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Chelsea Green and Matt Cardona Get Married

Chris Stephens
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Matt Cardona and Chelsea Green were officially married this weekend. Since the wedding did not appear on a wrestling show, it happened without incident and the two are now officially married. Numerous personalities from around the world of wrestling attended the event.

The couple announced their engagement in April of 2019, at the onset of the global pandemic. They have been dating since 2017.

Green and Cardona both perform for Impact Wrestling currently. In an angle on 12/17 show, Cardona accidentally hit Green with a chair shot while aiming for Moose. Cardona will challenge for the Impact World Championship against Moose and W. Morrissey on the Hard to Kill PPV.

Impact Results (12/16): Chelsea Green Knocked Out By Chairshot During Contract Signing

Chelsea Green Talks WWE Release

Green was released from her WWE contract in April of this year. She later appeared on Busted Open Radio and spoke about her reaction.

“I had no clue,” Green said of her release. “My initial reaction was that I had no reaction and I just got down to business. I opened up my Pro Wrestling Tees store, then contacted Ring of Honor, NWA, and Impact and stuff. But then later on, slowly as time has gone by, it’s been one of – I just think it was a missed opportunity.” 

Chelsea Green Was More Angry Than Sad Following WWE Release

Jeff Jarrett Appears On GCW PPV

Chris Stephens
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Jeff Jarrett made an unadvertised appearance on GCW’s Die For This PPV. Effy was in the ring when the lights went out. When the lights came back on there was a masked figure wearing a cowboy hat in the ring. The person then hit Effy with a guitar and took off the mask to reveal that it was Jeff Jarrett.

https://twitter.com/KVR216/status/1477467943835512839

Jarrett hasn’t wrestled an official match since the spring of 2019.

GCW Die For This PPV Results

The PPV emanated from the Carousel Room At Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. It aired as a PPV on FITE TV.

  1. GCW Tag Team Championships
    The Briscoes (Jay Briscoe & Mark Briscoe) (c) defeated Alex Zayne & Blake Christian 
  2. Calvin Tankman defeated Yoya
  3. Joey Janela defeated Scotty 2 Hotty 
  4. GCW World Title #1 Contendership Rumble Match
    Homicide defeated AJ Gray and Allie Katch and Atticus Cogar and Billie Starkz and Colby Corino and Cole Radrick and Dante Leon and Dark Sheik and Effy and G-Raver and Grim Reefer and Homicide and Jack Cartwheel and Jimmy Lloyd and Jordan Oliver and Matthew Justice and Nick Wayne and Ninja Mack and PCO and Shane Mercer 
  5. GCW Ultraviolent Championship
    Alex Colon (c) defeated John Wayne Murdoch 

Kofi Kingston Reacts To Big E’s Title Loss

Chris Stephens
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Big E lost the WWE Championship last night at the Day 1 PPV in Atlanta. He was pinned by Brock Lesnar in a fatal 5-way match. Kofi Kingston also once lost the WWE Championship to Brock Lesnar, he reacted to Big E’s title loss on social media.

Big E Win/Loss Record Since Winning The WWE Championship

Big E won the title on the September 13th, 2021 edition of WWE RAW. He defended the title 3x during his reign. 1x against Bobby Lashley (9/27), 1x against Drew McIntyre (10/21), 1x against Austin Theory (11/22).

In singles matches, Big E lost to Roman Reigns at Survivor Series, to Kevin Owens via DQ on the 11/29 RAW, and to Bobby Lashley on the 12/13 RAW. On the 9/20 RAW, he also lost a triple threat to Roman Reigns (with Bobby Lashley being the 3rd competitor). On that same night, he dropped a trios match to Reigns and the Usos along with Kofi and Woods.

In tag-team action, Big E also lost to the Usos via count-out along with Drew McIntyre on the 10/11 RAW. On the 11/15 RAW he teamed with RK-Bro and lost to Seth Rollins and the Usos.

In total, since winning the title on 9/13 Big E was 7-3-1 in singles matches (including 3 title defenses), 0-2 in multi-person matches (including at Day 1), and he was 6-3 in tag-team matches.

Drew McIntyre Injured, Written Off Television For Now

Ryan Droste
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Drew McIntyre was victorious on Saturday night at WWE Day 1 in Atlanta, defeating Madcap Moss in a match that went right around 10 minutes. Following the match, there was a backstage segment where McIntyre was attacked by Moss and Baron Corbin.

According to a report from PWInsider, the backstage attack was to write-off McIntyre from television for the time being while he undergoes testing on a neck injury that he has been working through for a few weeks.

Right now, it’s not known how severe his neck injury is or how much time he will miss. The hope is that it will be a short-term situation, but one WWE source told PWInsider that everything is “up in the air” right now. The company is trying to be pro-active with the situation by writing McIntyre off television to have testing done now. McIntyre was reportedly wearing a neck brace when he left the arena in Atlanta tonight.

WWE is running with the injury in storyline form as well, but the injury is reportedly very real.

Despite being injured, McIntyre has been working twice as hard lately. Literally. On some of the recent WWE live events, McIntyre has actually been working two matches on the shows. He was starting out the events tagging with Sheamus against the Usos, then later facing Sheamus in Street Fights on the same show after Sheamus turned on him in the tag matches.

McIntyre figures to be one of the top names on SmackDown for WrestleMania season should he be available and healthy. Coming out of Brock Lesnar’s WWE Championship victory at Day 1, there are multiple directions the company could take with Roman Reigns.

Most are expecting Reigns vs. Lesnar soon after the match was cancelled at WWE Day 1 due to Reigns testing positive for COVID-19. If that match happens at the Royal Rumble or Saudi Arabia show in February, it could leave Reigns open for a match with someone other than Lesnar at WrestleMania (Lesnar vs. Lashley has been hinted at as a Mania match). McIntyre could be a possible Reigns opponent should he be available. Honestly, there aren’t a lot of other options for him on SmackDown given the lack of depth at the top of the card.

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.

WWE Day 1 Results: Brock Lesnar Wins WWE Title, Beth Phoenix Returns

Robert Lentini
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WWE Day 1 aired live from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Universal Champion Roman Reigns was scheduled to defend the title against but Brock Lesnar but was pulled from the show due to testing positive for COVID-19. Brock Lesnar was added to the WWE Championship match making it a Fatal 5-Way main event.

Day 1 Results

  1. Ridge Holland & Sheamus def. Cesaro & Ricochet (Kickoff Show)
  2. The Usos def. New Day to retain the SmackDown Tag Team Championships
  3. Drew McIntyre def. Madcap Moss
  4. RK-Bro def. Street Profits to retain the RAW Tag Team Championships
  5. Edge def. The Miz
  6. Becky Lynch def. Liv Morgan to retain the RAW Women’s Championship
  7. Brock Lesnar def. Big E, Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins, Bobby Lashley in a Fatal 5-Way to become the new WWE Champion

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

The Usos Retained In A Great Match With New Day

The Usos defended the SmackDown Tag Team Championships against New Day in the first match of the night. New Day isolated Jimmy Uso and controlled the beginning of the match. Kingston knocked Jey off the apron but Jimmy caught Kofi with an Enziguri. Jimmy distracted the referee and Jey hit a Clothesline outside the ring.

