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WWE Considers Money In The Bank Change

Ryan Droste
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This year’s WWE Money In The Bank premium live event is scheduled to take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, the home of the Las Vegas Raiders and the same location as last year’s SummerSlam event.

Currently, Money In The Bank is scheduled for Saturday, July 2nd. However, the UFC will now be in Las Vegas on the very same date for a PPV event at the T-Mobile Arena. Obviously, this could create logistical chaos for people who want to attend both events.

WWE has a hold on Allegiant Stadium for Sunday, July 3rd and is reportedly considering moving Money in the Bank to that date to avoid conflict with the UFC show, according to Sean Ross Sapp.

Tickets are not on sale yet for WWE Money In The Bank, so this is still a very fluid situation. Either way, we’re looking at a massive Independence Day holiday weekend in Las Vegas.

With the Royal Rumble, SummerSlam, and of course WrestleMania having been held in stadiums, Money In The Bank now joins that elite group of regular WWE shows to be held in front of such a large live audience, not counting the twice per year Saudi Arabia special events as well as other special international events that have been held in stadiums over the years.

Last year’s Money In The Bank event was held in Fort Worth, Texas and saw Big E capture the briefcase on the men’s side, while Nikki A.S.H. won the match on the women’s side. That show was part of WWE’s first weekend live touring once again following the hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

MVP on Bianca Belair: “She’s the Fastest, the Strongest, the Best.”

Michael Reichlin
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Bianca Belair has a huge fan in MVP. The former leader of the Hurt Business says the EST is the fastest, strongest and best women’s wrestler in WWE. He’s so high on her that he’s actually tried recruiting her to his faction.

MVP sat down with Corey Graves this week for the latest episode of WWE’s After the Bell podcast.

It’s late January, so of course the main topic at hand was the Royal Rumble. However, MVP just couldn’t help gushing over Bianca Belair.

MVP says Belair vs. Sasha Banks at WrestleMania 37 was one of the greatest matches he’s ever seen. It was the moment that Bianca Belair stepped into the spotlight and showed the world that she’s the new face of WWE’s women’s division.

He couldn’t believe WWE’s decision to book Belair in a 20-second loss to Becky Lynch at SummerSlam. MVP said he could rant about that incident for a half hour, but spared us of that.

Next weekend at the Royal Rumble, Doudrop challenges Becky Lynch for the Raw Women’s Championship. It’s a match that Doudrop says is 15 years in the making.

MVP could see Doudrop winning the title, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter. He wants Bianca Belair as champion and everything else is just fodder.

“I don’t want to talk about any other women in the WWE,” said MVP. “Bianca Belair isn’t in the conversation, because she truly is The EST. She’s the fastest, she’s the strongest, she’s the best. I can’t see a conversation about the WWE Women’s Championship without Bianca Belair in it.”

MVP Wanted Bianca Belair in the Hurt Business

The Hurt Business has been one the most dominant factions in WWE over the past several years. Back when they were in full swing, MVP says people would tell him they need to add a woman to the group.

Hearing MVP profess his admiration for Bianca Belair, it should come as no surprise that MVP tried recruiting her.

“There were some discussions with Bianca Belair, but things went a different way,” said MVP. “So I say all that to say that I’m a fan of Bianca Belair and I believe that when you talk about the WWE Women’s Championship, if Bianca Belair isn’t in that conversation, I don’t want to have it.”

Listen to MVP’s appearance on the After the Bell podcast here:

Vince McMahon “Shows No Signs of Slowing Down”

Michael Reichlin
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Vince McMahon is still going strong at 76 years old. The Chairman and CEO of WWE is working as hard as ever, according to one of his closest allies.

WWE Senior Vice President Bruce Prichard has worked with McMahon on and off since the 1980’s. He’s seen McMahon operate during the glory days of Hulkamania, the dark days of the steroid trial in the mid-90’s, WWE’s peak Attitude Era and is one of the most influential people in WWE to this day.

During a recent episode of his Something to Wrestle podcast, Prichard said he could see Vince McMahon running WWE for decades to come. The latest installment focused on the 2005 Royal Rumble pay-per-view. That show featured the infamous ending of Vince McMahon charging to ringside and tearing both of his quads as he entered the ring.

Wrestlers, promotions and eras have come and gone over the past 40 years. One constant in this industry has been Vince McMahon.

“He’s a freak of nature…”

– Bruce Prichard describing Vince McMahon

During times when business is soft or fans are unhappy with WWE’s creative direction, some people question if McMahon still has “it.”

Bruce Prichard says McMahon still has the energy and vision to lead WWE into the future. When asked about Vince McMahon’s longterm future running WWE, Prichard gave a glowing review of pro wrestling’s Walt Disney.

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Vince McMahon (2022)

“Yeah, I can’t imagine him not doing it and I am sure that he will continue to do it probably for the next 25-to-30 years,” said Prichard. “His mom’s 101 and still going so, you know, he shows no signs of slowing down at all.”

Prichard added that it’s hard to imagine WWE without Vince McMahon at the helm. Thankfully, he doesn’t think we’ll have to worry about that scenario any time soon.

“He’s a freak of nature and it’s hard to imagine it without him and I don’t think that we’ll have to imagine it without him for a long, long time.”

Listen to Something to Wrestle: Royal Rumble 2005 with Bruce Prichard and Conrad Thompson below or at AdFreeShows.com.

Doudrop vs. Becky Lynch is 15 Years in the Making

Michael Reichlin
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Doudrop will battle Becky Lynch for the Raw Women’s Championship next weekend at the Royal Rumble. This is the biggest match of her career to date.

Doudrop spoke with Alex McCarthy of talkSPORT this past week about why this match is so significant for her.

Let’s go back 15 years when she was training to be a pro wrestler. She was (literally) ‘learning the ropes’ in a small warehouse in Linwood, Scotland.

