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Ex-WWE Announcer Launching New Wrestling Promotion in 2023

Samantha Schipman
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American eXcellence Wrestling will launch in 2023. Former WWE announcer and current NJPW commentator, Kevin Kelly announced its launch on Sunday via Twitter.

The promotion’s inaugural event takes place just three days after Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 7 in Hamburg, Pennsylvania at the historic Hamburg Field House.

Kelly confirmed that the has a financial stake in the promotion. He also said that he hopes to do some podcasts about the promotion and how it came about, but mentioned the possibility explaining it in a Facebook video. He did reveal a little bit of why he wanted to start AXW including the “history of the building, Ron Fuller Welch and his Studcast inspired me to put on my ‘promoter hat’. My Sales experience, leading a team of entrepreneurs who love wrestling, will help.”

Kevin Kelly Offers Details on AXW

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Kelly has been offering a few details about American eXcellence Wresting on Twitter. First and foremost, it is AXW and not AEW “so we don’t get sued.”



The shows are live event only for now and Kelly will not be doing commentary for AXW. He did hint at the possibility “when things get cranked up.”

Hamburg Field House was home to the WWWF in the 1970s and 1980s. Kelly noted that the original lights hung by Vince McMahon, Sr. are still in use.


NWA referee, Jarrod Fritz has confirmed his involvement in the promotion. Fritz has also worked shows with NJPW Strong and Premiere Wrestling Experience (PWX) in Charlotte, NC, where Kelly has done some commentary work in the past.

Tickets for the first show are available at http://AXWTIX.COM.

Anthony Ogogo Is.. Really Excited About AEW Coming to the UK

Michael Reichlin
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Anthony Ogogo sounds pretty excited about the news that All Elite Wrestling is headed to the United Kingdom in 2023.

AEW holding a show in the UK has been years in the making. In fact, Ogogo’s former rival Cody Rhodes was talking about bringing ‘elite’ wrestling to the country since 2019.

The former Olympic boxer recently spoke with Desert Island Graps and used a hockey analogy to explain how hard he’s working to get back in an AEW ring.

“When I do get the chance, I will score a hat trick and I won’t give up,” he said.

When asked if AEW’s UK debut was the place for him to score this hat trick, Ogogo couldn’t contain his excitement.

“Mate, I’ve got a f**king stiffy.”

The Guv’nor’s AEW career has been hampered with injuries. Last summer, he revealed his in-ring career was on hold due to him undergoing his 10th eye surgery since suffering a broken eye socket during a 2016 boxing fight.

His biggest AEW feud as was against Cody Rhodes, a feud both men reget. He hasn’t wrestled in 2022.

Listen to Anthony Ogogo’s appearance on Desert Island Graps:

Bret Hart on Why He Regrets Leaving WWE: “I Probably Wouldn’t Have Had to Wrestle Bill Goldberg”

Robert Lentini
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Bret “The Hitman” Hart and Shawn “The Heartbreak Kid” were recently profiled by The Ringer on the 25th anniversary of the Montreal Screwjob.

At Survivor Series 1997, Bret defended the WWF Championship at the time against Shawn Michaels in the main event. The Heartbreak Kid locked in Bret’s finishing move, the Sharpshooter, and the bell rang even though Hart had not tapped out. Hart spat in former WWE CEO Vince McMahon and motioned the letters “WCW” to the camera.

Speaking with The Ringer, Bret admitted that he held bitterness toward Shawn Michaels for a long time. He claimed that it was watching Michaels and The Undertaker at WrestleMania that caused him to finally bury the hatchet.

We had our issues over the years. But I watched Undertaker and Shawn Michaels wrestle at one of the WrestleManias. Even then, I had such a bitterness towards Shawn, but I had to admit it was one of the greatest matches I ever watched.

That’s where I ended up deciding to make friends with Shawn and bury the hatchet and all that

The Hitman added that shaking hands with Shawn Michaels in 2010 was very real and moving for him.

Me and Shawn making up in the ring (in 2010) and shaking hands and all that, that was all very real and very moving for me. And was not something that was orchestrated.

Shawn wanted that off his back and I was in a position to take it off his back and that was the best resolution for both of us. We’ve been friends ever since. And I’m grateful that he’s in a better place today

Bret took another shot at Goldberg and said that he wished he never left WWE because he probably wouldn’t have had to get in the ring with the former WCW Champion.

I wish that none of the bad history that we had-had ever happened. I wished I’d never left for WCW because I probably wouldn’t have had a stroke and I probably wouldn’t have had to wrestle Bill Goldberg.

Hart referred to himself as a “WWE guy” and said he was proud of everything he did in the ring.

I was always a WWE guy, always. And I almost resent when someone talks about me like I wasn’t. They’re surprised I’m even around today. But I gave everything I had to that company and I’m proud of everything I did in the ring and I’m proud of what I represented.

H/T: The Ringer

Bret Hart Calls for Goldberg to be Removed From WWE Hall of Fame

Update on Sami Zayn’s Absence from Friday’s SmackDown

Thomas Lowson
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Sami Zayn was conspicuous by his absence on this week’s episode of SmackDown on FOX.

The show saw The Usos successfully defend their Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships against the New Day, and celebrated after the match with Roman Reigns.

Tomorrow, The Usos will officially reach the record for the longest-reigning WWE Tag Team Champions of all time, eclipsing the New Day.

Zayn’s Absence

Zayn was nowhere to be seen during SmackDown, despite often being a highlight of the show.

WWE explained Zayn’s absence as due to ‘personal reasons,’ which may, unfortunately, be tragic.

On Twitter, Zayn shared the below message:

When translated from Arabic to English reads “We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.”

