Major League Wrestling returns to the Melrose Ballroom in New York City to jumpstart WrestleMania weekend.
MLW is holding two nights of shows: Thursday (4/4) and Friday (4/5). Both nights will be TV tapings for MLW Fusion. Friday night’s 40-man Battle Riot battle royal airs live on beIN SPORTS.
The winner of Battle Riot earns a shot at the MLW World Heavyweight Championship. “Filthy” Tom Lawlor reigned supreme at the inaugural Battle Riot and went on to capture MLW’s top prize from Low Ki.
MLW has announced the first three participants or Battle Riot II:
Pentagon Jr.
Davey Boy Smith Jr.
Minoru Tanaka (representing Pro Wrestling NOAH)
If you’re in the NYC area during WrestleMania weekend, visit MLWTickets.com for details on how you can attend these live shows for just $20.
For more details on MLW Battle Riot II, check out the latest Battle Riot control center:
Becky Lynch definitely knows how to press Ronda Rousey’s buttons.
The latest example of Lynch’s expertise in taking subtle shots at Rousey ahead of their expected match at WrestleMania took place this past weekend at UFC 235 in Las Vegas.
Lynch, who has attended several UFC cards in the past, enjoyed this one from the cozy confines of a private box at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas where she watched the fights alongside fellow WWE superstars Seth Rollins and Renee Young.
While it was a night away from the ring for Lynch, she didn’t shy away from taking another shot at Rousey by wearing a shirt that night that read ‘I Own Ronnie’.
Lynch has been taking shots at ‘Ronnie’ on social media for the past few weeks with the anticipation for their expected match ratcheting up with every exchange.
Now Lynch has gone into the house that Rousey used to rule in UFC and she still managed to take a dig at the former UFC women’s champion.
Lynch will undoubtedly continue her attacks on Rousey and Charlotte Flair in the final few weeks leading to WrestleMania in April.
Retired women’s superstar Torrie Wilson in the latest inductee in the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2019.
She joins D-Generation X and The Honky Tonk Man, who were previously confirmed for the Hall of Fame induction, which takes place on April 6 during WrestleMania weekend in Brooklyn, N.Y.
“This feels like a sweet closure,” Wilson said to ESPN about her induction. “Since I retired, so many people have asked me, ‘Do you feel bad you’ve never won a title?’ And I have always said no, because I felt like I got the value — even though it would have been nice [to win a title]. But being inducted into the Hall of Fame feels like a championship belt to me, because it really makes me feel appreciated.”
Wilson first entered the professional wrestling business in 1999 after she was a notable fitness model and crowned Miss Galaxy just before signing with WCW where her career outside the ring began.
When Wilson first joined WCW, she acted as manager and valet to several stars including Shane Douglas, Billy Kidman and David Flair.
Following WWE’s purchase of WCW in 2001, Wilson participated in the famed ‘Invasion’ storyline where she began performing in ring on a regular basis.
During her WWE career, Wilson was a regular member of the women’s roster who engaged in several notable rivalries including Stacy Kiebler, Sable and Dawn Marie.
In the latter part of her in-ring career, Wilson also engaged in matches with the likes of Trish Stratus and Mickie James before health problems forced her to retire from active competition in 2008.
Wilson managed to return to WWE on a couple of occasions in the past including a spot in the first ever all women’s Royal Rumble in 2018.
Now Wilson can add WWE Hall of Famer to her list of accolades as she joins the induction class that will be celebrated in a ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on April 6.
On the latest episode of Being The Elite, The Young Bucks announced the first official details for All Elite Wrestling second live show.
AEW: Fight For The Fallen will take place Saturday, July 13th in Jacksonville, Florida at the Daily’s Place Amphitheater. The venue is connected to the south end of TIAA Bank field and has a capacity of approximately 5,500 people.
Fight for the Fallen is the second live event under the AEW banner. Proceeds from the show will benefit people who have been affected by gun violence.
AEW’s first live event, Double or Nothing, takes place Saturday, May 25th rom Las Vegas, Nevada at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Also on this episode of Being The Elite, Kenny Omega meets with a new prospect for AEW, the Young Bucks unbox their new LJN figures, Hangman Page continues his #FullGearChallenge weight loss transformation and more.
The episode also features a new introduction courtesy of @WrestlingArcade.
