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Kofi Kingston Talks How Big E Can ‘Exceed Expectations’ as Universal Champion

Jake Skudder
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WWE Superstar Kofi Kingston recently spoke to Sports Illustrated. The former WWE Champion and member of The New Day discussed a number of topics during the interview; including his former tag team partner Big E.

Big E is of course now a Superstar on the SmackDown brand. Whilst Kofi appears to be back in the WWE Title picture; he said that he and Xavier Woods are just waiting for WWE to put Big E in the Universal Championship conversation.

“If E gets thrust into that role, going toe-to-toe with the universal champion, if that happens, [Xavier] Woods and me are going to lose our minds,” Kingston began, speaking to SI.

Kofi Kingston on Big E

“I’m not big on looking too far ahead, but if that were to happen, E will exceed every expectation” Kingston continued, praising the man who was Intercontinental Champion up until WrestleMania 37.

“He can talk, can make you laugh, he can gyrate his hips and he can beat you up” Kingston continued, praising his New Day brother. “I’m so happy to see his success with the Intercontinental championship, being able to continue the legacy of the workhorse title.”

“His way with words is unmatched, and his ability to connect with the crowd is very special. E is ready to be at the top of this industry” Kofi Kingston would conclude.

Scorpio Sky Says ‘Someone In WWE’ Asked Him Not To Hurt Sting

Jake Skudder
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AEW star Scorpio Sky recently appeared on the Sunday Night’s Main Event podcast. Sky discussed a number of topics on the show, including his Double or Nothing PPV match.

Scorpio Sky will be teaming up with Ethan Page to take on Darby Allin and ‘The Icon’ Sting at the event in a tag team match. This match will Sting’s first in-ring bout as part of the All Elite roster.

“Everyone in my generation grew up watching Sting,” Sky began on the podcast, discussing his match including the WCW legend. “I had a buddy of mine text me, he actually works for the other company (WWE), and he’s like, ‘Bro, Sting was my favorite wrestler growing up, don’t hurt him.’”

“I just laughed about that” Scorpio Sky continued, referring to the talk surrounding the previously retired Sting. “And you know, Sting was one of my favorite wrestlers growing up too. He can still go he still has that magic, when he all he has to do is walk out and there’s just something special about him.”

Scorpio Sky on Sting

Sting of course had to retire originally following a match against Seth Rollins at Night of Champions 2015. The Icon took two Bucklebomb moves that would essentially end his career, until he was confirmed as an AEW star back in December 2020.

“He has that IT factor. And he brings a lot to the table still even this late in his career” Sky noted, praising The Icon. “Again, I’m honored to be a part of it, and I think it’s gonna be a great match.”

“I have no hesitations about it” Sky revealed, talking about the match. “I think he is a professional. He’s an intelligent person and he wouldn’t be stepping into the ring if he wasn’t ready.”

“If he wasn’t medically cleared, emotionally cleared, mentally ready, I think he wouldn’t put himself in that position” Sky concluded.

Eddie Edwards Thanks Fans Following Surgery

Alex Laybourne
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Following surgery for appendicitis, IMPACT wrestling star Eddie Edwards took to social media to update and thank fans. Edwards stayed in the hospital in Nashville for a few days, following his surgery on May 18th. However, he is now back home in Boston.

“Finally back home after an extended stay in Nashville,” Edwards tweeted. “Yah I’m an appendix short but I’m good! Thank you to all who reached out. It always amazes me how supportive this industry can be. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again the Impact Wrestling locker room is a family. THANK YOU!”

Eddie appeared on the recent Under Siege card, teaming with former IMPACT tag team champions FinJuice. At that event, Edwards pinned Karl Anderson to give his team victory over the Good Brothers and Kenny Omega.

With many people speculating that IMPACT were preparing for an Edwards vs Omega feud, any plans now need to be shelved. Omega is set to defend his IMPACT title against Moose at the Against All Odds PPV.

There is no word right now on Eddie Edwards returning to action. In the past, wrestlers recovering from appendicitis surgery have taken up to three months to get back in the ring.  

Eddie Edwards is an IMPACT wrestling legend. Having held the IMPACT belt on two separate occasions and will surely be eager to add a third.

Whether it is against Kenny Omega, Moose, or anybody else on the IMPACT roster, Eddie Edwards will be ready for them.

Drake Wuertz Announces In-Ring Return Following WWE Release

Alex Laybourne
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Following his recent release by WWE, Drake Wuertz announced that he is returning to the ring as an active competitor.

Drake Wuertz was an active star in the indies. He transitioned to a refereeing role following signing with WWE in 2013.

In a social media post, Drake Wuertz announced that he was returning to his ‘Younger’ days before confirming the date for his return.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CPQ8jllJMRc/

Younger was recently released from his WWE contract, following a series of incidents involving his personal views. Recently these had been interfering with this WWE responsibilities. Wuertz will return at a charity event that echoes his own personal beliefs. The event will also feature a meet and greet with former WWE and International superstars Matt Morgan and Low-Ki!

A devout Christian and conservative, Drake Wuertz fell out of favour in WWE, despite being the head referee in NXT. Reports since his release say that many wrestlers were starting to refuse to wrestle in matches under his control.

Drake Wuertz has been out of the ring for almost 8 years. It remains to be seen if this return or a one-off event. If a full-time return is part of the plan, Wuertz may find himself struggling to get a regular spot at any of the larger promotions. His reputation and often confrontational views may limit his opportunities both as a wrestler and a performer.

Ethan Page Announces He is Going to be a Father

Alex Laybourne
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AEW star Ethan Page recently took to social media to announce his biggest news of the year. It has nothing to do with his upcoming tag match against Darby Allin and Sting. Rather, the 31-year-old announced to the world that he and his wife are expecting their second child.

Page was also quick to update his tweet after being lambasted by his mother.

Ethan Page will need to direct his attention back to the ring now. He and Scorpio Sky face a stern test at AEW Double or Nothing, squaring off against Sting and Darby Allin.

