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Tony Khan Admits He Would’ve Made A Play For Kevin Owens If He Didn’t Re-Sign With WWE

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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AEW boss Tony Khan says he would’ve had interest in Kevin Owens had he not re-signed with WWE.

Owens had a decision to make regarding his in-ring career. His WWE contract was running out and he had the choice of staying with the company or testing free agency. Ultimately, he signed a new deal with WWE which is said to last for three years.

Tony Khan Praises Kevin Owens

Speaking to Shakiel Mahjouri of CBS Sports, Tony Khan said that Kevin Owens is a great talent and that he would’ve looked into possibly signing him had he been available.

“I would have been interested in that. He’s a great wrestler. I think he ended up signing for what I believe is probably a lot of money. I think that’s great and good for him. We have a lot of people spotlighted here and he’s great. Any company he goes to he’ll be a great wrestler for them.”

Tony Khan speaks with Shakiel Mahjouri

Owens’ new deal with WWE is said to be quite lucrative. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio reported that Owens’ contract is in the $2-3 million range per year.

The report also noted that the feeling is AEW wouldn’t have matched such an offer. WWE has been releasing plenty of talent as of late so it’s clear that the company wanted KO to stick around and didn’t hesitate to throw out a hefty offer.

KO will be featured in a WWE Title match at the Day 1 PPV. He’ll challenge WWE Champion Big E. KO won’t be the only challenger as this will be a fatal four-way match. Bobby Lashley and Seth Rollins will also be competing for the gold.

Tony Khan Responds To Reports Of WWE Being Interested In MJF

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Tony Khan is aware of the report claiming that WWE as well as FOX and USA Network executives have great interest in MJF.

MJF will tell anyone who listens that his AEW contract will expire in 2024. He even mentioned it following the Long Island show on Dec. 8. MJF got on the mic and said Khan will need to roll out the big bucks in order to keep him.

While MJF is having some fun playing things up, it’s a very real situation that AEW will have to face in a couple of years. Many consider MJF to be a top heel in the wrestling business and at the young age of 25, there is plenty of upside.

Tony Khan Welcomes WWE’s Interest In MJF

  • MJF
    MJF (Photo: AEW)

Andrew Zarian recently reported that WWE, along with FOX and USA Network execs have their eyes on MJF. Speaking to Shakiel Mahjouri of CBS Sports, Tony Khan explained why WWE’s interest in MJF is a good thing.

“I think that’s great. I encourage that. I think they should keep talking about him because he’s a wrestler that’s a big part of AEW and is signed here for a few more years.

“So I think please keep giving us that buzz because he’s been getting great ratings for his segments and those have also been featuring CM Punk pretty regularly as they continue to interact.

“They’ve had a war of words and now there’ll be on opposite sides of this huge trios match where you got Sting [and] Darby Allin teaming with CM Punk against MJF and FTR.

“I think that’s great. You know, [WWE] had some wrestlers I really wanted to sign there and I signed him, Bryan Danielson and Adam [Cole] and Ruby Soho.”

As Khan mentioned, MJF is currently in a feud with CM Punk. A match hasn’t been made official between the two but it’s bound to happen.

MJF may have more issues to deal with other than CM Punk, however. His bodyguard, Wardlow, has been showing signs of frustration. Wardlow told Busted Open Radio that his “contract” with MJF won’t last forever.

JONAH Explains Difference Between Western & Japanese Wrestling Fans

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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JONAH knows what’s it’s like to travel around the world as a wrestler and he’s got an idea of the big difference between western and Japanese fans.

The man who was known as Bronson Reed on WWE’s NXT brand found himself in the free agency market after being released. It didn’t take long for JONAH to find work as he was signed by NJPW and was allowed to take bookings for Impact Wrestling.

JONAH Details Culture Differences

It is undeniable that there are differences between western and Japanese crowds. JONAH already has experience working in “The Land of the Rising Sun” thanks to his time in Pro Wrestling NOAH.

During an appearance on Busted Open Radio, JONAH went over the key difference between western and Japanese wrestling fans.

“I did work with Pro Wrestling NOAH for about a year. Yeah, I lived in Japan for about a year.

“So, I know what the Japanese crowd is like and what the fanbase is like. I think the big difference is obviously wrestling fans in the western world, they love professional wrestling, they love everything about it but it’s almost like the Japanese fans watch it as a sport.

“So, they’re a little bit more engaged during the match. Promos and things like that maybe not so much but during the match, you can see that they’re with your every move.”

JONAH has wasted little time making his mark in both NJPW and Impact. At Battle in the Valley back in November, JONAH laid out both Juice Robinson and David Finlay.

He took things a step further over in Impact. At the Turning Point PPV, JONAH attacked Josh Alexander and left him bleeding from the mouth. The two will collide at the Hard To Kill PPV on Jan. 8.

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

Bully Ray: Brock Lesnar Doesn’t Get The Respect & Props He Deserves

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Bully Ray thinks that despite Brock Lesnar’s popularity, “The Beast” doesn’t get his due from fans.

Lesnar has been enjoying his role as a babyface on the SmackDown brand. He has been involved in a highly praised feud with WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. The two will collide at the Day 1 PPV on Jan. 1, 2022.

Brock Lesnar Underappreciated?

It’s hard to picture a superstar the magnitude of Brock Lesnar being underappreciated but Bully Ray is targeting the “smart” fans. Here’s what he said during an episode of Busted Open Radio.

“Just as Roman is going to cave in Paul’s [Heyman] head via what looked to be a one-man Con-Chair-To, the music hits and the place erupted.

“Did the place erupt for a babyface? No. Did the place erupt for a heel? No. The place erupted for a superstar.

“A superstar that people refuse to give the right amount of respect and props to. You know, Roman has this whole thing, ‘Acknowledge Me,’ as as ‘The Head of The Table.’ If anybody should truly be acknowledged in the wrestling business it’s Brock Lesnar because Brock is so damn good at what he does.