Aleister Black is in the process of transitioning from the NXT brand to WWE’s main roster. The “moody” Superstar posted a lengthy statement on Instagram reflecting on his time in NXT and this pivotal moment in his career. Black gets personal about battling and overcoming personal demons through extensive soul searching and therapy.
“It’s been a ride NXT, a hell of a ride. In less than three years I went from psychological and physical problems, anxiety and panic attacks to thriving in a high-stress environment,” said Black. “The majority of you only see the actual in-ring work and none of what goes around or behind it. I can tell you with full conviction that if you knew how this world truly works the majority of you wouldn’t have such a high strong opinion nor give the criticism that some of you give.”
He continued, “You think you know, but you really don’t. I often sit back and realize how quickly life moves and how fast things come and go and just like that the era of NXT has come to an end. In the entire period I left people behind, people left me behind, I got rid of toxic people and I gained a new outlook on life. After tons of therapy and life coaching by the wonderful @carla_bruins, I am finally moving away from old habits because the truth is that I myself have been a very toxic individual for years that couldn’t move past his childhood and events that occurred in teenage years. If all you know is lies and deceit you become lies and deceit to understand your anger and sadness.”
He used to call himself the king of self-sabotage and admits that he still feels a lot of guilt for things he has done to others. Over time, he has learned to slowly forgive himself.
Black also praised his wife, SmackDown Superstar Zelina Vega. He credits her with changing his outlook on life from “trying to die as young as I could” to holding on to things that are worth holding on to.
You can read Aleister Black’s full statement below:
We are relieved to provide an encouraging update on the health of wrestling legend Harley Race.
Friday night, Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan appeared the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ Friday night for a Legends of the Ring stage show. During a Q&A panel that took place towards the end of the event, Ric Flair told the audience that longtime friend and former rival Harley Race was battling terminal lung cancer.
On Monday, Ric Flair released a statement clarifying the situation. Flair says he is overjoyed to report that he was misinformed and “so wrong” for stating that Harley Race is battling terminal lung cancer. According to Flair, his longtime hero is “doing well.”
Here’s to many more years of good health for the one and only Harley Race.
After Being Misinformed, I Am Overjoyed To Report That I Was So Wrong For Stating That Harley Race Had Terminal Lung Cancer. It's Great News To Hear That The Former World Champ And My Lifetime Hero Is Doing Well! pic.twitter.com/QMeXZGC8rc
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson announced on Instagram that he is buying a home for his father, WWE Hal of Famer Rocky Johnson.
In a video posted Friday, The Rock said he recently told his dad he wants to buy him a new home. His father was so touched by the gesture that he was practically speechless.
“My dad’s an old-school tough guy,” The Rock explained. ‘What the hell are you nervous about?’ And he said, ‘Well,’ he was searching for words. ‘No one ever called to tell me they were gonna buy me a house before and the fact that it’s you, it’s my son, I’m so proud of you and I love you so much.”
“I never heard my dad talk like that. It felt good to me and it felt good to my heart,” he emotionally said. “You know, my dad used to beat my a**. Tough love, and I hated it back then, but I’m so grateful for it now. It just felt good to kind of give back to the ones who raised you. So, love you too, Pop.”
You can watch the video here, which includes a heartfelt message from The Rock:
WWE’s Smackdown brand held a live event Sunday night in Syracuse, New York. The main event of the show saw SmackDown Women’s Champion Asuka retain against Charlotte Flair. Mustafa Ali, who returned to action over the weekend, was also in action.
AJ Styles faced WWE Champion Daniel Bryan on the card. It was said to be a very good match, but it’s what transpired after the match that’s getting buzz on social media. Styles addressed the crowd after the match and commented on Bryan’s hemp WWE title. He plans to be WWE Champion again one day and he won’t be carrying around Bryan’s eco-friendly championship.
Styles went to ringside and took a championship belt from a fan at ringside. That belt was mounted on a blue strap, similar to the Raw brand’s red Universal Championship. Styles showed it off to the crowd.
For now, Daniel Bryan is WWE Champion with his own custom title belt. When someone does inevitably defeat Bryan, it will be interesting to see if WWE reverts to the black strap or if they adopt this blue alternative.
Video: AJ Styles shows off Blue WWE Championship belt
Tonight’s edition of WWE Raw takes place from Philadelphia, PA at the Wells Fargo Center.
