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WWE Day 1 Will Not Return in 2023 After All

Jesse Velasquez
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It looks like it’s going to be ‘one and done’ for WWE Day 1. Earlier this year, WWE held the inaugural ‘Day 1’ premium live event on January 1st from Atlanta, GA. The show was headlined by Brock Lesnar winning the WWE Championship in a Fatal 5-Way match to end Big E’s reign.

Day 1 was scheduled to return to Atlanta on January 1st, but a report by Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics states that the show has been scrapped entirely. The company has no plans to reschedule or even rebrand the show, which means WWE will not have any PLE’s between the Survivor Series on November 26th, 2022, until The Royal Rumble on January 28th, 2023.

Wrestlenomics were unable to confirm the reasoning behind this cancellation. There is speculation that the cancellation may be due to the company stepping aside as their business partner NBCUniversal would’ve run head-to-head with each other on January 1st had the show gone ahead.

It was also reported in the October 3rd Wrestling Observer Newsletter that changes would be made to the Day 1 PLE at some point down the road. Some of the recent moves made within the structure of the WWE umbrella have been intriguing.

From bringing back former WWE talent’s, to putting more of an emphasis on the in-ring product on television. This could mean more concise builds with TV storylines and a stronger focus on the PLE’s that the WWE runs moving forward.

The cancelation of WWE Day 1 is part of a broader format change coming to premium live events coming next year. You can read more about that story here:

WWE Expected to Make Big Changes to Premium Live Events Next Year

Seth Rollins Set To Defend US Title Against Bitter Rival On WWE RAW

Robert Lentini
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Seth Rollins captured the United States Championship from Bobby Lashley last week on RAW and is already scheduled to put the title on the line this week.

The Visionary won the US Title in controversial fashion last week on the red brand. Seth was attacked Bobby Lashley two weeks ago following his successful title defense against Mustafa Ali.

The All Mighty responded to the attack and issued a challenge for a title match against Seth last Monday. Seth was coming into the bout at a bit of a disadvantage as he had just lost to Riddle two days prior in a Fight Pit match at WWE Extreme Rules.

However, Brock Lesnar made his way to the ring and attacked Bobby Lashley before the match. The Beast planted Bobby with a couple of F5s and left him laying in the ring. Seth capitalized on the attack and easily defeated a weakened Lashley to become the new champion.

Seth Rollins To Defend The Title Against Matt Riddle On WWE RAW

The bitter rivalry between Matt Riddle and Seth Rollins has not come to an end. WWE announced that Seth will put the United States Championship on the line against Matt this Monday night on RAW. The rivalry between Matt and Seth had gotten extremely personal as of late, with Rollins making references to Riddle’s struggles with his family life.

UFC legend Daniel Cormier was named the special guest referee for the Fight Pit match between the two at Extreme Rules. Matt won the match via submission and posed with Cormier at the conclusion of the PLE.

“No More Games” – Bobby Lashley Warns Brock Lesnar Ahead Of WWE RAW

Robert Lentini
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Bobby Lashley was scheduled to defend the United States Championship against Seth Rollins last Monday on WWE RAW.

Rollins was just coming off a loss to Matt Riddle at WWE Extreme Rules and was coming into the match at a disadvantage. However, Brock Lesnar’s theme hit and he made his way to the ring to confront the champion.

Brock planted Lashley with a couple of F5s and left him laying in the ring. Rollins attacked Bobby’s pride and got him to accept the title match anyway following the attack. Seth took advantage of a wounded Lashley and easily defeated him to become the new United States Champion.

Bobby Lashley Warns Lesnar Ahead Of WWE RAW

The All Mighty took to Twitter today to deliver a warning to The Beast ahead of tomorrow night’s edition of the red brand. Bobby challenged Brock to show up tomorrow night on WWE RAW.

Bring your ass to #WWERaw tomorrow Brock. No more games. No more surprises.

Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley battled earlier this year at the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event. Lashley emerged victorious in the match and captured the WWE Championship. Roman Reigns interfered towards the end of the bout and helped Lashley defeat The Beast.

Lashley was set to defend the title in the Elimination Chamber but was ruled out of the match following a Buckle Bomb from Seth Rollins. The Visionary Powerbombed Theory onto Bobby’s pod and the impact resulted in Lashley being removed from the match due to “concussion protocol”.

Brock went on to win the match and battled Roman Reigns during Night 2 of WrestleMania 38 to determine the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. Roman defeated The Beast at the biggest show of the year and went on to successfully defend the title against Brock in a rematch at this year’s SummerSlam PLE.

Xavier Woods Reacts to G4 TV Shutting Down Months After Relaunching

Robert Lentini
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Xavier Woods ran a wildly successful campaign amongst wrestling and video games in order to be named a host for the G4 network.

The video game network had recently been revived and was looking for some new personalities to carry the brand forward. Woods got the job and was named the host of “Arena” on the network. Xavier was also recently named the host for “Attack of the Show” on G4 as well.

Comcast Cancels G4TV, Xavier Woods Comments

Unfortunately for fans of G4, the network’s revival was short-lived and has come to an abrupt end.

As reported by Deadline earlier today, Comcast CEO Dave Scott sent out a memo and announced that G4 is immediately being discontinued. Dave explained that the network was being canceled because is it was not financially sustainable.

You can check out the full memo from Comcast CEO Dave Scott below:

Team:

As you know, G4 was re-introduced last year to tap into the popularity of
gaming.

We invested to create the new G4 as an online and TV destination for fans
to be entertained, be inspired, and connect with gaming content.

Over the past several months, we worked hard to generate that interest in G4, but
viewership is low and the network has not achieved sustainable financial
results.

This is certainly not what we hoped for, and, as a result, we have made the
very difficult decision to discontinue G4’s operations, effective immediately.
I know this is disappointing news, and I’m disappointed, too.