Jey tagged in and rolled Kingston back into the ring. Jey connected with a Body Slam and posed for the crowd as Kofi regrouped in the corner. Kingston battled back with a stomp and made his way to the corner. Jimmy tagged in and booted Woods off the apron and dragged Kingston back to the corner of the ring.

Jey booted Kingston in the midsection and got distracted with the crowd. Uso perched Kofi up on the top turnbuckle and set up for a Superplex but Kingston broke free. Kofi headbutted Jey off the turnbuckle and leaped into an awesome Tornado DDT. Woods hopped up on the apron and fired up the crowd as he pleaded for a tag.

King Woods and Jimmy Uso tagged in and Woods unloaded some strikes. Woods hit a big Clothesline on Jimmy and then delivered a Dropkick to Jey. Xavier connected with a Russian Leg Sweep and kipped up to a great reaction from the crowd. Woods hit a Michinoku Driver and went for the cover but Jimmy kicked out at two. Jey Uso leaped in front of a Dropkick and it allowed Jimmy to battle back.

Jimmy connected with an uppercut and followed it up with a corkscrew splash off the top for a close two count. Jey tagged in and The Usos circled Woods. The Usos hit a pop-up Samoan Drop but Woods somehow was able to kick out at the last moment. Jey had an intense look in his eyes as King Woods hobbled to his feet.

Jey and Woods traded forearms to the face in the middle of the ring. Woods got the better of the exchange and both superstars fell to the mat. Kofi Kingston tagged in and climbed to the top rope. Kofi hit a Crossbody and went for the cover but couldn’t put Jey Uso away.

Jimmy stuck his head through the ropes and Kofi smacked him with a Superkick to the face. Kingston followed it up with the Boom Drop on Jey and fired up the crowd. Kofi geared up in the corner and went for Trouble in Paradise but Jey countered into a beautiful Superkick. Jimmy quickly tagged in and hit a Splash off the top but Kingston wouldn’t stay down!

Jimmy hit Kingston with a chop block and applied a Half Crab in the middle of the ring. Kofi fought through the pain and crawled towards the bottom rope to break the hold. Jimmy brought Kofi to the corner and tagged in Jey Uso. Woods dragged Jimmy out of the ring and sent him into the steel steps. Kofi rolled up Jey for a near fall and followed it up with an SOS for another two count.

King Woods tagged in and climbed to the top rope. Kofi hit a Backbreaker and Woods hit a Knee Drop for a two count. Kingston tagged back and climbed to the top rope. Jey escaped and tagged in Jimmy before hitting Kofi with a boot to the face. The Usos hit Kofi with a couple Superkicks and climbed to the top rope. The Usos hit Kofi with two Splashes but Woods broke up the cover at two and the match continued.

The Usos and New Day had a brief stare down before trading punches. Jimmy leveled Woods with a Superkick and tagged back in. The Usos isolated Kofi and hit the 3D for the pinfall victory. The Usos are still the SmackDown Tag Team Champions.

Madcap Moss & Happy Corbin Brutally Attacked Drew McIntyre

Drew McIntyre dominated the action early but the momentum turned after Happy Corbin provided a distraction. Madcap shoved McIntyre into the ring post and applied a submission hold in the ring. Madcap hit a Suplex but McIntyre shrugged it off and planted Moss with a Neckbreaker. Drew connected with a Powerbomb for a near fall. Madcap stumbled a bit but recovered and hit an impressive Fallaway Slam for a two count. McIntyre battled back with the Future Shock DDT but Moss kicked out at two. Drew then hit the Claymore for the pinfall victory.

Later on Day 1, Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss brutally attacked Drew McIntyre backstage. Madcap put Drew’s head in a chair and Corbin bashed him with a steel beam.

RK-Bro Retained The RAW Tag Titles

RK-Bro (Randy Orton & Riddle) defended the RAW Tag Team Championships against Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) tonight at Day 1. Migos accompanied RK-Bro to the ring. Riddle and Angelo Dawkins started off the action. Riddle went for a Headlock but Dawkins escaped and hit a shoulder tackle.

Montez Ford tagged in and hit Riddle with a Dropkick to the face. Ford went for a cover but Riddle kicked out at two. Montez brought Riddle back to the corner and tagged Dawkins back in. Riddle then tagged in Orton and Randy got a great reaction as he entered the ring.

Dawkins hit a slam and mocked Orton’s pose. Randy smirked and locked up with Angelo in the middle of the ring. Orton went for the RKO but Dawkins blocked it at the last moment. Montez tagged in and danced around as Orton stared at him. Orton and Ford locked up and Montez drove Randy to the turnbuckle.

Montez hit Orton with a chop to the chest but Orton responded with one of his own and Ford sold it like he got hit by a Bronco. Orton hit a Dropkick and went for the cover but Ford kicked out at two. Riddle tagged in and hit a corkscrew splash for a two count.

Dawkins tagged back in but Riddle greeted him with some kicks to the chest. Angelo hit the Silencer and both superstars fell to the mat. Ford tagged in and caught Riddle with a knee to the face and then a Splash for a two count. Street Profits isolated Riddle in the corner and took turns beating him down.

Orton finally tagged back in and hit Street Profits with a double DDT as Migos cheered him on next to the commentary table. Orton geared up for the RKO and started pounding the canvas as Montez got up. Randy went for it but Ford was ready and countered with an Enziguri. Dawkins hit Riddle with a Fallaway Slam but Riddle responded with a Ripcord Knee. Angelo fell out of the ring and Riddle set up for a Moonsault but Ford knocked him to the floor. Montez hit an incredible flip over the ring post onto the RAW Tag Team Champions on the floor outside the ring.

Back in the ring, Riddle tripped Ford up on the turnbuckle. Randy climbed to the middle turnbuckle and went for a Suplex but Montez held onto the ropes. Ford headbutted Randy to the canvas and went or a Splash but Orton got out of the way. Riddle got in the ring and lifted Ford up into a pop-up RKO from Orton for the pinfall victory. RK-Bro are still the RAW Tag Team Champions.

Beth Phoenix Evened The Odds, Edge def. The Miz

Edge faced The Miz tonight at Day 1. Maryse accompanied The Miz to the ring for the match. Edge came to the ring with the Brood theme music before it transitioned to Metalingus. The crowd was heavily behind Edge as the two superstars locked up in the middle of the ring to start off the action.

Edge hit a couple Arm Drags and went for a Crossface but Miz escaped to the corner of the ring. Miz knocked Edge out of the ring and Maryse provided a distraction. Miz capitalized and shoved Edge into the ring post before rolling him back into the ring. The Miz climbed to the top rope and hit a double axe handle.

The Miz focused his attack on the knee/leg of Edge and applied a submission hold. Edge escaped and stumbled to the corner. Miz went for a leaping Clothesline but wound up landing crotch-first on the middle turnbuckle. Edge hit a slam and went for the cover but Miz kicked out at two.

