Monday Night Raw has become a staple for WWE but a major change was once considered.
Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio reports that WWE once considered moving Raw to Tuesday nights. The thought process was to get away from NFL competition.
A new wave of WWE releases is here and NXT has been affected.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful broke the news on his Twitter account. The first release he revealed was Dakota Kai. The second name was Malcolm Bivens, who reportedly made it clear that he did not want to re-sign with the company back in February.
Bivens took to social media to upload a quick video responding to the news.
In what some may consider to be a surprise move, Harland has also been given his walking papers. He had been a bodyguard for Joe Gacy, who is challenging Bron Breakker for the NXT Championship at Spring Breakin’ on May 3.
In total, there were 10 NXT cuts this go-around. Here’s the list of talent cut from the NXT roster in this latest wave:
Foley made the announcement on his Twitter account. He’ll be managing Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler for a Patriotic Wrestling Federation event. The action will be taking place inside York Comprehensive High School.
The event will be taking place on May 14. Back in March, FTR announced that they would be taking limited independent bookings. The move has seemingly opened the door for them to be managed by the likes of Bret Hart, who is believed to have signed a deal with WWE that doesn’t allow him to appear on AEW TV.
Bret will be in FTR’s corner for a Big Time Wrestling event on June 10. That show will take place inside Webster Town Hall in Webster, MA.
WWE stays busy filing trademarks and this latest one may have something to do with a future stadium event.
Earlier this month, WWE announced it would be making its way to Cardiff, Wales on Sept. 3. The special event will be held inside Principality Stadium, which has a max capacity of approximately 78,000 for boxing events. The announcement confirmed an earlier report from WrestleVotes.
One would think the trademark is related to the Cardiff show and could potentially be the name of the event. Time will tell if that is truly the case.
One thing we do know is that WWE is excited about the UK stadium show. Here’s what was said in the announcement press release:
“Principality Stadium is the perfect place for a major event, hosting our amazing fans from Wales, throughout all of Europe, and around the world,” said John Porco, WWE Senior Vice President, Live Events. “The weekend will be filled with a variety of WWE experiences that we believe will leave a lasting memory, on par with SummerSlam at Wembley Stadium in 1992.”
“Wales will provide an iconic location for WWE’s return to the UK after 30 years and showcase our country to a global audience of millions, including extended reach in the USA,” said Welsh Government Minister for Economy Vaughan Gething. “This is set to be the perfect addition to a huge year of sport, entertainment and culture in Wales that will attract people from across the globe to experience what our country has to offer.”
“We’re extremely proud that Principality Stadium has been chosen by WWE to host this major event, which is testament to the stadium’s reputation as a world-class venue,” said Mark Williams, Principality Stadium Manager. “Principality Stadium is unique in its position at the heart of the city centre, which will undoubtedly offer WWE fans an unrivaled event experience both inside and outside of the stadium and bring great benefit to the wider city of Cardiff.”
As expected, FTR paid homage to wrestling royalty during their Owen Hart Cup Tournament qualifier match.
Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler were in action on the April 27 episode of AEW Dynamite. The two have insisted that this was the first and last time they will wrestle each other and it lived up to the billing.
In the end, it was Dax Harwood who got the pinfall and he will move on to the opening round of the Owen Hart Cup.
Promo Joe has put together the tributes made by FTR. While the two honored Bret Hart and Owen Hart, they also paid homage to Scott Hall and Mr. Perfect.
Many have been wondering about the future of Dark Side of the Ring.
The series has taken a look back at some tragic stories in the wrestling business. From Owen Hart’s shocking death to the infamous “Plane Ride from Hell,” Dark Side of the Ring has taken a deep dive into it all.
Its future remains up in the air, however. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer reports that VICE has not renewed the series for season four.
Meltzer notes in his report that ratings declined in season three. He also said that Jim Ross leaving the series wouldn’t play a role in whether or not VICE decides to move on.
During an edition of his Grilling JR podcast, Jim Ross said he didn’t appreciate the way some episodes of Dark Side of the Ring were edited (h/t WrestlingNews.co).
“I’m not sure I’ll be on any more of them simply because I had such unfortunate negative afterthoughts of it, but you know, you never know. Those guys are good guys and they mean well, but I think the edit was a little bit callous and not well thought out quite frankly. So I hope they continue to do those shows, and if they do, I’ll continue to watch and we’ll see. They should get better at what they do.”
NJPW President Takami Ohbari isn’t opposed to having a second crossover event with AEW in Japan.
