Logan Paul is used to capturing attention, and he is apparently not bad at making a deal, either. The Maverick recently had a run-in with Patrick Mahomes, and it resulted in an interesting interaction.
Logan Paul Makes A Trade For WWE US Title
Logan Paul defied many expectations with his athletic ability in WWE. The United States Championship holds his title proudly, but he’s not 100% attached to it.
Logan Paul and Patrick Mahomes recently made a deal. Paul wanted to trade his title for the NFL player’s Super Bowl ring. Mahomes wasn’t down, until Paul included a Lemonade Prime as a kicker.
Logan Paul is creating ripples, both inside and outside the ring. His controversial antics, like showering with the championship belt, brought mixed reactions. Regardless of the controversy, he seems to really enjoy his time as the reigning champion.
Beyond wrestling, Logan Paul is a business partner with KSI, co-founding the popular Prime energy drink brand. Thankfully, he had some Lemonade Prime handy to help close that trade with Patrick Mahomes.
Patrick Mahomes has two Super Bowl rings, as he won with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020 and 2023, so he could apparently part with one of them. Logan Paul is set to battle Kevin Owens with the United States Title on the line at the Royal Rumble on January 27th. Hopefully, Mahomes will let Paul have his US Title back for the Tropicana Field event.
The Viking Raiders have been absent from WWE television lately. Erik, one half of the imposing team, is dealing with health issues. He is out of action due to a neck injury, but he’s trying hard to repair the damage.
Erik Rowan’s Neck Injury
Erik’s last pro wrestling match occurred on the September 14th episode of WWE Main Event. Although initially slated for the September 18th episode of WWE RAW, he couldn’t take part in that event due to injury.
Erik recently underwent C6/C7 neck fusion surgery and is currently in the process of recovery. To aid in his rehabilitation, Erik and his partner Valhalla went to get stem cell therapy at the Ways2Well clinic in Austin, Texas.
In a recent update, Erik spoke about the toll that over 20 years in professional wrestling has taken on his body. He may be on the injured list right now, but the Viking Raider seems confident that he will return.
During the discussion, Erik highlighted the importance of the source of stem cells used in their therapy. He also expressed relief in discovering that the stem cells were sourced from amniotic donor stem cells, harvested from scheduled C-section procedures without causing harm.
“It was actually the first question I asked – what was the source of the stem cells that are used in treatments in Ways2Well? And I was very relieved to learn it was all amniotic donor stem cells. So, it’s all from a scheduled C-section from a mother’s tissue. It’s amniotic, there’s no harm done in the harvesting, which was super important to us.”
Erik’s Personal Relationship With The Viking Raiders
Ivar, Erik, and Valhalla form the WWE’s Viking Raiders faction. The Viking Raiders were known as War Machine prior to entering WWE, so they have years of time together.
The team will have to take a breather while Erik recovers, but Triple H has made good use of Ivar in the meantime, spotlighting him on several occasions.
Erik and Valhalla, formerly known as Sarah Logan, were married in December 2018 after being together for years. Their family expanded with the arrival of their son, Raymond Cash Rowe, in February 2021.
The exact timeline for Erik’s return to the wrestling ring remains unclear as he progresses through his recovery.
Why Stem Cell Therapy Is Controversial
Stem cell therapy has been a topic of debate due to ethical concerns related to the source of stem cells. The use of embryonic stem cells, derived from embryos, sparked moral and ethical discussions because of the destruction of human embryos involved in their extraction. That led to strict regulations and limitations on the use of embryonic stem cells in different regions worldwide.
Stem cell therapy holds potential for medical advancements and treating various conditions. The ability of stem cells to differentiate into different cell types makes them valuable for regenerative medicine. Stem cell therapy has seen documented success in treating diseases such as leukemia, spinal cord injuries, and specific types of cancer.
While the debate around stem cell therapy centers around the need to consider ethical concerns while recognizing its potential to transform medical treatments, Erik of the Viking Raiders can attest to the fact that stem cell therapy is effective.
Posted January 3rd, 2024 in News, WWE. Tagged: Ivar.
New Japan Pro Wrestling has experienced significant changes in recent weeks, all of which were set in motion well in advance. The company has now officially introduced the Global Heavyweight Title and Junior Tag Team Titles ahead of Wrestle Kingdom 18.
NJPW’s New Leadership
The recent shift in leadership was a big one, with Hiroshi Tanahashi appointed as the new President of NJPW. This decision was made during a meeting of NJPW’s board of directors and shareholders on December 23rd, 2023.
Tanahashi’s presidency implies even more changes. They are getting started with some revamped title belt designs.
Jon Moxley, Will Ospreay, and David Finlay are set to compete against each other to determine the first IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion at the Tokyo Dome on January 4, 2024, replacing the now-defunct IWGP United States/United Kingdom Heavyweight Championship.
At the official Wrestle Kingdom 18 press conference, the company unveiled the Global Heavyweight Championship, set to be defended soon.
Then, later on, The Bullet Club War Dogs, Drilla Moloney, and Clark Connors secured the IWGP Junior Tag Team Titles on July 4th at Independence Day against Catch 2/2. Since then, Connors and Moloney have been focused on making a big name for themselves in NJPW, one that they intend on amplifying.
The team introduced new versions of the IWGP Junior Tag Team Titles at a press conference before Wrestle Kingdom. They also took some time to cut a heel promo on the entire Junior Tag Team Division, including anyone who held those old titles.
