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Bryan Danielson Reveals What He Told Vince McMahon About Leaving WWE

Ryan Droste
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In advance of his match with Jon Moxley at AEW Revolution on Sunday evening, Bryan Danielson sat down with Dave Meltzer and Garrett Gonzales of Wrestling Observer Radio for a lengthy conversation about his career, as well as life in general.

During the early part of the interview, Bryan was asked about his exit from WWE. Meltzer noted that it seems as if Bryan is happier now than he has been in several years and Bryan agreed.

When asked about making the decision to leave WWE, Bryan noted that he was in a comfortable place and content and so he kind of dragged out making a final decision until his wife, Brie Bella, started pressing him that he had to let the two sides (WWE and AEW) know what he was going to do.

He said two things that were really important to him were: Spending time with his family and being able to bleed.

“When I did the checks and balances as far as what do I want from my life, where would I make a bigger impact and help more people. What would my quality of life be like for my children, as far as being on the road. Two things that are not related at all would be I’d be able to spend more time with my family, and that I’d also be able to bleed,” Bryan said, laughing.

Once he finally made the decision to head to AEW, Danielson noted that he immediately spoke to Vince McMahon, perhaps even before he told Tony Khan (he couldn’t remember for sure.

In the end, McMahon asked him why he was leaving and Bryan revealed what he told the WWE boss.

“I don’t like to divulge my conversations with Vince [McMahon] at all because I know he’s a very private person,” Danielson said. “But I will say this, one of the things..because I wanted to tell him before I told anybody else. I don’t remember if I told Vince even before I told Tony. But, one of the things, when I finally made my decision, I’m like, ‘Okay, I’m set on this decision,’ and he was kind of asking me why and I said, ‘You know, there’s part of me too that just wants to be able to bleed.’ And he immediately said, ‘Well, I’m sorry I’ll never be able to give you that.’ (laughs) And so yeah, it’s not like I want to do it all the time. There’s something, I don’t know, incredibly life affirming about it, as strange as that sounds.”

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. This week’s show features a full preview for AEW Revolution.

Please credit and h/t SEScoops when utilizing these transcribed Bryan Danielson quotes, as well as link to the original interview on F4WOnline.

Keith Lee Appreciative of His Royal Rumble Moment With Brock Lesnar

Jaychele Nicole
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Keith Lee is grateful for the moment he shared with Brock Lesnar at the 2020 Royal Rumble.

The majority of the 2020 Royal Rumble match was controlled by Brock Lesnar. The Beast eliminated twelve competitors, back to back, by himself. Number 13 was the brand new NXT North American Champion Keith Lee. The moment that stood out to everyone was how shocked and impressed Brock was by the size of Lee. Lee then rocked Lesnar with a shoulder tackle which left him in shock. This showdown, no matter how short it was, was one of the most memorable parts of the match.

Keith Lee’s Royal Rumble Moment With Brock Lesnar

The new AEW superstar recently appeared on Talk Is Jericho. Lee told the story of finding out he’d be a part of the match and what his experience was like working with Brock.

The Limitless One explained, “He’s [Brock Lesnar] always been so cool with me. it’s not something you expect based on specific stories and what have you. The reality was, I didn’t even know I was in the Rumble until like two hours before. They bring in a bunch of people. I’m like, ‘I don’t want to be in the way,’ your back is against the wall, and then you find out you are on. ‘Here we go,’ I don’t know what’s going on and then they start sorting out everything and there is a meeting because the Rumble is basically built around Brock. I got to chat with him and we sorted things out.

They wanted a moment and I think that moment was probably between myself and Riddle, but he had at that time, so they gave it to me. We didn’t really do a lot. Just from the walk…here’s what made it, this Rumble happens and everyone has these ideas and Brock’s like, ‘Cool, awesome, sure thing,’ then the bell rings and he’s just chucking people. ‘Whatever you said you wanted to do doesn’t matter because I don’t remember or I don’t care.’

I’m backstage and I’m like, ‘That’s not what they said, that’s not what they said. I’m gonna have to fight him because I’m not about to lose my shit [laughs].’ My walk, I had gotten taped up because Undisputed ERA jammed my ankle the week prior. I’m so adrenaline hype because I’m gonna fight this guy. I’m walking out, not selling a thing. The walk wasn’t about the Rumble, it was about, ‘I might fight this guy.’

I get there and it’s like, ‘Oh, he wants to work. Okay! We’ll make it a show.’ You can feel it. He’s selling me coming down and I’m like, ‘That guy did more for me in four seconds than anybody can.’ I knew right then, ‘Let’s make this thing last. Take 40 seconds and stare at each other. Let him make the first move and follow.’ It was awesome. Paul (Heyman) is brilliant at what he does.

All of it made it a special three minutes. Him and Roman did that and made potential massive matches down the line and….oh well.”

Current Plans For Lee & Lesnar Respectively

Lee was a part of the November 4, 2021 WWE releases. He signed with AEW following his debut on the February 9 edition of AEW Dynamite. Keith defeated Isiah Kassidy, in his debut, to qualify for the Face of the Revolution Ladder Match on March 6 at Revolution.

Lesnar is scheduled to face Roman Reigns in a Winner Takes All, Title vs Title, Unification Match for the WWE and Universal Championships. The match will take place in the main event of Night 2 of WrestleMania 38.

H/T to Jeremy Lambert & Gisbert Guzzo of Fightful for the transcription

Tony Khan Doesn’t Plan to Find an EVP to Replace Cody Rhodes

Jaychele Nicole
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Tony Khan does not plan on appointing a new AEW Executive Vice President to replace Cody Rhodes. 

Cody and wife Brandi Rhodes held many positions in AEW prior to them leaving on February 15. The AEW CEO/President has now begun to speak about how those positions will be filled behind the scenes.

Ahead of AEW Revolution, Tony Khan spoke to Baby Huey on the In The Kliq podcast. Khan explained that he currently has no intentions of finding an EVP to replace Cody Rhodes. However, he will be looking for a new Chief Brand Officer after Brandi Rhodes’ departure. 

