WWE has scheduled Naomi versus Mandy Rose for this Tuesday’s Smackdown. Rose has been antagonizing Naomi as of late by making “advances” toward Naomi’s husband, Jimmy Uso. Naomi will get her chance at revenge when they go one-on-one on Tuesday night.
A match between the two Superstars was also scheduled to take place back in December but was canceled last minute. In the storyline, the cancellation was caused by a last-minute photo shoot for Mandy Rose but in reality, she is believed to have been under the weather that day.
Mandy Rose vs Naomi
I’m not sure if my match got cut or if @WWE_MandyRose just didn’t show regardless I’m over it I’ll let the fans handle this 1 for me #sdlive ??
“I’m not sure if my match got cut or if @WWE_MandyRose just didn’t show regardless I’m over it I’ll let the fans handle this 1 for me #sdlive”
To which Rose responded:
The real truth is that I was too busy to wait around and had a photoshoot, something @NaomiWWE doesn’t know anything about. You should be glad bc I was going to embarrass you tonight SIS! #Priorities ? #SDLivepic.twitter.com/abPbXIc5M7
“The real truth is that I was too busy to wait around and had a photoshoot, something @NaomiWWE doesn’t know anything about. You should be glad bc I was going to embarrass you tonight SIS! #Priorities”
Also scheduled for Tuesday’s show is Andrade vs Rey Mysterio in a best 2-of-3 falls match. Samoa Joe will also take on Mustafa Ali.
“Mandy Rose sunk to new lows to embarrass Naomi last week on SmackDown LIVE, persuading both Naomi and her husband Jimmy Uso to a hotel room in a plan that ultimately resulted in Naomi being downed by The Golden Goddess.” – WWE Press Release
It is unclear if Mike Bennett and/or Maria Kanellis asked for their WWE releases recently. It was reported by Pro Wrestling Sheet the couple had asked for their release but this was publicly denied by Maria.
I was not going to address this but I am getting phone calls and emails about it. I DID NOT ask for my release. Speculation and rumors are running rampant. Someone is playing all the… https://t.co/WvmvP4Z2Tz
Pro Wrestling Sheet responded that they reached out to the couple for comment but did not receive one.
In a segment on Wrestling Observer radio this morning, Dave Meltzer said the following on the Kanellis’ WWE status.
“The story (Mike & Maria asking for their release) is not wrong but it was several weeks ago and from what I understand they asked to give notice and were turned down,” Meltzer said, though it is unclear if his anonymous sources were any different than PW Sheet’s.
Maria Kanellis – Sports Entertainment Degree – Paul Heyman Endorsed
Maria Kanellis and Mike Bennett would likely be scooped up fast by another promotion if they were granted their releases. Kanellis, in particular, could be someone who plays a prominent role backstage in wrestling one day.
Maria was released from WWE in 2010. She received a “WWE Talent Scholarship” to get her University degree shortly after. Maria then attended Johnson and Wales University from 2013-2017 and obtained a degree in the highly relevant to her career field of Sports Entertainment and Event Management. She was re-signed to WWE shortly after completing her degree in 2017.
Paul Heyman, who worked with Maria in OVW, has referred to her as the most underrated creative mind in the industry.
. @wrestling_page2 @RealMikeBennett I DOUBLE DAWG DARE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! cc – @MariaLKanellis, the most underrated creative mind in the industry, has been since 2005 when I witnessed it myself in @WWE – #OVW. #JustSaying But I digress. Oh yeah … I DOUBLE DAWG DARE YOU! https://t.co/suyY6K2CxG
Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson have been in the headlines quite a bit as of late. It has been reported that the tag-team asked for their release from the promotion recently. According to Wrestling Observer Radio, their contracts run until April next year.
“They have been wanting to give notice for a while,” Meltzer said on the show. “Everything is up in the air, they worked the house shows this weekend.”
Their match in San Antonio was evidently a show-stealer, which Sasha Banks referenced on Twitter.
“They haven’t been given their release,” Meltzer stated. “Their contract is up in April 2020 which is a long ways away.”
Pro Wrestling Sheet stated the team was unhappy with how tag-team wrestling in WWE is presented. This then led to them asking for their release.
“Sources tell us the tag team’s decision to ask for their releases was based on how little time and respect the division is given,” the report reads.
Dash Wilder also applied to trademark the term “#FTR” on New Year’s Day. This led to speculation the team was looking to leave the company.
It was also believed the Revival requested to work more on NXT. This was addressed by Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Live recently.
“The only thing I can tell you about The Revival right now is I don’t know if they asked from a release from WWE, but I do know they have been asking about doing more matches down in NXT,” Alvarez said.
In recent months, there have been several rumors that Smackdown Superstar, Andrade, is not happy with how WWE has used him. The 29-year-old signed with the promotion in 2015. Aside from participating in the 2018 Royal Rumble match, Andrade has never wrestled on a WWE main roster PPV.
According to a recent report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Andrade has warned other luchadors from signing with the promotion.
“In the case of Rush, he’s very close with Andrade, who pretty much warned him and Dragon Lee about going to WWE,” wrote Dave Meltzer in reference to Rush’s signing with ROH.
“Andrade’s advice was that WWE wasn’t what it was cracked up to being,” Meltzer continued.
Andrade On Smackdown
Andrade has played a more important role on Smackdown as of late. He defeated Rey Mysterio in single’s action this week. Andrade is scheduled to face Rey Mysterio again this week in a best 2-of-3 falls match on Tuesday.
Tuesday will be the 3rd single’s match between Andrade and Mysterio in WWE. Mysterio beat Andrade in the first match back in November. Andrade and Samoa Joe defeated Mustafa Ali and Mysterio two weeks ago on Smackdown as well.