Edge connected with a Uranage for another near fall. Miz planted Edge with a DDT and went for the cover but the Rated R Superstar kicked out. Miz hit the It Kicks as the Atlanta crowd chanted that he sucks. Miz got distracted and Edge rolled him up for a two count. Edge hit a Facebuster on the floor outside the ring and brought him back inside. Edge went for the pin but Miz kicked out at two.

The action spilled out of the ring again and Miz bounced Edge’s face off the apron. Miz slammed Edge’s head off the announce table several times before rolling into the ring to pose for the crowd. Miz went for the Skull Crushing Finale on the announce table but Edge countered into a slam onto the table.

Back in the ring, Edge climbed to the top turnbuckle and hit a Crossbody for a two count. The Miz got Edge in the Figure Four in the middle of the ring. Edge sat up with crazy eyes and reversed the hold but Miz grabbed the bottom rope to break it up. The Miz rolled up Edge and used the ropes for leverage but the referee caught him. Miz celebrated as if he won the match anyway before complaining to the ref.

Edge dragged Miz to the mat and applied the Crossface in the middle of the ring. Miz crawled around but Edge kept the hold locked in. Miz tried to escape again but Edge held on. Maryse grabbed Miz’s foot and put it on the rope to break the hold. Edge and Miz then connected with a kick to the face at the same time and both men fell to the canvas.

Miz and Edge traded punches in the middle of the ring. Miz hit some kicks and then the running Clothesline in the corner. The Miz climbed to the top rope but Edge caught him with a jab to the face. Edge hit an Arm Drag and geared up in the corner. Edge went for the Spear but Miz leaped out of the way.

Maryse hit Edge over the head and Miz followed it up with the Skull Crushing Finale but Edge kicked out at two. Beth Phoenix showed up on the entrance ramp and marched towards the ring. Maryse scamped away but Beth chased after her. Maryse ran up the entrance ramp and Beth argued with Miz. Edge hit Miz with a Spear as he turned around and celebrated with Beth after the win.

Becky Lynch Retained The RAW Women’s Title

Becky Lynch defended the RAW Women’s Championship against Liv Morgan tonight at the “premier live event” (WWE’s new phrase for PPV). Lynch drove Liv to the ropes and slapped her in the face to begin the action. Morgan shrugged it off and sent Becky tumbling out of the ring. Morgan followed her out there and bounced the champion’s head off the announce table several times.

Liv went for a Suicide Dive but Becky caught her with a boot to the face. Becky went for the Manhandle Slam but Liv countered into an Arm Drag. The challenger followed it up with a running knee to the face and Dropkick to the back of the head. Liv stomped on Lynch several times before going for the cover but the champ kicked out at two. Liv went for the Dis-Arm-Her and then got Lynch in an Armbar. Becky got to the bottom rope to break the hold and rolled out of the ring to regroup.

Lynch booted Liv in the face and made her way to the top rope. Liv caught her and sent her to the canvas with a slam for a two count. Becky bashed Liv’s head into the turnbuckle and went for the cover but Morgan kicked out at two. Lynch couldn’t believe that Liv kicked out and had a look of concern on her face.

Becky booted Liv in the back and choked her against the ropes while talking some trash. Lynch hit a Leg Drop while Liv was caught up in the ropes but Morgan kicked out at two. Becky got frustrated again and started wildly swinging at Liv and shoving her face into the mat.

Lynch hit an Exploder Suplex and went for the cover but Liv kicked out at two. Becky barked at the referee to count faster before swatting at Liv. Lynch stomped on Morgan a few times but got distracted by the crowd booing her. Liv capitalized and bounced Becky’s face off the top turnbuckle.

Liv hit a Jawbreaker for a near fall and followed up with an overhead kick. Morgan hopped to middle turnbuckle and connected with a Dropkick but Becky kicked out at two. Becky went for an Armbar but Liv quickly countered into a roll-up for a two count.

Both superstars battled on the turnbuckle and Becky set up for a Superplex. Liv blocked it and hit an awesome Sunset Flip Powerbomb for a two count. Morgan and Becky traded roll-ups but both superstars kicked out. Liv hit another Dropkick off the middle turnbuckle but couldn’t go for the cover because Lynch rolled out of the ring. Liv hit a Suicide Dive and rolled the champion back inside. Lynch rolled out of the ring again and Liv chased after her.

Lynch bounced Liv’s face off the announce table several times and got back into the ring. Becky wanted to win via count-out but Morgan made it back into the ring in time and the match continued. Lynch stomped on Liv as she rolled into the ring before throwing her back to the floor. Becky followed her and it backfired as Morgan launched the champion into the steel steps.

Morgan returned the favor and stomped on Becky’s arm over and over while it was trapped in the steps. However, Lynch caught Liv with a kick to the face as the action returned to the ring. Becky climbed to the middle turnbuckle but Liv hit a slam into the Rings of Saturn. Lynch escaped by rolling Liv up for a two count. Liv went for the Oblivion but Becky held onto the ropes and hit the Manhandle Slam for the pinfall victory. It looked like Becky was supposed to get her feet on the bottom rope for leverage but was too far away. Instead, it was a clean finish and Becky Lynch is still the RAW Women’s Champion.

Brock Lesnar Captured The WWE Championship

Big E defended the WWE Championship against Brock Lesnar, Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, and Bobby Lashley in a Fatal 5-Way. Owens and Rollins went after Lesnar right away but Brock hit him with some German Suplexes. Big E and Lashley battled on the outside as Lesnar lifted Seth up for an F5. Owens broke it up and Brock hit him with another German Suplex.

WWE Champion Big E got into the ring and knocked Lesnar to the outside. Lashley bashed Big E into the ring post and then Speared Brock Lesnar through the barricade. Lashley hit Owens with a Neckbreaker and then lifted Seth up for a Suplex. Owens broke it up with a Superkick to Lashley. Rollins hit Brock with a Suicide Dive through the ropes and Owens followed it up with a Frog Splash off the ring apron.

Rollins & Owens grabbed the steel steps and bashed Bobby Lashley in the face. They did the same to Brock Lesnar before clearing off the announce table. Rollins and Owens went for a Suplex off the steps through the table but Lashley escaped. Big E showed up and planted Lashley through the announce table with a Uranage.

Kevin Owens leveled Big E with a Superkick and rolled the champion back into the ring. Owens and Rollins then delivered a DDT to Brock Lesnar on top of the steel steps. Big E hit Rollins with a Uranage but turned around into a pop-up Powerbomb from Owens for a near fall.

Owens climbed to the top rope and went for a Swanton but Big E got his knees up. Rollins flew out of nowhere with a Frog Splash on Big E for a two count and the match continued. Seth set up for the Stomp but Lesnar got back into the ring and hit the F5. Brock delivered an F5 to Big E and then another one to Kevin Owens. Lashley leveled Brock with a Spear and went for the cover but Brock kicked out at two.

