John Cena has often been labeled as Mr. Five Moves of Doom, but that couldn’t be further from the truth according to AJ Styles.
Styles debuted for WWE at the 2016 Royal Rumble as the #3 entrant after a lengthy career in TNA/Impact Wrestling.
The Phenomenal One has since gone on to become a two-time WWE Champion and captured WWE’s Grand Slam in 2021.
Surprised
After Chris Jericho and Roman Reigns, Styles’ third major feud in WWE came at the expense of John Cena.
After defeating Cena at Money in the Bank (thanks to interference by the O.C.) Styles would get a rare clean win over the Hollywood star at that year’s Summerslam.
Speaking on The Halftime Show, Styles reflected on his experience working with Cena and how the 16-time WWE World Champion surprised him.
“A guy that surprised me with how good he was in the ring would be John Cena. John is not known for being a technical mastermind in the ring, but he’s pretty good. I had some of my better matches against this guy.
“His mind for how everything needs to work and transition-wise. He’s just good. He knows what he’s doing. It’s one of those things were you thought, ‘I’m the superior wrestler in the ring,’ but once you get in there with John Cena, you realize, ‘Well, okay, I didn’t know that. Let’s keep going.’”
Styles would capture his first WWE Championship after the Cena feud, which he’d lose to Big Match John at the 2017 Royal Rumble.
Cena: Will he Wrestle Again?
Once considered the face of WWE, Cena’s appearances for the company have grown rarer as his career in films and on TV continues to grow.
Cena’s most recent match came at the Summerslam 2021 event in a losing effort to Roman Reigns, and some have questioned if he is done in the ring.
Earlier this year, a feud with Austin Theory was teased, but this did not lead to a match.
Despite this, Cena has remained adamant that his in-ring career isn’t over yet, and Theory has teased facing the former WWE World Champion at WrestleMania 39.
WWE Superstar Omos recently enjoyed a family reunion over close to a decade-and-a-half away from his loved ones.
The Nigerian Giant signed with WWE in 2019 and was called up to the main roster in 2020 as the henchman of AJ Styles.
A former WWE Raw Tag Team Champion, Omos’ most recent match saw him lose to Braun Strowman at last week’s Crown Jewel event.
Reunion
As a WWE Superstar (and previously a college Basketball star) Omos has spent much of his life in the United States and away from his native Nigeria.
This week, Omos traveled back home and was able to reunite with his family in person for the first time in 14 years.
TMZ was able to catch the emotional reunion and it is reported that Omos’ family had no idea he was going to be there.
It is also reported that Omos will be making an announcement in Nigeria at some point soon, believed to be related to WWE’s upcoming talent scouting in Africa.
Omos said earlier this year that he is confident WWE could fill a 100,000-seat arena if they held a Premium Live Event in Africa.
The Future for Omos
Omos came up short against Braun Strowman at WWE Crown Jewel 2022, but the future looks bright for the Nigerian Giant.
Nick Aldis’ relationship with the NWA reportedly soured quickly after the ‘disrespect’ shown to his wife Mickie James by Billy Corgan.
Within the last week, Aldis has confirmed that he intends to leave the NWA when his contract expires in January 2023.
Aldis, a two-time NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion, has been a top star of the promotion since its revival in 2017.
He has since been suspended and pulled from the upcoming NWA Hard Times Pay-Per-View.
Disrespect
Aldis was once the prized star of the NWA, even taking a pay-cut during the Pandemic, but the relationship between the two sides has soured quickly.
According to a report from Fightful Select, this hostility is partly due to what Aldis perceived as disrespect at his wife shown by Corgan.
It’s reported that Corgan was disrespectful towards Mickie James in the lead-up and following NWA Empowerrr, the promotion’s first all-female event which James did a lot of work for.
Aldis and the NWA chose not to speak about the matter publicly due to the British wrestler’s spot as a top name in the NWA.
Other Complaints
Aldis feels that Corgan has been disrespectful to the women of the NWA, and he’s hardly alone.
Fightful’s report added that “several women who have regularly appeared in NWA” have felt disrespected.
Corgan, as well as reigning NWA World Champion Trevor Murdoch, have questioned whether the NWA’s women’s division has enough depth to warrant a second Empowerrr show.
Aldis is expected to make media appearances later this week to address the matter further.
A source who spoke to Fightful confirmed that this situation is not a work and “has been brewing for quite some time.”
WWE’s relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia may be controversial, but the success of the shows speaks for itself.
Last week, WWE held their annual Crown Jewel Premium Live Event, their eighth show as part of their lucrative deal with the nation.
WWE’s decade-long deal is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 project, the nation’s social and economic reform program.
Record Breaker
WWE Crown Jewel 2022 saw a stacked card and the show culminated with Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns retaining against Logan Paul.