Earlier this month, Tony Khan and Ohbari announced a joint PPV event dubbed, “Forbidden Door.” This special crossover show will be held inside the United Center in Chicago, Illinois on June 26.
Forbidden Door 2?
During an interview with Sports Illustrated, Takami Ohbari said that Japan is now open to international workers, making travel much less of an issue. Japan took extreme lockdown measures during the COVID-19 pandemic and it was more long-term than many would’ve liked.
Ohbari says now the door is open for a potential Forbidden Door part two in Japan.
“Traveling between Japan and the U.S. is no longer a significant problem,” says Ohbari, who also addressed whether there will be a follow-up event with AEW in Japan. “If Japanese fans are invested in this event and the demand is there, then there will absolutely be the impetus for us to take the next step of holding an event in Japan.”
Ohbari went on to say that his main focus is on ensuring that NJPW represents itself to the highest order this June.
“NJPW and AEW will open the ‘Forbidden Door’ together this June, but what lies on the other side is something we will all have to wait to find out,” Ohbari says. “One guarantee: I always say that NJPW’s wrestlers carry the pride and the fight of wild lions. Whomever they fight against, or whomever they even team with, they will carry a fighting spirit that is unmatched and unbeatable.”
Video of Jimmy Uso’s 2021 DUI arrest has surfaced.
Back in July of last year, Jimmy was arrested in Pensacola, FL for driving under the influence. He posted $500 bond the following morning. The arrest brought much scrutiny to Jimmy as he’s had a history of DUI arrests.
A police report from officer William Roper was released detailing the reason for the arrest of Jimmy Uso.
“During the HGN Fatu was unable to keep his head still, and I observed multiple signs of nystagmus. Fatu had difficulty maintaining balance, and had difficulty in performing the Walk and Turn. During the one-legged stand, Fatu was unable to maintain balance, and placed his foot down multiple times.
“Due to the above circumstances I placed Fatu under arrest for DUI.”
Footage Of Jimmy Uso DUI Arrest
TMZ Sports has released video of the arrest and it’s clear that Jimmy Uso was none too pleased with a remark made by an officer. Jimmy lost his cool when the cop referred to a past incident on the road.
TMZ reports that Jimmy reached a deal with prosecutors earlier this month. As part of the agreement, Jimmy underwent and completed courses “related to the incident.”
It appears Tommaso Ciampa is the latest superstar to go through a name change on WWE’s main roster.
Ciampa had his last NXT match at Stand & Deliver during WrestleMania weekend. He ended up losing to Tony D’Angelo. After the match, Triple H made his way out to give him a proper send-off.
(via WWE)
Tommaso Ciampa
Ciampa appeared on the April 11 edition of Raw and it appeared all was normal. As it turns out, it only took two weeks for WWE to give him the one name treatment.
Kevin Raphael of TVA Sports in Quebec was the first to report the change.
WWE seemingly confirmed the reports by simply referring to Tommaso as “Ciampa” on the April 25 episode of Raw. Ciampa attacked the returning Mustafa Ali.
Could Kane be back on your TV screen tonight (April 25)?
Fightful Select is reporting that Kane is backstage for Raw in Knoxville, Tennessee. He is the Mayor of Knox County, so he didn’t have to travel very far.
The report notes that Kane is scheduled to appear on the show in some form. One pitch was for Kane to appear in a segment with Kevin Owens and Ezekiel.
This week’s Raw figures to be a noteworthy one. Fightful Select reported late this past weekend that Asuka is scheduled to be on the show to start a feud with Becky Lynch. There was also a pitch for Mustafa Ali to make his return.
It appears WWE is looking to freshen things up with its main roster.
Some fans were taken aback by the return of Xia Li on the April 22 episode of SmackDown. Li hadn’t been seen for months on WWE TV since being established as a babyface. All of a sudden, she is now presented as a heel.
Vince McMahon Changing Roles For Several Superstars
A report from WrestlingNews.co notes that Vince McMahon believes that many main roster talents are “miscast.” As a result, the plan is for more babyface and heel turns to take place in the coming weeks.
WWE has a reputation for starting plans and not following through. Stephanie McMahon even admitted this once and said WWE has the ability to “pivot on the fly.” She has also insisted that the company listens to its fans.
Who do you think will be changing roles in the coming weeks?
Asuka’s long absence from WWE TV is reportedly coming to an end.
The former multiple-time women’s champion hasn’t been seen in action since July 2021. Many wondered when the “Empress of Tomorrow” would show up again. That wait is about to be over if a report from Fightful Select holds true.
