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Adam Cole Says CM Punk Match ‘Has To Happen’

Anutosh Bajpai
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Adam Cole has discussed the influence of CM Punk on his career multiple times in the past. It’s only natural that Punk has been a longtime dream match for the former NXT champion. Now that the two stars are finally in the same promotion, Cole says that this match ‘just has to happen.’

The AEW star recently had an interview with FightFul. He discussed things such as Triple H’s recent health scare and more. Talking about Punk, he mentioned how there was a time when he thought he would never get to wrestle the Straight Edge Star. Though now he cannot get the possibility out of his head:

“It hasn’t happened yet, but CM Punk is my huge one. That’s a good one because again, I’ve made it very clear that for me personally,” said Adam Cole, “he was one of the most impactful professional wrestlers as far as inspiration goes.

Cole Continued: “I remember seeing him in Ring of Honor, watching his promos and going, I really really want to focus on getting good on the microphone because of listening to him talk. Then I thought, ‘Okay, he retired. It’s never gonna happen.’ Now the fact that it’s a possibility, I can’t get it out of my head, I know that someday it just has to happen.”

Taya Valkyrie Returns to MLW May 13th Philadelphia Event

Michael Reichlin
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Taya Valkyrie returns to MLW on Friday, May 13th at the Kings of Colosseum ’22 event from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA.

The Queen of Lucha’s big return was announced on this week’s MLW Fusion. Valkyrie last competed for MLW in September 2019.

Taya has held championships around the world and will be a contender for the new MLW World Featherweight championship that is being introduced soon.

In a statement released on Thursday, MLW CEO Court Bauer had this to say about Taya Valkyrie:

“Frankly, money is how I’d describe Taya,” said Bauer. “Taya is a world class athlete and force of nature. Taya’s arrival will send shockwaves through the division. The road to winning the featherweight title just got a lot harder for her fellow competitors.”

The following matches have ben announced for MLW Kings of Colosseum ’22 on 5/13:

World Heavyweight Championship
Alex Hammerstone (c) vs. Richard Holliday (with Alicia Atout)

Weapons of Mass Destruction Match
Jacob Fatu vs. Mads Krugger

Also appearing:

  • Davey Richards
  • nZo
  • Microman with Mister Saint Laurent
  • World Tag Team Champions Hustle & Power (Calvin Tankman & EJ Nduka)
  • Ross & Marshall Von Erich
  • National Openweight Champion Alex Kane (with Mr. Thomas)
  • World Middleweight Champion Myron Reed
  • Cesar Duran
  • Gangrel
  • King Muertes
  • TJP
  • Aramis
  • Arez
  • Matt Cross
  • ACH
  • Holidead
  • KC Navarro
  • Savio Vega

Three Huge Bouts Announced for WWE April UK Tour

Jon Fuentes
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WWE has announced that their WWE London and France shows will have three huge matches during their European tour.

WWE will hold a show from the Utilita Arena on Thursday, April 28 in Newcastle, England; The O2 Arena from London, England on Friday, April 29; the Accor Arena from Paris, France on Saturday, April 30; and finally the QUARTERBACK Immobilien Arena in Leipzig, Germany on Sunday, May 1.

However, the WWE London and France shows have had three bouts announced featuring champions, including Undisputed Champion Roman Reigns.

The shows will feature:

  • Undisputed WWE Champion Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre
  • SmackDown Live Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair vs. Ronda Rousey
  • SmackDown Live Tag Team Champions The Usos vs. RAW Tag Team Champions RK-Bro

Also advertised for those shows are WWE Intercontinental Champion Ricochet, WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks and Naomi, Gunther, and Bobby Lashley. Matches for the Newcastle and Leipzig events are expected to be announced soon.

It should also be noted that the SmackDown Live taping on Friday, April 22 from the MVP Arena in Albany, New York has a special start time of 6:30pm ET. This hints that the show will be a double taping, meaning the April 29 episode of SmackDown Live will be pre-taped while WWE is running their show in London.

Currently advertised for the Albany, New York show on April 22 are Reigns, McIntyre, Ricochet, Banks and Naomi, The Usos, RK-Bro, Rousey, RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair, Becky Lynch, and Rhea Ripley. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.

Austin Theory Reveals Backstage Reaction to Vince McMahon’s Stunner Botch

Jon Fuentes
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Austin Theory was front and center for Vince McMahon’s horrendous stunner sell with Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania 38, and knows better than anyone how the locker room reacted once McMahon returned backstage through the curtain.

Speaking to Mark Andrews: My Love Letter to Pro Wrestling, Theory revealed that the locker room, especially the female talents, teased McMahon for the botched stunner once he returned backstage. However, it sounds like the boss took it all in stride and laughed it off.

“It was really cool. When Mr. McMahon walked to the back, everyone was screaming at him,” Theory said (via Fightful). “It was a lot of the female wrestlers, they were screaming at him and messing with him. He was like, ‘Okay, okay.’ It was proud, like being proud of your dad.

“Pat comes through and everyone was proud of what we did out there and everyone enjoyed it. You know it went well when everyone in the back enjoyed it. It was awesome. Even days after and now, hearing so much about it, you know you made that WrestleMania moment, which is really cool to me.”

McMahon was initially sitting ringside for Theory’s match with Pat McAfee, but angrily entered the ring after Austin Theory came up short against the SmackDown Live commentator. After ordering an impromptu match between himself and McAfee, it didn’t take McMahon long to put the ex-NFL punter down for a three-count. After the match, however, Austin hit the ring to give stunners to all three men – Theory, McAfee, and McMahon.

“The Chairman” is no stranger to taking stunners, probably having taken more than anyone over the years given his famed rivalry with Austin throughout the Attitude Era, but this one was one of the worst of all time. While Night Two of WrestleMania didn’t offer the best closing stunner, Night One certainly did.