“And he’s so smart but a lot of ‘smart’ fans who are actually dumb as the freakin’ day is long don’t get it. Brock is a megastar. Brock is on the same level as Austin and Rock but because Brock had come and gone a little bit, you don’t really see it.”

Bully went on to express his belief that Lesnar is better than he’s ever been. He credits Brock’s current successful run with experience and being an elite-level star in an industry where making it to the top isn’t easy.

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

Kevin Owens Explains Why WWE Didn’t Send Videos for ROH Final Battle

Tyriece Simon
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Kevin Owen says WWE has a good reason for not sending any tribute videos to ROH Final Battle. According to Owens, they never asked.

 Les Anti-Pods de la Lutte’s Patric Laprade and Kevin Raphael spoke with Owens about ROH. When asked why no one from WWE did promos for ROH Final Battle, he replied that ROH didn’t ask WWE. Unlike WWE talent, former ROH wrestlers in All Elite Wrestling and Impact Wrestling sent in videos thanking the promotion during ROH Final Battle.

Laprade transcribed the interview from French to English. He shared the transcription with SEScoops.

“The answer is quite simple: Ring of Honor didn’t ask any wrestlers from WWE to do that, nor contacted anyone at WWE. I knew it was going to be their last show, but I didn’t think to send a video so they could play it at the show. I’ve watched it. I was at a WWE show, and I was watching it on my phone, so it was not something I simply ignored. I’ve read some people on the Internet saying that probably WWE didn’t let us do it, but that’s incorrect. It’s just ROH who didn’t ask us, and I bet that if they had, we could have done it, but that wasn’t the case,” said Owens.

End of an Era for ROH

ROH Final Battle took place on December 11. The event marked the end of the current format of the wrestling promotion, as they are looking not to sign talent exclusively. ROH will book independent wrestlers to appear for them per event. However, it is unclear how they will book talent for events or ROH TV episodes. ROH also plans not to do any shows until April 2022.

Kevin Owens on How ROH Impacted his Career

After explaining why he didn’t send a tribute video to ROH, he shared why the promotion helped his career. While he appreciates his time in ROH, he’s unsure if he needed ROH to get into WWE. He also credits his time in Pro Wrestling Guerilla for growing his popularity.

“It’s funny cause I often ask myself that same question. Of course, it gave me a very important platform in the United States. But at the end of the day, William Regal saw me at a PWG show. And even before I started full-time with ROH in 2007, I had a good name on the indies because of PWG. So sometimes I wonder if things would have not become what they became with ROH if I would have made it to WWE anyway. Maybe, maybe not, I don’t know,” said Owens. He also admits that he once thought he’d stay with ROH for his entire career.

While he’s unsure if ROH helped his popularity, he does credit ROH for helping change his priorities. “…However, with time, my priorities changed a little, my family’s priorities changed a little, and that’s when WWE became my goal again. So ROH was a big influence and a huge part of my career, but I often wonder if ROH would have not been part of my career if I would have made it to WWE anyway. A huge part of me thinks so. That said, I have plenty of good and fun memories with ROH, and I’m very happy to have been apart of ROH for all those years,” said Owens.

ROH is planning not to do any shows until April 2022. For ROH fans, the hope is that the promotion will have a successful fresh start.

Kevin Owens feels no attachment to NXT 2.0, not interested in returning

Michael Reichlin
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Kevin Owens says he feels no connection to NXT 2.0, despite being a former NXT Champion and one of the most successful Superstars to pass through developmental.

The 37-year-old grappler from Quebec recently appeared on les Anti-Pods de la Lutte to discuss his decision to re-sign with WWE and much more.

During his discussion with Pat Laprade and Kevin Raphael, Owens said he barely recognizes the current incarnation of NXT.

Kevin Owens doesn’t recognize NXT 2.0

Kevin Owens NXT Champion
Kevin Owens as NXT Champion (2015)

“Today’s NXT is very different than the NXT I was part of, to the point I believe it should have a totally different name,” he said. “And I don’t think it’s better or worse, but it’s just too different. So when I’m watching NXT, I don’t see the NXT I was part of. It’s not the same thing.”

Owens says NXT is a bit like Ring of Honor, in that it evolved so much that it’s barely recognizable anymore. “I don’t even consider that to be the same show,” he added. “I don’t really feel any attachment to NXT now.”

He still checks in on NXT 2.0 and sees talented people down there. However, the brand is so different that he’s not interested in returning there like Finn Balor did.

“I don’t think I fit in the new NXT as I was fitting in the NXT I was part of, with guys like Sami, Finn, Samoa Joe and Nakamura. When I watch NXT now, I don’t feel the same thing I felt when I was watching NXT two years ago.”

Original Plans For Kevin Owens’ 2019 NXT Return

Rikishi Calls For Umaga To Be Inducted Into The WWE Hall Of Fame

Chris Stephens
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Rikishi took to social media recently to call for the “Samoan Bulldozer” Umaga to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2022.

Umaga had two different stints in WWE. He first signed with the company in 2001 and debuted as Jamal of 3-Minute Warning along with Rosey. He was released in 2003 but would return to the company in 2005 and was repackaged as Umaga.

Umaga was Vince McMahon’s representative in the hair vs hair match at WrestleMania 23. He lost to Bobby Lashley resulting in Vince McMahon having to have his head shaved.

Umaga was also a 2x Intercontinental Champion in WWE. In 2009, WWE released him due to his refusing to go to rehab following a violation of the company’s wellness policy. He would pass away due to a heart attack just 6 months later at the age of 36.

Last year, Jim Ross spent some time on his Grillin Jr. podcast speaking about Umaga.