Recently, WWE shortened Andrade’s name from Andrade “Cien” Almas to just Andrade.
After making a surprise appearance at Bar Wrestling earlier this week, Young Bucks Matt & Nick Jackson showed up Saturday night at a Defy Wrestling event in Seattle, Washington.
It seems likely after this weekend that members of the Elite will be making surprise appearances for independent wrestling promotions. Before showing up in Los Angeles recently, Hangman Page, the Bucks, and Cody sent out several one-word Tweets which when placed together read “See You In Los Angeles.”
Similarly, before showing up in Seattle last night, the Young Bucks Tweeted out a picture of an iconic Seattle location:
Nick Jackson told CBS Sports recently that they were close to signing with WWE in this latest round of free agency.
“That was the closest that it’s ever come to us going there, for sure. And they were great. They were respectful, and they told us what our value was,” Nick Jackson said. “I think it was really like a wake-up call for us. It was almost like, wow. It’s good to be wanted. These guys, they’re teaching us we are valuable and we’re worth this much.”
“It was definitely something we were considering, and it was hard to turn down because it would have been life-changing.”
On the final Raw before their Royal Rumble 2019 title match, Ronda Rousey and Sasha Banks will be on opposing sides of tag-team action. Scheduled for this week’s Raw is Rousey and Natalya taking on Banks and Bayley.
This week’s Raw will take place in the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City. No other matches have been made official for Monday’s show.
“With the animosity between The Baddest Woman on the Planet and The Boss ramping up over the past week, both on the last edition of Raw and on social media, what will it look like when the two have a chance to get their hands on one another just six nights before their title clash?” – WWE Press Release.
Ronda Rousey & Natalya vs Sasha Banks & Bayley Stats
This will be the 4th time that Rousey and Natalya have teamed together on WWE programming. They are a perfect 3-0 so far. They were victorious against the teams of Alexa Bliss & Mickie James, Nia Jax & Tamina, and in a triple threat match involving Jax & Tamina and Sarah Logan & Liv Morgan at Tribute to the Troops.
Bayley and Sasha Banks teamed together 22 times in 2018. They finished the year with a record of14-8.
Banks said recently it’s her goal to be a double-champ, holding both singles and tag-team gold.
“It’s just cool at the start of 2019 going into the title picture and hearing the tag titles are coming,” Banks said to Talk Sport. “So for me, my goal is to be a double champion.”
Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson are rumored to have requested their release from WWE. According to a recent report from Pro Wrestling Sheet, the team is not pleased with how tag-team wrestling is presented in WWE.
“Sources tell us the tag team’s decision to ask for their releases was based on how little time and respect the division is given,” the report reads.
Amongst their concerns are teams like the Club, AOP, and Roode & Gable being treated as afterthoughts.
The Revival’s WWE Status
While details are sketchy, it is believed they requested their release and had their requests denied. It was also reported that their WWE contracts still have “a decent amount of time” left on them.
There had also been reports they had asked to work matches in NXT. This was addressed on Wrestling Observer Live by Bryan Alvarez last week.
“The only thing I can tell you about The Revival right now is I don’t know if they asked from a release from WWE, but I do know they have been asking about doing more matches down in NXT,” he said on the show.
The Revival Trademark #FTR
Dash Wilder applied to trademark the term “#FTR” on New Years Day. The hashtag has previously been used by the Young Bucks in an online rivalry the two teams had. Recently, both members of the Revival have had #FTR on their ring gear.
Impact Wrestling presented their second episode on Pursuit last night. The show was also live-streamed on Twitch. Impact was back in the Asylum this week but next week’s episode will be the first from their Mexico tapings held last week.
Here are 10 takeaways from Impact Wrestling 1/18:
LAX Antagonized The Lucha Bros
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mo-9oC7lRQ
In the final moments of Impact Wrestling this week, members of LAX and the Lucha Bros were seen backstage. Santana and Ortiz had just defeated the Crist brothers in the main event when they were approached by Pentagon and Fenix. LAX told the brothers if they ever wanted another beating they could come get it which caused Konnan to react angrily. It seems perhaps not all was settled between these two teams at Homecoming.
Brian Cage Wants His Title Rematch/Not Pleased Johnny Impact Is Defending Against Killer Kross
Brian Cage opened up this week’s edition of Impact Wrestling by attacking KM and Caleb Konley, who was wrestling in the opener.
Cage feels he was robbed of the title at Homecoming and is not happy about Johnny Impact putting the title on the line against Killer Kross next week before him. Cage promised he would be there in Mexico watching the match. When Johnny Impact came out to answer him, however, Killer Kross and Moose jumped him.
A match between Moose and Brian Cage was made for later in the night.
Tessa Blanchard’s Attempted Murder Of Gail Kim
Tessa Blanchard assaulted several people in the back this week before turning her attention to Gail Kim. She strangled the Hall-of-Famer with a set of cords, the consequence of Kim’s refereeing at Homecoming costing her the belt.
Blanchard was promptly suspended by Scott D’Amore for her actions.
Gail Kim was on this week’s Impact Press Pass. I had the chance to ask her about the Knockouts division and she also commented on possibly coming out of retirement for one more match.
OVE Want Rich Swann To “Come Home”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0cauwhCcgo
Sami Callihan refers to Rich Swann as “Family”. He’s said to Swann it’s time to come home. We’ve heard Swann tell Willie Mack that messing with Sami Callihan isn’t a good idea, though we know little else about their previous relationship, other than they’ve wrestled a bunch on the independents.
Swann defeated Trey from the Rascalz this week. After the match, however, the members of OVE offered him a shirt and a spot in their faction. LAX came out before Swann could really respond, however, and the main event between OVE and LAX began.
