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WWE Raw Results, Takeaways (11/7/22): Road to Survivor Series, Mia Yim, Austin Theory Cashes In

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WWE RAW aired live from Wilkes-Barre, PA tonight. Seth Rollins defended the United States Championship in an Open Challenge, Mia Yim returned, and Austin Theory cashed in his Money in the Bank contract.

  • 9 Best Moments from WWE Crown Jewel

RAW Results (11/7)

  • The Bloodline def. New Day & Matt Riddle
  • Baron Corbin def. Cedric Alexander
  • Otis def. Elias
  • Austin Theory def. Shelton Benjamin
  • The Miz def. Johnny Gargano
  • Nikki Cross def. Dana Brooke to become the new 24/7 Champion
  • Seth Rollins def. Austin Theory to retain the US Title

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

New Day Confronted The Usos

Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos kicked off the week’s RAW and made their way to the ring with Solo Sikoa. The Usos will defend the titles against New Day this Friday on WWE SmackDown.

The crowd chanted for Sami Zayn as Jey said “The Bloodline is now in your city”. Jimmy boasted about Roman beating Logan Paul and The Usos retaining over The Brawling Brutes at WWE Crown Jewel this past Saturday.

Jey noted that New Day are the longest-reigning WWE Tag Team Champions ever but that won’t be the case after their match on SmackDown this year Friday. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods interrupted and congratulated The Usos on their win over Butch & Ridge Holland at Crown Jewel.

New Day hyped the match for SmackDown and vowed to win the match this Friday to protect their record as 483 days as champions. The crowd chanted “Kofi!” as The Usos stated that they are record breakers and congratulated them on being 2nd best.

New Day reminded The Usos they still hold the record and they are still chasing them. Woods added that The Usos built their legacies off their family while New Day built their legacy off their own backs. Jimmy and Jey boasted about destroying Xavier’s King of the Ring crown

Matt Riddle interrupted and came to the ring on his scooter with bongo drums. Riddle wanted a 6-man tag team match and it was made official as RAW went to a break.

The Bloodline def. New Day & Matt Riddle

New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) teamed up with Matt Riddle to face The Usos (Jimmy & Jey) and Solo Sikoa of The Bloodline in a 6-man tag team match tonight. Riddle and New Day took turns stomping the hell out of Jimmy Uso to start off the action.

Riddle tagged in and battled with Jey in the ring. Uso connected with an Enziguri and went for a punch but Riddle ducked and sent Jey out of the ring. Riddle set up for a springboard move but Solo caught him with a jab to the face and Matt fell to the floor as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Kingston and Solo Sikoa were in the ring. Kofi hit the Boom Drop and fired up the crowd. Jey hopped on the apron but Kofi booted him in the face. Kingston went for Trouble in Paradise but Sikoa blocked it. Solo launched Kofi off the ring apron and bounced his face off the announce table as RAW went to another commercial.

Back from the break, Jimmy hit Kofi with a Backbreaker and Jey followed it up with an Elbow Drop for a near fall. Riddle tagged in and delivered a knee to Jimmy’s face. Riddle hit an Exploder Suplex on Jimmy and then hit one on Jey as well. Matt followed it up with a couple of Brotons and a running kick to Jey’s face.

Riddle hit a Moonsault onto Solo Sikoa but Jimmy leveled him with a Suicide Dive. Jimmy rolled Matt back into the ring but Riddle caught him with a DDT. Sikoa tagged in but Riddle didn’t see it. Riddle hit Jimmy with an RKO but Sikoa caught Matt with the Spinning Solo for the pinfall victory.

Baron Corbin def. Cedric Alexander

JBL introduced Baron Corbin before his match against Cedric Alexander. JBL then joined commentary but he wasn’t there for long. Alexander got in a couple moves of offense but Corbin caught him with the End of Days for the pinfall victory.

Mia Yim Returned to WWE

United States Champion Seth Rollins issued an Open Challenge for the title tonight on RAW. Judgment Day made its way to the ring and circled Rollins. Finn Balor entered the ring and stood across from Rollins. Finn said he has a bone to pick with Rollins and noted that Seth cost him gold a couple of years back. Balor said that he will cost Seth gold tonight but was interrupted.

The OC’s music hit and they showed up on the entrance ramp. Gallows, Anderson, and AJ Styles posed for the crowd before heading to the ring. Seth exited the ring and apparently there won’t be an Open Challenge. AJ Styles said they found someone to go against Rhea Ripley and Mia Yim made her return. Mia attacked Ripley with a kendo stick as Gallows tackled Damian Priest over the barricade.

AJ and Balor were then left in the ring and stared at each other. Balor and Styles traded punches but Finn retreated out of the ring. Dominik went for a Hurricanrana but AJ caught him. The Phenomenal One planted Dominik with a Styles Clash. The OC and Mia Yim posed in the ring as Judgment Day retreated.

Seth Rollins was interviewed backstage by Cathy Kelley and said he will have the Open Challenge again later tonight.

Otis Dominated Elias

Otis battled Elias in a singles match tonight on RAW. Chad Gable of Alpha Academy accompanied Otis to the ring. Elias went for a Body Slam but couldn’t lift Otis and the big man sent him to the corner. Gable provided a distraction and Otis planted Elias with a Powerslam for the pinfall victory.

Bianca Belair, Asuka, and Alexa Bliss want to Battle Damage CTRL in a WarGames match

RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair, Asuka, and Alexa Bliss called out Damage CTRL tonight on RAW. Kai and SKY boasted about winning the titles at Crown Jewel before they hopped on the ring apron. Bliss noted that Nikki Cross interfered in the match and that is the only reason Damage CTRL won. Asuka and IYO started yelling at each other until the Empress yelled “WarGames!”.

The two squads brawled and Damage CTRL retreated. Belair said this isn’t a fight anymore, this is war and it is ending at WarGames. Nikki Cross attacked Bianca from behind and Damage CTRL capitalized. Bayley hit the Rose Plant on Bianca as Nikki Cross attacked Asuka.

Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley had a brief stare down backstage during tonight’s show as well.

