Brock Lesnar didn’t stay away from WWE television for long as he returned on the season premiere edition of Monday Night Raw.
It happened when Lesnar came out and hit a few F5s to United States Champion Bobby Lashley, who was slated to defend the title against Seth Rollins. Lashley also put him in the kimura. It appears this may have been done to set up a rematch between them at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia next month.
Lesnar was last seen on WWE programming when he wrestled Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship in a last man standing match in the main event of the SummerSlam event. Lesnar came up short in that match that was supposed to put an “end” to their rivalry but went out in style when he lifted up the ring with a tractor that sent Reigns tumbling out of the ring.
As of this writing, Lesnar is advertised for the WWE Day 1 premium event on January 1, 2023, at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, the Royal Rumble next January in San Antonio, TX, and WrestleMania 39 next April in Los Angeles, CA.
WWE will likely add him to more shows in the coming days.
WWE has selected two agents to be in charge of training Logan Paul for his upcoming Undisputed WWE Universal Championship Match against Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel.
This match is expected to headline the Crown Jewel event on November 5 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. PWInsider reports that former WWE Cruiserweight Champions Shane Helms and Drew Gulak are training Paul.
Logan Paul Putting in The Work
(WWE)
The bout was made official during a press conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. Despite only working a handful of matches so far in his pro wrestling career, this will mark Paul’s first championship match and main event.
Reigns is undefeated in his previous two matches at Crown Jewel events as at last year’s Crown Jewel, Reigns defeated his longtime rival Brock Lesnar to retain the Universal Championship.
Paul called out Reigns after having him on his podcast. Paul speculated that he’d win in a match against Roman back in June, noting that his second-ever boxing opponent was Floyd Mayweather. He confronted Reigns on this past Friday’s SmackDown, where he had a promo segment that involved Reigns, flanked by Paul Heyman and The Usos. Paul promised to smash Paul worse than he’s ever been.
The Good Brothers (Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson) are back in WWE as they returned during Monday Night Raw.
There was a segment in the second hour where Finn Balor was doing a promo in the ring with Rhea Ripley, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio, and Rhea Ripley. He bragged about his win over Edge at Extreme Rules.
Balor gave AJ Styles a choice to side with Judgment Day or be against them. AJ came out and said he was not out there to argue with Balor, but everything he ever needed was standing in front of him.
Good Brothers Are Back
AJ Styles with The Good Brothers
He said he needed friends and hugged Balor, acting like he was going to join the group. Styles told him that he wasn’t talking about Balor. However, Gallows and Anderson walked out instead, leading to a brawl where Gallows and Anderson stood tall in the ring with Styles.
This was expected as the Good Brothers return was previously reported by PWinsider.com, where they were seen spotted filming content with Styles as they reunited The OC.
For what it’s worth, Anderson is the current NJPW NEVER Openweight Champion. Gallows and Anderson finished up with Impact Wrestling in August.
WWE made overtures over the summer about having the Good Brother return when Vince McMahon was still with the company. However, a deal wasn’t reached because Gallows and Anderson wouldn’t come back for a cheap price. In 2019, they felt like they were burnt by WWE when they opted to re-sign instead of taking a deal with AEW, and WWE released them several months later.
Two WWE NXT stars got the chance to work in front of a large crowd for the first time in their careers at Monday’s Raw for the Main Event taping.
On WWE Main Event, Carmelo Hayes and Von Wagner will appear on this week’s episode. R-Truth shared the ring with Wagner while Hayes wrestled Cedric Alexander. Before the Hayes vs. Alexander match, Hayes got to do some promo work.
More NXT Stars Work Main Event
Just last week, WWE brought in Josh Briggs, Brooks Jensen, and Fallon Henley to work the Main Event taping at Monday Night Raw. It appears that WWE is going back to the trend of looking at its developmental talent on a bigger stage than NXT to see if they’re ready for the main roster.
At the October 22nd Halloween Havoc special, Hayes will work a Ladder match for the NXT North American Championship alongside Oro Mensah, Wes Lee, Wagner and the winner of Nathan Frazer vs. Axiom on Tuesday’s episode of NXT.
Hayes lost the North American Title to Solo Sikoa on NXT TV last month before Sikoa was stripped of the title because he wasn’t authorized to participate.