Bobby got Brock in the Hurt Lock but Big E broke it up. Big E planted Lashley with the Big Ending and went for one on Brock but Lesnar escaped. Brock then planted Big E with the F5 for the pinfall victory. Brock Lesnar is the new WWE Champion.

Brock Lesnar Wins WWE Title At Day 1

Andrew Ravens
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Big E made his first defense as WWE Champion in the new year when he took on Brock Lesnar, Bobby Lashley, Seth Rollins, and Kevin Owens in a fatal 5-way match at the WWE Day 1 pay-per-view event. Lesnar was added to the bout after his planned Universal Title Match with Roman Reigns, who had to pull out due to testing positive for COVID-19, was nixed. 

It was a wild match. Lashley speared Lesnar through the barricade. Big E sent Lashley through the announce table. Lesnar hit a top of 4 F5’s in the match. The finish saw Big E with the Big Ending to Lashley. Lesnar with the F5 to Big E for the win to become the new WWE Champion. 

Originally, WWE announced that it would be a one-on-one match with Big E and Rollins. However, hours after announcing the match, Owens was added to the match after Rollins interfered in the Raw main event between Owens and Big E. 

Because Rollins attacked Owens, it gave “KO” the disqualification win. Because of the stipulation of the bout, Owens was added to the match and Rollins was seen frustrated in his heel ways. Rollins earned this title shot when he became the number one contender by winning a fatal four-way ladder match on Raw. Finn Balor, Owens, and Rey Mysterio were Rollins’ opponents in that number one contender’s match. Lashley was later added to the match after winning a gauntlet match on Raw. 

Big E has held the WWE Championship since cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase on Bobby Lashley this September.

Beth Phoenix Returns At WWE Day 1

Andrew Ravens
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Beth Phoenix made her WWE return at the Day 1 pay-per-view event in order to help out her husband Edge during his match with The Miz.

Throughout the match, Miz had a lot of help from his wife Maryse at ringside. Near the end of the match, Maryse hit Edge with a bag that allowed Miz to score a close pinfall following a skull-crushing finale. When Maryse was arguing with the referee on the apron, Phoenix came out on the entrance ramp then chased off Maryse. 

Miz and Phoenix exchanged words as Edge recovered, which allowed Edge hit the spear and pinned Miz to win the match. Although not confirmed, there’s been plenty of speculation that WWE is headed towards booking a mixed tag team match between the two married couples. Now, the question is when and where it takes place. 

Phoenix had been an NXT commentator from 2019 until last month as she decided to step away from announcer duties with her last appearance was at NXT War Games.

After making his return to WWE TV following the company deciding on moving him from SmackDown to Raw, Edge has been feuding with Miz. When The Miz returned to WWE television, Maryse returned as well.

https://twitter.com/btsportwwe/status/1477474077891780608

Becky Lynch Retains Raw Women’s Title At WWE Day 1

Andrew Ravens
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Liv Morgan got her chance to step into the ring and challenge Becky Lynch for the WWE Raw Women’s Title a second time at the Day 1 pay-per-view event. 

The match featured Lynch in control early as she ragged dolled her around the ring until Morgan fought back including a drop kick off the middle rope. Morgan hit a spring board powerbomb for 2. Lynch won with her powerslam finisher. 

Their first match took place on the December 6th episode of Raw where Lynch retained the title against Morgan in the main event as she grabbed the bottom rope for extra leverage while pinning Morgan.

On the December 13th episode of Raw, Morgan interrupted Lynch and challenged her to a rematch. At first, Lynch denied cheating to win and that Morgan was an easy opponent. Also, Lynch thought Morgan should blame herself for not beating Lynch to it

Lynch eventually attacked her and trapped Morgan’s arm between the steel steps and the ring post and started stomping on it. Lynch then said if Morgan still wants that rematch then it came happened and it did. 

What are your thoughts on Becky Lynch retaining the Raw Women’s Title? Was this the right call by WWE officials? Sound off in the comment section.

Roman Reigns Tests Positive For COVID-19, Pulled From WWE Day 1 Match

Andrew Ravens
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WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar was originally booked for the Day 1 pay-per-view event in Atlanta, Georgia, but that match has been scrapped due to “The Big Dog” testing positive for COVID-19. Ariel Helwani first reported that Reigns is battling the virus and he is vaccinated. 

WWE has since announced that Lesnar has been added to the WWE Title bout with WWE Champion Big E, Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, and Bobby Lashley, now making it a fatal 5-way. 

Reigns issued the following statement on the situation: 

“I yearn to perform tonight at #WWEDay1 to defend my Universal Championship. However, unfortunately, earlier today I tested positive for COVID-19. Due to the proper protocols I am unable to compete as originally scheduled. I look forward to returning to action as soon as possible.”

It’s been reported that WWE plans for Lesnar and Reigns to have multiple matches during this latest installment of their feud. 

When the COVID-19 pandemic first started, there was a concern for Reigns as he has beaten Leukemia and he is immunocompromised. Reigns has publicly talked about WWE taking extra precautions for him while he travels. We wish Reigns a speedy recovery during this time. 

Johnny Knoxville Says He Wants to Enter WWE Royal Rumble

Ryan Droste
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It didn’t take long for a new year to bring more celebrity involvement in the world of professional wrestling. Johnny Knoxville took to his Instagram page to declare he is getting ready to enter this year’s WWE Royal Rumble, which takes place at the end of this month in St. Louis, Missouri.

The star of Jackass and various movies, including The Dukes of Hazzard, published a video to proclaim his goal.

“Alright, it’s New Year’s Day and I’ve been thinking about all the things I want to do in 2022,” Knoxville says (h/t Wrestling Inc). “And of course, Jackass Forever comes out February 4th and I’m happy about that, but I want to do something else. Something big! That’s right, I want to make a run for the Rumble. I am talking about the WWE’s Royal Rumble. 30 men enter, one guy is left standing — that’s me.

“You know, I’ve seen the current list of WWE wrestlers, and frankly, I’m not impressed. They don’t have anyone big enough to throw me over the top rope! What, is ‘Little’ E or Roman ‘Ruins’ going to do it? Hah! And Vince McMahon, you’ve always been kind to us and I sincerely appreciate it, but I sincerely hope you are auditioning bigger, tougher talent for the 2022 Royal Rumble because I don’t want to hurt anyone! So, just like the shirt says, Johnny Knoxville — World Champ. Woohoo!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CYMmdWGq5FL/

The caption of the Instagram video is similar but also calls out some of the Knoxville’s favorite wrestlers from over the years. He wrote:

“Happy New Year’s Day and love to everyone. I have a big announcement that I have been dying to get off of my chest. I spent a lot of times over the holiday thinking about how i wanted to start off my 2022, and I decided I want to do it kicking ass and taking names. And the best way to do that i feel is making a run for the Rumble, that’s right @WWE’s Royal Rumble.