“Umaga was the prototype that in a different era would’ve been a perfect NFL nose tackle. He had amazing athleticism for a guy that big. He was a super heavyweight that had light heavyweight feet. Just was so athletic and good-hearted. I just loved being around him – he was just a big kid and a good dude. Like you said, he left us way too early,” Ross said on the show.

AJ Styes & Omos Split: Backstage News on WWE’s plans

Michael Reichlin
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Monday’s edition of WWE Raw saw the breakup of AJ Styles and his Own Personal Colossus, Omos. The split came after the former tag team champions battled the father-son team of Rey and Dominik Mysterio.

If it feels like WWE rushed this storyline, you are on to something. According to WrestleVotes, the company did in fact accelerate plans to have both men return to go their separate ways.

“Source says both superstars have significant plans in early 2022, and wanted any type of blow off program done prior to the major Rumble & Mania events.”

– WrestleVotes

There’s no word yet on what WWE has planned for Styles and Omos headed into WrestleMania season. However, don’t be surprised to see Omos have a strong showing in the Royal Rumble en route to a feature program at WrestleMania 38.

AJ Styles & Omos

Now that Styles and Omos are a thing of the past, we can look back and see the pairing achieved WWE’s primary objective.

The company sees huge potential in the giant Omos. He commands attention with his larger than life presence. There’s no doubt he improved during his time working with the Phenomenal One.

It will be interesting to see who Omos is paired with after his program with AJ Styles winds down. There are several people on the Raw brand who would be a good fit to work with him. Similar to AJ Styles, WWE will want to select on a performer who can accentuate Omos’ strengths as he continues to develop.

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WWE has announced the former partners will square off against one another next week on Raw. The show airs Monday, December 27th on the USA Network.

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

Chris Stephens
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Natalya has a wrestling ring in her home and regularly helps train a lot of wrestlers in the industry. She recently noted on the Tuesday Wrestling Tuesday with Jonathan Hood show that Liv Morgan has been putting in a lot of extra time in Natalya’s “dungeon”.

“A lot of really talented men and women come and train with us, Liv Morgan being one of them. I was so proud to see Liv put her skills to the test,” Natalya said. “A lot of the things that she’s been working on in the dungeon, she did in her match last Monday with Becky Lynch as they main evented Raw, which was really cool.”

The original “Hart Family Dungeon” was opened by Natalya’s grandfather, Stu Hart, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Natalya now keeps up the family tradition along with her husband TJ Wilson (aka Tyson Kidd).

“I am proud of Liv because she has been training with us in the dungeon,” Natalya continued. “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.”

Natalya continued to mention that the wrestlers who train in her dungeon are a very special, elite group.

“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 said. 

https://twitter.com/NatbyNature/status/1472657825042161669

Brodie Lee Jr. (-1) Trains With Liv Morgan In Natalya’s Dungeon

Footage of Natalya’s dungeon was posted this summer when The Dark Order’s -1 (Brodie Lee Jr.) spent some time training with Liv Morgan. The ring has WWE turnbuckles and there is a cutout of Bret Hart attached to the door.

“Liv is always so patient with Brodie and they work really well together. Nattie has done a great job making sure Brodie learns how to keep himself safe, as well as whoever he works. Also, who better to learn the basics of wrestling from than a Hart?” Amanda Huber wrote on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CQFU9jXhmGi/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=61561381-5054-40cd-93a9-94792e7f459c

H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

Drew McIntyre working on a new signature move

Michael Reichlin
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Former WWE Champion Drew McIntyre is looking to beef up his move set just in time for WrestleMania season.

McIntyre has been with WWE on-and-off since around 2007. You don’t get career longevity like that without constantly improving yourself.

The Scottish SmackDown star recently spoke with The Daily Record about the ongoing effort to stay in shape, refine his character and stay relevant.

Prior to re-signing with WWE in 2017, McIntyre said he didn’t like what he saw in the mirror. He had a deep conversation with his wife and realized he wasn’t giving his all, in terms of his training. He cut back on his drinking and got himself into the best shape of his life.

“I needed to look like I could beat up Brock Lesnar,” McIntyre recalls. “I didn’t believe it, so I started putting in the work like crazy and eating properly.”

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McIntyre has an incredible physique. He’s learned what works and what doesn’t. Of course, it’s important for him to put in serious hours at the gym. However, he believes it’s “100% true” that staying in shape is mostly about diet, not training.

We are less than four months out from WrestleMania 38. WrestleMania season is about to kick into high gear and Drew McIntyre is already working on improving his move-set. In fact, he’s working on a new move that he hopes will bring him another championship in 2022.

“I’m really proud my headbutt is know as the Glasgow Kiss,” he said. “Now, the world knows about the Glasgow kiss. I’m working on a new one when I threw the guy across the ring. Thinking I might call it the Highland Fling.”

Visit the Daily Record to read their full interview with Drew McIntyre.

Drew McIntyre is scheduled to face Madcapp Moss at the WWE Day 1 pay-per-view on January 1st from Atlanta, GA.

Drew McIntyre Recalls Hilarious Hotel Story Involving The Undertaker

Alexander Hammerstone Re-Signs With MLW

Chris Stephens
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MLW has locked down its current World Champion in Alexander Hammerstone to a multi-year contract. Hammerstone originally signed with the company in 2019 and his contract was set to expire shortly. According to a report from Fightful, Hammerstone noted the schedule MLW offers was one of the reasons he chose to re-sign. He is able to work independent shows as well but not for any promotion with national television.

“I’ve been in the business for ten years now and it’s nice to finally be in a position where I’m really starting to see a return from it,” Hammerstone said to Fightful. “Beyond that, there are a lot of things that MLW offers me that other companies might not. Not an intense schedule, not the demand of being on the road five days a week or something like that. That’s not something I might ever want to do.”

Hammerstone won the Battle Riot match this year in MLW leading to him getting a title shot against then champion Jacob Fatu. He then defeated Fatu at Fightland on October 2nd in Philadelphia.