Austin Theory Picked Up A Win

Money in the Bank winner Austin Theory battled Shelton Benjamin tonight in a singles match. Shelton controlled the action early and got Theory in an Ankle Lock in the middle of the ring. Austin escaped but Shelton connected with a German Suplex for a near fall.

Theory climbed to the top turnbuckle but Benjamin joined him up there. Austin shoved him to the mat and then hit the A-Town Down for the pinfall victory. Theory took some selfies with the Money in the Bank briefcase after the match.

The Miz def. Johnny Gargano, Dexter Lumis Attacked

The Miz squared off against Johnny Gargano on this week’s edition of RAW. Last week, Johnny claimed that The Miz hired Dexter Lumis to be his celebrity stalker.

The Miz cut a promo before the match and claimed that Johnny’s accusations are false and a blatant smear job. Miz said that his own father believes Gargano and the only silver lining is that he has been meeting with producers in Hollywood to tell his true story.

Johnny brought a whistle and blew it on him self. Gargano said the public didn’t shame The Miz enough so he realized he needed stronger evidence against him. Gargano claimed that the “Hollywood producer” that Miz had dinner with was a private investigator wearing a camera.

Gargano rolled footage of The Miz admitting that everything Johnny Gargano is saying is true. Johnny fast-forwarded and Miz added that everything went perfectly until he stopped paying Dexter Lumis for being too crazy.

The Miz and Johnny Gargano battled to begin the final hour of the show. Gargano hit a Dropkick and knocked Miz out of the ring. Johnny followed it up with a Cannonball and high-fived some fans.

Back in the ring, Gargano hit another Dropkick and taunted Miz in the ring. Johnny booted Miz’s hand but Miz responded with a kick to the face. Miz controlled the next few minutes of the match before Johnny battled back as the crowd got behind him.

Miz hit a Clothesline and climbed to the top turnbuckle. Gargano countered with an Atomic Drop and then a kick to the head. Johnny hit a Neckbreaker and went for the cover but Miz kicked out at two. Johnny went for the Gargano Escape but Miz got out of it. Gargano hit a Superkick and Miz fell to the floor. The Miz launched Gargano over the barricade as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Gargano hit the Slingshot Spear but Miz kicked out at two. Miz chopped Gargano in the throat and followed it up with a DDT for a near fall. Gargano hit an Enziguri and a flurry of strikes while Miz was against the ropes. Johnny went for another Spear but Miz countered into Double Knees for a two count.

The Miz motioned that he has big balls and almost lost the match via a roll-up. Johnny hit another Superkick but Miz kicked out at two. Gargano sent Miz out of the ring and leveled him with a Suicide Dive. Miz slammed Gargano on top of the announce table and rolled him back into the ring.

Gargano hit a Dropkick to knock The Miz to the outside. Dexter Lumis dragged Miz under the ring and he emerged with a weapon. He told the referee to check under the ring and bashed Gargano over the head with it while the ref was distracted. The Miz then covered Gargano for the win. After the match, Dexter attacked The Miz from behind and was chased away by security.

https://twitter.com/WrestlingSZN7/status/1589819957423984641?s=20&t=T-3-o9548WbY6N99ccZdZA

Nikki Cross Captured the 24/7 Championship & Threw it in the Trash Backstage

Dana Brooke defended the 24/7 Championship match tonight against Nikki Cross. Damage CTRL gave Nikki a pep talk before the bout and Bayley joined commentary for the match. Cross attacked Dana right away and beat her down in the corner of the ring.

Cross applied a headlock but Dana escaped. Brooke hit an elbow to the face and followed it up with a flurry of strikes in the corner. Nikki battled back and unloaded some strikes before bouncing Brooke’s head off the canvas several times. Cross followed it up with a Neckbreaker for the pinfall victory. Nikki Cross is the 24/7 Champion.

Bobby Lashley Cost Austin Theory His MITB Cash In

Seth Rollins made his way to the ring again at the end of tonight’s episode of RAW. Rollins noted that this month marks ten years that he has been in WWE. The crowd responded by singing his theme and chanting “thank you Seth!”.

Rollins said it had been far too long since he held a title in the company before he beat Bobby Lashley a few weeks back. Seth claimed that the United States Championship is the title to have in the company.

Mustafa Ali was about to answer the challenge backstage but got attacked from behind. It was revealed to be Bobby Lashley and he accepted the Open Challenge as RAW went to a break.

When RAW returned, Bobby Lashley made his way to the ring and attacked Seth before the match even started. Seth rolled out of the ring and Lashley went for a Spear. Rollins countered with a Superkick and sent the All Mighty into the steel steps. Seth went for a Pedigree but Bobby countered with a Back Body Drop.

WWE security rushed the ring but Bobby hit Seth with a Flatliner and continued the beatdown. Lashley then slammed Seth Rollins through the announce table and posed for the crowd as they booed.

Money in the Bank winner Austin Theory made his way to the ring and it was announced that he was cashing in. The bell rang and Theory hit a punch for a two count. Theory hit a Pedigree but Seth kicked out. Theory went for a Dropkick but Rollins countered into a Powerbomb. Theory hit A-Town Down but Lashley dragged the referee out of the ring. Lashley dragged Theory out of the ring and beat him down. Bobby bashed Theory into the ring post a couple of times.

Theory beat the count back into the ring but Rollins hit him with the Stomp for the pinfall victory. Seth Rollins is still the United States Champion and Theory joins the short list of superstars with failed MITB cash-ins. Theory won the match at the premium live event as a surprise entrant.

Chelsea Green Addresses Potential WWE Return

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Chelsea Green has commented on a potential return to WWE, as it has been reported that WWE has discussed bringing Green back to the company.

While speaking with Bill Pritchard of WrestleZone, Green was asked about potentially signing an exclusive deal with a company. 

Before being called up in 2020, Green signed a contract with WWE in 2018 and wrestled on the NXT brand. She made her SmackDown debut on November 13 but fractured her wrist during a match. In April 2021, Green was subsequently let go in a round of layoffs.