Austin made his in-ring return after over 19 years, defeating Kevin Owens in a No Holds Barred match after nailing “KO” with the stunner. His appearance the following night wasn’t advertised, nor expected, but it was a tremendous treat nonetheless.

Adam Cole Comments on Triple H’s Recent Health Issues

Jon Fuentes
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All Elite Wrestling (AEW) star and former NXT star Adam Cole has offered his comments on Triple H’s recent health scare.

“The Game” recently opened up about his near-death experience and also admitted that he is now retired from in-ring competition as a result of his health complications. Cole, who worked closely with Triple H in NXT over the years, offered his thoughts on the situation during an interview with Fightful.

Cole noted that he thinks the world of Triple H after the time they spent together at NXT, saying he learned a lot from him and considers him a mentor. He added that he was very disheartened to learn that Triple H was forced to retire due to his health concerns because he knows how much wrestling means to “The Game,” however, his health is what’s most important.

“So truth be told, with the way stuff has been going lately, I’m just happy he’s okay,” Cole said. “But yeah, I mean, everything that he’s given to the wrestling industry and the wrestling business will never be forgotten, whether it be his in ring career, or the countless amount of people he’s influenced within NXT and the countless people he’s taught within NXT. So I really do, I love Triple H. I admire the hell out of him, and I’m glad he’s alright.”

Adam Cole left WWE back in 2021 after his contract with the company expired. He later made his debut for AEW at their All Out pay-per-view (PPV). During his run with NXT, Cole became an NXT Triple Crown Champion, winning the promotion’s World Title, North American Title, and Tag Team Titles.

As for Triple H, the 13-time World Champion can hang his hat on a career that will surely go down as one of the greatest of all time. After helping shape the professional wrestling industry in the ring, he now helps shape it behind the curtain, playing a huge role in molding the stars of the future.

Quotes via WrestlingNews.co

Kurt Angle Reacts to Vince McMahon’s Botched WrestleMania Stunner

Jon Fuentes
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WWE Hall Of Famer Kurt Angle is the latest professional wrestling legend of note to chime in on Vince McMahon’s horrendous sell job of Steve Austin’s stunner at WrestleMania 38.

Angle took to his podcast, “The Kurt Angle Show,” to reflect on WrestleMania 38 weekend and all of its big surprises. One of those surprises being Stone Cold Steve Austin making his in-ring return. Austin took on Kevin Owens in a No Disqualification match, his first official bout in over 19 years, winning with a stunner to close out the show.

The following night, Austin returned for Night Two, interrupting Vince McMahon’s celebration for his win over Pat McAfee. Austin hit stunners on Theory, McAfee, and McMahon – the latter being one of the worst sold stunners of all time. “The Olympic Hero” described the moment as a “disaster.”

“I gave him a hug and said good luck to him. I didn’t see him afterward. I’m sure he was a little pissed off about Vince and the way he took the Stunner,” Angle said. (via Fightful). “Yeah, it was crazy because Austin was chugging these beers and you could see his lips say ‘That motherf***er.’ Vince’s timing was just bad.

“You know, he didn’t know when the jump. He didn’t know where you’re gonna go down, up and down. He just thought you’re gonna go up and down and with Austin, he didn’t expect the boot to the gut, he thought he’s just gonna Stun him.

“So when Steve booted him, Vince went to his knees… Steve had to pick him back up and then he tried to get him and Vince backed up into the ropes, and he bounced off the ropes. It was like a disaster.”

Although the stunner was terrible, it was still nostalgic for fans to see Austin and McMahon rekindle their rivalry that helped make “The Rattlesnake’s” run during the Attitude Era so iconic. Not to mention how shocking it was to see Austin make another appearance after everyone thought he was done following his victory the previous night where he closed out Night One of WrestleMania 38.

Paul Heyman Reflects on ECW Barely Legal 25th Anniversary

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Paul Heyman wasn’t going to stay quiet on the 25th anniversary of the ECW Barely Legal event.

The event took place back on April 13, 1997. It was held inside the ECW Arena, now the 2300 Arena, in Philadelphia, PA. In the main event, Terry Funk defeated Raven to become the ECW World Heavyweight Champion.

Paul Heyman Looks Back

Paul Heyman took to his Instagram account to reflect on the 25th anniversary of Barely Legal.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CcUa6VmDIz3/

“Sigh.

“I suck at being nostalgic.

“I’m still too ambitious, looking for new things to accomplish. Yet I would be remiss if I didn’t say SOMETHING about this anniversary.

“ECW Barely Legal did not take place at a time where there was 1 brand so dominant, it was easy for companies to call themselves alternative or revolutionary.

“We took on two billion-dollar companies during the most hyper-competitive environment in the history of the industry.

“ECW’s fight to get on PPV has been covered in books, documentaries, et al. From PPV distributors’ confusion w/ MMA; our competitors doing everything to keep us off PPV; our uncompromising insistence on doing the show w/ our directors, a one-man announce booth, from the world’s most infamous bingo hall on literally the wrong side of the tracks in South Philly; we were willing to die before we’d sell out our vision.

“As much credit as we get for being outlaws, true to our cause … we weren’t the ones who got ECW cleared on PPV. It was our fans.

“The emails; letter-writing campaigns; bombarding cable company execs w/ round-the-clock faxes (what’s a FAX?); picketing #Cablevision offices. ECW was a true revolution.

“We didn’t have sponsors, billion dollar trust funds, secret financiers. We had balls, a belief in ourselves and our fans, who championed the cause, changed the industry forever.

“I don’t like writing these looks back because the journey to PPV was filled with such moment-by-moment heart-pounding pressure, it’s impossible to encapsulate in mere words. It’s why I’ve shunned all pushes for a scripted movie to be made about it. #BubbaRayDudley likes to say ECW was wrestling’s version of #Napster. We weren’t meant to last. We were there to lead the revolution, indeed evolution, of where the business would go. I often tap out trying to describe it better.

“We did it. We made it. The ECW fans got us there.

“For that, I will forever be indebted … and I’m going to spend the rest of my career continuing that passion, drive, ambition to over-deliver past anyone’s expectations; to be part of something where the level of performance is … all puns intended…EXTREME!”

ECW remains near and dear to Heyman. He ran the promotion until it was forced to close in 2001.

Heyman recently named two ECW legends who he’d like to see in the WWE Hall of Fame. He appeared on the Battleground Podcast and said his picks are Sabu and Joey Styles.

Booker T Wants Cody Rhodes to Dethrone Roman Reigns

Jon Fuentes
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WWE Hall Of Famer Booker T knows exactly who he wants to be the one to finally dethrone Roman Reigns.

The two-time Hall Of Famer took to his podcast, “The Hall Of Fame,” to offer his thoughts on the current World Title picture. Booker explained that he’d like to see Rhodes get a World Title reign by defeating Reigns, even if it means getting the title back around “The Tribal Chief’s” waist before the next WrestleMania.

“I don’t see why Cody can’t take the title off Roman in the meantime,” Booker said (via WrestlingInc.). “Roman could easily get it back by the time WrestleMania comes back around, we’ve got plenty of time to be able to switch that back, if that’s the route we are going to go in. If that’s the route they’re thinking, I suggest yes, we go that route of Rock and Roman, because it’s money.”

Reigns comes off of a big WrestleMania 38 win over Brock Lesnar, capturing the WWE Championship to unify with the Universal Title he already held. Now, having topped “The Beast” in Dallas, it remains to be seen who will be Reigns’ next big opponent. In the meantime, he’s focused on collecting more gold for The Bloodline in the form of getting The Usos to capture the RAW Tag Team Titles.

Rhodes finally made his return to WWE at WrestleMania 38, being introduced as Seth Rollins’ mystery opponent. “The American Nightmare” came out on top in the matchup, which was undoubtedly one of the best of the entire weekend. Now, Rhodes has made it clear he came back to WWE with his sights set firmly on a World Title. And right now, that road goes through Roman Reigns.

Reigns may sense Rhodes is creeping up on his run as Unified Champion, as he recently destroyed a fan’s Cody Rhodes sign after Monday Night RAW went off-air this week.

WrestleMania 38 Producer Joins AEW (Report)

Jon Fuentes
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It looks like a producer who worked WrestleMania 38 earlier this month has jumped ship to All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

As we reported earlier this month, Pat Buckridge resigned from WWE shortly after WrestleMania 38. Buckridge reportedly made the decision to step away after claiming he had already achieved his goals of producing some of the biggest matches in wrestling, and wanted to spend more time with his family. Specifically, Buckridge produced the Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar and Ronda Rousey vs. Charlotte Flair matches at “The Show of Shows.”

Buckridge also worked in WWE’s Talent Relations department. Now, per a report from PWInsider, Buckrige was backstage at AEW Dynamite this week and has started with the company as a producer. While WWE’s rigorous travel schedule was too much for Buckridge given his desire to spend more time with his family, AEW’s seems to be a much better fit for the veteran.

Shortly after his WWE departure earlier this month, he released the following statement, reflecting on his three years with the company:

“As a producer/agent, I feel that I have accomplished everything I wanted to do within WWE in the last three years. My endless gratitude beams from working with so many wonderful talents, especially the ultra talented Women’s Division. To my Producer brothers (and sister): You are the greatest collection of misfits that I’ve ever been with.

“I already miss my second family. Thank you John Laurinaitis for bringing me into this wonderful group and thank you Freebird for being our foul mouthed general. And to my fellow New Yawka, Paul Heyman.

“Thanks for providing a mitzvah and helping this gentile out. Sending love to the production truck, stage crew, parking, travel, makeup, photo, digital, security, IT, writers, props, social, legal, seamsters, live events, medical, and any other department that I’ve leaned on for something.

“I look forward to using my new time to return/expand my training schools/promotions, working all over, and sleeping in my own bed more than twice a week. To my darling wife, Lauren and baby Harrison. I don’t know how you put up with this gypsy. I [heart emoji] you both. Dada will be home soon.”

Former Chief of Staff Says The Rock Could Be a Threat to Trump in 2024

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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The Rock could make a serious run for POTUS if Donald Trump’s former Chief of Staff is to be believed.

Rock is perhaps the busiest man in Hollywood. He is highly sought after in the industry but could he be pushing that aside for a presidential run in 2024? Mick Mulvaney, former Chief of Staff for Trump, seems to think so.

Could The Rock Threaten Trump In 2024?

Mulvaney told Politico (via Mediaite) that The Rock is right up there with Florida governor Ron DeSantis and senator Tim Scott as potential presidential candidates who could threaten another run for Donald Trump.

“[Gov. Ron] DeSantis [R-FL] could give him a run for his money. [Sen.] Tim Scott [R-SC] can give him a run for his money. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson could give him a run for his money,” Mulvaney said.

It’s important to note that Trump hasn’t stated his intention to run again. With that said, speculation has run rampant on who will be making a run to challenge POTUS Joe Biden in 2024.

The Rock has expressed interest in politics in the past. He once told USA Today that he’d be open to the idea of running if that’s what the American people want.

“I would consider a presidential run in the future if that’s what the people wanted. Truly I mean that, and I’m not flippant in any way with my answer. That would be up to the people … So I would wait, and I would listen. I would have my finger on the pulse, my ear to the ground.”

The TV Show, “Young Rock” is built around the Hollywood megastar running for president. That doesn’t necessarily mean he’s going to give it a go for office in real life but it does stoke the flames.

During a recent episode of “Young Rock” a potential match with Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns was teased.

Details on WWE’s Internal Ranking of Talent on Raw & SmackDown

Michael Reichlin
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With WrestleMania 38 in the history books, we look ahead to what’s next for WWE’s top Superstars.

As WWE’s creative team formulates plans for upcoming feuds, they use a “depth chart” that ranks specific performers. Information obtained by PWInsider reveals the current standing of the top babyfaces and heels on the Raw and SmackDown brands.

This article has been updated to reflect the men’s and women’s singles divisions. These rankings should be considered “internal guidelines” that WWE uses for booking, but still provides a unique look at how certain performers will be positioned in the coming months.

Raw

Here’s a look at the depth-chart for Raw. It’s worth noting that Roman Reigns is only included on the SmackDown side, even though he holds the top title on Raw as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. WWE is reportedly still in the process of deciding how the unification scenario will play out.

Babyfaces

  1. Bobby Lashley
  2. Cody Rhodes
  3. AJ Styles
  1. Bianca Belair
  2. Alexa Bliss
  3. Rhea Ripley.

Heels

  1. Seth Rollins
  2. Kevin Owens
  3. Edge
  4. Damian Priest
  1. Becky Lynch
  2. Carmella
  3. Zelina

SmackDown

On the SmackDown side, we have limited rankings for the men’s singles division.

Heels

  1. Roman Reigns

Babyfaces

  1. Drew McIntyre

Intercontinental Champion Ricochet was listed as a top babyface on the SmackDown roster on another recent booking sheet.

WWE SummerSlam 2022 Tickets On Sale Friday, April 22

Michael Reichlin
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WWE SummerSlam 2022 tickets will go on sale next Friday, April 22nd at 10pm CT.

This year’s SummerSlam takes place Saturday, July 30, from Nashville, Tennessee at Nissan Stadium. The venue is home to the NFL’s Tennessee Titans and has a maximum capacity of over 69,000 people.

SummerSlam start at $25 and will be available via Ticketmaster.com. Wrestling fans interested in attending SummerSlam can register for presale opportunities at WWE.com.

Nissan Stadium

This year will mark first time WWE’s summer spectacular emanates from Tennessee. It’s the second consecutive year that SummerSlam is held in a football stadium. Last year’s event was held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV.

WWE is also offering SummerSlam Priority Passes, which provides “immersive VIP experiences” that will include premier seating, a dedicated stadium entrance, premium hospitality offerings and meet-and-greets with WWE Superstars and Legends.

Visit OnLocationEXP.com for details on the Priority Pass experiences.

Mickie James Reflects On Her 2022 Royal Rumble Appearance

Michael Reichlin
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Mickie James’ participation in the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble was significant in many ways. It marked the first time a reigning champion from Impact Wrestling competed on WWE programming.

The latest WWE 24 documentary takes an inside look at this year’s Rumble. WWE has released bonus footage from the show featuring backstage footage of James’ experience at the event.

Mickie James said she’s excited and grateful to be welcomed back to WWE with open arms. The last time she was at a WWE event was WrestleMania 37 weekend. She was released shortly after WrestleMania.


Even though Ronda Rousey was the last woman standing at the end of the Royal Rumble, it was still a very special night for James.

“No matter what, everybody wins.”

– Mickie James

Kofi Kingston said the Royal Rumble brings a special level excitement each year, but having a champion from another promotion enter the Women’s Rumble was really something unique.

James said it felt great to create history one more time and hear the WWE Universe react to her so warmly. She didn’t think she’d be back in WWE, but felt the love that fateful night.

WWE 24: Royal Rumble St. Louis is now streaming on Peacock in the US and on the WWE Network internationally.

ROH World Title Match Set For AEW Battle of the Belts

Ryan Droste
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It’s a big week for Ring of Honor Wrestling on AEW television.

Despite the future of ROH itself being unknown, their championships have been featured this week on national television. Wednesday night’s edition of AEW Dynamite saw Samoa Joe defeat Minoru Suzuki for the ROH Television Championship in the main event of the broadcast. It was a fantastic match that unfortunately was somewhat overshadowed by some loud criticism surrounding the way the end of the show was booked with Satnam Singh’s debut.

That being said, it was also announced on Wednesday night that ROH World Champion Jonathan Gresham will defend his championship against Dalton Castle this Saturday night during the second edition of AEW Battle of the Belts on TNT.

Other matches announced for AEW Battle of the Belts II include:

AEW Women’s Championship Match
Thunder Rosa (c) vs. Nyla Rose

AEW TNT Championship Match
Scorpio Sky (c) vs. Sammy Guevara

There has been lots of gold on the line this week. In addition to the aforementioned ROH TV Championship match, Dynamite this week also featured Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus sucessfully defending the AEW Tag Team Championships against reDRagon (Kyle O’Reilly and Bobby Fish).

The AEW World Championship will also be on the line this week, though that bout will occur Friday night on Rampage. “Hangman” Adam Page will put the title on the line against Adam Cole in a Texas Deathmatch.

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

Young Bucks Deny Taking Shot at Cody Rhodes, Talk Current Relationship

Ryan Droste
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There has been a lot of speculation about the relationships between Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks, but according to a new interview, that has been a lot of speculation over nothing.

Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson sat down with Sports Illustrated and discussed Rhodes moving on from AEW, as well as the idea that they took a shot at Rhodes recently on Twitter.

After Rhodes returned to WWE at WrestleMania 38, he took to his Twitter account and wrote, “Wrestling is a love story.”

Around the same time, The Young Bucks updated their Twitter bio. That bio read, “The story of a couple of self-made SoCal kids who came from nothing & built a gigantic movement was never going to be romantic enough for you.”

Speaking to SI, Matt Jackson denied this was a cryptic message to Rhodes. He noted that both he and his brother keep in touch with Cody and they wish him the best with WWE. Instead, he claimed the update was a reference to wrestling fans.

“That Twitter bio was actually dedicated to cynical wrestling fans who’ve always discredited us and shaped a narrative early on that we weren’t important to the launch of AEW. So they ran with a story that made more sense to them. We talk to Cody regularly, and hope nothing but the best for him,” Matt Jackson said.

Prior to the aforementioned Twitter bio update, The Bucks had updated it around the time of Cody’s return at WrestleMania to wrestle Seth Rollins. That time, the bio read, “Wtf I thought we were doing All In 2.” Neither brother was asked about that one by SI, but it clearly was a reference to Cody.

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

AEW Dynamite Results (4/13): Title Matches, CM Punk vs. Penta, Satnam Singh Debuts, Wardlow & MJF

Robert Lentini
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AEW Dynamite aired live from the UNO Lakefront Arena in New Orleans. The AEW Tag Team Championships and the ROH TV Title were defended tonight. In addition to the takeaways below, Blackpool Combat Club were interviewed backstage ahead of their Trios Match against Gunn Club this Friday on Rampage.

Dynamite Results

  1. CM Punk def. Pentagon Jr.
  2. Jurassic Express def. ReDRagon to retain the AEW Tag Team Championships
  3. Shawn Dean def. MJF via count out
  4. Jericho Appreciation Society def. Eddie Kingston, Santana, Ortiz
  5. Marina Shafir def. Skye Blue via submission
  6. Powerhouse Hobbs & Ricky Starks def. Keith Lee & Swerve Strickland
  7. Samoa Joe def. Minoru Suzuki to capture the ROH World TV Championship

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

CM Punk def. Pentagon Jr.

CM Punk battled Pentagon Jr. in the first match of the night. The crowd chanted for both wrestlers to start things off. Punk and Penta got face to face and started talking trash to each other. Punk and Penta traded chops as the crowd erupted. Punk and Penta traded punches and Penta hit a Superkick as loud “AEW!” chant broke out.

Punk sent Penta down with an Arm Drag and then a Dropkick for a two count. CM Punk went for the GTS but Penta escaped and applied an Ankle Lock in the middle of the ring. Punk countered and sent Penta face first into the top turnbuckle. Punk caught Penta with a knee to the face and went for a Clothesline but Pena ducked and hit a Slingblade for a near fall. The action spilled to the outside and Punk hit a Suicide Dive as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

When Dynamite returned, Penta and Punk were battling on the turnbuckle. Penta hit a headbutt and Punk responded with some punches. CM Punk connected with a Hurricanrana off the top rope. They went back to the top rope and Punk went for a move but slipped up and grabbed his knee in pain. Penta went on the attack and booted Punk in the knee. Punk got Penta in the Anaconda Vice but he got to the ropes to break the hold.

Punk went for a Piledriver but Penta escaped. Punk caught him with a kick to the face and then a springboard Clothesline. Punk went for a GTS but Penta escaped and hit an Enziguri to the back of the head. Penta went for a springboard move but Punk caught him and hit the GTS for the pinfall victory.

Jurassic Express Retained

Jurassic Express (Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus) defended the AEW Tag Team Championships against ReDRagon (Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly) tonight on Dynamite.

Bobby Fish and Jungle Boy started off the action. Jungle Boy hit a Hurricanrana and followed it up with a Dropkick. Bobby connected with a forearm to the face and tagged in O’Reilly. Kyle kneed Jungle Boy in the ribs and applied a Headlock. Luchasaurus tagged in and booted Fish off the ring apron. Luchasaurus sent O’Reilly to the corner as the crowd chanted his name.

O’Reilly knocked Luchasaurus to the floor and Bobby Fish hit him with a Dragon Screw into the barricade. Fish rolled Luchasaurus back into the ring and O’Reilly tagged in. Kyle locked in a submission hold targeting the knee but Luchasaurus quickly got to the ropes.

Luchasaurus caught Kyle with a knee to the face and tagged out. Jungle Boy sent Fish out of the ring and leveled O’Reilly with a Clothesline. Jungle Boy hit a dive through each of the ropes and went for another one but ReDRagon retreated. Luchasaurus caught them with a Moonsault off the apron and sent O’Reilly into the ring.

O’Reilly caught Jungle Boy with a Dragon Screw in the ropes and Bobby Fish slammed Jungle Boy’s shoulder into the ring apron as Dynamite went to a commercial break. When Dynamite returned, Luchasaurus connected with a couple Splashes before Kyle accidentally booted Bobby Fish in the face. Luchasaurus sent O’Reilly across the ring with a German Suplex and then hit a double Chokeslam in the middle of the ring.

Luchasaurs hit a standing Moonsault and went for the cover but O’Reilly kicked out at two. Bobby Fish tripped up Jungle Boy on the ring apron and then tagged in. Fish and O’Reilly hit some knee strikes in the corner but Luchasaurus battled back. Jurassic Express hit a Side Slam/Elbow Drop combo but Fish kicked out at two.

ReDRagon hit some combos on Jungle Boy before O’Reilly locked in an Armbar but Jungle Boy reached the ropes. The action broke down and everyone was trading shots in the ring. Luchasaurus hit a side kick and Jungle Boy delivered a Powerbomb for the pinfall victory. After the match, Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly attacked the champs with steel chairs. FTR’s theme hit to a big pop from the crowd. They held up the ROH & AAA titles and talked trash with ReDRagon to end the segment.

Shawn Dean def. MJF, Wardlow Invaded

MJF battled Captain Shawn Dean this week. Shawn Spears was ringside for the match as posters were on the barricade to warn security of Wardlow. MJF controlled the action early and sent Shawn Dean into the turnbuckle. MJF posed on the entrance ramp as security staff was shown laid out on the floor backstage.

Maxwell flipped out for a bit looking around for Wardlow before he sent hi into the barricade outside the ring. Wardlow showed up in an AEW staff t-shirt and stood behind MJF as he posed. Wardlow tried to attack MJF but he scampered away. Spears hit Wardlow with a chair. Wardlow shrugged it off and beat the hell out of all the security. The referee started counting and MJF tried to bribe him to stop because he was afraid to walk by Wardlow. The referee counted to 10 and MJF lost via count out. Wardlow was then shown being escorted out of the arena by force and shouted that he is not going to stop until he gets his hands on MJF. Wardlow vs. The Butcher was announced for next week.

Jericho Appreciation Society Picked Up A Win

Darby Allin had a vignette and called for a Coffin Match against Andrade El Idolo. It was later announced that the Coffin Match will happen next week on Dynamite.

Chris Jericho, Jake Hager, and Daniel Garcia battled Eddie Kingston, Santana, and Ortiz in a Trios match.

Santana and Jericho started off the action. They traded chops to the chest in the middle of the ring before Santana tackled Jericho to the mat. A brawl broke out and Hager sent Ortiz into the barricade.

Back in the ring, Jericho hit a slam on Ortiz as Kingston & Garcia brawled outside the ring. Hager tagged in and slammed Ortiz to the mat before tagging in Garcia. When Dynamite returned from a break, Jericho hit Ortiz with a Dropkick and followed it up with some jabs to the face.

Jericho posed for the crowd and went for the Lionsault but Ortiz rolled out of the way. Eddie Kingston tagged in and unloaded punches to Jericho Appreciation Society. Kingston sent Hager to the outside and tagged in Santana. Santana hit Three Amigos on Garcia and made his way to the top turnbuckle. Santana connected with a Frog Splash and went for the cover but Garcia powered out at two.

Eddie tagged in and hit a bunch of chops before Ortiz got back in. Ortiz hit a Leg Drop off the second rope and fired up the crowd. Hager hopped on the apron but Kingston sent him down and hit him with a dive. Ortiz threw Garcia onto Jericho and then hit 2.0 on the entrance ramp with a dive.

Kingston tagged in again and hit Garcia with an Exploder Suplex. Eddie went for Backfist to the Future but Garcia ducked. Jericho then hit Eddie with the baseball bat and Garcia covered him for the win. Jericho Appreciation Society then beat them down some more after the match. Jericho got in some strikes with the baseball bat.

Marina Shafir Dominated

Marina Shafir faced Skye Blue this week on Dynamite. Red Velvet, Kiera Hogan were shown in the crowd as TBS Champion Jade Cargill watched on from backstage. Marina Shafir dominated this match and won via submission in quick fashion. After the match, Tony Nese confronted HOOK in a backstage segment.

Starks & Hobbs def. Keith Lee & Swerve Strickland

Powerhouse Hobbs and Ricky Starks battled Keith Lee and Swerve Strickland. Hobbs sent Swerve across the ring with a Fallaway Slam and tagged in Starks. Ricky tagged in but Steve battled back. Keith Lee tagged in and sent Ricky to the corner. Swerve trapped Ricky and Keith Lee hit him with two chops to the chest. Swerve then Moonsaulted off of Keith Lee’s chest onto Team Taz outside the ring as Dynamite went to a break.

Keith Lee tagged in and hit Ricky with a few shoulder tackles. Powerhouse Hobbs hit Keith Lee from behind and went for it again but Lee leapfrogged him. Keith then launched Ricky onto Starks in the corner. Swerve tagged in and connected with an Enziguri for a near fall. Starks connected with a Destroyer and went for the cover but Swerve kicked out at two. Keith Lee hit a massive shoulder tackle for a near fall. Powerhouse Hobbs got in the ring and traded some words with Keith Lee. Starks hit Lee with an Enziguri and tagged in Hobbs.

Taz started walking down the entrance ramp and made his way to the ringside area. Swerve sent Hobbs into the ring post as Lee perched Starks up on the top turnbuckle. Swerve hit Starks with a Splash but Powerhouse knocked him to the outside. Lee caught Hobbs with an elbow to the face but Taz tripped him up from behind. Hobbs then planted Keith Lee with a Spinebuster for the pinfall victory.

After the match, it was announced that Jonathan Gresham will defend the ROH Championship against Dalton Castle at Battle of the Belts II on Saturday night. Scorpio Sky will defend the TNT Championship against Sammy Guevara. Thunder Rosa will defend the AEW Women’s Championship against Nyla Rose at Battle of the Belts as well.

It was also announced that Tony Khan will make another announcement next week on Dynamite. HOOK will also make his Dynamite debut next week.

Samoa Joe Captured The ROH TV Title, Satnam Singh Had A Rough Debut

Minoru Suzuki defended the ROH TV Championship against Samoa Joe tonight in the main event. Suzuki and Joe traded chops to start off the action. Joe laid a bunch into Suzuki but it just fired himself up.

Suzuki and Joe beat the hell out of each other with chops and strikes as Dynamite went to a final commercial break. When Dynamite returned, Joe had Suzuki in a Crossface in the middle of the ring. Suzuki escaped and the two started chopping the hell out of each other again. Jay Lethal & Sonjay Dutt were shown in the front row as Suzuki caught Joe with a Dropkick.

Minoru went for the Gotch Piledriver but Joe escaped. Samoa Joe sent Suzuki to the corner and perched him up on the top turnbuckle. Joe connected with the Muscle Buster for the pinfall victory and captured the ROH World TV Championship. After the match, Jay Lethal gave Samoa Joe the middle finger. Satnam Singh made his AEW debut after the lights went out. The crowd chanted “who are you?” as the giant attacked Samoa Joe and beat him down. The show went off the air with Satnam posing with Jay Lethal and Sonjay Dutt.

Video: Roman Reigns Destroys Cody Rhodes Sign After Raw Goes Off The Air

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Roman Reigns has already had enough of Cody Rhodes.

Cody made his “stupendous” return to WWE on night one of WrestleMania 38. He was Seth Rollins’ surprise opponent. Cody won the match and followed that up with a victory over The Miz on the April 11 episode of Raw.

Roman Reigns Rips Up Cody Rhodes Sign

Roman Reigns was in action once Raw went off the air. He teamed with The Usos to take on Drew McIntyre and New Day. At one point, Reigns took a Cody Rhodes sign from a fan and ripped it to shreds.

This will certainly stoke the flames of a potential showdown between Reigns and Cody. Rhodes recently appeared on WWE’s The Bump and said that a match with Reigns is there for the future.

Peep the video courtesy of Twitter user “ItsWildBoy.”

Tony Khan Recalls Taking Notice Of MJF During His MLW Days

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AEW President Tony Khan had his eyes on MJF before his promotion was officially founded.

Maxwell Jacob Friedman is widely regarded as someone who can blossom into a megastar. As it stands now, many view him as the top heel in AEW. With that said, the general consensus is that he hasn’t even come close to reaching his full potential.

Tony Khan Kept Tabs On MJF

During an appearance on Wrestling with Freddie, Tony Khan said that he had been following MJF’s work for a while.

“The man of the moment in wrestling. I was watching MLW and it was hard to miss MJF. For weeks and weeks and months and months all through 2018, I saw him cut a lot of promos on MLW.

“They had a lot of good people on the show at that time. So, I was watching it pretty regularly looking for people. I would go back in that summer and MJF was one of the real standout people.”

While MJF’s future is looking bright the question remains, will he stick with AEW beyond 2024? That’s the year his contract will expire and he has teased a potential jump to WWE.

Khan has said that he expects a bidding war to ensue.

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

Report: AEW Console Game Has Tentative Release Date

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The AEW console game apparently has a tentative release window and it’s a lot closer than you might think.

Fightful Select reports that the timeframe for AEW’s first foray into console gaming is late September. The report makes note that this is a tentative release window, meaning it’s entirely possible that the game can be pushed back if need be.

Some newer AEW talents have said on social media that they may have missed the time period to make it into the game. This indicates that the game is on track for that late September window but many factors will determine if that plan can be executed.

The upcoming AEW video game is being developed by Yuke’s, the former longtime developer of past WWE games.

Even Sami Zayn Thinks Kevin Owens Is Wrong About Ezekiel

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Kevin Owens can’t turn to his own friend Sami Zayn when it comes to his conspiracy theory on Ezekiel.

Ezekiel has only been around for two weeks and he’s already been a thorn in the side of Owens. On the April 4 episode of WWE Raw, Owens ranted about how he went into his WrestleMania 38 match with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin injured.

This prompted Ezekiel to hit the ring. Kevin Owens claimed that the new upcoming star is actually Elias. Ezekiel insisted that Owens was mistaken and that he is actually Elias’ brother.

Kevin Owens Gets No Help From Sami Zayn

While Owens is convinced that Ezekiel is actually Elias, he hasn’t exactly done a good job of convincing others. He couldn’t convince Tommaso Ciampa during the April 11 episode of Raw and he can’t even convince Sami Zayn.

https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/1513996850201772043

“HELP ME!!! @SamiZayn”

“They will try to minimize you because you speak the truth! Keep fighting the good fight!! …I must say that picture is pretty convincing though.”

https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/1514020366452240388

“There’s leaves growing out of his GD arm! Think!!!”

Owens has been calling for Ezekiel to take a lie detector test on the April 18 episode of Raw. It’s quite the extreme measure from KO. After all, Ezekiel does have some pretty damning evidence that he’s telling the truth.

Juice Robinson Claims He’s Done at NJPW

Jon Fuentes
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Juice Robinson appears to be done with New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) when he contract expires later this month.

Robinson recently joined Wrestling Observer Live and revealed that his current contract with NJPW is set to expire on April 30, and when the time comes, he has not plans on re-signing with the promotion.

“I don’t have plans to travel back over [to Japan],” Robinson said (via WrestlingNews.co). “I am at the end of my contract. I did an extra three month extension and that ends April 30th so that will be that. I will not be wrestling under the New Japan banner any longer.”

Robinson’s initial contract with NJPW expired back on January 31, however, as he mentioned, he signed a three-month extension through the end of April. Now, Robinson is set to become a free agent, and there’s no telling where he could end up. However, it’s probably easy to guess where he won’t end up.

Aside from NJPW, Robinson also had a stint with WWE back in 2011. He wrestled for Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) when it was part of WWE’s developmental program, and even saw it morph into WWE NXT before departing from the company in 2015.

Robinson then joined NJPW in 2015, where he continued working for the next seven years, while also making appearances for Ring Of Honor (ROH). During his run with NJPW, Robinson captured the IWGP United States Heavyweight Title twice, along with an IWGP Tag Team Title win alongside David Finlay. Now that his time in NJPW is behind him, perhaps Juice Robinson has his eyes set on the likes of IMPACT Wrestling or All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

The Good Brothers Set for Free Agency Soon (Report)

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The Good Brothers are set to hit free agency soon it seems.

Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson’s contracts with IMPACT Wrestling will expire on Sunday, July 17th, according to Fightful. The pair inked a deal with IMPACT Wrestling back in July of 2020. As of this writing there is no indication as to whether or not IMPACT is looking to re-sign the pair, or if The Good Brothers want to go elsewhere.

While under contract with IMPACT, Gallows and Anderson have been allowed to work dates for both New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and All Elite Wrestling (AEW). They have great relationships with both companies, so seeing them end up in either wouldn’t come as much of a shock. The pair have worked all across the globe, having been signed to WWE, Ring Of Honor (ROH), and NJPW in the past.

Initially, they signed new five-year deals with WWE back in 2019 but were sadly released by the company as part of their COVID-19 budget cuts. A return to WWE isn’t impossible, however, but doesn’t seem very likely despite having a good friend in AJ Styles still working there. Regardless of what Gallows and Anderson decide to do, they can reflect on a very impressive run with IMPACT Wrestling.

The pair had two Tag Team Title runs during their recent stint, both over 100 days; 119 and 231 days, respectively. They also took home the promotion’s Tag Team Of The Year Award in 2021. Their last match under the IMPACT Wrestling banner took place at Multiverse Of Matches on April 1, where they defeated The Briscoe Brothers in the main event.

https://youtu.be/L-PllZljZ_4

Paul Heyman Dubs Himself ‘Undisputed’ Best Manager Ever

Jon Fuentes
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Whether it’s as a manager, advocate, special counsel, or “wise man,” there’s no denying that Paul Heyman is tremendous at what he does.

Often referred to as one of the best promos in the business, Heyman is also one of the best managers a professional wrestling talent can ask for. And he knows it. During a recent interview with 101 WRIF, Heyman claimed he’s the ‘undisputed’ best manager of all time.

“I think it’s undisputed that I am the greatest manager, advocate, and special counsel of all time,” Heyman said. “If for no other reason than the first 35 years of my stellar career on top.

“I am the special counsel for the Tribal Chief Roman Reigns, the Head of the Table, the end all be all, Roman Reigns who smashed, absolutely smashed Brock Lesnar at Wrestlemania to unify the WWE and Universal Heavyweight Championships and is now the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world with this entire industry. Just based on that, let alone everything else I accomplished before, I’d say you got a pair of GOATS on your hand now.”

Heyman certainly makes a strong case. He has been by the sides of the likes of CM Punk, Brock Lesnar, and Roman Reigns, to name a few. His runs with each of those men were legendary, but the latter two are likely what fans will remember him for most.

During his rise to dominance in WWE, Lesnar had Heyman by his side as his “advocate,” including while he broke The Undertaker’s undefeated WrestleMania streak in New Orleans.

Now, Heyman serves as the “special counsel” to the unified WWE Champion Roman Reigns, who often refers to Heyman as his “wise man.” Recently, Heyman was ringside with Reigns while he bested Lesnar in the main event of WrestleMania 38, unifying the WWE Championship and WWE Universal Title.

And although Paul Heyman admits he’s likely the best to have ever portrayed the manager role in professional wrestling, he’s not ready for a WWE Hall Of Fame induction just yet.

(Quotes via WrestlingInc)

Jim Ross Reveals How Steve Austin Felt About WrestleMania 38 Match

Jon Fuentes
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WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross and fellow Hall Of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin have been close friends for decades, so it’s no surprise that Ross has the inside scoop on how “The Texas Rattlesnake” felt about his performance at WrestleMania 38.

Austin made his highly-anticipated return to in-ring action at “The Show Of Shows” from Dallas, Texas earlier this month, taking on Kevin Owens in a No Holds Barred match. Initially, Austin was scheduled for a special edition of “The KO Show,” where he was to be Owens’ guest on the program. However, after Owens challenged Austin to a No Holds Barred match right then and there, Austin was quick to accept.

The pair battled all around the arena before Austin ultimately picked up the win with a stunner inside the ring, giving him a victory in his first match in over 19 years. Austin had been very vocal about not wanting to wrestle again up until returning for WrestleMania this year, mainly worried about not being able to perform to his standards given his age and injury history.

However, on the latest episode of his podcast, “Grilling JR,” Jim Ross revealed that Austin told him he was “really happy” with how things played out.

“He and I talked going into that thing and we communicated on Saturday after the show,” Ross said (via WrestlingNews.co). “He seemed to be really happy and almost relieved that they pulled it off. He and Kevin Owens deserve a hell of a lot of credit for what they did.

“To show you what kind of ballplayer Austin is, he hadn’t been on the field for 19 years or something like that and he didn’t look like he missed a step. They kept the match in their lane. I thought that was really smart how they strategized and laid out that match.

“It was just absolutely a masterpiece in my view, and Kevin Owens deserves a lot of credit as well. You gotta have a dancing partner to make these things work, and Steve had a great dancing partner.”

Prior to this, Austin’s last match took place in 2003 at WrestleMania 19, where he suffered a loss to The Rock. Austin and Rock were longtime rivals throughout the Attitude Era, headlining WrestleMania opposite each other a total of three times – WrestleMania 19 being their last.

Tommaso Ciampa Lists WWE Main Roster Dream Opponents

Jon Fuentes
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In a move that was long overdue, former WWE NXT Champion Tommaso Ciampa was called up to the main roster this week.

Ciampa appeared on Monday Night RAW in a brief segment with Kevin Owens and Ezekiel, but has yet to compete inside the ring on the red brand. However, this is only the beginning of what looks to be a very promising run for Ciampa. Recently, Ciampa spoke to Metro UK on a variety of topics, including recently getting the main roster nod. During the interview, he listed out his names of dream opponents that he’s looking forward to compete against.

“There’s so many people that I can look at right now on those Raw and SmacKDown rosters and think, ‘Man, what if?’ I haven’t been in the ring with so many of them,” he explained. “Whether it’s Edge or Rey Mysterio, I’ve never really had a singles match with AJ Styles, done stuff with Roman Reigns. There’s so many – you can just go down the list forever and ever.

“It’s all stuff that now, the more I’ve done it, the longer I’ve been doing it, you keep checking off boxes and keep building that resume. It’s stuff that, if five to 10 years from now, I can check off all those things and have those be part of it, that’d be awesome.”

Now that Ciampa is on the main roster, any of those matches are certainly a possibility. He brings in quite an impressive resume from his days in NXT, sporting two NXT Title runs and an NXT Tag Team title win alongside current free agent Johnny Gargano. Not to mention Ciampa is also a former Ring Of Honor (ROH) World TV Champion.

After having helped bring NXT to new heights and providing fans with some of the brand’s most compelling rivalries and matches, Tommaso Ciampa is ready to replicate that on an even grander stage – Monday Night RAW.

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