AEW EVP Cody Rhodes confirmed last night that his match against Shaquille O’Neal will be opening Dynamite tonight. Appearing on the NBA on TNT Tuesday postgame, Cody said that he and Red Velvet will be taking on Jade Cargill and Shaq to open the TNT show as it goes on the air.
There had been speculation that the bout would be ending the show. With AEW’s Revolution PPV taking place this Sunday, tonight’s episode of Dynamite is the ‘go home’ show for that event. There’s a chance that AEW have something planned for the end of the show to lead into Sunday’s PPV and try to get some extra buys ahead of the show.
The mainstream coverage of tonight’s match has been significant. There have been many outlets reporting on Shaq getting in an AEW ring tonight for the very first time. The match itself will be intriguing to say the least, as Jade Cargill and Shaq’s in-ring abilities are as of yet untested on television.
WWE Superstar Cesaro recently spoke to Sports Illustrated. The Swiss ‘Cyborg’ discussed a number of topics during the interview, including his reported WWE contract coming up for renewal in the next few months.
Several reports have indicated that Cesaro’s contract will be running out shortly; although these have not been confirmed by the SmackDown Superstar himself. Cesaro specifically said during the interview with Sports Illustrated that he won’t be discussing the situation in a public forum in any interviews.
“I’m not going to confirm or deny anything” Cesaro stated during the interview. “To me, there needs to be a certain amount of mystery in wrestling. A lot of that magic gets lost, so I’ll let people talk. What is important to me is my work in the ring.”
Cesaro on Possible World Title Run
Cesaro also discussed a potential World Title run whilst contracted with the company. “It’s not up to me to decide what I deserve” Cesaro stated. “In wrestling, that’s up to the fans. I’ll keep working hard to reach my goals. This isn’t just about me. I represent all of Switzerland, all of Germany, all of Italy and all of the international world.”
“Wrestling is a universal language spoken all over the world” Cesaro continued. “I am so proud to be an international representative and do this to the fullest for all the international fans. I came from a country that’s not known for wrestling. I’m bringing an international flavor, showing that anything is possible. I am living my dream, and I bring that kind of realism, passion, and love to WWE. I hope to inspire people to go out and follow what they love.”
New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Castle Attack event from Osaka-Jo Hall took place earlier today. This was night 2 of the new special show, with the main event seeing Kota Ibushi defend his IWGP Intercontinental Championship against Tetsuya Naito.
Kota Ibushi is the co-IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Champion. Ibushi has mentioned that he plans on unifying the Championships, something that Naito has said he does not want to happen. That is why Naito chose to only challenge for the IC belt.
NJPW Castle Attack
Here’s the full results from today’s Castle Attack event.
Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Satoshi Kojima b. Will Ospreay and Jeff Cobb – Kojima hit the LARIAT on Cobb to take the win
Kazuchika Okada, Tomohiro Ishii, and Toru Yano b. EVIL, Jay White, and Chase Owens (with Gedo and Dick Togo) – Okada made Chase Owens submit using the Money Clip
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match – Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa (c) (with Jado) b. Hirooki Goto and YOSHI-HASHI – Tama Tonga hit the Gun Stun on Goto to win the match and retain the tag team titles
NEVER Openweight Championship Match – Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) b. Great-O-Khan – Tanahashi used a Rolling armbar to retain the NEVER title. This was Tanahashi’s first defence of the belt
Vacant IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship – El Desperado b. El Phantasmo and BUSHI – El Desperado used the Pinche Loco on El Phantasmo to become the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion
IWGP Intercontinental Championship Match – Kota Ibushi (c) b. Tetsuya Naito – Ibushi used the Kamigoye to retain his IC Championship
WWE United States Champion Matt Riddle recently spoke to ViBe & Wrestling. The ‘Original Bro’ discussed a number of topics during the interview, including some dream matches that he wants in WWE.
“Edge is one of my dream matches” Riddle mentioned on the show. “I mentioned him already on my dream scenario for a tag match. He is so good, and brings the presence.”
“It is the same with Randy Orton” Matt Riddle continued. “Randy is so good, so big, so athletic and such a household name. He is a dream match.”
Matt Riddle on Dream Matches
Matt Riddle finished by naming another of WWE’s veteran performers. “AJ Styles, especially with this new giant, he is a dream match. So if you can be in a program with them or get in a rivalry with them certainly is career making.”
