestleMania.

Logan Paul’s Injury

Paul initially thought he tore his MCL, ACL and meniscus, which would have kept him out for a long time. Luckily, it was “only” a Grade-3 MCL tear.

He posted a new vlog on Friday and shared the news of what his doctor told him:

“You have a significant tear of the MCL, you have what we call a Grade 3, which is almost a complete tear of the MCL. We’re going to treat this with a brace and rehab, it’s going to take a minimum of six weeks for this to heal fully.”

– Logan Paul relaying what his doctor told him

Anybody who has been through physical therapy will tell you, it’s not pleasant. Paul has spent November undergoing PT and sports rehabilitation sessions. He says “it’s been great thus far” and teased that he knows when he’ll be able to return to WWE.

The vlog ended with Paul saying, “As of now, it looks like I’ll be back to the WWE, sometime in …” and it cuts off.

Recovery

If Logan Paul stays on course with his recovery, six weeks from today brings us to January 6. Hypothetically, he could appear in the 2023 men’s Royal Rumble match on January 28.

That would be an aggressive timeframe, perhaps too aggressive. Even if he plays it safe and returns at a more conservative pace, a match at WrestleMania 39 in April seems very realistic. If only there was somebody he wanted to work with…

Logan Paul Texted Triple H About Wrestling John Cena at WWE WrestleMania 39

Mandy Rose Explains Why She’s Ready for Another WWE Main Roster Run

Andrew Ravens
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Mandy Rose sees herself on the main roster again while in the middle of a long and successful reign as the WWE  NXT Women’s Champion for over a year.

There are no signs of her slowing down alongside her Toxic Attraction running mates, Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne. 

Rose has retained her title over the likes of Alba Fyre, Meiko Satomura, Zoey Stark, Dakota Kai, Raquel Gonzalez, and more. 

While speaking to Chris Van Vliet on Insight, Rose was asked what’s next for her in her career. She noted that she’s beaten everyone in NXT and while she doesn’t mind being champion for a longer time, she’s ready to have another shot on the main roster. 

One More Shot

Mandy Rose and Toxic Attraction

“I’m at a point now where, who else can I beat in NXT? I totally don’t mind remaining the champ for a long time, but I think it’s time. I want Gigi and Jacy to be able to experience the main roster. Being up on Raw or SmackDown, I want to get back up there because I’m a whole different person I feel. Whether it’s from the outside looking in it looks like that, I just feel so much more respected now, and that has a lot to do with it. Not that I was scared to like say anything, but I feel I’ve earned the respect over the last 386 days; whatever it’s been, even before I won the title, I earned that respect. I know I belong. I think I have another good run on Raw or SmackDown and I want to prove to people, and I’ve already proven, but I want to showcase myself with my girls, Toxic Attraction. That’s going to be really cool. We’ve shown so much over the last year, we run NXT, and it’s time.”

Rose made her most recent title defense by beating Alba Fyre in a Last Woman Standing match on the November 15 episode of NXT.

H/T to Fightful for the transcription

Ric Flair Attending WWE’s Royal Rumble and Raw XXX Anniversary

Andrew Ravens
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The legendary Ric Flair is gearing up to attend two big WWE events in January 2023.

On the latest episode of his To Be The Man podcast, the 16-time world champion revealed that he’d been invited to be part of the 30th Anniversary of Monday Night Raw (“Raw is XXX”) on January 23 from Philadelphia, PA.

“I’m gonna be there. They didn’t say don’t tell anybody. I’ve been invited and it’s a f**king big deal. Why, because it’s Raw and it’s a big f**king deal. I’m on it, hell yea are you kidding me? 30 years.”

– Ric Flair

Five days later, Flair will be stylin’ and profilin’ in San Antonio, TX at the 2023 Royal Rumble. The event takes place from the AlamoDome and is already setting box office records.

Flair Back on WWE Programming

Raw is XXX

Flair and WWE parted ways in August 2021 after he requested his release. The two sides parted ways after Flair was featured in the controversial Plane Ride from Hell episode of Dark Side of the Ring.

Back in June, WWE announced a new documentary is in the works focusing on Flair’s life and wrestling career. The following month, Flair partnered up with his son-in-law Andrade El Idolo in his “last match” against Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett. The event took place during SummerSlam weekend at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium.

Flair has a storied history with the Royal Rumble and Monday Night Raw. Flair won the vacant WWF Championship at the 1992 Royal Rumble, an event that is considered by many to be one of the greatest Rumble events in history.

The Nature Boy competed on Monday Night Raw during its early run back in 1993. After WCW folded in 2001, he’d go on to be the General Manager of Monday Night Raw from November 2001 through June 2002.

Just a few weeks ago, Flair said he’d welcome the opportunity to appear on WWE programming again. He won’t have to wait long to get his wish.

H/T: WrestlingNews.co

Dante Martin Injury Scare Update: “Doing Fine” After Close Call

Michael Reichlin
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AEW star Dante Martin is said to be “doing fine” after an injury scare at Wednesday’s AEW Rampage tapings. The 21-year-old high-flying phenom wrestles a high-risk style, but that comes at a steep price.