“Way back when I first started training in a little warehouse in Linwood, Scotland, there really wasn’t many experienced girls in the UK wrestling scene at all.”

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Doudrop and Becky Lynch (Photo: WWE)

At the time, the UK was a hotbed for future women’s wrestling talent. She trained in Scotland with Nikki Storm, best known to WWE fans as Nikki ASH. Mischief and Erin Angel were down in England. They all knew about this up and comer in Ireland named Rebecca Knox.

“We were very aware of Becky at the time, she said.”Even back then she was at the top of her game, she recalls. “She was the girl our trainers were trying to get in and have matches with us so we could learn from her, get some kind of experience.”

She never did get a chance to work with Becky Lynch back then. Rebecca Knox was doing everything she could to make it over to the United States, which she ultimately did.

Doudrop made a name for herself as Piper Niven in the UK and Japan. She had impressive runs in ICW, EVE and Stardom.

15 years later, Piper Niven will finally cross paths with Becky Lynch on the big stage.

Doudrop vs. Becky Lynch goes down next weekend at the WWE Royal Rumble.

Killer Kross Wants to Be a More “Complete Version” of Himself post-WWE

Jake Skudder
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Former WWE NXT Champion Killer Kross/Karrion Kross recently discussed his plans post-WWE, with him wanting to round out his character and in-ring performance even more.

Speaking on the Wrassle Rap podcast, the former NXT and RAW Superstar revealed “I learned so much in my entire experience with that company, with NXT and the main roster.

“I feel like a more complete version of myself actually going through that entire experience. There were different challenges on the main roster than there were in NXT” Kross continued.

Killer Kross on Post-WWE

“One of them, and this might not translate to a lot of people but this is like, just having your times changed when you’re out there” Kross noted.

“And that happened pretty frequently. Having the confidence to go out there and perform live while the entire world is watching, and change things on the fly when somebody else’s life is completely in your hands. There’s just a lot going on” Kross revealed of his time on the main roster.

It is not yet confirmed where Kross will be appearing next, however, the chances of a return to IMPACT Wrestling is certainly not out of the question.

AEW is another potential option for the former NXT Superstar, but it is not known if All Elite and Tony Khan are interested in bringing him into the company.

h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

Rey Mysterio Names His ‘Dream’ WrestleMania Moment

Jake Skudder
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WWE and WCW Legend Rey Mysterio recently revealed his ‘dream’ WrestleMania moment, which unsurprisingly includes his son Dominik.

Speaking to Metro.co.uk, Mysterio revealed that he wants to have a match at the iconic event alongside his flesh and blood.

“There is definitely a WrestleMania moment that has yet to be seen next to my son,” Mysterio began the interview.

“That is something that if you would have told me a year ago, that I was going to be able to share the ring with my son, let alone become tag-team champions – the first-ever in WWE – I would have said, ‘get out of here,'” Mysterio added.

Rey Mysterio WrestleMania Moment

“Now things have just flourished and have manifested,” Mysterio continued. “I’m putting this out in the world that I want to have a WrestleMania moment with my son before I end up hanging up the mask.”

Mysterio is no stranger to major WrestleMania moments, with the former WCW Cruiserweight Champion having matches against the likes of Eddie Guerrero, Kurt Angle and Randy Orton at the Showcase of The Immortals.

Getting the opportunity to share the ring with his son will of course be the most sentimental WrestleMania moment he could hope to have.

It remains to be seen if WWE will honor the request from the Luchador legend, but it would certainly make sense for the Mysterios to have a match of some form on this year’s WrestleMania 38 card.

Gisele Shaw Debuts for IMPACT Wrestling

Jake Skudder
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Gisele Shaw officially made her debut for IMPACT Wrestling as part of the recent television tapings that took place.

Shaw appeared on the entrance ramp after Lady Frost defeated Alisha Edwards, Gisele would pose in front of Lady Frost while ignoring her, then leave.

Gisele Shaw is currently the PROGRESS Wrestling Women’s Champion and will be appearing for the company at their Sunday 6th February show in Manchester, England.

It is not currently confirmed if Shaw is now officially signed to the company or whether this will be a short run.

Gisele Shaw IMPACT

It is also not confirmed if Shaw will be dropping the PROGRESS Women’s Championship, or whether she will be able to honor the dates she is already booked for to drop the title.

Rhio and Mercedez Blaze are set to collide at today’s PROGRESS live show return in the Revelations of Divine Love tournament final. The winner of that bout will go on to face Shaw for the title on Sunday 6th February.

It is not known when the episode of IMPACT Wrestling featuring the debut of Gisele Shaw will be aired, but it will likely be in the coming weeks ahead of the No Surrender event on Saturday February 19th.

Jon Moxley Makes Surprise Appearance, Wrestles at Indy Show Saturday Night

Ryan Droste
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One night after wrestling his first match for AEW in nearly three months on Rampage, Jon Moxley was back at it on Saturday night for Northeast Wrestling.

Moxley made a surprise appearance as part of Northeast Wrestling Wrestlefest 26 in Poughkeepsie, New York. He was a replacement for Jay Lethal. Moxley ended up wrestling, and defeating, Channing Thomas.

Check out some images from the event below courtesy of Twitter.

Moxley is in New York for Sunday night’s GCW PPV event at the Hammerstein Ballroom. At that show, titled The Wrld on GCW, Moxley will defend the GCW Heavyweight Championship against Homicide.

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.

Shawn Michaels Didn’t Know Royal Rumble Would Be As Big As It Is Today

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Shawn Michaels didn’t anticipate the Royal Rumble event to be as popular as it’s become.

The man known as “HBK” made his Royal Rumble debut back in 1989. At the time, he couldn’t have imagined the event becoming a huge pit stop on the road to WrestleMania. The event has become its own massive weekend for wrestling fans to the point where it’s being held in stadiums.

