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Impact Television Taping Spoilers

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

Impact Spoilers From Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Before the Impact Match Results:

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

Impact Wrestling Weekly Television Results:

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

Road Dogg Comments On If NXT 2.0 Has Been Unsuccessful

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

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

James, however, disputed this take.

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

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

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

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

Rampage Results

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

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Jon Moxley def. Ethan Page, Confrontation With Bryan Danielson

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

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

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

Trent Beretta def. Nick Jackson

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

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

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

Hook Picked Up A Win

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

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

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

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

Jade Cargill Retained The TBS Championship

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

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

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

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

Robert Lentini
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0

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

SmackDown Results

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

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kofi Kingston def. Madcap Moss

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

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

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

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

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

Viking Raiders Picked Up A Win

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

The Naomi & Sonya Deville Saga Continues

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

Johnny Knoxville Made Sami Zayn Look Like A Jackass

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

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

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

Sheamus def. Ricochet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WWE NXT Stars Work Dark Match Before Friday’s SmackDown

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jim Ross On Early Meetings With Rey Mysterio

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

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

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

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

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

WWE kept their word and signed Mysterio in 2002.

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Michelle McCool Explains How Royal Rumble Spot Came To Fruition

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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0

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

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

Michelle McCool On Entering Royal Rumble

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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AEW Roster Adding Some “Really Strong Female Members”

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

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

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

– Serena Deeb

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

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

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

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

Ric Flair Thinks CM Punk Is ‘Overgenerous’ In AEW

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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0

Ric Flair believes that CM Punk would benefit from not giving his opponents a lot of offense in the midst of a program.

Punk is currently feuding with MJF on AEW TV. The two have traded barbs for weeks but the match doesn’t have an official date.

Some have questioned the booking of Punk’s matches in AEW. He’s given a lot of offense to his opposition, something MJF has used in storyline claiming Punk is struggling against guys he should be dominating.

Many were critical of Punk’s match with MJF’s bodyguard Wardlow on the Jan. 12 episode of Dynamite. Wardlow basically dismantled Punk before being pinned by a fluke roll-up.

At the end of the match, the attention was more on Wardlow than it was on Punk, who still hasn’t had his match with MJF.

Ric Flair On CM Punk Giving Too Much

Taking to his WOOOOO Nation UNCENSORED podcast, Ric Flair expressed his belief that CM Punk shouldn’t be as generous in his matches when he needs to build a feud.

“If Punk is arguably their top star, I would always just keep him — he’s already proved that he can work his ass off, right?

“I would always keep him in matches on TV where he took more of the match going into an angle like he is right now with the other guy. Considering that he’s gonna have to get up, make a promo with MJF and all that I just would’ve shortened it up.

“I think he’s being overgenerous. That doesn’t make him a bad guy. That would’ve been my style forever too but I just think he’s going into this big program he doesn’t need to be quite as generous.”

Wardlow splitting from MJF has been a story that’s been brewing for quite a while. While many feel Wardlow is destined to be a star, many also believe the momentum of Punk vs. MJF has been squandered.

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Rocky Romero Off Tonight’s Rampage Card Due To COVID-19

Chris Stephens
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There will be no RPG Vice reunion on tonight’s episode of Rampage. Rocky Romero revealed on social media that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and is off the show. Roppongi Vice (Rocky Romero & Trent Beretta) were scheduled to face Matt & Nick Jackson the Young Bucks.

“Sorry everyone… Gonna have push back the RPG Vice reunion. COVID got me. Currently I’m feeling very mild symptoms. I’m vaxed and boosted so should kick right out of this!!” Romero posted on Twitter.

As of this writing, it is not clear if a replacement match will take place on the show or if Romero will be replaced by a member of the Best Friends in the match.

