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Kurt Angle Teases Involvement with WWE WrestleMania 39

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Kurt Angle could be walking down the aisle at WrestleMania one last time as part of next year’s two-night event.

Angle recently returned to WWE TV during the August 29, 2022 edition of Monday Night Raw, and was involved in a segment with the Alpha Academy and the Street Profits.

The Olympic Gold Medalist celebrated with the Profits after their match, where the stipulation being that Kurt would have had to join the Academy if Chad Gable and Otis won.

WrestleMania

Angle was able to keep clear of joining the Alpha Academy, but he could be appearing at WWE’s biggest event of next year.

Speaking to the Wrassingh Show, the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion revealed that there have been talks about him doing something for next year’s event (via 411 Mania.)

They’re talking about maybe me doing something at WrestleMania.”

Kurt Angle on possibly appearing at WrestleMania 39 next year.

Angle went on to clarify that nothing is set in stone yet, calling his possible WrestleMania 39 “just an idea.”

The WWE Hall of Famer did confirm that if he does appear at WrestleMania he will not be wrestling.

“It won’t be in a wrestling capacity at all. I don’t mind because I can’t wrestle anymore.”

Kurt Angle on appearing for WWE without competing.

WWE WrestleMania 39 will take place on April 1 and April 2, 2023, from the SoFi Stadium, in Inglewood, Los Angeles, California.

AEW

Despite being released from WWE in April 2020, Kurt Angle hasn’t ever appeared for All Elite Wrestling, a promotion many fans believe he would be a perfect fit for.

Angle explained on the show that his loyalty to WWE has kept him from Tony Khan’s company.

“I have a contract with WWE, it’s a nostalgia contract. It’s more of a merchandise contract with them right now. And I’ve always try to keep a good relationship with them, ever since I left them for TNA and came back to WWE.

“I don’t want to do that again, I don’t want to jump ship because WWE has always been good to me.”

Possible Spoilers on Edge’s Return to WWE TV

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WWE Hall of Famer Edge could be back on TV sooner than fans had first expected if a popular theory about the Rated-R Superstar is to be believed.

Edge hasn’t appeared since the September 12, Monday Night Raw, where he faced Dominik Mysterio.

During the match, all four members of the Judgment Day attacked Edge, taking him out of action.

The Injury

After the attack on Edge, it was reported on WWE’s The Bump that he had suffered a Grade-2 MCL sprain, though it is believed this is a kayfabe injury.

If it is legitimate, then Edge would not be expected to miss much in-ring time, as a Grade-2 MCL sprain typically takes two to four weeks to fully heal.

The Return

According to a popular theory, Edge’s return may come in time for WWE’s next Premium Live Event: Extreme Rules

Many fans have pointed out that on the poster for the event, Edge is featured, alongside other Superstars including Matt Riddle and Seth Rollins.

Typically, WWE avoids using any Superstars on a poster if they are not scheduled to appear, to avoid allegations of false advertising.

Edge is also the only Superstar on the poster without a match confirmed or expected for Extreme Rules at this time.

image 7

Extreme Rules 2022 will take place on October 8, at the Wells Fargo Center, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Another Return?

Edge may be back on WWE TV in time for Extreme Rules 2022, but he’s not the only possible return.

In an image promoting Matt Riddle and Seth Rollins’ Fight Pit, a lantern and fireflies can be seen, both synonymous with Bray Wyatt.

Wyat is rumored to be returning to WWE soon, with the belief that he is behind the ‘White Rabbit’ teases fans have seen over the past week.

It has been reported that Wyatt, who was released from WWE in July 2021, has spoken to WWE this year.

Ric Flair is Inspired To Have One Final Wrestling Match, Again

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Ric Flair could be about to lace up his boots for one last match, which would be his second last ever match in recent memory.

In July, the Nature Boy competed in his last ever match as part of Starrcast V, where he teamed with his son-in-law Andrade El Idolo to defeat Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal.

Other events at the time celebrated Flair’s career in wrestling, including a roast of the two-time WWE Hall of Famer.

Getting Back in the Ring

Ric Flair may have confirmed his retirement in July, but he may be getting that wrestling itch again.

While speaking on his To Be The Man podcast, Flair spoke about the impending in-ring return of Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat (via Wrestling Inc.)

Steamboat coming back makes me want to come back again. I went back up to Lincoln and started training again. What else is there to do?”

Ric Flair on the possibility of wrestling again.

Before Flair’s last match in July, it was reported that the plan was for Ric to face Steamboat in the former’s final match, playing off their legendary rivalry.

It was later reported that the Dragon turned down the idea of facing the Nature Boy.

Ricky Steamboat

Steamboat will wrestle as part of the Big Time Wrestling event at the Dorton Arena in Raleigh, NC on Sunday, November 27.

This will mark The Dragon’s first match in over 12 years, with his most recent being a tag-team match with his son Richie in 2010 as part of FCW.

Steamboat’s most recent singles match saw him defeat Drew McIntyre at a WWE Live event in August 2009.

Sammy Guevara Threatens to Leave AEW Over Hostile Fan Response

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Sammy Guevara’s tenure with All Elite Wrestling could be about to come to an end, at least according to the Spanish God himself.

Guevara joined AEW in February 2019, making him one of the first wrestlers to sign with the promotion.

Since then, he has become a record-tying three-time AEW TNT Champion, and worked in the stables the Inner Circle and the Jericho Appreciation Society.

Threatening to Leave

Guevara has become a star in AEW, but he may soon be seeking his exit from the company.

Speaking on his latest vlog, the Spanish God addressed his future with the company, blaming hostile fans for his possible abrupt departure (via Sportskeeda.)

