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AEW Dynamite Results (3/23): MJF & Wardlow, CM Punk Returns, Danielson & Moxley

Robert Lentini
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AEW Dynamite aired live from the HEB Center in Cedar Park, Texas. CM Punk made his first appearance since Revolution and battled Dax Harwood in the opening match. In addition to the takeaways below, Shane Stickland versus Ricky Starks for the FTW Championship was announced for Friday’s episode of Rampage.

Dynamite Results (3/23)

  1. CM Punk def. Dax Harwood via submission
  2. Sting, Darby Allin, The Hardys def. AFO
  3. Bryan Danielson & Jon Moxley def. Varsity Blonds
  4. Adam Cole def. Jay Lethal
  5. Leyla Hirsch def. Kris Statlander
  6. Chris Jericho & Daniel Garcia def. John Silver & Alex Reynolds

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

CM Punk Returned & Is Poised For A Title Shot

CM Punk made his return following his victory over MJF in a Dog Collar match at Revolution. Punk squared off against Dax Harwood in the first match of the night. Punk controlled the action early and sent Harwood to the corner.

Punk brought Harwood down to the mat and applied an armbar. Gunn Club was shown in the crowd chanting against Dax as Harwood escaped the hold. Dax beat Punk down in the corner of the ring but Punk responded with a Body Slam. Dax shrugged it off and took Punk down with an Arm Drag. Punk responded with one of his one and applied another submission hold.

Harwood battled to his feet and caught Punk with a knee to the ribs. Dax controlled the next couple minutes of the match after connecting with a backbreaker and transitioning into a Headlock. The crowd got behind Punk as he broke free but Harwood sent him back to the canvas with a slam.

Gunn Club continued to make noise in the crowd and Harwood got distracted by it. Punk tried to capitalize but Dax leveled him with an elbow to the face. Harwood climbed to the top rope and went for a flying headbutt but Punk rolled out of the way.

Punk and Harwood traded punches in the middle of the ring. Neither wrestler would go down until Punk caught him with a leg lariat for a close two count. CM Punk hit a Leg Drop and made his way to the top turnbuckle.

Dax caught Punk with a punch and joined him on the top rope. Harwood set up for a Superplex but Punk blocked. Punk sent Harwood to the canvas and looked into the crowd. CM Punk climbed to the top turnbuckle but Harwood tripped him up. Harwood then planted Punk with a massive Superplex and both wrestlers were down.

Harwood rolled to the apron and started climbing to the top turnbuckle. Dax hit the flying headbutt this time and went for the cover but Punk kicked out at the last moment. Punk and Harwood wound up Suplexing each other out of the ring and to the floor.

The referee started counting as Cash Wheeler pounded on the apron. Both made it back into the ring and Punk connected with a Crossbody for the near fall. Punk quickly applied the Anaconda Vice in the middle of the ring but Harwood was able to escape. Punk booted Harwood head-first into the bottom turnbuckle and got him in a cradle for a two count.

Harwood stumbled to his feet and Punk went for a running knee to the face. Dax caught him, bounced Punk off the turnbuckle and planted him with a Powerbomb for a two count. Wheeler was in disbelief ringside as the crowd cheered.

CM Punk hit a knee to the face and signaled for the GTS but Harwood countered into a Dragon Screw. Harwood applied a Sharpshooter in the middle of the ring but Punk was able to escape. Punk locked in the Anaconda Vice again and Harwood finally tapped out to end a great opening match. After the bell, Punk posed for the cheering crowd and signaled that he’s ready for the AEW Championship.

Sting, Darby & The Hardys def. AFO

Sting, Darby Allin, Matt & Jeff Hardy faced AFO ( Marq Quen, Isiah Kassidy, Butcher, Blade) in an 8-man tag team match. The action started out in chaos and Sting hit a Splash off the top rope onto AFO. Matt and Jeff beat Private Party down outside the ring as Butcher launched Darby into the barricade. The action spilled into the crowd and Butcher threw Darby down a flight of stairs as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

When Dynamite returned, Quen hit Matt Hardy with a low blow and then Private Party hit a Side Effect on Matt off the stage. Darby and Sting battled with Butcher and Blade in the concourse area. Sting and Darby set them up on a table as Jeff climbed a ladder. Jeff connected with a Swanton Bomb sending them both through tables.

Sting and Matt Hardy made their way back to ringside and battled with Private Party. Quen and Kassidy went for Gin & Juice but it was blocked. Sting and Matt Harty then hit a Scorpion Death Drop & Twist of Fate on Quen & Kassidy for the pinfall victory.

Danielson & Moxley Dominated

Bryan Danielson & Jon Moxley faced the Varsity Blonds tonight on Dynamite. William Regal joined commentary for the match.

Danielson controlled the action early and tagged in Jon. Pillman Jr. caught Moxley with a Dropkick and tagged in Griff Garrison. Moxley dropped Griff with a German Suplex and tagged in Danielson. Bryan beat Garrison down as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

Varsity Blonds were back in control and had Moxley isolated in the ring. Danielson broke it up with a running knee and Moxley planted Pillman with the Paradigm Shift. Moxley and Danielson beat the hell out of the Varsity Blonds before quickly tapping them out at the same time.

After the match, Moxley told Regal that he has only cares about the opinion of Lord William Regal. He added that getting Regal’s approval is a badge of honor and he will wear it with pride. Moxley added that he and Danielson were “forged in combat”. Jon added that they are the three most sadistic bastards in the business and will go through anyone that gets in their way.

MJF Wants Everyone To Forget About Wardlow

MJF spoke tonight and addressed costing Wardlow his shot at the TNT Championship by interfering in his match against Scorpio Sky last week. Shawn Spears joined him in the ring and took a seat on the chair. Maxwell called the crowd white trash and claimed that he had Punk beat at Revolution. MJF said that CM Punk decided to cheat to win and vowed to give Punk the most embarrassing loss of his career down the line. Maxwell added that it won’t be over until he attends Punk’s funeral and piss on his grave.