(via WWE)
The report notes that there are plans in place to have Asuka return to Raw. It’s been said that she will be starting a program, at least short-term, with Becky Lynch as soon as April 25.
It appears there is finally some movement regarding Mustafa Ali and his status with WWE.
Fightful Select reports that WWE has been discussing potential plans for Ali’s return. The report notes that there was even a pitch for Ali to show up on the April 25 episode of Raw.
(via WWE)
Ali’s return isn’t set in stone but the fact that there have been discussions of putting him back on TV may indicate cooler heads have prevailed.
Mustafa Ali requested his WWE release back in January. Reports surfaced noting that WWE didn’t want to let Ali out of his contract. Here’s what Ali said earlier this year on asking to cut ties with WWE.
“I have a message that is much bigger than my dreams in pro wrestling. Despite my best efforts, I will not be able to deliver this message while working with WWE.
Garcia is one of the members of the Chris Jericho Appreciation Society. Jericho reportedly fought to have Garcia in his faction as the initial plan was to have him align with the Blackpool Combat Club. That report comes from Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio.
Tyson Fury vs. Dillian Whyte is now in the history books.
Fury put the WBC and The Ring Heavyweight Titles on the line against Whyte on April 23. The championship fight was held inside Wembley Stadium in London, England.
It was clear early in the fight that Whyte had difficulty overcoming Fury’s sizable reach advantage. Whyte was in the southpaw stance in the first round, which surprised many. Whyte switched to his traditional orthodox stance in the second stanza.
The story of the fight was Whyte’s failure to effectively close the distance. He paid for it in the sixth round when he ate an uppercut that dropped him with just a few seconds left.
While Whyte got back to his feet, he stumbled bad enough for the referee to call it.
Fury is quite chummy with the folks in WWE. Going into the showdown with Whyte, Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, and The Undertaker sent good luck messages to the “Gypsy King.” Fury has made several WWE appearances and even had a match with Braun Strowman at Crown Jewel back in 2019.
(via WWE)
Following his victory over Whyte, Fury said he thinks he’s done with his pro boxing career. With that said, the “Gypsy King” has made it clear in the past that fans will still be seeing a lot from him.
Tyson Fury has received some warm messages from WWE legends ahead of his showdown with Dillian Whyte.
Fury will put his WBC and The Ring Heavyweight Titles on the line against Dillian Whyte today (April 23). The action will be held inside Wembley Stadium in London, England.
(via Mikey Williams/Top Rank)
Tyson Fury Receives Good Luck Messages
Through WWE on BT Sport, Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, and The Undertaker have sent Tyson Fury some good vibes going into another title defense.
Some messages of good luck from WWE royalty ?@StephMcMahon has got US ready to run through walls!
Stephanie got things started, saying the buzz is giving her Summerslam 1992 chills all over again.
“Tyson, it’s Stephanie McMahon and of course, Triple H from WWE. You know, I remember the last time WWE had a big stadium event in Wembley and it was Summerslam 1992. But I’ll never forget what it felt like, the electricity. 94,000 strong there to see you in your homecoming knock the block off of Dillian Whyte.”
Triple H then used one of Fury’s favorite insults, calling Whyte a big “dosser.”
“‘Gypsy King.’ The true king of boxing returns home to Wembley. 94,000 people are gonna be there and we’ll be watching just like the rest of the world. Watching you blow the roof off of Wembley Stadium and knock that big dosser out.”
Finally, The Undertaker pulled out a Muhammad Ali quote to get the “Gypsy King” fired up.
“Hey, champ. The Undertaker here. It’s about that time again, my friend. You’re going to the big house, Wembley Stadium to put on a show. Remember, you are the ‘Gyspy King’ and it’s time to conquer another kingdom.
“Dillian Whyte, he ain’t got the skills to pay any kind of bills you’re about to bring towards him. Remember, my friend float like a butterfly and sting like a bee. The hands can’t hit what the eyes can’t see.
“Take care of business, Tyson. I’m still here just in case you need me to dig a hole to fill a soul. Alright my man, April 23rd take care of business and I’ll see you on the other side.”
There’s been a lot of speculation on what Tyson Fury will do after this fight. He initially said he would be retiring from pro boxing matches but he has appeared to walk those comments back.
Many have also speculated that a showdown inside the WWE ring with Drew McIntyre is a possibility. The two have teased sharing the squared circle.
Please H/T SEScoops if you use any quotes from this article.
We now know who Roman Reigns will be feuding with next.