Matt Riddle’s WrestleMania 37 match has not yet been confirmed publicly. There were unsubstantiated reports that WWE were planning a Goldberg vs Riddle match at the Show of Shows; but again these have not been confirmed with any verifiable sources.
Edge and Randy Orton are already set for WrestleMania programs with Roman Reigns and The Fiend respectively. A potential United States Championship match between Riddle and AJ Styles is however a possibility.
Ring of Honor recently confirmed that former WWE Superstar EC3 has signed with the company. The company issued a press release yesterday confirming that the former IMPACT World Champion will be joining the promotion going forward.
Essential Character 3rd took to Twitter to react to the news now going public. “A #message from the #essentialcharacter??” EC3 began. “I have agreed to terms with @ringofhonorwrestling as my chosen three-letter wrestling company.??”
“Ring Of Honor will provide me the corporate platform required to #free this industry” EC3 continued.“It’s competitors, and it’s fan base from conformity, toxic groupthink, archaic storytelling, paint by number movesets, banal, character development.”
The former IMPACT World Champion finished by writing more cryptic messages.
“Ring of Honor is aware of the extreme value in a #FreeEC3, and has provided me not only beyond fair #financial compensation, but the #freedom to push forward #TheNarrative, it’s #content and most importantly it’s ideals:
Control
Freedom
Purpose
I very much look forward to etching my name amongst (and above) those who built the foundation Ring of Honor, competing with it’s exceptional roster, finishing what I have started with Jay Brisco, and carrying the #brand forward into the future it deserves.
#ControlYourNarrative”
Are you excited to see EC3 appear in Ring of Honor? Let us know in the comments
Posted February 27th, 2021 in ROH, News. Tagged: EC3.
AEW Star MJF recently appeared on the Wrestling Perspective podcast. Maxwell Jacob Friedman discussed a number of topics during the show, including how he learned from Jim Cornette whilst working in MLW.
“So I worked with Jim Cornette more than I think people realize when I was in Major League Wrestling” MJF began. “And getting to go back and forth with him — look, is he a fan of guys on my roster? Absolutely not, but if I’m being honest, neither am I.”
MJF on Jim Cornette
“But he’s a very smart guy” MJF continued. “He understands how to manipulate an audience. I loved his work, I loved Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan’s work. Even Grand Wizard. He might not have necessarily been the greatest promo of all time? But the guy understood how to manipulate a crowd without even speaking.”
MJF finished by praising one of WWE’s biggest managers/special councils. “I mean, there’s been so many great managers of the past. Paul Heyman obviously. We’re both Jews, we’re both very affluent. And we’re both very good at speaking and we’re both from New York. so Paul Heyman also another guy who is most certainly a big influence on me.”
MJF and Chris Jericho will be taking on The Young Bucks at AEW Revolution in March.
Don Callis is the latest guest on Gallows & Anderson’s Talk’n Shop podcast. The ‘Invisible Hand’ the Good Brothers for a conversation about the ‘Forbidden Door’ storyline involving AEW-NJPW-Impact, as well as some other interesting topics.
Callis revealed that he and fellow ECW alumnus Joey Styles almost joined WCW in 2001 as their new commentary team.
Vince McMahon and WWE purchased WCW in 2001 for a measly sum, but things almost unfolded entirely differently. Former WCW Eric Bischoff almost purchased the fledgling promotion alongside Fusient Media. Unfortunately, the deal did not go through, as Bischoff and Fusient were unable to secure a television deal in time.
Don Callis’ Brush With WCW
“In 2001 when WCW was about to go out of business, I had a gig lined up with Bischoff,” Callis revealed. “Joey Styles and I were gonna go in and be the commentators.. I was gonna make more money than I ever made, but that deal fell through.”
It was a tumultuous time in the pro wrestling industry. Callis recalls having leverage one minute and the deal falling through soon thereafter.
“All of a sudden, it was like, I went from being able to leverage three companies (WWF, WCW and ECW), to a monopoly (WWE). And I knew when a monopoly happens, guys on top like Jericho do well, but the guys underneath, don’t do well.”
Callis currently serves as the Executive Vice President of Impact Wrestling. He’s also the manager of AEW World Champion Kenny Omega.
Listen to the full episode of Talkin’ Shop with Don Callis at MLWRadio.com.
Ring of Honor has confirmed that former WWE Superstar EC3 has signed with the company. The company issued a press release earlier today confirming that the former IMPACT World Champion will be joining the promotion going forward.