“As my time goes on in wrestling, I always say, ‘I wrestle for free, but you have to pay me to travel.’ I love the wrestling part, but the traveling kicks my ass and is the most frustrating part of it. There are a lot of advantages at MLW right now. As far as the contract goes, we were able to come to something I was happy with.”

Hammerstone is the 9th wrestler in history to hold the MLW World Championship. No wrestler has held the belt more than once. Fatu had previously been the longest reigning champion in the company’s history. His title reign lasted 819 days.

Seth Rollins on His Current Character: “If The Joker Were A Narcissist Going Through A Midlife Crisis”

Chris Stephens
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Seth Rollins believes his current character is similar to if the Joker going through a midlife crisis. This is according to comments he made to Z100’s Josh Martinez recently.

When asked to describe his current character, Rollins had the following to say:

“God, it’s as if — it’s as if this crazy — if The Joker were a narcissist going through a midlife crisis. I guess that’s the best way to really put it,” Rollins said. “I don’t really know any other way to do it. But yeah, it’s a lot. It’s a lot happening but the cool thing about the character is it can kind of go any which way. There’s a lot of unpredictability with it and I think that’s fun, you know?”

“You can have matches like a Hell In A Cell match with Edge, but you can also have television segments where I just laugh with my best friend Bayley for five minutes. So, you know, I just think that there’s not a lot of characters on our television program that can do all these different things and so, that’s kind of just my approach to where I’m at right now.”

WWE recently celebrated Rollins “Year of the Drip” with the following video posted to social media:

Rollins will be part of the fatal 4-way match for the WWE Championship on the Day 1 PPV. Big E will also defend the title against Bobby Lashley and Kevin Owens in that match. Last night on RAW, Owens and Rollins continued to be loosely aligned as they orchestrated a post-match attack on Bobby Lashley.

Should Rollins win the title on January 1st, it would be his 3rd time holding the WWE Championship. Rollins is also a 2x Universal Champion and the inaugural NXT Champion. He’s also a 6x tag team champion, 2x Intercontinental champion, and 1x United States champion.

Rollins comments can be heard in the player below.

H/T to Post Wrestling for the transcriptions.

AJ Styles Announced For Tonight’s NXT

Chris Stephens
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It was announced on WWE Raw last night that AJ Styles will be on WWE NXT tonight. This was set up in a video posted to social media by Grayson Waller. In the video, Waller was critical of The Miz having AJ Styles as his guest on Miz TV.

Waller said that Styles is a future Hall of Famer but is hanging on a little too long. He also told him to get a haircut. Styles responded to the video as well.

Waller then responded to the news that Styles will be on NXT tonight.

5 matches have also been scheduled for tonight’s show.

  • Street Fight
    Raquel Gonzalez vs. Dakota Kai
  • Pete Dunne vs. Tony D’Angelo
  • Dexter Lumis vs. Trick Williams
  • Von Wagner vs TBD
  • The Creed Brothers (Julius & Brutus Creed) vs. The Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson & James Drake)

Omos Turns On AJ Styles

Styles’ team with Omos broke up last night. Omos ended up laying Styles out after refusing to tag in during their match against the Mysterios. The 7-footer then told AJ that the next time he would see him in the ring it would be for a match. Omos and Styles won the RAW tag team championships at WrestleMania this year. They would later drop the belts to RK-Bro at SummerSlam.

Matt Hardy Teases New Project

Chris Stephens
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Matt Hardy is teasing a new project that will start in 2022. He recently posted a short video to social media teasing this.

“In 2022 I’m starting a brand new project with a great team of people,” Hardy said. “I’m very excited to start telling some more stories and sharing some of my insight. Everyone knows I’ve led an extreme life and when it comes to wrestling, I think I’ve been a pretty extreme performer. And I feel I’m owed a lot of extreme credit for the cinematic rage after the whole Broken Universe saga. And I have a lot of extreme viewpoints and perspective on pro-wrestling and I’m very excited to start talking about these on a regular weekly basis.”

Hardy continued to say that there will be a very special announcement soon.

Matt Hardy Provides Update On Jeff Hardy

Matt Hardy also recently shared an update on his brother Jeff during a Twitch stream.

“Jeff is in the best place I’ve seen him in a very long time,” said Matt. “As far as the details of what went down on that evening, and in that match, I’ve talked with Jeff, I feel good about everything he said and that’s Jeff’s story to share. And he told me he will when he’s ready to.”

Matt Hardy: WWE May Have ‘Jumped The Gun’ by Releasing Jeff Hardy

WWE RAW Results (12/20): Tag Team Main Event, Vince McMahon & Austin Theory

Robert Lentini
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WWE RAW aired live from the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, WI this week. Seth Rollins teamed up with Kevin Owens to battle Big E and Bobby Lashley in the main event ahead of their Fatal 4-Way for the WWE Championship at Day 1. Austin Theory battled Finn Balor tonight and was determined to impress Vince McMahon.

RAW Results

  1. Bianca Belair def. Doudrop
  2. Finn Balor def. Austin Theory
  3. Rey & Dominik def. AJ Styles & Omos
  4. Randy Orton def. Chad Gable
  5. Dolph Ziggler def. Damian Priest via count out in a Championship Contender’s match
  6. Rhea Ripley def. Queen Zelina
  7. Lashley & Big E def. Kevin Owens & Seth Rollins

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Owens & Rollins Attacked Big E & Lashley

Bobby Lashley and MVP came down to the ring to open the show. Lashley defeated Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins, and WWE Champion Big E in three separate matches last week to earn his way into the title match at Day 1.

MVP demanded that the crowd get on their feet and give praise to the All Mighty Bobby Lashley. MVP boasted about what Lashley did last week and claimed that it would be impossible for most to do it.

