There are indeed physical crowns at stake for this year’s King & Queen Of The Ring event in Saudi Arabia.
For the past week and a half, WWE Superstars have been clashing in tournament matches to see which four fighters will ultimately compete for the throne and be dubbed the 2024 King and Queen Of The Ring.
Photos have surfaced of what the respective crowns will look like which you can see below. Each one has an ornate appearance and is adorned with the WWE logo
The 2024 Queen Of The Ring crown.The 2024 King Of The Ring crown.
WWE has really made the most of the tournament format on WWE RAW and WWE SmackDown as both the first and second round bouts have been taking place on the programs with several of them also being featured exclusively at WWE live events.
On RAW, GUNTHER advanced to the semi-finals defeating Kofi Kingston and Jey Uso advanced when he defeated Ilja Dragunov. On the women’s side of things, Zoey Stark lost to Lyra Valkyria and Shayna Baszler lost to IYO SKY.
For the SmackDown side of the bracket, the men’s tournament will have Randy Orton will take on Carmelo Hayes while Tama Tonga will battle LA Knight. When it comes to the women, Nia Jax will square off against Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair will go up against Tiffany Stratton.
LA Knight recently made note of how happy he was his opening round match took place at a live event where he defeated Santos Escobar.
Teddy Long started off as a referee, but later became a manager and eventually the most popular SmackDown general manager of all time. During his tenure, he had fellow WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker on his roster and an unofficial catchphrase became Long booking talent in bouts against ‘The Deadman.’
Long revealed on “Insight” with Chris Van Vliet that the bit became so familiar after he recalled a time when Vince McMahon wanted his daughter Stephanie to put more of an emphasis on a star’s name. Long was sure to do that for Taker.
“Vince gave me free reign to say what I wanted to say. But he knew I was gonna say nothing that would get the company in trouble. They’d write stuff. I just add my stuff to it.”
Teddy Long also got “playa” over in WWE and origins of that were even more unexpected.
Long was asked where “playa” came from and instead of it just being a simple term to use, Long made it known “playa” first made its presence by having a dog in the household.
“I had a labrador retriever, his name was Boss. I got him as a puppy but as he got bigger and bigger and started getting in the way. So every time, I’m like ‘Come on Playa. Get out of the way Playa, move.’ I’m just talking to him and one night I went to TV I started using slang, calling people Playa, that’s how I got the Playa started.”
Please credit Insight and h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
Watch the replay of MLW AZTECA Lucha NOW on TrillerTV+
It’s a history-making night in Chicago as MLW made its return to the Windy City after a five-year hiatus from the city. However, the league rings it in big with a sold-out Cicero Stadium and a stacked card as Cesar Duran and Salina de la Renta fight for supremacy. What hangs in the balance, but a literal key that opens the door for one of the two promoters to take power. Trios action starts the battle off!
MATCH 1 Virus, Villano III Jr. & Felino (representing Cesar Duran) vs. Guerrero Maya Jr., Atlantis & Jose Rodriguez (representing Salina de la Renta)
This match rocks Cicero to open the show as both Felino and Maya Jr. show the technical side of lucha libre, but all competitors get physical, including Rodriguez who exchanged a tuxedo for wrestling gear. The tide turns in the favor of Salina when the upstart Villano III Jr. gets caught in a signature torture rack by the legendary Atlantis and has no option but to submit!
WINNERS: Guerrero Maya Jr., Atlantis & Jose Rodriguez (representing Salina de la Renta)
SCORE: Salina de la Renta (1), Cesar Duran (0)
MATCH 2 MLW National Openweight Championship Bad Dude Tito vs. Rickey Shane Page (c)
It’s a different tone for RSP as he no longer has The Calling at his side, but the big man is ready to step up against another big man in Bad Dude Tito. Tito has been a game contender in any match he’s done since coming to MLW and even took Satoshi Kojima to the limit in a World Title Fight.
Tito switched up his style a bit as he not only delivered the strength, but the speed and even dove at Rickey through the ropes to the outside!
RSP decided to show how fast he was as well, but Tito’s size didn’t phase the champ. He firman tossed Tito like he was a middleweight before dropping an elbow on him. RSP followed that up with his signature gordbuster toss. However, Tito did make the adjustments. He hit RSP with a death valley driver, but Page somehow managed to get a shoulder up! Fatigue kicks in for both fighters but Tito manages to muster up the strength to hit a Thunder Driver for 1-2-3! New champ!
WINNER and NEW MLW National Openweight Champion: Bad Dude Tito
We see Bill Alfonso backstage and he gets ambushed by Mads Krugger and CONTRA Unit! Before he gets knocked out, he warns Krugger that Matthew Justice isn’t gonna be happy!
MATCH 3 Ultimo Guerrero (representing Cesar Duran) vs. Atlantis Jr. (representing Salina de la Renta)
This battle is a clash of styles and experience as the veteran Ultimo Guerrero takes on the legacy youngster in Atlantis Jr. Guerrero has been all too familiar with Atlantis Jr. throughout his whole career and he had the young fighter scouted. Atlantis had UG off his game with an outside attack and then rocked him hard with several kicks. However, Guerrero figured him out. Atlantis went for a top hurricanrana but Ultimo held on and jarred him with a massive powerbomb!
