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Tony Khan Was Pitched WWE Backstage Format For AEW Rampage

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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AEW boss Tony Khan says he turned down a pitch to have Rampage run in the format of WWE Backstage.

Rampage airs every Friday night on TNT at 10 p.m. ET. It’s a one-hour show that usually features three matches. Typically, the show airs right when WWE SmackDown wraps up.

Tony Khan spoke to Gavin Bridge at the Monaco Streaming Film Festival and revealed that he had been pitched having Rampage in the style of a talk show like WWE Backstage.

“I didn’t agree with [WWE] Backstage at all. I didn’t think it was a good format. I had actually been pitched to do a format like that with AEW and I refused because I don’t think wrestling fans want to see that format. Wrestling fans when they tune in to watch their wrestling show, they want to watch wrestlers wrestle and Backstage, to me, should be like a lower-budget streaming type show.”

Khan added that WWE Backstage had a very talented cast, but the ill-conceived format likely doomed the show.

“I don’t know if it had the legs to carry as a TV show, even though the people involved with it were awesome and a lot of them work for me now and are huge stars.”

AEW’s flagship show is Dynamite. That show will be moving to TBS in Jan. 2022. Rampage will be staying on TNT. Just a couple of months into its existence, Rampage had to compete with the final half-hour of SmackDown. Rampage beat SmackDown in the head-to-head key demo for that half-hour but fell short in overall viewership.

H/T to Fightful for the transcribed quotes

Imperium Win WWE NXT Tag Team Titles

Andrew Ravens
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Imperium stepped up to the plate and dethroned MSK as the WWE NXT Tag Team Champions in a Lumberjack Match on Tuesday’s episode of NXT 2.0 TV, which was billed as a Halloween Havoc special. 

The match went 15 minutes in the co-main event spot on the broadcast. It was a solid tag team match that had a few spots using the other wrestler including when there was an outside dive to take out everyone. Imperium won with their finisher. 

This was a big upset as MSK was listed as -150 favorites to retain the titles in the betting odds that were released this morning. 

MSK became the champions when they won it in a triple threat match against The Grizzled Young Veterans and Legado del Fantasma (Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde) at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver this April.

Other notable title defenses included a winners-take-all six-man tag match at the WWE NXT TakeOver:  In Your House event as well as them beating  Tommaso Ciampa and Timothy Thatcher at NXT: Great American Bash in July. 

What are your thoughts on Imperium winning the NXT Tag Team Titles? Was this the right call by WWE officials? Sound off in the comment section.

Mandy Rose Wins NXT Women’s Title a Halloween Havoc

Andrew Ravens
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Mandy Rose was the latest challenger to step up to take a shot at dethroning Raquel Gonzalez as the WWE NXT Women’s Champion and she was successful. 

It took place on Tuesday’s episode of NXT 2.0 TV, which was billed as a Halloween Havoc special. The match was touted as a Trick or Street Fight. There were various weapons used in the match including kendo sticks, chairs, and more. The finish saw Dakota Kai, who was dressed up, hit Raquel in the back with a kendo stick and Rose connected with a running knee strike. 

Since returning to NXT a few months ago, Rose made the transformation with both her character and look as she went from having blonde hair to dark hair. She also aligned a faction called Toxic Attraction with Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne. After they formed it, they beat Kacy Catanzaro, Kayden Carter and Sarray in a six-woman tag team match as well as Rose scoring a win over Ember Moon. 

At TakeOver: Stand & Deliver this April, Gonzalez won the NXT Women’s Championship by defeating Io Shirai. Since that time, Gonzalez had successful title defenses against Mercedes Martinez, Moon, Xia Li, and Franky Monet. 

It will be interesting to see where Rose goes from here. Kai and Raquel will be picking up their feud again. 

Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne Win WWE NXT Women’s Tag Team Titles

Andrew Ravens
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New NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions were crowned at Halloween Havoc, which was a special edition of WWE NXT 2.0, as Toxic Attraction’s Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne defeated Io Shirai & Zoey Stark and Indi Hartwell & Persia Pirotta in a triple threat Scareway to Hell ladder match to win the titles. 

WWE decided on the stipulation thanks to the Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal. Leading up to the finish,  Hartwell sent Shirai tumbling off a ladder and crashing onto another ladder. When Hartwell tried to climb the ladder, she was knocked off the ladder by Dolin, which got the titles. 

Dolin and Jayne become the fifth team to hold the NXT Women’s Tag Team titles since they were introduced this March. Io and Sarks held the titles for 112 days after beating Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell for them back in July. 

On this same show, Toxic Attraction leader Mandy Rose challenged Raquel Gonzalez for the  NXT Women’s Championship in a Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal match.

CM Punk Initially Considered MJF Swerve For AEW Debut

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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CM Punk admits that he was open to the idea of doing a swerve for his AEW debut.

Most agree that AEW pulled off Punk’s debut perfectly. The company dropped several hints about CM Punk making his promotional debut on the second episode of Rampage. As a result, AEW was able to sell out the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Fans weren’t disappointed as Punk made his way down the aisle to a thunderous ovation.

Ahead of the big debut, some fans speculated the possibility of Punk’s theme song playing only for MJF to make his entrance and troll the crowd for massive heat.

Appearing on Z100 New York, Punk claimed that the MJF swerve was actually in consideration.

“Lowest hanging fruit in that aspect. That, of course, did cross my mind. Once I realized that was the thought on everybody’s mind, to me, it wasn’t the right thing to do yet. Not yet.”

Punk has yet to feud with MJF but the general consensus is that it’s only a matter of time. A recent sheet of potential AEW Full Gear matches leaked. Tony Khan said these matches are simply ideas. On the bout sheet was Punk vs. Wardlow, who is MJF’s bodyguard.

MJF is currently in a feud with Darby Allin. While it hasn’t been announced, many expect that match to take place at the Full Gear PPV on Nov. 13. It’s a match that was also seen on Khan’s bout sheet.