Adam Copeland entered AEW after allowing his WWE deal to expire. That was quite a shocking moment for fans all over, but he’s embracing this late chapter of his career and intends to make the most of it.
During a recent discussion with Sam Roberts for the Not Sam Wrestling podcast, the Copeland shared candid feelings about wrestling at 50 years old. He still senses the addictive nature of the business and feels capable competing at a high level, but doesn’t want to overstay his welcome.
“Well, it is it is and it is addictive, yeah, there’s no way around it. I’ve tried to explain to people, ‘You got theme music and as soon as a note hits, a crowd erupts. And you get pyro, and do like, you are a puppet master in a way because you’re telling a story live, and you’re getting instant gratification to know whether that story is hitting on all cylinders. If it’s falling flat, whatever it is, that’s super fun, and there’s a lot of little stuff in there in that bottle. Yeah, and that.. that’s… that’s tough to walk away from, when I was forced to.”
After departing WWE, he looked at the AEW roster and saw new challenges and lots of talent he wants to work with. It’s important for veterans to pass along their knowledge to the next generation, but Copeland says some ‘legends’ just don’t know when to walk away. He doesn’t want to be that 60 year old guy who is clinging on to the past.
“I don’t mean that in a disrespectful way at all, but I just don’t want to be that guy… maybe this is how I know I’m getting older. I’m at the point now where when I saw Dennis Stamp on ‘Beyond The Mat’ and I’m like, ‘Oh, that’s the guy you don’t want to be.’ But now I’m like, there is a certain romance to being that guy who’s just like, ‘Nope, this is my life and this is what I’m doing and I’m fully just I’m accepting it.”
Dennis Stamp was featured in Beyond The Mat, and his part in the documentary was both sad and enlightening for many. Copeland does not want to repeat any of those mistakes that he has seen veterans make as they cling onto the spotlight, even chasing it to disastrous ends.
When will Adam Copeland retire?
Adam Copeland has been given the gift to retire on his terms, so when will that be? He’s trying to stay realistic and sees himself competing for two or three years tops.
“Even though it’s been four or five years back now, it’s not like I got another four or five in front of me. I know I don’t. We’re looking at like a two year window here to be able to get as much done as I can get done, tell as many stories as I can”
Copeland and Christian are still engaged in a feud on television. This is something that Copeland wanted out of his time in AEW, but he also wants to work with other stars that he has not had a chance to share the ring with yet.
Through it all, Adam Copeland may be approaching an actual in-ring retirement eventually, but he will not lose focus or perspective.
Wrestling factions can go through a lot of changes in their lifetimes. Groups and and remove members, often violently.
WWE Hall of Famer Edge (Adam Copeland) and Damian Priest launched The Judgment Day as a duo, but it did not stay like that for long. Today’s incarnation is one of the most dominant forces in WWE, but the group looks quite different from what Copeland originally had in mind.
Judgment Day grew to be one of the biggest draws in WWE. With Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, JD McDonagh and Dominik Mysterio, the group is featured heavily on WWE television. Although they never took a turn into the supernatural realm as was originally rumored for the stable, they certainly took on a new life of their own.
While speaking to Sam Roberts on the Not Sam Wrestling podcast, Copeland spoke about the original concept for the Judgment Day.
Original Plan For WWE’s Judgment Day Stable
The Rated R Superstar says the Judgment Day came about when he was approached about starting up a ‘New Brood,’ the Attitude Era’s gothic trio of Edge, Christian and Gangrel. The Brood helped put Edge and Christian on the map when they first arrived on the scene in WWE, so maybe Copeland could do something similar for one of WWE’s rising stars.
“Well, you know, with the initial inception of the Judgement Day, I really I wanted it to be these underutilized talents that I thought could be far more than what they were being utilized for. Rhea Ripley is a star and Damian Priest is a star and Finn Balor’s a star.
So initially, it was brought to me like, ‘Hey, we want to kind of start a New Brood,’ or something that feels somewhat like that. I’m like, ‘Who would it be?’ I was like, ‘Ripley and Priest.’ ‘Well, we want it go be four.’ So, it’s like.. Balor! Okay, well, then it was like, ‘We want somebody really huge.’ I was like, okay.. all right.. and then I got a text two weeks later. ‘How about Balor?’ I’m like, ‘Yep! amazing idea.’ [Laughing]”
Edge was kicked out of Judgment Day when Finn Balor made his way to the stable. After that, the Rated R Superstar and his former stable went their separate ways.
As Judgment Day remains a stable on WWE programming, they still have Edge to thank. They might not publicly thank the man who helped start the faction, because he is with AEW now, but they know where the genesis of that sable came from.
Brooke Hogan is no stranger to the limelight, as she was a star on Hogan Knows Best, and many fans remember her from TNA Wrestling. In recent memory, it appears that she has elected to do things a bit more privately.
Brooke Hogan’s Secret Wedding
Brooke Hogan, daughter of WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan, reportedly got married last year in a private ceremony, but her ceremony took place a while ago, and it was a very private engagement.
According to TMZ Sports, Brooke Hogan got married to former NHL defenseman Steven Oleksy on June 8th, 2022, in Orlando, Florida. The ceremony involved only the bride and groom, with another event later in the month with Oleksy’s family in Michigan.
We have not seen any photos from this super secret wedding, nor do we know who was on the guest list.
Who Is Brooke Hogan’s Husband, Steven Oleksy?
Steven Oleksy played 62 NHL regular-season games with the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins from 2012 to 2017. During this time, Oleksy recorded three goals and 16 assists for 19 points, along with a solid plus-15 rating.