Atlantis managed to keep Guerrero grounded enough to nail one beautiful frog splash for the definitive 1-2-3!
WINNER: Atlantis Jr.
SCORE: Salina de la Renta (2), Cesar Duran (0)
Duran has to be fuming and it’s added salt to the wound when Guerrero exchange handshakes with Atlantis Jr.
MATCH 4 Vacant MLW World Tag Team Championships Second Gear Crew vs. COZYMAX
This match has quite the historic stakes as if Kojima wins, he’ll be the first dual champion in MLW history. However, SGC have their own stakes in the matter as they lost the straps to WTF under nefarious means.
This fight is hard-hitting. SGC really bring out all stops against Kojima, trying to isolate him on the outside, but Okumura reminds them not to take their eyes off him as he does a flipping senton onto both.
SGC does have Okumura dead to rights when they hit a combo spear and lariat! Kojima gets in the ring in just enough time to break it all up.
Justice and Manders go for a corner double team but Okumura pulls Kojima free and it opens him up to nail a LARIATO on the legal man in Manders. He picks Manders up and it allows Okumura to hit a running Cozy Cutter! 1-2-3!
WINNERS and NEW MLW World Tag Team Champions: COZYMAX
History is made in Cicero as KOJIMA is a dual champion!
MATCH 5 Joshua Bishop (with MSL) vs. Matt Riddle
Joshua Bishop doesn’t endear himself to Chicago nor the Mexican fans in the crowd when he snatches a Mexican flag from a fan to disrespect it. That fires them up and they get even more hot when Matt Riddle walks out. The fan whose flag was stolen fill Riddle in who grabbed the flag from MSL and waved it to a huge reaction from Cicero!
The bell rings and Bishop uses his brute strength against Riddle, including a massive fallaway slam akin to Scott Hall and then an extremely impressive blackout slam on Riddle. Riddle was able to show his striking ability. It catches Bishop off his game and he gets laid out after a high knee lift. Riddle swings up top to nail a twisting senton for the pinfall!
Post-fight Riddle hypes up his desire to win Battle Riot this June before being attacked by Sami Callihan! Callihan grabs hold of Joe Dombrowski and says he’s going to win the bout. Riddle breaks up Callihan’s hold on Joe and the two begin brawling big time!
MATCH 6 Averno & Magnus (representing Cesar Duran) vs. Fuego & Star Jr (representing Salina de la Renta)
Star Jr. really sets the tone for the fight when he catches Averno with a leaping stiff shot to the back of the head. Star Jr. shows why he’s one of Salina’s star acquisitions in this fight. His synergy with Fuego.
Fuego shows his skill too with a big spinning headscissor takeover but Magnus catches him with two double knees and gets him down for the pinfall win!
WINNERS: Averno & Magnus
SCORE: Salina de la Renta (2), Cesar Duran (1)
Duran has one more shot to tie Salina and he has to do it with his prize client, MLW World Middleweight Champion Mistico.
MAIN EVENT MLW World Middleweight Championship Bárbaro Cavernario (representing Salina de la Renta) vs. Mistico (c) (representing Cesar Duran)
Mistico makes an epic entrance and even offers a hand in respect for Bárbaro Cavernario, who declines the proposition.
The crowd is absolutely ELECTRIC for Mistico in this match, but Cavernario brings his brawling style to take Mistico off his game. However, the talent of Mistico is clearly unparalleled as the champ kept his focus and hit some of his signature movesets. Cavernario gets a near pinfall after a DVD backbreaker combo. Caverno uses the ropes to splash on top of Mistico.
He continues to wear Mistico down by wrenching the arm of the champion and punches on the right shoulder. Mistico manages to get on the top rope and uses a twisting arm drag to fling Cavernario to the outside, setting him up for a twisting over the top splash!
The war wages on but the finish comes when Mistico catches Cavernario in his signature spinning fujiwa armbar! Barbaro taps and Mistico retains! Duran has tied Salina de la Renta, which means the key stays in Cesar’s possession
WINNER and STILL MLW World Middleweight Champion: Mistico
SCORE: Salina de la Renta (2), Cesar Duran (2)
Post fight, Duran celebrates his tie as Salina says they should have a sudden death match to really determine the winner. In comes MLW CEO Court Bauer to give Duran his payout for Chicago and while that happens, Salina runs off with the key! However, the Azteca henchmen corner Salina and they lock the door behind them! Salina is screaming as we see Duran grinning ear to ear.
Kenny Omega appreciates the knowledge and work of two legends that have came before him and one of those names is Triple H.
Speaking on his Twitch stream, Kenny Omega was asked about Triple H the wrestler and Paul Levesque the booker. Omega said he couldn’t really comment on him as a booker because he doesn’t specifically know what Triple H inputs creatively, but does like him in particular for his physique. He then compares Levesque to another WWE Hall Of Famer.
