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Watch The Rock Surprise His Mother With New Car

Anutosh Bajpai
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The Rock has continued the tradition of surprising people with new vehicles, this time gifting his mother a new car for Christmas.

The great one took on his Instagram to post a video and some photos of his mom with the new car. In the caption he mentioned how she was shocked to receive the gift:

“Surprised my mom with a new car for Christmas today. She was shocked. She got a few good ugly cries in. Then once her grandbabies joined her inside the car. She was overcome with pure joy.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CX7k6WorvTr/?utm_medium=copy_link

This isn’t the first time The Rock has gifted a new vehicle to someone in his life. The people’s champion has a long-standing history of gifting cars to people who have been close to him or helped him during tough times in his life.

The former world champion has previously given similar gifts to his housekeeper and stunt double. He also gifted long-time WWE employee Harvey Wippleman a new Ford F-150 pickup last year for helping him when he was younger.

The Rock has been open about how much he loves his mother. He has also discussed the hardships she has had to face in her life when the former WWE star was young.

The Rock Teases New Venture, “Quite Possibly My Biggest One Yet”

Cody Rhodes Wins TNT Title At AEW Rampage Holiday Bash

Robert Lentini
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AEW Rampage Holiday Bash aired on Christmas Day and was taped from the Greensboro Coliseum in North Carolina. Sammy Guevara defended the TNT Championship against Cody in the main event of the show.

Cody Wins The TNT Title For A Third Time

Sammy Guevara controlled the action early and Clotheslined Cody out of the ring. The TNT Champion posed in the ring as Cody took a walk through the crowd to regroup. Arn Anderson coached Cody up as Guevara continued to show off in the ring. Rhodes battled back and got the champion in a Headlock.

Guevara escaped and connected with an Arm Drag. Sammy followed it up with a Powerslam but Cody kicked out at two. Rhodes got Sammy in a submission hold in the middle of the ring and focused his attack on Guevara’s arm. Cody climbed to the top rope and went for a Moonsault but Sammy got out of the way.

Sammy connected with a beautiful springboard Cutter but couldn’t put Cody away. Guevara hit Cross Rhodes but Cody rolled out of the way. Guevara hit a ridiculous springboard 450 Splash on the floor outside the ring. Cody Powerbombed Sammy into the crowd and turned him inside out with a Disaster Kick in the ring.

Cody hit Cross Rhodes but Sammy somehow kicked out. Guevara then hit the GTH but Cody wouldn’t stay down. Sammy went for the 450 Splash but Cody got his knees up. Cody hit two Cross Rhodes and a Tiger Driver for the pinfall victory. The Rhodes family celebrated to a mixed crowd reaction and then David Crockett presented him with the TNT Title.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1474938325047914497?s=20

Rampage Results

  • Kris Statlander def. Leyla Hirsch via submission
  • HOOK def. Bear Bronson
  • Jungle Boy def. Isiah Kassidy
  • Cody def. Sammy Guevara to become the new TNT Champion

Recent 205 Live Match Was Heavily Edited Before Airing (Report)

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Last week’s episode of 205 Live featured a match between Sarray and Lash Legend. The fight received a lot of criticism from the fans for being one of the worst worked matches of recent times.

As it turns out, fans weren’t the only ones that felt that the bout was lackluster. The officials also considered it to be a match that was very weakly performed.

According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the 205 Live bout was one of the ‘most edited’ matches of WWE TV before it aired.

The match was so poorly produced that the officials cut it down to 3 minutes of ‘highlights’ and even then, it was considered the worst TV match for WWE this year.

Lash Legend is one of the most accomplished female athletes on the roster. She has played college basketball and also had a brief stint with WNBA.

This was only the second televised match for the young star who made her debut the week before. She defeated Amari Miller during her first match.

Sarray on the other hand has 10 years of experience in wrestling. She has wrestled for a number of Japanese promotions before joining WWE in March this year.

You can check out the match in question below:

Shawn Michaels On How Triple H Is Adjusting To Time Away From WWE

Anutosh Bajpai
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After working non-stop for many years, Triple H has had to take an extended break from WWE recently due to his health scare in September. According to his best friend Shawn Michaels, the game has finally started to embrace the time off and he has started realizing that it’s not such a bad thing. Michaels recently had an interview with Denise Salcedo of Instinct Culture.

During the talk, HBK was asked if he has been keeping in touch with the WWE vice president and how he has been doing. Replying to it, Shawn discussed how Triple H has worked so much over the last several years and explained that it takes a while to get used to the free time:

“Most of it is me bothering him to be perfectly honest, he has worked so much over the last several years and I don’t think he understood that it becomes your normal. For him to step away for a little bit, look, that takes getting used to. I went through it obviously; I am one of the rare people that was ready to do it and embrace it. But when it just happens out of the blue and you’re not expecting it”

Shawn Michaels Says Triple H Is Adjusting To New Schedule

Shawn Michaels Crown Jewel
Shawn Michaels & Triple H at WWE Crown Jewel

Shawn Michaels continued to explain how going from a lot of work to nothing is an adjustment. Though according to him, the holidays have helped Triple H realize that the time off is not that bad:

“For him to go a hundred miles per hour to nothing was an adjustment. But I think he is, especially around this time of year, he’s now starting to realize like ‘hey this isn’t too bad.’ I think he’s bordering enjoying himself now to be perfectly honest. It’s a well-deserved break for him, for sure.”