H/T to Fightful for the transcribed quotes

Kevin Owens Reveals When He’ll Know It’s Time To Retire

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Kevin Owens has unveiled when he believes he’ll know it’s time to hang up his wrestling boots.

Owens is currently a member of the WWE Monday Night Raw roster. He was drafted from the SmackDown brand. On his first night back on the red team, Owens participated in a ladder match to determine the number one contender for the WWE Championship. KO fell short in the match.

Following the loss, Kevin Owens took to his Twitter account to thank his fans. He also revealed when he’ll know it’s time to wrap up his in-ring career.

“I really don’t know what to say other than thank you all for your continued support and kind words. It really means a lot. The day I stop giving it my absolute all in that ring is the day I walk away. Not a second sooner. P.S. Rey Mysterio is the best.”

A lot has been made about the future of Owens. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful reported that KO’s deal with WWE is set to expire in Jan. 2022. Jon Alba followed up on this report saying that several people within WWE expressed their belief that Owens will not be signing a new contract with the company.

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

Andrew Ravens
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Triple H hasn’t been present at the WWE NXT 2.0 events since he had undergone a procedure for a genetic heart issue in early September. 

Shawn Michaels has been filling in for Triple H while running things backstage at the events. The WWE Hall of Famer spoke to Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated to promote the Halloween Havoc edition of NXT 2.0 on Tuesday night and during it, spoke about it. 

Michaels views it as a situation to step in for his best friend as a way to pay him back for years of friendship. 

“Trying to step in and fill his role is impossible to do. Everybody here misses him unbelievably, especially me. But I always go back to this—everything in real life takes precedence over everything else. This was a situation where my best friend needed my help and needed me to step in, so I look at this as an opportunity, in a small way, to thank him for everything he did for me earlier in my career.

Taking over the responsibilities here is a drop in the bucket compared to what he did for me all those years back. I’m honored to at least have the opportunity to pay him back a little bit and be there for him. That’s what this whole company does—this whole relaunch has been everyone pulling together, and I’m energized and inspired to keep this NXT territory going strong during his absence.”

For the last few years, Michaels has been the right-hand man of Triple H, who had been overseeing the creative process of the brand, in addition to being a coach and Producer.

Bryan Danielson Prefers Less Matches To Maintain Quality

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Bryan Danielson is going with the quality over quantity approach.

Since making the move to AEW, Danielson has been a part of some stellar matches. He’s had barn burners with Kenny Omega, Minoru Suzuki, Nick Jackson, Bobby Fish, and Dustin Rhodes. For Danielson, the key is ensuring that he isn’t forced to water things down due to spreading himself thin.

During an interview with WEEI in Boston, Bryan Danielson said that AEW has been doing things right by featuring him in less matches.

“I’m a little more judicious, but, realistically, the big thing that has changed, and this was a choice when I re-signed my last WWE contract and when I came to AEW, and one of the benefits of AEW, is that I need to be doing less matches because I like to go hard. If you tell me, ‘Go a little bit lighter today,’ it’s easy to say but in practice it doesn’t work like that. I don’t care if there are 20,000 people like at Arthur Ashe Stadium or if there are 85 people, and I’ve wrestled in front of less than a 100 people many times, the people still pay their money to see the show and you want to give them a great show. It’s hard for people like me to pull back. Really, it’s about doing a less number of matches per year and focusing on the quality of those matches and making sure I give the live crowd something they are happy they paid their money to see.”

Danielson is currently participating in an AEW World Heavyweight Championship tournament. He has advanced to the second round thanks to his victory over Dustin Rhodes. He will be meeting Eddie Kingston next.

H/T to Fightful for the transcribed quotes

Rey Mysterio’s Daughter Aalyah Considering Wrestling Career

Tyriece Simon
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Rey Mysterio’s daughter Aalyah is considering a career in professional wrestling.

The master of the 619 was just interviewed by Scott Fishman for TV Insider. During the discussion, Mysterio revealed that Aalyah is thinking about following in his footsteps.

He supports the idea of her wrestling, but he urged her not to give up on her education.

“Not too long ago, she asked, ‘Dad, what would you say if I wanted to step in the ring?’ I said, ‘As long as you don’t leave your career behind. She wants to join the medical field.”

He continued, “As long as she does that and tries wrestling as a second option, I don’t mind. She always had the curiosity to take a bump, hit the ropes. I said, whenever you want to try it, let me know. I think it’s in the back of her mind. She is very dedicated to her school and education. I’m proud of that right now.”

Aalyah Mysterio in WWE

Aalyah has appeared several times in WWE as a kid and most notably last year. The WWE involved her in the feud with her brother Dominick and Seth Rollins. Aalyah was also in a brief on-screen relationship with Buddy Murphy during the rivalry as well. However, the WWE decided to take her off WWE TV after the feud with Dominick and Rollins ended.

Back in May, Mysterio told Alex McCarthy (TalkSport) that she hadn’t talked to him about becoming a professional wrestler.

“She hasn’t asked the question, but it’s funny you asked me that because my wife, she asked me a couple of days ago, she goes, ‘What would you say if your daughter came at you and said, Dad, I want to become a wrestler?’ I said, ‘I would be the first one to train her, just like I did with Dom!’ She said, ‘No, you wouldn’t,'” said Mysterio. However, he had the same stance: while he would support her, he wanted her to focus on medical school.

Aalyah has gained interest in professional wrestling, but it’s unclear how serious she is to commit. However, it seems she hasn’t closed the door to follow in her father’s footsteps.

Katsuyori Shibata Hopes To Make ‘Full-Fledged Comeback’ In NJPW

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Katsuyori Shibata is seemingly testing the waters of a comeback.

Shibata broke the hearts of Japanese wrestling fans after he suffered a subdural hematoma in his classic IWGP Heavyweight Championship match with Kazuchika Okada back in April 2017. A series of headbutts, specifically a gnarly one near the end of the match, was to blame.