“I really like Ravishing Rick Rude. He’s one of my favorites, actually, from the yesteryear era and I think he was a very underrated wrestler. He always had Bobby, Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan so already his promos would be taken care of whether he said much or not, didn’t matter. He had Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan.”
“For Triple H, I kind of look at him in the same light … I liked Triple H as a body guy.”
Omega mentioned how Triple H was influential in his promos and some talent try to replicate that, but Omega knew that he wasn’t able to do that. He and Triple H have different voices.
“I can’t tell you one promo that really hit me off the top of my head, but I’m sure it was effect and his matches, he’s got some great ones.”
Omega notes of Triple H’s memorable matches including his Royal Rumble 2000 match and the triple threat match against Shawn Michaels and Chris Benoit at WrestleMania XX.
After WrestleMania weekend in Philadelphia, WWE may have put a cap on the ECW legacy, but that fire did continue to burn on SmackDown.
The show took place in Wilkes-Barre, PA, not too far off from Philadelphia and an ECW original made the trip with his family to see the show live in-person.
ECW’s ultimate underdog Mikey Whipwreck sat at ringside for the event and the former ECW TV Champion was honored by several WWE Superstars while there. Jey Uso actually gave Whipwreck’s son his glasses and after the event, Mikey took to social media to thank WWE, Cody Rhodes and Uso for the one-of-a-kind experience.
“My kids had a great time last night at SmackDown. Thank you for everything Cody Rhodes. And a special shoutout to Jey for giving my son his sunglasses. He said it was the greatest day of his life.”
My kids had a great time last night at #SmackDown. Thank you for everything @CodyRhodes. And a special shoutout to Jey for giving my son his sunglasses @WWEUsos. He said it was the greatest day of his life. @WWEpic.twitter.com/yCLWhFb0Ay
— ?Mikey Whipwreck? (@MikeyWhipwreck_) May 11, 2024
With the induction of Paul Heyman into the WWE Hall Of Fame this year, Dave Meltzer reported that the moment signified WWE “spiritually closing the book” on ECW, but a talent like Mikey Whipwreck was certainly not forgotten.
SmackDown was jam-packed with action as WWE started the first round of the King and Queen of The Ring tournament. Randy Orton advanced against AJ Styles, Jade Cargill defeated Piper Niven, Tama Tonga defeated Angelo Dawkins, Bianca Belair took out Candice LeRae and Carmelo Hayes up-ended Baron Corbin.
From a storyline perspective, Solo Sikoa claimed to Paul Heyman that Roman Reigns has bestowed the interim Tribal Chief role unto him. However, the big takeaway from the episode was that WWE booked Cody Rhodes to take on Logan Paul in the headline match at Saudi Arabia later this month.
We may indeed never see Chuck Taylor wrestle again, according to a new report.
Dave Meltzer has written in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter that when AEW stated Chuck Taylor will never compete in the ring again, this is reportedly true.
Taylor was taken out by Trent Berreta several weeks ago who hadnotoriously turned heel against The Best Friends as he has had an axe to grind against Orange Cassidy. This eventually boiled over into Beretta’s relationship against Taylor as he made Chuck pick between him and Orange Cassidy.
Taylor sided with Cassidy and this eventually turned into a parking lot fight between Beretta and him. Beretta got the win, but still decided to inflict more pain on “The Kentucky Gentleman” by taking a wrench to his leg. This set up the on-air angle that Taylor’s career was done.
Before his perhaps final match, Taylor has been out on the shelf with injury but did have a previous major injury in a pectoral muscle tear. This put him in an angle with Miro as Taylor served as his “servant” for the time being. He then later suffered another injury with his foot after his ALL IN Stadium Stampede match.
Taylor and Beretta have been with All Elite Wrestling since the very beginning as they were surprise signings at the AEW Double Or Nothing Ticket Announcement Party in 2019. They actually defeated Jack Evans and Angelico at the promotion’s inaugural PPV that following Memorial Day weekend. Beretta just lost to Cassidy in a match on this week’s AEW Dynamite.
Fans haven’t seen Wheeler Yuta on AEW television for months and unfortunately, it’s unknown when the young star could be returning.
According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, Yuta is reportedly dealing with concussion symptoms and there is no update as to when he could return.
Yuta hasn’t wrestled since January when he lost to Eddie Kingston for the Triple Crown Championship.
Even despite him being a heel, Yuta has been a fan favorite ever since arriving to AEW. He originally was a babyface as he found himself alongside The Best Friends, but now the group is greatly fractured.
Yuta found a new version of himself once he joined The Blackpool Combat Club. Working alongside the likes of Claudio Castagnoli, Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley and even William Regal, Yuta had his game elevated and in turn, his personality as a wrestler. Danielson noted that he’s really appreciated seeing the growth of Yuta since they joined Blackpool Combat Club forces.
Wheeler was the ROH Pure Champion before getting hurt and was making a memorable run with the title. His last post on X was on January 13 and actually involved his hatred for the aformentioned Kingston as well as some respective New York sports teams.
“I hate Eddie Kingston, the Yankees, and the New York Football Giants.”