Maxwell brought up Wardlow and called the crowd inbred because they cheered him. The crowd chanted “Wardlow!” even louder and MJF took credit for making Wardlow for signing him three years ago. MJF said that he put a roof over Wardlow and “that momma of his” head and claimed that Wardlow didn’t sign a deal with some shmuck, he signed a deal with the devil.

MJF called Wardlow “piggy” and vowed to make his life miserable. The crowd proved MJF right by breaking out in a “Jesus!” chant towards MJF. Maxwell vowed to strap Wardlow to a cross like Jesus and the crowd booed. Wardlow marched down the entrance ramp and beat down the security. Maxwell ordered a bunch more security to hold him down. MJF told Wardlow that he is going to keep paying him to stay home until all these people forget he existed. Maxwell told Wardlow to have fun in the mud “pig” and told security to get him out of here.

Max kept talking as Wardlow was backed away by security. MJF added that The Pinnacle is still going strong and Spears closed the promo by saying “when you are in The Pinnace, you are always on top”.

Adam Cole def. Jay Lethal & Stole The AEW Title

Adam Cole battled Jay Lethal to begin the 2nd hour of tonight’s episode of Dynamite. Lethal sent Cole to the corner and hit him with some jabs to the face. Jay followed it up with an elbow to the top of the head and Cole dropped to the canvas. Adam battled back and connected with an Enziguri.

Cole went for the Boom but Lethal countered and sent him to the apron. Lethal went for a Dropkick off the middle turnbuckle but Cole ducked. Cole took some time to pose for the crowd and it backfired. Lethal hit the Dropkick and followed it up with two Suicide Dives. Lethal went for a third but Cole walked to the other side of the ring. Jay hit the third Suicide Dive as reDragon watched on from the entrance ramp. Lethal traded some words with them as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

When Dynamite returned, Cole rolled Lethal up for a two count before Jay got him in a Figure Four in the middle of the ring. Fish and O’Reilly made their way down the entrance ramp and to the ringside area. Cole battled through the pain and reached for the ropes to break the hold.

Lethal got distracted by reDragon and Cole capitalized with a Superkick. Lethal responded with a Cutter but wound up spring boarding into another Superkick from Cole. Adam followed it up with Panama Sunrise and went for the cover but Jay powered out at two. Cole took down his knee pad and went for the Boom but Lethal ducked. ReDragon provided another distraction and Cole hit a low blow. Cole followed it up with the Boom for the pinfall victory.

Adam Cole cut a promo after the match and claimed that there is nobody on the planet that deserves the title more than him. Cole claimed that Hangman stole his victory at Revolution. Cole suggested that Hangman Page doesn’t have the guts to come out here and face him.

AEW Champion Hangman Page made his way to the ring and got in with Cole & ReDragon. Hangman took off his belt and started whipping them. Cole hit Hangman with a low blow before they started stomping him down. AEW Tag Team Champions Jurassic Express & Christian rushed the ring for the save. Cole stole the AEW title and brought it backstage with him.

Sammy Guevara & Tay Conti Want Revenge

Tony Schiavone interviewed Sammy Guevara & Tay Conti tonight. Sammy said that the reaction from the crowd used to be all he wanted until now. Tay Conti grabbed the microphone and said that they want payback. Conti vowed to kick Paige VanZant’s ass and Sammy wanted to fight either Page or Sky.

Dan Lambert, TNT Champion Scorpio Sky, and Ethan Page interrupted. Lambert was wearing the extra TNT title around his own waist. Lambert referred to Conti as “Lucha-whore-us” and claimed that they weren’t getting a match. Lambert kissed the TNT title and laughed. Sammy said that they are living in Lambert’s head and if he knew what they did with that belt, Lambert would know that they are living in his mouth too. Lambert threw a tantrum and was disgusted to end the promo.

Leyla Hirsch Stole A Victory, Nyla Rose Attacked Thunder Rosa

Leyla Hirsch faced Red Velvet tonight and Kris Statlander was banned from ringside. Hirsch attacked Red Velvet during her entrance and sent her into the barricade. Red Velvet battled back and leaped off the steel steps into a Hurricanrana that sent Leyla flying across the floor. Back in the ring, Red Velvet connected with a standing Moonsault for a near fall. Leyla responded with a Northern Lights Suplex for a one count as Dynamite went to a commercial.

Red Velvet sent Hirsch out of there ing when Dynamite returned. Leyla grabbed a steel rung from under the ring but the referee took it away. As it turns out, Hirsch had another piece of steel and bashed Red Velvet over the head with it as the referee was tossing the other object out of the ring. Hirsh got the pinfall victory and locked in an Armbar after the match. Kris Statlander rushed the ring and unloaded on Leyla. Statlander threw Leyla out of the ring to end the segment.

After the match, AEW Women’s Champion Thunder Rosa was set to be interviewed by Tony Schiavone. However, Vickie Guerrero quickly interrupted and mocked Thunder Rosa. Nyla Rose capitalized on the distraction and beat Thunder Rosa down from behind. Nyla Rose will be in action this Friday on Rampage.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1506809921161019392?s=20&t=AbiMF_xMwX_jFej7_rOr4Q

Jericho Appreciation Society Picked Up A Win

Jericho Appreciation Society (Jericho & Daniel Garcia) faced John Silver & Alex Reynolds from Dark Order in tonight’s main event. Jericho and John Silver started off the match. Jericho mocked John and slapped him in the face. Silver got angry and hit Jericho with a Body Slam before getting him in an Armbar in the middle of the ring.

Chris battled to his feet and Reynolds tagged in. Alex caught Jericho with a Dropkick to the face and Dark Order took turns hitting him with kicks. Jericho grabbed the ropes and rolled out of the ring to regroup. Silver followed Jericho out there and leveled him with a kick to the face.

Dark Order hit a double team move on Jericho and then posed in the ring. Jericho then booted the steel steps and fell down on his own to make it seem like the rest of Dark Order attacked him. Referee Aubrey Edwards fell for it and kicked Dark Order out from ringside as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

Jericho was still getting his ass kicked when Dynamite returned. Silver hit a slam and then took out every member of Jericho Appreciation Society outside the ring. Back in the ring, Silver hit a Crossbody and went for the cover but Chris kicked out at two. Jericho hit a Codebreaker out of nowhere and went for the cover but Silver kicked out.

