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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.

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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.

Enzo Amore Taken To Hospital After Getting Knocked Out At SWE Show

Chris Stephens
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Enzo Amore returned to the ring this weekend for a big SWE show in Texas. Unfortunately, fans in attendance are reporting that Enzo was knocked unconscious and stretchered off during the show.

According to fan reports, he took a DDT on the outside of the ring and was knocked out. He was taken away on a stretcher just before the show went to intermission.

No further updates on Enzo’s condition are available at this time. He did return to Twitter this morning, however, to pay homage to the anniversary of the tragic death of Owen Hart.

nZo, W. Morrissey, & SWE Fury

The SWE promotion out of Texas has been bringing in big names for shows as of late. In addition to nZo, W. Morrissey (FKA Big Cass), Melina, Teddy Long, Charlie Haas, the Boogeyman, Rodney Mack, Christi Jaynes, Ivelisse Velez, Rosemary, and Salina De La Renta were booked on this show. The event was a scheduled TV taping for the show “SWE Fury.”

Where can I watch SWE Fury?

Episodes of SWE Fury are posted every week to YouTube for free. The most recent episode of the promotion’s television show featuring Cazz XL in action is available in the player below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GyjjEDRe9w

Eric Bischoff Reveals Extent of NWO Creative Control over WCW

Alex Laybourne
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The subject of the level of control exerted by the NWO during their WCW reign has always been the subject of much speculation. Talking on a recent appearance on the Wrestleslam podcast, Eric Bischoff attempted to put those rumours to bed.

Talking openly and honestly, Bischoff admitted that there was a degree of creative control given to the trio, but it was not anywhere near as big of a deal as many make out.

“Hall and Nash didn’t have creative control,” Bischoff said. “To clarify, they did have language in their agreement that gave them meaningful consultation. Meaning they were guaranteed to have a conversation with me and it would have been a meaningful conversation, but a meaningful conversation and creative control or two different things, And they did not have creative control.”

This leaves only one member of the group with any degree of creative control. Hulk Hogan, the leader of the group and an icon of the sport. However, when talking about it, Eric Bischoff revealed exactly how frequently Hogan exerted his clause.

“Hulk Hogan had creative control and he only used it once.” Bischoff said, clearing the air on the subject.

Creative control is a subject of some discussion these days. Especially after leaked rumours of infighting within the executive ranks of AEW.

Eric Bischoff took the time to share his own thoughts on the matter, allaying any fears that people might have.

“But I don’t think the challenge that people are talking about really exists in AEW today.” Bischoff said, before adding As far as AEW goes, as far as I know, Tony Khan is the one that’s calling the shots,”

Revolution Pro Provides Update on Status of Will Ospreay

Jake Skudder
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As recently reported, Will Ospreay had to recently relinquish his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship due to injury. NJPW1972, New Japan’s English language website, revealed that the British star was suffering from neck related issues and therefore had to relinquish the title.

“On May 4’s night two of Wrestling Dontaku in Fukuoka, Will Ospreay sustained a neck injury” NJPW1972 wrote. “As a result, Ospreay will not be participating in the next series of events and will instead return to the UK for treatment and rehabilitation.”

In an update to the story, British based promotion Revolution Pro Wrestling have made a statement regarding Ospreay’s status. Ospreay is currently the Rev Pro British Heavyweight Champion; it was believed that he would also be relinquishing the title in his home country’s promotion.

Will Ospreay Returning To The UK

“Too early to say. Our situation is very different to NJ” was the initial response from Rev Pro regarding the status of Ospreay. “No immediate changes need to be made as we hadn’t factored any title defences for first shows back. Time will tell. But we’ve spoken to Will & he will likely address the situation in person at one of our first shows back.”

It is believed that Will Ospreay is already, will be shortly, back in the United Kingdom to undergo treatment for his neck injuries.

Darby Allin Talks Losing TNT Championship To Miro

Jake Skudder
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AEW star and former TNT Champion Darby Allin recently appeared on the Wrestling Perspective podcast. The former professional skateboarder talked about a number of topics during his time on the show, including his Championship loss to Miro on a recent episode of AEW Dynamite.

Before the loss, Darby Allin had been a major ratings success for AEW in the main event of shows. Having a multiple week run of main event matches, Allin would consistently draw well and prove to be a asset across multiple demographics.

Darby Allin Talks TNT Title Loss

“I was hyped to go out when I did” Darby Allin began, talking about his Championship loss to the former WWE Superstar Miro on AEW programming. “Because I was having those string of main events and we were drawing good numbers when I was main eventing. I didn’t want to overstay my welcome.”

“’Like, ‘What the f*uck, when’s this guy gonna lose?’ I didn’t want to be that guy” Allin continued, “I don’t have no ego when it comes to this. I was like, ‘Dude, I’m ready to roll out when I’m on top with it,’ so it was good, I really liked it.”