The top item advertised for the show is how Triple H will react to Batista attacking Ric Flair last week. Batista tried to goad Triple H into a physical confrontation back in October at SmackDown 1,000. Batista made a surprise return last week and left Ric Flair for dead in an effort to get Triple H’s attention.
– Last week, Ronda Rousey laid her title down in the ring in front of Stephanie McMahon after the McMahon family’s refusal to reinstate Becky Lynch. Charlotte Flair announced on SmackDown that she would be on Raw tonight to claim the title that Rousey ‘surrendered’ last week. “Will The Queen claim the throne on Team Red?”
– Is a Shield reunion on the horizon? Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins saved Dean Ambrose from an attack last week. Reigns and Rollins seem like they might be ready to forgive Ambrose.
– Lio Rush looks to secure an Intercontinental title match for Bobby Lashley.
Plus, actors Michael Che & Colin Jost from Saturday Night Live will be special guests.
Join us here later tonight for WWE Raw Results and our post-show Takeaways.
WWE Fastlane takes place next Sunday, March 10th at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. As we reported a few days ago, updated local advertising for the event lists Roman Reigns returning to action.
The ads promote Reigns team up with Seth Rollins in a 2-on-3 handicap match against Drew McIntyre, Bobby Lashley & Baron Corbin. The latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter provides more information regarding Roman Reigns’ role at Fastlane.
The Big Dog is in fact scheduled to be in action at Fastlane, but his match will be a variation of what’s being advertised locally. As seen on Raw, the returning Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins ran down to ringside and saved Dean Ambrose from an attack at the hands of Drew McIntyre, Bobby Lashley, Elias and Baron Corbin.
According to the Observer report, the current plan is for a Shield reunion at Fastlane. Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose will ride together once again. There are currently two scenarios being discussed for Fastlane. One scenario has The Shield squaring off against McIntyre, Lashley and Corbin.
There is also preliminary talk of Braun Strowman teaming up with The Shield and Elias joining the heel team.
Either way, it’s a safe bet that Reigns will wrestle his first WWE match since October next weekend. We hope to get an update on Raw this coming Monday.
Updated Card for WWE Fastlane
WWE Champion Daniel Bryan vs. Kevin Owens
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos vs. Shane McMahon & The Miz
Women’s Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks & Bayley vs. Nia Jax & Tamina
Seth Rollins recently opened a coffee shop in his hometown of Davenport, Iowa. Brewing up craft coffee experiences, 392Dport is located right next to his Black & Brave wrestling academy.
On the latest edition of the WWE Now YouTube series, Rollins spoke about the new entrepreneurial venture. Rollins explains that he decided to open the cafe after developing an appreciation for coffee shops while traveling the world with WWE.
– Former WWE Superstar Tye Dillinger, now wrestling as Shawn Spears, has booked his first post-WWE independent match. Spears will wrestle for Create A Pro Wrestling on Friday, May 31st in Lynbrook, New York.
We are thrilled to announce the first post WWE Independent match for Shawn Spears (fka Tye Dillinger). Event tickets and Meet and Greet tickets are available now for Create A Pro Wrestling on May 31st, 2019.
– Finally, this week is Read Across America week, a national campaign to promote literacy. Knox County, Tennessee Mayor Glenn Jacobs (Kane) visited Hopewell Elementary school on Friday morning, dressed up as Dr. Suess’ Cat in the Hat character and read “Oh the Places You Will Go” to dozens of students in honor of Dr. Seuss’ 115th birthday.
Mayor Jacobs hosted a birthday party for Dr. Seuss Friday afternoon at the Bearden Branch Library. You can see Kane dressed up as the Cat in the Hat below:
New Hopewell ES is one of the places we’ll go first. Making a big announcement this morning and reading to the entire student body. pic.twitter.com/XPPtvYlnuo
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla held its 200th show on Friday night, aptly titled, PWG 200. The show took place from Los Angeles, CA at the Globe Theater and featured Jeff Cobb defending the PWG World Championship against Bandito in the main event.