Daniel Garcia got back up on the apron and tagged in. Garcia delivered a chop to the chest and sent Jericho towards Silver. John countered and sent Jericho flying out of the ring. Dark Order hit a couple Suplexes on Garcia and went for the cover but he was able to kick out at two. Jake Hager hopped on the apron and Silver punched him in the face. Hager slammed Silver down on the floor and Matt Lee hit Reynolds with a cheap shot. Garcia locked in a sharpshooter submission and Reynolds tapped out. JAS posed in the ring to close the show.

Jake Roberts On Cody Rhodes’ Future: I Want Him To Do Whatever He Wants

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Jake Roberts simply wants Cody Rhodes to be happy.

Back in February, wrestling fans were shocked to learn that Cody and his wife Brandi Rhodes would be leaving AEW. Cody is one of the founding members of AEW and was known for taking shots at WWE.

Ultimately, he has decided to return to the Vince McMahon-led empire according to PWInsider.

Jake Roberts On Cody Rhodes’ Decision

During an episode of the DDP Snakepit Podcast, Jake Roberts said that if signing with WWE is what makes Cody Rhodes happy then he has to accept it (h/t Wrestling Inc).

“Whatever he wants. Whatever his heart desires that will allow him to be around his child as much as possible. I know what I missed over the years, being on the road all the time. Nobody should have to miss the things that I missed. Nobody.

“Kids growing up are the most important thing because they help keep you young, you know? Watch them enjoy the things that you did, maybe 20 years before, but you get to taste some more of that. I think it’s important. Certainly, a strong family base is so important these days.

“That’s my desire for him, and Dustin I hope does whatever he wants to do and certainly deserves the opportunity to do whatever they want to do. If you have a job and you don’t love it, you’re going to work. I don’t want to work. I want to do something that I did that’s fun. That makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something.

“Makes me feel like I’ve helped somebody out. Contributed to mankind in some way. Maybe moved a pebble or rock or a boulder, it doesn’t matter. I moved it. And that’s when you accomplish things, man.”

Jake “The Snake” continues to work for AEW. He currently manages Lance Archer.

Trish Stratus Still Open To Wrestling Sasha Banks

Michael Reichlin
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Trish Stratus says she’s willing to step in the ring against Sasha Banks, under the right circumstances.

Stratus will be on hand for this weekend’s Road to WrestleMania live events from Canada. WWE will be in Kichener on Saturday and Toronto on Sunday. The 7-time WWE Women’s Champion spoke with ET Canada this week to promote the the live events shows, as well as WrestleMania 38.

During her conversation with Shakiel Mahjouri, Stratus commented on Lita’s recent match at Elimination Chamber, as well as “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s upcoming appearance on the KO Show next Saturday.

Stratus has been discussing a ‘dream match’ against Sasha Banks for several years. The trailblazing Attitude Era star maintains that she’s not scared of The Boss and knows this is a match fans want to see.

“I’ve heard that I’m running from her, which is absolutely untrue,” she said. “At one point, she had done this promo saying that I wasn’t ready. I posted a photo of my six-pack and said, ‘I am ready, girl.’ These little moments. Her and I had, maybe, a five-minute moment in the 2018 Royal Rumble and, to this day, people say that’s the match they want to see.”

Sasha Banks and Trish Stratus

She continued, “Sometimes you just have this energy that is palpable. It’s like when Lita and I first faced off. People felt that. When The Rock and Austin faced off, they felt that. When Sasha and I faced off, I felt it too. It was a good moment. Will we follow up on it? If there is an opportunity, perhaps. Did I wish this was a SmackDown tour? Yes, I did.”

Watch Trish Stratus’ appearance on ET Canada:

https://youtu.be/hz9_AKHt4Uc

Ric Flair Says AJ Styles is Superior to Bryan Danielson in Every Way

Michael Reichlin
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WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair is back with another ‘hot take’ that’s sure to get wrestling fans talking.

On the latest episode of his Wooooo Nation Uncensored podcast, Flair and co-host Mark Madden discussed the new WWE Evil series on Peacock. The show focuses on the greatest villains in WWE history, but Flair’s conversation with Madden also covered some of the sport’s best babyfaces

Flair praised AJ Styles, who he’s worked with in TNA/Impact and WWE. Flair said Styles is a versatile performer who is likable on and off screen.

“AJ is one of the greatest babyfaces of all time,” said Flair. “When he wants to be, he can be soft and mellow, which he really is in real life. He’s a very humble guy. He’s very likable. He can do anything.”

The conversation shifted to Bryan Danielson, who now wrestles for AEW. Flair said Danielson is “very good,” but he is not in the same league as AJ Styles.

Flair wasn’t just talking about Styles being a better babyface than Danielson. In fact, he said Styles superior in every way.

“Bryan Danielson is very good, but he’s not AJ Styles,” Flair said. “C’mon.. It’s a big stretch to say Danielson is in any way better than AJ Styles.”

Listen to the latest episode of Ric Flair’s Wooooo Uncensored Podcast:

Author’s Opinion: Bryan Danielson and AJ Styles are regarded as two of the greatest pro wrestlers of this generation. There are many metrics one could use to evaluate a modern pro wrestler: In-ring work-rate, promos, memorable moments, career longevity, and many more. You could make a case that Styles it he superior wrestler, or vice versa. To say that Styles is better than Danielson “in every way” is quite a stretch.

Watch: AJ Styles vs. Bryan Danielson (Daniel Bryan)

Ronda Rousey Suffers Minor Injury Ahead Of WrestleMania 38

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Ronda Rousey recently suffered an injury, but fear not, because it won’t impact her role at WrestleMania 38.

The “Baddest Woman on the Planet” is set for a marquee match against SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair.

During a live stream on her Facebook page earlier this week, Rousey revealed that she tore her labial frenulum.