Other matches scheduled for tonight’s Rampage from Washington include:

  • TBS Championship
    Jade Cargill (c) vs Anna Jay
  • Jon Moxley vs Ethan Page
  • Seprentico vs HOOK

Then scheduled for next week’s edition of Dynamite from Cleveland:

  • Lights Out Match
    Adam Cole vs Orange Cassidy
  • TNT Championship
    Ladder Match
    Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Sammy Guevara
  • Leyla Hirsch vs. Red Velvet
  • 2point0 (Jeff Parker & Matt Lee) & Daniel Garcia vs. The Inner Circle (Chris Jericho, Ortiz & Santana)

The last time that Beretta and Romero wrestled together in a 2-on-2 tag team match was the January 30th, 2019 NJPW in the USA show in Los Angeles. They lost to David Finlay & Tracy Williams that night.

Buddy Matthews Announced For Tonight’s MLW Blood & Thunder

Chris Stephens
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0

Buddy Matthews has just been announced for tonight’s Blood and Thunder show in Dallas promoted by MLW. The promotion is stating that Matthews is taking part in MLW’s new “open door” policy for free agents. An opponent for Matthews has yet to be revealed for the show.

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1484566382893228033

Tonight’s show at Gilley’s in Dallas was dealt a blow recently when it was revealed that Ross and Marshall Von Erich both tested positive for COVID-19 and will not be there. Much of the build up to the show focussed on the Von Erichs returning to Dallas and seeking to win a title there for the first time in 40 years. They were scheduled to challenge 5150 (Rivera and Slice Boogie) for the MLW World Tag Team Championships.

Below are the matches officially confirmed for the show:

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

Watch: Britt Baker Applies The Lockjaw to Nick Cannon

Chris Stephens
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0

Britt Baker appears on Friday’s episode of the Nick Cannon show.

As seen below, things got physical when the AEW Women’s World Champion locked her Lockjaw submission hold on the TV host.

Watch Britt Baker’s “sneaky freaky” appearance on the Nick Cannon Show:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdA9Mbycd9I

Here are some additional photos, courtesy of Britt Bakers:

The Interesting History of the Lockjaw/Mandible Claw

Interestingly enough, Dr. Britt Baker DMD is not the first doctor to use this move in wrestling. The move is a variation of “The Mandibular Nerve Pinch” used by osteopathic physician-turned-wrestler Sam Sheppard in the 1960s. Sheppard was the subject of the 1993 movie “The Fugitive”. He was accused and later exonerated of having murdered his wife in a high-profile case. Sheppard later capitalized on the publicity of his case and became a professional wrestler.

As he was a doctor, he used the Mandibular Nerve Pinch and the claim was that his medical knowledge allowed him to know all the sensitive nerves in the mouth. Perhaps it is Britt Baker’s dentistry knowledge that allows her to effectively deliver the move as well.

Mick Foley would later adopt and popularize the move when he became Mankind in WWE.

Britt Baker would later speak to Chris Van Vliet about what led to her using the move.

“It was in the [Casino Battle Royale] where I had the idea of eliminating, I think Shazza [McKenzie], with the Mandible Claw over the top. I remember asking Tony [Khan] and he’s like, ‘Why wouldn’t you use the Mandible Claw? You’re a dentist. That’s great.’ Then I had the idea of using the modified Rings of Saturn while grabbing on. It was Excalibur who came up with the name. I started doing it and everyone’s first instinct are the buzzword dental words like root canal.”

Luchadores Battle In London Grocery Store

Chris Stephens
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0

Shoppers at the Iceland grocery store in the Fulham region of London, England witnessed two luchadores fighting over some new products recently.

20 years ago Booker T and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin engaged in an epic grocery store battle. Perhaps that was what led the Iceland store manager to partner with the London School of Lucha Libre in order to promote the store’s new partnership with the Chiquito food brand.

Luchadors El Nordico, Illusionisto and El Piranha engaged in a lucha libre battle in the frozen food aisles of the store. Meanwhile, shoppers went about their business or stopped to take video of the performance.