Chelsea Green is Open to WWE Return

Chelsea Green ROH
Chelsea Green

“I think that I wouldn’t go to AEW, and that’s just a reality for me. It’s not gonna happen. With WWE, I’m really glad that I left on good terms, although I was sad that I didn’t get to fulfill myself creatively as a wrestler. I still had a great relationship with Triple H. I had a great relationship with Vince, so I am really happy that I’m able to hold my head up high knowing there’s an opportunity for me to possibly go back if they decide it’s the time and the place. But this time would be different because I went into it the first time, and I was just so doe-eyed and naive, and just thought that I deserved to be listened to and deserved to be heard.

Now I realize it’s not always like that. And it’s not always wrestling. It just shows business. Acting is the same way. You’re not going to get everything that you ‘deserve’ or everything that you work for, and all you can do is just go in with a totally open mind and just let things happen. So if I did get the chance to go back, and if someone contacted me, I would absolutely have that conversation.”

Green continued by saying that, given the outcome of her first stint with WWE, she still had unfinished business. She said she would approach it differently this time, but the decision to return to WWE ultimately is a decision the company will have to make.

Green stressed that, even though she has enjoyed her independence on the open market, some of her will always wonder what may have been if she hadn’t left. She compared her situation with her husband, Matt Cardona, who worked for the company as Zack Ryder for a significant amount of time.

Karrion Kross Explains How his Relationship With Triple H Led to WWE Return

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Many fans were surprised to see how Vince McMahon handled Karrion Kross’ WWE main roster run last year as he changed up Kross’ entrance and didn’t use Karrion’s wife Scarlett as his manager. 

He also booked Kross to be beaten in matches. They returned to WWE in August 2022 – less than a year after the company had released both stars.

They are just two of many former stars that have returned to the company since Triple H took over creative following the retirement of Vince McMahon.

How Did it Happen?

Karrion Kross
WWE.com

While speaking to The Sun, Kross explained how his relationship with Triple H helped lead to the couple’s comeback. 

He noted he stayed in touch with a lot of people in WWE after his release and viewed it as a good experience. 

“So every once in a while, we would check in on Hunter and see how he’s doing, just personal stuff – we never talked about work – and he would check in on us. One day he was wondering if we were around for a call. And then I think it was the week that you guys saw me on TV. I jumped on a call with Hunter and he proposed the concept of coming back. He said, ‘Would you guys like to come home?’ And we were like, ‘Of course we would’. And then you guys saw us two days later, we were on TV.”

“We’ve always had a good relationship with everyone. We loved our experience there. That bridge was never ever burned or damaged or anything like that. It was just a series of unfortunate events that led to where we’re at and we came full circle.”

Johnny Gargano, Braun Strowman, Bray Wyatt, and Dakota Kai were just some of the names brought back after McMahon’s controversial retirement.

Early Plans for WWE Raw’s 30th Anniversary in January

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WWE is going “XXX” for the 30th Anniversary of Monday Night Raw.

The longest running episodic series in cable television history premiered on January 11, 1993 from The Manhattan Center in New York City. Over 1,500 episodes later, we’re coming up on yet another huge milestone for WWE’s flagship show.

Former WWE boss Vince McMahon was reportedly considering bringing Raw back to the Manhattan Center for the 30th anniversary, but the company decided to go in another direction.

WWE will celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Raw on Monday, January 23rd from Philadelphia, PA at the Wells Fargo Center. Tickets for the event go on sale next Friday, November 18th.

WWE typically goes all-out with the Raw celebration shows and this should be no exception. Expect to see guest appearances from legends and other surprises on this episode, which will be the ‘go home’ show before the 2023 WWE Royal Rumble.

Another Sign that Dark Side of the Ring is Returning

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The possibility of the fourth season of Dark Side of the Ring on VICE TV looks to be more like a reality. 

The show is on pause while creators Evan Husney and Jason Eisener work on Tales from the Territories, which also airs on the network. There’s still been no confirmation on Dark Side of the Ring coming back by the network, which has led to speculation that Dark Side of the Ring had been canceled after the third season.

The Update

cj dark side

Pwinsider.com reported today that the forthcoming season is forthcoming, but unknown when it will exactly air. Per the report, WWE Hall of Famer Hacksaw Duggan was recently interviewed by the DSOTR team for a future installment.

The series has been the most viewed Vice TV series in the cable network’s history. 

The series focuses on controversial subjects and events within the realm of professional wrestling. Subjects covered on the first season included  Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth, The Montreal Screwjob, Bruiser BrodyVon Erich family, Gino Hernandez, and “The Fabulous Moolah” The Fabulous Moolah.

The second season had Chris & Nancy Benoit, & Eddie Guerrero, Chris Benoit double-murder & suicide, New Jack, WWF Brawl for All, Jimmy Snuka, Dino Bravo, David Schultz, Herb Abrams & UWF, The Road Warriors, and the Owen Hart accident. The third season covered Brian Pillman, Nick Gage, Collision in Korea, The Ultimate Warrior, Grizzly Smith, Jake Roberts, Sam Houston, & Rockin’ Robin Dynamite Kid, Plane Ride from Hell, Chris Kanyon, FMW, Johnny K-9, Luna Vachon, Rob Black & Xtreme Pro Wrestling, and the United States v. Vince McMahon.

“Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” Trailer Released Starring Dave Bautista

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Dave Bautista’s latest film, “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” is over a month away from being made available.

The official trailer for the Netflix film was released today. The movie, which will also have a limited theatrical run, was written and directed by Rian Johnson, who also produced it with Ram Bergman. 

The Plot

Dave Bautista

The film will be released on December 23rd on Netflix. You can read the plot for the movie below: 

“Tech billionaire Miles Bron invites his friends for a getaway on his private Greek island. When someone turns up dead, Detective Benoit Blanc is put on the case.”

Bautista, Daniel Craig, Edward Norton, Janelle Monáe, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Jessica Henwick, Madelyn Cline, and Kate Hudson make up the cast. 

The first “Knives Out” movie came out in 2019 and was a major success as it grossed over $300 million on a $40 million budget. 

Netflix paid $469 million for the rights to two sequels written and directed by Johnson, with Craig reprising his role. This will be the first Knives Out movie that the former WWE Champion will be a part of. 

You can watch the entire trailer for the film here:

Billy Corgan Assumes CM Punk Will Return to AEW Despite All Out Fight

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Is CM Punk’s time with AEW as over as many people believe? Billy Corgan doesn’t think so.