“Training starts today, not that I will need a lot of it because I have seen the WWE’s current roster and it’s laughable to think anyone can throw me over the top rope,” Johnny wrote. “LAUGHABLE! I will be channeling my wrestling heroes like @therock, Abdullah the Butcher and the great Gorilla Monsoon. The way I’m looking at it I am giving myself a %100 chance of winning. What chance do you think I have? Sincerely, Johnny Knoxville, World Champ #roadtowrestlemania #royalrumble #wwe #jackassforever”

This year’s Royal Rumble wouldn’t be the first run-in with the wrestling business for Knoxville. He and some of his fellow Jackass stars were set for a match with Umaga at SummerSlam in 2007, but Knoxville eventually pulled out of that deal.

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.

WWE Day 1 Staff Predictions

Michael Reichlin
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Happy New Year to our readers all around the world. 2022 is upon us and WWE isn’t wasting any time getting back to business.

Tonight, WWE presents the inaugural Day 1 pay-per-view from Atlanta, GA at the State Farm Arena. The event streams live on Peacock and the WWE Network.

WWE Day 1 Matches

Here’s the final card for tonight’s PPV:

  • Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar
  • WWE Champion Big E vs. Seth Rollins vs. Kevin Owens vs. Bobby Lashley
  • Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch vs. Liv Morgan
  • SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos vs. The New Day
  • Edge vs. The Miz
  • Drew McIntyre vs. Madcap Moss
  • Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro vs. The Street Profits
  • Cesaro & Ricochet vs. Sheamus & Ridge Holland

Predictions

Raw Tag Team Champions Randy Orton and Matt Riddle vs. The Street Profits

Andrew Ravens: I don’t see a title change here as Orton and Riddle have been a big part of Raw over the last few months. Clearly, the idea is for Orton to turn on Riddle at some point, but with WrestleMania just a few months away, it might be a little too soon to pull the trigger with Orton turning on Riddle. It will be a fun match, but Orton and Riddle retain. (Prediction: RK-Bro)

Michael Reichlin: RK-Bro has been an entertaining act, but I think it has run it’s course. We are now on the road to WrestleMania and I could see WWE planting the seeds for an Orton vs. Riddle showdown at WrestleMania. RK-Bro will retain, but we’re going to start heading to the inevitable breakup. (Prediction: RK-Bro)

Chris Stephens: There is a chance that RK-Bro starts to fall apart on the Day 1 PPV. It all depends on where WWE wants the team to be by the time WrestleMania rolls around. If the plan had always been to have Riddle vs Orton at Mania, then expect them to show some dissension here and drop the titles. We already saw Orton tease giving an RKO to Riddle on RAW this week, so they’ve reminded the audience that it could happen. It’s possible WWE sees value in keeping the team together, however, as they are one of if not the most entertaining things on RAW. Even if they did originally plan for Riddle vs Orton at Mania, the positive response the team has received since forming may have caused plans to change. I’m betting WWE decides there is a longer shelf life to RK-Bro then they originally thought. (Prediction: RK-Bro)

Consensus: RK-Bro retains

Edge vs. The Miz

Michael Reichlin: Edge is in the final run of his WWE career, while The Miz will join the WWE Hall of Fame during WrestleMania weekend. Miz would benefit from a win more here, while Edge could help add some extra shine to the Awesome One in the lead-up to his induction. (Prediction: The Miz)

Chris Stepens: Edge should win this match. There is little reason to have Miz get a victory, there rarely is. Miz can be kept in major storylines without being kept strong at this point in his career. So can Edge, but I imagine they want to keep Edge strong for an angle at Mania, which is not that far away now. (Prediction: Edge)

Andrew Ravens: Here’s the easiest pick on the entire card as Edge will win the match. There’s a reason he’s such a big betting favorite. I think the match will be fine and credit to Miz for doing what he does best and that’s talking. The build has been quite fun and likely better than the match. (Prediction: Edge)

Consensus: Edge

SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos vs. The New Day

Andrew Ravens: These teams have wrestled so much and while it will be a good match, it’s gotten to the point where you have to move on. I just don’t think WWE is ready just yet based on advertisements for upcoming house shows. The New Day wins the titles here and the feud keeps moving forward. (Prediction: The New Day)

Chris Stephens: The Usos and New Day continue to have one of the longest rivalries in WWE’s tag-team division ever. Both are perennial champions that seem to always be in the title mix. I just don’t see New Day taking the belts off the Usos here. The angle just doesn’t seem big enough for it to culminate in a title change, at least not on this show. (Prediction: The Usos)

Michael Reichlin: These two teams work so well together, the real winner will be the fans. However, if I have to pick a winner between these four men, I give the edge to The New Day. (Prediction: The New Day)

Consensus: The New Day win the SmackDown tag team titles

WWE Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch vs. Liv Morgan

Andrew Ravens: Morgan doesn’t stand a chance here to win the title and everyone knows it, but she has gotten over with fans and management so here we are. I see Lynch retaining and then where WWE goes from here for the Royal Rumble remains to be seen. (Prediction: Becky Lynch)

Michael Reichlin: Liv Morgan is receiving the biggest push of her career. She will ultimately hold championship gold, but I think WWE will wait for a bigger stage to crown her champion. Becky Lynch is the established ratings draw, while Morgan is still finding her way in the championship scene. The Man will pull out a win here and show Liv Morgan that she’s not quite there yet. (Prediction: Becky Lynch)

Chris Stephens: This is one match I struggle to come up with a prediction for. I think it could go either way. On the one hand, Morgan has already tried and failed to win the title, so having her lose again seems pointless other than to try and get some heat on Becky, which just isn’t going to work and they likely see that now.

What I think could easily happen, is Becky attempts to use the ropes for leverage but her cheating attempts are somehow thwarted. Morgan then rolls her up, engages in some “justified cheating” of her own, or otherwise picks up a victory that Lynch’s character will be able to cry foul about. This would then allow for Becky to enter the Rumble, win it, and challenge Charlotte Flair at Mania.

Working against this theory is that Morgan vs Lynch did not do good television ratings when they headlined RAW a few weeks ago. I think Lynch dropping the title to Morgan and then moving on to challenge Flair is the long-term story they want, however. (Prediction: Liv Morgan)

Consensus: Becky Lynch retains

WWE Champion Big E vs. Seth Rollins vs. Kevin Owens vs. Bobby Lashley

Andrew Ravens: With WWE adding so many stars to this match, a title change seems to be happening here with Big E able to recapture it at WrestleMania. The question that remains for me is who will be the next champion. Kevin Owens is someone that would make sense considering he just re-signed, but I am siding with Seth Rollins winning the title here. WWE loves heels and he hasn’t had a big title reign in a few years. (Prediction: Seth Rollins)

Michael Reichlin: Big E won the WWE Championship under less-than-honorable circumstances (cashing in Money in the Bank). It would really suck for him to lose the championship in a multi-man match that does not require the champion to be pinned or submitted. However, that scenario would also help Big E save face and make the argument that he was never beat for the title. Kevin Owens just re-signed with WWE and I could see the company putting the belt on him as a reward (Prediction: Kevin Owens)

Big E should retain here. Ultimately I believe this title is going to go back on Lashley at some point, especially now that he appears to be turning babyface. I just don’t think it’s going to happen here. Perhaps it’ll happen at the Rumble or perhaps at Mania, but not here. (Prediction: Big E)