The phrase is a common prayer used in Islam after the death of someone close.

Zayn has not confirmed publicly whether he has lost a loved one and WWE has not confirmed when Zayn’s next on-screen appearance will be.

Survivor Series

Though Zayn didn’t appear on SmackDown, The Bloodline fought the Brawling Brutes in the main-event segment.

Though Reigns, The Usos, and Solo Sikoa had the advantage, Drew McIntyre tied the numbers for the Brutes.

While not confirmed, it is believed that the two sides will square off later this month at Survivor Series WarGames.

The WarGames match will see Zayn reunite with his Bloodline comrades to face the Brutes, McIntyre and a fifth member yet to be announced.

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

Former WWE Star Appears at the Performance Center This Week

Ryan Droste
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A familiar face was making his way around the WWE Performance Center this week in Orlando, Florida.

Former WWE Superstar Kalisto was at the PC this week doing some guest coaching throughout the week. According to Fightful, He also did some producing of matches, participating in the NXT live event on Friday night. In particular, it was noted that Kalisto produced the women’s matches on the show.

Kalisto has been absent from WWE since he was released in April 2021. He had been with the company for eight years but was released during one of their rounds of “budget cuts.”

Since his time with WWE ended, Kalisto has had some health issues including a nasty bout with Covid-19. He did work one match for AEW on November 3, 2021, teaming with Aero Star in a losing effort against FTR on AEW Dynamite.

It’s unknown right now if Kalisto’s guest coaching and producing for WWE will continue or if it was a one-off. We’ll update as more becomes known.

Kalisto first achieved notoriety in his WWE run when he teamed with Sin Cara as the Lucha Dragons, winning the NXT Tag Team Championships in the process. As part of the main roster, he went on to capture the WWE United States Championship on two occasions and the WWE Cruiserweight Championship once.

Check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news. Apple – Spotify – YouTube. 

CM Punk Back Working at CFFC 114 on UFC Fightpass

AEW Full Gear Match Card, Date & Time, How to Watch

Ryan Droste
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All Elite Wrestling presents Full Gear this Saturday night, live from Trenton, New Jersey. The PPV event begins at 8:00 p.m. Eastern, and there will be a one hour pre-show

It’s the fourth installment of Full Gear, which originated in 2019 with a show from Baltimore. Last year’s event took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota and featured “Hangman” Adam Page capturing the AEW World Championship.

It’s been a long road to Full Gear following the real-life backstage brawl that occurred after the All Out PPV in Chicago. However, AEW has started to get back on course in recent weeks. The Elite (Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks) look to be scheduled to return on the PPV, and MJF gets a world title opportunity against Jon Moxley in what could be the young star’s crowning moment.

The lineup will be finalized after Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite. We will update the card here as needed.

Stay tuned for our AEW Full Gear predictions coming later this week.

ROH World Title Full Gear
(AEW)

AEW Full Gear 2022 Match Card

  • AEW World Champion Jon Moxley vs. MJF
  • AEW World Tag Team Champions The Acclaimed vs. Swerve In Our Glory
  • AEW World Championship Eliminator Tournament Finals (TBD)
  • AEW Women’s World Interim Champion Toni Storm vs. Jamie Hayter
  • ROH World Champion Chris Jericho vs. Bryan Danielson vs. Claudio Castagnoli vs. Sammy Guevara
  • AEW TBS Champion Jade Cargill vs. Nyla Rose
  • Britt Baker vs. Saraya
  • Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal vs. Sting and Darby Allin
  • Luchasaurus vs. “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry

The card listed here will be updated as it changes.

When is AEW Full Gear 2022

Full Gear takes place this Saturday, November 19th, from Trenton, New Jersey at the Prudential Center.

The event starts at 8:00 p.m. Eastern / 5:00 p.m. Pacific. There is a one-hour pre-show that begins one hour before the main card. Matches for the pre-show will be finalized this week.

How to Watch AEW Full Gear 2022

AEW Full Gear 2022 streams live on Bleacher Report in the United States and on FITE.tv internationally.

Update on Mustafa Ali’s Roster Status After Being Included in SmackDown World Cup Tournament

Thomas Lowson
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Mustafa Ali will be competing in the SmackDown World Cup Tournament, despite being a Raw Superstar.

The tournament kicked off on this week’s SmackDown, with Mexico’s Santos Escobar defeating Japan’s Shinsuke Nakamura.

The United States’ Braun Strowman qualified for the semi-finals with a convincing victory over Jinder Mahal who is representing India.

Mustafa Ali

Ali is one of eight names in the tournament and is the only one who is a Raw Superstar.

The former Retribution leader has been feuding with United States Champion Seth Rollins in recent weeks, and there has been speculation over his roster status.

When Fightful Select asked sources within WWE, they were told that Ali is still a member of the Raw roster, and is expected to work both shows during the tournament.

Ali was a last-minute replacement for Rey Mysterio, who was pulled from the tournament for unspecified reasons.

Mustafa Ali, who is representing Pakistan, will face Ricochet (USA) in a first-round match on next week’s SmackDown.

The SmackDown World Cup

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The SmackDown World Cup Tournament Trophy was revealed this week.

In addition to Ricochet Vs. Ali, next week’s SmackDown will also see Sami Zayn (Canada) taking on Butch (England.)

Michael Cole noted on commentary that the SmackDown World Cup Tournament will take place over three weeks, meaning it will conclude on the November 25, SmackDown.

That show will also be the go-home event for Survivor Series WarGames.

The winner of the tournament will receive a Championship match at Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER, likely on the Premium Live Event.

The SmackDown World Cup Trophy was revealed on last week’s SmackDown.