WWE Champion Big E interrupted and congratulated Lashley on making the title match a Fatal 4-Way at Day 1. Big E noted that the old Lashley would have done it by himself and not relied on MVP’s interference. Lashley claimed that he didn’t need MVP’s help.

Lashley suggested that Big E battle MVP and exited the ring. Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins attacked Lashley from behind and launched him into the ring post. Owens and Rollins attacked Big E and hurled him into the barricade. Rollins and Owens stomped on Lashley in the ring before Big E made the save. Big E hit a couple Belly to Belly Suplexes and Lashley followed it up with a slam on Rollins. Big E and Lashley stood tall and circled each other as Owens & Rollins retreated.

Owens and Rollins had a conversation backstage bout how strong Lashley is. Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville showed up and made the tag match everyone expected. Rollins & Owens will face Big E & Lashley later tonight. Begs the question, can either of these two teams coexist? We will find out later.

Bianca Belair def. Doudop In Impressive Fashion

Bianca Belair faced Doudrop int he first match of the night. Belair controlled the action early and went for a Crossbody but Doudrop countered into a Powerslam for a two count. The action spilled out of the ring and Belair hit a big Spinebuster on the floor as RAW went to a break.

When RAW returned, Bianca tried to Powerbomb Doudrop off the middle rope but Doudrop held on. Doudrop went for a Senton but Bianca got out of the way. Doudrop hit a Splash and then followed it up with a Cannonball for a near fall. Doudrop smacked Belair in the face and Bianca got fired up.

Bianca booted Doudrop in the misection and hopped to the middle turnbuckle. Bianca connected with a Crossbody that took Dourdrop down. Belair hit a Moonsault and went for the cover but Doudrop kicked out at two. Doudrop battled back and hit a Powerbomb and dragged Bianca to the corner. Doudrop climbed to the middle turnbuckle and went for a Splash but Bianca got out of the way. Bianca showed off her strength and hit the KOD for the pinfall victory and a big pop from the crowd.

Vince McMahon Debated Firing Austin Theory After Losing To Finn Balor

Austin Theory was interviewed backstage tonight before his match against Finn Balor. Austin said that Vince McMahon sees him as the future WWE Champion and walked of saying “I’m going to beat Finn Balor”. The interviewer said “better hope you don’t lose” as Finn made his way to the ring.

Theory controlled the action early and got Balor in a Headlock. Finn escaped and delivered a Dropkick that knocked Austin to the outside. Finn went for a running kick but Theory blocked it. Theory slammed Balor on the apron and followed it up with a Neckbreaker to the floor outside the ring as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Balor caught Theory with a Clothesline and followed it up with a Double Stomp to the ribs. Theory hit an awesome Dropkick and went for the cover but Finn kicked out at the last moment. Austin hit a springboard Spanish Fly and went for a selfie but Balor countered into a roll-up. Balor hit a Slingblade, Dropkick, and then the Coup de Grace for the pinfall victory. Austin Theory went to knock on Mr. McMahon’s door later on RAW but instead decided to walk away.

Later on RAW, Austin Theory attacked Finn Balor backstage and slammed him on top of a storage crate before taking a selfie. Theory had a conversation with Vince McMahon and bragged about getting Finn back after losing to him. McMahon mumbled that he enjoyed that like he enjoys chocolate pudding (?) and pondered if Austin Theory was a bad investment. Vince added that maybe he will fire Austin Theory since he enjoys firing people before the holidays. Theory was worried but Vince told him he will have another chance against Balor next week.

Omos Turned His Back On AJ Styles

The Miz came to the ring alone and asked Maryse to not talk about their relationship on Cutting Edge tonight. Miz welcomed AJ Styles and Omos for an episode of Miz TV. Miz joked that Styles and Omos are as combustable as Urban Meyer and his former coaching staff.

Miz wondered if the magic has left for Omos & Styles and AJ said it was just growing pains. AJ added that they are unstoppable when on the same page and Omos has untapped potential. Styles stated that Omos could be a tag team champion on his own with both titles draped on his shoulders.

The Miz tried to claim Omos doesn’t feel the way as Styles and AJ mocked Miz for hiding behind his wife. Miz claimed that Omos told him that he was sick of carrying Styles around. AJ didn’t believe Miz and the two argued before the Mysterios interrupted as RAW went to a break.

AJ Styles & Omos battled Rey Mysterio & Dominik in a tag team match. Styles beat Dominik down but then Rey was able to tag in. Rey hit a 619 and went for a Frog Splash but AJ got his knees up. Styles went for a tag but Omos turned away. Rey rolled up Styles from behind for the pinfall victory.

Styles called Omos a piece of trash and punched him a few times. Omos shoved AJ across the ring but AJ battled back. Omos caught Styles in midair and slammed him to the mat. Omos grabbed a microphone and said “next time you see me it will be in a match…against you!”.

Randy Orton def. Chad Gable

Randy Orton faced Chad Gable tonight on RAW. Gable got in some offense early and Orton rolled out of the ring to regroup as Gable posed in the ring. Back in the ring, Gable connected with two Arm Drags but Orton battled back. Randy sent Gable out of the ring and greeted him with the draping DDT as he tried to get back in.

Gable hit another Arm Drag and went for one more but Orton countered with an RKO out of nowhere for the pinfall victory. After the match, Otis attacked Orton from behind but Randy fought him off. Otis then blocked three RKO attempts in a row and Orton retreated to end the segment.

Ziggler Earned A Title Shot via Count Out

United States Champion Damian Priest faced Dolph Ziggler in a Championship Contender’s match. Ziggler would get a shot at the title if he could defeat the champion. Robert Roode was in Dolph’s corner for the match. The bout started off back and forth as RAW went to a break.

When RAW returned, Damian leveled Ziggler with a kick to the face. Dolph stumbled to the corner and Priest hit him with a Splash. Priest hit a Clothesline and then Broken Arrow for a near fall. Roode tripped up Priest from behind and Damian fell to the floor outside the ring. Damian did the crazy face thing and beat the hell out of Robert Roode. Priest got counted out and Ziggler was awarded a future title shot. Damian hit Roode with the Reckoning and chased after Ziggler to end the segment.