Apart from this, Shawn Michaels also talked about the talents that have left NXT in recent times such as Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly and more. He revealed how he feels about their departure. You can check out his comments on the matter here.

Shawn Michaels Says It’s Impossible For Him To Fill Triple H’s WWE NXT Role

H/t to WrestlingInc for the transcribed quotes

Ric Flair Offers Big Praise To Kevin Owens: ‘I Think The World Of Him’

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Kevin Owens is one of the most beloved professional wrestlers among his peers. He has received praise from a number of wrestling personalities and now Ric Flair has joined the list. The Nature Boy talked about the former Universal champion re-signing with WWE on the latest episode of his Woo Nation Uncensored podcast.

During the discussion, Flair explained that Owens is one of the most respectful and nice guys he has ever met. He mentioned how Kevin asked Stone Cold for his permission before he started using the stunner:

“I think the world of Kevin Owens, not a more respectful nice guy I ever met, unlimited talent, he’s got a hell of an interview. The word respect, I told you this story before but before he ever used the Stunner, he called [Stone Cold] Steve [Austin] and asked him. That’s respect.”

Ric Flair recalled how Kevin Owens was very respectful towards him during a segment they worked together on. He then praised the former NXT champion’s work ethics:

“Kevin wants to be at work, there are some guys getting paid that don’t care if they’re at work or not. Kevin wants to be at work, he wants to be on top and he wants to be thought of in that light and he’s very close to it.

Give me another year of watching him but he can be anything he wants to be, But most of all, he’s a very respectful man.”

Apart from this, Ric Flair also talked about things such as the comparison between WWE and AEW and explained why he thinks WWE is still the best wrestling company in the world.

Ric Flair on Jeff Hardy to AEW: “You Know Right Away He’s Already Got a Job”

Thanks to WrestlingInc for the transcribed quotes

Britt Baker gets the last laugh after WWE scrubs her NXT appearance

Michael Reichlin
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AEW Women’s World champion Britt Baker was ringside NXT Takeover: War Games back in 2019. She was actually shown on camera during the broadcast, but you wouldn’t know that by watching the event on Peacock / the WWE Network.

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A fan informed Britt Baker on Instagram that WWE edited her off the broadcast – “they cut your moment out lol”

Baker doesn’t seem bothered by WWE snubbing her with this edit. The Doc replied:

“That’s okay. They took me out, I took their BAY BAY”

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Of course, Baker is referring to her significant other – Adam Cole, bay-bay.

After being featured as the franchise player of NXT for the past several years, Cole jumped ship to All Elite Wrestling back in September.

Kyle O’Reilly Comments On Signing With AEW

AEW Rampage Preview: Some stuff and HOOK

Michael Reichlin
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Merry Christmas! All Elite Wrestling’s Holiday Bash continues tonight with a special Saturday night edition of AEW Rampage on TNT.

The following matches are set for tonight’s broadcast:

  • Cody Rhodes challenges Sammy Guevara for the TNT Championship
  • Hook will be in action against Bear Bronson
  • Jungle Boy vs. Isiah Kassidy
  • Leyla Hirsch vs. Kris Statlander

AEW Rampage was taped Wednesday night from Greensboro, North Carolina. If you’re interested in the spoilers, SEScoops has a full report from those tapings:

AEW Rampage Holiday Bash Spoilers

New Championship Match Confirmed For WWE Day 1

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

A new match has been confirmed for the Day 1 PPV that will see Sami Zayn challenging Shinsuke Nakamura for his Intercontinental Championship.

This week’s Christmas Eve special of SmackDown featured a 12 Days of Christmas gauntlet match that included 12 contestants.

Zayn won this match and earned himself a title shot after last eliminating Ricochet. The high-flying star was Sami’s only elimination of the bout

The other participants of the match included Drew Gulak, Mansoor, Erik, Ivar, Shanky, Jinder Mahal, Sheamus, Cesaro, Angel, and Humberto.

WWE Day 1 Updated Match Card

This is the seventh match that has been announced for the upcoming Day 1 PPV. Here is the updated match card for the show:

  • Universal Championship Match: Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar
  • Fatal 4 Way WWE Championship Match: Bobby Lashley vs. Seth Rollins vs. Kevin Owens vs. Big E
  • Intercontinental Championship Match: Shinsuke Nakamura vs Sami Zayn
  • Raw Women’s Championship Match: Liv Morgan vs. Becky Lynch
  • SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match: The New Day vs. The Usos
  • Singles Match: Edge vs. The Miz
  • Singles Match: Drew McIntyre vs. Madcap Moss

The inaugural Day 1 PPV will take place on Saturday, January 1, 2022, from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

Tay Conti Releases Statement On Her Social Media Hiatus

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Tay Conti has come forward to comment on her social media hiatus and respond to the people who have accused her for Sammy Guevara’s split with his fiancé.