“Oh, I’m totally fantastic, fine,” said Rousey. “I tore my labial frenulum apparently, which is that little piece of skin that connects your lip to your jaw or whatever, my top jaw. I’m like so sick and not feeling good right now. Sorry guys if I sound like crap. I’ve literally sounded like this all day.”

Rousey noted that it’s difficult flying around the country with her young daughter, Po. She added, “I’m sore, I’m sick, I’m tired.”

WrestleMania 38 takes place next weekend from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Ronda Rousey’s match against Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania Saturday, the same night as Stone Cold Steve Austin’s special appearance on the KO Show.

H/T to POST Wrestling for the transcribed quote

Jake Atlas Provides An Update On His Recovery From ACL Surgery

Michael Reichlin
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Jake Atlas is on the road to recovery five weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL.

Atlas began wrestling for AEW in late 2021. He worked the 12/28 AEW Dark Elevation tapings from Orlando and made his AEW Rampage debut on January 7th.

The former gymnast looked great against Adam Cole, despite coming up short. Unfortunately, he tore a ligament in his knee during the match. He would later go under the knife, but assured his fans that we haven’t seen the last of him.

https://twitter.com/JakeAtlasReal/status/1494044856712409088

Jake Atlas Injury Update

Jake Atlas did a Facebook stream this week for the Highspots Wrestling Network and provided an update on his condition.

Atlas reveals it was several days after he sustained the injury until he knew something was very wrong with his knee.

“I didn’t know it that night,” he recalls. “I didn’t know until probably a couple days after when I flew home but definitely couldn’t walk.”

He underwent surgery five weeks ago. Doctors gave him an estimated recovery time of nine months, but he’s optimistic that he can get back in the ring sooner than that.

Watch Jake Atlas’ Highspots Wrestling Network Facebook stream:

Edge Wants To Write a Children’s Book With Beth Phoenix

Michael Reichlin
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Edge says he wants to write a children’s book with his wife, Beth Phoenix.

The Rated R Superstar recently appeared on the Steven’s Wrestling Journey podcast and revealed the “bucket list” project he wants to undertake.

“I love to draw,” he began. “I love illustrating and I love writing. At some point, I wanna do a children’s book and… yeah, I wanna release a children’s book and Beth wants to as well so we might… we might partner up.”

Edge says they’ve already written some material for the book, which is still in its very early stages. They’re working on

“I think we got an idea.. Yeah, it’ll definitely be a kid’s book,” said Edge. “That’s always kind of been a bucket list thing of mine too so, and I know it has been for Beth as well. So, that’s one thing I think I’d like to do that maybe a lot of people don’t know.”

Edge and Beth Phoenix have been married since 2016. The couple have two daughters together, Lyric Rose and Ruby Ever. They are the only married couple comprised of two WWE Hall of Famers (until next Friday).

Edge is scheduled to face AJ Styles next weekend at WrestleMania 38.

Check out Edge’s appearance on Steven’s Wrestling Journey:

Thunder Rosa Says Brock Lesnar Has Disrespected Her Culture

Michael Reichlin
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Thunder Rosa says Brock Lesnar disrespected Mexican culture during his 2004 feud with Eddie Guerrero.

The veteran from Tijuana, Mexico scored the biggest victory of her career last week when she won the AEW Women’s World Championship from Britt Baker.

Rosa had a very special entrance for the steel cage match against Baker. An all-female mariachi band played her to the ring.

The festive ring entrance meant a lot to Thunder Rosa, but it also reminded her of the time WWE and Brock Lesnar mocked Mexican culture on a 2004 episode of SmackDown.

In early 2004, then-WWE Champion Brock Lesnar was feuding with Mexican star Eddie Guerrero. In the build-up to their match, Lesnar came to the ring wearing a sombrero and orchestrated a mariachi band in the ring.

During a recent interview with NBC Sports Boston’s Ten Count, Rosa says that segment sticks with her to this day.

“I can tell you, I read about me bringing the Mariachi and I remember Brock Lesnar making fun of Eddie Guerrero with that,” she said. “And that hurts because they were making fun of my culture before. And on Wednesday, I represented our culture properly. With honor and with respect.”

She was especially hurt because she felt WWE was giving fans a license to make fun of Mexican people.

Brock went on to lose the WWE Championship to Eddie Guerrero at No Way Out 2004 in one of the more memorable title changes of the past 20 years.

The Undertaker On Adjusting To Life After Wrestling

Anutosh Bajpai
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The Undertaker considers himself retired and he is finally getting to do things he enjoys outside of wrestling. However, the dead man says he would probably still be wrestling if his body allowed it.

The Last Outlaw spoke to Ryan Satin on Out Of Character. The topics he touched on included being afraid of Vince McMahon pulling a prank during Hall of Fame and more.

Taker also gave us a peek at his life after wrestling. He mentioned how he is now able to do things which he couldn’t before such as going fishing with his daughter:

“I’ve been on TV for 30-plus years, so it’s kind of hard to blend in and hide, but I make a much, much bigger effort now to do those kinds of things while I still can, I guess I’m in the middle of a deep exhale.

Because I do — I miss being in the ring.” said The Undertaker, “If my body would allow it, I would probably still be out there, but it’s nice being at home and not having to worry.”

The former world champion mentioned how this is the first time in his life where his family is his true priority. According to him, it’s the sacrifice you have to make to go out and be something different.

Apart from this, Taker also revealed that he previously turned down a HOF induction and mentioned how he might get emotional during his induction.

DDP Reveals His Pick for “Best Match of the Past Decade”

Anutosh Bajpai
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AEW has put on many great matches in the short history of the company. DDP believes one such match from the very first PPV of the promotion is the best wrestling match of the decade.

The wrestling veteran talked about a number of things in the latest episode of his Snake Pit podcast. He first discussed Hulk Hogan’s WWE return after his WCW run.

Speaking about Cody Rhodes, DDP discussed the match between him and Dustin Rhodes from Double Or Nothing 2019. He called it the best match of the decade:

“That match was old school and new school mixed the way it needs to mix to really do something, Vince would’ve never given them that opportunity.