Here is the full release from ROH:
Ring of Honor is pleased to announce that EC3 has signed with the company.
EC3, who had been pro wrestling’s hottest free agent since he hit the open market last summer; made a few appearances with ROH in the fall. He made his unannounced return on last weekend’s episode of “Ring of Honor Wrestling” to confront Jay Briscoe.
EC3 and Briscoe had been scheduled to face each other at Final Battle in December. The match was called off after EC3 tested positive for COVID-19.
EC3 Signs With ROH
Recognized as a two-time former world champion, EC3 boasts one of the most chiseled physiques in the sport and stellar speaking skills.
EC3 seized control of his narrative during his time as a free agent. A darker, more intense and more dangerous EC3 showed up in ROH declaring that he was on a quest to see if honor is real.
Now that EC3 is making ROH his home, he’ll have ample time to find out.
Since leaving WWE last year during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the former 24/7 Champion has been promoting his character via YouTube videos and his social media presence. The former Derrick Bateman confirmed with Chris Van Vliet on his podcast that he wanted to work where he was offered creative freedom and be able to ‘control the narrative.’ It appears as though ROH have offered the former Ethan Carter 3rd what he was looking for.
Posted February 25th, 2021 in ROH, News. Tagged: EC3.
WWE Superstar Shayna Baszler recently appeared on Renee Paquette’s Oral Sessions podcast. The former MMA fighter discussed a number of topics during her time on the show; including the concept of the BloodSport PPV and the WWE ‘lite’ version, RAW Underground.
Creator of the current run of BloodSport PPVs Josh Barnett has a unique relationship with Shayna Baszler. Both former fighters transitioned into pro wrestling from martial arts, and Barnett was one of the trainers, alongside Billy Robinson, who helped Baszler adapt her martial arts background into a career inside the squared circle.
Renee Paquette suggested during the podcast that she felt the now defunct RAW Underground was created ‘especially’ for Baszler.
Shayna Baszler on BloodSport/RAW Underground
Baszler replied and said that the concept of RAW Underground/BloodSport would’ve worked perfectly for her. “Obviously [it would have], with my martial upbringing and everything with Josh and Billy Robinson. [It was] Kind of that Pancrase/UWF-i style, that’s what Bloodsport and RAW Underground was I think.”
Shayna Baszler also noted how she believes not every professional wrestler is suited to the ‘faux shoot fight’ style. It was discussed during the podcast how Jon Moxley was a big part of the recent BloodSport PPV events, and Baszler said how it really does take a certain type of performer to pull off the gimmick.
“The difficult part is that, and I’m just speculating I’m not speaking for anyone, but just knowing how I trained for that style of professional wrestling? I don’t think you can grab just any pro wrestler nowadays, and just throw them into this and they know how to do it and make it look the way it’s supposed to look.”
Would you like to see RAW Underground return for the likes of Shayna Baszler? Let us know in the comments
AEW Champion Kenny Omega recently commented on the in-ring abilities of WWE Superstar Brock Lesnar. The former ‘Next Big Thing’ and WWE Champion has been away from the company since losing to Drew McIntyre at last year’s WrestleMania.
With Kenny Omega recently making comments about a potential WWE/AEW crossover; there has been discussion and clamouring from fans to see potential dream matches between the two biggest promotion in North America, if not the world.
A fan asked Kenny Omega on Twitter what his thoughts were on Lesnar. Omega replied to the prospect of having a ‘dream’ match against the former UFC fighter.
Kenny Omega on Brock Lesnar
“Brock is one of the greatest athletes and performers of all time” Kenny Omega wrote. “I’d need more friends if I were to face him.”
There was previously rumblings of Lesnar potentially joining AEW. Lesnar’s WWE contract was up for renewal and there was speculation that All Elite/Tony Khan had contacted Lesnar. With UFC now no longer on Lesnar’s radar, it is possible that he/his team were using potential AEW talks to negotiate a better deal with WWE. It has not been confirmed if Brock Lesnar is still signed to WWE at this point.
Former WWE Superstar Jon Moxley also recently discussed the potential of AEW and WWE working together. With Moxley having intrinsic knowledge of the company, he said it wasn’t likely to happen anytime soon.
“That would never happen” Moxley told to Inside The Ropes this week. “That’s not even worth wasting any mental energy to… You know. I mean, if you want to fantasy book some cool s**. You know, maybe you could fantasy book it for, like, fun magazine, stuff.”