Punk has been missing from AEW program since All Out and is serving a suspension for his role in the backstage fight.

An investigation into the matter recently concluded and it is believed that the results have condemned the two-time former AEW World Champion.

A Return to AEW?

With reports that AEW is seeking to buy out the remainder of Punk’s contract, all signs are pointing to an early exit for the Chicago wrestler.

Speaking to SEScoops correspondent Steve Fall NWA President Billy Corgan said he expects things between the two parties to improve.

“I’d be surprised if he leaves AEW. I’ve heard those rumors too, but I just imagined that it would be worked out.”

Billy Corgan.

“Until it’s official official, I would just assume he is going to stay and they’re going to figure it out. He’s a benefit and a bonus to them, and I think it’s the same in reverse. I think they’ve done a good thing of bringing him back to professional wrestling because he is an immensely talented guy.”

Both Punk and Tony Khan have kept silent on the matter since All Out, where it is believed Punk instigated the fight.

CM Punk in the NWA

With reports that CM Punk has caught the wrestling ‘bug’, a departure from AEW may not mark the end of his wrestling career.

When asked if Punk could become an NWA star, Corgan said he seriously doubts that will be the case.

“I know him personally, and I haven’t talked wrestling with him for years, so I would be hard-pressed to imagine he’d want to come to the NWA given his other opportunities. Certainly, there are other companies that are bigger and can offer him a bigger payday.”

Despite appearing in multiple promotions, including AEW, WWE, TNA/Impact Wrestling and Ring of Honor, Punk has yet to compete in an NWA-sanctioned match.

Talks with Triple H

Last month, Corgan said that he would be open to working with WWE, possibly as a developmental show for the company.

When asked if the WWE and the NWA could team up again, Corgan called it a possibility, but not one he’s actively pursuing.

“I have not had any recent discussions [with Triple H about a potential deal between WWE and the NWA.] I have channels through there and of course, I have friends in the company. I only want the best for that company, as I want the best for everybody in the business. So you know if they call I’m interested, but no, it’s nothing active for sure.”

The NWA and WWE have crossed over in the past, and older fans may recall the NWA ‘invasion’ of 1998.

NWA Suspends Nick Aldis Ahead Of Hard Times 3, Aldis Comments

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On the heels of Nick Aldis’ impending departure from the National Wrestling Alliance, the company has officially suspended the former NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion.

Yesterday, “The National Treasure” revealed that he was leaving the NWA at the end of 2022. On January 1st, Aldis will become a free agent. In a post to his Instagram Subscribers, Aldis cited a dissolving relationship with company owner and promoter, Billy Corgan, and his displeasure with the programming as motivating factors in leaving.

Aldis Suspended

Nick Aldis
(NWA)

Amidst his recent comments, the National Wrestling alliance has suspended Aldis, according to PWInsider. In an official statement released by the NWA, Aldis’ suspension will go into effect immediately. Additionally, Aldis will not appear at their upcoming Hard Times 3 pay-per-view, where he was scheduled to face Odinson.

Pursuant to the recent comments made by Nick Aldis, the National Wrestling Alliance, has suspended Aldis from the main roster and effective immediately Aldis will not appear for the
Hard Times 3 PPV and Revolution Rumble television tapings in New Orleans, LA on Nov. 12, 2022 and Nov. 13, 2022.

As such, the National Wrestling Alliance reserves its right to comment on this matter at a future date.

National Wrestling Alliance Statement

In responde to the above statement, Chief Operating Officer Joe Galli confirmed that Aldis will remain under contract with the NWA through 12/31. Galli also confirmed that was suspension was “not a wrestling angle.” 

Aldis later confirmed his suspension, noting he will not be at the corresponding television tapings in New Orleans following Hard Times 3. PWInsider also the company noted “does not yet know how this suspension would impact the promotion’s planned TV Tapings in December.”

Lio Rush: ‘AEW Didn’t Know What to do With Me’

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Lio Rush had an interesting run with AEW that started with his debut at the Double Or Nothing pay-per-view in 2021, which marked the first show to feature a full crowd at a wrestling event since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

His tenure with the promotion didn’t last long, as he became a free agent after his contract with AEW expired in February 2022. 

His contract expiring came after Rush spoke out on Twitter regarding a controversial tweet from AEW President Tony Khan on New Year’s Eve in 2021.

While speaking on the Say Less podcast, Rush was asked if he thought AEW knew what to do with him as a talent when the company employed him.

Lio Rush on his AEW Run

Lio Rush
(via NJPW)

“Of course not. When I say things, I don’t wanna sound like it was breaking news because I feel like these things are so blatantly obvious. It’s like, yanno, he made it pretty clear to me, verbally, that when he was a fan of me, it was when I was in WWE and I was doing the manager stuff with Bobby [Lashley]. If that’s how he saw me, that’s the only light he sees me in… [then] that’s [probably what] he’s gonna shift me to be in that kind of role. Which I’m not, yanno… I’m so grateful for that time period [in WWE] because it taught me how to talk, it taught me how to present myself and build others up. No, I don’t think that [they] exactly knew what to do with me. That’s always a frustrating thing, but like you said when [I] say stuff it just gets f*cking blown up.”

Since he departed from AEW, Rush has dealt with various injuries. He returned to in-ring action in October and has since competed for promotions such as GCW, PWG, and MLW. Rush was recently announced for NJPW’s upcoming Super Junior Tag League.

H/T to Fightful for the transcription

Natalya Can Breathe Again After Recent Nasal Surgery (Photo)

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Wrestling isn’t ballet, as they say. Despite years of experience and countless hours of training, injuries are an unavoidable aspect of the sport. On Monday, WWE veteran Natalya revealed that she’s undergone surgery to repair a “dislocated nose” (nasal fracture).

Natalya’s injury occurred on last week’s edition of WWE SmackDown, which was actually taped a week prior. After a match that saw her lose to Shayna Bazsler, Bazsler blasted Natalya with a knee to the face that busted her open.

Fans on social media speculated about the legitimacy of the spot. It sure looked like Natalya was legitimately injured, but WWE Superstars are experts at making safe spots look dangerous.