I hate Eddie Kingston, the Yankees, and the New York Football Giants
However, Yuta did like a Tweet at the end of April, indicating that he’d like to square off against fellow AEW star Ortiz in singles action, a name who also hasn’t been seen on AEW television in awhile.
Warner Bros. Discovery will be undergoing some financial shifting in 2024 and it’s from the order of their CEO David Zazlov.
Bloomsberg is reporting that Zazlov has told the WBD brass to look for viable cost-cutting opportunities so the company can hit its financial targets over the course of the next couple of years.
This includes the possibilty of layoffs, something in which WBD had done over the last year. The company laid off 2,000 employees through 2023. By the end of the year, WBD was $44.2 billion with $4.3 billion cash-on-hand.
According to sources from Bloomsberg, Warner Bros. Discovery streaming department alone contains a great deal of the budget, adding up to over hundred of millions of dollars. A huge portion of that is focused in the marketing and technology work that’s involved.
Warner Bros. Discovery could be seeing some major changes forthcoming as they were unable to negotiate a new deal with the National Basketball Association within their exclusive window. Being a live sports entity, NBA will be a hot ticket to acquire from competitors with several names mentioned to be in the mix including NBCUniversal and Amazon.
The fact that the NBA could be gone from WBD’s catalogue initially seemed promising for AEW, but if the company lieutenants feel AEW isn’t delivering as a return on investment, “cost-cutting” may be applied. to their weekly pro wrestling product.
NBC will be sitting pretty with a big live sports entity as not only will SmackDown be heading to USA Network in 2025, but RAW will also be sticking around until they make the leap to Netflix.
Adam Copeland wanted to get Gangrel back in the mix with WWE, even if it was brief.
The former Edge spoke with Chris Van Vliet on Insight and gave a little “insight” as to him bringing back the notorious Brood entrance for WWE Day 1 2022. Copeland made the play to get Gangrel to rise back up alongside him much akin to the Attitude Era, but revealed that idea was shot down by WWE.
“So this isn’t a knock on WWE, but I’d always get the, ‘Well nobody remembers.’ People remember, wrestling fans remember and I think wrestling fans want to be rewarded for remembering. And that’s a way to reward them. That’s what I’ve always felt.”
Copeland cited the recent return of Matt Cardona to AEW who challenged Adam for his TNT Championship on an episode of AEW Collision. Copeland knows that fans remember Cardona’s time as an ‘Edge Head’ and it was a way to bring something special back for the audience. However, he just couldn’t get WWE behind bringing back Gangrel, the original leader of The Brood.
“That was one I just kept getting shut down. I realised, okay, that was not a hill to die on because it didn’t get to happen. It’s not my sandbox, I got to do with what I’ve been given.”
Gangrel did happen to show up for The Young Bucks’ entrance back when they were feuding with The Hardys so the possibility of The Brood boiling up certainly isn’t out of the realm of possibility. Copeland could use some extra help as he continues to feud with House of Black in build to Double or Nothing in Las Vegas.
Please h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
Tony Khan continues to embrace the “challenger brand” identity of AEW and think that’s conveyed in his roster interviews.
The AEW President spoke with Rich Ucchino on Cincy 360, and Khan continued to praise his company for exciting matches, but also the ability for his stars to speak behind the microphone. Khan also made reference that unlike WWE, their promos can lead towards organic cadence.
“In AEW, I think people really feel a connection with the wrestlers. We don’t script the interviews here. People go out, they’re talking about, maybe they got bullet points and key pieces of information they’re trying to get out, but it feels like you’re hearing a real person talk, which isn’t always the way it feels with some of the competition’s interviews. I think that’s one major difference.
Khan goes on to state that while the AEW athleticism is top-tier, he puts over the personalities of the roster too, something that he believes is conveyed through their unscripted promos.
“I think our biggest strength is the quality of athletes and the charisma of our biggest stars. Some of the biggest names in wrestling are in AEW, and there’s a reason why these big free agents want to come here to AEW. It’s because this is where the best wrestle.”
Khan is hoping that charisma comes out at AEW Double Or Nothing when Team AEW aims to battle The Elite in an Anarchy In Arena match in Las Vegas. On Wednesday’s Dynamite, Eddie Kingston, FTR and Bryan Danielson stepped up to challenge The Young Bucks, Kazuchika Okada and Jack Perry.
Randy Orton enjoys the consistency of the new WWE product since Triple H has fully taken over of the company’s creative, but thanks two other employees for helping with that direction.
Speaking with “Adam’s Apple,” ‘The Viper’ gave his thoughts on the fresh, new and steady direction that Paul Levesque has implemented under his watchful eye.
“With Nick Khan, HHH, and Bruce Prichard, so many things have changed from a creative standpoint. They’re thinking months and months in advance. Before, we were flying by the seat of our pants. Creative was changed mins before we went live each week. I don’t mean sometimes. I mean, each week.”
Orton said that there’d be days where it would be 5:00 PM on the east coast and changes were still be made to the show that was airing in just a few hours. That aspect created for some very stressful moments. Under the Triple H regime, there’s more time laid ahead for talent to implement their own creativity.