Consensus: Split

Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar

Chris Stephens: There is a chance that Lesnar wins the title here, forcing Reigns to enter the Rumble and earn a rematch that would then take place at WrestleMania. I think the more likely scenario is that Paul Heyman’s firing is revealed to be a swerve and Heyman helps Reigns retain. Then Lesnar enters the Rumble, wins it, and earns a rematch against Reigns at Mania.  (Prediction: Roman Reigns)

Andrew Ravens: This is going to be interesting to see what WWE does here. I see a no-contest or DQ finish as Reigns can’t beat Lesnar again and Lesnar isn’t likely to beat Reigns considering a third match is planned for WrestleMania. Perhaps Paul Heyman gets involved when Lesnar is just about to beat Reigns and that way Lesnar wins but not the title. (Prediction: Brock Lesnar via DQ)

Michael Reichlin: This is the feud that keeps on giving. Say what you want about long-running feuds, but these two always deliver. Roman Reigns is doing the best work of his career, while Lesnar has reinvented himself once again to show how diverse his skillset really is. I don’t see anybody on the horizon that is worthy of taking the title off Roman Reigns at this time, but I also don’t see Reigns dropping the belt just yet. (Prediction: Roman Reigns)

Consensus: Roman Reigns retains

There you have it. Hit up the comments section to share your own WWE Day 1 predictions!

WWE Day 1 Final Card, Live Coverage

Andrew Ravens
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The card for tonight’s (Saturday, January 1, 2022) WWE Day 1 pay-per-view event has been finalized.

The company hasn’t officially announced the main event of this event that takes place in Atlanta, Georgia at the State Farm Arena that will air on the Peacock but it will most likely be WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar. 

This show is a big deal for WWE President Nick Khan, who came up with this idea and wants it to feel big like other tentpole shows such as WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, Survivor Series, and Money in the Bank instead of just another B-level pay-per-view event. 

As a reminder, we will be providing live play-by-play coverage of this special on Saturday evening starting at 8 PM EST. Here is the final card for the show:

Final WWE Day 1 Card

  • WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar
  • WWE Champion Big E vs. Seth Rollins vs. Kevin Owens vs. Bobby Lashley – Fatal 4 Match
  • Edge vs. The Miz
  • WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos vs. The New Day
  • WWE Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch vs. Liv Morgan
  • Madcap Moss vs. Drew McIntyre
  • WWE Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Sami Zayn
  • WWE Raw Tag Team Champions Randy Orton and Matt Riddle vs. The Street Profits
  • Cesaro and Ricochet vs. Sheamus and Ridge Holland – Kickoff Show

Cody Rhodes Reveals His Two Favorite AEW PPV Events

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Cody Rhodes has named his two favorite AEW PPVs.

As an active wrestler and an EVP of AEW, Cody has seen his share of promotional events. AEW doesn’t put on PPV shows regularly but when the promotion does, it’s usually met with high praise.

There are two PPVs, in particular, that stand out to Cody.

Cody Rhodes’ PPV Picks

  • cody dustin rhodes hug 1200x675 1
    (via AEW)

During an edition of FITE In Focus, Cody Rhodes was asked about any PPV that has stood out to him in the young history of AEW. He named Double Or Nothing from 2019 and All Out from 2021.

“I actually think it’s probably a really good sign that my favorite two PPVs, one of them I wasn’t on and that’s most recently All Out where Bryan Danielson joined us, Adam Cole joined us.

“That PPV and then of course, the one you mentioned, the original Double or Nothing. I know which PPV in my mind maybe I thought was softest.

“I’ve never thought a PPV we put out was weak by any means, especially bell to bell, but the original Double or Nothing that was a feeling like no other in that energy and what this was and what it could be in its constant evolution sense.

“And then to have three years later, All Out where big free agents, not just surprises but the bell to bell content of that show was significant and I think something for everybody.”

  • Bryan Danielson and Adam Cole
    Bryan Danielson and Adam Cole

The 2019 Double or Nothing show featured the instant classic between Cody and his brother Dustin. The show ended with the surprise AEW debut of Jon Moxley.

As for AEW All Out in 2021, that show had a fantastic steel cage tag team title match between Lucha Bros and The Young Bucks. Fans also got to witness CM Punk’s first match since 2014 as well as the AEW debuts of Bryan Danielson and Adam Cole.

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Booker T In Awe Of How Quickly Bianca Belair Has Improved

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Booker T has taken notice of how rapidly Bianca Belair upped her game.

Belair has established herself as the “EST” of WWE. Many were worried about Bianca after she suffered a 26-second loss to Becky Lynch at Summerslam back in August. The good news is, Bianca still has the fans by her side.

More recently, she had quite the moment on an episode of Monday Night Raw. On Dec. 20, Belair defeated Doudrop by hitting the K.O.D. The ending had fans in attendance jumping out of their seats.

Booker T Backs Bianca Belair

Taking to his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T reflected on the quick rise of Bianca Belair.

“I would say Bianca Belair, championship material, but more importantly most improved. I try not to put the carriage before the horse.

“Bianca is really, really good but I just do not want to put that pressure on her to be thinking like that when there again she’s good, she’s really, really good.

“As far as being ranked number one, I would give her that honor but it’s not just from a wrestling perspective. It’s how far Bianca Belair has come so quickly, so quickly.

“I mean she like rose out of the ashes to be a contender like Rocky Balboa against Apollo Creed and then go out and win. Not because of any other reason than she’s talented just like Rocky. So, yeah man give her the props.”

The co-host of the Hall of Fame podcast, Brad Gilmore, expressed his belief that Bianca is in for another Royal Rumble win and a WrestleMania showdown with Becky Lynch.

If that happens and she defeats Becky, then many WWE fans will feel the story will have come full circle.

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Jim Ross Gushes Over AEW Roster: ‘It’s A Booker’s Dream’

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Jim Ross has high praise for the talent pool over at AEW.

JR joined AEW in 2019 six months before the debut episode of Dynamite. He’s been serving as the play-by-play ace of Dynamite. He’s usually joined by Tony Schiavone and Excalibur.

Jim Ross Is A Big Fan Of AEW’s Roster

On an episode of his Grilling JR podcast, Jim Ross discussed the depth of AEW’s talent and how they’ve set a high bar.

“The product’s hot. AEW’s hotter than hell and Tony Khan just keeps building that deeper, talented roster.

“There’s no reason whatsoever to not have at least one or two great matches every week on Dynamite and/or Rampage. No reason.

“With this roster, it’s just a booker’s dream cause we got some studs here that can work and I just love to be around em’ and I wanna help document what they’re doing with my voice if I can and that’s the game plan.”

AEW has brought in a slew of talent in 2021. This includes the likes of Bryan Danielson, CM Punk, Adam Cole, reDRagon, Christian Cage, and more.

The company has also pushed its younger talent with the “Four Pillars,” which includes MJF, Darby Allin, Sammy Guevara, and Jungle Boy. Darby and Sammy are former TNT Champions.