AEW Executive Shakeup

“They were both big parts of the company from our launch,” Khan said of Brandi and Cody Rhodes. “I give them so much credit for being a big part of our success, both of them. I’m not planning to replace the Executive Vice President role. I take on a lot of responsibility myself and we have some great people in that position right now, other Vice Presidents, and I work with a great team.”

Khan continued, “For that position, we’ll have to look, and also for the [Chief] Brand Officer position, you know, Brandi has been awesome for us. So that one I will likely fill, but right now we’re just moving forward. I think the company’s stronger than it’s ever been today. So right now, everybody’s on the road to Revolution.”

On the AEW Revolution media call, Tony clarified that he wanted to keep Cody as a member of the roster beyond the option years in his contract. Unfortunately, Tony says that they were unable to come to an agreement. 

H/T to Jeremy Lambert of Fightful for the transcription

Vince McMahon Talks About WWE Releasing “Dead Weight” Talent

Tyriece Simon
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WWE Chairman Vince McMahon has shared his thoughts on the company’s hiring decision.

WWE has faced backlash for how they released talent last year. The company released over 80 talent in 2021, most of the reasons due to budget cuts. Meanwhile, WWE also praised themselves for their financial success last year.

McMahon explained his decision to release talent in an interview with Pat McAfee on Mar. 3.

“I’m always concerned about what’s best for the audience, always. What does the audience want, and if you have dead weight around you or if you had a situation by someone not cutting it and you have an opportunity for someone to come in, it’s like, okay, that’s probably the best thing,” said McMahon.

Vince McMahon on Listening to the Audience

Sometimes in professional wrestling, a talent may do something that could burn bridges to work with a company. An example could be Hulk Hogan working for WCW. However, McMahon believes that as long as the fans want valuable talent, WWE will always consider hiring a wrestler. He also tied in that while he releases talent, he also looks to add new people to the WWE roster.

“… Hogan and a lot of those guys left me at one time, why I brought them back. It’s like, ‘I’ll never bring that son of a b*itch back as long as I live.’ When you say stuff like that, you’re really hurting yourself because you’re not thinking about your audience. You’re not thinking about your product, and it’s not about you and your ego,” said McMahon.

He continued, “It’s like, ‘Yeah, okay, maybe I really felt that way. Maybe I didn’t, but nonetheless, it doesn’t matter. What’s the best thing for business? If the audience wants Hulk Hogan back, you bring him back if he has value that way.”

Vince McMahon
Vince McMahon

Vince McMahon on Proritizing the Stockholders

McMahon also believes that the WWE going public made him a better businessman. While the WWE releases seem unjust, McMahon expressed that he lets people go due to the business and isn’t personal.

“Once I took the company public, it helped me become a better businessman because prior to that, I was running the business with my head, but mostly with my heart as well, said McMahon. He continued, “These decisions are so damn tough when you do that, because of who it is, he has kids or this that and the other or someone has cancer in the family, and all that computes in your head, but once you’re a public company now you owe stockholders. It is the business then, so it helps me make easier and better business decisions.”

McMahon wants fans to know that he does have a heart. While WWE releases seemed callous, the WWE Chairman prioritizes his business.

IMPACT Wrestling Star a Free Agent Following Sacrifice

Jake Skudder
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A top IMPACT Wrestling star has reportedly become a free agent following the Sacrifice event on Saturday 5th March.

Fightful Select reported that Jake Something has now left the company, with his original contract being up at the end of February.

The site noted: “Fightful reported recently that Jake’s deal was up at the end of February, which was true, but there was one outstanding date remaining on the contract.

“Despite the deal being set to expire, IMPACT put him in a top spot in an X-Division title match for Sacrifice, which is slated to be his last date with the company as of now” it was also revealed.

Fightful also revealed that as of writing that no deal had been reached, and that Jake was not scheduled to be at the Sunday television tapings for the company.

Jake Something now a Free Agent

Jake Something has reportedly left the company on good terms, and that he would “likely be welcomed back.”

Josh Alexander appeared at the end of the Sacrifice event and revealed that he had re-signed with the company. There’s a good chance that we could see Something also re-sign in the coming weeks unless there is a deal waiting for him from the likes of WWE, NJPW or AEW.

We do not currently know if Jake Something has any open offers on the table from other promotions, but we will update you on the story as and when it becomes apparent.

WWE Files Trademark for NXT UK Superstar

Jake Skudder
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WWE has filed a trademark for an NXT UK Superstar who does not appear to have yet officially signed with the company.

The company has filed a trademark for the name Eliza Alexander, the name used for British independent star Lizzy Evo as part of the recent NXT UK tapings.

It’s not currently known if Evo has actually signed for WWE, but what is interesting is that they’ve decided to try and trademark the name.

Lizzy Evo is a prominent name on the UK independent scene, having arguably one of the top feuds in all of 2020 with Alexxis Falcon.

Lizzy Evo – NXT UK

Evo has also been working for the likes of PROGRESS, TNT Wrestling, Pro Wrestling EVE and Catch Pro Wrestling, where she recently had a match against Millie McKenzie, who is signed to WWE.

The company filed for the following:

Mark For: ELIZA ALEXANDER trademark registration is intended to cover the categories of entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered live and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service; providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; providing information in the fields of sports and entertainment via an online community portal; providing a website in the field of sports entertainment information; fan club services, namely, organizing sporting events in the field of wrestling for wrestling fan club members; organizing social entertainment events for entertainment purposes for wrestling fan club members; providing online newsletters in the fields of sports entertainment; online journals, namely, blogs, in the field of sports entertainment.

Austin Theory Wants to Work With a WWE Legend

Anutosh Bajpai
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Austin Theory is being positioned as the next big star and he has already gotten to face many big names including The Beast Brock Lesnar himself.

Though there is one name that the protégé of Mr McMahon aspires to face in the future, that is the 16-time world champion John Cena.

Theory revealed this aspiration when asked about his dream opponents during an interview with WWE Deutschland. He claimed that he has been building himself for this match from the start:

“John Cena. Every time, John Cena, you know what, I, I feel personally that I just got to keep building myself and keep climbing that ladder and keep, you know, just impressing.

I felt like I kicked that off when I got drafted to Raw taking out Jeff Hardy.” said Austin Theory, “You know, dealing with Rey Mysterio, Finn Balor, AJ Styles, all these names.”