PWG 200 Results
– Jungle Boy defeated Jake Atlas and Trey Miguel
– Puma King defeated Laredo Kid
– Best Friends (Chuck Taylor & Trent) defeated Aussie Open (Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis)
– Brody King defeated Darby Allin
– Jonathan Gresham defeated David Starr
– PWG Tag Team Champions The Rascalz (Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Wentz) retained against LAX (Ortiz & Santana) and the Lucha Bros. (Penta El Zero M & Rey Fenix)
– PWG World Champions Jeff Cobb retained against Bandido
Here are some photos from the event courtesy of Twitter user @Socaluncensored:
Major League Wrestling returns to Chicago, IL tonight for Intimidation Games, a live television event from Cicero Stadium. The live 1-hour special will air on beIN SPORTS at 9pm (Eastern), with the rest of the card being taped for future episodes of MLW Fusion.
Final Card For Intimidation Games
Steel Cage Match: MLW World Heavyweight Champion “Filthy” Tom Lawlor vs. Low Ki (presented by Salina De La Renta)
The Lucha Bros (Pentagon & Fenix) vs. Team AAA
Death Match: LA Park (presented by Salina De La Renta) vs. Mance Warner
MLW World Tag Team Champions The Hart Foundation (Teddy Hart & Davey Boy Smith Jr.) vs. MJF & Richard Holiday
Puma King vs. Hijo De La Park (presented by Salina De La Renta)
Battle Riot Qualifying Match: DJZ vs. Ace Austin
Brian Pillman Jr. vs. Alex Hammerstone
Ace Romero vs. Simon Gotch
Gringo Loco vs. Myron Reed
Ricky Martinez vs. Air Wolf
Plus, Daga, Jacob Fatu & Josef Salaem, Rey Horus, Ariel Dominguez and more are signed to appear.
Cody Rhodes’ Nightmare Family Youtube Channel has published Episode 5 of AEW’s Road To Double Or Nothing series. As usual, this installment had a new newsworthy revelations.
The episode began with Chris Jericho talking about the significance of him being part of AEW. Jericho says his involvement legitimizes the company and takes them to a different level. He acknowledges ‘with great power comes great responsibility.’ He is the biggest star in AEW, he elevates everyone else and he is the reason fans will give AEW a look.
Jericho hyped his match against Kenny Omega at Double or Nothing. It still bothers him that Kenny won their first encounter at last year’s NJPW Wrestle Kingdom event. Omega is the best wrestler in the world, but he’s the greatest of all time.
AEW Chief Brand Officer Brandi Rhodes announced a new partnership with Kulture City to make Double or Nothing pro wrestling’s first-ever Sensory Inclusive event. There are many wrestling fans with medical conditions that prevent them from experiencing live events in a comfortable way. Through the partnership with Kulture City, fans with autism, PTSD, strong anxiety symptoms and stroke survivors will be able to enjoy the show with assistance that caters to their individual needs.
Visit KultureCity.com to learn more about this great organization.
We are incredibly happy to announce a partnership between @AEWrestling and KultureCity ( @kulturec ) beginning with the First Sensory Inclusive Wrestling Event in History, #DoubleOrNothing May 25th in Las Vegas! For more information on KultureCity visit – https://t.co/w4rP7yCC91pic.twitter.com/rnaaqQt180
Brandi also announced a new signing to AEW’s Women’s division, Bea Priestley. Priestley is based out of the UK and has wrestled for various promotions including Stardom. She will make her AEW debut in July at Fight For The Fallen. That show from Jacksonville, FL will benefit the local community and those who have been affected by gun violence.
Bea Priestley’s significant other Will Ospreay congratulated her on the news:
She’s on a plane right now. But I’m so proud of you @BeaPriestley #AEW
He’s cool, he’s cocky, he’s bad — and now he’s a WWE Hall of Famer.
The Honky Tonk Man will sing and dance his way into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the 2019 class that will be inducted during WrestleMania weekend in April.
CBS Sports first announced that the former Intercontinental champion would be joining the class of 2019 alongside previously announced faction D-Generation X, who will also be part of the ceremony on April 6 in Brooklyn.
The Honky Tonk Man was a massive heel in WWE during the 1980’s where he is best known for his iconic run as the longest reigning Intercontinental champion in history with a run that lasted for over a year between 1987 and 1988. The Honky Tonk Man — real name Wayne Farris — held the title for a record 64 weeks before he was finally dethroned at SummerSlam in 1988 by The Ultimate Warrior.