The broken nose led to a lot of discomfort and breathing difficulty. Natalya noted on Twitter that she can finally breathe again after doctors “moved her dislocated nose back to the center of her face” where it belongs. Ouch.

She added that she loves the shape of her nose and is happy this procedure won’t affect its appearance.

SEScoops wishes Natalya a speedy recovery.

WWE Had Interest In Recent AEW Signees

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The Kingdom recently joined All Elite Wrestling, but another company reached out to them during their brief free agency.

Following their exit from IMPACT Wrestling in mid-October, the stable — comprised of Matt Taven, Mike Bennett, and Maria Kanellis — explored their options. During their brief period as free agents, Fightful Select reported that contact was made between The Kingdom and WWE.

Despite previous reports that WWE initially expressed interest in Matt Taven, “there were actually conversations with all three members of the Kingdom, including Maria Kanellis and Mike Bennett,” Fightful clarified. WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque and creative team member Gabe Sapolsky were reportedly “the points of contact among the three” as well.

Additionally, “no firm offer” was ever presented to The Kingdom, and the situation was described as “more of a feeling out process between the two sides.”

Since no official deal was ever made with WWE, The Kingdom have since signed to AEW.

The Kingdom In AEW

The Kingdom AEW Rampage
The Kingdom

On the October 14th edition of Rampage, The Kingdom first arrived to All Elite Wrestling. There, FTR teamed with Shawn Spears to take on Brian Cage and Gates of Agony. Soon after FTRY and Spears secured the victory, The Kingdom emerged. Maria Kanellis certified that the trio were “The Kingdom,” and attested that Alli Elite Wrestling “was built on the back of The Kingdom.”

Since introducing themselves to AEW, the Kingdom have been featured on programming a few times. Most recently, Matt Taven challenged Wardlow for the TNT Championship on the October 28th episode of Rampage, falling short in his efforts.

Matt Cardona’s WWE Return Will Be On Unprecedented Terms

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Matt Cardona appears to be open to a WWE return, but it will have to be on his terms.

Since Triple H has assumed responsibilities for heading WWE’s creative after the departure of Vince McMahon, many familiar faces have been brought back to the company. Many have speculated as to whether or not Cardona could be one of those names brought back.

Speaking in an interview with Kevin Kellam of Sportskeeda Wrestling, Cardona discussed a potential return to WWE. While he’s certainly open to the possibility, he has one term that he seems to be sticking to.

He does not want to return as Zack Ryder, but rather, Matt Cardona. Cardona seems to be ready to put the Ryder character behind him.

“It’s certainly exciting. Every week, it seems like, maybe not every week, but it seems like someone’s coming back or debuting or re-debuting it’s fresh, it’s exciting,” Cardona said. “It’s must-see TV, and I think that’s what wrestling should be.

“Yeah, I said Zack Ryder is dead because, and listen, never say never, right, but if I were to ever go back, it has to be as Matt Cardona. Zack Ryder, it was what it was. I’m so grateful for that run. It has set me up for this run. Without being Zack Ryder in WWE, I wouldn’t be Matt Cardona talking to you right now. So it set me up for everything.

“But the ‘Woo, woo, woo’, the headband, the sunglasses, it’s dead. I was trying to get away from stuff while I was still Zack Ryder in WWE, but you can’t write the show. So if I’m trying to be more serious, but you’re booked to be not so serious, it is what it is.

“That’s why, when I was let go, it was like, oh my god. Not that I had any handcuffs on, but the handcuffs were off, and I was able to just become the new version of me, whatever that was going to be.”

Matt Cardona NWA Champion

During his run with WWE, Cardona went by the ring name Zack Ryder from 2005 to 2020. Throughout that run, Cardona earned himself both a United States and Intercontinental Title run. He also won the RAW Tag Team Titles with Curt Hawkins twice.

Unfortunately, in 2020, Cardona was victim to WWE’s COVID-19 budget cuts, and was released from his contract. After leaving WWE, Cardona has worked for a variety of promotions; such as All Elite Wrestling (AEW), IMPACT Wrestling, Game Changer Wrestling, and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA).

WWE Hall of Famer Names Their ‘Fave Five’ Of NXT

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WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has officially reintroduced his signature “Fave Five” series. The former five time WCW World Champion reprised his role as a commentator last month, officially joining the NXT brand. Alongside Vic Joseph, Booker T lends a voice to the action and progressions of WWE’s developmental base. In addition, he receives a first hand look at some future stars of the company. 

Recently, Booker T released his latest “Fave Five” list, comprised of his current five favorite wrestlers to take notice of in NXT. Amongst that list were a few current and former champions. “Fave 5IVE. Carmelo Hayes. JD McDonagh. Bron Breakker. Pretty Deadly/ Elton Prince & Kit Wilson. Cora Jade. Don’t forget to check out NXT This Tuesday,” Booker wrote via Twitter. 

Carmelo Hayes
Carmelo Hayes

Former NXT North American Champion Carmelo Hayes has captured the interest of Booker in recent months. “Hayes is one of the guys that I want to see get to that next level and literally just kick it in,” he recently said on The Hall of Fame podcast. In the same episode, Booker also praised former WWE NXT Cruiserweight Champion JD McDonagh.”I’m really high on that kid,” he said after watching his match with Ivan Dragunov. 

Former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion Cora Jade was recently deemed “on the fast track to becoming the next Sasha Banks,” according to Wrestle Votes on Give Me Sport

Bron Breakker reigns as the current NXT Champion, while Pretty Deadly serve as the current NXT Tag Team Champions. 

Two-time Hall of Famer Booker T previously acted as a commentator for Raw and SmackDown in the past, before later joining kick-off show panels for WWE. Now, he serves as a voice the company’s third brand.

Review: John Cena Eyes the Presidency in “The Independent”

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John Cena made his acting debut in the WWE film, The Marine in 2006. He’s gone on to be part of the Fast and the Furious series and stars in Peacemaker, among a bevy of other roles. In his latest role, he plays a gold medalist-turned-politician in The Independent.

Cena joins a cast featuring Jodie Turner-Smith (Anne Boleyn), Brian Cox (Succession), and Ann Dowd (Law and Order). It began streaming on Peacock last week with very little promotion. In fact, it came out exactly one week before the U.S. mid-term election. Since WWE’s PLE air on Peacock and Cena is one of the biggest stars they’ve ever had, you’d think Peacock would bank on that to attract the WWE crowd.

