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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WWE announced the release of Zelina Vega back in November 2020. Since then she has been very vocal about the WWE third party bans they place on their stars. This is a subject of recent discussion, with Xavier Woods recently talking about why Up Up Down Down is not on Twitch.

Since her departure, Zelina Vega has created accounts on both OnlyFans and Twitch. More to the point, her income from these sources is reportedly higher than that of her initial WWE deal.

Yet, despite this, Vega has been seen at the performance center in recent weeks. She was even seen shooting some video footage with Simone Johnson. Source have since confirmed that WWE creative are working on a new angle to bring Zelina Vega back into WWE.

There are no details on when this is likely to be. However, it will be on the main roster, rather than a return to NXT.

During her previous run, WWE used Zelina Vega primarily as a valet. It stands to reason that she will be used predominantly in the same capacity on her return. Vega is married to Aleister Black, who recently made his return to Smackdown, interrupting a fatal-four-way match for the Intercontinental title.

Simone Johnson was recently seen modelling for Aleister Black’s new clothing range and has been shooting footage with Zelina Vega in recent weeks. Could this mean that she will be returning to aid her real-life husband and further develop his new character?

In whatever guise Vega makes her return, it also remains to be seen what will happen with her third party commitments.

When Paul Wight signed for AEW he did so as both a color commentator and a part-time performer. Since then we have yet to see the big man in an AEW ring. However, that could be changing if recent events on AEW Dark Elevation mean anything.

Paul Wight has been fun to listen to since the launch of Elevation, and the show is a great place to catch a packed card with some very good names each week.

It was during the match between QT Marshall and Baron Black that Marshall first the first shot of a possible feud. Raising his arm into the air ala Wight’s previous incarnation as The Big Show in WWE. He followed this up with stare at the commentary table and a gesture in Wights direction that left nothing to the imagination.

Paul Wight All Too Eager to Put QT Marshall in his Place

Both the crowd and the commentators reacted to the gesture, with Tony Schiavone remarking “Well, he knows you’re here, Paul.”

Paul White smiled and added “Yeah, well he might feel I’m here pretty quick too.”

It was always expected that Wight would step between the ropes. He has plenty of gas left in the tank. With Double or Nothing coming up, and QT Marshall currently without an opponent, perhaps we will be seeing Wight sooner rather than later.

They were certainly fighting words and actions from both Paul White and QT on Elevation, and there are no coincidences in professional wrestling.

The timing of the actions are a little strange, given the Nightmare Family – Factory feud that is currently going on. That might be why we saw it take place on Dark Elevation rather than Dynamite. Either way, it will be interesting to see if anything comes from it. Seeing Paul Wight in action in an AEW ring will certainly be met by cheers from fans around the world.

The USOs versus Private Party is a fight the WWE universe has been waiting for. It has been 14 months since their paths first crossed. However, a serious injury to Jimmy Uso meant it has taken this long for them to meet in tag-team action.

Tension has been running high between The USOs ever since Jimmy made a return to WWE Smackdown. In his absence, Jey has gone on to have a rather impressive singles run. He has also fallen in line at the side of his real-life cousin, Roman Reigns. This point alone seems to sit foul with the returning Jimmy.

It will be very interesting to see how the tensions have settled as The USOs return to tag team action for the first time in a year. It is also interesting that their first match back will be against one of the hottest and more decorated teams on the roster.

The Street Profits are three-time champions in WWE and certainly won’t give the brothers room to breathe. Hopefully, The USOs will be able to shake off any ring rust, as this will not be an easy match.

There has been some talk in WWE circles about a brother vs brother feud building between The USOs, and now would be the time for WWE to pull the trigger on that. The Roman Reigns allegiance with Jey is the perfect material from which to build a feud. There is every chance that we could see the start of this next Friday when The USOs face off against the Street Profits live on Smackdown.