Mustafa Ali Reveals Why He Went Public With WWE Release Request

New NWA World Heavyweight Champion Crowned at Hard Times 3 PPV

Thomas Lowson
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The iconic NWA World Heavyweight Championship is now in the massive hands of Tyrus who captured the gold at Hard Times 3.

Last night’s Pay-Per-View saw Tyrus win the gold in the main event from Champion Trevor Murdoch, in a match that also included Matt Cardona.

Cardona had held the NWA World Title earlier this year but vacated the gold due to a biceps injury.

This marks Tyrus’ first World Championship win.

Other title changes on the show saw Clearwater defeating AJ Cazana to win the Television title and Kerry Morton defeating Homicide to win the NWA Junior Heavyweight Title.

Road to the Gold

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Tyrus captured the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at Hard Times 3, defeating Trevor Murdoch and Matt Cardona.

Tyrus first challenged for the NWA World Championship at NWA 74: Night Two in August of this year, but was unsuccessful.

The former WWE Superstar earned the title match at Hard Times by cashing in the NWA World Television Championship, which he had successfully defended seven times.

Outside Influence?

Tyrus’ victory at Hard Times 3 is by far the biggest victory of his career, but his push to the top may not be entirely down to wrestling.

Earlier this week, Fightful Select reported that his appearances on FOX News have helped his popularity immensely, and have led to him being the most-purchased Major Bendie figure released in the Major Pod line.

Tyrus appeared on Greg Gutfeld’s “Gutfeld!” program and plugged the action figure, which apparently led to a boost in sales.

Tyrus began appearing for FOX in 2016, and was promoted to his own show ‘Nuff Said in 2019.

In the report, Fightful added that a custom-length NWA World Championship had been designed, presumably to match Tyrus’ size.

Tyrus (Brodus Clay) Reveals Hilarious Advice From The Undertaker

Chelsea Green is “Going Home” After Finishing with Impact Wrestling

Thomas Lowson
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The possibility of Chelsea Green returning to WWE has grown given that the Canadian wrestler has finished her time with Impact Wrestling.

Green was with WWE from 2018 to 2021 before being released as part of ‘budget cuts.’

After appearing for Ring of Honor in July 2021, Green would join Impact Wrestling later that month and is a former Knockouts World Tag Team Champion.

Leaving Impact

During this week’s Impact Wrestling, Green lost to Mickie James in what would be the former’s final match for the company.

In a post-match vignette, Green told Deonna Purrazzo that she was “going home” in a segment that mimicked James’ ‘Last Rodeo’ segment.

PW Insider reports that this segment was done to write Green off TV and that her time with the company has ended.

It was reported weeks ago that Green was expected to leave Impact Wrestling when her contract expired.

Going Home?

Green said during the vignette that she is ‘going home,’ which many believe is a nod to WWE.

Last month, it was reported that WWE is interested in bringing back Green as part of the new regime.

Green was called up to WWE’s main roster in late 2020 but suffered a hand injury during her first match on SmackDown.

Despite being released, she was allowed to continue attending WWE’s Performance Center while her hand was healing.

Speaking earlier this week, Green rejected the idea of going to AEW and said that she had maintained a great relationship with WWE’s Head of Talent Relations Triple H.

Chelsea Green Discusses Possibility of the Cardonas in WWE or AEW

Ronda Rousey Enjoying “Easier” Time in WWE After Paying Her Dues

Michael Reichlin
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Ronda Rousey is really enjoying herself in WWE, but it wasn’t always this way.

The reigning SmackDown Women’s Champion has had some ups and downs since joining the company on a full-time basis in January 2018. She’s had a contentious relationship with fans and even got some heat from her co-workers by calling pro wrestling “fake fighting.”

During the latest episode of her “Ronda on the Road” YouTube series, Rousey explained that she’s finally feeling more comfortable in WWE. It took some time to get there, but she believes she’s paid her dues and has earned the right to speak up for herself behind the scenes.

“I think this run is easier because I kind of know how things work around here and I’ve kind of paid up more of my dues.” 

– Ronda Rousey

Paying Her Dues

Rousey was a global sports icon when she made the leap into pro wrestling. She was a natural from the moment she first step foot in the ring, but being a high-paid rookie can come with some drawbacks. At times, she’s felt like she couldn’t fully speak up for herself.

Several years into her WWE career, she feels confident enough to speak up for herself and is humble enough to accept pushback as well.

“I have put enough time here that they’ll at least hear me out and explain to me why I’m wrong (if I am), you know, and that way I learned something. I think I feel like I have more of a voice this time and confidence to use it.”

The Baddest Woman on the Planet has been feuding with Shotzi in recent weeks. They’ll battle for Rousey’s SmackDown Women’s Championship at WWE Survivor Series later this month.

Rhea Ripley Wants To Kick Michael Cole’s Ass

Michael Reichlin
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Michael Cole may have bitten off more than he can chew with a recent remark he made about Rhea Ripley.

The 26-year-old grappler from Adelaide, Australia is one of the most feared Superstars in WWE – and we’re not just talking about the women’s division. Ripley’s career was growing stagnant earlier this year, and she even spoke about the need to get herself back on track. She did just that earlier this year when she joined the Judgment Day faction, which also includes Finn Damian Priest and Dominik Mysterio.

The group has been feuding with AJ Styles and The OC. The Judgment Day has gotten the upper hand in this gang warfare so far, with OC leader stating that Ripley is the reason the group has been so dominant.

At WWE’s recent Crown Jewel premium live event, announcer Michael Cole said that someone needs to kick Ripley’s ass. That didn’t go over so well with Ripley. She’s letting Cole know comments like that won’t be tolerated and has since challenge him to a fight.

