Both Vince and Stephanie McMahon have recently commented on the Alexa Bliss vs. Sasha Banks match from Abu Dhabi last night.

The match was the first between two females in the country. Bliss and Banks both wore outfits which covered everything but their hands and heads to adhere to the country’s cultural norms.

.@WWE is all about making moments in time…last night in #WWEAbuDhabi, @SashaBanksWWE and @AlexaBliss_WWE did just that. Congratulations to you both. pic.twitter.com/iojDF7fmT6

— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) December 8, 2017

The @WWEUniverse starting chanting “ThisIsHope” during the first ever women’s match in Abu Dhabi and all the UAE. Thank you @SashaBanksWWE and @AlexaBliss_WWE and all of the people who helped make history last night! There are no words…#WomensEvolution https://t.co/kxud3kOypm

— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) December 8, 2017

That moment when you make history on a worldwide level… #WWEAbuDhabi
@SashaBanksWWE @AlexaBliss_WWE pic.twitter.com/Tvn7TRHjww

— Triple H (@TripleH) December 7, 2017

Raw Women’s Division

With Paige’s return and the recent additions of Asuka, Mandy Rose, and Sonya Deville, the division has grown considerably in recent months. It looks as though they are building towards a Paige vs. Asuka match, which could be held at the Royal Rumble.

As for the championship picture, Bliss will pass Charlotte in 10 days as the longest reigning Raw women’s champion since the brand split.

One of New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s top stars will miss the remainder of the World Tag League tour. Hiroshi Tanahashi has suffered a right knee injury and has been pulled from the remaining shows.

The company released the following statement:

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Switchblade Jay White

At WrestleKingdom 12, Tanahashi is scheduled to face “Switchblade” Jay White.

Over the summer, several vignettes laid the groundwork for White’s return. White attacked Tanahashi last month after Tanahashi defended his IC title against Kota Ibushi, setting up the match between the two on January 4th.

White had been scheduled for the final show of the World Tag League tour on Monday in Fukuoka.

WWE does not like to hold PPV events outside of their traditional markets. Despite this, there are reports they are considering running an Australian PPV next year.

WWE has run several successful live event tours in Australian. In 2002, WWE’s Global Warming tour drew over 50,000 fans in Melbourne.

According to a report from the Pro Wrestling Sheet, there have been internal discussions about holding a PPV at the Melbourne Cricket Ground next year. The venue holds 100,000 people.

WWE’s Australian Market

News that WWE is looking to bring a PPV to Australia may come as a surprise considering the company recently released Emma, who is from Melbourne.

Emma (Tenille Dashwood) was one of the most popular Superstars on WWE’s 2017 Australian tour.

Recently, WWE conducted a short interview with Shelton Benjamin & Chad Gable regarding their Clash of Champions match. Benjamin & Gable will take on New Day, the Usos, and Aiden English & Rusev in a fatal 4-way match.

During the interview, the interviewer referred to the team of Aiden English & Rusev as “Rusev Day”.

Rusev Day defeated New Day on Smackdown and was added to the title match afterward. Benjamin & Gable seemed to have trouble comprehending the news.

EXCLUSIVE: What was @WWEGable and @Sheltyb803's reaction to hearing that @RusevBUL and @WWEDramaKing were added to the #SDLive #TagTeamTitles match at #WWEClash of Champions? #SDLive pic.twitter.com/ovvex21Daw

— WWE (@WWE) December 7, 2017

Smackdown Tag-Team Division

Smackdown’s tag-team division consists of 7 teams: the Usos, New Day, Benjamin & Gable, Rusev Day, Breezeango, the Ascension, and the Bludgeon Brothers.

Based on how they are being booked on television, it might not be long until the Bludgeon Brothers are in the title mix as well.

Apparently, the actress who portrayed Prince Leia always ate her Booty-Os in the morning.

Several novelty items found in Carrie Fisher’s home were auctioned off recently, including a box of New Day’s cereal which reportedly had been displayed in the star’s kitchen before her death last year.

via Reddit

Carrie Fisher and New Day

Big E reacted to the news on Twitter:

This can’t be real. https://t.co/iTKm3ZJHk1

— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE) December 5, 2017

Longtime referee, Earl Hebner, recently spoke to Sports Illustrated about his relationship with Impact Wrestling and possibly returning to WWE.

Earl Hebner Interview Highlights

On if he is signed to any promotion:

“I’m a free agent,” said Hebner. “I’ll see who is interested.”