Apart from this, the former NXT star also talked about working with the boss. He recalled how he was very nervous the first time he found out about it.

Theory claimed that there is no bigger star in WWE than Mr McMahon and when it comes to Mt Rushmore of sports entertainment as a whole, he is the first person on the list. You can check out his interview below:

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CapsUCBo5HM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Thanks to WrestlingInc for the transcribed quotes

What Time is AEW Revolution?

Andrew Ravens
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All Elite Wrestling presents AEW Revolution 2022 tonight on pay-per-view from Orlando, FL at the Addition Financial Arena.

The company has announced the main event of this event that takes place in Orlando, Florida at the Addition Financial Arena, which is Adam Page vs. Adam Cole for the AEW World Heavyweight Title. The full card is available here: AEW Revolution 2022 Match Card.

Ahead of the event, we encourage you to check out our AEW Revolution 2022 Predictions, as well as the AEW Revolution 2022 Betting Odds, which indicate a big title changing hands.

You can stream AEW Revolution live on Bleacher Report in the United States and on FITE internationally.

The Buy-In Kickoff pre-show starts at 7 pm EST, with the main card starting an hour later at 8pm EST.

Check back later tonight for our AEW Revolution 2022 Results.

(Spoiler) Free Agent Expected to Debut at AEW Revolution

Jake Skudder
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Another free agent is expected to debut for All Elite Wrestling at tonight’s AEW Revolution pay-per-view.

Sw3rve the Realest, formerly known as Isaiah ‘Swerve’ Scott in WWE, might be making an appearance tonight, according to Fightful Select.

“AEW hasn’t gone out of their way to keep it a secret, as he was at the AEW concert on Saturday Night in Orlando, and a song that repeatedly mentioned him played. Sw3rve still lives in the Orlando area, as well.”

The plan was for Sw3rve to appear “imminently,” with the idea, as of writing, for him to debut at AEW Revolution tonight. Fightful made sure to include the warning, “As with anything in wrestling, this is subject to change.”

Hopefully, we will see the former NXT North American Champion debut for the company in a big way.

Sw3rve has been very busy since recently becoming a free agent. Here’s a look at some of his upcoming dates:

Tony Khan Reveals That Top AEW Star Was Integral to Signing Bryan Danielson

Jake Skudder
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AEW President Tony Khan recently revealed that Jon Moxley was integral to getting Bryan Danielson to sign with All Elite Wrestling.

Speaking to Jim Varsallone ahead of AEW Revolution tonight, Khan revealed how the former WWE Superstar was a big part in getting the American Dragon to join the promotion.

“I don’t know if people know, Jon Moxley is a big reason why Bryan Danielson came to AEW in the first place” Khan revealed.

“He really vouched for this place, he gave his word to Bryan that this is a great place to work. And that helped connect me to Bryan Danielson, that Mox gave him that reference, you know,” Tony Khan continued. “That I am a good person to work for and that this is a good company to come to.”

Khan also discussed why it was so important to AEW to get someone the caliber of Danielson to join the company.

“Bryan Danielson is one of the biggest wrestlers in the world,” Khan stated. “One of the most recognizable, successful, famous wrestlers on the planet, and when he came to AEW, it was a huge get for us.

“Their story goes back a long time, they know each other very well. I think they are going to have an amazing match” Khan concluded, discussing the match between the two at Revolution tonight.

Here are the matches that are confirmed for the card:

Main Card

  • AEW World Championship: “Hangman” Adam Page (c) vs. Adam Cole
  • AEW Women’s World Championship: Dr. Britt Baker, DMD (c) vs. Thunder Rosa
  • Dog Collar Match: CM Punk vs. MJF
  • Jon Moxley vs. Bryan Danielson
  • Chris Jericho vs. Eddie Kingston
  • AEW Tag Team Championship: Jurassic Express (Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus) (c) vs. The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) vs. reDRagon (Kyle O’Reilly and Bobby Fish)
  • Face of the Revolution Ladder Match (Winner Receives TNT Championship Match): Keith Lee vs. Wardlow vs. Powerhouse Hobbs vs. Ricky Starks vs. Orange Cassidy vs. Christian Cage
  • Sting, Darby Allin and Sammy Guevara vs. Andrade El Idolo, Matt Hardy and Isiah Kassidy
  • TBS Championship: Jade Cargill (c) vs. Tay Conti

Buy-In Show

  • HOOK vs. QT Marshall
  • Kris Statlander vs. Leyla Hirsch
  • House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody King and Buddy Matthews) vs. Death Triangle (Pac and Penta Oscuro) and Erick Redbeard

Brock Lesnar Reveals Advice For Young Wrestlers

Anutosh Bajpai
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Brock Lesnar is one of the best if not the best professional wrestlers of the current era. His advice to young talents is not to do what everyone is doing and focus on storytelling more than the moves.

The Beast Incarnate has been doing media rounds to promote WWE’s Live Event from Madison Square Garden. He spoke to Newsday in the spree.

When asked if he will be willing to mentor young talents, Lesnar claimed that over the years he has helped talents that have caught his eyes. Though according to him, some of the young stars don’t have the same work ethic anymore:

“Some of these young kids nowadays, they’re so used to having everything they want at their fingertips with technology. I don’t know where the grassroots, hard work, and the ethic is anymore.”

‘They Need To Do Something Different’

Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns
Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns

Brock Lesnar then explained the younger wrestlers need to differentiate themselves from the rest if they want to be successful in the business:

“They need to do something different if they want to become successful. This business isn’t just about getting in the ring and being able to do moves, you know.

This is a business of storytelling and characters and being able to portray a passion about something. So either you have it, or you don’t. Otherwise you’re just a mid-card wrestler, or an indie wrestler, or an internet wrestler.”

Apart from this, Lesnar also discussed his MSG match with Goldberg at WrestleMania XX, beating The Rock to become the youngest WWE champion and more.

Brock Lesnar Praises Roman Reigns: “I See A F**king Star”

Anutosh Bajpai
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Roman Reigns can be considered the arch-rival of Brock Lesnar. The two have had many chapters in their rivalry and it doesn’t seem like it’s gonna end anytime soon.