Maybe I should go away, maybe this is it for me. I had a nice ride, and maybe I need to go away to get y’all [fans] to appreciate me, ’cause that’s what you guys do.”

Sammy Guevara.

Guevara also made reference to Cody Rhodes, a fellow three-time AEW TNT Champion, who left in February after years of a mixed response in AEW.

That’s what you did to Cody [Rhodes.] While he was in AEW, you hated him and then he went to WWE and you guys love him now.

Sammy Guevara.

These comments come after Guevara teased that things were “coming to an end” in a cryptic tweet.

Despite this threat, Guevara’s recent comments come just one week after he said how he enjoys AEW and is planning to stay.

AEW Departures

Cody Rhodes isn’t the only name to leave AEW this year, as multiple names have ended their tenures with the promotion.

Stu Grayson and Alan Angels have both left AEW this year after working as part of the Dark Order.

In August, it was reported that Bobby Fish’s contract would not be renewed.

Earlier this month, Malakai Black was granted a conditional release from his contract, and is rumored to be considering a WWE return.

The Bloodline React To Solo Sikoa Being Stripped Of The NXT North American Title

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Solo Sikoa had to relinquish the North American Championship on tonight’s episode of NXT.

The newest Bloodline member captured the title from Carmelo Hayes but was forced to vacate the title tonight at the beginning of NXT. Shawn Michaels, Carmelo Hayes, and Solo Sikoa opened the show backstage.

Hayes was supposed to defend the title against Wes Lee but couldn’t compete following an attack from Trick Williams and Carmelo. Solo stepped in as a replacement for Wes Lee and won the title.

Shawn Michaels said that Sikoa had to vacate the title because he wasn’t sanctioned to compete in the match last week. It should be noted that Sikoa successfully defended the NXT North American Championship last Friday on SmackDown as well. Shawn Michaels announced that there will be a ladder match in six weeks at Halloween Havoc to crown the new champion.

The Bloodline React To Solo Sikoa Being Stripped Of The NXT North American Championship

Shortly after he relinquished the title, Solo hopped on Twitter and claimed that he is already looking for more gold. He also took a shot at Carmelo Hayes and said “I beat you. You never beat me. That’s all that matters. See you at SmackDown, if you make it there.

https://twitter.com/WWESoloSikoa/status/1572384415891836930?s=20&t=Gh4KDzsIkjS_KvmP4L0hzw
https://twitter.com/WWESoloSikoa/status/1572402361284366337?s=20&t=Gh4KDzsIkjS_KvmP4L0hzw

Honorary Uce Sami Zayn vented his frustration about Solo being stripped of the title and clarified that his jovial profile picture had nothing to do with what happened on tonight’s NXT.

“I’ve just been informed about Solo Sikoa relinquishing the NXT North American Title. The jovial expression in my delightful #NewProfilePic has nothing to do with this news, it’s simply bad timing. Just got off the phone with my dawg & he’s doing well. Bigger, better things ahead!”

“Penguin Bad Assery” – The Rock Reacts To Penguin Named After Him

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Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is the biggest movie star on the planet, a future WWE Hall of Famer, and most importantly now has a penguin named after him.

The Rock is set to portray DC Comics character Black Adam in the film set for release on October 21st. His last appearance in WWE was on the October 4, 2019 edition of SmackDown. The Great One and Becky Lynch mocked Corbin and got the crowd to chant “STD!” at him. The Rock connected with the People’s Elbow at the end of the segment.

The Cincinnati Zoo has named one of their penguins after The Great One due to his ability to hop from rock to rock.

Meet Dwayne @TheRock hopper penguin! The rockhopper penguin is named for its ability to hop from rock to rock!

The Rock reacted to the news and asked for a video of this “spectacular feat of penguin bad assery”. You can check out Dwayne “The Rock Hopper” Penguin below.

“We need video of this spectacular feat of penguin bad assery”

Roman Reigns On Rumored Match Against The Rock At WrestleMania 39

The Tribal Chief recently appeared on Logan Paul’s “Impaulsive” podcast recently and discussed the rumored match against The Rock next year at WrestleMania 39. The show will air from SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on April 1-2 next year.

Roman stated that he doesn’t book the show but claimed that he will be ready for the match if it happens.

“They keep trying. Everybody keeps trying on this one. I don’t book the show, bro. I’m up for anybody. If it works out, then I’m ready.  “It seems like it’s been that way. All the big names, all the big stars, whether they’re from our business, the movies, to the internet now, I’ve been in a really cool groove where these things have kinda just come to me, so I hope they’ll just continue to do that.”

After Roman Reigns appeared on Logan’s podcast, WWE announced Roman would defend the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Logan at Crown Jewel on November 5th. Logan appeared during last week’s edition of SmackDown for a promo with Paul Heyman and The Bloodline. Logan wound up leveling Honorary Uce Sami Zayn with a right hand to end the segment. Roman and Logan held a press conference in Las Vegas over the weekend moderated by Triple H to make the match official.

WWE NXT Results (9/20/22): Bate vs. McDonagh, Oro Mensah’s Debut

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The September 20, 2022 episode of WWE NXT aired live on the USA Network from Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center. 

WWE NXT Results 

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Nathan Frazer def. Axiom.

Toxic Attraction def. Ivy Nile and Tatum Paxley

Schism def. Edris Enofe and Malik Blade

Cora Jade def. Wendy Choo 

Andre Chase and Bodhi Hayward def. Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams 

Von Wagner def. Sanga

Oro Mensah def. Grayson WallerJD McDonagh def. Tyler Bate

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Opener

shawn michaels nxt

Shawn Michaels said Solo Sikoa has to hand over the NXT North American Championship because he was not supposed to be in that match last week where he beat Carmelo Hayes for the title. 