“So just purely from a creative standpoint, you’re able to let it marinate and think about, okay, how am I gonna do this? Or how can I make this better? Or maybe there are tweaks, but you don’t do it ten minutes before you go live.”
Randy Orton has clearly been enjoying his time back in WWE has he got a gigantic reaction while he and Kevin Owens opened WWE Backlash in France and although the two lost, Orton remains in a top babyface role in WWE SmackDown.
Will Ospreay may think he old in wrestling, but one ECW legend in Sabu believes the top AEW star is quite far from that.
Ospreay only turned 31 on May 7, and youth is wasted on the young as Will thinks he’s well beyond his years going past 30. The top AEW star made note of his assumed state in the world of wrestling on social media.
“I’m 31 now. I’m officially grizzled,” Ospreay mentioned in a post on X. The Tweet got a kick out of pro wrestling legend Sabu, who reassured Will that he’s got a ways to go before he truly hits grizzled status.
“Officially grizzled? Lol. I wish I wasn’t officially grizzled. Lol you have many more years until you are grizzled.”
Officially grizzled ? Lol . I wish I wasn't officially grizzled. Lol u have many more years until you are grizzled.. https://t.co/UpZZ6bGFfX
Will has basically just started his in-ring career with All Elite Wrestling, but Sabu has had already had some involvement with the promotion. He played a primary role in a program with Chris Jericho almost a year ago at AEW Double Or Nothing. Jericho took on Adam Cole in an unsanctioned match and Sabu played the enforcer of the fight. While he was dressed to the nines, he wasn’t afraid to get physical and did just that to take out Jericho.
— 1 Of A Kind With RVD – RVDTV.com (@RVDPod) May 29, 2023
Quite the dream birthday present for Will Ospreay would have to be a dream fight against Sabu. The legend actually has been getting himself back into ring shape to have one last match, stating that he’d love to involve AEW regular and best friend, RVD.
Owen Hart would have turned 59 years old on May 7, and his older brother Bret Hart wanted to be sure to share his love for the late King Of Harts.
The Hart Family are one of pro wrestling’s greatest families, but they are also a family mired in tragedy. The wrestling world was forever shaken on May 23, 1998 when Owen fell from the rafters and passed away at WWF Over The Edge.
Owen however, will forever been known for his amazing wrestling skill, but also his fun-loving sense of humor and his innate good-natured ability to rib “the boys.” Bret Hart took to social media on his younger brother’s birthday, telling fans how Owen happened to visit him in a dream and it warmed ‘The Hitman’s’ heart.
“I had a wonderful dream two days ago, Owen came to me briefly and it was that big smile that quickly brought about a bigger smile of my own. He was ribbing me and I was surprised that he almost got me again. I woke up smiling. I think of you in my happy thoughts, I often see you in the highest and farthest corner of a room. Those warm blue eyes and expressions of amusement and reflection. Sometimes I hear your voice often behind my right ear, or just driving down the highway. Hey Oje’, just so you know, that I know that it’s you.”
Owen is still honored in pro wrestling today in many ways. Kevin Owens took his last name in WWE in homage to Hart and AEW annually runs the Owen Hart Memorial Cup that involves his wife Martha Hart.
“A big pizza pie” is not “amore” between Ric Flair and a Gainsville, Florida pizza shop as ‘The Nature Boy’ was asked to leave the restaurant following an incident that happened on Cince De Mayo.
Flair took to social media to air his grievances after leaving Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza stating that he spent over $1,500 while at the place entertaining fans and customers.
“I Was Asked To Leave Because Of An Issue I Had With The Kitchen Manager Taking Too Long In The Bathroom. I Would Highly Recommend That Anyone Who Wants To Enjoy A Relaxing Time In Gainesville At A Nice Restaurant To Never Visit This Place! WOOOOO!”
The Gainesville Sunhappened to reach out to ownership of Piesano’s to get a statement regarding the incident. Co-owner Jerry Roberts happened to respond to them via text and without giving details of exactly what went down, said that requesting Ric’s leave was warranted.
“We have reviewed video of the incident that took place recently at our restaurant. It is clear, our team worked in a professional manner to ensure the safety of guests and staff. We have thanked our team for their professionalism. We are proud of how they responded to this situation using and displaying our team values.”
Flair is currently under contract with AEW, but hasn’t been seen on the company’s programming since his involvement in Sting’s last match at AEW Revolution. Flair has been busy making appearances and was apart of the festivities during WrestleMania weekend. He also recently expressed his disappointment online about not being involved in the upcoming “Who Killed WCW” docu-series on VICE TV.
Shawn Michaels wants Kendrick Lamar and Drake to “tune up the band” in WWE NXT.
Drake and Lamar have been verbally butting heads via diss tracks at one another since March but the beef has been amping up the past two weeks. Lamar happened to conjure up Shawn Michaels’ “Sweet Chin Music” finisher in the song titled “Not Like Us” stating “Put the whole label on me, I’mma get ’em dropped, Sweet Chin Music and I won’t pass the aux.”
