WWE has been making some major changes over the past few weeks. With speculation that the company is looking for a sale, it comes as no surprise that even more cuts are expected to be announced any day now.
According to Fightful Select, multiple sources in WWE have confirmed that another round of releases is set to take place as soon as this week. Surprisingly, there are some “major names” on the chopping block this round.
“There is an ongoing list, though in the recent past, WWE has changed their mind on cutting certain people at the last minute,” the report states.
Out of respect to the talent involved, no names will be made public until the talent is informed.
Over the past few months, we’ve already seen big names depart including The IIconics, Andrade, Velveteen Dream, Samoa Joe, Chelsea Green and Mickie James, as well as broadcasters Tom Phillips and Adnan Virk.
For what it’s worth, Andrew Zarian of the Mat Men Podcastsays he’s heard NXT UK will be letting talent go.
WWE Gearing Up for a Sale?
As mentioned, all of these moves could be considered as an early indicator that the they are looking to sell. It’s always been on the cards, but with the company having made record profits in 2020, now would be a great time to consider takeover discussions
WWE recently did a significant house cleaning, with dozens of employees fired and several divisions consolidated. It’s worth noting the recent ‘cost cutting’ measures did not yield positive results on Wall Street. The stock has dropped a few percentage points since news of the latest releases went public.
Earlier this week, WWE announced three new key hires to the executive leadership team. This has fueled chatter that WWE President Nick Khan is getting the pieces in place for an eventual ownership transition.
AEW star and former IWGP Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho recently spoke to Mike Beauvais of TSN ahead of the AEW Double or Nothing 2021 PPV event. Jericho will be joining The Inner Circle to take on MJF’s stable The Pinnacle in the second ever Stadium Stampede match.
During the interview, Jericho would address his status in New Japan Pro Wrestling, saying there is still a lot for him to do in the promotion. “There’s a lot of unfinished business for me in New Japan,” Jericho noted. “Jay White is one [potential opponent], [Minoru] Suzuki is another one that would draw big money. Kota Ibushi and [Will] Ospreay — those four guys I’d love to work with.”
Chris Jericho on NJPW Return
“I’d love to do a ‘Golden Jets’ team — Kenny and Jericho — versus [Kazuchika] Okada and Ibushi or [Hiroshi] Tanahashi and Okada or Tanahashi and Ibushi” Jericho added. “I think that’s a Tokyo Dome main event right there.”
“So there’s a lot of stuff I’d still like to do in New Japan and as soon as we can start going over there again, I’m more than agreeable to doing more work there” Chris Jericho would reveal. “I really enjoyed the six matches that I had there in 2018 and 2019 and think there’s plenty of room for more.”
Would you like to see Chris Jericho back in New Japan? Who would you like to see ‘Le Champion’ face? Let us know in the comments
‘The Icon’ Sting spoke to Paste Magazine ahead of his return to in-ring action at AEW’s Double or Nothing PPV event. The former WCW Champion will be teaming with Darby Allin to take on ‘All Ego’ Ethan Page and Scorpio Sky.
This will be Sting’s first in-ring match back since he was injured against Seth Rollins at WWE’s Night of Champions 2015 event. At AEW Revolution, Sting and Darby Allin teamed for a cinematic styled match against Team Taz, however it has been confirmed that this bout will be inside the ring, and Sting revealed to Paste how he’s preparing for the return to the squared circle.
“I’m trying to work a lot on mobility, that’s for sure,” Sting began. “I don’t recover as quick as I used to, either, so I have to really watch how I train, so I don’t overtrain. Because, I’m telling you, you just don’t recover the same.”
Sting Talks Training for Double or Nothing 2021
“I’m still feeling the effects of the powerbomb that I took from Brian Cage [in February 2021]. There are a few kinks I still have from that one” Sting continued. “Otherwise, I’m preparing the same,” he said. “It’s the same kind of stuff, I just have to think about when I do it and what intensity levels and all that.”
“I’m trying to get the heart rate up as much as I possibly can” Sting added, “so the stamina’s there to go with these young guys. Yeah, I’m getting ready — I am ready.”
Are you looking forward to the tag team match on tonight’s PPV event? Let us know in the comments
Posted May 30th, 2021 in AEW, News. Tagged: Sting.
