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Ember Moon On The Origin Of Her Finishing Menuever

Anutosh Bajpai
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The Eclipse finishing menuever of Ember Moon is one of the most unique finishing moves in all of WWE and the former champion recently revealed the origin of it.

The former NXT star recently had an interview with SportsKeeda where she talked about a number of things including her early days in wrestling and more.

During the talk, she also revealed where she got Eclipse from and Moon revealed that she actually got it from a friend who had created but then retired the move:

“My friend, James, he actually created the move and he retired and I was like look, I said I need something that’s gonna keep people in seats, because at that point in time, the women’s revolution had not really started,

Like no one watched our matches.” said Ember Moon, “and I wanna make these people stay in their seats, I want to make them watch what we do because it’s not fair to us. And so my friend was like I’m going to retire this year, I was like teach me the ways (laughs).”

The former NXT women’s champion made her wrestling debut back in 2007 and she spent her early years competing for promotions such as Shimmer Women Athletes, Women Superstars Uncensored and Inspire Pro Wrestling.

She was signed by WWE in 2015 and promoted to the main roster in 2018. Though Ember Moon has since made her return to the Black and Yellow brand.

More On What Bo Dallas Is Doing During His Time Away From WWE

Anutosh Bajpai
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Bo Dallas is still a part of the WWE roster but the former NXT champion hasn’t been seen on WWE programming for a long time.

The latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter provides some more update on his whereabouts and the latest edition of the Newsletter reveals what the former NXT star is doing nowadays.

According to it, Dallas has been preparing for his life after wrestling and he has been running a farm with fellow WWE superstar Liv Morgan.

The two have also started a family real estate business and the brother of WWE’s Bray Wyatt has been studying the ins and outs of the industry for his future.

While Bo Dallas is still under contract with the company and getting paid by the promotion, the creative have nothing for him and at this point, they don’t even bring him in for TV tapings just in case.

The third generation wrestling star last appeared on WWE programming during the Crown Jewel event in 2019 where he competed in the tag team turmoil match with partner Curtis Axel.

However, he hasn’t made any appearances for the company since 2019 and there is no update on when or if we will ever see him returning to the WWE TV.

Sami Zayn Recalls Accidentally Hitting Two Hall of Famers With Helluva Kick

Rayan Sayyed
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Sami Zayn recalled that he accidentally hit two WWE Hall of Famers with his Helluva kick, describing one of those incidents where he hit so hard that he could feel the skull of his opponent through his feet.

The Helluva Kick is Sami Zayn’s finisher move, and while it looks dangerous, is harmless enough if executed properly. Such a move is best left to be performed by a professional like Sami Zayn, but even he is prone to occasional mistakes. And mistakes against two legendary WWE Hall of Famers, no less.

Sami Zayn revealed in a recent interview that when he was wrestling X-Pac at CHIKARA King of Trios 2011, he made a mistake and hit X-Pac in the face a bit too hard with his finishing kick.

In an interview with Fox Sports, Sami Zayn was asked when was the best Helluva Kick he’s ever delivered. While Zayn stated that he doesn’t remember when he executed the move best, he does remember a couple of times when he botched it.

“Best? I don’t know how to say best, but there’s a couple of guys that I really smoked with that kick and they’re the last guys you would ever wanna smoke that badly,” Zayn said. “And one of them was the 1-2-3 Kid, X-Pac — Sean Waltman. I wrestled him on an independent (sic) in 2011, and again, I was so excited about this match. I have so much respect for this guy, a genuine trailblazer, deserves both Hall of Fame rings, if not a third one for his individual contributions to the business.

“I’m in the ring with him and we’re having this match, and I guess I just- I don’t know, maybe I ran too fast, I don’t know what was going on, but I absolutely obliterated him. Obliterated him to the point where I could feel his skull through my foot — it’s very hard to explain. Upon contact I was like, ‘Oh, that was so much harder than I wanted to do that. That’s too much,'” Zayn recalled/

Sami Zayn then revealed the other name that he absolutely “smoked” with his foot on the face — Jushin “Thunder” Liger.

“And the other one, another legend, is Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger. Wrestled him in Los Angeles in, maybe, 2009-10? Same thing. The last guy you’d ever want to hurt, and again — must’ve had a little too much momentum. Absolutely obliterated him,” Sami Zayn concluded.

Otis & Apollo Crews Turn Heel On SmackDown

Rayan Sayyed
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Otis and Apollo Crews went through a change in their characters on tonight’s SmackDown as both of them embraced their negative sides.

A match was set between Shinsuke Nakamura and Apollo Crews during SmackDown, with Intercontinental Champion Big E joining commentary for the match.

While the match was underway, Big E derided Apollo Crews and told him that it was time to move on and fight someone like Nakamura instead. This only made things worse as Crews lost to Nakamura and resorted to causing chaos and uncalled-for violence.

After being rolled up for a successful pinfall by Nakamura, Crews attacked him from behind while he was celebrating and threw him out of the ring. Crews launched Nakamura to the barricade and went to mouth off to Big E. Crews then grabbed the steel steps, but Big E got in the way and told him to put it down and walk away.

Crews complied and put them down, with Big E going to check on Nakamura – only for Crews to pick them up again and slam them in Big E’s back, effectively knocking him down. He then threw the steps and Big E inside the ring, but a referee interfered in time, allowing E to roll out of harm’s way.

The referee asked Crews to throw the steps down – which he did – but they landed on Big E. He was then stretchered out of the ThunderDome.

Apollo Crews’ full heel turn was definitely around the corner, and now it has finally arrived. It’d be interesting to see if Crews could join hands with Roman Reigns now that he’s on the “other” side.

WWE SmackDown Results (2/19): Elimination Chamber Go-Home Show, Edge & Reigns

Apollo Crews is not the only heel turn of the night though, as Otis surprised everyone by knocking out Rey Mysterio during a tag team match.

During the match between Otis and Chad Gable vs Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio, Alpha Academy, however, wanted to unfold chaos in the ring. For some reason, Gable argued and ordered Otis to deliver a splash from the top turnbuckle on Rey Mysterio, who was already down.

The referee then called for the bell, as Otis apparently didn’t pay any heed to the official’s count of five. Gable instructed Otis to hit another splash on Rey, after which Otis proceeded to pose in the ring. Dominik helped Rey backstage as he was knocked out and wasn’t moving.

WWE SmackDown Results (2/19): Elimination Chamber Go-Home Show, Edge & Reigns

Robert Lentini
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WWE SmackDown aired live from the ThunderDome. It was the final episode of SmackDown before WWE Elimination Chamber this Sunday. In addition to the takeaways below, Edge and Daniel Bryan had a conversation backstage. Bryan told Edge to choose him as his WrestleMania opponent if he is able to capture the Universal Championship on Sunday.

SmackDown Results (2/19)

  1. Shinsuke Nakamura def. Apollo Crews
  2. Tamina & Natalya def. Riott Squad
  3. Reginald, Sasha Banks, Bianca Belair def. Nia Jax, Shayna Baszler, Bayley
  4. Rey Mysterio & Dominik def. Alpha Academy via DQ
  5. Cesaro, Kevin Owens, Daniel Bryan def. Sami Zayn, King Corbin, Jey Uso

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Reigns Whispered Something To Edge

2021 Royal Rumble winner Edge kicked off this week’s SmackDown and made his way to the ring. Edge noted that he still has to decide who to face at WrestleMania. Edge said it is the biggest decision of his career and was interrupted by Universal Champion Roman Reigns.

Jey Uso and Paul Heyman accompanied Reigns to the ring and the Universal Champion took his time down the entrance ramp. Roman Reigns told Edge that there is only one choice because he is the main event. Edge claimed he was playing Roman like a fiddle last week and he just cannot acknowledge Reigns as the main event of WrestleMania.

Edge claimed that Roman needs him to be the main event of WrestleMania and called Reigns insecure. Edge added that Reigns is a generational talent and he respects him and his family. He claimed Roman is cracking under the pressure before Sami Zayn interrupted.

Zayn shouted that Edge and Reigns were disrespecting him. Sami said that Roman is so worried about Edge that he is not even seeing the threat in front of him. Zayn referred to himself as the “master strategist” and that should worry Edge and Reigns.

