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Bron Breakker Comments On New Year’s Evil Entrance

Anutosh Bajpai
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Many see Bron Breakker’s raise as the new face of NXT as the official end of the indie era of the development brand. This symbolism was at its peak during the New Year’s Evil event, where Breakker destroyed the old NXT logo during his entrance.

The second-generation wrestling star recently had an interview with Fightful. Speaking of the unique entrance, the NXT champion revealed that he didn’t know about it beforehand. He found out about it when he showed up to the arena:

“Honestly, I don’t know. I just showed up and that’s what we were doing.” said Bron Breakker, “I have no idea. (I was thinking), ‘I hope nothing messes up’ (with the chains). It was cool. It was a cool thing for me to do.

The staff here at NXT, the creative staff is fantastic and always coming up with cool ideas and there are cool ways to make everybody further their character and their abilities. They do a fantastic job. It’s great.”

Talking about his goals, Bron Breakker said that he is a sports entertainer and he just wants to entertain the fans. The heavyweight star claimed that he loves the WWE universe and the fans.

The 24-year-old claimed that he just wants to show the fans that he belongs in WWE. According to him, he wants people to fall in love with his work.

Bron Breakker is “The Perfect Mold of Both Steiner Brothers”

Tommaso Ciampa And Pete Dunne Work SmackDown Dark Match

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Former NXT champion Tommaso Ciampa and former NXT UK champion Pete Dunne were both at this week’s episode of SmackDown.

The two competed in a dark match before the show went on air. The match was won by Ciampa and Dunne apparently got his old entrance music back for his appearance:

https://twitter.com/kylegilliard_/status/1479616431058821121

WWE officials have recently been evaluating talents for a main roster call up through dark matches before SmackDown and Raw.

People such as Austin Theory, Karrion Kross, Shotzi Blackheart, Xia Li among others have similarly competed in dark matches before being called up to the main roster.

Pete Dunne has wrestled only one televised match since the Team Black and Gold lost to Team 2.0 at the NXT Takeover: WarGames event last month.

Tommaso Ciampa similarly dropped the NXT title to Bron Breakker at New Year’s Evil and teased his departure from the brand with his post-match tweet.

All signs seem to be pointing towards these two former champions heading to the main roster sooner rather than later.

With the Royal Rumble coming up later this month, the only question that remains is whether WWE will confirm their main roster call up before that or use them as surprise entrances.

WWE SmackDown Results (1/7): Brock Lesnar & Roman Reigns, Street Fight, Mickie James

Original WrestleMania 38 Plans For WWE Championship

Anutosh Bajpai
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It’s a new year and we’re now on the road to WWE’s biggest premium live event of the year, WrestleMania.

Earlier this month, WWE presented the inaugural Day 1 event from Atlanta, GA. That show was thrown into disarray when it was announced that Roman Reigns contracted COVID-19 and would be unable to defend the Universal Championship against Brock Lesnar in the main event. Lesnar was added to the WWE Championship match and surprised everyone by ending Big E’s reign and walking out as champion.

According to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the original plans for the WWE title match at Day 1 were for Seth Rollins to win the fatal four-way match and walk out as the champion. Dave Meltzer noted that the original plan was for the Architect to win the bout and defend the title at WrestleMania 38:

“The plan for that was originally Seth Rollins, likely against the winner of the Royal Rumble, with Big E the favorite, but Kevin Owens and Bobby Lashley were also possibilities.”

WrestleMania 38

WWE still seems to be building towards a Brock Lesnar vs Roman Reigns match for WrestleMania, but the belief is that it won’t be a champion vs champion bout.

Meltzer added that the planned WWE championship match for the Show of Shows could still take place with the company taking a different direction to achieve that.

For those who don’t know, Brock Lesnar was originally scheduled to challenge Roman Reigns for the Universal championship at Day 1. Big E was supposed to defend his WWE title in a fatal four-way.

Reigns ended up missing the event after testing positive for COVID. Lesnar was then added to the WWE championship match, and he walked out of the arena as the new champion.

Brock Lesnar Reportedly Refused To Face Jinder Mahal At Survivor Series 2017

Correction On Kairi Sane’s WWE Contract Status

Anutosh Bajpai
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The WWE contract of Kairi Sane has not expired yet and she is actually expected to become a free agent next month.

The Japanese star removed all references of the promotion from her social profile last month. Wrestling Observer had reported at the time that her contract with the company had expired already.

However, Dave Meltzer corrected this report in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter. He now reports that Sane’s deal actually ends next month.

The female star was part of the WWE roster from 2016 to 2020. She left The US and returned to Japan to be with her husband back in July 2020. Though she has continued working for WWE as an ambassador.

WWE officials apparently want Kairi Sane to renew her contract and return to the US in a wrestling role but the former NXT star has refused the offer.

Kairi had teased an in-ring return recently. Reports suggest that Stardom is also interested in bringing the former Artist of Stardom champion back to the company. No word on if AEW has any interest in signing her

It’s likely that Kairi Sane’s contract forbids her to talk to other promotions. We should get a better idea about her future once her deal has officially expired.

Natalya Pens Column On Kairi Sane

Jake Atlas Comments on Injury Suffered During AEW Rampage

Ryan Droste
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New AEW signee Jake Atlas has commented on the knee injury he suffered during this week’s AEW Rampage. The match was taped on Wednesday night following AEW Dynamite in Newark, NJ; it aired for the first time on Friday night on TNT.

At the conclusion of the match, Atlas went to springboard off the top rope into the ring. He landed awkwardly on his knee, with the knee giving out under his weight. His opponent, Adam Cole, then went for a Panama Sunrise, but Atlas was unable to get to his feet for the move. Instead, Cole locked on a kneebar for a submission finish.