Carmelo Hayes Vs Cedric Alexander was was filmed for this weeks episode of Main event ?? Melo is going places https://t.co/IDNNh75ffu
Finn Balor believes that his and AJ Styles’ unspoken competitive rivalry needs addressing in the ring on WWE programming.
Their pre-WWE careers have some similarities as both stars arrived in WWE with over a decade of experience under their belts in the business and after stints as the leader of the Bullet Club faction in NJPW.
They’ve only faced off in singles action once on WWE TV, which came in 2017 at the TLC pay-per-view event. Balor was victorious in this bout. Styles had accepted with less than two days’ notice after Balor’s original opponent Bray Wyatt was medically unable to compete.
Finn Balor on Potential AJ Styles Feud
While speaking with the New York Post, Balor noted that he feels there’s potential for a big rivalry with his and Styles’ pasts.
“I feel like for 20-plus years, myself and AJ.’s careers ran side by side and never really overlapped with each other. The one match we did have (at TLC 2017) was by pure happenstance. I was scheduled to wrestle Bray Wyatt, but I think Bray came down with an illness and was pulled by WWE medical from the event and then we had the match with AJ.
“That’s really the only interaction we’ve had up until very recently. I feel like me and AJ. have a big story to tell and a lot to prove to each other as well. I feel like we have an unspoken competitive rivalry, and I feel like that need to be addressed in the ring. I respect everything that AJ.’s done in his career. I’m very excited that the opportunity of the next couple months could lead us to that singles match with AJ.”
As previously reported, Balor is set to receive a major push under the Triple H regime. At last Saturday’s Extreme Rules, he beat Edge in an I Quit Match.
The Rock is staying busy building his various brands and being a leading man in Hollywood, but the former WWE Champion still pays attention to the company he helped grow.
The Rock has acknowledged The Tribal Chief – Roman Reigns – and recently praised the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion and The Usos. He has seen what his cousins have been able to accomplish and is proud of their success as part of The Bloodline.
While speaking with Chris Van Vliet, The Rock was asked if he acknowledges his Tribal Chief. He also spoke about the unexpected shift in the company with Vince McMahon resigning, Stephanie McMahon, and Rock’s good friend Nick Khan taking over as co-CEOs while Triple H is in charge of creative.
“Of course I do. That’s my family. I think those guys are doing a great job, and I think what an interesting shift the company has gone through this year. Unexpected in many ways, but when unexpectations happen in that kind of way, form, and fashion, especially in that business, you’ve got to have the ability and the agility to pivot, which they have. With Roman, I think he’s doing a pretty good job, and the boys, too, The Usos.”
WWE reportedly wants to have The Rock return to do a match with Reigns at WrestleMania 39 in Los Angeles, but it all comes down to The Rock’s schedule.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit with an h/t toSEScoops for the transcription.
At WWE Extreme Rules, the company revealed that The White Rabbit was indeed Bray Wyatt.
The lights went out after the main event before we heard Wyatt singing he’s got the whole wide world in his hands. We saw people dressed up as puppets from the Firefly Fun House placed throughout the arena. There was a door on the stage, and we went through a haunted house with the fun house music playing. We see a man with a mask on a TV laughing, then the door opens withWyatt appearing and he had a lantern. Wyatt took off the mask and turned off the lantern.
There had been various fan theories about the mystery and clues left behind by various QR codes. WWE had also played the song at live events. The belief had been that it could have something to do with Karrion Kross, but all indications pointed to the return of Wyatt.
Fightful previously reported that the reveal behind the mysterious thing on WWE television would be revealed at this show.
Wyatt was released by WWE last July due to budget cuts despite the fact that he was slated to return just weeks before the company cut him. It was previously reported that Impact Wrestling was interested in signing him, but he also had interest from AEW.
He never wrestled a match outside of WWE while away, but did make select public appearances for autograph signings.
Matt Riddle and Seth Rollins met in the Fight Pit Match with former UFC Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight Daniel Cormier serving as the special guest referee at Saturday’s WWE Extreme Rules premium live event from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA.
The Fight Pit is a unique stipulation and had never been done on the main roster until now. The ring is surrounded by a steel cage-like structure. It’s different from the traditional steel cage match because one cannot win by escaping. A wrestler can only win by knockout or submission, which makes a Fight Pit match more MMA-bout-like.