Video of the Lucha Libre show in the store is available in the YouTube video below:

“Customers were treated to a show-stopping performance featuring traditional Lucha Libre wrestlers, as they carried out their morning shop,” said the store manager.

“Our new Chiquito food range is spicing up mealtimes, so we thought we would spice up the in-store experience by unleashing El Nordico, Illusionisto and El Piranha to battle it out in the frozen aisle.”

He continued to say that they partnered up with the London School of Lucha Libre to put on the promotion.

“We teamed up with The London School of Lucha Libre to put on the show which showcased the colour, fun, and flavour of the new hot and spicy food range”

Luchador El Piranha gave an in-character statement to media. He said that he did not want Illusionisto to get these new delicious foods before he did and that’s what led to the impromptu match.

“I knew Illusionisto would be trying to get his hands on the new Chiquito range before me, but I was ready and waiting to bring the pain,” said luchador El Piranha. “Those Enchiladas are mine!!!”

Impact Results 1/20: Josh Alexander vs Charlie Haas Headlines

Chris Stephens
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Impact Wrestling 1/20 featured the ROH Championship on the line and Josh Alexander vs Charlie Haas in the main event.

  1. Tasha Steelz defeated Chelsea Green
  2. 2-on-1 Handicap Match
    The Influence (Tenille Dashwood & Madison Rayne) w/ Kaleb With a K defeated Havok
  3. W. Morrissey defeated The Learning Tree (VSK & Zicky Dice) w/ Brian Myers
  4. ROH World Championship
    Pure Rules
    Jonathan Gresham defeated Steve Maclin
  5. Doc Gallows & Joe Doering defeated Heath & Rhino
  6. Josh Alexander defeated Charlie Haas

Tasha Steelz w/Savannah Evans Defeats Chelsea Green, Sends Message To Mickie James

This week’s episode opened up with the winner of the Ultimate-X match at Hard to Kill facing the other wrestler who had her hands on the red X as the match came to a conclusion, Chelsea Green.

Steelz picked up a clean victory with a crucifix bomb and then turned her attention to Mickie James in a post-match promo. She crossed a line when she brought James’ family into things and this sent Mickie into the ring. Evans then created a 2-on-1 situation for the heels until Green returned and made the save.

Matt Cardona Is Gunning For The Digital Media Championship

Matt Cardona was interviewed by Gia Miller and said that he’s coming for the Digital Media Championship since he wasn’t able to win the World Title at Hard to Kill. The Digital Media title is currently held by Jordynne Grace, who successfully defended it against Lady Frost in the BTI match this week.

The Influence Injure Rosemary, Win Handicap Match

Before the Influence could take on Decay, Rayne and Dashwood jumped them before the bell, injuring Rosemary and taking her out of the match. That would lead to a handicap match pitting Havok against both members of the Influence.

The Influence picked up the victory when the numbers advantage was just too much and Dashwood finished Havok off with the Spotlight Kick. After the match, The Iinspiration appeared via satellite and sent a message to the Influence.

W. Morrissey Defeats Brian Myers’ Learning Tree

W. Morrissey picked up a dominant victory over VSK and Zicky Dice of Brian Myers’ Learning Tree. After his victory, Morrissey got on the microphone and said he wouldn’t stop his path of destruction until he got his hands on Moose.

Later in the back, Scott D’Amore spoke with Morrissey and said he’ll get his Impact World Championship match against Moose February 19th at No Surrender.

Jonathan Gresham Successfully Defends The ROH Championship Against Steve Maclin

Matt Taven, Vincent, PCO, Mike Bennett and Maria Kanellis are all seen in the crowd before the ROH Championship match, evidently having purchased tickets to the show.

This match was contested under Pure Rules. Gresham focussed on his submission game and forced his opponent to use up all 3 of his rope breaks. Gresham then locked Maclin in a figure four leg lock and Maclin’s shoulders were pinned to the mat for 3 during it.