A gimmick that was largely based on being an Elvis Presley impersonator, Honky Tonk Man ended up as one of the most reviled bad guys on the entire WWE roster while engaging in memorable feuds with “Macho Man” Randy Savage, Jake “The Snake” Roberts and Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake.
Honky Tonk Man even recorded his own entrance song that was featured on the ‘WWE Piledriver: The Wrestling Album II’ that became synonymous with his on-screen character.
As part of his character, Honky Tonk Man would often cheat to win and then smash his opponent with his signature guitar that was always with him ringside.
“WWE is the place to be. For me, it’s the only place I have ever wanted to be,” Farris told CBS Sports. “It’s the place that if I’m ready to finish up, that’s where I want to be. It’s home for me because I have so many fond memories of everything that has been accomplished by WWE and from what I’ve accomplished myself. It wasn’t me alone, it was a huge team effort.
“That is what’s amazing and what is so great about being part of the WWE. The door is open to you and it’s up to you if you want to walk through it. I look back on everything and for some unknown reason, everything has a meaning. The timing, everything about this year in the 2019 Hall of Fame, everything was lining up perfectly. I never dreamed it was going to happen and would tell people that it’s something I don’t think about every day of my life. But to be able to be part of this, it’s hard to explain.”
Following his run as Intercontinental champion, Honky joined a tag team alongside Greg “The Hammer” Valentine dubbed ‘Rhythm & Blues’ as they began working together in WWE with Jimmy Hart as their manager.
His in-ring WWE career came to an end in 1991, although he would return several times over the years while working as a commentator, manager and even performing from time to time.
Now the man with the long sideburns and slicked back hair will join the WWE Hall of Fame. There’s no word yet if he will arrive in a pink Cadillac.
WWE has posted a video of what transpired after Monday’s Raw from Atlanta, GA went off the air. The show ended with a hot angle that saw the return of Batista, who attacked Ric Flair backstage and ruined his 70th birthday celebration.
After Raw, Jinder Mahal and the Singh Brothers came out for a Punjabi celebration in honor of Ric Flair. They began dancing around before Shawn Michaels hit Jinder with Sweet Chin Music. Kurt Angle then gave him an Angle Slam through the birthday cake that was set up in the ring.
The Singh Brothers got similar treatment as the night ended with Michaels, Angle, Sting and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat standing tall. You can see the footage below:
Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic
Ricochet and Aleister Black are the latest tag team duo to join this year’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament. They announced the news backstage at Monday’s Raw:
Onze Nederlandse trots @WWEAleister & de ‘One & Only’ @KingRicochet hebben afgelopen nacht gewonnen van #RAW tag team kampioenen #TheRevival! Ook nemen ze samen deel aan de Dusty Rhodes Classic! pic.twitter.com/akjqha3cgX
The 8-team single-elimination tournament kicks off on next week’s edition of NXT TV. The tournament finals will take place during WrestleMania weekend at NXT Takeover: New York. In addition to Ricochet and Black, other teams confirmed for this year’s Dusty Classic include:
Undisputed Era (Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish)
The Forgotten Sons
Aichner & Barthel
The Street Profits
The remaining three teams will be announced in the coming weeks.
We are less than 6 weeks away from WrestleMania 35, but plans have already been finalized for next year’s show. Following up on a report from PWInsider, Collin Sherwin of 813area.com has confirmed the news and provides new details.
WWE WrestleMania 36 will take place Sunday, April 5th, 2020 from Tampa, FL at the Raymond James Stadium. A press conference to formally announce WrestleMania 36 is scheduled for next Thursday, March 7th.
Commonly referred to as Ray Jay, the home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers accommodates over 65,000 fans.
This will be the 4th time Florida has hosted WrestleMania. Previous WrestleMania events held in Florida include:
If you’re a fan of Being The Elite, you know AEW star Adam “Hangman” Page needs to tone up his physique and should not be walking around in ‘full gear.’
Page knows it too, thanks to Cody’s relentless hazing. In an effort to get himself (and wrestling fans) in better physical shape, Page has announced the Full Gear Challenge.
With less than three months until AEW Double or Nothing, Page wrote on social media, “For the next 89 days I’ll be documenting my journey to get in shape here on my Instagram. Whether your goal for DON is to lose some weight, add some mass, or to somehow do both at the same time, I hope you’ll join me.”