I want to thank you
and everyone on the G4 team for the hard work and commitment to the network.

Our human resources team is reaching out to you to provide you with support,
discuss other opportunities that may be available, and answer any questions you
may have.

Thank you again for all of your hard work for G4.

Sincerely,

Dave Scott
Chairman and CEO
Comcast Spectacor

Xavier Woods sent out the following tweet less than a half hour ago and apparently found out the news on social media.

On a flight currently. Decided to get the wifi so I could shoot a text. Out of habit opened twitter….

WWE Expected to Make Big Changes to Premium Live Events Next Year

Robert Lentini
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WWE is reportedly expected to make changes to Premium Live Events starting in 2023 and has already canceled Day 1.

WrestleNomics exclusively reported earlier today that the Day 1 PLE has been canceled. Brock Lesnar captured the WWE Championship at the event on January 1st earlier this year. The event was held at the State Farms Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. WWE said that the PLE was the beginning of a new tradition for the company on New Year’s Day.

There are currently no Premium Live Events scheduled after Survivor Series on November 26th until Royal Rumble next year on January 28th.

Bryan Alvarez of The Wrestling Observer and shared that WWE is changing it’s strategy in regards to Premium Live Events with his “Super Followers” on Twitter. Alvarez reported that WWE is moving away from “gimmick events” next year to focus on international events like Clash at the Castle. Many fans have been critical of WWE having entire events based around gimmick matches (Hell in a Cell, TLC, Extreme Rules, etc).

Triple H recently spoke with LADBible and outlined his vision for the NXT product. The Game said that he wanted to take NXT around the world and build it into an “almost a World Cup scenario”. WWE held Clash at the Castle at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

It was WWE’s first stadium show in the United Kingdom in over 30 years and it was a massive success, with over 60,000 fans attending the Premium Live Event. It appears that WWE will focus on reaching more markets with their PLEs in 2023.

Watch: Kurt Angle Rallies Fans At NFL Game

Robert Lentini
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WWE legend Kurt Angle appeared today at the Pittsburgh Steelers game and got the crowd excited before kickoff.

Kurt recently appeared on WWE RAW when the red brand was in his hometown of Pittsburgh. He sat ringside for a tag team match between the Street Profits and Alpha Academy.

Following the victory for The Street Profits, Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins tried to share a drink with the Hall of Famer. Angle spit it out and they chugged milk instead. Kurt Angle wrestled his final match in WWE at in 2019. The Olympic Gold Medalist was defeated by Baron Corbin at WrestleMania 35.

Kurt Angle Rallies Fans At Steelers Game

Kurt Angle took to Twitter to post a video of his appearance today before the Pittsburgh Steelers game. The 53-year-old waved the “terrible towels” with his son and rallied the crowd. Angle and his son were at the game to promote cancer awareness.

My son Joseph and I led the incredible Pittsburgh Steelers Fans with the terrible towel twirl today, to promote cancer awareness. Go Steelers!! We’re gonna beat the@Buccaneers today!!!! #cancerawareness @steelers

Kurt Angle noted that the Steelers were going to win today in his post and they did just that. The Pittsburgh Steelers pulled off the shocking upset of Tom Brady and The Buccaneers today. Steelers new QB Kenny Pickett was knocked out of the game with a concussion but Pittsburgh still was able to escape with a 20-18 victory.

Former AEW Star Working Behind the Scenes for WWE

Thomas Lowson
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Bobby Fish may not have reunited the Undisputed Era as he planned, but the former AEW star is back with WWE.

After being released from WWE NXT in 2021, Fish joined AEW in October, but left the company in August this year.

At the time, it was reported that Fish tried to get Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly to leave with him, but they declined.

Back in WWE

Fish hasn’t returned to WWE TV, but he has been operating behind the scenes.

Fightful Select reports that Fish recently attended the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, where he worked as a guest coach.

It is unclear if WWE plans on using him further in a coaching role.

In addition to working as a coach, Fish has also been spotted backstage at multiple WWE NXT Live events.

WWE has not publicly confirmed Fish’s status with the promotion at this time.

Going to War

Both WWE’s Creative team and Talent Relations department are now being overseen by Triple H, who was appointed to both roles in July.

Fish knows about working with the Game, having done so during his NXT tenure, and wouldn’t oppose being led by the former WWE World Champion.

Speaking in an interview with the “Rewind Recap Relive” podcast, Fish praised Triple H.

“I just can’t see anything in the wrestling business that he has a hand in that’s not going to be successful. And I’m obviously biased and partial to the man, but I would go to war for him seven days a week.”

Since being appointed Head of Talent, Triple H has brought several prominent stars back, including Johnny Gargano, Karrion Kross, Braun Strowman and Bray Wyatt.

Bobby Fish to Make Boxing Debut Next Month in Dubai

Roman Reigns’ WWE Schedule Will Remain Very Light

Thomas Lowson
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Fans of Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns should enjoy his TV appearances while they can, as he won’t appear much more in 2022.

Earlier this year, Reigns signed a new contract with WWE that has seen him appear far less.

Despite being the promotion’s top champion, Reigns does not consistently appear on TV or at WWE’s Premium Live Events.

Reigns’ Bookings

According to PW Insider, Reigns has just two Premium Live Event bookings left in 2022, the first of which being Crown Jewel, where he will face Logan Paul.

The other Premium Live Event will be WWE Survivor Series 2022 where many believe Reigns and the Bloodline will compete in a WarGames match.

On WWE TV, Reigns will be on the October 28, SmackDown in St. Louis, which will be a double-taping.

The November 4, SmackDown will also be taped, as the WWE roster will be busy in Saudi Arabia on that date ahead of Crown Jewel on November 5.