On Saturday morning, Ripley wrote on Twitter, “Fight me @Michael Cole”

Doin’t expect to see Cole take her up on this challenge. However, one thing is for sure. You can’t just run your mouth about the Judgment Day’s toughest member.

The OC recently brought in Mia Yim to feud with Ripley as part of this ongoing feud.

Eric Bischoff on Rumors About CM Punk Returning to WWE: ‘I Wouldn’t Touch him With a 10-Foot Pole’

Andrew Ravens
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CM Punk’s future in wrestling remains unclear as he could stay with AEW, return to WWE or never wrestle again following his backstage fight with Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks after AEW’s All Out pay-per-view.

As a result of his involvement in the fight, he was stripped of the World Title and suspended. Punk is reportedly in talks with AEW about a contract buyout. 

Eric Bischoff shared his opinion on CM Punk while speaking with Wrestling Inc. According to Bischoff, he doesn’t think Triple H should bring him back. 

Eric Bischoff on CM Punk

Eric Bischoff
(A&E)

“I don’t know what Paul Levesque is thinking, I don’t know what their plans are, their strategies are, so I have no idea. I can tell you from my perspective, I wouldn’t touch him with a 10-foot pole. I think CM Punk had a mystique because of WWE, and because of the pipe bomb interview, and because he walked out, that created this aura and mystique that [AEW CEO] Tony [Khan] brought to AEW and took advantage of for a minute. And once that mystique was gone, once you kind of let that air out of the balloon, and now you’re just performing every week, I didn’t see it in Punk. I just didn’t see it in him as a character, I didn’t see it in him in the ring –- he was good, but he wasn’t phenomenal.”

Bischoff also shared a handful of reasons he doesn’t think Punk would find success in returning to the company ranging from his age, lack of being in great shape, and WWE being more intense and physical than AEW with its style. 

Bischoff also thinks the fans turned on Punk and left a bad taste in their mouth, and they realize that that mystique is no longer there as he’s just another guy. Bischoff doesn’t see value in Punk anymore. 

Cody Rhodes Makes Interesting Claim About his Time in AEW

Andrew Ravens
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Cody Rhodes recently responded to a tweet from a fan about Cody’s reason for leaving AEW, a shocking move at the time as he was one of the key people to help launch the promotion in addition to Tony Khan, Kenny Omega, and The Young Bucks. 

A story that had made the rounds over the last few months claimed that Cody had a rift with The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega, and they are the reason why he left AEW. There was another story regarding how Rhodes had issues with CM Punk. There have also been stories about money and the way he was booked.

Cody Rhodes on his AEW Run

Cody Rhodes

Rhodes took to Twitter to debunk those rumors. In a recent response, Rhodes responded to a fan who wrote, “Was the personal issue being booed? Because I still have no clue why people booed you out of nowhere.”

Rhodes dismissed and noted that he was a true heel despite being portrayed as a babyface. 

After returning to WrestleMania 38 in April, Rhodes had solid matches with Seth Rollins before being sidelined with a torn pectoral muscle. His last match happened at Hell in a Cell before he underwent surgery.

Although it’s been reported that Rhodes is little ahead of schedule in healing, there is no firm date for his return.

WWE Wants A Lot of Celebrity Involvement For WrestleMania 39 (Report)

Thomas Lowson
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WWE WrestleMania 39 will be a star-studded event, and we’re not just talking about the Superstars who’ll be competing.

WrestleMania 39 will take place on Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2, marking the fourth year in a row WrestleMania will be over two nights.

The show will air from the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California, marking the seventh time WWE’s biggest event of the year will be in the Golden State.

Celebrities

WrestleMania and celebrity culture have been intertwined since the very first event in 1985, which saw Mr. T, Liberace, Muhammad Ali, Cyndi Lauper, and others on the show.

In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it’s reported that WWE wants a lot of celebrity involvement in the show, given that WrestleMania 39 will air from Hollywood.

WWE wants a lot of mainstream attention for WrestleMania 39 and believes that this attention will come with celebrities involved.

The Observer adds that WWE co-CEO Nick Khan has several connections with people in the sports and entertainment industries from his time working as an agent.

WrestleMania 39 Plans

WrestleMania 39 will likely see a lot of celebrities appear, but the biggest question now is who?

Depending on whether he is recovered from his Crown Jewel injury, Logan Paul could be on the card, and has teased interest in a match with John Cena.

Cena will reportedly be wrestling on the show, but it is unclear at this time who he will face.

Arguably the biggest celebrity WWE is seeking for the show is The Rock, who many predict will face Roman Reigns at the event.

Steve Austin Open to Wrestling Again Following WWE WrestleMania 38 Match?

Spoiler: WWE Films Surprise Show After SmackDown Goes Off Air

Thomas Lowson
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NOTE: This Article Contains Spoilers for an Upcoming WWE Televised Event. You Have Been Warned!

Fans at last night’s taping of WWE SmackDown on FOX got an extra treat once the blue brand went off the air.

Last night’s SmackDown took place at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, and saw WWE continue on the road to Survivor Series WarGames.

The main event of the show saw Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos retain their titles against the New Day.

After the Show

After SmackDown went off the air, WWE filmed their annual Tribute to the Troops special.

The shows results are as follows:

Braun Strowman defeated L.A. Knight.

WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler defeated Emma and Tamina.

Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, and Ricochet defeated Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER, Giovanni Vinci, and Ludwig Kaiser of Imperium.

Tribute to the Troops

WWE’s annual Tribute to the Troops event began in 2003 when John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield pitched the show to then-WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.

From 2003 to 2009, events were held in various U.S. military bases across the middle east but WWE began hosting domestic events in 2010.

A day before the 2006 event at Baghdad’s Camp Victory, a mortar attack resulted in 14 people being injured but none were WWE talent or crew.

WWE has received several awards for its efforts, and has received recognition from U.S. Presidents including George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

Since 2015, WWE has presented custom WWE Championship to serving personnel as part of the Tribute to the Troops events.

AEW Rampage Results, Takeaways (11/11/22): Road to Full Gear, Title Match, Eliminator Tournament

Robert Lentini
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AEW Rampage was taped in the Agganis Arena in Boston, MA. In addition to the takeaways below, another vignette for House of Black aired during tonight’s episode of Rampage. Orange Cassidy defended the All-Atlantic Championship against Lee Johnson in the main event.

Rampage Results

  • Brian Cage def. Dante Martin to advance in the World Title Eliminator Tournament
  • Bandido def. Rush to advance in the World Title Eliminator Tournament
  • Nyla Rose def. Kayla Sparks
  • Orange Cassidy def. Lee Johnson to retain the All-Atlantic Championship

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Jungle Boy Will Battle Luchasaurus in a Steel Cage match at Full Gear

Christian Cage and Luchasaurus made their way to the ring to begin the show. Cage called out Jungle Boy and boasted about squashing him at All Out and Luchasaurus beating him at Dynamite in Toronto.

Jungle Boy said that the two of them have cost him everything and Luchasaurus wasted three years of his life that he will never get back. Jungle Boy challenged Luchasaurus to a Steel Cage match at Full Gear. Cage accepted the challenge and said Luchasaurus will put him down for good.

Cage suggested that Jungle Boy’s mother will be in the front row for the match and said that Jungle Boy is all looks like his father. Luke Perry, Jungle Boy’s father, passed away recently. Jungle Boy tried to attack Cage but Luchasaurus beat him down. Cage brought a chair into the ring and Luchasaurus delivered a Chokeslam on top of it.

  • AEW Full Gear 2022 Preview

Brian Cage Advanced in the World Title Eliminator Tournament

Dante Martin battled Brian Cage in the first round of the World Title Eliminator Tournament tonight on Rampage. Brian did curls with Dante as if he weighed five pounds to start off the action. Dante hit a Dropkick and knocked him out of the ring. Marin flexed in the ring and went for a dive. Cage caught Dante and delivered a Suplex on the floor outside the ring as Rampage went to a commercial break.

When Rampage returned, Cage went for an F10 but Dante countered into a Tornado DDT as Jim Ross claimed Martin will be a huge star in AEW someday. Dante connected with a diving Crossbody and went for the cover but Cage kicked out at two. Cage charged but Dante got out of the way and The Machine tumbled out of the ring.

Dante hit a big Crossbody and rolled Cage back into the ring. Martin followed it up with a Splash and went for the cover but Cage kicked out at two. Dante hit an Enziguri and climbed to the top turnbuckle. Cage got out of the way and turned Dante inside out with a Clothesline for a near fall.

Cage couldn’t believe Dante kicked out but stayed on the attack. Brian connected with the Weapon X for the pinfall victory. Cage will meet the winner of Lance Archer versus Ricky Starks in the semifinals. The finals of the tournament will take place at Full Gear on November 19th. The winner of the tournament will get an AEW World Championship match at Dynamite: Winter is Coming.

Bandido def. Rush to Advance in the Eliminator Tournament

Bandido battled Rush in the first round of the World Title Eliminator Tournament. Rush dominated the action early and beat Bandido down outside the ring. Rush rolled Bandido into the ring after beating him down and poured some water over his head. Rush stomped on Bandido in the corner of the ring and booted him in the face. Rush then posed in the ring as Rampage went to a commercial break.

When Rampage returned, Bandido was in control and connected with a Frog Splash for a near fall. Bandido went for a Suplex but Rush countered with a knee to the face. Rush hit a rolling elbow and attempted a lazy cover but Bandido easily kicked out at two.

Rush barely hit a Dropkick off the top rope for a two count and started arguing with referee Aubrey Edwards. Bandido connected with a slam for a two-count. Bandido hit a Crucifix Bomb but Rush responded with a leg lariat and both wrestlers fell to the canvas.

Rush hit a Splash and followed it up with a DDT but Bandido somehow was able to kick out at two and the tournament match continued. Jose the Assistant slid a steel chair into the ring for a distraction and choked Bandido. John Silver of the Dark Order showed up and leveled Jose. Bandido rolled up Rush for the pinfall victory and advanced in the tournament. Bandido will face The Firm’s Ethan Page in the semifinals on next week’s Dynamite.

Nyla Rose Picked Up a Win

Nyla Rose wore the stolen TBS Championship to the ring for a match against Kayla Sparks. Rose leveled Kayla with a big boot and posed for the crowd. Rose hit a Splash and continued to flex as the crowd booed. Nyla sent a message to TBS Champion Jade Cargill and hit Jaded to win the match via pinfall. Jade Cargill and the Baddies rushed the ring. Jade booted Nyla in the face and knocked her out of the ring to end the segment. Jade will defend the TBS Championship against Nyla Rose at Full Gear on November 19th.

Orange Cassidy Retained the All-Atlantic Championship

Orange Cassidy defended the All-Atlantic Championship against The Factory’s Lee Johnson. Mark Henry interviewed the competitors in split screen before the match. The title match began with just ten minutes left of the show.

Cassidy avoided Lee’s attack early and hit a shoulder tackle for a one count. Lee launched Cassidy into the turnbuckle but the champion battled back. Orange bounced Johnson’s head off the top turnbuckle as Best Friends brawled with The Factory. Nick Comoroto sent the champion flying over the barricade as Rampage went to the final commercial break of the night.

When Rampage returned, Lee hit a Suplex on Cassidy in the middle of the ring and went for the cover but Orange kicked out at two. Both men connected with a Clothesline at the same time and fell to the canvas.

Cassidy sent Lee out of the ring and onto Comoroto with a massive Back Body Drop. Orange followed it up with a springboard Moonsault onto The Factory outside the ring. Back in the ring, Lee hit a Blue Thunder Bomb and went for the cover but the champ kicked out at two.

Comoroto lifted Cassidy up Trent leveled him with a Spear. The Factory beat Trent down but Chuck Taylor broke it up with a dive. Orange Cassidy hit Lee with a DDT and went for the Orange Punch but Lee dodged it.

Lee hit a Superkick but Cassidy responded with Beach Break for the pinfall victory. Orange Cassidy is still the All-Atlantic champion. Best Friends shared a hug with Orange Cassidy to as QT Marshall watched on in disgust. Best Friends and Orange Cassidy hugged Cole Karter before hitting him with a Powerbomb to end this week’s Rampage.

Former WWE Superstar Returns on SmackDown

Robert Lentini
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WWE has been airing vignettes for the Viking Raiders for the past few weeks featuring a mysterious woman and tonight it was revealed to be Sarah Logan.

Zelina Vega and B-Fab were scheduled to have a singles match tonight on WWE SmackDown. Before the bell rang, the Viking Raiders attacked Legado del Fantasma and Hit Row ringside.

Sarah Logan arrived and attacked B-Fab as the referee called for the bell. Ivar hit Del Toro with a Splash against the barricade and then delivered another one to Ashante Adonis of Hit Row in the ring. Sarah Logan, Erik, and Ivar then posed in the ring to end the segment.

Sarah Logan was released from WWE in 2020 as the company made budget cuts during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was a part of the Riott Squad with Liv Morgan and former WWE Superstar Ruby Riott. Ruby is now a part of the All Elite Wrestling roster and performs as Ruby Soho.

Logan married Erik of the Viking Raiders in December 2018. Sarah and Erik also welcomed a child to their family last year. The wedding was a Viking Ceremony and you can check out photos in the link below.

Sarah Logan & Ray Rowe Married In Viking Ceremony (Photos)

If you missed tonight’s episode of SmackDown, you can check out the full show results here.

Title Match Set for WWE Survivor Series: WarGames

Robert Lentini
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Liv Morgan, Shotzi, Raquel Rodriguez, Xia Li, Lacey Evans, and Sonya Deville competed in a Six-Pack Challenge on this week’s edition of SmackDown to determine the #1 contender for the SmackDown Women’s Championship.

Sonya Deville attempted to steal the victory several times by sneaking in the ring for a cover but it didn’t pan out. Raquel Rodriguez brought Deville out of the ring and set up for a Powerbomb through a table set up next to the ring.

Former SmackDown Women’s Champion Liv Morgan went for a Crossbody move but it was botched and all three superstars fell to the floor. Shotzi and Lacey then battled inside the ring. Shotzi connected with the Never Wake Up for the pinfall victory and it was announced she will battle Rousey at Survivor Series: WarGames.

Ronda Rousey Confronts Shotzi

Emma approached Shotzi backstage after the match and wished her luck against Ronda Rousey. She returned to the company by accepting an Open Challenge from Ronda on a recent episode of SmackDown but came up short. Emma asked if Shotzi had seen Madcap Moss around and Shotzi joked that she is crushing on her. Madcap and Emma are a couple in real life.

Shayna Baszler then confronted Shotzi backstage. Baszler said Ronda will give Shotzi is a beating of a lifetime and all she won tonight is a broken limb at Survivor Series. Shotzi vowed to endure whatever Ronda dishes out at the premium live event and might just surprise the entire world at Survivor Series.

SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey then had a stare-down with Shotzi. Shayna choked Shotzi out from behind with the Kirifuda Clutch. Rousey said “clean up on aisle green” to end the segment.

Ronda will defend the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Shotzi at WWE Survivor Series: WarGames on November 26th at the TD Garden in Boston.

3 Tag Teams Who Could Dethrone The Usos in WWE

Robert Lentini
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The Usos defeated New Day tonight on WWE SmackDown and are just a couple of days away from becoming the longest-reigning tag team champions in WWE history. Jimmy and Jey seem unbeatable at the moment and on top of that, they have The Bloodline in their corner.

  • Best Moments of The Usos’ Historic Tag Title Reign in WWE

It will be a tall task for any tag team on RAW or SmackDown to dethrone The Usos. Here are a few teams that may be able to accomplish that goal in the near future:

#3. RK-Bro

Randy Orton and Matt Riddle formed an unlikely bond in WWE. For whatever reason, the pairing worked and RK-Bro was a wildly entertaining duo. Randy Orton and Riddle battled Jimmy and Jey in a Tag Title Unification match on the May 20th episode of WWE SmackDown.

Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns was ringside for the match and wound up getting involved. Riddle and Jey Uso were battling on the top turnbuckle when Roman hopped on the ring apron. The Tribal Chief held onto Jey as Matt went for a Superplex. Riddle crashed to the canvas and Jey was able to capitalize on the interference with a Frog Splash to unify the titles.

It was Orton’s last appearance on the show as he has been out of action with a concerning back injury. Hopefully, The Viper is able to come back to WWE in the near future and reunite with the Original Bro on RAW. Riddle won his rivalry with Seth Rollins and defeated The Visionary at Extreme Rules.

However, Seth Rollins has already become United States Champion since the Fight Pit match last month. Riddle is still hovering around the tag title division and teamed up with New Day on this past Monday’s episode of RAW in a loss to The Bloodline. RK-Bro versus The Usos would be a great match at next year’s WrestleMania in Hollywood.

#2. The Viking Raiders

Erik and Ivar of the Viking Raiders have had one of the strangest main roster runs for a tag team in recent memory. They were known as the War Raiders in NXT and were a dominant tag team to be taken seriously.

They debuted on the main roster on the April 19th edition of RAW as “The Viking Experience”, a ridiculous name that never caught on with fans. Erik and Ivar now use the name for their finishing move.

After having their names changed to The Viking Raiders, they captured the RAW Tag Team Championships from Bobby Roode and Dolph Ziggler on WWE RAW on October 14, 2019. Their title reign lasted 98 days before dropping them to Seth Rollins and former WWE Superstar Buddy Murphy.

The team then went downhill fast and turned into a comedy act. They entered a feud with the Street Profits that was more focused on playing basketball against each other and trying to make fans laugh rather than get invested in the tag team division.

It appears that the Viking Raiders are about to receive another reset in WWE, this time with Sarah Logan by their side. Erik and Sarah are married and she has been featured in a couple of vignettes on SmackDown. The former Riott Squad member was released in 2020. If the Viking Raiders are able to finally recapture what made them a great team in NXT on the main roster, they could pose a legitimate threat to the title reign of The Usos.

#1. Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens

The underlying tension within The Bloodline is certainly going to boil over at some point. Jey Uso let his true feelings about Sami Zayn be known to the WWE Universe on a recent edition of SmackDown. He noted that he doesn’t like Sami’s hair, face, or anything about him. The tag champion added that Sami can’t be part of The Bloodline when he isn’t blood.

The Honorary Uce asked for peace and pointed out that Roman Reigns asked them to work out their differences. Jey shouted that he doesn’t give a damn what the Tribal Chief said and instantly regretted it. Roman threatened to make Sami a full-blown Uce and rename him “Sami Uso” if Jey doesn’t get his head right. Zayn calmed everything down by saying Jey hasn’t been feeling very “Ucey” lately.

Triple H and WWE reportedly had plans for Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn to team up but they were put on hold due to the incredible popularity of the Honorary Uce at the moment. KO approached Sami backstage while he was wearing an Honorary Uce shirt recently and told him that he needs a new shirt.

There will come a time when The Bloodline will turn its back on Sami Zayn and boot him out of the group. It would be awesome to see Sami’s old friend Kevin Owens show up and fight by his side. KO main-evented WrestleMania against Stone Cold Steve Austin and has done very little of note since.

He was involved in a goofy storyline with Ezekiel before disappearing from WWE TV. The Game thinks highly of KO as he quite literally handed him the Universal Championship back in the day, so one has to believe it is only a matter of time before the Prizefighter returns to the product in an impactful way.

The Usos Vow to Make History on Tonight’s WWE SmackDown

Robert Lentini
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The Usos are set to battle the New Day tonight on WWE SmackDown in a historic match for the Undisputed Tag Team Championships.

Jimmy and Jey enter the match as Undisputed Tag Team Champions for 481 days. The New Day currently holds the record for longest-reigning champions at 483 days. If The Usos win tonight’s match and don’t drop the titles at a random WWE Live Event over the weekend, they will be the new record holders in the company.

Our live results will begin alongside tonight’s edition of WWE SmackDown. The SmackDown World Cup and a Six-Pack Challenge to determine Ronda Rousey’s next opponent have also been announced for tonight’s show.

WWE SmackDown Results, Takeaways (11/11/22): Road to Survivor Series, The Usos Make History, Sarah Logan

The Usos Deliver Message to WWE Universe ahead of Historic Title match

Cathy Kelly caught up to Jimmy and Jey Uso as they arrived at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana for tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown.

She wondered if fatigue could possibly play a role in the title match tonight for The Usos. Jimmy and Jey successfully defended their Undisputed Tag Team Championships against the Brawling Brutes this past Saturday at WWE Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia.

“I think, of course, fatigue is a factor,” said Jimmy Uso. “You know what I’m saying? We’re tired. I’m sure the New Day is tired. But when it is go time out there, it is all about which team wants it the most.”

Jey Uso added that they will make history tonight on SmackDown and tonight is for the family.

That is real talk Cathy,” said Jey Uso. “It is about to get rough, rugged, and raw out there tonight. This right here, we make history tonight. This right here is for the family, this right here is for the ones.

H/T: Sportskeeda Wrestling

Details on How Triple H Originally Felt About Judgment Day

Andrew Ravens
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Paul Levesque (Triple H) wasn’t always on board with Judgment Day as he reportedly “changed his mind” about pushing a particular WWE act since he took over main roster creative from Vince McMahon. 

WrestleVotes discussed Levesque’s current perception of the group while doing an interview with GiveMeSport. Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, and Dominik Mysterio make up the current group after kicking out Edge, the original leader, weeks ago.

Triple H Changed His Mind

Triple H

“I know back in late July or early August, whenever this whole shift happened, from what I was told Hunter wasn’t really cool with Judgment Day. Not personally, but he just didn’t like the idea. But since he’s grown behind it, I think that they’re going to be around for longer than anticipated.”

The group has since Triple H has taken over creative as there is a dynamic between Ripley and Dominik, and now they’re feuding with The OC. 

This past Monday night on Raw, the feud was pushed forward as Mia Yim returned to WWE and aligned with the OC as a female equalizer to Judgment Day’s Rhea Ripley. It looks like WWE is building to another match between the groups at Survivor Series later this month. 