Trey Miguel Didn’t Win Homecoming King
.@TheTreyMiguel is upset that he didn't win Homecoming king (which wasn't an actual thing) but he has Rich Swann TONIGHT! #IMPACT @DezmondXavier @zachary_wentz
In a scene reminiscent of “That 70s Show” (surprisingly good upon rewatching), the Rascalz got some things off their chest this week. Trey was upset that despite his suit and crown, he didn’t win Homecoming King. Evidently, Homecoming King is not even a thing.
Zachary and Dezmond lamented over their loss to the Lucha Bros last week but Trey quickly found a way to end the conversation.
Jordynne Grace Defeated Dark Allie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfkIHmq38h8
Allie took her first loss since returning from the underworld this week. She lost to the impressive Jordynne Grace, who continues her undefeated streak in Impact Wrestling. She got the win with something of a pump-handle driver. Callis mentioned that Grace just dominated Allie.
Su Yung got up on the ring apron during the match and tried to cause a distraction. Perhaps, a Jordynne Grace vs Su Yung clash is not long off. Should Grace get the win there, it’s likely she’ll be in the Knockouts title picture sooner rather than later.
Rosemary Confronts Dark Allie
After Grace defeated Allie, Su Yung entered the ring and outstretched her hand to Allie. The lights went off, however, and when they came back Su Yung had turned into Rosemary. Allie bolted from the ring.
The commentary team couldn’t figure out what happened to Su Yung.
Brian Cage Defeated Moose
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xg3AsCRbzX8
Brian Cage picked up a win over Moose tonight in a bout between two wrestlers who have been at the top of the Impact roster for the last year. Moose tried to bring a chair into the ring but Cage wasn’t deterred. He ducked the chair shot, hit a knee to the face, and then Drill Claw for the win.
Moose has picked up a few losses in a row recently after also having lost to Eddie Edwards at Homecoming as well.
Eli Drake Says Eddie Edwards Is “A Hardcore Loser”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUFzKAeK4NA
Eddie Edwards’ match with Ethan Page was evidently not hardcore enough for the Boston native. He got himself disqualified after hitting his opponent with a kendo stick. Eli Drake, who has spoken out against hardcore wrestling, cut a promo on Edwards after the match. He said Edwards just needs to put on a bit more weight and he’d look just like Tommy Dreamer. Drake said that ever since Edwards went “hardcore” he’s fallen out of the title scene and it’s time for the old Eddie Edwards to come back.
The Winner Of The Smoke Show’s Talent Search Is…Scarlett Bordeaux
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbKfmmjXpjA
Scarlett Bordeaux announced she was the winner of her global talent search. While this news was a little anti-climactic, Bordeaux also announced that she’s going to start competing in the ring, which more than makes up for her lack of a talent search winner. Bordeaux is about to become a competing member of the Knockouts division, which should add to an already deep division.
Quick Results:
KM vs Caleb Konley – No Contest
Ethan Page defeated Eddie Edwards via DQ
Jordynne Grace defeated Dark Allie
Brian Cage defeated Moose
LAX defeated OVE
Next Week:
Impact World Championship
Johnny Impact (c) vs Killer Kross
Rey Mysterio will face Andrade (aka Andrade “Cien” Almas) this Tuesday on Smackdown in a best 2-of-3 falls match. The bout was officially confirmed by WWE.com earlier today.
Andrade defeated Mysterio in single’s action last week on Smackdown. 2 weeks ago Andrade and Samoa Joe defeated Mysterio and Mustafa Ali in tag-team action.
Andrade and Mysterio have been wrestling at WWE live events the last couple of months as well. They wrestled in November on Smackdown in a Survivor Series qualifying match, which Mysterio won.
“Will Mysterio get the leg up on Andrade this time around? Or, will the surging Andrade take down The Greatest Mask of All Time again, seizing pivotal Royal Rumble momentum in the process?” – WWE press release.
Smackdown This Week
Smackdown takes place from Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, KS this week. Mustafa Ali vs Samoa Joe has also been scheduled for the show. They were supposed to wrestle last week as well but Joe attacked Ali before the bell and the match was ruled a no-contest.
“The Samoan Submission Machine would cite that his reason for the attack was to send a message to every Superstar ahead of Royal Rumble … but Ali won’t stand to be made an example of.” – WWE press release
It’s hard not to notice similarities between Cody’s career and his father’s. This is especially the case now that he will be handling creative for a wrestling promotion as well. Cody spoke to ESPN recently about what he learned from his father which he’ll take with him into his new role with All Elite Wrestling.
“My dad was executive producer at WCW and was the booker for Jim Crockett Promotions,” Cody said of the Dream. “I learned so much from being his son. I’ll be honest — I don’t like when other people say it, but I can say it — I learned from the things he did right and I also learned from the things he did wrong because he had to live with them for a good portion of his career. A lot of it is on the board criticism, but I’ve seen that and I feel like I know what to stay away from and know which direction to go.”
We lost Dusty Rhodes in the summer of 2015 at the age of 69 due to kidney failure.
Cody On His Booking Philosophies
Cody reiterated some of what he said during SEScoops’ exclusive conversation with him earlier this week as well. He believes wrestlers need to be given a certain amount of creative freedom.
“One thing we are trying to do here is let guys go out there and play their music like they are going to play it,” he continued. “If I invest in a talent like, let’s say MJF [Maxwell Jacob Friedman] for example, it’s not my job to micromanage you.”
The 33-year-old is considerably younger than many of those who have been put in similar situations. Still, Cody was born into professional wrestling and is motivated to create positive change in the industry. He believes talent having creative freedom will be a key driver of change in the business.