Reigns’ one and only remaining Raw appearance is booked for October 31 in Dallas, Texas.

The Tribal Chief’s final appearances booked for this year will be on the November 11 SmackDown in Indianapolis and the November 18, show in Hartford.

WWE’s Big Problem

Despite his appearances being more sporadic, WWE remains all-in on Reigns as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.

This has created a dilemma though, as according to reports, there is a desire for two World Championship matches at WrestleMania 39.

WWE reportedly does not want Reigns to take a loss between now and WrestleMania, which has left those working backstage in the dilemma.

The most popular theories online are that Reigns will face either Cody Rhodes or The Rock at WrestleMania 39.

Reason For WWE Booking Roman Reigns vs. Logan Paul (Report)

Latest on Good Brothers’ Status with WWE & NJPW

Thomas Lowson
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The Good Brothers are back with WWE, but that won’t prevent both men from competing outside of the company.

The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows) returned during this week’s WWE Raw, coming to the aid of AJ Styles.

Styles has been feuding with the Judgment Day fr months, as the group continues to try and recruit the two-time former WWE World Champion.

Good Brothers

Despite being WWE Superstars, Gallows and Anderson are still expected to compete for New Japan.

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Anderson, the reigning NJPW NEVER Openweight Champion, will compete at Battle Autumn on November 5.

Fightful Select reports that the duo have been working for New Japan without contracts, and have plans to use the two in the coming months.

It was also reported that New Japan officials were aware that Gallows and Anderson were returning to WWE despite dates committed through to the end of this year.

Officials at NJPW are hopeful that WWE will allow Gallows and Anderson to work Wrestle Kingdom in January 2023, but that has not been confirmed at this time.

Return to WWE

Gallows and Anderson are back with WWE, two years after they were released by the promotion.

Fightful’s report adds that Gallows and Anderson were sent feelers from WWE during their recent run in Impact Wrestling.

It was said that neither man kept WWE’s interest in them a secret behind the scenes in Impact.

Both men’s contracts were originally set to end in July, but extended for a month, meaning their Impact deals ended in late August.

Gallows and Anderson’s first match back will come on tomorrow’s Raw when they will face Alpha Academy.

Karl Anderson Still Working NJPW Show After WWE Return (Report)

WWE’s Rey Mysterio Walks Through the Forbidden Door at AAA TripleMania XXX

Thomas Lowson
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Rey Mysterio may be a fully-fledged WWE Superstar, but the masked veteran has made an appearance at AAA TripleMania XXX.

The three-night event took place over this year, with the first night being April 30, and the second event taking place on June 18.

Across all three events and including dark matches, a total 25 bouts took place for this year’s TripleMania event.

Mysterio Appears

Night three of AAA TripleMania kicked off not with an AAA talent, but by WWE SmackDown’s very own Rey Mysterio.

In a video vignette, Mysterio welcomed fans to the show, and celebrated AAA’s milestone 30th TripleMania.

Calling TripleMania a “magnum event,” the three-time WWE World Champion congratulated everyone working on the show.

Mysterio reflected on his own time with AAA and is immensely proud to have worked the very first TripleMania event in 1993.

Rey Mysterio in AAA

Joining AAA in 1992, Mysterio spent much of his time in the promotion feuding with fellow cruiserweight Juventud Guerrera.

In March 2015, days after being released from WWE, Rey returned to AAA for the first time in nearly twenty years at the Rey de Reyes (King of Kings) event.

The match Rey competed in is infamous for the death of wrestler El Hijo del Perro Aguayo, who suffered a cardiac arrest during the match.

At that year’s TripleMania XXIII event, Mysterio defeated Myzteziz (WWE’s Sin Cara) in what was billed as a dream match.

In June 2018, Rey made another return to AAA, competing in a three-way match for the AAA Mega Championship against Jeff Jarrett and Rey Wegner, which Jarrett would win.

Rey Mysterio Explains Why He Tried To Quit WWE & How Triple H Convinced Him To Join The SmackDown Roster

“You Are Looking At Him” – LA Knight Claims To Be The Only Megastar In WWE

Robert Lentini
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LA Knight has left Maximum Male Models behind and is focused on becoming the top guy in WWE.

He defeated Mansoor in a singles match last night on SmackDown. It was LA Knight’s debut match on the main roster, as he had been serving as a manager for the Maximum Male Models group. His storyline sister, Maxxine Dupri, is the new manager of the group featuring Mansoor and Mace.

After his victory, LA Knight immediately turned heel and insulted the crowd after the match. He claimed that SmackDown is his game now and warned the locker room to close the promo.

LA Knight Claims To Be The Only “Megastar” In WWE

Following his successful in-ring debut on the main roster, LA Knight was interviewed on The SmackDown LowDown. Megan Morant tried to ask LA about his former protege Mansoor but Knight cut her off. LA said that Maximum Male Models were getting flushed down the toilet at the moment and claimed to be the only megastar walking around in WWE.

We want to talk about Maximum Male Models? Mace and Mansoor, right? Wrong.

Because where are they? They are getting flushed down the toilet right about now. Why is that?

It is because Mace and Mansoor, both of them, dropped on their head for their troubles. And what does that mean?

Now moving forward, now I’m going only where I can go and that is to the top. Why is that?

Because there is one, and only one, megastar walking around WWE and you are looking at him.

Why is that? Because whose game is it? It’s LA Knight’s game. YEAH.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit The SmackDown LowDown and give a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.

“I Think He’s Extremely Talented” – Former WWE Superstar Praises LA Knight

“Hit Row Is Wack” – Legado del Fantasma Brag About Successful Debut On WWE SmackDown

Robert Lentini
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Legado del Fantasma made their in-ring debut last night on WWE SmackDown against Hit Row. They debuted on the October 7th edition of SmackDown and attacked Hit Row during their entrance.