JR is grateful to be able to call the action once again. He had to step away for a brief time period as he was undergoing treatment for skin cancer. The good news is he’s now cancer-free and returned to the AEW booth for the Dec. 29 episode of Dynamite.

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Bully Ray Slams Fans Complaining About Brandi Rhodes’ ‘Black B*tch’ Line

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Bully Ray has gone off on social media dwellers whining about Brandi Rhodes’ recent one-liner.

On the Dec. 29 New Year’s Smash episode of AEW Dynamite, Brandi and Dan Lambert got into a verbal exchange. During the segment, Brandi referred to herself as a “black b*tch” which got some people on social media in a hissy fit.

Of course, many of these social media accounts were WWE stans. After all, the wrestling community on Twitter has become a cesspool of fanboys on both the WWE and AEW front.

Bully Ray has had enough of the “snowflake” Twitter warriors.

Bully Ray Defends Brandi Rhodes

Bully Ray is aware of the complaints on Twitter of Brandi’s line and he’s fed up. He obliterated the whiners during an episode of Busted Open Radio.

“And then I was reading on social media that people were having a problem that Brandi referred to herself, and I think I’m getting it right here, as a black b*tch? And then she takes her heels off and she’s ready to fight?

“And what’s wrong with that? It’s sports entertainment you f*cking snowflakes! Give me a break!”

A feud has now been sparked between the Rhodes family and Lambert’s crew. Lambert manages Ethan Page, who will be challenging Cody for the TNT Championship on the Dec. 31 episode of AEW Rampage.

This will be Cody’s first TNT title defense since capturing the gold a third time by defeating Sammy Guevara on the Christmas episode of Rampage.

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Impact Announces “Wrestler of the Year” & Other Award Winners

Chris Stephens
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Impact Wrestling aired the second part of its “Best of 2021” specials last night. During the broadcast, the promotion also announced several year-end award winners.

On last week’s episode, Deonna Purrazzo was announced as the Knockout of the Year for the 2nd straight year. The Good Brothers also won the tag team of the year. Mickie James vs Deonna Purrazzo also won Knockouts match of the year.

On this week’s episode, it was revealed that Josh Alexander and TJP’s Ironman match back in June has won the 2021 Men’s Match of the Year award.

Josh Alexander was also announced as Impact’s Wrestler of the Year.

Jordynne Grace and Rachael Ellering have won the Impact Knockouts tag team of the year award.

Hard To Kill 2022 Lineup

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

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

Impact Announces Su Yung Is Pregnant

Chris Stephens
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Su Yung’s character is often addressed as “mother” by Brandi Lauren and Kimber Lee, but now she’s going to have a biological child to go along with her undead bridesmaids. On Impact Wrestling’s “Best of 2021 Part II” show last night, it was revealed that the former Knockouts Champion is pregnant.

Real name Vannarah Riggs, the 32-year-old has been married to Rich Swann since March of 2017. This will be their first child together. Riggs has not wrestled since the summer and it was revealed last night that their child is due in February.

Su Yung debuted in Impact Wrestling in 2018. Although she has spent much of her run as the undead bride character, she has two other alter-egos. “Susie” is the far more innocent and less violent version of her character. Then there is “Susan” who is something of a “Karen” and repeatedly reports things to management.

https://twitter.com/realsuyung/status/1476751046374477832

As of late in Impact, Brandi Lauren and Kimber Lee have both become minions of Yung. They have talked about “collecting souls for mother”. It seems this was perhaps a way to keep her character on television during her pregnancy.

She defeated Allie (aka the Bunny) in 2018 to win the Knockouts title for the first time. Yung briefly won the title for a second time in 2020 after defeating Deonna Purrazzo. She would then drop the title back to Purrazzo a few weeks later.

Big E: “It’s A Great Time For Black Men And Women In Our Industry”

Chris Stephens
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Big E says that right now is a boom period for Black wrestlers and Superstars in the industry. The WWE Champion was recently interviewed by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and spoke about the array of Black talent currently in WWE.

“I think right now it’s just a great time for Black men and women in our industry,” Big E said. “We’re in a boom period because there is so much talent who are very good and happen to be Black whether it’s Bianca Belair, Sasha Banks or Bobby Lashley, who I won the title from. A couple of years ago, it was Kofi Kingston, my partner of seven years with New Day. They’re all richly deserving from what I’ve seen.”

“When you talk about inclusion or diversity, I think it’s important you’re not just putting people of color in these positions merely because they’re a person of color. When you look at Bianca, Sasha and Bobby, they’re all talented and unique and they just so happen to be Black.”

https://twitter.com/WWEBigE/status/1363866138577408001

Big E has also partnered up with journalist Andreas Hale to create a first of its kind 3D Animated series titled Our Heroes Rock! The show will explore Black history with some added elements of science fiction and hip hop. The aim of the series is to help children and young people learn some important, but often overlooked, parts of American history.

Big E will defend his WWE Championship tomorrow in Atlanta on the Day 1 PPV. He’ll face Bobby Lashley, Seth Rollins, and Kevin Owens in a fatal 4-way match.

The One Thing Mick Foley Believes Is Missing From Wrestling

Anutosh Bajpai
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A lot has changed in WWE since the Attitude Era. Everything that goes on TV is much more scripted. Different characters share a lot more traits than they did in the past. One example is that the heels are always looking for ways to win and they share the same tactics. Mick Foley believes the one thing that’s missing from WWE today, is a heel that just wants to hurt his opponent.

The WWE Hall Of Famer recently sat down with AEW star Thunder Rosa. The two ate tacos and discussed all things pro wrestling. Foley was asked which wrestlers he would like to face if he was starting his wrestling career today. The hardcore legend unsurprisingly took the names of people such as Jon Moxley and Darby Allin:

“Assuming I was near the top of the game, I would have loved to wrestle Moxley. Bray Wyatt, in whatever incarnation he comes back, but I also loved wrestling the smaller guys who did the flying. Because although I could not work every style, I could adapt to just about any style. I could incorporate aspects of what anyone else did and then put my own personal stamp on it.

So coming out of the gate when Ricochet came into WWE. You need a great opening feud. I thought if I was that guy, in my prime with someone who can do anything, but is also small enough for me to come across as a power wrestler. I think we really could have made an impression. And there’ll be other guys like Darby Allin. If in my prime I could have got my hands on Darby Allin [that would have been so much fun].”

Mick Foley On What’s Missing From Wrestling

Mick Foley
Mick Foley

Mick Foley continued by talking about the current state of WWE and the wrestling world in general. He gave the example of Abdullah The Butcher and said the one thing that’s missing from wrestling today is heels that are not there to win matches but to hurt their opponents:

“The one thing I say sometimes it’s missing. This is I guess a knock on Mr. McMahon. He wants every heel to look like they’re trying to win at every moment. That’s great for some people. But Abdullah The Butcher didn’t go for covers. He looked like he was there to end your life. So sometimes what’s missing is that aspect that the babyface is not fighting for a win. He’s literally fighting for his life.