However, despite their differences, The Beast Incarnate recognizes the talent of the Tribal Chief. According to him, the Universal champion has the ‘it’ factor.

Brock was asked about Roman and their upcoming WrestleMania 38 match during an interview with New York Post. He said that he sees a superstar in the Head of The Table:

“I see a f–king superstar, I see I guy who came into his own and is a real threat as person and as a character. … Roman has the It factor, has had it.” said Brock Lesnar, “It’s exciting to me. I get goosebumps just thinking about this match.”

Lesnar also talked about his current character. The WWE champion claimed that it’s the extension of his real-life self: “This is the real Brock Lesnar, I’m a country hillbilly f–k, and that’s who I’m am. I grew up the same way.”

Apart from this, the former UFC star discussed how he considered himself to be retired from wrestling after WrestleMania 36 and explained what brought him back.

AEW Revolution 2022 Match Card, Date & Time, How To Watch

Michael Reichlin
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AEW Revolution 2022 takes place tonight on pay-per-view live from Orlando, Florida.

The card has been finalized and is available below.

Ahead of the event, make sure to also check out our staff’s AEW Revolution 2022 Predictions and tell us what you think of about our picks.

AEW Revolution 2022 Match Card

The following matches are setl for AEW Revolution:

  • AEW World Champion “Hangman” Adam Page defends against Adam Cole
  • Jon Moxley battles Bryan Danielson
  • CM Punk vs. Maxwell Jacob Friedman in a Dog Collar Match
  • Thunder Rosa challenges Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. for the AEW Women’s World Championship
  • Jurassic Express defend the AEW World Tag Team Championship against reDRagon (Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish) and another team to be determined next week on Dynamite.
  • Tay Conti challenges Jade Cargill for the AEW TBS Championship.
  • Face of the Revolution Ladder Match: Keith Lee vs. Wardlow vs. Powerhouse Hobbs vs. FTW Champion Ricky Starks vs. Orange Cassidy vs. TBA
  • Chris Jericho vs. Eddie Kingston
  • Tornado Trios Match: Andrade El Idolo, Matt Hardy and Isiah Kassidy vs. Sammy Guevara, Sting and Darby Allin.

AEW Revolution 2022 Buy-In Matches:

  • “Legit” Leyla Hirsch vs. Kris Statlander
  • Hook vs. QT Marshall

Date, Time & How to Watch

AEW Revolution 2022 takes place Sunday, March 6th from Orlando, Florida at the Addition Financial Arena.

You can watch AEW Revolution 2022 by ordering the event on Bleacher Report in the United States and on FITE internationally.

What Time is AEW Revolution?

Eric Bischoff Explains Why Adam Cole Shouldn’t Win AEW Title Right Now

Anutosh Bajpai
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Adam Cole will be challenging Hangman Page for the AEW world championship during the upcoming Revolution PPV. While a lot of fans would like to see the former Undisputed Era leader win the belt, Eric Bischoff believes it’s not the right time to put the title on the former NXT star.

Bischoff talked about this during the latest episode of his 83 weeks podcast. He explained that the audience will turn on Cole if he becomes a champion right now:

“Even though you have a percentage of the audience that’s going ‘yay Adam,’ two months from now, they’ll be going ‘give us somebody else.’ That’s the appetite of the hardcore audience. If I’m him, I don’t want that title right now.”

Eric Bischoff On if Size Is As Important In Today’s Wrestling

Eric Bischoff claimed that Adam Cole should continue building himself. He should get to a point where a larger audience wants him to become the champion. The former WCW president also gave his thoughts on whether size is a factor in today’s wrestling:

“I don’t think size is as important today as it was. But it’s still a factor. You’re a larger-than-life character on television. That’s what makes wrestling work. I don’t mean necessarily just physically, but you have a presence on television that makes you unique and different, and therefore, in a way, aspirational for the viewer.”

Bischoff gave the example of Tom Cruise. He mentioned how Cruise is able to appear larger than he is with smart camera work, but it’s something you cannot do in wrestling because it’s live. He then said that AEW is having a hard time growing their business and reiterated that they need a larger-than-life star.

Thanks to 411Mania for the transcribed quotes

Chris Jericho Says He Was Offered EVP Position At AEW

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Chris Jericho was one of the first big WWE names to join AEW during the initial days of the promotion. While The Elite had signed on from the very beginning, Y2J’s arrival legitimized the company in a lot of fans’ eyes.

Turns out, the former AEW champion could have even become an Executive Vice President like the others, but he declined the position and decided to be just a talent for the company instead.

Jericho recently had an interview with Sports Illustrated. During the talk, he revealed that Tony Khan had actually offered him an EVP position in the company:

The only reason I wasn’t an EVP is because I didn’t want to be. They asked me and I said, “No, that’s way too much work for what you’re planning on doing.”

And Tony Khan’s the boss, anyways. I knew that from the start.” said Chris Jericho, “So I wasn’t going to play grab-a– and use EVP as an ego boost. F— that. Just give me more money.”

The former WWE star continued by claiming that his job was to be a star for the brand and help make new stars for the promotion.

He mentioned how he gave a stage to people like Santana & Ortiz and Sammy Guevara and helped Jake Hager and Cody Rhodes reinvent themselves during his first few months with AEW.

WWE MSG Results (3/5/22): Austin Theory Challenges Brock, RAW Women’s Title Triple Threat, Seth vs. Roman

Jaychele Nicole
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WWE hosted an event at Madison Square Garden in New York on the Road to WrestleMania. The event was rumored to be kept very secretive and was said to have something big planned.

There was a lighting rig above the ring and a cameraman at ringside filming entrances. At the merchandise stands, WWE is selling special New York themed Brock Lesnar and Steve Austin shirts.

Match Card & Results

Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) (C) vs. RK-Bro (Randy Orton and Riddle) — WWE RAW Tag Team Championships

Winners – Alpha Academy

Finn Balor (C) vs. Damian Priest — WWE United States Championship

Winner – Finn Balor (Via DQ)

The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) (C) vs. The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Big E) — WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships

Winners – The Usos

Becky Lynch (C) vs. Bianca Belair vs. Rhea Ripley — WWE RAW Women’s Championship Triple Threat Match

Winner – Becky Lynch

Roman Reigns (C) vs. Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins — WWE Universal Championship

Winner – Roman Reigns

Kevin Owens is the special guest on Miz TV. Kevin hits The Miz with a Stunner.