Santos Escobar, Zelina Vega, and B-Fab were ringside as Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde battled Top Dolla and Ashante Adonis.

Legado isolated Top Dolla in the ring and connected with the Sacrificio for the pinfall victory. Zelina also attacked B-Fab during the match.

Legado del Fantasma Boasts About Their Victory Over Hit Row

Following their successful debut, Legado del Fantasma was interviewed on The SmackDown LowDown. Joaquin Wilde said that first impressions are everything and they made a statement on SmackDown.

First impressions are everything. Tonight was Legado’s in-ring debut and it is safe to say we made a statement.

Cruz Del Toro claimed that Legado del Fantasma is on a different level than Hit Row before Zelina Vega stepped to the microphone. Vega

Since people want to do diss verses on Twitter, let me respond in a way that they can understand. Everything we do, you know it’s ill. We don’t ever do it for luck, and by the way Hit Row is wack as….

Santos Escobar stopped Zelina short and said “you get the point” to end the interview.

AJ “Top Dolla” Francis released a diss track about Legado del Fantasma yesterday before WWE SmackDown went on the air. Top Dolla rapped during the song “Legado I see y’all still want beef, that’s cool I’m gonna find y’all a** at SmackDown”. You can check out the full track in the video below.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit the SmackDown LowDown and give a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.

“I Couldn’t Be More Excited” – Raquel Rodriguez On Returning To NXT For A Match Next Week

Robert Lentini
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Raquel Rodriguez, Shotzi, and NXT star Roxanne Perez lost to Damage CTRL (Bayley, IYO SKY, and Dakota Kai in a 6-woman tag team match last night on WWE SmackDown.

Former tag teammates Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade are currently in a feud in NXT. On Tuesday’s show, both Roxanne and Cora will be in action against opponents selected by the rivals. Roxanne selected Raquel Rodriguez as Cora Jade’s opponent for Tuesday during last night’s edition of the blue brand.

Raquel Rodriguez On Returning To NXT For A Match Against Cora Jade

Raquel Rodriguez and Shotzi were interviewed on The SmackDown Lowdown this week. Rodriguez said that she couldn’t be more excited to go back to NXT and teach Cora Jade a lesson.

I couldn’t be more excited to go back to NXT. I’ve been seeing what Cora has been doing around there lately and I’m really glad that Roxanne came to SmackDown and picked me to teach her a lesson.

Shotzi and Raquel were then asked about their shot at the Women’s Tag Team Championships next week when they battle IYO SKY and Dakota Kai of Damage CTRL. Shotzi stated

They (Damage CTRL) have been an absolute pain in our booties. We are sick of it.

Rodriguez claimed that they are going to take the titles from Damage CTRL next week on SmackDown.

If tonight was just a taste, just know that I am hungry now. I am so pumped for next week because those titles are coming back with us.

Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah won the tournament to crown the new Women’s Tag Team Championships but dropped the titles to Damage CTRL a couple of weeks later on the September 12th edition of RAW.

New Champions Crowned During Raw

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit The SmackDown Lowdown with a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.

“Looks Like You’ll Need A Real Man” – Dominik Mocks Rey Mysterio After He Joins WWE SmackDown Roster

Robert Lentini
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Rey Mysterio almost quit WWE last night on SmackDown but thankfully Triple H talked him out of it. The 47-year-old has been involved in a bitter rivalry with The Judgment Day on RAW. His son, Dominik Mysterio, betrayed him and joined the group recently.

At the beginning of last night’s edition of the blue brand, Drew McIntyre attacked Karrion Kross in the parking lot. Kross defeated McIntyre this past weekend at Extreme Rules due to interference by Scarlett.

Karrion was scheduled to be in a Fatal 4-Way to determine the number one contender for the Intercontinental Championship. Rey was announced as Karrion’s replacement in the match and struck a deal with Triple H to join the SmackDown roster.

Rey went on to defeat Ricochet, Sheamus, and Solo Sikoa in the match to earn a match against Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship. Mysterio revealed that coming to SmackDown represents a new beginning for him in an interview following the show.

Dominik Mysterio Mocks His Father

The Judgment Day had their fun poking fun at Rey last night for leaving the RAW roster. Rhea Ripley sent out a tweet shortly after Rey’s conversation with The Game and mocked the former WWE Champion.

Dominik Mysterio will be doing a meet & greet for Cricket Wireless on October 17th. His father was originally supposed to be the WWE Superstar at the event. Dominik took to Twitter to boast about running Rey off of RAW and said that they will need a “real man” at the event. He quote tweeted his father promoting the meet & greet the week prior.

Now that I’ve run my dad off of RAW, looks like you’ll need a real man to show up. I’ll see you there.

Dominik Mysterio Turns on His Father at WWE Clash at the Castle

Rob Van Dam Says CM Punk Has “As Big Of An Ego” As Anyone In The Wrestling Business

Robert Lentini
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Former AEW World Champion went on a rant during the media scrum after All Out that the wrestling world is still talking about.

After his rant, CM Punk brawled with The Elite and everyone was subsequently stripped of their titles (AEW World Championship & Trios Championships) and have not been seen on AEW TV since the PPV on September 4th.

Jon Moxley once again captured the AEW World Championship by defeating Bryan Danielson in the finals of the Tournament of Champions at Dynamite: Grand Slam. Moxley is set to defend the title next week on a special Tuesday night edition of Dynamite.

Rob Van Dam On The Ego Of CM Punk

Rob Van Dam recently joined Kenny McIntosh for an Inside the Ropes live show and discussed the former AEW World Champion. RVD hilariously compared CM Punk to a stripper during the conversation.

Anyway, CM Punk probably has as big of an ego as anybody I can think of that I met in the business. I’m not saying that necessarily in a bad way.