The fight represents Sting’s first in-ring match in six years. Page and Sky have gone to great lengths to try and shelve both Sting and Allin in recent weeks. When they finally face off at Double or Nothing, it promises to be as physical a match as any on the card.

Page and Sky have formed an impressive team in recent weeks. You have to expect they will turn their attention to the titles but the current run of feuds end.

Ethan Page spent most of his career on the Indie scene, followed by a run in IMPACT, where he was a two-time tag team champion with Josh Alexander. With the AEW roster boasting as many great names as it does, a run as a tag team offers both Page and Sky a great opportunity.

That said, Ethan Page is a talented wrestler, as well as a blackbelt in both karate and taekwondo. He possesses all the skills needed to be a singles champion also.

Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley Confirmed to Fight at Hell in a Cell

Alex Laybourne
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Hell in a Cell is coming earlier this year. Brought forward from its usual October date, the cells is experiencing a summer showing in 2021. Last night on RAW, the first match was announced for hard hitting PPV.

In picking up a win over Asuka, Charlotte Flair cemented her place inside the call. Squaring off against Rhea Ripley for the RAW Women’s Championship, Flair is trying to win her 13th championship in WWE.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CPSFbPmN6t4/

While at the time of writing it has not been confirmed if the fight will actually take place in the Hell in a Cell structure, you have to image it will. Charlotte Flair fought in the first ever women’s cell fight in 2016. Rhea Ripley however has endured two separate War Games matches.

Both women are used to physical matches, and this, the first singles match between them promises to be a banger.

For Charlotte Flair, it represents the end of a lengthy road for the superstar, who last held a singles title eighteen months ago. The last time Flair held the RAW women’s championship was in early 2017.

Following a short reign as tag team champion, Charlotte wants to get back to being the queen of WWE.

She faces a tough test in Rhea Ripley. The 24-year-old Australian is a tough competitor, who has proven herself time and time again.

Whether fighting inside Hell in a Cell or not, this pairing has everything it takes to be the main event. Expect to see a match that will have people talking for years to come.

WWE RAW Results (5/24): Women’s Tag Title Match, Beat The Clock Challenge

Robert Lentini
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WWE Raw aired live from the ThunderDome in Tampa, Florida. Natalya and Tamina put the Women’s Tag Team Championships on the line against Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax tonight. It was also announced that Rhea Ripley will defend her RAW Women’s Championship against Charlotte Flair at WWE Hell in a Cell.

RAW Results (5/24)

  1. Drew McIntyre vs. Kofi Kingston ended in a no contest
  2. Nikki Cross def. Rhea Ripley in a Beat the Clock Challenge
  3. Charlotte Flair def. Asuka
  4. Cedric Alexander def. Shelton Benjamin
  5. Riddle def. Xavier Woods
  6. Jaxson Ryker def. AJ Styles
  7. Sheamus def. Humberto Carrillo
  8. Natalya & Tamina def. Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler to retain the Women’s Tag Team Championships

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Lashley & MVP Interfered In The #1 Contender’s Match

MVP was in the ring to begin this week’s show and introduced WWE Champion Bobby Lashley. The WWE Champion came to the ring with several models who booed footage of Lashley losing to Kofi Kingston in last week’s main event.

MVP said there was a dark cloud hanging over them and that was Drew McIntyre. He added that they thought they have already moved on from him after beating him at WrestleMania and at WrestleMania Backlash. McIntyre interrupted again and made his way to the entrance ramp.

McIntyre stated that he wanted to get back the WWE Championship and claimed he would have defeated Lashley at WrestleMania if it weren’t for MVP’s distraction. McIntyre suggested that Bobby should want another match so he can prove once and for all that he is the number one superstar on the RAW brand.

New Day joined the party and Kingston bragged about pinning Lashley last week. Kingston said that he and the WWE Universe want Drew to step aside because he beat Lashley and McIntyre hasn’t been able to do that for months. Adam Pearce showed up and announced that Drew McIntyre will face Kofi Kingston tonight. The winner of the match will face Lashley for the WWE Championship at Hell in a Cell. MVP loved the idea and said he was bringing the models to the VIP Lounge to enjoy the match.

The action started off back and forth as Lashley, MVP, and the models watched on. Kingston went for a Crossbody but McIntyre countered into a Powerslam. Kofi connected with a Splash and went for the cover but Drew was able to kick out at two.

Kofi sent Drew out of the ring and leaped off the steal steps but McIntyre caught him. McIntyre connected with a reverse Alabama Slam that sent Kingston’s face into the apron as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, McIntyre was still in control and planted Kingston with a Suplex. McIntyre followed it up with another vertical Suplex and held Kingston up for a long time for a near fall. McIntyre went for a Superplex but Kingston was able to block it. Kingston went for another Crossbody but McIntyre countered into an awesome Michinoku Driver for a near fall.

Kofi and McIntyre traded punches in the middle of the ring. McIntyre connected with a Spinebuster and followed it up with a Powerbomb but Kofi wouldn’t stay down. Kingston sent Drew into the ring post and followed it up with a stomp for a two count. Kofi hit a Splash that sent both superstars onto Lashley outside the ring.

Back in the ring, Kingston hit SOS and went for the cover but McIntyre was able to power out at the last moment. Lashley and MVP then interfered in the match and attacked McIntyre and Kingston. Kingston hit Lashley with Trouble in Paradise and the WWE Champion then stumbled into a Claymore from McIntyre. Lashley and MVP retreated and the match ended in a no contest.

Adam Pearce approached MVP and Lashley later in the show. Pearce said that McIntyre will face Kofi Kingston again next week and that MVP & Lashley will be suspended for 90 days if they interfere.

Nikki Cross Won The Beat The Clock Challenge

Rhea Ripley faced Nikki Cross in a Beat the Clock Challenge tonight. The timer was set at two minutes. Nikki controlled the action early and connected with a Jawbreaker. Nikki followed it up with a Crossbody off the top turnbuckle and went for the cover but the RAW Women’s Champion kicked out at two.