Shawn Michaels Talks Growth Of Royal Rumble

Serving as a guest on WWE’s The Bump, Shawn Michaels admitted he didn’t anticipate the Royal Rumble event becoming so big.

“No. So, gosh the first time you — I don’t know. You hear about it, it’s a battle royale essentially. I had no idea that it would become — look, as everybody knows now the Royal Rumble comes and it has so many implications now towards WrestleMania and that’s where you start thinking about it.

“So, no I gotta be honest, I didn’t know that the event would be such the landmark that it is now. It was an unbelievable concept but at the same time, I don’t know I guess you always feel to have almost 30-plus years of longevity in this line of work, pretty tough to do.

“But again, it’s something that to me I feel like once the Rumble comes that’s when everybody gets excited and the road to WrestleMania is right around the corner. As I say, I don’t know that that does justice to just how big that event’s become.”

This year’s Royal Rumble event will emanate from The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri. It’ll take place on Jan. 29, which falls on a Saturday.

Please H/T SEScoops with a link if you use any quotes from this article

Mark Henry Disagrees With Bully Ray: Jon Moxley Didn’t Owe Anybody An Apology

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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0

Mark Henry isn’t on board with Bully Ray’s recent take on Jon Moxley’s return promo.

Moxley was expected to make it to the finals of an AEW World Heavyweight Championship tournament. He likely would’ve gone one-on-one with Bryan Danielson. “MOX” ended up withdrawing from the tournament to enter an alcohol treatment program.

Jon Moxley Returns, Bully Ray Criticizes

Jon Moxley made his return on the Jan. 19 episode of Dynamite. Outside of one heckler who got verbally eviscerated by “MOX,” the crowd stood in silence to hear what Jon had to say. Moxley fired up the supportive fans and talked about how everyone has internal scars that they should be proud of.

Bully Ray took to Busted Open Radio to express his belief that Moxley was missing an apology in the speech.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sy7H5V7KulY

“I would have liked to have heard just a little bit of accountability from Jon. I understand the whole demons thing and we always use the word demons as a creative word to get around the real issues.

“Whether it’s an alcohol issue, whether it’s a drug issue. In Tommy’s case, it’s an eating issue. Everybody has some kind of ‘demon’ that they have to get around.

“So, okay we have our ‘demons.’ These demons got the best of Jon for a time period where he had to step away from AEW. I would’ve liked to have heard him say a bit of an apology to the AEW fans.”

Mark Henry Comes To MOX’s Defense

Mark Henry, who works with Bully Ray on Busted Open, doesn’t agree with his colleague on the “MOX” promo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHVOP6wvCEE

“I have to disagree with our contemporary Bully Ray. He didn’t owe anybody an apology.”

Moxley was back in the ring on the Jan. 21 episode of Rampage. He defeated Ethan Page to get the show started. After the match, he had a staredown with Bryan Danielson.

Please H/T SEScoops with a link if you use any quotes from this article. Thanks to Putting You Over for the videos.

Nick Gage Comments On Being Left Off GCW PPV

Chris Stephens
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GCW presents “The WRLD On GCW” tomorrow night from the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. One of the company’s most recognizable stars does not have a match scheduled for the show, however.

Gage hasn’t wrestled since being defeated by Minoru Suzuki at GCW War Ready on October 23rd, 2021. He has previously stated that he was taking time off to heal injuries.

In a video posted recently, Gage comments on not being scheduled to have a match on the big Hammerstein Ballroom show this weekend. In the video, Gage says he doesn’t know why he’s not on the card.

“I want to say, ‘Thank you!’” Gage opens the video. “And for Hammerstein, I ain’t on that f**king show. You know, I don’t know why I’m not on that show. You better go ask the f**king guys that own that f**king company. But I do my own motherf**king thing. I represent Murder Death Kill Gang, okay? In 2022, we’re going to take this s**t over.”

Gage’s full video is available below:

The WRLD On GCW Lineup

  • GCW World Championship
    Jon Moxley (c) vs. Homicide
  • Matt Cardona (with Chelsea Green) vs. Joey Janela
  • ROH World Championship
    Jonathan Gresham (c) vs. Blake Christian
  • GCW Tag Team Championship Open Challenge
    Briscoe Brothers (c) vs. TBA
  • Ruby Soho vs. Allie Katch
  • Jeff Jarrett vs. EFFY
  • Eddie Kingston vs. AJ Gray
  • Team Bandido (Bandido, Laredo Kid & ASF) vs. Team Gringo (Gringo Loco, Arez & Demonic Flamita)
  • Grab The Brass Ring Ladder Match
    PCO vs. Alex Colon vs. Tony Deppen vs. Lio Rush vs. Jimmy Lloyd vs. Jordan Oliver
  • Pre-Show Scramble Match
    Grim Reefer vs. Alex Zayne vs. Dante Leon vs. Nick Wayne vs. Jack Cartwheel vs. Ninja Mack

H/T To Wrestling Inc. for the above transcriptions.

WWE Royal Rumble: Details on Possible Surprise Entrants

Michael Reichlin
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WWE may have some surprises in store for next weekend’s Royal Rumble premium live event.

The Rumble is the official kickoff to the road to WrestleMania and surprise entrants are part of what makes the show exciting each year.

WWE already spilled the beans on several major returns scheduled for the Women’s Royal Rumble. Impact Knockouts Champion Mickie James, The Bella Twins, Lita, Michelle McCool, Kelly Kelly and Summer Rae are among the familiar faces we’ll see back in action.

Royal Rumble Surprises

bron breakker

Two wrestlers from WWE’s developmental brand are scheduled to be in town for the Royal Rumble. According to PWInsider, NXT Champion Bron Breakker and are both slated to be in St. Louis.

This in itself is not a guarantee that Bron & Gunther will be part of the 30-man over-the-top-rope battle royal. However, we have seen NXT stars appear in the Royal Rumble before. It’s a great way to showcase this talent on the big stage.