Depends on how you take it, but I think that he believes that he really is the best, you know, the best in the world.

I learned years ago, that strippers can be fun to date, as long as they can leave the gimmick at work and not bring it home and be normal at home.

Rob added that the guys that make it to the top of the wrestling industry often times have the biggest egos but are also the ones he finds crazy.

If you’re able to come back in the dressing room and still be that guy in the ring, that say they really believe you’re the best in the world, and you’re ready to prove it or whatever, then you know, the business looks at someone like that as like ‘Dude, you’re believing your own hype.’

There’s nobody on their own that is moving the industry, it’s everybody together. So being around him just feeling his energy, I feel like he believes that.

Hey, these guys make it to the top the guys who believe in themselves the most the guys who do the promos that convince you they really think they’re the best. They are the ones who make it to the top.

They’re also the ones that I can’t stand because I think they’re f*cking crazy.

  • CM Punk is Probably Not Returning to AEW

H/T: Inside the Ropes

“I’m Into It!” – Rob Van Dam On CM Punk’s Rant After AEW All Out

ESPN Host Channels Inner Undertaker for College GameDay Pick

Samantha Schipman
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On Saturday afternoon, the Number 6 ranked Tennessee Vols will face the Number 3 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide.

On SEC Nation, The Undertaker’s famous entrance music hit and there was a closeup of an orange casket that read “Your Number Has Been Called” on the side. Six pall bearers (Paul Bearers, if you will) dressed in Vols garb carried the Vols casket to the stage while Undertaker’s gongs continued.

Two other SEC Nation hosts opened the casket and Paul Finebaum did his best ‘Taker impression and proclaimed, “Tennessee’s not dead! The Vols win!” while waving a pom pom and wearing a Vols jersey.

Undertaker entrance wasn’t Finebaum’s idea

The Undertaker
The Undertaker

Finebaum is a Vols alum. Tennessee hasn’t beat Alabama since 2006. However, it wasn’t his idea for the Undertaker entrance. Baron Miller, the show’s producer, came up with the idea.

Liv Morgan’s Dream to be Killed by Chucky Will Come True

He spoke with AL.com and said “It was a suffocating feeling being in there, but I wasn’t in it long enough for it be an issue. It was a relief to be able to get out of the casket. Most people aren’t that fortunate.”

WWE Raw Superstar is Impressing the Right People Backstage

Thomas Lowson
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Fans of Raw Superstar Angelo Dawkins can expect to see more of him as he is impressing the right people backstage.

Dawkins signed with WWE in 2016 and is one of a handful of people to hold the Raw, SmackDown, and NXT Tag Team Championships as part of the Street Profits with Montez Ford.

Impressing Backstage

Despite being primarily a tag team wrestler, Dawkins has competed in several singles matches in recent weeks.

Fightful Select reports that Dawkins has been impressing behind the scenes with his recent string of singles matches.

One source within WWE said that Dawkins has improved all-round, including in his fitness, in-ring work, and the style that he works.

Another source said that it is no coincidence that Dawkins has been working more and more singles matches as of late.

Dawkins has competed in more singles matches since June 2022 as he did between Wrestlemania 37 to Wrestlemania 38.

Fightful was told to expect Dawkins to keep getting put into singles matches at a rate that exceeded what we saw before the Summer.

A wrestler for AEW told Fightful that Dawkins has always had the potential to be the bigger star of the Street Profits if given the chance.

An Illegitimate Injury?

Dawkins’ singles push has come at a time when Montez Ford has been ‘injured.’

On the October 3, 2022, Raw, Ford appeared in a protective boot, revealing that he is hurt.

Some have questioned the legitimacy of this injury, as there have been no reports of what kind of injury he suffered or when it happened.

WWE also reportedly had their props department source the protective boot instead of their medical team.

Update on Montez Ford’s Injury from Latest WWE Raw

Don’t Expect Naomi Back on WWE TV Just Yet

Thomas Lowson
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Naomi’s return to WWE TV may still be a long way away as talks between herself and the promotion have reportedly stalled.

In May, Naomi and Sasha Banks walked out of a Raw taping over a creative dispute.

In response, WWE stripped the pair of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, suspended both women, and branded them “unprofessional.”

Stalled

While fans of Naomi will want her back soon, that is unlikely to happen.

In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it is said that certain  “deal points” in a new contract haven’t been finalized.

Naomi’s most recent contract with WWE was close to expiring at the time of the walk-out, and it is believed that the promotion may have frozen her deal.

If so, it means the former SmackDown Women’s Champion will not be able to negotiate with any other promotions until the deal expires.

While talks between WWE and Naomi have slowed down, the two sides are reported to still be in communication.

Sasha Banks

While Naomi walked out of WWE during the May 16, 2022 Raw, she didn’t go alone, as Sasha Banks left with her.

For a time, it was believed that both women were finished with WWE, though that isn’t believed to be the case anymore.

At Extreme Rules 2022, Banks’ name was uttered on commentary during the Raw Women’s Championship match between Bianca Belair and Bayley.

This marked the first time Banks had been mentioned since the walk-out and a sign to some that her return is getting closer.

“Absolutely NOT!” – Naomi Shuts Down Comparisons To WWE NXT Star Lash Legend

Ronda Rousey Wants To Take ‘Women’ Out Of Female Championships

Thomas Lowson
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Ronda Rousey is the reigning, defending SmackDown Women’s Champion, but would rather be called simply the SmackDown Champion moving forward.

At Extreme Rules, Rousey captured the SmackDown Women’s Championship from Liv Morgan, making the woman who dethroned her at Money in the Bank pass out.

Rousey is a two-time SmackDown Women’s Champion and held the Raw Women’s Championship from August 2018 to April 2019.