He’s encouraging fans to share their progress using the hashtag #fullgearchallenge.
Page added, “No more pancake ass or chubby cheeks. We can do this together.”
Adam Page has a lot of work to do if he plans on being ‘full gear ready’ by late May. But it’s a commendable effort on his part.
Roman Reigns appeared on Good Morning America Tuesday morning for an interview with host Robin Roberts. Reigns discussed his big announcement from Raw and the news that his leukemia is in remission.
Reigns says it was amazing to be back in the ring. It’s one of those things he thought about over and over. He knew his journey would not be complete until he got to step back in the ring and address his fans. The he WWE Universe was gentle, gracious and sent him so much love.
He revealed that he was very nervous at Raw. He does not get nervous main eventing WrestleMania, but but addressing his health was very personal. The support from everyone has been overwhelming and a blessing.
Robin Roberts told Reigns that fans were waiting outside the television studio since 2 AM in order to get a chance to be there with him live today.
Reigns says he is all about the children. WWE is a PG product and families drive their business. WWE Superstars strive to be role models and that starts with the youth. Children are the most resilient warriors in the world and he’s been blessed to work directly with some who are battling health problems.
He recently visited a pediatric hospital in Dallas and those children made him an encouraging video that lifted his spirits. Before announcing his good news to the world on Raw, he first told the children of that pediatric hospital.
Reigns reflected back on his first leukemia diagnosis. He was only 22 years old at the time. His family has been his rock and his support system. When someone is diagnosed with a serious illness, the families also suffer and worry. The first time around, it felt like he was on an island. This time, it felt like he was surrounded by guardian angels. The terror he felt from the second diagnosis was alleviated by everyone’s support.
Now that he is healthy again, he plans to be a champion of pediatric cancer awareness. He has a huge platform with WWE and plans to use it. Every night he steps in that ring, he has a chance to make a difference. He and WWE are working on establishing funds and foundations to help with this cause.
Reigns thanked Robin Roberts after the appearance:
Thank you to @RobinRoberts and everyone from @GMA. Thank you for the support and the platform to raise awareness for leukemia research. Now, it’s time to get ready to go back to work!! ??@WWE
WWE will celebrate Ric Flair’s 70th birthday on tonight’s episode of Monday Night Raw from Atlanta, GA.
WWE.com’s official preview for the show asks, “Who’s on the guest list for this sure-to-be legendary night, and what stylin’ and profilin’ surprises are in store?”
SEScoops has learned several wrestling legends are currently backstage at Raw for this evening’s festivities. Earlier today, WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels teased that he will be on hand. Michaels is backstage, as well as two of the Nature Boy’s most famous rivals.
In addition to Shawn Michaels, WWE Hall of Famers Sting and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat are currently at the State Farm Arena for Raw. Charlotte Flair, Bruce Prichard, Becky Lynch, Paul Heyman and Dana Warrior are also there.
For what it’s worth, both The Rock and Batista are in Atlanta today working on their respective film projects.
It’s sure to be a big night for Ric Flair with lots of familiar faces paying tribute to his legendary career. Join us here later for our weekly Raw Takeaways feature.
Roman Reigns returns to WWE television tonight at Raw from Atlanta, GA. According to Vince McMahon, Reigns will be on hand to address “the status of his fight with leukemia.”
Some wrestling pundits have questioned WWE’s decision to use Reigns’ health update as a ratings ploy, but the fact that he is appearing on Raw is an encouraging sign.
After he addresses the WWE Universe on Raw, Reigns is scheduled to appear on ABC’s Good Morning America Tuesday morning. The former Universal Champion will have a one-on-one interview with host Robin Roberts. As seen below, GMA is teasing a raw, emotional segment “with an announcement you can’t miss.”
Roman Reigns shocked the world back in October when he announced he is battling a recurrence of leukemia, a blood cancer. Since then, he has been undergoing treatment and also landed a few acting gigs.
Reigns recently filmed scenes for the Fast and Furious spinoff Hobbs and Shaw, which hits theaters this summer. He also filmed an episode of the Nickelodon show Cousins for Life.
On January 25th, Reigns provided a health update on Instagram. He wrote, “All of your outreach and support has been a blessing and it’s only pushed me to get back in the ring as soon as possible.”