While Shibata hasn’t had a full-on wrestling match since the showdown with Okada, he has gotten physical. During the G1 Climax 29 finals event back in 2019, Katsuyori Shibata attacked KENTA after KENTA turned heel and joined Bullet Club. At the G1 Climax 31 event, Shibata and Zack Sabre Jr. had a surprise five-minute grappling match that ended in a draw.

https://twitter.com/njpwworld/status/1451322412058959876

After the match, Shibata said the next time he’s in the ring it’ll be in his wrestling gear.

Shibata told Tokyo Sports that more and more, he’s itching to make a comeback (h/t Reddit user Weezy-NJPW_Fan).

“It was a great space. It’s a special place. This is the only way for me. My desire to make a full-fledged comeback seems to have grown stronger. I’m living my life one step at a time, and year by year, the ring is getting closer and closer. Anyway, if I don’t have a goal, I really don’t know who I am, so I always keep it there. As Okada said when I was injured, pro wrestlers are superhuman.

“Three steps forward, two steps back. Sometimes I take three steps forward and four or five steps back. But I don’t want to give up. This is all I can do. I’m not going to give up. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be doing this job.”

Shibata has played a key role in NJPW’s LA Dojo system. He has been tasked with ensuring that foreign talent is able to grasp Strong Style before breaking free from being a Young Lion.

Update On Post Draft Plans For Brock Lesnar And Other Free Agents

Anutosh Bajpai
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A number of superstars were not picked by any brand during the latest WWE Drafts, making them free agents. This list included names such as the beast incarnate Brock Lesnar and the empress of tomorrow Asuka.

Now PWinsider has provided an update on which brand some of these free agents might end up on. The site has revealed which rosters they are listed internally.

According to the report, Lesnar who proclaimed himself to be a free agent during the draft is listed under the SmackDown brand. This makes sense as it appears that his storyline with Roman Reigns will continue in the coming times.

Asuka, Elias, and the Lucha House Party are all currently listed as part of the Raw roster. Though there is no word yet on when they might make their return.

There are other names whose futures are still undetermined. Probably the most prominent of them all is Bayley, who is currently out of action due to a torn ACL.

Other names that have not been assigned a brand as of yet include all red everything Eva Marie and sassy southern belle Lacey Evans. We will have to see what decision the officials make for their future.

Paul Heyman Reveals His Pick For Brock Lesnar’s Top Rival

NJPW Star Minoru Suzuki Wraps Up United States Tour

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Minoru Suzuki is going back home.

Suzuki didn’t participate in this year’s G1 Climax tournament. This allowed the “King of Pancrase” to travel to the United States. Suzuki made his mark for various promotions including AEW, Impact Wrestling, and GCW.

The man even delivered a Gotch-style Piledriver to Nick Gage through a door.

Playtime is over in the “Land of the Free,” however as Minoru Suzuki is returning to “The Land of the Rising Sun.” Suzuki expressed gratitude on his Instagram account (rough translation via Google).

https://www.instagram.com/p/CVfdTnmvtgR/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading

“Thank you America.

“The entire two-month long tour ‘Minoru Suzuki’s Alone National Circuit Tour’ (long laughter) has been completed, and I’m leaving the hotel for the airport. Two months spent with American professional wrestling fans. I carved a lot of experience and wounds on my body. No … I’m getting stronger again. .. .. You can live anywhere in the world with professional wrestling!

“See you next time… I’m the KING.”

Suzuki certainly made the most of his time in America. He mixed it up with the likes of Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley, Jonathan Gresham, Nick Gage, and Josh Alexander. Time will tell what’s next for Suzuki in NJPW but judging by his social media post, we may have not seen the last of him in the United States.

(Spoiler) Moose Impact Title Defense Set for Turning Point

Tyriece Simon
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Impact World Champion Moose has his first championship defense set for Impact’s next Pay Per View, Turning Point, on November 20th.

Impact Wrestling is currently taping episodes of their show at Sam’s Town in Las Vegas, Nevada. A Fan uploaded clips on Twitter from yesterday’s tapings that revealed the number one contender for the Impact World Championship.

Spoiler for Number One Contender for Impact Title

A triple threat match between Matt Cardona, W. Morrissey, and Eddie Edwards happened during the tapings. Edwards won the match by pinning Cardona and became the number one contender to face Moose at Turning Point. Edwards will try to become a two-time Impact World Champion with a win over Moose.

https://twitter.com/Ericromero401/status/1452845406874791936

What’s Next for Josh Alexander

Edwards becoming the number one contender at Turning Point raises the question of what Impact Wrestling is doing with Josh Alexander. Alexander seemed to be Impact’s next babyface champion after defeating Christian Cage at Bound for Glory on October 23rd. However, Moose would defeat Alexander shortly after to win the title. Fans watching the event questioned Impact’s motive for taking the championship away from Alexander. It now seems that Alexander won’t be getting a rematch for the title anytime soon.

While Alexander is not in the title picture, Impact Wrestling promoted that he’d face Minoru Suzuki during the tapings. It is unclear what Alexander will do at Turning Point or when he will get his rematch.

Another Match teased for Turning Point

Another match that is Impact Wrestling teased during the tapings was Mickie James vs. Mercedes Martinez for the Impact Women’s Championship. Martinez challenged James to a title match at Turning Point. However, the match has not been made official by Impact Wrestling. The promotion will air the taped episodes for several weeks, starting this Thursday.

Charly Arnolt Teases Working With AEW

Chris Stephens
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Broadcaster Charly Arnolt was with WWE from 2016 until earlier this year, when she decided to leave for ESPN.

Arnolt recently took part in an autograph session with East Coast Autographs and spoke about possibly appearing for AEW.

“I am a huge fan of Tony Khan,” she said during the appearance. “I’m a huge fan of Cody Rhodes and his wife Brandi. I have to imagine that whatever they are putting together over there is gold. I will make it a point to tune in and, who knows, maybe one day I’ll make a cameo or more than a cameo.”