What’s in a Name?

Rousey is arguably the biggest name in WWE’s women’s division but believes that the women’s term is redundant.

Speaking during her most recent vlog, Rousey made her feelings clear about calling titles for females the ‘Women’s’ championship (via WrestlingNews.)

“I don’t want to say ‘women’ in title anymore. And I think they are kind of resistant to taking it out. So then I was like, ‘Can I just not have to say it?’ So then that’s kind of where it’s at.”

While WWE refers to titles from that division as the women’s Championship, no male champions have their sex referenced in their titles.

Changing the Term

Rousey hopes for a day when WWE no longer uses the term ‘Women’ for their championships, but this has happened before.

In January 2020, WWE drop the ‘Women’ term from the NXT Women’s Championship, which at the time was held by Rhea Ripley.

Instead, Ripley was referred to as the NXT Champion, the same term used for NXT Champion Adam Cole.

Not long after though, the idea was scrapped, and by WrestleMania 36, Ripley defended the NXT Women’s Championship against Charlotte Flair.

WWE Legend On Ronda Rousey’s Wrestling Career: “I Don’t See Her Trying To Improve”

Shawn Spears Explains Five-Month Hiatus from AEW Television

Thomas Lowson
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A death in the family resulted in Shawn Spears taking several months away from AEW programming, the former WWE Superstar has confirmed.

Spears returned to AEW TV at this week’s Rampage, which took place in his native Canada.

In the main event, Spears teamed with FTR to defeat The Embassy, consisting of Bishop Kaun, Brian Cage, and Toa Liona.

AEW TNT Champion Wardlow and ROH World Television Champion Samoa Joe appeared afterward to clear the ring after the show went off the air.

Spears’ News

After Rampage Spears spoke to the crowd in an emotional address to discuss his five-month absence.

Spears explained to the crowd in Toronto that his mother passed away earlier this year which resulted in his haitus from AEW.

He added that before his mother passed, she was the first person to learn that Spears and his wife Cassie Lee are expecting their first child.

Prior to his return this week, Spears had not been seen since losing a steel cage match to Wardlow on the May 25, 2022 episode of AEW Dynamite.

AEW uploaded footage of Spears’ passion-filled speech which you can watch below.

Shawn Spears in AEW

Shawn Spears debuted for AEW at their inaugural Double or Nothing Pay Per View in May 2019.

In June, Spears confirmed himself as a heel, attacking Cody Rhodes with a steel chair, earning the moniker of the ‘Chair Man of AEW.’

During Rampage, Spears returned with the ‘Perfect 10’ gimmick he had previously used in WWE as Tye Dillinger.

6 Takeaways From AEW Rampage (10/14): FTR & Shawn Spears, Jon Moxley, Former WWE Stars Debut

Roxanne Perez Could be Back on WWE SmackDown Very Soon

Thomas Lowson
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Roxanne Perez appeared on this week’s WWE SmackDown on FOX, in her first appearance on the blue brand.

During the show, Perez hand-picked Raquel Rodriguez to face Cora Jade on next week’s WWE NXT.

Next Tuesday’s show (which will go head-to-head with AEW Dynamite) will see Perez and Jade face opponents the other has chosen.

Backstage Reaction

In addition to choosing Rodriguez as Jade’s opponent, Pere also competed in a six-woman tag, teaming with Rodriguez and Shotzi in a losing effort to Damage CTRL.

PW Insider reports that WWE was “really happy” with Perez’s work on SmackDown, and believes she fit right in with the roster.

There have already been discussions about Perez being used on SmackDown again.

These talks come days after reports that WWE is planning on more crossover between Raw, SmackDown, and Perez’s home brand WWE NXT.

Jade Vs. Perez

In July, Cora Jade and Roxanne Perez captured the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships, though their reign was short-lived.

Mere weeks later, Jade would turn on Perez, accusing her tag partner of costing her a shot at the NXT Women’s Championship.

After Jade threw her championship title in the trash, Perez was forced to vacate her title, which was later won by Kayden Carter and Katana Chance.

The former friends will face off at the upcoming NXT Halloween Havoc 2022 event in a ‘Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal: Weapons Wild Match.’

WWE NXT Halloween Havoc 2022 will take place at the Performance Center on October 22.

Roxanne Perez Reacts to “Fever Dream” WWE TV Debut

Jim Cornette On What Sets MJF Apart From Other Wrestlers Today: “He’s The Only One Working Anymore”

Robert Lentini
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Maxwell Jacob Friedman has become one of the biggest stars in All Elite Wrestling and is in line for a shot at the AEW World Championship.

MJF cut a backstage promo on this week’s Dynamite and revealed that he doesn’t like himself either, but he has to be the bad guy. Stokely Hathaway interrupted and MJF threatened to fire The Firm as his stable on retainer.

The 26-year-old vowed to capture the AEW World Championship. Jon Moxley is set to defend the title against former champion Hangman Adam Page on a special Tuesday night edition of Dynamite on the 18th.

Jim Cornette Explains What Sets MJF Apart

Legendary manager and promoter Jim Cornette discussed MJF on episode 265 of Jim Cornette’s Drive Thru. A fan compared MJF to Stone Cold Steve Austin in 1997 and Cornette disagreed. Jim pointed out that Austin may have been a heel at the time, he wasn’t a smart a** that insulted people all the time.

That was completely different than MJF, who is pretty thoroughly in every aspect a heel, unlikeable, untrustworthy, will use other people to fight his battles, will jump somebody from behind, take advantage of someone, will back off from a face-to-face confrontation.

He will verbally annihilate somebody when the opportunity is there but then show fear and or trepidation if they’re in front of him.

The reason why everybody is cheering MJF now has nothing to do with the reasons they started cheering Steve Austin then.