Sami demanded that his documentary crew get him standing in front of the WrestleMania sign. Jey Uso shut Sami Zayn up with a Superkick as Edge and Reigns started at each other. Reigns put his hands behind his back and whispered something to Edge. Roman then exited the ring to end the segment.

Apollo Crews Attacked Big E

Apollo Crews battled Shinsuke Nakamura in the first match of the night. Intercontinental Champion Big E joined commentary for the match. Nakamura slammed Crews to the canvas and connected with a knee to the face for a near fall.

Crews hit a Dropkick that sent Shinsuke Nakamura out of the ring. Shinsuke and Apollo traded punches next to Big E and Crews launched Nakamura on the Intercontinental Champion as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Nakamura sent Apollo to the corner and planted him with a snap German Suplex for a two count. Shinsuke then rolled up Crews for the pinfall victory. After the match, Apollo Crews attacked Shinsuke from behind and threw him out of the ring. Crews launched Nakamura into the barricade and then got in Big E’s face. Crews grabbed the steel steps and Big E got in his way.

Big E told Crews to put the steel steps down and walk away. Apollo put the steps down and Big E checked on Nakamura. Crews grabbed the steel steps and bashed Big E in the back. Apollo then threw the steps onto Big E outside the ring and WWE officials rushed to check on the Intercontinental Champion as SmackDown went to a commercial break. Big E was stretchered out of the ThunderDome when SmackDown returned.

Seth Rollins Warned Cesaro

Seth Rollins made his entrance as Big E was being stretchered out of the arena. Rollins said what happened to Big E is a tragedy. Seth brought up the SmackDown locker room turning their back on him and claimed he knows how Big E feels.

Rollins said he is still suffering from the trauma last week and his lawyers drafted up a formal complaint that has been delivered to WWE officials. Seth stated that months went into planning his big return and it was ruined by a bunch of losers because they are afraid.

Seth claimed that there are already millions out there that have already embraced the vision for a better SmackDown and we will win because we are powerful and they are losers. Rollins said that Cesaro is the biggest loser of them all because he made their moment about him.

Rollins said that what happened to Cesaro will happen to anyone else that stands in their way. Seth ended the promo by saying “embrace the vision” and wished everyone a goodnight.

Kayla Braxton interviewed Cesaro backstage later on the show. Cesaro claimed he was out there respecting Seth and was hoping for a different Rollins to come back. Cesaro said that he had this huge chance to come back as the leader we know he can be, but he returned as the same condescending “SOB”. Edge showed up and told Cesaro that he is digging his new grit. Cesaro vowed to win the Universal Championship at Elimination Chamber and suggested a match against Edge at WrestleMania.

Natalya & Tamina Dominated

Riott Squad faced Natalya and Tamina tonight on SmackDown. Tamina dominated the action early before tagging in Natalya. Liv rolled up Natalya for a near fall and then tagged in Ruby Riott. Ruby bounced Natalya’s face off the top turnbuckle and tagged in Liv Morgan. Liv hit Natalya with a Codebreaker and went for the cover but Natalya was able to kick out at two.

Billie Kay came down to the ring with cat ears on and a Tamina shirt. Natalya went for the Sharpshooter but Ruby booted her away. Tamina tagged in and knocked Liv off the ring apron. Tamina then slammed Ruby Riott to the canvas for the pinfall victory. Billie tried to celebrate with Natalya & Tamina after the match but they beat her down.

Reginald Pinned Nia Jax

Bayley welcomed Women’s Tag Team Champions Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax on Ding Dong, Hello! tonight on SmackDown. Bayley thanked Shayna and Nia for being a part of her show tonight. Bayley thanked Nia & Shayna for winning the Women’s Tag Team Championships because it allowed her to get rid of Sasha Banks.

Nia Jax stated that Sasha is just so fake and phony. Shayna claimed that Bianca is just as bad. Reginald interrupted and said that he cannot let them slander the name of Sasha Banks. Reginald added that if Sasha and Bianca were to team up, they would take the titles from Nia & Shayna.

SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks made her way to the ring and told Reginald to never speak for her again. Banks claimed that Bianca will choose to face her at WrestleMania because the women’s division revolves around her.

Bianca Belair joined the party and told Reginald that she isn’t anyone’s sidekick. Belair claimed that she is the star of this division because she won the women’s Royal Rumble match. Reginald suggested a 3 vs. 3 match and Nia demanded a referee come down to the ring as SmackDown went to a break.

When SmackDown returned, Shayna, Nia, and Bayley battled Reginald, Sasha Banks, and Bianca Belair. Bianca and Shayna started off the action by locking up in the middle of the ring. Banks tagged in and caught Shayna with a knee to the face. Reginald flipped into the ring and wanted a high five. Nia attacked Sasha and brought her to the corner of the ring.

Shayna tagged in and slammed Banks’ knee on the canvas as Reginald was shown with a concerned look on his face. Nia tagged in and slammed Banks to the mat for a two count. Reginald tagged in and got in Nia’s face. Reginald started to back away before locking up with her in the middle of the ring.

Jax shoved Reginald to the canvas and followed it up with a massive shoulder tackle. Reginald tried to trip up Nia but she launched him to the corner of the ring. Reginald dodged a Splash but turned around into another shoulder tackle from Jax. Nia went for a Leg Drop but Reginald rolled out of the way.

Banks and Belair dragged Shayna off the apron and beat her down to prevent Nia from making a tag. Reginald leaped but Nia caught him in the middle of the ring. Banks and Belair hit a double Dropkick and Reginald fell on top of Nia for the pinfall victory.

Later on SmackDown, Reginald and Carmella had a conversation backstage. Carmella wondered what took Reginald so long to bring her the wine. Reginald claimed that he had to give the wine the proper time to breathe.

Carmella said she saw Reginald out in the ring and that she isn’t mad. Carmella told Reginald that she knows he is going to do the right thing and threatened him if he did not. Carmella spit out the wine and threw it in Reginald’s face before demanding another glass.

Alpha Academy Beat Rey Mysterio Down

Rey Mysterio and Dominik faced Otis & Chad Gable (Alpha Academy) tonight. SmackDown Tag Team Champions Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode joined commentary for the match. Ziggler and Roode had red solo cups in their hand to mock Street Profits.

Dominik hit Gable with a Dropkick and Chad retreated to the corner. Otis tagged in and leveled Dominik with a shoulder tackle. Rey tagged in and connected with a Senton. Mysterio went for a Crossbody but Otis caught him and connected with a Powerslam.

Otis followed it up with a Splash and Gable got into the ring to argue with Otis for whatever reason. Gable told Otis to hit the ropes and he obliged. Otis hit another Splash and the official called for the bell. Apparently, Otis didn’t obey the referee’s count of five. Gable dragged Rey to the corner and told Otis to climb the turnbuckle. Otis hit Rey with a Splash off the middle rope and posed in the ring. Dominik helped Rey backstage when SmackDown returned from a commercial break.

Reigns Sent A Message To Edge

Sami Zayn, King Corbin, Jey Uso faced Daniel Bryan, Cesaro, Kevin Owens in the main event. These 6 superstars will battle in the Elimination Chamber this Sunday. The winner of the Elimination Chamber match will face Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship at the PPV. Edge joined commentary for the main event.

Jey beat Daniel Bryan down in the corner to start off the match. Bryan battled back and tagged in Cesaro. Jey scampered to the corner and tagged in Corbin. King Corbin and Cesaro locked up in the middle of the ring. Corbin quickly retreated and tagged in Sami Zayn.

Bryan tagged back in and booted Sami in the midsection. Bryan followed it up with an uppercut but Sami caught him with a knee to the ribs. Zayn hit a few more knees before tagging in King Corbin. King Corbin unloaded some punches on Bryan before pressing his throat against the middle rope.

Corbin slapped Sami in the chest to tag him in and the two started arguing. Cesaro was able tag in during the distraction and booted Corbin out of the ring. Cesaro beat the hell out of Sami with several uppercuts in the corner. Zayn helplessly rolled out of the ring to regroup and started arguing with Corbin once again.

Corbin rolled Sami in the ring and Cesaro hit him with the Swing before catapulting him into the turnbuckle. King Corbin tagged in and Cesaro got him in the Swing as well as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Cesaro went for the Sharpshooter but Corbin was able to escape. Jey tagged in and brought Cesaro out of the ring. Uso launched Cesaro over the announce table before rolling him back into the ring. Paul Heyman also joined commentary for the match.

Sami Zayn beat Cesaro down in the corner and tagged in Corbin. King Corbin connected with a Side Slam and then launched Cesaro into the turnbuckle. Corbin hit Cesaro with several kicks to the midsection before tagging in Jey Uso.

Jey tagged in and sent Cesaro into the turnbuckle again. Sami started taunting Cesaro from the apron as Jey went for the cover. Cesaro kicked out buy Jey immediately applied a Headlock in the middle of the ring.

Cesaro avoided a Splash and hit King Corbin with the Corkscrew Uppercut. Daniel Bryan tagged in and Dropkicked Jey off the ring apron. Bryan leveled Sami with a Clothesline and followed it up with a Dropkick in the corner of the ring.

Bryan unloaded some Yes Kicks before perching Sami up on the top rope. Daniel slammed Sami to the mat and went for the cover but Jey broke it up. Owens hit Jey with a Superkick and then a Cannonball off the ring apron. Sami rolled up Bryan for a near fall and then hit the Blue Thunder Bomb but Cesaro broke up the cover.

Corbin sent Cesaro out of the ring but Owens caught him with a right hand. Sami climbed to the top rope but Bryan hit him with a Superplex. Bryan applied the Yes Lock in the middle of the ring for the submission victory.

After the match, Corbin planted Bryan with the End of Days. Owens hit Corbin with a Stunner but turned around into an uppercut from Cesaro. Jey took out Cesaro but Edge hit him with a Spear. Roman Reigns showed up and leveled Edge with a Spear to close the show.

Seth Rollins Files Formal Complaint With WWE Management

Rayan Sayyed
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Seth Rollins came out to the ring on tonight’s Friday Night SmackDown where he talked about disrespect he received with his fellow members of the SmackDown roster walking out of his speech last week.

Seth Rollins described it as a “tragedy” when he was walked out on. Last week, Rollins returned to WWE television for the first time since last November, as he was on paternity leave. All members of the SmackDown roster gathered at ringside for Seth Rollins’ return, only to walk out when Rollins started going on about being a savior. According to him, he felt incredibly disrespected after being abandoned by everyone last week.

Seth Rollins also claimed that he was traumatized by the treatment he received from everyone. He then revealed that he has a letter drafted by his lawyers, to file a formal complaint against everyone to the WWE management, adding that legal action is pending. He said that he planned for his big return for months only for it to be ruined.

Citing his working conditions as “untenable”, Rollins asked the WWE management to sanction the locker room for shunning his message.

The letter was first posted on Seth Rollins’ Twitter account, just a few moments before he made his way out to the ring on SmackDown.

Here is the letter that Seth Rollins sent:

“TO: WWE Management
RE: Flagrant Disrespect and Egregious Conduct

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to you to formally express my sincere disappointment and anger in the dishonorable actions of the SmackDown locker room and treatment by this company with regards to my greatly anticipated return last Friday, February 12th.

At the behest of this very office, desperate for a true leader and star of my magnitude to help lead SmackDown to new heights, I agreed to return from my personal leave and sacrificed precious moments with my loved ones. I spent considerable time and energy planning this moment that should have been a triumph, an exaltation of a multi-time World champion. Instead, I was met with an embarrassing farce.

The disregard and disrespect shown by the SmackDown superstars for shunning my inspiring message must be addressed. While I intend to deal with these patronizing, ungrateful so-called Superstars in my own time, I expect the full force of this office to swiftly and forcefully reprimand those who refused to embrace my vision.

I await your response and best efforts to make amends for this incident.

Sincerely,
Seth Rollins”

New Title Match Set For WWE Elimination Chamber, Updated Card

Andrew Ravens
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A new match has been announced for Sunday’s WWE Elimination Chamber PPV.

On Friday’s episode of SmackDown, it was revealed that WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler will defend the straps against Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair

WWE will be announcing more matches for this show in the coming days. As it stands now, there are only a few matches confirmed. There’s still no word who WWE Raw Women’s Champion Asuka will face after Lacey Evans was pulled due to her pregnancy. 

Also, Keith Lee missed Monday’s Raw and his status for the Triple Threat Match along with WWE United States Champion Bobby Lashley and Matt Riddle is up in the air. 

Jax and Baszler are slated to defend the titles against Raquel Gonzelez and Dakota Kai on the March 3rd edition of NXT. 

Updated WWE Elimination Chamber Card

  • WWE Champion Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton vs. Jeff Hardy vs. AJ Styles vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Sheamus – Elimination Chamber Match
  • WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. TBA 
  • Kevin Owens vs. Jey Uso vs. King Corbin vs. Sami Zayn vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Cesaro – #1 Contender Elimination Chamber Match
  • WWE Raw Women’s Champion Asuka vs. TBA
  • WWE United States Champion Bobby Lashley vs. Matt Riddle vs. Keith Lee – Triple Threat Match
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler vs. Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair

Cesaro Discusses Why He Hasn’t Been WWE Main Event Star Yet

Andrew Ravens
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Cesaro has been a fan favorite star for many years in WWE, but Vince McMahon hasn’t seen him as someone who could be in the main event or a top star. 

Cesaro recently did an interview with NYPost.com and during it, was asked why he hasn’t been in the main event in WWE:

“I think there have been a lot of different variables that go into it. Sometimes I feel like the squeaky wheel gets the grease kind of thing. Sometimes something that’s always there and reliable you kind of start to overlook it because you take it for granted.”

He noted that he tries to create as much momentum as he could and do the best with what he was given and he thinks that is the most important part. He noted that he keeps working hard and make the best every single time with the opportunities that you’re given.

“If you look at some of the past greats, it all took them a while to come into their own and get to the world champion level. Yes, there are a few people that did it fast. But look at Edge, look at Bret Hart, look at all those guys. They are all with WWE for almost 10 years before they hit their big break.”

Cesaro will take part in the SmackDown Elimination Chamber Match this Sunday along with Kevin Owens, Jey Uso, King Corbin, Sami Zayn, and Daniel Bryan. The winner will then immediately challenge Roman Reigns for the Universal Title.

WWE Has Dropped SmackDown Romance Storyline

Andrew Ravens
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WWE officials have decided to drop a romantic storyline on SmackDown between Murphy and Aalyah. 

Dave Meltzer reported in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the angle was just abruptly dropped out of nowhere. For those who are wondering why, there’s no backstory or behind-the-scenes story as to why. It’s possible that WWE didn’t have an idea where to take the storyline. 

Aalyah has not appeared on WWE TV since the December 4 SmackDown episode, which saw Murphy lose to King Baron Corbin in singles action. Murphy did appear on last week’s episode of SmackDown where Seth Rollins did his return promo as he was part of the large group of wrestlers standing around the ring, but the commentators didn’t acknowledge him. 

Rollins was feuding with Murphy and The Mysterio Family when he took time off in November as he was going to be with Becky Lynch for the birth of their first child together.

It had been previously reported the company had plans for Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio to feud with Corbin, Steve Cutler and Wesley Blake. However, that feud was nixed when Cutler tested positive for COVID-19 and thus was removed from TV because of the diagnosis.

Corbin’s stable with Cutler and Blake was dropped and Cutler ended up being released from his contract. The Mysterio Family also missed WWE TV time in December due to them dealing with COVID-19, but Aalyah never tested positive.

NJPW In Talks With AXS TV For A Return To The Network

Chris Stephens
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NJPW and AXS TV are reportedly negotiating for a deal that would see the promotion return to the network. This comes on the heels of Juice Robinson & David Finlay drawing a good rating for their debut on Impact on AXS TV this week, and an Impact in 60 show featuring NJPW talent also scoring a good rating.

According to a report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the talks between the two sides have gotten serious.

“There are significant talks involving New Japan returning to AXS television. AXS was wanting the programming back, and it would likely involve more dealings with New Japan and Impact, as the Juice Robinson & David Finlay debut as regulars show,” wrote Dave Meltzer.

There were recent reports that NJPW turned down a deal with AXS TV in favor of debuting on Roku. This was actually just a case of NJPW not wanting to sign an exclusive deal with a smaller network in order to keep things open for a deal with a bigger network down the line. NJPW’s agreement with Roku is not exclusive and they can continue to negotiate with other broadcasters.

NJPW released a statement earlier about their new broadcast deal with Roku.

“Our fans in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom are among our most loyal, and they have been very clear that they want NJPW’s content made available to them,” said Takami Ohbari, President of NJPW. “NJPW is unlike any other pro-wrestling in the world. It is the most athletic, sports-oriented pro-wrestling on the planet, and we are excited to bring our athletes and matches to these markets in such a major way. Thank you to The Roku Channel, and we look forward to a successful partnership that brings NJPW to millions of new fans around the world.”

Update On Sammy Guevera’s Creative Differences With Impact Wrestling

Chris Stephens
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Sammy Guevara was reported to have been sent home from a recent set of Impact Wrestling tapings held in Nashville. According to a report from Slam Wrestling, Chris Jericho had come up with the idea of Sammy going to his friend Don Callis’ wrestling promotion following his leaving the Inner Circle in AEW. Guevara evidently disagreed with the creative direction his character would take in the promotion and once the dust cleared, he went home and did not take part in the tapings.

The incident was addressed recently in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The report states that Sammy came in for the tapings held from 2/9 to 2/11.

“We don’t know the details of the creative past he was going to win three matches at the tapings that just took place,” wrote Dave Meltzer. Sammy then is said to have suggested to Impact that he win the X-Division title and never lose it before returning to AEW, which Impact rejected.

Sammy Guevara Makes An Impact

It seems as though everyone involved in the situation has smoothed things over with each other. Still, Jericho and Callis were the ones who came up with the idea and likely weren’t thrilled with how everything went down.

“Chris Jericho was the one who put the angle together with Don Callis. It made Jericho look bad to Impact because he and Callis came up with the idea and then Guevara didn’t want to do it,” Meltzer continued.

Jericho then made a comment on AEW this week that Sammy had been making a lot of bad choices as of late, and some have taken that as an inside jab at the situation.

Meltzer continued to say there were those in Impact quite upset with Sammy.

“Scott D’Amore told Guevara that they didn’t need him when he arrived in Nashville if he doesn’t follow the plans that had already been agreed to. Impact was really mad about AEW sending talent over, them putting plans in place and then the talent wouldn’t do what was planned.”

While the creative had seemingly been agreed on, a source within Impact said that the creative was bad and Sammy was not wrong to disagree with it.

Sammy Guevara tweeted the following on Friday morning, apparently in response to this report circulating about his brush with Impact Wrestling:

https://twitter.com/sammyguevara/status/1362792912505946115

Jon Moxley Hypes Bloodsport Match With Davey Boy Smith Jr.

Chris Stephens
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Before Jon Moxley faces KENTA for the IWGP United States Championship on February 26th, and before he faces Kenny Omega for the AEW World Championship on March 7th, he will face Davey Boy Smith Jr. at Bloodsport 5 on February 20th.

Moxley took to Twitter recently to promote his upcoming match with Barnett.

Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 5 Lineup

  • Calder McColl vs. Bad Dude Tito
  • Calvin Tankman vs. Nolan Edward
  • Kal Jak vs. The Super Beast
  • Royce Isaacs vs. Alex Coughlin
  • Simon Grimm vs. Rocky Romero
  • Chris Dickinson vs. JR Kratos
  • Jeff Cobb vs. Tom Lawlor
  • Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. Jon Moxley

The show will be presented on the FITE app.

Moxley last participated in Bloodsport 3. He defeated Chris Dickinson in the main event of that show.

Davey Boy Smith Jr. last defeated Calvin Tankman at Bloodsport 4.

Josh Barnett spoke to the WINCLY podcast last fall about having Jon Moxley on his shows.

“If you watch his match vs. Jake Hager, you can see that he’s got skills, that he spent time grappling and knows submissions skills,” Barnett said on the show. “The man just pure knows how to fight. And that’s what we need more than anything. If you’re in Bloodsport, it’s because I’ve seen something in you that shows that you can fight.”

MLW Teases Dario Cueto Involvement In Azteca Underground

Chris Stephens
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Salina de la Renta appears to be bringing some aspects of the cult-favorite show, Lucha Underground, into MLW. This started when she summoned former Lucha Underground Champion, Mil Muertes to the promotion. Recently in MLW, Salina’s Promociones Dorado faction was purchased by a mysterious group named Azteca Underground.

On MLW Fusion, Salina referred to the owner of Azteca Underground as someone very wealthy. Los Parks commented this week that they know who the owner is but are keeping the information secret.

There is a section on the Azteca Underground website labeled “The Proprieter.” It has a picture of someone standing outside a building from a distance. Some say the picture resembles the former Lucha Underground owner, Dario Cueto.

Screen Shot 2021 02 19 at 10.07.07 AM

While the performer behind the Mil Muertes character owns the rights to it, it’s not clear if MLW would be able to use the name, Dario Cueto. They could just go with Cueto’s “El Jefe” nickname. The El Rey Network, which formerly aired Lucha Underground, has gone out of business, however.

Recently on Fusion, Mil Muertes defeated Savio Vega in an “Aztec Jungle Fight.” This match was setup after Vega refused an offer from Salina to purchase a share of his IWA promotion in Puerto Rico.

https://twitter.com/AZTECALucha/status/1358787133486620672

MLW Fusion will not air next week. Rather, a classic episode of MLW Underground will air in its place.

Edge Evaluates Roman Reigns, Drew McIntyre & Finn Balor As WrestleMania Opponents

Michael Reichlin
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Edge is going to WrestleMania. The Rated R Superstar won the Men’s Royal Rumble last month and earned the right to challenge the champion of his choice at WWE’s biggest event of the year.

His Rumble victory came nearly a month ago, but Edge has yet to announce if he will challenge WWE Champion Drew McIntyre, Universal Champion Roman Reigns or NXT Champion Finn Balor.

Edge spoke to Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated about the decision. He shared his thought process regarding each potential challenger.

“You need to start with Finn Balor,” said Edge. “He’s operating on an entirely different level in the ring right now than I’ve ever seen him perform. I love what he’s doing. With Finn, the story would be two guys who have wrestled all over the world, but never been in the same place at the same time. That’s very appealing to me.”

Drew McIntyre has taken a rocky road to the top and fought for everything he has. “A character like Edge would really respect Drew, so that type of match would be a different story and emotion, one based on mutual respect and who is the better man.”

Edge feels that Roman Reigns has finally ‘found his groove’ and is portraying the character everyone knew he could be.

“The handcuffs have been taken off, he’s being allowed to let this side out. Now you can see it and you can feel it. Knowing the kind of story we could create, I salivate over that. So look all those three options.”

His comments about Reigns finally being himself echo what Seth Rollins said about the Head of the Table earlier this week.

Whoever he picks, Edge says, “I’m in a position where I feel like I can’t go wrong.” He still can’t believe he is an active WWE Superstar after nearly a decade away from the ring. He never thought he’d have this opportunity again and is savoring every moment of this run.

Heath Miller Announces He’s Undergoing Hernia Surgery March 1st

Michael Reichlin
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Impact Wrestling star Heath Miller will undergo hernia surgery in a few weeks.

He’s been out of action for the past several months. We last saw him action at Bound for Glory in October, when he competed in the “Call Your Own Shot” Battle Royal.

Heath has been getting a lot of messages from wrestlers and concerned fans asking where he’s been. He tweeted a video message on Thursday addressing his condition.

He’s been visiting several doctors in hopes of getting a proper diagnosis and game plan for recovery. Heath revealed that he’s got a sports hernia on the left side of his pubic bone, another hernia on his right side, his abductor muscle is ripped off the bone and he’s got a rip in his abdomen wall on both sides.

“It’s a little bit of a mess,” he joked. He described the situation as “an up and down roller coaster ride of crap.”

Heath finally found a surgeon that will attempt to fix all of his ailments. The procedures are scheduled for March 1st.

You can check out Heath’s video message below. We wish him a speedy recovery!

https://twitter.com/HEATHXXII/status/1362582377621561345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1362582377621561345%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ewrestlingnews.com%2Fnews%2Fheath-reveals-that-hes-severely-hurt-will-be-undergoing-surgery

Finn Balor Says Randy Orton Could Help Bring NXT To The Next Level

Michael Reichlin
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NXT Champion Finn Balor was this week’s guest on the WWE After The Bell podcast.

Balor discussed his current run in NXT and revealed he initially thought he’d be there for just a few months. “I didn’t know what to expect,” Balor said of his time in NXT. “I was kind of under the impression that it was going to be a 3 month deal. Reboot Finn, reset and go back to RAW or go back to SmackDown, go back to things as normal.”

He added that things just evolved into something nobody expected, similar to how NXT has evolved as a brand. Sometimes, you have to know when to move from one chapter of your career to the next. Balor did this with his time wrestling in Europe, in Japan and in WWE.

“I don’t know what to expect going forward, I don’t know how long it’s going to last but I have to say, I’m super happy in NXT and there’s no reason for me to want to move anywhere in my career at this point.”

Randy Orton In NXT

Finn Balor was also asked which WWE Superstars he’d like to see in NXT. He said some fans might expect him to say Kevin Owens or Ricochet. However, he’d like to see Randy Orton on WWE’s black and gold brand.

“I feel like Randy could really bring NXT to the next level, with regards to the effect he’d have on the people around him in the locker room and in the ring, with his professionalism and his experience.”

Balor spoke fondly of his time working with Kevin Owens and Samoa Joe, noting that he leaerned a lot from both of them during his first NXT run.

Watch Finn Balor’s comments about Randy Orton in NXT:

Impact Draws Best Rating Since Kenny Omega’s Debut

Chris Stephens
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Impact Wrestling drew its best rating of the year on Tuesday night with an episode that featured the promotional debut of Juice Robinson and David Finlay. According to ShowBuzz Daily, Tuesday’s episode drew 197,000 viewers on AXS TV and a 0.06 rating in the key demo.

The show finished 117th for the night. The top show on Tuesday night was NBC’s “This is Us” and the #2 show was the debut of “Young Rock.”

The rating is up from last week’s go-home show for the No Surrender event. That episode garnered 153,000 viewers on AXS TV and a 0.04 rating in the key demo. The Kenny Omega debut episode on December 8th, 2020 drew 221,000 viewers and a 0.08 rating in the 18-49 demographic.

Interest for Impact’s latest episode likely increased following the No Surrender event on Impact Plus this weekend. It was announced at the conclusion of the show that David Finlay & Juice Robinson would make their promotional debuts this week. FinJuice defeated Reno Scum on Tuesday night before being confronted by The Good Brothers, Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows.

The following matches have been booked for next week’s show:

  • Winning Team Faces Each Other For X-Division Title Shot
    Ace Austin, Chris Bey and Black Taurus vs Willie Mack, Josh Alexander and Trey Migue
  • #1 Contenders Knockouts Tag Team Championships
    Jordynne Grace & Jazz vs Kimber Lee & Susan w/ Deonna Purrazzo
  • Tables Match
    Cody Deaner vs Jake Something

The company also announced this morning that their next streaming event will be on March 13th, 2021.

MLW Fusion Results (2/17): Filthy Island Special

Chris Stephens
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Major League Wrestling presented a special episode this week. Tom Lawlor and Team Filthy prevented a festival in Hawaii known as “Filthy Island.”

The full episode can be viewed in the player below:

MLW Fusion 2/17 Quick Results

  1. Dominic Garrini defeated Mauna Loa
  2. Kevin Ku defeated Zenshi
  3. Rocky Romero defeated El Gringo Loco
  4. Aztec Jungle Fight
    Mil Muertes defeated Savio Vega
  5. Low Ki defeated King Mo

Here are key takeaways from the show:

The Von Erichs Invade Filthy Island!

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1362205408622968832

After Low-Ki was victorious in the main event, Team Filthy hit the ring and looked to deliver a 3-on-1 attack. The Von Erichs theme music could be heard blaring as the brothers drove up in their jeep to make the save, however. They rid the ring of Team Filthy and according to MLW.com, Tom Lawlor fled the island and his whereabouts are unknown.

Controversy In Match Between Low Ki and King Mo

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1362204853716586496

Dan Lambert was on commentary for this match and noted that he was concerned about the officiating in this match and that proved to be a very prophetic statement. Low Ki had King Mo locked in a triangle choke and it looked as though Mo was trying to reach out for the ring ropes. The problem is, there wasn’t any ring ropes, so it looked for all the world as if Mo was tapping when he tried to grab them.

Did Mil Muertes Bury Savio Vega?

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1362202727313514498

This match came about after Savio Vega rejected Salina de la Renta’s offer to purchase a share of IWA Puerto Rico. Salina noted that the deal was not optional and now Vega would have to take on Muertes in an Aztec Jungle Fight.

In an undisclosed location, deep in the jungle, Muertes and Vega brawled. The camera cut away from the match on multiple occasions and went back to Filthy Island to cover the matches taking place there. Eventually, Muertes hit Vega in the head with a large crowbar and cover him for the 3. As the camera cut away, Muertes was digging a grave, presumably to bury Savio Vega.

Dominic Garrini Submits Mauna Loa

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1362191619571728386

Mauna Loa is the name of an active volcano in Hawaii. It was also the name of a rather large man that Dominic Garrini submitted in the first match on Filthy Island. According to the graphic, Mauna Loa is a 14-time Polynesian Pacific Champion.

It was hard not to notice during this match that a real Fyre Festival-type situation seems to have occurred on the island. The rope without rings was placed on a field with few spectators scattered around. A broken down and dilapidated tent was also visible.

Mauna Loa actually seemed to have the advantage in the match until Lawlor yelled out that he should approach the contest as if he was fighting former MMA Fighter, Emmanuel Yarbrough. Garrini then hit a judo throw and locked in the rear-naked choke for the win.

Kevin Ku Beats Zenshi

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1362195122088275970

Team Filthy continued its winning ways in the second match on Filthy Island as Kevin Ku defeated Zenshi. The match started in an interesting fashion, as Zenshi dropped down from the trees into the rope-less ring. He picked up the win with a Dragon Suplex after Zenshi hit the exposed post moments earlier.

TJP Heel Turn Confirmed?

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1362197148394217475

TJP showed frustration with Bu Ku Dao after their recent tag-team loss. In an interview with Alicia Atout, TJP expressed that he doesn’t feel Dao has it to be successful and also made fun of his height. Atout accused TJP of bullying and he abruptly ended the interview.

Rocky Romero Picks Up Win Over El Gringo Loco

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1362200269753311235

Rocky Romero and El Gringo Loco faced each other in singles action on Filthy Island. At one point, Romero looked at the camera and dedicated the match to his dog. Well, Romero’s dog was likely thrilled to see him pick up the victory after delivering a tornado DDT.

MLW Top-10 Rankings

MLW released updated top-10 rankings this week.

MLW World Champion: Jacob Fatu (Contra Unit)

  1. Alexander Hammerstone (National Openweight Champion) (Dynasty)
  2. Tom Lawlor (Opera Cup Winner) (Team Filthy)
  3. Lio Rush (MLW Middleweight Champion)
  4. Low Ki
  5. Mads Krugger (Contra Unit)
  6. Richard Holliday (Dynasty)
  7. Mil Muertes (Azteca Underground)
  8. Myron Reed (Injustice)
  9. Calvin Tankman
  10. Jordan Oliver (Injustice)

Konnan Released From Hospital, Battling COVID-19 (Updated)

Jake Skudder
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Wrestling legend Konnan has been hospitalized. According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, he is under medical care due to a kidney issue. Meltzer notes that his condition is serious, but that is all we know at this time.

Konnan, 57, has battled problems with his kidney before. He underwent a kidney transplant in 2007. There were complications following the surgery, but he eventually recovered. He’s spoken publicly about a history of abusing painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs “ruined his kidney.”

He boasts a long career and accolades across the globe. These accolades include becoming WCW World Television, United States and Tag Team Champion; CMLL World Heavyweight Champion and AAA Parejas Increibles Tag Team and Americas Heavyweight Champion.

SEScoops wishes Konnan a speedy recovery.

Update (2/18): According to Hugo Savinovich (via @Lucha Libre Online) Konnan has tested positive for COVID-19, which is why he is hospitalized. He recognized that his life was in danger, but hopes to be discharged over the next 48 hours.

Update (2/20): Konnan is out of the hospital and in better condition, per Dave Meltzer.

Update on Tessa Blanchard Potentially Going To AEW

Jake Skudder
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Tessa Blanchard has been a free agent since leaving IMPACT Wrestling on June 25th 2020. There were reports of Blanchard being racially abuse to talent in her past, and Tessa addressed these in an Instagram post back in September.

“I’ve been away for a while” Tessa Blanchard wrote last year. “The main reason for that is to focus on my wedding & honeymoon. The past few months I’ve gotten back to the basics & been focusing on the relationships I have with family, friends & myself.”

“Racist? That’s not me” Blanchard continued. “That’s never been me, I don’t have a history of being that way, I don’t have a history of using that language & that’s the end of it, it’s just not who I am. & I’m tired of being called & my family seeing me be called something so hateful.”

Tessa Blanchard To AEW?

It has been rumored since Blanchard left IMPACT that she may be going to either AEW or WWE/NXT. On the AEW side, commentator Tony Schiavone indicated that there’s no talks in place currently.

Speaking on the AEW Dynamite post-show, Schiavone said “I don’t think that’s happening.” That was specifically when Schiavone was asked if he had any knowledge of AEW wanting to sign Tessa Blanchard. “At least not anytime soon. I would have heard that [if she’s coming over].”

With Tessa’s past it may be more likely that WWE would be interested in signing her. WWE have shown through prior dealings that they are more inclined to take on talented individuals with potentially problematic pasts.

Backstage Update On Bo Dallas’ WWE Status

Anutosh Bajpai
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Former NXT Champion Bo Dallas hasn’t been seen on WWE programming for a while and there hasn’t been any update on his status with the company either.

Dave Meltzer recently talked about the former champion on the latest Wrestling Observer Radio and confirmed that he is still under contract with the company.

The wrestling journalist noted that the company has not released Dallas despite having nothing for him,:”he’s still there, still got a job. No idea what or why or anything. [It’s a] big mystery.”

The 30 year old had said that he was going on a ‘life changing expedition’ in late 2019 and fans would see a Bo they have never seen, but he hasn’t been seen on WWE programming since that year.

Bo Dallas last wrestled for the company during a house show in November 2019. His last on-screen appearance was at the Crown Jewel event in October the same year where he competed in the tag team turmoil match.

His last storyline was with Curtis Axel as part of the B-Team but the duo were disbanded when the company released Axel as part of the coronavirus budget cuts in April 2020.

Bo Dallas has been a part of the WWE roster since 2008. He has won a few titles in the company during his time, including the NXT title in the brand’s early days.

Batista On Why He Was Turned Down A Role On The Walking Dead

Anutosh Bajpai
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The Hollywood career of Batista has been flourishing in recent years. The former WWE star has landed roles in many big-budget movies. However, he was still turned down a role in popular TV series The Walking Dead.

The former world champion was recently interviewed by Empire Magazine on the set of his upcoming Netflix film Army of The Dead where he talked about a number of things.

Discussing his efforts to get a role in the TV series, Batista revealed that he offered to make a free cameo but was turned down by the showmakers:

“I’m a zombie fan, I tried to get on Walking Dead for years. I said I would come and play a zombie for free, but they said, ‘You’re too big!’”

Batista also talked about his upcoming film which will be directed by Zack Snyder and he claimed that the movie has a ‘whole bunch of different layers.’

The former Evolution member was announced as an inductee for the 2020 class of Hall Of Fame before the event had to be halted due to coronavirus. It’s likely that the former world champion will return to the company for his induction during the upcoming WrestleMania weekend.

Exploding Barbwire Death Match Announced For AEW Revolution

Anutosh Bajpai
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AEW has announced that Kenny Omega will be defending his AEW World Championship against Jon Moxley in an Exploding Barbed Wire Deathmatch at the upcoming Revolution PPV.

The main event of this week’s episode of Dynamite saw the former AEW Champion teaming up with Rey Fenix, and Lance Archer to defeat the trio of Eddie Kingston, The Butcher, and The Blade.

Mox however, got attacked by the Good Brothers after the match. Kenny Omega then came out with a mic while Gallows and Anderson were holding Jon.

The current champion showed some papers to his rival and revealed that the former WWE star slipped a rematch clause into their title match agreement.

Omega said that Moxley will get his rematch but he will choose the stipulation for it and he chose an Exploding Barbed Wire Deathmatch.

Updated Revolution Match Card

The world title match is the sixth bout that has been announced for the Revolution PPV taking place on March 7. After the latest announcement, below is the updated match card for the show:

  • AEW Championship Exploding Barbed Wire Deathmatch: Kenny Omega (c) vs. Jon Moxley
  • AEW Women’s Championship: Hikaru Shida (c) vs. Winner Of AEW Title Eliminator Tournament
  • AEW Tag Team Championships: The Young Bucks (c) vs. Chris Jericho and MJF
  • Street Fight: Sting and AEW TNT Champion Darby Allin vs. FTW Champion Brian Cage and Ricky Starks with Taz
  • Face of Revolution Ladder Match: Cody Rhodes vs. Penta El Zero M vs. Scorpio Sky vs. 3 Contestants TBA
  • Singles Match With Winner Getting His Opponents 2021 Quarter One Earnings: Matt Hardy vs. Hangman Page

AEW Dynamite Results (2/17): Death Match Set For Revolution, Brian Cage Attacks Sting

AEW Dynamite Results (2/17): Death Match Set For Revolution, Brian Cage Attacks Sting

Robert Lentini
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AEW Dynamite aired from Daily’s Place in Jacksonville. Riho made her return tonight and Moxley, Fenix, and Archer battled Kingston, Butcher, and Blade in the main event.

Dynamite Results (2/17)

  1. Hangman Page & Matt Hardy def. TH2
  2. Riho def. Serena Deeb to advance in the AEW Women’s Championship Eliminator Tournament
  3. Orange Cassidy def. Luther in a quick match
  4. Young Bucks def. Santana & Ortiz to retain the AEW Tag Team Championships
  5. FTR def. Matt & Mike Sydal
  6. Jon Moxley, Rey Fenix, Lance Archer def. Eddie Kingston, The Butcher, The Blade

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Hangman Page Will Face Matt Hardy At Revolution In A Money Match

Hangman Page & Matt Hardy faced TH2 in the first match of the night. Hangman leveled Angelico with a shoulder tackle and followed it up with a Suplex to Jack Evans. Matt Hardy tagged in and connected with a Neckbreaker for a two count.

Page tagged in and hit a running Shooting Star Press for another near fall. Matt tagged back in and hit a Suplex before posing in the ring. Matt planted Evans with a Powerbomb and went for the cover but Evans had tagged in. Jack beat down Matt in the corner of the ring and tagged Angelico back in.

Angelico rolled up Matt for a two count before applying a Headlock in the corner. Evans tagged in and bounced Matt’s face off the turnbuckle. Matt battled back and planted Evans with a Side Effect. Hangman tagged in and started unloading Clotheslines.

Hangman connected with a massive Spinebuster on Angelico and followed it up with another Clothesline. Hangman knocked Evans off the apron and planted Angelico with a Fallaway Slam. Page hit Evans with a Crossboy and then booted Angelico in the face for a near fall.

Angelico tagged in and walked into a Powerbomb from Hangman. Page then Powerbombed Evans on top of Angelico before Matt tagged himself in as Hangman was setting up for the Buckshot Lariat. Evans shoved Hardy into Hangman. Evans hit an ugly looking Phoenix Splash for a two count. Hangman Page came out of nowhere and leveled TH2 with a Buckshot Lariat. Matt Hardy then connected with the Twist of Fate for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Matt Hardy told Hangman that he is going to make a lot of money. Matt added that he is getting 30% of it and is proud Hangman decided to sign with him. Hangman said he had a good friend (Brodie Lee) that always told him to always keep an extra set of papers in his pocket.

Page noted that Matt didn’t read the contract and the Jaguars mascot made his way to the ring and handed Matt the contract. Hardy read it and announced that he will face Hangman Page at Revolution. Hardy added that the contract said Hangman will get all of Matt’s earnings for the first quarter of 2021. Matt challenged Hangman to put his first quarter earnings on the line and Page accepted the challenge. The Jaguars mascot attacked Hangman Page from behind and it was revealed to be Isiah Kassidy.

Hardy paid TH2 to attack Hangman from behind and beat him down. -1 instructed Dark Order to make the save and they beat everyone down besides Hangman. Alan Angels unloaded on Matt but Hardy knocked him out of the ring. Hangman went for the Buckshot Lariat but Matt ducked under it and retreated.

Riho Advanced In The Tournament

Riho faced Serena Deeb in the first round of the Women’s Elimination tournament. The winner of the tournament will earn a shot at the AEW Women’s Championship currently held by Hikaru Shida. Deeb was wearing a knee brace for the match and the announcers pointed out that she has a knee issue that will need to be addressed soon. The winner of the match will face Thunder Rosa in the next round.

Deeb and Riho locked up in the middle of the ring to start off the action. Deeb applied a Headlock and brought Riho to the canvas. Riho escaped but Deeb remained in control. Deeb connected with a shoulder tackle and went for the cover but Riho kicked out at one.

Riho connected with a Dropkick that sent Deeb to the canvas. Deeb slammed Riho’s neck into the bottom rope as Dynamite went to a commercial break. When Dynamite returned, Deeb had Riho in a Headlock again. Riho battled to her feet and drove Serena to the corner of the ring.

Riho connected with a Snap Dragon Suplex to give her some time to regroup. Riho hit a knee to the midsection and went for the cover but Serena kicked out at two. Deeb blocked a Northern Lights Suplex and went for a Brainbuster but her knee gave out.

Riho connected with a Dropkick and climbed to the top rope. Riho went for a Crossbody but Serena rolled through and went to work on Riho’s knee. Deeb connected with a Dragon Screw and Riho collapsed to the canvas. Serena planted Riho with a swinging Neckbreaker but Riho somehow kicked out at the last moment.

Serena charged at Riho but the former AEW Women’s Champion tripped her up. Riho hit a 619 and followed it up with a Double Stomp off the top rope. Riho climbed to the top rope and hit a Crossbody for a near fall.

Deeb hit Riho with a Dragon Screw and followed it up with a Powerbomb. Serena locked in the Stretch Muffler submission but Riho countered into a roll-up for a near fall. Riho connected with a Northern Lights Suplex. Riho hit another Double Stomp off the top rope and went for the cover but Deeb kicked out at two.

Deeb and Riho traded roll-ups in the middle of the ring and Riho was able to keep Serena down for the victory in a terrific match. Riho advanced in the tournament and will face Thunder Rosa in the next round of the tournament.

Brian Cage Powerbombed Sting

Team Taz came down to the ring and Taz demanded that Sting come to the ring. Sting’s music hit and The Icon emerged from the entrance tunnel with snow falling down. Sting entered the ring and Taz asked for the music to be shut off.

Taz noted that Sting has his bat and claimed that Sting is nothing anymore without the bat. Sting tossed the bat away and took off his jacket. Sting threw the jacket at Brian Cage and hit him with a few punches in the corner. Brian Cage booted Sting in the midsection and Powerbombed Sting in the middle of the ring.

Kenny Omega Visited A School

AEW Champion Kenny Omega went to a school with Don Callis. Omega read from a book that described his match with Jericho in NJPW. Kenny said business raised dramatically because of him and explained that meant they made a lot of money.

Callis said his time was up and Omega started to leave. A kid asked if Kenny could come play and Don told them no. Callis suggested the kids play with Nakazawa and they said they hated him. The kids then piled on top of Nakazawa as Callis and Omega left.

Young Bucks Retained

Young Bucks defended their AEW Tag Team Championships against Santana & Ortiz. Inner Circle accompanied Santana & Ortiz. Santana and Nick Jackson started off the action. Ortiz and Matt tagged in and Matt connected with a flurry of Arm Drags. Ortiz hit an Arm Drag of his own but Matt responded with a Dropkick.

Santana tagged in and booted Matt in the midsection. Nick tagged in as Omega, Callis, and the Good Brothers were shown watching the match backstage. JR accidentally referred to Kenny as “WWE Champion” and said that this is becoming more insane every week. Excalibur joked that he thought JR was talking about the angle they were watching the TV from.

Ortiz planted Nick with a Backbreaker and started taunting Matt on the apron. MJF tried for a cheap shot but the referee caught him. The referee then kicked out Inner Circle from ringside. When Dynamite returned, Nick caught Ortiz with a boot to the face and tagged in Matt.

Matt Jackson hit Ortiz with a Clothesline and then delivered one to Santana. Matt climbed to the top rope and hit a Twisting Stunner on Santana for a near all. Santana battled back and hit an Avalanche Falcon Arrow for a near fall. Ortiz locked in a submission hold as Santana hit a Dropkick on Matt outside the ring. Matt broke the hold by hitting an Elbow Drop off the top rope.

Young Bucks hit the Doomsday Device and Matt was able to tag back in. Matt hit a Buckle Bomb and followed it up with a Superkick. Matt went for the cover but Ortiz was able to break it up at two. Santana hit a double Cutter and tagged in Ortiz. Santana & Ortiz hit the Street Sweeper and went for the cover but Matt broke it up at the last moment.

Santana and Ortiz Powerbombed Matt Jackson into the crowd at Daily’s Place. Ortiz shouted “the best!” several times and Nick capitalized with an inside cradle for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Inner Circle rushed the ring and beat Young Bucks down. Omega said they need to do something about this but Don Callis sent Good Brothers instead. Jericho locked in the Liontamer as MJF locked in the Salf of the Earth. Good Brothers slowly made their way to the ring and Inner Circle retreated. Jericho started mocking the Young Bucks’ parents ringside.

FTR def. Matt & Mike Sydal

FTR battled Matt and Mike Sydal tonight on Dynamite. Cody joined commentary for the match and announced Brandi is having a baby girl. Harwood and Wheeler isolated Mike in the corner but Sydal battled back and hit Dax with a Dropkick.

Matt tagged in and unloaded some kicks to Harwood. Mike tagged in and hit Dax with a Double Stomp. Wheeler tagged in and the Sydals greeted him with a couple knees to the face. Wheeler planted Mike with a German Suplex off the middle turnbuckle as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

When Dynamite returned, Matt hit Harwood with a knee to the face and sent him out of the ring. Mike then climbed to the top rope and hit FTR with a Moonsault outside the ring. Back in the ring, Matt went for the cover but Dax was able to kick out at two.

Wheeler caught Matt with an uppercut and then tagged in. Cash sent Matt to the corner and went for a Splash but Sydal got out of the way. Wheeler planted Matt with a Dragon Suplex but Mike broke it up at two. Mike tagged in and booted Wheeler in the face. Matt hit Double Knees off the top rope and Mike followed it up with a rough looking Splash for a two count. Matt climbed to the top rope but Dax tripped him up. Wheeler drove Mike to the corner and Dax tagged in. FTR hit Mike with the Big Rig for the pinfall victory.

After the match, FTR was about to cut off Mike’s hair but the lights went out. Jurassic Express appeared in the ring and Luchasaurus had a new mask. Jurassic Express beat FTR down and Luchasaurus Chokeslammed Cash Wheeler.

Omega Will Face Moxley In An “Exploding Barbed Wire Death Match” At Revolution

Jon Moxley, Rey Fenix, and Lance Archer battled Eddie Kingston, The Butcher, and The Blade in this week’s main event. The match started out in a brawl with every wrestler battling in the ring. Butcher brought Archer out of the ring and slammed him into the barricade.

Kingston and Moxley traded punches outside the ring as well. Moxley sent Kingston into the barricade but Butcher and Blade attacked Jon from behind. Butcher rolled Moxley into the ring and connected with a Backbreaker.

Butcher tagged in and hit a Leg Drop for a near fall. Butcher threw Moxley to the turnbuckle and hit him with a Splash. Blade tagged in and connected with a Powerslam for a two count. Jon elbowed Butcher off the apron and planted Blade with a Neckbreaker.

Archer tagged in and punched Eddie off the ring apron. Lance connected with an Exploder Suplex that sent The Blade flying across the ring. Archer walked across the top rope as Rey hit Butcher off the ring apron. Archer leaped onto Blade as Dynamite went to a commercial break.

When Dynamite returned, Butcher hit Archer with a couple chops and Blade tagged in. Kingston tagged in and shoved Archer to the corner. Kingston hit some chops of his own and raked Lance’s eyes before Butcher tagged back.

Butcher continued to beat Archer down in the corner of the ring until Lance finally was able to battle back. Moxley Clotheslined Blade out of the ring as Archer leveled Butcher and Kingston with a Crossbody. Fenix tagged in and perched Butcher up on the top turnbuckle.

Fenix booted Butcher in the face and planted Kingston with an Arm Drag. Fenix then hit a dive onto Blade outside teh ring and a Cutter to Butcher back in the ring. Fenix hopped up to the top rope and hit a Frog Splash for a two count. Fenix hit Blade with a Dropkick and everyone was down.

Eddie and Moxley traed punches in the middle of the ring. Kingston connected with an Enziguri but turned around into a kick from Fenix. Jon Moxley then locked in the Bulldog Choke on Kingston but Butcher and Blade broke it up. Archer then Chokeslammed Fenix on onto Butcher and Blade. Lance followed it up with a ridiculous Cannonball off the apron.

Moxley and Kingston then traded punches again in the middle of the ring. Jon decked Kingston with a Clothesline and followed it up with the Paradigm Shift for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Impact Tag Team Champions Good Brothers attacked Moxley from behind. AEW Champion Kenny Omega made his way to the ring and said Jon is looking kind of pathetic right now. Omega told Moxley that he has his rematch at Revolution in an “Exploding Barbed Wire Death Match” at Revolution.

Opinion: I have no idea what an “Exploding Barbed Wire Death Match” is but I’m in. Omega and Moxley’s non-sanctioned match at Full Gear was great and I’m looking forward to the carnage this match will be at Revolution. Overall, I thought this was one of the better episodes of Dynamite as of late.

WWE NXT Results (2/17): Pat McAfee Appears, Six-Man Tag

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The February 17, 2021 episode of WWE NXT aired live on the USA Network from Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center. 

WWE NXT Results 

  • Ember Moon & Shotzi Blackheart def. The Way (Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell).
  • Leon Ruff def. Isaiah ‘Swerve’ Scott.
  • Kayden Carter & Kacy Catanzaro def. Jessi Kamea & Aliyah.
  • KUSHIDA def. Tyler Rust (w/Malcolm Bivens)
  • Zoey Stark def. Valentina Feroz.
  • Pete Dunne, Danny Burch & Oney Lorcan def. Finn Balor, Kyle O’Reilly and Roderick Strong.

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Johnny Gargano Looks For Austin Theory

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Johnny Gargano went on the hunt for Austin Theory after the prospect vanished while walking with other members of The Way (Gargano, Candice LeRae, and Indie Heartwell) backstage to the ring ahead of his North American Title defense against Kushida at NXT TakeOver: Vengeance Day. 

It appeared Lumis rendered him unconscious after placing a towel over his mouth and nose, implying it was chloroform. Shortly after, Lumis “hacked” Theory’s Twitter account and posted photos of himself. 

Gargano had missing posters. During the Ember Moon and Shotzi Blackheart vs. Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell tag team match, a white van had pulled up to the building. Gargano had left ringside to go check it out and got Theory, who had been tied up. 

Tag Team Match

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Ember Moon and Shotzi Blackheart vs. Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell took place in a tag team match. 

This was the first match of the night. The match was solid with the heels dominating the majority of the match with Moon getting the hot tag. Moon got the win with a roll-up on Heartwell off a distraction. 

This was a rematch from last week’s episode of NXT that saw Moon and Blackheart go over to advance to the finals of the Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. The babyfaces lost to Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzalez in the finals this past Sunday night at NXT TakeOver: Vengeance Day. 

Undisputed Era Follow-Up

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After Finn Balor had successfully retained the NXT Title over Pete Dunne in the main event of NXT TakeOver: Vengeance Day, Balor was attacked by Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch in the ring until Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly, and Roderick Strong) ran out and chased them off.

O’Reilly helped Balor up and told him how much he respects him, but Cole superkicked Balor then O’Reilly after O’Reilly was furious with Cole and said what he did to Balor was “bullsh*t.” 

The show opened with Kyle doing an interview in the ring about how the Undisputed Era is special and they were supposed to last forever. He said that Cole stabbed him in the back, but he’s still his brother. He wanted to know why Cole did what he did.

He said that he’ll likely punch him in the face, but he’s willing to hear him out. Strong came out and said Cole did what he did due to emotion. He said he knows Cole regrets what he did. Kyle told Strong to not get in the ring because he doesn’t trust him. He demanded for Cole to get out to the ring. Balor came out instead and said he was looking for Kyle. Balor told him to get in line behind him because they have some business to address.

He said that he knew not to accept Kyle’s hand and questioned his intentions behind it. Dunne, Lorcan, and Burch ran out to attack the three men. 

Main Event

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WWE had been advertising Karrion Kross vs. NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar in a non-title match. 

That match was pulled and WWE did an angle where Santos did a promo about how he would face Kross on his time. William Regal then announced the match would take place and if Santos didn’t do it then he would be stripped of the title and suspended. 

Thus, we got Balor, O’Reilly, and Strong vs. Lorcan, Burch, and Dunne in a six-man tag team match instead. 

The match ended when there was a referee bump. Cole kicked Kyle in the head then hit a brainbuster to him on the steel steps. Dunne pinned Balor with the Bitter End. Cole ended the show while standing over Balor with the NXT Title.  

Pat McAfee Appears

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Pat McAfee appeared in a video while on a private plane. He said that fans now know what he knew about Adam Cole (referencing his attack on Kyle O’Reilly). He said that Cole was a scumbag and called the fans the wrestling internet community. He wants all apologies from fans regarding them being wrong about what he said about Cole. He noted he’s going to a beach while the bums [fans] were sitting at home. 

McAfee hadn’t been seen since TakeOver: WarGames last November. In 2020, he worked two matches with Cole. 

Triple H recently addressed Pat McAfee’s status in WWE during a recent media call:

“Pat’s limitations are…he’s a busy guy,” Triple H said. “Pat is one of the most successful… I hate to put a title on what he does because I feel like it’s limiting to him, but like you say… podcaster, media personality, sports world personality… almost every weekend that I look online during football season Pat seems to be trending on the weekends. His coverage of football, his association with FanDuel, just everything that he does.”

There’s still no word yet on when McAfee will work another match, but he did respond to Triple H’s comments shortly after the WWE Executive made them. 

Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler Confront Challengers

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Raquel Gonzalez and Dakota Kai came out to the ring to join MSK to celebrate winning the men’s and women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. As a result of winning their respective tournament, Raquel and Kai are guaranteed a title match. 

They were quickly interrupted by WWE Tag Team Champions Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler. Raquel told Shayna that she doesn’t run NXT anymore. Their title match is set for March 3rd. Jax told them to calm down and she came here to honor Dusty. 

She recalls him praising her while she was in NXT. She said that he was right when he called her the biggest badest bi*ch in WWE. She said that they’re the most dominant tag team in all of WWE. Raquel said that Dusty never met her. Shayna said in two weeks, they will be coming to their home turf to embarrass them. Raquel said that she was going to take her boot and shove it up Jax’s hole that she will never get it out. 

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