The match saw Riddle did the Showtime Pettis kick off the cage. Rollins with a frog splash off part of the cage. They went onto the platform above the ring and brawled. Rollins with the buckle bomb into the cage. Rollins with the pedigree on the platform. Riddle with an RKO on the platform then a floating bro off the platform into the ring. The finish saw Riddle put him in a choke and Rollins tapped out.
Before tonight, it had only taken place under the banner of NXT, where it was first introduced. The first-ever Fight Pit match saw Timothy Thatcher defeat Tomasso Ciampa in January of 2020. The second one Riddle, where he fought Thatcher in a losing effort.
WWE Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair made her latest title defense against Bayley at Saturday’s WWE Extreme Rules premium live event.
Bayley hit a flying elbow off the apron onto Belair, who was on a ladder in between the barricade and ring steps. Bayley knocked her off the apron. Belair hit the KOD and climbed the ladder before being knocked off due to IYO SKY and Dakota Kai. Belair ended up hitting a double KOD to them. Belair hit the KOD to Bayley with a ladder for the finish.
On the September 19th episode of Raw, Bayley challenged Belair to a match at Extreme Rules after Damage Control beat down Alexa Bliss when Bayley had defeated her. Asuka and Belair came out, but the e numbers game played in Damage Control’s favor, and Bayley soon laid out Belair with a Rose plant.
Bayley ended the show saying that she wanted the title match at Extreme Rules. Bayley did pinn Belair in a six-woman tag team match at Clash at the Castle last month.
Time will tell whether WWE continues this feud or goes into a different direction heading into the Crown Jewel event on November 5th
Ronda Rousey and Liv Morgan shared the squared circle for a third time with the WWE SmackDown Women’s Title on the line.
The match at the WWE Extreme Rules premium live event saw them use various weapons including a chair and a table. Morgan hit a code red with a chair for a near fall.
Morgan hit a dive off the top rope through a table for a near fall. The finish saw Rousey have her in an armbar then put her in a choke with her legs and Morgan passed out.
At Money in the Bank, Rousey submitted Natalya to retain the SmackDown Women’s Championship, but after the match Morgan, who won the women’s Money in the Bank match earlier in the show, came out with the briefcase and cashed in. Rousey was vulnerable as she was selling the wear and tear of her previous match. Morgan pinned her to win the title for the first time.
At SummerSlam, Morgan made her first premium live event defense as SmackDown Women’s Champion against Rousey, but the match ended in controversy as the finish saw Rousey have Morgan in the armbar, but at the same time, Morgan tapped out and the referee counted the three as Rousey’s shoulders were down. The referee gave Morgan the win. Post-match, Rousey attacked Morgan and the referee. WWE played it up as Rousey getting robbed.
What are your thoughts on retaining the SmackDown Women’s Title? Was this the right call by WWE officials? Sound off in the comment section.
Impact Wrestling Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace has put in the hard work in the gym and stayed true to her goals to get into peak shape as she continues to find success as a top wrestler in the entire wrestling business.
Grace recently took to Twitter to show off her amazing body transformation and provided an inspiring message.
She also shared a video from showing off her bodybuilding results. Her dedication has shined through her hard work while sticking with her bodybuilding program as she not only got in better shape but also climbed the ranks in Impact Wrestling to become the top star in the Knockouts division and continue garnering attention from fans.
Grace won the Knockouts World Championship for a second time in the inaugural Queen of the Mountain match at Slammiversary in June. On Friday night at the Bound for Glory pay-per-view event, Grace successfully retained the title over Sasha Slamovich at Bound for Glory.
You can check out her spirited post-match promo below, where she spoke about being an underdog going into the bout and preparing for it more than her opponent did:
WWE Extreme Rules is quickly approaching and the planned match order has been revealed based on the internal listing obtained by Fightful Select.
WWE has created a lot of buzz going into the show as the belief is the reveal behind the White Rabbit clues will be revealed. As for what has been announced by the company to take place on the card, Edge vs. Finn Balor and Fight Pit between Matt Riddle and Seth Rollins were slated to get the most time on the show. SmackDown Women’s Champion Liv Morgan vs. Ronda Rousey in an Extreme Rules Match was slated to have the shortest match.