Fightful Select reports that after the show, a memo was shared internally, informing WWE staff that Crown Jewel 2022 is now the most-viewed international PLE in company history.
The record had previously been held by WWE Clash at the Castle which took place in September in Cardiff, Wales.
WWE also noted that the show did a seven-figure viewership on Peacock in the United States.
In an update, it was said that WWE’s next Saudi show will take place in May 2023.
WWE’s Saudi Shows
Fans may question WWE working with the controversial Middle East kingdom, but the shows in Saudi Arabia have proven to be popular in terms of viewers.
In their report, it was said that the Crown Jewel 2022 is the most-viewed Saudia Arabia event, followed by the first Saudi PLE, 2018’s Greatest Royal Rumble.
This year’s Elimination Chamber event takes third place, while Crown Jewel 2021, which saw Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar in the main event, was fourth.
Super ShowDown 2019, which fans will recall for the infamous Goldberg Vs. The Undertaker match, is the company’s fifth most-watched Saudi Arabia event.
WWE has announced the first WarGames match for the upcoming Survivor Series premium live event on November 26th at the TD Garden in Boston, MA.
RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair, Asuka, and Alexa Bliss made their way to the ring during this week’s edition of RAW. Belair defeated Bayley of Damage CTRL in a Last Woman Standing match at Crown Jewel this past Saturday.
Bliss and Asuka lost the Women’s Tag Team Championships back to Damage CTRL at the premium live event a handful of days after winning them in the main event of the Halloween edition of Raw last week.
The EST called out Damage CTRL and said that their rivalry is far from over. Damage CTRL came to the entrance ramp and Dakota & IYO boasted about winning the titles at Crown Jewel. Alexa Bliss pointed out that Nikki Cross interfered in the match and that is the only reason they won on Saturday.
Asuka and IYO SKY then had a shouting match in the ring. The Empress of Tomorrow shouted WarGames and a brawl broke out. Nikki Cross joined Damage CTRL for the attack and seemingly is now a part of the group. Cross attacked both Bayley and Bianca Belair in a non-title match a couple of weeks ago on Raw but all is forgiven in times of war.
Damage CTRL was later ringside for Nikki Cross’ match against Dana Brooke for the 24/7 Championship. Nikki defeated Dana to win the title, only to throw it in the trash a few minutes later backstage.
WWE made the match official during official on social media and released a graphic for the match. Damage CTRL and Nikki Cross will need to add one more female superstar to their team before November 26th.
Bianca, Asuka, and Alexa Bliss are tasked with finding two teammates before Survivor Series: WarGames.
Seth Rollins issued an Open Challenge for the United States Championship tonight a couple of times on WWE Raw.
Finn Balor was about to accept the Open Challenge the first time but The OC interrupted. Mia Yim made her return to align with The OC and brawled with Rhea Ripley. Styles, Gallows, Anderson, and Yim sent the Judgment Day on the retreat as Rollins escaped backstage.
Rollins vowed to still have the Open Challenge and made his way to the ring towards the end of the show. Seth cut a promo first and announced that this month marks ten years with the company. Mustafa Ali showed up on the jumbotron and said he was going to accept the challenge.
Bobby Lashley attacked Ali from behind and accepted the challenge because Rollins was the one who cost him the US Title in the first place. Lashley opted to beat the hell out of Rollins before the bell rang. Austin Theory attempted to cash in his MITB contract on the US Title but Lashley dragged the referee out of the ring. Rollins capitalized on the madness and hit the Stomp to retain the United States Championship.
Bobby Lashley Sends Warning to Seth Rollins & WWE RAW Locker Room
The All Mighty Bobby Lashley was interviewed backstage by Byron Saxton following RAW in a WWE Digital Exclusive. Saxton asked Bobby to provide an explanation for his actions tonight and Lashley stated
I don’t care about any of this stuff because at the end of the day my title was stolen from me.
From now until I get it back, I am kicking everybody’s ass that stands in my way. I could care less.
I’m not about winning matches right now. I’m just about hurting people and making people pay for what they did to me.
Because when it happened to me, everybody was out there cheering right?
When Seth came in after Brock (attacked him) and jumped on me, he came in and took my title from me, and everybody was cool with that.
But now that I go out there and do what I have to do in order to be right back on top, now people have a problem with it. You know what? I could care less.
I’m going to have fun kicking everybody’s ass until I get my title back.
Mia Yim made her shocking return to WWE tonight on RAW. She was released from the company on November 4th last year and spent some time in Impact wrestling before her return tonight.
Seth Rollins issued an Open Challenge for the United States Championship on this week’s edition of the red brand. The Judgment Day’s music hit and the group surrounded Seth Rollins outside the ring. Finn Balor was about to accept the match when The OC interrupted.
AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson showed made their way to the ring as Seth Rollins escaped backstage. A brawl broke out and Mia Yim showed up as The OC’s answer for Rhea Ripley. The OC beat Judgment Day down and the heels retreated to end the segment.
After WWE RAW went off the air, Cathy Kelley caught up with Mia Yim backstage for a WWE Digital Exclusive interview.
The 33-year-old member said that it took her a year to try and find herself but now she’s ready to get her “retribution”. Mia Yim had a brief stint as “Reckoning” in the now disbanded RETRIBUTION faction in WWE.
Oh my gosh, it feels so good to be back. It took me a year to try and find myself but now I’m ready. I’m ready to go. I’m ready to kick some ass and get my retribution. But the boys are waiting on me so I’ll see ya later.
The November 7th edition of WWE RAW is in the books and what an eventful show it was.
RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair made her way to the ring fresh off her victory over Bayley in a Last Woman Standing match at WWE Crown Jewel. She was accompanied by former Women’s Tag Team Champions Alexa Bliss and Asuka.
Asuka and Alexa Bliss captured the Women’s Tag Team Champions on last week’s RAW but lost them back to Dakota Kai and IYO SKY of Damage CTRL at the premium live event on Saturday. The trio called out Damage CTRL and suggested a WarGames match at Survivor Series. Nikki Cross attacked from behind and a brawl broke out.
Bianca, Asuka, and Alexa have to find two partners before Survivor Series: WarGames on November 26th. Damage CTRL will add one more superstar before the match.
Later on RAW, Damage CTRL spoke to Nikki backstage and wanted her on their WarGames team. Bayley added that Nikki doesn’t have to wait until Survivor Series, she can get her aggression out tonight against Dana Brooke.
Nikki cackled and made her way to the ring. She proceeded to demolish Dana Brooke as Bayley watched on from commentary. Cross hit a Swinging Neckbreaker and pinned Dana Brooke to win the 24/7 Championship.
After the match, Bayley draped the title on Nikki’s shoulders as she walked backstage with a crazed look in her eyes. Nikki then thew the title away in a trash can (or at least attempted to) and kept walking with Damage CTRL behind her.
Nikki Cross just tried to throw the 24/7 Title in the trash can, and missed. I'll have an update on that title this week on Fightful Select. I think it speaks volumes, though
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) November 8, 2022
On Friday, the Women’s Professional Fastpitch (WPF) announced that legendary second baseman, Brandon Phillips had purchased a franchise in Dallas. They followed up their tweet welcoming Jade Cargill to “the fam”.
Cargill confirmed that she is co-owner of the franchise. She said they’ll be “providing more opportunities for women to prolong a passion of this amazing game long after college.”
The press release describes the WPF as “Women’s Professional Fastpitch (WPF) is the official professional softball league in the United States, founded by USA Softball, USSSA, and Smash It Sports. WPF showcases the best athletes in softball, provides a world-class experience for fans, and connects young fans to their idols.”
The league had its inaugural season last year with two teams, Smash It Sports Vipers and USSSA Pride. The Oklahoma Sparks will field a team next season.
Who is Jade Cargill’s partner, Brandon Phillips?
In WPF’s press release, Phillips said of the opportunity, “I’m very excited to become an owner of a franchise in the WPF. I’m looking forward to branching off into something new but very similar. It’s time to provide more opportunities for women to prolong their passion of this amazing game long after college to achieve their dreams.”
In addition to the Dallas franchise, Phillips is the co-owner of the Lexington Legends, an independent baseball team. He also played for the team last season. While playing in the MLB, Phillips racked up four Gold Gloves and a Silver Slugger while also playing in three All-Star Games.
Dallas will field a team in June 2023. Cargill and Phillips are asking for fans to help them name the team. They’re using the hashtag #ImGlovinIt.
Phillips and Cargill are a real life power couple and have a daughter. Cargill signed with AEW in November 2020. She won the TBS Championship tournament in January to become the inaugural title holder. Cargill is currently on a 41-win streak and on track to face Nyla Rose at Full Gear.
The trend of WWE bringing in NXT stars to work episodes of Main Event at weekly Raw events has continued.
At Monday’s Raw (November 7), a fan favorite NXT star made their main roster debut: Wendy Choo, also known as Karen Q and Mei Ying.
Wendy in Action
The episode featured Wendy Choo going up against Tamina for an upcoming edition of Main Event that will air later this week.
Since introducing the character, she has been a hit with the fans and gotten over with her character shedding their cheerful vibes from backstage to show off a more vicious side once the bell rings.
Choo recently competed in a match against NXT’s long-reigning Women’s Champion Mandy Rose, but came up short in her title pursuits.