Charly Arnolt is not the only former WWE announcer who has expressed interest in All Elite Wrestling. Renee Paquette recently said she’s never spoken to Tony Khan about working for AEW, but she’s “certainly open to the opportunity.”

Arnolt & Tony Khan

Charly Arnolt has been friends with AEW President Tony Khan for many years. In fact, she knew TK before she joined WWE.

“I’ve known Tony for years and years,” she added. “I was friends with Tony even before I took my job with WWE. Long-standing relationship right there.”

According to Arnolt’s Wikipedia bio, she was invited by Tony Khan to attend a WWE Smackdown show in 2016. It was there that she met WWE Director of Talent Relations Mark Carrano and Michael Cole. This led to her hiring with WWE. At the time, she had been working as a sports reporter in the Indianapolis area.

Update on Tony Nese’s Status With AEW

Chris Stephens
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Former WWE Superstar Tony Nese appeared in the crowd during AEW’s Saturday Night Dynamite broadcast from Orlando this weekend. He was billed as, “one of the hottest free agents in pro wrestling.”

The 36-year-old grappler from Long Island, New York would later make his AEW in-ring debut over the weekend at the latest set of Dark tapings from Universal Studios in Orlando, FL.

Tony Nese is All Elite

Nese’s situation with AEW was addressed recently on Wrestling Observer Radio. According to Dave Meltzer, Tony Nese has signed with the promotion. This has not been made official, however, and it is being speculated that this is due to an angle AEW has planned.

“On the show on Saturday, they showed him in the stands so obviously he’s signed,” said Meltzer. “But they won’t announce it because probably they are doing something. They did the Dark tapings yesterday in Orlando and he wrestled, I think he wrestled in more than one match. He’s signed, that’s the deal.”

Nese signed with WWE in 2016 to take part in the Cruiserweight Classic. He would later become a regular with the 205 Live brand.

Nese won the WWE Cruiserweight Championship on the WrestleMania 35 Kickoff Show in New Jersey. He defeated Buddy Murphy to win the title. Nese would hold the championship for 77 days before dropping it to Drew Gulak.

He was released from WWE on June 25, 2021.

Impact Wrestling Taping Spoilers (10/24/21)

Chris Stephens
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Some spoilers have become available from the recent Impact Wrestling tapings from Sunday in Las Vegas have become available.

According to a report from PW Insider, Minoru Suzuki’s first angle with Impact took place on Sunday night. Suzuki is said to have gotten into a brawl with Josh Alexander. Alexander had won the Impact World Championship at Bound for Glory briefly before Moose cashed-in his “Call Your Shot” trophy and won the title from him moments later.

According to a report from the Wrestling Observer, several other events took place which should air on this coming Thursday’s broadcast:

  • Mickie James retained her newly won Knockouts Championship against Madison Rayne. Mercedes Martinez then came out and challenged James to a match at Turning Point.
  • Ace Austin defeated Chris Sabin.
  • Laredo Kid became the new #1 contender for the X-Division Championship after winning a fatal 4-way. He’ll face new champion Trey Miguel for the title at some point. It hasn’t been revealed who is opponents were, however.
  • A match between the Good Brothers (Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows) vs FinJuice (David Finlay & Juice Robinson) went to a no-contest after interference by all 3 members of Impact’s Bullet Club faction (El Phantasmo, Chris Bey, & HIKULEO).
  • Eric Young returned from injury and won a squash match over Jai Vidal.
  • Heath defeated Violent By Design’s Joe Doering, but after the match VBD attacked both Heath and Rhino.
  • The new Knockouts Tag Team Champions the Iinspiration (Jessica McKay and Cassie Lee) watched a match between Decay and the Undead Bridesmaids from the stage area. There was said to have then been a small altercation after the match. It is not clear who won this match, however.

Impact Wrestling was advertising that Monday’s show would feature a match between Josh Alexander and Minoru Suzuki.

Update on Kota Ibushi’s Shoulder Injury, How Long He’ll Be Out

Chris Stephens
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Last week, the G1 Climax Final match between Kota Ibushi and Kazuchika Okada was stopped early after Ibushi suffered an injury. After missing a Phoenix Splash attempt, Ibushi was attended to by ringside physicians and the match was stopped and Okada was declared the winner.

NJPW1972.com released an update on Ibushi’s condition today.

“The evaluation revealed a right anterior dislocation of the shoulder, and joint lip damage. Recovery is expected to take two months,” reads NJPW’s update.  

If all goes well in his recovery, Ibushi will be able to return in time for 3-night Wrestle Kingdom on January 4, January 5, and January 8, 2022.

NJPW Power Struggle Lineup

The next big event for NJPW in Japan will be Power Struggle in Osaka on November 6th. Below are the announced matches for the card.

  • Ryohei Oiwa & Kosei Fujita vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru & DOUKI
  • Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma & Tiger Mask vs. Tanga Loa, Gedo & Jado
  • Yuji Nagata, Ryusuke Taguchi & Master Wato vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon (SANADA, Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI)
  • NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championships
    Tomohiro Ishii, Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI (c) vs. EVIL, SHO & Yujiro Takahashi
  • KOPW Trophy
    Toru Yano (c) vs. Great-O-Khan
  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship
    Robbie Eagles (c) vs. El Desperado
  • IWGP U.S. Heavyweight Championship
    Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. KENTA
  • Title Shot at Tokyo Dome
    Kazuchika Okada (G1 Winner) vs. Tama Tonga
  • IWGP World Heavyweight Championship
    Shingo Takagi (c) vs. Zack Sabre Jr.

WWE RAW Results (10/25): Fatal 4-Way Ladder Match, Becky Lynch & Bianca Belair

Robert Lentini
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WWE RAW aired live from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. It was the season premiere after the WWE Draft and first episode of RAW following WWE Crown Jewel. Kevin Owens, Rey Mysterio, Seth Rollins, and Finn Balor faced off in a Fatal 4-Way Ladder Match in tonight’s main event. The winner earned a shot at the WWE Championship.