Here are some of our recent articles related to Brock Lesnar & AEW:
WWE confirmed on last night’s episode of Monday Night RAW that Rhea Ripley will soon be coming to the main roster. The former NXT Women’s Champion is regarded by many as one of the best performers in the Women’s division, if not the entire company.
WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley reacted to Ripley making her way to the Monday Night RAW roster. The Hardcore Legend appears to be very nervous about the way WWE will possibly book Ripley when she joins the likes of Asuka, Charlotte Flair and Peyton Royce on Monday nights.
Mick Foley on Rhea Ripley
“It’s vital that @WWE not mess around when it comes to pushing Rhea Ripley” Mick Foley wrote on Twitter. “PLEASE don’t allow her to suffer a 50/50 fate. Strap that rocket to her back, and see how far she can fly.”
The success rate for NXT Superstars moving ‘up’ to the main roster has been hit-or-miss over the past couple of years. Once main event talents such as Aleister Black and Andrade have been missing from RAW for months now; so it’s easy to see why Mic Foley would have reservations.
It has not been confirmed exactly when Ripley will be coming to RAW, but it is likely to be in the next few weeks.
Check out the hype video for the debuting Rhea Ripley below:
Almost 10 years ago The Miz won the WWE Championship for the first time by cashing in his Money In The Bank briefcase. Mike Mizanin appeared on the November 22nd episode of Monday Night RAW; then cashed-in on then Champion Randy Orton to win the title for the very first time.
One of the organic moments from the cash-in was the reaction from a young fan in the crowd. That young fan was dubbed ‘Angry Miz Girl’ and became a meme for some time. The young fan even won a Slammy for fan reaction of the year.
The Miz on Angry Miz Girl
Mike Mizanin cashed-in once again last night at the Elimination Chamber PPV and became the WWE Champion, once again.
Sportskeeda spoke to Angry Miz Girl after the Elimination Chamber PPV to get her reaction on the situation. “I personally think he’s [The Miz] one of the best on the roster” Caley/Angry Miz Girl stated. “I know it’s a big change from my opinion 10 years ago; but I love him when he’s a heel champion. I think he’s got the personality for it down to a T.”
WWE’s Elimination Chamber 2021 will be taking place from the WWE ThunderDome in Florida. This is the first ‘stop’ on the Road To WrestleMania, with two big Elimination Chamber matches confirmed for the event.
The SmackDown Chamber match will see Jey Uso, Kevin Owens, King Corbin, Sami Zayn, Cesaro and Daniel Bryan compete to see who will face Universal Champion Roman Reigns on the same night.
PWInsider recently confirmed that the RAW WWE Championship Chamber match will be ending the show tonight. The main event will see Drew McIntyre defend his Championship against AJ Styles, Jeff Hardy, Randy Orton, Sheamus and Kofi Kingston.
WWE Superstar Keith Lee has reportedly been injured and will no longer be taking part in the Elimination Chamber PPV event. Lee was scheduled to be part of the Triple Threat match for the United States Championship.
PWInsider confirmed the news tonight that Keith Lee will not be part of the show. Lee is apparently not backstage and the nature of the injury is thus far not public knowledge. WWE did state on screen that Bobby Lashley injured Lee on a recent episode of Monday Night RAW, although this appears to just be storyline justification at this point.
WWE held a Fatal Four Way on the kickoff show to determine the replacement for Keith Lee. Ricochet, Mustafa Ali, John Morrison and ELIAS all participated in the contest, with John Morrison taking the win and filling in for Keith Lee tonight.
GCW Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport returned this weekend for the fifth instalment of the event. The main event of the show saw two former WWE Superstars face off, as Jon Moxley took on Davey Boy Smith Jr.
Here’s the full results from the card that took place on FITE TV. The replay of the show is available to purchase here.
Calder McColl vs Bad Dude Tito – McColl took the win via submission
Calvin Tankman vs Nolan Edward – Calvin Tankman took the win via TKO
Kal Jack vs Superbeast – Kal Jack took the win via submission
Royce Isaacs vs Alex Coughlin – Royce Isaacs took the win via submission
Rocky Romero vs Simon Grimm – Rocky Romero took the win via submission
Chris Dickinson vs JR Kratos – Chris Dickinson took the win via submission
Jeff Cobb vs Tom Lawlor – NJPW star Jeff Cobb took the win via submission
Jon Moxley vs Davey Boy Smith Jr. – The former AEW Champion defeated Davey Boy Smith Jr via KO
Davey Boy Smith Jr. wrote the following about his loss to Jon Moxley:
WWE Hall of Famer and co-host of Busted Open Radio Bully Ray recently discussed the upcoming Exploding Barbed Wire DeathMatch in AEW. It was confirmed on this week’s AEW Dynamite that Kenny Omega will be defending his Championship against Jon Moxley in the FMW classic match type at AEW Revolution.