Over the weekend, personal trainer David Gonyea posted a photo with Roman Reigns. Gonyea said it has been an “absolute honor and privilege” to help prepare Reigns for his in-ring return.
Today marks Ric Flair’s 70th birthday. Tonight’s WWE Raw from Atlanta, GA will feature a special birthday celebration for the one and only Nature Boy. Flair’s family and friends held a surprise birthday party for him on Friday evening. Many famous pro athletes and wrestling personalities were in attendance, including Ricky Steamboat, Evander Holyfield, Charles Barkley, Shane McMahon, AJ Styles, Booker T, Triple H and Chris Jericho.
All Elite Wrestling star Chris Jericho knows how to get people buzzing and posted a photo of himself with WWE executive Triple H from the party. He included the hashtag #internetblowsup with the photo.
On the latest episode of his Heated Conversations podcast, Booker T spoke about Jericho and Triple H meeting at Flair’s surprise party. Despite Chris Jericho now working for WWE’s direct competitor, Booker said there was no heat or animosity between them.
“Chris Jericho was at the party, Triple H at the party, and we’re all sitting there talking together and there ain’t no heat, or animosity, or anything like that,” Booker said.
“I really think it’s enough room to go around. And that’s what Chris was talking about as far as what he’s bringing to the table as well from a backstage perspective, and really try to push this thing to a dimension where we have not seen in the wrestling business perhaps ever. And that right there, when you do it that way, you never know how big it’s gonna get.”
Booker T also spoke about All Elite Wrestling, saying it’s great for fans and wrestlers to have an alternative. He emphasized AEW is an alternative to WWE, not competition.
“To be able to have an alternative is great. To be able to have so many new, young talent be seen and be able to make their legacy – put it down as far as they want to leave it. That’s really what it’s all about. I don’t think it’s about competing.”
Vince McMahon has been the creative force behind WWE for over 30 years. There are WWE wrestlers who weren’t even born yet when Vince booked Andre The Giant vs. Hulk Hogan back in 1987. For all the moving parts that make up the WWE machine, the global empire we know today was built on his vision.
Over the weekend, the WWE Network Twitter account posted a throwback clip from Vince’s 2014 appearance on the Stone Cold Podcast. The clip featured McMahon talking about the Monday Night War and WWE jumping to WCW.
There was a time when WCW had many advantages over WWE. WCW was backed by a billion dollar corporation, while WWE was privately owned and struggling to stay afloat. WCW lured away key talent by offering big-money guaranteed contracts. Some of those wrestlers were given control over their characters, which Vince saw as a vulnerability for his competition.
“You need someone to be able to sit back and help that talent develop,” McMahon said. He stressed the need for one leader in charge who has the final word. Wrestlers refusing booking their own angles and refusing to lose in certain situations ultimately did contribute to the demise of WCW’s creative direction.
Wrestlers Booking Themselves, Creative Freedom
It’s interesting to note the timing of @WWENetwork posting this ‘random’ clip. WWE will soon have legitimate competition for the first time in many years. All Elite Wrestling is gearing up for their first show in May.
AEW executives and talent have been talking about what sets them apart from the competition. One of the competitive advantages AEW has been pushing is, ‘more creative freedom.’ Not only will the performers have more control over how they are portrayed on television, but execs like Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks will be ‘booking themselves’ in the singles and tag team divisions.
Cody Rhodes spoke about this dynamic back in January. During our exclusive interview with Cody, he admitted there are potential pitfalls in talent wrestlers booking themselves and acknowledged there might be some hiccups with that along the way.
TJ Perkins was among several WWE wrestlers released from the company on Friday. The former Cruiserweight Champion was vocal about his frustrations in recent weeks, but was gracious to WWE after his departure.
Perkins has been tweeting about the situation and provides more details on what led to him leaving WWE. He wrote, “Hey so there’s a lot of messages/tweets/texts/emails/calls for me right now and it’s a bit overwhelming. If I miss your message here I apologize. Many are expressing sadness, and thank you, but its ok. And those who hate me w/a passion, thank you too. Sincerely. Thx for watching.”
A fan asked him if he got in trouble for recently getting new tattoos. He replied, “I mean, the boss thought they were pretty cool last Tuesday when we met …and also when he gave me permission to get them 6 months ago.”