During a backstage segment on Dynamite, Top Flight challenged Ring of Honor tag team champions FTR to a match on this week’s Rampage, which was taped after Dynamite went off the air.

As seen below, fans on social media became concerned when fans in attendance noted that Martin was hurt during the contest.

https://twitter.com/TranquiloSZN/status/1595624999360004096

High Risk, High Reward

Top Flight has dealt with a slew of injuries since arriving in All Elite Wrestling. They’re looking to re-establish themselves as contenders for the AEW World tag team championships, so another injury is the last thing they need.

Speaking of the AEW tag titles, Anthony Bowens of The Acclaimed has provided an update on Martin’s status. On Thanksgiving, Bowens posted a photo of The Acclaimed and Top Flight with the caption, “Happy Thanksgiving from the House of Half Black.”

Twitter user @FrozennAngell replied to the photo and asked Bowens about Martin’s health. Thankfully, he had good news to share.

Catch Top Flight vs. FTR on this week’s AEW Rampage, which airs at a special start time of 4pm EST on Friday afternoon. “Uncle” Dax Harwood of FTR is excited for fans to see this first meeting of the two teams.

WWE Survivor Series WarGames Predictions

Ryan Droste
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WWE Survivor Series takes place this Saturday from Boston, Massachusetts. This will be the 36th Survivor Series event for the company; it originated in 1987.

SEScoops correspondents Andrew Ravens, Robert Lentini, and Ryan Droste have assembled to provide our official WWE Survivor Series predictions.

Men’s WarGames Match: The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Ridge Holland, Butch), Kevin Owens, and Drew McIntyre vs. The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa, Sami Zayn)

Andrew Ravens: The Bloodline goes over. It’s so hard to bet against Roman Reigns in any match, including a WarGames match. This could be the match of the night and given the star power, it arguably should be and that be the bar. It will be interesting to see how limited Kevin Owens is in this match, given his injury, which could play into the finish. (Prediction: The Bloodline)

Robert Lentini: The Bloodline should win this match on paper, but I think something will go wrong for them this Saturday at Survivor Series. Jey Uso’s ego might get in the way, Sami Zayn may be the one that costs them after he guaranteed a victory, just something is going to go wrong for The Bloodline and cost them the match this Saturday night. (Prediction: The Brawling Brutes, Kevin Owens, and Drew McIntyre)

Ryan Droste: Given the booking of the last few years, how do you bet against The Bloodline? Obviously the key here is that Roman doesn’t have to take the pinfall, so I think WWE uses that to their advantage to give his team a rare loss. Spoiler alert: Roman Reigns isn’t taking the pinfall. (Prediction: The Brawling Brutes, Kevin Owens, and Drew McIntyre)

Consensus: Split

Women’s WarGames Match: Bianca Belair, Alexa Bliss, Asuka, Mia Yim, and TBA vs. Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky), Nikki Cross, and Rhea Ripley

Andrew Ravens: This is a real pick ’em here, but I’ll side with Team Belair based on the rumored fifth member of the babyface team and want to keep this person strong. This is going to be one of the best matches of the night and one I look forward to seeing. (Prediction: Team Belair)

Robert Lentini: Becky Lynch is rumored to be the fifth and final superstar on Bianca Belair’s squad. I was holding out hope for Sasha Banks as Survivor Series is in her hometown, but appears that The Man will come around again. Bianca Belair’s team gets the victory and perhaps a rivalry between Rhea Ripley and the RAW Women’s Champion begins following Survivor Series. (Prediction: Team Belair)

Ryan Droste: Yeah, the babyface team goes over here with the surprise member of the team putting them over the top. Becky Lynch would be great, Sasha would set the world on fire. The women will be out to prove something, and this could end up being very good. (Prediction: Team Belair)

Consensus: Team Belair

WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey vs. Shotzi

Andrew Ravens: There’s no way that Rousey loses the title here. Shotzi is a fresh challenger and for that, I can respect it, but no one takes her as a serious title contender. (Prediction: Ronda Rousey)

Robert Lentini: Ronda Rousey will retain against Shotzi in what should be a lopsided match. Shotzi will get in some offense but doesn’t stand a chance of winning this match. I’m expecting a return or something after this match to set up Ronda’s hopefully more interesting next feud. (Prediction: Ronda Rousey)

Ryan Droste: To quote one of my favorite Christmas movies, “If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn’t be more surprised than I am right now.” That would be my reaction to Shotzi pulling out an upset. It ain’t gonna happen. (Prediction: Ronda Rousey)

Consensus: Ronda Rousey

AJ Styles vs. Finn Balor

Andrew Ravens: Balor should get the win here, but this is just for them to have a classic match while holding off the eventual multiple-person match down the road, likely on an episode of Raw. Let Balor, a heel, get the win here, but the babyfaces go over in the end. (Prediction: Finn Balor)

Robert Lentini: The Judgment Day and The OC have been battling for weeks now. AJ Styles challenged Finn Balor to this match at Survivor Series because he wants to put an end to their rivalry once and for all. I don’t think that will be the case and Finn Balor will escape with a win after outside interference from Judgment Day. (Prediction: Finn Balor)