“If we look at the heyday of WWF in the late ’80s and the type of wrestling that I love dearly, those were grown men who knew what the direction was, they got a finish, they got a time, and they went out there and delivered what they delivered. It wasn’t something that was micromanaged. Maybe slightly consulted or massaged, but they were the stars, so why micromanage them? We will not be micromanaging anybody.”
Gail Kim’s officiating at Homecoming came under fire last week when Taya Valkyrie defeated Tessa Blanchard for the Knockouts Championship. She was asked about her officiating in the match as well as the potential for her coming out of retirement for one more match with Tessa Blanchard on today’s Impact Wrestling Press Pass.
“Yes, there’s a lot of controversy in terms of my officiating at the Homecoming PPV,” Kim said. “That moment just built up to what happened and I’m going to defend myself. Tessa was abusing authority at that point.”
Ok well im hearing this a lot. So her pushing me twice, choking out a previous referee and trying to choke and punch me was ok…. funny how the minds work. I was going to let that match happen no matter what. The difference is I will defend myself. https://t.co/zSZKLAgG9Z
Kim continued to say that DQ’ing Blanchard was “the easy way out.”
Last week on Impact Wrestling, Blanchard used Kim’s Eat Defeat move to win a single’s match. This has led to speculation Kim could come out of retirement for one more match against Tessa Blanchard.
“It depends on the circumstances and how far I’m pushed,” Kim said regarding coming out of retirement. “I think it goes honestly by how my body feels at that moment because still to this day since I retired last February my back gives me a lot of problems.”
She continued to say that she is getting an update on her back shortly, however, and if she feels good she wouldn’t object to one more match. Kim also wants to know how bad the fans want to see it as well.
Gail Kim On Dark Allie, Su Yung, & Rosemary
I had the chance to ask Kim on the call what the dark storyline featuring Su Yung, Dark Allie, & Rosemary brings to the division.
“I think it’s the first time that I’ve ever witnessed in my time female dark characters of this magnitude,” Kim said.
Kim then spoke regarding the diversity of characters earlier in the Knockout division’s history.
“I feel like what really broke the mold with the original Knockouts division is when we had a variety of characters like ODB and Awesome Kong,” Kim continued. “Things you had never seen before and then it kind of opened that door to different types of characters. Rosemary came along and Su Yung made that transition, because she’s been wrestling a really long time, and now we have Dark Allie. I’ll say they proved me wrong because I always thought there isn’t space for 3 dark characters.”
Kim continued to say Rosemary is the most popular Knockout currently and she’s been injured for a long time. She also mentioned that kids enjoy the storyline.
Gail Kim On Wrestlers Impact Wrestling Could Sign
Kim was also asked about what female Superstars on the independent scene she’d like to sign. Her answer suggests she’s frustrated with other wrestling promotions signing up lots of talent.
“There’s a couple of girls I guess but I almost don’t want to say it because WWE signs everyone,” Kim joked. “There snatching up everyone and making slim pickings for everyone.”
She mentioned rumors that Viper had signed with WWE. Kim also mentioned of Shotzi Blackheart who competed on Impact last year but is currently injured. She then said there are a few girls in Mexico she was interested in bringing into Impact as well.
“I just want more of a pool to pick from,” Kim continued. She continued to say that many prospects are now choosing to turn down WWE, however, feeling as though they would get lost in the shuffle.
IWGP Junior Heavyweight, KUSHIDA, announced earlier this month his intentions to leave New Japan Pro Wrestling. His final match with the promotion will be on January 29th against Hiroshi Tanahashi. KUSHIDA is expected to end up with WWE.
According to a report in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, part of KUSHIDA’s decision to leave had to do with how he was being booked.
“One of the things with Kushida which led to his leaving for WWE is that early last year he wanted to go heel and join the Bullet Club,” Dave Meltzer wrote. “Gedo wanted him to stay in his place.”
The report continued to say his booking was likely not the only factor in his decision, however.
“That probably isn’t the only reason but it was part of it,” Meltzer continued. “He handled it professionally, working until 1/29, doing his clean jobs at the Dome and Dash, and because he handled it so professionally he’s getting his first career singles match with Hiroshi Tanahashi on his last night at Korakuen Hall.”
KUSHIDA Announces Departure From NJPW
Kushida announced he is leaving NJPW at a press conference in Tokyo earlier this month.
“As mentioned previously by Mr. Sugabayashi, I will leave New Japan Pro-Wrestling at the end of January,” KUSHIDA said. “Regarding this choice and decision, it was one made with the full co-operation and understanding of Mr. Kidani, Mr. Meij and Mr. Sugabayashi. It was a very big decision in my life and I’m thankful they understood. As for the future, I would like to see the wide world of professional wrestling with my own eyes, from one end of the earth to the other.”
NXT Superstar, Dakota Kai, is going in for surgery to repair a torn ACL. She hasn’t wrestled since an NXT house show in Green Bay on December 17th. Kai was teaming with Candice LeRae & Kairi Sane in a match against Shayna Baszler, Jessamyn Duke, and Marina Shafir when the injury occurred.
“I had always felt invincible. Working through minor injuries was something I never thought twice about because love what I get to do.”
“On December 7th in Green Bay during the last NXT Road Loop of 2018, I planted my foot awkwardly after a kick and I tore my ACL. I put off posting this because I wanted to focus on being home for the holidays and to be honest, I dreaded having to even mention this as I didn’t want to let any of you down. That, over everything, was and is the most heartbreaking feeling in the world.”