The Miz Attacked Edge During The Cutting Edge

Edge had Maryse on an episode of the Cutting Edge. Maryse said that Miz never lets her get a word in during interviews and said that she was exhausted as the restless crowd booed. Maryse continued for a bit and Edge didn’t buy it. Edge knew it was a set up and dared Miz to rush the ring. Maryse slapped Edge and Miz attacked from behind. Miz still hit the Skull Crushing Finale and kissed Maryse to end the poorly executed segment.

Rhea Ripley def. Queen Zelina

Rhea Ripley faced Queen Zelina tonight on RAW. Ripley went for a Suplex but Zelina countered with a Stunner for a near fall as Nikki A.S.H. was shown watching backstage. Zelina hit a running knee to the face and went for the cover but Ripley kicked out at two. Rhea connected with the Riptide for the pinfall victory.

Becky Lynch Interrupted Liv Morgan

Liv Morgan made her way to the ring with a kendo stick. Morgan attacked Becky Lynch while training and will face her for the RAW Women’s Championship at Day 1. Morgan rolled footage of the attack and you can check it below.

Liv Morgan noted that Becky tried to injure her last week before their rematch at Day 1 and pointed at her wrapped up arm. Morgan said she followed Lynch to her training location but it was part of Becky’s plan. Liv laughed about accidentally beating up the woman she thought was Lynch before vowing to win the RAW Women’s Championship at Day 1.

Becky Lynch interrupted and took notice of Liv’s injured arm. Becky joked that it gets hot under the lights and Morgan can’t handle the heat. Liv wanted Becky to get into the ring but the champion declined because Liv was holding a kendo stick. Morgan tossed the kendo stick to Becky. Lynch told Liv she had a private jet to catch and left to end the segment.

Rollins & Owens Beat Lashley Down

Kevin Owens & Seth Rollins faced Big E & Lashley in the main event. Lashley dominated the action early and held Rollins up for an eternity for a big vertical Suplex. Rollins battled back and sent Lashley out of the ring. Owens tagged in and hit Lashley with a Senton.

Back in the ring, Owens connected with another Senton for a two count. Owens and Rollins planted Lashley with a Suplex and Seth applied a Headlock. WWE Champion Big E tagged in and hit a series of Belly to Belly Suplexes. Big E danced over Owens but then got distracted by Rollins. Owens capitalized with a roll-up but Big E powered out at two.

Seth hit a Frog Splash for a two count and tagged in Owens. Kevin hit a Swanton of the top rope and went for the cover but Big E kicked out as RAW went to a break. When RAW returned, Lashley tagged back in and hit Rollins with a Neckbreaker. Lashley followed it up with a Clothesline and a Running Powerslam. Lashley went or the cover but Owens broke it up.

Big E went for a Spear but Owens countered with a knee to the face. Lashley went for a Powerbomb but Seth escaped. Lashley accidentally Speared Big E and Owens tagged in. Owens went for the Stunner but Lashley blocked it. Lashley hit Owens with a Spear for the pinfall victory. There appeared to be some confusion here as Rollins stomped on Lashley but the cover wasn’t broken.

Rollins then attacked Lashley and rolled Owens out of the ring. Seth dragged Lashley to the outside and Owens helped him. Rollins and Owens beat Lashley down before bashing him in the face with the steel steps. Owens then Powerbombed Lashley on the ring apron and Seth slid over the steps. Kevin held Lashley up and Seth patted Kevin on the head. Rollins then hit Lashley with the Stomp on top of the steel steps and shook hands with Owens. Seth and Kevin made it seem like they were going to attack each other but shared a hug instead to close the show.

Rick Boogs: Shinsuke Nakamura Is Like A Father Figure To Me

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Rick Boogs admits that Shinsuke Nakamura has meant a lot to him throughout his main roster run.

On the May 21 episode of SmackDown, Boogs made his main roster debut, aligning with Nakamura. Ever since, Boogs has been accompanying Shinsuke down to the ring, playing his theme song with an electric guitar.

The pairing has garnered praise from many fans and has given color commentator Pat McAfee a reason to get on top of the announce table.

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Rick Boogs Praises ‘Mentor’ Shinsuke Nakamura

Rick Boogs was recently interviewed by Kenny McIntosh of Inside The Ropes and said that Nakamura is a father figure to him.

“Now, me and Shin are just crushing it and he’s like a father figure, he’s like a mentor to me. He’s helped me out, he’s given me guidance and everything.

“He’s telling me, ‘Hey, maybe play some air drums here, play a little powerslide guitar here.’ It’s great, listen like I said this is directly from a novel.

“You got your trials and tribulations, you got your highs, you got your lows. You got your starting out, learn really fast but then blowing your knee out. Then you’re debuting on NXT but then nothing’s happening.

“Then you got Old Spice and it’s great and then nothing’s happening, and then all of a sudden you’re thrown on SmackDown.”

Boogs is grateful that things have turned out well for him and he says he wouldn’t change anything about the process if given a chance.

“Oh, it’s great. I’m sure everyone was like, ‘Oh Rick Boogs being with Nakamura? Let’s see how that plays out,’ but it’s amazing. Like I said, looking back I don’t think I would’ve changed anything. I don’t think it could’ve worked out any better.”

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Tony Khan Confirms AEW Battle Of The Belts Length

Andrew Ravens
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AEW is slated to hold its first quarterly special on TNT on January 8th, Battle of the Belts, from the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, NC.

AEW President Tony Khan has confirmed the length of the show after there had been speculation regarding whether it would be a one-hour or two-hour broadcast. 