Ripley took control and beat Nikki down in the corner but the timer was at a few seconds left. Ripley continued to stomp on Cross and the timer ran out. Cross rolled out of the ring and celebrated. After the match, Charlotte Flair made her way down the entrance ramp for her match against Asuka. Flair laughed at Rhea Ripley as RAW went to a break.

Charlotte def. Asuka

Charlotte Flair battled Asuka tonight on RAW. Charlotte got Asuka in a head scissors but the Empress of Tomorrow broke free and bounced Charlotte’s face off the turnbuckle. Asuka hit a Hip Attack and went for another one but Charlotte responded with a few chops.

Flair applied an Ankle Lock but Asuka escaped with a kick to the midsection. Asuka sent Flair out of the ring and followed her out there. Charlotte slammed Asuka into the steel steps as RAW went to a break.

When RAW returned, Flair was still in control and was focusing her attack on Asuka’s knee. Charlotte locked in a Boston Crab in the center of the ring but Asuka fought through the pain and was able to counter into a roll-up for a near fall.

Charlotte quickly applied an Armbar but Asuka reached the ropes to break it up. Asuka went for another Hip Attack but Flair countered into a Kneebreaker. Flair went for a Moonsault but Asuka got out of the way and then hit a German Suplex as RAW went to another commercial break.

Flair unloaded some more chops when RAW returned from a break. Asuka went for the Asuka Lock but couldn’t get it fully locked in. Charlotte broke free and hit a Backbreaker. Asuka rolled out of the way of the Moonsault again but this time Flair was ready and connected with a standing Moonsault for a two count. Asuka applied the Asuka Lock but Charlotte countered into a cover for the victory.

Cedric Alexander def. Shelton Benjamin

Cedric Alexander faced Shelton Benjamin again tonight. Before the match Cedric Alexander said they were kicked out of the Hurt Business because Shelton Benjamin is washed up. Cedric vowed to win the match tonight and claimed that he is going to send Shelton home for good.

Shelton controlled the match early and knocked Cedric out of the ring. Back in the ring, Alexander battled back and connected with a Frankensteiner off the top rope for a two count. Benjamin connected with a German Suplex and went for Chaos Theory but Alexander poked him him in the eye. Cedric followed it up with the Neuralyzer for the pinfall victory.

Riddle Hit An RKO Out Of Nowhere

Riddle faced Xavier Woods tonight on RAW. Riddle spent the beginning of the match trying to bring Woods to the mat but Xavier kept escaping. Riddle hit a Gutwrench slam but Woods battled back with a big Suplex for a two count. Woods and Riddle traded shots in the middle of the ring and wound up knocking each other down with Clotheslines as the same time. Woods hit a Death Valley Driver on the apron and both superstars fell to the floor outside the ring as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Riddle connected with an Exploder Suplex and went for a Broton but Woods got his knees up. Xavier hit a Dropkick off the 2nd turnbuckle for a two count. Riddle connected with the Ripcord Knee and went for the Bro Derek but Woods escaped.

Xavier got Riddle in the Tree of Woe and delivered a Dropkick to the face. Riddle planted Woods with a massive German Suplex and went for the cover but Xavier was able to kick out at two. Riddle went for the Bro Derek but Woods able to block it again. Riddle then hit an RKO out of nowhere for the pinfall victory.

Jaxson Ryker def. AJ Styles

AJ Styles faced Jaxson Ryker this week on RAW. AJ leveled Jaxson with a Dropkick to start off the action. Ryker connected with some punches and then a Suplex for a near fall. Ryker applied a Bear Hug but AJ was able to escape. Styles hit another Dropkick that sent Ryker out of the ring. Elias attacked Styles from behind and then hid in the timekeeper’s area so the referee wouldn’t see him. Ryker capitalized and covered AJ for the victory.

After the match, Omos chased Elias and Ryker down on the entrance ramp. Omos launched Elias into the screens and then helped AJ Styles up to end the segment.

Ricochet Attacked Sheamus

Sheamus squared off against Humberto Carrillo tonight. Sheamus dominated early and threw Humberto out of the ring. Carrillo got back in the ring but Sheamus beat him down. Humberto tried to get back up again but Sheamus knocked him back to the canvas with a shoulder tackle.

Humberto caught Sheamus with a boot to the face and then a Dropkick that sent the Celtic Warrior to the outside. Carrillo followed it up with a Suicide Dive that knocked Sheamus into the announce table. Back in the ring, Carrillo hit an Elbow Drop off the top rope and went for the cover but Sheamus somehow was able to kick out at two. Sheamus then covered Carrillo and used his tights for leverage but the referee didn’t catch it.

After the match, Sheamus attacked Humberto and stomped on him in the corner. Ricochet made the save and connected with a Moonsault followed up by a 450 Splash.

Shayna Challenged Reginald To A Match

Natalya and Tamina defended the Women’s Tag Team Championships against former champs Nia Jax & Tamina in this week’s main event. Before the match, Nia, Shayna, and Reginald were interviewed backstage. Nia said Reginald is having nightmares from the explosion and Shayna didn’t care. Baszler wanted to prove that they were unstoppable by going into the match without Reginald. Reginald insisted that he was only there to help but Shayna warned him that she will give him a real reason for nightmares if he is ringside.

Reginald wound up coming down to the ringside area in the early part of the match and Natalya took control with a German Suplex to Baszler as RAW went to a commercial break. When RAW returned, Baszler was in control and had Natalya in a submission hold in the middle of the ring.

Tamina and Jax tagged in and traded punches. Nia sent Tamina to the corner and took turns beating her down with Shayna Baszler. Tamina battled back with a Powerslam and tagged in Natalya. Natalya hit Shayna with a Superkick and went for the cover but Nia broke it up.