Michaels shook Solo’s hand and wished him the best on the main roster. It will be Hayes and four others in a ladder match at Halloween Havoc to crown a new champ.

Best of 3

1nxt 2

Nathan Frazer defeated Axiom to tie their Best of 3 Series. The match opened the show. Frazer does a twisting neck breaker and a superplex. He wins with a Phoenix Splash off the top rope.

Axiom won the first match of the series on the September 6 episode.

Let’s Fight

the dyad

Joe Gacy, Rip Fowler, and Jagger Reid come to the ring for a promo. Gacy said he has tried compassion to convince Cameron Grimes to join them, but Grimes had made a life changing decision to not join them. 

A masked woman with a hoodie is seen watching from the back of the crowd. Edris Enofe and Malik Blade interrupted and challenged The Dyad to a match. The Dyad defeated Enofe and Blade. 

Big Win

chase u

Andre Chase and Bodhi Hayward defeated Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams. Post-match, Chase, and Bodhi joined Thea Hail for a big celebration in the crowd with the Chase University student section. 

Oro Mensah’s Debut

onos

Oro Mensah (fka Oliver Carter) made his debut with a win over Grayson Waller, thanks to an assist from Apollo Crews. He has advanced to the ladder match at Halloween Havoc for the North American Title. 

In 2019, Mensah made his NXT UK debut. In a three-way match on the June 2 episode of NXT UK, he and Ashton Smith defeated former tag team champions Trent Seven & Tyler Bate and Teoman & Rohan Raja to win the championships. However, the team was forced to relinquish the titles later that month after Smith injured his knee. When it was announced on August 18 that the NXT UK brand was closing down in favor of the opening of NXT Europe, which will take place sometime in 2023, Smith was one of the names released by WWE.

The Main Event

0NXT 2

JD McDonagh defeated Tyler Bate to determine the number one contender to Bron Breakker’s NXT Championship when JD hit his finisher. 

Post-match, Breakker had a face-off with JD. Ilja Dragunov interrupted. The three faced off in the ring to end the episode.

In a unification match earlier this month at Worlds Collide, Bate lost the NXT UK Championship to Breakker, and McDonagh lost a title match to Breakker on the August Heatwave broadcast of NXT.

Solo Sikoa Relinquishes WWE NXT North American Title

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WWE will crown a new NXT North American Champion at Halloween Havoc as Solo Sikoa is no longer the champion. 

In the opening segment of this week’s NXT episode on the USA Network, Carmelo Hayes, Sikoa, and Shawn Michaels were seen in a room. Sikoa was notified by Michaels that his last week’s match with Carmelo was not one in which he was authorized to participate. 

Solo Sikoa is No Longer The Champ

Solo Sikoa SK

Due to a fan vote, Wes Lee was to face Hayes in the championship defense. However, after Hayes and Trick Williams ambushed Lee, Solo stepped in and won the match.

He told Sikoa that his title victory was inadmissible and wished him luck in his main roster career with The Bloodline (Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Tag Team Champions The Usos) on SmackDown. 

When Michaels told Hayes that they would be competing for the title in a ladder match at Halloween Havoc, Hayes thought he would be getting the belt back.

On the SmackDown edition of September 16 versus Madcap Moss, Sikoa successfully defended the title one time.

WWE Legend On Trying To Contact Vince McMahon: “He Had To Turn In His Company Phone”

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Kurt Angle recently revealed that he hasn’t been able to get in contact with former WWE CEO Vince McMahon.

Vince resigned from the company on July 22nd after alleged “hush money” payments to former female employees were discovered by the company’s board of directors. He made a couple of appearances before retiring.

Mr. McMahon introduced John Cena for his 20th Anniversary Celebration on the June 20th edition of RAW and retired from the company less than a month later. The 77-year-old announced his retirement on Twitter. He made his first public appearance to celebrate his birthday recently. John Cena, Pat McAfee, and other WWE talent attended the event in NYC.

Kurt Angle On Trying To Get In Contact With Vince McMahon

WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle was interviewed by AJ Singh on “The Wrassingh Show” and spoke about Vince McMahon. Kurt revealed that WWE had taken away the 77-year-old’s company phone and he has no way of getting in contact with him.

Angle added that he spoke to Stephane McMahon a couple of weeks ago and she told him that Vince would get in touch with him but that hasn’t happened yet.

“I just talked to Stephanie (McMahon) a couple of weeks ago because I couldn’t get a hold of Vince anymore. I’d imagine that he had to turn in his company phone and that was the only way I could get a hold of him. I had his number and I would call him here and there. I’d talk to him and see how he was doing and I texted him a couple of times after he left and he never responded.

I found out that they did take the company phone from him, so I don’t have any way of getting a hold of him. But Stephanie told me she would talk to Vince and he would reach out to me. I’m still waiting though.”

Kurt Angle on trying to get in contact with Vince McMahon

H/T: Sportskeeda

Kurt Angle On Major Change To WWE Survivor Series: “I Think It’s A Great Idea”

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WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle has shared his thoughts about WarGames returning to the main roster at Survivor Series. The WarGames match have been a staple in NXT since 2017. The matches feature two teams battling in two rings surrounded by cages. All Elite Wrestling has introduced their own version of the match called Blood & Guts.

Triple H made the announcement this week that there will be a men’s and women’s WarGames match at the Premium Live Event at the TD Garden in Boston on November 26th.

Survivor Series used to have RAW versus SmackDown in traditional elimination matches. Speaking with AJ Singh on “The Wrassingh Show“, the Olympic Gold Medalist revealed that he wasn’t a fan of the Survivor Series elimination matches and is

“Well, you know, it’s going to be different. It is not going to be the same structure but I believe it will be very effective. It’s new and new is always good. I think bringing anything into the company that revives it and is invigorating, I think it’s a great idea. I never was crazy about the Survivor Series elimination match.