I think that’s one of the things that’s missing there.” said Foley, “It’s another one. You can’t overdo it. You can’t have five matches like that. But if you had one certifiable madman. I mean, I’d like to think that in my prime if I had a guy like Darby Allen. I’d be looking out and then there would be be tears falling as people feared for his life.”

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This article has been edited for clarity

Drew McIntyre Doesn’t Plan To Stop Wrestling Anytime Soon: “I’ll Be Here As Long As I Possibly Can”

Anutosh Bajpai
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From winning the Royal Rumble to main eventing WrestleMania and defeating Brock Lesnar for the world title, Drew McIntyre has achieved a lot of things in the last couple of years which is a goal for many wrestlers.

The former WWE champion made his wrestling debut in 2003 and he has been a part of the industry for almost 2 decades. However, even after this, he has no plans of hanging his boots anytime soon.

McIntyre was asked how long he plans to continue wrestling during a recent interview with Fansided. Replying to it, he claimed that he will be here as long as he can:

“I ain’t going anywhere, I’ll be here as long as I possibly can. I’m 36 years old, everybody thinks I am in my mid-40’s because I debuted when I was so young. I still have at least 10 years in me. Don’t count me out yet.”

Drew McIntyre was also inquired about a potential encounter with the Universal champion Roman Reigns and he claimed that it’s his eventual goal.

However, McIntyre mentioned how he lost a couple of big matches on Raw before moving to SmackDown. He explained that he wants to wait and build himself back up to the level where people start demanding the match.

Drew McIntyre working on a new signature move

Tony Khan On His Favorite Memory Of Brodie Lee

Anutosh Bajpai
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December marks a full year since we lost Brodie Lee. The wrestling world came together to remember the late star on 1 year anniversary of his passing earlier this week. While the veteran competed for many promotions in his career, where he really got to shine was AEW. The promotion of Tony Khan put the spotlight on Lee from his very first appearance in the company and the wrestling star lived up to the hype.

Khan recently had an interview with Sports Illustrated. He was asked if he has a favorite memory of the late star. The AEW president claimed that he has a lot of memories of the former champion that he cherishes:

“I have a lot of memories of Brodie Lee that I really cherish. At the beginning of the pandemic, the very first pandemic show was his debut in AEW. That was the first time Brodie appeared. He had no fans ringside when he had his first match at Daily’s Place, so it was a strange time. He became such a leader for us, and we really got to know each other when there weren’t many other people around.”

Tony Khan On Brodie Lee’s AEW Career

Brodie Lee with the TNT Championship
Brodie Lee with the TNT Championship

Tony Khan then remembered the time when Brodie Lee unsuccessfully challenged the then AEW champion Jon Moxley at the Double Or Nothing PPV in May 2020. Lee went on to win the TNT championship a few months later in August. According to Khan, he will always remember this time where he got to know the former WWE star:

“I ended up reaching out to Jon Moxley and saying it should be him and Brodie for the title at Double or Nothing. Mox loved the idea. We didn’t have a ton of time, only a few weeks, but we built to Mox and Brodie. We had a three-way call to talk ideas, and that was really a lot of fun. Then we made him TNT champion over the summer, and it was a great run. But I’ll really always remember that period during the pandemic when we really got to know each other.”

Apart from this, Tony Khan also talked about recent AEW signings including Adam Cole, Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly. He claimed that O’Reilly’s debut helps build more interest in AEW programming. You can check out his comments at this link.

Tony Khan Discusses The Owen Hart Cup

Potential Reason Behind Toni Storm’s WWE Departure

Anutosh Bajpai
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The WWE departure of Toni Storm has been a puzzling topic for fans, especially after it was reported that the former NXT UK star was the one who asked for her release.

There have been lots of theories going around as to why the former NXT UK women’s champion made the decision to leave the promotion despite her program with SmackDown women’s champion Charlotte Flair.

Dave Meltzer recently provided some updates on the situation. On the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, he said “As far as her reasons and why she left, the only thing I heard was burnout essentially.”

Meltzer couldn’t provide any further details on her release, so it’s hard to say what provisions the officials put on her while granting the request.

Toni Storm joined WWE in 2017 and she had a good run in NXT. Though she had recently opened up about her frustrations with the lack of opportunity after being called up to the main roster in July.

She worked the recent Live Event from Washington, DC. Charlotte Flair successfully defended the SmackDown women’s championship on the show in a triple threat match also involving Sasha Banks.

Storm flew herself home after the event and later asked for her release. Though reports suggest that her request had nothing to do with anything that happened at the event.

Toni Storm Discusses Her Main Roster Call Up, Vince McMahon

AEW Star Miro Dealing With An Injury (Report)

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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It seems Miro’s inactivity on AEW TV boils down to an injury.

Fightful Select has reported that Miro has been dealing with a hamstring injury. Fans may have noticed that in his most recent matches, the Bulgarian bruiser had his leg taped up.

Miro hasn’t been seen in action since Nov. 13. He wrestled Bryan Danielson at the Full Gear PPV in a losing effort.

Miro was a last-minute replacement in the AEW World Title Eliminator Tournament after Jon Moxley was bowed out after entering an alcohol treatment program. He was able to defeat Orange Cassidy in the tourney before running into Danielson.

On the Dec. 25 episode of AEW Rampage, a video package aired of Miro having another discussion with his “God.”

“You didn’t cast me from heaven. You kept me from my home. I will return with no flaws. I will become champion to show your lack of power over me. You sit up there not because you feel power but because of your fear.

“Everyone is going to find out that redemption doesn’t come with a smile. It comes with a price. So unlike you, I will look them all in the eye. You will either feel the joy of my cruelty or the shame in yours. This is the Word of The Redeemer!”

Quote: Dan Lambert Is Really Good At What He Does

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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One WWE and TNA Hall of Famer believes Dan Lambert always brings the goods as a heel.

Lambert has become quite a polarizing figure among the AEW audience. Some love him, others believe he generates go-away heat. Regardless of how you feel, few can deny that he’s been successful at getting people to despise him.

Bully Ray Sings Praises Of Dan Lambert

Bully Ray took to the Busted Open Radio show to express his belief that Dan Lambert is doing his job to perfection.

“They [wrestling fans] sit back and like, ‘No, we don’t wanna like Dan Lambert. We don’t accept Dan Lambert. We don’t like him.’

“Come on people. This guy is really good at what he does on the microphone. He’s got a flow to him.

“What he says digs deep. He stabs you, he twists a knife, and then he throws salt on it as he looks you in the eyes and lets you know that, ‘I’m Dan Lambert and I’m the one who’s got you.”

Lambert was most recently seen on the Dec. 29 New Year’s Smash episode of AEW Dynamite. He got into a verbal battle with Brandi Rhodes.

As most fans are aware, Cody and Brandi aren’t exactly well-received by the AEW audience these days. Bully praised Lambert for being able to get the fans at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida to cheer for Brandi.

Cody is set to put his TNT Championship on the line against Ethan Page on the Dec. 31 episode of AEW Rampage. Page is managed by Lambert.

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