Indie Wrestler Being Considered for Private WWE Tryout

Andrew Ravens
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KC Navarro has made a name for himself on the independent wrestling scene and is now seemingly close to getting a tryout with the largest pro wrestling company in the world, WWE. 

Fightful Select reports that a WWE source told them that Navarro is on WWE’s radar and Navarro is even being considered for a private WWE tryout. WWE usually holds tryouts with several wrestlers at one time, so this could be a good sign the company wants to sign him if a private tryout set up. 

KC Navarro’s Background

KC Navarro
MLW

Navarro has wrestled almost 300 matches since his wrestling debut, including for the likes of Impact Wrestling, MLW, Warrior Wrestling, and DEFY.

The independent standout has also wrestled a handful of matches for AEW’s Dark brand between October 2020 and March 2021. 

On Thursday, WWE announced its Fall 2022 class of Performance Center recruits as 14 people have joined the promotion on developmental deals where they will be training at the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. 

Many of the names announced were part of the July set of tryouts in Nashville, TN, ahead of the SummerSlam premium live event. These recruits are hopeful that they will one day make their WWE TV debuts on NXT.

Gunther Names Top WWE Star as his Dream Opponent

Andrew Ravens
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There are many dream matches for Gunther on the main roster that fans are looking forward to seeing happen. For the WWE Intercontinental Champion, he has shared a dream opponent: Brock Lesnar. 

Gunther’s success in WWE has followed him from NXT UK where he was a top star, to NXT to the main roster. He’s been booked as a dominant force on the main roster, winning the Intercontinental Title in June.

GUNTHER has defended the title in several dream matches, most recently putting on banger after banger with Sheamus.

Gunther vs. Lesnar

Gunther

While speaking with WMBD News, Gunther revealed he has his eye on a match with Brock Lesnar.

“If I had to pin it down to one name, I’d say it’s Brock Lesnar at the moment. When I was young and watching WWE, I enjoyed watching his matches. Later on when I progressed in my career, I was able to watch wrestling and analyze how people work. He’s always been somebody I was impressed with. He’s one of the best to ever do it. I think that’s the biggest possible challenge for me at the moment.”

Lesnar last wrestled at the Crown Jewel premium live event on November 5th by defeating Bobby Lashley.

Transcription via Fightful.

The Good Brothers Were “Offended” by Being Released After the Boneyard Match

Thomas Lowson
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Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson are back with WWE, but only after a tumultuous exit from the company.

The former Raw Tag Team Champions returned to WWE last month to aid AJ Styles in his feud with The Judgment Day.

The pair had been released from WWE in April 2020 as part of the first wave of releases explained as ‘budget cuts.’

Offended

Gallows and Anderson’s final appearance for WWE before being released came at WrestleMania 36, during the much-acclaimed Boneyard match between Styles and The Undertaker.

Speaking about being released on After the Bell, Luke Gallows explained why it was kind of offensive to be cut after such a popular match.

“It’s eleven days removed from this Boneyard match that we got all this praise for. so we didn’t see it coming. It offended him and it offended me too a little bit. We’re eleven days out from main eventing Wrestlemania.”

Luke Gallows.

The match, which would also be The Undertaker’s final match, saw the Deadman win in the main event of WrestleMania 36: Night One.

A Total Surprise

Gallows and Anderson were one of dozens of names cut in April 2020, which included Matt Cardona, Miro, Kurt Angle among many more.

During the podcast, Anderson explained that when he was called, he did not figure he would be one of the many released.

“When the Talent Relations person called that day, I saw them ringing my phone. I said ‘you must be having a bad day and wanting to hear a good voice.’ He goes ‘well it’s not so good for you either.’ I go ‘Huh?!'”

Like Anderson, Gallows had no idea he was going to be released, even as more names were added to the list of cuts.

“He [Gallows] doesn’t even know what’s going on because he’s outside mowing his lawn. The guy rings and the HR guy goes ‘I just got off the phone with your partner’ and Gallows go ‘why?’ It just came as a surprise to us.”

Hitting the Ground Running

Gallows and Anderson’s departure in 2020 came less than four years after the joined WWE, which in Gallows’ case, was a return.

Anderson explained on After the Bell that he and Gallows immediately went to work after receiving the dreaded call.

“Those kind of things set people back for days. But after that first hour, we had CBD Oil, we had a beer, and we had a wine label. We had an Impact Wrestling offer. We had New Japan on the phone. All of this was rocking. By the end of the day, I had almost forgotten what had happened.”

Gallows and Anderson would return to New Japan, debut for AEW, and compete for Impact Wrestling before their return to WWE this year.

Latest on Good Brothers’ Status with WWE & NJPW

Natalya to Miss WWE Royal Rumble After Getting Nasal Surgery?

Andrew Ravens
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Natalya could be out of action for at least three months following surgery, which may mean missing the WWE Royal Rumble in January. 

The SmackDown star underwent nose surgery on November 7th and shared a photo from her hospital bed. WWE covered the surgery by doing an injury angle on television that saw Natalya receive the end of a knee to the face from Shayna Baszler during a recent edition of SmackDown. 

Out of Action

Natalya Neidhart
Natalya Neidhart

At the time of the surgery being revealed, it was not clear how long Natalya would be out following the surgery.

An indication of the timeframe has now emerged as Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that “she will be out of action a minimum of three months and perhaps a little longer because they will be waiting for it to fully heal and this isn’t the three weeks back after ankle surgery she did a few years back to prove she could.”

Natalya will miss Survivor Series: War Games later this month from Boston and potentially the Royal Rumble on January 28, 2023 in San Antonio. We wish her a speedy recovery. 

Natalya Can Breathe Again After Recent Nasal Surgery (Photo)
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