AEW Dark: Elevation commentator and former WWE Superstar Paul Wight recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio. The former Big Show discussed a number of topics during his time on the broadcast, including how working for AEW is a far less pressure filled environment than WWE.
“If you’ve never done wrestling before, you’re not going to have a preconceived idea of what’s right and what’s wrong,” Wight would begin. “And then the guy that is running the entire show has what he wants presented put on air. And hell, the dude’s paying the bills.”
“You can say what you want to, but that’s one of the things that’s a little bit different about Tony is Tony literally gives the talent freedom to sink or swim” Wight would continue, comparing the AEW President to WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. “He (Tony) gives them all the opportunities to get over and to be successful, but there’s no pressure to make a mistake.”
Paul Wight on AEW Commentary
Paul Wight made a mistake on the very first night that he appeared on AEW Dynamite. Wight mentioned that the upcoming AEW PPV event was ‘Evolution,’ when in fact it was ‘Revolution.’ At the time Wight said at the time how he expected to get admonished backstage and it never actually happened, something that definitely would’ve happened backstage in WWE.
“We all make mistakes, it’s how we learn” Wight added. “But being able to make a mistake, recognize the mistake and get over that mistake and move forward is very critical in a younger talent’s career I think. Because sometimes they’ll hold onto something much longer than they should have. Having that freedom like ‘okay I made a mistake. It’s not like I’m going to be taken out back and flogged for making a mistake. It’s a much more creative environment” Paul Wight would conclude.
WWE Hall of Famer and Olympic Gold Medallist Kurt Angle has reacted to the news that John Cena may be returning to WWE in the near future. It was recently reported that WWE are looking to bring Cena back for the first SmackDown event to take place in front of a live audience in July.
It was also recently reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that people within WWE have talked about Roman Reigns vs. Cena as a top match for SummerSlam. This would be a marquee bout for the company to promote as they welcome back fans in attendance full time for the first time in over a year.
Although the idea is potentially Cena vs Reigns, Kurt Angle has put the idea out there that he himself may return for one final retirement match against John Cena.
Kurt Angle on John Cena Match
“Hearing rumors about @JohnCena going back to @wwe” Kurt Angle would write on Twitter. “[It’s] got me rethinking about my retirement match, like…………”
Although Kurt Angle retired back at WrestleMania 35, he still appears to want that ‘one final match.’ The bout against Baron Corbin that Angle had at that Mania show did make sense in storyline.
However, it was arguably one of the most anticlimactic ways to finish the career of the pro wrestling great.
Whilst Kurt Angle is not able to perform at the level he could a decade ago; a potential final bout against John Cena, who himself had his first WWE televised match against Kurt Angle, would at the very least be intriguing.
Would you like to see Kurt Angle have one final match in WWE? Let us know in the comments
WWE NXT Superstar and the North American Champion Bronson Reed recently appeared on WWE After the Bell. The Australian powerhouse discussed a number of topics on the podcast with Corey Graves, including his dream match in WWE.
Interestingly, the man that his picked as his dream bout in the company was also on the podcast just a few weeks ago. “For me, there’s so many great heavyweights at the moment that there’s so many matches I would like to do,” Reed began on the podcast.
“I think one that would be arranged and hopefully done sooner than later is Bronson Reed vs. WALTER” Reed would continue, revealing his dream match against the WWE United Kingdom Champion. “That’s the one I want to tip off first and then we can talk about the other people.”
Bronson Reed vs WALTER
Bronson Reed would also put out another name of someone that he wants to face in a WWE ring. “Another dream match for me at the moment is Roman Reigns. That’s someone I want to be able to step in the ring with.”
Roman Reigns is arguably a name that most WWE Superstars currently on the NXT brand would put out there as an opponent that they would want. The idea of two gargantuan performers like WALTER and Bronson Reed going at it in NXT however is a very intriguing prospect.
Would you like to see Bronson Reed vs WALTER? Let us know in the comments
With AEW Dynamite making the move to TBS in 2022, which put the status of All Elite Wrestling’s TNT Championship in question. Some fans have wondered if AEW will rename, or replace the coveted TNT title.