Jax sent Tamina over the barricade outside the ring as Shayna hit Natalya with a Clothesline. Natalya went for the Sharpshooter but Reginald hopped on the apron for a distraction. Shayna countered into a roll-up but the referee was busy dealing with Reginald. Shayna got pissed off and started arguing with Reginald. Shayna told Reginald to leave and flames/pyro went off as Reginald was on the entrance ramp. Everyone was stunned and Natalya capitalized with a roll-up for the win. Natalya and Tamina are still the Women’s Tag Team Champions.

After the match, Shayna called Reginald a SOB and said she was sick of him getting involved in her matches. Baszler then challenged Reginald to a match next week to end this week’s show.

Keith Lee Shares New Message: “Give Me Just a Little More time”

Andrew Ravens
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Keith Lee’s status in WWE has been up in the air for a few months now after disappearing from TV since February. In March, it was reported that he was not cleared to compete due to health reasons. 

Lee was active again on social media where he sent another message for his supporters:

“To the people offering uplifting words…. know that I appreciate you greatly. And worry not, when I say #iAmLimitless, I MEAN IT. I will try to find a way to explain everything in the most efficient way possible. Give me just a little more time.”

Lee also responded to a fan who said he can’t do moonsaults from the third rope. 

https://twitter.com/SirJoey13/status/1396853654456516611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Over the weekend, Lee responded to a fan on Twitter asking what was next for him and he wrote, “Good question. Unfortunately, only time will tell my friend.”

On Sunday, there was a rumor going around that he had been released by WWE, which is NOT true. Lee’s fiancée Mia Yim took to Twitter to comment on people speculating on Lee’s status. 

The latest thing to be reported about Lee was in February as it was noted he underwent some testing, but there’s been no word on what came of those tests. However, it was said that Lee was actively trying to get cleared for a return. 

Lee did appear on the Watch Along livestream for the WWE NXT “Takeover: Stand and Deliver” Night Two show during WrestleMania 37 Week.

Finn Balor Thinks There Is Still Life Left In His Demon Character

Andrew Ravens
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Fans are still wanting Finn Balor to bring back his Demon character on WWE NXT TV. 

Balor started painting himself for big matches in Japan and the independent scene. This was done for him to have different personas and he carried it over to WWE when he signed with the company. 

He used the character for some big matches, but hasn’t used it since working a match at WWE Super ShowDown 2019.

Balor discussed about the persona while speaking with Ryan Satin on Out of Character. This is where he recalled talking with Triple H about it and how “The Game” wanted to build a backstory as to why he transforms from himself to the character. 

“That’s when we developed the dark side of the Balor character and Finn being the good side of the character. It was an evolution and I’m not really sure, looking back, if that’s how I wanted it to be handled or if it got too far from where it was or if it made it better, I don’t really know. In ten years’ time, looking back, I might go ‘we did it right’ or ‘we messed it up,’ I don’t know yet. There’s still some life left in the Demon character, but right now I’m happy being the Prince and I feel like this is my most true self in my WWE tenure.”

Balor is set to challenge Karrion Kross for the NXT Championship on Tuesday’s episode of NXT, which is a rematch from NXT TakeOver: Stand and Deliver where Karrion beat Balor for the strap. 

Velveteen Dream Issues Statement On WWE Release & Allegations

Michael Reichlin
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Former WWE Superstar Velveteen Dream (Patrick Clark) has issued a lengthy statement about his release from the company. He also defends himself against the sexual misconduct allegations that he feels derailed his wrestling career.

Velveteen Dream wrote on Instagram, “The allegations from April 20, 2020 have effectively derailed any upward momentum I had professionally. And has ultimately resulted in my termination with WWE. My name is Patrick Clark, not the Velveteen Dream. Velveteen Dream is a character that I have spent years developing and trying to bring to life. The success of the Dream character relied heavily on kayfabe, my ability to blur Patrick Clark from Tough Enough with this over the top personality.”

He says his character was conceptualized the day legendary pop music star Prince passed away on April 21, 2016. He says he knew “nothing” about Prince at this time, but recognized Prince’s image could be leveraged to produce a captivating wrestling gimmick.

“The character was conceptualized the day Prince passed, April 21, 2016. I knew nothing about him at that time, but my thinking was that I could use my interpretation of Prince to create an onscreen personality vastly different from who I am as a person. *Cue Velveteen Dream: A Sexually Ambiguous, Gender Fluid, Self Absorbed Diva. And as I learned more about Prince I began to tame certain aspects of the character. Aspects that I deemed way too over the top and inconsistent with who Prince was as a performer”

Velveteen Dream Addresses The Allegations

“The night of April 20, from my verified Instagram account I [posted] a story to my followers letting them know that my DMs had been open. I received a few different messages ranging from support, to heckling, and some inquiring about how to get started in pro wrestling. I responded to a few, but not all, and in their conversation Jaccob shared his interest in working as a wrestler one day and asked what steps would be required. I messaged a short list of things he should consider if he was serious: Physique and Promo to start, Physique, because as an independent contractor no-one is going to make you train and eat in a way that creates the aesthetic of a believable pro wrestler. And promo because our job is to sell drama, and you can’t rely on someone flipping channels to stop to watch a choreographed fight, you’re more likely to grab their attention looking into a camera with a strong impassioned 30 second monologue. I also inquired about which schools he was closest to in relation to wrestling training, his weight, and his height.

Jaccob explained how anxious he felt messaging me and asked me to verify it was really me. I did find it strange, because I have a blue check, but as a lifelong fan I remember meet and greets and the days I would message wrestlers hoping to be seem, so I chalked it up to his innocence and sent a voice message in my Velveteen Dream voice, as to keep kayfabe, The full voice message has me asking Jacob about his height, weight, where he trained, and what school he attended. Which Jaccob answered back with a voice message and I continued to answer his questions until I politely wrapped up the conversation. April 21 I woke up to notifications of tags of created screenshots and videos of a conversation I didn’t have with Jaccob. I immediately contacted WWE’s talent relations and social media departments as to begin an investigation. Even after the investigation, WWE released a statement maintaining my innocence. The part that hurt for me was having a personal picture that I’ve used in my personal life, on apps, being used to label me as a predator. I am in now way of the word a predator. This is the first and only time I’ve been accused of solicitation to anyone.