He also set the record straight on reports that he was disgruntled behind the scenes. “There was nothing negative,” he said on Twitter. “I have been swinging for the fences quietly behind the curtain for a year and this was a “spread your wings” thing. Boss said he respected my effort and diligence and it just didn’t fit what they wanted. It’s not my call, and I’m cool with it.”
When asked if he quit WWE or if it was their decision. Perks says he doesn’t believe in quitting and both sides worked together to find a meaningful role for him on television.
“Thought about it several times but no I never believe in quitting. For months the mutual goal was to find a way for me to accomplish my goals on a bigger platform. Tuesday was the same. But inevitably that doesn’t fit into what they want to do. I’m only a cog in a big machine.”
Perkins also said his goal in WWE was to represent Filipinos and he’s proud to keep that goal alive with whatever is next. So what is next for TJP? Follow him on Twitter at @MegaTJP to find out.
WWE Hall of Famer Sgt. Slaughter was the latest guest on Sam Roberts’ Not Sam Wrestling Podcast. During the discussion, Slaughter went in-depth about his relationship with Vince McMahon and the World Wrestling Federation from the late 80’s through the early 90’s.
Slaughter had several runs with WWE. He first worked for the company in from 1980-81, returned from 83-85 and later had a run with the WWE Championship in 1991. Slaughter told Sam Roberts that he was initially supposed to main event the very first WrestleMania against Hulk Hogan.
Of course, that was not meant to be – and he explains why. “I went for six years with G.I. Joe and left the WWE,” he said. “For the first WrestleMania I wasn’t there and I believe it was supposed to be Hogan and I in the main event for WrestleMania I.”
Hogan instead teamed up with Mr. T against the team of “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorf. That feud generated so much mainstream attention for WWE it’s hard to imagine the alternate scenario where Hogan faced Slaughter instead.
Slaughter’s deal with the G.I. Joe franchise eventually led to a falling out with WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon. “I made this deal with Hasbro and I thought that Vince would be happy about it, but he wasn’t. He said, ‘I just signed with LJN and that’s a conflict of interest.’”
He continued, “Being the great leader [Vince] is, he figured I’d say, ‘Let’s go to WrestleMania,’ but I said, ‘You can only be a G.I. Joe once in your life, as far as a real live GI Joe cartoon.’ Out of all the G.I. Joe cartoons and action figures, I was the first living one. That was a big deal. It is today. I declined. I said, ‘I’m going,’ and he wasn’t too happy about that. I don’t regret it. I missed being in those first six WrestleManias, but in the long run I’m glad I did it.”
Slaughter said he didn’t speak to Vince McMahon for many years after that falling out. He didn’t watch WWE programming and actually made more money working around the world and from promoting G.I. Joe. He heard back from Vince McMahon in 1990 after WrestleMania VI. Slaughter told Vince he was very impressed with the WWE product, although he wasn’t crazy about Hulk Hogan’s match against The Ultimate Warrior.
Slaughter recalled that fateful phone call with Vince McMahon. “‘Sarge? It’s Vince.’ There’s only one Vince. I sent him a little handwritten note about WrestleMania VI. I wasn’t crazy about the match between Hogan and Warrior, The Ultimate Puke and Pukamania, but I said, ‘The production is unbelievable, the cameras.’ Vince said, ‘I got your note. I appreciate that. I never got that type of thing. It’s usually, ‘That was a great match, great show, but I never heard about the production end of it.’
Vince had heard through the grapevine that Slaughter’s deal with G.I. Joe and Hasbro expired. He asked Sarge if he was ready to get back to work. He was and Vince invited him over to his house the next day to pitch a big idea.
The idea was to turn the all-American hero into an Iraqi sympathizer. Slaughter loved the idea, but questioned how Vince would be able to make Hulk Hogan into a villain. Vince replied, “Hogan? No, I’m not making Hogan a villain. I’m gonna make you a villain.”
The rest, as they say, is history. Slaughter returned to the WWE in 1990, betrayed his country and captured the WWE Championship from the Ultimate Warrior at the 1991 Royal Rumble. He would later face Hulk Hogan in the main event of WrestleMania VII, where Hogan prevailed. Better late than never.
Listen to Sgt. Slaughter on the Notsam Wrestling Podcast:
(H/T to Michael McClead for the transcribed quotes)
