It appears that The Dark Order has infiltrated the media. If you picked up a copy of the Ottawa Sun in the capital of Canada yesterday, you would have seen Evil Uno & Stu Grayson from the Dark Order on the cover. The tag-team is from the nearby town of Gatineau, Quebec, and the article covered their success in AEW.

In the article, the team spoke about enjoying their time in AEW thus far. Evil Uno shed some light on AEW’s creative process and touted that the company does not employ writers.

“What’s great about AEW is we have a sense of freedom for what we want to do,” Uno said. “There is no writer in AEW. It all goes through [the EVP’s] and Tony Khan. They have final say.”

Evil Uno added that it took some time to establish the Dark Order’s purpose in AEW.

“When we initially started, they had no TV show to explain our characters. We had masked men with us, but we had no way of properly explaining what that was. So we pitched that we explain it on TV, that we were a Scientology-like cult. From there, it blossomed.”

Stu Grayson added that it “feels really good” to be in AEW. “The more responsibility they give us, the better we feel. We want to have a busy schedule, we want big matches, we want big segments, we want to do promos.”

The full article can be read here.

Priscilla Kelly is the latest guest on Vickie Guerrero’s Excuse Me podcast. They spoke about the effort for women’s wrestling to be treated equally to men’s.

Kelly worked for AEW briefly this year, but was not signed to a long-term deal. She revealed to Vickie Guerrero that AEW discussed bringing her in as the wife of reigning TNT Champion Darby Allin. They were in fact married at the time, but divorced over the summer.

“The thought was thrown around for me to be put with Darby in AEW,” Kelly began. “Maybe like, ‘You come in, and you’ll be the wife and then like you get kicked in the face, and he then gets mad or something.’ There was a lot of ideas thrown around.”

She explained that being portrayed as “Darby Allin’s wife” would define her down and strip away her individuality. She explained to people in AEW that she could come in, do a “wife spot” and that could eventually lead to her wrestling matches. However, she had a problem with that.

“If I come in and I’m introduced as Darby’s wife, I’m forever by the fans gonna be known as just as his wife. And then from there on out, everything I do in the ring or on a promo is gonna be heavily, heavily compared to him.”

She did not want to be become “the Robin to Darby Allin’s Batman” and thus decided against the opportunity.

Priscilla Kelly is currently wrestling for Major League Wrestling (MLW), but is working on a per-appearance basis and considers herself a “free agent.”

• Priscilla Kelly Comments On Darby Allin’s TNT Title Win

Jim Ross recently caused a bit of a stir online when he criticized a popular move used by many wrestlers on the AEW roster.

“I told a kid the other day at AEW that everybody does the same f***ing spot,” Ross said on his podcast recently. “All you guys go outside. You cluster up like coils. You stand there in a huddle, friends, and foes together, side-by-side so you can catch some leaping idiot going over the top who never wins with this move.”

AEW’s Brandon Cutler then put out a Tweet promoting the 7-on-7 match this Wednesday on Dynamite. In the Tweet, Cutler took a jab at JR’s comments.

Dax Harwood sent out the below Tweet which may be in response to JR and Cutler’s comments:

“Imagine not listening to criticism from the men & women who’ve shaped our profession, and paved a road that allows you to make a living today; all because they hurt your feelings,” he Tweeted.

Some wrestlers were reportedly upset with JR’s comments. According to a report from WrestlingNews.co, one anonymous AEW wrestler made the following statement to them:

“Look I know there is a lot that JR can teach us but burying us on the show or on his podcast is only going to make some of us ignore what he says. I grew up watching JR and he is the best and we love it that he calls our matches but maybe find a different way to criticize the wrestlers in the ring. Everyone is doing what they have been taught. I agree that sometimes things need to be slowed down but that won’t happen when the guy who is supposed to help put us over is going out there and publicly burying us.”

Saturday night on Impact Wrestling’s Final Resolution, Karl Anderson reunited with his former Bullet Club stablemate, Kenny Omega. Callis, Omega, and Anderson spent some time on the luxury bus that was parked outside the venue before Anderson had to wrestle Ethan Page that night.

Anderson took to Twitter to comment on his reunion with Omega on the show.

See you Tuesday on @IMPACTWRESTLING , brother @KennyOmegamanX
With love,#TheMachineGun pic.twitter.com/EzAjVyhsg4

— The Machine Gun (@MachineGunKA) December 13, 2020

Anderson and Omega talked about their history as members of Bullet Club on Saturday night. Callis and Omega told Anderson they wanted to see the old “Machine Gun” that night against Ethan Page, the version of Anderson that went to the G1 finals in 2012.

Anderson would go on to defeat Ethan Page, though not as quickly as Callis and Omega had suggested he could. Following the match, Josh Alexander and Ethan Page showed some dissension. Page then spent several moments in the ring after trying to explain to anyone that would listen that everything is going to be fine.

Omega is scheduled to be back on Impact this week. He also has a match scheduled against Joey Janela on Dynamite. The full lineup for that show is below:

• No Disqualification, World Title-Eliminator
  Kenny Omega vs Joey Janela
• Best Friends (Chuck Taylor & Trent), The Varsity Blondes (Brian Pillman Jr. & Griff Garrison), Top Flight(Darius Martin & Daunte Martin) & Brandon Cutler vs. The Inner Circle (Chris Jericho, Jake Hager, MJF, Ortiz, Sammy Guevara, Santana & Wardlow)
• Diamante & Ivelisse vs. Big Swole & Serena Deeb
• Cody Rhodes (w/Arn Anderson) vs. Angelico (w/Jack Evans)
• The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) vs. SCU (Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian)
• Private Party (Isiah Kassidy & Marq Quen) & Matt Hardy vs. The Dark Order (Alex Reynolds & John Silver) & Adam Page

WWE RAW aired live from the ‘new’ ThunderDome at Tropicana Field. It was RAW’s ‘go home’ show before Sunday’s WWE TLC pay-per-view. AJ Styles and Drew McIntyre met face-to-face six days before their WWE Championship match at TLC.

RAW Results (12/14)

1. AJ Styles def. Sheamus
2. Hurt Business def. New Day & Jeff Hardy via submission
3. Lana def. Nia Jax
4. The Miz & John Morrison def. Keith Lee in a Handicap match
5. Mace def. Ricochet
6. Dana Brooke def. Shayna Baszler via DQ
7. Riddle def. MVP (squash match)

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

The Miz Read A Christmas Poem

The Miz kicked off this week’s show with an episode of the Dirt Sheet. Miz was seated with a ladder and a Christmas tree in the ring. Miz held up a book that was titled “The Nightmare Before TLC” and promoted his reality show Miz & Mrs. on USA Network. The Miz flipped open the book and read “Twas the nightmare before TLC and all through the ThunderDome every superstar was excited to read my awesome home”.

Miz called the protagonist of the story AJ Styles and a spotlight came on to reveal AJ in the corner of the ring. Styles said not to forget his associate “Omas” and he was shown ringside. Miz stated the story was focused on the competitors in the match and snapped his fingers and the light on Omas went off.