“The match can work if you do it the right way” Bully Ray began. “If they try to do too much? It’s not gonna work. There’s a way to do it and it revolves around how you toy with the psychology leading up to it. It revolves around how many times you actually fall into the exploding barbed wire. It also revolves around what that means in the match.”
Bully Ray on Exploding DeathMatch
“One of my biggest problems with Last Man Standing matches is that talent will prostitute the count” Bully Ray continued. “When a ref starts counting early? You know the guy is gonna get up by two; but a little later he’s gonna get up by four, then a little later he’s gonna get up by six, a little later by eight and then you know whatever the finish is. If I’m doing a Last Man Standing match? I never want the count to be to be prostituted”
Bully Ray finished by discussing how he would approach the bout from a phycological standpoint. “I don’t want it to be used too much in this match. You build to the exploding barbed wire, you go into the barbed wire one to two times the get cut up, then you fall into the exploding stuff, and then you get a finish” Bully stated. “Don’t overdo it, because then it becomes overkill. You want to leave this match with just enough so these people would want to see it again.”
It was recently revealed that PROGRESS Wrestling would be returning as of this weekend. WWE recently confirmed via Twitter that Chapter 104: Natural Progression would be airing on the WWE Network Saturday 20th February at 3 p.m. ET/8 p.m. GMT.
The main theme of the show surrounded the Natural Progression Series tournament; however there were other bouts that were featured on the night as well. One of the bigger matches that took place involved the PROGRESS Unified World Champion, Cara Noir. Newly signed NXT UK Superstar Millie McKenzie was also in action.
PROGRESS World Championship Match – Cara Noir (c) vs. Dan Moloney – Cara Noir retained his Championship via rear-naked choke
Kid Lykos vs. Chuck Mambo – Kid Lykos took the win after making Chuck Mambo submit in the Blood Moon. Kid Lykos II came out and caused the distraction
Natural Progression Series Tournament Quarter Final:Warren Banks vs Big Guns Joe – Warren Banks took the win after hitting a Spear
Natural Progression Series Tournament Quarter Final: Elijah vs Danny Black – Danny Black took the win via pinfall
Millie McKenzie vs. Mercedez Blaze – Millie McKenzie took the win via pinfall
Natural Progression Series Tournament Quarter Final: Kid Lykos II vs Ethan Allen – Ethan Allen beats Kid Lykos II via referee stoppage
Natural Progression Series Tournament Quarter Final: Luke Jacobs vs Man Like Dereiss – Luke Jacobs takes the win
PROGRESS World Championship No. 1 Contender’s Match: Spike Trivet vs. Omari vs. Gene Munny vs. Chris Ridgeway – Ridgeway pins Munny for the win following a penalty kick
Pro wrestling legend Terry Funk recently reacted to the AEW Revolution main event news. Although it is unfair to just label Funk as a ‘hardcore’ wrestling legend, he was part of some of the most brutal matches over his illustrious career.
One of the bouts that Terry Funk took part in was the Exploding Barbed Wire DeathMatch; much like the one that will main event AEW Revolution between AEW Champion Kenny Omega and Jon Moxley.
Terry Funk on DeathMatch
Terry Funk was made aware of the Revolution main event and the person running his Twitter account notified followers of his reply. “Just talked to Mr. Funk & he’s doing okay. He just wanted to wish Jon Moxley & Kenny Omega the best of luck in their exploding barbed wire match” Funk reportedly began.
It was also noted that Funk made a playful jab at WWE. “He says the match is a good way for AEW to wake up Vince with a good kick in his ass. He wants you to know he’s pulling for you!”
It has been revealed that former Love Island contestant and World of Sport star Adam ‘Flex’ Maxted has been signed to WWE. The powerhouse star is reportedly being sent to the NXT UK brand, alongside other new signing Millie McKenzie.