“Unfortunately, this will take me out for a bit. I’m surrounded by amazing people, doctors, trainers, and you. It helps more than I can explain especially being so far away from my family. The amount of positivity and support I have received already has been so overwhelming. It’s going to be a tough ride, mentally and physically. I know that. The last thing I want is any sympathy… but hear me when I say this: Within my whole being, I know for sure I will be back stronger than ever. I will hit the ground, running. That’s a promise.”
“‘Above all, don’t fear the difficult moments. The best comes from them.’”
Members of the Elite appeared at Joey Ryan’s Bar Wrestling last night in Los Angeles. Cody said he was at the show because they were interested in signing someone to AEW.
“3 Executive Vice Presidents; Didn’t work for WCW but it’s going to work for AEW!” Cody proclaimed. “So we’re in charge of hiring and firing people, right?”
The live crowd chanted for Joey Ryan to be hired by Cody. Unfortunately, Cody revealed Joey Ryan is under contract to Lucha Underground until 2028. So, Cody announced he was signing everyone in attendance instead and then went crowd-surfing.
Video of their performance at Bar Wrestling can be viewed below:
Bar Wrestling was founded in Los Angeles in 2017 by Joey Ryan. Last night’s event was the 28th in the promotion’s history and was named “The Best City I’ve Ever Been To.” Their next event is on January 31st and is titled “Four Touchdowns In A Single Game.”
The Elite At Bar Wrestling
During the Elite’s performance, Hangman Page and Joey Ryan buried the hatched. The two had been involved in a heated rivalry last year in the build-up to All In. Page had left Ryan for dead and lived under suspicion of his murder for several months. Page posted the following to Twitter after last night’s show:
Major League Wrestling will air live from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia on Saturday, February 2nd on BeIN Sports. An MLW press release confirmed the news that the promotion’s second live episode of Fusion will take place next month.
“Major League Wrestling and beIN SPORTS are excited to announce that on Saturday night February 2nd at 8pm ET, the 2300 Arena will host the next MLW Fusion LIVE on beIN SPORTS.”
One match for the live special has been officially confirmed. Pentagon and Fenix will defend their MLW World Tag Team Championships against the Hart Foundation team of Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Teddy Hart. The Hart Foundation will also have Brian Pillman Jr. in their corner.
MLW Fusion Live: February 2nd, 2019
Philadelphia PA, 2300 Arena
The current card for MLW Superfight on February 2nd includes:
MLW World Heavyweight Champion Low-Ki (c) vs Tom Lawlor
MLW World Tag Team Champions Pentagon and Fenix w/Konnan vs The Hart Foundation (Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Teddy Hart) w/ Brian Pillman Jr.
On the latest episode of the Talk is Jericho podcast, Chris Jericho went in-depth about what led to him signing with All Elite Wrestling.
Evidently, the first rumbling of All Elite Wrestling first occurred in a group text chat that had been created for the Chris Jericho Rock N Rager at Sea. The group included Cody, the Young Bucks, Jericho, and Kenny Omega. Tony Khan’s name started coming up even before All In in the summer of 2018.
Chris Jericho On Meeting With Tony Khan
“We’re group texting, we’re becoming friends, making jokes, laughing, talking about the cruise, all this different stuff,” Jericho said. “Then I started hearing about this guy Tony Khan. This was brought to my attention by my manager, Barry Bloom. ‘There’s a guy who wants to start a new company, his family is very wealthy, he’s the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars and he wants to talk to you.’”
Jericho said at first he didn’t think much of it because people want to start promotions all the time. He was then contacted by Cody for All In, however. At first, Jericho didn’t think he’d be able to do it as he was on tour with Fozzy. Nick Jackson made the pitch for him to dress up as Pentagon, however, and Tony Khan’s private jet flew him to the event to be there on time.
Not long after All In, Jericho met with Tony Khan in Florida.
“We happened to have a Fozzy gig in Jacksonville, FL around that same time (September 26th),” Jericho continued. “That was when I had a meeting with Tony Khan for four hours and really had a chance to get to know this guy.”
“That’s when I realized this guy really wants to do this,” Jericho continued. He then said he respected his passion and respected what his family has done in business. When his original offer from AEW came in, Jericho said it blew his mind.
Chris Jericho On Receiving An Offer From AEW
“The original offer that came in, was like, it blew my mind,” Jericho said. “This is like a real almost NHL-level offer.”
After the cruise, Jericho said he was really enjoying what he was doing and who he was working with. The idea of not going back to WWE was looking less appealing to him.
Ultimately, however, Jericho concluded he signed with AEW for the challenge and to do something different.
Chris Jericho On Working For A Promotion Other Than WWE
Jericho addressed his previous statement that he would never work for another wrestling promotion in the United States other than WWE early in his podcast.
“That was the case,” Jericho said. “That was very much the truth when all of this started. Basically, what happened was I finished up with the WWE, I believe it was in May of 2017. That’s when I ended up losing the US title to Kevin Owens.”
Jericho explained that he did an injury angle and he left WWE then. He then went on tour with Fozzy after they released Judas. Jericho said Fozzy was on tour for about 19 months and he didn’t have a lot of time for WWE or wrestling in general. He did get a call from Don Callis that summer, however, asking if he would be interested in wrestling Kenny Omega in NJPW.
Chris Jericho On Wrestling With NJPW
The original plan had been for Jericho to just wrestle the one match in the Tokyo Dome. Jericho says he told Vince McMahon and the WWE chairman was very accommodating.
Once in Japan, Jericho said he really enjoyed working with New Japan Pro Wrestling. In particular, Jericho said he enjoyed the freedom NJPW gives its talent to run their own angles. Jericho continued to say it was his idea to continue his relationship with NJPW the next night at New Year’s Dash 2018 when he attacked Tetsuya Naito. He then signed a 3-match deal with NJPW.