Rhea Ripley, Damian Priest, Scarlett, Dakota Kai, IYO SKY are expected to be ringside for the I Quit Match. WWE had planned to get a ton of gimmicked props for the Donnybrook match between the two factions that opens the show.
WWE Extreme Rules Match Order
WWE Extreme Rules
Brawling Brutes vs. Imperium: Abyss producing – Six-Man Tag Team Good Old Fashioned Donnybrook Match
Liv Morgan vs. Ronda Rousey: Tyson Kidd producing – Extreme Rules Match
Drew McIntyre vs. Karrion Kross: Michael Hayes producing – Strap Match
Bianca Belair vs. Bayley: Petey Williams producing – Ladder Match
Edge vs. Finn Balor: Produced by Jamie Noble – I Quit Match
Matt Riddle vs. Seth Rollins: Adam Pearce Producing – Fight Pit
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is not going to run for President of the United States.
In a preview of their upcoming interview with the former WWE star, CBS released a clip where Johnson states his plans to run for the presidency are “off the table.”
Johnson cited his desire to be present for his second daughter than he was for his first daughter Simone, who is currently training at the WWE Performance Center.
Johnson entertained the idea of Johnson running for President in the past to the extent that it was the basis of his NBC series “Young Rock,” where Johnson is running in the 2032 election.
The Rock’s Reasoning
“Yes, it is off the table,” he said. I will say this because it requires the B side to this. I love our country and everyone in it. I also love being a daddy, and that’s the most important thing to me is being a daddy number one, especially during this time, this critical time in my daughter’s lives. Because I know what it was like to be on the road and be so busy that I was absent for a lot of years in my first daughter’s growing up in this critical age at this critical time in her life, anyway. That’s what the presidency will do. My number one priority is my daughters. Sure, CEO sounds great, but the #1 thing I want to be is daddy. That’s it.”
You can watch The Rock’s comments about not running for office here:
Actor and international star Dwayne @TheRock Johnson has been seriously talked about as a potential candidate for president – and it was talk he didn’t outright dismiss – until now. Johnson tells @thattracysmith he is ruling out a run for president & more this "Sunday Morning." pic.twitter.com/38DltxUFej
Former WWE Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch appears to be returning very soon.
Lynch has been out of action since her defeat to Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair at SummerSlam in July, as she suffered a separated shoulder during the match. Despite the pain, she pushed through it and was able to finish the match.
The Man Comes Around
After the match, Bayley, Dakota Kai, and Io Shirai made their returns. Alexa Bliss and Asuka have taken Bianca Belair’s side in the feud with Damage Control amidst Lynch’s absence.
It may not be too long until “The Man” returns to WWE TV, as she was seen backstage at this past Monday’s Raw in St. Paul, Minnesota.
When Lynch suffered her injury, the word making the rounds as she was set to be out for “several months.” PWInsider added, “she’s coming closer and closer to returning to action.”
Earlier this week, Lynch showed off her new look as she is sporting long hair again thanks to extensions. She will be back as a babyface after Triple H turned from being a heel following her SummerSlam match. When she does return, she has a feud waiting for her against Bayley’s Damage CTRL stable.
Legado del Fantasma is headed to the main roster, but the group will see a change made to it by WWE officials.
It’s been reported by multiple outlets that Legado del Fantasma are slated to make their main roster debut soon and be at tonight’s episode of SmackDown.
Pwinsider.com reports the company’s initial plans to include Elektra Lopez with the group when they go to SmackDown have been dropped. She was originally slated to be at the show tonight, but over the last 24 hours, creative changed.
This is despite her exit from NXT television being with the group. Santos Escobar, Joaquin Wilde, and Raul Mendoza have been spotted in Worcester, MA, the site of SmackDown with the belief that they will debut as soon as tonight.
Legado del Fantasma Getting a New Member?
As previously reported, Zelina Vega is slated for tonight’s show to make her return and is sporting a new blonde look.
To make things even more interesting, Fightful Select reports there was a heavy pitch and push to put Vega with the Legado Del Fantasma faction, possibly in place of Lopez.
This hasn’t been confirmed, and no plans have been locked in, but there was a notable pitch for it to happen.