Royal Rumble Entrants

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As of this writing, the following 15 people (14 Superstars and Jackass star Johnny Knoxville) have ‘declared’ for the 2022 Men’s Royal Rumble match:

  • AJ Styles
  • Angelo Dawkins
  • Austin Theory
  • Big E
  • Damian Priest
  • Dominik Mysterio
  • Happy Corbin
  • Johnny Knoxville
  • Kevin Owens
  • Kofi Kingston
  • Madcap Moss
  • Montez Ford
  • Rey Mysterio
  • Sami Zayn
  • Sheamus

The 2022 WWE Royal Rumble takes place Sunday, January 29th from The Dome at America’s Center in St Louis, Missouri.

Summer Rae Responds To Fans Saying She’s Not A Legend

Chris Stephens
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Summer Rae made an appearance on WWE Smackdown last night. She’ll also perform in the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble match on January 29th in St. Louis. She was given a warm response from the live crowd but some fans on social media criticized her being referred to as a legend.

Summer Rae posted a video to social media in response to fans saying she shouldn’t have been called a legend.

“I am seeing so many complaints that WWE called me a legend tonight. I don’t make the rules, y’all. They said what they said,” she said.

Rae also appeared recently on Renee Paquette’s Sessions podcast and spoke about getting the call from WWE to be in the Rumble.

“When they called me about Rumble and stuff, at first they were like, ‘would you be interested? Would you even consider it?’ That was like the second thing that I said, ‘Oh, I’m red-headed now.’ I guess Sasha has every hair color under the world and [Naomi], but I think I look extremely different and some people don’t even recognize me, especially on socials. John Cone was like, ‘Johnny [John Laurinaitis] and I, will bring it up to Vince.’ I remember saying it in front of my sister and she was like, ‘Don’t use it as an excuse.’ ‘It’s not an excuse. I can’t just show up like this and Vince see me and be like who the hell is that?’”

H/T to Fightful for the above transcriptions.

Lio Rush Announces He’ll Become A Free Agent Next Month

Chris Stephens
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In a Tweet he posted this morning, Lio Rush has announced that he will become a free agent next month. He noted that his contract with AEW will expire on February 14th, 2022 and he’ll become a free agent after that.

https://twitter.com/IamLioRush/status/1484908157428113408

The last time Rush wrestled on AEW programming was the Dynamite Diamond Battle Royal on the December 8th, 2021 episode of Dynamite. He had also been involved in an angle where he had been mentoring Dante Martin. Team Taz seemingly then recruited Dante only for him to turn on them during the December 8th battle royal.

Rush recently appeared on a Fightful podcast, and noted that he considers himself something of a “lone wolf.”

“I will say this, and this is no secret, but this is just me pointing out the obvious. I’m a lone wolf. I go where I want. I like putting things on my resume. I like working in a lot of different places. I like wrestling anybody and everybody.”

“We’ve seen that ever since I left WWE. I’ve been in AAA, MLW, AEW, and New Japan. It’s (my independence) very important for my mental stability. I never really liked being stuck in one spot, especially if I don’t have control over that. I am on a deal with AEW. I’m also on a deal with New Japan. I’m also doing my own things back at home, so it’s pretty open ended and it’s just exciting.”

H/T To WrestlingNewsCO for the above transcriptions.

Spoiler On Title Change At MLW Blood and Thunder Tapings

Chris Stephens
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MLW presented Blood and Thunder from Gilley’s in Dallas, Texas last night. The MLW World Middleweight Championship changed hands on the show.

In a triple threat match for the title, defending champion Tajiri took on former champion Myron Reed and Bandido. Reed picked up the victory and won the title for a record 3rd time. Tajiri’s reign ends at 111 days. During his reign, the 51-year-old successfully defended the title on an All Japan show against Atsuki Aoyagi in a match that aired on MLW programming.

https://twitter.com/WrestlingCovers/status/1484745527124234244

Spoiler On Richard Holliday and Alicia Atout

Frequent viewers of MLW programming have witnessed a budding romance between Richard Holliday and Alicia Atout, although neither has really admitted to this. It appears there was a big development on their angle during the tapings as the below Tweet indicates.

Unfortunately for MLW, this show was dealt a significant blow when Ross and Marshall Von Erich had to be pulled after testing positive for COVID-19. A major angle had been set up with the Von Erichs attempting to win the tag team titles in Dallas for the first time in 40 years. Other matches scheduled to air as part of these tapings are below:

  • MLW World Heavyweight Championship 
    Falls Count Anywhere 
    Alexander Hammerstone (c) vs. Pagano
  • MLW Middleweight World Championship
    Tajiri (c) vs. Myron Reed vs. TBA
  • National Openweight Championship
    Alex Kane (c) vs. Calvin Tankman
  • TJP vs. Matt Cross
  • Jacob Fatu vs. Mads Krugger
  • Miranda Gordy vs. Rok-C
  • Davey Richards vs. ACH
  • Aramis, El Dragon & TBA vs. Arez, Gino Medina & Mini Abismo Negro
  • EJ Nduka vs. TBA

Will Bron Breakker Enter the WWE Royal Rumble?

Ryan Droste
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Royal Rumble season is always full of surprises, so naturally, some are wondering if reigning NXT Champion Bron Breakker will enter the Rumble this year.

This year’s Royal Rumble takes place next Saturday in St. Louis, Missouri. In year’s past, it hasn’t been uncommon for NXT stars to come out and enter the Rumble match. This year, however, is the first time since NXT rebranded themselves NXT 2.0.

Breakker was asked about potentially entering the match during an interview with Bleacher Report.

“If the opportunity presents itself, I’m going,” Breakker said. “That’d be awesome. I’d love to have that opportunity, it’d be freakin’ nuts. I hope it happens.”