Drake then happened to fire back on Sunday night with a new track, but that one was without any pro wrestling references.
Nonetheless, Michaels caught wind of the rap and decided to offer a venue and his services to settle the score.
“A little Sweet Chin Music goes a long way. Kendrick Lamar, you and Drake are formally invited to #WWENXT to settle this thing. I’m even offering my services to mediate.”
Could Shawn Michaels play peacemaker between Drake and Kendrick Lamar?
The feud between Lamar and Drake has gotten personal as both have referenced their families and relationships. Back in his heyday, Michaels was no stranger to getting personal with Bret Hart during the beginning of the Attitude Era and in turn, Hart wasn’t afraid to fire back.
With Lamar dropping such a line “Not Like Us” and Drake notoriously representing Razor Ramon by wearing a classic “Bad Guy” tee, the two clearly have some semblence of wrestling fandom. They also wouldn’t be the first set of hip-hop artists to set foot in the squared circle as Bad Bunny set a precedent for rappers stepping into the ring.
Don Callis remained pretty callous following the news that Scott D’Amore was fired from TNA. D’Amore was let go from the company months ago as Anthem took reigns of the promotion and appointed Anthony Cicione as the new TNA President.
Callis was a big part of TNA during it’s Impact era, but had since moved on from the company after aligning with AEW. When speaking with “Sunday Night’s Main Event,” Callis was asked about D’Amore being gone from TNA and Callis claimed this was the first he heard about his exit.
“Scott’s not with TNA anymore? I don’t talk to Scott, so I don’t know… but here’s the thing: Scott D’Amore is five-foot-eight, but when he stands on his wallet, he’s 7 feet tall. So Scott D’Amore, we’re not having any tag days here for Scott D’Amore, no food stamps. If he lost his job, I don’t shed a tear because I don’t shed a tear for multi-millionaires, who now’s just gonna play more golf. Scott’s a smart guy but I mean, you know, no tears here so, but I had no idea. Thanks for letting me know.”
What Callis may also not know is that D’Amore is using that one-foot-four-inch thick wallet to likely relaunch Maple Leaf Wrestling as the name was just trademarked by D’Amore and “The Gimmick Attorney” Mike Dockins.
D’Amore was one of the primary proponents for getting the TNA brand back off the ground. Not only that, but it was evident D’Amore was greatly loved behind-the-scenes as many TNA talents wrote out a petition to bring D’Amore back after he was let go.
H/t to Andrew Thompson of POST Wrestling for the transcription.
MLW will have a blast from the past when the promotion heads down to WCW country in Atlanta, Georgia.
Battle Riot VI will take place this June and the event is typically full of unexpected surprises and entrants into MLW’s annual 40-man match, but one man who won’t be a surprise will be Ernest “The Cat” Miller. The MLW website announced that the former WCW commissoner will be making his league debut in the bout and they were certain to give Miller the appropriate hype in build for the big bout on June 1.
Somebody call his Momma! WCW legend and Karate Hall of Famer, Ernest “The Cat” Miller is the third participant to enter the 2024 Battle RIOT in Atlanta! A showman and striker with fury and finesse, Miller will make his MLW debut in the biggest match of MLW. Known for his cat-like reflexes, this martial artist aims to pounce on the competition and leap ahead in line for a title shot anytime, anywhere. To achieve that, “The Cat” will have to outlast 39 other participants.
Miller happened to make his in-ring return back in March at the WCPBTW The Reunion 3: Cavalcade Of Legends where he got the win against Marvelous. Before that however, “The Cat” didn’t unleash his claws on the canvas since 2022 when he took on Joey Janela.
MLW has had quite the list of unexpected names in previous Battle Riots. Names like Dan Severn, Raven, and Duke Droese all entered in the fray in previous years.
Battle Riot blends the Royal Rumble with extra battle royal rules. Not only can you be eliminated by being thrown over the top, but you can also lose via pin or submission.
Sheamus took building his upcoming bout with GUNTHER a little too far, and thankfully ‘The Celtic Warrior’ came to his senses.
GUNTHER will take on Sheamus in the opening round of the King Of The Ring tournament on this Monday’s WWE RAW as both men will vy for the crown in Saudi Arabia later this month.
In build to the match, Sheamus decided to make some controversial implications regarding GUNTHER, noting of his appearance and recent decision-making.
“Hmmm.. an Austrian with a funny haircut, has a thing for military style coats, proclaims superiority over others, hangs out with Germans and betrays his Italian ally..”
Sheamus added a “raised eyebrow” emoji for aemphasis, but the implications were pretty clear that he was insinuating that the former Intercontinental Champion had Nazi-like tendencies. Sheamus since has deleted his post, but users made a point to screenshot the comments.
— The Wrestling Blog (@WrestlingBlog_) May 5, 2024
Sheamus has a clear track record of being playful online with his feuds, with his latest barbs being directed towards Drew McIntyre. The two former friends have a burgeoning beef in the ring and over social media as Sheamus stated on RAW several weeks back that McIntyre screwed himself at WrestleMania to which McIntyre teased his Irish amigo about his recent weight gain.