As mentioned, Adam Maxted was previously a featured name on the WOS program. World of Sport aired on ITV’s main broadcast channel, with Love Island being a stable of sister channel ITV2. It was hoped that the crossover appeal of Maxted would help the brand gain traction, however after just one season (due to a number of reasons) World of Sport was cancelled by ITV.
Love Island’s Adam ‘Flex’ Maxted
Maxted previously had a tryout with WWE back in 2017. Adam Maxted has wrestled for the likes of OTT Wrestling, IPW:UK, 5 Star and Preston City Wrestling.
Having worked on the UK independent scene for a long time, Maxsted had worked with some of the bigger names on the scene. These include legend Doug Williams, Nathan Cruz, Noam Dar, Pete Dunne and Grado.
Wrestling legend Konnan has been hospitalized. According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, he is under medical care due to a kidney issue. Meltzer notes that his condition is serious, but that is all we know at this time.
Konnan, 57, has battled problems with his kidney before. He underwent a kidney transplant in 2007. There were complications following the surgery, but he eventually recovered. He’s spoken publicly about a history of abusing painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs “ruined his kidney.”
He boasts a long career and accolades across the globe. These accolades include becoming WCW World Television, United States and Tag Team Champion; CMLL World Heavyweight Champion and AAA Parejas Increibles Tag Team and Americas Heavyweight Champion.
SEScoops wishes Konnan a speedy recovery.
Update (2/18): According to Hugo Savinovich (via @Lucha Libre Online) Konnan has tested positive for COVID-19, which is why he is hospitalized. He recognized that his life was in danger, but hopes to be discharged over the next 48 hours.
Tal y como acaba de informar Hugo Savinovich, Konnan nos ha confirmado que lamentablemente dio positivo a COVID-19, motivo por el cual se encuentra hospitalizado. Este reconoció que su vida estuvo en peligro. En este momento se encuentra fuera de peligro y espera que le den el pic.twitter.com/un1yBr2ni0
Tessa Blanchard has been a free agent since leaving IMPACT Wrestling on June 25th 2020. There were reports of Blanchard being racially abuse to talent in her past, and Tessa addressed these in an Instagram post back in September.
“I’ve been away for a while” Tessa Blanchard wrote last year. “The main reason for that is to focus on my wedding & honeymoon. The past few months I’ve gotten back to the basics & been focusing on the relationships I have with family, friends & myself.”
“Racist? That’s not me” Blanchard continued. “That’s never been me, I don’t have a history of being that way, I don’t have a history of using that language & that’s the end of it, it’s just not who I am. & I’m tired of being called & my family seeing me be called something so hateful.”
Tessa Blanchard To AEW?
It has been rumored since Blanchard left IMPACT that she may be going to either AEW or WWE/NXT. On the AEW side, commentator Tony Schiavone indicated that there’s no talks in place currently.
Speaking on the AEW Dynamite post-show, Schiavone said “I don’t think that’s happening.” That was specifically when Schiavone was asked if he had any knowledge of AEW wanting to sign Tessa Blanchard. “At least not anytime soon. I would have heard that [if she’s coming over].”
With Tessa’s past it may be more likely that WWE would be interested in signing her. WWE have shown through prior dealings that they are more inclined to take on talented individuals with potentially problematic pasts.
AEW Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes recently spoke to New York Post. The former TNT Champion discussed a number of topics during the interview, including a potential ‘cinematic’ match against Sting.
‘The Icon’ Sting signed for AEW and debuted back on December 2nd at the ‘Winter Is Coming’ episode of AEW Dynamite. With Sting’s advanced age (for pro wrestling) and history of spinal issues? At 61 years old, he will be somewhat limited as to what he can do in the ring.
Cody Rhodes on Cinematic Matches
Cody Rhodes discussed this and the possibility that he may be able to face the former WCW legend in a match.
“To me, the cinematic matches, they really don’t have a current definition” Cody began. “I’ve seen the Stadium Stampede and I’ve seen the [WWE] Boneyard [match]. I’ve seen various different ways to present cinematic. And really cinematic just means with different camera cuts.”
“It can mean a lot of things” Cody Rhodes continued. “But ask me that question again in a few months; because I want the opportunity to stand across from the Stinger and I think he knows that. It’s almost kind of itching at me under my skin that if there is somebody I wanted to beat? It’s the face of TNT’s hottest period and run.”
Sting will be teaming with Darby Allin to take on Team Taz at AEW Revolution in March.