Olympic Gold medalist Gable Steveson underwent a heart procedure last month but is now training full-time at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando.
According to ESPN, Steveson underwent an ablation on his heart to treat WPW (Wolff-Parkinson-White) syndrome. The prospect told the media outlet that the health issue was discovered last year before he traveled to Tokyo for the Olympics. However, he didn’t undergo the procedure until WWE’s medical staff advised him through the process. This included the recommendation of top cardiologists to treat his condition.
Gable Steveson Back Training
Gable Steveson on Raw
The process spanned many months, which delayed Steveson’s start at training full-time for his wrestling career.
ESPN noted, “WPW is a rare congenital heart defect, present at birth, in which an extra electrical pathway causes a rapid heartbeat. An ablation is a procedure that uses small burns or freezes to cause scarring on the inside of the heart to help break up the electrical signals and maintain a normal heart rhythm.”
Steveson, who is the brother of WWE NXT star Damon Kemp, said he’s excited to get his WWE journey started as he hopes to compete on the main roster in the near future. In October 2021, Steveson was drafted to Raw and made a few special appearances.
Steveson is currently working under the legendary Fit Finlay at the Performance Center. WWE previously set up a remote training facility for him near the University of Minnesota last year so that he could pursue a second NCAA championship.
Steveson said he’s 100% committed to becoming the next big thing in WWE.
Saraya, formerly known as WWE Superstar Paige, is going to be All Elite for quite some time. She made her promotional debut at the Dynamite: Grand Slam from Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, NY.
Due to spinal stenosis, Saraya hasn’t wrestled since 2017. WWE didn’t sign her to a new deal a few months ago, and she went on the free agent market in early July. AEW made contact with her shortly after she was a free agent, according to Fightful.
Saraya has reportedly agreed to a three-year contract with AEW. Interestingly, AEW’s level of ‘financial commitment to the 30-year-old star “largely implies that she’ll be wrestling in some capacity.”
We’re still unclear whether or not Saraya has been medically cleared to compete. She’s scheduled to speak on tonight’s edition of AEW Dynamite tonight. AEW talent did go to bat for her and put in a good word, although one AEW source said: “she didn’t need it, since there was interest when she became available.”
The roster seemed excited about her joining the company and rightfully so. She brings a mega dose of star power to the AEW women’s division. If she does get cleared to wrestle, there are a number of marquee matches lined up with the likes of Britt Baker, Toni Storm, Jade Cargill, Thunder Rosa and others.
Ever since Saraya arrived in AEW, the big question is whether or not she’s cleared to wrestle. Dave Meltzer reported that she was not medically cleared in the days leading up to her debut, which prompted a tweet by Saraya telling fans not to believe everything you read.
In the October 10th Observer, Meltzer followed up with a note that AEW’s Dr. Michael Sampson has finally cleared Saraya to wrestle. She got physical on this week’s AEW Dynamite and the company is setting her up to feud with Britt Baker.
Another wrestling couple is slated to get married – Julia Hart and Lee Johnson.
During an appearance on this week’s episode of AEW Unrestricted with hosts Aubrey Edwards and Alex Abrahantes, Hart spoke about a wide range of topics, including her relationship with the fellow AEW talent.
Julia Hart on the Engagement
Photo Credit: Scott Lesh
Hart revealed that they are engaged. It was stated on the podcast that they’d been engaged for months, but it was something they wanted to keep to themselves and within the circle of people who knew.
Hart stated they have a good separation between work-life and real life, and she couldn’t ask for anyone better to be her man.
House of Black’s Malakai Black is off AEW television because he is tending to personal matters. He has stated that he’ll be back ‘pretty soon’. Buddy Matthews also recently came out and stated that he is taking time away from wrestling.
Johnson began working with AEW in April 2020. His first Dynamite appearance happened that same month as he took on the late Brodie Lee.
Johnson competed on Dark and Dynamite in the months following before signing with them in February 2021. Johnson last wrestled in a sanctioned match for AEW in early May.
Legado del Fantasma could be making their WWE main roster debut soon.
According to a report by Pwinsider.com today, the plan is for Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Joaquin Wilde, Cruz Del Toro & Elektra Lopez) to be part of the SmackDown roster when they make their main roster debut. It was added that they might appear as soon as this Friday’s episode of SmackDown.