Miz snapped his fingers to reveal John Morrison dressed up as WWE Champion Drew McIntyre. AJ Styles then pretended to hit Morrison with a chair, smash him through a table, and suggested that Drew may pull out his illegal sword during the fight but AJ is not afraid of the wannabe knight. Styles then ripped the sword away and stabbed Morrison several times as Miz tried to continue reading.

AJ climbed up the ladder behind The Miz and raised his hand in victory. Miz said that if AJ failed to win The Miz will enter the story and cash in the Money in the Bank contract and become the new WWE Champion. Styles complained that wasn’t in the book that he gave Miz and the two started arguing.

Sheamus interrupted and said that their community theater performance was slightly entertaining but he’s got a match tonight with Styles. Sheamus got in the ring and said that he didn’t bring a sword because he is prepared to fight with his fists. Styles said if Sheamus isn’t part of the solution he is part of the problem. Sheamus stated that he would rather be part of the problem and Styles threw the Christmas tree at him. Sheamus then knocked AJ out of the ring as RAW went to a break.

AJ Styles Brutally Attacked Sheamus

Sheamus battled AJ Styles in the first match of the night. Sheamus dominated the action early and delivered a Knee Drop to AJ. Styles caught Sheamus with a forearm to the face but Sheamus responded by beating AJ down in the corner. Styles kicked Sheamus in the knee but the Celtic Warrior shrugged it off and connected with a massive Back Body Drop that sent AJ to the canvas.

Sheamus applied a Headlock but AJ quickly reached the ropes to break up the hold. Styles hung up Sheamus in the ropes and hit a knee to the face that knocked Sheamus to the floor outside the ring. Sheamus got back into the ring and planted AJ with a Suplex.

Styles blocked another Suplex attempt by Sheamus and Dropkicked him out of the ring. Sheamus tried to Powerbomb AJ off the apron but Omas caught him and stared at Sheamus as RAW went to a commercial break. When RAW returned, Styles had Sheamus in the Calf Crusher in the middle of the ring.

The Celtic Warrior broke free with a flurry of elbows to AJ’s face. Styles went back to Sheamus’ knee and connected with several kicks. Sheamus hit the Irish Curse Back Breaker but fell to the canvas and grabbed his left knee. Sheamus slowly made his way to his feet and connected with a Fallaway Slam.

Sheamus leveled AJ with a knee to the face and went for the cover but Styles was able to kick out at two. Styles sent Sheamus out of the ring and once again he had a stare down with Omas. Sheamus clubbed AJ across the chest several times while looking at Omas. Sheamus made his way to the top rope and connected with a Flying Clothesline for a near fall.

AJ was able to lock in the Calf Crusher again in the middle of the ring. Sheamus screamed in agony but was able to fight through the pain and reach the bottom rope to break the hold. AJ set up for the Styles Clash but Sheamus countered into White Noise for another near fall.

Omas shouted some encouragement to Styles as the two superstars hobbled back to their feet. Sheamus slowly made his way to Styles in the corner and lifted AJ up onto his shoulders. Sheamus started climbing up the turnbuckle but Styles escaped and hit Sheamus with a shot to the knee. Styles then covered Sheamus for the pinfall victory.

After the match, AJ Styles taunted Sheamus and he attacked him. Styles tied up Sheamus in the ropes as Omas grabbed a steel chair. Omas handed it to Styles and hit him across the ribs several times. Styles then hit Sheamus in the injured left knee with the chair before a referee finally broke it up.

Hurt Business Picked Up A Win

RAW Tag Team Champions New Day teamed up with Jeff Hardy to face Hurt Business tonight on RAW. Riddle and MVP were ringside for the match. Lashley leveled Xavier Woods with a shoulder tackle to start off the action. Woods booted Lashley in the midsection and tagged in Kingston.

Cedric tagged himself in and Lashley wasn’t too happy about it. Cedric Alexander went for an Arm Drag but Kofi reversed into a slam for a two count. Jeff Hardy tagged in and bounced Cedric’s face off the turnbuckle. Shelton Benjamin tagged in and unloaded some punches to Jeff’s face in the corner of the ring.

Hardy connected with a Slingblade and went for the Twist of Fate but Benjamin blocked it. Hardy sent Shelton out of the ring and knocked Lashley off the apron. Woods played the trombone as Riddle, Kofi, and Jeff Hardy danced before RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Kofi and Shelton were battling in the ring. Kingston connected with the Boom Drop and geared up for the SOS. Unites States Champion Bobby Lashley prevented it and sent Kingston out of the ring. Lashley then tagged in and planted Kingston with a Suplex.

Alexander tagged in and elbowed Kingston in the ribs several times before applying a Headlock. Cedric dragged Kingston to the corner and Benjamin tagged in. Shelton connected with back to back Body Slams for a two count. Lashley tagged back in and beat Kofi down in the corner of the ring.

Riddle pounded on the apron to try and fire Kofi Kingston up. Shelton knocked Woods off the apron and brought Kingston back to the corner. Kingston connected with a Stomp and started crawling to the corner. Jeff Hardy tagged in and hit Benjamin with an Atomic Drop and followed it up with a Dropkick for a two count.

Cedric tagged in and booted Jeff in the head for a two count. MVP demanded that Alexander go for the cover again and Hardy kicked out at two. Jeff hit a Russian Leg Sweep and went for the cover but Benjamin broke it. Woods sent Benjamin out of the ring but turned around into a Flatliner from Lashley. Kofi booted Lashley out of the ring and then hit Shelton with a Crossbody.

Woods went for one as well but Lashley caught him and sent Xavier into the barricade. Hardy hit Lashley with a Dropkick through the ropes. Lashley tagged in as Jeff hit Alexander with the Twist of Fate. Lashley went for a Spear but Jeff dodged it and Bobby crashed into the ring post.

Jeff climbed to the top rope but Cedric tripped him up. Lashley then got Jeff Hardy in the Hurt Lock for the submission victory. After the match, Cedric Alexander jumped into Lashley’s arms and then posed on the top turnbuckle while shouting “I helped! Tag Team Champions!” as MVP stared at him with a confused look on his face. New Day will defend the RAW Tag Team Championships against Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander this Sunday at WWE TLC.

Lana Is Out Of The Tag Title Match At TLC

Nia Jax faced Lana on this week’s edition of RAW. Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler will defend their Women’s Tag Team Championships against RAW Women’s Champion Asuka & Lana this Sunday at WWE TLC.

Jax shoved Lana to the mat as Asuka was shown cheering Lana on from backstage. Nia went for a Powerbomb but Lana countered into a Hurricanrana. Laana climbed to the top rope but Nia caught her with a headbutt. Nia climbed to the second turnbuckle and went for a Samoan Drop but Lana escaped. Lana connected with a Double Stomp and rolled up Jax for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Shayna Baszler attacked Asuka backstage and Nia attacked Lana in the ring. Nia bounced Lana’s head off the mat a few times before hitting a Leg Drop. Shayna then stomped on Lana’s arm and her ankle several times. Nia hit Lana with a couple of Leg Drops to the injured leg before Asuka finally made the save. Asuka hit Baszler with a Codebreaker and knocked Nia out of the ring. It was later announced that Lana is out of the Women’s Tag Team Championship match due to injury and that Asuka will need to find a new partner.