Because he didn’t believe in it.” said DDP, “But he went out there and he proved it, and to me, it’s the best match of the decade.”

The former WCW star mentioned how the fans were invested in the bout from start to finish. According to him, the AEW fans remind him of ECW fans because of this quality.

DDP also talked about Rhodes’ decision to leave WWE in 2016. He explained that Dusty Rhodes would have been very proud of his son for taking the risk.

Big E Receives Generous Offer From DDP Following Neck Injury

Quote via WrestlingInc

B-Fab Open To A WWE Return: “Business Is Business”

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Despite the controversies surrounding her release from the promotion, B-Fab is open to a WWE return down the line because she believes business is business.

The former NXT star recently had an interview with The Angle Podcast. She discussed things such as learning about the release of Hit Row and more.

When asked about a potential return, B-Fab explained that she doesn’t have any ill-feeling. She would be open to going back because it would be a business decision:

“I would be open to going back. For me, business is business, it is what it is. There’s nothing you can do about big companies and the decisions that they make.

So there’s no reason to have any ill-feeling.” said B-Fab, “You always just have to operate and do your thing as a business as well. So, I would go back.”

The female star also mentioned how one of the reasons for her release was that the officials felt that her in-ring work wasn’t at the level of others.

She explained that she would have been willing to put more time and do extra training at the Performance Center. Though the former Hit Row member claimed that everything happens for a reason.

Thanks to WrestlingInc for the quotes

Powerhouse Hobbs Shows Off Incredible Body Transformation

Denycia Thompson
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All Elite Wrestling’s Team Taz tag team partner Powerhouse Hobbs shows off his insane new gains in a recent Twitter post.

Hobbs has had an incredible professional wrestling journey, in which he has achieved numerous accolades. In his career that started in 2009, he has won championships in multiple promotions.

For example, he won the All Pro Wrestling Internet and Tag Team Championships 3 times. And in 2012 he won the Gold Rush Pro Wrestling Dynamite Division Championship under the name Will Rood.

Additionally, Hobbs was the Pro Championship Wrestling and United Wrestling Network Tag Team Champion.

His AEW journey began in 2020 as Will Hobbs. That year in July he lost his debut match to Orange Cassidy on an episode of AEW Dark.

He continues to improve in his wrestling game and delivers entertaining performances in the ring. And although he was already sporting an intimidating physique, he now struts the figure of an established bodybuilder.

Over the past 18 months, Hobbs entered beast mode and has completely transformed his body. The new version of the Powerhouse has already gotten praise from fans on Twitter.

Undoubtedly, it took a lot of focus and discipline to achieve such an incredible transformation. And surely those new muscles will help eliminate future opponents.

Check out Powerhouse Hobbs’s before and after photos below.

Bray Wyatt Confirms Nixed WWE 2K22 Storyline Featuring ‘The Shiend’

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Windham Rotunda aka Bray Wyatt has confirmed a nixed storyline for the new WWE 2K22 video game that would have seen Dana Brooke becoming ‘The Shiend.’

There had been a rumor going around recently that the current 24/7 champion was supposed to join forces with the Eater Of Worlds before his release from the promotion.

According to the leaks, Brooke was to be possessed by Rotunda’s character. This would have led to her becoming the female version of The Fiend, dubbed The Shiend.

However, the now-former WWE star responded to these claims on Twitter. He revealed that the whole thing was an angle that was originally planned for the 2K22 video game:

Bray Wyatt was released from his WWE contract in July last year. This ended his 12 year-long stint with the promotion which included multiple world title reigns.

He has mostly been away from wrestling since his departure from the Vince McMahon-owned promotion. Rotunda had talks with Impact Wrestling but the two sides couldn’t come to an agreement

There has been complete silence about his future in the industry since then. The former WWE star is currently busy filming a horror movie. He doesn’t seem to have any immediate plans to make a wrestling return.

Big E Comments On Narrowly Escaping Death With Neck Injury

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Neck injuries have resulted in paralysis or even death for many people over the years and Big E recognizes how lucky he was to have nearly escaped a similar tragedy.

The former WWE champion took on Twitter yesterday to share the experience of his first doctor’s appointment. He mentioned how knowing that he escaped death is a sobering experience:

“Had my first doctor’s appointment and learning (because of the C1 fracture) I narrowly escaped a stroke, paralysis or death is very sobering. Life feels even more precious and valuable now.”

Big E suffered a neck injury while competing in a tag team match against Ridge Holland and Sheamus during the March 11 episode of SmackDown.

Holland botched an overhead belly-to-belly suplex outside the ring. This caused E to land on his neck and he was taken out on a stretcher.

The New Day star has provided a couple of updates on his health since then. He seems to be in good spirits and recovering fast. Though there is no word yet on how long he will stay out of action.

Big E also recently discussed his battles with depression and suicidal thoughts in his early 20s. You can check out his comments here.

WWE NXT 2.0 Results (3/22): Breakker vs. Roode, Qualifying Matches

Andrew Ravens
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The March 22, 2022 episode of WWE NXT 2.0 aired live on the USA Network from Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center. 

WWE NXT 2.0 Results 

  •  
  • Solo Sikoa def. Roderick Strong
  • Tony D’Angelo def. Dexter Lumis.
  • Elektra Lopez def. Fallon Henley.
  • Bron Breakker def. Robert Roode.
  • Grayson Waller def. A-Kid
  • The Creed Brothers (Brutus Creed & Julius Creed) (w/Malcolm Bivens & Ivy Nile) def. GYV (James Drake & Zack Gibson).
  • GUNTHER def. Duke Hudson.
  • Io Shirai and Kay Lee Ray def. Wendy Choo and Dakota Kai

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Finals

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Wendy Choo and Dakota Kai vs. Io Shirai and Kay Lee Ray in the finals of the women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. This was actually the main event of the show and a pretty good match. 

Things broke down as the match got closer to the finish. Io hit her moonsault finisher for the win. 