Originally from Chesterfield, Michigan, Oleksy went undrafted after playing collegiately at Lake Superior State University but worked his way up through the minors, making his NHL debut after stints in the ECHL, IHL, and AHL.
Even though he hasn’t played in an NHL game since 2017, Oleksy extended his professional career for an additional five seasons, competing in the AHL, ECHL, and an Austrian league.
Nick Hogan Update
In other news, Brooke Hogan’s brother, Nick Hogan, is dealing with his own life-changing circumstances. He was arrested for DUI in early December 2023, a problem he has yet to take care of yet.
Police body camera footage of Nick Hogan’s DUI arrest showed Hulk Hogan showing up as well. He needed the assistance of a cane to walk, and he was not in a situation he enjoyed at all. We can only imagine that Brooke Hogan’s wedding had a much better atmosphere.
Andrade and Miro threw down at AEW Worlds End, and the Redeemer won that confrontation. That was also Andrade’s final match in AEW, as he put the former Rusev over on his way out. Now, Andrade has a message for those he is leaving behind in AEW.
Andrade’s Message About His AEW Exit
Andrade El Idolo has officially left AEW and made his sentiments public on X regarding his departure. He did so with a text graphic. In his statement, he relayed appreciation to the company, particularly singling out Tony Khan.
Andrade also mentioned several individuals by name, including Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, Tazz, Tony Shiavone, Aubrey Edwards, Jerry Lynn, Will Hobbs, Hook, Eddie Kingston, Ricky Starks, Orange Cassidy, Thunder Rosa, Jack Perry (Jungle Boy), Austin Gunn, Colten Gunn, Sonjay Dutt, and many others.
Andrade also addressed sharing the ring with people like Sting, PAC, Darby Allin, Jeff Hardy, Jay Lethal, and more. He had some great experiences in AEW, but now he is going onto the next phase of his life.
“I want to thank you for this time that I belonged to the company @aew and above all to Tony khan I also want to say goodbye to all the talent, security people, cameramen, referees and everyone who works in the company for being part of my time in AEW. Kenny, young bucks, Tazz, Shiavone, Aubrey, Jerry, Hobbs, hook, Kingston, Ricky, Orange, thunder, jack Perry, Austin, Colten, Sonjay and many more that I can name, also how to forget all the Mexicans (todo el relajo) | enjoyed sharing the ring with STING, PAC, Darby, García, Jay and many more. I would have loved to face MOX, Page, Hobbs, Ricky, Dante, Cage, Dustin. Thank you AEW AND Thank you to all the fans for your support always. I wish you the best always!!!”
Andrade El Idolo is expected to make a return to WWE at this point. His wife, Charlotte Flair, inked a new extension with the company, which is one of the biggest female contracts in pro wrestling history.
WWE did not book Andrade el Idolo to return during the January 1st Day 1 RAW. There are other possible events for him to make that big debut at, especially with Triple H calling the shots.
Triple H is now the man spearheading WWE’s creative direction, as he breaks barriers and records with the company Vince McMahon brought to power. The Game is a student of pro wrestling, but he wasn’t always under WWE’s roof. Once he was in WWE, Triple H stayed, but it took getting fired from WCW to get him there.
Why Triple H Was Fired From WCW
While speaking to Inside The Ropes, Eric Bischoff was questioned about letting so many people go like Steve Austin, Mick Foley, and Triple H. He had all of them in WCW prior to their historic WWE runs, but Bischoff fired them all for different reasons.
Eric Bischoff commented on Triple H’s early career in WCW, noting that while he was good, it was challenging to foresee him becoming a star in 1993. Bischoff also acknowledged Triple H’s marriage to the boss’s daughter, emphasizing that he was a dedicated student of the game, a great performer, but not on the level of superstars like The Rock or Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Although Eric Bischoff recognized Triple H as a reliable utility player who worked hard, studied wrestling, and maintained consistency, leading to his eventual breakthrough; that wasn’t enough to keep Terra Ryzing in World Championship Wrestling.
“Triple H. He was just starting out. He was good. But there’s nobody that’s going to be honest about it that could go back and look at Triple H in 1993 and go ‘Oh, he’s gonna be a star.’ He married the boss’s daughter. It is what it is folks. This isn’t gonna do me any good. I think Paul Levesque, Triple H, he’s a student. He really is a student of the game. He is a great performer. But he’s never been a Rock.”
“He’s never been an Austin. He’s never been a Cena. He’s been a great utility player at a certain level. He’s been around forever but he’s never been a superstar. In 1993 I don’t believe anybody that’s really being honest can say ‘Yeah, when I saw him in 1993, I knew he was going to be a big star.’ He just worked hard. He studied. He did the right things.”
“He doesn’t drink. He doesn’t do drugs. He just studies professional wrestling. He worked his way up to a point where he was able to break through because he was so consistent. He was so good and so consistent, but he was never great.”
Eric Bsichoff’s Role in the Monday Night Wars
The Monday Night Wars was a competition between WWE and WCW, primarily led by Vince McMahon and Eric Bischoff, respectively. WWE’s Monday Night Raw and WCW’s Monday Nitro went head-to-head, battling for television ratings. Ted Turner, the owner of WCW, provided financial backing and support for Bischoff’s strategies, aiming to dethrone McMahon’s WWE.