Following the airing of Rampage, Atlas commented on his injury via Twitter.

“I’m so freaking proud of that match. Thank you @AdamColePro for pushing me to give you ME. My knee will be just fine. Thank you guys for your concern. I won’t be gone long! #AEWRampage,” Atlas wrote.

https://twitter.com/JakeAtlasReal/status/1479654945074913281

Following the Rampage tapings, Atlas underwent an MRI and AEW officials were under the impression he would be alright in relatively short order. So far, that appears to be the case.

Atlas signed with AEW following his debut last week at the AEW Dark Elevation tapings in Jacksonville. Atlas defeated Serpentico in that bout. After his debut match, AEW President Tony Khan came out on the stage to shake his hand, which was symbolic of the fact that he was offered a contract.

Wednesday night was a rough nice for AEW when it comes to injuries. In the main event of Dynamite, Rey Fenix suffered a gruesome looking injury that was feared to be a broken arm in its immediate aftermath. However, luckily, it was revealed on Thursday that Fenix’s arm was not broken, making the injury not as serious as originally feared. AEW officials are currently expecting Fenix to be able to return within a few weeks.

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.

Changes Announced To TNT Championship Match At Battle Of The Belts

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Cody Rhodes has been pulled from his scheduled title defense against Sammy Guevara at the upcoming Battle Of The Belts event due to a medical issue.

AEW announced during this week’s episode of Rampage that the current TNT champion has been pulled from the upcoming show because he is not medically cleared to compete.

The company confirmed that his brother Dustin Rhodes will be replacing Cody in the match against Guevara at Battle Of The Belts. The winner will be crowned the Interim TNT champion:

AEW did not provide any further detail on the matter. So it’s hard to say what’s the exact issue Cody is facing or how long he will be out of action.

This leaves the fate of the interim TNT champion in question as well. We will have to see when the winner of this match gets to face Cody Rhodes.

Dustin Rhodes has not wrestled a singles match since the October 23 episode of Dynamite. Bryan Danielson defeated him in the first round of the AEW title eliminator tournament during the show.

AEW Battle Of The Belts is the first of the four Saturday Night Specials the company will be producing this year. It will be taking place from the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina on January 8.

Tony Khan Confirms AEW Battle Of The Belts Length

AEW Rampage Results (1/7): Adam Cole vs. Jake Atlas, Cody Pulled From Battle Of The Belts

Robert Lentini
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AEW Rampage aired tonight on TNT. It was the final show before Battle of the Belts tomorrow night. Adam Cole battled the newly signed Jake Atlas. It was announced that Ricky Starks will defend the FTW Championship against Matt Sydal tomorrow night at Battle of the Belts.

Rampage Results

  1. Adam Cole def. Jake Atlas via submission
  2. Hook def. Aaron Solo via submission
  3. Riho & Ruby Soho def. Britt Baker & Jamie Hayter
  4. Eddie Kingston, Santana, Ortiz def. Daniel Garcia & 2point0

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Adam Cole def. Jake Atlas

Adam Cole faced Jake Atlas in the first match of the night. Cole and Atlas locked up in the middle of the ring to start the match off. Cole went for The Boom (Last Shot) early but Atlas dodged it. The action spilled to the outside and Cole launched Atlas into the ring post. Back in the ring, Cole connected with a Backstabber before applying a headlock as Rampage went to a commercial break.

When Rampage returned, Atlas took control and sent Cole to the outside. Jake connected with a dive through the ropes before the action returned to the ring. Atlas looked to have injured his knee during a springboard move. Cole was going to hit the Panama Sunrise but switched to a Knee Bar for the submission victory.

https://twitter.com/JakeAtlasReal/status/1479654945074913281?s=20
https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1479652395491680259?s=20

Hook Tapped Out Aaron Solo

Hook faced Aaron Solo tonight on Rampage. Hook took Solo down and Aaron retreated to the ropes to regroup. QT Marshall grabbed Hook’s leg for a distraction and Solo took advantage with some strikes. Hook connected with a Russian Leg Sweep and followed it up with a Suplex. Hook then locked in the Redrum for the submission victory.

Riho & Ruby Soho Picked Up A Win

Ruby Soho & Riho faced AEW Women’s Champion Britt Baker & Jamie Hayter. Rebel was ringside for the math. Riho and Soho isolated Hayter in the corner but couldn’t put her away. Hayter escaped and tagged in the women’s champion. Rebel tripped up Ruby and Britt capitalized as Rampage went to a break.

When Rampage returned, Soho was trapped in the ring as Hayter & Baker focused their attack on Ruby’s shoulder. Ruby connected with a Suplex and tagged in Riho. Riho booted Hayter in the face and went for the cover but Britt broke it up at the last moment.

Riho planted Hayter with a DDT for a two count and then made her way to the top turnbuckle. Baker shoved Riho off the turnbuckle and beat her down with Hayter. Jamie went for a strike but Riho ducked and she wound up hitting Britt by accident. Riho rolled Hayter up for the pinfall victory. Britt Baker and Jamie Hayter shoved each other after the match but Rebel calmed them down. Britt Baker will defend the AEW Women’s Championship against Riho tomorrow night at Battle of the Belts.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1479659179417681920?s=20

Cody Rhodes Pulled From Battle of the Belts, Interim TNT Title Match Announced

It was announced that Cody was pulled from the TNT Championship match tomorrow night due to COVID protocol and that Dustin Rhodes will replace him. Dustin Rhodes will face Sammy Guevara for the “interim TNT Championship”.

Dan Lambert cut another promo tonight during Rampage. Lambert was backstage for this one and Men of the Year (Ethan Page & Scorpio Sky) were by his side. Lambert mocked Tony Khan’s booking and the interim TNT Championship match. Scorpio Sky claimed that he should have been given the title because he hasn’t been defeated in a long time. Ethan Page added that he will be watching tomorrow night.

Kingston, Santana, Ortiz def. Garcia & 2point0

Eddie Kingston, Santana, Ortiz faced 2point0 (Jeff Parker, Matt Lee) and Daniel Garcia in a No Disqualifications match. The match started out in a brawl on the entrance ramp and to the ringside area. Eddie sent Garcia into the barricade and grabbed a trash can. Kingston bashed Garcia over the head with the trash can and started choking him. Garcia battled back and shoved Kingston into the ring apron but Eddie responded with a Suplex on the floor. Santana & Ortiz followed it up with a Suplex of their own as Rampage went to a break.

When Rampage returned, Garcia was going to work on Eddie Kingston’s leg. Santana & Ortiz delivered a Piledriver on top of a steel chair to Jeff Parker during the commercial break. Santana hit a Frog Splash but got powder thrown in his face by Matt Lee. Matt went for the cover but Ortiz broke it up at two. Lee planted Ortiz with a DDT as Daniel Garcia brought the bell into the ring.

Lee and Parker held Eddie Kingston up and Garcia bashed him over the head with the ring bell. Garcia went for the cover but Eddie Kingston kicked out at two and the match continued. 2point0 brought Kingston out of the ring and Suplexed him through the timekeeper’s table. Back in the ring, Santana & Ortiz beat Garcia down. Santana & Ortiz then hit Parker with a bunch of strikes and Santana leveled him with a lariat for the pinfall victory. Garcia and 2point0 attacked after the match but Jericho made the save to close the show.

WWE Royal Rumble: Reigns vs. Rollins Set, Stars Returning For Women’s Match

Andrew Ravens
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The SmackDown brand main event for the WWE Royal Rumble has been set as Roman Reigns will defend the Universal Title against Seth Rollins. 

After The Usos retained their SmackDown Tag Team Titles against The New Day on Friday’s SmackDown, Adam Pearce announced Reigns vs. Rollins. They then cut to Reigns’ dressing room where “The Big Dog” and Seth Rollins appeared. The show closed with Rollins laughing as he stood face to face with Reigns. 

Also, WWE announced several competitors for the Women’s Royal Rumble Match during a promo segment with Charlotte Flair. Mickie James, Nikki & Brie Bella, Michelle McCool, Kelly Kelly, Summer Rae, and Lita will be returning for the match. Flair also announced her entry into the bout. Finally, Rhea Ripley, Nikki A.S.H, Shotzi, Natalya, Dana Brooke, Carmella, Zelina Vega, Tamina, Aliyah, Naomi, and Shayna Baszler have been added. 

WWE acknowledged that James is the current Impact Wrestling Knockouts Champion as she is set to defend it against Deonna Purrazzo in a Texas death match at Impact Wrestling’s Hard to Kill pay-per-view this Saturday. James was released by WWE during the April 2021 roster cuts.

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

WWE Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley and Edge & Beth Phoenix vs. The Miz & Maryse was previously announced for the show.

WWE SmackDown Results (1/7): Brock Lesnar & Roman Reigns, Street Fight, Mickie James

Robert Lentini
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WWE SmackDown aired live from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. Universal Champion Roman Reigns returned for a confrontation with new WWE Champion Brock Lesnar. The Usos defended the SmackDown Tag Team Championships against New Day in a Street Fight tonight.

SmackDown Results

  1. Rick Boogs def. Sami Zayn
  2. Charlotte Flair def. Naomi in a Championship Contenders match
  3. Happy Corbin & Madcap Moss def. Viking Raiders
  4. The Usos def. New Day to retain the SmackDown Tag Team Championships

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Reigns & Lesnar Argued Over Heyman

Universal Champion Roman Reigns kicked off this week’s show and came to the ring alone. Reigns asked the crowd to acknowledge him and joked that he missed one week and it has fallen apart. Roman said that he never wants to see Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman again for the rest of his life.

Brock Lesnar’s theme hit and the WWE Champion made his way to the ring with his advocate, Paul Heyman. Lesnar ripped the microphone away from Paul Heyman and got in Roman’s face. Brock introduced himself like Paul Heyman and laughed. Heyman laughed as well and then Lesnar told Reigns to acknowledge him. Brock suggested a title vs title match and Reigns told Lesnar that was a good idea. Reigns said that it wasn’t his idea though, and that he doesn’t do business with people who do business with trash like Paul Heyman.

Paul (with a trembling and somber voice) asked Reigns “how could you say something like that?” and went on a rant about how he loved his Tribal Chief and how Roman abused him. Brock told Paul to shut up and Reigns told Lesnar not to talk Paul that way. Lesnar wondered what Roman was going to do about it and then Paul asked Brock not to talk to Reigns that way. Lesnar shouted at Heyman to shut up and Roman caught Brock with a Superman Punch. Roman left the ring and posed on the entrance ramp to end the segment.

Johnny Knoxville Will Be In The Royal Rumble Match

Rick Boogs faced Sami Zayn in the first match of the night. Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura was ringside for the match. Before the bout, Sami Zayn was interviewed backstage. Johnny Knoxville interrupted and said he wanted to be in the Royal Rumble match. Sami said that he isn’t even in the match yet and that Johnny has done nothing to deserve a spot.

Boogs showed off his power and connected with a gorilla press slam. Zayn rolled out of the ring to regroup as Boogs played air guitar to end SmackDown to a break. When SmackDown returned, Boogs was still beating the hell out of Sami and launched him across the ring.

Zayn hit a cheap shot and choked Boogs against the middle rope. Boogs battled back and lifted Sami up for a vertical Suplex. Sami hit Boogs with some knees to the head but Boogs wouldn’t let go. Boogs hit the Suplex and Sami rolled out of the ring.

Boogs caught up to Sami and brought him back into the ring. Zayn caught Boogs with a kick to the face and then traded words with the IC Champion. Boogs capitalized and rolled up Sami for the pinfall victory. Johnny Knoxville then got in the ring and threw Sami over the top rope. Knoxville celebrated and jumped around on the entrance ramp. It was announced that Johnny Knoxville will be in the Royal Rumble.

Mickie James Announced For Women’s Royal Rumble, Charlotte Flair & Naomi

SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair came to the ring and rolled footage of superstars in previous women’s Royal Rumble matches. Impact Women’s Champion Mickie James and several legends were announced for the Royal Rumble.

https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1479630201407561731?s=20

Charlotte said that a game changer was going to be in this year’s rumble and announced that she will be in it. Naomi interrupted and told Flair that she wanted a shot at the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Charlotte laughed it off and wondered what Naomi has done to earn a title shot. Naomi responded by smacking Flair in the face.

Charlotte and Naomi in a championship contender’s match. Charlotte controlled the action early and sent Naomi out of the ring. Flair launched Naomi into the timekeeper’s area but Naomi battled back with a Blockbuster off the barricade. Naomi was about to win the match via count out but Sonya Deville interrupted. Deville declared that the match couldn’t be won via count out as SmackDown went to a break. Naomi went for Rear View but Charlotte ducked and locked a Figure Four. Deville got the microphone and announced that you also cannot win this match via DQ.

Flair went for a Moonsault but Naomi rolled out of the way. Charlotte hit the standing Moonsault and went for the cover but Naomi kicked out at two. Flair connected with Natural Selection for the pinfall victory. Sonya Deville joyfully announced Charlotte Flair as the winner. Pearce and Deville had a conversation backstage about who will face Reigns at Royal Rumble.

Corbin & Moss def. Viking Raiders

Happy Corbin came to the ring for an episode of Happy Talk. Corbin introduced Drew McIntyre as his guest but it was actually just Madcap Moss. Madcap mocked Drew by wearing a neck brace and did a funny Scottish accent. Viking Raiders eventually interrupted and this led to a tag team match. Corbin and Moss controlled the action early and isolated Erik in the ring. Erik hit Madcap with a knee to the face but couldn’t tag out because Corbin knocked Ivar off the apron. Moss planted Erik with a Neckbreaker for the pinfall victory.

The Usos Retained, Seth Rollins Confronted Roman Reigns

The Usos defended the SmackDown Tag Team Championships against New Day in a Street Fight. Before the match, Adam Pearce had a conversation with Roman Reigns backstage. Reigns told Pearce to pick whoever he wants to face him at Royal Rumble because there is nobody on the roster that he hasn’t smashed. Reigns told Pearce that he’d like to watch The Usos’ match now and asked him to leave.

New Day dominated the match early and beat The Usos down on the entrance ramp. The Usos battled back and bashed the steel steps into Kofi and Xavier Woods’ face. Jimmy and Jey posed for the crowd after sending Woods over the barricade. The Usos teamed up on Kingston but Woods caught them with a Crossbody off the barricade as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, New Day brought out a table from under the ring and set it up in the corner. Jey went for a Spear but Kingston got out of the way. Kofi hit Trouble in Paradise and went for the cover but Jimmy broke it up at the last moment. Xavier Woods climbed to the top rope but Jey tripped him up. The Usos hit King Woods with a couple super kicks and then did the same to Kingston.

Jimmy and Jey set up the table in the middle of the ring and posed for the crowd as they booed. Kingston slowly stumbled to his feet and The Usos hit a 3D through the table for the pinfall victory. The Usos are still the SmackDown Tag Team Champions. After the match, Seth Rollins showed up in Roman Reign’s lock room. Seth laughed and Reigns looked annoyed as SmackDown went off the air. It appears that RAW superstar Seth Rollins is going to face Roman Reigns at Royal Rumble.

Ric Flair Isn’t A Fan Of AEW Rotating Talent Off TV

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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0

Ric Flair doesn’t like the idea of AEW talents getting some downtime on a regular basis.

AEW often rotates talent in order to keep things fresh on television. Some have criticized WWE for booking the same matches on a weekly basis and having the same stars on TV.

Ric Flair has a different take and actually believes WWE having the same stars as they did five years ago is beneficial.

Ric Flair Sounds Off

On an episode of Wooooo Nation UNCENSORED, Ric Flair said he thinks AEW should strike while the iron is hot and refrain from rotating its stars too often.

“Well, you can become a star for a short period of time but to me, especially if you’ve just lost a big match, you need to be back on it the next day.

“Unfortunately, I think today some of the kids when they get to a match where it’s a big finale they want time off. I don’t agree with that either.

“I think they need to be on TV, the stars that want to be the players. It’s the same ten people right now in WWE that it was five years ago. It’s good, that’s how you build your brand.”

Of course, when it comes to injuries these things simply can’t be helped. For example, there’s was concern about Miro being off TV for too long but as it turns out he’s been going through a hamstring injury as reported by Fightful Select.

What do you think? Do you agree with Ric Flair and feel AEW is rotating its talent off TV too often? Do you side with AEW and believe it’s a good way to keep things fresh? Let us know in the comments!

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

Impact Knockouts Champion Mickie James To Appear In WWE Royal Rumble

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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0

The “Forbidden Door” has an unlikely ally.

Mickie James has played a key role in moving things forward with the women’s division in America for companies outside of WWE and AEW. She was key in the success of NWA’s EmPowerrr PPV and is the current Impact Knockouts Champion.

Mickie James Participates In Royal Rumble

Mickie James was released by WWE as part of budget cuts back in April 2021. Less than a full year later, she’ll be returning to the company for one night under circumstances that very few could’ve envisioned.

WWE has officially recognized Mickie as the Impact Knockouts Champion and she will be in the 2022 Royal Rumble.

Strange times.

We’ve seen AEW work with numerous promotions such as Impact, NWA, NJPW, AAA, and others. While WWE has worked with other promotions in the past, we don’t typically see the company recognize other organizations in this manner.

This year’s Royal Rumble event will take place inside The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

Mark Henry: Tony Khan Got A ‘Raw Deal’ In Diversity Discussion

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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0

Mark Henry believes Tony Khan was the victim of people going overboard on the issue of diversity on social media.

Big Swole, a former AEW wrestler, got people talking when she expressed her belief that her peace was being disrupted in the company. Specifically, Swole had gripes with what she feels to be AEW’s lack of diversity and black representation.

Things spiraled when Khan made a post saying Big Swole wasn’t offered a new contract with AEW because he felt she wasn’t good enough in the ring. Many criticized Khan as they felt he brushed off Swole’s criticism in favor of hurling shots.

Mark Henry Speaks Out

Mark Henry believes that social media dwellers overreacted to Khan’s post and took a side without looking at the facts. Taking to Busted Open Radio, Henry praised AEW for its diversity both on TV and behind the scenes.

“I feel like Tony got a really raw deal by what was said by Swole but also what was said about all these people jumping on the bandwagon and they didn’t know what the hell happened.

“They just took a side because somebody said something about diversity, which they implied it being race. Let’s break it down real quick as far as diversity.

“You start talking about diversity in the work sector at AEW, Tony Khan is a man of color and so is — and when I say a man of color he’s not black.

“Black is a person of color, you have Asian, you have Pan, you have the Indian influence, you have the Middle Eastern influence, the Spanish influence in the company.

“You talk about a diverse workplace, man that place has got everything and I feel like the people in power, the highest-ranking officers are Tony and Megha [Parekh] and then you have people like myself and Shawn Dean who are both African-American people, people of color, that are working in the office.

“So, you mean to tell me that those people don’t count as being diverse?”

As far as Khan’s dig at Swole’s wrestling ability, Henry said he sees it as an eye for an eye situation. He believes Tony did what he felt he needed to do to stick up for the company.

Khan says he’s got something cooked up in 2022 as far as diverse representation goes. The AEW boss says this plan has been brewing long before Swole’s public rant.

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

William Regal Issues Statement On His WWE Release

Andrew Ravens
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William Regal has made his first comments regarding the decision made earlier this week by WWE management to release him alongside several other talent and staff that had been working at the Performance Center.

The former NXT General Manager issued the following statement on his Twitter account Friday night: 

“Thank you to @WWE for a wonderful 21 year run. You gave a lad who was happy and in wonderland wrestling on a carnival have a charmed life for 21 years. No complaints and please no one waste time replying as I won’t have a bad work said against the company.

I will add that @WWE  saved my life in 1999 when they didn’t need to, kept my family fed and took me all around the world. You have my gratitude forever. You allowed me to live a charmed life.”

During his in-ring run with the company in 2000, he was a two-time Intercontinental Champion, a five-time Hardcore Champion, a four-time European Champion, a four-time World Tag Team Champion, and the 2008 King of the Ring winner. 

In July 2014, Regal was given the on-screen role of the General Manager of NXT, which lasted through 2021 In addition to his on-screen work, Regal worked behind the scenes in NXT and as an independent scene scout.

WWE Talent & Staff Worried About Future Of NXT

Andrew Ravens
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The recent cuts made by WWE earlier this week were mostly people that were hired by Triple H, which comes at a time where he is no longer running things backstage in NXT due to his cardiac event in September. Shawn Michaels has been running things backstage since that time. 

Dave Meltzer reported in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that talent and staff are depressed and many are wondering about the future of the brand following the cuts. 

People like William Regal, Road Dogg, Scott Armstrong, Samoa Joe, and Timothy Thatcher were all let go this week. Regal’s firing hit many people hard, which was evident by how many people spoke highly of him on social media. 

He had a lot of relationships with wrestlers as he was an independent scene scout for WWE in addition to his behind-the-scenes role. Meltzer added that some of the biggest names in the business to this day still go to Real for advice and with the company not focusing on signing indy talent, that is likely the reason why Regal was let go.

WWE has shifted towards recruiting athletes then training them to be wrestlers in addition to saying away from older and smaller wrestlers in favor of younger and bigger stars. 

Jim Ross Didn’t Think He’d Be In Wrestling Business Long-Term

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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0

Jim Ross has built quite the legacy in the wrestling business but it almost didn’t pan out that way.

Today, Ross is the lead play-by-play ace of AEW Dynamite. Of course, he’s known for his top-notch commentary during the WWE’s Attitude Era and his work for WCW.

While JR will be forever etched in wrestling history, there was a time where he didn’t see himself in the industry for the long haul.

Jim Ross Reflects

  • Jim Ross in Mid-South Wrestling

When JR was promoted to the play-by-play role for Mid-South Wrestling in the 1980s, he had no clue he’d still be in the business four decades later. Here’s what he said during an episode of the Grilling JR podcast.

“No, I probably didn’t. I don’t even know during that era that I thought I would still be in the wrestling business at this stage of my life.

“I don’t need to be in this wrestling business right now because I did get that financial planner early on. I had a very smart wife that helped mold our estate.

“So, I was thinking I’d be doing something. I was thinking I always missed not having the opportunity to be a teacher or a coach. Thought that might be really fun and my calling.

“Something I’d really want to do but I never thought if you had asked me back then, ‘Do you think you’ll be in the wrestling business when you’re 70?’ I’d look at you like you’re crazy. What are you, high? Are you drunk? My God.”

JR recently defeated skin cancer a second time. He had to miss some Dynamite shows to keep up with his treatments. He is now cancer-free and back in the booth for AEW.

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

The Iinspiration Pulled From Hard To Kill Due To COVID Exposure

Chris Stephens
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Impact Wrestling stars The IInspiration (Cassie Lee and Jessica McKay) will miss Saturday’s Hard to Kill PPV due to COVID exposure.

They had been scheduled to defend their Knockouts tag team titles on the show against Madison Rayne and Tenille Dashwood.

The tag team contacted Impact to let them know they were in close contact with someone who tested positive shortly after.

As of this writing, neither Lee or McKay have tested positive themselves.

“IMPACT’s COVID protocols are in place to keep our talent roster, staff and fans safe. I am sure the fans will share The IInspiration’s and my disappointment that they won’t be in action at tomorrow’s stacked HARD TO KILL event, but we look forward to their return soon,” said Scott D’Amore.

Hard To Kill 2022 Lineup

Impact Hard to Kill 2022 will take place January 8th, 2022 from the Bomb Factory in Dallas, Texas. The matches below have been officially confirmed for the show:

  • Impact World Championship
    Moose (c) vs Matt Cardona vs W. Morrissey
  • Knockouts Championship
    Texas Death Match
    Mickie James (c) vs Deonna Purrazzo
  • Ultimate X Match For The #1 Contendership to the Knockouts Championship
    Lady Frost vs Alisha Edwards vs Tasha Steelz vs Jordynne Grace vs Chelsea Green vs Rosemary
  • Josh Alexander vs JONAH
  • X-Division Championship
    Trey Miguel (c) vs Steve Maclin
  • ROH Championship
    Jonathan Gresham (c) vs. Chris Sabin
  • 10-Man Hardcore War
    Eddie Edwards, Rich Swann, Willie Mack, Heath and Rhino vs. The Good Brothers (Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson) and Violent By Design (Eric Young, Deaner, and Joe Doering)

NWA To Expand To 6 Annual PPVs, More Details On NWA All Access Revealed

Chris Stephens
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The National Wrestling Alliance put out a press release today that they are expanding to 6 PPVs per year. The promotion also revealed new details of NWA All Access. For the cost of $49.99 per year or $4.99 per month, fans who purchase NWA All Access will receive all 6 NWA PPVs as well as access to episodes of NWA Powerrr every Tuesday on FITE.

Also announced by the promotion recently, NWA Powerrr will return to YouTube, airing Friday nights at 6:05PM. Subscribers on FITE will see the shows early on Tuesday evening at 6:05PM.

Tomorrow, the NWA debuts a new show titled NWA USA. That show will air Saturdays at noon est. on YouTube.

“With the NWA coming off our biggest and most successful year of this modern era, I can’t express just how thrilled I am to make this newest offering to fans via NWA All Access,” says NWA President William Corgan. “And to that, we will work that much more to exceed expectations. Which is what makes the inherent savings in this annual package so exciting. Because we as an organization really believe this new model will change the game for us; all whilst rewarding our most loyal and ardent fans with more shows and more PPV events.”

https://twitter.com/nwa/status/1478722703624388612

Impact Results (1/6): Go-Home Show For Hard To Kill

Chris Stephens
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Impact 1/6 was the go-home show for Saturday’s Hard to Kill PPV. It was also the first show back for the promotion since airing a 2-part Best of 2021 series the last two weeks.

Impact Results 1/6

  1. Lady Frost, Chelsea Green & Tasha Steelz defeated Jordynne Grace, Rachael Ellering & Rosemary
  2. JONAH defeated Jake Something
  3. Masha Slamovich defeated Sandra Moone
  4. Deonna Purrazzo defeated Mercedes Martinez
  5. Ace Austin and Madman Fulton defeated Hernandez and Johnny Swinger
  6. Karl Anderson defeated Heath

Chelsea Green Picks Up Win For Her Team Ahead of Knockouts Ultimate-X Match

Things opened up this week with a trios match pitting participants in the upcoming Ultimate-X match at Hard to Kill. It was announced recently, however, that Rachael Ellering has been pulled from the match and will be replaced by Alisha Edwards. No reason for Ellering being pulled has been given.

Chelsea Green picked up the pin for her team after hitting the Un-pretty-her on Ellering.

JONAH Defeats Jake Something Ahead of Hard To Kill

At Hard to Kill, JONAH will face former Impact World Champion Josh Alexander. This week, JONAH was showcased heavily here. Something actually got the early advantage on JONAH but it wouldn’t last. JONAH hit a big clothesline, hit a senton and then finished him off with his big splash off the top rope.

After the match, Alexander hit the ring and tried to lock in the ankle lock before security broke up the melee. JONAH then took out all the security and went after Alexander. He then gave Alexander his big splash through a table to end the segment.

Masha Slamovich Debuts

Vignettes promoting Masha Slamovich’s Impact debut have been airing for weeks and she finally arrived on this week’s show. After an initial flurry from Sandra Moone, Slamovich took her out with a series of strikes, suplexes, and then something of a fisherman’s brainbuster for the win. She looks like someone who could be in store for a big push in the Knockouts division.

Deonna Purrazzo Defeats Mercedes Martinez Ahead Of Title Clash With Mickie James

On Saturday, Purrazzo will have a chance to regain the Knockouts title. She would face Mercedes Martinez on this week’s show. To gain the upper hand, Purrazzo would attack Martinez before the bell. A back and forth match followed. The end of the match came when Purrazzo countered a slam from Martinez into the Venus De Milo and got the submission.

Mickie James then entered the ring and got face-to-face with Purrazzo but things never came to blows.

The Influence and Iinspiration Get Into Backstage Altercation

Ahead of the Iinspiration defending their Knockouts tag team belts against The Influence at Hard to Kill, the two teams got into a backstage altercation this week. The Iinspiration were hosting their own backstage segment when Madison Rayne, Tenille Dashwood, and Kaleb with a K interrupted. The segment ended with the Iinspiration leaving and Tenille Dashwood signing off as if she had just hosted a segment of “All Bout Me”.

Ace Austin and Madman Fulton defeated Hernandez and Johnny Swinger

After Ace Austin and Madman Fulton defeated Hernandez and Johnny Swinger in tag team action this week, they continued the attack after the match. With Hernandez on the mat, Swinger abandoned his partner. Fulton and Austin then wrapped Hernandez’s arm and neck in a chair and smashed another chair on top to end the segment.

Karl Anderson Beats Heath To Earn Hardcore War Advantage

Ahead of the 10-man hardcore war at Hard to Kill, Karl Anderson squared off with Heath in singles action this week. Matt Striker explained the rules for the match at Hard to Kill. Participants will enter the match in War Games style, with 2 men starting and a new participant entering at different intervals and one team being given a numbers advantage. This match between Anderson and Heath would determine which team has the advantage.

The finish of the match saw Heath miss an attack in the corner and Anderson hitting the cutter for the win. After the match, members of both teams hit the ring and an all out brawl ensued to end the show.

Hard To Kill 2022 Lineup

Impact Hard to Kill 2022 will take place January 8th, 2022 from the Bomb Factory in Dallas, Texas. The matches below have been officially confirmed for the show:

  • Impact World Championship
    Moose (c) vs Matt Cardona vs W. Morrissey
  • Knockouts Championship
    Texas Death Match
    Mickie James (c) vs Deonna Purrazzo
  • Ultimate X Match For The #1 Contendership to the Knockouts Championship
    Lady Frost vs Alisha Edwards vs Tasha Steelz vs Jordynne Grace vs Chelsea Green vs Rosemary
  • Josh Alexander vs JONAH
  • X-Division Championship
    Trey Miguel (c) vs Steve Maclin
  • Knockouts Tag Team Championships
    The IInspiration (Cassie Lee and Jessie McKay) (c) vs. The Influence (Madison Rayne and Tenille Dashwood) (with Kaleb with a K)
  • ROH Championship
    Jonathan Gresham (c) vs. Chris Sabin
  • 10-Man Hardcore War
    Eddie Edwards, Rich Swann, Willie Mack, Heath and Rhino vs. The Good Brothers (Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson) and Violent By Design (Eric Young, Deaner, and Joe Doering)

Update On Jade Cargill’s TBS Title Win

Chris Stephens
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Jade Cargill is the first-ever TBS Champion. She defeated Ruby Soho in the finals of a tournament on Wednesday night.

Some fans have suggested that Cargill’s title win was a reaction from AEW management to Big Swole’s recent comments regarding Black wrestlers not being featured in prominent storylines. However, that is not the case.

Cargill had been the planned winner all along, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Dave Meltzer noted that there was concern some of Swole’s comments gave away the results of the tournament. This even led to discussion regarding possibly changing the planned booking.

“Jade Cargill’s TBS title win may have come off to some as a reaction (to Swole’s comments), but that decision was made before the tournament ever started,” wrote Dave Meltzer.

“There were people internally who believed Swole gave away the tournament finish by pretty much saying they’ll pick Jade before the tournament started, but very few fans made that connection.”

Cargill’s first-ever match was a high-profile bout where she teamed with Shaquille O’Neal. Cargill and Shaq defeated Cody Rhodes & Red Velvet with Jade pinning Velvet as the finish. The 29-year-old is officially 23-0 in the promotion.

Matt Cardona & Joey Janela Recreating Famous Ric Flair/Randy Savage Angle

Chris Stephens
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Joey Janela is saying “She was mine before she was yours” about Chelsea Green to Matt Cardona. The 3 appear to be recreating a famous angle between Randy Savage, Miss Elizabeth and Ric Flair to potentially play out in GCW.

The angle between Flair and Savage took place in the build-up to WrestleMania VIII. Flair was the WWF Champion after having won the vacant title in the 1992 Royal Rumble. Flair then began claiming that he had pictures of the lovely Miss Elizabeth that would prove Flair and her had once been an item. Keep in mind this was before editing photos could be done by anyone other than a professional photographer.

Flair eventually released the photos that showed him with Miss Elizabeth. Joey Janela has now done the same only with him and Chelsea Green.

https://twitter.com/JANELABABY/status/1479213353314791437

It turns out that package contained compromising (by early 1990s standards) photographs of Janela and Green. The photographs sure do look a lot like the ones Flair had of Elizabeth.

Cardona now wants a chance to get at Janela in a GCW ring. He had previously quit the promotion but this appears to be motivating him to return.

Cardona appears to now realize the photos were fake (but were they???).

https://twitter.com/JANELABABY/status/1479305302088597505

For those interested in the original angle, there is a WWE Timeline documentary on the WWE Network titled “She Was Mine Before She Was Yours” which covers it.

AEW Trademark Reveals Possible Name for Cole, O’Reilly & Fish Faction

Michael Reichlin
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Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly and Bobby Fish are undisputedly one of the most dominant forces in pro wrestling over the past several years.

The dangerous trio has reunited in All Elite Wrestling. We’ve seen O’Reilly and Fish resume using their ReDragon moniker in AEW, but the faction has yet to receive an official name.

“Undisputed Era” is intellectual property of WWE. However, a new trademark filing by AEW reveals what is likely their new name.

AEW filed a trademark application for the name “Paragon” on January 3rd, along with a logo we’re sure to see on licensed merchandise in the near future.

The word paragon means, “a person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality.”

We’ve heard the word paragon used on AEW television in recent weeks, another clue that

Here’s the Paragon logo, from the United States Patent & Trademark Office database:

AEW Paragon Logo

The ‘Goods and Services’ usage description for AEW’s Paragon trademark include:

  • Entertainment services, namely, televised appearances by a group or individual wrestlers;
  • Entertainment in the nature of wrestling contests;
  • Entertainment services, namely, live appearances by a group or individual wrestlers.
Adam Cole eager to work with Kyle O’Reilly & Johnny Gargano again

AEW Battle of the Belts Change Due to ‘Medical Protocol’

Michael Reichlin
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AEW presents Battle of the Belts this Saturday night on TNT. This is the first of AEW’s quarterly 1-hour Saturday night TNT specials that we’ll see this year.

As of this writing, two championship matches have been signed for event.TNT

Former AEW TNT Champion Sammy Guevara will get a rematch against the man who beat him for the gold just over a week ago, Cody Rhodes.

Riho will also challenge Britt Baker for the coveted AEW Women’s Championship.

AEW has announced a change will be made to the card due to “medical protocol.”

No further details have been announced just yet, but we’ll get more information on Friday’s Rampage.

Aside from Cody Rhodes and Britt Baker, AEW’s other champions include “Hangman” Adam Page (World Champion), Jurassic Express (Tag Champions) and Jade Cargill (TBS Champion). Ricky Starks holds the [unsanctioned] FTW Championship.

SEScoops will provide an update on this story late Friday night after Rampage.

Brock Lesnar Reportedly Refused To Face Jinder Mahal At Survivor Series 2017

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

The Brock Lesnar vs Jinder Mahal match at the Survivor Series 2017 was apparently changed because the Beast refused to work with The Modern Day Maharaja.

Since the reintroduction of the brand split in 2016, Survivor Series has been the event where champions from both brands clash against each other.

The announced main event for the 2017 event was the Universal champion Brock Lesnar vs the WWE champion Jinder Mahal.

However, Mahal lost his title to AJ Styles during the November 7, 2017 episode of SmackDown. As a result, the Phenomenal one replaced Jinder in the match against the Beast Incarnate.

Dave Meltzer talked about this match on Wrestling Observer Radio. He revealed that Lesnar actually refused to work with the former NXT star, leading to the change.

While Styles helped put on a great match at the PPV, the loss for Jinder Mahal meant that he didn’t get to carry the title during his India tour shortly afterward.

The loss ended Mahal’s only world title reign at 170 days. AJ Styles would go on to hold the championship for 371 days, before losing it to Daniel Bryan during the November 13, 2018 episode of SmackDown.

Brock Lesnar on the other hand has had multiple reigns with the world title since then. His latest run started only a few days ago when he won the WWE championship in a fatal five way during Day 1.

Bobby Lashley vs. Brock Lesnar Set For WWE Royal Rumble

Walter’s Final NXT UK Match Announced

Ryan Droste
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Former WWE NXT UK Champion Walter will be wrestling for NXT’s main North American brand moving forward, and as such, the former champion has revealed when his final match with the UK brand will be.

Next week’s edition of NXT UK will be subtitled “Walter’s Last Stand.” On the show, Walter will wrestle Nathan Frazier (Ben Carter) in his final bout for the brand before moving over to this side of the pond full time.

Walter’s statement on his exit from WWE’s NXT UK was as follows:

“Ever since I arrived in NXT UK, it was January 2019, I dominated this brand,” WALTER said (h/t Wrestling Inc). “I always preached what’s important to me, Marcel, and Fabian – the mat is sacred to us. And for a historic title reign of 870 days, I brought back glory, respect and dignity to this sport. But now the time has come, it’s my last match in NXT UK, at least for now, and my opponent will be Nathan Frazier.

“I’ve been told all the great things about you – you’re high-flying, you’re up & coming, very talented, you’re the future of this brand. But let me tell you this – I’m not impressed with any of that because like everybody else, you’re in this for yourself, and you’ve taken the absolute piss out of this great sport. You will learn one thing, that one thing, it will never change – when The Ring General steps into a ring, he will come out victorious because for me, the mat is sacred.”

Walter wrestled at NXT 2.0’s New Year’s Evil event on Tuesday, a losing effort alongside Imperium against MSK and Riddle. He’ll shift his focus to that brand now full-time in the months ahead. This has long been WWE’s goal for him, though he wasn’t ready to leave Europe and his life there previously.

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.

Road Dogg Looking to Reunite with Billy Gunn In AEW?

Ryan Droste
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0

Brian James (Road Dogg of New Age Outlaws fame) was one of the many names released by WWE on Wednesday during another round of cuts. The former multi-time WWE tag team champion finds himself out of the company for the first time in over 10 years.

Over the last several years, James had worked backstage as a WWE producer as well as a contributor on the writing team at various times. Most recently, he had been working at the WWE Performance Center in helping young talents with their character development.

Reacting to his release on Wednesday, James wrote on his Facebook page, “Guys, I’m doing well and I thank you for all the love. I’m gonna take a few days for my self and process this. God is still on the throne and will provide. It’s just business!”

With 30 years of experience in the wrestling industry and still just 52 years old, it’s not hard to imagine James working for another wrestling company. Could that next stop be AEW?

James’ former tag team partner, Billy Gunn, works backstage and still wrestles on screen for the promotion as part of the Gunn Club. James was asked on Twitter about a possible reunion for the New Age Outlaws and seemed quite receptive to the idea.

There’s no doubt that a reunion with Gunn would be interesting, at least if for one night only. James could also contribute backstage as a producer for the promotion and help the young talent, a role he has several years of experience in.

James, who had been off Twitter in recent months, also made sure to thank the people at NXT whom he had been working with in recent years.

Do you want to see Brian James end up in AEW? What would you think of an on-screen reunion with Billy Gunn? Let us know in the comments section below this article.

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.

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