R-Truth Interrupted Elias & Jaxson Ryker

Elias came to the ring with Jaxson Ryker during the 2nd hour of RAW. Elias said all he saw was a blinding light after he was electrocuted in the Symphony of Destruction match. Elias claimed he was baptized in lightning and gained so much. Jaxson Ryker stated that Elias’ music has changed him.

24/7 Champion R-Truth interrupted to apologize for interrupting them on Main Event. Elias pointed out that R-Truth was interrupting right now and R-Truth stood in silence because he didn’t want to interrupt again. Elias began playing the guitar before a bunch of superstars chased R-Truth around. Jaxon Ryker leveled Gran Metalik and threw Tozawa onto everyone outside the ring. R-Truth scampered away as Ryker slammed Metalik to the canvas again.

Miz & Morrison Beat Keith Lee

Keith Lee faced The Miz & John Morrison in a Handicap match. Miz and Morrison beat Keith down in the corner to start off the action. Lee quickly battled back and sent The Miz flying out of the ring. Morrison hit Keith with an elbow to the face but Lee responded with a big kick to the midsection.

The Miz sent Lee to the corner and connected with some It Kicks. Keith Lee slammed Miz to the canvas but turned around into a knee to the face from Morrison. Lee hit Morrison with a shoulder tackle that knocked him out of the ring as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, The Miz hit Lee with a Clothesline and Morrison followed it up with a kick to the head for a one count. Morrison connected with a Moonsault and went for the cover but Keith Lee was able to power out at two. Keith battled back and hurled Morrison on top of The Miz. Miz hit Keith Lee with a chop block and he collapsed to the mat. Miz and Morrison then covered Keith Lee for the victory.

Orton & Wyatt Played Hide And Seek

Bray Wyatt came to the ring sporting a Fiend themed Christmas sweater. The puppets from the Firefly Fun House were behind the barricade as Wyatt said it was so nice to see everyone’s smiling faces at the ThunderDome.

Wyatt apologized to Randy Orton and claimed that everything was just a giant misunderstanding. Bray said that Orton sometimes has a sick mind of his own but noted that he has things to fix about himself as well.

Bray laughed and stated that he is not sure what is going to be left of Orton after he faces The Fiend at WWE TLC. Wyatt said that he has prepared some jokes for Randy Orton tonight. Wyatt joked that the best way to measure a viper was inches because they don’t have any feet.

Wyatt laughed way too hard as the puppets chuckled along. Bray joked that snakes use “windshield vipers” to clean their windshield. Bray fell to his knees in laughter and stumbled around the ring.

Randy Orton interrupted on the jumbotron and said that Wyatt changed after he hit him with RKO last week. Orton noted that The Fiend appeared out of nowhere and for the first time in a long time he was outmanuevered. Orton suggested that they play a game of Hide & Seek tonight. Bray accepted and Orton dared Wyatt to come find him. Wyatt then shouted “let the games begin!” to end the promo.

Bray made his way backstage and bumped into Riddle. Matt told Bray that he hadn’t seen Randy Orton and pitched a “Bro-Nouns” segment on Firefly Fun House. Riddle said Ramblin Rabbit reminded him of Baby Yoda and had him sign a carrot for his pet rabbit.

Wyatt entered a room with a rocking chair in it. Bray slowly approached the chair as it rocked back and forth. Wyatt took a seat in the chair and Orton attacked him from behind. Orton threw Wyatt in a chest and locked it. Randy then lit it on fire but The Fiend popped out. The Fiend locked in the Mandible Claw until Randy passed out.

Mace Defeated Ricochet

Mace from RETRIBUTION faced Ricochet tonight. Mustafi Ali joined commentary as the rest of the members of RETRIBUTION stood behind him. Mace controlled the action early and hit Ricochet with a big boot for a two count.

Mace applied a Headlock in the middle of the ring but Ricochet escaped and connected with a Dropkick. Slapjack hopped on the apron and Ricochet hit him with a Dropkick. Ricochet knocked T-Bar off the apron and turned around into a Powerbomb from Mace for a near fall. Mustafi Ali shouted at Mace to shut Ricochet down and Mace connected with a slam for the pinfall victory.

Mandy Rose Returned

Shayna Baszler battled Dana Brooke during the third hour of RAW. Baszler went after Dana right away and connected with a running knee for a two count. Shayna bent back Dana’s digits and then Nia Jax attacked Dana from behind to end the match in a DQ. Nia and Shayna beat Dana Brooke down until Mandy Rose made the save with a kendo stick. Asuka rushed the ring as well and the Women’s Tag Team Champions retreated.

AJ Styles Sent A Message To McIntyre

Drew McIntyre and AJ Styles came to the ring for an “Ascension Ceremony” before their title match at TLC. Styles said that McIntyre should address his WWE Championship because he is going to lose it on Sunday.

AJ noted that they have never faced each other before and decided to do some studying to get to know McIntyre. Styles claimed to be shocked that it took McIntyre 19 years to reach the top of WWE. AJ said McIntyre showed us all why it took that long when he lost to Orton last month and added that Drew cannot handle the pressure.

Styles said that McIntyre is taking too many risks and pointed out that Drew has never been in a TLC match. AJ noted that he defended the WWE Championship in a TLC match and won because he knows what it takes to be a champion. Styles vowed to break every table, ladder, and chair in the ThunderDome over McIntyre’s back in order to win the title this Sunday.

McIntyre stated that he has always wanted a match against AJ Styles and the fans will get it this Sunday at TLC. Drew admitted that he has never been in a TLC match and that his goal is to remain champion. McIntyre said it is one thing to get to the top of the mountain but it is a whole different thing to stay at the top.

Drew said that he is the champion that led WWE through unchartered waters this year and is a diamond. McIntyre added that he was going to rip AJ apart this Sunday and is willing to do whatever it takes to himself and to Styles to remain WWE Champion.

The Miz and John Morrison shoved the ladder over onto McIntyre and beat the WWE Champion down. Drew battled back and hit Miz & Morrison with a Claymore. McIntyre hit Styles with the Glasgow Kiss and set up for the Claymore but Omas threw the steel steps in the ring. Styles hit McIntyre with a chop block and followed it up with the Phenomenal Forearm.

Styles told Omas to bring a ladder into the ring and Styles hit Drew in the head with it. AJ then grabbed a steel chair and hit the WWE Champion several times. Styles set up the chair in between the turnbuckles and bashed McIntyre’s face onto it. AJ brought in another ladder as Omas slid in a table. Styles climbed up the ladder and connected with an Elbow Drop that slammed McIntyre through a table. AJ Styles then raised the WWE Championship as RAW went off the air.