The pairing of Matt Riddle and Randy Orton was one nobody saw coming in WWE, and yet, it works. R-K-Bro as they are affectionately known are a mismatch that we love to watch. So when Riddles attempts to make friends between Orton and the New Day backfired, there was only one thing for Riddle to do.

After Kofi Kingston picked up a win over Orton, Riddle and Woods came to blows. Woods was very vocal, as always, during the match.  A quick shove in the middle of the ring on Raw last week was all it took for the match to be made.

Matt Riddle and Xavier Woods will be going one on one this Monday on RAW.

The unlikely partnership between Riddle and Orton began after Riddle lost his US championship to Sheamus. While both men admitted in interviews to not getting on with each other when they first met, times change. Orton was the one asking to work an angle with Matt Riddle.

Orton is a sure-fire Hall of Famer, and the partnership could be very rewarding to Riddle, as he looks to establish himself as a credible performer on the flagship brand.

The question is whether we will see a character change from Riddle, who is a bonafide face right now. Face/heel teams can work, but ultimately, something will give. There is no doubt about Riddle’s in-ring skills, or his ability to fight. Could a Matt Riddle heel turn be what he needs to elevate himself?

Tommy Fury, the younger brother of heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury has declared his intent to wrestle for WWE. Tyson Fury has already dipped his toes into the wrestling pool when he feuded with Brawn Strowman in 2019. Tyson is also currently teasing a feud with Drew McIntyre.

The Fury family were backstage at Wrestlemania Backlash earlier this month, with Tommy Fury getting a chance to hang out with some of the wrestlers. He also got to have a chat with Vince McMahon which left a huge impression on the 22-year old.

Talking to Dev Sahni on his The Lowdown show, Tommy Fury talked about his passion for wrestling.

The Fury Brothers are fighters, and while Boxing is a very different sport to wrestling, there is every chance we could see both of them in a WWE ring at some point down the road. At just 22, Tommy Fury has youth on his side, and has plenty of time left to carve himself a successful wrestling career.

“Hopefully that’s what they were thinking because after boxing, I’m definitely gonna give it a go.” Fury said, responding to the question of whether WWE saw potential in him.

There is no denying his athletic pedigree, and after his brother put in such an impressive show during his stint, the wrestling future could be bright for the Fury’s. Could we even be in line for a Tommy and Tyson tag team?

Slammiversary is the biggest event on the IMPACT Wrestling calendar. Scheduled to take place on July 17^th, it is an event that has a lot of people talking following a recent promo video.

The video, which gives nothing away in terms of scheduled matches, was full of excitement generating teases for potentially huge names.

As seen below, the teaser is full of hidden cryptic references to various former WWE Superstars who would be free agents by 7/17.

Some of the hints include the Iconics and the Forgotten Sons. Both teams were recently released by WWE. The July date of Slammiversary would coincide nicely with the end of the obligatory 90-day release clause.

The video also teases the return of two previously successful IMPACT stars in Samoa Joe and NJPW’s Tetsuya Naito. With the recent exchange of talent including now ex-tag team champions FinJuice and the legendary Satoshi Kojima, this feels like a very likely possibility.

However, the name that has set the IMPACT fan base abuzz is that of Daniel Bryan. The man behind the yes movement let his WWE contract run out last month. No work has been given on where Bryan will head, or if it is all a work by WWE creative. However, eagle-eyed fans spotted the YES! sign in the Slammiversary video package.

Daniel Bryan is a huge name and would be an incredible draw for the Slammiversary event. Especially as IMPACT look to continue their brand after being a huge part of the Forbidden Door movement.

Even if just one or two of the teased names actually make an appearance, Impact could make some significant additions to their roster.

Wrestling is in The Rock’s blood, so should come as no surprise that his daughter is showing all the signs of being a great wrestler herself. Reports from the WWE performance center say that Simone Johnson was the most improved talent in squats. The period in question runs from January through to May, and in itself shows that her dad’s hard work ethic has been passed on to his daughter.

The Rock is one of the biggest names in the world. One of the highest-paid movie stars of all time and holds God-like status to the WWE universe. One of the faces of the attitude era, his legacy in the ring cemented during a surprisingly short in-ring career.