Back In WWE, Greatest Royal Rumble
Jericho said he then received a very large payoff to do the Greatest Royal Rumble show in Saudi Arabia, one of the biggest of his career. He had been booked to wrestle the Undertaker on the show but after he told Vince he signed a 3-match deal with NJPW, Rusev was put back in that match. Jericho then asked Vince why he was taken out of the match and was told it was because the Saudi Prince wanted Rusev vs Taker. This is not why Jericho believes he was pulled from the match, however. He feels his relationship with NJPW is what led to the change.
After winning the IWGP Intercontinental Championship in NJPW, Jericho says he pitched Vince on a match for SummerSlam. Jericho pitched an IC champ vs IC champ match versus Seth Rollins but evidently, Vince was not interested.
Wanting To Wrestle In Impact Wrestling
Jericho said he’s really been enjoying Impact Wrestling lately and received a good offer from the promotion.
“They were going to spend some money on Chris Jericho,” he said of Impact Wrestling. “I did honestly talk to Impact and really really thought about going there.”
Tonight’s episodes of Smackdown and 205 Live will emanate from the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, AL. The Cruiserweight division will return to the WWE Network on Tuesday nights at 10 PM tonight.
Smackdown 1/15 Preview
Rey Mysterio vs Andrade “Cien” Almas
Excluding non-televised events, these two have met twice before. Almas pinned Mysterio in a tag match last week. Mysterio defeated Almas, however, on the November 6, 2018, edition of Smackdown from Manchester.
These two have a chance to steal the show as they go one-on-one again tonight.
Carmella vs Sonya Deville
Says the chick who got eliminated by her “day one” at #WWEEvolution. ?
Why don’t you put your hair up and square up with me this Tuesday on #SDLive? Unless you’re gonna be too embarrassed when you lose to the chick with the dance breaks.. ? https://t.co/sDEaUR7Qej
Deville is upset that Carmella was given a spot in the triple threat match to declare a new #1 contender for the Smackdown women’s title last week. These two then went back and forth on Twitter in the days leading up to tonight’s show.
How Vicious is the New Daniel Bryan?
Daniel Bryan has promised to show AJ Styles just how vicious he can be when they clash at the Rumble. He might decide to give him a sneak preview tonight, however. Bryan might also decide to bring up some environmentally destructive things the live audience does on a regular basis.
Asuka vs Becky Lynch Segment
Becky Lynch won a triple threat match last week to earn the right to challenge for the smack down women’s championship at the Royal Rumble this year. New champion, Asuka, is not about to back down, however. With two weeks left until the Rumble, Lynch, and Asuka will be in the same building tonight.
205 Live 1/15 Preview
Buddy Murphy Open Challenge (non-title)
Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy plans to hold an Open Challenge tonight. His title won’t be on the line, however. Who will answer Murphy’s call?
Murphy will also have to worry about his upcoming title match at the Rumble against Akira Tozawa, Kalisto, and Hideo Itami.
Shane Strickland announced on Tuesday that he is officially a free agent. With WWE, NJPW, AEW, ROH and MLW signing up talent left and right, don’t expect “Swerve” to remain on the sidelines for long.
Officially a free agent again
— The Realest Swerve Strickland (@swerveconfident) January 15, 2019
Shane Strickland – WWE Interest?
A report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter in August suggested WWE had interest in Strickland.
“Shane Strickland is another name (WWE) are looking at and will be coming in for a future look,” Dave Meltzer wrote. At the time, however, Strickland was under contract to Major League Wrestling. He had been the promotion’s World Champion from April to July last year.
It was then announced last November that Strickland would be finishing up with MLW at their Miami tapings in December. Strickland also lost the DEFY championship last month.
Shane Strickland’s Career Thus Far
Strickland got his first break in the wrestling business with CZW in 2012. Lucha Underground then cast him as Killshot in 2015. He was involved in a heavily praised storyline along with AR Fox on the show.
Beginning in 2018, Strickland competed with EVOLVE, AAA, PCW, and Major League Wrestling. He became the first man since Steve Corino in 2004 to hold the Major League Wrestling World Championship when he defeated Matt Riddle in the finals of a tournament at Gilt Nightclub in Orlando on April 12th, 2018.
On April 6th, NJPW and ROH will perform in front of a sold-out Madison Square Garden. No matches have been made official for the event. There is a rumored main event match being talked about, however. The show’s potential main event was addressed recently on Wrestling Observer Radio. According to Dave Meltzer, the rumored main event is Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Kazuchika Okada.
“That’s the match I’ve heard,” Meltzer said referring to Tanahashi vs Okada. “I don’t think it’s official or anything. When I was in Japan that was what everybody was saying but I don’t know if that was more rumor and what would make sense. It’s kind of like if you don’t have Omega in the main event then you have to have Tanahashi and Okada.”
Tetsuya Naito was discussed as someone who could be put in the main event as well. Chris Jericho’s name came up in the discussion too.
Tanahashi vs Okada is one of the most storied rivalries in NJPW history, however. The two have met in 13 single’s match. They each have a record of 5-5-3 against each other dating back to 2010.
Some members of the Elite have specifically mentioned they will not be performing on April 6th. Cody had the following to say on the show to Sports Illustrated late last year:
“After 10 years with WWE doing ’Mania weekend and two more with ROH, I am leaving that weekend for the boys and girls of the WWE.”
This week’s episode of Being the Elite followed several members of the AEW roster while in Jacksonville for last week’s rally. Things began with the Young Bucks welcoming Britt Baker to the new promotion.