On Anthem’s Financial Difficulties:

“We thought the new company had it all worked out when they bought it, but they’ve been having financial problems,” said Hebner. “I feel like I’ve been paying them. It’s been pay cut after pay cut, so I asked for my release. Some of the wrestlers were only getting paid $100 a day. That’s a slap in the face to the wrestlers.”

“My son, Brian, also wanted his release, and then they asked Brian Stiffler to be the senior ref,” said Hebner. “But the money he’d have made there would have been spent on expenses on the road, so he quit too”

“They wanted local refs because it was cheaper,” said Hebner. “But that’s a risk, especially when it’s live. They wanted to take a cheap route, but as the old saying goes, you get what you pay for.”

On Going Back to WWE:

“I would love to go back to WWE and finish my life in this business right there,” said Hebner. “Vince McMahon was always good to me, and he gave me the opportunity to be who I am and what I am. I would love to go back and, if nothing else, do one more match to say thank you very much for what you’ve done for me.”

According to a recent report from the Wrestling Observer newsletter, 1/2 of the tag-team champions, Sheamus, is dealing with spinal stenosis.

Sheamus was absent from WWE from November 21st to December 1st. On television, it was explained he was merely taking time off in Ireland.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spine. It can lead to potentially career-threatening surgery in severe cases, such as with Edge and Steve Austin.

In less extreme cases, the conditioned can be rehabbed through a combination of medication and physiotherapy.

Fans of Matt Hardy and the Woken/Broken universe will not have to wait long to purchase merchandise.

Ringside Collectibles has already announced that new Matt Hardy action figures will be available in 2018.

#MattHardy is #WOKEN.
. . .#Mattel #WWE #EpicMoments Elite #HardyBoyz due out in 2018!
. . .#WOKENWarrior #WOKENWarriors #Raw #TheHardyBoyz @MATTHARDYBRAND pic.twitter.com/rREGZbNMvX

— Ringside Collectibles (@RingsideC) December 5, 2017

About Ringside Collectibles

“We are the number one online retailer for the newest and hottest wrestling action figures!

Since 1995, we have been the industry leader in wrestling figures and collectibles and are known worldwide for our high quality, service, and detailed looks at your favorite wrestling figures including top quality photos and a renowned YouTube channel.”

#Mattel #WWE Series 78 is ALL IN-STOCK! Featuring @NatbyNature @shanemcmahon @AJStylesOrg @BraunStrowman @TheRock & @FightOwensFight! Shop now at https://t.co/iNGAsF1NNc #AJStyles #KevinOwens #BraunStrowman #ShaneMcMahon #TheRock #Natalya #Raw #SDLive pic.twitter.com/lHmsArOYzo

— Ringside Collectibles (@RingsideC) December 6, 2017

According to a report from USA Today, Ronda Rousey’s WWE signing is close to being finalized.

Since meeting with WWE this summer, Ronda has been training with Brian Kendrick in California and also at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando. Her longtime training partner, Shayna Baszler, is expected to debut on NXT shortly. Jessamyn Duke has also been spotted training with Kendrick.

https://twitter.com/RondaRousey/status/936688439923265536

Is Ronda Retired from the UFC?

Ronda Rousey has never officially retired from the UFC, though Dana White has said publicly he does not expect her to fight again. She is still in the USADA testing pool for active UFC fighters, however.

WWE’s annual Tribute to the Troops show was taped yesterday at a naval base in San Diego. The show is scheduled to air on Thursday, December 14th on the USA Network.

2017 Tribute to the Troops Match Listings

1. Paige, Sonya Deville, and Mandy Rose (Absolution) vs. Bayley, Mickie James, and Sasha Banks
2. Charlotte Flair vs. Ruby Riott (Riott Squad)
3. New Day & the Usos vs. Benjamin & Gable, and Rusev & Aiden English
4. Shinsuke Nakamura, AJ Styles, and Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Jinder Mahal

Triple H spoke with ESPN yesterday to hype WWE’s upcoming tour of Abu Dhabi and India. During the course of the interview, he commented on the possibility of being cheered over Jinder Mahal in India.

Triple H Interview Highlights

On possibly being cheered over Jinder in India:

“I don’t know. I’m a lot better at being the villain,” Levesque said. “It would be interesting to see when we get there. I’ve been cheered and I’ve been booed. If the fans want to support me because they have been watching me for the last 20-plus years, that’s great.”

On if the fans in India like Jinder:

“When I was in India, a lot of people asked about him (Mahal) and what I thought about him. Did I respect him? A lot of people have mixed feelings about Jinder Mahal as a representative. In some ways he represents India, but a lot of people don’t like the way he represents himself as a WWE superstar.”

“The question was asked so many times that I thought what better way to prove what I thought than stepping into the ring with him. If Jinder wants to prove it to the fans in India, there could be no better way than by doing it against me there.”

On why he still wrestles:

“It’s still fun for me. It’s still something I enjoy. And it’s something that I will always enjoy. It’s fun to get out there and remember why you enjoy this in the first place.”

The full interview can be read here.

Documents obtained through Rob Van Dam’s divorce proceedings have revealed the 47-year-old is unable to return to WWE. According to documents filed by his lawyers, RVD suffered permanent vision loss due to a concussion suffered last November for PCW in California.

This vision loss and history of concussions, his lawyer contends, will prevent him from ever competing inside a WWE ring again.

Rob Van Dam’s Divorce

RVD is going through divorce proceedings with his ex-wife, Sonia. The two had been married from 1998-2015. The purpose of RVD’s filings was to show his income level has been “substantially reduced” since the time he and Sonia were married. The filings also report that RVD’s merchandise contract with WWE ran out in July.

Since 2016, RVD has been linked to independent wrestler, Katie Forbes.

On the heels of Don Callis being added to the Impact Wrestling management team, 2 of the promotion’s biggest stars have signed new contracts. The deals should see both performers (who are engaged) continue to play prominent roles for the company.

Don Callis mentioned that both Taya Valkyrie and Johnny Impact (Hennigan/Mundo/Morrison/Nitro) were re-signed to the company on the latest “Killin’ the Town” podcast.

A report from PWInsider is stating the deal will allow Taya and Johnny to perform for both Impact and film seasons of Lucha Underground.

HUGE news breaking on @KillingTheTown, show drops a bit later this week at 7AM eastern…don’t miss it!!!!!!!!

— The Invisible Hand (@TheDonCallis) December 5, 2017

Major Changes at Impact Wrestling

In addition to hiring Don Callis, the company has also parted ways with John Gaburick and Dutch Mantel.

Impact also recently announced a complete reversal on their previous policy of holding the Intellectual Property rights of any characters created on their show.

2 days ago (i.e before his hiring was officially announced) Callis casually pointed out he won control of TNA Wrestling in 2003 by defeating Eric Watts.

In 2003 I created the Ultimate X match that put the X division on the map, later I beat Erik Watts for control of the company #Over

— The Invisible Hand (@TheDonCallis) December 5, 2017

Cody (Rhodes) spoke with ESPN yesterday and confirmed the Bullet Club will be making an announcement in 2 weeks regarding the location of their self-financed show.

“We’ll have a date and a place within two weeks. That’s why I went ahead and commented on the original story, because it’s far enough along in the process that people need to know it’s happening. I was confident enough to say let’s do it. Matt and Nick were confident enough to say let’s do it, but this is something that hasn’t been done. A lot of things have to happen. I think I’m most excited about the creation process. Putting this together with those two guys myself. Some of the stuff that we’ve already got on board — not talent-based, but as far as people who are involved with this and people who have put some confidence in us, it’s just crazy.” — Cody [Rhodes], to ESPN.com’s Michael Wonsover.

We can't comment officially until we confirm the location, but we are far enough in the process to say it's happening. In 2018. And we are swinging for the damn fences…

dare to Dream https://t.co/Nobkezv7Mm

— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) November 28, 2017

Possible Locations for “All In”

Locations talked about for the event include San Francisco, Ontario CA, London, Toronto, and Chicago.

Eddie Fatu died on December 4th, 2009. He was only 36 years old. His run as Umaga in WWE lasted from 2005 to 2009.

Randy Orton posted the following yesterday on the 8-year anniversary of his death.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcSskefnZ8X/

Randy Orton on Umaga

“8 years ago, many people including me lost a true friend. He was one of the most intimidating characters in the ring, but for those that knew him, he was one of the absolute funniest guys we knew. Here’s proof. In this pic if you look closely, he is wearing my trunks. They never fit me quite right after that night #RIPUCE”

R-Truth went in for shoulder surgery recently. He opted to share the pre-surgery procedure with fans.

I got a few minutes y’all wanna talk? https://t.co/biUW5bZgsV

— Ron Killings (@RonKillings) December 4, 2017

The 45-year-old veteran was concerned anesthesiologists wouldn’t be able to put him under for the surgery.

R-Truth Post-Surgery 

R-Truth posted the following after his surgery:

I’m out of surgery https://t.co/qWRtHmiX5d

— Ron Killings (@RonKillings) December 4, 2017

Not long after:

2 hours out of surgery…. The grind will never stop. pic.twitter.com/2S4NJX86tP

— Ron Killings (@RonKillings) December 4, 2017

Jerry Lawler recently spoke on several subjects on his “Dinner with the King” podcast.

Lawler and his co-host spoke on the Hollywood sexual assault scandal, PC culture, and fans’ memories of the Attitude Era.

Jerry Lawler on Sexual Misconduct in Wrestling/Hollywood:

Lawler was asked if there would be a similar scandal in wrestling as there is in Hollywood if people started talking..

“It appears that eventually anybody that’s ever flirted with anybody or had any kind of sexual contact with anybody is, all of a sudden, you could potentially be a target in the future.”

“I’ve seen pictures in the past of wrestlers, I’m not gonna say who or whatever, this was guys, but as a joke or a prank, a wrestler falls asleep, and another guy comes over and says ‘take a picture of this’ and he takes his genitals out and puts it near the guy’s face,” Lawler remembered. “It’s a prank and it’s done in jest, but it’s like a college kid’s prank. I’ve seen that done before.”

“At the time, you’re thinking ‘this is totally harmless,’” he continued. “But then if all of a sudden if, 15-years-later, that photograph shows up somewhere, it’s gonna offend somebody. That’s the way the country has become, that everything that 99% of the people may think is done in jest, or whatever, all of a sudden that 1% out there is gonna be offended by it. And that 1% can speak as loudly as the other 99% cannot.”

Jerry Lawler on PC Culture

“Good grief. I remember the stuff at commentary, things that we would be able to get away with saying, that nowadays, god, people’s heads would explode. Could you imagine going out and saying, get ready, tonight, we’ve got a bra and panties match. That used to be the highlight of a show. A bra and panties match.”

“I remember, one of my favorite lines,” Lawler added, “was, panties aren’t the greatest thing in the world, but they are next to it.”

On Fans’ Memories of the Attitude Era:

“I don’t know how the country and people’s attitudes have changed so much over a short period of time that now those things are taboo,” Lawler lamented. But back during that time, I mean, that’s all I’d hear about. ‘My gosh, I used to love it when you’d commentate on a bra and panties match, or you know, with the divas.’”

The 23-year-old rapper from Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny, recently filmed a video featuring Ric Flair cutting a promo.

Check out Flair in the video below:

Ric Flair Post-Health Scare

Despite suffering a health scare earlier this year, Flair has been active since recovering. In addition to appearing in rap videos, he’s visited the Gwinnett Fire Station:

Gwinnett's Finest! #RicFlairShop pic.twitter.com/VnXV6lmveS

— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) November 30, 2017

Flair has even applied to be the head coach or director of athletics for Tennessee:

If the shirt fits hire him!
Available for either position! WOOOOO! pic.twitter.com/acsBccaJ1h

— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) December 1, 2017

WrestleKingdom this year is scheduled to be main event’ed by Tetsuya Naito vs. Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight championship. Chris Jericho, on the other hand, believes his semi-main event match with Kenny Omega is the real headling match on the show.

Naito disagrees…

Naito responds to @KennyOmegamanX calling #njwk12 a double main event. 'One, I've been through this. I've been called 'double main event one'. It doesn't mean anything. It's the semi main event.' https://t.co/wamY2P3bjG

— chris charlton (@reasonjp) December 2, 2017

Chris Charlton is the author of “Lion’s Pride” and frequently translates articles and interviews on Twitter.

Chris Jericho Responds to Naito

Naito, not sure who u are but make no mistake-on a worldwide basis, theres only ONE MAIN EVENT for #WrestleKingdom12 pic.twitter.com/Fmax6ALP8u

— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) December 3, 2017

Only once has the IWGP Heavyweight title match not headlined the annual Tokyo Dome show. Coincidentally, the IWGP Heavyweight title match that didn’t main event the show was also Naito challenging Okada.

For WrestleKingdom 8, NJPW allowed fans to vote on which title match would headline the show. Fans voted for the IWGP Intercontinental championship match between Shinsuke Nakamura and Hiroshi Tanahashi to close out the show.

WWE will debut a new Network show tonight when Corey Graves host the 1st episode of “WWE Straight to the Source”.

His first guest is scheduled to be the new Intercontinental champion, Roman Reigns.

New WWE Network Collections in December

In other WWE Network news, there are 3 collections expected to be added later this month. Shinsuke Nakamura: the Rock Star, Sami Zayn: Never Be the Same, and 2017’s Matches of the Year, are all expected to be added in December.