AEW EVP Cody Rhodes spoke with Connor Casey of Comic Book this week to promote this weekend’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view. When asked about the fate of AEW’s secondary belt, Cody confirmed that it isn’t going anywhere.
“I don’t want to drop any spoilers, but I mean, I’ll drop a spoiler,” Rhodes began the interview. “I don’t think we’re going to change the title’s name one bit. TNT is the place that the first alternative challenger brand in two decades appeared on.”
99% Sure About the TNT Title
Cody said their partner at WarnerMedia are excited about the current state of their relationship. He feels that AEW has established the TNT Championship as the second most important title in wrestling, if not the most important.
“I don’t see us changing that name, and I think that’s kind of across the board,” he continued. “I don’t think you’ll find anybody in management or Tony himself who wants to change that name. We’ll always roll with the punches and we’ll always pivot, but I’m 99% sure the TNT title stays the TNT title” Cody Rhodes would conclude.”
Miro is the reigning AEW TNT Champion. His first defense will be against Lance Archer this Sunday at AEW Double or Nothing.
AEW Women’s Champion Hikaru Shida recently spoke to Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated. The Japanese star discussed a number of topics ahead of her Double or Nothing Title defence against Dr Britt Baker this weekend.
Shida would have massive praise for her opponent, who many are touting as the one to beat the current Champion and go on as the face of the division for the time being.
“She is the type of person who studies pro wrestling more than anyone else in AEW,” Shida said of Britt Baker. “Her progress in these years is proof of that. The most important moments in pro wrestling are the ones after a loss. When I show how I stand again after a tough loss, I think people will understand me better. However, this Double or Nothing is the first time to wrestle in a full arena as the champion for me, and I’ve retained this title until now for this moment.”
Hikaru Shida has been AEW Women’s Champion for over a year. Since the start of the pandemic, she’s talked about wanting to defend the gold in front of a sell-out crowd. This Sunday, she’ll finally get her chance.
“This match is going to be one of the toughest and most emotional matches in AEW history,” she said. “Those are two very important elements for a great match. And after it is over, I’ll celebrate my win with all fans at Double or Nothing.”
Head over to Sports Illustrated to read the full interview with Hikaru Shida.
Double or Nothing Card
Here’s the full card for AEW’s Double or Nothing on May 30:
AEW World Championship Match – Kenny Omega (c) vs. PAC vs. Orange Cassidy
AEW Women’s World Championship Match – Hikaru Shida (c) vs. Britt Baker
TNT Championship Match – Miro (c) vs. Lance Archer with Jake Roberts
AEW Tag Team Championship Match – The Young Bucks (c) vs. Jon Moxley and Eddie Kingston
Stadium Stampede 2 – The Pinnacle vs. Inner Circle
Casino Battle Royale – Christian Cage, Matt Sydal, Powerhouse Hobbs, 10, Evil Uno, Colt Cabana, Matt Hardy, Isiah Kassidy, Marq Quen, Jungle Boy, Penta El Zero Miedo, The Acclaimed, Nick Comoroto, Lee Johnson, Dustin Rhodes, Varsity Blonds
Cody Rhodes vs. Anthony Ogogo
‘Hangman’ Adam Page vs. Brian Cage
Sting and Darby Allin vs. Ethan Page and Scorpio Sky
NWA Women’s Championship Match – Serena Deeb (c) vs Riho
WWE Hall of Famer and Olympic Gold Medallist Kurt Angle recently discussed a horrific groin injury he suffered whilst in WWE back in the mid 2000s. The former TNA World Heavyweight Champion discussed the injury during the latest episode of The Kurt Angle Show.
“The hardest part was the injuries, I just couldn’t keep myself together,” Angle began on the podcast, talking about his mindset back in that time period. “That’s the main reason I even left WWE in 2006, I just couldn’t keep my body together.”
“My hamstring, my groin, my abdominal, my shoulder, my neck, I was falling apart and I was having a really difficult time and the painkiller issue wasn’t getting any better” Angle continued, describing just how broken down he was even 10+ years before he even retired proper.
“I said before, I started lashing out at Vince” Angle revealed. “Vince was ignoring me which made me even more angrier and I would leave him threatening messages on his answering machine on his cellphone. It just got so far out of control that eventually I had to go to Vince. [I had to] say ‘we need to have a talk.’”