Britt Baker Confronts The Young Bucks Over Adam Cole’s Murder
Britt Baker signed with All Elite Wrestling recently despite having a rocky relationship with the promotion’s executives, Matt & Nick Jackson. To open up this week’s episode, the Young Bucks welcomed her to the promotion. Baker then asked if they wanted to address the elephant in the room. She then began to confront the Bucks over the murder of her boyfriend, Adam Cole, but she was cut off by the Being the Elite intro.
Young Bucks Comment On Unknown Future In Japan
Matt & Nick Jackson commented on their future wrestling in Japan early on in this week’s episode.
“We’re hopping on a plane today flying business to Chicago,” Matt Jackson said. “Leaving Japan, possibly the last time, for a long time.”
Nick Jackson then noted it could the last time, they don’t know.
“We don’t know what the future will be for us here in this country,” Matt noted. He then said he hopes they can come back because they love Japan but they don’t know what the future is for them there.
Flying Economy Class Vs Private Jet
Matt Jackson pointed out that they’ve done plenty of blogs from the economy section of airplanes but now they are doing one from Tony Khan’s private jet. They noted that their whole families went through about 24 hours travel to get to the rally in Jacksonville.
Scorpio Sky Continues Candy Bar Gimmick
Scorpio Sky continued his storyline involving candy bars this week. He was seen drinking wine with Kazarian when he mentioned he had a case of the “Snickers”. This led to him packing a suitcase, getting on a plane, and traveling to an unnamed city with palm trees, checking into a hotel and barricading the door. Despite going to great lengths to prevent Matt Jackson from continuing the long-running gag, Matt came out of nowhere and handed Sky a Snickers chocolate bar.
All Elite Wrestling Rally Highlights
After Scorpio Sky ate a Snickers bar out of Matt Jackson’s hand, the episode showed clips from the All Elite Wrestling rally in Jacksonville last week. Nick Jackson announcing Double or Nothing in the MGM Grand Garden Arena was shown.
Hangman Page was seen taking some promotional photos for AEW. Cody then mentioned Page was looking jacked but not “PAC jacked.”.
Page could only utter “what?” before the camera cut away to highlights of their confrontation at the rally.
Joey Janela Is Not Good At Football
AEW roster member, Joey Janela, was shown on the Jacksonville Jaguars practice field. He threw a bad pass, not at all reminiscent of when Mr. Perfect threw a touchdown to himself.
From Jacksonville to Chicago, felt great to be on the road again this week!
Jacksonville Is The Worst Town SCU Has Ever Been In
Granted, they say this about a lot of towns but the members of SCU were not impressed with Jacksonville this week. The trio was shown on the Jacksonville Jaguars practice field as well and Christopher Daniels complained about it being humid and not being able to find a good flavor of Monster energy drink.
Cody Is Taking MJF Under His Wing
Cody told Hangman Page and the Young Bucks he’s taking MJF under his wing this week and introduced him to them. When Cody wasn’t around, however, MJF told the Bucks and Page he doesn’t plan on being their “cool friend” and said he was better than them. Once Cody came back, however, he went back to being friendly.
Reliving Chris Jericho’s Rally Appearance
Clips of Chris Jericho standing on the stage at the rally with pyro exploding all around him was shown. Parts of Jericho’s speech from the rally was also shown as well.
“It starts now and it starts forever,” Jericho said at the rally. “I’m not here to change the world, AEW is not here to change the world, we’re here to change the whole universe!”
Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder have each taken a shot at Matt Taven recently. Dawson had posted and then deleted a Tweet about Taven having allegedly stolen tanning lotion at a WWE tryout several years ago. Wilder then posted the following response to seeing a similar looking move performed by the Kingdom at Honor Reigns Supreme last night.
Taven’s former stablemate in the Kingdom, Maria Kanellis, responded to Dash’s comments.
I’ve made a lot of mistakes and had to pay dearly for them. I don’t know what you are trying to prove but I know from experience that our business is a very small world. Be careful who you step on on the way up the ladder b/c they will be the same people you pass on the way down. https://t.co/xOPiYCJo3b
Matt Taven, Mike Bennett/Kanellis, & Maria Kanellis
Matt Taven is a former IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champion along with Mike Kanellis/Bennett. Along with Maria, the Kingdom won NJPW’s heavyweight tag titles during the course of a feud with Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows. Some say Anderson was not able to keep his mind on the match during this rivalry due to his infatuation with Maria.
Currently, Matt Taven is the leader of a new version of the Kingdom in ROH. TK O’Ryan and Vinnie Marseglia make up the other members of the trio.
#FTR
The Revival seem frustrated these days. In recent months, they’ve had to deal with “Lucha House Rules” and several instances of suspect officiating. Last week, the Revival lost a championship match even though Dawson’s foot was on the rope during the pin.
Dash Wilder applied to trademark “#FTR” on New Year’s day. The team has been wearing the term on the back of their trunks recently.
Former WWE Champion, John “Bradshaw” Layfield says he dealt with memory loss after retiring from wrestling. JBL was on Prime Time with Sean Mooney recently. He talked about his concerns about possibly having CTE, which currently can only be diagnosed posthumously.
The topic of the many unprotected chairshots that used to take place throughout JBL’s career came up. Mooney then asked JBL if he worries about the long term impacts of such blows to the head.
“I figure pretty sure soon I’ll be hunting for the Easter eggs I just hid. I don’t know, I should be the poster child for CTE,” JBL said. “When I first retired, I had short term memory loss, and I started reading about neuroplasticity in the brain, about how the brain can regenerate itself and I don’t know if it can or not.”
JBL then mentioned he does many cognitive strengthening activities to keep his mind active.