As a result of the victory, they will now challenge Toxic Attraction (Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne) for the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships. Post-match, Mandy Rose told them that they are mistaken if they think they can become the champions. Lee Ray announced that they will turn their tag team title shot into a shot at the Women’s Title. At Stand & Deliver, Lee Ray and Io will join Rose and Cora Jade in a fatal 4-way match for the titles. 

https://twitter.com/WWENXT/status/1506450850276941826

Shrai and Ray defeated Kacy Catanzaro and Kayden Carter, while Choo and Kai defeated Raquel Gonzalez and Cora Jade in the semi-finals of the tournament.

The Creed Brothers vs. The Grizzled Young Veterans

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The Creed Brothers vs. The Grizzled Young Veterans took place.

Qualifying Matches

Two qualifying matches for the NXT North American Championship ladder match at Stand and Deliver saw Solo Sikoa vs. Roderick Strong A-Kid vs. Grayson Waller.

Bron Breakker vs. Robert Roode

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Bron Breakker vs. Robert Roode served as the main event.

Kay Lee Ray & Io Shirai Crowned 2022 Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Winners

Andrew Ravens
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Io Shirai and Kay Lee Ray are the winners of the second Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.

It happened when Wendy Choo and Dakota Kai vs. Io and Lee Ray was booked on Tuesday’s episode of WWE NXT 2.0. It headlined the show. Io hit her moonsault finisher for the win. 

As a result of this win, they’ve earned the right to challenge Toxic Attraction (Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne) for the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships. However, Kay had a different plan, At Stand & Deliver, Lee Ray and Io will join Rose and Cora Jade in a fatal 4-way match for the titles. 

https://twitter.com/WWENXT/status/1506450850276941826

First Round Results

  • Io Shirai & Kay Lee Ray defeated Amari Miller & Lash Legend
  • Kayden Carter & Kacy Catanzaro defeated Ivy Nile & Tatum Paxley 
  • Dakota Kai & Wendy Choo defeated Indi Hartwell & Persia Pirotta
  • Raquel González & Cora Jade defeated Yulisa Leon & Valentina Feroz 

In the semi-finals of the tournament, Shrai and Ray defeated Kacy Catanzaro and Kayden Carter while Choo and Kai defeated Raquel Gonzalez and Cora Jade.

Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzalez beat Shotzi Blackheart and Ember Moon at the NXT TakeOver: Vengeance Day special last year to become the first-ever winners of the Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. 

The Dusty Rhodes tag team classic tournament was established in 2015 as a tribute to the legendary pro wrestler.

NWA Powerrr Results (3/22)

Tyriece Simon
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NWA premiered their new season of NWA Powerrr on Mar. 22 at Skyway Studios in Nashville, Tennessee.

The main event saw the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion Homicide defend the title against Austin Aries. The latest episode also had the OGK challenge The Briscoes in a tag team non-title match. The episode is available on video on demand on FITE and will premiere on Youtube on Friday.

NWA Powerrr Quick Results

  • Matt Cardona started the program with Mike Knox and VSK to recap the Crockett Cup. He refutes that he tapped to Nick Aldis and said that a rematch would not happen. He ends by saying that he and his faction are the saviors of the NWA.
  • The Briscoes defeated OGK
  • NWA Tag Team Champions La Rebellion did a backstage promo. During the promo, they teased a potential feud with The Briscoes.
  • Trevor Murdoch defeated Brett Buffshay
  • After the match, Murdoch cut a heel promo and promised if NWA continues to feed him hacks, the blood will be on their hands, not his.
  • The NWA showed a taped backstage promo with Nick Aldis and Mickie James talking about the finish at The Crockett Cup Night 2. Aldis declares that the feud with Cardona isn’t over.
  • Tyrus and Austin Idol cut a promo and makes a challenge that if anyone bodyslam Tyrus they will get an opportunity to challenge for the NWA Television Championship.
  • The Hex defeated Paola Blaze and Jennacide with Taryn Terrell to retain the NWA Women’s Tag Team Championship. Blaze and Jennacide split up after the match.
  • Thom Latimar and Kamille cut a promo. Latimar shared that he ended his relationship with Chris Adonis. Kamille called Adonis “dead weight.”
  • Homicide defeated Austin Aries to retain the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship

The commentators congratulated Homicide to end the show.

Ethan Page Excited To See Tony Khan’s Plan For ROH

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Ethan Page puts his trust in Tony Khan’s plan for ROH.

In early March, Khan announced that he purchased Ring of Honor from Sinclair Broadcast Group. The AEW boss later revealed to reporters that he plans to be the booker of ROH.

Ethan Page Trusts The Process

Appearing as a guest on the Sports Guys Talking Wrestling podcast, Ethan Page explained how he believes Tony Khan’s purchase of ROH will be beneficial (via Fightful).

“It’s incredible because it offers more opportunities for the giant roster that AEW has. I want to say there are over 100 professional wrestlers under the AEW banner, as far as talent. Now we’re going to have more chances for guys, especially the younger guys, to get in-ring experience and mingle with even more wrestlers.

“So if you’re a fan, this is even crazier for you. Because there’s going to be more live events, there’s going to be more content for you to consume, there’s gonna be more dream matches and possibilities. It’s just very exciting.”

Page went on to say that he feels Khan’s vision for ROH will be exciting.

“I can’t wait to see what Tony does with it. This is a guy who put me and Sky together. That’s not an idea or thing I even thought was possible and it turned out to be my absolute favorite thing in my career so far.

“So I have an unrivaled trust in Tony Khan for his vision and goals and I can’t wait to see what he does with Ring of Honor.”

SEScoops exclusively reported that current ROH employees were told that the consensus is that Khan isn’t interested in retaining them. SEScoops was also the first to report that Khan planned to produce Supercard of Honor along with his AEW team.

Johnny Gargano Set to Make First Post-WWE Appearance

Rayan Sayyed
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Johnny Gargano is set to make his first public appearance outside of WWE since his departure from the company back in December.

Johnny Wrestling will appear at the annual WrestleCon convention during WrestleMania 38 weekend in Dallas, TX.