When GUNTHER first got his name change in WWE after originally going by WALTER, there was plenty of ire online. Hans F. K. Günther was a notorious physician of Hitler’s Third Reich. However, that could just be coincidental as there are several Nazis with the Walter name too. Considering GUNTHER is Austrian, any name choice WWE would have made could present such ties.
The presentation of Imperium certainly comes with a “superiority-like” presentation that conveys the classic foreign heel faction and wrestling promotions in the past have not shied away from having Nazi wrestlers in previous eras.
WWE Backlash had a wild crowd courtesy of Lyon, France, but it also marked the end of an unbelievable streak with the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship.
Cody Rhodes put that very championship on the line against AJ Styles on Saturday and the battle became memorable in more ways than one. Not only did ‘The American Nightmare’ get a tremendous pop from the French crowd, but Rhodes actually retained his title by defeating ‘The Phenomenal One.’
However, Punk from the Burial Squad was able to dig up an insane statistic about Rhodes’ successful title defense. Backlash happened to mark the first time that specific championship was successfully defended on television without any outside interference in almost two years. The last time the title was defended without any interference had Roman Reigns beating Matt Riddle on the June 17, 2022 episode of WWE SmackDown.
Reigns’ reign became notorious for having constant interference in his title fights. While the tactic was certainly frustrating for fans (and his opponents), it did create for some memorable moments. Solo Sikoa made his main roster debut by interfering in his cousin Roman’s defense against Drew McIntyre at Clash At The Castle. Jimmy Uso also happened to stab his brother Jey in the back at WWE SummerSlam, allowing Roman to retain his gold.
Rhodes vs. Styles at Backlash also marked a new moment in WWE history. Their main event fight also happened to be the first WWE Undisputed Title match on PLE that was officiated by a female. Jessika Carr donned the zebra stripes for the battle between Cody and AJ.
A new Wyatt Family may be on the horizon, but when and who will exactly show up representing the renewed faction?
A lot of actual signs in the form of QR codes and trailers greatly indicate that Bo Dallas will be returning to WWE television, perhaps in the form of himself or the mysterious Uncle Howdy. However, a new report from PWInsider has a list of names rumored to join the late Bray Wyatt’s younger brother.
As of now, currently on tap to be in the new faction (whatever they may be called) are four other names. Nikki Cross, Dexter Lumis, Joe Gacy and Erick Rowan are all slated to be in the new Wyatt Family fold. All of those mentioned names have previous experience as faction members with Cross being apart of Sanity, Gacy leading The Schism, Dexter Lumis as a member of The Way and Rowan of course as an original member of The Wyatt Family.
The Codes And Rumors Surrounding Bo Dallas’ Return
WWE started a cryptic campaign in the weeks up to WrestleMania 40 with the first teaser of a Bo Dallas return being at the end of the Bray Wyatt documentary trailer. Ever since, QR codes have popped up for fans to scan and an ominous tune titled “Nightbird” has began playing before and during WWE live events.
The most recent reference was quite direct for Bo Dallas as a QR code appeared on the 5/3 episode of WWE SmackDown. The code directed fans to a Backlash trailer before turning into something creepy that had the quote ‘He opened his arms. Our pain became his. We were reborn. Because we BOlieved.’
If you don’t think pro wrestling is everywhere, you best think again as Kendrick Lamar decided to reference Shawn Michaels in his latest diss track against Drake. The talk of the hip-hop world has been the back and forth diss track dropping between famed rappers Kendrick Lamar and Drake who have decided to air their grievances through their lyrics.
It was Lamar who happened to pull pro wrestling out of the hostler to take a shot in his latest song by referencing Shawn Michaels’ iconic finishing move. The track titled “Not Like Us” has Lamar metaphorically “tuning up the band” to lay down a Sweet Chin Music. The specific diss starts at 2:23.
“Put the whole label on me, I’mma get ’em dropped.
Sweet Chin Music and I won’t pass the aux.”
Ironically enough, Drake once happened to don the tee shirt of one of HBK’s greatest rivals (and Kayfabe Kliq best friend) Razor Ramon. However unlike “The Bad Guy” Scott Hall, the feeling amongst fans is that Drake isn’t going to win this feud.
For decades pro wrestling and music have gone together like PB&J, but it’s been the hip-hop genre to greatly tip the cap to the “one true sport.” Several top names from the world of rap have made several references to the legends in pro wrestling. Wu-Tang Clan referenced Ken Patera in “Shadowboxin'” and OutKast spoke of “droppin’ bows like Dusty Rhodes” in their song “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik.” One of rap’s greatest proponents is Westside Gunn, who has a bundle of lyrics, song titles and albums in honor of some of wrestling’s biggest stars.
Cue the Squidward “window meme” from Spongebob Squarepants as Minnesota will watch from afar as WWE WrestleMania 41 will now be hosted by Las Vegas next April.