RAW Results (10/25)

  1. Roode & Ziggler def. Alpha Academy, Street Profits to become #1 contenders
  2. Zelina Vega def. Doudrop
  3. Damian Priest def. T-Bar via DQ in a Championship Contender’s Match
  4. Carmella def. Liv Morgan
  5. Bearcat Lee def. Cedric Alexander
  6. Austin Theory def. Dominik
  7. RK-Bro def. Dirty Dawgs to retain the RAW Tag Team Championships
  8. Seth Rollins def. Rey Mysterio, Kevin Owens, Finn Balor in a Fatal 4-Way Ladder Match to become the #1 contender for the WWE Championship

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Sonya Deville Announced A Huge Ladder Match For Later Tonight

WWE Champion Big E kicked off the show and welcomed everyone to the season premiere of RAW. Big E added that there was no better town to host a premiere than Houston and an “Astros!” chant broke out. Big E wished the baseball team good luck and congratulated Xavier Woods on winning King of the Ring.

Big E gave props to Drew McIntyre and said he made him a better wrestler. The WWE Champion wondered what is next for him and asked “who?”. Seth Rollins interrupted and danced around on the entrance ramp. Rollins lost in a Hell in a Cell match against Edge at Crown Jewel.

Rollins cackled into the microphone and joked that Big E already knows why he is out here. Big E pointed out that Rollins lost to Edge so that means Seth goes to back of the line. Seth got annoyed and claimed that the Universal Champion is too afraid to give him his opportunity. Rollins challenged Big E to not be like Roman Reigns and be a fighting champion. Seth wanted a title match tonight and told Big E to think about it.

Rey Mysterio interrupted and joked that Rollins’ vision must be impaired after getting his head bashed in against Edge. Mysterio stated that his resume speaks for itself and wants a shot at the WWE Championship. Finn Balor joined the party and listed off his resume as well. Balor looked right at Rollins and said he was the first Universal Champion. Finn said he has never won the WWE Championship and wanted a shot at it now that he is on RAW.

Kevin Owens made his way to the ring and listed off his resume. Owens noted that he became Universal Champion in this building and pinned Seth Rollins to win it. Rollins got pissed and attacked Rollins. Owens went for the Stunner but Seth retreated. Sonya Deville announced that there will be a Fatal 4-Way Ladder match to determine the #1 contender for the WWE Championship.

Roode & Ziggler Earned A Title Shot Tonight

Street Profits, Otis & Gable, and the Dirty Dawgs faced off in a Triple Threat tag team match. The winners will be the #1 contenders for the RAW tag titles.Street Profits dominated early and sent Otis out of the ring with a Dropkick. RAW Tag Team Champions RK-Bro were shown watching on as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Roode and Ford were battling in the ring. Montez sent Ziggler off the apron and Roode to the outside. Ziggler went for a Fameasser but Montez countered into a Powerbomb. Otis tagged himself in and launched Montez into the turnbuckle.

Gable tagged in and Montez booted him away. Dawkins finally got the tag and connected with a Back Body Drop on Gable. Angelo connected with the Silencer for a near fall. Gable hit a German Suplex and went for the cover but Montez broke it up with a Frog Splash.

Omos made his way down the entrance ramp as the crowd booed. Montez tried to leap onto him but the big man caught Ford with ease. Omos hit Dawkins with a punch and Dirty Dawks hit a Fameasser/Spinebuster combo for the pinfall victory. Roode & Ziggler now have a RAW Tag Team Championship match later tonight.

Zelina Vega def. Doudrop

Zelina Vega won the Queen’s Crown tournament at Crown Jewel by defeating Doudrop in the finals. Vega came to the ring with a robe & scepter. Zelina wanted ring announcer Mike Rome to introduce her with more bravado and he introduced her as “our majesty, and the only Queen of WWE, Queen Zelina.

Vega put on the crown and took a seat in the throne. The female locker room was shown watching backstage as Vega pondered what type of Queen she will be. Vega claimed that the crown meant she was the best of the best and people will talking about her reign for years to come. Doudrop interrupted and they had a rematch from Crown Jewel.

Doudrop connected with a Clothesline and hurled around the ring to start off the match. Doudrop connected with a Suplex and sent Vega to the corner. Zelina bounced Doudrop’s face off the turnbuckle and then took off the padding. While the referee was fixing the turnbuckle, Vega hit Doudrop with the scepter. Vega then covered Doudrop for the victory.

Bianca Belair Confronted Becky Lynch, Title Match Set For Next Week

RAW Women’s Champion Becky Lynch made her way to the ring to a great reaction from the crowd. The Man said it feels good to have the title back that she never lost and intends to pick up right where she left off. Becky bragged about her win over Bianca Belair, but wanted to face new challengers like Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley. Lynch added that she always gets what she wants and was promptly interrupted by Bianca Belair.

Bianca said Becky cheated at Crown Jewel and should be ashamed of herself. Belair claimed that Becky hasn’t faced adversity and said that her recent victories have earned her a rematch for the title. Bianca said she was the new face of RAW and Becky responded by showing a photo of a disappointed Belair at Crown Jewel. Becky noted that was a face of a loser, not the face of RAW.

Belair vowed to smack the goofy look off of Becky’s face and show the world who she really is. Bianca added that Lynch is just some catchphrases and a forced smile, and that she is nothing without the title. Belair wanted the title match right now but Becky told her to get to the back of the line. Bianca caught Lynch with a punch and followed it up with a Spinebuster. The RAW Women’s Champion rolled out of the ring but Bianca followed her.

Bianca sent Becky flying over the announce table and beat her down some more. Lynch grabbed a kendo stick and swung but Bianca blocked it. Bianca ripped the kendo stick away and hit Becky with it several times. Lynch tried to escape but Bianca lifted her up for the KOD. Lynch bashed Bianca in the throat and retreated. Lynch said Bianca has the match but just not tonight. It was later announced that Becky will defend the RAW Women’s Championship against Bianca Belair next week on RAW.