Eric Bischoff, the mastermind behind WCW’s surge, implemented the strategy of giving away spoilers and live results to entice viewers to watch his show instead of WWE’s. This led to 83 weeks of domination for WCW, even though WWE was working hard to cultivate new stars on their own show, some that Eric Bischoff had fired along the way.
Vince McMahon responded by introducing edgier content, including the infamous Attitude Era, which featured stars like Stone Cold Steve Austin, Mick Foley’s Mankind character, and Triple H.
The Monday Night Wars eventually came to an end when Vince McMahon bought his competition. Eric Bischoff had a deal worked up to purchase WCW before that, but it did not come with any television deal attached.
WWE, on the other hand, went on to book their Invasion storyline with whatever WCW talent they could bring in who weren’t under huge contracts with Ted Turner to sit at home and collect paychecks.
WWE kicked off 2024 with a huge episode of RAW, and fans did not know what to expect. They received two action-packed title matches, and The Rock’s return. Those within the company also had a meeting prior to the whole event starting in San Diego.
WWE’s Meeting Before Day 1 RAW
PW Insider reported that Paul Levesque and Nick Khan held a talent meeting before the January 1st episode of WWE RAW. This was said to be a positive meeting with good vibes.
We haven’t heard much yet other than it was a short, positive meeting.
It was further reported that, “One source relayed it was a ‘great meeting’ that focused on rallying the troops. It was just much a ‘rah rah’ meeting to thank them for everything they’ve done and will do for the company.”
WWE is heading into a new year, and they had a blockbuster 2023 behind them. The company is also going to see some shifting internally, because long-time WWE Executive Producer Kevin Dunn is no longer a part of the picture.
Kevin Dunn concluded his three-decade tenure with the company, steadfast in his decision not to conform to imposed directives, so he is retiring instead. Kevin Dunn remained committed to his hands-on approach to overseeing production, even though there was reportedly a push for him to stay.
The Rock’s return to WWE television this week sparked a lot of conversation. Fans all over are now discussing the possibility of The Rock vs Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. John Cena also took notice.
The Rock’s Surprise WWE Return
During the January 1st episode of WWE RAW, The Rock made an unexpected appearance, taking the opportunity to address Jinder Mahal to shut down his anti-American promo.
The Rock got some “Day One Douche Bag” chants going for Jinder Mahal, and then the segment was kicked up a notch.
In an attempt to ambush The Rock, Jinder Mahal jumped Dwayne Johnson in the ring. However, The Rock acted fast, responding with a series of punches, his signature spinebuster, and ultimately delivering his People’s Elbow.
The Rock then picked up the microphone and engaged with the San Diego crowd, asking them whether he should sit at the “head of the table” when he goes out to dinner after the show.
John Cena Reacts To The Rock vs Roman Reigns Hype
That dig at Roman Reigns was apparent, and they even called attention to it after the next commercial break. It appears that John Cena saw that go down as well, and he responded on Instagram.
Although John Cena never uses captions on Instagram, he certainly didn’t need to in this instance. The Greatest of All Time dropped a graphic of The Rock and Roman Reigns, adding to the hype of this perspective match.
Exclusive Insight On Roman Reigns vs The Rock at WrestleMania
Cody Rhodes vs Roman Reigns was the match at WrestleMania 40. At this time, the WWE creative team is totally in the dark regarding the possibility of that match changing. I personally spoke to members of the creative team this morning about this very subject.
This is all happening in real time, but The Rock 100% has the pull in WWE to claim that match if he wants it. This will be a very interesting road to WrestleMania.
Mike Santana and Ortiz joined AEW in 2019, quickly becoming fixtures in the tag team division. Proud n Powerful had a lot of momentum coming into AEW as the former LAX, but that team is no longer a factor.
Why Mike Santana & Ortiz Split Up
Unfortunately, Mike Santana and Ortiz’s relationship soured, leading to a permanent split. Last year, they made a surprising return but remained at odds. Aligning with the Blackpool Combat Club for the Stadium Stampede match at AEW All In, their partnership was short-lived.
Despite a feud that ended with Mike Santana winning on the October 25th Rampage, fans were disappointed they didn’t reunite for another run. The two are not going to reunite, from everything we can tell.
The Shining Wizards Wrestling Podcast recently spoke to Ortiz, where his split with Santana came up. He made it clear that their team’s disbanding was totally Santana’s call.
”Unfortunately, it wasn’t the company’s call to split us (Santana & Ortiz). Me and Santana just couldn’t get it together personally and he was just very adamant about not working with me anymore. So, the company kind of had no choice but to split us up, right? So they’re like, ‘Okay, you’re just not gonna not tag. It doesn’t make any sense. Let’s at least make this make sense why you split.'”
Mike Santana & Ortiz’s Future
Mike Santana has been missing from AEW television since concluding his program with Ortiz. He remains part of AEW and continues to accept independent bookings.
The future of the former tag team is uncertain, but it appears that if a reunion is in the cards, then they have a lot of personal issues to work through first.
WWE fans expected the return of a former WWE Champion during the Day 1 episode of RAW. To their surprise, Jinder Mahal made a comeback with a new anti-American gimmick. Then he was suddenly interrupted.
The Rock then entered the scene, generating a massive reaction from the crowd. While there had been speculation about his appearance at the show, it wasn’t definitively confirmed before the broadcast.
The Rock was spotted with WWE CEO Nick Khan previously in the day. Dwayne Johnson was in Pasadena for College Gameday. That is just a couple of hours from WWE RAW’s location of San Diego this week. It was reported by Sean Ross Sapp on Fightful Select that “when we brought that up to a WWE higher up, they said we made a compelling argument, but wouldn’t confirm or deny.”