Until I was accused of grooming by Joshua Fuller, unlike Jaccob, I know Josh. I met Josh after my stint on Tough Enough in (2015) at a meet and greet. And we developed a friendship through a mutual trainer at GXW. Josh shared to Twitter screenshots of the first time we communicated through text (2016), and autographed picture from when we met, and an extremely contradictory story. Josh alleged that I made him feel uncomfortable but contradicts himself twice by saying I was never sexual towards him. For those willng to research Josh’s tweet accusing me: Josh’s messages are in blue and mine in grey. Josh claimed that he was a 16-year-old high school graduate and that he takes “yearly trips” with his friend to Orlando, FL.

I doubted that when he told me, yet I kept my replies diplomatic and professional. The reality of the situation is that I was very helpful and respectful to Josh. Josh lives with his grandparents in rural southern Maryland. Josh got a concussion (2017) and against my advice, insisted on wrestling. My worry came from Josh severaly injurying himself, specifically his brain. I suggested he take time off from training to see a doctor. He declined because he believed he could work through the concussion, and I cut all communication with him in 2018 because I didn’t want to be partially responsible had he worsened his injury. So to have him accuse me of predatory behavior because I chose not to help was spiteful.

Josh and Jaccob are 2 of MANY people that I’ve helped. Yet these are the only two who have found me to be malicious and predatory in how I go about helping others. What wasn’t shared at the time

  • Josh Fuller reached out to Jaccob over social media before Josh put out his own accusation. When this came out Josh Fuller temporarily deleted his Twitter account @joshfullerpw
  • Which is important because in all the social media confusion, Josh Fuller is the only one who suggested that an investigation had not been done and that he had not been contacted.
  • Jaccob deleted his social media after he was outed for being a member of an anti-black group chat.
  • There is a public forum, wwe lpsg stars where people are buying, selling and sharing explicit photos and videos of multiple wrestlers and no-one has done anything to have this site taken down.

All in all this entire experience defamed my character and ultimately accomplished what it sought out to do and that was to see me released. My hope is that over time people can put 2 and 2 together and realize that all the allegations surrounding me were baseless and untrue from jump. I felt strongly about not needing to defend myself on social media for a while now, but I understand the audience I work for and those who know me deserve clarity. I’m thankful for the opportunities afforded to me and the memories I have as a receipt. GOD HAS ALWAYS HAD ME AND HE ALWAYS WILL. DREAM IS OFFICIALLY OVER BUT Patrick Clark LIVES TO FIGHT ANOTHER DAY”

Credit to Liam Winnard of WrestleTalk for transcribing Velveteen Dream’s Statement

v dream statement1
v dreamstatement2

The Real Reason Edge Has Not Been Seen Since Wrestlemania

Alex Laybourne
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Edge has been off WWE television since competing in the main event of WrestleMania 37 against Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan. Some fans have feared Edge is sidelined with another injury, but luckily that is not the case. According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, Edge is taking a planned hiatus from WWE television.

It would make sense that WWE for WWE to treat Edge with care. After making his comeback from a career ending injury, Edge thrived being back in a WWE ring. However, a torn triceps kept him side-lined for over seven months.

Edge is not an athlete WWE need to use week in week out if they have no storyline for him. Since making his passionate return to Wrestling in 2020 and claiming victory in the Royal Rumble in 2021 Edge has proven he’s still got it.

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

With news that WWE is leaving the Thunderdome in July, keeping Edge off-air until live audiences return makes sense.

There is no word from WWE right now if there are any creative plans for Edge when he returns. However, fans will surely be expecting him to get back into the championship picture. Technically, he is still due a one-on-one match against Reigns for the Universal title.

Could Edge make his return by finally dethroning the head of the table? Before disappearing, Edge was teasing a heel turn, but after time off, bringing him back as a face seems most likely.

Jim Ross Recalls Discovering John Cena & Vince McMahon’s Initial Reaction

Alex Laybourne
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For many, Jim Ross is wrestling. His voice is synonymous with the sport. What many also don’t know is the scope of his influence behind the scenes, as a scout for new talent.

Talking in a recent interview with Sportskeeda, Jim Ross talked about his life in wrestling. Including talking about finding the one and only John Cena.

Love him or hate him, John Cena is a name almost as heavily linked to wrestling as Ross himself. However, you don’t become the face of a company overnight.

Discussing his firsts meeting with John Cena, JR said, “John was up in Southern California, working part-time in several jobs; moving company, truck driver, just a litany of things, while he was training with Rick Bassman in UPW in Southern California.”

cena prototype

It is quite ironic that Jim Ross was not even in So Cal to scout Cena, but rather, another wrestler, who Ross can’t even remember.

Talking to Cena, one conversation was all it took. Ross was sold upon hearing Cenas background. Cutting his trip short, Ross shot back to Connecticut.

“I remember I took the red-eye that night, LAX to New York City,” Ross explained. JR was excited to tell Vince McMahon about his find. However, Vince’s initial reaction is a head-scratcher.

“I think I saw a kid that will headline WrestleMania in five years or less.’ Vince said, ‘I think you need to go home and take a shower. You’re delusional.’”

The rest his history. John Cena carved himself a stellar career in the ring, and Jim Ross continued to his streak of finding the best talent around for WWE.

Rey and Dominik Mysterio Talk SmackDown Tag Team Title Win

Jake Skudder
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New SmackDown Tag Team Champions Rey and Dominik Mysterio recently appeared on ESPN’s SportsNation. The duo were on the show to discuss their SmackDown Tag Team Championship win at WrestleMania Backlash.