Ryan Droste: Feels like Balor will go over here. These two have been involved in a lot of tag team matches of late, but it’s been a really long time since they’ve had a singles match together — TLC 2017. That match was outstanding and there’s no reason to believe that this one won’t be another great one. (Prediction: Finn Balor)

Consensus: Finn Balor

WWE U.S. Champion Seth Rollins vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Austin Theory

Andrew Ravens: I’m siding with Rollins here, although there’s more to this story. WWE is really building up Theory and I can see him having another run as the United States Champion, but he’s going to have to wait a while. I see WWE saving a one-on-one match between these two at either the Royal Rumble or the Elimination Chamber. (Prediction: Seth Rollins)

Robert Lentini: Seth Rollins has made a lot of enemies on WWE Raw lately and has made life difficult on himself if he wants to have a long reign as United States Champion. Rollins wins by pinning Theory and Lashley will have a reason to demand another match. (Prediction: Seth Rollins)

Ryan Droste: I just don’t see Rollins dropping the U.S. title yet. I’d go with Rollins pinning Theory here to keep Lashley strong. (Prediction: Seth Rollins)

Consensus: Seth Rollins

  • WWE Survivor Series WarGames Preview

Bray Wyatt News Headed into Friday’s WWE SmackDown

Michael Reichlin
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Bray Wyatt’s new feud with the recently-rebranded LA Knight is set to continue tonight on SmackDown.

The primary focus of the show will be the final build to Survivor Series, including an ‘Advantage Match’ on the men’s side, and Asuka, Alexa Bliss and Mia Yim revealing the final member of their team for the women’s WarGames match. However, WWE has several other ongoing storylines that are worth tuning in for.

LA Knight

Wyatt has been trying to keep himself on an honest path since returning to the company, but he’s had a difficult time keeping his violent tendencies at bay. He slipped up by recently attacking LA Knight, and attempted to apologize for his actions last week. Knight wasn’t having it. After interrupting a Wyatt’s in-ring promo, he slapped Wyatt in the face, twice.

Later in the show, Knight was found badly beaten backstage. Maybe the attack was carried out by Waytt, maybe someone else was responsible.

Headed into tonight’s SmackDown, Fightful Select reports that plans call for Knight to sell his injuries “pretty heavily” on the show.

It would be (very) short notice to add Wyatt vs. Knight to the Survivor Series card less than 24 hours before the event. One thing we o know: this storyline still has a ways to go as we head into the final weeks of 2022.

Wyatt Masks

Finally, Fightful also notes that several Bray Wyatt masks are being brought to SmackDown.

Check back later tonight for our WWE SmackDown results and takeaways feature.

Injured NXT Superstar Not Expected Back Until Spring 2023

Thomas Lowson
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Fans of Arianna Grace will have to keep on waiting for the second-generation Superstar, who isn’t expected to return until the spring of next year.

Grace, real name Bianca Carelli, signed with WWE in February 2022, and received the Grace name in April of this year.

Last month, Grace suffered an injury, which was later reported to be a torn ACL.

Recovery

Grace isn’t just a WWE Superstar, but is a second-generation Superstar, as she is the daughter of Santino Marella.

Speaking to Fightful, the ex-Intercontinental Champion said that Grace will be sidelined for the remainder of this year, and they are hopeful for a spring return.

Marella added that he is also fine with his daughter not using the Marella name, as he wants her to carve her own path in WWE, without being compared to him.

The Marella surname is actually a tribute to Gorilla Monsoon (Robert James Marella) who worked for decades in wrestling before his passing in 1999.

Santino

Santino Marella is excited for his daughter to get back in the ring, but don’t expect to see the pair in mixed-tag team action.

In the same interview, Santino said that while he remains active in the ring, his days as a wrestler are behind him as far as a career goes.

Marella is open to working as a producer or color commentator but said he wants to raise his children and is worried about the risk of injury.

Santino made his main roster debut in 2007, being pulled from the crowd as a ‘fan’ and defeating then-Intercontinental Champion Umaga, albeit thanks to Bobby Lashley.

Plans for Two Recent WWE Signees Debuting for NXT Soon

WWE SmackDown Preview (Nov. 25): WarGames is Coming

Michael Reichlin
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We’re just a day away from WWE Survivor Series, but there’s still one more stop on the road to the final premium live event of 2022. WWE SmackDown takes place live from Providence, Rhode Island at the Amica Mutual Pavilion and it’s sure to be an eventful show.

There are several items advertised for SmackDown, but the most consequential match will determine which team gets the numbers advantage the men’s WarGames match. This Saturday night, Drew McIntyre, Kevin Owens and the Brawling Brutes go to war with The Bloodline.

Tonight on SmackDown, Sheamus and Drew McIntyre will face Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos in a non-title match to determine which team will gets the first entry into WarGames, which provides a 1-man advantage for a good portion of the match.

RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair will be on SmackDown, along with Asuka, Alexa Bliss and Mia Yim, to reveal the final member of their WarGames team. The SmackDown World Cup Tournament also continues with two semi-final matches.

WWE has announced the following line-up for tonight’s SmackDown:

  • Sheamus and Drew McIntyre vs. Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos for the Men’s War Games numbers advantage
  • RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair will announce the final member of her team for Women’s War Games
  • World Cup Semi-finals: Butch vs. Santos Escobar
  • World Cup Semi-finals: Braun Strowman vs. Ricochet
  • SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler vs. Shotzi and Raquel Rodriguez

WWE and the arena website are also advertising the following Superstars for SmackDown: Solo Sikoa, Sami Zayn, Liv Morgan, The New Day, Ricochet, Hit Row, Shinsuke Nakamura and WWE Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER.

Sami Zayn: Fan Response to the Honorary Uce has Exceeded Expectations

Thomas Lowson
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Sami Zayn was confident that his work in the Bloodline would go well, but even he has been blown away by just how popular it has been.

Zayn has been aligned with the faction for months now and was crowned the Honorary Uce on SmackDown last month by Roman Reigns.

Tomorrow night, Zayn and the rest of the Bloodline will enter WarGames against the Brawling Brutes, Drew McIntyre and Kevin Owens.

  • 5 Funniest Moments of Sami Zayn and The Bloodline in WWE

Strange Beginnings

Prior to becoming an official member, Zayn had been trying to worm his way into the group for months.

Speaking on After the Bell, Zayn explained how at first glimpse, the idea of a Syrian-Canadian being part of the Anoa’I wrestling dynasty must seem odd.

“It’s not something you predict ahead of time. It’s not something that you want to see or would think would make sense. But in the execution [it has worked.]

“The concept is a bit strange. All the Bloodline is a family, and here’s this person who is clearly not family. The whole thing doesn’t make sense on paper. But it’s the perfect example of when things work in execution more than they do on paper.”

“All the Bloodline is a family, and here’s this person who is clearly not family.”

Sami Zayn on his role with The Bloodline.

The Execution

On paper, Sami Zayn in the Bloodline shouldn’t work, but not only has it worked, but it has become arguably the most popular act in WWE today.

Zayn admitted that the execution of the idea has proven to be the difference maker, and it’s not the first time that a strange idea has been pulled off by the right person.

“There are so many things that I think you could say the same about. The easiest one that we often fall back to, just as an example: the People’s Elbow. If you wrote down ‘Rock comes up with a new move called the People’s Elbow, where he stands over the guy and does this,’ it doesn’t read like something that’s going to become iconic.”

“It’s the execution. It’s the performer, the time, and the place, and all these variables that make it magic and make it special.”

Sami Zayn.

Speaking to BBC Radio 1 in 2020, Triple H, the first recipient of the People’s Elbow, said that The Rock invented the move as a way to make his opponents crack up and break character.

Exceeding Expectations

Sami Zayn spent years as a lovable underdog babyface, but it is perhaps his role as the heelish Honorary Uce, that has proven to be his most popular work.

When asked, Zayn said he was confident in his own abilities, but he could not predict just how ‘over’ his role in the Bloodline has been.

“I’m not entirely surprised at the success of the segments that we’ve done, but it has still exceeded my expectations.”

“I knew it would be good, but I didn’t think that fans would take to it the way they have.”

Sami Zayn.

Zayn has proven to be so popular, that fans were chanting for him in Saudi Arabia, despite Sami not attending any Saudi shows due to his Syrian heritage.

Is Sami Zayn the “Top Performer in the Entire Industry?”

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

Rumor Killer on WWE Already Planning Men’s 2023 Money in the Bank Winner

Thomas Lowson
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LA Knight may be impressing fans with his actions on SmackDown, but he isn’t destined to hold the Money in the Bank briefcase just yet.

Knight was called up to the main roster in April this year, originally as Max Dupri, the heel manager of the Maximum Male Models.

Ditching the name in favor of his NXT moniker, Knight recently began a feud with Bray Wyatt.

Money in the Bank

Recently, it was rumored that Knight has been penciled in to win the Men’s 2023 Money in the Bank Ladder match, earning himself a future World Champion.

Knight is rumored to be a favorite of WWE’s Head of Creative and Talent Triple H, but this hasn’t guaranteed him the briefcase.

One source within WWE who spoke to Fightful Select said that while they like Knight, there are no plans for him to win Money in the Bank at this time.

The source added that there are no “definitive plans across the board for months down the line,” never mind picking a specific person to win the briefcase.

It was also said that Knight winning the Men’s contract next year could happen, as he is a “great performer” but nothing has been confirmed or even discussed yet.

Austin Theory

Austin Theory is the most recent holder of the Men’s Money in the Bank contract but failed in his cash-in on U.S. Champion Seth Rollins.

Speaking to Fightful, the source added that if WWE really wanted Knight to hold the briefcase, it would have been easy for Theory to lose his contract to the former Million Dollar Champion.

Since losing his match with Rollins, a much more serious Theory has attacked the U.S. Champion, and both he and Bobby Lashley will challenge for the title at WWE Survivor Series WarGames.

10 Takeaways From WWE SmackDown (10/14): Bray Wyatt, Fatal 4-Way, LA Knight

Latest on WWE Possibly Scrapping Popular Stipulation Premium Live Event

Thomas Lowson
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WWE’s Premium Live Event calendar is expected to undergo a major overhaul next year, as part of the promotion’s new regime.

Since Vince McMahon’s retirement, Triple H has been appointed as both head of Creative, replacing McMahon, and head of Talent Relations, replacing John Laurinaitis.

The Game’s tenure in the roles has seen multiple ex-Superstars brought back and remove rules on certain ‘banned’ terms.

Premium Live Events

Last month, it was reported that WWE’s annual Hell in a Cell event is “completely dead,” as part of Triple H’s plan to scrap stipulation events.

Instead, high-profile stipulations will be used when the storyline demands, an idea that has gone down well with fans.

There have been rumors that WWE could also scrap the annual Money in the Bank event, and would likely host the two ladder matches on each night of WrestleMania.

Fightful Select asked several members of creative and higher-ups in WWE, who said that the idea of scrapping Money in the Bank as an event hasn’t come across their desks as of yet.

The report added that the idea of ending the Premium Live Event, which has been a staple since 2010 “isn’t impossible.”

Other Shows

Even if WWE Money in the Bank is safe, many Premium Live Events may not be as lucky.

Starting in 2009, WWE introduced several stipulation-based Premium Live Events which may now face the ax.

Elimination Chamber is likely to go, as, like Hell in a Cell, it is a stipulation close to the heart of Triple H.

Not only did the Game compete in the first three Chamber matches, but he also won the second one in Summerslam 2003.

Other events that could go include WWE TLC and WWE Extreme Rules.

3 Reasons to Love WWE’s New Premium Live Events Strategy

Ric Flair Reacts to Casting of Him in A24’s ‘Iron Claw’ Movie

Thomas Lowson
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Ric Flair is excited to see how he is portrayed in ‘Iron Claw,’ the much-anticipated biopic about the lives of the Von Erich wrestling family.

The patriarch of the family, Fritz Von Erich, would not only be a wrestler but have six children, five of whom would enter the wrestling business themselves.

To this day, the Von Erich family is still involved with wrestling, with Marshall and Ross Von Erich competing for MLW.

Flair

During the 1980s, Ric Flair would prove to be one of the most fierce rivals of Kerry Von Erich, and the two battled several times over the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.

The two would often wrestle to a 60-Minute time-limit draw, and it has been confirmed that Flair will be portrayed in the movie by actor Aaron Dean Eisenberg.

On the latest To Be The Man podcast, Flair was asked what he makes to Eisenberg, best known for his role in TV’s ‘Public Morals.’

“I don’t know much about him, but I know they called me to talk to him on the phone and I was traveling and never got to talk to him, so I haven’t met and I haven’t talked to him.

“But I’ll tell you this, if they do an accurate depiction of what the Von Erich family went through, this is going to be one of the greatest stories ever told in wrestling history because there was so much damn history with that family.”

Iron Claw

Iron Claw is the latest major project from A24, the independent film-making studio behind The Lighthouse, The Green Knight, and Everything Everywhere All at Once.

The film will also feature Zac Efron (The Greatest Showman, Extremely Wicked) as Kevin Von Erich, one of Fritz’ children.

AEW World Champion MJF has been cast as Lance Von Erich, who was not a real Von Erich but a wrestler who portrayed a cousin of the family.

The casting of MJF is an interesting choice, given that Lance was not known for being a good wrestler, had little charisma, and struggled on the mic.

The film is yet to have a release date confirmed.

Von Erich Family Not Involved In Upcoming Zac Efron-led Biopic (Exclusive)

h/t – WrestlingNews

AEW Has Unofficial Time Limit For Interim Champions Vs. Vacating Titles (Report)

Thomas Lowson
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How long can a champion be a champion if they don’t defend their championship?

This year has seen AEW plagued with several prominent injuries, including to two of the promotion’s champions.

In June, then-AEW World Champion CM Punk announced his injury, and an Interim AEW World Championship was later won by Jon Moxley.

In September, then-AEW Women’s World Champion Thunder Rosa announced her injury, and the Interim AEW Women’s World title was won by Toni Storm.

Time Limit

During last night’s AEW Dynamite, it was announced that Thunder Rosa had agreed to relinquish her AEW Women’s World Championship.

This makes Jamie Hayter (who dethroned Storm at Ful Gear) the Undisputed AEW Women’s World Champion, despite Punk never vacating his title.

On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer explained the unofficial time frame to determine when a title will be vacated, or when an interim champion will be crowned.

“I think that’s kind of unofficially the mentality that if it’s a few months we’ll do the interim title, if it’s like six months, it’s too long.”

Dave Meltzer.

Storm’s Official Reign

It was at All Out that Toni Storm captured the Interim AEW Women’s World Champion, but the records have now been changed.

During Dynamite, it was confirmed by commentary that with Rosa vacating the title, that has retroactively altered Storm’s reign.

Now, Toni Storm is recognized as an official AEW Women’s World Champion and not an interim holder of the title.

With Storm’s official reign beginning at All Out, it is unclear if the September event is recognized as when Rosa’s reign ended, or if it officially ended this week.

Thunder Rosa Addresses Her Injury, Road to Recovery

NXT Scrypts Character Inspired by WWE’s Poop-Smearing Stalker (Report)

Thomas Lowson
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Scrypts has, at last, arrived in WWE NXT, but the inspiration for the character comes from one of the promotion’s most problematic fans.

For weeks, voice messages left at WWE’s Performance Center teased the arrival of Scrypts, a seemingly anarchist threat vowing to destroy NXT as we know it.

On this week’s episode, Scrypts made his in-ring debut, defeating Guru Raaj.

Stalker

In 2015, Armando Montalvo was arrested and shot outside WWE’s Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, and charged with trespassing.

Prior to his arrest, Montalvo had showed up at the center and would make a scene, often smearing feces on the side of the building.

Speaking on the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that Montalvo proved to be somewhat of an inspiration for the Scrypts character.

“Do you remember the real stalker who was defecating on the premises and doing all that crazy stuff and he was arrested multiple times? That was the gimmick that inspired [Scrypts.] that idiot inspired a gimmick that’s out there doing flips.”

Dave Meltzer.

In 2018, WWE was granted a permanent order of protection, after Montalvo made posts on social media that were perceived to be threats against the company and talent.

Despite this, Montalvo remains active on social media, often tagging WWE personnel in posts.

While Scrypts has (thankfully!) not smeared feces on the Performance Center, the wrestler did graffiti his name on the PC in one of his promo vignettes.

Scrypts

Despite wearing a mask, many have identified Scrypts as four-time former WWE 24/7 Champion Reggie.

Originally Carmella’s sommelier Reginald, Reggie got ‘engaged’ to Dana Brooke earlier this year, and the ceremony took place on the April 18, episode of Raw.

After Reggie pinned Brooke during the ceremony to win the 24/7 title, the two ‘divorced’ in his final appearance before debuting as Scrypts.

WWE NXT Results (11/22/22): North American Title Match, Scrypts Revealed

Saraya Hid in a Closet Backstage Ahead of AEW Debut

Thomas Lowson
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AEW’s Saraya went to drastic measures to ensure her debut for the promotion would not be leaked online.

The British wrestler made her debut for AEW at the Grand Slam: Dynamite in September of this year, mere months after her contract with WWE expired.

At Full Gear, Saraya, now medically cleared, had her first match in five years, defeating Britt Baker.

Hiding

Saraya’s debut came as a shock to fans, as there had been no leaks or even reports that she was considering joining the promotion.

Speaking on the latest AEW Unrestricted, the former Paige recalled making sure that nobody would find out, saying she had to hide in a tech closet to avoid being seen.

“There was no toilet in there. There was no AC in there. There’s no mirrors. I was just like sweating, but I was like, ‘This is gonna be so worth it!’”

Saraya.

It has since been reported that WWE’s new regime did make an attempt to bring her back, even offering her the chance to wrestle again.

Working with Renee

Part of Saraya’s decision to join AEW stemmed from being able to work with her former colleagues again, as AEW is home to several ex-WWE talent.

During her tenure on WWE Backstage, the former Divas Champion worked with Renee Paquette, who joined AEW last month.

Speaking about the Canadian broadcaster, Saraya expressed her excitement to work with Paquette again.

“We’re all like bouncing ideas off each other, and she comes up with such good lines for my promo and for backstages. It’s like a whole unit.”

Saraya.

Like Saraya, WWE made an attempt to rehire Paquette under the new regime, the broadcaster has confirmed.

Saraya Reveals Her Ring Attire at AEW Full Gear was Inspired by WWE Hall of Famer

Those Close to CM Punk Were “Not Happy” With References on AEW Dynamite (Report)

Thomas Lowson
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CM Punk didn’t appear on this week’s AEW Dynamite, but his presence was certainly felt on Tony Khan’s latest episode on TBS.

Punk has been missing from AEW programming since All Out, due to the backstage fight that took place after the September Pay-Per-View.

With the third-party investigation into the matter concluded, the Elite have been brought back to TV, but it is believed that Punk’s days with AEW are coming to an end.

Dynamite

This week’s AEW Dynamite saw the Elite face AEW Trios Champions Death Triangle in the second match of their best-of-seven series.

Throughout the match, the Elite made reference to Punk and what happened at All Out.

At one point, Kenny Omega bit Pac’s arm, referencing Punk’s trainer Ace Steel biting his arm during the All Out brawl.

Later in the match, Omega would also use the GTS, while Matt Jackson would deliberately fail to hit a Buckshot Lariat, a move Punk messed up during his All Out bout with Jon Moxley.

The Death Triangle would win on Dynamite, going 2-0 in the best-of-seven series.

The Response

The Elite made plenty of references to Punk, despite Kenny Omega’s recent comments that people should move on from All Out.

Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said these digs did not go unnoticed by Punk’s camp.

“Man, I know that there are people close to cm punk. Boy were they not happy with that six-man tag.”

Dave Meltzer.

Punk has not publicly commented on this week’s AEW Dynamite at this time.

It has been reported that many in AEW have refused to work with the former World Champion again if he is brought back.

“F*** CM Punk! F*** The Elite!” Chicago Crowd Picks Sides On AEW Dynamite

Ex-WWE Writer Calls AEW’s Jade Cargill a “Unicorn” of Pro-Wrestling

Thomas Lowson
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AEW TBS Champion Jade Cargill is a wrestler unlike any other in the industry today, according to ex-WWE writer Freddie Prinze Jr.

Cargill, who previously tried out for WWE, joined AEW in November 2020 and had her debut match in March 2021.

Teaming with Shaquille O’Neal to defeat Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet in her debut, Cargill remains unpinned and unsubmitted in AEW.

The Loss

In January of this year, Cargill added another impressive accolade to her young career, capturing the AEW TBS Championship.

At Full Gear, Cargill retained against Nyla Rose, and regained the championship title that Rose had stolen weeks earlier.

Speaking about Cargill on the latest episode of Wrestling with Freddie, the actor/wrestling pundit spoke about when Cargill’s first loss should happen.

“I really hope they give her a meaningful storyline, and I guess maybe, you save it until she loses [the AEW TBS Title.] And then it’s sort of her story of redemption. Maybe that’s what they’re waiting on.”

The Unicorn

Prinze is a big fan of Cargill but is not a big fan of the booking she has received in AEW.

Recently, the ex-WWE writer called her angle with Rose AEW’s “most ridiculous storyline” and is glad it has ended.

Speaking about the booking of the AEW TBS Champion, Prinze argued that Jade needs to be treated differently given how she is different from others on the roster.

Maybe some of y’all have enjoyed the storylines for her. But I just think when you have a unicorn you have to treat that beast differently than any other.

“Lions and tigers and bears are cool, but a Unicorn, a Minotaur, a Cerberus. They’re magic, and they’re treated that way in the stories I read as a kid. And that’s what Jade is, she’s a Unicorn.”

“When you have a unicorn you have to treat that beast differently than any other.”

Freddie Prinze Jr. on Jade Cargill.

Cargill and the Baddies have recently been at odds with rapper Bow Wow, with some expecting a match between the two down the line.

Jade Cargill Praises Tony Khan: ‘He Treats Us Like Athletes’

“F*** CM Punk! F*** The Elite!” Chicago Crowd Picks Sides On AEW Dynamite

Thomas Lowson
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0

This week’s AEW Dynamite may have been in CM Punk’s hometown of Chicago, Illinois, but not everyone in the Windy City is a fan of the former World Champion.

Punk hasn’t appeared for AEW since All Out, and was suspended after the show for his role in the backstage fight.

With the investigation into the matter concluded, it is believed that Punk’s time with the company is finished, with reports that AEW are seeking to buy out his contract.

Dynamite Chants

Even before this week’s Dynamite began, the Elite were expecting a feisty crowd, as the Young Bucks’ Twitter profile reflected.

Sure enough, the crowd was full of chants during the Elite’s match with AEW Trios Champions Death Triangles, as chants of “F*** The Elite!” were heard when Omega and the Bucks were on offense.

Some in Chicago did give a “F*** CM Punk” chant, and the suspended two-time former AEW World Champion was not on Dynamite.

Riling up the Crowd

Kenny Omega recently stated that he wants everyone to move on from All Out, but the actions during last night’s match tell another story.

During the match, Omega bit Pac on the arm, parodying Ace Steel biting him during the backstage brawl from the September Pay-Per-View.

Later in the match, Omega would also use the GTS, while Matt Jackson would deliberately fail to hit a Buckshot Lariat, a move Punk also messed up.

Despite this, the Death Triangle would win the match, going 2-0 in their best-of-seven series with The Elite.

“F*** CM Punk” – Fans support The Elite at AEW Full Gear 2022

Becky Lynch Training in Ireland Amid WWE Return Rumors

Thomas Lowson
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Becky Lynch is getting in fighting shape, ahead of her rumored return to WWE programming on this Friday’s SmackDown.

Lynch last competed at Summerslam 2022, marking a year since her return from pregnancy, where she unsuccessfully challenged Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair.

The Man suffered a shoulder injury during the title match, which has kept her on the shelf ever since.

Training

Lynch hasn’t competed on WWE TV in close to four months, but the former champion remains in impressive physical condition.

In one of her Instagram stories, Lynch shared that she was in Ireland at the time, and has been training at The Edge Gym with trainer James Swann.

image 20

The Return

Lynch may have been in her native Ireland this week, but she is expected to be in Providence, Rhode Island tomorrow night.

WWE has confirmed that the fifth woman for Team Bianca ahead of this Saturday’s Survivor Series WarGames event will be revealed on tomorrow’s SmackDown.

It has been reported that Lynch will be the final woman in the WarGames match, and will team with Belair, Asuka, Alexa Bliss, and Mia Yim.

The group will go up against Team Damage, consisting of Damage CTRL’s Bayley, Dakota Kai, and IYO SKY, as well as Nikki Cross and the Judgment Day’s Rhea Ripley.

This Saturday’s Premium Live Event will mark the first use of WarGames on the main roster, after previously featuring the iconic wrestling match type at WWE NXT events.

WWE has “Craziness” Planned for Survivor Series WarGames Matches

Thunder Rosa Relinquishes AEW Women’s Championship, Jamie Hayter Named Champion on Dynamite

Robert Lentini
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Jamie Hayter defeated Toni Storm at AEW Full Gear to become the new AEW Interim Women’s Champion.