During that surprise appearance, The Rock addressed Jinder Mahal, contrasting him with the Iron Sheik and even humorously impersonating the legendary WWE Hall of Famer that we lost last year.
In response, Jinder Mahal attempted to talk smack about Americans. The Rock proudly declared himself the People’s Champion and an American, which makes us think about all those rumors about The Rock running for US President down the line.
After The Rock continued to insult Jinder Mahal, and his own Baywatch film as collateral damage, The Great One then said that Jinder Mahal is no longer the Modern Day Mahajara, instead, he is now the “day one douchebag.” Yes, fans chanted “day one douchebag” in loud fashion as The Rock directed them to do so.
In an attempt to ambush The Rock, Jinder Mahal started with an attack. However, Dwayne Johnson swiftly retaliated, responding with a series of punches, his spinebuster, and ultimately delivering his iconic People’s Elbow.
The Rock wasn’t finished there, as he picked up the microphone and asked the San Diego crowd if he should sit at the “head of the table” when he goes out to dinner after the show.
The dig at Roman Reigns was obvious, and now we have to wonder if The Rock vs Reigns is actually going to happen in 2024.
The Rock vs Roman Reigns at WrestleMania was Cancelled Before
WWE had plans for The Rock vs Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39, and it was going to happen, but then things changed for that match. It was never in the cards for WrestleMania 40, but there is always the possibility of a great creative shift if the situation calls for it. The Rock deciding that he can make the time for a return match is definitely a situation that would call for plans changing.
Injuries are a sad part of pro wrestling, and they can occur when you least expect them. Imperium’s Giovanni Vinci and Ludwig Kaiser lost this week on RAW, but it was due to referee stoppage after Vinci went down.
Possible Injury During WWE RAW
Kofi Kingston and Jey Uso faced Giovanni Vinci and Ludwig Kaiser in a match that was progressing smoothly during the RAW 1 episode of WWE RAW. Suddenly, the match came to an unexpected halt.
Giovanni Vinci went down on the apron, prompting an abrupt stoppage of the match. Ringside doctors attended to Vinci, leading the referee to make the decision to end the match.
In an unexpected turn, Kofi Kingston and Jey Uso were declared the winners via referee stoppage.
Michael Cole kept saying on commentary that they take their talent’s safety very seriously. At this time, we are uncertain what happened with Giovanni Vinci, but it was enough to call off the match.
Following the match, Giovanni Vinci was observed walking out on his own. The sudden conclusion of the match added an element of surprise to its outcome.
Giovanni Vinci caught a Kofi Kingston dropkick off a second rope jump.
The ref halted the action, the doctor jumped in the ring, and called off the match. Great work from the referee Shawn Bennett protecting Vinci
Giovanni Vinci later updated his X with a message. When translated to English, he let fans know that he’s doing fine. He also thanked them for their support and concern.
Sasha Banks’ WWE walkout in May 2022 still stands as her swansong with the company. Although there was some hope that Mercedes Mone would come back to WWE, it appears that homecoming hit a snag.
Mercedes Mone’s WWE Return is Reportedly Nixed
Mercedes Mone and WWE were talking about a return for The Boss. Then, they hit a financial roadblock, as the two sides couldn’t come together when it came to money.
Now, a new report from Sean Ross Sapp on Fightful Select points to the idea that Mercedes Mone’s AEW debut is now the most popular idea for her.
Those that we’ve spoken to expect her to land in All Elite Wrestling, though nobody could confirm she’s signed on the dotted line. Of late in both WWE and AEW, there have been instances – specifically with Will Ospreay and CM Punk – where the physical contracts were not signed until the day of their appearances with AEW and WWE respectively. One source claimed that they heard AEW and Mercedes were close to agreeing on terms, but said “it’s never official until it’s official.”
Nothing is official until it actually happens, because pro wrestling contracts can come together in a hurry. AEW has lost a few notable names in recent memory, but bring in Mercedes Mone could be a massive boost for their roster.
WWE is starting out a new year, and that will come with a change to commentary. Some WWE fans don’t remember a day when Michael Cole wasn’t a full-time announcer for the company, but he may be moving out of that role.
WWE Changing Commentary Team
Michael Cole, Corey Graves, and Kevin Patrick have made up the SmackDown commentary team for some time. Now, that may change as WWE enters into 2024.
According to a recent report from PW Insider, WWE is making a change to their commentary teams, with two-man teams starting this week. That means that Michael Cole is no longer on SmackDown.
The word making the rounds in WWE is that starting in the new year, the announce teams will all consist of two men booths.
That means that Michael Cole’s time on Smackdown ended last month.
WWE’s Future In 2024 Could See More Changes
With Kevin Dunn’s departure from WWE, some are wondering who will leave next. Vince McMahon’s old guard may be exiting, but this report did not indicate that Michael Cole will be totally leaving WWE with this move.
Michael Cole holds other backstage responsibilities, and he has hinted in the past about leaving the commentary table eventually. This new development could open the door for Michael Cole to pursue other opportunities as SmackDown becomes a two-man team.
Ric Flair created considerable buzz when he made his AEW debut. Despite his widespread respect in the industry, his stint in the company hasn’t been devoid of controversy.
The Ric Flair AEW Rampage Controversy
One incident that sparked controversy was Ric Flair’s appearance on AEW Rampage, where he made some eyebrow-raising remarks.