Kurt Angle on Horrific Injuries
Kurt Angle would then reveal that he once had to physically show McMahon his groin injuries, just to get the WWE Chairman to fully appreciate the situation he was in. “I just came from an event and I went to a meeting and I pulled my pants down; it was a production meeting, Vince was in the front and everybody else was in the back.”
“I walked in between them and pulled my pants down to my ankles and I showed Vince my groin” Angle added. “It was all black and blue, I mean my penis, everything was black from the injury. It was an abdominal tear, a groin tear and a hamstring tear, all three in the same time and all the blood just rushed to my leg and my groin” Angle noted, revealing the extent of the injury.
“I said ‘We need to talk,’ Angle continued. “[Vince said] ‘Well let’s go in my office,’ I said ‘No, I need to meet you up at the headquarters this week, I want you to set me up a flight and bring me up because we need to have a personal discussion about what’s going on.’ That’s when I decided I was mostly likely going to leave the company” Angle would conclude.
WWE Hall of Famer John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL) recently reacted to the backlash that John Cena has received. The former World Heavyweight Champion took to social media to praise the character of Cena, saying that he ‘stands with him.’
Cena recently took part in interviews as part of promotion for his new film, Fast & Furious 9. The former WWE Champion referred to Taiwan as a country during the interview, leading to Chinese outlets and media demanding that he apologise for the incident.
John Cena did in fact release an apology video, speaking in Mandarin, hoping to try and clear up the situation.
“Hi China, I’m John Cena. I’m in the middle of Fast & Furious 9 promotions. I’m doing a lot of interviews. I made a mistake in one of my interviews,” Cena began. “Everyone was asking me if I could use Chinese… the staff [of the movie] gave me a lot of information, so there was a lot of interviews and information.”
JBL on John Cena Apology
“I made one mistake, I have to say something very, very, important now. I love and respect China and Chinese people. I’m very, very sorry about my mistake. I apologize, I’m very sorry. You must understand that I really love, really respect China and the Chinese people. My apologies. See you” John Cena concluded.
Reacting to the backlash that Cena has received since making the apology to China, JBL would praise the multiple time WWE Champion. “John Cena has granted over 600 Make a Wishes-a record. Supported cancer research, rise above hate campaign, a million of his own dollars for racial equality.”
“He has fought tirelessly for equality” JBL added. “An incredible track record of making the world better. I’ll stand with this guy” the former World Heavyweight Champion would conclude.
WWE Superstar Kofi Kingston recently spoke to Sports Illustrated. The former WWE Champion and member of The New Day discussed a number of topics during the interview; including his former tag team partner Big E.
Big E is of course now a Superstar on the SmackDown brand. Whilst Kofi appears to be back in the WWE Title picture; he said that he and Xavier Woods are just waiting for WWE to put Big E in the Universal Championship conversation.
“If E gets thrust into that role, going toe-to-toe with the universal champion, if that happens, [Xavier] Woods and me are going to lose our minds,” Kingston began, speaking to SI.
Kofi Kingston on Big E
“I’m not big on looking too far ahead, but if that were to happen, E will exceed every expectation” Kingston continued, praising the man who was Intercontinental Champion up until WrestleMania 37.
“He can talk, can make you laugh, he can gyrate his hips and he can beat you up” Kingston continued, praising his New Day brother. “I’m so happy to see his success with the Intercontinental championship, being able to continue the legacy of the workhorse title.”
“His way with words is unmatched, and his ability to connect with the crowd is very special. E is ready to be at the top of this industry” Kofi Kingston would conclude.
AEW star Scorpio Sky recently appeared on the Sunday Night’s Main Event podcast. Sky discussed a number of topics on the show, including his Double or Nothing PPV match.
Scorpio Sky will be teaming up with Ethan Page to take on Darby Allin and ‘The Icon’ Sting at the event in a tag team match. This match will Sting’s first in-ring bout as part of the All Elite roster.
“Everyone in my generation grew up watching Sting,” Sky began on the podcast, discussing his match including the WCW legend. “I had a buddy of mine text me, he actually works for the other company (WWE), and he’s like, ‘Bro, Sting was my favorite wrestler growing up, don’t hurt him.’”