Opinion: The majority of this week’s episode of RAW was forgettable. It didn’t feel like it was the final RAW before a PPV. Having said that, there are still several matches I’m looking forward to at TLC and it will be interesting to see who Asuka’s tag team partner is this Sunday night.

Following the events of the combined World Tag League and Best of the Super Juniors tour, and the Super J-Cup, New Japan Pro-Wrestling has announced more matches for their upcoming biggest event of the year, Wrestle Kingdom. For the second consecutive time, Wrestle Kingdom will be a two-day event, taking place on Monday, January 4, and Tuesday, January 5, 2021.

In the conclusion of Best of the Super Juniors, Hiromu Takahashi came out on top in an emotional tournament final against El Desperado. After his victory, he stated that he was interested in fighting the winner of the Super J-Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States. El Phantasmo defeated ACH to win the eight-man Super J-Cup 2020. NJPW has determined that these two will face off on Wrestle Kingdom 14 Day 1, and the winner of their match will challenge Taiji Ishimori for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship the following day.

Meanwhile, the Guerrillas of Destiny, Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa, obtained their first World Tag League victory over Juice Robinson and David Finlay, with a little bit of aid from Bullet Club stablemate KENTA. Nevertheless, their names are now penciled in to face the IWGP Tag Team Champions from Suzuki-gun. Heated confrontations between Shingo Takagi and Jeff Cobb, SANADA and EVIL, and Hiroshi Tanahashi and Great O-Khan have resulted in them facing off at Wrestle Kingdom as well.

These are not the full cards for the event.

Wrestle Kingdom 15 Day 1 (January 4, 2021)

• Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Great O-Khan
• Kazuchika Okada vs. Will Ospreay
• Best of the Super Juniors Winner vs. Super J-Cup Winner: Hiromu Takahashi vs. El Phantasmo
• IWGP Tag Team Championship: Dangerous Tekkers (Taichi & Zack Sabre Jr.) (c) vs. Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa)
• IWGP Heavyweight & IWGP Intercontinental Championships Match: Tetsuya Naito (c) vs. Kota Ibushi

Wrestle Kingdom 15 Day 1 (January 4, 2021)

• SANADA vs. EVIL
• NEVER Openweight Championship: Shingo Takagi (c) vs. Jeff Cobb
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Taiji Ishimori (c) vs. the winner of the previous day’s match between Hiromu Takahashi and El Phantasmo
• IWGP Heavyweight & IWGP Intercontinental Championships Match: the winner of the previous day’s match between Tetsuya Naito and Kota Ibushi vs. Jay White

Kenny Omega defeated Laredo Kid at Saturday night’s TripleMania XXVIII event to retain the AAA Mega Championship.

Omega briefly spoke to the media backstage after the show. When asked who will be the next victim of The Cleaner, he named Vikingo. Omega said Vikingo is very good, he’s earned his respect, but is he good enough to be a champion? Maybe he’d like to find out. He teased, “I’ll be waiting.”

You can watch Kenny Omega’s challenge to Vikingo below:

https://twitter.com/record_mexico/status/1337977838532767744?s=19

In addition to holding AAA’s Mega Championship, Kenny Omega is also the reigning AEW World Champion. He’s been at the forefront of AEW’s new working relationship with Impact Wrestling.

Omega will appear on Tuesday’s Impact along with Don Callis. It looks like Omega is being positioned as a “belt collector” of sorts, so it’s probably only a matter of time before he crosses paths with Impact World Champion Rich Swan.

Kenny Omega battles Joey Janela this Wednesday on AEW Dynamite.

• “Kenny Omega Is The Top Wrestler on The Planet, Number 2 Is Not Even Close”

MJF has been one of AEW’s breakout performers since the promotion’s launch last year. The 24-year-old prodigy from Long Island, NY holds his own in the ring, but it’s his work on the microphone that has pundits comparing him to some of the best talkers in wrestling history.

MJF recently appeared on MMA Fighting’s What the Heck podcast. He displayed his trademark confidence when asked about comparisons to two of the UFC’s best trash talkers, Conor McGregor and Colby Covington.

“I think it’s cute in comparison to me,” he began. “It’s laughable, but I think they’re great in the world of MMA. If either of those two guys came into the world of AEW, they would be in a lot of trouble. They’d get absolutely verbally bent over, if you know what I mean.”

MJF acknowledged that McGregor and Covington are entertaining, but things would get ugly if they ever tested him on the mic.

“For what they do, I really enjoy what Conor McGregor did in the UFC. Colby Covington is somebody who understands how to get a reaction out of a crowd, whether positive or negative. And yeah, I enjoy what both of them did. But could they spar with me? No, absolutely not. That would not be good. I don’t think that would be good for anybody, honestly. It would be uncomfortable.”

What Got MJF Into Wrestling?

MJF revealed the match that got him ‘instantly hooked’ on pro wrestling was The Undertaker and Mankind’s Hell in a Cell match from WWE King of the Ring (1998).

Years later, he attended WWE Survivor Series 2002 from Madison Square Garden. When he saw Shawn Michaels win the first-ever Elimination Chamber match, he knew he wanted to be a pro wrestler.

“I remember Shawn Michaels won the match, and he was a bloody mess with his weird haircut. He hit the pose, and I just looked to my left and looked to my right and everybody was standing and screaming and yelling and crying. I just remember tugging my dad on the arm and saying, ‘Yeah I can do that.’ So, that’s where we’re at now, and I was right.”

MJF also spoke in-depth about AEW, why he believes we are currently in a “golden era” of wrestling and his love of being a heel.

“I love, love, love making people lay down in bed at night, put their head on their pillow, and go, ‘God, I hate that guy. I better tune in next week.’ And that’s that… You’re not being held back in AEW. Nobody is handing me a script in AEW because they know if they did, I’d chew it up and spit it in their face. That’s what All Elite Wrestling is – we’re all going out there and doing our thing, and we’re doing what we think the sport of professional wrestling is supposed to be.”

• MJF Reveals The Length Of His AEW Contract

You can listen to the full appearance in the YouTube player embedded below:

WWE Hall of Famer and current AEW commentator Jim Ross recently discussed the WWE Armageddon 2000 PPV on his Grilling JR podcast. As is usual, Ross and Conrad Thompson would go through topics from that time frame, although sometimes conversations may be broader.

Jim Ross was previously the Head of Talent Relations in WWE/then WWF. Ross had a hand in bringing in some of the biggest names in WWE history. Sometimes, WWE writers would have their vision of what/who they wanted to work with, or, what they perceived Vince McMahon wanted to see on his television programme.

Jim Ross on WWE Recruitment

“Bill Parcells said one time to Bob Kraft in New England that ‘if you expect me to cook the meals? You got to let me buy some groceries'” Jim Ross would begin on the show; using one of his many NFL and College Football analogies.

“I think that’s kind of what their theory was” Ross continued, discussing the WWE writers who struggled to come up with storyline ideas for the likes of Jerry Lynn, someone Ross mentioned on the podcast. “‘We [the writers] need to have a say in who we bring in. [That’s] in terms of the size all that stuff, and what they are gonna do.'”

• Reaction To Vince McMahon Sending Talent Back To The Performance Center

“Well this is not gonna shock you” JR continued. “They’re (the writers) gonna kiss Vince’s ass even more by bringing guys in that pass Vince’s ‘eye test.’ They may have a sh*t character? They might not be reliable? We’re not gonna get any [crowd] reaction from them but we know he’s (McMahon) gonna like the 6’3, 6’4 bodybuilder tattooed up with wet hair. It is same sh*t as nowadays.”

Do you agree with Jim Ross? Can you think of any wet hair look, six foot something WWE Superstars with tattoos…..? Let us know in the comments

Deonna Purrazzo retained the Impact Wrestling Knockouts Championship at Saturday night’s Final Resolution event. Earlier this week, she spoke with Wrestling Epicenter about the current storyline with Don Callis & Kenny Omega, her plans for 2021 and much more.

Impact Wrestling viewership spiked this week on AXS TV, thanks in part to the involvement of AEW World Champion Kenny Omega. Purrazzo said Tuesday’s show was “definitely eye-opening” and thinks the entire wrestling industry is shifting. She thinks that AEW working with Impact Wrestling presents some exciting opportunities for the months ahead.

“I think it is amazing when people are able to put aside their differences, whatever they are, to work towards a common goal,” she began. “I don’t know what this is leading to. I don’t know what Kenny Omega and Don Callis have planned as far as cross-promotion or whatever it is. But, I’m real excited to see what is going to happen in the near future.”

Kenny Omega Returning To Impact Wrestling Next Week

Many fans believe that Impact Wrestling has one of the strongest women’s divisions anywhere. Naturally, as the champion of that division, Deonna Purrazzo agrees.

“Head to toe, there is not one woman on the roster that I do not want to be in the ring with,” she said. “There is not one person who I don’t think brings something different to the table. I speak about it all the time. I can’t tell you how incredible I think our women’s division, the Knockouts division, is.”

She also commented on the downsides of social media, including trolls who body shame female wrestlers. “There was one person who tweeted to me that I needed to lose 30 pounds and do some squats,” she revealed.

“That struck me because I was a little girl that grew up wanting to be a wrestler in a time where women’s wrestlers were size 0 models and they weren’t real women who came in a variety of sizes and shapes. For me, 30 pounds is a lot of weight! I’m not unrealistic with myself. I’ve been through the ringer with anxiety and depression and reclaiming my emotional health and my mental health this year. All of those things contribute to what your physical health looks like.”

Sonya Deville Threatens Legal Action Against “Raging Psycho” WWE Fans

You can listen to the full interview with Deonna Purrazzo with Wrestling Epicenter in the player embedded below:

IMPACT Wrestling EVP and the ‘Invisible Hand’ behind the AEW Champion Don Callis recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio. Callis discussed a number of topics during his time on the show, these included the buzz he and Kenny Omega have created and how his ‘family’ member is the best professional wrestler on the planet.

Callis would begin by discussing how the situation now is different for Omega, compared to when he was the ‘top guy’ in New Japan Pro Wrestling. “If you think about it? I don’t want to speak for Kenny, we haven’t spoken about this…but being the top guy in Japan? It is a very different proposition than coming in and being the face of a brand new wrestling promotion that everybody’s talking about.”

Throughout Omega’s initial run in AEW he has been portrayed as a babyface character. Don Callis would say that the rejuvenated ‘Cleaner’ esque style we’re now seeing is Omega being ‘comfortable’ in AEW.

Don Callis on Kenny Omega

“I think Kenny, just for the last year, didn’t feel totally comfortable and totally like he could be himself. One of the nice things about family? We feel comfortable, we feel we can be ourselves. And I think because of the bond that Kenny and I have that goes back two and a half decades? I think Kenny feels that he can be himself when I’m there.”

• Kenny Omega Challenges Joey Janella, No DQ Match Set For AEW Dynamite

Callis would also discuss the dynamic that he and Omega have on screen. “I think that we feed off each other. Dave Meltzer has described it over and over again as a Heenan/Bockwinkel type of dynamic; where both parties feed off the other one and it’s made to be a superior tandem. And I think that’s what we’ve seen, Kenny’s just comfortable and he’s comfortable being himself. I think Kenny would probably tell you that he’s just so much better at this than everybody else, and he really is. I mean, Kenny is the top wrestler on the planet, and number two is not close.”

Do you agree with Don Callis? Do you think that Kenny Omega is the best wrestler on the planet? Let us know in the comments

Impact Wrestling held Final Resolution 2020 Saturday night on Impact Plus. Here are the quick results:It features three championship matches.

• Tommy Dreamer defeated Larry D in an “Old School Results” match. Per the stipulation, Larry D must go to jail for the attempted murder of John E. Bravo.

• Havok & Neveah defeated The Sea Stars (Ashley Vox & Delmi Exo).

• Tenille Dashwood & Kaleb defeated Alisha & Eddie Edwards.

• Hernandez defeated Fallah Bahh. Kiera Hogan was the guest referee and Tasha Steelz served as guest ring announcer.

• Eric Young (w/ Joe Doering) defeated Rhino. After the match, The Deaners confronted Young. Cody Deaner turns on his partner and family Cousin Jake.

• Manik defeated Rohit Rajuto capture the X Division Championship.

• Knockouts champion Deonna Purrazzo w/ Kimber Lee retained against Rosemary w/ Taya Valkyrie.

• Kenny Omega & Don Callis invited Karl Anderson on to their luxury bus. Omega and Callis said Anderson should be able to defeat Ethan Page very quickly. They encouraged him to bring out his inner “Machine Gun.”

• Karl Anderson defeated Ethan Page w/ Josh Alexander. As a result, The North will not get another title shot against the Good Brothers. After the match, it appeared that Page and Alexander broke up.

• Rich Swann defeated Chris Bey to retain the Impact Wrestling World Championship. After the match, Moose handed the Impact title to Swann and the two had a stare down.

Impact posted a bunch of videos from the pay-per-view to the Impact YouTube channel. You can see some highlights below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcJNJ9RfFz8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icKxODv78xE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU3HCwFj_dY

Lucha Libre AAA World Wide held their TripleMania XXVIII event Saturday night from Mexico City, Mexico.

Here are quick results from AAA’s biggest show of the year:

• Carta Brava Jr., Mocho Cota Jr., & Tito Santana defeated Maximo, Mr. Iguana, & Nino Hamburguesa

• The Lucha Bros. (Pentagon Jr. & Rey Fenix) defeated Myzteziz Jr. & Octagon Jr. and Rey Escorpion & El Texano Jr. to retain the AAA World Tag Team championships.

• Lady Shani won the Copa Triplemania

• Monster Clown, Psycho Clown, & Murder Clown defeated LA Park, Hijo de LA Park, & Blue Demon Jr.

• Terror Púrpura & Venenoide defeated Aracno & Leyenda Americana (Marvel Luche Libre)

• Kenny Omega defeated Laredo Kid to retain the AAA Mega Title

• Pagano defeated Chessman in a Hair vs. Hair Match

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer recaps the top two matches:

Mauro Ranallo departed from WWE for a second time a few months ago, which was a decision that he made. 

Ranallo is still busy by being a commentator in the combat sports world including calling boxing for Showtime. During an interview with POST Wrestling, he left the door open about possibly going to another wrestling promotion. With such a question, AEW is going to be brought up. 

“I’m not interested in going back to that kind of rigorous schedule [with WWE]. I would love to call professional wrestling still, and I’m glad that there are many promotions. 

I mean, AEW has been a win-win-win for them. Like the Monday Night Wars, I believe competition in every sense of the word should bring out the best in anyone. I’m just grateful there are that many more paying opportunities for the workers. So, never say never, John.”

Ranallo noted that he also wants to explore other options and gigs. He’s also enjoyed branching out as a performer and broadcaster in addition to being an advocate for mental health. 

He noted that he loves calling combat sports and wants to continue to do historic and monumental things. 

• Mauro Ranallo Addresses His Decision To Leave WWE

WWE has announced several matches ahead of Wednesday’s episode of NXT. 

The biggest thing to be announced is Pete Dunne vs. Kyle O’Reilly with the winner getting a title shot from WWE NXT Champions Finn Balor. 

This comes after this past week’s show that saw Dunne, O’Reilly, and Damian Priest make their case for why they should get a title shot only to have Balor state that it wasn’t his job to find opponents, but rather would leave that up to WWE NXT General Manager William Regal.

That will happen with Balor defending the strap against the winner at the New Year’s Eve special on January 6th. 

Also set for this show is Karrion Kross returning to in-ring action against an unknown opponent, which will likely be in the ring to get squashed. 

The former WWE NXT Champion had been on the sidelines after suffering a separated shoulder at NXT TakeOver: XXX when he beat Keith Lee to win the WWE NXT Title. He made his return last week when he attacked Priest. 

WWE NXT Card

• Leon Ruff will team with Kushida to face Austin Theory and NXT North American Champion Johnny Gargano.
• Pete Dunne vs. Kyle O’Reilly  – #1 Contender’s Match
• Karrion Kross returns to action
• Toni Storm vs. Rhea Ripley

WWE NXT India Brand To Launch In 2021

Former WWE Superstar Mike Bennett/Kanellis recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio. The former WWE 24/7 Champion discussed a number of topics during his time on the show, including the ‘whirlwind’ of being in WWE.

Mike Bennett will also be returning to Ring of Honor next weekend at Final Battle 2020. This will be his first appearance for the Sinclair Broadcasting brand since he left at Final Battle 5 years ago to join NJPW, IMPACT and then WWE.

Mike Bennett on ROH and WWE

“I’ve done a lot of reflecting lately, just because of the situation we’re in and where I’m at in my life” Mike Bennett began on Busted Open. “And it’s really crazy to me, to think that five years ago I left Ring of Honor? Within those five years, I essentially lived an entire lifetime.”

Bennett would elaborate further, saying “I went and I did New Japan. I did IMPACT and I did WWE. Which, if you’ve spent even a year at WWE? You know the weight, the toll, and then just the learning experience. This isn’t a negative at all, it’s just the goal, the whirlwind of WWE always feels like a lifetime, because of everything that’s going on there.”

Then Mike Bennett would address how he felt his run in WWE went. Bennett has stated in the past that he didn’t enjoy his creative in WWE, but he feels as though he has grown ‘as a man’ over the past 3 years; dealing with drug addiction and raising a family.

• Don Callis Talks How He and Kenny Omega Have ‘Created a Buzz’

“I’ve grown so much in my career. The last three years might have been a little shoddy and a little kind of not the direction I hoped it would go? But as a human? As a man, as a dad and as a husband? Through these past five years I’ve grown up an insane amount. I had two kids, I bought a house, my relationship with my wife is the best it’s ever been. That is what I’m most proud of.”

Are you looking forward to seeing Mike Bennett back in ROH? Do you think that he could return to WWE at some point? Let us know in the comments

IMPACT Wrestling EVP and the ‘Invisible Hand’ behind the AEW Champion Don Callis recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio. Callis discussed a number of topics during his time on the show, these included the buzz he and Kenny Omega have created and how his ‘family’ member is the best professional wrestler on the planet.

“I’ve said it on IMPACT” Don Callis would begin on Busted Open. “I didn’t get back in this business [just] to do the Killing The Town podcast. I certainly didn’t get back in it to be a commentator, there was always a plan. And it was? It was playing the long game.”

With Don Callis and Kenny Omega transitioning between both IMPACT and AEW over the past week, it has created some massive intrigue across the wrestling landscape. Callis would discuss how he and Omega have created a ‘buzz’ in wrestling, something that has been somewhat lacking over the past year or so with the pandemic.

Don Callis on ‘Buzz’

“One of the side benefits of that has been buzz” Callis would continue. “Buzz is one of the things that I think is difficult to create. If everyone could create it? Then everyone would have it, and everyone doesn’t have it. I don’t set out to try to make buzz or those sorts of things? But I do set out with a grand plan. I’ve always been big plan motivated.”

“I care about what happens in history, and they say the winners get to write the history” Callis stated. “Kenny Omega and I right now are in a position where we are writing the history. Two guys from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, are the talk of the wrestling business. We have not once, but twice, changed the entire wrestling business.”

• Update On When Kenny Omega Is Expected Back In Impact Wrestling

Listen to Don Callis on Busted Open Radio:

Are you excited about the ongoing Kenny Omega and Don Callis storyline? Who do you want to see Kenny Omega face in IMPACT and elsewhere? Let us know in the comments

New Day are arguably the greatest tag-team in WWE history. There are some significant statistics to back this theory up. They are 10x tag-team champions, including having the longest single-reign of tag-team titles in WWE history. Also, Kofi Kingston is the only wrestler in WWE history to have held a tag-team title for more than 1000 combined days. They are easily 1st ballot hall-of-famers as a team.

According to Paul Heyman, however, Big E‘s potential as a singles wrestler eclipses what New Day has already accomplished. Heyman noted on Talking Smack recently that he feels Big E’s time in New Day will only be a footnote in his career overall.

Heyman had the following to say to Big E on the show:

“This Big E, a focused Big E, a singles championship-minded Big E, has so much potential that 10 years from now, as your story is being written, they will all say that the accomplishments that you did with the New Day pale by respectful comparison to the accomplishments that you will pull off on your own,” Heyman said to Big E on the show.

“What you are going to accomplish in the next 10 years will be mind-boggling, sir. And I’m looking forward to seeing it, as is everybody else. But you have to accept in your heart that the New Day will only be a footnote in the story of the greatness of Big E.”

“If I may prove to my case to you, I ask you a rhetorical question: When was the last time you saw Roman Reigns in the ring and anybody even bothered to mention the Shield?”

At this point, Big E fell silent as the weight of Heyman’s words sunk in.

The full segment can be viewed seen here:

Impact Wrestling’s Ethan Page and Sami Callihan reportedly both have contracts that expire at the end of the year. According to a recent report from PW Insider, one is expected to leave the promotion and the other is expected to stay.

Sami Callihan, a former Impact World Champion, is expected to stay with the company. Callihan debuted for the promotion in late 2017 and has been a featured performer since the current management regime came in around the same time.

Ethan Page, 1/2 of the North, is expected to leave the promotion at the end of the month. His tag-team partner, Josh Alexander, still has somewhere around 9 months left on his deal. Page recently spoke to SI.com about his pending free agency.

“Impact has been amazing. They’re allowing me the opportunity to chat with other companies, and they’re handling this in an extremely professional manner. I’m open to chatting with other people, but my interest is hearing how Impact values me and what they’re willing to offer,” he said.

Some dissension was teased between Page and his partner on this week’s episode of Impact Wrestling.

Taya Valkyrie’s contract with Impact also expires at the end of the month. There is no word on where she might end up, however.

WWE SmackDown aired live from the ThunderDome at Tropicana Field. Sasha Banks defended the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Carmella tonight.

SmackDown Results (12/11)

1. Dolph Ziggler def. Montez Ford
2. Sami Zayn def. Big E via countout
3. Riott Squad def. Billie Kay & Natalya
4. Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro def. Otis & Chad Gable
5. Carmella def. Sasha Banks via DQ

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Banks Will Face Carmella Tonight

Sasha Banks and Carmella had a contract signing for the SmackDown Women’s Championship match at TLC. SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks made her way to the ring first but Carmella didn’t follow. Carmella appeared on the jumbotron and said she didn’t want to come to the ring because Sasha attacked her. Carmella signed the contract and had an errand boy bring it to the ring.

Carmella claimed that once Banks signs the contract her days as the SmackDown Women’s Champion are numbered. Sasha challenged Carmella to have the title match tonight instead of at TLC next Sunday. Carmella accepted and Adam Pearce made the match official. Sasha Banks then hit Carmella’s assistant with a Backstabber and flipped the table over.

Dolph Ziggler def. Montez Ford

Dolph Ziggler faced Montez Ford in the first match of the night. Angelo Dawkins and Robert Roode were ringside for the match. Ziggler controlled the action early and taunted Montez while doing so. Ford battled back and launched Ziggler into the turnbuckle.

Montez connected with a Dropkick and followed it up with a Dropkick. Ziggler rolled out of the ring to regroup and then blue solo cups rained down as SmackDown went to a break. When SmackDown returned, Ziggler had Montez in a Headlock in the center of the ring.

Ford broke free and leveled Ziggler with a Clothesline. Ford followed it up with a kick to the ribs and went for an Enziguri but Ziggler dodged it. Montez connected with a Belly to Back Suplex and then a standing Moonsault. Dolph went for the Zig Zag but Ford blocked it and this time connected with the Enziguri.

Montez made his way to the top rope but got distracted as Roode attacked Dawkins outside the ring. Ziggler capitalized and hit Ford with a Superkick for the pinfall victory.

Sami Zayn def. Big E via Countout

Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn came to the ring and complained about having no merchandise. Zayn then faced Big E in a non-title match. Sami and Big E locked up to start off the action. Big E shoved Sami to the canvas and the Intercontinental Champion cowered out of the ring.

Sami took his time getting back into the ring and locked up with Big E once again. Big E applied a Headlock and then sent Zayn out of the ring. Big E connected with a Splash as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Sami was in control and mocked Big E by dancing in the ring. Big E responded with three Belly to Belly Suplexes in a row and then danced over Zayn. Sami went for a Crossbody but Big E caught him.

Big E went for the Big Ending but Sami raked his eyes. Zayn went for the Helluva Kick but Big E countered into a Uranage. Sami grabbed his hand in pain and then slapped Big E in the face. Zayn ran around the ring and Big E chased him. Zayn slid under the ring and Big E chased him. Sami stomped on Big E and then rolled into the ring right before the referee counted to ten.

Roman Reigns Attacked Kevin Owens

Jey Uso approached Universal Champion Roman Reigns backstage. Jey asked if they were good but Kevin Owens’ music hit. Owens marched to the ring as Reigns and Jey watched on. Jey said he wanted to go get Owens and Reigns allowed it.

Owens set up tables, ladders, and chairs in the ring. Kevin grabbed a microphone and said that he does not fear Roman Reigns. Owens added that as good as Roman is, he is using his family to fight his battles. Kevin claimed TLC is the most important match of his career and that his family supports him by watching at home.

Kevin said he has a few friends that will help him defeat Reigns at TLC. Owens said that chairs, tables, and ladders will be his friends at the PPV. Jey Uso attacked Owens from behind with a steel chair and beat him down. Owens battled back and hit Jey over the back with the steel chair several times.

Owens slammed Jey through a table and then Roman’s music hit. Paul Heyman stopped Roman and said that he calls the shots as Owens shouted at him to come to the ring. Reigns and Heyman then made their way backstage and Owens hobbled out of the ring and chased them to end the segment.

When SmackDown returned from a break, Kayla Braxton stopped Owens backstage for an interview. Roman Reigns came out of nowhere and hit Owens with a chair. Reigns beat Owens down and then looked into the camera and spoke to Owens’ family. Reigns told them to talk some sense into Owens or he will be the guy that takes the food off the table. Roman then booted Owens in the face to end the segment.

Riott Squad Picked Up A Win

The Riott Squad faced Billie Kay & Natalya tonight on SmackDown. Billie Kay slammed Liv Morgan to the canvas and tagged in Natalya. Kay and Natalya isolated Liv Morgan in the corner and took turns stomping on her. Ruby tagged in and hit Kay with the Riott Kick for the pinfall victory.

Nakamura & Cesaro Dominated

Otis & Chad Gable faced Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro tonight. Gable hit Cesaro with a German Suplex and went for the cover but Cesaro kicked out at two. Otis tagged in and connected with a slam before tagging Gable back in. Cesaro hit Gable with an uppercut and then Otis tagged in.

Otis leveled Cesaro with a Clothesline and set up for the Caterpillar Elbow Drop but Gable demanded to be tagged in. Cesaro got Gable in the swing and then tagged in Shinsuke. Nakamura leveled Gable with the Kinshasa for the pinfall victory. Gable claimed that tonight was a test and unfortunately Otis failed tonight. Chad said that he was teaching Otis what to do by showing him what not to do.

Banks vs. Carmella Ended In A DQ

Sasha Banks defended the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Carmella in this week’s main event. Carmella slapped Sasha in the face and started taunting her. Carmella went for the Code of Silence but Banks was able to escape.

Banks connected with a knee to the face and then a Meteora on the apron. Carmella connected with a Facebuster on the ring apron as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Banks and Carmella were battling in the corner of the ring. Carmella slammed Sasha’s shoulder into the ring post and then launched her into the barricade.

Back in the ring, Carmella went for the cover but Banks was able to kick out at two. Carmella connected with a Crossbody for a near fall. Banks rolled up Carmella for a two count. Carmella quickly locked in the Code of Silence in the center of the ring.

Sasha countered into the Bank Statement but Carmella’s assistant tossed a wine bottle in the ring. Sasha chased him around and then beat Carmella down in the corner. The referee called for the bell as Sasha wouldn’t stop. After the match, Carmella attacked Banks from behind and sent her out of the ring.

Carmella then grabbed a bottle of wine and smashed it over Sasha’s back. Carmella poured a bottle of champagne on Banks and laughed as she was announced as the winner as a result of a disqualification.

A new match has been announced for Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite that will see Kenny Omega take on Joey Janela. It will be a No DQ Match. 

AEW ran an angle whereby Omega issued a challenge to Janela to a match after he heard fans complain that he beat defeated late replacement Sonny Kiss rather than Janela during the world eliminator tournament. Omega went on to win the tournament and then captured the AEW World title from Jon Moxley at Revolution.

When approached by a paparazzo at the airport today and captured on video, #AEW World Champion @KennyOmegamanX made a challenge for a specific match Live on Wednesday on #AEWDynamite. Here is the challenge: pic.twitter.com/glvfGtqpRC

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) December 12, 2020

AEW touted the match announcement by writing, “Omega won the Eliminator Tournament to become #1 contender to the #AEW World Title. His scheduled quarterfinals opponent Joey Janela couldn’t participate due to safety protocols. Now Janela can earn a title shot with a win on Wednesday in his preferred element No DQ Anything Goes.”

AEW Dynamite Card

• Kenny Omega vs. Joey Janella – No DQ Anything Goes Match (if Janella wins, he gets a World Title shot)
• Cody Rhodes with Arn Anderson vs. Angelico with Jack Evans
• Hangman Page, John Silver, and Alex Reynolds vs. Matt Hardy and Private Party
• The Acclaimed vs. SCU
• NWA Women’s World Champion Serena Deeb and Big Swole vs. Ivelisse and Diamante
• Inner Circle (Chris Jericho, MJF, Sammy Guevara, Santana, Ortiz, Jake Hager, and Wardlow) vs. Top Flight, Brandon Cutler, Varsity Blondes, and Best Friends.

Kenny Omega Set To Appear On Tuesday’s Impact Wrestling

An interesting report emerged this week noting that Vince McMahon is unhappy with the in-ring work of several of WWE’s larger wrestlers.

According to the Wrestling Observer, “Vince McMahon threw a fit about the working ability of certain guys on the main roster, mad in particular about some of the big guys.”

He reportedly sent a batch of talent to return to the WWE Performance Center for training. The wrestlers in question include former NXT Champion Keith Lee, Otis, Dabbo Kato, Omos and Mace from RETRIBUTION.

The main roster talent sent back to the Performance Center will be working with PC coaches Adam Pearce and Drew Gulak.

Fightful Select has provided new details on the situation, including the backstage reaction to this shakeup. It was pointed out that many people were “baffled” that Keith Lee made it on that list because he’s considered to be one of the better workers in the company. Some tried to make sense of it by assuming he was lumped in with the rest of the “big men” despite being more than a capable worker.

Regarding Otis, he is still well-liked by the WWE Chairman. However, there have been some spots over the last few months that have caught the attention of those in management and there’s a feeling that he could work safer.

Scott Hall & Kevin Nash Talk About Training ‘Big Men’ At the WWE PC

Goldberg has two years left on his current WWE deal, but he’s not getting any younger, which leads to fans wondering how much longer he plans to wrestle for. 

He commented on this question when doing an interview with Bleacher Report. 

“We always have to cross that bridge when we come to it,” Goldberg said. “I’m 53 years old, I’ll be 54 here in a couple of weeks. Hey, as long as my body can still do it, I’m still going to do it.”

He continued by noting that it’s very tough to be a power wrestler at this age as he’s not the same person that he was in the past and he has the sense of questioning whether to continue is ruining his legacy. However, he still has to put food on the table for his family.

“There are a lot of things that come into consideration, and at the end of the day, I’m a businessman,” he continued. “I do what I got to do to stay afloat and stay out there. I don’t see myself hanging it up any time soon, but then again, I also don’t see myself wrestling until I’m 60.”

Earlier this week, he made headlines by calling out WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and saying that “The Big Dog” is next. 

It’s been reported that WWE is looking to book Goldberg against Reigns at WrestleMania 37 next year. 

• Roman Reigns Called Out By Goldberg, WrestleMania Plans

Fans can expect to see a new WWE NXT brand be launched next year and it’s going to be in India. 

On Friday, a new report from Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics and John Pollock of POST Wrestling was published that revealed the news. The article states that the new NXT India TV series will air in the Indian market.

It’s expected to begin filming in January. As of this writing, there’s no word yet on the talent that will be working on the brand, but it was noted the plan as of several weeks ago was to feature an eight-man single-elimination tournament for the new series. 

Plans change all of the time in WWE so this was not confirmed as a fact, but the idea behind it is for the tournament to crown the first-ever NXT India Champion. WWE did a tournament to crown the inaugural NXT UK Champion as well. 

The belief is the new NXT India series will air on linear TV in India as well as on WWE’s streaming service, WWE Network.  

WWE does have a distribution deal with Sony Pictures Networks in India. This past March, WWE announced a five-year renewal for that deal, which also includes Sony having the rights to the WWE Network for its audiences through SonyLIV, which is their own OTT streaming platform.

Fans should look at this being India’s version of the main NXT brand in the United States as well as the NXT UK brand based out of London, England.

• Vince McMahon Sending Several WWE Stars Back To The Performance Center

As expected, Impact Wrestling has already announced that Kenny Omega will make another appearance on their weekly television show. 

On Friday afternoon in a statement posted on social media and their official website, the promotion confirmed that the AEW World Heavyweight Champion would be appearing on Tuesday’s show on AXS TV. 

Impact’s statement was short yet to the point as it read, “We have confirmed that AEW World Champion Kenny Omega and Don Callis will return to IMPACT! this Tuesday at 8/7c on AXS TV!”

• Update On When Kenny Omega Is Expected Back In Impact Wrestling

This comes off Omega’s most recent appearance on this week’s episode of Impact, which was a huge success for the promotion in viewership. 

On Thursday, Impact touted the success of the crossover from one of All Elite Wrestling’s biggest stars. 

Executive Vice President Scott D’Amore brought up how big of a deal Omega’s appearance on Impact in the presser that was sent out that noted it led to more than 750,000 fans tuning in to AXS TV or have logged on to official streams to watch the segment. 

“It is hard to compare apples and oranges, and some digital media provide better watch-data than others, but we feel confident over 750,000 US-based fans watched the episode in the first 24 hours and 1 million fans have clicked on the various highlights we’ve put out on social media.”

This episode of Impact will feature the fallout from Saturday’s Final Resolution event.