“I feel like I’m on top of the world right now,” Rey began when talking about winning the title with his son. “I don’t take anything away from all my accomplishments that I’ve gotten in the past. This is just on a different level.”

“The fact that I’ve been able to share the ring with Dominik. To be the first father and son tag team champions, it’s unbelievable, indescribable” Rey Mysterio added.

The Mysterio Family Talk Title Win

Dominik also praised his father and described what it was like sharing the ring with the luchador legend and winning the titles. “Honestly I’m just so honored to share the ring with him, every time I step in the ring,” Dominik said.

“What a blessing. Just to be able to come to work and do what I love, with my dad” the younger Mysterio concluded. “I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

As mentioned by WWE, Rey & Dominik became the first father/son team in WWE history to win Tag Team Championships. It’s not confirmed if the duo will remain Champions for the foreseeable future, or if WWE plans on having a quick title reign for the Mysterio family.

Renee Paquette Talks Negatives of Working for WWE

Jake Skudder
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Former WWE Backstage host and interviewer Renee Paquette recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio. Paquette discussed a number of topics during her time on the broadcast, including the negatives of her time in WWE.

“For me it’s not the wrestling,” Paquette began. “The wrestling side of wrestling I love. It’s the production side of things that can be a kick in the lady d*ck. Just being micromanaged.”

“I don’t like being micromanaged” Renee Paquette added. “I don’t like being under the magnifying glass as much as one is or can be in that world. You think you go through it once and ‘okay, I’m safe!’ and then like, another year later or so its ‘you’re back under the microscope again.’”

Renee Paquette on WWE Micro-Managing

Renee also alluded to the ‘one man audience’ idea of WWE, where talent are constantly trying to remain on the ‘good side’ of Vince McMahon and higher ups in general. “Trying to adapt to that and trying to be a people pleaser, while also staying true to yourself, can be a very fine line to walk” Paquette noted. “And it can be very exhausting.”

Paquette of course left WWE shortly after her husband, Jon Moxley. Renee now hosts Oral Sessions and has been extremely successful with her new podcast venture. On top of this, Paquette and Moxley are due to welcome their first child into the world soon, so having the freedom to not keep to a WWE schedule has clearly made a huge difference to Renee’s career.

Renee Paquette’s new cook book, Messy in the Kitchen, is now available at Amazon:

Dana Warrior Blasts “Smut & Filth” Dark Side of the Ring Ultimate Warrior Episode

Chris Stephens
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A&E and VICE TV are both airing new episodes of documentary series’ dedicated to wrestlers at the moment. This week, both docs-series will place a spotlight on the life and career of the Ultimate Warrior.

The A&E documentary episode aired Sunday night and WWE creative team member and husband to the late wrestler, Dana Warrior, took to Instagram to comment.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CPOpLr7DU92/

Dana was asked if she had any involvement in Dark Side of the Ring’s episode on her husband in the comments section of her Instagram post.

“Do you know about Dark Side doing a documentary on Warrior coming out Thursday? did you approve of this? please let us know” a follower asked her.

“I had no part in this project. Smut and filth does not rise to my note,” Dana Warrior responded.

Dana Warrior On Ultimate Warrior’s Daughters Making Him A Better Person

Many people have criticized the handling of Ultimate Warrior’s legacy by WWE due to past hateful comments he made throughout his life. Dana Warrior’s response to this has always been that having daughters made Warrior a better person. She says that they taught him not to hate in this way.

“I will not be disloyal to my husband’s memory or speak ill of a man who is not here to defend himself. I can, however, tell you his heart was changed by conversations with his two daughters. The true testament of the man behind the character is his ability to evolve. My husband did just that,” Dana Warrior said in a statement in 2017.

Chris Jericho Calls Kenny Omega The Best in the World, Omega Responds

Chris Stephens
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AEW broadcaster Jim Ross recently named Randy Orton as the best pro wrestler in the world. Ross acknowledged that some people would give that honor to Kenny Omega, but Orton is still his pick.

Chris Jericho gave his two cents on the matter on Monday. According to Jericho, Omega is the best wrestler in the world – and believes that ‘fact’ is impossible to argue.

“In my opinion, Kenny Omega is the best wrestler in the world today,” said Jericho. “Others may feel differently, but I’ve been in the ring w everybody currently working on top & there’s nobody close. That’s why Kenny’s AEW Champ-the most protected title in the biz. It’s Impossible to argue,” Jericho Tweeted.

Despite the high praise from Jericho, Omega does not seem impressed.

“Meh. I’d rather believe the bigot cuck, dimwit e-drones, and the guy that thinks I’m the WWE champion,” he Tweeted in response.

Chris Jericho vs Kenny Omega

The two Winnipeggers have met in singles action twice. The first time they met was at Wrestle Kingdom 12. Omega won the match which was for the IWGP United States Championship. The second time they met in singles action was at Double or Nothing 2019, when Jericho defeated Omega.

Omega and Jericho have met in tag-team action 5x. Jericho’s side has won 3 of those matches and Omega’s side has won twice. Their last match against each other was at Double or Nothing 2020 when Omega’s Elite stable defeated the Inner Circle in a Stadium Stampede match.

Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Kotaro Suzuki Tests Positive for COVID

Alex Laybourne
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As the wrestling business looks to get things back on the road, COVID outbreaks are still lurking backstage. Following several outbreaks at NJPW this month, it is now Pro Wrestling NOAH’s turn to face a rush of positive tests.

Taking to their Facebook page, Pro Wrestling Noah announced that wrestler Kotaro Suzuki had tested positive. In pulling him from their upcoming cards, the company also announced they were resting three other wrestlers. This is not believed to be due to positive tests, but rather a issue of proximity to Kotaro Suzuki.

Kai Fujimura, Yasutaka Yano, and YO-HEY also missed the recent NOAH show in Niigata,

Kotaro Suzuki is a well-travelled veteran, and at 42 is performing more as a freelancer throughout Japan. Wrestling exclusively for NOAH from 2001-2013, he has a close affinity with the company.