The official synopsis reads “It’s the final weeks of the most consequential presidential election in history. America is poised to elect either its first female president or its first viable independent candidate. Reporting history as it’s made, an idealistic young journalist teams up with her idol, legendary journalist Nick Booker, to uncover a conspiracy that places the fate of the election, and the country, in their hands.”

John Cena Has a Supporting Role

John Cena The Independent

While Cena is one of the more well-known cast members, he is not the star of The Independent. As Nick Sterling, he plays a key, but supporting role. The star of the film is Turner-Smith, the aforementioned “idealistic young journalist”.

Cena is a natural at playing a politician. WWE fans got a taste of this when he partnered with the #WeAreAmerica campaign several years ago. Sterling could’ve made that an ad for his campaign.

The big speech that Sterling gives sounds very much like a wrestling promo. He relates to the crowd with an anecdote about his family. There was a clip of the speech going around on social media in which Cena uses his old trademark line, “Their time is up, our time is now.”

The Independent has a run time of 108 minutes and probably could’ve been about 20 minutes shorter. It’s clunky in parts and is a little slow going in the beginning. I found myself losing interest at times. Turner-Smith and Cox are excellent together and carry the movie. Cena holds his own and does a great job as a potential presidential candidate.

If John Cena is looking to take on more dramatic or serious roles, this is a good way to dip his toe into the water.

“Always” – Wade Barrett Says he has the ‘Itch’ to Return to the Ring

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Could WWE SmackDown commentator Wade Barrett have one last Bullhammer elbow up his sleeve?

Barrett debuted on WWE’s main roster in 2010 as part of NXT and later the leader of the Nexus, but left in 2016.

A five-time Intercontinental Champion, Barrett returned to WWE in 2020 as an NXT commentator and was recently moved to SmackDown.

Always

At 42-years-old, Barrett is younger than some of WWE’s top stars today, including Brock Lesnar and AJ Styles (both 45) and Bobby Lashley (46.)

Speaking on the Out of Character podcast, Barrett was asked whether he has the itch to step back in the ring as a Superstar one day (via eWrestlingNews.)

“Always. You know what, I’ve never ruled out getting back in the ring one day. I won’t say it’s high on my list of priorities… I think my body could hold up, I’m still in very good shape.”

Wade Barett.

While Barrett is on-board with a return, he added that he does not believe he is ‘mentally’ capable of a full-time in-ring return.

The British wrestler added that he would not want to give up his role as a commentator either.

Bruising

Barrett may have the itch to return, but that doesn’t mean he’s ready to jump back in the ring tomorrow.

Speaking about his first night as a SmackDown commentator, Barrett said he had mixed feelings after watching that night’s main event between Sheamus and GUNTHER.

“I’m seeing these two for three segments of the show beating the hell out of each other. I’m seeing it up close and personal, I’m seeing the bruising. Suddenly I’m like, ‘You know what? Two hours ago, I felt like I wanted to get back maybe.’ Now, I’m watching these two, I’m like, ‘Hell no!’ Because I know that if I come back, they aren’t putting me with the light guys.”

Barrett also named Drew McIntyre as another likely name WWE would put him in the ring with.

The Young Bucks to Make First Public Appearance Since AEW All Out Brawl

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The Young Bucks will attend an online virtual signing next month, in what will likely be their first public appearance since AEW All Out 2022.

HighspotsAuctions.com confirmed that the Bucks will be participating in a virtual signing on December 1, and fans can either purchase items or send their own to get signed.

Items available to purchase include trading cards, action figures, turnbuckle pads, Funko POP! Vinyls as well as posters for both Being the Elite and AEW’s predecessor event ALL IN.

The Bucks’ Absence

Unless they return to AEW programming very soon, this will be the first public appearance by The Bucks since All Out.

After the now infamous event, a fight broke out backstage following explosive comments made by then-AEW World Champion CM Punk.

It is believed that Punk threw the first punch that hit Matt Jackson, though Punk’s camp has claimed that he felt threatened that a fight was going to break out.

During the fight, it is alleged that Punk’s trainer and then-AEW producer Ace Steel threw a chair that hit Nick Jackson in the eye.

All participants in the fight were suspended due to a third-party investigation into the matter which has since concluded.

Future Plans

While Tony Khan has not commented publicly on the results, it is believed that the investigation cleared the Bucks and Kenny Omega.

In recent weeks, the trio have been featured in vignettes on Dynamite, which has seen the group be replaced by Death Triangle.

Death Triangle, AEW’s second Trios Champions after the Elite was stripped of the titles, are expected to feud with The Bucks and Omega once they return.

Triple H Has Big Plans for WWE’s Women’s Division (Report)

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Triple H has big plans for the women’s division of WWE now that he is running both the Creative and Talent Relations departments.

The Game was appointed head of both roles in July, replacing his father-in-law Vince McMahon as Head of Creative and John Laurinaitis as Head of Talent.

Both men have since left the promotion following allegations McMahon paid millions in NDAs to female talent he had extramarital affairs with.

The Game’s Plans

Triple H’s first 100 days running things have been marked by the many returns to the company, with Braun Strowman, Bray Wyatt, Karrion Kross, and others all returning.

On the women’s side of things, Candice LeRae, B-Fab, Dakota Kai, Emma, and Scarlett have all returned, and that is expected to continue.

Fightful Select reports that WWE plans on bringing back more female talent to “restock the women’s division with several TV-ready, experienced women’s wrestlers.”

It was reported last month that WWE has shown interest in bringing back Tegan Nox, who was released on November 18, 2021.

Who’s Next?

Nox may soon be the latest released WWE Superstar to return to WWE, but WWE has plenty of possible female stars they could bring back.

Fightful’s report adds that WWE has discussed bringing back Chelsea Green, who suffered a wrist injury during her November 2020 call-up to SmackDown.

Green was released in 2021 but was allowed to continue attending WWE’s Performance Center during her recovery process.

When Fightful spoke to Green, she confirmed that WWE has not contacted her for a return.