The AEW star posted a statement on her Insta story earlier today where she mentioned how she had to take some time off of social media because she was reading unnecessary comments.

Conti noted how her personal life is nobody’s business and nobody has the right to harass her by creating false rumors about something that wasn’t her fault.

She ended the statement by thanking the people who have supported her through the ordeal. You can check out Tay Conti’s statement in the photo below:

Tay Conti 1

For those who don’t know, AEW star Sammy Guevara announced a split with his long-time girlfriend Pam Nizio earlier last week. The couple had gotten engaged in August.

Since Sammy did not mention a reason for the split, many rumors started brewing up about the sudden end of their relationship.

https://mobile.twitter.com/sammyguevara/status/1474558251169722369/

Some people started accusing Tay Conti, who is a close friend of Guevara and regularly appears on his YouTube vlog.

This campaign against the female star led to her deactivating her Twitter account for a while. Sammy Guevara has since commented on the matter. He has also clarified that Conti had nothing to do with his breakup.

Update on Tay Conti’s Social Media Hiatus

WWE SmackDown Results (12/24): Flair vs. Storm, Street Fight, Gauntlet Match

Robert Lentini
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The Christmas Eve edition of WWE SmackDown was taped in the Allstate Arena in Chicago. Charlotte Flair put the SmackDown Women’s Championship on the line against Toni Storm. 12 superstars competed in a Gauntlet Match to determine the #1 contender for the Intercontinental Championship.

SmackDown Results

  1. Charlotte Flair def. Toni Storm to retain the SmackDown Women’s Championship
  2. Sami Zayn won a 12 superstar Gauntlet Match to earn a shot at the IC Title
  3. New Day & Drew McIntyre def. The Usos & Madcap Moss

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Paul Heyman Spoke About Being Fired By Roman Reigns

Paul Heyman was interviewed backstage by Kayla Braxton to begin the show. Heyman said he told the truth to Reigns and Roman did not want to hear it publicly. Paul added that he got a Superman Punch because he told the truth. Kayla asked if he regretted telling the truth and Paul noted that it was his role as special counsel to tell the truth, and not just protect Roman.

Heyman said he tried to explain that to Reigns but when he came backstage all his belongings were removed from Reigns locker room and thrown into the hallway. Heyman added that he was supposed to protect the title and Reigns is the greatest Universal Champion of all time. However, Reigns needs to be protected from Brock Lesnar. Kayla asked Paul what he is going to do next and Heyman said it was too late to go to NXT and scout for another top talent. He said he put everything into being Reigns’ special counsel and now his career may be over.

Charlotte Retained The Women’s Title

Charlotte Flair defended the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Toni Storm in the first match of the night. Toni connected with a Dropkick and went for the cover but the champion kicked out at two. Charlotte regrouped outside the ring before taking control as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Toni battled back and hit a Suplex followed by a Hip Attack in the corner. Storm connected with a German Suplex for a near fall. Charlotte hit the Moonsault, land on feet, Standing Moonsault sequence for a two count. Flair sent Storm out of the ring and chased after her.

Storm bounced Flair’s head off the ring post and the action returned to the ring. Charlotte rolled Toni up but grabbed the tights for leverage and the referee caught her. Flair countered into another cradle for the win and retained her SmackDown Women’s Championship.

Sami Zayn Earned A Shot At The IC Title

Angel Garza and Mansoor started off the 12 Days of Christmas Gauntlet Match. 12 superstars battled to determine the #1 contender for the Intercontinental Championship. Angel quickly advanced after connecting with the Wing Clipper. Erik entered the match next and hit a Body Slam as SmackDown went to a break.

When SmackDown returned, Erik was still in control but couldn’t put Garza away. Angel battled back and eliminated Erik after hitting another Wing Clipper. Shanky entered the Gauntlet Match and eliminated Garza right away with a Wasteland. Ivar knocked Shanky to the mat and hit a Splash off the top rope for the pinfall elimination.

Sheamus entered the match 6th and battled with Ivar. Ridge Holland was ringside for the match. Ivar hit a side Slam but the Celtic Warrior wouldn’t stay down. Sheamus hit the Brogue Kick for the pinfall elimination. Drew Gulak entered the match 7th and immediately exited courtesy of a Brogue Kick from Sheamus.

Cesaro entered the match 8th and had medical tape on his injured ribs. Cesaro hit a Crossbody and beat Sheamus down in the corner. Ridge Holland distracted Cesaro and Sheamus capitalize with another Brogue Kick for the pinfall elimination. Ricochet entered the match and knocked Sheamus to the outside. Ricochet hit a beautiful Asai Moonsault onto Sheamus on the floor as SmackDown went to a break.

Sheamus hit the Irish Curse Backbreaker and applied a Headlock. Ricochet connected with a DDT and went for the cover but Sheamus kicked out at two. Ridge Holland tried to help but Sheamus wound up kneeing him in the face by mistake. Cesaro made his way back and beat Ridge down as Ricochet rolled Sheamus up for the elimination.