Dave Meltzer previously noted in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the show was expected to be about an hour-long on television and that’s the case. Khan confirmed the news during an appearance on Culture State.

“It’s a one-hour show. It’s a one-hour event, so I can’t put every belt on the line. It’s a great chance on a Saturday night to expand the reach of AEW by giving the fans great championship matches on a Saturday night, which is a night people love watching wrestling, especially for a big event. There is going to be big championship matches. I’m very excited about it.”

AEW made it official this past Friday night on Rampage that Britt Baker will defend her AEW Women’s Championship against Riho at Battle of the Belts. More matches will be announced in the coming weeks.

WWE wants “Stone Cold” Steve Austin at WrestleMania 38

Ryan Droste
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WrestleMania will return to the Lone Star State this spring, with WrestleMania 38 slated for Arlington, Texas on April 2nd and April 3rd. Once again, WWE will present their biggest show of the year across two nights.

With that in mind, current reports indicate that WWE is attempting to make this year’s show even bigger by solidify an appearance from perhaps the greatest Texas wrestling legend of them all.

According to the WrestleVotes Twitter account, which has broken several stories in the past, WWE is working on a potential “meaningful” appearance for Austin at the event.

“Talked to a few different source this weekend & heard the same thing, WWE is very interested in having Steve Austin as a part of WrestleMania this year in Dallas. Not in a wrestling role, but a meaningful part of the event outside of just appearing. Up to creative at this point,” WrestleVotes wrote on Monday morning.

This isn’t be the first time that reports have made the rounds about Austin being at AT&T Stadium in early April; the initial advertising for WrestleMania 38 featured Austin.

Austin’s last WWE appearance was during the March 16, 2020 edition of Monday Night Raw for “3:16 Day.” That show was the very first Raw held inside the WWE Performance Center at the start of the pandemic.

Steve Austin & WrestleMania 38

The aforementioned WrestleMania 38 promo video featuring Austin debuted during WrestleMania 37 last year.

“They say everything’s bigger here, and not to mess with us,” Austin says at the start of the video. “Cause this place runs deep in our hearts.”

“Here’s the bottom line” Steve Austin continues. “This is where the jaws will drop, the feet will stomp, the crowd will roar, and the Superstars will soar.”

“When the roofs are blown off, asses get handed, and moments are made in the only way we know how” Austin concluded. “What?! WrestleMania calls and Dallas says, ‘Oh, hell yeah!’”

Steve Austin retired from active in-ring competition following his match with The Rock at WrestleMania XIX in 2003. The last time a WrestleMania was held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington (2016), Austin did in fact appear at the show, taking part in a segment alongside Shawn Michaels and Mick Foley.

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.

Jim Ross Comments On The Best Backstage Agents In Wrestling

Mark Henry: Roman Reigns’ Transformation Is One For The Ages

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Mark Henry is just as impressed as anybody with the transformation of Roman Reigns.

It wasn’t long ago when wrestling fans grew tired of the babyface Reigns character. For years, fans believed that WWE was trying to force-feed Reigns instead of letting him develop his character organically.

Back in August 2020, Reigns returned to WWE TV after being away for a bit due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. He aligned himself with Paul Heyman and became “The Tribal Chief.”

Mark Henry Praises Roman Reigns’ Development

During an episode of SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio, Mark Henry was quite complimentary of Roman Reigns and his ability to transform his character the way that he has.

“Roman Reigns, you talked about this [speaking to co-host Jonathan Hood], his metamorphosis has been one for the ages. From the guy that we first saw that left NXT to the guy that was in The Shield, the guy after The Shield that they force-fed him to us as a babyface.

“They were forcing it and you could tell that he didn’t embrace it. He didn’t embrace it, that’s why it didn’t work.

“He really wanted to be who he is now and he was right but he had to go through all those other phases to be able to make people give a damn and now we have the finished product.”

Reigns has been in a high-profile feud with Brock Lesnar. Heyman had been serving as the “special counsel” to Reigns but he had also been Lesnar’s advocate for years.

On the Dec. 17 episode of SmackDown, things reached a boiling point. Reigns fired Heyman after being told he was trying to protect him from Brock. “The Head of the Table” even delivered a Superman Punch to Heyman.

Roman attempted to nail Heyman with a Con-Chair-To but Lesnar made the save. Reigns ended up eating an F5.

Reigns will put the WWE Universal Championship on the line against Lesnar at the Day 1 PPV on Jan. 1, 2022.

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Ric Flair Praises Darby Allin

Chris Stephens
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Ric Flair recently spent some time on his podcast talking about AEW’s Darby Allin. Flair had nothing but praise for the 28-year-old.

“There’s nothing you can say but good,” Flair said. “He’s a kamikaze pilot! When I watched him do that thing and dive off the rope backwards with his hands at his side, the first time I saw him do it I came out of my chair.”

Flair and Mark Madden continued to talk about the angle Darby Allin and Sting did with the Gunn Club.

“The thing I thought last week with Sting and Darby Allin and Billy Gunn and his boys, I thought it was fantastic. How proud do you think Billy Gunn is of those two boys, huh? And Billy looks like he’s 35 years old.”

“And he’s a very, very nice guy. Very humble,” Flair continued to say about Darby Allin.

Flair continued to mention that he hopes Darby Allin doesn’t suffer any injuries or mobility problems as a result of his in-ring style, however. He also noted that he once felt the same way about Mick Foley.

“I just hope that when he’s 35-years-old he can walk. That’s what I used to tell [Mick] Foley.”

Flair’s comments can be heard in the player below:

Jim Ross Comments On The Best Backstage Agents In Wrestling

Chris Stephens
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Jim Ross recently spent some time on his Grilling Jr. podcast talking about who the best agents in wrestling have been and currently area. While he didn’t want to take away from anyone else, he noted that Pat Patterson might be the greatest to ever do it.