“I just laughed about that” Scorpio Sky continued, referring to the talk surrounding the previously retired Sting. “And you know, Sting was one of my favorite wrestlers growing up too. He can still go he still has that magic, when he all he has to do is walk out and there’s just something special about him.”
Scorpio Sky on Sting
Sting of course had to retire originally following a match against Seth Rollins at Night of Champions 2015. The Icon took two Bucklebomb moves that would essentially end his career, until he was confirmed as an AEW star back in December 2020.
“He has that IT factor. And he brings a lot to the table still even this late in his career” Sky noted, praising The Icon. “Again, I’m honored to be a part of it, and I think it’s gonna be a great match.”
“I have no hesitations about it” Sky revealed, talking about the match. “I think he is a professional. He’s an intelligent person and he wouldn’t be stepping into the ring if he wasn’t ready.”
“If he wasn’t medically cleared, emotionally cleared, mentally ready, I think he wouldn’t put himself in that position” Sky concluded.
New SmackDown Tag Team Champions Rey and Dominik Mysterio recently appeared on ESPN’s SportsNation. The duo were on the show to discuss their SmackDown Tag Team Championship win at WrestleMania Backlash.
“I feel like I’m on top of the world right now,” Rey began when talking about winning the title with his son. “I don’t take anything away from all my accomplishments that I’ve gotten in the past. This is just on a different level.”
“The fact that I’ve been able to share the ring with Dominik. To be the first father and son tag team champions, it’s unbelievable, indescribable” Rey Mysterio added.
The Mysterio Family Talk Title Win
Dominik also praised his father and described what it was like sharing the ring with the luchador legend and winning the titles. “Honestly I’m just so honored to share the ring with him, every time I step in the ring,” Dominik said.
“What a blessing. Just to be able to come to work and do what I love, with my dad” the younger Mysterio concluded. “I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
As mentioned by WWE, Rey & Dominik became the first father/son team in WWE history to win Tag Team Championships. It’s not confirmed if the duo will remain Champions for the foreseeable future, or if WWE plans on having a quick title reign for the Mysterio family.
Former WWE Backstage host and interviewer Renee Paquette recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio. Paquette discussed a number of topics during her time on the broadcast, including the negatives of her time in WWE.
“For me it’s not the wrestling,” Paquette began. “The wrestling side of wrestling I love. It’s the production side of things that can be a kick in the lady d*ck. Just being micromanaged.”
“I don’t like being micromanaged” Renee Paquette added. “I don’t like being under the magnifying glass as much as one is or can be in that world. You think you go through it once and ‘okay, I’m safe!’ and then like, another year later or so its ‘you’re back under the microscope again.’”
Renee Paquette on WWE Micro-Managing
Renee also alluded to the ‘one man audience’ idea of WWE, where talent are constantly trying to remain on the ‘good side’ of Vince McMahon and higher ups in general. “Trying to adapt to that and trying to be a people pleaser, while also staying true to yourself, can be a very fine line to walk” Paquette noted. “And it can be very exhausting.”
Paquette of course left WWE shortly after her husband, Jon Moxley. Renee now hosts Oral Sessions and has been extremely successful with her new podcast venture. On top of this, Paquette and Moxley are due to welcome their first child into the world soon, so having the freedom to not keep to a WWE schedule has clearly made a huge difference to Renee’s career.
Renee Paquette’s new cook book, Messy in the Kitchen, is now available at Amazon:
As recently reported, Will Ospreay had to recently relinquish his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship due to injury. NJPW1972, New Japan’s English language website, revealed that the British star was suffering from neck related issues and therefore had to relinquish the title.
“On May 4’s night two of Wrestling Dontaku in Fukuoka, Will Ospreay sustained a neck injury” NJPW1972 wrote. “As a result, Ospreay will not be participating in the next series of events and will instead return to the UK for treatment and rehabilitation.”
In an update to the story, British based promotion Revolution Pro Wrestling have made a statement regarding Ospreay’s status. Ospreay is currently the Rev Pro British Heavyweight Champion; it was believed that he would also be relinquishing the title in his home country’s promotion.