Jinder mahal entered the match and went right after Ricochet. Mahal went for the Khallas but Ricochet countered into a roll-up for the pinfall victory. Sami Zayn was the 12th superstar in the Gauntlet Match. Ricochet hit a Frankensteiner and went for the cover but Sami kicked out. Ricochet went for a Dropkick but Sami dodged it and hit a Blue Thunder Bomb for a near fall. Sami hit the Exploder Suplex and sent Ricochet into the turnbuckle.

Ricochet connected with a Superkick and followed it up with a Benadryller but Sami was able to kick out. Ricochet made his way to the top rope and went for a Shooting Star Press but Sami got his knees up. Sami hit an Exploder Suplex and then the Helluva Kick for the pinfall victory. Zayn has earned a match against Shinsuke Nakamura for the IC Title.

McIntyre & New Day Picked Up A Win

Drew McIntyre & New Day faced The Usos and Madcap Moss in a Miracle on 34th Street Fight. Xavier Woods and Jey Uso started off the action and King Woods took control. Woods applied a Headlock and then an elbow to the face for a two count. Kingston tagged in and connected with kick to the face. Jimmy tagged in and The Usos isolated Kingston in the corner.

Drew McIntyre and Madcap Moss tagged in and traded punches. McIntyre hit the Future Shock DDT before a brawl broke out. Happy Corbin rushed in the ring during the chaos and hit McIntyre with a candy cane kendo stick. The Usos and New Day battled but the entrance ramp and into the Christmas trees as SmackDown went to a break.

When SmackDown returned, Usos and Madcap Moss were in control. New Day battled back and Jey got dunked in eggnog. The action returned to the ring and Kofi hit the Boom Drop for a near fall. McIntyre hit a Neckbreaker and geared up for the Claymore but Corbin interfered again. Drew chased him around but Kofi joined in and cornered with the kendo stick. Corbin went to fight but Kingston dumped eggnog on him. Drew then hit the Claymore on Madcap Moss for the pinfall victory.

CM Punk Reveals Which Young AEW Stars Have Impressed Him the Most

Ryan Droste
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Since announcing his return to professional wrestling this past August with AEW, CM Punk has worked with several young stars. Rather than jumping right into the main event scene, the former world champion has been sharing the spotlight with both new faces and legends.

Speaking with ESPN’s SportsNation, Punk revealed which young AEW stars have impressed him the most and who he sees as future main event stars.

“There’s so many honestly,” CM Punk said when reflecting the roster (h/t Wrestling Inc.). “There’s so many guys. I think the future of AEW is in such good hands. Most of the younger guys that we have that we’re going to wind up spotlighting in the next five years or so are in their early 20’s. Britt Baker, Hook. I mean, everyone seems to love Hook and the guy’s had one match. I just think we take our time with our talents.

“AEW as a whole is still a baby. Two years old. And we’re going to be moving to TBS in the new year. That’s a big step. And just taking time and fostering the new talent instead of just kind of throwing them out there and having a sink or swim attitude, I think helps. Daniel Garcia is a guy that I think is phenomenal. Powerhouse Hobbs, Ricky Starks. I’ll forget so many people if I name them. I just think that the future is very, very bright.”

Punk also explained why he has chosen to work with young talent like Darby Allin, Hobbs, Garcia, and others.

“I think I could use my name, whatever value that has, and kind of highlight some of the guys while knocking off some ring rust and moving myself up the ladder. So for storyline purposes, it makes sense to me. And I always remember guys helping me and they were few and far between. I think more people should help more people and I’m just trying to do my best to do that.”

Check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news: Apple – Spotify – YouTube.

Shawn Michaels Comments On Adam Cole, Johnny Gargano, & Kyle O’Reilly Leaving NXT

Chris Stephens
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Shawn Michaels recently commented on the NXT departures of Adam Cole, Johnny Gargano, & Kyle O’Reilly. Now that they are gone, Michaels admits they are the reason he fell back in love with sports entertainment.

“We still keep in contact, but yeah it is bittersweet, those young men were a big part of my life, they were a lot of the reason that I sort of got back into this line of work,” Michaels said during an interview with Denise Salcedo. “I was happily retired.”

“When it came to Johnny, Tommaso, Adam, those guys, even way back, the Revival Boys, Shawn Spears who was Tye Dellinger at the time, all those young men sitting in a room with them; their passion, their excitement, their desire to be better was just hard not to love,” he continued.

In November of 2018, it was revealed that Michaels was now working as a writer and producer for NXT. This was shortly after he had returned for one match at the Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia.

“They are the reason that I came back, and fell back in love with Sports Entertainment, with this line of work. As you’ve heard and everyone has numerous times, in NXT at the Performance Center, is where it’s still pure, it’s still all the reasons we get into it before it becomes business, and money and negotiations and things of that nature. To fast forward your question, I miss them.”

Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly, and Bobby Fish Unite In AEW

Adam Cole debuted for AEW this fall at the All Out PPV in Chicago. He aligned with the Young Bucks and they re-created their Super Kliq team. Then on this week’s Dynamite show from the Greensboro Coliseum, Kyle O’Reilly debuted for AEW as well. O’Reilly helped Adam Cole defeat Orange Cassidy. Then him, Cole, and Bobby Fish all left together, leaving the Young Bucks alone in the ring. After being at the top of NXT since 2017 as the Undisputed Era, they now appear to have re-aligned in AEW.

The full interview with Shawn Michaels can be heard in the player below:

H/T To WrestlingNews.co for the transcriptions

The Rock Teases New Venture, “Quite Possibly My Biggest One Yet”

Chris Stephens
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Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson is teasing that 2022 could be the year he launches his biggest venture yet. While he’s not ready quite yet to announce what it is, he recently revealed in an interview with CNBC that he’s very excited about it.

“I’ll be entering a new industry I’m passionate about in 2022. 2 1/2 years of organizing around this launch with a smart, hungry, credentialed in the streets team. Could be my biggest yet, and I think you guys are gonna love it,” The Rock Tweeted.

CNBC also posted a clip of the Rock teasing the new venture during a recent interview. In the interview, he said that he’s entering a new industry and this venture could be his biggest one yet.

“As far as for 2022, I’m excited about 2022. I think we have some great partnerships, some great alignments. In the world of movies, we have Black Adam coming out, we have Super Pets coming out.

We have one venture, a new venture, I’m entering into a new industry, I won’t say what it is, but when we do I’ll come back and talk to you guys about it. It could be quite possibly my biggest one yet.”

Watch The Rock’s video message from CNBC here:

Greenwich Mansion on Sale for $32 Million

Michael Reichlin
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A mansion in Greenwich, CT mansion is up for sale. Purchased in 2014 for $11.84 million, the stately home is listed for a staggering $32 million.

Even in a hot market, if the seller gets anywhere near the asking price, this would be the real estate investment of a lifetime.

A real estate listing at Compass touts:

“Perched on 10 waterfront acres of lush grounds and mature landscaping, this architectural masterpiece is unrivaled in the juxtaposed design of hand-cut stone and modern design. A custom estate with unmatched luxury offering a lifestyle of comfort, sophistication, and security.”

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The 23,700 square-foot home boasts 6 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, swimming pool, library, elevator and many other luxurious appointments.

View the real estate listing for this Greenwich mansion at Compass.com.

Natalya Sets Another Guinness World Record

Chris Stephens
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No female Superstar in the history of WWE has had the career that Natalya has. The 39-year-old has been with the company since 2007 and has had yet another milestone recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.

Natalya had previously been recognized for having had the most matches of any female WWE Superstar and the most PPV matches of any female WWE Superstar. Now, Guinness has confirmed that Natalya has more wins than any other female WWE Superstar in history. Her win total currently sits at 641.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CX2KtNRsyLC/

Natalya also helps train members of the WWE roster at her home where her and husband TJ Wilson have a ring set-up. She talked recently about how Liv Morgan has been training with her.

“I am proud of Liv because she has been training with us in the dungeon,” Natalya said. “She’s been training with us for over a year. I said to Liv, ‘it’s so cool to see.’ Because training isn’t once every six months. Training is being consistent every single week, on days that you’re tired.”

“She will get off the plane and come and train with me and my husband and a few of the other Superstars that come in and train with us. It’s a very special, elite group that come in and hone their craft,” Natalya continued. 

Liv Morgan has been training in Natalya’s “Dungeon”

Anthony Ogogo Reportedly Has Backstage Heat In AEW

Chris Stephens
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Olympic Bronze-medal boxer and member of the AEW roster, Anthony Ogogo, reportedly has backstage heat due to his recent comments on Twitter. Following Ring of Honor’s Final Battle PPV earlier this month, Ogogo Tweeted comments directed at Jonathan Gresham.

“Super cute that @TheJonGresham was the last ever ROH champ, kinda reminds me when Hornswoggle was the last ever cruiserweight champ. Congrats kiddo,” Ogogo Tweeted.

The comment drew responses from Gresham’s wife Jordynne Grace as well as Hornswoggle.

According to a report from Fightful, Ogogo’s comments did not sit well with several members of the AEW roster. While several members of the roster were said to be upset, Ogogo’s heat is not believed to be substantial. One member of the roster stated that they believed Ogogo was trying to create an angle but by the time Grace had stated it was not a storyline, Ogogo had gone too far to go back.

Jonathan Gresham took to Twitter to clarify that he was not working an angle with Ogogo.

“No it’s not an angle. It is not a gimmick. We are not working on this together. It is simply someone going into business for themselves. And legit taking shots at myself and my wife online. But please continue to support that kind of behavior as its seems to entertain you,” Gresham Tweeted.

https://twitter.com/TheJonGresham/status/1473116704112840707
Jordynne Grace, Anthony Ogogo, & Hornswoggle Trade Shots On Twitter

Wade Barrett Explains How He Got His Current Role In NXT

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

When Wade Barrett left WWE in 2016, many expected him to return to the promotion sooner or later. Very few, however, thought that he would be returning as a full-time commentator for NXT. The former IC champion returned to the promotion in August 2020. He replaced Mauro Ranallo who was released by the officials. Barrett has been the lead commentator for the developmental brand ever since.