After the match, the ROH invader group was seen exiting the building.

The Good Brothers and VBD Continue Their Alliance

Good Brother Doc Gallows teamed up with Violent By Design member Joe Doering in tag team action this week. They would go up against the team of Heath and Rhino. The finish of the match saw Deaner get involved on the outside and hit Heath with the VBD flag. Doering and Gallows then gave Heath a double chokeslam for the win.

Josh Alexander Defeats Charlie Haas In The Main Event, Invaders Attack

Haas spent much of the match focussing on Alexander’s knee. The two grapplers would also exchange several suplexes during the match as well. Haas was able to counter the C4 Spike at one point but eventually Alexander locked in the Ankle Lock and got the submission.

After the match, Alexander and Haas showed respect to one another. Then the ROH Invaders returned and attacked both competitors. Rich Swann, Willie Mack, Heath, Rhino, Eddie Edwards and Chris Sabin came out to the make the save. Maria Kanellis closed the show by saying that there would be “Honor no more.”

Tommaso Ciampa Shows Off Nasty Elbow Injury

Chris Stephens
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Tommaso Ciampa is showing off a nasty elbow injury.

It’s not clear when or where Ciampa sustained the injury. He’s been wrestling in Smackdown dark matches and on Main Event after losing the NXT Championship to Bron Breakker at New Year’s Evil.

Ciampa posted the following photo on Instagram with the caption, “Considering a new finisher: perhaps an elbow drop”

Tommaso Ciampa Elbow Injury

Tommaso Ciampa in WWE

During a recent interview with Fightful, Ciampa noted that the main roster schedule might be a bit much for him with his history of neck injuries.

“It’s the load. I think people misconstrued it as that I hate RAW or SmackDown. When I talked to her, it was a month or two after I had neck surgery, a neck surgery that could potentially end my career. We were discussing home life. We were discussing road life, and I said, ‘I don’t think I can handle traveling 300 days out of the year.”

Ciampa has wrestled and won four straight matches on the main roster since losing the NXT Championship:

  • Defeated Pete Dunne in a dark match at the Smackdown tapings on January 7th, 2022.
  • Defeated T-Bar in singles action on the January 10th, 2022 taping of Main Event.
  • Defeated Pete Dunne in another Smackdown dark match last week
  • Defeated Akira Tozawa on the Main Event tapings this Monday.

SEScoops wishes Tommaso Ciampa a speedy recovery from this elbow injury.

https://twitter.com/NXTCiampa/status/1478573687846711300

“The Quintessential Diva is Coming!” to Impact Wrestling

Chris Stephens
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Impact Wrestling is promoting the arrival of a new Knockouts competitor. The as of yet unnamed wrestler is being promoted as the “Quintessential Diva.”

While this has not been confirmed, the moniker is often used by Progress Women’s Champion, Gisele Shaw.

Shaw worked several matches for Impact Wrestling in 2018 at shows that were in the Windsor or Mississauga areas. She’s also worked for Scott D’Amore’s Border City Wrestling in Windsor. In 2019, she also worked under the name Azteca for the WOW promotion.

Shaw was trained by Lance Storm in the Storm Wrestling Academy in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Shaw is the second new member of the Knockouts division to be added recently. Masha Slamovich also debuted recently and seems poised to move up the rankings quickly.

Shaw made headlines recently when she challenged Sasha Banks to come to Progress and face her for the title.

“I’d like to add, my people told me that apparently Sasha Banks wants to come to PROGRESS, and if we can make that happen, then you know what, I’m open to a singles match,” Shaw stated in response to a question of who she would like to see in the promotion. “I’m open to a triple threat, doesn’t matter to me. Get that out there”

Update On Sami Zayn Re-Signing With WWE

Chris Stephens
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Earlier this week, news broke that Sami Zayn has re-signed with WWE. Zayn himself appears to have confirmed the news, as he wrote on Twitter:

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter has provided additional information about Sami Zayn’s new WWE contract.