“I do all kinds of stuff, I do a mind game every day, I play chess, sudoku, I learn something different, a language, a few words of a different language, I learn something to always stretch the brain and my memory came back completely. Right now it appears to be as normal, if I can be called normal but as normal as I know I am. Right now, I don’t have any effects.”
In late December, there was a report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter which stated Impact Wrestling was looking to sell their company to All Elite Wrestling.
“It is not a secret that there were forces attempting to sell Impact to AEW a few months ago,” wrote Dave Meltzer. “But that proposal was turned down.”
Ed Nordholm then told talent on January 7th that Anthem was not looking to sell the company. The Observer clarified their story today.
“The only deal we know of regarding a potential sale was when Chris Jericho became aware of Tony Khan wanting to start a company and tried to set up a meeting with Khan and Impact,” Meltzer wrote in the latest edition of the Observer.
Meltzer would continue to say this discussion took place all the way back in September. This means Jericho has been involved in discussions involving the new promotion since shortly after All In.
“Anthem was willing to talk and this was in September but Khan, who at that point was exploring starting up, said that he would start up on his own and wasn’t looking at buying an existing company,” Meltzer continued.
Ed Nordholm On Impact Wrestling’s Future
Following the Homecoming PPV this weekend, Ed Nordholm addressed the roster at the following night’s TV tapings. He talked about the important role Impact plays in the expansion of the Fight Network. The combat sports station signed big deals in Mexico and the United Kingdom in 2018.
Impact Wrestling begins a new era tonight. With the move to the Pursuit channel, Impact retains the digital rights to their show. This means they are also able to stream tonight’s show on their Twitch channel. The show starts at 10 PM est.
Don Callis said on his podcast recently that with the move to the Pursuit channel there will be changes to how the product is presented. “I think people are gonna love to see a sexier, edgier, maybe a little more hardcore Impact Wrestling,” Callis said. “I’m really really pumped about that, so I’m pretty excited.”
The Impact roster is currently in Mexico filming TV today and tomorrow.
This will be a rematch from Homecoming. Callihan got the win on Sunday but only after receiving some outside help from OVE. They will run it back once again tonight.
Mack’s ally, new X-Division Champion Rich Swann, doesn’t think they should get involved against OVE, however. We’ll see where all this goes tonight.
Johnny Impact Is Out For Revenge
At Homecoming, Johnny was able to successfully defend his Impact World Championship against Brian Cage. Following his victory, however, Killer Kross attacked him and Taya from behind. Tonight, the Impact World Champion Is out for revenge and in his crosshairs is Killer Kross.
The Lucha Bros (Pentagon and Fenix) vs The Rascalz (Zachary Wentz & Dezmond Xavier)
TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT!!!! LUCHA BROS VS RASCALZ 10pm EST!!! On the new home of @impactwrestling PURSUIT! And if you don’t have pursuit, watch ON TWITCH!!!! ??? pic.twitter.com/ZTHlHw23Xf
The Lucha Bros dropped an Impact Tag Team Championship match to LAX at Homecoming. Tonight, they will try to get back in the win column when they take on the Rascalz. This match, in particular, strikes me as one that could steal the show tonight.
Tessa Blanchard likely has a bone to pick with Gail Kim. The Impact Wrestling Hall of Famer attacked Blanchard during her title match at Homecoming. While Blanchard no doubt antagonized her throughout the match, Kim chose to deliver her finisher to Blanchard, which set her up for Taya to hit the Road to Valhalla for the win.
Blanchard will be in single’s action tonight but she likely has a few things to say about what happened on Sunday as well.
Is Dark Allie Here To Stay?
At Homecoming, Rosemary returned and looked as though she was going to place her hand over Allie until Allie backed away and exited the ring. Does Rosemary have the ability to give Allie her soul back? Or is Dark Allie here to stay?
Konnan Reunites With LAX
Konnan chose not to be in the corner of Santana and Ortiz on Sunday. He did come out after the match and congratulated all four competitors, however. Tonight, Konnan plans to reunite with LAX and celebrate yet another championship defense for the team. LAX said they wanted to prove they could win without Konnan but now how does K-Dawg fit into their plans?
WWE has announced a 2-day tournament will take place at Royal Rumble Axxess this year. The show will also be taped to air at a later date on the WWE Network. The tournament will pit Superstars from NXT, NXT UK, and 205 Live against each other. The winner will receive a title match on any of the 3 brands.
“Brand-versus-brand dream matches will become a reality as 15 Superstars in total — five from NXT, five from NXT UK and five from 205 Live — will compete over the course of two days, with the tournament winner receiving a future NXT, NXT UK or 205 Live Championship Match of their choosing,” A WWE press release reads. “That means anyone can become a champion on any brand!”
Worlds Collide Tournament Participants
NXT:
Adam Cole
Velveteen Dream
Dominik Dijakovic
Keith Lee
Otis Dozovic
NXT UK
Mark Andrews
Tyler Bate
Travis Banks
Jordan Devlin
Zack Gibson
205 Live
Cedric Alexander
Humberto Carrillo
Tony Nese
Drew Gulak
TJP
Worlds Collide Tournament Format
The tournament gets going Saturday, January 26th, 2019 at the Royal Rumble Axxess event in Phoenix. A 15-person battle royal will take place to kick off Axxess at 8 AM on the Saturday session of the convention. The winner of the battle royal will receive a bye in the 1st round of the tournament. The seeding for the rest of the 1st round will be determined based on the order of eliminations. 7 tournament matches will then take place later in the day on the 26th.
On the Sunday, there should still be 8 Superstars still in the tournament barring any double count-outs/dqs. The final two rounds will take place between 8 AM – 5 PM the day of the Royal Rumble, January 27th.