The former Nexus leader was the latest guest on Corey Graves’ After The Bell. Explaining why he took the commentator job, Barrett revealed that he was first given the opportunity by the late Dusty Rhodes. According to him, it was something that was always in the back of his mind:

“I left WWE in 2016. I’ve been with the company close to 10 years through developmental and all that stuff. I was really kind of burned out by 2016 and looking not only to step away from WWE but from the industry in general. So I kind of took a couple of years, went away, did some other things like acting, some TV hosting and slowly but surely as tends to be the case the love for sports entertainment wrestling, came back. [So] I started doing some independent things here and there.

Wade Barrett continued: “The one thing that I always knew I wanted to do when I got a little older, I didn’t want to be a coach. I didn’t want to be a trainer or set up my own training school, which a lot of guys do. I really wanted to be a commentator. When I was back in developmental in Florida Championship Wrestling in 2009, I was actually a commentator there under Dusty Rhodes. He decided to give me a shot at that and he really liked what I was doing. I was working with Byron Sexton who was the play-by-play guy, so I always knew, Okay, that’s in my back pocket. One day I [would] love doing that. I’d love to get back to it one day.”

Wade Barrett Explains How He Got Hired As A Commentator

Wade Barrett
Wade Barrett

Wade Barrett then explained how he got the position in NXT. Michael Cole first contacted him in the summer of 2020. The two sides talked for a while but a deal was not made. At first, Barrett was told that it was going to be a while before he can take up the position, but then things changed in a very WWE manner:

“Thankfully I got a call from Tom Phillips and Michael Cole back in summer 2020 saying ‘look, we’ve got a position opening up. We think you be great for it. We’ve seen what you’ve done before. We think you’re a good fit for the show. Are you interested?’ Two or three weeks after chatting with them, they’re like, ‘yeah you know, probably come back in about six months or something like that. It’s gonna be a little while.’ Then I got an emergency phone call from Michael Cole: ‘Hey, we need you in tomorrow. Can You get on a plane? We need you to start right now.’ [I went] ‘Okay, yeah, let’s do it.’ So, as is the case in WWE, things change very rapidly.”

If you use any quotes from the article please credit SEScoops with an H/t for transcription

Wade Barrett Teases Potential WWE In-Ring Return

Impact Announces Best Of 2021 Awards Part 1

Chris Stephens
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Impact Wrestling is finishing off 2021 by airing two “Best of 2021” episodes. Last night’s broadcast included some of the best matches of the year as well as the announcement of multiple award winners. More year-end award winners will be announced on next week’s episode.

The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows) were named the promotion’s tag-team of the year.

The best Knockouts Match of the Year award went to Deonna Purrazzo vs Mickie James from Bound For Glory.

Last year, Deonna Purrazzo won both the Knockout of the Year and Wrestler of the Year awards. She’s won the Knockouts of the Year award 2 years straight now. The Wrestler of the Year award will be announced next week.

In addition to the awards given out last night, a new match for the Hard to Kill PPV was also revealed. Trey Miguel will defend his X-Division Championship against Steve Maclin on the show.

Hard To Kill 2022 Lineup

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

  • Impact World Championship
    Moose (c) vs Matt Cardona vs W. Morrissey
  • Knockouts Championship
    Texas Death Match
    Mickie James (c) vs Deonna Purrazzo
  • Ultimate X Match For The #1 Contendership to the Knockouts Championship
    Lady Frost vs 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)

Watch: Bret Hart Canada Walk of Fame Induction Video

Chris Stephens
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Pro wrestling legend Bret Hart was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame last week.

The Hitman was inducted by Chris Jericho. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson also recorded a special video message and thanked Bret Hart for mentoring him early in his wrestling career.

Bret Hart has posted video of his induction to social media, which you can check out in the player below:

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CX1c1pUKdrk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Bret Hart touts his accomplishments

Bret Hart
Bret Hart

Bret Hart recently spoke to TSN about his induction. Hart talked about his in-ring style and what it was like growing up in the business.

“I gave 100 per cent in my matches all the time. There was something different about [my] matches. They were so real, and believable,” Hart told TSN. “My matches were an amazing blend of athletics and acting. You have to know from real pain in your life, what really hurts and how to sell something and make people feel your pain. I think I did that as good or better than any wrestler.

“I grew up in the business from the time I was a little kid, I was watching wrestling matches since I was five years old,” Hart continued. “When I became a wrestler I had a really good idea of how to entertain a wrestling fan like myself. I could bring the fan out of the wrestler, and when we’d go out there and perform it, the fans and the wrestler you worked with are so happy that you delivered this beautiful story.”

Bret Hart’s Hall of Fame Resume

Bret Hart
Bret Hart

In addition to Canada’s Walk of Fame, Hart was also inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Oklahoma in 2006. The Hall of Fame and museum honors achievements in amateur wrestling. Hart won the city of Calgary wrestling championship in 1974. 