Drew McIntyre vs Sami Zayn

Winner – Drew McIntyre

Ronda Rousey and Naomi vs. Sonya Deville and Charlotte Flair

Winners – Ronda Rousey and Naomi

Brock Lesnar (C) vs. Austin Theory — WWE Championship

Winner – Brock Lesnar

IMPACT Wrestling Sacrifice Results (3/5/22): New Knockouts Champion, Josh Alexander Returns, New Tag Team Champions

Jaychele Nicole
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The 2022 edition of IMPACT Wrestling’s Sacrifice event took place on March 5, 2022 at Paristown Hall in Louisville, Kentucky. The event aired live on IMPACT+. Tasha Steelz became the new Knockouts Champion. Josh Alexander made his return in the main event. The Influence (Madison Rayne & Tenille Dashwood) won the Knockouts Tag Team Championships. Violent By Design (Eric Young & Joe Doering) (with Deaner) defeated The Good Brothers (Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson) to become the new Tag Team Champions.

New Champions Crowned

A new Knockouts Champion was crowned in Tasha Steelz. She was able to defeat Mickie James for the title with the help of Savannah Evans. Tasha is the first ever Afro-Latina Knockouts Champion. Mickie goes for a move off the top rope, she gets caught up with Savannah, but eventually makes the jump. Steelz catches her with a cutter and pins her.

The Influence (Madison Rayne & Tenille Dashwood) was also able to defeat The IInspiration (Cassie Lee & Jessie McKay) for the Knockouts Tag Team Championships. Kaleb with a K was told to stay in the back. However, he came out and grabbed one of the tag team championships and slides it through the legs of Cassie to Tenille. It seemed like Kaleb meant to give the title to Cassie. Nonetheless, Tenille pins Cassie and The Influence defeat the undefeated team of Jessie and Cassie.

Violent By Design (Eric Young & Joe Doering) (with Deaner) were able to dethrone The Good Brothers (Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson) for the IMPACT Wrestling Tag Team Championships. After eliminating Gallows from the equation, Violent By Design double teamed Anderson with a powerbomb/neckbreaker combo and pinned him for the win.

Josh Alexander Returns

Josh Alexander returned after the IMPACT World Title match. Josh flattens Moose and leaves him laying. He cut a promo saying that he took some valuable time at with his family. Alexander then shows, and announces, that he has signed a multi-year contract with IMPACT. Alexander will face Moose one-on-one in the main event of Rebellion for the IMPACT World Championship.

IMPACT’s Rebellion will take place on April 23, 2022, at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie, New York.

Match Card & Results

Moose (C) vs. Heath — IMPACT Wrestling World Championship

At the beginning, Heath uses his quickness and ability to stick and move. Moose eventually catches him and begins to demolish him. Heath once again began to get some offense, but that was stopped by Moose’s sheer power, size, and frame. Commentary described the match as a ‘savage beating.’ Moose dropped Heath back first twice on the apron. Heath hits Moose with a Wake Up Call but the Wrestling God kicks out. Moose delivers a spear and pins Heath for the three count.

Winner – Moose

Mickie James (C) vs. Tasha Steelz (with Savannah Evans) — IMPACT Wrestling Knockouts Championship

Before the bell rings, Tasha attacks Mickie. Mickie is still preoccupied because as the match begins Chelsea is being helped to the back. Mickie is in control as the match start but is still checking on Green who is outside the ring. Savannah Evans attacks Green on the outside. Mickie tries to come outside to help, but just ends up distracted. Tasha takes control and has her way with James on the outside. Tasha slows down the pace and locks in methodical submission moves and delivers stiff punches. Mickie tries to gain momentum and delivers some non-stop offense and doesn’t let up on Steelz. Mickie hits the Mick-DT, and Evans gets in the ring to distract the ref. Evans gets sent out the ring, Tasha hits The Blackout, Mickie kicks out. Mickie goes for a move off the top rope, she gets caught up with Savannah, but eventually makes the jump. Steelz catches her with a cutter and pins her.

Winner – NEW Knockouts Champion: Tasha Steelz

Deonna Purrazzo (C) vs. Chelsea Green — ROH Women’s Championship Open Challenge

Chelsea Green shocks everyone and challenges one of her close friends in Deonna Purrazzo for the Ring of Honor Women’s Championship. At the beginning, as expected, it is a back-and-forth, well-countered match. Chelsea performs a dive to the outside that even shocks her. The crowd is split and doesn’t know who to cheer for. Deonna tries many times to get Green to tap to the Armbar due to Green’s history of wrist issues. Both women have great chemistry and perform the same moves to each other at the same time. Green uses Deonna’s move against her and locks in her own Armbar. Green baits Deonna in with her wrist injury, then slaps the champion. Purrazzo viciously puts on an Armbar and cracks and wrenches at Chelsea’s wrist until the official stops the match. Mickie James comes out to save Green from Deonna’s attack.

Winner – Deonna Purrazzo

Trey Miguel (c) vs. Jake Something — Impact X Division Championship

Something was able to control much of the match. His strength and power seemed to be a challenge for the quick high-flyer. Something’s gigantic frame made Miguel struggle to even pin him. Jake utilized his power to deliver backbreaker that lead to a VERY close two count. Something landed head first after Trey hit a Canadian Destroyer from the inside of the ring to the outside. In the final moments of the match, Trey Miguel delivered a meteora to a dangling Something from the top rope to get the pin.

Winner – Trey Miguel

The Good Brothers (Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson) (with Chris Bey) (C) vs. Violent By Design (Eric Young & Joe Doering) (with Deaner) — IMPACT Wrestling Tag Team Championship

This match starts nothing short of violent. Both tag teams use a slow and methodical style, and that’s exactly how the match played out. Young utilized may eye pokes to try to get the upper hand. Gallows and Doering face off in a battle of the titans. the Good Brothers were able to control a portion of the match with some two-on-one offense. Violent By Design then were able to double team Anderson. Eric low-blows Gallows and then hits him with a piledriver on the steel ramp. Violent By Design double teamed Anderson with a powerbomb/neckbreaker combo and pinned him for the win.