While the news of him re-signing leaked this week, Zayn actually re-signed around the time that Kevin Owens re-upped with WWE as well.

Image

“Unlike with Owens, it wasn’t confirmed by company sources past other wrestlers. But the signing coincided with when they had him start working with Lesnar and Reigns on Smackdown.”

– Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Sami Zayn is currently involved in a program with Johnny Knoxville to promote the Jackass star’s appearance in the Royal Rumble. Last week, Zayn appeared as though he was going to do a Jackass style stunt in a shopping cart but backed out of it after deeming it to be unsafe.

Zayn has been with the company since 2013. He is a former NXT Champion and 2x Intercontinental Champion. Outside of WWE, Zayn is a 2x PWG Champion, 1x ROH TV Champion, and once held the ROH Tag Team Championships along with Kevin Owens.

Update On If Drew McIntyre Will Be Back In Time For WrestleMania

Chris Stephens
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Drew McIntyre is dealing with a neck injury that may cause him to miss WrestleMania 38. According to a recent report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, he is hopeful that he will be able to return in time for the event.

“Regarding McIntyre, he’s been doing rehab and decompression therapy on his neck. He’s taking the John Cena approach of double sessions six days a week and is pretty insistent he’ll make it back for WrestleMania,” wrote Dave Meltzer.

In storyline, McIntyre was attacked in the back by Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss, which will explain his absence. He had been dealing with a bad neck for several months. It is still not clear if the injury will require surgery or not. The plan is for his neck to be monitored frequently as WrestleMania approaches.

It’s a difficult time for McIntyre to have been removed from the Smackdown roster. Few babyfaces are left to challenge Roman Reigns. Seth Rollins had to be brought in from RAW to take on the Universal Champion at the Royal Rumble.

McIntyre’s last match came at the Day 1 PPV where he defeated Madcap Moss. The angle where he was attacked in the back aired shortly after.

Kurt Angle Thinks Samoa Joe Will Keep Wrestling After WWE Release

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Kurt Angle believes Samoa Joe has some time left before he decides to hang up his boots.

Angle and Joe had a memorable feud in TNA Wrestling. Joe was Angle’s first big rival in TNA. To this day, Angle doesn’t believe it was the right move to have a program with Joe right away because he would’ve rather had Joe go over.

Joe is known by hardcore fans for his ROH and TNA runs but of course, he also spent time in WWE. Joe was a former three-time NXT Champion and competed on the main roster. He even did some color commentator but Joe is no longer with WWE.

Samoa Joe Not Done In The Ring?

  • Kurt Angle Samoa Joe
    (via Impact Wrestling)

Taking to The Kurt Angle Show, the Olympic gold medalist and WWE Hall of Famer predicted that Samoa Joe will continue his in-ring career.

“I believe we haven’t seen the last of him. I think he has more time left, I think he has more in the tank and he’s gonna produce for the fans.”

When asked what would make Joe a good mentor for younger talent, Angle had the following to say.

“Well, he has incredible knowledge and he is one of the most articulate individuals I’ve ever known. Joe can cut a promo like nobody else.

“His in-ring skills are incredible and what he has as far as athleticism, he has a lot to teach the young talent. I think that he would be an incredible teacher. I hope he continues to be one.”

Joe’s WWE release was a part of a slew of NXT departures. WWE has been gutting HHH’s vision of NXT.

Gone are the black and gold colors and the push to sign indie talent. Instead, NXT is now back to being a developmental hub with WWE focusing on younger and larger talent.

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

ROH Undisputed World Championship Match Announced for SuperCard of Honor

Tyriece Simon
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Ring of Honor has announced its first match for the ROH Supercard of Honor event on April 1.