Their NXT Exit
In August, Escobar was banished from NXT as part of a stipulation of losing to Tony D’Angelo at NXT Heatwave. A week after this show, there was a segment where Escobar picked up the rest of Legado del Fantasma in the parking lot because he wasn’t going to leave NXT without them. Dave Meltzer previously confirmed that Legado del Fantasma was slated for a main roster call-up.
WWE holds this season’s premiere edition of SmackDown on Friday night from the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts.
The show will feature a face-to-face confrontation between Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and his next challenger Logan Paul ahead of their clash at Crown Jewel in November. Also, Gunther will defend the Intercontinental Title against Sheamus in a rematch from Clash at the Castle.
It appears fans won’t see Jeff Hardy back on AEW TV in the near future due to his legal issues.
Hardy has been suspended by AEW indefinitely and without pay following his DUI arrest in June. After the arrest, he checked himself into rehab.
Hardy has been charged with Driving While License Canceled/Suspended/Revoked, Violation of Restrictions Placed on Drivers License, and DUI Alcohol/Drugs Third Offense within 10 Years. Hardy has entered a “not guilty” plea to the charge.
Latest on Jeff Hardy’s Status
Pwinsider.com reported today that Hardy has a pre-trial hearing for his DUI scheduled for Wednesday, October 19, after Hardy’s attorneys previously waived his right to a speedy trial. The hearing was supposed to happen in July, but was pushed back due to the request of his attorneys and is now scheduled for this month.
The report added that Hardy is still officially with the company but will not be brought back until his legal issues are cleared up. All Elite Wrestling also wants Hardy to show that he can maintain his sobriety as he has been in treatment “for some time.’
Jeff’s brother and fellow AEW star, Matt Hardy, recently stated that fans will see a new Jeff when he eventually returns.
AEW President Tony Khan has opened up on how he deals with MJF, who has been in the headlines through 2022 for what he has done on and off camera.
During Double Or Nothing weekend, no-showed a meet and greet the night before the event but did lose in a squash match to Wardlow at the pay-per-view. He demanded that Khan fire him in a memorable promo on the following Dynamite before being pulled from television for several months.
MJF returned at All Out by being revealed as the joker in the Casino Ladder match, earning him a shot at the AEW World Heavyweight Title.
He has referred to this as “The Bidding War of 2024” between AEW and WWE. Although he didn’t sign a new deal, he did get a pay increase from Khan prior to his return to television. He is still set to become a free agent in January 2024.
MJF had been frustrated over the last several months because he felt like he outperformed the contract that he signed in 2019.
Tony Khan on MJF
Khan discussed his relationship with MJF while speaking with Variety.
“It’s very professional,” Khan said of his current relationship with MJF. “He’s been part of AEW from day one, and he’s one of the most important stars on our TV show. … Whether you love MJF or love to hate MJF, I think he’s one of the wrestlers who’s connected with the audience in recent years and made himself a star. He’s also had the company behind him to help build him and support him. I think that he is the total package of everything it takes to be a successful pro wrestler. I think he has it all. He’s a really important part of AEW.”
On tonight’s episode of AEW Dynamite, MJF will wrestle Wheeler Yuta in the opening match.
AEW President Tony Khan looks to have gotten his wrestler in Bandido despite having competition from WWE and being interested in his services.
Bandido had a great outing against Ring of Honor Champion Chris Jericho on last Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite. This marked his promotional debut. AEW immediately offered Bandido a full-time contract.
As previously reported, Bryan Alvarez noted on last Friday’s Wrestling Observer Live that he heard WWE was also interested in Bandido and tried to get his number during the match.
Bandido is Committed
(via ROH)
According to a report by Fightful Select, Bandido has agreed to terms with All Elite Wrestling. However, he has yet to sign a contract, although people close to him say that he’s agreed to terms.”
The report stated that Bandido was booked on short notice for the match against the top AEW star and struggled to get gear in time but managed to piece together what he wore that night.
People in AEW spoke highly of Bandido’s demeanor and attitude regarding the situation of getting his gear and being booked to put Jericho over.
The October 4, 2022 episode of WWE NXT aired live on the USA Network from Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center.