For professional wrestling, Hart is in the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, Canadian Wrestling Hall of Fame, Prairie Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame, Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, Stampede Wrestling Hall of Fame, Quebec Wrestling Hall of Fame, the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame, and he’s been inducted twice into the WWE Hall of Fame.

CM Punk Explains His Slow Start In AEW

Anutosh Bajpai
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CM Punk took a 7-year hiatus from wrestling after quitting WWE before he made his triumphant return earlier this year. Though during his time away, he never took his hand off the pulse of the industry. He kept an eye on the up-and-coming talents. While many have criticized some of the storylines he has been a part of since his return, it appears that giving young talents the spotlight was always part of his plan.

The straight edge star recently appeared on ESPN SportsNation. He was asked why it was important for him to make his return in this capacity where he is working with a lot of younger talent. Answering it Punk explained that it’s about using his name to help the relatively unknown talents:

“Because very selfishly, it’s what I wanted to do. When you take seven years off of something that you’re pretty decent at and you’re priding yourself at having your finger on the pulse of everything. I think there’s an undercurrent and there’s a lot of young professional wrestlers out there that are probably better than a lot of people give them credit for. They just don’t have the spotlight. They don’t have anybody that’s saying, ‘Hey, look at this guy.’ Or they do but just not on a national level.

Punk continued, “I think I could use my name, whatever value that has, and kind of highlight some of the guys while knocking off some ring rust and moving myself up the ladder. So for storyline purposes, it makes sense to me. And I always remember guys helping me and they were few and far between. I think more people should help more people and I’m just trying to do my best to do that.”

Will We Get To See CM Punk & AJ Lee vs. Adam Cole & Britt Baker?

CM Punk AJ Lee
CM Punk and AJ Lee

AEW is not very big on mixed tag matches but there is one match that many people want to see. The match of CM Punk & AJ Lee vs Adam Cole & Britt Baker is something that even Cole and Baker have shown interest in. Though when asked if we will get to see the bout, the former world champion said that he can’t promise that:

“That one I can’t promise you. She is doing her own thing. To be completely honest, I know her and if I said, ‘Hey, you want to do this wrestling match?’, and if she was all gung-ho to do it, I know she would want to get into stupid shape to do it, and I like her thick. So I don’t want to take that away from myself.”

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ROH World Championship Match Announced For Impact Hard To Kill

Anutosh Bajpai
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Impact Wrestling has confirmed that the ROH world championship will be defended on an Impact show for the first time at the upcoming Hard To Kill PPV.

The company sent out a press release in which they confirmed that Jonathan Gresham will defend his title against Chris Sabin in a one-on-one match.

Gresham won the world title at the ROH Final Battle PPV earlier this month. Final Battle was ROH’s last show before their announced hiatus until April next year.

In the meantime, Jonathan has started defending the title in various promotions. His first successful defense was against AJ Gray at last Friday’s GCW Blood on The Hills.

Impact Hard To Kill Updated Match Card

This is the 8th announced match for the first Impact PPV of 2022. After the latest announcement, here is the updated match card for the show:

  • Impact World Championship Triple Threat Match: Matt Cardona vs. W. Morrissey vs. Moose
  • ROH World Championship Match: Chris Sabin vs. Jonathan Gresham
  • Knockouts Championship Texas Death Match: Deonna Purrazzo vs. Mickie James
  • X Division Championship Match: Steve Maclin vs. Trey Miguel
  • Knockouts Tag Team Championship Match: Madison Rayne and Tenille Dashwood vs. The IInspiration
  • #1 Contender Ultimate X Match For Knockouts Championship: Chelsea Green vs. Lady Frost vs. Tasha Steelz vs. Rosemary vs. Rachael Ellering vs. Impact Digital Media Champion Jordynne Grace
  • Hardcore War: Heath, Rhino, Eddie Edwards, Rich Swann & Willie Mack vs. Violence By Design & Impact Tag Team Champions The Good Brothers
  • Singles Match: Jonah vs. Josh Alexander

Impact Hard To Kill will take place from The Factory in Deep Ellum, Dallas, Texas on Saturday, January 8, 2022.

Jonathan Gresham Wants To Defend ROH Title Against CM Punk & Bryan Danielson

Tony Khan Reacts To Dynamite Getting Back To Over 1 Million Viewers

Anutosh Bajpai
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With stars such as CM Punk, Sting and Adam Cole in action and the big debut of Kyle O’Reilly, this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite managed to break through the barrier of 1 million viewers again.

The Holiday Bash edition of the show featuring the main event match of Punk, Sting, and Darby Allin taking on The Pinnacle drew 1.020 million viewers according to Showbuzz Daily.

President Tony Khan took on his Twitter to react to the ratings. He thanked the fans and noted how it was their highest number since October when Dynamite was temporarily moved to Saturday night for a few weeks:

This is a 7.59% increase from last week’s Winter Is Coming special of Dynamite. The show featuring the Bryan Danielson vs Hangman Page world title match had drawn 948,000 viewers.