Cornette said that fans are smarter to the business nowadays and can appreciate MJF’s performance. Jim added that there is currently a lack of entertaining wrestlers and MJF fills that void for many fans.

He’s the only one working anymore. He makes you want to see s*** and then takes it away from you until the last minute. He doesn’t just bump for the sake of bumping for everybody.

Because he knows that first he has to piss the people off so they will want to see him have his comeuppance.

So he’s got a mind, he’s got a mouth, and he’s got a physique that he knows how to use in the ring.

He’s ahead of 90% of the other people in the business and he’s more entertaining than almost all of them.

Cornette noted that Death Matches used to be popular in the territory days because they were unusual but now they are commonplace. Jim claimed that MJF is one of the only wrestlers today that knows how to cut a promo and work in the ring.

It’s all the same except for guys like MJF. The reason why all that other s*** used to get over in the territory days (Death Match) is that it was different and unusual.

Everybody else was wrestlers that knew how to talk and work. Now he’s one of the only ones of those left. MJF’s out there running a business, so they like him.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit Jim Cornette’s Drive-Thru with a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.

“That’s What Makes Me Special” – MJF Explains What Sets Him Apart From Other Wrestlers

“I Think He’s Extremely Talented” – Former WWE Superstar Praises LA Knight

Robert Lentini
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LA Knight was a popular character in WWE NXT but debuted on the main roster under a different name.

Max Dupri was the manager of Maxiumum Male Models. He recruited Mansoor and Mace to the group and they would often pose on the entrance ramp as if it were a runway. Following Vince McMahon’s resignation and Triple H assuming creative responsibility for the company, Max started to hint that Maximum Male Models wasn’t for him. He attacked Mansoor last week and it led to a singles match on this past Friday’s SmackDown.

LA Knight wrestled his first match on the main roster this week against Mansoor and picked up the pinfall victory after connecting with the BFT. After the match, LA Knight immediately insulted the crowd to turn heel. He warned the locker room that SmackDown was his game now.

Paul London On LA Knight & WWE Name Changes

Speaking on the Cafe de Rene podcast, former WWE Superstar Paul London discussed LA Knight and WWE’s name changes. Before his time in WWE, LA Knight wrestled in Impact as Eli Drake and captured the Impact Championship.

I think he’s extremely talented. He’s a great personality, great on the microphone. He doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel.

He doesn’t try to do anything crazy that is beyond his persona or beyond his limits.

I’m not saying he’s limited by any means. I mean, he’s a physical specimen. He looks great, and he works, I really enjoy his work.

I haven’t seen anything, since he’s been in WWE, I haven’t seen anything of that. I know that they’ve flipped his name around a couple of times.

Paul London then discussed WWE changing the names of wrestlers and noted how most of the names are not very believable.

I mean, these names. It is something you would have thought that they would have improved on over the years.

I’m under the belief that the writers would watch the CW Network or read the teen magazines or something and just mishmash these names together or something.

Because these names are not good. They’re not very believable. I guess they eventually saturate into the mind and stick for whatever reason.

I think they realize that. They’re like ‘well Max Dupri, let’s just go back to LA Knight, let’s go back to him sounding like a shoe brand’.

Please credit Cafe de Rene and give a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription if you use any quotes from this article.

Rey Mysterio Explains Why He Tried To Quit WWE & How Triple H Convinced Him To Join The SmackDown Roster

Robert Lentini
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0

Rey Mysterio approached Triple H tonight during WWE SmackDown and tried to quit the company. Thankfully, The Game had other plans and it wound up being a huge night for the 47-year-old.

Mysterio has been involved in a long rivalry with The Judgment Day faction on RAW. His son, Dominik Mysterio, has betrayed him and joined the group. During the conversation with Triple H, Rey stated that he will never fight his son and said that he wanted to quit the company. The Game talked Rey out of it and the two entered his office.

Rey later replaced Karrion Kross in the Fatal 4-Way to determine the #1 contender for the Intercontinental Championship. Michael Cole announced during the match that Rey and Triple H had struck a deal and Mysterio was now a part of the blue brand.

Kross was coming off a victory over Drew McIntyre at WWE Extreme Rules this past Saturday night. Scarlett interfered in the match and Drew got his revenge tonight. Drew crashed into Karrion’s car and attacked him to begin SmackDown. Kross was ruled out of the match due to the attack.

Solo Sikoa and Sheamus battled out of the ring and The Bloodline interfered while the referee was distracted. The Brawling Brutes (Butch & Ridge Holland) made the save and the two teams battled ringside as Rey and Ricochet were in the ring. Mysterio connected with the 619 and a Frog Splash for the pinfall victory. Mysterio is now next in line for a match against Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship.

Rey Mysterio Has A “New Beginning” On WWE SmackDown

After WWE SmackDown went off the air, Rey spoke with Kayla Braxton in a Digital Exclusive. Kayla asked if Rey’s conversation with Triple H had to do with his big night and Rey admitted that it did. Mysterio explained that he refuses to fight his son and it is nice to be on SmackDown and not have to look over his shoulder for The Judgment Day.

That had a lot to do with it. I came here with my mind set on literally just stepping away from the game.

And like you said, it hurts me to see my son (Dominik Mysterio) go through what he is going through right now. And I just will never fight him.

I just won’t. But this opened up my eyes in a different way. You know? This is like a new beginning for Rey Mysterio.

And the fact that I was given an opportunity, and I took advantage of it, man it makes me feel like I’m on another level right now. Now I have a shot for the Intercontinental Championship.

There’s a lot of history with Rey Mysterio and SmackDown, you know? From day one, 2002, when I kicked off my career with WWE.

But to be back now, and to be back alone. To not feel haunted, to not feel there’s a shadow pushing me and wanting to fight me constantly.