Damian Priest def. T-Bar

T-Bar faced United States Champion Damian Priest in a Championship Contender’s match. The action started off back and forth. T-Bar sent Priest to the corner but the champion connected with a boot to the face for a two count. T-Bar took control and connected with a slam. T-Bar followed it up with a Moonsault off the top rope for a near fall.

Priest battled back and hit the Broken Arrow. Damian sent T-Bar out of the ring with a Clothesline and followed him out there. T-Bar launched a computer chair at Priest to end the match in a DQ. After the match, Damian Priest went after T-Bar and planted him with the Reckoning.

Damian Priest debuted a new entrance and you can check that out in the video below.

Carmella def. Liv Morgan

Carmella squared off with Liv Morgan tonight on RAW. Carmella beat Liv down to start off the action and sent her to the corner. Liv hit an Enziguri and then a running knee to the face for a near fall. The action spilled out of the ring and Carmella was in control. Carmella taunted Liv in front of the announcers desk and Corey Graves. Liv bounced Carmella’s head off the announce table and rolled her back into the ring. Carmella went for a roll-up but Morgan kicked out. Carmella then connected with the X-Factor for the pinfall victory.

Bearcat Lee Picked Up A Win

Keith “Bearcat” Lee faced Cedric Alexander tonight. Shelton Benjamin was ringside for the match. Bearcat pounced Cedric out of the ring to begin the action. Alexander took his sweet time getting back into the ring and booted Bearcat in the leg. Bearcat no sold it and leveled Alexander with a Clothesline. Bearcat followed it up with the Big Bang Catastrophe for the pinfall victory. After the match, Shelton Benjamin made it seem like he was going to fight Bearcat but ultimately retreated.

Austin Theory def. Dominik

Dominik Mysterio faced Austin Theory on this week’s show. Before the match, Rey and Dominik were talking backstage. Theory showed up and wanted to take a selfie with Dominik in the ring. Dominik accepted the match and Rey offered to be in his son’s corner. Dominik said he wanted to handle this by himself and noted that Rey has a lot going on tonight.

Austin dominated early and leveled Dominik with a Dropkick. Dominik hit a Dropkick off his own but Theory quickly responded with a Backbreaker for a near fall. Dominik countered a Suplex into a roll-up for a two count and followed it up with a Bulldog. Theory battled back and hit ATL for the pinfall victory. After the match, Theory took a selfie with a defeated Dominik.

RK-Bro Retained The Tag Titles

RK-Bro defended the RAW Tag Team Championships against Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler. Orton and Roode started off the action and locked up in the middle of the ring. Roode hit some chops to the chest but Orton poked him in the eye. Orton went for the RKO but Roode blocked it. Riddle tagged in and hit a Senton. Roode rolled out of the ring as RAW went to a break.

When RAW returned, Ziggler got Orton in a Crossface in the middle of the ring. Orton broke free but the Dirty Dawgs kept The Viper isolated in the corner. Riddle eventually got the tag and hit Ziggler with the Ripcord Knee and the Exploder Suplex. Roode broke up the cover but Orton caught him with an RKO. Riddle rolled up Ziggler for the win and RK-Bro retained the RAW Tag Team Championships.

Seth Rollins Earned A Shot At The WWE Championship

Kevin Owens, Finn Balor, Rey Mysterio, and Seth Rollins battled in a Fatal 4-Way #1 Contender’s Ladder Match. The winner of the match will face Big E for the WWE Championship at a future date. Owens and Balor battled in the ring. Kevin Powerbombed Balor on top of a ladder and then delivered a Superkick to Seth’s face. Rollins fell on top of the ladder and Owens made his way to the top rope. Owens went for a Senton but Rollins got out of the way at the last moment. Kevin crashed on top of the ladder and yelled in pain as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Rollins was bashing everyone with a ladder in the ring. Rollins posed with the ladder and shouted that he shouldn’t even have to be in this match to get a title shot. Balor capitalized on Rollins taking his eye off the prize and tripped him up. Balor hit a Double Stomp and then delivered a Back Body Drop to Owens that sent him on top of Rollins.

Finn set up the ladder in the middle of the ring as the WWE Champion Big E watched backstage. Balor and Rey traded punches on the top of the ladder but Owens shoved it over. Owens sent Finn out of the ring with a release German Suplex and then slammed Rey to the canvas. Owens started climbing but Rollins brought him down with a Buckle Bomb. Kevin bounced off the turnbuckle and hit Seth with a Superkick before falling to the corner.

Owens crawled towards the ladder and began climbing once again. Owens grabbed for the contract but Rey dragged him down from behind. Kevin bashed Rey into the ladder and threw him into the barricade outside the ring. Owens hit Balor and Rey with the ladder before bashing Rollins in the midsection.

Kevin took a look around as the crowd got behind him. Owens grabbed a table and set it up outside the ring. Balor attacked Owens but Rollins took them both out with a Suicide Dive. Back in the ring, Owens went for a Pop-Up Powerbomb but Rey blocked it. Rey went for the 619 but Rollins tripped him up. Mysterio threw Seth out of the ring and then hit Owens with a 619. Mysterio hit a Senton with the ladder on Owens outside the ring as RAW went to a break.

Rey was climbing the ladder but Rollins knocked it over when RAW returned. Seth set up the ladder against the turnbuckle and booted Rey out of the ring. Rollins whipped Balor into the ladder but Finn responded with a Slingblade. Owens hit Balor with a Superkick but Balor shrugged it off. Finn Dropkicked Rollins into the ladder but turned around into a Senton from Rey. Owens then slammed Mysterio face first on the mat and all four superstars were down.