She added that she has commitments with the NWA, Wrestlecade and other independent bookings scheduled well into March 2023.

NXT Star Is On ‘Fast Track To Becoming the Next Sasha Banks’

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Fans haven’t seen Sasha Banks on WWE programming in close to half a year, but WWE may have found the next generation’s answer to ‘The Boss.’

Banks, alongside Naomi, was suspended following their walkout during the May 16, episode of Monday Night Raw over creative differences.

In recent months, it has been rumored that both will return to WWE now that Vince McMahon has retired.

The Next Sasha Banks

Before coming to WWE’s main roster, Banks made a name for herself in NXT, and Cora Jade is doing just that today.

Jade signed with NXT last year and was initially pushed as a babyface, before turning heel on her former-friend Roxanne Perez.

Speaking with Give Me Sport, Wrestle Votes stated that many in WWE believe Jade could be the next Banks.

“She has the same thing Sasha has, she’s talented she’s got this unique look about her, she’s super young, and she’s pretty decent in the ring, right? The potential of her becoming a big deal is high and WWE sees that.”

It was added that “everybody loves Cora” and that WWE’s Head of Creative and Head of Talent Triple H is of the opinion that she could be the next Sasha Banks.

The Future of Cora Jade

Jade’s brief NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship reign with Perez marks her only title held in WWE so far.

There has been no word on when WWE plans on bringing her up permanently to the main roster, as she is still at the beginning of her wrestling career.

Jade has already appeared on Raw, as she was featured in a backstage segment with The Judgment Day last month.

H/T: WrestlingNews

MVP Thinks It’s “Foolish” to Compare Omos to The Great Khali

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Omos is a far different kind of WWE Superstar to The Great Khali, at least according to his manager MVP.

At over seven-foot-three and weighing over 400lbs, it’s hardly surprising that fans have compared Omos to Khali, who was also seven-foot-three and tipped the scales at 420lbs.

Fans have often been critical of Khali’s wrestling ability, and on Twitter, MVP made the clear distinction between Omos, Khali and Giant Gonzalez, who was also limited in the ring due to his size.

Omos So Far

In January 2019, Omos was signed to a contract and was part of a class of seven athletes to train at the Performance Center.

The former basketball player made his NXT debut at a July 2019 Live event, and would debut on the main roster in June 2020.

Aligning with AJ Styles in October that same year, the two would capture the Raw Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania 37, in Omos’ first televised match and his seventh match ever.

After losing to Bobby Lashley at WrestleMania 38, Omos would enlist the services of MVP, who manages him to this day.

What’s next for Omos?

Despite a loss to Braun Strowman at WWE Crown Jewel, the future looks very bright for Omos.

At last year’s Survivor Series, the Nigerian Giant won The Rock 25th Anniversary Battle Royal, a celebration of the silver anniversary of the Brahma Bull’s WWE debut.

WWE higher-ups are said to be pleased with the improvements Omos has made since coming to the main roster, and it is believed that he is getting better the more matches he has.

Sami Zayn Reacts to Praise from an Unlikely WWE Legend: “My…Dawg?”

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Sami Zayn has become incredibly popular with WWE fans as the Honorary Uce of The Bloodline and even folks that were critical of him in the past have started to notice.

He spent months trying to earn the respect of the Tribal Chief and finally achieved it. Jey Uso has become jealous of Sami’s inclusion in The Bloodline and there is an underlying tension between the two superstars.

Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns instructed Sami and Jey to work out their differences on a recent episode of SmackDown. The Honorary Uce wanted a truce but Jey said he’s not a part of The Bloodline because he isn’t blood.

Zayn noted that the Tribal Chief told them to work this out and Jey shouted that he didn’t give a damn what Reigns had to say. Jey calmed things down by suggesting that Jey simply hasn’t been feeling very “Ucey” lately.

Roman and Jey broke character and started laughing in the ring as the crowd chanted “Ucey!”. Reigns warned Jey that he’s going to rename the Honorary Uce as Sami Uso if he doesn’t get his head straight.

Sami Zayn Reacts to Praise from Jim Cornette

The Honorary Uce has received praise from the unlikeliest of sources. Wrestling legend Jim Cornette recently praised Sami Zayn on his podcast and said that he might just be his favorite wrestler on television at the moment.

Oh, I’ve been feeling Ucey. Let me tell you something. I never thought that I would say this. But I think now Sami Zayn is my favorite person to watch on television. El Generico certainly wasn’t but Sami Zayn is incredible.

Wrestling News tweeted out Jim Cornette’s quote and Sami reacted by simply saying “my…dawg?”.

Jim Cornette has been critical of Sami in the past for his time working with him in Ring of Honor. You can check out Cornette’s review of the “Ucey” promo below.

Nick Aldis Announces He is Leaving NWA

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Former NWA Champion Nick Aldis announced that he is leaving the National Wrestling Alliance.

Aldis made the announcement earlier in a video that was supposed to only be for his Instagram subscribers. He has since deleted the video but in it he revealed that he gave his notice and cited a breakdown in his relationship with Billy Corgan as the reason.

Nick Aldis recently followed up with a post and said that he will be a free agent on January 1st. Aldis added that he will provide more details on the decision once he figures out how to do videos only for his subscribers on Instagram.

I released that video earlier but it was supposed to be for subscribers only. Wtf… anyway as you may have seen I gave my notice to the NWA. I’ll be a free agent on January 1st. Once I figure out how to do videos for subscribers only I’ll be back with more insight on the decision, conversations with Mickie and my agent and more…

Love you all.

H/T: WrestleZone

Nick Aldis is a two-time NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion and has been with the company since Billy Corgan took over in 2017. Before NWA, Aldis wrestled on the independents and in TNA Wrestling. He is a former TNA World Heavyweight Champion and a two-time TNA tag team champion.

Aldis is currently scheduled to face Odinson at NWA Hard Times 3 in New Orleans on November 12th.

Watch: Sasha Banks Back Training in the Ring

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Sasha Banks is back in the ring and training for an eventual return to WWE television. The Boss has been training with none other than Juvented Guerrera, who tweeted out a video of Banks shaking off her ring rust.

Guerrera wrote, ”A super star always keeps training!” and said Banks is a ”real professional woman” who deserves the best.