Since going on hiatus, ROH Supercard of Honor will be the company’s first event back. After releasing all of its wrestlers last year, ROH planned to revamp its business strategy. To promote their ROH Supercard of Honor event, the company also revealed that Jonathan Gresham would challenge Bandido to decide the undisputed ROH World Champion.

https://twitter.com/ringofhonor/status/1484181427944136704

The Undisputed ROH World Championship Situation

ROH has found itself in an intriguing situation with Gresham and Bandido. The company wanted Gresham to challenge Bandido for the ROH World Championship at Final Battle on December 11, 2021. However, Bandido had tested positive for Covid-19, and ROH had Gresham challenge Jay Lethal for the ROH World Championship. After winning the title, ROH allowed Gresham to defend the title for other promotions like Impact Wrestling and Game Changer Wrestling.

Bandido returned to successfully defend his ROH World Championship at Terminus against Baron Black on January 16. At the same event, Gresham also retained his title against Josh Alexander. After the match, Bandido confronted Gresham to tease a unification match.

It’s unclear what ROH plans to do with the ROH World Championship after the ROH Supercard of Honor event. The company plans to book talent for appearances instead of signing exclusive deals. Regardless, Gresham vs. Bandido is an intriguing match that ROH hopes can excite wrestling fans to watch their upcoming event.

Tom Hannifan Recalls Favorite WWE Moments He Was A Part Of

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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0

Tom Hannifan has looked back at some memorable moments when he was signed to WWE.

Hannifan was pretty much a swiss army knife for WWE. He could be relied upon to do backstage interviews, host WWE Network shows, or serve as a play-by-play commentator for any brand.

Hannifan went by the name “Tom Phillips” in WWE and he was with the company from 2012 through 2021. His release didn’t surprise too many people as it was clear WWE wanted to go in a different direction, despite relying on less experienced on-air talent as far as knowing the WWE product goes.

Tom Hannifan’s Favorite WWE Calls

Speaking to Chris Van Vliet, Tom Hannifan revealed some of his favorite calls when he was in the booth for WWE.

“I mentioned KofiMania before, I loved the call that the three of us had on the conclusion of that match. I will always remember Takeover: Dallas 2015 I think with Graves calling Shinsuke’s arrival in NXT and Sami Zayn’s last match in NXT.

“The building just was shaking and Graves and I are freaking out, we had goosebumps and everything. So, that was just one of the most fun moments I had but there were a lot of individual moments where I was really happy with that call.

“When Bobby Lashley won the WWE Title recently I was really happy with that one. For every good one, there’s a hundred bad ones that keep me up at night. That’s just the way I look at it [laughs]. That’s just the way I approach things.

“I have a perfectionist mentality. So, I’m like, ‘Okay if I did this badly …’ even if I just think I did it badly I’ll watch it back and be like, ‘Oh, maybe it wasn’t so bad and maybe just lighten up on yourself a little bit.’ I think that’s just something everyone needs to do in general.

“Just lighten up on yourself.”

Hannifan now works for Impact Wrestling. The company had parted ways with Matt Striker and Hannifan now serves as his replacement. Hannifan made his promotional debut at the Hard to Kill PPV in January.

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

Killer Kross Says WWE Was ‘Wonderful’ To Him In The Beginning

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Killer Kross didn’t exactly think he’d be a quick washout on the WWE main roster after being treated like gold in NXT.

Kross had been booked as an undefeated monster in NXT. He beat the likes of Keith Lee and Finn Balor on the brand and many felt he was destined for stardom on the main roster given his size.

Things didn’t pan out as WWE stripped away the things that made Kross special on NXT. Kross never walked out on Monday Night Raw with his wife, Scarlett Bordeaux, and his entrance was watered down.

With WWE taking things that made Kross special and giving him 90s-esque gladiator attire, the character took a big hit. Eventually, Kross and his wife were released.

Killer Kross Had Seen Better Days

During an appearance on Busted Open Radio, Killer Kross admitted that he felt WWE understood his worth far better when he was on NXT.