I don’t think it did a lot for any of the wrestlers. The only one that it did a lot for is the one who won. Nobody else really got over in that match. So, I think that this might be a little bit better.

Kurt Angle on WarGames returning at WWE Survivor Series

H/T: Sportskeeda

Kurt Angle Appears On WWE RAW

The 53-year-old appeared recently on RAW from his hometown of Pittsburgh. He was ringside for a tag team match between The Street Profits and Alpha Academy. Montez Ford picked up the victory for The Street Profits after hitting Chad Gable with a Frog Splash.

After the match, Montez and Angelo tried to share a drink with Angle but he spit the beverage out. Kurt and The Street Profits then recreated one of Angle’s most iconic moments in his career and chugged some milk as the crowd cheered.

Ricky Starks Addresses Comparisons to The Rock

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Ricky Starks does not mind the comparisons to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

While speaking with The Ringer’s Cameron Hawkins, he was asked about fans comparing him to the former WWE Champion.

Starks said some fans have even suggested he is The Great One himself but thinks the comparisons are a huge compliment. He also noted that he was a big fan of The Undertaker growing up.

Ricky Starks on The Rock

“I really don’t [hate the comparison]. In fact, it’s a huge compliment to have,” Starks said. “I think there’s a misconception that I hate the comparison; I actually don’t. What I hate about the comparison sometimes is people say, ‘You steal the Rock. You try to be just like …’ And it’s like, I actually don’t.”

He continued, “The Rock was never … the Rock was no. 3 on my list of favorite wrestlers; Undertaker was no. 1. So when people try to discredit my talents because they think I’m trying to be someone else, that’s when I have an issue with it. Yesterday, I went to this event and people are like, ‘You remind me of …’ They always have to put an era of Rock on it for some reason, like ‘the Nation of Domination Rock’ or something like that. But then I get people who say, ‘You just remind me of a young Rock.’ And I go, ‘That’s really nice. That’s really cool,’ because at least that’s a connection that you have.”

Starks will face his former tag team partner Powerhouse Hobbs on Friday’s Grand Slam edition of AEW Rampage.

Ric Flair on Ricky Steamboat’s in-Ring Return: ‘At Any Level, he’s Better Than 50% of Today’s Wrestlers’

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Ric Flair has given his take on Ricky Steamboat’s return to wrestling.

It was announced last week that the pro wrestling legend would be stepping back into the ring on November 27 for Big Time Wrestling, although his opponent has yet to be confirmed. 

Steamboat turned down the offer to compete in Ric Flair’s final match at Starrcast V in July. Flair teamed with son-in-law Andrade instead against Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal. 

Ric Flair on Ricky Steamboat Making a Comeback

Ric Flair after his last match

While speaking on To Be The Man on AdFreeShows, Flair praised one of his greatest rivals: 

“He’s going to be in a match soon. I’m happy for him. It’s great. Steve Perkins is a great promoter. I wish them all well, whoever is involved. I don’t know the situation, but it’s great. It’s one of those deals where nobody is ever going to be Ricky Steamboat so they might as well watch them while they can and enjoy the opportunity. There will never be another Ricky Steamboat. At any level, he’s better than 50% of the guys in the business today. He wouldn’t get in the ring if he wasn’t. He holds himself to a very high standard. I imagine he’ll probably look better than the guys he is in the ring with. He’s always in great shape,” he said.

The last time Steamboat competed in professional wrestling was in a tag team bout in 2010 against Caylen Croft and Trent Barreta of The Dudebusters. 

At WrestleMania 25 in 2009, Steamboat made his first appearance in the ring in 15 years. He competed against Chris Jericho in a three-on-one handicap elimination match with Roddy Piper and Jimmy Snuka. Later that month, he also worked a singles bout against Jericho at the Backlash pay-per-view. Due to a back problem, Steamboat had already retired in 1994.

H/T to Fightful for the transcription

The Fiend Concept Artist Teases Design For The White Rabbit

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WWE has given us a new mystery.

For the last few weeks the company has been playing Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit” at house shows and during commercial breaks of television tapings. This has prompted fans to turn on their cell-phone flashlights similar to how they use to for former WWE superstar Bray Wyatt, with many believing that the song is signaling the Eater of Worlds inevitable return. A recent fan theory added more fuel to this speculation, but now a bigger tease has been released online, one that may indicate what is to come.

Artist Kyle A. Scarborough, who has had his work showcased in WWE, AEW, NJPW, IMPACT, NOAH, and non-wrestling related markets, took to his personal Twitter today and shared an original image of what appears to be…a White Rabbit. Hidden under Scarborough’s code reads the words “Feed Your Head,” which is the final line in the Jefferson Airplane song. WWE Fans in particular remember Scarborough as he designed the mask for Wyatt’s alter ego, The Fiend.

Wyatt was released by WWE back in July of 2021, one of the more shocking cuts the company made considering Wyatt’s popularity and ability to move merchandise. He had been paired with Alexa Bliss at that time, who herself, dropped a White Rabbit hint on Monday’s edition of Raw. You can read about that here.

For more, visit our main thread taking a deep dive into WWE’s White Rabbit mystery.

Did You Catch Alexa Bliss’ White Rabbit Reference on WWE Raw?

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It looks like fans will soon see a different side of the Alexa Bliss character on WWE television. 

During Monday Night Raw, Bayley did a promo segment where she ripped Bliss for being a shell of herself before defeating Bliss during the main event. In the match, the announcers were pointing out that Bliss was not putting everything she had into the match with the idea that she had lost a step into the ring. The lights went out briefly during the main event.

A Change Coming for Alexa Bliss?