Hiromu Takahashi has announced the return of a popular LIJ member.

Darryl Takahashi has appeared only sparingly in Ring of Honor since being brutally assaulted by Bad Luck Fale during the G1 tour this summer.

According to recent posts by Hiromu, Darryl has either been reborn or it is his birthday. Either way “the Ticking Time Bomb” posted this bizarre celebration recently:

?HAPPY DAY? pic.twitter.com/BfEN9XHCK1

— ????? / Hiromu Takahashi (@TIMEBOMB1105) December 4, 2017

Bad Luck Fale Destroys Darryl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqhVCajI13Y

Hiromu Takahashi is scheduled to challenge for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight championship in a 4-way match involving KUSHIDA, Will Ospreay, and current champion, Marty Scurll at WrestleKingdom on January 4th, 2018.

Luke Harper left WWE’s live event tour early this weekend, resulting in the 37-year-old missing a scheduled show in Mexico.

PWInsider.com is now reporting Harper’s wife went into labor early but the couple has now welcomed their 3rd child.

the Bludgeon Brothers

After weeks of vignettes, the Bludgeon Brothers have now wrestled on Smackdown twice. Under their new gimmick, the team is 2-0 in televised matches.

Cody (Rhodes) recently held a Q&A on Twitter and answered a question about possible locations for the planned 10,000 seat arena show in 2018.

The only market specifically mentioned at the moment, however, is Toronto.

https://twitter.com/gingertfc/status/936413891466354696

We've narrowed the field down to 5 markets…and that is one of them ? https://t.co/wuTB8y2QoM

— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) December 1, 2017

While not officially stated, speculation is Chicago, London, San Francisco, and Ontario, California (site of the Bullet Club “invasion”) are the other 4 markets.

Vince Russo made a critical comment regarding a spot involving Pete Dunne on Twitter recently:

Yeah—THAT would happen if the match was real. Suspension of disbelief is forever gone in professional wrestling. And that's why all the casuals went bye-bye. Only the marks and the kids remain.

— Vince Russo (@THEVinceRusso) November 30, 2017

Pete Dunne responded to the comment:

If you're that worried about suspending disbelief you wouldn't tweet stuff like this. #Hypocrisy https://t.co/To2LKW71BU

— ‘The Bruiserweight’ Pete Dunne (@PeteDunneYxB) November 30, 2017

Matt Jackson got involved:

https://twitter.com/MattJackson13/status/936321570359853056

Fit Finlay vs. Vince Russo

Then the match was turned over to the veteran, Fit Finlay.

@PeteDunneYxB don’t let idiots trying to keep themselves relevant and who couldn’t even put a headlock on derail you on your journey. #fastTalkingLoudMouth. Yes you @THEVinceRusso

— Fit Finlay (@ringfox1) November 30, 2017

Because I'm a wrestling fan of 45 years and I have an opinion that equates to me being an idiot who's trying to stay relevant? No reason to insult me because your opinion differs from mine. EXACT reason WWE has lost all casual fans-this same kind of disrespect over their opinion.

— Vince Russo (@THEVinceRusso) November 30, 2017

I never told you my opinion. Why deflate young guys navigating their way through this business ?

— Fit Finlay (@ringfox1) November 30, 2017

Real easy—to save them from injury and allow them to prolong their careers and make money in the business for as long as they possibly can. Is that a bad reason, Fit? Not trying to deflate anyone–actually car about them.

— Vince Russo (@THEVinceRusso) November 30, 2017

to be clear, Vince Russo is attempting to save Pete Dunne from delivering a sitdown power-bomb.

I agree with protecting them. I don’t agree with putting them down on social media.

— Fit Finlay (@ringfox1) December 1, 2017

Matt Hardy’s official YouTube account posted its first video in over a month. The video seems to be a trailer for his upcoming gimmick:

“Woken” Hardy Family

The Hardys have also been promoting the return of the Broken/Woken universe on Twitter:

Time to return to the trenches of The #GreatWar, V1. https://t.co/QJCa6alD5w

— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) November 30, 2017

Yes mister Hardy.

— Señor Benjamin (@BenjaminSenor) December 1, 2017

I am recently #WOKEN, but I will FOREVAH be #BROKEN.

— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) November 29, 2017

https://twitter.com/RebyHardy/status/936465407996604416

https://twitter.com/RebyHardy/status/935989700564848640

https://twitter.com/RebyHardy/status/935976801582460928