A fan account from the AEW Rampage event noted “Flair invited all the women in the audience from ages 18-28 to meet him in his hotel room,” Ric Flair said via The Boulder on Twitter. “No boyfriends or husbands.”
Ric Flair has landed himself in hot water already after an overly long in-ring promo segment on Rampage. (taped last night)
“Flair invited all the women in the audience from ages 18-28 to meet him in his hotel room. No boyfriends or husbands.”
The comment triggered a social media uproar, prompting Ric Flair to issue an apology and even express his willingness to step away from AEW.
“I Am So Tired Of Hearing All This Negativity! I Don’t Need To Work, And I Don’t Need The Money. Can’t I Simply Enjoy Being By My Dear Friend Sting’s Side For The Next Few Months,” Ric Flair shared on social media. “Without So Much Hatred? I Know I’m Old, But That Doesn’t Mean I Can’t Enjoy Life! I Have Earned The Right To Do Whatever I Want & I’m Exactly Where I Want To Be! I Appreciate Everything Tony Khan, But I’m More Than Willing To Walk Away If I Am Embarrassing You And Your Company. All I Can Say Is I’m Sorry!”
I Am So Tired Of Hearing All This Negativity! I Don’t Need To Work, And I Don’t Need The Money. Can’t I Simply Enjoy Being By My Dear Friend @Sting’s Side For The Next Few Months Without So Much Hatred? I Know I’m Old, But That Doesn’t Mean I Can’t Enjoy Life! I Have Earned The… pic.twitter.com/GK49HoSeEC
However, not everyone shares the sentiment that Flair should have apologized for his remarks. In a recent interview on FOX News, former WWE Superstar Tyrus offered robust opinions on The Nature Boy.
Tyrus reminded Ric Flair of his legendary status in wrestling, emphasizing that Flair has forgotten more about the business than most will ever know. According to Tyrus, Flair stands among the last greats, and his mere presence can captivate wrestling fans across generations.
‘‘I got a little bit of beef with you and I’m just gonna bring it up with you real quick. You put a post out where you had the temerity that maybe you shouldn’t have walked out there in AEW. Let me remind you of who you are. You have forgotten more wrestling than most of us will ever know. You are one of the last greats, when you come out and walk that isle, that a grandfather can look at his grandson, ‘I saw this guy wrestler and that is why you’re here.‘
Tyrus firmly believes that Ric Flair should never have apologized for his AEW debut, highlighting the thunderous pop he received when he walked down the aisle.
Ric Flair has continued to appear on AEW television, whenever Tony Khan can use him. Those dreams of managing Andrade El Idolo in AEW aren’t going to happen though, because Ric Flair’s son-in-law left AEW, with many under the belief that he is WWE bound.
MJF teased an impending bidding war in 2024 for his services. Now, it appears that he is off the AEW roster.
MJF’s AEW World Title Loss & Disappearance
At Worlds End, MJF lost of the AEW World Title to Samoa Joe. MJF was banged up, after suffering several injuries leading to the event, but he persevered and had the match anyway.
AEW made a notable move by removing MJF from their official roster page on January 1st, 2024. The Salt of the Earth is currently absent from the roster listing.
MJF After AEW Worlds End
In the aftermath of AEW Worlds End, MJF notably abstained from participating in the media scrum. Tony Khan, when questioned about MJF’s AEW contract, skillfully avoided providing any specific details.
It’s worth mentioning that both within AEW and WWE, there is a belief that MJF may have signed a new contract with AEW upon his return before AEW All Out 2022.
Exclusive Insight On MJF’s AEW Contract Situation
It was previously reported that MJF is likely to take time off from AEW. A hiatus was expected following Worlds End, because he has several injuries that mounted up on him. Now, it appears he is totally gone from the roster, which is a must different story from a simple hiatus.
I have spoken to people within WWE, who have confirmed with me that there was no talking with MJF about coming in. The lack of discussions led many to believe that he did re-sign with Tony Khan. Now, this recent development of his removal from the official roster page adds a layer of intrigue.
Samoa Joe beat MJF at AEW Worlds End, and now he is the AEW World Champion. That will come with an aesthetic change for the title belt itself.
Samoa Joe expressed his clear intention to change the design of the AEW World Title, doing away with the Burberry title and pledging to present a more respectable one. ‘
Recent details have emerged, with Sean Sapp on Fightful Select stating that, while it’s unclear if the title will be entirely new, steps have been taken to make some alterations. He also dropped a photo that could be a massive spoiler for the upcoming title.
Tony Khan, in a recent gesture, presented a custom title to the Clemson Tigers, indicating the possibility of side plate options for the new title. Following Clemson’s victory in the AEW TaxSlayer bowl, Khan customized a world title for them with Clemson side plates. There are, at the very least, side plate options for the upcoming version of the championship, with AEW also having plates produced for Kentucky had they won.
The report mentioned that the new version of the title seen so far displays the AEW logo on a black background. The debut of this title remains to be seen.
Samoa Joe had notably criticized MJF’s Burberry World Title during the press conference after Worlds End.
“Oh, this is going in the garbage, don’t worry about that. This trash right here. This little knockoff Gucci stuff that he got going on, it’s going away. We got the good belt, the right belt, something that’s designed well. I spoke with Tony Khan intensely about it, and we’re very much looking forward to it.
Adam Copeland had a hard-fought No DQ match at Worlds End in Long Island, and he actually won the AEW TNT Title while he was at it. Sadly for him, that reign was incredibly short-lived, but the Rated R Superstar has the battle wounds to prove he was in a war.
Adam Copeland vs Christian Cage at AEW Worlds End
Adam Copeland made his AEW debut at WrestleDream and the WWE Hall of Famer was off to the races with his old friend, Christian Cage. His feud with former friend Christian Cage reached its peak in a No DQ match at AEW Worlds End. Copeland initially won the title but faced surprising twists that led to its loss.
Killswitch, who won a battle royal for a #1 contender match previously on the show, came out and presented that contract to Christian, who cashed in like it was a Money in the Bank situation to steal the TNT Title back. Now, Adam Copeland is revealing the aftermath of the intense match.
”It’s not a tumah! Now the work starts on becoming a 2 time TNT Champion.”
Adam Copeland and Christian Cage’s story in AEW doesn’t appear to be over yet. They are apparently going to stretch that feud into 2024, but they also have a lot of unfinished business between E&C.
The former Edge wants to hold the TNT Title again, and next time he wants it for more than 3 minutes.
Adam Copeland has suffered bumps and bruises for decades at this point, so that gash on his head isn’t going to keep him down. If anything, the blood in that AEW Worlds End match only added to the drama.
Belair had a remarkable journey in WWE, and fans don’t even know everything she went through. While fans were excited to see the EST of WWE perform at WrestleMania 39, she was battling a lot.
Bianca Belair’s WrestleMania 39 Story
Bianca Belair was RAW Women’s Champion at WrestleMania 39 as she faced Asuka. Despite a stellar performance and a successful title defense, Belair was going through a lot behind the scenes.
The EST of WWE not only defended her title but also navigated a rigorous schedule filled with media obligations as the champion. This demanding routine, coupled with consistent title defenses, created a ton of pressure for Belair.
In a conversation with Brad Gilmore on The Collection, Bianca Belair was honest when discussing her condition leading up to WrestleMania 39. She admitted feeling physically sick and run down during the event, but she pressed on to perform at the Showcase of the Immortals.
“It was the most rewarding, but exhausting time of my career. Everyone wants to be champion, but a lot of people don’t realize the schedule that comes with that, the pressure that comes with that, the reputation that comes with that.”
“Every time you step out, you want to put on a champion performance. It’s multiple segments on the show, you’re on every single show, every single live event, you’re doing media between the weeks. Everyone else is going home after Raw and SmackDown, you’re going to New York or California to do media, to do press, to do opportunities.”
“I got to do a lot of amazing things and took the title to so many places when I was champion. From NBA games, NFL games, Kentucky Derby, Kevin Hart, Wild N Out, College Gameday, I did so many amazing things, but I was never home. It also comes with the pressure.”
“I’m someone who is a perfectionist. When it comes to WrestleMania, I put everything into it. I was so sick that WrestleMania. Physically, I was run down and so sick. It’s a lot of pressure that comes with it, but it’s the most rewarding, but exhausting time of the year. You’ll see how exhausting that journey is, but rewarding and trying to balance everything.”
Bianca Belair’s Future in WWE
Bianca Belair is currently back on the road with WWE after taking a short, and much-deserved, break. She has the Royal Rumble on her mind. So, the EST of WWE can battle for another opportunity to perform on the Grandest Stage of the All at WrestleMania 40.
Trick Williams is known for his explosive offense in the ring, and he has fans all over chanting “WHOOP THAT TRICK”at him. He emerged in the WWE landscape from a football background, adding to a long list of Superstars who entered through the gridiron.
During a conversation with Brad Gilmore, Trick Williams clarified that the XFL was indeed an option for him. He had a tryout with the Philadelphia Eagles, but he didn’t make it. Then his agent arranged an XFL tryout.
This was the XFL during Vince McMahon’s second re-birth of the league, prior to the pandemic. So, when WWE saw the kind of skills Trick Williams brought to the table, things changed for his life.
“I wasn’t into wrestling. I was into football. After college, I had a mini camp tryout with the Philadelphia Eagles, but I got cut. From there, I didn’t know what I was going to do, but I wanted to play football. I had an agent at the time who wanted me to tryout for the XFL. The XFL was owned by Vince McMahon. I filled out this questionnaire for the XFL, and the next day WWE reached out to me.”
WWE Superstars’ Connection to Football
Transitioning from football to pro wrestling is a common journey, with figures like The Rock, Roman Reigns, and Baron Corbin making their way to WWE from the football world. Trick Williams, too, had football as a potential path, and interestingly, it almost led him to the XFL.
The Rock resurrected the XFL after Vince McMahon’s attempt to revive the defunct league faced setbacks. McMahon’s XFL reboot was thwarted by the pandemic, but The Rock took up the mantle shortly after. Williams, however, tried out for McMahon’s version of the XFL reboot, although it didn’t steer him toward a football career.
Trick Williams’ Future in WWE
Trick Williams is gearing up for the challenge against Ilja Dragunov at NXT New Year’s Evil on January 2nd. That is a huge opportunity for Trick Williams, as he has worked hard for over a year to make it to this point in his WWE career, even if his original path was in the football world.
AEW Worlds End captured audiences’ attention for a few reasons. The closing moments of the pay-per-view saw The Devil reveal himself to be Adam Cole. That was a bit of a surprise, especially for MJF.
Adam Cole Is The Devil
Adam Cole has played a heel before, and he’s quite good at it. Now, the former NXT Champion will get to flex that villain muscle once again.
Adam Cole broke his silence after AEW Worlds End. This was not a prophetic statement, or any long address. He simply dropped a photo of himself during that big reveal at Worlds End, along with a succinct caption.
Adam Cole is still injured, because that surgery situation was a shoot. Still, as the leader of a heel faction, Cole can also get by without taking bumps for a while, which he may need to do so for a long time.
Tony Khan built toward The Devil’s reveal for a very long time. It finally went down at Worlds End. Love it or hate it, Adam Cole will be back on AEW television now, just as MJF starts an expected hiatus from the company.
Andrade is making headlines today, as it is reported that his AEW days are done. He could have a big surprise return to WWE coming for him, but some in AEW will miss him.
Thunder Rosa’s Message For Andrade El Idolo
Thunder Rosa hasn’t been on AEW television over the past year, as she was out of action with an injury. She was still a voice on the company’s Spanish language commentary team. After just making her return to in-ring action, Thunder Rosa is now losing someone she will truly miss in AEW.
In her caption, translated from Spanish, Thunder Rosa included a touching message for Andrade El Idolo. She will miss having him around AEW, as he is one of the most real people she’s ever met.
You are one of the most real people I have ever met. I am proud of you my friend and for always doing what is best for you. You are a role model! I hope to see you soon and much, much success buddy and I’m going to miss you
Eres una de las personas más reales que he conocido. Estoy orgullosa de ti mi amigo y por siempre haber hecho lo que es mejor para ti. Eres un ejemplo a seguir! Espero verte pronto y mucho, mucho éxito compa’ y te voy a extrañar ? @AndradeElIdolopic.twitter.com/Ba60vsnaWs
As we previously reported, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, there’s an expectation within WWE that Andrade might make a return to the company. With a champion’s return hyped for the January 1st Day 1 RAW, anything is possible.
People close to Andrade El Idolo indicate that a return to WWE is a possibility, but he remains open to staying if Tony Khan puts forward a more enticing offer than WWE. Some have voiced concerns about AEW not fully utilizing Andrade, who hasn’t secured any championships in the promotion.
Andrade is also interested in collaborating with New Japan Pro Wrestling if the opportunity arises. While he would have liked to participate in the FantasticaMania show in February, scheduling conflicts prevent him from doing so.
It was later reported by Sean Ross Sapp on Fightful Select that Andrade El Idolo wrapped up his time with AEW at Worlds End, as he lost to Miro. His exit was reportedly not a pleasant one. Tony Khan also confirmed Andrade’s exit during the press conference following the pay-per-view, but he provided an open door for his eventual return.
WWE released several main roster Superstars in September, and although a few of them are getting out there and taking dates, one isn’t certain they will ever wrestle again.
Emma After Her WWE Release
Tenille Dashwood’s 90-day non-compete clause concluded with the rest of those releases. That was definitely not an event she mapped out for herself on any 2023 vision board.
2023 was a tough year for some, full of change and transition. As Tenille Dashwood looks back at what happened over the past twelve months, so has a lot to think about.
Now adopting the name Tenille Dashwood once again, she contemplated her future in pro wrestling, as she reflected on this year.
“2023 was filled with highs and lows. The man of my dreams proposed to me, and I lost my dream job at the company where we first met. While I’m not sure if I’ll ever wrestle again… I am sure that I’ll turn this into a positive. No restrictions, no putting things on the back burner. Time to follow my heart.”
Emma has navigated an interesting wrestling career since coming over to the United States from Australia. Years ago, she was once fired from WWE after a shoplifting incident, which was a total misunderstanding in the end, but she was brought back in a hurry. Then she was released for a much longer period of time in 2017.
Following her initial WWE tenure, she ventured into other companies like ROH and Impact Wrestling before making a WWE return in 2022. However, her second stint was brief, as she faced another release in September.
Tenille Dashwood and Madcap Moss met while they were in WWE. Then, they shared a WWE release date in September as they both received messages that their contracts were terminated.
WWE saw the return of CM Punk at Survivor Series, and it didn’t take long for fans to wish they could see AJ Lee next. Although we have heard no definite momentum about her in-ring return, she is definitely teasing something.
AJ Lee on Heels
AJ Mendez landed a role on Heels. That part was perfect for her, because she got to play a female pro wrestler, despite her in-ring career grinding to a halt a year after her husband left WWE.
AJ Lee Drops Training Video
To add even more intrigue to the situation, the former Divas Champion dropped a video of her training in the ring with CM Punk. This is not recent footage, but it does show how hard she trained to get ready for that Heels role.
AJ Lee also dropped a photo on her Instagram story where she showed off her signature Chuck Taylor wrestling boots. She also picked lyrics to a classic Simon & Garfunkel song. This got a lot of fans going, assuming she is hinting at an in-ring return.
Why AJ Lee Left WWE
AJ Lee left WWE in 2015 after several years with the company. Following her last match at WrestleMania 31, AJ Lee announced her retirement from professional wrestling. AJ Lee and Saraya (then known as Paige) beat the Bella Twins in tag team action on the grandest stage of them all.
AJ Lee actually wrestled once more as AJ Lee, Naomi & Paige defeated Natalya & The Bella Twins in a 13-minute match during the March 30th WWE Monday Night RAW. Then, she bid WWE farewell, but she also went out with a win.
AJ Lee’s decision to leave WWE was a personal one, and she expressed a desire to focus on other endeavors outside the wrestling industry. Her departure marked the end of an impactful career in WWE, where she had achieved success as a multiple-time Divas Champion, and now fans can only imagine what 2024 has in store.