Dynamite also saw a big increase in the key demo. This week’s episode drew 0.37 ratings in the 18-49 demographic representing 480,000 viewers of the age group.

This is a significant 19.35% improvement over last week’s episode of the show. It had done a 0.31 rating, representing 398,000 viewers of the demographic.

This was a 31.61% improvement in the year-over-year ratings for Dynamite. The 2020 Holiday Bash special of the show had not gone up against NXT either.

AEW Dynamite Holiday Bash Results (12/22): Kyle O’Reilly Debuts, CM Punk & MJF

Jim Ross Reveals What Made Michael Cole Stand Out Early In His WWE Career

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Hall of Fame commentator Jim Ross has shared his take on how Michael Cole was able to get noticed as a play-by-play guy.

JR was the voice of WWE for many years but Vince McMahon knew he’d need another PBP ace. Cole was groomed to not only keep things fresh but to also fill in whenever Ross would get sick.

Today, Cole is WWE’s top play-by-play commentator and Vince has relied on him for several years. More recently, he has been praised for his chemistry with color commentator Pat McAfee on SmackDown.

Jim Ross Talks Michael Cole’s Early Days

Taking to his Grilling JR podcast, Jim Ross discussed how Michael Cole was able to get ahead early on in his career.

“He was always prepared and he writes notes that are minuscule. I couldn’t copy his homework if my life depended on it, so to speak.

“But he was always well-prepared, always had some notes, always had some information there that he could utilize, pull it out, use it pretty much anytime. The preparedness I thought was great.

“I’m not saying anything — his voice needed to continue to be cultivated but I thought he was a great student, great student of trying to learn how to become a good storyteller as a broadcaster in pro wrestling.”

While Cole has seemingly become a WWE mainstay, Jim Ross eventually made his way to AEW. He has been out of the booth due to skin cancer treatment but he will be making his return on the Dec. 29 episode of Dynamite.

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Ruby Soho: AEW Fans Know When Something Isn’t Authentic

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Ruby Soho thinks AEW fans can sense inauthenticity from miles away.

In pro wrestling, some of the best moments, storylines, characters, and matches come when the fans feel it to be genuine. It’s the reason why scripted promos and over-the-top gimmicks often get criticized.

Ruby has been received well by the fans of AEW and she has an idea as to why that’s the case.

Ruby Soho Praises AEW Fans

Ruby Soho is of the belief that AEW fans have allowed her to be authentic because otherwise, they wouldn’t accept her. She explained when being interviewed by Jim Varsallone of the Miami Herald.

“Feeling like I am accepted for exactly the way that I am, and be able to be me and be the most authentic version of me. I think that’s one of the things that also makes AEW so special.

“That’s one of the reasons [why] our fans are as incredible as they are. They see all of the performers being the most authentic version of themselves. And I think that they relate to that. They connect with that.

“Because everybody knows when you’re trying to be something that you’re not people can tell. Especially our fans, they can tell. When you’re the most authentic version of yourself I think people connect with that even more and that’s why our fans are as incredible as they are.

“So being able to be that version of myself, unapologetically is really, really a great gift.”

In the same interview with Jim, Ruby said she feels there’s something truly special about AEW as a whole. She described the energy of the locker room as “intoxicating.”

Ruby also said that she feels motivated thanks to the energy of her peers. She also called Tony Khan the best “hype man.”

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Mark Henry On Kyle O’Reilly’s AEW Debut: ‘I Never Saw Him All Day’

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Mark Henry has likened Kyle O’Reilly to a ninja.

O’Reilly made his surprise AEW debut on the Dec. 22 Holiday Bash episode of Dynamite. The former Undisputed Era member attacked Orange Cassidy during his match with Adam Cole. This allowed Cole to connect with The Boom for the three-count.

It appears O’Reilly did a heck of a job evading people in the backstage area before making his debut.

Mark Henry Unaware Of Kyle O’Reilly’s Presence

During an episode of Busted Open Radio, Mark Henry praised Tony Khan for being able to snag Kyle O’Reilly after his WWE contract was up.

“Tony Khan continues to give the crowd what they want. And when I say crowd, not just the people in Greensboro but all of the fans of AEW.

“You get these little — it’s not even Christmas presents. It’s like a birthday, it’s a Wednesday gift. Every month it seems like there’s a surprise at AEW.

“Whether it’s a return from injury or a new wrestler that’s All Elite, something to that effect that gets everybody stirred up. Man, I feel like that’s the M.O. of AEW is never letting things get stale by mixing things up and last night was no different.”

Henry insisted that he never knew that O’Reilly was going to appear on Dynamite and never saw him before he made his way out.

“No, I know who he is. I never saw him all day. I’m a tell you, man they some super Secret Squirrel — they some kingsmen. They the Mission Impossible people. I don’t know what the hell is going on but they do a good job of keeping a secret.”

Some drama is already brewing between The Young Bucks and Cole over Bobby Fish and O’Reilly. Cole promised The Bucks a surprise but Matt and Nick Jackson weren’t exactly thrilled with what they saw.

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