Winner – NEW Tag Team Champions: Violent By Design (Eric Young & Joe Doering) (with Deaner)

The IInspiration (Cassie Lee & Jessie McKay) (C) vs. The Influence (Madison Rayne & Tenille Dashwood) (with Kaleb with a K) — IMPACT Wrestling Knockouts Tag Team Championships

Kaleb with a K was told to stay in the back by The Influence. The Influence performed many double team moves and mocked The IInspiration. The crowd was STRONGLY behind the team of Cassie and Billie. Tenille and Madison of course utilize dirty tricks like pulling hair, tying them up in the ropes, and more. The crowd is hot for Cassie’s hot tag and she delivers quick and swift offense to both tag team members. Kaleb comes to ringside, disobeying the requests of The Influence. Kaleb grabs one of the tag team championships and slides it through the legs of Cassie to Tenille. It seemed like Kaleb meant to give the title to Cassie. Nonetheless, Tenille pins Cassie and The Influence defeat the undefeated team of Jessie and Cassie.

Winners – NEW Knockouts Tag Team Champions: The Influence (Madison Rayne & Tenille Dashwood) (with Kaleb with a K)

Matt Taven & Mike Bennett vs. Rich Swann & Willie Mack

The team of OGK delivered consistent and expected tag team offense. Swann utilized his quickness and speed to confuse and discombobulate the members of Honor No More. In a steady back and forth contest, Mack used his size and power to his team’s advantage. Swann was able to get a surprise roll-up on Bennett to pin him for the victory.

Winners – Rich Swann & Willie Mack

Eddie Edwards vs. Rhino

With Honor No More at ringside, Edwards retreated to the outside many times to escape Rhino’s offense. Maria Kanellis was caught red handed when she tried to hand a kendo stick to Edwards and was sent to the back. Right when Rhino is about to hit the Gore, Kenny King gets involved and stops him. There are bodies everywhere at ringside. Edwards was going to use the kendo stick on Rhino, but Steve Maclin gets involved and hits him with a DDT. Maclin then turns on everyone and hits Rhino with a kendo stick after calling for the Gore. Edwards then hits Rhino with a running knee (The Boston Knee Party) for the victory.

Winner – Eddie Edwards

Jay White vs. Alex Shelley

The crowd, like the beginning of the match, was at a stalemate. The crowd was cheering almost equally for both competitors. White and Shelly have a non-stop back and forth hard-hitting matchup. Shelly uses his experience to his advantage and outwits Jay early on. They both deliver stiff kicks and unique offense. They know each other so well leading to many reversals. White hits a twisting suplex which ends up getting a really convincing two count. White, as expected, plays dirty and gives Shelley a thumb to the eye. White connects with the Blade Runner but Alex is close to the ropes and manages to get his foot on the bottom rope. Shelley hits the Sliced Bread on White for another close two count. Alex struggles to get the Border City Stretch in, but after some time in the move, White gets his foot on the bottom rope. White delivers a Blade Runner on the outside, and Shelley’s face bounces off the apron. Shelley ends up hitting Jay with the Blade Runner and then going into the Border City Stretch. In a quick transition, we see Jay hit Alex with the Blade Runner for the final time and get the three count. After the match, Shelley offers to shake White’s hand. Jay laughs and walks off.

Winner – Jay White

JONAH vs. PCO

The match starts hot and heavy as expected. Within the first few minutes of the match, JONAH is already bitting PCO. JONAH delivers a Russian Leg Sweep/Suplex to PCO on the steel ramp. PCO and JONAH trade shots and neither will give an inch. PCO performs his normal moveset that’s insane for his age and flattens JONAH with a dive to the outside. After JONAH delivers his intense offense, PCO is unphased and hits a hurricanrana from the top rope. PCO hits a PCO-sault for a close two count. JONAH delivers a piledriver on the steel step, then a powerbomb on the outside, then a Tsunami to the back of the head of PCO for the victory.

Winner – JONAH

Lady Frost vs. Gisele Shaw

Frost and Shaw delivered a strong and technical showing. In the final moments, Shaw and Frost traded finishing and signature moves. Shaw hit Frost with a draping DDT and a twisting suplex. Frost delivered a snowball fight, but Shaw managed to kickout. Frost tried many times to set up for her finisher the Temperature Drop and the third time was the charm. Frost’s beautiful twisting moonsault was enough to seal the deal.

Winner – Lady Frost

Finn Balor Explains Why NXT Needed The Rebranding

Anutosh Bajpai
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A lot of people believe that the rebranding of NXT was unnecessary and it should have been left as it was, but Finn Balor feels the opposite.

The US champion recently appeared on Corey Graves’ After The Bell podcast. Among other things, he talked about the revamp of WWE’s development territory.

Balor claimed that the change was needed because he felt all the possible matches had already taken place during his second run with the brand:

“It was needed. I don’t want to say it was getting stale, but having been there for a year and a half in my second run, I felt like all the matches had taken place, it was going in a cycle and something needed to change.”

Finn Balor explained that as a young fan, he was always interested in new personalities and matches. He then offered some praise to the people behind the endeavor for risking it all:

“You’re getting to see and witness something new for the first time and that’s pretty rare. Hats off to NXT for risking it all and really committing to 2.0.”

Balor also talked about the WarGames match between team Black and Gold and team 2.0. He noted how it was refreshing to see new guys doing things that people were not familiar with.

AEW Wrestlers Decide When To Use Their “Who We Are” Themes

Jaychele Nicole
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Tony Khan has now commented on why certain wrestlers are using their “Who We Are” themes as opposed to others.

In honor of Black History Month, on February 18, AEW released ‘Who We Are: A Celebration of Excellence, Vol. 1.’ The compilation album features tracks dedicated to the stories of more than twenty Black AEW wrestlers. The album features many established and known hip-hop and R&B artists.

On the AEW Revolution Media Call, Tony Khan talked about the performers who have used the themes from the album in different branches of AEW programming. 

The AEW CEO/President said, “I’m leaving that, to some extent, up to the wrestlers themselves. Especially because I think those are great tracks and there are examples where I think they are great songs to tell the stories of the wrestlers and other examples where they are great entrances. Some people have wanted to use them as their entrances and other people have not, so I’m taking it on a case-by-case basis.