Another NXT star that worked Main Event was Xyon Quinn. This marked his main roster TV debut as he has previously worked a dark match on the main roster as he wrestled in a pandemic-era SmackDown match under a former name.
Carmelo Hayes and Von Wagner are just some of the NXT names that have been put in this spot for WWE officials to get a look at these stars on a bigger stage.
Mia Yim is back in WWE as she returned to the company during this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw.
Yim made a comeback as a member of The OC and the equalizer that AJ Styles had mentioned. WWE United States Champion Seth Rollins entered the ring to begin his open challenge.
The Judgment Day cut him off, and shortly after that, The OC entered the ring. A brawl broke out between the two factions as Yim emerged from the crowd and attacked Rhea Ripley, with The OC standing tall in the ring to end the segment.
WWE released Yim in November 2021 after a run on WWE Raw as Reckoning, and in between, being swapped between brands without appearing anywhere. Yim didn’t wrestle any matches for 15 months while being sidelined by WWE and having her non-compete run out.
She spent five months with Impact Wrestling until parting ways with the promotion following their set of Bound For Glory tapings last month when she was free to wrestle once her non-compete clause expired.
WWE was reportedly interested in bringing back Yim after the expiration of her contract with Impact. WWE recently welcomed Emma (Tenille Dashwood) back to the company after years of being away.
After members of The Factory defeated the team of Rhett Titus, Cheeseburger, and Logan Laroux on AEW Dark: Elevation, QT Marshall cut a promo about how they were “running on cylinders” and repeatedly referred to the crowd as “pieces of crap”.
As he was yammering, a grainy video popped up on the screen. Two long nails were shown, with one being pulled away from the other. The video ended as abruptly as it started and all members of The Factory looked confused, as was Paul Wight on commentary.
Although the video was in black and white and reminiscent of House of Black, it’s unlikely that it’s them. They appear in their vignettes and don’t have any reason to be involved with The Factory.
There was speculation that Darby Allin was coming for Cole Karter after he attacked Allin on Dynamite while dressed as Sting. This led to the AEW arrival of Jeff Jarrett.
Some fans have been buzzing about “Evil Danhausen”. There is a photo of this version of his character in which he’s holding a long nail, similar to the ones seen in the video.
Last week, Marshall beat Danhausen during the main event of AEW Dark Elevation. Afterwards, Danhausen quote tweeted a clip of his loss with song lyrics from “Unclean Spirit” by Code Orange. The next night on AEW Dark, he beat Jon Cruz in a more vicious way than we typically see from him. He quote tweeted a clip of that win with “the executioner is here and he’s sharpening his axe.”
My body is conscious. My spirit is unclean. I am no longer fulfilled. Satisfy me. My body is conscious. My spirit is unclean. I am no longer fulfilled. Satisfy me. My body is conscious. My spirit is unclean. I am no longer fulfilled. Satisfy me. @AEW. https://t.co/I9voojBV6i
Evil Danhausen would bring a dimension to his character that AEW fans haven’t seen yet. It may move him away from Best Friends and company (and HOOK) and let him be on his own for a while.
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.
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.
— Lorenzo Dozier | Team Awesome | Spider-Renzo (@TeamAwesome418) November 8, 2022
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.
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.
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.
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.
MIZ IS BUSTED.@mikethemiz thought he was confessing to a movie producer. However, that "movie producer" turned out to be @JohnnyGargano's private investigator who wasn't taking thirty pictures per second after all…#WWERawpic.twitter.com/5YWDaZ0wI1
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.
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.
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 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
“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.
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?
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
Nick Aldis reveals via Instagram that he has “gave his notice” to the NWA and will be departing the company.
He citied a breakdown in his relationship with Billy Corgan and went as far as calling NWA a “bad show”.
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.”
Also, fans in NOLA: Sorry to disappoint but I was removed from the shows this weekend after giving my notice. I fully intended to fulfill my obligations to the audience but unfortunately the company doesn't seem to share the same values.
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
(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.
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.
#SmackDown I wouldn’t be surprised if Natalya’s nose is broken after that knee ????
I doubt it was deliberate (like some are saying) and Shayna Bazsler just put too much force behind it ?????????????????????????#SmackDownonFoxpic.twitter.com/GKA4MUG953
— Jamie “Say Hello To The Bad Guy” Holmes ???? (@JamiePrestigio1) November 5, 2022
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.
We moved my dislocated nose back to the center of my face where it belongs!! I love the shape of my nose and it will stay the same, thank goodness! Can finally breathe again? Pain is beauty! LFG! ? pic.twitter.com/V6zZTivjHQ
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
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.
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.”
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 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.
Fave 5IVE Carmelo Hayes JD McDonagh Bron Breakker Pretty Deadly/ Elton Prince & kit Wilson Core Jade. don't forget to check out NXT This Tuesday.
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.
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.
