WWE Hall of Famer and co-host of Busted Open Radio Bully Ray recently discussed WWE Superstar Charlotte Flair. Bully Ray would claim that Charlotte is “one of the greatest women’s performers ever” and that he finds it ridiculous that certain fans slam her online.

“You’re always gonna have people on social media, who think that they understand or know what’s going on in that ring” Bully Ray began on Busted Open. “[Think they know] what makes a great talent. What does make great talent? Charlotte Flair is top of the food chain, all time when it comes to women’s wrestling. All time, all time.”

Bully Ray on Charlotte Flair

“She’s possibly in the top three females of all time” Bully Ray continued. “It’s not even up for debate. That’s a cold hard fact. And to sit there on social media and to talk crap about Charlotte? ‘Oh, she’s only in that spot because her father.’ I mean, how old is that one? Because OF COURSE if she didn’t have the last name Flair? She wouldn’t be as athletic as she is, she wouldn’t look as good as she does. She wouldn’t have the gear that she does…just stop it already!”

• Jim Ross On Why Vince McMahon Didn’t Want To Sign Randy Orton

Bully Ray finished by calling out the detrimental fans online by saying “you look completely foolish and ignorant.” Ray added “if you take the social media and start bashing one of the greatest wrestlers of all time? You look foolish and ignorant.”

Do you agree with Bully Ray? Do you think that Charlotte Flair is one of the greatest performers ever? Let us know in the comments

AEW’s Eddie Kingston recently appeared on Renee Paquette’s Oral Sessions podcast. The ‘Mad King’ would discuss a number of topics on the show, including his current relationship, appearing overseas and tribute to his long-time friend Brodie Lee.

When Paquette asked Kingston what else he wanted to accomplish in his career, he would reply emphatically, saying NJPW. “Of course New Japan, but there has to be certain guys” Eddie Kingston would state.

Eddie Kingston on NJPW

“I want to get in there with [Hiroshi] Tanahashi, he is number one” Kingston continued. “Stone Cold Steve Austin is my favourite American wrestler, and to me Tanahashi is the Stone Cold Steve Austin of New Japan. He saved that company.”

Kingston also confirmed that he wants to appear for other promotions in Japan. “I want to step into an All Japan Pro Wrestling ring, because I love All Japan Pro Wrestling. Especially the 90s with the four pillars: [Akira] Taue, [Toshiaki] Kawada, [Mitsuharu] Misawa, and my personal favourite of all time Kenta Kobashi.”

• Don Callis On Why Kota Ibushi Is Not In Kenny Omega’s League

Kingston finished by naming the All Japan Pro Wrestling legend that he desperately wants to face. “But I NEED this” Kingston stated, “I NEED me versus Jun Akiyama, that would be the cap on everything.”

All Japan aside, it’s interesting that Eddie Kingston notes his want to face Hiroshi Tanahashi. There have been rumors and rumbling since Harold Meij left New Japan regarding a potential collaboration between AEW and NJPW. Reportedly, Meij was not on good terms with The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega; meaning that the link up between the two brands was highly unlikely. There are however several AEW performers who appear in NJPW, such as Chris Jericho and Jon Moxley.

Do you want to see Eddie Kingston appear in New Japan? Let us know in the comments

Former NWA commentator and outspoken pro wrestling personality Jim Cornette recently discussed Johnny Gargano and his role on NXT television.

Cornette was reviewing the most recent episode of NXT during the Drive Thru podcast. During the show, Cornette would make some comments towards Gargano and his wife Candice LaRae. Jim Cornette has made it clear in the past that he finds Gargano boring, bland and not the right fit for WWE television.

“I can’t explain putting these f*cking two on the show constantly” Cornette began on the Drive Thru. “I mean, even if he’s a good…her (Candice LaRae) aside? She’s just a run of the mill girl wrestler, who gives a sh*t? But he technically is a good performer.”

“Sure if it wouldn’t be for his size, his lack of personality and his obnoxiously phoney interview style and everything else about him he’d be great” Jim Cornette continued. “Give him a contract and make him a trainer, you know? He can do all the moves. Let him do motion capture for the video game.”

• Daniel Bryan Names 5 WWE Superstars He Wants To Work With

Jim Cornette would then finish by saying emphatically that Gargano should be taken off of NXT television. “He can do all the moves but this guy is not a television personality that anybody wants to f*cking see. The only people that want to see it are the people that want to see moves.”

Overall, Cornette appears to be far more favourable of talent in NXT than that of AEW. Every week Cornette will praise the likes of Damian Priest, but he will also lambast NXT for pushing the ‘generic’ performers he sees, such as Gargano.

Do you agree with Jim Cornette’s opinion of Johnny Gargano? Do you think that Gargano will have a good run on the ‘main roster’ if he ever gets called up full time? Let us know in the comments

WWE Hall of Famer and co-host of SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio Bully Ray recently discussed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre. It was confirmed by WWE before this week’s episode of RAW that the Scottish Superstar had tested positive for COVID-19.

It was also revealed that McIntyre was asymptomatic, so he was not suffering from any of the usually expected symptoms of the disease. With McIntyre being in well health, he confirmed that he will still be facing Goldberg at the Royal Rumble PPV. Goldberg challenged Drew McIntyre on the Legends Night episode of Monday Night RAW.

Many fans have been worried about Goldberg potentially getting the win at the Rumble, taking the belt from McIntyre. Bully Ray would suggest that WWE use the fact that McIntyre had/has COVID and weave it into the storyline.

Bully Ray on Drew McIntyre/Goldberg Storyline

“With the way they presented Goldberg last night and the fact that drew does have COVID? Who’s to say that even though he’s asymptomatic it doesn’t take a little bit out of him?” Bully Ray began on Busted Open. “You know? Maybe it affects his training, affects his ability to get in the ring. Maybe there’s a little bit of ring rust not being in there? I don’t mind using the fact that Drew has COVID as the base of a story, if Goldberg is gonna win [at the Royal Rumble].”

“Drew got it at the ‘wrong’ time and timing is everything” Bully Ray continued, elaborating on the storyline aspect. “Goldberg was able to step up to the plate at the right time and take advantage of the situation. Hell, maybe you have some of the WWE doctors telling Drew; ‘you should not be getting back in the ring right now, you’re just not ready to go, you’ve taken a hit over the past two weeks. Your lungs may not be able to take it.’ I like using it as an aspect of the World Championship match.”

• Drew McIntyre Addresses Positive COVID-19 Test On WWE Raw

Bully Ray would finish by saying how the positive test could also work as an ‘out’ for WWE taking the title off of Drew McIntyre. “And it’s also something, not for Drew to fall back on, but people to fall back on for Drew. Because they’ll say, ‘oh well Drew had COVID, maybe he wasn’t strong enough. Then drew goes, ‘you know what? Enough with this COVID excuse. No, I lost, Goldberg was the better guy but at WrestleMania I’m going to get my championship back.'”

With WWE being completely averse to mentioning COVID-19 on television on air this seems unlikely.

Do you agree with Bully Ray? Do you think that WWE should use Drew McIntyre’s positive COVID test to further the Goldberg storyline? Let us know in the comments

IMPACT Wrestling stars Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows recently joined forces on-screen with AEW Champion Kenny Omega and ‘The Invisible Hand’ Don Callis.

The group aligned during an episode of IMPACT Wrestling back in December; since then fans have been wondering when The Good Brothers would eventually make their way over to AEW Dynamite.

Kenny Omega and Don Callis were the catalyst for the AEW/IMPACT storyline beginning, at least on-screen, and last week saw The Good Brothers invade Dynamite and attack Jon Moxley. Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson appeared following the main event which saw Kenny Omega defeat Rey Fenix for the AEW Championship.

The 4 men would then unite with The Young Bucks on screen; revealing that the ‘Bullet Club’ (not named as such on camera) had reunited outside of New Japan Pro Wrestling.

Karl Anderson discussed the invasion during this week’s episode of Talk’n Shop. Co-host and NJPW star Rocky Romero would ask Anderson if ‘the boys’ backstage did not know they were going to appear.

Karl Anderson On ‘Bullet Club’ Invasion

“No, no, no [they knew]” Karl Anderson would begin on the podcast. “I guess that’s the difference of the time right? Because there was a couple…I guess there was a couple marks at the hotel here and there?”

• Bullet Club Members Reunite At AEW Dynamite New Year’s Smash

Anderson would then discuss how the invasion wasn’t leaked online. “We came in and there might have only been one or two in the hotel? I don’t know how they didn’t see us? Maybe they just are a part of the game, and didn’t want to leak it? I almost think it was probably expected at some point, but where we are in the world right now? It’s just easy to surprise I guess.”

If you use any quotes from this article, please provide a H/T to SEScoops

Former NWA commentator and outspoken pro wrestling personality Jim Cornette recently discussed Rhea Ripley and her current stature in WWE.

It was recently reported that Ripley is due to join the ‘main roster’ imminently, with Monday Night RAW the likely destination. Jim Cornette has stated in the past that he is a huge fan of the Australian Superstar, and he questioned on the most recent episode of The Jim Cornette Experience why WWE hasn’t done ‘more’ with her character by now.

“The match that Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair had at WrestleMania? It was the highlight of the show, it was the best thing on the show” Cornette began. “Because everybody else was still trying to figure out how to do the empty arena thing and it was a bunch of garbage matches.”

Jim Cornette on Rhea Ripley

“It was people that couldn’t ‘get’ it. The girls? They nailed it and had an athletic contest” Cornette continued. “And then shortly afterwards Charlotte leaves to have surgery.”

Jim Cornette would finish by slamming WWE for not utilizing Rhea Ripley more in the months that Charlotte Flair was off of television. Cornette firmly believes that Ripley has the potential to be the top female star in pro wrestling.

• Linda McMahon Run Organization Criticized For Ties To Capitol Hill Riot

“If anybody had had any forethought, because it’s not like somebody can’t see that Rhea Ripley should be a movie star, a female action movie star? She’s probably, I would say, more qualified than anybody else in wrestling to be the number one female box office attraction. Charlotte would be right there, if Rhea Ripley is not available. Why didn’t they (WWE) spend the time establishing Rhea Ripley as the top girl in any of the WWE divisions? Why?”

Do you agree with Jim Cornette? Do you think that Rhea Ripley will become the biggest box office attraction in WWE? Let us know in the comments

WWE NXT Champion Finn Balor was recently interviewed by Vicente Beltran of the ViBe & Wrestling podcast. The Irish Superstar would discuss a number of topics during his time on the show, including working with Triple H and Shawn Michaels in the ‘developmental’ brand.

“For me? I feel very fortunate that I’ve gotten to work very closely with some of my heroes in the wrestling business” Finn Balor began. “Shawn Michaels and Triple H being two. Obviously, I’ve worked very closely with Triple H for many years since I began at NXT. And of course William Regal.”

“Then more recently in the second run with NXT? Shawn Michaels is heavily involved behind the scenes” Finn Balor then continued. “So, getting to know him and learn from him and pick his brain on what he feels is a good direction to take the business? I’ve learned so much from.”

Balor finished by talking about how surreal it has been to work work with some of the wrestling legends he grew up idolizing.

“It’s always very surreal to be working with these guys that you idolized or you grew up watching and had their t-shirts or had their action figures. Now you’re having a discussion or debate on what you think is a good direction to go. I feel very fortunate to have that kind of environment in NXT.”

• Cody Rhodes – “If The Younger Audience Aren’t Watching Your Show? You Should Be Terrified”

Listen to audio of the full interview with Finn Balor in the player embedded below:

H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcribed quotes

AEW Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes recently appeared on Chris Jericho’s Talk Is Jericho podcast.

Cody discussed a number of topics during the interview, including the first year of AEW programming. He emphasized the importance of the 18-49 demographic, saying how he and other members of AEW’s management are consistently checking the top 50 shows to see where they rank.

AEW has consistently outperformed NXT amongst the younger audience since the two shows began going head-to-head in October 2019. NXT tends to trend with an older audience, who are likely to have already been ‘loyal’ to WWE over the decades Rhodes revealed a certain WCW legend convinced him to focus on engaging the younger audience.

“Konnan of all people,” he said. “I don’t speak to Konnan a lot, but he had told me his secret to success. I asked him for any advice. His secret to success? It was always being around young people. Like ‘hey, I’m gonna listen to hip hop, I’m gonna listen to modern music. Even if I don’t like it? I’m gonna listen to it. I want to know what they’re talking about.'”

Cody Rhodes on Demographics

Rhodes continued, “That to me is the brightest part of the AEW roster. The youth that is on the roster and the youth that is in the creative, the direction. With Tony [Khan] in that lead spot, the direction of the show, the artistic vision of the show, the talent on the show.”

Cody Rhodes would then discuss the demographics of the show specifically. “We joke about the demo, but it’s not a joke. Seriously there’s a potential that if you, and this is for any show, if you don’t look at that? You’re going to age out. One of the reasons I’ve turned my act around into a bit of a squeaky clean act? It is because it’s really…I want to engage a young fanbase. Not just the young, affluent, and cool. I want to engage kids, because the show has a lot of violence, a lot of adult content.”

Rhodes finished by discussing the importance of attracting the younger demographic. This holds true not just with pro wresetling, but with all television shows.

“Anyone who’s not scared, and I’m not talking about our competitor, I’m talking about any show. If you’re not in with the youth in terms of, they’re not watching your show? You should absolutely be terrified. 50 plus means you’re losing your audience. Again this is about TV in general, not about WWE and not about AEW, but because we see all top 50 shows every week.”

Do you agree with Cody Rhodes? Do you think that AEW are doing a good job of bringing a younger audience to pro wrestling?

AEW Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes recently appeared on Chris Jericho’s Talk Is Jericho podcast. Cody would discuss a number of topics during the interview, including the first year of AEW programming.

“Somebody asked me to grade it [AEW’s first year]” Cody Rhodes began on the podcast. “And of course, as part of the company I can’t give it a bad grade! But I said like ‘an A, and there’s room for an A+.'”

“We know where we need to grow” Rhodes would continue. “Even if AEW only went one year? It’s still been the greatest year of my life. I learned a lot of lessons, and learned some hard lessons about the burdens of management. If you were not popular before? You’re definitely not going to be popular as you enter that space.”

Cody Rhodes on Company Metrics

Cody would then discuss the ratings success of the promotion. “I still think like, it is surreal, like the numbers? That’s why I love the data. I love when (Chris) Harrington shows me this spreadsheet, talks about our international deals. We’re having these calls…like I was on the phone with Microsoft the other day!”

• Bullet Club Members Reunite At AEW Dynamite New Year’s Smash

Rhodes would finish by saying how he laid out how he wanted his involvement to work with AEW President Tony Khan on day one. “I told Tony, I said do not give me this job unless you want me to really do the job. Which would mean really embrace it, which would probably include pissing you [Khan] off from time to time. But he’s never been pissed at me.”

AEW Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes recently appeared on Chris Jericho’s Talk Is Jericho podcast. Cody would discuss a number of topics during the interview, including the younger talent who are currently working in the promotion.

Chris Jericho would specifically discuss the young tag team Private Party. Jericho faced Isiah Kassidy in a match on the September 25th 2019 episode of AEW Dynamite.

Chris Jericho on Private Party

“The thing with this those guys? They’re like 19 and 21” Jericho would begin on the podcast. “They’re never had to do a promo in their life, at least not on national TV. When I worked with Isaiah Cassidy? It was his second ever singles match on live TV. Like for us we’ve been doing it for so long, but these are kids and they need advice and are probably super happy to get it.”

“But they must also be a little scared you know? Like ‘oh these guys never say anything, they don’t talk, they don’t ask questions.’ I’d be terrified if I was those two guys at 19 and 21!”

Jericho would finish by saying how it’s the older talent’s responsibility to look after the younger stars. “It’s kind of our responsibility, but these are just really young guys.”

Chris Jericho has of course been working with his own stable of younger talent over the past year. The creation of the Inner Circle has given ‘Le Champion’ the ability to help fresh stars like Sammy Guevara, Pride & Powerful, MJF and Wardlow advance their careers and stature on AEW programming.

AEW Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes recently appeared on Chris Jericho’s Talk Is Jericho podcast. Cody would discuss a number of topics during the interview, including the fact that he was Brodie Lee’s final match in professional wrestling.

Cody of course faced Brodie Lee in a Dog Collar Match on AEW Dynamite; this was Cody’s return bout after being defeated handily by Lee on the show a month prior. The angle was set up so that Cody could go and record the ‘Go Big Show,’ making sure that the production was adhering to COVID-19 protocols.

“I hated the fact that I was his last match” Cody Rhodes would begin on the podcast. “Like, I loved it, and I love that feeling. But, I also hated it, because god, we were all denied all these other great matches.” Interestingly, Cody Rhodes actually defeated Brodie Lee/Luke Harper in his first ever television loss in WWE; so Brodie’s first and last televised losses came at the hands of Cody Rhodes.

Cody Rhodes on Brodie Lee

“I wasn’t confident in that…obviously he could have continued and been better and done more stuff and I could have [gone on] to be better” Cody continued, lamenting how far he and Brodie Lee could’ve gone together in their feud and AEW in general. “I hate it, but love that I shared that moment with him.”

• Bullet Club Members Reunite At AEW Dynamite New Year’s Smash

Cody Rhodes would finish by stating how bittersweet it was to have the main event match against Brodie Lee on that Dynamite; something that Brodie Lee had worked his whole career for and the reason he left WWE, to get to the main event. “Now I look at it [the match] more with a reverence and love. Just because, he got to go out…the thing he wanted the most? He got to go out on top. Which is great.”

You can check out some of the highlights from Brodie Lee vs Cody Rhodes in the Dog Collar match below:

Triple H appeared on Wednesday’s episode of WWE‘s digital series, The Bump. The Game was there to promote NXT New Year’s Evil and discussed some of his favorite Royal Rumble moments.

One of the moments that Triple H discussed was the 2002 return of Curt ‘Mr Perfect’ Hennig. Mr Perfect returned during the Royal Rumble match that year and lasted until the final four of the match.

When Triple H first debuted in WWE, Curt Hennig would act as his manager, helping him get to the Intercontinental Championship. The Game would discuss what it was like having Hennig return to the ring for that Rumble match way back in 2002.

Triple H on Curt Hennig

“It was awesome” Triple H began on The Bump. “You know for me as a fan? Like Curt was just one of the best in ring performers, ever. Just athletically…everything that he brought to the table.”

• Bully Ray: “Younger Guys Are Not As Smart as Older Guys Because They Don’t Understand Psychology”

“So when I came into WWE the first time?” The Game would continue. “Curt was sort of in that, first kind of manager position for me. He was helping me get to the Intercontinental title. Shortly thereafter he left to go to WCW. So him then returning later? It was kind of a weird full circle moment. But yeah, it was very meaningful to see him in that spot [in the Rumble] and the reaction that he got was awesome.”

If you never got to see Curt Hennig during his short 2002 run then check out the match below against Rob Van Dam:

WWE Hall of Famer and co-host of SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio Bully Ray recently discussed the return of Goldberg.

There has been a lot of backlash from fans and critics online following the return of the WCW legend. Goldberg returned to Monday Night RAW during the Legend’s Night episode of the show this week, challenging Drew McIntyre to a match at the Royal Rumble for the WWE Championship.

Bully Ray would discuss how the use of ‘older’ talent is still beneficial to the likes of WWE and AEW, mainly due to the difference in experience.

Bully Ray on WWE Using Legends

“I don’t care about age” Bully Ray would begin on Busted Open. “I’ve never been one of these age guys. ‘Oh all the younger guys are just’…younger guys are not as smart as older guys because they don’t understand psychology, like older guys do.”

“That’s why Randy Orton and Edge’s psychology is 100 times better than anybody else in the company” Bully Ray continued. “So if you apply the right psychology to a match with Goldberg? You probably get 10 strong minutes, which is all you really need.”

• Update On Why Goldberg Is Facing Drew McIntyre At The Royal Rumble

Bully Ray would finish by praising Brock Lesnar for his work with Goldberg at WrestleMania 33 and even beforehand. “Did Brock Lesnar apply the right psychology to his first run with Goldberg? Yes. Did it work? It worked beautifully. How long were the matches? Their WrestleMania was what? Five/six minutes? It works. So, if you understand the players? If you understand the characters? If you understand their strengths? You play to it.

Do you agree with Bully Ray? Are you looking forward to seeing Drew McIntyre vs Goldberg at Royal Rumble 2021? Let us know in the comments below

Triple H appeared on Wednesday’s episode of WWE’s digital series, The Bump. The Game was there to promote NXT New Year’s Evil and discussed some of his favorite Royal Rumble moments.

As WWE’s Executive Vice President of Global Talent Strategy & Development, Triple H is very involved with brand development and of course, NXT.

When asked about Finn Balor returning to NXT last October 2019 after wrestling on the WWE main roster for several years, Triple H said, “I think it’s been great.”

Finn Balor’s Impact on NXT

For many years, NXT had the perception of being a developmental brand. Triple H says that Finn Balor put a ‘stamp’ on NXT as it’s own brand on par with Raw and SmackDown.

“In the run up, I understand that it was sort of the place where you prove yourself, to then go on to something else, he said. “It has now become the place where you can prove yourself as being one of the best in the world” Triple H would continue.”

Triple H emphasized that an accomplished wrestler like Balor helps legitimize NXT as more than just

“I think that Finn’s return here showed that. When he left the first time? I think there were a lot of people here that said ‘well he needed to leave because there has nothing else to do here.’ There’s always something else to do, you know? It’s one thing to become a champion, it’s another thing to hang on to it. It’s another thing again to regain it. And then even more so to hang on to it again.”

Finn Balor defends the NXT Championship against Kyle O’Relly in the main event of Wednesday’s New Year’s Evil event. You can check out the full card for that show below:

• NXT New Year’s Evil Preview (1/6): Balor vs. O’Reilly, Kross vs. Priest

Do you agree with Triple H? Do you think that Finn Balor returning to NXT when he did cemented it as a brand on the level of RAW and SmackDown?

Executive Vice President of Global Talent Strategy & Development for WWE Triple H recently appeared on WWE’s The Bump. The Game was appearing on the show as part of the ‘Royal Rumble Royalty’ segment of the show, discussing historic moments and memories from Rumbles past.

During the show Triple H was asked about the shocking return of John Cena back in 2008. When Cena appeared at number 30 in the Royal Rumble that year it was a huge shock; Cena was injured and the timetable for his return was far past the Rumble in Madison Square Garden that year.

Triple H was one of the men in the ring during that match and he lasted to the final two with Cena. “When you’re in there with a guy like John [Cena]? The energy is up anyway, the excitement level is up. You know what you’re about to go do.”

Triple H on Royal Rumble 2008

“And you know, as we’re coming down to that moment? And John’s about to come out? I know where we’re going and I know this place is about to become unglued” Triple H would continue. “I knew if we play it right? They (the fans) won’t sit down, like if we can, if we can deliver on it in this way? It will just be incredible.”

Triple H would also discuss why moments like that are why some performers find it difficult to leave the ring and retire. “You know how when you get to the end? It’s all about how hard it is to walk away, how hard it is to walk away from the camaraderie and the limelight of it, the meaning of it, you know? It is incredibly difficult because you know what it meant to you in those moments, that energy and adrenaline. And you know what it means to those other people and then even when you can be a part of that for them.”

“It’s incredible. I think it’s part of the buzz even now that I get” Triple H continued. “Whether it be NXT, and putting stuff together and watching new talent or new talents have that moment. That moment when the light bulb goes off, that moment when they have their, sort of arrival, and their big moment.”

If you’ve never seen the match and Triple H facing off with John Cena check the whole thing via the video below.

It was recently reported that Pat McAfee has been ‘removed’ from NXT television. The reasoning was apparently as a way to stop McAfee feeling ‘overexposed’ on the Wednesday night programme.

Former NWA commentator and outspoken pro wrestling personality Jim Cornette would rip into WWE for reportedly taking this stance. Cornette would also comment on the apparent lack of communication between WWE officials and McAfee about the decision.

Jim Cornette on Pat McAfee

“McAfee tweeted that he was news to him when he read it!” Jim Cornette would begin on the Drive Thru podcast. “It’s news to him that he’s getting fired on Christmas Day. Not that it was news he’s being taken off television, but news that it was WWE was doing it on purpose.”

“There’s no injury, that at least McAfee is admitted to” Cornette continued. “Or that has been teased or talked about. Basically as I understand it, the WWE has just said they’re not going to use McAfee until the spring!? And then they’ll they apparently…the illusion to this was that they would bring him back at that point.”

Jim Cornette would then state how the only talent he seemingly enjoys to a length extent on the show is McAfee and Rhea Ripley. “Why take Pat McAfee, one of the only good things about that show off of it? You know what? Pat McAfee could just marry Rhea Ripley and if it would be just them on that show? I could live with it.”

• Mustafa Ali Rips WWE Legends Night

Cornette would then finish by lambasting WWE for removing McAfee off of NXT television. “So why would you take McAfee off a show that’s that deadly f*cking dull already when he’s one of the best things about it!?”

Do you agree with Jim Cornette? Do you think that Pat McAfee is one of the best aspects of NXT programming? Let us know in the comments

Former WCW President and WWE Executive Director of SmackDown Eric Bischoff recently hosted a Q&A episode of the 83 Weeks podcast.

Bischoff would discuss a number of topics with fans, with co-host Conrad Thompson asking Easy E if there was a talent he has seen that could “change the industry” in the same way that Hulk Hogan or Stone Cold Steve Austin did in the late 90’s.

“I don’t think that way” Eric Bischoff would reply. “I mean there’s, I just don’t process things around me that way. There’s certainly been a lot of talent that I have been impressed with both in TNA, WWE and even just as a fan watching AEW. There’s a lot of talent that I see something in. I think perhaps I see something that maybe no one else does or maybe I’m just kidding myself?”

Eric Bischoff on Modern Talent

Bischoff would then state that he doesn’t see a talent making that seismic shift in the same way. That isn’t because of talent, but because the industry/world has changed. “I firmly believe what I’m about to say. I don’t think there’s any talent on the face of the earth that can change the course of the business by themselves.”

“It’s got to be the right talent, at the right time, in the right place” Eric Bischoff would continue. “[They’ve got to be] surrounded by the right people at the right time. That’s going to shift the business. IF the business is going to shift? It’s going to shift as a result of a multitude of different things, a variety of different things.”

• Keith Lee Admits He Was Perplexed When Asked To Change His Theme Music

“It’s always going to be important, this is a talent driven business, always has been always will be” Bischoff would finish. “But it takes more than just the talent for seismic shift to occur.”

Do you agree with Eric Bischoff? Are there any talents that you could see making a huge difference if given the opportunity? Let us know in the comments

Jim Cornette recently weighed in on the AEW/Chris Jericho and NBA Twitter fanbase and why NBA fans decided to body shame Chris Jericho.

A recent episode of AEW Dynamite was pre-empted by an NBA game. The December 23rd episode of Dynamite followed on from a game that went into overtime and some NBA fans decided to watch the opening AEW match.

That match saw Top Flight (Darius and Dante Martin) take on the Inner Circle tandem of MJF and Chris Jericho. With Jericho being arguably the biggest mainstream name in AEW? Fans were quick to mention how different he looked from when he appeared in WWE during the ‘heyday’ of 2001-2005.

Jim Cornette on Chris Jericho

“Why is anybody surprised?” Jim Cornette would begin on the Drive Thru podcast. “This is another thing that I’ve been saying for a long, long time. Whether you like it or not. Chris Jericho is the biggest mainstream name recognition star in AEW, specifically because of his years and years spent with the WWE. That was when their ratings were much higher than they are now.”

• Update On Marty Scurll Potentially Signing With WWE or NJPW

“It’s not because he had a match at the Tokyo Dome a couple of years ago” Cornette continued. “It’s not because he’s with AEW now. It’s not because he was with WCW in 1998, it’s because he was a big star on WWE TV for a significant period of time; when they were doing much better ratings themselves than they are now. That’s just math and common sense.”

Did you see the Twitter drama with Chris Jericho and the NBA fans? Do you think that Jim Cornette is right here? Let us know in the comments

New Japan Pro Wrestling hosted Night 2 of their Wrestle Kingdom 15 event earlier today. The two day event would be headlined both nights by the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Double Championship matches.

Night 1 would see Tetsuya Naito defend his Championships against Kota Ibushi. The ‘Golden Star’ had earned the opportunity to challenge for the titles initially by winning the 2020 G1 Climax tournament.

Ibushi would subsequently lose the title match opportunity to Jay White at Power Struggle 2020, where White put his feet on the ropes to get the pinfall. As is traditional in New Japan; winners of the G1 Climax have to rematch against the performers they lost to in the tournament itself; with the winner taking the title opportunity briefcase, as Jay White did at Power Struggle.

• NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15 (Day 2) Live Coverage

Despite this setback, Tetsuya Naito stated that he wanted to headline both nights of Wrestle Kingdom 15. Naito he challenged Kota Ibushi to a match on Night 1 for the Championships. As mentioned, Ibushi won the match to go on and face Jay White on Night 2. This will be his first defence of the IWGP titles.

Kota Ibushi would defeat Jay White after nearly 50 minutes of action. Ibushi hit the Kamigoye to take the pinfall victory and retain the belts he won the night before.

AEW Commentator and WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross recently discussed Scott Hall on his Grilling JR podcast. The ‘Voice of Wrestling’ was asked on this week’s episode if he believes Scott Hall could’ve been a World Champion if not for his personal demons.

“Oh yeah, absolutely,” JR answered. “Scott’s personal demons are the only negative on his checklist. He had a great mind, still does. Various abilities, as in the machinations of producing and creating a wrestling character angle or storyline? He can work with these very well.”

Ross continued putting over Scott Hall’s aptitude for pro wrestling, but said that his personal demons kept him from achieving his full potential.

“He can be a big heel or can be a big babyface. The only thing that held Scott back? It was reliability. He was such a prisoner to the drugs and the booze. He had a hard time getting past that element. That became his identity at certain points of his career; which is totally unfortunate because he was a hell of a hand in the ring. Really, really good, and he had a great mind.”

Jim Ross on Scott Hall’s Creative

Jim Ross finished by questioning why Scott Hall has not been brought into any wrestling promotions for his creative mind.

“I’m surprised that, of course just may be his own just his decision, but I’m surprised somebody hasn’t nabbed him up .. because I think he’s that good.”

Scott Hall’s son Cody has been working for several promotions over the past couple of years. There’s a chance potentially that a company who brings in Cody may get Scott Hall in a position to help creatively.

• Arn Anderson Shares Wonderful Brodie Lee Story from WWE

Do you think that Scott Hall could end up in WWE, AEW, NXT or IMPACT working in a creative capacity? Let us know in the comments

New Japan Pro Wrestling commentator Kevin Kelly recently appeared on Wrestling Observer Radio. NJPW will be holding their Wrestle Kingdom 15 shows this week, with the traditional January 4th plus the 5th being the dates in the Tokyo Dome.

With the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions there have been questions as to whether Wrestle Kingdom will be able to go ahead. Kevin Kelly would confirm that the shows will go ahead, even if Japan calls a state of emergency in the country.

“It’s not going to affect the event itself. Wrestle Kingdom will happen regardless if Japan calls a state of emergency” Kelly confirmed. “The only question will be if fans are allowed to attend. So, there was already going to be a limited number and we haven’t heard today what is the latest [regarding attendance]. Best case scenario? It happens with limited fans, and worse case? It happens but with no fans in attendance.”

Wrestle Kingdom Won’t Be Canceled

Kelly continued, “The government is shut down and won’t re-open until the 5th. I think that they might put more restrictions on restaurants and bars? But they’ve already got it capped so low. There hasn’t been one case, thank god, of COVID that has been attributed to any New Japan event. They know exactly who has attended a New Japan event and whether or not they’ve gotten sick, and no one has been so far.”

At the time of writing there has been no official update regarding fans in attendance at Wrestle Kingdom.

Wrestle Kingdom 15 is available to watch on NJPWWorld and FITE TV. You can order the two nights of the show at a discount via FITE TV here.

• Kazuchika Okada Proposes Super Show With NJPW, AEW, WWE & More

Are you watching Wrestle Kingdom 15 on the 4th and 5th? What matches are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments

Former WWE Agent and AEW on-screen Coach Arn Anderson recently appeared on the Talk Is Jericho podcast.

This week’s episode of Talk Is Jericho is dedicated to the life of Brodie Lee; with tributes being paid to the Dark Order leader across the podcast from many different names in AEW.

Arn Anderson himself would share a story about the family man that Jon Huber was before his untimely passing. “Many nights he would come out of the building after having either their dark match like on the last day of a loop or something” Arn would begin.

Arn Anderson on Brodie Lee

“I’d be walking across the parking lot and some nights I would be heading to SmackDown and if he was on RAW? He [Brodie] would be heading home and I would go: ‘you got an early flight in the morning?’ He would go, ‘I’m driving.’ I’d go ‘how far is that?’ ‘Ah it’s about 490 [miles]’ he’d say.”

“I said ‘Jesus Christ Brodie! The flight that you got in the morning? You’ll probably get home about the same time'” Arn would continue. “He said ‘if I get the jump on it right now, I can have breakfast with the family.’ So he was going to drive 500 miles to get there two hours earlier, to have breakfast with his family. That’s who he was.”

• Jim Ross Reveals Promise He Made To Brodie Lee Jr

Arn Anderson would finish by again paying tribute to the former Luke Harper. “That’s who he was, that’s what he’ll always be to me. He wasn’t being braggadocious about it or he didn’t have his chest out. He’d just rather sit in the car, all night and be home two hours early to get to be with his family.”

Did you watch the Brodie Lee tribute show on TNT? Let us know in the comments

AEW Commentator and WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross recently discussed the passing of Brodie Lee on his Grilling Jr podcast.

Following on from what was of course a huge loss for pro wrestling, JR would discuss how the influence of his son Brodie Lee Jr was felt backstage. Jim Ross would say how the son of the Dark Order leader was beloved by those in the AEW locker room.

The podcast was filmed before the Brodie Lee memorial episode of AEW Dynamite. On the TNT programme Brodie Lee Jr would be given the TNT Championship and crowned as the belt’s lifetime Champion.

Jim Ross on Brodie Lee Jr

“Brodie Jr? He’s become quite the beloved figure back in the locker room area” Jim Ross would state. “Everybody loves the little fart! He’s just personable as hell.”

“He looks a lot like his dad” JR would continue. “His eyes and his dad’s eyes? His eyes and his dad’s eyes are the same. He’s a cute little kid. I was with him on Sunday at the Jags game, we hugged and talked and I made him a deal.”

Jim Ross would then reveal the promise that he made to Brodie Lee Jr, with the son of Jon Huber hoping to become a professional wrestler himself down the line. “When he wrestles for his first World Title? I promised that I would announce that match” JR would reveal.

• Update On Erick Redbeard’s AEW Status

“That’s just me, and you know I wanted to make him happy. And he thought that was the coolest deal. So apparently his dad had been saying nice things about me and my work or whatever. And the little boy remembered it and thought that was pretty cool.”

Do you think that we’ll see Brodie Lee Jr in AEW one day? Are you enjoying Jim Ross’ work in AEW? Let us know in the comments

AEW Champion Kenny Omega and ‘The Invisible Hand’ Don Callis recently appeared on Chris Jericho’s Talk Is Jericho podcast. The duo discussed a number of topics during the podcast, including Omega’s recent match in AAA, Don Callis’ ‘megaplan’ and the NJPW match between Jericho/Omega that ‘changed the wrestling industry.’

Much has been said about the Wrestle Kingdom 12 match between Chris Jericho and Kenny Omega. AEW President Tony Khan has mentioned himself that the match is the reason he went ahead with creating his own promotion.

Don Callis on Omega vs Jericho WK 12

IMPACT Wrestling EVP Don Callis has taken credit for putting the match together. The Invisible Hand described how he managed this during Talk Is Jericho.

“So, I’m in Japan and I’ve thought, as I’ve said many times; a lot of my thinking is what can I do to further the agenda of Don Callis and Kenny Omega? [The agenda] is to control things and to rewrite wrestling history.”

“Kenny didn’t have an opponent [for Wrestle Kingdom]” Don Callis continued. “He didn’t have an opponent he was excited about. How do you follow up the Okada match? The Six Stars and all that stuff? It takes a lot to get Kenny Omega motivated and excited. That’s because he’s next level. And I thought the one match that could do this? It was the dream match against Chris Jericho. It’s the Winnipeg thing, the fact that no one thought you would ever wrestle anywhere other than WWE.”

Jericho Leaving WWE

Callis would then discuss his previous conversations with Jericho, where the former WWE Superstar stated he would never wrestle for anyone other than Vince McMahon.

“You had always said to me, ‘I’ll never wrestle for anyone other than Vince.’ I was hesitant to call you, but I thought ‘you know what I’m gonna do it because this is the right match for Kenny.’ And it turned out it was the right match for you [Jericho] too, because you came in did what you do better than anybody else in the history of the business.”

• Kenny Omega Says There’s Only 3 Stars On His Level in AEW

The Invisible Hand would finish by praising Jericho for how he came into New Japan back in 2018. “You reinvented yourself, and you came in there and you terrorised the Japanese like no one since Bruiser Brody. You were like Godzilla. And you were, to use my parlance, you were a man among insects in Japan. You were destroying people, and what you and Kenny did? That was all anybody talked about.”

Have you been enjoying the recent storyline with Don Callis and Kenny Omega? Let us know in the comments

AEW Champion Kenny Omega and ‘The Invisible Hand’ Don Callis recently appeared on Chris Jericho’s Talk Is Jericho podcast. The duo discussed a number of topics during the podcast, including Omega’s recent match in AAA, Don Callis’ ‘megaplan’ and the NJPW match between Jericho/Omega that ‘changed the wrestling industry.’

Kenny Omega would also make a shot at the AEW roster during the show, saying that there’s not many stars in All Elite who are on his level.

Kenny Omega on the AEW Roster

“They’re (the fans) mad that one guy isn’t having a 45 minute match every episode” Kenny Omega would state on the podcast. “Of course I’m not. I don’t need 45 minutes for these guys! You’ve seen our roster, you know what I mean? Let’s just be honest, let’s called spade a spade.”

“There is a showmanship aspect to what we do” Omega continued. “But let’s be honest, you know? Who in this company, especially at this point in time, is really on my level? It’s a short list.”

Omega would then mention how Chris Jericho is on his list as well as two other members of the AEW roster. “We’ve got PAC, one of the greatest…I would say probably the greatest raw athlete on the roster, I can easily say that. I’m good at what I do because I mix the athletic with what I have upstairs. But PAC just has it so naturally in his body, in this genes.”

• Don Callis: “I Don’t Care About Ratings, I’m a Revolutionary”

“Moxley is up there” Omega continued. “Jon Moxley is more cerebral as well, and he’s just tough as nails, way tougher than I am. I never said I was a tough guy! I can absorb a lot of punishment, but do I want to get hit in the face? No. Do I want to mess up this quaff? No. These curls take a lot of scrunching.”

Do you agree with Kenny Omega? Are there any stars on the AEW roster that you want to see him face going forward? Let us know in the comments