Will Ospreay Returning To The UK
“Too early to say. Our situation is very different to NJ” was the initial response from Rev Pro regarding the status of Ospreay. “No immediate changes need to be made as we hadn’t factored any title defences for first shows back. Time will tell. But we’ve spoken to Will & he will likely address the situation in person at one of our first shows back.”
It is believed that Will Ospreay is already, will be shortly, back in the United Kingdom to undergo treatment for his neck injuries.
AEW star and former TNT Champion Darby Allin recently appeared on the Wrestling Perspective podcast. The former professional skateboarder talked about a number of topics during his time on the show, including his Championship loss to Miro on a recent episode of AEW Dynamite.
Before the loss, Darby Allin had been a major ratings success for AEW in the main event of shows. Having a multiple week run of main event matches, Allin would consistently draw well and prove to be a asset across multiple demographics.
Darby Allin Talks TNT Title Loss
“I was hyped to go out when I did” Darby Allin began, talking about his Championship loss to the former WWE Superstar Miro on AEW programming. “Because I was having those string of main events and we were drawing good numbers when I was main eventing. I didn’t want to overstay my welcome.”
“’Like, ‘What the f*uck, when’s this guy gonna lose?’ I didn’t want to be that guy” Allin continued, “I don’t have no ego when it comes to this. I was like, ‘Dude, I’m ready to roll out when I’m on top with it,’ so it was good, I really liked it.”
The former TNT Champion is currently scheduled to team with Sting to take on Scorpio Sky and Ethan Page at the Double or Nothing 2021 PPV event at the end of the month.
PROGRESS Wrestling held their latest Chapter event this weekend on WWE Network, Peacock and demandPROGRESS. The main event of the show saw Kanji and Gisele Shaw collide to see who would become the new PROGRESS Women’s Champion.
The bout between Kanji and Shaw was the third match in their Best of 3 Series. The Best of 3 has been taking place over the past consecutive Chapter events, with Kanji taking the first bout and Gisele Shaw taking the second.
Kanji would overcome Shaw to become the new PROGRESS Women’s Champion, having only debuted in the company just a few short months ago.
Here’s the full results from the card which is available to watch again on WWE Network, Peacock and demandPROGRESS:
PROGRESS Chapter 111 Results
Here’s the full results from the show:
Spike Trivet b. Big Guns Joe – Trivet took the win via pinfall
PICK YOUR POISON: Luke Jacobs vs. Chris Ridgeway – This match ended in a No Contest after Warren Banks attacked Chris Ridgeway
Mercedez Blaze b. Taonga – Blaze took the win via pinfall, Alexxis Falcon attacked her after the match
0121 (Dan Moloney & Man Like Dereiss) b. The Sunshine Machine (TK Cooper & Chuck Mambo) – The 0121 took the win in their PROGRESS debut as a tag team via pinfall
PICK YOUR POISON: Kid Lykos b. Danny Black – Kid Lykos took the win via submission
Elijah b. Gene Munny – Elijah took the win via pinfall in this previously unannounced match
PICK YOUR POISON: Kid Lykos II b. Ethan Allen and Cara Noir – Kid Lykos II took the shock win via referee stoppage
PROGRESS Women’s Championship Match – Kanji b. Gisele Shaw – Kanji took the win via pinfall to become the new PROGRESS Women’s Champion
New Japan Pro Wrestling legend Yuji Nagata made his AEW debut just over a week ago. Blue Justice faced Jon Moxley in a match for the IWGP United States Championship.
This signals yet another time that a belt from an outside promotion has been defended on AEW Dynamite.
It was recently reported by Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Nagata was interested in a return to AEW and he was extremely happy with how he was treated.
Yuji Nagata To Return To AEW?
“Yuji Nagata said he enjoyed his time in AEW and would like to return” Meltzer wrote. “He said Tony Khan told him that anytime he wants to come back he’s welcome.”
With the positive way in which Nagata was portrayed on screen by AEW, New Japan will likely be keen to work with them going forward. NJPW Strong producer and New Japan star Rocky Romero will be wrestling on this week’s episode of AEW Dark: Elevation.
It’s not been confirmed if Yuji Nagata will be returning to AEW anytime soon. With the current travel restrictions amid the pandemic; it’s unlikely that we’ll see many more NJPW talents appear on Dynamite that aren’t already based in the US.