Breakker’s father, Rick Steiner, competed in the 1994 Royal Rumble. The wrestling legend and former multi-time tag team champion was in Orlando for his son’s NXT title victory on January 4th.

“I didn’t really know he was coming,” Breakker revealed. “I invited him down and said ‘hey, do you want to come to the show?’ He drove down and surprised me. He showed up and it was cool. It was the first time he’s ever seen me work and getting to be a part of it in person. I got to cherish that with my dad and my brother was there, too. It’s one of those things you never forget.”

Rick Steiner and Bron Breakker
Rick Steiner and Bron Breakker

Of course, Bron’s father isn’t the only member of the family who once wrestled. Wrestling legend Tommy Dreamer recently stated that Breakker is the perfect mold of his father, Rick Steiner, and uncle, Scott Steiner.

“If you look at Bron Breakker, he has both characters — it’s like he’s the perfect mold of both Steiner brothers. The Steiner brothers were a money tag team. Rick, like I said was a money babyface, and Scott was a money singles guy as well.

“So, there’s nothing but a great future for Bron Breakker and he has that charisma, and even last night when he locked in the Steiner Recliner, that place they went nuts for it.

“He’s got the powerslam, he’s got the military press, but there was a simple spot where Ciampa went for the boot and Bron Breakker pulled himself up and caught him with the Frakensteiner in mid-air. I mean, come on. He’s athletic as can be.

“He grew up in that home with the Steiners and it’s like he’s a clone of both his father and his uncle and that’s nothing but pure money.”

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.

Impact Television Taping Spoilers

Chris Stephens
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Impact Wrestling taped two episodes of their weekly show in Fort Lauderdale, Florida last night. Former WWE wrestlers debuted, Bullet Club returned and more took place on the show.

Impact Spoilers From Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Before the Impact Match Results:

  • Eddie Edwards defeated Big Kon (formerly Konnor of the Ascension in WWE).
  • Laredo Kid defeated Blake Christian (wrestles in GCW, formerly Trey Baxter in WWE).

Impact Wrestling Weekly Television Results:

  • Jake Something defeated Chris Bey. After the match, Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa attacked Something. Both Mike Bailey and Jay White came out and got involved in the melee.
  • The Honor No More faction of ROH invaders – PCO, Vincent, OGK & Maria Kanellis – got into a confrontation with Scott D’Amore. A 5-on-5 match of them vs. several of Impact’s top babyfaces was booked for No Surrender with the stipulation that if Honor No More win, they can remain in Impact.
  • Gail Kim came out to praise Mickie James but Tasha Steelz and Savannah Evans interrupted. This broke down into a brawl between Steelz & Evans against James and Chelsea Green.
  • JONAH defeated Johnny Swinger
  • W. Morrissey defeated Brian Myers’ Learning Tree in a handicap match.
  • PCO defeated Chris Sabin.
  • Digital Media Championship
    Matt Cardona defeated Jordynne Grace (c) – Cardona wins the title.
  • ROH Championship
    Jonathan Gresham (c) defeated Steve Maclin via DQ – Maclin refused to let go of a submission after Gresham had gotten to the ropes.
  • Josh Alexander defeated Vincent – After the match, Kenny King came out and attacked Alexander – he is now in the Honor No More faction.
  • Bhupinder Gujjar defeated John Skyler
  • Masha Slamovich defeated Kaci Lennox
  • Deonna Purrazzo defeated Santana Garrett
  • Mickie James vs. Chelsea Green – ruled a no-contest after interference from Tasha Steelz and Savannah Evans
  • Jay White, Chris Bey, Tama Tonga, and Tonga Loa (Bullet Club) defeated Ace Austin, Madman Fulton, Jake Something and “Speedball” Mike Bailey. After the match, The Good Brothers and Violent By Design attacked the Bullet Club faction.

Road Dogg Comments On If NXT 2.0 Has Been Unsuccessful

Chris Stephens
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“Road Dogg” Brian James recently responded to reports that NXT 2.0 is being viewed as unsuccessful backstage in WWE. James responded to a Tweet from the @WrestleVotes account.

“Internally WWE is said to be disappointed w/ NXT 2.0 in its first 4 months. Source said they thought more fans would gravitate towards the newer stars quicker than they have. Could it just be too much, too fast? Either way I don’t expect any changes to the concept… just yet,” wrote @WrestleVotes.

James, however, disputed this take.

“I disagree with their take. Think about it from a logical, business standpoint; They can do no wrong! Getting PAID for content, developing new character while getting experience in the ring. EVERY show wishes their ratings (which mean nothing) were higher. It’s working!” Road Dogg Tweeted.

James would continue to interact with @WrestleVotes and noted that he is the only thing not working in NXT right now.

AEW Rampage Results (1/21): Jon Moxley & Bryan Danielson, TBS Title Match, Hook

Robert Lentini
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AEW Rampage aired live this week from the Entertainment & Sports Arena in Washington, DC. Jon Moxley returned to the ring tonight and battled Ethan Page. HOOK wrestled Serpentine and Jade Cargill defended the TBS Championship against Anna Jay in the main event.

Rampage Results

  1. Jon Moxley def. Ethan Page
  2. Trent Beretta def. Nick Jackson
  3. HOOK def. Serpentico
  4. Jade Cargill def. Anna Jay to retain the TBS Championship

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Jon Moxley def. Ethan Page, Confrontation With Bryan Danielson

Jon Moxley made his entrance to begin the show and got a great reaction. Moxley threw chairs into the ring. Page told Scorpio Sky that he didn’t want him ringside and wanted to battle Moxley on his own. Moxley and Page traded punches to begin the action. Ethan took control and the announcers noted how Jon hadn’t been in the ring for a bit and was rusty. Moxley sent Page into the barricade and brought him back into the ring. Moxley went for a shoulder tackle but Page dodged it and Jon crashed into the ring post as Rampage went to a commercial break.