The former NXT Champion took to Twitter to announce his appearance at the wrestling convention. Gargano wrote: “Doing signings at Axxess was one of my favorite parts of WrestleMania weekend (so much so that I would always ask to do extra sessions if someone couldn’t do it) Believe it or not.. I’ve never done a @wrestlecon! So it felt like a good time.. Excited to see all of you in Dallas!”

Gargano let his WWE contract expire, which made him a free agent. He had chose to allow his contract expire so that he could be at home with his wife, Candice LeRae, as they were expecting their first child. Their son, Quill Lewis Gargano, was born in February 2022.

As far as the wrestling ring goes, there is no update on where and when he will be seen in it. However, Gargano seems to be focused on spending his time with his wife and his son for now. With him making a public appearance for the first time, it’s likely that we would hear about his plans soon.

Johnny Gargano was one half of the tag team DIY in NXT with Tommaso Ciampa. They won the NXT Tag Team Championships once. The both would go on to feud with each other, and fans would remember it as one of the most entertaining feuds on the brand. “The Heart and Soul of NXT” also captured the NXT Championship and the NXT North American Championship a record three times, making him the first ever NXT Triple Crown winner.

Veer Mahaan Comments on WWE Finally Announcing His Debut Date

Rayan Sayyed
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Veer Mahaan’s arrival on Raw has been teased by WWE since November, even featuring vignettes and segments on the show telling us that Veer is coming. We never got to know exactly when, and the “Veer Is Coming” or “coming soon to Raw” caption used by the company repeatedly even became somewhat of a joke online that the debut will never come to fruition. This, fortunately, has changed as WWE have actually included the exact date for when Veer will make his debut in the latest promo on this week’s Raw.

The package revealed that Veer will debut on the April 4 edition of Raw, which would be the first show after WrestleMania 38. Veer took to Twitter to thank fans for waiting for his debut in support: “Dedicated to the optimistic and positive of my fans that kept their fists raised high in support. I heard you. Yeah, the man is coming. He always was. I’m clearing that path ahead. Don’t stand in the way. Better yet….please try!”

Veer Mahaan made his debut on WWE programming on NXT in March of 2020. He used his real name, Rinku Singh, forming the tag team Indus Sher with Saurav Gurjar. He then debuted on the main roster in May last year on Raw where he teamed up with Shanky as backup for Jinder Mahal. He was then pulled from TV after Mahal and Shanky were drafted to SmackDown last October. Since then, he was repackaged, and has been wrestling on WWE Main Event for a few weeks now.

Veer was a baseball player before and his story was made into the movie Million Dollar Arm, released in 2014. He won a competition in cricket-obsessed India which aimed to find the fastest and the most accurate baseball pitcher in the country. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2009, making him the first Indian to play baseball professionally in the US. Veer would quit baseball in 2016, and sign a deal with WWE in 2018.

CM Punk Returns to AEW Dynamite This Week

Rayan Sayyed
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CM Punk has been off television since defeating MJF in a Dog Collar Match at AEW Revolution back on March 6th.

His absence was attributed to him reprising his role as fiction heel wrestler Ricky Rabies in the upcoming second season of the Starz series, Heels.

Punk announced on Monday night that he’s coming to Austin, TX for Wednesday’s edition of AEW Dynamite. AEW has since confirmed the news.

Punk and MJF started their feud after Full Gear in November. Punk went through the majority of Pinnacle to get to MJF. They first met each other in the ring in Chicago in February in the main event of Dynamite, which MJF won by hitting Punk in the face with a diamond ring which was handed to him by Wardlow. Punk had come up with the Dog Collar Match gimmick from MJF’s frequent references to Roddy Piper, who famously had a Dog Collar Match with Greg “The Hammer” Valentine.

Now that Punk’s feud with MJF has come to an end, it will be interesting to see what’s next in store for him. Punk has teased that he would go after Hangman Page for the AEW Championship. Page is currently feuding with Adam Cole, which will likely reach its climax before Double or Nothing which is just two months away. It’s possible that Punk will also get involved in the title picture.

The Undertaker Says “Grit” Is Missing From Current Wrestling

Rayan Sayyed
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The Undertaker is set to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by Vince McMahon in his home state of Texas. Being in the industry for such a long time, the Undertaker has seen many changes in the WWE over the years. He spoke about those changes and revealed his thoughts about the current generation of wrestlers. He described what changes the current product in the era of social media has seen.

Speaking on the True Geordie podcast, “The Deadman” said that the bad habits prevalent in the locker rooms in the ’80s and ’90s is no longer seen but courage and resolve is missing from current wrestling.

“Things have changed. I can’t just say that it’s changed in wrestling. In all sports, it’s a different generation. Call it evolution if you want. One, I don’t think the guys are leading the same lifestyles that guys in the past did. One, they can’t, because everything they do, there is somebody, somewhere [pulling out a cell phone]. I feel bad for them because they can’t go and blow off steam somewhere after they work because they are constantly under some type of surveillance, where I didn’t have to worry about that because there wasn’t cell phones and all that,” The Undertaker said (h/t Fightful).

The Undertaker recalled his own past and how the locker rooms back then were different. He also revealed how a few wrestlers would carry knives and guns in their bags, and disagreements were “settled in the showers”. He said that the current talent is missing a certain level of grit.

“I feel like there is a level of grit that is missing from today’s product. I don’t know that it’s anybody’s fault. We all aged out. That new group has come up. When you watch Brock wrestle, you’re interested because you know, he has this background as an amateur wrestler, professional wrestler, mixed martial artist.”

The superstars from this generation that do possess this “grit”, according to The Undertaker, are Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, and Roman Reigns.

Undertaker will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 1. He recently revealed that he turned down the offer to be inducted before and could have been inducted sooner.

The Hardys Recall Working With Scott Hall Early in Their Careers

Michael Reichlin
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The wrestling world lost an icon last week with the tragic passing of Scott Hall.

The Hardys, Matt and Jeff, shared memories of working with Hall on the latest episode of The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast.