Kotaro Suzuki is a nine-time champion in Pro Wrestling Noah, as well as holding several tournament accolades. Suzuki is a great name for any wrestling card. Following a spell with All Japan Pro Wrestling, he has been acting as a freelancer since 2016.

Hopefully, Kotaro Suzuki will make a full recovery and find his way back into the ring quickly. The card for NOAH’s upcoming show on June 6th is set. Hopefully this means Suzuki will not miss too much ring time.

Kazuchika Okada Admits to Testing Positive for COVID

Alex Laybourne
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New Japan Pro Wrestling has been hit by several outbreaks of COVID within its ranks since it returned to action.

Until now they have not named any specific wrestlers who tested positive. However, acting on his own accord, NJPW legend Kazuchika Okada admitted to testing positive.

Okada was pulled from the Wrestling Dontaku card, with initial reports being it was due to close proximity to other positive wrestlers. However, according to sources at Tokyo Sport Kazuchika Okada initially tested negative but returned a positive result after developing a fever.

NJPW pulled Kazuchika Okada, along with several other wrestlers, from cards as of May 4th. While most are making their return on the current series, Okada is still absent.

Ending the rumours, Okada openly spoke about his positive results, and vowed to return bigger and better than ever.

“I’ve revived a lot and my taste has revived. I’d like to come back to you in a healthy way and play a hot game, so everyone. Please look forward to it, ” Kazuchika Okada told Tokyo Sport.

When talking about his time at home, Okada said his wife moved away for two weeks, leaving him to fend for himself. Admitting that he found an interesting way to keep himself occupied.

“I didn’t have the energy to practice,” Okada said when walking about this time off. To pass the time he openly admits developing an addiction to Korean television dramas.

One thing is for sure, once Kazuchika Okada finishes his current binge-watch, and is back to fighting shape, NJPW will be all the stronger for it.

Tay Conti Talks WWE Refusal to Grant Her a Release

Alex Laybourne
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The AEW women’s division has a lot of promising stars, but none are shining brighter right now than Tay Conti. The 25-year-old Brazilian wrestler has everything to be a dominant name in wrestling. Since joining the Dark Order her career has blossomed. The well-rounded fighter is working hard on perfecting her skills, and improvement can be seen from week to week.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CPBuN0pBn48/

She is a long way from the frustrated WWE figure who was begging for a release from her contract. Talking on a recent episode of the AEW Unrestricted Podcast, Tay Conti spoke at length about her time with WWE.

Recalling the multiple occasions that she requested a release, and the interesting answer she was given.

“I remember they told me, ‘No, you’re not gonna go to AEW. ‘We put a lot of money on you. You are star blah, blah, blah.’ I’m like, ‘Yes, you guys don’t use me here. So I gotta go somewhere,”

Tay found it an interesting excuse, especially as she had no intention of joining AEW at the time. “I had no plans because I had no contacts at all.”

After accepting her employer’s refusal to grant her a release, Tay Conti was resigned to finishing her two-year contract. Then, just as things seemed to have settled, COVID hit.

“Out of nowhere, they called me because of — I mean, not out of nowhere. Everybody knew was what was going on because of COVID, but I was not expecting the call since we were okay. They told me ‘we are finally letting you go’ not in a really good, I don’t how to explain it without being too mean, they’re not too nice.”

WWE’s loss is certainly AEWs gain, as they have a real star in the making in Tay Conti.

Darby Allin Admits to Changing in the Boiler Room

Alex Laybourne
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Former TNT champion Darby Allin cuts quite the figure in WWE. Aside from his partnership with Sting, it is easy to see why he draws so many parallels with the Hall of Famer.

In a recent interview, Darby spoke openly about how he likes to keep to himself, especially when he’s at Daily’s Place. Preferring his own company, and changing down in the boiler room. Escaping the maddening, gossip fuelled work of wrestling locker rooms.

Talking on the Wrestling Perspective Podcast, Darby Allin said that he found it tiring to be around the gossips and the showboating.

“You can’t find me backstage. We’ve been in Daily’s Place now for the last year and it sounds ridiculous, but I literally change in the boiler room by myself.” Darby shared. “I lock myself in there and I just come up with storylines all day and working on promos and working on everything that I do outside of the ring; all of the business deal and random stuff; clothing line.”

“I just feel way more productive not hearing people’s gossip about stupid ‘who slept with who’ and ‘who’s talking to who.’ I don’t have time for that. It pisses me off and I don’t — So I really just feel super more productive when I’m by myself. But when it’s time to go out there and put a match together or put a storyline together, I’ll be totally in your face like super collabing and just talking, but otherwise man I really like to be left alone.”

A known practitioner of the Straight Edge lifestyle, Darby Allin sounds like a serious professional. Whatever he does, it is certainly working for him. He has a very bright future within the AEW ranks.

Dolph Ziggler Reflects on That Punch from Hugh Jackman

Alex Laybourne
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Celebrity appearances in WWE are becoming a more common occurrence. One in particular lives on long in the memories of the WWE universe. In 2011, Hugh Jackman was a guest on RAW. Brought into a segment with Dolph Ziggler and Zack Ryder, Jackman had one job to do. Punch Ziggler in the face as hard as he could.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CO2pIhRrFjb/

The rest, is WWE history.

Speaking recently on the Out of Character podcast with Ryan Satin, Dolph Ziggler reflected on that moment.

“Backstage, he’s a sweetheart guy,” said Ziggler. “He was so nice, and he was a fan. … He was like, ‘How can we make this awesome?’ And again, that is rare.”

In the interest of putting on a good show, Dolph Ziggler made the decision that he wanted Jackman to punch him. Giving the Hollywood star very clear instructions not to half-ass the effort and punch him as hard as he could.