“It’s important to understand that the business of the night is not always exactly about you.

“That’s just the way it is and I thought that I was given basically a piece of business that night [main roster debut] that may have not exactly been about me without getting any more details than the fact that I was going under, and I was okay with that.

“People forget too, they gave me a death run where I killed everybody clean in NXT for over a year. I hadn’t even lost yet. So, to put somebody over for me personally, it’s not a big deal.

“Even on my debut, I was like, ‘You know what? This company’s been wonderful to me. Whatever they want I’ll do it, it’s no problem.’ That’s the place I was coming from.”

In hindsight, it’s easy to see why Kross was given his walking papers. WWE has gutted HHH’s version of NXT in favor of going back to the developmental route.

We’ve seen the likes of William Regal and Samoa Joe get released by WWE. Regal’s release, in particular, was eye-opening given how crucial he was to the NXT brand.

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

Matt Cardona Open to WWE Return, Under One Condition

Tyriece Simon
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0

Former WWE superstar Matt Cardona has shared that he’s open to returning to the company. However, he still wants to be able to do his podcast.

Cardona appeared on Busted Open with Bully Ray and Dave LaGreca to promote The WRLD on the GCW event on January 23. Ray asked Cardona if WWE called him to appear the following night on Monday Night Raw, would he listen. Cardona responded that he’d be open to talking about a return, but WWE can’t prevent his podcast business.

“…I’d definitely would listen, but I tell you right now if one of things were you can’t do your podcast, I’ll say thanks but no thanks,” said Cardona. He continued, “That would be a deal-breaker, no way. If there were going to just take away everything that I’ve built with Brian Myers, like something we tried to do in WWE. The Major Wrestling Figures Podcast, they didn’t want it. We pitched it to them. They didn’t want podcasts. They didn’t want anything to do with collectibles. I think they’ve since had a failing podcast network, and they tried something with collectibles, but I’ve had so much fun with this, and this is setting me up for life after wrestling where I would never sacrifice that.”

Matt Cardona on Leaving WWE

After more than ten years with the company, the WWE released Cardona on April 15, 2020. However, leaving WWE helped him reinvent himself, and Cardona may be having more success since he became an independent wrestler. In the interview with Busted Open, he shared that he appreciates his time with the company.

“…I’ve said this, and I don’t mean this as an insult. WWE was my developmental. That’s not a shot a WWE, that is that everything that I learned there the good and the bad I’m using it to make me succeed,” said Cardona. He also shares he has no animosity towards the company.

Cardona is enjoying his professional wrestling career working outside of the WWE. This Sunday, he has a match with Joey Janela at The WRLD on GCW. Regarding the WWE, the company will have the Royal Rumble on January 29. Based on Cardona’s comments, he could be open to the idea if the WWE asked Cardona to appear.

Update on Mustafa Ali Requesting His WWE Release

Michael Reichlin
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Mustafa Ali has requested his release from WWE. In a message posted to social media on January 16th, he wrote:

“I have a message that is much bigger than my dreams in pro wrestling. Despite my best efforts, I will not be able to deliver this message while working with WWE.

Therefore, I am requesting my release from WWE.”

Mustafa Ali can request his release, but that doesn’t mean WWE will give it to him. To update this situation, WWE does not plan to grant Mustafa Ali’s request for release, according to Fightful. Ali said to have years left on his current deal.

Following the reports that WWE is refusing to grant Mustafa Ali’s release request, he tweeted:

Mustafa Ali’s WWE Run

Mustafa Ali debuted for WWE 2016 in the Cruiserweight Classic tournament. He was a mainstay on 205 Live and led the Retribution faction on the main roster. Recently, he tagged with Mansoor.

Ali is one of the most talented performers on the entire roster and is well-liked behind the scenes. Despite his potential, he never won a championship during the 5 years with WWE. Journalist Phil Strum sums it up well:

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