Matt Hardy began by saying it’s extremely sad how Scott Hall’s death seemingly came out of left field. It is difficult to make sense of things when somebody passes away unexpectedly, but Matt feels that it’s important to make the most of each day. The Hardys have always “lived for the moment” but Hall’s passing is a reminder that you never really know how much time you have left in life.

Matt told host Jon Alba that Scott Hall was good to the Hardys when they worked together in the early days of their WWE careers.

“Scott was very cool to us,” he said. “We had a lot of good fun stories with him. I’ll never forget the second day I was with WWE, obviously the first day Jeff wrestled him, he was 16 years old and it was under very strange circumstances where the match was very frustrating with Scott Hall because the guy he was supposed to wrestle said he couldn’t take his finish. He was a little frustrated wrestling with Jeff and that ended up working in Jeff’s favor because he formed a little bond with him after that.”

Matt continued, “The next night, I was wrestling with him and I remember he said, ‘When I’m in the corner, poke me in the eyes, give me three or four chops, I’ll turn around and give you some,’ and I got two really good ones in that rang out loud in the arena. I hit a second one and he stopped me right then and there and turned me around and said, ‘Easy kid, you had two really good ones, I couldn’t let you outshine me out there though.’”

Jeff Hardy Remembers Scott Hall

Jeff Hardy says Razor Ramon was a huge inspiration on their careers. However, that match against Hall had him reconsidering his love for pro wrestling.

Not only were the WWE rings “terrible” back then (very stiff to take bumps on), but Scott Hall also roughed him up a bit.

“Even that first match, and that hard-ass WWE ring back in the day, you had to be like Andre the Giant to make it move, it was terrible,” said Jeff. “Him being real stiff and roughing me up, I totally second-guessed my love for pro wrestling. ‘I don’t know if I’m cut out to do this.’ I didn’t like it, I didn’t like that match at all, it really hurt. It wasn’t fun.”

That first match against Razor was tough, but he remembers Scott Hall took him under his wing and looked out for him behind the scenes.

“Then moving forward Scott Hall was so kind because he thought I looked like Vanilla Ice, and the Kliq started calling me Ice and I’ll never forget one time he told Pat Patterson, I was like 16 or 17 too, ‘Let’s get this kid on the road, get him seasoned.’ I’m not even legal yet. There’s something very special to what he saw, he saw my future through whatever it was and he believed in us every step of the way, and that’s rare, man.”

Listen to Matt and Jeff Hardy on the latest episode of The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy:

Trey Miguel Claims Impact Wrestling Stars Aren’t Invited To Walk Through “Forbidden Door”

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Trey Miguel believes Impact Wrestling stars aren’t exactly feeling the love from other promotions.

Trey has demonstrated loyalty to Impact. One example of this is when his former Rascalz teammates, Dezmond Xavier and Zachary Wentz left to form MSK on WWE’s NXT brand. Miguel remains on Impact citing personal reasons for not accepting WWE’s offer:

“I feel like it is worth mentioning AGAIN that a month and a half ago my Nephew was born prematurely and is in isolated care until what would have been his actual due date. Meeting a healthy baby boy is more important to me than anything else. I’m sure you all can respect that.”

Outside of WWE, cross-promotion is typically embraced in the wrestling industry. WWE actually did business with Impact back in January, leading to Mickie James entering the Royal Rumble wearing the Knockouts Championship.

While AEW and NJPW have also done business with Impact, Trey thinks that other promotions aren’t itching to bring in talent from the Anthem-owned company.

No Love For Impact Stars, Says Trey Miguel

Appearing on the Out of Focus podcast, Trey Miguel shared his opinion that other promotions simply aren’t willing to bring in Impact Wrestling stars (h/t Fightful).

“The main thing that makes today’s wrestling so special is how willing companies are to work with each other. You see AEW popping up at New Japan, New Japan popping up at IMPACT. You don’t really see IMPACT guys popping up anywhere else, people don’t f*ck with us like that. It’s cool. People want to drop in on us, but we don’t get to go nowhere.”

Miguel went on to say that it’s not an issue of Impact stars not being allowed to branch out.

“That’s not it. You’ll see a tweet go out, ‘Oh, anyone is invited,’ but no one is invited [from IMPACT]. There’s a list this big of guys, Sami Callihan went there, Moose went there, and the Good Brothers, but that’s it, but the list is huge from guys that have come in.”

William Regal Recalls His Time In NXT & Scouting Talent for WWE

Michael Reichlin
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William Regal had a lot to share with Chris Jericho during his recent appearance on the Talk Is Jericho podcast.

Last week, we covered Regal’s revelation that doctors gave him 24 hours to live at one point, as well as him being partially blind in his left eye.

The former NXT General Manager also spoke in-depth about his time in WWE’s developmental brand. In addition to being NXT’s on-screen authority figure, Regal reveals he also had a lot to do with developing the NXT brand to be the success it once was.

“NXT had started, I was the first person, as far as I know, that [Triple H] pulled in and said, ‘What’s your vision for this?'” he recalls. “We did what we did and it was a great thing for a lot of people. It was a great success, and I have no ill will at all for anyone. I am really happy. Because it needed some kind of change because things had changed. This place had come along and different things, so it needed [change].”

Scouting Talent for WWE & NXT

William Regal worked closely with former WWE executive Canyon Ceman to make NXT a legitimate third brand for the company. He says he had the eye for scouting and developing talent, while Ceman managed the logistics like contracts.

“Canyon Ceman, who I worked for and with, is a hell of a fella, a wonderful fella, said Regal. “When he came onboard, Triple H said, ‘Can you just look after him?’ I said, ‘Right.’ And I said, ‘Let’s start off on the right foot, let me take care of the wrestling and you take care of everything else. You take care of the athletes and the contracts and that. I don’t need to know anything else.”

Regal and Ceman worked together to scout talent and hold WWE tryouts across the world. He added, “I was looking at everybody, everywhere. That’s what I did. I studied everybody from everywhere, paid attention to everything. I would just turn up at whatever country, do this tryout.”

Listen to William Regal on Talk Is Jericho:

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