PROGRESS Wrestling star Kanji has made a challenge to IMPACT Wrestling’s Jordynne Grace. Kanji will be attempting to win the PROGRESS Women’s Championship at Chapter 111: One Leg In The Air, and she said that Grace is a former Champion that she would like to see return to the company.
Kanji made the comments during a recent PROGRESS Media Call. “I’d love to see Jordynne Grace come back,” Kanji replied when asked who she would like to see return.
“I’d love to step in the ring with Jordynne Grace and have her come back with all the skills and abilities that she’s learned since having the belt previously” Kanji continued.
Kanji on Jordynne Grace and Meiko Satomura
Jordynne Grace was previously the PROGRESS Women’s Champion after defeating NXT UK Superstar Jinny. Grace was eventually defeated by Meiko Satomura, who also has gone on to NXT UK. Satomura is also someone that the PROGRESS hopeful would like to see return to the company.
“I think definitely also get Meiko Satomura back” the UK star stated. “I think she could grace our ring again. That would be awesome.”
PROGRESS Wrestling star Gisele Shaw has called out WWE Superstar Sasha Banks. During a recent PROGRESS Media Call, Shaw said that she has ‘heard’ that Banks wants to perform in a PROGRESS ring, and the ‘Quintessential Diva’ Shaw has said that she is ready for the challenge.
“My people told me that apparently Sasha Banks wants to come to PROGRESS” Gisele Shaw mentioned during the media call. “And if we can make that happen, then you know what? I’m open to a singles match.”
Previously, Shaw had called out Charlotte Flair on WWE’s The Bump on Wednesday. Shaw said that The Queen has won every Championship going, but she has never faced the Canadian star nor the PROGRESS Women’s Championship; which Jordynne Grace recently said was on par with the IMPACT title.
Gisele Shaw on Sasha Banks
“I’m open to a triple threat, doesn’t matter to me” Gisele continued, after mentioning Charlotte Flair. “Get that out there.”
Gisele Shaw vs Kanji headlines PROGRESS Chapter 111 tonight on WWE Network, Peacock and demandPROGRESS.
Here’s the full card for the show which is available on demand from 5pm GMT, 1pm Eastern and 10am Pacific:
Spike Trivet vs Big Guns Joe
Luke Jacobs vs Chris Ridgeway
Taonga vs Mercedez Blaze
The 0121 vs Sunshine Machine
Kid Lykos vs Danny Black
PROGRESS Women’s Champion Best of Three Series: Match 3 – Kanji vs Gisele Shaw
WWE Superstar The Miz is set to take some time away from the ring. It was reported that the former WWE Champion was injured the ‘zombie’ lumberjack match at the WrestleMania Backlash show. Although the severity has not been publicly revealed, he sustained an ACL tear.
With Miz now out for some period of time, that leaves his tag team partner John Morrison open to pursue a singles run on Monday Night RAW. Speaking to Forbes, The Miz recently said that WWE needs to have John Morrison near the top of the card as soon as possible.
The Miz on John Morrison
“I don’t see myself and John Morrison splitting up for a very long time. If ever,” The Miz revealed to Forbes. “I don’t see that happening. We’re too connected, we have too much chemistry and we still have more to go.”
“John pushes me more than anybody else in WWE” The Miz added. “Right now, he is just absolutely incredible, he is on a tear. I think if he’s not in the main event scene going for the WWE or Universal Championship in the next year? I think this is something we’re missing in WWE.”
With The Miz now out, do you want to see Johnny Drip Drip start competing for the top titles in WWE? Let us know in the comments
AEW President Tony Khan recently appeared (again) on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio. Khan discussed a number of topics during his time on the show, including the general landscape of pro wrestling.
“Wrestling is hotter than ever,” Khan claimed on the podcast, which is a pretty bold claim to make. “This past week, to have three different wrestling shows ranked number one on their night? And to have AEW be a part of it? It’s huge.”
“And it’s a great time for wrestling” Tony Khan added. “I feel like we were all there, part of the peak era of fandom, and now it’s a splintered audience. Things are very fragmented, it’s hard to get as many people to watch something as there used to be.”
Tony Khan on Modern Pro Wrestling
“But I believe that, and I see it first hand with the NFL and the great numbers we do, if you deliver a quality, compelling product consistently, people are going to show up and watch it” Tony Khan continued.
