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Wrestler Plays Nintendo Switch During His Matches

Samantha Schipman
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A video of a wrestler playing a Nintendo Switch during his match has gone viral.

Big Game Leroy has even battled his opponents in video games mid-match. He challenged Lo-Ki to play Mortal Kombat. The game was pulled up on the big screen during a House of Glory show so that fans could watch too.

Big Game Leroy Has Faced Big Names

00 BigGameLeroy 1

Leroy was trained by Amazing Red. Along with HOG, he has also wrestled for promotions such as Pro Wrestling Vibe, Uncanny Attractions, and Invictus Pro. At the latter promotion, he was their inaugural Social Media Champion.

This year, Leroy was named #495 in Pro Wrestling Illustrated. He has faced the likes of Danhausen, Suge D (“Pineapple Pete”), and Ken Broadway. He began wrestling with his Switch since 2019 and says that he’s used the same Switch in his matches.

Back in 2020, he and EJ Lewis tagged against Santana and Ortiz on AEW Dark. Santana smashed his his Switch, but Leroy says it still worked afterwards.

With the viral nature of his character, one opponent has been suggested for Big Game Leroy: Luigi Primo. Primo went viral a few months ago for tossing a “pizza” during his match. This led to a couple appearances on Dynamite. Leroy would probably duck under Primo while he’s busy trying to toss a pizza over and over. It’s only right that Leroy challenge Primo to a game of Super Mario Party.

WWE Raw Star Undergoes Name Change

Andrew Ravens
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Mia Yim has a new name just a few short weeks after making her return to WWE during an episode of Monday Night Raw where she was paired with The O.C. (AJ Styles, Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows) to even the numbers against The Judgment Day and to offset Rhea Ripley. 

Since then, Yim has been referred to by the announcers and even referred to herself as ‘Michin.’

The nickname is now her ring name as she is officially being branded as ‘Michin’ on WWE’s official website. Here’s an excerpt from her bio: 

The Name

Mia Yim
(via WWE)

“Michin is living proof that hard work and dogged determination pay off. Long considered one of the most talented women in the independent ranks, Michin first turned heads in WWE during the inaugural Mae Young Classic in 2017. Her true breakout moment, however, came in the following year’s Classic, when Michin’s gutsy performance in the Quarterfinals earned chants of support from the WWE Universe. Their pleas did not go unanswered, as WWE COO Triple H immediately offered Michin an NXT contract after the match.”

Yim is slated to be part of the women’s WarGames match this Saturday at Survivor Series when she teams with Asuka, Alexa Bliss, Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair, and a mystery partner to face Bayley, Nikki Cross, Rhea Ripley, and WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Dakota Kai and IYO SKY.

WWE Star Brings Back Old Look During Main Event Taping (Photo)

Andrew Ravens
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Akira Tozawa has brought back his old gear. 

During the Main Event taping before Monday’s episode of WWE Raw, Akira Tozawa was in action against Grayson Waller. As seen below, Tozawa was back to his old gear of shorts, ditching the ninja gear that he’s used since 2020, starting at the Backlash event. 

Tozawa was previously in action against Baron Corbin on the November 14 episode of WWE Raw. After the match, which he lost, he posted a photo of his ninja gear with the caption, “thank you.”

This got people talking, as it was a cryptic post. Now, fans know what he was referring to. In addition to his previous look in regards to ring attire, there was a big hair color change as well to mark the new era for him.

The Look

Tozawa is a former 15-time WWE 24/7 Champion and former WWE Cruiserweight Champion. Also at the taping, Alba Fyre made her main roster debut taking on Tamina.

Waller and Fyre are the latest NXT stars to get a look on the main roster in front of a bigger stage. 

WWE Raw Results, Takeaways (11/21/22): Road to Survivor Series

Robert Lentini
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The final episode of WWE Raw before Survivor Series WarGames airs live tonight from the MVP Arena in Albany, New York. Asuka and Rhea Ripley battled in this week’s main event to determine which team will have the advance in the Women’s WarGames match this Saturday at the premium live event.

  • WWE Survivor Series 2022 Preview

WWE RAW Results (11/21)

  • The Brawling Brutes def. Judgment Day
  • Omos def. Johnny Gargano
  • Austin Theory def. Mustafa Ali
  • Matt Riddle & Elias def. Alpha Academy
  • Drew McIntyre def. Baron Corbin
  • Rhea Ripley def. Asuka to earn the advantage in the women’s WarGames match at Survivor Series

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Judgment Day Interrupted Kevin Owens, Drew McIntyre, and The Brawling Brutes

Kevin Owens made his way to the ring to a big pop from the crowd to begin this week’s WWE RAW. Owens joined the Brawling Brutes and Drew McIntyre’s team for the WarGames match against The Bloodline at Survivor Series this Saturday.

Owens said he joined the match because of one person in The Bloodline, and he isn’t talking about Sami Zayn. KO claimed that he still considers Sami a brother but is coming to Survivor Series to get revenge on Roman Reigns.

KO noted that it has been two years since he battled Roman and is going to remind the Tribal Chief that he is going to be the guy that takes his title in the near future. Drew McIntyre and the Brawling Brutes then made their way to the ring through the crowd.

Ridge Holland and Butch fired up the crowd as Sheamus hyped the WarGames match this Saturday night. McIntyre said that Roman Reigns and The Bloodline have been abusing their power but this Saturday that will all change. McIntyre said they are ready to walk into hell against The Bloodline with a smile on their face.

The lights in the arena went out and Judgment Day’s theme hit. Rhea Ripley told Drew McIntyre to shut up and claimed that she is going to destroy everyone in the women’s WarGames match. The Judgment Day members said that they run Raw and that The Bloodline is going to smash them at Survivor Series. The promo eventually led to a 6-man tag team match after a commercial.

The Brawling Brutes def. Judgment Day

The Judgment Day’s Damian Priest, Finn Balor, and Dominik Mysterio battled Sheamus, Ridge Holland, and Butch tonight on RAW. Sheamus and Damian Priest started off the match by trading punches in the ring. Sheamus got the better of the exchange and beat Priest down in the corner. Sheamus booted Damian across the ring as Kevin Owens joined commentary for the match.

The Celtic Warrior hit a Flying Clothesline off the top rope and went for the cover but Damian kicked out at two. Ridge Holland tagged in and hit Damian with a few uppercuts. Priest connected with a Broken Arrow and tagged in Dominik Mysterio. Dominik unloaded some punches to Holland’s face over and over again.

Balor tagged in and planted Ridge with a Suplex. Butch tagged in and sent Dominik to the floor. Butch went for an Armbar on Balor Damian broke it up. Priest hit Butch with a Chokeslam on the ring apron as Raw went to commercial break.

Balor connected with a Slingblade on Holland when Raw returned. Dominik tried to escape up the entrance ramp but Judgment Day showed up. Dominik retreated to the ring and Sheamus hit him with a Backbreaker.

Priest went for a Chokeslam but Butch countered with an Enziguri. Balor knocked Butch down with a Clothesline as Sheamus hit Dominik with 10 Beats of the Bodhran. Sheamus hit the Brogue Kick for the pinfall victory. After the match, a brawl broke out. Luke Gallows booted Damian Priest in the head. Kevin Owens hit Finn Balor with a Stunner after the match to end the segment.

Omos def. Johnny Gargano

Johnny Gargano was set to face The Miz but he backed out of the match with a “wrist injury”. The Miz selected Omos as his replacement.

Omos dominated early and The Miz provided a distraction. Omos ran into the ring post and Gargano capitalized with a few kicks. Omos grabbed Gargano by the neck and hit a giant Chokeslam for the pinfall victory.

Seth Rollins Warns Austin Theory & Bobby Lashley

Seth Rollins was interviewed backstage about having to defend his title in a Triple Threat at Survivor Series against Bobby Lashley and Austin Theory.

Rollins said that Theory made a big mistake by picking a fight with him and told Austin to pick up his cell phone and call Cody Rhodes to see how it worked out for him. Seth added that it will be a war this Saturday and noted that Lashley is a brute. Rollins claimed that he knows Austin Theory like the back of his hand because he used to be him. Seth vowed to leave Survivor Series as the United States Champion as Austin Theory was shown watching backstage.

Theory claimed that nobody understands him and that hitting rock bottom was the best thing that has ever happened to him. Austin added that the disrespect stops now and told Seth and Bobby to pay attention to what he does to Mustafa Ali tonight.

Austin Theory def. Mustafa Ali

Austin Theory battled Mustafa Ali tonight in a singles match. Mustafa still had his ribs taped up, and was wincing in pain just getting into the ring, but for some reason keeps getting booked for matches on RAW and SmackDown while injured.

Theory dominated early but Mustafa responded with a DDT. Austin rolled out of the ring and Ali went for a dive. Theory caught him and bashed his ribs into the ring apron. Back in the ring, Ali hit a Superkick for a near fall. Ali followed it up with a Sunset Flip Powerbomb and a 450 Splash but Theory rolled out of the ring. Theory sent Ali into the barricade and hit A-Town Down in the ring for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Bobby Lashley appeared on the jumbotron and said he was making his way to the ring for to give the fans a preview for Survivor Series as RAW went to a break.

Bobby Lashley Sent a Message to Austin Theory

Bobby Lashley came to the ringside area and Theory claimed he would be United States Champion if it weren’t for him. Theory noted that Lesnar beat Bobby’s ass and lost the title to Seth Rollins. Austin added that Bobby couldn’t get the job done once again at Crown Jewel.

Austin vowed to become a two-time United States Champion this Saturday at Survivor Series. Bobby and Austin traded punches in the middle of the ring. Lashley launched Theory across the ring with a Belly to Belly Throw before hurling him into the barricade.

Lashley punched Theory in the face several times before throwing him over the barricade. Theory grabbed a steel chair and bashed Bobby over the back with it. Lashley no-sold it and chased Theory through the crowd and backstage. Bobby shoved Mustafa Ali onto Bobby and escaped. Lashley then beat Mustafa Ali down some more and threw him into the LED screen a couple times before applying the Hurt Lock on the entrance ramp.

Matt Riddle & Elias def. Alpha Academy

Matt Riddle and Elias battled Alpha Academy (Otis and Chad Gable) in a tag team match tonight on Raw. Gable connected with a Northern Lights Suplex on Riddle and went for the cover but Matt powered out at two. Riddle hit a Broton on Gable as Elias went for a Crossbody on Otis.

Otis caught him and slammed Elias into the barricade. Gable hit a Northern Lights Suplex on Riddle on the ring apron as Raw went to a commercial break. When Raw returned, Otis leveled Gable with a Splash and went for the cover but Chad kicked out at two. Otis went for a Vader Bomb but Matt got out of the way at the last moment.

Elias and Gable tagged in and Elias hit a flurry of strikes in the corner of the ring. Elias hit a Splash and followed it up with a big Spinebuster. The Drifter connected with a Neckbreaker and went for the cover but Gable kicked out at two. Elias got Gable up in the Electric Chair but Gable escaped. Otis tagged in and hit a reverse DDT. Gable followed it up with a Flying Headbutt off the top rope but Riddle broke up the cover. Otis cleared the ring and tagged Gable back in. Riddle sent Gable out of the ring and then hit a Floating Bro onto Alpha Academy.

Back in the ring, Gable went for a Suplex but Riddle escaped. Riddle hit a knee to the face and Elias followed it up with a Neckbreaker. Riddle tagged back in and hit the Floating Bro for the pinfall victory.

Drew McIntyre def. Baron Corbin

JBL and Baron Corbin played poker backstage again this week on WWE Raw. Drew McIntyre interrupted and JBL claimed that Corbin would have beaten him at WrestleMania if he was there. McIntyre challenged Corbin to a match tonight and told JBL that he respects his elders. Drew punched Corbin in the face before walking away.

Drew McIntyre battled Baron Corbin to begin the final hour of this week’s episode of Raw. McIntyre dominated early as the action spilled out of the ring. Drew hit Corbin with a couple of chops to the chest and beat him down against the barricade. Corbin battled back and launched McIntyre into the barricade before rolling him back inside the ring.

Baron launched Drew into the turnbuckle and hit him with a Clothesline. Drew responded with a Michinoku Driver in the middle of the ring for a near fall. Corbin hit a Clothesline and both superstars fell to the canvas as Raw went to a break.

When Raw returned, Corbin planted McIntyre with a Superplex but Drew kicked out at two and the match continued. Baron planted McIntyre with a Uranage in the middle of the ring and unloaded some punches to his face. McIntyre went for the Claymore but Corbin ducked. Corbin hit a Samoan Drop and went for the cover but Drew kicked out at two.

Corbin bounced Drew’s head off the ring post and mocked the crowd. McIntyre hit him with a Belly to Belly Throw into the barricade and then set up for a Claymore. JBL provided a distraction and Corbin capitalized with Deep Six for a near fall. Baron barked at the referee and then Akira Tozawa showed up. Tozawa stole JBL’s hat and ran away. Drew capitalized on the distraction with a Claymore for the pinfall victory.

The OC & Judgment Day Brawled Backstage

The OC were interviewed backstage tonight on RAW. AJ Styles vowed to give Finn Balor the beating he deserves at Survivor Series. Finn Balor showed up and claimed he was the devil. Judgment Day attacked The OC from behind and a brawl broke out. The brawl continued into the parking lot and Priest bashed a car door into Luke Gallows’ face before security broke it up.

The 5th Member of Bianca Belair’s WarGames Team will be Revealed Friday on SmackDown

RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair, Asuka, and Alexa Bliss came to the ring for a promo. Belair said that Alexa Bliss and Asuka will be ready for WarGames. Alexa Bliss vowed to get payback on everyone in Damage CTRL and put Nikki Cross in the trash where she belongs. Asuka shouted that they are ready for war but nobody is ready for us. Belair added that the 5th member of their team will be revealed Friday on SmackDown.

Damage CTRL, Rhea Ripley, and Nikki Cross interrupted and claimed that they didn’t have a chance at the premium live event. Asuka and Rhea then battled in a singles match in the main event.

Damage CTRL, Rhea Ripley, and Nikki Cross will have the Advantage at WarGames

Asuka faced Rhea Ripely in the main event. The winner of the match will earn the advantage for their team in the women’s WarGames match at Survivor Series.

Damage CTRL was shown watching the match backstage as Nikki Cross oddly sat behind them playing with her hair. Ripley leveled Asuka with a Clothesline to start off the action as Belair and Alexa Bliss were shown watching backstage. The Empress of Tomorrow hit Ripley with a Dropkick but Rhea shrugged it off.

Ripley got Asuka in the Electric Chair but she escaped and slammed Rhea into the ring apron. Asuka connected with a Hip Attack before the action returned to the ring. Ripley rolled out of the ring to regroup and talked some trash with the fans.

Rhea took her time getting back into the ring and whipped Asuka to the canvas. Ripley unloaded several punches and shouted at the referee before booting Asuka in the ribs. Rhea hit a forearm strike to Asuka’s lower back and laughed as the crowd booed. Ripley applied a submission hold in the middle of the ring but Asuka refused to tap out.

Asuka escaped and got Ripley in an Ankle Lock in the middle of the ring. Ripley showed off her power and countered into a slam before launching Asuka into the turnbuckle. Rhea perched The Empress up on the top turnbuckle and hit her with a massive Dropkick that sent her tumbling to the floor as Raw went to the final commercial break of the night.

When Raw returned, Asuka hit a Codebreaker and fired up the crowd. Asuka followed it up with a Hip Attack and a German Suplex for a near fall. Rhea battled back and locked in a Cloverleaf submission but Asuka was able to break free. Ripley climbed to the top turnbuckle but Asuka tripped her up. Asuka quickly hit a Dropkick and went for the cover but Ripley kicked out at two.

Ripley delivered a boot to the ribs, a stomp to the toes, and a Northern Lights Suplex for a two count. Rhea set up for Riptide but The Empress countered into the Asuka Lock. Damage CTRL showed up ringside and cheered on Ripley as she escaped the hold. Bianca Belair and Alexa Bliss made their way ringside as well.

Asuka went for the Asuka Lock once again but Ripley escaped. Asuka went for a kick but Ripley ducked under it. Rhea connected with the Riptide for the pinfall victory. Damage CTRL, Rhea Ripley, and Nikki Cross will have the advantage at WarGames. A brawl broke out again and Michin (formerly known as Mia Yim last week) showed up after the brawl with Judgment Day moments ago. Asuka climbed to the top turnbuckle and jumped onto everyone as RAW went off the air.

Logan Paul on a Tag Team With Jake Paul in WWE: “That Would be Amazing”

Robert Lentini
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Logan Paul shocked the world at WWE Crown Jewel in his match against Roman Reigns.

The Tribal Chief put the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship on the line against Logan Paul in just the third match of his career. Logan entered the match 2-0, with a tag team victory with The Miz over The Mysterios at WrestleMania, followed by a singles victory over The Miz at SummerSlam in Nashville.

The 27-year-old gave Roman everything he could handle in the match but in the end it was not meant to be. The Usos interfered and beat down Logan’s Impaulsive podcast co-hosts. Jake Paul made the save and Logan flipped onto everyone on the entrance ramp. He was greeted with a Superman Punch and a Spear when he got back into the ring and Reigns retained.

Logan Paul Thinks He and Jake Would Make A Great Tag Team in WWE

TMZ Sports caught up with Logan Paul yesterday and asked if he would consider tagging with his brother in WWE. He said he would and claimed that the duo would be insane in WWE.

I mean, it could be crazy, right? I don’t think that’s deniable. That would be amazing. That would be incredible.

Logan was asked if he was done with boxing and just going to focus on WWE moving forward. He said that he’s not done with boxing just taking a break due to injury.

I’ll be back boxing, of course. I just got injured, otherwise, I was set to do a boxing match.

Spoiler on Plans for Becky Lynch’s WWE Return

Andrew Ravens
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Becky Lynch hasn’t been seen on WWE television in months, but that looks to be changing in just days. 

According to a report by Fightful Select, Lynch is slated to make her WWE return soon as she was discussed and planned as the fifth partner in the Women’s WarGames match. 

Lynch will team with Bianca Belair, Asuka, Alexa Bliss, and Mia Yim against Bayley, IYO SKY, Dakota Kai, Nikki Cross & Rhea Ripley in the Women’s WarGames match this Saturday night in Boston. 

The Man Comes Around

Becky Lynch

The former WWE Women’s Champion has been on the sidelines since suffering a separated shoulder at Summerslam in July in a match with Bianca Belair. She was turned into a babyface the night after on Raw before being attacked by SKY, Bayley, and Kai to write her off television while she healed up. 

The report noted that WWE was happy that Lynch didn’t have to undergo surgery due to the injury and could heal independently. She couldn’t resume any training in the ring until October at the least.

Per the report, several members of the new WWE regime are excited to work with Lynch without Vince McMahon being in charge of creative. 

WWE WrestleMania Going to Nashville if Proposed New Stadium is Built (Report)

Andrew Ravens
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It looks like WWE will be bringing WrestleMania to Nashville, but on one condition. 

WWE has already confirmed that WrestleMania 39 in 2023 will take place in Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium, while WrestleMania 40 will take place in Philadelphia, PA, at Lincoln Financial Field.

According to a report by Mike Organ at The Tennessean, WrestleMania happening for the first time in Nashville in the year 2027 is a possibility as long as a proposed closed stadium is built within five years.

Where Things Stand

WrestleMania
(via WWE)

Butch Spyridon, CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp., spoke with WWE about Nashville hosting an event in the city and talks ramped up when Mayor John Cooper and the Tennessee Titans created a draft for the proposed stadium.

Spyridon said, “WWE had an incredible experience at Nissan Stadium this past summer, and we started talking. WrestleMania is considered the No. 6 top sports event brand in the world, and we are grateful for their confidence and belief in Nashville.”

Spyridon said that WrestleMania is the number 1 most followed sports brand on social media platforms and described WrestleMania as “CMA Fest on steroids: equivalent to two-to-three CMA Fests in one week in terms of impact.”

It should be noted that the Metro Council in Nashville needs to vote to fund the proposed $2.1 billion stadium. In the article, WWE confirmed that they would take WrestleMania to Nashville if the stadium gets built.

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

Robert Lentini
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Saraya, formerly known as Paige in WWE, returned to the ring after being out of action for over five years this past weekend at AEW Full Gear 2022.

She suffered a neck injury during a WWE Live Event in 2017 after Sasha Banks connected with a Dropkick. After stepping away from the squared circle, Saraya served as a manager in WWE for the Kabuki Warriors, and was a co-host of the WWE Backstage talk show with Renee Paquette, Booker T, and CM Punk.

Saraya defeated Britt Baker at Full Gear and got a big pop from the crowd at the Prudential Center. A wrestling fan pointed out on Twitter that Saraya’s theme reminded them of WWE Hall of Famer Chyna.

Saraya responded and revealed that Chyna was her inspiration for her ring gear this past Saturday at AEW Full Gear. Chyna passed away in 2016 but was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2019 alongside Degeneration-X.

https://twitter.com/Saraya/status/1594751365439315969?s=20&t=uv7RD9n70o3doSkuj6wwfg

Saraya Reveals Britt Baker Carried Her Through Their Rivalry

After AEW Full Gear 2022 went off the air, Saraya joined Tony Khan at the media scrum. The 30-year-old admitted that she was rusty and Britt Baker carried her through the storyline. She said that Britt is an absolute star and helped her a lot during her rivalry.

“I’m stepping out of character a little bit here, but I just feel like, you know with Britt she really carried me throughout this whole thing. Truly, she’s an absolute pro. I was rusty when it came to promos and stuff like that.

Seth Rollins: ‘I Wish Shield Reunions Were Handled Better’

Andrew Ravens
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The Shield (Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Jon Moxley, aka Dean Ambrose) made their main roster debut at WWE Survivor Series 2012 and became one of the most successful factions in WWE history. 

All group members went on to become top stars and world champions. They broke up in 2014 although The Shield reunited on multiple occasionsAmbrose left WWE in 2019 after the trio had one final run together. 

While speaking with Graham “GSM” Matthews of Bleacher Report, Rollins reflected on the group’s run together and acknowledged the criticism of the trio’s split.

Rollins’ Take on The Shield

Jon Moxley and The Shield
Jon Moxley made his debut as part of the Shield

“You can look back at the breakup and say I wish we would’ve done that and be more prepared, but being forced to swim in the deep water as individuals was what helped us. We had to learn and grow and just figure it out. That learning process was important in its own way.”

WWE Hall Of Famer Kurt Angle temporarily joined the group at WWE TLC 2017. Rollins noted that he wishes the multiple reunions of The Shield had been handled better but knows there wasn’t much they could do about it, including Angle’s brief association with the group that he wasn’t a fan of. 

“I guess one regret would’ve been managing some of the reunions a little bit better and some of that was out of our control and there was nothing we could do,” he said. “It’s not ideal to have Kurt Angle in a Shield costume, but desperate times call for desperate measures, so we made the best of it and there’s something to be said for putting people in that role and being able to have the equity to do that,” Rollins said.

Rollins has previously said that he thinks the next time fans see The Shield together will be at their WWE Hall of Fame induction. 

Renee Paquette Confirms She Had Talks With WWE Before Signing With AEW

Andrew Ravens
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AEW announced last month that Renee Paquette had signed with the promotion, and she made her promotional debut that night on Dynamite by welcoming the Toronto crowd to the show.

She is working as an interviewer for the company. This was her first wrestling project since departing from WWE at SummerSlam 2020. 

While speaking to Vickie Guerrero on Excuse Me, Paquette confirmed reports that she had been talking to WWE before signing with the rival promotion. 

Renee Paquette on her Talks With WWE

Renee Paquette AEW

“I had been talking to WWE, that had gotten leaked out before I debuted with AEW, I had been having conversations with WWE about all the things they have going on over there. The more I was thinking about it and figuring out what that looks like and what the future looks like, I was like, ‘No, I want to be in AEW.’ I want to be part of this company that is growing and developing. 

I want to help. I want to help lend whatever knowledge I have in this space to make things good, I want to do a good job, I want to be on the road with my husband, that makes life easier. It was more so that and it was more conversations Jon and I were having. That was one of those first big moments, ‘We have to make a decision as a family.’ Not that I can’t do what I want, if that’s what I decided to do, it would have been fine, but you have family conversations about what makes the most sense for everyone,” she said.

Days before she joined the company, it was reported that WWE expected her to join AEW. Renee noted that she loves working for AEW and how things are handled backstage at AEW events. 

H/T to Fightful for the transcription

Independent No Longer Dirty Word in Pro Wrestling

Scott Fishman
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I remember going to the grocery store as a child and seeing the flyers for independent pro wrestling shows taking place in the neighborhood gym or flea market. Sporadically, there would be a few names from WWE, WCW, or ECW I would recognize. These events would draw anywhere between a hundred to hundreds most of the time. The majority of the wrestlers who appeared regularly would stay local or within the state. It was pretty status-quo. 

The same formula has been used over the decades, but in recent times something happened. Promotions across the country and worldwide now draw thousands despite not having traditional major network clearance or exposure on weekly television. They’re even breaking attendance records to the point where “independent” is no longer a dirty word. 

And the reason for this uptick can be traced to a number of factors. Among them is the talent, who have become their own advocates. They’ve built their own brands, had hand in creating unique eye-catching merchandise, and smartly promoted themselves through platforms across social media. There are countless tools for a performer at their disposal, and many utilize them well. Then there are the companies themselves who have invested in presentation. Little things can make all the difference. You don’t necessarily have to be a millionaire or billionaire to produce a good product for viewers. 

Perhaps, the major reason for this boom period within the indie world is fans have the accessibility to consume content in so many ways. They become invested as a result. Streaming services like Independent Wrestling TV and FITE TV emerged as important resources, revenue generators, and game changers for a company. Speaking of which, what  Brett Lauderdale has done with Game Changer Wrestling is nothing short of remarkable. Their shows often trend on Twitter thanks to a dedicated fanbase that has been likened to ECW during its early days. GCW’s The Collective, a mobilization of companies and talent from all over, is a staple during WrestleMania weekend.

There have been a number of landmark events that have shown the power of independent wrestling on a grand scale. I think back to the excitement for All In, a major investment in time and resources by Cody Rhodes and the Young Bucks. Yes, Ring of Honor backed the vision, but this was still a rolling of the dice that extended more than a response to a Dave Meltzer bet.

Renting out a major venue and counting on fans to really get behind something different. The one-off paid off with more than 11,000 fans packing the Sears Centre to witness the historic pay-per-view. A true demonstration of what could be accomplished if the pro wrestling community can come together. Of course, we know the success of All In setting the stage for what would become All Elite Wrestling. 

Then there was Ric Flair’s Last Match, promoted under the podcasting/Starcast convention kingpin Conrad Thompson, who dusted off Jim Crockett Promotions trademark for the occasion. A lively crowd of nearly 7,000 at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium saw an assemblage of stars join the “Nature Boy” for another draw. All In and Ric Flair’s Last Match ended up being the highest-grossing North American indie shows of this modern era. Not to mention the global reach. 

COVID could have easily taken down the indie scene, but instead, promoters got creative to keep the show going. They hosted events in outdoor spots like fields and parking lots. Just this year F1RST Wrestling brought its Saturday Night Nitro to the Mall of America. And this is not even considering all the great things going on in countries globally. It’s an exciting time for pro wrestling in general, but the possibilities are endless in the indie space as well. No longer do you have to be signed by a major company to be considered successful in the industry. 

What is your favorite independent promotion? Tweet me @smFISHMAN.

Cain Velasquez Requests Special Permission to Wrestle at AAA Show While Out on Bail

Andrew Ravens
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Despite his ongoing legal issues, Cain Velasquez has requested permission to be part of AAA’s return to the United States on Saturday, December 3rd. 

The former UFC Heavyweight Champion/former WWE star is currently out on $1 million bail on attempted murder charges stemming from a February incident where he allegedly chased down a man and fired a weapon into a truck that contained several people. In the vehicle was a man who allegedly sexually assaulted both his child and one of his relatives.

The Request

Cain Velasquez
Cain Velasquez

Velasquez and his legal team asked judge Daniel Nishigaya in Santa Clara County (California) court during an arraignment for permission to wrestle at the show on Monday. 

The event will be held on the campus of Velasquez’s alma mater of Arizona State University. A Santa Clara prosecutor was unable to attend Monday’s hearing with a representative objecting to the request and requesting the decision be rescheduled for another month, but that’s an issue as pointed out by Velasquez’s lawyers due to that being past the date of the event. 

Nishigaya rerouted the request to a different judge more familiar with the case and a ruling from the new judge is expected on Tuesday. As part of his bail arrangement, Velasquez currently has travel restrictions.

ESPN’s Marc Raimondi mentioned on Twitter that his team has been discussing his involvement with the show since last week after he was released on bail on November 8th.

Velasquez has wrestled for AAA three times, most recently in December 2021 at Triplemania Regia. 

Cain Velasquez Granted $1 Million Bail After Eight Months in Jail

Roman Reigns Addresses The State Of His WWE Title Run

Ella Jay
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Roman Reigns has rightfully earned his seat at the head of the table. After clinching the Universal Championship at WWE’s Payback pay-per-view in 2020, “The Tribal Chief” went on to also claim the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 38 this year, defeating “The Beast” Brock Lesnar in the main event. Now with over 800 days of gold strapped around his waist, Reigns believes his reign is far from being over.

“I’m right in the middle of it,” the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion declared on The Ringer. “People want these interviews, they want to do these documentaries. But this is the bottom of the third inning to me. We’re in the second quarter of the Super Bowl right now.”

With WrestleMania 39 season soon approaching, the identity of Reign’s opponent has been a widely debated topic as of late. With a possibility for Reigns to finally be dethroned, many fans have drafted up their own theories of who should receive the honor to unseat “The Tribal Chief.” Amongst that list, includes Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes. Roman Reigns, however, reiterated that this story, hasn’t even reached its climax.

“Just wait, man,” he said. “We’ve done this in turbulent times, through a pandemic, through the biggest change of all time in this business. And we’ve done it seamlessly. We’ve done it without falter.”

“Down the road, 20 years from now when we start giving out all these crazy details of the inside, inside, there’s just going to be even deeper respect for the performances that we’ve been putting on,” Reigns promised. “Man, it’s been a hell of a journey. But it’s only begun. It’s going to get bigger.”

Reigns Carves The Bloodline Legacy

The Bloodline WWE

In addition to his impressive title reign thus far, Reigns has helped cultivate one of the most dominant factions of all-time: The Bloodline. Alongside his cousins The Usos, his special counsel Paul Heyman, and the recent additions of Sami Zayn and Solo Sikoa, The Bloodline have emerged as a force to be reckoned with.

Now, they will gear up for a WarGames match this Saturday, November 26th. At Survivor Series: WarGames, Roman Reigns will tackle The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Ridge Holland and Butch), Drew McIntyre, and Kevin Owens with the help of The Bloodline in the intense five-on-five bout.

Brandi Rhodes Isn’t Interested in Returning to Wrestling Right Now

Thomas Lowson
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Brandi Rhodes may be part of the wrestling business, but she has no plans to get back in the ring at this time.

Rhodes began her career in wrestling in WWE as ring announcer Eden Stiles, but left the promotion in 2016.

Since then, Rhodes has appeared for Ring of Honor, Impact Wrestling and AEW, the latter of whom she left in February of this year.

Getting Back in the Ring

While Cody Rhodes would return to WWE at WrestleMania 38, his wife hasn’t appeared with him on TV yet.

The former AEW Chief Brand Officer’s most recent match saw her defeat KiLynn King on the January 26, 2022 episode of AEW Dark: Elevation.

Speaking to Steve Fall of Ten Count, Rhodes didn’t rule out wrestling again, but it’s not her number one concern.

“I’m the one that’s very big in the family on not saying absolutes. As we know, my husband likes to say absolutes and then life happens. I’m not going to say absolutes, but I will say, right now, it’s not in my plan.”

Brandi Rhodes

Right now, Brandi’s focus is on her husband, and his quest to become a WWE World Champion and fulfill a promise made to his late father.

Being a Mom

In June of last year, the Rhodes’ became parents to daughter Liberty Iris Runnels, the first child for the couple.

Speaking more about her decision not to return to wrestling yet, Brandi admitted that any return to the road would prove to be a detriment to her daughter.

“When I look at life in wrestling, there’s the inevitable travel and it’s a choice that you have to make that you’re going to travel with your child or not. Then if I were to travel with my child, I’m taking her away from some of the environments that she’s used to now and that I’m seeing her thrive in. So I won’t say no, it’s not going to happen. But I will say that right now, it’s not front of mind for me.”

“If I were to travel with my child, I’m taking her away from some of the environments that she’s used””

Brandi Rhodes.

Cody’s Recovery

In June of this year, Cody Rhodes suffered a torn pectoral but fought through the pain to compete at WWE Hell in a Cell.

Rhodes is eager to return as soon as he can, something his wife knows all too well.

“He needs to wrestle. It’s in his blood. It’s part of his makeup. But now, he’s been great through all of this. All of the work that he’s been doing to get back has been really good.”

“He doesn’t look like anything happened which is crazy because he had major surgery. So he looks like the same Cody to me. The muscle mass is all there, you know, he looks ready to me, but I’m not a doctor.”

Despite a WWE report in June saying Cody would be off for nine months, meaning he’d return by March 2023, many consider the American Nightmare a favorite in the men’s Royal Rumble match next January.

Update On Brandi Rhodes & Possible WWE Return

Young Bucks: ‘These Have Been Two of the Hardest Months of Our Lives’

Andrew Ravens
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The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega returned to AEW television at AEW Full Gear last Saturday, where they challenged Death Triangle (PAC, Penta El Zero Miedo, & Rey Fenix) for the AEW Trios Championships, but came up short. 

The Elite had been suspended due to their involvement in the backstage brawl with CM Punk and Ace Steel at All Out in September. They were also stripped for the AEW Trios Championships, which they won at AEW All Out. 

During today’s Being The Elite, the Young Bucks discussed their return to the company. They confirmed reports that they’ve been backstage at recent Dynamite events but haven’t wrestled until now. Nick said until they wrestled again, it felt like something was missing. 

The Pressure

kenny omega young bucks

Nick Jackson admitted that he had anxiety thinking about it and didn’t know if he could still perform at a high level. Matt Jackson stated he was weakening up in cold sweats ahead of their return. 

“People don’t understand because we haven’t been able to talk about it. This has been…two of the hardest months of my life. I know for you [Nick] too. Here we are, we got through it, you just never know what’s going to happen until you do it. To hear the support and hear and see how happy a lot of people were to see us, that meant the world to us and Kenny. It felt good. We’re going through the healing process right now. Last night [Full Gear] was a big step to get there. I feel good. We got to come out to a song we grew up listening to with our Dad. A song we almost didn’t get. We didn’t get it until the 11th hour. That was stressful. Getting that, it was the night before, we finally knew. Collectively, it was a crazy time. Now that it’s the end, I can almost sight relief at this point.”

The Elite made their entrance to “Carry On Wayward Son” by Kansas. The Elite and Death Triangle will take part in a Best of Seven series, with match two taking place on Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite.

H/T to Fightful for the transcription

“Thank You!!! Bye” – Andrade’s Cryptic Message About His Future

Ella Jay
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Andrade El Idolo’s future with AEW has remained a mystery lately.

In early October, Andrade and fellow AEW talent Sammy Guevara reportedly engaged in a physical altercation. On the site of October 5th’s episode of Dynamite in Washington D.C, El Idolo was subsequently sent home, while Guevara stayed. There, he teamed with Chris Jericho, defeating Bryan Danielson and Daniel Garcia in the main event.

Since then, Andrade has remained off AEW programming, and reportedly suspended, according to the Wrestling Observer. In the wake of his absence, Andrade recently responded to a fan about possibly quitting the company, but quickly deleted the tweet.

Now, he has posted a cryptic message on Instagram, hinting at a possible departure from All Elite Wrestling.

Tony Khan Addresses Andrade’s Absence

Tony Khan

AEW President Tony Khan recently addressed the absence of Andrade (and Miro) during a post-show Full Gear media scrum.

“You’ve seen people take some sabbaticals, absences, breaks from AEW for various reasons and come back and get very involved,” he said, “and I think that’s still, for both of those guys, something that you could see.”

Although the reasonings for their absences may be different, both have remained off television. Nevertheless, Tony Khan finished by saying he “would like to get both of them involved again in the future,” including Andrade.

As of this writing, Andrade’s future in AEW remains uncertain. As he seemingly says “thank you” for his time in AEW, indicating a possible departure, Tony Khan wants to get El Idolo reintegrated into the product.

WWE Star Viewed “Almost Like a Reclamation Project” by Triple H

Andrew Ravens
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Since taking over main roster creative, Triple H has brought back several former WWE stars and also repackaged wrestlers already on the roster, including Finn Balor. He has been pushed strongly as part of The Judgment Day alongside Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, and Dominik mysterio Mysterio. 

Balor is just the third man to win the NXT Championship twice, winning it first in 2015 and again in 2020 when he moved back down from the main roster in between runs. Balor was in the main event of many a Takeover events. 

Although Vince McMahon pushed Balor at points, including when he was first called up to the main roster and became the inaugural Universal Champion, Balor’s push by McMahon came to an end earlier this year. 

Triple H on Finn Balor

Triple H Vince McMahon

WrestleVotes told GiveMeSport that Triple H views Balor as a ‘reclamation story’ after how he was booked by McMahon. 

“They’ve always, always really liked each other. Seeing what Finn has been over the last few years, Hunter sees almost like a reclamation project, but one that he can get behind because of their personal relationship.

Hunter’s first real big name was Fergal, so they’ve always had a relationship and worked well together. Hunter has always believed in him. When Finn got injured, after he won the title at SummerSlam 2016, he was checked on him daily, like keeping the relationship tight, even though he left NXT.”

Balor vs. AJ Styles in a singles match has been booked for this Saturday’s Survivor Series premium live event. 

Bryan Danielson Reveals Ideal Scenario For His Last Match

Ella Jay
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0

Bryan Danielson is just here to have fun.

“The American Dragon” Bryan Danielson pleasantly surprised AEW fans last year when he arrived at All Out. Since then, he went on to become one of the company’s top stars, most recently competing in a four-way match at Full Gear for the ROH World Championship. There, his efforts came up short, but overall, Danielson just wants to enjoy his remaining run in professional wrestling,

In 2016, Danielson — then under the ring name Daniel Bryan in WWE — was forced to retire from the sport due to a long series of concussions, and reported post-concussion related complications, including seizures. Two years later, Danielson received medical clearance, and returned to the ring. Now, he finds himself as a major player in All Elite Wrestling.

Danielson’s contract with AEW will extend through 2024, as he signed a three-year deal with the company back in 2021. Upon completion of his contract though, the former WWE Champion plans to take a step back from a full-time schedule. In speaking on One Fall with Ron Funches, Danielson discussed what his potential plans were in a post-AEW life, including his possible final match in professional wrestling.

“When my AEW contract is up, that’s pretty much me being done being a full-time wrestler,” he said. “But I like the way some people like Terry Funk and Jerry Lawler and those kind of guys do it where they do it for fun, right? And don’t do it all the time, they do it here or there, that sort of thing.”

By 2024, Danielson will be 43-years-old, with a hope to just have fun doing his passion. “It’s something I wanna continue doing for the rest of my life,” he said, barring any physical pain or injuries.

Staying Grateful

Bryan Danielson
Bryan Danielson

Danielson’s initial retirement announcement came almost 10 months after he last competed in a ring. In April 2015, he teamed with John Cena to defeated Cesaro and Tyson Kidd on an episode of SmackDown. It wasn’t until two months after that, that WWE told him he might never wrestle again. With that realization set in place, Bryan adopted a grateful mindset, because as in life, one never truly knows when it might be there last day, or in Bryan’s case, his last match.

With that mentality, Bryan doesn’t have a clear picture of what he wants his final match to look like, but would ideally wrestle up until two weeks before he dies. “But as it is now, it’d probably have to be like at least two weeks, if not a little bit before the day that I die,” he reiterated.

Danielson continued on to joke that his final match may end up “at some local indie in front of 300 people” that “just turns out to be my last match.” No matter how he ends his career though, “The American Dragon” declares every opportunity has he has to wrestle as “beautiful.”

Royal Rumble 2023 Sets Box Office Record for WWE

Michael Reichlin
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WWE’s Royal Rumble premium live event is over two months away, but the event is already a blockbuster success for the company.

WWE has announced the 2023 Royal Rumble has garnered the largest box office gate in the event’s 36-year history.

The event takes place Saturday, January 28 from San Antonio, TX at the AlamoDome.

$5 Million+ Gate

Over the weekend, the Royal Rumble surpassed $5 million in ticket sales. The previous record for ‘largest Royal Rumble gate’ was set in 2017, the last time the Rumble was held at the AlamoDome.

Wrestletix provided an update on Royal Rumble ticket sales on November 18. As of that date, 30,361 tickets had been distributed and the stadium was configured to accommodate 33,874 fans. If you’re interested in attending the 2023 Royal Rumble, tickets are still on sale at SeatGeek.

As we’ve seen in recent years, WWE will hold two Royal Rumble matches on January 28th (one for men, one for women). The winners of the Rumble matches will earn the right to challenge the champion of their choice at WrestleMania 39.

Record-Setting Business

WWE has been on a roll this year, setting box office records left and right. 2022 saw new box office records set for WrestleMania, Extreme Rules and Crown Jewel.

This latest milestone for the 2023 Royal Rumble puts WWE in a great position headed into the new year. WrestleMania 39 is scheduled for April 1 and April 2 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Back in August, the company announced over 90,000 tickets were sold within the first 24 hours, more than any event in WWE history and a 42% increase over first-day sales for WrestleMania 38 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.

Small, But Talented: Kevin Nash Reacts to Logan Paul in WWE

Michael Reichlin
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Logan Paul turned in one hell of a performance against Roman Reigns earlier this month at WWE Crown Jewel. Paul left it on in the ring on November 5, proving that he’s got what it takes to ‘hang’ with the industry’s top star.

The 27-year-old influencer tore cartilage and ligaments in his right knee during the match. The injuries will keep him out of the ring for several months, but Paul is already training for his WWE return. His brother Jake Paul says his recovery is going better than expected and The Maverick is already plotting his next big match for WWE:

WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash commented on Paul’s Crown Jewel performance on the latest episode of his Kliq This podcast. Nash, who was billed at 6’10” during his active career, says he was a bit surprised how small Paul looked compared to Reigns.

I’m gonna say this… I’m gonna get browbeaten because God forbid if Kevin Nash was to let anybody that wasn’t nine feet tall wrestle… I didn’t realize he was that small. He was noticeably smaller than Roman Reigns.

– Kevin Nash on Logan Paul

Kid’s Talented

Logan Paul Roman Reigns

Roman Reigns has a muscular body, while Paul has a more athletic stature, but it’s not like Reigns (6’3″) towered over Paul (6’2″).

Nash did say, “the kid [Paul] is talented,” and it helped that Shawn Michaels helped train him for the match. However, Nash was hung up on Paul’s size.

“Look at the size of Roman’s head next to his,” Nash continued. “That’s the size of a man. He can have an eleven inch penis but if it’s like a number two pencil, that’s one thing, but if it’s got a head like a softball, you’re still gonna be the man. That looks like Hunter working against me, size-wise.”

All that aside, Logan Paul is planning to continue his WWE career when his injuries heel. Shortly after his match at Crown Jewel, Paul said he plans to be a WWE Superstar for a long time.

Logan Paul on His Match Against Roman Reigns at WWE Crown Jewel: “I’ll be Doing This for a Long Time”

The Gravy Bowl: WWE’s Most Infamous Thanksgiving Match

Mike Chin
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On Thanksgiving night, November 22, 2001, WWE broadcasted a pretaped episode of SmackDown. The show featured a star-studded main event with The Rock teaming up with Rob Van Dam against Chris Jericho and The Dudley Boyz, not to mention a Kurt Angle vs. The Undertaker match and  Edge vs. Christian for the Intercontinental Championship in the undercard.

The most memorable part of the card, however, was a Gravy Bowl Match pitting Trish Stratus against Stacy Keibler.

Trish Stratus Vs. Stacy Keibler Wasn’t The First Gravy Bowl Match

Ivory Jacqueline Gravy Bowl Match

The Gravy Bowl Match was little more complicated than it sounded—a match pitting two women in a pit full of what was ostensibly gravy, for what looked an awful lot like a mud wrestling match. The popularity and sex appeal of Trish Stratus and Stacy Keibler made their Gravy Bowl Match instantly the most iconic iteration of the match. They weren’t the originators, though.

The dubious honor of kicking off the Gravy Bowl Match gimmick goes to Jacqueline and Ivory. Though Trish Stratus would grow into being a highly skilled in-ring performer, she was only starting to get there in late 2001. By contrast, Jacqueline and Ivory were about as legit as it got in the women’s ranks, both tough, highly skilled veteran performers who were more clearly above this gimmick in 1999. Nonetheless, they worked a one-minute match, with Jacqueline getting better of it.

A Food Fight Preceded The Match

Trish Stratus Stacy Keibler Gravy Bowl Match Food Fight

When Trish Stratus and Stacy Keibler clashed for their Gravy Bowl Match, they were less than a week removed from Survivor Series 2001, where WWE conclusively won its war against The Alliance. Stratus vs. Keibler felt like a bit of a coda. Though the action of the Invasion angle had clearly focused on the male performers, Stratus was a clear cut WWE talent whereas Keibler was one of the more consistently featured talents to come over from WCW and remain locked into her heel role with them for those first months under WWE contract.

The action got started with a food fight. Keibler made her entrance first and seated herself at a banquet table of Thanksgiving foods beside the Gravy Bowl. Stratus made her entrance second, wearing the Women’s Championship she’d picked up at the PPV. They both wore dresses and seemed set to eat before Keibler got things started, throwing a handful of mashed potatoes at Stratus and laughing at her. Sttratus got up close and personal, dumping gravy on Keibler’s head before a back and forth exchange covered them both in food, culminating in Stratus sling-shotting Keibler into the gravy to get the match properly started.

Trish Stratus Picked Up The Submission Victory

Trish Stratus Stacy Keibler Gravy Bowl Match Submission

The action of The Gravy Bowl Match wasn’t all that technically impressive as the two struggled against each other with little rhyme or reason, alternately throwing the other down or dunking her head beneath the surface of the gravy as the momentum switched back and forth. Finally, Stratus hit something like and Alabama Slam, en route to applying a hold somewhere between a chin lock and camel clutch to make Keibler tap out.

In the aftermath, Keibler played the sore loser, kicking gravy up out of the bowl, before climbing out, complaining to the ref, and shoving him into the gravy. Meanwhile, Stratus celebrated on the entrance ramp, raising her title overhead.

There’s little doubt that the Gravy Bowl Match between Stacy Keibler and Trish Stratus was designed to make the most of each woman’s sex appeal with a provocative match that left both women sopping wet, with the justification that the bout celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday spirit. Stratus commented on the match explicitly years later in a visit to Lillian Garcia’s podcast, and how it felt like a non-sequitur after the women’s division and Stratus personally had gained significant momentum at the time. She complained about it to trainer Fit Finlay at the time.

Nonetheless, with the benefit of hindsight, Stratus reflected on it as little more than a speed bump. She would go on to assemble a more than Hall of Fame-worthy career, earning the respect of wrestling fans around the world in a boom period for women’s division over a decade before the so-called Women’s Revolution.

Backstage Details on Kenny Omega’s Return to New Japan Pro Wrestling

Thomas Lowson
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The Cleaner of AEW and the Aerial Assassin will at last lock horns in singles action at Wrestle Kingdom 17 in January 2023.