He also provided some inspirational words that apply to anybody in any walk of life:

Always looking for the best ,never stop dreamming, never surrender. You deserve the best !

Sasha Banks’ Road Back to WWE

The Boss was reportedly spotted backstage at WWE Live Event in Mexico. According to Superluchas, Mexican wrestler Mamba served as a “tour guide” for Sasha and Bayley last weekend.

Sasha Banks and Naomi walked out of WWE during the May 16th episode of RAW. The former Women’s Tag Team Champions were scheduled to battle each other as part of a Six-Pack Challenge in the main event. WWE was reportedly considering having the tag champs enter into singles programs for the Hell in a Cell premium live event.

Banks and Naomi walked into former EVP of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis’ office and left the titles on his desk before exiting the arena. Michael Cole delivered the news that Sasha and Naomi were suspended for their “unprofessional” actions a few days later on SmackDown.

Sasha and Naomi have not been seen on WWE since walking out of RAW but The Boss recently posted a cryptic video claiming that “something crazy” is going to happen soon. Fans were hoping to see Sasha and Naomi at Crown Jewel but that wasn’t the case. However, WWE did add the two superstars back to the signature intro at the premium live event.

  • 5 Ways Sasha Banks can be Successful Outside of WWE

Former WWE Writer Says Bryan Danielson is “Under-Serviced” in AEW

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Bryan Danielson debuted in All Elite Wrestling last year at AEW All Out and most fans thought he’d have a title run with the company by now.

Former WWE writer Freddie Prinze Jr. hasn’t been a fan of Danielson’s run in All Elite Wrestling and shared his opinion on the Wrestling with Freddie podcast. Freddie stated that Danielson has lost more matches than he has needed to lose and has been under-serviced as far as character development.

Bryan Danielson has been under-serviced as far as character development and story goes. I feel like he has been under-serviced in his matches.

I feel like he’s lost more matches than he’s needed to lose. I feel like his motivation for wrestling hasn’t been written as well as it could be written.

It’s become a part of his backstage interviews, where there is a little bit of people questioning his motivation and not his toughness, so to speak, but just his reasoning and rational, and this son-of-a-bitch has had enough.

H/T: Wrestling Inc

Danielson debuted at All Out 2021 after Kenny Omega defeated Christian Cage in the main event to retain the AEW World Championship. Adam Cole had made his debut minutes earlier and aligned with Kenny Omega and The Elite.

Danielson went on to have feuds with Kenny Omega and Hangman Page for the AEW World Championship but came up just short. Bryan also reached the finals of the Tournament of Champions this year at Dynamite: Grand Slam at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.

He battled his stablemate in the Blackpool Combat Club for the vacant AEW World Championship in the finals but once again came up on the losing end of a title match. Danielson remained persistent and challenged Chris Jericho for the ROH Championship on Dynamite then AEW visited Toronto on October 12th.

Once again, it wasn’t meant to be for Danielson and he lost another title match. Danielson and Jericho were in a war over Daniel Garcia and whether he was a sports entertainer or a wrestler.

Daniel Garcia ultimately decided he was a sports entertainer, betrayed Danielson and re-joined the Jericho Appreciation Society. Jericho will defend the ROH Championship against Bryan Danielson, Claudio Castagnoli, and Sammy Guevara in a 4-Way match at AEW Full Gear on November 19th.

How WWE Felt about Omos’ Crown Jewel Performance

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Omos battled Braun Strowman yesterday at WWE Crown Jewel. The premium live event took place in Mrsool Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

  • 9 Best Moments from WWE Crown Jewel 2022

Omos is typically accompanied to the ring by MVP but he was not allowed to be at the event. Braun Strowman hit MVP with several Running Powerslams on this past Friday’s edition of SmackDown as a way to write MVP off of the premium live event in Saudi Arabia.

Omos dominated the majority of the match and towered over Braun Strowman. However, the Monster of All Monsters battled back as the crowd got behind him. Strowman showed off his incredible strength and somehow was able to lift the Nigerian Giant up for a Powerslam to pick up the pinfall victory.

https://twitter.com/Radhengr/status/1588953818964070401?s=20&t=6zM1zcCZBXUAmoPDdtU-uA

WWE Pleased with Omos’ Progression

Omos has had an interesting career in WWE thus far. He was the bouncer during the RAW Underground segments and has now established himself as a force on the main roster.

According to Mike Johnson of PW Insider, WWE management was “really happy” with the Crown Jewel premium live event. Several sources within the company praised Omos for his work against Braun Strowman at the premium live event and are happy with the progress he has been making as of late.

Omos’ manager MVP took to Twitter earlier today and scolded fans for comparing Omos to Giant Gonzalez and The Great Khali. MVP suggested fans that made those comparisons step on a LEGO while barefoot.

The Nigerian Giant’s opponent at Crown Jewel, WWE Superstar Braun Strowman, recently sent out a tweet that annoyed many of today’s wrestlers. You can check out the tweet and their reaction in the link below.

Update on Jake Paul’s Status with WWE

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Popular YouTuber & boxer Jake Paul made a surprising appearance last night during WWE Crown Jewel.

His brother, Logan Paul, challenged Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship in the main event of the premium live event. During the match, The Usos made their way to the ring and attacked the co-hosts of Logan’s Impaulsive podcast.

Jake Paul came down the entrance ramp to his own music and knocked Jimmy & Jey out of the ring. Solo Sikoa joined the party and Logan hit him with a dive over the ropes.

The Tribal Chief capitalized on the distractions and hit Logan with a Superman Punch, followed by a Spear for the pinfall victory. After the match, Logan announced that he suffered a major injury on social media.

Is Jake Paul WWE Bound?

Many fans have speculated that Jake will be appearing in WWE more often following Crown Jewel but there is nothing concrete yet. According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider, there is a lot of mutual interest to do something together then the time is right but nothing is official yet.

During an interview following Crown Jewel, Jake was asked if he was going to pursue a WWE career in the future.

For sure. Why not? That was so much fun and I know we can take it a long way. I loved it. I loved everything about it. Everyone here, everyone in the WWE was super nice and super helpful. It seems like an amazing company to be a part of.