After a couple of weeks of stalling, many questioned whether or not Reigns would even be featured on the WrestleMania Backlash card. In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that the “Tribal Chief” will indeed be headlining the May 8th premium live event.
At Friday’s WWE SmackDown tapings, Reigns re-started his feud with Drew McIntyre. The two had a stare-down and came to blows.
The angle was taped for next week’s SmackDown, which airs on April 29th.
The tapings were held after the April 22nd edition of SmackDown went off the air. This was done because WWE is headed overseas for the post-WrestleMania European tour beginning on April 28.
It appears plans for the April 29 episode of WWE SmackDown have already been revealed.
Fightful Select reports that the following plans have been put in place for the April 29th episode of SmackDown.
Drew McIntyre vs. Sami Zayn (Steel Cage Match)
Happy Talk segment with Madcap Moss
Ricochet (c) vs. Shanky – for the WWE Intercontinental Championship
Tag Team Title Unification contract signing
Naomi vs. Shayna Baszler
Ronda Rousey vs. Shotzi (Beat The Clock)
Charlotte vs. Aliyah (Beat The Clock)
The report also notes that Raquel Rodriguez is due for a squash match and that there was a “series of confusingly listed New Day/Ridge Holland and Sheamus matches.”
Of course, this is all subject to change.
Tonight’s (April 22) episode of SmackDown takes place inside MVP Arena in Albany, New York. The April 29th edition will be taped since WWE talent will be on the move for a European tour, which begins on April 28.
Wrestling legend Mick Foley has provided a positive update on another legend, Terry Funk.
Back in July 2021, Don Muraco revealed that Funk was suffering from dementia and was in an assisted-living facility. Mike Johnson of PWInsider later confirmed that claim.
“I heard that Terry Funk is in a home for dementia. I spoke with Scott Casey over the weekend and I guess he’s driving all the way down to Amarillo,” Muraco said on the show.
“Yes, Mr. Funk is currently receiving residential care for his multiple health issues, which do affect his mind as well as the rest of his body. As you can imagine, some days are better than others. He & his family appreciate all of your kind words! FOREVER!”
Mick Foley Provides Update On Terry Funk
Mick Foley took to a High Spots signing session to give a positive update on the 77-year-old Terry Funk.
“Terry is doing better than it was reported. So, I will tell you he is in assisted living but I talked to him about a month ago, Tony Hunter talked to him a few days ago. He’s doing pretty good.”
Foley went on to explain what Funk might need assistance for these days.
“So, he does need some assistance but that can be as simple as not remembering to turn a burner off. So, he’s doing good.”
Please H/T SEScoops if you use any quotes from this article.
Pat McAfee has addressed reports that he’s in negotiations with Amazon for NFL games.
McAfee is a former NFL punter who has made a name for himself since retiring from professional American football. He is the current color commentator for SmackDown and has his own podcast, The Pat McAfee Show, which has proven to be a success.
Pat McAfee Addresses Reports
The New York Post reported that McAfee is currently in talks with Amazon to be a part of the broadcast team for Thursday Night Football. The report also notes that McAfee’s show could end up on Prime Video if a deal can be made.
“Pretty high altitudes last night that we were soaring in,” McAfee said. “As I was reading everything on the Internet about what was going on next for our entire company I was like, ‘Is that happening? I don’t know, who knows something?'”
“We are in the middle of conversations with maybe that group of people. Oh, maybe they haven’t even heard about this conversation. I wonder if these people that we are talking to just read this as well.'”
The WrestleMania 38 performer said that he’s used to being the subject of reports and rumors during the NFL offseason.
“This is a wild ‘up to something’ season,” McAfee continued. “This has been like multiple years in a row where we’ve had ‘up to something’ seasons and this particular season seems to be pretty active right now. I’m trying to figure out the best way to handle it, just the most entertaining way to go about doing this whole thing.”
McAfee went on to say that at least something is being worked on.
“With that being said, we are up to something or some things,” he said.
Please H/T SEScoops if you use any quotes from this article.
There is no denying that Roman Reigns is WWE’s top priority when it comes to talent. While he has long held a main event spot, his stock took off thanks to the “Tribal Chief” gimmick. Reigns is fresh off a victory over Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 38 to become the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
Despite the momentum, Reigns hasn’t exactly had a big presence the past couple of weeks. He appeared on Raw following WrestleMania and said he’d announce his next move on SmackDown. His move ended up being a demand for The Usos to challenge RKBro in an attempt to become the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions.