The former TNT Champion is currently scheduled to team with Sting to take on Scorpio Sky and Ethan Page at the Double or Nothing 2021 PPV event at the end of the month.

PROGRESS Chapter 111 Results: New Women’s Champion Crowned

Jake Skudder
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PROGRESS Wrestling held their latest Chapter event this weekend on WWE Network, Peacock and demandPROGRESS. The main event of the show saw Kanji and Gisele Shaw collide to see who would become the new PROGRESS Women’s Champion.

The bout between Kanji and Shaw was the third match in their Best of 3 Series. The Best of 3 has been taking place over the past consecutive Chapter events, with Kanji taking the first bout and Gisele Shaw taking the second.

Kanji would overcome Shaw to become the new PROGRESS Women’s Champion, having only debuted in the company just a few short months ago.

Here’s the full results from the card which is available to watch again on WWE Network, Peacock and demandPROGRESS:

PROGRESS Chapter 111 Results

Here’s the full results from the show:

  • Spike Trivet b. Big Guns Joe – Trivet took the win via pinfall
  • PICK YOUR POISON: Luke Jacobs vs. Chris Ridgeway – This match ended in a No Contest after Warren Banks attacked Chris Ridgeway
  • Mercedez Blaze b. Taonga – Blaze took the win via pinfall, Alexxis Falcon attacked her after the match
  • 0121 (Dan Moloney & Man Like Dereiss) b. The Sunshine Machine (TK Cooper & Chuck Mambo) – The 0121 took the win in their PROGRESS debut as a tag team via pinfall
  • PICK YOUR POISON: Kid Lykos b. Danny Black – Kid Lykos took the win via submission
  • Elijah b. Gene Munny – Elijah took the win via pinfall in this previously unannounced match
  • PICK YOUR POISON: Kid Lykos II b. Ethan Allen and Cara Noir – Kid Lykos II took the shock win via referee stoppage
  • PROGRESS Women’s Championship Match – Kanji b. Gisele Shaw – Kanji took the win via pinfall to become the new PROGRESS Women’s Champion

IMPACT Have No Immediate Plans for FinJuice

Alex Laybourne
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When FinJuice won the IMPACT Wrestling tag-team belts back at the Sacrifice PPV everybody stood up to take notice. The NJPW stars were on loan to IMPACT as part of the new working relationship between wrestling promotions. They won the belts from a different promotion and took them around the world with them.

For two months, FinJuice brought a new elevated level of prestige and attention to IMPACT wrestling. When they were dethroned so cheaply by Violent by Design on the last round of IMPACT tapings, it came as a huge surprise. Even bigger than their initial victory.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CPLzu-LKNWM/

The loss did not sit well with the former champs. Returning to Japan empty-handed, they were quick to comment on events.

“What the hell is a Call Your Shot trophy? I’ve heard of a briefcase, didn’t know there was a trophy. We just put our heart and soul on the line to defend the tag team championships and then we lose them…like that.” David Finlay said during a video call following the recent broadcast.

Title changes are part of wrestling. Having the belts on wrestlers from a different company is never going to be a long-term solution. As it stands right now, there are no immediate plans for FinJuice to challenge for the titles again.

According to sources, IMPACT creative has no immediate plans for the team, who are back in Japan. The working relationship between IMPACT and NJPW is still strong, however, so who knows who else might step up to try and claim the crown.

FinJuice have formed an impressive team since graduating through the NJPW system, and it is only a matter of a time before more belts are hung around their waist.

Ted DiBiase to Revive the Million-Dollar Belt on NXT

Alex Laybourne
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Ted DiBiase has been popping up on NXT quite frequently over the last few weeks. Much to the anguish of Cameron Grimes. Recent news suggests that the NXT universe will see the return of another old-school legend. Only this time it isn’t a person, but rather, a belt.

Ahead of their million-dollar showdown on NXT, sources have revealed that the Million Dollar Belt is being brought back into rotation.

The news was broken inadvertently by Andrew Zaharian of the Mat Men Pro Wrestling podcast.

“Sorry to the individual that told me but Million Dollar Belt is coming back,” Zaharian said. “I don’t know for how long but they’re gonna have it on TV. People are very excited within WWE about the Million Dollar Belt.”

Ted Dibiase first introduced the Million-Dollar Belt back in 1989. It is an unsanctioned title, that changed hands a few times. The most notable million-dollar champion was The Ringmaster a.k.a. Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Ted DiBiase appeared in the NXT area for the first time last week, when it cost Grimes his match against Jake Atlas. Right now, it is unclear what direction NXT creative are going to take with DiBiase. However, the upcoming segment with Grimes, and the million-dollar belt comeback, points to a single outcome.

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Ted DiBiase is likely to offer the belt to Grimes and bring the recently wealthy man under his wing. DiBiase is a WWE legend, and teaming him with Grimes would be a great way to keep the storyline rolling. Otherwise, it’s hard to see where Cameron would be heading, other than being a mere flash in the pan.

Tyson Kidd On How WWE Took Care Of Him After Career-Ending Injury

Anutosh Bajpai
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Tyson Kidd’s wrestling career ended abruptly after he suffered a neck injury. The injury took place in a dark match back in June 2015 before a WWE show.

However, the company has since helped him in finding new opportunities within the business. While he can’t wrestle anymore, he now helps put together matches behind the scene as a producer.

During a recent interview with WrestlingInc, Kidd opened up about how the promotion also helped him after his nasty injuries. According to him; the company took care of everything:

“With my injuries, my neck and my knee, the [WWE] took care of absolutely everything. I have had, luckily, the best surgeons in the world work on me, and that is through the WWE.

Obviously, I wouldn’t have hurt my knee if I wasn’t wrestling that day in Green Bay, Wisconsin, for the WWE. But they didn’t hurt my knee, it was just a thing. But they took care of every single aspect of my knee, and the same with my neck.”

Tyson Kidd also mentioned that he was under contract with the company the entire time he was rehabilitating. The former tag champion claimed that he can’t say enough good things about them:

“With my neck, I was obviously not out of the company, I was under contract the entire time, I was just at home. But I was at home for almost two years.

They made sure I had a great surgeon, I had to get airlifted out of Texas, and yeah, they covered a lot of things. I can’t say enough good things about the medical in terms of just what I have experienced with them.”

When asked if he ever sits back and reflects on his career accomplishments, Kidd said that he is not bad at living in the moment and he is not too worried about looking too far ahead.

Tyson Kidd made his wrestling debut back in 1995 at a young age of 15. He signed with WWE in 2006 and wrestled for the promotion until his injury in June 2015.

Dominik Mysterio On Scraped Plans For His Debut With Mask

Anutosh Bajpai
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A lot of people believe that Dominik Mysterio should continue his family legacy and wrestle with a mask like his father and wrestling legend Rey Mysterio.

The father son duo recently appeared on the After the Bell podcast where it was revealed that the original plans for the young star’s debut actually called for him to don the legendary mask.

Dominik first discussed how his debut match with Seth Rollins at SummerSlam came together very quickly and revealed that he had originally planned to adopt his father’s signature look during his debut which had to be nixed:

“When he first told me too that they wanted me to have a match with Seth [Rollins] at SummerSlam, I thought he was kidding, never in a million years would I have thought that I’d debut at one of the biggest pay per views against the biggest names.

It was kind of just like, we had no idea who Dominik Mysterio was and whether I was going to wear the mask. We had this whole plan set up on how I was going to debut, mask, everything but everything happened so fast we just ran with it.”

Now that the young star has made his debut without the mask, many wonder if he will ever wear it in his career. Discussing it, Rey Mysterio claimed that it’s not too late yet but Dom will have to earn it:

“It’s still not late to make things happen like we had it planned out. I think Dom is going to have to earn the mask now. He’s on his way, eventually one day, maybe the mask will be on.”

Dominik Mysterio also revealed that the company had already prepared music and graphics for his entrance before he knew and he was left surprised with it.

Rey and Dominik Mysterio made history this past Sunday at WrestleMania: Backlash when they defeated Robert Roode and Dolph Ziggler and became the first father son duo to hold the tag team titles in WWE.

Jim Ross On Picking Randy Orton As The Best Wrestler In The World Over Kenny Omega

Anutosh Bajpai
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Jim Ross had recently called Randy Orton ‘the best wrestler in the world’ right now. However, some fans took exception to his comments, giving the title to Kenny Omega from Ross’ current promotion.

The former WWE commentator talked about the objection of fans on the latest episode of his Grilling JR podcast and explained his remarks.

Ross first reiterated his comments saying that he doesn’t think anybody is better than Orton in the business currently. He mentioned how the viper does not disappoint despite bad packaging from creative:

“I don’t think anybody is any better than Randy Orton in the wrestling business. Of course that’s so subjective. I love Randy’s work, although I don’t watch it regularly enough to make a great evaluation,

In the last several months that I have tuned in to watch some of Randy’s segments, he doesn’t disappoint. No matter how the creative is packaged to him, he doesn’t disappoint.”

However, while talking about how many fans pick the current AEW champion over the legend killer for the mantle; Jim Ross said that he is not going to argue that opinion:

“I’m sure there’s Kenny Omega fans out there that would say Omega is the best wrestler in the world. Some will, and they got the right to their opinion and I’m not going to argue it.”

Ross also explained how the pick of the best wrestler is subjective to one’s opinion and there are a lot of good wrestlers out there in the business currently.

Who would be your pick for the best wrestler in the world currently? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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