Alexa Bliss

Bliss dropped the supernatural aspects of her gimmick earlier this year after portraying a similar gimmick to Bray Wyatt’s character. WWE has been doing a storyline with Bliss where she has been floundering on Raw. 

Bliss said in the promo segment that Bayley was acting “like you’re 10 Feet Tall.” In the White Rabbit song, there is a lytic that states, “Go ask Alice, When she’s ten feet tall.”

As previously noted, WWE showed a QR code during a backstage segment with Austin Theory. The company did another White Rabbit tease during a Raw commercial break, dimming the lights in the arena. 

Many fans believe the song could be used for Karrion Kross or Bray Wyatt because Wyatt recently had talks with WWE about a possible return, and Kross was known as The White Rabbit when he was in Lucha Underground.

Some fans take that Bliss line as an indication that Wyatt is returning and aligning himself with Bliss.

For more, visit our main thread taking a deep dive into WWE’s White Rabbit mystery.

Wardlow Names the Best Moment of His AEW Career

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AEW star Wardlow is riding high right now as the reigning TNT Champion, but that isn’t quite the highlight of his career with the company.

Wardlow joined All Elite Wrestling in 2019, initially as the bodyguard of MJF, before splitting with the Salt of the Earth earlier this year.

Face of the Revolution

Speaking on the Dynamite Diamond Podcast, Wardlow said that the Casino Ladder Match at AEW Revolution 2022 will go down as his favorite moment to date.

“The ladder match at Revolution. That was the best moment of my life that night. Winning that ladder match. Holy sh*t. Standing up there with that ring and the reaction from that crowd, especially after murdering Ricky Starks.

Wardlow added that while the fan reaction wasn’t as he predicted, that made the moment with Starks even better.

“It was supposed to be I powerbomb him, the place goes wild, [I] grab the thing, They go even more wild. Instead, it was powerbomb, place goes f***ing silent, because I just murdered him. Then I was like ‘F**k you’ and as soon I did that, the place came f***ing back up. Then I grabbed the thing and it was all good.

As if winning the match wasn’t enough, Wardlow also enjoyed the crowd reaction after the bell.

“The eruption from the crowd as I turned around and walked up that ramp was [amazing]. The eruption from that crowd. That is the best feeling in the whole world. It really is, hands down. There is nothing in the world that can compare.”

Turning Face

Later in the show, Wardlow would turn on MJF, establishing himself as a face and beginning a feud with his former employer.

When Wardlow cashed in his shot at the AEW TNT Championship, MJF cost him the match against then-Champion Scorpio Sky.

At AEW Double or Nothing 2022 in May, Wardlow would defeat MJF, earning his freedom from the latter’s contract, and would capture the TNT Title in July.

A Fan Theory May have Cracked WWE’s ‘White Rabbit’ Mystery

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WWE is facing a new mystery, and it’s not even appeared on TV yet.

For the past week, a mysterious tease for what’s been dubbed ‘the White Rabbit’ has been part of WWE Live events and now as part of the TV programming.

Wrestling is no stranger to mysteries, and now one amateur sleuth may have the answer.

The White Rabbit

WWE has been playing the song White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane and has provided no explanation for the track.

At a WWE Live event and during a commercial break on last Friday’s SmackDown, the promotion also used ominous red lighting, with fans believing that this could mark the end of Bray Wyatt.

At the two events, fans also held up their camera phone lights, referencing the ‘fireflies’ from Wyatt’s tenure with the company.

During this week’s Raw, a QR code could be spotted that took fans to an eerie video, teasing that more will be revealed during this Friday’s SmackDown.

Mystery Solved?

WWE has kept quiet about this White Rabbit mystery, but a fan on Reddit may have found the answer. The Reddit user noted how on July 4, this year, Wyatt shared a tweet, asking if anyone knows about ‘The Devil’s Hole’ in Self, Arkansas.

After our intrepid Reddit user did some Googling, they found that Self, Arkansas isn’t even a town but instead an “unincorporated community.”

Looking up The Devil’s Hole in Self, Arkansas took the Reddit user to a 2004 forum about the area and creepy things that have happened. The Reddit user noted how the moderator of the forum had the interesting name – White Rabbit.

Using an 18-year-old non-WWE forum may seem like long-term storytelling too long for the promotion, but its hardly the first time Wyatt has waited. In 2019, Wyatt revealed that he had used eight backstage promos from 2015 to make a secret message which nobody found.

For more, visit our main thread taking a deep dive into WWE’s White Rabbit mystery.

Madusa Names the Dream Opponent She Somehow Never Faced

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Whether it was in the pro wrestling or monster truck arena, Madusa has always been about breaking through barriers. The Hall of Famer is now looking to do her part to help along others do the same. It’s why she has gotten more involved with the Cauliflower Alley Club. A nonprofit organization that has helped so many within the industry in need. The 56th Annual CAC Reunion takes place September 26-28. Madusa, also known as Alundra Blayze, will be co-hosting the award’s dinner with John Arezzi. 

“I found myself in a different transition in my life. I wanted to get into some charity work. What better way to get back into charity work than look to our business and give back,” she said. “Especially 40 years in the entertainment business and understanding what our colleagues go through, tragedies to triumph.” 

Madusa hopes to lend her outspoken voice to the board of the CAC. Taking a seat at the proverbial table is just the beginning the former women’s champ envisions. 

“The organization has helped with a million dollars of charitable funds dedicated to helping people,” she said. “I would like to get the word out more.” 

Dream Opponent She Never Worked With

Along with hosting duties, Madusa is planning to help recognize Jacqueline Moore as the 2022 Women’s Wrestling Honoree. The legendary performer recalls almost crying when asked to participate. 