“I go, ‘Don’t worry, you can go by the jaw, I can take a pretty good punch.’ So right before we went out, I said one last time, I go, ‘Listen man, if you think you’re gonna halfway do it, [or] miss, let’s switch this right now. Because I need you to punch me in the face with my hands down.’ And he goes, ‘I promise you, I won’t let you down.’ And he cracked me in the face pretty damn hard, it was great.” Ziggler said, recalling the events.

The rest is history, with Dolph Ziggler continuing to claim that the shot fractured his jaw. Whether this was true is open for debate, but one thing is for sure, it created one of the most memorable moments in RAW history.

Backstage Notes On WWE’s Return To Road With 25 City Tour

Anutosh Bajpai
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WWE recently confirmed their return to touring with the announcement about a 25 city tour beginning with the July 16 episode of SmackDown. PWinsider provides some backstage update on the company’s decision and the site reveals that the talents were not given a heads up to the announcement.

Though the WWE stars were not completely in dark. They were told that plans for their return to road would be forthcoming and just didn’t know the exact details. The company kept the plans close to their vest not only to avoid the leaks but because of the possibility of plans changing at any moment due to the pandemic.

WWE has only confirmed three locations for their tour so far. The expectation is that most of the events, if not all, will take place in markets that have started relaxing COVID-19 protocols. The Southwest and Florida are two of the most likely areas for events and the site notes that Iowa and Pennsylvania have been discussed as potential locations as well.

There is no update on if the company will be bringing back any of their live event staff or those who were furloughed or let go would return in any capacity. One would think that the officials would keep a conservative approach until they are back to touring in a major capacity.

WWE will hit the road again after more than a year of being confined in a single space without a live audience beginning with the July 16 episode of SmackDown in Houston. It will be followed by the Money In The Bank PPV on July 18 from Fort Worth and July 19 Raw from Dallas.

Rey Mysterio On Daughter Aalyah Possibly Pursuing Career In Wrestling

Anutosh Bajpai
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Dominik Mysterio recently won his first title in WWE when he won the tag team championship with Rey Mysterio. These events naturally raise the question about Rey’s daughter Aalyah possibly joining the wrestling business in future as well.

During a recent interview with Talk Sport, the master of 619 talked about a number of things and also revealed what would be his reaction if his daughter also expresses the desire to join the wrestling business full time.

Mysterio first discussed Aalyah’s recent appearances on WWE TV. Rey then claimed that he would back her up if she decides to pursue a career in wrestling:

“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’.

I would! I would back her up 100 percent.” said Rey Mysterio, “She would still have to continue with her school because she wants to be a part of the medical field so she’s working really hard at that right now.”

Aalyah Mysterio made several WWE appearances when she was a kid and she also got involved in a recent feud between the Mysterio family and Seth Rollins.

WWE did a romantic angle between the 20-year-old and Murphy towards the end of 2020 but the company dropped it abruptly. Aalyah has not been seen on TV since.

Update On Chelsea Green’s Recovery Time Following Surgery

Chris Stephens
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Chelsea Green hasn’t performed in a wrestling match since the November 13th, 2020 edition of WWE Smackdown. She broke her wrist in the match and would not be seen on WWE television again before being released last month. Green also had surgery recently to replace a plate in her arm from a previous injury.

According to a report from Fightful, Green is only expected to miss about 6 weeks following the surgery. This would mean she will likely be cleared for when her 90-day no-compete clause with WWE expires on July 15th, 2021.

Where will fans see Chelsea Green next?

There is a lot of ongoing speculation as to where Green could end up next. She is a former Knockouts champion and had a great run in Impact as “The Hot Mess” Laurel Van Ness. Her fiancé, Matt Cardona, is also currently in Impact as well. Cardona is in a feud with former tag partner, friend, and podcast co-host, Brian Myers. It was reported this week in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that there have been talks between Impact and Green about her returning to the promotion.

Green recently took part in an interview with Metro UK and listed Playboy, being killed in a horror movie, and becoming a social media influencer as all being on her radar currently.

“Definitely, I wanna be killed in a horror movie. I’ve always wanted that, I always found it so hilarious where you see the girl running and they always trip and fall, and then they get killed,” Green said.

“When one door closes, so many more open. Sometimes you can’t see what those doors are gonna be,” she continued.

Adam Cole Eager to Work With Seth Rollins

Alex Laybourne
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Adam Cole has yet to make the move to the main roster. When he does, however, there is one many he is eager to face.  Seth Rollins. The pair have fought on many different occasions, across many different promotions through the years. However, Adam Cole is quick to recall their bout on Monday Night Raw a few years ago. Citing it as a legendary moment in his career.

Appearing on the recent 100th episode of WWE’S The Bump, Rollins and Cole came together to talk wrestling, that match, and possibilities for the future.

Both men are at the top of their game and leaders of their respective brands. A match between them is guaranteed to draw viewers.

“I know, myself, and Adam Cole are capable of so much more than what you saw that night. That was a little dip in the pool. We’ve got an entire ocean of potential awaiting us. I know if we run it once, twice, three, four, five times, we’ll blow the wrestling world out of the sky!” Rollins said talking about the chemistry he and Adam Cole share.

At the time, Adam Cole was building a following in NXT. Coming in with a huge reputation following his stint in New Japan among others. However, at the time, NXT was still very much viewed as a feeder brand.

“To me, I showed everybody that Adam Cole had arrived and that I could be a player not just on NXT, but on Raw or SmackDown. That match was massive for my career, huge!”

Could We See Adam Cole and Seth Rollins as a Tag Team?

As their discussions continued, the topic turned not only to future fights against one another but to possibly teamwork. Both men responded positively to the idea of working together down the road.

“I like that idea, too,” Adam Cole replied.

“That sounds great!” Seth Rollins stated. “I think it would be uncomfortable for the other teams that come and face us. They wouldn’t stand a chance. We’re two good-looking young men, and we’re talented. No one would stand a chance – the men or women. The chemistry is off the charts.”

One way or another, every professional wrestling fan is eager to see these two men work together more often. The question is finding the right storyline to make it work.

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