Seth grabbed the gigantic ladder outside the ring but Balor attacked him. Finn sent him into the barricade and set up the ladder from the announce table to the ring apron. Balor hit Seth with a Slingblade and then rushed to stop Rey from grabbing the contract. Balor hit Rey a couple times and reached but Owens dragged him down. Owens hit Balor with a Stunner but got sent out of the ring by Rey. Mysterio went for a Cannonball but Owens caught him and hit a Powerbomb through the table outside the ring.

Kevin started climbing towards the contract and got hi hands on it but Rollins brought him down. Seth went for a Powerbomb but Owens escaped. Owens then went for a Powerbomb but Seth countered into a Back Body Drop through the ladder. Balor started climbing but Rollins dragged him down. Seth hit Balor with the Stomp and made his way up the ladder. Rollins grabbed the contract and earned a shot at the WWE Championship.

After the match, WWE Champion Big E came to the entrance ramp and stared at Rollins. Seth offered for a handshake but then pulled his hand away. Rollins laughed and raised the contract as Big E stared him down. Seth was then interviewed backstage and shouted that Monday Night Rollins is back. Rollins claimed that he was going to be the next WWE Champion because he is Seth “freaking” Rollins. Seth cackled into the microphone to close the show.

Eric Bischoff Slams CM Punk: “He Should Be Embarrassed”

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Former WCW President Eric Bischoff has gone off on CM Punk.

Bischoff has made appearances on AEW TV in the past but he isn’t very chummy with Tony Khan at the moment. Bischoff has been none too pleased after Khan’s recent comments about not repeating the same mistakes WCW made. The former WCW boss has also laid into CM Punk for saying his return was bigger than the nWo formation.

Eric Bischoff Believes CM Punk Isn’t As Hot As He Thinks He Is

On his 83 Weeks podcast, Bischoff blasted CM Punk for telling fans to wait five years from now to see just how big his impact and others were long-term for AEW.

“This is what lit my fuse, I wasn’t going to comment on any of this until Punk came out and said ‘It’s going to take five years for the effect of this talent to really show up significantly in the ratings,’ are you f***ing kidding me? Does anybody other than an uninformed wrestling fan who loves CM Punk, is anybody going to believe that nonsense? It’s going to take five years?”

Bischoff continued, “Dude, you’re going to be getting AARP mail, because it happens soon as you start getting close to 50 they start pounding you with this s–t. I let that one go but then to come out a couple weeks later, after in my opinion he should be embarrassed, and for the ratings to take the dive the way they did after his debut, suggests to me that he ain’t as hot as he’s trying to make people think he is. If he was, the numbers would be much bigger.”

While Bischoff may have been ticked off by Punk’s nWo comments, he may also be taking jabs due to Punk’s known hatred for Hulk Hogan. Back in September, Punk told Barstool Sports that he still views Hogan as a “piece of sh*t.” Bischoff and Hogan have been good friends for decades.

Bischoff hasn’t been impressed by AEW’s head-to-head numbers with WWE. He has criticized Tony Khan for gloating about the key demo. He believes AEW has been spinning the narrative.

H/T to Wrestling Inc for the transcribed quotes

Mickie James Speaks On Significance Of Winning Knockouts Title

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Mickie James has commented on winning the Impact Wrestling Knockouts Championship for the fourth time.

James challenged Deonna Purrazzo for the gold at Bound For Glory. Mickie ended the 343-day reign of Purrazzo.

Mickie James Admits Knockouts Title Win Means More To Her Than She Thought It Would

Appearing on Busted Open Radio, Mickie James said that despite winning numerous world titles throughout her career, this one was special.

“It feels so good. Honestly, I didn’t think it would matter as much to me as it did in a sense because I have been a champion several times and I’ve had such a tenured career. We always go, ‘God, I don’t need the championship. I’ve done so much.’ There was nothing sweeter than winning the championship. I hadn’t won a championship in eight years. My last championship was the one that I lost in IMPACT against ODB. When I think about that I go, ‘Wow, that’s a long time.’ I’ve done a lot, but not really for me. It was a great moment, it was powerful, and it felt good.”

It’s a feel-good moment for Mickie, who was released by WWE back in April. Mickie aired out WWE for being unprofessional by sending her stuff in a trash bag. WWE acted quickly and fired the person responsible.

Since being released by WWE, Mickie played a key role in the creation of an all-women’s NWA PPV. Billy Corgan has credited her with making a lot of the cross-promotion deals a reality.

H/T to Fightful for the transcribed quotes

Kurt Angle Feels All WWE Writers Should Be Wrestling Fans

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Kurt Angle thinks WWE would benefit if all of its writers were longtime wrestling fans.

Angle knows a thing or two about working for WWE when the company was red hot. The former Olympic gold medalist was a main eventer in the Attitude era. He was a part of a memorable love triangle storyline involving Triple H and Stephanie McMahon.

Kurt Angle Reveals What Made Brian Gewirtz Special

Brian Gewirtz played a crucial role in the execution of the love triangle. During an episode of The Kurt Angle Show, Angle said that Gewirtz made things seamless because he was always a wrestling fan.

“I think all the writers were involved but Brian was pretty much the lead writer. Brian had a lot of talent because he was a wrestling fan his whole entire life. He went to college at Syracuse University for journalism. He majored in journalism and he took those two passions and put them together and became the best writer in the business.”

The Case For All WWE Writers Being Fans

Angle went on to say that he agrees with the notion that longtime fans would make for better writers for the WWE product.

“I believe that. I don’t know if it’s true but I think it definitely helps. You would be a better writer for pro wrestling if you’re a wrestling fan than if you weren’t a fan. So, I think yes.”

Today, WWE hires a slew of writers from different backgrounds in television. Some have only dabbled into comedy, while others have flat out admitted they were never wrestling fans prior to being hired by the company.

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

Zelina Vega On What Vince McMahon Said To Her After Queen’s Crown Victory

Chris Stephens
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Zelina Vega is the winner of the first-ever Queen’s Crown tournament in WWE. She recently spoke with Sports Illustrated about what the win means to her and what Vince McMahon said to her after the tournament final.