“The best agent probably was [Pat] Patterson. The way that he could lay out a match and developed talent and how he got talent to trust him on his judgement,” JR said.

“The Rock was going to be a big star no matter what but his road to that promised land was expedited by him taking the teachings of Pat Patterson and putting them to work.”

“Jack Lanza was always a good agent, Blackjack Lanza. Gerald Briscoe did a great job in so many ways there. We had several good agents but I think if you went back and looked at all those shows, most of the stars wanted Patterson involved in some way.”

“If you ask the roster, Patterson would win that vote overwhelmingly.”

Ross then spoke about agents currently with AEW.

“Oh we have a good crew. Dean Malenko, Jerry Lynn, Billy Gunn, Dustin Rhodes. Dustin does a terrific job working with he females in AEW and he’s been a real strong presence with them. Slowly but surely we are building that roster up, in numbers and talent.”

“QT Marshall puts some matches together and does a nice job,” JR continued.

JR’s comments can be heard in the player below:

Bret Hart Praises Canadian Wrestlers Including Kenny Omega & Kevin Owens

Chris Stephens
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Bret Hart was inducted into the Canadian Walk of Fame last Friday. Over the weekend, Hart took to Instagram to release a statement and thank both the Canadian wrestlers who came before him and those active today.

Bret Hart praised the many Canadian wrestlers who paved the way for him.

“Thank you to the many Canadian wrestlers that paved the way for me: my father Stu, Gene Kiniski, Abdullah the Butcher, “Killer” Kowalski, “The Stomper”, Ed Carpentier, “Whipper” Watson, Sky Low Low, Rocky Johnson, Pat Patterson, Roddy Piper,” Hart wrote.

He then praised the many Canadian wrestlers who have come after him.

“To the many other Canadian wrestlers, some that filled my shoes after my career ended, that someday will deserve this same honour: Chris Jericho, Edge, Trish Stratus, Kevin Owens, Kenny Omega, my niece Natalya, my brother Owen, and so many more,” Hart continued.

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Kevin Owens saw the post and responded as well.

A video featuring the Rock aired during Hart’s induction. After Hart thanked the Rock for this, he took to social media to talk about what Bret Hart meant to his career.

“Bret Hart was a mentor to me when he didn’t have to be and in our wild and intense world of pro wrestling, there weren’t many “mentorship programs” back then. He gave me guidance and I’ll always be grateful. Congrats my friend on your incredible accomplishment.”

Liv Morgan Attacks Becky Lynch At Seth Rollins’ Wrestling Academy

Chris Stephens
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WWE filmed and released footage of an angle shot at Seth Rollins’ Black and Brave Wrestling Academy. In the video, Liv Morgan attacks someone she assumes to be Becky Lynch from behind, only for the real Lynch to appear behind her.

The two then fought with a kendo stick for a period before Morgan eventually gained the advantage and Lynch escaped the ring area.

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Morgan and Lynch will again clash for the title at the Day 1 PPV on January 1st, 2022. The first title match between the two ended when Lynch scored the victory while grabbing a hold of Morgan’s tights. It was just the second time the two have faced each other in singles competition on WWE programming. The first occurred in 2019 when Lynch needed just 1 minute and 18 seconds to defeat Morgan in a Beat the Clock Challenge.

Morgan recently commented on when she found out she’d be main eventing an episode of RAW against Lynch during an Instagram live session.

“Not until that day [did Becky Lynch and I know we were main eventing Raw] and all week I was hoping, I was hoping so much that we’d get to main event because I really want to pay homage but also, you know, do our own thing and I just was hoping it would be the main event and then I found out a couple hours into the day that we were gonna be the main event because originally, we weren’t. We weren’t gonna be the main event. It got switched and so it was just so special.”

Film Co-Written By AJ Lee (AJ Mendez) Finishes Production

Chris Stephens
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AJ Lee (AJ Mendez) recently took to Twitter to note that a movie she co-wrote has wrapped production. She worked with her long-time writing partner Aimee Garcia as well as comic book writer John Swetnam on the project. The film is titled “Blade of the 47 Ronin”. It is a sequel to 2013’s “47 Ronin” but set 300 years after the original.

The film is scheduled to be released next year on Netflix.

“Ancient Japanese Ronin warriors set 300 years after 47 Ronin, in a modern-day world where Samurai clans exist in complete secrecy,” reads an IMDB description of the film.

The original film was criticized for elements of white-washing but director Ron Yuan spoke to Variety about what will be different about this film.

“We need people who know the genres, people that know the history, people that can understand how to bring these stories, make it fresh and pop off the screen. Not like those old TV shows where every time there’s an Asian theme, or an Asian character, you hear the gong going ‘ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding dang’,” he told Variety. “None of that shit anymore.”

AJ and Aimee Garcia have partnered together on multiple projects. They co-wrote the comic book series GLOW vs. The Babyface. They also wrote a 4-part Dungeons and Dragons series as well. Their production company is named  Scrappy Heart Productions.

CZW: The Fight Within Results (12/19/21)

MALCOLM
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Combat Zone Wrestling returned Sunday night with their latest show “The Fight Within” showcasing the next crop of breakout stars in the wrestling business.

Here are the quick results from Studio Z in Blackwood, NJ:

  • Vinny Talotta def. Big Game Leroy Green
  • The Rep def. Culture Inc.
  • Paul Jordane def. Grim, Tyree Taylor, & Chris Senton in a Monster 4-Way
  • Griffin McCoy def. JD Drake
  • Prolific def. Amazing Graysons
  • Fred Yehi def. Robert Martyr

Notably in an in-ring interview with Rosaria Elsa, Peruvian star Rayo who’s appeared on AEW, WWE, & ROH is set on becoming the next CZW Wired & World Champion

Combat Zone Wrestling returns to Maryland on January 2, 2022 for “Limelight” at the State Theater, Havre de Grace, MD Doors at 4, Bell at 7:30.

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