For example, we were at the Dark tapings and we experimented with Will Hobbs using his song off the album. He came out and said, ‘I really like it, but in the future, I’d like to use my original song [P-p-p-p-powerhouse Hobbs].’ He felt like he gets a big pop and he established it, so he loves the song off the track, but for the arenas and matches, he would use his original song. There are other people who would like to use it as their entrance theme going forward and are going to.

I heard from Scorpio Sky that he was interested in using his as his entrance and experimenting with that, so we’re going to do that. There are a number of other wrestlers who have tracks on there and I’m open to using them. One of the most important things is that the wrestlers themselves feel good about what they’re walking out to. In general, I’ve never asked anybody to walk out to a song they don’t feel good about. I don’t think it makes any sense and it’s not sustainable.”

AEW Live Concert

AEW announced that they will be holding a live concert on March 5 at The Venue at UCF as a part of Revolution weekend. Mikey Rukus is the headliner of the show and will receive support from a live band, along with rappers Monteasy and Wrestle and Flow.

Official Concert Set List

Mikey Rukus announced the set list for the event on his Twitter.

The following tracks will be performed:

  • Thunder Rosa “Blood And Glory”
  • Eddie Kingston “Cold World”
  • Lucha Bros “Zero Miedo”
  • Rise (AEW Dark Elevation Theme)
  • Wardlow “This Is War”
  • Varsity Blondes “City Lights”
  • Nyla Rose “Beast Bomb”
  • Penelope Ford “Superbad Girl”
  • Chaos Project “The Pit”
  • Dark Order “Join Us”
  • Matt Hardy (AHFO) “Ghost Town”
  • Sting “Arrival”
  • AEW Dynamite Theme
  • Adam Cole “All About Tha (Boom!)”

H/T to Jeremy Lambert of Fightful for the transcription

WWE Hell In A Cell 2022 Date & Location Announced

Jaychele Nicole
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The date and location for the 2022 edition of the WWE pay-per-view Hell in a Cell.

The 14th edition of this pay-per-view will take place on Sunday, June 5. The event will emanate from the All State Arena in Chicago, IL.

WWE 2022 Hell In A Cell Press Release

WWE released a press release to announce the news: 

NEW YORK & STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– WWE (NYSE: WWE) and On Location today announced that exclusive ticket and hospitality packages are on sale now for Hell in a Cell at Allstate Arena in Chicago taking place Sunday, June 5.

The Hell in a Cell Priority Pass, which includes premier seating, a dedicated stadium entrance, premium hospitality offerings and meet-and-greets with WWE Superstars and Legends, are available through On Location at www.onlocationexp.com/WWE or by calling 1-855-346-7388.

This marks the first event experience in WWE’s partnership with On Location. As WWE’s exclusive hospitality provider for premium live events, On Location curates best-in-class, elevated offerings to give WWE fans an unforgettable experience from the moment of purchase.

Hell in a Cell will stream live exclusively on Peacock in the United States and WWE Network everywhere else.

The Hell in a Cell event has happened annually since 2009. This is the first Hell in a Cell event back in front of crowds. The last two HIAC events have taken place inside the ThunderDome.

Cody Rhodes To WWE No Longer A Sure Thing

Tyriece Simon
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Cody Rhodes’ future in professional wrestling is looking increasingly uncertain.

After his shocking departure from All Elite Wrestling, fans have speculated if Cody Rhodes would return to WWE. Sport’s Illustrated’s Justin Barrasso reported on Feb. 16 that Cody would be signing with his former employers.

Not So Fast

However, a new report suggests Cody to WWE is far from a sure thing. On Friday, Cassidy Haynes of BodySlam.net dropped the bombshell that talks between Rhodes and the WWE have “fizzled out.”

Haynes also shares that a source claims that the former Executive Vice President of AEW may actually return to the company.

“… I was told that discussions had been ongoing between Cody and WWE, but I was told, ‘those conversations have since fizzled out.’ One source indicated that there is hope that Cody can be brought back into the AEW fold. The idea was floated to me that there might be a possibility again, with a new role involving the ROH acquisition.”

On Saturday, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer corroborated the news from Cassidy Haynes. Meltzer tweeted there has been a “definite change” in the expectation that Cody returning to WWE was inevitable.

Days after word leaked that WWE creative is working on plans for Cody Rhodes, Meltzer wrote on the members-only F4W message board, “Creative was told last night [Friday] a change in Cody status from sure thing to uncertain.”

Cody Rhodes on his time with AEW

Cody Rhodes
(via AEW)

Cody Rhodes also posted and deleted an Instagram post on Instagram on Feb. 19 that he retired from pro wrestling.

Earlier this week, Cody Rhodes spoke very fondly about his time with All Elite Wrestling. “I’ll let you in on a little secret, wrestling fans are the face of it all – I was lucky to carry the baton for several years, and I am incredibly proud of the changes we made for the industry and livelihood of wrestlers the world over. A great time, stuff for the history books.”

Tony Khan on Cody Rhodes’ Future

While fans wonder what is next for Rhodes, Khan seems to have an idea. The AEW President shared his thoughts on Busted Open on Sirus XM that the free agent already has something planned.

“It’s very sad and not something any of us wanted to happen, I think, but I believe that Cody’s got something else in the works, I’m not sure about that, but we’ll see,” said Khan. “I’m sure they’re going to have great opportunities in wrestling and in life. You never know what’s going to happen in the future. I wish them the best and am very appreciative of everything they did here.”

Wardlow Feels “Oddly Qualified” to Win Revolution Ladder Match

Jaychele Nicole
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Wardlow thinks that he is going to be the one to win the Face Of The Revolution Ladder Match because of his love for ladder matches.

At AEW Revolution 2022 on March 6, Wardlow will be competing in the Face of the Revolution Ladder Match. He is set to take on Powerhouse Hobbs, Keith Lee, Ricky Starks, Orange Cassidy, and Christian Cage in that match.

The winner of the match receives a TNT Championship opportunity at AEW Dynamite on March 16 in San Antonio, Texas.

