This week’s episode of NXT was the first episode following TakeOver: Phoenix. The majority of tonight’s show was spent recapping the PPV this past Saturday night. If you missed NXT TakeOver: Phoenix, click here for a full breakdown of the show.

Io Shirai & Kairi Sane Defeated Duke & Shafir

Kairi Sane & Io Shirai squared off against Jessamyn Duke & Marina Shafir on this week’s episode of NXT. Shafir and Shirai started off the match. Io connected with a Dropkick and flipped across the ring to a great reaction from the crowd.

Sane and Duke tagged in as the crowd loudly chanted “Kairi!”. Duke and Sane went back and forth for a bit before Kairi rolled up Duke for a two count. Io tagged in and teamed up with Sane for a double Dropkick on Duke.

Shirai followed that up with Double Knees that sent Jessamyn tumbling to the floor outside the ring. Shafir distracted Io and Duke capitalized with a boot to the face. Shafir tagged in and slammed Sharai to the canvas for a near fall.

Jessamyn got back in the match and dragged Io down to the mat. Io battled to her feet but Duke took her down with a Butterfly Suplex for a two count. Shafir and Sane tagged in and Kairi took Marina down with a Blockbuster.

Sane followed it up with the Interceptor Spear and then march to the corner. Kairi hit the sliding elbow as Shirai Dropkicked Duke to the floor outside the ring. Kairi made her way to the top rope as Io hit Jessamyn with a Suicide Dive. Kairi connected with the Insane Elbow on Shafir for the pinfall victory.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1090780532185747456

The Forgotten Sons Defeated Street Profits

Forgotten Sons (Steve Cutler & Wesley Blake) battled Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford) tonight on NXT. Jaxson Ryker was ringside for the match and in the Forgotten Son’s corner.

The match started out in a brawl with all four Superstars trading shots in the ring. Ford knocked Cutler out of the ring and Dawkins launched Blake on top of him via a Back Body Drop.

Back in the ring, the Forgotten Sons isolated Montez Ford in the corner of the ring. Cutler planted Ford with a Backbreaker as the crowd chanted “we forgot you!”. Blake tagged in and hit a double Backbreaker with Cutler for a near fall.

Cutler tagged in and hit a Powerbomb into Blake’s knees in the corner. Cutler followed it up with another Backbreaker to Ford and went for the cover but Dawkins broke it up. Ford finally battled back and launched both Forgotten Sons out of the ring.

Blake climbed to the top and went for a Splash but Ford got out of the way and Wesley splatted on the canvas. Dawkins tagged in and cleaned house by launching Blake and Cutler around the ring. Dawkins hit Blake with a Running Bulldog as Ford Moonsaulted onto Cutler outside the ring.

Back in the ring, Ford tagged in as Dawkins lifted Blake up in the Electric Chair. Montez leaped off the top rope and hit a Neckbreaker for a near fall. Cutler dragged Dawkins out of the ring as Ryker took out Ford ringside. Dawkins got distracted by Ryker and Blake took him out with a Suicide Dive. Blake and Cutler then slammed Dawkins to the canvas for the pinfall victory.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1090789834631929856

WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry sounded off WWE RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey during a recent episode of Sirius XM’s Busted Open Radio and had some interesting things to say.

It all started once he brought up how she falls under the same category as Michael Jordan as she is great, but as a result, she suffers from the greatness hate and that people are hating on her for being good at what she does. He knows that there will be people that have animosity against her due to her earning a level of respect that most of us will never see

“Ronda’s getting the level of attention and the level of greatness that people will never ever see.”

Henry continued by bringing up how even the best won’t see that kind of stuff due to there being only a few Muhammad Ali’s or Jordan’s. He thinks that for somebody to hate that means they’re jealous or not understanding of what greatness looks like up close.

"Ronda is getting a level of attention and a level of greatness that people may never see."@TheMarkHenry explains why @RondaRousey is suffering through "greatness hate" similarly to Tom Brady. pic.twitter.com/jmN9uR0ffe

— SiriusXM Busted Open (@BustedOpenRadio) January 29, 2019

Fans were against Rousey during her segment with Becky Lynch on this past Monday’s episode of RAW where they set up their match at WrestleMania 35 in April.

Tuesday’s edition of WWE SmackDown Live from Phoenix, AZ at the Talking Stick Resort Arena averaged 2.137 million viewers, down from 2.142 million the previous week, according to ShowbuzzDaily.

Despite WWE putting some together some intriguing segments for the show, this episode faced some solid competition. The show had to go up against Curse of Oak Island on History that did 3.555 million, Rachael Maddow Show that drew 3.227 million, Project Blue Book with 1.711 million.

Matches that took place on this show include R-Truth vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the United States Title and The Usos (Jey Uso & Jimmy Uso) vs. Heavy Machinery (Otis Dozovic & Tucker Knight) and The Bar (Cesaro & Sheamus) and The New Day (Big E & Kofi Kingston) in order to become the new #1 contender’s for the SmackDown Tag Team Titles.

WWE also hyped the fallout from Royal Rumble, the Elimination Chamber PPV and the matches taking place at that show. In case you missed the show, you can check out the 4 takeaways from it here.

WWE will attempt to keep this momentum going with next week’s episode, which should be interesting to see what number it pulls in. As of this writing, there are no matches or segments announced for the show.

Watch: Top 10 Moments from Tuesday’s SmackDown Live (1.29.19)

In the past, WWE Champion Daniel Bryan has made it known that he’s a big fan of the product and stars that come from 205 Live, which is the all cruiserweight show under the WWE banner.

It all started when he did color commentating for the Cruiserweight Classic on the WWE Network before WWE decided to bring back the cruiserweight division and launch 205 Live.

In fact, Mustafa Ali has stated that Bryan was a big supporter of his and partly a reason why WWE officials decided to move him from 205 Live to SmackDown Live.

Bryan, who is slated to make his next title defense at the Elimination Chamber PPV event, talked about how he would like to take part in a special match against 205 Live superstar Gran Metalik while doing a recent interview with Yahoo Sports.

“I want to wrestle the best guys on the planet,” said Bryan. “Some of those best guys are on ‘205 Live.’ We have Gran Metalik here and he’s one of the best luchadors in the world and he’s on that show. Man, would I love to wrestle that guy in a mask vs. hair match. That’s sometimes where my passion gets ahead of me.”

On Tuesday, WWE issued a statement confirming the report by PWTorch.com that Dean Ambrose will not be renewing his contract when it expires in April.

It was unprecedented move for WWE to announce the departure of a top performer so far in advance. The only possible comparison would be CM Punk in 2011, although that only became apparent around a month or so before his contract was set to expire.

On Wednesday’s Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer described the backstage reaction to the announcement. Meltzer himself believes that the situation is legitimate, although there are some within WWE that believe it’s a work.

• Renee Young Comments On Dean Ambrose Leaving WWE

Meltzer confirmed that some talent were aware of the situation prior to Monday’s RAW. However, most were kept in the dark until it was announced on Tuesday. It was also noted that most of the creative team were unaware that Ambrose would not be renewing his contract.

As the Ambrose situation was unfolding on Tuesday, PWInsider reported that Ambrose declined a 5-year deal deal worth over a million dollars a year. Upon asking around in WWE, the details of their offer to Ambrose surprised a lot of people.

WWE confirmed on Tuesday that Dean Ambrose will be ending his time with the company in April. WWE’s unprecedented statement reads, “We are grateful and appreciative of all that Dean has given to WWE and our fans. We wish him well and hope that one day Dean will return to WWE.”

Reports seem to indicate that Ambrose is unhappy with his creative direction – so much so that he turned down a long-term multi-million dollar contract.

Prior to joining WWE developmental back in 2011, Ambrose had an impressive run on the independent scene under the name Jon Moxley. Moxley was for his ‘death matches’ in promotions including Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW).

With the news of Ambrose’s imminent departure from WWE, one independent star who is already thinking about the possibilities is none other than Jimmy Havoc.

https://twitter.com/JimmyHavoc/status/1090501507068452864

Havoc is one of the most popular death match wrestlers anywhere. The former PROGRESS World Champion is also a CZW Tournament of Death winner in his own right and could bring it to Ambrose in a hardcore setting.

Havoc vs. Moxley has potential written all over it and would be a draw for any company that could sign this contest.

Before WWE ….

KUSHIDA took part in his final NJPW match at yesterday’s Korakuen Hall show. The icon of the Juniors Division wished for his final match to be against Hiroshi Tanahashi and this was granted by New Japan officials.

Tanahashi took the win in around 24 minutes with the Texas Cloverleaf. This was a highly emotional bout, with KUSHIDA bowing out after 8 years with the company.

KUSHIDA discussed the bout earlier this week, playing up the emotional aspect of facing his idol in Tanahashi. The former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion stated “I’ve only got one match left. It will be very emotional. I’ve taken a lot of damage over these past 8 years. But the memories I’ve made in this time, I’m sure because of them…that I have become stronger. Going forward, I’ll always fight with that knowledge close to my heart.”

KUSHIDA finished up by saying “8 years ago, here at Korakuen Hall, Tanahashi said he’d make me a complete pro wrestler. I’m forever grateful to him, I’ll never forget that.”

The question now that KUSHIDA’s contract is up is where will he head? The likely destination is WWE/NXT however AEW, IMPACT and Ring of Honor are certainly not off the table as of writing.

Bray Wyatt has some advice for the up and coming athletes looking to advance themselves in the world of professional wrestling.

Wyatt is coming up on 10 years since making his debut in former WWE developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling. It has been a long road for the third generation performer. The former WWE Champion has learned a lot along the way and is imparting his wisdom on the next generation.

In a message posted on Instagram, Wyatt advised young talent to ignore what others think of them. “I remember what it’s like for everyone on the planet to think you are the most amazing new thing they have ever seen,” he said. “I remember even more the feeling of everyone turning on you. Saying you are a one hit wonder, overrated, boring.”

He continued, “Every time my life is screwed up I find my genius. My calling to this world. To all those up and coming, f**k what anyone thinks of you. The greatest satisfaction is showing up more ready than anyone thought you’d ever be. Revenge is a confession…..”

Bray Wyatt has been out of action for the past several months. He and former tag team partner “Woken” Matt Hardy went their separate ways last summer. Over the weekend, a fan on Twitter asked when he will be returning to WWE. He replied, “Near time.”

Bray Wyatt’s Advice

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtP64i3HgrU/

– MLW sent in word that they are working on developing reality programming. Crews will be on hand this weekend at MLW Superfight from Philadelphia shooting for this new project.

– A new match has been added to Saturday night’s MLW Fusion Live special on beIN SPORTS. Ricky “El Sicario” Martinez will take on the returning Kotto Brazil in a grudge match. Updated card for MLW Fusion Live this weekend:

World Heavyweight Title Match:
Low Ki (c) vs. “Filthy” Tom Lawlor

World Tag Team Title Match:
Pentagón Jr. & Rey Fenix (c) vs. Hart Foundation

Grudge Match:
Ricky Martinez “El Sicario” vs. “The Haitian Sensation” Kotto Brazil

– Simon Gotch has signed with MLW. Gotch has been doing open challenges and we’ll probably see another one this Saturday.

– A mysterious group identifying itself as CONTRA Unit has been sending “cryptic threats” to MLW’s general feedback email address. According to MLW, “League security are taking these threats security. An investigation is underway.”

– Ring announcer and master of ceremonies Tim Barr has signed with MLW and will return this Saturday.

–  MLW COO Jared St. Laurent has commented on the news that MLW is partnering with IMPACT Wrestling for their shows on April 4th during WrestleMania weekend.

“Both promotions believe in putting the fans first,” said St. Laurent. “Fans will be traveling from all over the world in hopes of seeing the best of the best. MLW and IMPACT Wrestling agreed without hesitation that the fans deserved to be able to see both of these amazing events without having to choose one over the other.”

MLW’s April 4th event will kick off at 7pm with Impact Wrestling having a bell time of 11pm.

The women’s division was put on the forefront as the dark main event after Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown Live and 205 Live episodes went off the air in Phoenix, AZ at the Talking Stick Resort Arena.

This event wrapped up a four day stretch of WWE shows in the city that included NXT TakeOver: Phoenix on Saturday night, Royal Rumble pay-per-view on Sunday, and Monday Night Raw.

SmackDown Women’s Champion Asuka retained her title over Charlotte Flair once Charlotte tapped to the Asuka Lock for the finish. It should be noted that the top star in the women’s division on the blue branded show didn’t appear on this week’s episode of SmackDown Live on the USA Network.

Asuka was last seen on WWE programming when she successfully retained the SmackDown Women’s Title over Becky Lynch in the opening match of Sunday’s WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view event.

On the flip side, Flair did appear on the show as she was featured in the opening segment with Lynch, which saw them have a brawl.

As of this writing, WWE has yet to announce Asuka’s next challenger and opponent for the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view event on February 17, 2019 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

AEW is expected to announce more signings at their February 7th rally in Las Vegas. While it is not clear who those names will be, a report from the Wrestling Observer is stating both Sammy Guevara and Kylie Rae are expected to sign with the new promotion.

Guevara had been wrestling with MLW but he is reported to have canceled dates and was becoming difficult to book.

“(MLW) were under the impression (Guevara) is going to AEW and I am under the impression that he is very likely going to AEW as well,” Dave Meltzer said. “Another name to mention for AEW is, whether it is a done deal or close, is Kylie Rae.”

• The Best Friends Leaving NJPW

Sammy Guevara & Kylie Rae

Sammy Guevara currently works for AAA in Mexico where he is the World Cruiserweight champion. The 25-year-old recently returned home from a tour with DDT in Japan which went from November 30th to January 14th. The last time he wrestled for MLW was at their Chicago tapings in November. He was defeated by Rush, who also recently left the promotion.

Kylie Rae is a 26-year-old pro who has gotten noticed for her performances with RISE and Chicago’s AAW promotion. She has also toured Japan with Stardom this July.

MLW and Impact Wrestling have announced they will collaborate over WrestleMania weekend in order for fans to be able to see both of their live events.

Impact Wrestling released the following statement earlier today:

“IMPACT Wrestling, a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp., and Major League Wrestling (MLW), announced today that they will be collaborating for their events on April 4 by coordinating talent and schedules to ensure that fans can attend live events presented by both organizations when virtually the entire professional wrestling world descends upon the New York metropolitan area.”

IMPACT Wrestling and @MLW will be collaborating for their events on April 4 by coordinating talent and schedules to ensure that fans can attend live events presented by both organizations!

FULL DETAILS: https://t.co/SQkjmx93VM pic.twitter.com/hc56ZosbRh

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 30, 2019

Impact moved their event to the state of New Jersey so they could hold it after 11 PM.

“Due to the New York curfew preventing us from starting at 11:00 p.m. ET, we have moved our live event to New Jersey,” stated Impact’s Scott D’Amore. “We want to thank our partners at WrestlePro for facilitating this collaboration on April 4th and also thank House of Glory and stress that we couldn’t make this happen for our great fans without their cooperation.”

Impact Wrestling & MLW Events Over WrestleMania Weekend

MLW will present “Rise of the Renegades” at 7 PM on April 4th from the Melrose Ballroom. At 11 PM that same night, Impact Wrestling will present “United We Stand” from the Rahway Recreation Centre in New Jersey. The two venues are said to be about an hour’s drive from one another.

“This arrangement eliminates talent booking conflicts and ensures that loyal and passionate fans of both IMPACT Wrestling and MLW are able to attend our respective live events on April 4th,” said Impact Wrestling President, Ed Nordholm.

“Both promotions believe in putting the fans first,” said MLW COO Jared St. Laurent. “Fans will be traveling from all over the world in hopes of seeing the best of the best.”

Members of the Elite have been showing up at independent wrestling events recently. Cody and Hangman Page appeared at an event in Waterbury, MA recently. The Young Bucks, Page, and Cody have also appeared at Bar Wrestling in LA and DEFY Wrestling in Seattle recently.

It appears the Young Bucks could be headed to Atlanta this weekend. Nick Jackson appeared in the replies section for an event featuring SCU versus the Lucha Bros.

Kazarian made a point to capitalize the letters A, E, and W in the following post:

I wonder if we should buy flights for this?

— Being the Elite (@BeingTheElite) January 30, 2019

Colt Cabana didn’t need any more hints:

Hahaha. I wonder if anyone can figure out this “puzzle”?!

— Colt Cabana? (@ColtCabana) January 30, 2019

Later, Nick Jackson confirmed that he bought tickets. “Just bought flights,” Nick Jackson Tweeted. “This weekend is gonna be nuts!”

https://twitter.com/MattJackson13/status/1090437446691483648

Cody and Brandi Rhodes live in Atlanta and could likely appear as well. Brandi doubts Cody knows how to get to the venue, however.

I don’t think you know where we live hun. ?

— Brandi Rhodes (@TheBrandiRhodes) January 30, 2019

Hangman Page looks as though he’ll be staying nearby this weekend as well:

https://twitter.com/theAdamPage/status/1090433678059147264

The Young Bucks On Independent Wrestling Event Appearances

On the most recent episode of Being the Elite, the Young Bucks revealed they are making these appearances to give back to independent wrestling. They are paying their own ways to the shows and not accepting payment from the promotions.

Matt Jackson On OWE Partnership

Matt Jackson recently took the time to speak on AEW’s partnership with Oriental Wrestling Entertainment (OWE).

“Immediately when I saw a couple of GIFs of the OWE guys on Twitter, I was attracted,” he said. “So, I looked up more clips and did research on them. I quickly learned my old friend CIMA, who I’d made friends with years ago in Japan, was affiliated with them. That made sense right away, because the clips I watched had a real Dragon Gate feel to it.”

He continued, “Yet still, it looked and felt so original. Like a fight scene from an old Kung fu movie.  I knew I’d one day work with these guys right away. I’m attracted to anything out of the ordinary.”

• The Young Bucks talk AEW TV Plans

Renee Young has posted her first comments since news broke her husband, Dean Ambrose, will not be renewing his contract with the company in April.

Young posted the following supportive message to her husband, stating, “No guts, no glory.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtPGJBcBmG0/?utm_source=ig_embed

WWE Releases Statement On Dean Ambrose Not Renewing Contract

Dean Ambrose (Jonathan Good) will not be renewing his contract with WWE when it expires in April,” a WWE press release regarding Ambrose reads.

“We are grateful and appreciative of all that Dean has given to WWE and our fans. We wish him well and hope that one day Dean will return to WWE.”

Young commented last summer on how being in WWE effects her relationship with Dean Ambrose. She spoke about how being on Total Divas impacted her and Dean.

“It was hard, it was really hard and even now when I see the girls and they are on the road, and you’ve got a camera in your face, and you’re taking these vacations that aren’t really vacations, it’s exhausting, it’s really a lot of work,” Young said on Lillian Garcia’s podcast.

“I commend them all for doing it. For the people that it’s great for, its great for, but I think the problem that I essentially ran into was that I’m not a private person and my husband is.”

Chris Jericho is likely not finished with New Japan Pro Wrestling. Despite signing with AEW recently, the 48-year-old has consistently suggested he has unfinished business left in Japan. According to a report from Wrestling Observer Radio, Jericho is expected to continue his working relationship with the company.

“He has not signed with New Japan but he’s talked with Gedo,” Meltzer said. “Obviously, they’ve had a meeting of the minds and ideas for this year. His contract allows him to do New Japan. He wants to do New Japan, Gedo wants him.”

Meltzer would continue to say a contract has not yet been signed, however.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtOJDfLBf0d/

– Chris Jericho Promises to return to New Japan Pro Wrestling

Chris Jericho In NJPW and AEW

Jericho revealed on his podcast recently that he’s been in talks with Tony Khan for several months. He said it was Tony Khan’s personal jet that flew him to All In on September 1st.

“We happened to have a Fozzy gig in Jacksonville, FL around that same time (September 26th). That was when I had a meeting with Tony Khan for four hours and really had a chance to get to know this guy,” Jericho said. “That’s when I realized this guy really wants to do this,” Jericho continued.

Beretta and Chuckie T are scheduled to play a big role on the New Beginning in USA shows this weekend for NJPW. It appears the popular tag-team won’t be with the promotion much longer, however. According to a report from Wrestling Observer Radio, both wrestlers have given their notice and are expected to finish up with the company shortly.

“They are finishing up with New Japan with the shows this weekend,” said Dave Meltzer on the show. “Beretta was offered a contract. I’m not sure about Chuckie T but Beretta was offered a contract and Beretta was going to get a real good push this year.”

While there has been no word regarding the Best Friends signing with AEW, both Beretta and Chuckie T have appeared on the Being the Elite series frequently.

https://twitter.com/SexyChuckieT/status/1090439158886105088

The Best Friends Leaving NJPW

The report would continue to say that storylines involving Beretta had been planned for the next year. Beretta is said to have verbally committed to a new deal with NJPW but never signed. He then backed away from the deal before signing officially. This apparently didn’t go over that well with NJPW management.

He is scheduled to face Juice Robinson for the IWGP United States championship at the New Japan this weekend.

PROGRESS has announced the World Championship match for their upcoming Chapter 84 event. Chapter 84 will be taking place on Sunday February 24th from the Electric Ballroom in Camden, London.

NXT UK Superstar WALTER will be facing Chris Ridgeway. WALTER is the PROGRESS World Champion and one of the hottest stars in the European scene right now. After his shock appearance on NXT UK’s Takeover event the questions have been asked as to when WALTER may end his independent bookings. PROGRESS are aligned with WWE, that is now confirmed. The co-owners of PROGRESS are all working alongside NXT UK if not actually running the promotion.

Chris Ridgeway is a hard hitting, very credible competitor. This would be an ideal opportunity for PROGRESS to have WALTER drop the title and move full time into NXT UK. Whilst the contract information for NXT UK Superstars has been convoluted WALTER must be considered a top tier talent. Top tier Superstars are apparently going to be exclusive to the WWE brand, although WALTER is also confirmed for the wXw 16 Carat Gold tournament. With WALTER’s ties to European wrestling he may well have signed a special deal with independent dates included. This however is speculation and we cannot confirm at the time of writing.

You've got him! @chrisXriddy vs @WalterAUT for the PROGRESS World Championship at #Chapter84.
Final tickets -> https://t.co/8Al16y6GaS pic.twitter.com/WjSk8z1uXL

— PROGRESS Wrestling (@ThisIs_Progress) January 30, 2019

Add Hideo Itami’s name to the list of Superstars who will be leaving WWE shortly. According to a report from Fightful, Itami asked for and was granted his release from the company. He finished up with WWE last night.

Itami, like many other Superstars asking for their releases lately, was unsatisfied creatively.  He will likely have to sit-out a 90-day no-compete clause before being able to wrestle for another promotion. If this is the case, he would be free in May.

Itami, who recently changed his Twitter handle to his old in-ring name, KENTA, posted the following to his social media channels on Tuesday night.

THANK YOU.

— KENTA aka Lil’K (@KENTAG2S) January 30, 2019

Several wrestlers from WWE and elsewhere offered their support to the Japanese star:

Thank you.

— Mustafa Ali (@MustafaAli_X) January 30, 2019

https://twitter.com/PeytonRoyceWWE/status/1090483395388305408

Thank you, Kenta! @HideoItami.
I will always #Respect you! pic.twitter.com/84Lk4ypQAf

— Levis (@LevyValenz) January 30, 2019

https://twitter.com/WillOspreay/status/1090527160404725760

I respect @HideoItami

— PRYME Alexander (@CedricAlexander) January 30, 2019

https://twitter.com/GentlemanJackG/status/1090483341101457408

KENTA to Hideo Itami

KENTA wrestled with ROH from 2005 to 2009. Itami spent 2000-2014 building up his name in Pro Wrestling NOAH before signing with WWE in 2014.

Renamed Hideo Itami, he was sent to NXT but only achieved modest success there. Injuries hampered his momentum in NXT before he finally debuted on the main roster for the 205 Live brand in 2017.

Halftime Heat is set to make its return this weekend. It will take place during halftime of this year’s Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams. Fans can watch the event on the WWE Network, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. A Six-Man NXT Tag Team match will go down. Aleister Black, Ricochet, and Velveteen Dream will take on NXT Champion Tommaso Ciampa, NXT North American Champion Johnny Gargano, and the Undisputed Era’s Adam Cole.

PWInsider reports that WWE officials want to air the event live so there are no spoilers. Current plans have the match taking place at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. WWE has the option of bringing in local fans to have a crowd. However, they could also use a bunch of wrestlers as extras.

Perhaps WWE could do an Empty Arena match, much like the first-ever Halftime Heat 20 years ago between The Rock and Mankind. Early speculation suggested Halftime Heat would be filmed at Full Sail University during this week’s NXT TV tapings. WWE Hall Of Famer Shawn Michaels will serve as a guest commentator for the bout.

The first-ever Halftime Heat occurred 20 years ago. Mankind defeated The Rock in an Empty Arena match to win the WWE Championship on January 31st, 1999. That same day, the Denver Broncos defeated the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl 33.

Will you be tuning in to watch Halftime Heat during the Super Bowl?

Lynch Rips Rousey Promo

On this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW, Women’s Royal Rumble winner Becky Lynch confirmed her WrestleMania intentions. She will be challenging RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania 35. Lynch interrupted Rousey and Bayley after their RAW Women’s Title bout. However, it looks like a big change could be coming to that match.

Rousey struggled in her promo early on, as the crowd was giving her a hard time. WWE sent Bayley out early to begin their match. Afterward, Lynch came out and went face-to-face with “The Rowdy One.” They jawed off at one another before the segment came to an end. Earlier today (Tues. January 29, 2019) Rousey took to Instagram and issued out a message to Lynch:

“One big difference between me and you @beckylynchwwe – everything you said last night was fantasy make believe. And every word out of my mouth was a fact. ”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtOZvNAnhm0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading

Lynch responded by taking a shot at Rousey’s botched promo:

“No, I believe you’re a killer, Ronnie. You were murdering that whole segment until The Man bailed you out.”

https://twitter.com/BeckyLynchWWE/status/1090290526241345539

Heyman Praises Lio Rush

Also on RAW this week, Lio Rush took shots at Universal Champion Brock Lesnar and Finn Balor, on behalf of his client, Intercontinental Champion Bobby Lashley. He followed up on Twitter by once again calling Lesnar and Balor out:

“Just so we’re clear…..Bobby > Brock on any given day. That little twerp Finn wouldn’t stand a chance in hell against #TheAlmighty @WWE @fightbobby”

https://twitter.com/itsLioRush/status/1090092056536469504

Heyman responded by praising Rush, saying he has a huge future ahead of him. However, he also pointed out that he spelled Lashley’s moniker wrong:

“I like @WWE @itsLioRush. He has a huge future. Tremendous talent, super young, only going to get better and better and better. But if you’re going to call out @BrockLesnar on behalf of your client, at least spell your own client’s nickname correctly. IT’S ON YOUR SHIRT, LIO!”

I like @WWE @itsLioRush. He has a huge future. Tremendous talent, super young, only going to get better and better and better. But if you're going to call out @BrockLesnar on behalf of your client, at least spell your own client's nickname correctly. IT'S ON YOUR SHIRT, LIO! https://t.co/09ySLdA7Lm

— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) January 29, 2019

WWE is bringing on a lot of former talent to work in backstage roles for the company. Recently, WWE Hall Of Famer Jeff Jarrett returned to the company to work as a producer. Similarly, former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Shane Helms has also joined WWE to work with talent backstage. Now, former WWE star Shawn Daivari has returned to WWE to work in a backstage role as well.

Wrestling Inc. confirmed the news, initially reported by Last Word On Pro Wrestling. Daivari worked for WWE from 2004 to 2007. During that time, he served as the manager for the likes of Muhammad Hussan and The Great Khali. After his departure, he went on to have runs with promotions such as IMPACT Wrestling, Ring Of Honor (ROH), Lucha Underground, and more.

He even opened up a professional wrestling school with fellow former WWE star Mr. Anderson in Minnesota. Daivari made his return to WWE in 2018 in Saudi Arabia for the company’s “Greatest Royal Rumble” show. He appeared alongside his brother, current WWE 205 Live star Ariya Daivari.

WWE has also hired professional wrestling veterans Sonjay Dutt and Abyss to help backstage. They’re expected to begin with the company in mid-February.

What do you think about Daivari joining WWE in a backstage role?

The January 29, 2019 episode of WWE SmackDown aired live from the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. It was the first episode of SmackDown following WWE Royal Rumble 2019. Here are 4 takeaways from this week’s show:

Charlotte Flair Took Credit For Becky Lynch’s Success

Photo Credit: WWE.com

Becky Lynch came down to the ring to start this week’s episode of SmackDown. Last night on RAW, Lynch chose Ronda Rousey as her opponent after winning the women’s Royal Rumble match this past Sunday night.

Lynch brought up losing to Asuka at Royal Rumble and pointed out that she does not crumble like Rousey when she loses. Becky boasted about winning the Royal Rumble match on one leg. Lynch added that she is proud of working her way from the Kickoff Show of last year’s WrestleMania to the main event in 2019.

Becky vowed to break Ronda Rousey’s arm in front of the entire world at WrestleMania. Charlotte Flair interrupted and joined Lynch in the ring. Charlotte mockingly congratulated Lynch before saying that Becky wasn’t even supposed to be in the match but somehow found a way to win.

Charlotte claimed that Becky Lynch grew into The Man because of the lessons she learned from The Queen. Flair said “you’re welcome” and cackled into the microphone. Becky laughed and then blasted Charlotte in the face.

Becky started walking up the entrance ramp but Flair attacked her from behind. Flair launched Becky into the barricade and then tackled to the floor. WWE officials tried to separate the two Superstars but Lynch broke free and leaped onto Charlotte once again.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1090417683068346372

Becky Lynch was later interviewed backstage as she was heading towards her car. Becky was asked why she wouldn’t let the medical staff look at her knee and Lynch stated that she didn’t need to spend any more time on the shelf.

#TheMan refuses to be on the shelf again. #SDLive @BeckyLynchWWE pic.twitter.com/qE0FrYTSvp

— WWE (@WWE) January 30, 2019

Charlotte Flair will likely weasel her way into the match at WrestleMania 35 in the upcoming weeks. Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte has been advertised locally for WWE Fastlane, which doesn’t really mean anything because WWE could change their minds tomorrow about that match. However, their confrontation tonight leads me to believe that Charlotte will have to defeat Becky to earn her way into the WrestleMania match. I’d rather it just be Becky Lynch vs. Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania, but this fits into the storyline.

.@MsCharlotteWWE ambushes @BeckyLynchWWE from behind on the ramp to start off #SDLive! pic.twitter.com/KbfVPAvfVc

— WWE (@WWE) January 30, 2019

R-Truth Is The New United States Champion, Nakamura & Rusev Are A Tag Team Now

R-Truth was awarded a shot at the United States Championship tonight because he lost his spot in the Royal Rumble after Nia Jax attacked him. Nakamura connected with a Reverse Exploder Suplex and went for the Kinshasa but R-Truth countered into the Lie Detector.

Nakamura regained control of the match and set up for the Landslide but R-Truth countered into a roll-up for the pinfall victory. Nakamura argued with the referee after the match but the decision was final. R-Truth is the new United States Champion.

After the match, Rusev came down to the ring and claimed that the United States Championship deserved better than Nakamura and R-Truth. Rusev challenged R-Truth to a title match as Carmella and Lana started arguing. Carmella shoved Lana to the ground and R-Truth accepted the match.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1090421943034150912

R-Truth defeated Rusev in a quick match. Nakamura then attacked R-Truth from behind and then rolled him into the ring. Rusev and Nakamura then teamed up to beat R-Truth down.

You could say @RusevBUL and @ShinsukeN are NOT happy about how their matches ended… #SDLive pic.twitter.com/3PZG4fnZXw

— WWE (@WWE) January 30, 2019

Later on SmackDown, Gallows and Anderson approached Rusev and Nakamura backstage. They challenged them to a new match next week and Nakamura accepted.

Are we seeing the beginning of a new tag team? #SDLive @ShinsukeN @RusevBUL pic.twitter.com/fl2JhSEWV5

— WWE (@WWE) January 30, 2019

The United States Championship doesn’t matter to me at all because of dumb stuff like this. R-Truth likely won’t hold the title for long, so we are back to playing hot potato with the United States Championship. I don’t have anything against R-Truth, but the fact that he defeated Nakamura and Rusev tonight is comical. I’m waiting to read the headline: “Shinsuke Nakamura and Rusev will not resign with WWE” because it is quite clear that they have no idea what to do with them.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1090424821194936325

The Usos Earned A Title Shot At Elimination Chamber

SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Miz & Shane McMahon had a celebration tonight on the show. Shane stated that after tonight’s “moment”, he will never forget it for the rest of his life. Shane rolled footage from the past few week’s promos between the two and the crowd chanted “you deserve it!”. Shane brought Miz’s dad down to the ring and the crowd chanted “Mr. Miz!”.

Mr. Mizanin told The Miz that he loved him and he is very proud of him. The two shared a hug as Shane danced around behind them. Shane then announced a 4-Way Elimination Match to determine the #1 contenders for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1090431174411984898

The Bar, The Usos, New Day, and Heavy Machinery competed in the match. Heavy Machinery eliminated New Day early in the match. The Bar eliminated Heavy Machinery after Sheamus hit Tucker KNight with the Brogue Kick. The Usos then eliminated The Bar after connecting with a Splash. The Usos will now face Shane McMahon and The Miz at WWE Elimination Chamber.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1090438478687621123

I honestly have zero interest in this match. It is dumb that Shane McMahon and The Miz have the titles, and I’m sick of seeing The Usos as SmackDown Tag Team Champions.

.@mikethemiz & @ShaneMcMahon are watching.

They'll be defending their #SDLive #TagTeamTitles against @WWEUsos at #WWEChamber! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/cvws7ntRse

— WWE (@WWE) January 30, 2019

Daniel Bryan Will Defend The WWE Championship Inside the Elimination Chamber

WWE Champion Daniel Bryan came down to the ring and bragged about defeating AJ Styles at Royal Rumble. Bryan referred to himself as the Planet’s Champion and claimed that Erick Rowan interfered in the match because he believes in the greater good.

Erick Rowan then joined Bryan in the ring and Daniel said that he was his “intellectual peer”. Bryan claimed that AJ Styles was correct when he called him a hypocrite because he carries around the WWE Championship.

Rowan brought a garbage can in the ring and Bryan said that the title was made out of a cow whose life was taken from her. Daniel named the cow “Daisy” and claimed that she went through pain to create this symbol.

Bryan threw the WWE Championship into the garbage and Rowan presented Bryan with a new title. Daniel claimed that the title was made from organic hemp that was carved from a naturally fallen oak tree. AJ Styles interrupted and asked Bryan if he smoked the prototype to the championship he was holding. Randy Orton joined the party and made his way down to the ring.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1090442632713646080

Mustafa Ali then made his way down the entrance ramp as well and Orton poked fun at Nia Jax eliminating him at the Royal Rumble. Samoa Joe and Jeff Hardy also came down to the ring. Joe told Jeff Hardy to pretend this is an AA meeting and shut up while he is addressing the group. J

Joe then asked AJ Styles how Wendy was doing and a massive brawl broke out. Daniel Bryan stood on the announce table and shouted that nobody is going to get an opportunity at the title. WWE COO Triple H appeared on the jumbotron and said that Bryan will be defending the WWE Championship against all of the Superstars inside of the Elimination Chamber.

Oh hello, @TripleH! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/vV9jXpHA6i

— WWE (@WWE) January 30, 2019

Samoa Joe was by far the best part of this promo. Overall, this week’s episode of SmackDown was not good at all. The thing that annoyed me the most during tonight’s show was that Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville simply declared that they were in the Elimination Chamber Match for the Women’s Tag Team Championships. We just watched two Qualifying Matches last night on RAW, why do they just get a spot in the match? Inconsistencies like that annoy me because they are completely avoidable.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1090445087656632321

Daniel Bryan has unveiled a new WWE Championship belt.

On Tuesday’s edition of SmackDown Live, Bryan came out with Erick Rowan to gloat about his successful title defense against AJ Styles at the Royal Rumble. Bryan said the WWE Championship belt is a symbol of excellence, but it is also a symbol of excess.

He called the WWE title gaudy and said it’s made from cheap labor and bound to the skin of a cow whose life was taken from her. Bryan named that cow Daisy. Daisy had the ability to feel immense joy and also the ability to feel insufferable pain. Daisy gave her life for a symbol that he stands against. Bryan dumped the WWE Championship belt in the trash.

• 4 Takeaways From WWE SmackDown (1/29)

When he became WWE Champion, Bryan vowed to change the world. To do so, he said we need new symbols. He then revealed a new title belt made from from 100% sustainable organic hemp and the oak from a tree that fell naturally. Bryan declared the hemp WWE Championship the new symbol of excellence.

The "NEW" @WWEDanielBryan unveils the NEW #WWEChampionship made from sustainable, organic hemp! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/iczsHupiqr

— WWE (@WWE) January 30, 2019

After Bryan unveiled the new championship AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Mustafa Ali, Jeff Hardy and Randy Orton hit the ring, they began brawling until Triple H was shown on the big screen. Triple H announced that Daniel Bryan will defend the WWE Championship against against all 5 men inside the Elimination Chamber. WWE’s upcoming Elimination Chamber pay-per-view takes place Sunday, February 17th.

.@TripleH just made a HUGE announcement for #WWEChamber! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/SMT4imSp67

— WWE (@WWE) January 30, 2019

The New Hemp & Oak WWE Championship Belt

There are new #1 contender’s for the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Titles that are currently held by Shane McMahon and The Miz.

WWE booked a Fatal 4-Way Elimination Tag Team Match during Tuesday’s episode of SmackDown Live in Phoenix, AZ at the Talking Stick Resort Arena that featured Heavy Machinery, The Bar, The New Day, and The Usos. In the end, it was The Usos who won the match.

Now, The Usos will challenge McMahon and Miz for the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Titles at the next WWE pay-per-view event, which is the Elimination Chamber.

?? & ??????????#HeavyMachinery is in the building! #SDLive @WWEDozovic @TuckerKnightWWE pic.twitter.com/5GE9HvDaMn

— WWE (@WWE) January 30, 2019

In sync. #SDLive @WWEDozovic @WWEBigE pic.twitter.com/P5PT4MTrvw

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 30, 2019

WWE presents the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view event on February 17, 2019 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas that will air on the WWE Network. WWE will be announcing more matches for this show in the coming weeks. Here is the updated card:

Updated WWE Elimination Chamber Card

WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions Shane McMahon & The Miz vs. The Usos (Jey & Jimmy)

Nia Jax & Tamina vs. Sarah Logan & Ruby Riott vs. Sonya Deville & Mandy Rose, TBA – WWE Women’s Tag Team Title Elimination Chamber Match

What are your thoughts on The Usos challenging for the titles once again on the blue branded show?

Matt Jackson recently spoke to NuclearConvoy.com about a wide range of topics including AEW’s relationship with OWE in China. This is where he brought up how this partnership with be vital to All Elite Wrestling.

The announcement of their partnership was made public during the Double or Nothing rally earlier this month at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. This partnership with OWE is to use their talent for their shows.

Jackson brought up how his old friend CIMA was affiliated with them and working with OWE made sense right away as after watching clips on Twitter it as looked and felt so original.

“I’m attracted to anything out of the ordinary.” I think it’s vital to have something completely fresh and unseen by most eyes be one of the major highlights of our shows. We need to be different aesthetically, and OWE is just that.”

Jackson brought up how OWE will grab the audience’s attention and deliver something most fans have never seen as he plans to have OWE talent be one of the first things on their shows as they’ve only got one first time impression.

The first official event under the AEW will be The Double or Nothing event that is set to take place May 25th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.