Kenny Omega appeared via video promo at Sunday’s NJPW X STARDOM Historic X-Over event to challenge Will Ospreay following Ospreay’s successful IWGP United States Heavyweight title defense.

Responding, Ospreay accepted the challenge, claiming he has kept the heartbeat of NJPW going strong.

Omega Vs. Ospreay

Wrestle Kingdom 17 will mark Kenny Omega’s first match for NJPW since Wrestle Kingdom 13 in January 2019.

Fightful Select reports that talks between Omega and NJPW began over the summer, but the match was far from finalized.

Those close to the situation said that the deal for Omega to wrestle for New Japan was only finalized within the last two or three weeks.

Omega’s suspension from AEW following the All Out brawl did not end talks of a match with Ospreay but it “certainly slowed things down.”

Both men have teased the match for some time, with Ospreay using Omega’s One-Winged Angel at a Rev Pro show earlier this year, and forcing his opponent to kick out.

Rocky Romero

Omega Vs. Ospreay for the IWGP United States Heavyweight title is a bona fide huge match, and fans have Rocky Romero to thank.

Romero is said to have played a huge role in getting the match approved, and he is said to have been a huge factor in New Japan’s global expansion in recent years.

Fightful’s report adds that Romero has worked tirelessly to maintain New Japan’s positive relationships with numerous companies

At one point, Romero was said to be in frequent contact with AEW Owner Tony Khan to make deals happen.

No, AEW Did Not Snub Kenny Omega on His Birthday

Colten Gunn Claims AEW Talent Stay Up Late with Tony Khan for Pay-Per-View Spots

Thomas Lowson
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Some AEW wrestlers may be getting a little too friendly with management if a recent tweet from Colten Gunn is to be believed.

Gunn made his debut for All Elite Wrestling in June 2020, accompanying his father Billy Gunn but would not wrestle until the November 11, 2020, edition of AEW Dynamite.

In August of this year, Colten and his brother Austin turned on their Hall of Fame Father and are now part of The Firm.

Schmoozing

Despite being members of the AEW roster for over two years now, the Gunn Club are yet to hold tag-team gold.

When Austin Gunn took to Twitter to claim Jungle Boy Jack Perry wants to be a Gunn, the former AEW World Tag Champion fired back, saying he prefers being booked on Pay-Per-View.

This got a response from Colten, who argued that he and Austin would also get better bookings if they were up until 6 AM with AEW’s EVPs the Young Bucks.

https://twitter.com/coltengunn/status/1594505800067985408

While Colten did not directly state that Jungle Boy is someone who is schmoozing with the higher-ups, it is certainly the impression he gave.

Jungle Boy competed at AEW’s most recent Full Gear Pay-Per-View, defeating his former tag team partner Luchasaurus in a Steel Cage match.

Jungle Boy

Joining AEW right at the beginning in 2019, it wouldn’t be until January 2020 that Jungle Boy would obtain his first win in the company.

Winning the AEW World Tag Titles in January of this year, Jurassic Express would lose the titles at June’s AEW Dynamite: Road Rager special and Christian Cage would turn on Jungle Boy.

Cage would recruit Luchasaurus in their feud, and the former WWE World Champion defeated Perry in seconds at September’s All Out Pay-Per-View.

AEW Faction Officially Disbands

Booker T: Nick Aldis “Wasted” his Time with “Relic” of the Past NWA

Thomas Lowson
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0

Nick Aldis wasted some of the best years of his wrestling career with the NWA, Booker T has claimed.

Aldis joined the NWA following the promotion’s relaunch in 2017 and is a two-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion.

Seen by many as the face of the company since its relaunch, Aldis recently publicly announced that he will be leaving when his contract expires.

Wasted

With Aldis departing the NWA, many have speculated on his next move, and whether he could be the face of another promotion.

Speaking on his weekly Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T doubts that the 36-year-old will be able to be a top star again.

“He’s past his prime… He really wasted a lot of time trying to make that thing work.”

Booker T on Nick Aldis.

Booker added that Aldis was one of the very few names with any “recognition” when the NWA was relaunched five years ago, but has doubts any star could have helped the NWA.

“I didn’t see one Nick Aldis match in the NWA. I’m gonna tell you that right now, so I’m not going to sit here and say I saw a whole lot or anything like. But to try to bring that brand back, it’s almost impossible. I mean, the NWA is a relic of what professional wrestling was back then.”

“To try to bring that brand back, it’s almost impossible.”

Booker T on the NWA.

Aldis has been openly critical of NWA President Billy Corgan since the announcement of his departure.

Audience

Booker evidently doesn’t think too highly on the NWA’s product, no matter who is the face of the company.

Speaking about underlying problems in the promotion, the two-time WWE Hall of Famer believes that fans have grown accustomed to a much different style of wrestling product.

“Nobody wants to watch wrestling like that anymore, in a little studio like that where [there’s] like no people, they’re doing the interviews after the matches like they did back in you know, Ole and Arn Anderson’s days in Minnesota. Don’t nobody want to see that.”

While Booker said he has nothing against the Andersons, he made it clear that the NWA needs to change in order to have a chance of surviving in today’s market.

World of Sport Planning UK Relaunch – Have Spoken to Nick Aldis & Mickie James

h/t – eWrestlingNews

Jade Cargill’s Pay-Per-View Looks Don’t Miss

Samantha Schipman
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0

At Full Gear, Jade Cargil moved to 42-0 when she beat Nyla Rose and got her actual TBS Championship back.

Cargill has defended her title on every pay-per-view this year. In addition to retaining her title and remaining undefeated, she always has amazing looks that don’t miss. Her pay-per-view looks are so anticipated by fans that the TBS Champion has taken to Twitter to ask for ideas.

Jade Cargill’s Four Looks

Jade Cargill She-Hulk

In her first pay-per-view as champion, Cargill wrestled Tay Conti at Revolution. In perhaps her most iconic look to date, she cosplayed as Jade from Mortal Kombat. To make her entrance even more epic, her entrance was backlit in green. She emerged with green hair and mostly green gear.

For the next pay-per-view, Double or Nothing, Cargill payed homage to her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. She donned half green and half pink hair, the sorority’s colors. To go with the casino theme, she was flanked by Vegas showgirls.

Jade Cargill Double or Nothing

At ALL OUT, the champ defended her title against Athena. Just a few weeks before the show, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law began airing on Disney+. Cargill channeled this iconic look for herself, even down to adding green paint to her body. She burst through a “brick wall” for her entrance.

For Full Gear, Cargill channeled her inner-Thundercats. She looked incredible as Cheetara with cheetah prints in her yellow and orange wig and orange face paint. Cargill was carrying a staff to break across her knee, except it came apart before she got it down. No matter as she rolled on to victory.

While pay-per-views are done for the year, there are big shows like “Winter is Coming” and Battle of the Belts. Cargill is closing in on one year as TBS Champion, so it’s likely that she’ll have more epic looks in store.

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