Simone Johnson signed for the performance center back in 2020 but has yet to make her in-ring debut. Sources say she is still some way off doing so, but surely, if she keeps topping the training lists, it won’t be too long before we see her in action.

Since signing Simon Johnson has modelled for Alistair Black’s clothing label. She was also reportedly seen shooting some footage with Zelina Vega recently, ahead of Vega’s return.

With The Rock’s eagerness to appear before a WWE crowd, and the recent success of the Mysterios, could it be long before we see a father-daughter team in a WWE ring? Either way, Simone Johnson looks set for an in-ring career. With quite the wrestling heritage behind her, she is never going to be short of advice or support. The question is, will she look to carry on her father’s legacy, or build one of her own?

Kenny Omega is a wrestler everybody loves to hate right now. Since pairing with Don Callis to rob Jon Moxley of the AEW title, he has grown into one of the best heels in the business. A throwback heel. One with character and slimy charm. A villain that gets under your skin and makes you want a shower after seeing him on TV.

Yet, beneath that is a man who loves wrestling. An athlete who is as dedicated as any to the profession he loves.

Talking on the Wrestling with the Week podcast, Kenny Omega opened up about the pressures of being a multi-belt champion and the toll it takes.

“It’s a blessing and a curse. As champion, you get some high-quality matches and you’re the focal point of the shows, but at the same time, there is a schedule that is required and a demand for your body and health and psychological health.” Omega said, talking openly and honestly about life at the top.

Kenny Omega Realizes It’s Not Easy Being Number One

It’s not easy to be the best. Kenny Omega has created a universally hated heel persona. However, it’s easy to forget that he is just as human as the rest of us.

“It’s cool to look at pictures and be like, ‘wow, look at all these belts,’ but then I think, ‘Man, I have to defend these and make time to defend these.”

Omega is defending his AEW championship in a triple threat event Double or Nothing on May 30^th.

There is no denying that Kenny Omega is at the top of his game. Every wrestling fan is hoping he can maintain his hectic schedule. He must do credit to the belts he carries, and not spark out for flying too high.

The recent AEW announcement relating to their move from TNT to TBS has got the wrestling world talking. The young company are certainly taking big strides into the wrestling world. Confident in their vision and unafraid of competition.

News of a new weekly show on Friday’s is further proof of their confidence in the AEW brand. They will have special events broadcast on TNT through the year running alongside the weekly shows and regular PPV’s.

There’s no news on when these shows will start. However, there is already one name likely to be used. AEW trademarked ‘Battle of the Belts’ back in January this year. Until now this name has not been used or mentioned. It stands to reason, therefore, that it will be used for one of the new events they mentioned in their announcement.

The name is a clever and quirky one that resembles names of events used by other organizations. However, with AEW’s openness to working with other companies, and belt swapping with them, the concept of a Battle of the Belts, suddenly takes on a whole new realm of possibilities.

AEW has already proven that they are not afraid to go all-in when it comes to embracing the creativity of wrestling. Battle of the Belts could soon become a fascinating event, whatever network or time of the year it appears.

Roman Reigns is a wrestler in his prime right now. After a long period in the creative doldrums, stagnating as a face nobody could like, WWE creative finally pulled the trigger on a heel turn.

Now, undefeated since December 2019, Reigns is arguably the most dominant wrestler around. He is leaner and meaner than ever. The addition of Paul Heyman as his spokesperson was a great stroke. Even if Roman has improved immeasurably on the mic in the same period of time. The journey to becoming a dominant heel was a remarkably simple one for Roman Reigns. Now, as Heavyweight champion, he rightly sits at the head of the table. Eleven consecutive defences of his title have only added to the tribal chief’s confidence.

Roman Reigns is riding high these days and doesn’t waste a moment in making sure everybody knows it. Taking to Twitter recently, Reigns penned a response to a WWE post asking fans about their favourite Backlash fight.