“Vince walked up to me after the match in the back and said, ‘You walked in here queen, and now it’s official,’ ” Vega said. “I almost lost it.”

Vega won the match with a Code Red, which she says was a tribute to her cousin, Amazing Red.

“It was me representing my family,” Vega said of using the move. “That’s my cousin’s move. Amazing Red deserves so much credit for what he’s done, so that was for him. That was for my dad, too. And that was for me, to solidify my place and show that I belong here.”

“Queen Zelina, it feels so incredible to say that,” Vega continued. “I’m bringing it to Spanish, too—La Reina, that’s me. It feels absolutely right to say that. This is me, and it is mine.”

“It’s been a hell of a journey, and I’m looking forward to continuing my story as Queen Zelina. Every time I step into the ring, I feel like I have to prove myself. I take this opportunity in WWE very seriously. This is my time, and it starts now.”

Zelina Vega In WWE

It has certainly been an up-and-down ride for Zelina Vega in WWE. She began her career in 2010 and had a run with TNA from 2011-13 (under the name Rosita). After multiple appearances with WWE in the coming years, she eventually signed a contract with the promotion and reported to the WWE Performance Center in 2017. She was paired with Andrade as a manager and would be called up to the main roster in 2018.

In 2020, Vega was released from the promotion under controversial circumstances. She was vocally opposed to WWE’s ban on talent earning revenue from 3rd parties such as Twitch. Vega would return to the promotion in July of 2021 after 8 months away, however. She would then lose her first 8 matches back with the promotion. Vega has since won 4 straight, however. She defeated Liv Morgan on the 9/24 Smackdown before winning 3 straight in the Queen’s Crown tournament against Toni Storm, Carmella, and Doudrop.

Former Impact & ROH Star Jimmy Rave Has Both Legs Amputated

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Jimmy Rave has shared some more unfortunate news.

Back in Nov. 2020, the former Impact & ROH veteran announced his retirement due to having his arm amputated. An infection was to blame and by the time Jimmy saw a doctor, nothing else could be done.

Jimmy Rave has now taken to his Twitter account to announce that an MRSA infection in both his legs has forced them to be amputated.

“Apparently it’s time for me to come clean. This past June I began having trouble walking & went to my surgeon. He determined I had MRSA in both legs & they needed to be amputated immediately. Promoters can tell you along with my peers, I’ve had a history w/this and would cancel.”

“Shows often due to this condition. I don’t know where rumors started this was due to something else, but I hadnt been to shows for so long. So where did someone see me do something? *I* have ALWAYS been honest with my past. *I* went on podcast n interviews being super candid.

Rave added, “Pro Wrestling is all I ever loved. It sucks to think that the tribe I would have died for, would say untrue things about me. I’ve gone this whole time not disclosing my legs because of this embarrassment. Sorry I fell short of your expectations. I tried … I really did.”

He also revealed his medical expenses.

Those looking to help Jimmy Rave during this difficult time can donate to his GoFundMe page. As of this writing, $15,010 of the $20,000 goal has been met.

Number 10 Says He ‘Absolutely Hated’ Wearing A Mask On Debut

Anutosh Bajpai
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Preston ‘Number 10’ Vance can now instantly be recognized by his signature mask. Though according to the AEW star, he hated wearing it at first. The Dark Order member recently spoke to Dynamite Download. He talked about things such as being included in the AEW world title eliminator tournament and more.

The former WWE star discussed how he had never wrestled under a mask before joining AEW. Vance explained that this is why he hated wearing it in the promotion. He also claimed that he didn’t understand his character at first:

“When I got signed, I hated the mask, absolutely hated it. I didn’t understand the character, but I wasn’t going to say no, obviously. I didn’t understand. On the Indies, I never wore a mask; I wasn’t this dark creepy person. That’s just not me. I’m like, ‘What the hell am I doing?'”

Number 10 Says He Now Loves The Mask

Preston “Number 10” Vance
Preston “Number 10” Vance

Though things have changed significantly since then. Number 10 said it has become another element of his character and he now absolutely loves this part of his persona:

“Now, I absolutely love it. It’s just another element to your image. Now you’re not just a body guy. Whether you’re a heel or babyface, you’re either a real life super hero or a real life villain. It’s really cool.”

Preston Vance continued by mentioning how he loves fan art and lets fans create all his gear. He explained that it keeps people connected to his character.

The Dark Order star wrestled for companies such as MFPW, Evolve and WWE before his AEW signing. He made his first AEW appearance as a member of the faction during the May 5, 2020 episode of AEW Dark that can be seen below.

H/T to Fightful for the transcribed quotes

Cesaro Talks Dealing With Last-Minute Changes In WWE

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Cesaro enjoys the challenge of WWE’s pivot on the fly mentality.

For years, Cesaro has been a strong player on the WWE roster. While he isn’t exactly treated as a main eventer, he has had some moments in a headlining role. He defeated Seth Rollins at WrestleMania and challenged Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship earlier this year.

Cesaro has no complaints about his WWE run. Appearing on Into The Danger Zone with Chris Denker, the “Swiss Superman” said he’s never deterred when plans are changed at the last minute.

“It’s fun. It’s the driving force. I talk with Woods, the more chaos it is, the more exciting it gets. ‘How good am I?’ Time gets cut, this gets changed, that gets changed. There’s no net and that’s weirdly what makes it fun sometimes, but also that’s what makes me critical and dissect it and want to be better. It’s all about doing the best you can with what you’re given. There are so many things where people don’t know what goes into it and that’s not an excuse, that’s a fact, and people shouldn’t know and that’s the whole trick.”

Cesaro recently turned some heads on social media, teasing a potential showdown with Brock Lesnar. Lesnar has been “suspended indefinitely” in storyline. “The Beast” fell short in his WWE Universal Title match against Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel.

https://twitter.com/WWECesaro/status/1452053352800571398

H/T to Fightful for the transcribed quotes

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