When Rampage returned, Page was about to hit Ego’s Edge but Moxley fought out of it. Moxley connected with a German Suplex and followed it up with another one. Page kneed Moxley in the face but Jon quickly hit a Clothesline. Moxley went for the Paradigm Shift but Page countered into a Brainbuster for a two count.

Page applied a Half Crab but Moxley made it to the ropes to break the hold. Moxley sent Page to the outside and caught him with a Suicide Dive through the ropes. Back in the ring, Page connected with a Powerslam but Moxley got out of the cover and unloaded some strikes to the face. Moxley then choked Page out and the referee called for the bell. Moxley hit Page with the Paradigm Shift after the match and made his way through the crowd. Bryan Danielson showed up and applauded Moxley. Jon stared at him and walked away.

Trent Beretta def. Nick Jackson

Nick Jackson faced Trent Beretta tonight on Rampage. Matt Jackson, Brandon Cutler, and Orange Cassidy were ringside for the match. Beretta hit some chops and launched Nick to the canvas. Trent went for a DDT but Nick countered into a Northern Lights Suplex. Trent hit a Back Body Drop but Jackson responded with a Neckbreaker after Trent got caught in the ropes. Jackson booted Trent in the face and knocked him to the floor as Rampage went to a commercial break.

When Rampage returned, Nick went for a Swanton off the top rope but Trent got his knees up. Trent hit a knee to the face for a two count and the action spilled out of the ring. Beretta hit a Spear on the floor and rolled Nick back in the ring. Trent followed it up with a DDT for a near fall.

Jackson connected with a Running Bulldog but Beretta shrugged it off and leveled him with a Clothesline. Trent planted Nick with a Piledriver but couldn’t keep him down for a three count. Nick rolled out of the ring to regroup but Trent followed him. Jackson capitalized with a Back Body Drop on the ramp and climbed to the top rope. Nick connectedn the Swanton this time on the entrance ramp. Back in the ring, Jackson hit a 450 Splash but Trent kicked out at two. Nick hit a Superkick and went for another one but Trent was ready for it. Trent ducked and connected with Strong Zero for the pinfall victory.

Hook Picked Up A Win

HOOK faced Serpentico tonight on Rampage and it was an absolute beatdown. Hook toyed with Serpentico for a bit before tapping him out with standing Red Rum in the middle of the ring.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1484733622682894336?s=20
https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1484733957040136194?s=20

After the match, QT Marshall confronted Hook on the entrance ramp and it didn’t go so well. Marshall said he was ready for a fight and Hook hit him with a Suplex on the entrance ramp. Hook then walked over QT before heading to the back.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1484734516329689088?s=20

Jade Cargill Retained The TBS Championship

Jade Cargill defended the TBS Championship against Anna Jay in the main event of Rampage. Mark Henry interviewed the competitors before the match.

Cargill and Anna Jay had a stare down to start the match. Jade flexed as Sterling and Silver were firing up the crowd ringside. Anna escaped a Headlock but got sent to the mat by a shoulder tackle from the champion. Anna went for a Crossbody but Jade caught her and connected with a slam. Jade took some time to pose for the crowd and Anna rolled her up for a near fall. Sterling went for a distraction but Silver hit him with a Brainbuster. Jade Cargill got in Silver’s face for a flex-off. Anna capitalized with a dive as Rampage went to a break.

When Rampage returned, Cargill went for Jaded but Anna Jay was able to escape. Anna applied the Queen Slayer choke hold but Cargill broke it up by bashing Anna into the turnbuckle. Anna went for it again but Cargill countered into a Powerbomb. Cargill followed it up with Jaded for the pinfall victory and retained the TBS Championship. Jade Cargill is now 25-0.

WWE SmackDown Results (1/21): Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins, Charlotte vs. Naomi

Robert Lentini
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0

WWE SmackDown aired live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN. Charlotte faced Naomi in a Championship Contender’s match tonight. Seth Rollins & Kevin Owens battled SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos in the main event. In addition to the takeaways below, Jeff Jarrett made a cameo tonight and had a conversation with IC Champion Shinsuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs.

SmackDown Results

  1. Kofi Kingston def. Madcap Moss
  2. Aliyah def. Natalya via DQ
  3. Viking Raiders def. Los Lotharios
  4. Charlotte def. Naomi (Sonya Deville special referee)
  5. Sheamus def. Ricochet
  6. Seth Rollins & Kevin Owens def. The Usos via DQ (Usos are barred from ringside at Royal Rumble)

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Rollins & Owens Will Face The Usos Tonight, Jon Moxley Reference

SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos were in the ring to begin the show. They said they were here to acknowledge the longest reigning Universal Champion (508 days) and introduce Roman Reigns. Roman stopped on the entrance ramp and raised the title as pyro went off.

Roman told Nashville to acknowledge him and SmackDown cut to a video package of Reigns capturing the Universal Championship at Payback 2020. Reigns was about to speak again but Seth Rollins interrupted. Rollins will challenge Reigns for the Universal Championship at Royal Rumble.

Seth gave Reigns props but added that his title reign will be coming to an end soon. Rollins claimed that we should be celebrating The Usos for being the longest reigning SmackDown Tag Team Champions and called them the cornerstone of Roman’s success. Rollins added that The Usos hold him up just like he and “Mox” did in The Shield.

Reigns told Rollins that their match at Royal Rumble will be one vs. one and vowed to win it. Seth suggested that he find a partner tonight and battle The Usos. If Rollins and the mystery partner win, Jimmy & Jey Uso will be banned from ringside at Royal Rumble. The Usos agree and tell Rollins that nobody is going to team with him.

Kevin Owens then made his way to the entrance ramp. Roman demanded that Owens’ music be turned off and added a stipulation. If Rollins loses tonight, he will no longer have a shot at the Universal Championship at Royal Rumble. Seth thought about it for a bit but ultimately accepted.

Kofi Kingston def. Madcap Moss

Madcap Moss faced Kofi Kingston with Happy Corbin. Before the match, Moss and Corbin boasted about taking out Drew McIntyre and New Day. Kingston interrupted and then Big E joined him. Big E and Happy Corbin were ringside for the match. Kofi dominated the action early and set up for Trouble in Paradise.

Corbin distracted Kofi and Moss took advantage with a Clothesline. The action spilled to the outside and Moss sent Kingston into the steel steps but Kingston jumped over them. Kingston hit Moss with a Splash and Big E leveled Corbin as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Kofi connected with a Jawbreaker. Kingston climbed to the top turnbuckle and leaped but Moss was ready and countered into a Spinebuster. Kingston battled back and hit a Double Stomp. Moss connected with a Uranage and went for the cover but Kingston powered out at two. Kingston battled back and caught Moss with Trouble in Paradise for the pinfall victory. Corbin went for an attack after the match but Big E hit him with the Big Ending.

Aliyah def. Natalya via DQ, Summer Rae Shown In Crowd

Aliyah faced Natalya again this week. Aliyah defeated Natalya in just over three seconds on last week’s show. Natalya dominated early and connected with a Clothesline. Natalya sent Aliyah to the corner and stomped on her relentlessly. The referee started counting and disqualified Natalya. Aliyah once again defeated Natalya. After the match, Natalya attacked Aliyah again but Xia Li showed up and made the save. Summer Rae was shown in the crowd before the match and taunted Natalya. Summer Rae will return to the ring women’s Royal Rumble match.

Viking Raiders Picked Up A Win

Los Lotharios (Humberto Carrillo & Angel Garza) battled #1 contenders Viking Raiders (Erik & ivar) this week on SmackDown. Erik and Ivar trapped Carrillo in the corner and took turns beating the hell out of him to start off the action. Garza tagged in and took control for a minute. Garza went for a Moonsault but Erik dodged it and connected with a knee to the face. Ivar tagged in and hit a Crossbody. Carrillo tagged in after Garza connected with a Powerbomb. Viking Raiders quickly took back control of the match and ended it with a Viking Experience on Humberto for the pinfall victory.

The Naomi & Sonya Deville Saga Continues

SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair faced Naomi in a Championship Contender’s match. Sonya Deville wound up making herself the special guest referee in the match. Charlotte went for the Figure Four but Naomi booted her away. Charlotte wound up accidentally knocking Deville to the outside. Naomi capitalized on the distraction and hit Rear View. Naomi went for the cover but there was no referee. Sonya eventually got back into the ring and called for the bell right when Charlotte applied the Figure Four.

Johnny Knoxville Made Sami Zayn Look Like A Jackass

Sami Zayn came to the ring as SmackDown went to a break. When SmackDown returned, Sami had a table full of self defense items that he was going to use to prove that he is better than Jackass star Johnny Knoxville. Zayn shocked himself with a cattle prod and started screaming. Sami then turned up the voltage and shocked his chest. Sami fell around the ring and to the ropes before Knoxville interrupted.

Johnny told Sami that he’s making a mockery of his living and wanted to take a look at that cattle prod. Sami declined but Knoxville ripped it away. Johnny noticed that it wasn’t on and zapped Sami in the groin with it. Sami fell down and starting screaming in pain. Johnny then threw Sami over the top rope and said that he will see him in the Royal Rumble.

Adam Pearce was then backstage with Eric Bischoff. Eric was telling Pearce about what makes a true leader when Sonya Deville showed up. Pearce was pissed and told Sonya that she was way over the line tonight and said he was going to talk to management about setting her up in a match against Naomi next week. Sonya didn’t seem worried about it and told Pearce to let her know what they say before exiting.

Sheamus def. Ricochet

Sheamus faced Ricochet and Ridge Holland was ringside for the match. Sheamus controlled the action early and got Ricochet in a Headlock. Ricochet broke free and connected with an Enziguri. Sheamus battled back and planted Ricochet with the Irish Curse Backbreaker. Sheamus followed it up with the Brogue Kick for the pinfall victory.

The Usos Are Barred From Ringside For The Universal Title Match At Royal Rumble

Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens faced The Usos in this week’s main event. If Rollins & Owens won, The Usos would be banned from ringside for the Universal Championship match at Royal Rumble. If The Usos won the match, Seth Rollins would not get a shot at the Universal Championship at the PPV. The Tribal Chief was shown watching backstage as Seth pranced his way to the ring.

The Usos rolled out of the ring to regroup early in the match. Jey got in the ring and applied a Headlock but Rollins escaped. Jey connected with a Superkick and sent Seth to the corner. Jimmy tagged in and kept Rollins isolated. Seth eventually got to the corner and tagged Kevin Owens in.

Owens hit a Senton on the apron and followed it up with a Cannonball in the corner. The Usos recovered and hit a couple Superkicks as SmackDown went to the final commercial break of the night.

When SmackDown retuned, Jey Uso tagged in and dragged Owens back to the middle of the ring. Jey stomped on Owens but he battled to his feet. Owens unloaded some shots before reaching the corner to tag in Seth “Freakin” Rollins. The former architect and messiah connected with a Slingblade and launched Jey to the outside. Rollins connected with a Neckbreaker for a two count. Uso hit a Samoan Drop but couldn’t keep Seth down.

Owens tagged in and hit a Pop-Up Powerbomb but Jimmy kicked out and the match continued. Kevin hit the Brainbuster off the top rope and went for the cover but Jey broke it up at the last moment. Rollins and Owens battled back and were about to win the match when the Universal Champion rushed the ring. Roman Reigns hit the Superman Punch to end the match in a DQ. Rollins & Owens won the match and The Usos are banned from ringside during Rollins vs. Reigns at Royal Rumble.

The Undertaker To Be In St. Louis For WWE Royal Rumble

Andrew Ravens
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The Undertaker will be in St. Louis for next weekend’s WWE Royal Rumble premium live event.

Anything is possible, it looks like he will most likely be there to attend the show to see his wife, Michelle McCool, compete in the Women’s Royal Rumble match.

It’s also possible that Taker will film some content for the WWE Network/Peacock as WWE typically films things during big pay-per-view weekends when legends are in town. 

Taker was featured in the WWE 2K22 announcement trailer ahead of its release in March. It will be interesting to see whether this is the year “The Deadman” gets inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame as WrestleMania will take place in Dallas, Texas this year, Taker’s home state. 

It would make sense to announce him as the first inductee and tickets do go on sale in a few weeks. Nothing has been confirmed, but it’s something to keep an eye on. 

The Undertaker had his “Final Farewell” at the Survivor Series pay-per-view event in November 2020. His last bout was the Boneyard Match against AJ Styles at WrestleMania 36.

WWE NXT Stars Work Dark Match Before Friday’s SmackDown

Andrew Ravens
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LA Knight and Roderick Strong got a look on the main roster before Friday Night Smackdown went live on FOX. The two NXT stars worked a dark match from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN with Knight going over. 

Over the last two weeks, Tommaso Ciampa and Pete Dunne have faced each other in dark matches at SmackDown in addition to WWE’s tapings for Main Event before Raw both this week and last week.

This week’s main event of NXT 2.0 featured Strong in action as he lost to WALTER, who announced after the match that his new name is Gunther. 

The Diamond Mine stable is currently feuding with WALTER’s Imperium faction, which is why the match was booked. A brawl between the two groups closed this week’s NXT as The Creed Brothers made the save for Strong when Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner attacked him with WALTER adding in some strikes. 

Earlier this month on the New Year’s Evil edition of NXT, Strong lost a title unification match against NXT North American Champion Carmelo Hayes as he was NXT Cruiserweight Champion going into that match. WWE decided to retire the title and Hayes is recognized as the North American Champion.

Jim Ross Reflects On Telling Rey Mysterio It Wasn’t The Right Time To Hire Him

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Jim Ross has taken a look back at the time he told Rey Mysterio to hang tight on a WWE contract.

Mysterio became a renowned cruiserweight in WCW. He was well respected in Mexico and ECW but it was WCW where his popularity grew globally.

Of course, Mysterio is regarded as a legend in the wrestling business today and is a former world champion in WWE.

With that said, WWE wasn’t eager to sign Mysterio in 2001 when WCW folded. It wasn’t for a lack of interest, rather it was about timing.

Jim Ross On Early Meetings With Rey Mysterio

Jim Ross once had his hand in signing talent to WWE. He knew Rey Mysterio was special but 2001 was too soon for WWE to bring him in. JR recalled telling Rey to wait things out during an episode of Grilling JR.

“I use the example of me signing Rey Mysterio. I met with Rey in LA. He had about, oh heck, three, four, five months left on his contract and they were paying him. They meaning Time Warner. I guess that’s what you could say.

“He came to LA, we had a Raw or something there, and I said, ‘I’m not gonna offer you a job today because you need to enjoy the time off and being at home and raising your kids.’

“That’s worked out for Rey pretty well. His son’s got a nice spot and he’s learning the trade in dad’s business but it just wasn’t the time.”

Mysterio has confirmed JR’s recollection of events during that time period. Mysterio recently told Kurt Angle that after WCW folded, Ross told him that WWE didn’t want to hire him until his contract with Time Warner expired.

WWE kept their word and signed Mysterio in 2002.

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Michelle McCool Explains How Royal Rumble Spot Came To Fruition

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Michelle McCool will be in the Royal Rumble match this year but it wasn’t a lock the minute she was contacted.

McCool has been announced for the match along with the likes of Knockouts Champion Mickie James, Lita, and others. The Royal Rumble is known for delivering on nostalgia and this year is no exception.

Michelle McCool On Entering Royal Rumble

Michelle McCool appeared on Busted Open Radio and told host Dave LaGreca and Mark Henry that at first, she didn’t know whether or not she’d accept the invitation.

“So, I got a phone call from talent relations right about Christmas time. John Cone [Senior Manager of Talent Relations] called and he said, ‘Hey, we’re doing a Rumble and just wanted to gauge and see if you had any interest doing it.’

“I thought, ‘We’re about to go to Colorado for 10 days, which sets me back in my training. Uh, let’s see. Let me think about it, I’m very honored and flattered. Let me see.'”

McCool says ultimately it was her kids who served as motivation to go through with an appearance at the Royal Rumble.

“So, I thought about it. I talked it over with Mark. I was like, ‘You know what? You don’t get this opportunity too much.’

“I’m super grateful for it and it gives me a chance to really show my daughter Kaia and my son Colt that I’m a little scared but we can be scared and still go out there and be brave and do things and overcome challenges. So, that was kind of the motivation behind it.”

The Royal Rumble event will take place on a Saturday this year. It’ll be held inside The Dome at America’s Center on Jan. 29.

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AEW Roster Adding Some “Really Strong Female Members”

Michael Reichlin
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AEW is adding a couple “really strong female members” to its roster in the near future.

Serena Deeb appeared on the Reese Waters Show earlier this week. During the appearance, she hinted that some new faces are headed to AEW TV.

”I don’t know if I can say names yet, it we’ve just picked up a couple of really strong female members to the roster.”

– Serena Deeb

Especially with the introduction of the new TBS Championship held by Jade Cargill, it’s a great time to add some depth to the women’s division.

As for who will is joining AEW, there are a number of extremely talent women who are not ‘All Elite’ just yet. Possible additions to AEW in the weeks and months ahead include:

  • Athena (Ember Moon)
  • Mia Yim
  • Nixon Newell (Tegan Nox)
  • Toni Storm
  • Taya Valkyrie
  • Marina Shafir

Visit Audacy.com to check out the Reese Waters Show.

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