The announcement was made following WWE Backlash at the Kentucky Derby that Sin City would be the “belle of the ball” to present “the grand daddy of them all” despite heavy speculation that Minneapolis would be the host of WWE’s premium PLE.
A new article from the Star Tribune happens to give reason as to why the Twin Cities won’t play host at the US Bank Stadium, a massive dome which is the home of the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota Sports and Events president and chief executive Wendy Blackshaw said that WWE pivoted due to the entire company pivoting over a year ago. However, Blackshaw stayed positive for future PLE potentail for her city down the line.
“We were informed by WWE that Minnesota would not host WrestleMania in 2025 due to a change in direction by new ownership. Although disappointed, we are in discussions with WWE about future events in Minnesota. We are optimistic that Minnesota will host WWE events here in the future.”
WrestleMania heading to Sin City makes plenty of sense considering Endeavor, who scooped up WWE during WrestleMania season last year homebase is out of Las Vegas.
This won’t be the first time WrestleMania popped up in Las Vegas. WrestleMania IX actually took place at Caesar’s Palace down on the Las Vegas strip, not too far from where 41 will take place at Allegiant Stadium.
It meant a lot for Xavier Woods to become King of the Ring in 2021, but sadly the New Day member will not be defending his crown in the tournament this year.
Although it wasn’t technically a qualifying match, Woods lost to another man vying for the crown in GUNTHER on WWE RAW. Woods was forced to submit after GUNTER cinched in a STF during their fight as Kofi Kingston watched on. It was a big loss for Woods but it put GUNTHER in a great position to be put in the tournament.
Sure enough, GUNTHER will get his shot in the first round of the tournament this Monday on this upcoming WWE RAW as he’ll take on another former King Of The Ring in Sheamus.
That’s not the only first round match set to go down as the aformentioned Kingston will battle new RAW draftee in WWE Hall of Famer, Rey Mysterio Jr.
Woods took to social media to express his disappointment not being in the tournament, but also took a moment to show his love for his fellow New Day dude in Kingston (and also tease the WWE graphics department who made the error of mispelling Kofi’s name). Kofi was the first to comment on his match, making sure to dedicate his match to Xavier.
“You all know how important King of the Ring has always been to me. I’m not in the tournament this year but my brother Kofi has the chance to gain the crown. BRING IT HOME FOR NEW DAY! Also please spell his name correctly on the next graphic.”
You all know how important King of the Ring has always been to me. I'm not in the tournament this year but my brother Kofi has the chance to gain the crown. BRING IT HOME FOR NEW DAY!
Cody Rhodes isn’t just excited for himself as he defends his WWE Undisputed Title at WWE Backlash, but another person standing in the ring.
Rhodes will be taking on AJ Styles in the main event of the PLE taking place in France on Saturday. It will be Cody’s first world title defense on PLE, but ‘The American Nightmare’ noted someone else has a reason to celebrate too: WWE referee Jessika Carr.
“Wanted to mention this after the contract signing, (and forgive me if I’m wrong but I don’t think I am…) It’ll also be the VERY FIRST PLE Main Event for The Undisputed WWE Title officiated by a woman [Jessika Carr].”
Wanted to mention this after the contract signing, (and forgive me if I’m wrong but I don’t think I am…)
Two Georgia Boys: Cody Rhodes vs. AJ Styles At WWE Backlash
The Rhodes vs. Styles rivarly is a surprisingly fresh one as Cody and AJ have never faced one another, but now the two Georgia boys do it on the big stage. Styles earned his shot at the gold when he defeated LA Knight in a number one contendership match.
The two exchanged words of respect for one another during their contract signing but matters got tense when Styles went for a “from behind” attack on Rhodes after Cody defeated Carmelo Hayes.
The go-home episode of SmackDown that tension was even amped up further when Styles slapped Rhodes after the two talked their history outside of the WWE.
Rhodes and Styles happened to both share time as members of The Bullet Club, so although the two never competed in the ring, their paths are indeed quite similar.
Kenny Omega will be at AEW Dynamite tonight as the show will hail from his backyard of Winnipeg, Manitoba after an extended absence. While fans will be excited for the return of ‘The Cleaner,’ they will have to wait a bit longer before he’s back in action. According to Fightful Select, Omega has a ways to go before he’s medically cleared after a major health scare with diverticulitis diagnosis. Omega revealed that he was pretty close to death after initially believing his ailment was a hernia. The report adds that Omega is strictly being brought back to help boost ticket sales for AEW Dynamite and add some additional star power to the show as they combat the NBA and NHL playoffs.
AEW can take several routes with Omega’s role on the show as he was recently “fired” from his EVP position by his Elite brethern in The Young Bucks. Omega could have some added aggression as The Bucks are a week removed from rocking AEW President Tony Khan with a Meltzer Driver.
Tony Khan hinted in build to the show that with him on the shelf, there should be a “power struggle” within All Elite Wrestling. Will that involve Omega? From how it seems AEW could get a new authority figure in play while Khan “recuperates” from his injury. Omega being in that new role would make sense from a storyline standpoint, but him also being on television consistently as he literally tries to get healthy may slow his progress down.