“Here is a woman basically parallel through my whole career,” Madusa said. “Same age started at the same time. We were in the same organization at the same time. Do you realize she and I never wrestled each other? What the hell?” 

Madusa loves throwing it out there that she still has the WWF women’s championship. You know the one where she helped ignite the “Monday Night War” by throwing the title in the trash can. A similar scene took place earlier this year when Cora Jade canned the NXT women’s tag titles. 

“When I saw that, I said, ‘Damn, at least that b—tch got to keep her job.’ Good for her,” she quipped.

The veteran superstar actually appeared on an episode of NXT. She has also remained active in helping the next generation of the NWA. An opportunity Madusa cherishes. As for a retirement match, it’s the old never say never.  

“I would love to have a retirement match,” Madusa said. “That may have gone and sailed. Maybe not. Maybe it’s Jacqueline?  We’ll finish it off. That would be unexpected and great. It would have to be someone that would have great chemistry and that could carry my ass in a way that if I bumped my head and didn’t know what was going on, they could carry the match.” 

Upcoming Autobiography

Last match or not, Madusa no doubt has a story to tell. And she finally will with an anticipated autobiography coming out in 2023 with James C. Melby Historian Award winner Greg Oliver.  

“I’ve been writing this book for 30 years. It first started in WWF. I was sitting down with Vince Russo when he was working there. I said I would like to write a book. He and I would intermittently sit down and talk. He would record me on those little cassette thingies,” Madusa recalled. “I would say eight years ago he said, ‘Deuce, I still have those tapes. Would you like them back?’ I’m like, ‘Sure!’ He sent me all the tapes.”

Encouragement from others including Arezzi led to the project continuing on with Madusa inspired. She is excited for everyone to read the finished product. 

“I will tell you this book is so well-written. So me.… The title of the book is ‘The Woman Who Would Be King.’ I’ve been queen my whole life. I’ve been ‘Queen of Carnage,’ ‘Queen of the Ring,” Madusa said. “I was talking to Paul Heyman, a very dear friend of mine to this day. I’ll text and bounce ideas. I said, ‘I’m about done with the book. I’ve got to two or three titles. I don’t know.’ 

“He said, “The Woman Who Would Be King. Deuce that’s you. That was all Paul Heyman. He did write the forward of the book. I’m so honored. This book is not a tattle tale book. It doesn’t throw anyone under the bus. It’s not about that crap. It’s about a woman and her story, surviving in two male-dominated businesses. The stories will make you happy, cry, piss you off and overcome. It’s a great story.” 

Visit the CAC site for more information on the organization and to attend the CAC Reunion. 

AEW Rankings Being Phased Out? Not Dead, But De-Emphasized

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The AEW rankings system has been a double-edged sword for All Elite Wrestling’s matchmaking and storylines. When AEW launched in 2019, Tony Khan and his Executive Vice Presidents emphasized that “wins and losses matter,” unlike other promotions that have been hampered by directionless ’50/50 booking.’

AEW tracks the win/loss records of everybody on the roster, but it’s the Men’s, Women’s and Tag Team divisions that have generally been published each week. The records and rankings can be a useful tool when determining the challengers to AEW’s top championships. However, there have been instances where wrestlers who are not highly-ranked receive title shots, which muddies the waters.

Over the past several weeks, we’ve seen AEW announce and reference the rankings less frequently. At the AEW website, the most recent ‘weekly rankings’ available are from August 31, 2022.

The company still shows wrestlers’ W/L records on-screen during match entrances, but there has been a noticeable pull-back on this initiative. Dave Meltzer mentioned on Wrestling Observer Radio, “There was a decision not to emphasize them as much on television.”

Of course, this could be a temporary measure and AEW could always give a renewed push to the rankings system. We know the rankings will play a big part in the storyline mode in the upcoming AEW Fight Forever video game.

The AEW rankings system has been a bold challenge to execute. The rankings are currently being de-emphasized. For the foreseeable future, we expect AEW to utilize rankings when it makes sense, without the challenges that come from regular weekly reporting.

Swerve Strickland: AEW-Hip Hop Crossover is Attracting New Fans

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AEW should carry on blending the worlds of professional wrestling and music according to one-half of the World Tag Team Champions Swerve Strickland.

In February this year, AEW announced an album featuring Hip Hop & R ‘n B artists for Black History month, including performers such as Jon Connor, Mega Ran, Brinson, Omega Sparx, Monteasy, and Josiah Williams.

Earlier this month, Daniel Garcia’s ring entrance was performed by Westside Gunn, ahead of the ‘Dragon Slayer’s’ ROH Pure Championship win over Wheeler Yuta.

Hip Hop star Action Bronson has been training ahead of an appearance at this week’s AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam.

AEW and Music

AEW has seen plenty of Hip Hop artists already, and that trend is set to continue if Strickland has his way.

Speaking on the latest episode of ‘The Sessions’ Strickland told host Renee Paquette how he thinks that pro-wrestling and entertainment crossovers just make sense.

“I’ve always been a big advocate of the crossover. Sports and media and entertainment, now we’re seeing Dwayne Johnson announce the Superbowl and things like that. There’s those same types of parallels that are transferring over and I’ve always been a big proponent for it.”

Bringing it Back

While Strickland said that AEW was crossing over with music prior to his arrival in March this year, he felt that the company’s interest in Hip Hop had wained in that time.

“I had a connection make the Kevin Gates thing that we did happen, and I was like ‘man I feel like we can bring that back to life and provide something that has been missing for quite some time on the show.

“Especially for hip-hop culture and African American culture and stuff like that. I think that may influence, and ripple through the industry. Even when we did LA. right after Double or Nothing I brought in Jeff Hamilton to do a little one-minute backstage with me. Hip-Hop heads, true hip-hop heads through the music industry and fashion were like ‘yo! What is he doing here on AEW Wrestling?'”