Tonight on Dynamite, Renee Paquette interviewed Jamie Hayter before a Triple Threat Tag Team match. Renee announced that the Interim label is now more and Jamie is officially now the AEW Women’s Champion.

“AEW and Thunder Rosa have reached a mutual agreement, AEW management has been forced to ask Thunder Rosa to relinquish the AEW Women’s Championship. Thunder Rosa was a fighting champion for AEW, she’s willing to step aside and forfeit the title for the benefit of AEW. But more specifically for the benefit of all of the women in AEW.”

Former AEW Women’s Champion Thunder Rosa was scheduled to defend the title against Toni Storm at the now infamous All Out PPV but pulled out of the match due to injury.

She made the announcement on the Dynamite before All Out in a very brief backstage segment. After it was announced that she will be relinquishing the title, Thunder Rosa took to Twitter to comment on the matter.

Thank you #ThunderArmy for all the support and @aew for being there for me. Dream-like moments happened in this run, and this is not how I wanted to lose the championship, but you deserve a present champion; on to the next chapter.

Several AEW stars have commented on Thunder Rosa not being on television lately while recovering from a back injury. Thunder Rosa recently said on Busted Open Radio that Toni Storm, Britt Baker, and others can complain to those in charge backstage and she should be back in January.

They haven’t given me a time yet when I’m coming back. I’m saying it’s January, and I hope it is January.

Again, if Toni Storm disagrees with what’s decided in the back, that’s not my problem. That is not my problem, Toni.

If you have something to ask, you can go on my YouTube and watch my YouTube videos I have posted every time I’m in a doctor’s office, showing you and explaining what’s going on with me

Britt Baker Comments on Thunder Rosa’s Hiatus from AEW: “I Was at Work Every Week”

MJF’s First Title Defense Set for AEW Dynamite: Winter is Coming

Robert Lentini
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MJF’s first title defense is set for AEW Dynamite: Winter is coming next month.

Ricky Starks and Ethan Page battled tonight on Dynamite in the finals of the World Title Eliminator Tournament.

The finals were originally supposed to take place at Full Gear but the match was pushed back due to an injury to Ricky Starks. Ricky defeated Brian Cage in the semifinals of the tournament during the Zero Hour kickoff show at AEW Full Gear.

  • 11 Best Moments from AEW Full Gear 2022

Starks entered the match against Ethan Page tonight with his ribs heavily taped but still wanted to compete. Stokely Hathaway was ringside for the match but the referee kicked him out after he pulled Ethan out of the way of a dive through the ropes from Starks.

Ricky connected with three Spears during the match and the third one kept Ethan Page down for a three count. Starks has now earned a shot at the AEW World Championship at Dynamite: Winter is Coming on December 14th.

  • 5 Best Opponents for AEW World Champion MJF

Jon Moxley Confronted William Regal

William Regal betrayed Jon Moxley in the main event of AEW Full Gear 2022. Regal slid the brass knuckles to MJF and he bashed Jon in the head with them to capture the AEW World Championship. Regal announced that MJF will not be at tonight’s Dynamite because he’s filming a movie.

Jon Moxley interrupted and was about to attack Regal but Danielson stopped him. Moxley told Regal to run away and never come back. William exited the ring as Jon was irate to end the segment.

VIDEO: Jon Moxley “Scar’s” William Regal on AEW Dynamite

Nick Perkins
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No, that’s not a typo. Jon Moxley literally channeled his inner Scar on AEW Dynamite after a tense conversation with his former mentor, William Regal.

giphy

Of course, Mox had good reason to be angry with the man’s man. William Regal did, after all, cost Mox the AEW Championship at AEW Full Gear.

So it stands to reason that Mox had a bone to pick with his former Blackpool Combat Club compatriot.

(Sidenote: Are they gonna keep calling themselves that now that nobody in the group is actually, like, from Blackpool? )

Regal opened AEW Dynamite and many thought he would explain his actions. He never did, however. And shortly after disappointing the crowd by telling them MJF would not be in attendance, ‘Wild Thing’ hit and the former champ made his way to the ring.

Mox was seething, but before he could tear into Regal, both verbally and physically, Bryan Danielson of all people came out to make the save.

Danielson plead with Mox not to hurt Regal, even referencing both Regal and Mox’s substance abuse issues, comparing them to the issues that Danielson’s father faced.

Danielson slapped Mox as well, and maybe it knocked a bit of sense, or at least compassion, into the man because Moxley gave Regal a choice, one that he literally couldn’t refuse.

“Lordship, I only want one thing from you,” Moxley told his former mentor. “I want you to run. Run far away. As far away as you can. And you never, ever come back. Right now. Walk. And keep on walking.”

And, with that final warning, Regal did just that.

William Regal NXT
NXT General Manager William Regal

Did William Regal ‘Run’ Out of AEW

Is he walking out of AEW? It’s possible. Rumors have suggested that, with his son wrestling on NXT (and, to a lesser extent, the debut of WARGAMES on the main WWE stage), Regal could be returning to WWE. This would certainly be a fitting, and poetic, way to write Regal off television.

He left as a villain. What more we could ask for?

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