WWE.com
Roman Reigns-WrestleMania Backlash
Reigns didn’t appear on the April 15 episode of SmackDown and it’s left many speculating that he may not have a match at WrestleMania Backlash.
That hunch can be put to rest. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer reports that Roman Reigns will be in the main event of WrestleMania Backlash. Meltzer suspects an angle will be done on the April 22 episode of SmackDown.
Some felt that a program with Shinsuke Nakamura would be next since Nakamura confronted The Bloodline on the April 8 episode of SmackDown and ate superkicks from The Usos for his efforts.
There is no word on who Reigns’ WrestleMania Backlash opponent will be at this time.
The reports of a joint show involving AEW and NJPW have been confirmed.
During the April 20 episode of Dynamite, Tony Khan, along with NJPW President Takami Ohbari, announced “Forbidden Door.” This will be a PPV event that’ll be held inside the United Center in Chicago, Illinois on June 26.
Adam Cole interrupted Khan and Ohbari to announce he’ll take on Tomohiro Ishii on the April 22 episode of Rampage. This will be an Owen Hart Cup qualifier match. Jay White later made his way out and promised that the Bullet Club will have a presence at the show.
In a press release, Tony Khan expressed his excitement about doing business with NJPW.
“As the world continues to reopen, I’m making sure the Forbidden Door follows suit and we can finally give fans the dream events they’ve always imagined,” said Tony Khan, CEO, GM and Head of Creative of AEW. “The United Center was home to one of AEW’s biggest events of all time, The First Dance, where CM Punk made his return to wrestling after a seven-year hiatus. This summer, fans of AEW and NJPW can expect the unexpected during this extraordinary, first-of-its-kind pay-per-view between our two incredible companies.”
Takami Ohbari also chimed in, promising that NJPW talent will showcase Strong-Style to the highest degree.
“As we have done for more than 50 years, the power of pro-wrestling can energize people by fulfilling their dreams,” said Takami Ohbari, President of NJPW. “Now, it’s quite an important mission for us, the pro-wrestling industry as a whole. We are not only opening this door. We will show you NJPW’s genuine Strong-Style beyond the Forbidden door.”
Wrestling fans who recently tuned into The Price Is Right saw a familiar face.
Fans saw “Big Zeke” on the popular and long-running morning game show. Here’s how he’s looking nowadays:
(Photo credit: WrestlingNewsCo)
It’s safe to say that Ezekiel Jackson, real name Rycklon Stephens, still keeps himself in tremendous shape. It may not come as a surprise as Jackson is only 43 years old. He will turn 44 in just a couple of days (April 22).
Ezekiel Jackson signed a developmental deal with WWE back in 2007. He made his main roster debut the following year, serving as The Brian Kendrick’s manager.
Jackson eventually became a singles star and he captured the ECW and WWE Intercontinental Titles. He and WWE parted ways in 2014.
After spending some time working for Impact Wrestling and Lucha Underground, Jackson retired from in-ring action. Today, Ezekiel Jackson is a professional fitness coach.
Former NXT Cruiserweight Champion Kushida has reportedly left WWE.
Fightful Select is reporting that Kushida has made his exit from the company. The report notes that his contract expired. There’s currently no word on whether or not he was offered a new deal. The report also mentions that there was no word of bringing Kushida to the main roster before his exit.
Kushida signed with WWE back in 2019. He entered the promotion as one of the most renowned junior heavyweights in Japanese wrestling. He is a six-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and captured the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship twice with Alex Shelley as the Time Splitters.
As mentioned, Kushida was able to lay claim to gold in WWE, holding the NXT Cruiserweight Title for 161 days. Once that reign ended, however, he was paired with Ikemen Jiro to form the joke tag team, Jacket Time.
It’s no secret that WWE’s NXT brand has undergone significant changes since Kushida was signed. It’s no longer about signing independent talent and international stars to build the brand. NXT is now about preparing younger talent for Vince McMahon’s vision of the main roster.
As expected, Rhea Ripley has turned on Liv Morgan.
Ripley and Morgan challenged Sasha Banks and Naomi for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles. Ripley and Morgan had already been unsuccessful in dethroning Sasha and Naomi but Ripley was able to get them a rematch.
On the April 18 episode of Raw, Ripley ate the pinfall and blamed Liv for not making the save. Ripley hit the Riptide on Liv and made her way backstage.
There has been much speculation on what is in store for Rhea Ripley now that she’s turned heel. Some have expressed belief that she will end up joining Edge and Damian Priest. Time will tell if that’s the direction WWE will go in.