That feels good. You don’t know the amount of weight I just took off my back.

Please give a H/T to SEScoops if you use any quotes from this article.

6 Takeaways From AEW Rampage (10/14): FTR & Shawn Spears, Jon Moxley, Former WWE Stars Debut

Robert Lentini
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0

AEW Rampage aired tonight on TNT from Toronto, Canada. FTR and Shawn Spears battled The Embassy in a Trios match in tonight’s main event. Blackpool Combat Club were in action against The Butcher & The Blade tonight as well.

Rampage Results

  • Blackpool Combat Club def. The Butcher & The Blade
  • Nyla Rose def. Anna Jay
  • Ethan Page def. Isiah Kassidy
  • FTR & Shawn Spears def. The Embassy

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Blackpool Combat Club Picked Up A Win

AEW World Champion Jon Moxley & Claudio Castagnoli of The Blackpool Combat Club battled The Butcher & The Blade tonight on Rampage. Butcher and Blade controlled the action early but eventually Blackpool Combat Club battled back. Moxley hit Blade with a Cutter and followed it up with a Piledriver. Claudio hit the Nuetralizer on Butcher for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Jon grabbed a microphone and cut a promo on Hangman Page. Moxley said if Hangman doesn’t step up on Tuesday before handing the microphone to Claudio. Castagnoli added that Hangman will get stepped on if he doesn’t step up. Jon will defend the AEW World Championship on a special Tuesday night edition of Dynamite on the 18th.

Keith Lee Warned Swerve Strickland

Swerve Strickland and Keith Lee were interviewed backstage by Renee Paquette. Keith told Swerve that he represents him and wondered why he needed to cheat to beat Billy Gunn. Lee added that Strickland is “swerving into the wrong lane”.

Chris Jericho Will Defend The ROH Title Against Dalton Castle Next Week

JAS made their way to the ring to celebrate Chris Jericho defeating Bryan Danielson for the ROH Championship. Menard said his nipples get hard because JAS is going to be together forever. Anna Jay then introduced Daniel Garcia as the crowd loudly chanted his name.

Daniel stated that Jericho has always said that sports entertainers are superior and it took him some time to realize it. The crowd once again chanted “you’re a wrestler!” and Garcia claimed that he will never be a pro wrestler. Garcia claimed that Jericho taught him how to win while Danielson taught him about having heart. Daniel said that sports entertainers beat pro wrestlers every single time. Garcia announced that he was a sports entertainer before Jericho grabbed the microphone.

Chris said he was the greatest “Ring of Jericho champion” ever and vowed to beat every single ROH Champion that has ever existed. The ROH 6-Man Tag Team Champions Dalton Castle and The Boys interrupted. The crowd loudly chanted for Dalton as he claimed that it made him sick seeing the title around “silly little goose” Chris Jericho’s waist. Castle noted that he broke his back for that title and he’s willing to break Chris’ back as well. Dalton said he’s got “peacock power” and challenged Jericho to a title match next week. Jericho accepted and vowed to pull out Castle’s feathers one by one.

Nyla Rose Avoided Jade Cargill & Picked Up A Win

Nyla Rose battled Anna Jay tonight on Rampage. Matt Menard, Angelo Parker, and Marina Shafir were ringside for the match. Shafir had Jade Cargill’s TBS Championship that Nyla stole. Rose dominated the match early with a couple of Body Slams and then a Leg Drop for a near fall. Jay tried to battled back but Rose planted her with the Beast Bomb for the pinfall victory. Jade Cargill rushed to the ring and beat AEW security down as Nyla ran away with the title.

Ethan Page Dominated

Ethan Page battled Isiah Kassidy of Private Party tonight on Rampage. Ethan absolutely dominated the match and hit the Ego’s Edge for the pinfall victory. The Firm now controls the contracts Private Party and Matt Hardy.

FTR & Shawn Spears def. The Embassy, Mike Bennett, Maria Kanellis & Matt Taven Debuted

FTR & Shawn Spears battled The Embassy in a 6-man tag team match tonight on AEW Rampage. Kaun and Spears started off the action and Shawn took control. Spears did the “10” pose several times before Rampage went to a break. During the commercial, The Embassy battled back and isolated Spears in the corner of the ring.

When Rampage returned, Spears tried to crawl to the corner but Kaun stopped him. Shawn booted Kaun away and tagged in Dax Harwood. Dax hit a Spinebuster as a loud “FTR!” chant broke out in the crowd. Brian Cage entered the ring and leveled Harwood with a Clothesline for a near fall.

Cage tagged in and hit an Elbow Drop but Spears broke it up at two and the match continued. Toa Liona got sent out of the ring as Brian beat Dax down. Kaun tagged back in and went for a Suplex but Wheeler caught his tag team partner. FTR tripped up Cage and Kaun and applied a couple of Sharpshooters in the middle of the ring.

Spears then dragged Prince Nana into the ring and locked in a Sharpshooter on his as well before Toa Liona broke it up. Toa planted Dax with a Uranage. Liona went for a shoulder tackle outside the ring but FTR got out of the way and Toa crashed into the steel steps. Spears then planted Cage with a DDT outside the ring.

Back in the ring, Kaun rolled Harwood and grabbed the ropes for leverage. Cash broke it up and FTR hit the Big Rig on Kaun. Spears followed it up with C4 for the pinfall victory.

After the match, former WWE Superstars Mike Bennett and Maria Kanellis arrived at the end of the show. Maria stated ROH was build on their backs and they never get the credit they deserve.

Kanellis introduced Matt Taven and Mike Bennett as The Kingdom. The Embassy attacked from behind as Bennett and Taven made their way to the ring. ROH TV Champion Samoa Joe and TNT Champion Wardlow made their way to the ring as the heels retreated to close the show.

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