Responding to Critics

AEW has a huge fan base, but it is impossible to please everyone.

Speaking about recent crossovers, Strickland admitted that not everyone is on board with seeing musical artists take up time on AEW programming.

The AEW World Tag Team Champion countered that seeing artists is likely to win over people who want to watch wrestling, but don’t quite know how to start.

“There were some critiques about it like ‘what was this for? It was like a minute. What was that put on TV for?’ Some wrestling fans were like ‘I don’t understand what the purpose of that was.’

“You guys are already watching, it wasn’t for you as fans. It was for these people who want to like wrestling, but they’re so hesitant because they don’t see representation on certain shows.

“It was for these people who want to like wrestling, but they’re so hesitant.”

Swerve Strickland on AEW’s crossover with music winning over new fans.

“So now just having that ‘oh Jeff Hamilton he just did the NBA 75 jackets for Lebron James and Steph Curry and all these guys. What is he doing in AEW? Oh, they’re in the forum!’

“That’s a pop culture thing that goes all the way through You don’t have to be a wrestling fan to appreciate those connections. And that’s why I try to find.”

The Future

AEW has shown no signs of easing up on their involvement with music now that Strickland is around, and he has big plans for the future.

When asked what he hopes to be the next step, Strickland said that with Hip Hop artists coming to AEW, it’s time for AEW to enter their domain.

“I want to see us transfer over there to that side a little bit more. Because when you look at a lot of wrestling that gets involved with rap and music or doing it, it always feel like its very charicature, where it’s a parody of the music.”

For use of these quotes please give a h/t to SEScoops.

DDP Praises Former NWA World Champion Who Should be on Triple H’s Radar

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Triple H should be keeping his eye on Nick Aldis, according to WWE Hall of Famer Diamond Dallas Page.

In July, the former WWE World Champion was appointed WWE’s Head of Talent Relations replacing John Laurinaitis.

Since his appointment, The Game has brought back several released Superstars, including Karrion Kross, Dexter Lumis, Hit Row, Johnny Gargano and others.

On the Radar

WWE is bringing back several names from their past, with Bray Wyatt also rumored to return, but Nick Aldis has never worked for the promotion before.

That should change according to DDP, who during the latest Snake Pit podcast, praised the former two-time NWA World’s Heavyweight Champion (via eWrestlingNews.)

“He’s got the friggin’ look, he’s got the work, he’s got the promo. I mean, all this time, he is a hidden, he is a hidden diamond. He isn’t a diamond in the rough, he’s a diamond. Like, he’s ready to go.”

When asked if WWE is aware of Aldis and are considering bringing him in, Page remained coy.

“I would think [so]. And if not right now, at some point later. He [Triple H] has got enough to do right now.”

Diamnd Dallas Page on whether Nick Aldis is on Triple H’s radar.

Nick Aldis

Beginning his wrestling career in 2003, Aldis rose to prominence in TNA/Impact Wrestling, working under the name Magnus.

A former TNA World Heavyweight Champion, Aldis remained with the company 2015, and had a brief return in 2017.

That same year Aldis joined the National Wrestling Alliance, where he is a two-time World Champion.

Scotty 2 Hotty Recalls Having Move Banned by Linda McMahon

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Scotty 2 Hotty took a lot of moves throughout his WWE career, but there’s one that he only took once, thanks to Linda McMahon.

Scotty, real-name Scott Garland, signed with WWE in 1997 and was with the company until resigning as a trainer in 2021.

The Move

Appearing this week on the Wrestling with Johnners podcast, Scotty was asked about his match with Dean Malenko at the Backlash 2000 Pay Per View.

The match for the Light Heavyweight Championship ended with Malenko countering Scotty’s attempted Superplex from the top-rope into a Cradle-DDT that spiked Scotty’s head into the mat.

The finish earned a loud response from fans, but it wasn’t Scotty’s idea, as he explained on the podcast (via Wrestling Inc.)

“It was Dean’s idea. He told me had done it with (Chris) Jericho; I recently just saw it with Jericho taking it a month ago for the first time and I was like ‘oh, that’s what I was supposed to do.’

“I was supposed to jump out further so I would land more on my stomach and I didn’t jump out. I just kind of spiked myself right into the mat from the top-rope.”

Scotty went on to say that it was “very dangerous” and he could have easily broken his neck.

Linda McMahon

The move, if done incorrectly, could have resulted in severe neck problems for Scotty, with the match taking place less than a year after Darren Drosdov had been paralysed during a match.

Speaking about the reaction backstage, Scotty recalled being confronted by then-WWE CEO Linda McMahon.

“don’t ever do that again!”

Linda McMahon’s words of warning to Scotty 2 Hotty

Scotty told Linda that she didn’t need to worry about him taking the move again, as he wasn’t planning on it.

“One Of The Greatest Feuds Of All Time” – MJF Comments On His Rivalry With CM Punk In AEW

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MJF returned to All Elite Wrestling at All Out on September 4th. Stokely Hathaway and The Firm attacked during the Casino Ladder match and a man in a devil’s mask entered as The Joker. The masked man grabbed the chip to ensure a future shot at the AEW Championship.

Following CM Punk capturing the AEW Championship from Jon Moxley in the main event, MJF appeared on the entrance ramp. Maxwell and CM Punk had a stare-down as All Out went off the air. Punk and MJF had an incredible rivalry and AEW fans were looking forward to revisiting it with the AEW Championship on the line.

Unfortunately, CM Punk was injured during the match and also was involved in a brawl with The Elite following his rant at the media scrum. MJF has traded words with Jon Moxley in recent weeks. Jon will battle Bryan Danielson this Wednesday night at Dynamite Grand Slam to determine the new AEW Champion.