WWE NXT Results
Carmelo Hayes (with Trick Williams) defeated Oro Mensah
Andre Chase (with Bodhi Hayward & Thea Hail) defeated Von Wagner (with Mr. Stone) in a North American Championship Qualifying Match
Wendy Choo defeated Lash Legend
Zoey Stark & Nikkita Lyons defeated Toxic Attraction (Gigi Dolan & Jacy Jayne) in a number one contenders match
Julius Creed defeated Duke Hudson
Pretty Deadly defeated Brawling Brutes
Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:
Qualifying Match
WWE
A qualifying match for the North American title ladder match at Halloween Havoc took place that saw Andre Chase vs. Von Wagner.
The match saw Von go over with his finisher despite Chase being over. A brawl broke out after the match with everyone that has qualified thus far.
Wes Lee, Oro Mensah, and Carmelo Hayes have already qualified for the bout. The third match in the best-of-three series between Axiom and Nathan Frazer will determine the fifth qualifier for the Halloween Havoc ladder bout.
Six-Woman Tag Team Match
WWE
Stark and Lyons went over in the match. It’s still not clear when the Tag Team Championship Match will take place.
NXT Tag Team Champions Pretty Deadly held a State of the Commonwealth address.
They were out with a podium in front of them and wearing old royal attire with white wigs. They cut a promo about how great they are. They said they would be the NXT Tag Team Champions forever. Ridge Holland and Pete Dunne came out to see how tough they are face to face. This set up a tag team match later in the show.
Pretty Deadly beat them in the main event after Imperium got involved. Post-match, Briggs & Jensen and Malik Blade & Edris Enofe came out for a staredown.
There was a Grayson Waller Effect segment with Roxanne Perez & Cora Jade
Waller noted that he was live on Instagram and brought them out. They went back and forth about their problems. Perez said that they wanted to be like the Four Horsewomen. Perez said at Halloween Havoc she will leave her behind and go out to achieve her own dreams. Jade said Perez is just internet hype and not good enough to be part of this generation. Perez said nobody bought Jade’s act of being nice, Jade turned and showed her true colors. In two weeks, they will pick their opponents for each other. Their match at Halloween Havoc will be a spin the wheel match. Waller spun the wheel and it was revealed they will have a weapons wild match. They brawled until security broke them up.
Alicia Fox has been away from the public eye for the last few years, but she was back on the radar today with some wonderful news.
The former WWE star is now engaged to be married. Her fiance revealed on Instagram that the couple is engaged.
The Engagement
Alicia Fox
“Yesterday was a perfect day,” he wrote in the caption. “She said Yes!!!” A series of photos were included of the couple celebrating their engagement.
The photos also show off Fox’s new engagement ring, which put her extensive arm tattoos on display she appears to have added since leaving WWE. Fox’s fiance is a musician and surfer. Fox was congratulated by WWE stars such as Mickie James and Natalya in the comments.
Over the years, Fox has been open about her battles with alcoholism and the incident involving then-WWE producer Arn Anderson, who allowed her to wrestle while intoxicated.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross noted on social media earlier this year that Fox has been clean and sober for three years. Fox was quietly moved to the alumni section of WWE’s roster in October 2019, having been with the company since her pro wrestling debut in 2006.
Her most recent WWE appearance was this past January by working the Women’s Royal Rumble match as a surprise participant. Congratulations to the happy couple.
After taking two weeks off from live shows in favor of taping episodes last month, WWE NXT returns to the USA Network and will look different than it has in the past year.
Bryan Alvarez noted on today’s Wrestling Observer Live that he has heard that a new set will debut tonight, which is why the last couple of weeks of shows were taped.
“As I talked about a couple of days ago, there’s gonna be a new set of some sort,” Alvarez said. “But I was told it was not gonna be as dramatic as the switch from NXT 1.0 to NXT 2.0.”
Although Alvarez indicated that the set will debut tonight, it will not be as elaborate as the previous set. The colors will likely match the new NXT logo that has gone away from the bright colors to the black, yellow, and white fans are high on.
We back!!! After a few weeks off, we are live again from the slightly revamped Performance Center for the season premiere of #wwenxt place looks really good, elevated the seats to give more room outside the ring and better views for us in the stands pic.twitter.com/xinzJZandn