It was recently confirmed that New Japan Pro Wrestling have signed a television deal with Roku in both the United States and United Kingdom.
In an update to that deal, NJPW reportedly turned down a deal from AXS TV and opted to go with Roku. New Japan was previously on the AXS TV network before the broadcaster purchased IMPACT Wrestling. AXS chose to emphasise their new wrestling content and there wasn’t a place for NJPW.
On the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio; Dave Meltzer confirmed that NJPW decided to go with Roku. The reasoning was that they felt the streaming brand was better in terms of ongoing company strategy. This strategy includes expanding more into the Western markets.
NJPW and Roku
The deal with Roku is not exclusive, meaning that New Japan can pursue a cable network deal down the line if they so wish. This would not have been the case with AXS TV and thus why NJPW opted to go with the streaming platform.
The NJPW Roku channel was launched on Thursday 11th February. New Japan Pro-Wrestling is a new one-hour weekly show that premieres Thursdays at 5pm (Eastern). Additional NJPW content from 2020 will also be available on-demand.
A press release at the NJPW website includes quotes from NJPW and Roku executives.
“Our fans in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom are among our most loyal, and they have been very clear that they want NJPW’s content made available to them,” said Takami Ohbari, President of NJPW. “NJPW is unlike any other pro-wrestling in the world. It is the most athletic, sports-oriented pro-wrestling on the planet, and we are excited to bring our athletes and matches to these markets in such a major way. Thank you to The Roku Channel, and we look forward to a successful partnership that brings NJPW to millions of new fans around the world.”
WWE Hall of Famer and Olympic Gold medallist Kurt Angle recently started a new podcast with the team at AdFreeShows. On the newest episode of The Kurt Angle Show, the former TNA performer discussed Ronda Rousey and her quick rise in WWE.
“Without a doubt, Ronda picked it up very quickly” Kurt Angle began on the show. “But, you know, she was on a crash course. I didn’t have that crash course when I started. When I started with WWE, and went to their training camp? It was only five days a month! So I didn’t have a lot of training before I started.”
“Only when I went down to Memphis after about six months and I did a few months down there did I get any type of consistent training” Angle continued. “Ronda was getting it every day, but she really came through. I mean her performance at WrestleMania was incredible. She did a fantastic job and she deserves a lot of credit, she has incredible work ethic.”
Kurt Angle on Ronda Rousey
Kurt Angle and Ronda Rousey teamed at WrestleMania 34 against Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. Many fans and critics complemented Rousey’s first ever performance in a WWE ring, and Kurt Angle himself had huge praise for the former UFC fighter’s mental approach.
“I think she wasn’t going to disappoint herself or anyone else” Angle stated. “She was going to make sure she hit a home run at WrestleMania, and she did. She picked it up, I think, quicker than anybody in the history of the sport. I think Ronda picked up the technique, very fast, and she made it her own. Everything she did, her throws and her submissions, they were all real. [It was] Judo, Jiu Jitsu type of stuff, she really made it her own, so she was very artistic in that aspect.”
There’s currently no news on the status of Ronda Rousey in WWE. Rousey left the company following her loss to Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 35’s main event; it was reported that Ronda Rousey wanted to start a family with her husband at the time.
Do you think that Ronda Rousey will be returning to WWE? Let us know in the comments
WWE has reportedly signed UK star Millie McKenzie to their NXT UK brand. McKenzie has been one of the standout performers from the United Kingdom over the past few years and now she will be making her way to BT Sport Studios for Thursday night’s NXT UK programme.
talkSPORT confirmed the news this morning, saying also that the 20-year-old was uncomfortable signing for the WWE last year. Millie McKenzie was one of the more prominent UK stars to share her story during the #SpeakingOut movement, with former NXT UK star/coach Travis Banks being alleged to have abused her in the past whilst she was a trainee under his care.
Millie McKenzie To NXT UK
With WWE taking steps to remove certain people from the company it appears as though McKenzie now feels in a place to make her move to the NXT UK brand. Millie McKenzie will be performing on this Saturday’s PROGRESS Chapter 104 event, taking on Mercedez Blaze in what may be her final appearance for the promotion. That show does however take place on WWE Network, so she may be available for events going forward.
According to the report from talkSPORT, McKenzie is set to be ‘plugged right in’ to the top of the Women’s division on NXT UK. Millie will be performing against the likes of Kay Lee Ray, Jinny and newly signed Meiko Satomura.