Wardlow Loves Jeff Hardy & Ladders

Jeff Hardy
Jeff Hardy

‘Mr. Mayhem’ appeared on Wrestling Inc. Daily with Nick Hausman. He opened up and explained that he was a Jeff Hardy fan growing up which led to him playing on ladders from a young age. 

The Pinnacle member explained, “I am oddly qualified for this match and experiences. I grew up a very big Jeff Hardy fan, so I grew up on ladders. I was in my backyard climbing and jumping off ladders my whole life and I’ve been in a ladder match before that I was victorious and it’s one of my favorite matches that I had on the indies… So I know people don’t expect the big man to be qualified for a ladder match, but I’m – People are going to be surprised how fast I move up that ladder.” 

H/T to Jeremy Lambert of Fightful for the transcription

AEW Has New Cody Rhodes Action Figures in the Works

Michael Reichlin
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Cody Rhodes is no longer with AEW, but the company is showing off a couple new action figures bearing the likeness of the American Nightmare.

As part of AEW Revolution weekend in Orlando, FL, AEW is holding a Fan Fest. Part of the fan fest includes a section showing off AEW’s upcoming action figures.

There are several really cool figures in the works, including this two-pack featuring the late Brodie Lee and his son, -1.

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Cody Rhodes New AEW Figures

It’s interesting to see AEW and Jazwares have multiple new Cody Rhodes figures in development. However, it may be premature for AEW fans to begin celebrating Cody’s return.

WWE regularly introduces action figures featuring talent talent that is no loner with the company. The WWE 2K22 roster features dozens of characters who are gone from WWE, some of them currently employed by AEW.

Here’s a first look at the new AEW Cody Rhodes action figures, courtesy of Twitter user @P1AllElite and Ringside Collectibles:

Jay White Pleasantly Surprised by the Reaction to His AEW Debut

Jaychele Nicole
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Jay White admits he was a bit surprised by the reaction he received from the AEW audience when he crossed through the ‘forbidden door.’

White has found much success during his time in NJPW. Early in his career, he had strong showings in Ring of Honor. More recently, Jay White has become a mainstay in IMPACT Wrestling. Since the presence of The Bullet Club has increased in IMPACT, White has aided in the presentation of the current version of the faction.

Jay White Talks About His AEW Debut

Jay made his first appearance in AEW on the February 9 episode of AEW Dynamite. White helped out The Elite by attacking Trent Beretta and Rocky Romero in the production lot.

He wrestled his first AEW match the following week on the February 18 episode of AEW Rampage. He would go on to defeat Trent Beretta. 

White appeared on Busted Open Radio, and talked about the reaction to his unexpected, unannounced AEW appearance. The Bullet Club leader said, “It did a little bit. It doesn’t surprise me in the sense that, I know my own worth, but it did in the sense that I had no idea what the reaction would be to a bigger, more mainstream audience. Whether they love me from the start or not, that doesn’t bother me because I know over time people are going to realize my ability, that’s how it’s been from the start.”

He continued, “When I back to New Japan, people thought I was put in a position I shouldn’t have been, people can argue about that all day, but what you can’t argue is that where I’m at now, I was right about that. In terms of that reaction, it was a little surprise, but in a good way. I had nothing to go off in terms of gauging what an audience that size whether they would know me or how they would feel about it.”

We have not seen Jay White appear in AEW since he defeated Trent. 

IMPACT Sacrifice

White is scheduled to take on Alex Shelley at IMPACT Sacrifice. 

IMPACT Sacrifice Matches

  • Countdown to Sacrifice: Rich Swann & Willie Mack vs. The OGK (Mike Bennett & Matt Taven)
  • Countdown to Sacrifice: Lady Frost vs. Gisele Shaw
  • Jay White vs. Alex Shelley
  • IMPACT Knockouts Tag Team Championship: The IInspiration (Cassie Lee & Jessica McKay) (c) vs. The Influence (Tenille Dashwood & Madison Rayne)
  • IMPACT X-Division Championship: Trey Miguel (c) vs. Jake Something
  • Rhino vs. Eddie Edwards
  • IMPACT World Championship: Moose (c) vs. Heath
  • JONAH vs. PCO
  • IMPACT Tag Team Championship: The Good Brothers (c) vs. Violent By Design
  • IMPACT Knockouts Championship: Mickie James (c) vs. Tasha Steelz
  • Open Challenge for either the AAA Reina de Reinas Championship or the ROH Women’s World Championship: Deonna Purrazzo (c) vs. TBA

H/T to Jeremy Lambert of Fightful for the transcription

Brock Lesnar Retired in 2020, But Returned For the Money

Jaychele Nicole
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Brock Lesnar’s contract ended in 2020, and he wanted to retire. However, the money was too good to refuse.

Following Brock Lesnar’s loss to Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 36, he disappeared from television throughout the pandemic. Brock lost the WWE Championship to Drew, and then we didn’t see him on our screens again until SummerSlam 2021.

Many assumed that he was gone because there were no crowds. It now appears that Brock had retired.

Lesnar Considered Himself Retired

Brock has now come out and said that he believed himself to be retired after his match with McIntyre.

Lesnar appeared on the Michael Kay Show and was asked about how much longer he plans to wrestle for. The current and seven-time WWE Champion said, “When I was younger I thought, I wanna retire when I’m 40. I actually retired when COVID hit and my contract was up in 2020. Full circle Brock Lesnar story, I had my first wrestling match in Minnesota was in a garage with no people. 20 years later, had a WWE Title match at WrestleMania in a warehouse in front of no people. 20 years, full circle. I was like ‘I’m out.'”

Naturally, Brock was then asked what brought him back. He responded by laughing and saying, “Cha-ching.” 

Since his SummerSlam return, Brock has been regularly highlighted on WWE TV on both RAW and SmackDown. He is now scheduled to defend his WWE Championship on March 5 at a Madison Square Garden live event. 

Brock won the 2022 Men’s Royal Rumble. Therefore, Brock is also scheduled to have a Title vs. Title Unification Match at WrestleMania 38 against Roman Reigns in the Night 2 main event slot. 

Listen to Brock Lesnar’s appearance on the Michael Kay show:

H/T to Jeremy Lambert of Fightful for the transcription

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