“I don’t need stunts or gimmicks.” Reigns began, referring to the evenings undead attack that has gained such derision from the WWE universe.

Reign’s went the distance with Cesaro at Backlash, in a fight lasting over thirty minutes. Cesaro was arguably the toughest competitor Roman Reign’s has faced as champion. In emerging victories, Reigns further clarified his status as the man to beat in WWE. The only question remaining is, who out there has what it takes to beat him.

Shawn Michael is one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. A top tier performer who gave his all every match. Known for selling moves even more the Dolph Ziggler. Now, in his (semi) retirement, Michaels plays a senior role down in NXT.

Being the teacher is a role Shawn Michaels relishes, and there is one particular NXT superstar who catches his eye. Not only for their wrestling skills but also for the way their careers have been going.

Dakota Kai has been a phenomenal performer for the yellow and gold brand. It is not surprising to hear that she has been training extensively with Shawn Michaels, given the way she is selling her opponents moves. Taking bump after bump in order to make the match and her opponent look great.

“We have an incredibly talented roster, especially our women, but look at Dakota,” Michaels says. “She’s a special one,” Michaels said when talking to in his A&E Biography this week.

Shawn Michaels Was Full of Praise for Dakota Kai

“What you see Dakota doing, I always pictured myself in that role because I wanted to Ping-Pong around the ring for my opponent,” Michaels says. “That’s one of the reasons I became who I became in the business, so watching Dakota, I am so impressed.”

There is no denying that Shawn Michaels’s influence is paying off in Kai, but there are also deep parallels to the way their careers moved. Kai’s relationship with current champion Raquel Gonzales has been drawing comparisons to the famous Michaels vs Diesel storyline in recent weeks. In both instances, the smaller superstar saw their bodyguard claim singles gold before them.

It is surely only a matter of time before Kai and Gonzales come to blows in the ring. One thing is for sure. It will be an epic match. If Shawn Michaels is to be believed, the future is looking very bright for Dakota Kai.

Corey Graves is a man who knows how to use his words. A wrestler turned color commentator, Graves is a great example of a heel character. Both in the ring and out.

Talking on his show, After the Bell Graves took the time to talk about John Cena’s return to WWE. Not in the ring but regarding the upcoming show WWE Evil. It is a show that speaks directly to Graves. Promising to dive deep into the psychology of some of the biggest villains in wrestling.

“As a villain at heart I always look forward to understanding the psychology and why we had such disdain or loved to hate some of the best bad guys ever in the business. Definitely something to look forward to.” Graves said when discussing the show.

Corey Graves Words Echo the Frustration of WWE Fans

It was an interesting monologue from the host. He went on to criticize WWE for the lack of time devoted to real character development on screen.

Yes, there are clear cut heels and faces, and characters like Bray Wyatt and Alex Bliss have seen their characters explored through their weekly segments. However, Graves believes that current programming fails to truly bring the inverse in and get them invested in the characters.

“I always missed and loved being invested in the characters we see on RAW and on SmackDown and on NXT. I’ve said I would like to see more character pieces.” Graves went on to rescue himself from the ire of his employers by referring people to the WWE network. “it’s almost more of an incentive to subscribe to WWE Network on Peacock to really dive into these specials, whether it be WWE 24 or Chronicles, to really get to know the person behind what you see on screen for a fraction of the show.”

Corey Graves is a villain to the core. His words always carefully chosen to rile those that listen. Hopefully, however, the hidden frustration in his words won’t come back to haunt him.

A huge name has been announced for the upcoming Ring of Honor Women’s World Championship tournament. Allysin Kay is a former IMPACT Wrestling and NWA world champion. Holding the latter belt for almost the entirety of 2019.

Kay is a free agent having left the NWA in November 2020. She is an experienced wrestler who has a proven championship pedigree.

She will definitely be a name to beat. Having been given a bye through the qualifying rounds, she will be that bit fresher than her opponents. However, another big name already through – with a bye – is Angela Love who is herself a former TNA titleholder. Love is also a former ROH champion and will be all too eager to win this tournament.

Allysin Kay has made sporadic appearances for Ring of Honor in the past, but now has her sights set on making a real and lasting impact for the company. A great way to do this would be winning the tournament and claiming the gold. The title itself is a brand-new championship that is replacing the Women of Honor world championship.

Victory for Allysin Kay would mean she has held gold across three different companies, as well as having made an appearance for WWE in their Mae Young Classic. She also appeared for AEW on the Full Gear pre-show last November.

Allysin Kay is certainly a formidable opponent. Whether she is successful in the tournament or not, there is a lot for ROH fans to be excited about.

Wrestling fans are clamouring to get their hands on Jon Moxley’s upcoming autobiography. Moxley’s life in professional wrestling is certainly a story that would appeal to most fans, hungry for details. Earlier this week, Moxley spoke to John Cassidy from Inside the Ropes and gave a startling insight into his mindset.

For Jon Moxley, wrestling is the easy part of his life. It’s the reward he seeks, and after a match is when he feels the best. The wrestling equivalent to a runner’s high?

“I usually feel like crap most of the day, every day,” Moxley admitted. “The best I ever feel is usually right after the match, even if it was a very physically demanding match. My adrenaline is high, I’m loose, I’m on a high, I’m feeling good. When I walk into the back and I’m bleeding and sweating and everything and all busted up, that’s usually when I actually feel the best.” Moxley explained.

It is an interesting glimpse into the mind and psyche of a professional wrestler. One that does not get explored enough. Jon Moxley is a master of his art, and deserving of the regard in which he is held.

It makes sense that wrestlers find the release in the ring. They lead busy lives and away from the glitz and glamor of the big leagues, it is a hard life and often a lonely road. Wrestling isn’t a profession you can do without being fully in love with it. It is an art unlike anything else, and there is a reason that Jon Moxley sits on its throne right now.

Jon Moxley’s autobiography, titled MOX titled, will be available this November and is destined for the bestsellers list. Pe-order MOX now from Amazon:

Toni Storm has endured a tough time of late in NXT. After coming across from NXT UK, it could be argued that’s she has failed to find her stride. A loss at the hands of Zoey Stark, an NXT newcomer on the Stand and Deliver pre-show did little to bolster her mood. This was followed by another loss to Zayda Ramier – another new talent.

It is not unusual for wrestlers to go through a dry patch, but there is no denying that Toni Storm came to the US to win titles. Something that has avoided her until now.

Going into NXT this week, Storm was looking to get her career back on track. Ready put the blip that was Zoey Stark behind her, Toni Storm came ready to fight.

However, when her opponent wasn’t put down when hit with Toni Storm’s ‘Storms End’ finisher, the New Zealand native had to dig deep. Pulling out a new move that not only looks incredible but buried her opponent.

The move is one that has been gifted to Toni Storm by her trainer Dean Allmark. The move was named the Ruby Cutter by Allmark. It could be just what Storm needs to get her hands on NXT gold.

It’s not clear yet what Toni Storm is going to call her new finisher, but the NXT universe is certainly keen to see her use it more often.  

Dolph Ziggler is one of the longest serving WWE wrestlers having signed with the company seventeen years ago. In that time, he has won fourteen different championships as well as being the sole survivor in two different Survivor Series matches and a Money in the Bank contract winner.

In short, his professional career has been just as successful as his amateur wrestling career. Now however, he finds himself in a rather special position. Working with younger talent, helping them learn the ropes and hone their craft. Not backstage, but upfront, in the ring, before an audience (or in the Thunderdome).

Dolph Ziggler: Mentor

This is a role far-flung from the main event man he was for so long. Yet Dolph isn’t bitter about this change in his career. In fact, he finds it an honor, and embraces the role with all seriousness.

Ziggler recently appear on Out of Character with Ryan Satin, where he covered this topic with a very gracious response.

“I love passing that on. I really do. There’s no reason to be a negative bitter A-hole and then not give back to everybody else. I know what I’m doing better than almost everybody in the business, and I can give out lessons.”

Ziggler further talked about his relationship with Vince McMahon and how it has ebbed and flowed over the years. He has learned the hard way that respect from the boss is earned. It is earned, lost and re-earned again.

“You gotta re-earn it every day, and I do. If I mess up, which I do all the time, I say, ‘I screwed this up. It’s on me. I will fix this for next time.”

Whether in the main event or supporting a young superstar, there is no denying that Dolph Ziggler is a talented wrestler. There are few active wrestlers who could be a better teacher than Dolph.

Since his departure from WWE, EC3 has been a loud voice for real storytelling in wrestling. Disillusioned with the authoritarian control that lingered above everything during his WWE tenure, EC3 has been vocal about real wrestling.

His upcoming Free the Narrative event which features a match between him, and Matt Cardona is the result of his voice. The fully-independent event has no overarching corporate governance and will be a match about real professional wrestling.

While talking about the event on The Wrestling Inc. Daily, podcast, EC3 also brought up a memory that is equally poignant as it is indicative of the level of frustration felt in WWE right now.

Talking more about this Smackdown dark match with the late Brodie Lee (then Luke Harper), EC3 comments on how they were forced to perform as many different, counterintuitive spots as possible in a reduced time window.

EC3 Shared Fond Memories of the Late Brodie Lee

During the interview, the legacy that Brodie Lee created is clear in the way EC3 talks about the man. It also encapsulates everything that is currently wrong in WWE. Why many of their talents are leaving or accepting their lack of narrative control as the way of modern business.

“Whatever, that’s the business, but Jon was a great man, very fortunate to have worked with him in that sense. I always hold on to that memory. When I got fired, he actually texted me. He said, ‘Hey man, remember when they told us to do all this stuff, and you and Drake did really good at your job and then we all got in trouble?’ And I said, ‘Yep.’ He’s like, ‘Well, hopefully, see you around,’ and I did not get to see him since. That’s unfortunate, but that’s the story.”

EC3 never named his previous employers and asserted that no three-letter companies are going to be involved. The landscape of professional wrestling is changing. Hopefully, for wrestlers and fans alike, it is a change for the better.

Another rivalry looks to be reaching its conclusion in NXT. William Regal has sanctioned an NXT tag team title match between MSK and Mendoza and Wilde from Legado del Fantasma.

The match came about after Mendoza and Wilde picked up a win over Tomasso Ciampa and Timothy Thatcher. The match itself served as a device for escalating two different feuds. The MSK feud for one and the growing storyline between the duo of Ciampa and Thatcher and the Grizzled Young Veterans. The British pair being the reason Legado del Fantasma picked up the victory on Tuesday night.

The group have been feuding with the current Tag Team champions for a while now. MSK beat Mendoza and Wilde on the opening night of NXT Stand and Deliver to claim the then vacant belts. In recent weeks, the pair have been teaming up with Cruiserweight champion Kushida. Kushida himself is locked in a feud with Santiago Escobar, the leader of Legado del Fantasma.

MSK are currently enjoying their first reign as champions in WWE. The championship fight, which is set for June 1^st, will be the second time they have defended the belts. At this time there are no stipulations attached the bout. However, expect to see Escobar show up at some point to try and steer the odds in his teams favor. Hopefully Kushida will be on hand however to even up the score.

It could be hard to pick a winner between these two groups, but either way, the match is bound to be a show-stealer.

The internet has been abuzz ever since the undead invaded the WWE Backlash event last Sunday. The latest superstar to make a comment is Bray Wyatt. The man whose Fiend character who, despite being absent since Wrestlemania is a largely supernatural and somewhat horrific entity.

Wyatt is not the most active of social media superstars. However, when he does use it, he uses it to good effect.

In a simple tweet sent out on Tuesday night, the demonic Bray Wyatt simply asked if the WWE universe were missing him.

For such a short message, there are a lot of layers worked into it. The Fiend Bray Wyatt was an unstoppable force when he first arrived. Many fans criticised his character for his supposed invulnerability. In his tweet, Wyatt is clearly venting a little frustration at what happened.

Wyatt has not been seen in a WWE ring since Wrestlemania 37, when Alex Bliss cost her partner in his match against Randy Orton. The match itself was disappointing, with a single RKO enough to slay the fiend.

The rumoured reasons behind Wyatt’s absence are that he has been suffering from some mental health problems and asked for some time away to heal. His return was immediately lambasted by Vince McMahon which led to Wyatt taking further time off to heal.

Mental health is an important thing to take care of, especially in a world like professional wrestling, and it is good that stars are not afraid to speak up when they need to take a break. Hopefully, though, it won’t be long before Bray gets another storyline, and the Fiend can be unleashed once more.

In a recent session talking with Briscoe and Bradshaw, WWE legend Fit Finlay opened up about this son, David Finlay. David Finlay has been a star for New Japan ever since graduating through their dojo system. He is currently one-half of the IMPACT world champions with his NJPW colleague FinJuice.

However, according to his father, there may be some doubt as to whether David will stay in Japan for the long haul. The Covid pandemic and recent outbreaks within the NJPW ranks have forced wrestlers to review their current position.

“So I guess Japan have had an outbreak of COVID and so they started cancelling shows. He works for New Japan Pro-Wrestling. They started having an outbreak. A lot of the talent got COVID so they were sending them home.” Finlay told the show.

The wrestling legend then went on to talk about how his son is finding his feet as a wrestler. He is at that pivotal point where a decision can be made without having to build a reputation back from the bottom rung of a company.

“But, he’s a little bit confused at the minute as to what to do next, you know? Is he going to stay in Japan, does he want to try here, like WWE or whatever. But he and I are gonna sit down when he does eventually come home and try and figure it out but he just needs a little bit of wisdom put in his head.”

It is an interesting conundrum, Fit is a WWE legend, while David Finlay’s tag team partner Juice Robinson has experienced the darker side of the current generation of WWE executives.

Whatever happens, David Finlay has an exciting wrestling future ahead of him.

Bronson Reed emerged from the steel cage victorious after a brutal bout with Johnny Gargano on NXT this week. The pair have been locked in a feud for some time. In recent weeks Gargano has been seen doing everything he can to try and avoid a clash with the big Australian. However, their clash was inevitable, and with the addition of a steel cage, the mountain Gargano had to climb grew even bigger.

Reed is a fan favourite in WWE and a fourteen-year veteran. The title is his first in WWE and it caps off quite a rocky road for the high-flying big man.

Having been rejected by WWE on several occasions in the past, he finally got his chance in 2019. Grasping it with both hands, his hard work paid off on Tuesday night.

‘It’s been a long journey but I’m finally a champion in WWE. It’s overwhelming. I didn’t think in these sorts of moments that I’d cry, but I did,’ Bronson Reed told the Adelaide Advertiser.

2021 has been a good year for Australian wrestlers in WWE. Bronson Reed and Reah Ripley – both Adelaide natives – hold singles titles. While fellow Australian Indi Hartwell is one-half of the newly crowned NXT Tag Team champions.

We have so much untapped potential and talent in Australia. We’re starting to put the world on notice that Australia is a big wrestling company,’ Bronson Reed told reporters.

With the steel cage behind him, it is unlikely that Reed will get long to celebrate his victory. NXT is full of superstars who are willing to go to great lengths to claim gold. It is not clear who Reed will feud with next, but there will no doubt be a rematch with Gargano in the near future.

Shinsuke Nakamura is currently entering into a rivalry with King Corbin. The king of strong style is intent on proving that he is the only king in WWE these days. For those wrestling fans that followed Nakamura before he made his way over to America, they know that the Japanese star has a lot more to offer than WWE creative have let him show.

In a recent talk with Renee Young on her Oral Sessions podcast, Shinsuke Nakamura opened up about the struggles he still faces in the wrestling business.

“I’m still struggling in wrestling. Coming to the US and coming to WWE is challenging. I came to challenge myself. That’s why I’m here. I’m waiting to find my timing and my moment. I don’t pitch ideas to [Vince McMahon] a lot. We talk after the match a little or before the match if he has an idea for my promo. I need to get used to [not talking to Vince].” Nakamura told his former colleague.

There is something in his words that speak of possible frustration at things. Nakamura has held four different championships since arriving in America. Starting with the NXT title before he moved up to the main roster.

Shinsuke Nakamura has definitely been wrestling a different sort of game since his arrival, but his recent exchanges with King Corbin definitely hint at a more aggressive Nakamura. Perhaps a quest to re-discover the true King of Strong Style is exactly what he needs to get his career back to where he wants it to be. While there is a lot of talk right now about John Cena making his return, but perhaps the time is now for another superstar altogether.

It has been seven years since WWE had their last hair vs hair match. Back then Enzo Amore beat Sylvester Lefort on NXT.  According to Bryan Alvarez, WWE have big plans for Bayley and Bianca Belair to culminate their feud with just this match.

The rivalry between Bayley and Belair has been well managed so far. Belair’s recent victory at Backlash came courtesy of her lengthy lockes.

Talking on the Wrestling Observer, Bryan Alvarez claimed that everything WWE have done with this feud until this point leans towards a Luchas de Apuestas match between the pair.

The Bayley-Belair Feud Could be the Story of the Year

It is highly unlikely that Belair would be willing to shave her head. After all, her long hair is a major part of her current character. For Bayley however, shaving her head would cement her as one of the baddest heels on the roster. Discussing the topic back in February, Belair claimed that she would certainly be up for the challenge.

“People bring it up all the time and they ask do I ever think I’ll ever be a part of that. I think it’s pretty much inevitable because I mean, so much of who I am is my braid. I mean, she even has a name. Her name is Destiny, and it makes sense, right? So, and I think that it’s really fun to have feuds sometimes that aren’t always a part of the title picture and if I have a hair versus hair match… I ain’t gonna say it’s bigger than a title.

A title is pretty big, you know? But, there will be a lot at stake and I think a lot of people could get very invested in it. I don’t wanna lose my braid, I don’t want to lose my hair. I think it would be great. I’d be down for it,” Belair told ESPN Cheap Heat.

Since transitioning into a heel persona Bayley has moved from strength to strength and is arguably one of the more entertaining people on the roster.

It has been well documented that WWE had plans for a hair vs hair match back in 2020. The feud between Mady Rose and Sonya Deville was supposed to end that way. However, Deville’s stalker trial meant she could not shave her head. The plan was shelved, but it is clearly looking likely that it has been dusted off once more.

Drew McIntyre is a man who is loving life right now. He has been the man in WWE throughout the pandemic era. A feat alone that will ensure his name is written into the history books. His story is very much one of the ugly duckling.

Despite losing the WWE title at Wrestlemania, and his subsequent rematches, the big man is still very much the cream of the WWE crop. It’s looking likely that Drew McIntyre will be stepping back from the title race, even if just for a bit. However, that has not done anything to deflate the Scottish superstar.

This past week McIntyre helped Kofi Kingston pick up a non-title win against Bobby Lashley, and in the resulting revelry created not one, but two new nicknames. One of which is certainly a tongue in cheek name, that has the WWE universe in stitches.

While there is no chance of Drew McIntyre being called to the ring with this new moniker, there is something refreshing about seeing McIntyre simply having a bit of fun. His is a man who struggled for so long and tasted the real lows of professional wrestling. Nobody on the roster will begrudge him enjoying the spotlight while he has it.

As for his Drew Day Rocks comment, we can only hope that this becomes a thing, just for a few weeks, because that could be the light-hearted relief everybody needs as we head into the mid-point of the wrestling calendar.