MJF On The Media Scrum Brawl, His Rivalry With CM Punk

Speaking with Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour, Maxwell noted that he cannot comment on the press conference but said that the company is in a great place right now and backed it up with numbers.

“It doesn’t apply to me, it doesn’t concern me. I’ll tell you why and I’m going to use numbers. Because numbers don’t lie, numbers are facts and facts don’t care about feelings. When MJF goes out there, I pop a huge number. We just killed it in the ratings for the second week in a row. And again, if people leave, come, go, stay, people are going to step up to the plate.

We’ve got massive stars in our company, so I am not concerned in the least. I’m not going to comment on what was said because it doesn’t apply to me. But what I will say is our company, numbers don’t lie, our company is great right now. We’re about to have an incredible show at Arthur Ashe.”

Ariel then asked if All Elite Wrestling needs CM Punk and MJF decline to comment MJF added that his feud with CM Punk will go down as one of the greatest of all time.

“No comment. What I will say is that me and CM Punk had the greatest feud in the history of the company. And I do honestly think it will go down as one of the greatest feuds of all time.” [07:09 – 07:20]

MJF on his rivalry with CM Punk

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

  • CM Punk is Probably Not Returning to AEW

“People Want That Spotlight” – MJF On How The Locker Room Reacted To Cody Rhodes Leaving AEW

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Maxwell Jacob Friedman, known as MJF in AEW, joined Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour today.

He discussed several topics, including getting paid more money by Tony Khan without having to sign an extension. MJF was asked about The American Nightmare Cody Rhodes and his departure from All Elite Wrestling earlier this year. Cody was one of the original EVPs of the company but jumped to WWE at WrestleMania 38.

The American Nightmare was revealed to be Seth Rollins opponent at WrestleMania and went on to defeat him three times before tearing his pectoral muscle before WWE Hell in a Cell.

Max said that Cody Rhodes is a businessman just like himself and did what he had to do. The 26-year-old called the tribalism within fans nowadays “cute” before bringing up Terry Funk. He said that Terry traveled from territory to territory throughout his career because he was a draw like MJF.

Ariel asked MJF about how the AEW locker room responded to Cody exiting the company and he said that Cody leaving gave opportunities to other stars on the roster.

“I think honesty favorably, not favorably in the sense like ‘yay Cody’s gone!’ but favorable in the sense that we are all professional wrestlers and what happens when somebody leaves is it opens room for opportunity for another person to step up to the plate. And you know, that is wrestling.

Wrestling is cyclical, it is like a wheel. As somebody who has the highest wrestling IQ in the history of this business, I can tell you when big names leave big names step up. That is just how this business works and that is a fact.

So again, I think people who were friends with Cody were sad to see him go on a personal level. But this is a very competitive sport. People want that spotlight and people stepped up to the plate.” [11:52 – 12:37]

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

Sammy Guevara Sends Out Cryptic Message Ahead Of AEW Grand Slam

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Sammy Guevara is set to battle Eddie Kingston this Friday night on AEW Rampage Grand Slam. This Friday’s episode of Rampage will be a special two-hour edition of the show from Arthur Ashe stadium.

The two recently had personal issues that resulted in Eddie Kingston receiving a two-week suspension for confronting Sammy backstage. They were originally supposed to face each other at All Out but the match had to be canceled due to the confrontation. There happened to be a much worse confrontation between CM Punk & The Elite after All Out which resulted in more suspensions for the company.

Sammy Guevara issued a statement on the matter and called Eddie unprofessional. The Mad King apologized for his actions and admitted that he was wrong. Both men claim that the issue is behind them now.

Eddie and Sammy both wound up competing on the kickoff show at All Out. Kingston defeated Tomohiro Ishii and Sammy & Tay Melo retained the AAA World Mixed Tag Team Championships against Ortiz & Ruby Soho.

Sammy Guevara Sends Cryptic Message

Sammy Guevara has posted a cryptic message on Twitter and changed his profile images to the night sky. The 29-year-old said that things are coming to an end and will reveal more tomorrow on his vlog.

Thank you to the ones who’ve paid attention. Things are coming to an end. More tomorrow on the Vlog…

Some fans responded to the Tweet and claimed that Sammy is just attempting to get more views. Another asked Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful if he had any information about Guevara’s post and SRS stated that he has no clue.

Mysterious QR Code Shown On WWE RAW Reveals More ‘White Rabbit’ Clues

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A QR showed up on the screen during tonight’s episode of WWE RAW and has provided some more clues about the ‘White Rabbit’ mystery.

The code appeared during Austin Theory’s entrance for his match against Kevin Owens tonight on RAW. When the code is scanned, it sends fans to a WWE website that reveals more clues.

A game of Hang Man appears and the question is “Who killed the world?” and the answer is revealed as “YOU DID”. A white rabbit then hops around an alarm clock that reads 9:23. There is also an hour glass icon/logo spinning at the bottom right of the screen, which has led some fans to believe this is related to Karrion Kross.

Other wrestling fans have pointed out that the font resembles some of Bray Wyatt’s old merchandise. It appears that we will find out what this all means this Friday on the September 23rd edition of WWE SmackDown. You can check out the enitre video below.

https://twitter.com/WrestlingNewsCo/status/1572027833102520321?s=20&t=TV38Lvv9x5YFnPBhqu02hw

WWE has been playing ‘White Rabbit’ recently during live events and at last Friday’s edition of SmackDown during a commercial break. The song played with red lights on at house shows in Bakersfield and Oakland over the weekend, and once again tonight during a commercial break.

For more, visit our main thread taking a deep dive into WWE’s White Rabbit mystery.