“And that’s why we built audience and we’re up year over year. It’s a great time to come and join AEW as a fan” Khan concluded.
Again, it’s interesting for Khan to make such a bold claim when you look at the general lay of the land in pro wrestling 2021. Whilst AEW is doing extremely well in the ratings; compared to the late 90’s and early 2000’s and the Monday Night Wars there’s a gulf in the popularity and mainstream appeal of pro wrestling.
Former WWE personality and host of WWE Backstage Renee Paquette recently appeared on WrestlingINC Daily. Paquette discussed a number of topics during her time on podcast, including her former Backstage colleague, CM Punk.
Paquette and others have answered the question of CM Punk returning to pro wrestling a number of topics over the past few years. When Punk joined Backstage these questions ramped up, but now even with the hype having died down Paquette feels there’s always a chance that CM Punk will return to pro wrestling.
“I think it’s just like anything else with WWE, you just never say never,” Renee began on the podcast. “We’ve seen people come back who none of us ever thought would return. I think Punk is somebody who falls under that category. End of the day, the guy is a wrestler. That’s who he is. I feel like in some capacity, I hope we get to see Punk wrestle someone someday.”
Renee Paquette on CM Punk
“At this point, I don’t think anyone cares where it is” Paquette added, alluding to the other options that Punk has available if he were to return, such as AEW, where her husband Jon Moxley of course works. “Everyone just wants to see him get back out there. Tick Tock, brother. Let’s go. There’s always going to be rumblings.”
“The fact is people just want to see him back wrestling” Renee stated. “And whatever way that happens, if it ever does, I think people would freak. I’ll freak.”
There had been rumors in the past surrounding CM Punk and a potential run in AEW. Punk himself said a few years ago that Cody Rhodes himself had ‘texted an offer’ to the Straight Edge Superstar; something that Punk wasn’t exactly enamoured with.
Almost an age old question at this point, but do you want to see CM Punk return to WWE or AEW? Maybe even ROH or NJPW? Let us know in the comments
It has been revealed that boxing icon Tyson Fury was backstage at the WrestleMania Backlash event this past weekend. The man who will be fighting Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia come August posted to social media to confirm that he and his son were in attendance for the event.
“Great times with my boy @princejohnjamesfury1” Tyson Fury wrote on Instagram. “His face when he meets Rey Mysterio, making dreams reality brother, thanks Rey.”
He thanked WWE boss Vince McMahon and Nick Khan for the chance to visit.
It is not confirmed at this time if Tyson Fury will be returning to WWE anytime soon. The lineal World Heavyweight Champion will now be preparing for the mega clash in August against Joshua.
Fury did perform for WWE in Saudi Arabia previously, facing Braun Strowman. With the Joshua fights likely to be two consecutive bouts, it’s unlikely that Fury will be available until at least 2022 before WWE can consider bringing him back in.
Fury’s son also posted some images to Instagram with Vince McMahon, Paul Heyman, Ric Flair and more. Check these out below:
ECW legend and WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam is the subject of the latest WWE Icons series. The new episode aired on Peacock and WWE Network just after the WrestleMania Backlash show and highlighted the career of the ‘Whole F’ing Show.’
During the special, RVD would discuss the ECW Television Title match that he believes made him a star in the company. “Bam Bam Bigelow was the Television Champion. I wrestled him in Buffalo, New York” Rob Van Dam began, discussing the match from 1998. “At the time, that was probably our best building with the biggest crowd.”
Rob Van Dam on Bam Bam Bigelow
“That match was very important to me,” Van Dam continued. “I loved wrestling with Bam Bam Bigelow. He was so strong. … The match was awesome, everything was just so good.”
“At the end of the match, I rolled him up. Winning the ECW Television Championship was a very big moment for me” RVD revealed. “I don’t think that I realized how pivotal that was going to be for my career.”
“What I probably didn’t realize was that all of a sudden I was a superstar” RVD concluded. “I held the TV Championship for two years, and it was very rewarding.”
This was the match that saw RVD fly from the top turnbuckle to the crowd and it became a moment that has been used in highlight packages ever since.
Check out a sneak peak of the new WWE Icons episode below: