The Bullet Club has a ton of vacant positions to fill at the moment. Mostly due to The Elite’s decision to depart to other promotions, such as All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Cody, Adam Page, The Young Bucks, and more are already signed to the new promotion. However, Tama Tonga has some names in mind that he’d like to see join The Bullet Club in their absence.

Speaking on “The WINCLY” recently, Tonga admitted that there are several talents that he’d like to see in the group. More specifically, he said he’d like to see WWE tag team, The Revival, join the faction:

“There’s a lot of talent, especially ones making a splash,” Tonga said. “Guys are wanting to leave certain companies… The Revival – those guys have piqued an interest. Those guys are great workers and I always watch their stuff…

“There’s a lot of indie promotions we look at, especially in Australia and England. But that’s pretty much under wraps for now.”

It’s interesting that Tonga brings up The Revival. The former NXT Tag Team Champions are clearly frustrated with their position in WWE at the moment. They asked for their release from the company several weeks ago after a match of theirs on Monday Night RAW. However, given the current climate within the industry, WWE won’t be granting any releases anytime soon.

A report later surfaced that WWE is planning on vamping up its tag team division, with The Revival being promised to be made the face of it. It will be interesting to see if these promises are followed through with.

What WWE stars would you like to see in The Bullet Club?

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

The WWE is ready to make their return to The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Fightful is reporting that WWE will return to the middle east on May 3rd for yet another big live event. The show will be WWE’s third after agreeing to a ten-year partnership with the country’s Saudi General Sports Authority. This was first reported by Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter back in December.

WWE will return in May, with another show expected to take place again this year in November. WWE has not announced the event publicly as of this writing. Meltzer’s report in December noted that the company will likely avoid doing so as long as possible. Especially after the backlash they received for going through with Crown Jewel in November, following the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

There was speculation that Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman played a role in Mr. Khasshoggi’s death. Several United States Senators suggested WWE pull out of the event, along with criticisms from late night TV hosts. However, WWE continued on with their plans, despite stars such as John Cena and Daniel Bryan refusing to work the show.

What do you think about the WWE returning to Saudi Arabia in May?

Becky Lynch hit Charlotte Flair with quite a shot this week on SmackDown Live. Fans have WWE Hall Of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler to thank for that. Lawler revealed on a recent episode of his podcast, “Dinner With The King,” that he gave “The Irish Lass Kicker” on how to throw a good punch.

Lawler said he recently ran into Lynch backstage at a WWE event. They’ve exchanged greetings in the past but had never had a real conversation. Lawler said Lynch ran up to him and said she had been binge-watching a lot of “The King.” Lynch said Vince McMahon recently told her that he wanted her to be more physical.

She couldn’t think of anyone who throws a better punch in the business than Lawler. Lawler told Lynch he always tried to throw a punch the way someone would really try to hit somebody else. Aiming for their face or nose, and not making your fist so rigid and hard. Then, on this week’s episode of SmackDown Live, Lynch hit Flair with a punch that looked very much like Lawler’s inside the ring.

Shortly after, Lynch and Lawler had the following exchange on Twitter:

“That’s a Jerry Lawler punch if I’ve ever seen one! Beautiful!”

That's a Jerry Lawler punch if I've ever seen one! Beautiful! https://t.co/vdgj1GyMpw

— Jerry Lawler (@JerryLawler) January 30, 2019

https://twitter.com/BeckyLynchWWE/status/1090434285750734848

Listen to Lawler’s story about teaching Lynch how to throw a punch here:

What did you think of Lynch’s punch on Flair this past Tuesday?

Former WWE Monday Night RAW and SmackDown Live Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair doesn’t seem to be too big a fan of intergender wrestling. The fad returned to WWE this past weekend at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view (PPV). Nia Jax attacked R-Truth, who entered at the number 30 spot, taking his place in the bout. Jax proceeded to eliminate SmackDown Live star Mustafa Ali from the Rumble.

However, Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio, and Dolph Ziggler all attacked Jax before eliminating her. Speaking to Shan & RJ from 105.3 The Fan, Flair said Jax “looked like a star” in the men’s Rumble. However, it’s not something she thinks should happen every week, as it’s “easy entertainment”:

“When I’ve been asked the question, ‘Do you want to wrestle the guys?’ I say ‘no’ because it’s easy to wrestle a guy. It’s easy entertainment,” said Charlotte. “It’s harder to tell a good story with all female talent. But I thought Nia looked like a star and she killed it.

“She added a lot to the Men’s Rumble. I don’t think they could have thrown anyone in there. A lot of it had to do with Nia’s presence and size. She could handle it. Maybe it will open the doors but I don’t think it should be happening every week. It has to be once a year or it takes away from the uniqueness of it.”

Intergender wrestling has become very prominent in the indy wrestling scene as of late. During WWE’s Mixed Match Challenge, fans became annoyed that the female and male talents couldn’t interact with each other physically. Thus, prompting WWE’s decision to have Jax in the Men’s Rumble. It will be interesting to see how much more WWE does this.

What do you make of Flair’s comments on intergender wrestling?

H/T Fightful for the transcriptions

It was a very difficult day for WWE star Rey Mysterio. “The Master Of The 619” visited the grave of his dear friend, WWE Hall Of Famer Eddie Guerrero, for the first time in 13 years. It wasn’t since Guerrero’s passing in November of 2005 when Mysterio was last there. He posted the following on Instagram:

“Always had a hard time wanting to visit Eddie & found myself cowardly refusing it due to the pain & memories from that day………Finally this past Monday, after 13yrs, I had the courage to visit him and have a one on one moment with him…. & …….exactly what I feared of happening, happened.

“Memories from that day were flashing through my head but his presence was much stronger and was able to cope and maintain my composure. After my conversation & connection with him I left with a Huge internal Smile and felt a soothing & peaceful! Eddie has been such an inspiration not only to me but to many & will always continue to do so.

“I witnessed that day, that future wrestlers who never had the opportunity to meet him took the time to stop by and pay their respects wishing they would of had the honor and privilege to have met him & been around him like many of us did! I truly miss you WeeWeeto!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtRh5k4B7yN/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading

Guerrero’s Professional Wrestling Legacy

Guerrero began his professional wrestling career in the late ’80s. He worked for promotions in Mexico before going on to work for the likes of New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). He made quite the name for himself once he landed in WCW as a member of the cruiserweight division. It was there that he put on some of the best matches in professional wrestling history.

• How Vince McMahon Initially Felt About Eddie Guerrero

In 2000, Guerrero signed with WWE before WCW went under. However, he was eventually released after a drunk driving arrest in November of 2001. In 2002 Guerrero returned to WWE on an episode of Monday Night RAW, attacking Rob Van Dam. Over the years, Guerrero blossomed into one of the WWE Universe’s biggest fan favorites. He captured a WWE Championship, two European Titles, a United States Championship, and two Intercontinental Titles.

In November of 2005, Guerrero passed away in his hotel room in Minnesota due to an underlying heart condition. He was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame in 2006 several months after his passing.

What do you think about Mysterio visiting Guerrero’s grave for the first time in 13 years?

Halftime Heat is set to make its return this weekend. It will take place during halftime of this year’s Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams. Fans can watch the event on the WWE Network, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. A Six-Man NXT Tag Team match will go down. Aleister Black, Ricochet, and Velveteen Dream will take on NXT Champion Tommaso Ciampa, NXT North American Champion Johnny Gargano, and the Undisputed Era’s Adam Cole.

PWInsider reports that WWE officials want to air the event live so there are no spoilers. Current plans have the match taking place at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. WWE has the option of bringing in local fans to have a crowd. However, they could also use a bunch of wrestlers as extras.

Perhaps WWE could do an Empty Arena match, much like the first-ever Halftime Heat 20 years ago between The Rock and Mankind. Early speculation suggested Halftime Heat would be filmed at Full Sail University during this week’s NXT TV tapings. WWE Hall Of Famer Shawn Michaels will serve as a guest commentator for the bout.

The first-ever Halftime Heat occurred 20 years ago. Mankind defeated The Rock in an Empty Arena match to win the WWE Championship on January 31st, 1999. That same day, the Denver Broncos defeated the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl 33.

Will you be tuning in to watch Halftime Heat during the Super Bowl?

Lynch Rips Rousey Promo

On this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW, Women’s Royal Rumble winner Becky Lynch confirmed her WrestleMania intentions. She will be challenging RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania 35. Lynch interrupted Rousey and Bayley after their RAW Women’s Title bout. However, it looks like a big change could be coming to that match.

Rousey struggled in her promo early on, as the crowd was giving her a hard time. WWE sent Bayley out early to begin their match. Afterward, Lynch came out and went face-to-face with “The Rowdy One.” They jawed off at one another before the segment came to an end. Earlier today (Tues. January 29, 2019) Rousey took to Instagram and issued out a message to Lynch:

“One big difference between me and you @beckylynchwwe – everything you said last night was fantasy make believe. And every word out of my mouth was a fact. ”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtOZvNAnhm0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading

Lynch responded by taking a shot at Rousey’s botched promo:

“No, I believe you’re a killer, Ronnie. You were murdering that whole segment until The Man bailed you out.”

https://twitter.com/BeckyLynchWWE/status/1090290526241345539

Heyman Praises Lio Rush

Also on RAW this week, Lio Rush took shots at Universal Champion Brock Lesnar and Finn Balor, on behalf of his client, Intercontinental Champion Bobby Lashley. He followed up on Twitter by once again calling Lesnar and Balor out:

“Just so we’re clear…..Bobby > Brock on any given day. That little twerp Finn wouldn’t stand a chance in hell against #TheAlmighty @WWE @fightbobby”

https://twitter.com/itsLioRush/status/1090092056536469504

Heyman responded by praising Rush, saying he has a huge future ahead of him. However, he also pointed out that he spelled Lashley’s moniker wrong:

“I like @WWE @itsLioRush. He has a huge future. Tremendous talent, super young, only going to get better and better and better. But if you’re going to call out @BrockLesnar on behalf of your client, at least spell your own client’s nickname correctly. IT’S ON YOUR SHIRT, LIO!”

I like @WWE @itsLioRush. He has a huge future. Tremendous talent, super young, only going to get better and better and better. But if you're going to call out @BrockLesnar on behalf of your client, at least spell your own client's nickname correctly. IT'S ON YOUR SHIRT, LIO! https://t.co/09ySLdA7Lm

— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) January 29, 2019

WWE is bringing on a lot of former talent to work in backstage roles for the company. Recently, WWE Hall Of Famer Jeff Jarrett returned to the company to work as a producer. Similarly, former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Shane Helms has also joined WWE to work with talent backstage. Now, former WWE star Shawn Daivari has returned to WWE to work in a backstage role as well.

Wrestling Inc. confirmed the news, initially reported by Last Word On Pro Wrestling. Daivari worked for WWE from 2004 to 2007. During that time, he served as the manager for the likes of Muhammad Hussan and The Great Khali. After his departure, he went on to have runs with promotions such as IMPACT Wrestling, Ring Of Honor (ROH), Lucha Underground, and more.

He even opened up a professional wrestling school with fellow former WWE star Mr. Anderson in Minnesota. Daivari made his return to WWE in 2018 in Saudi Arabia for the company’s “Greatest Royal Rumble” show. He appeared alongside his brother, current WWE 205 Live star Ariya Daivari.

WWE has also hired professional wrestling veterans Sonjay Dutt and Abyss to help backstage. They’re expected to begin with the company in mid-February.

What do you think about Daivari joining WWE in a backstage role?

Last night (Sun. January 28, 2019) Seth Rollins won the 2019 Royal Rumble match. With the victory, “The Architect” earned the right to challenge a World Champion of his choosing at WrestleMania 35. He had the choice of either WWE Champion Daniel Bryan of SmackDown Live, or Universal Champion Brock Lesnar of Monday Night RAW.

Rollins opened up tonight’s Monday Night RAW discussing his victory. He said he has a difficult decision on his hands, and will take his time to decide. However, Triple H came out to interrupt. Although he was happy for Rollins and his dream coming true, he said the WWE needed Rollins’ decision by tonight. In the closing segment of RAW, things became very clear.

Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman came out to the ring, refusing to wait on Rollins. In the middle of Heyman’s promo, Rollins came out to interrupt. He starred down Lesnar before attacking “The Beast.” However, Lesnar regained the upper hand and hit Rollins with six F5s as the show went off-air:

Did #UniversalChampion @BrockLesnar just make @WWERollins' #WrestleMania decision FOR him? #RAW pic.twitter.com/NCX3uJnzyp

— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2019

No official announcement was made on the program about Rollins challenging Lesnar at WrestleMania. However, the WWE website confirmed after the program that their match is now official. Rollins will challenge Lesnar at WrestleMania 35 for the Universal Championship.

WrestleMania 35 goes down from MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on April 7, 2019.

IT'S OFFICIAL: @WWERollins will challenge #UniversalChampion @BrockLesnar at #WrestleMania 35! pic.twitter.com/eQRj95xW55

— WWE WrestleMania (@WrestleMania) January 29, 2019

If you’re upset with the current landscape of WWE’s tag team division, we have some good news to pass along. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that WWE officials are planning on reviving tag team wrestling. Several WWE tag teams have reportedly been told they’ll be receiving big pushes soon. This is likely a knee-jerk reaction to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), who is planning to make tag team wrestling a focal point of their product.

It was also noted that The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) have been told they’re to be the face of the division. Dawson and Wilder recently asked for their WWE release following a match on Monday Night RAW. However, WWE doesn’t plan on granting any releases anytime soon. Especially with AEW now being an option for talents to go to. On RAW this week, WWE teased a reunion between Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder. Perhaps an Edge Head reunion will be part of WWE’s new plans for the division.

RAW’s division is currently short a team with The Authors Of Pain’s Akam out-of-action for several months with a leg injury. However, it’s possible WWE could reunite The Hardy Boyz. Matt and Jeff’s contracts with WWE are to expire around WrestleMania 35 season. They signed with WWE in 2017 shortly before WrestleMania 33. But there’s a third-year option in the new deal, which WWE is expected to pick up.

If they decide to do so, there will be a big pay raise involved for the former Tag Team Champions. It will be interesting to see how WWE’s tag team division progresses in the coming months.

Do you think WWE will vamp up its tag team division in the near future?

It looks like WWE officials are planning on raising the pay of their talents this year. Per a report from Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, talents are being told that the money for WWE’s new TV deal will kick in later this year. As a result, the new contracts will be way up to the ones that they previously signed. WWE recently reached a deal with FOX to begin airing SmackDown Live.

The blue brand will begin airing on FOX this October. WWE also renewed their deal with NBCUniversal, meaning Monday Night RAW will continue to air on USA Network. Also, there has been some chatter of new deals being the equivalent to that of other sports leagues. Meaning, talents are signed for a set price, and anything earned above that is a bonus or percentage of merchandise sales.

Meltzer also noted that WWE is no longer a live event or pay-per-view (PPV)-driven business. It’s now a guaranteed TV rights-driven business. There will be plenty of money to go around for WWE stars who opt to re-sign. Thanks to the two big deals from FOX and NBCUniversal, WWE will be making $2.34 billion over 5 years.

What do you think about WWE stars possibly getting a pay raise as a result of the new TV deals?

Ronda Rousey will defend her RAW Women’s Championship tomorrow night (Sun. January 27, 2019). “The Rowdy One” will defend her strap against Sasha Banks at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view (PPV). The event goes down from the Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. Rousey has called a match with Banks one of her dream match-ups. She’ll finally get the opportunity to share the ring with “The Boss” on one of WWE’s biggest events of the year.

In preparation for her bout, Banks has been training at the WWE Performance Center alongside Charlotte Flair. They also trained at the Amazing Red’s House of Glory wrestling school in Queens. WWE posted a video of their sessions below. Check it out here:

There are several big match-ups scheduled for tomorrow’s PPV. Check out the full card for the event below:

• WWE Universal Championship: (C) Brock Lesnar vs. Finn Balor
• WWE Championship: (C) Daniel Bryan vs. AJ Styles
• 30-Man Royal Rumble Match: R-Truth, Rey Mysterio, Mustafa Ali, John Cena, Andrade “Cien” Almas, Apollo Crews, Elias, Baron Corbin, Jinder Mahal, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Samoa Joe, Finn Balor, Drew McIntyre, Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods, Jeff Hardy, Bobby Lashley, Kalisto, TBA
• 30-Woman Royal Rumble Match: Carmella, Naomi, Zelina Vega, Natalya, Bayley, Sasha Banks, Ember Moon, Ruby Riott, Sarah Logan, Liv Morgan, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville, Alicia Fox, Mickie James, TBA
• WWE RAW Women’s Championship: (C) Ronda Rousey vs. Sasha Banks
• WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship: (C) Asuka vs. Becky Lynch
• WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship: (C) The Bar vs. Shane McMahon & The Miz
• Fatal Four-Way Match For The WWE Cruiserweight Championship: (C) Buddy Murphy vs. Kalisto vs. Akira Tozawa vs. Hideo Itami
• WWE United States Championship: (C) Rusev vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

What do you think about Flair helping Banks prepare for her match with Rousey?

Daniel Bryan says he undergoes a serious of tests after every single match in order to remain medically cleared for competition. Among those tests, he’s required to correctly answer a math equation.

Bryan spoke with ESPN this week to promote Sunday’s WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view from Phoenix, Arizona. During the discussion, Bryan revealed what the process by which WWE routinely checks him for concussions.

After each match, WWE doctors first check his eyes. Then, Bryan takes part in a series of balance tests. Lastly, Bryan is given a mathematical equation to solve. It’s nothing too extensive, but complicated enough to gauge his cognition. Given Bryan has suffered 10 documented concussions throughout his career, it’s a fair process to continue to allow him to wrestle:

“The big concern with concussions is that, this has happened to me in the past, you don’t know you had a concussion and your instinct as an athlete is to say, ‘Hey, I’m fine,'” Bryan said. “What we do now ensures that doesn’t happen.”

Bryan’s Road To The Royal Rumble

Due to his history with concussions in professional wrestling, the WWE must be very careful with current champion Daniel Bryan. Bryan was sidelined for over a year, with the initial belief that he’d never wrestle for WWE again.

Doctors told Bryan that he should hang up his professional wrestling boots for good. However, after seeking several second opinions around the country, the door for Bryan to get back in the ring opened again.

Finally, Bryan was cleared to return early last year. Now, he is once again WWE Champion and feuding with AJ Styles on SmackDown Live.

Bryan defends the WWE Championship against AJ Styles Sunday night at the Royal Rumble.

The XFL has announced a President and COO for the new football league. In a press release, it was announced that Jeffrey Pollack has been named the new President & Chief Operating Officer of the XFL. He will oversee the management of the league’s eight teams, strategic planning, and business operations. XFL founder and Chairman Vince McMahon released the following statement on the news:

“Just as Oliver Luck is perfectly suited to be Commissioner & CEO, so too is Jeffrey Pollack suited perfectly to be XFL President & COO with his extraordinary experience and diverse background across a variety of global sports properties,” said McMahon. “I have no doubt that Oliver and Jeffrey will successfully reimagine the game of football and guide the XFL to long-term success.”

Pollack served as the Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer and Special Advisor for the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers. He seems very optimistic about the potential the XFL has, saying the league is “positioned for success”:

“It’s not often that a new professional sports league is positioned for success like the XFL,” said Pollack. “There’s a clear vision for what we will offer our fans, players and partners, and I look forward to working closely with Vince and Oliver to bring that vision to life.”

The XFL is set to kick off on February 8th and 9th in 2020 following the Super Bowl. As we’ve recently noted, the XFL is in talks for a TV deal with FOX and ESPN. Eight cities have already been given XFL teams. Those being New York, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Seattle, Tampa Bay, and Washington, D.C.

Are you looking forward to the XFL’s launch in 2020?

WWE Monday Night RAW ring announcer JoJo Offerman has not been on television in recent weeks. She hasn’t been seen since the New Years Eve episode of RAW. According to a report from PWInsider, JoJo is still employed by WWE and there is nothing wrong with her backstage in terms of heat. She is simply off the road due to personal issues. As for when JoJo will make her return, there’s currently no news on that front.

In regards to this weekend’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view (PPV), the show is to be without the former Total Divas star’s services. WWE has already announced the broadcast and announce team for the event and she is not listed. In her place, Mike Rome will be handling announce duties for Monday Night RAW.

Royal Rumble

WWE’s Royal Rumble PPV will go down from the Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona on Sunday (January 27, 2019). Check out the updated card below:

• WWE Universal Championship: (C) Brock Lesnar vs. Finn Balor
• WWE Championship: (C) Daniel Bryan vs. AJ Styles
• 30-Man Royal Rumble Match: R-Truth, Rey Mysterio, Mustafa Ali, John Cena, Andrade “Cien” Almas, Apollo Crews, Elias, Baron Corbin, Jinder Mahal, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Samoa Joe, Finn Balor, Drew McIntyre, Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods, Jeff Hardy, Bobby Lashley, Kalisto, TBA
• 30-Woman Royal Rumble Match: Carmella, Naomi, Zelina Vega, Natalya, Bayley, Sasha Banks, Ember Moon, Ruby Riott, Sarah Logan, Liv Morgan, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville, Alicia Fox, Mickie James, TBA
• WWE RAW Women’s Championship: (C) Ronda Rousey vs. Sasha Banks
• WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship: (C) Asuka vs. Becky Lynch
• WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship: (C) The Bar vs. Shane McMahon & The Miz
• Fatal Four-Way Match For The WWE Cruiserweight Championship: (C) Buddy Murphy vs. Kalisto vs. Akira Tozawa vs. Hideo Itami
• WWE United States Championship: (C) Rusev vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

This weekend (Sun. January 27, 2019) the WWE will host its Royal Rumble pay-per-view (PPV) from the Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. In the main event, Universal Champion Brock Lesnar will defend his title against Finn Balor. Initially, Lesnar was scheduled to defend his title against Braun Strowman. There has been a lot of injury concerns surrounding Strowman and his status.

However, those didn’t seem to be too much of a factor in the main event change. Instead, Vince McMahon decided to make the change to protect Strowman. Balor earned the opportunity to compete for the Universal Championship against Lesnar by winning two matches on Monday Night RAW recently. There will certainly be a massive size discrepancy between the pair, but that didn’t stop AJ Styles from giving Lesnar a great fight at Survivor Series in 2017.

WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross discussed the bout in the latest episode of his podcast, “The Ross Report.” While he admits Balor is likely to do the job this weekend, Ross also discussed a scenario, albeit an unlikely one, in which Balor could emerge victorious:

“I’m happy that [Bálor] is getting this opportunity and win or lose, that’s where we are,” Ross said. “I guess what you have to consider about this match is could Bálor upset Lesnar and be the Universal Champion heading into WrestleMania? He certainly could. He certainly could. It wouldn’t shock me a bit.

“But you’ve got to think, who does WWE want in that title match at WrestleMania? I keep hearing they want Lesnar and Rollins. Okay, if you know that’s what they want, then, Bálor will do the honors at the Royal Rumble, but he’ll go down in a blaze of glory with an amazing story being told.

“So looking at it ahead, but maybe Bálor is their guy and they’re going to have him match up with say, Seth Rollins at WrestleMania. Well, you know the match is going to be badass.”

Do you think WWE will have Balor upset Lesnar at the Royal Rumble?

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

Ring Of Honor (ROH) will be kicking off their three-day Road To G1 Supercard tour today. The promotion starts things in Dallas, Texas tonight, followed by Houston tomorrow, and concluding in San Antonio on Saturday. Tonight, ROH TV Champion Jeff Cobb will be facing Clark Connors in a Proving Ground match. Also, three Tag Wars Round One bouts will be taking place.

In Houston, two Tag Wars Round One matches will take place, along with an ROH World Title bout between Jay Lethal and Vinny Marseglia. Saturday’s show in San Antonio will feature an ROH Women Of Honor World Championship bout. Champion Kelly Klein will defend her strap against Sumie Sakai. Check out the updated cards for the three-day tour here:

Dallas (Thurs. January 24, 2019):

• Tag Wars Round One Match: Villain Enterprises (Brody King and PCO) vs. The Kingdom (Vinny Marseglia and TK O’Ryan)
• Tag Wars Round One Match: Jay Lethal and Jonathan Gresham vs. Mark Haskins and Tracy Williams
• Tag Wars Round One Match: Juice Robinson and David Finlay vs. Karl Fredericks and Alex Coughlin
• Madison Ryan vs. Holidead
• Rhett Titus vs. Marty Scurll
• Bandido vs. Silas Young
• Matt Taven vs. Rocky Romero
• Dalton Castle and The Boys vs. Shane Taylor and The Briscoes
• Proving Ground Match: Jeff Cobb vs. Clark Connors

Houston (Fri. January 25, 2019):

• Tag Wars Round One Match: Coast 2 Coast vs. Cheeseburger and Eli Isom
• Tag Wars Round One Match: The Bouncers vs. The Boys
• Colt Cabana and Willie Mack vs. Kenny King and TBA
• Lifeblood (Juice Robinson, David Finlay, Mark Haskins, and Tracy Williams) vs. The Briscoes, Shane Taylor, and Silas Young
• Villain Enterprises vs. Clark Connors, Karl Fredericks, and Alex Coughlin
• Matt Taven vs. Jonathan Gresham
• Proving Ground – Four Corner Survival: Jeff Cobb vs. Dalton Castle vs. Rocky Romero vs. Bandido
• ROH World Championship: (C) Jay Lethal vs. Vinny Marseglia

San Antonio (Sat. January 26, 2019):

• Two Triple Threat Matches (Semis of the Tag Wars Tournament)
• Finals of the Tag Wars Tournament
• Mary Scurll vs. Jonathan Gresham or Mark Haskins
• Bandido vs. Rocky Romero
• ROH Women of Honor World Championship: (C) Kelly Klein vs. Sumie Sakai

What do you think of the lineup for ROH’s Road to G1 Supercard?

Multiple time WWE World Champion Triple H suffered an in-ring injury this past November. “The Game” teamed up with Shawn Michaels to defeat Kane and The Undertaker at the Crown Jewel pay-per-view (PPV). However, during the bout, Triple H suffered a torn pectoral muscle. The injury required surgery to repair it. He offered an update on his status during a recent media call.

Triple H revealed that he has recently been cleared to return to training. He was given the clearance a week ago, and has already stepped up the intensity:

“I just got cleared to actually start training,” said Triple H. “Anyone that’s had a serious injury knows the difference between rehabbing a couple of hours a day and actually training. The difference is trying to get better vs. actually bettering yourself.

“So, I just got clearance to start training and I’m excited about that as I sit here right now extremely sore from that training. It was one week ago I got the clearance so the training has already been stepped up. But I’m feeling good.”

Prior to Triple H’s injury, a match between himself and fellow Evolution stablemate Batista was being teased. “The Animal” has long wanted a retirement match with his good friend at WrestleMania. It was teased on the recent SmackDown 1000 special episode, which featured Evolution reuniting. However, that potential match-up was put in doubt after “The Game’s” injury in Saudi Arabia.

Now that Triple H is returning to training, perhaps the match isn’t unlikely after all. In fact, Batista Tweeted out the following just a few days ago:

https://twitter.com/DaveBautista/status/1086462766901329921

Do you think a match between “The Game” and Batista will go down at WrestleMania this year?

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

One UFC Champion has his eyes on former WWE Divas Champion Nikki Bella. UFC flyweight champion Henry Cejudo is riding high off a recent knockout victory over a fellow UFC champ. “The Messenger” defeated bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw via knockout in under a minute of the first round. It was Cejudo’s first title defense since unseating longtime flyweight champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson this past summer. The former Olympic gold medalist discussed his win on “The Ariel Helwani MMA Show” this week.

During the interview, Cejudo detailed a past meeting with Nikki Bella and her sister, Brie. They were both sitting in first class on the same airplane. Cejudo asked for a shoutout for his younger niece (via News.com.au):

“Nikki Bella’s been like my biggest crush,” Cejudo said. “I was sitting next to her and I’m thinking ‘how am I going to approach this?’

“My little niece is nine years old and she loves the Bella twins. She was Nikki Bella for Halloween. So I approached them and said this is my niece, would you give her a shoutout, it would mean the world to me. So I used my niece to talk to her. (Now) they’re following me (on social media).”

The Bella Twins are on #teamcejudo what team are you in? #ufc #wwe @ufc @WWE @BellaTwins pic.twitter.com/9vd0Z1FcPh

— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) January 13, 2019

Thank you to the great Nikki Bella for sending this, especially so quickly. Incredibly cool of her.

ICYMI: here’s Henry shooting his shot yesterday with Nikki. Legend.

pic.twitter.com/BSUP7ZDLqG

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) January 22, 2019

Nikki caught wind of Cejudo’s comments and offered a response. She congratulated him on his recent victory, saying she hopes she was a good luck charm for him. Bella also offered to send him a bottle of her wine as congratulations and said she’d like to train with Cejudo in Arizona. The former Divas Champion also threw in possibly getting a drink together as well. Here’s her response:

Oh my word.@HenryCejudo: I hope you’re sitting down.

Nikki Bella of The @BellaTwins saw your interview on my show yesterday and sent you this! First you save the flyweights and now this?! What a time to be Henry Cejudo.

The #HelwaniShow, where dreams come true. ?? pic.twitter.com/2KHTTP8cXX

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) January 22, 2019

What do you think about Bella’s response to Cejudo?

You may have noticed that the screen blacked out for a few seconds during the main event of last night’s Monday Night RAW. RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey teamed up with Natalya to take on Sasha Banks and Bayley. During the match, while Banks worked with Natalya, the screen went black for a few seconds before coming back on.

It turns out that a Sasha Banks wardrobe malfunction was to blame for the brief blackout. Banks’ trunks came down during the match, exposing her backside. For those watching satellite, however, the incident was not able to be blacked out in time.

Sasha Banks is scheduled to face Ronda Rousey at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view this weekend for the RAW Women’s Championship.

WWE Royal Rumble Updated Card

• WWE Universal Championship: (C) Brock Lesnar vs. Finn Balor
• WWE Championship: (C) Daniel Bryan vs. AJ Styles
• 30-Man Royal Rumble Match: R-Truth, Rey Mysterio, Mustafa Ali, John Cena, Andrade “Cien” Almas, Apollo Crews, Elias, Baron Corbin, Jinder Mahal, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Samoa Joe, Finn Balor, Drew McIntyre, Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods, Jeff Hardy, Bobby Lashley, Kalisto, TBA
• 30-Woman Royal Rumble Match: Carmella, Naomi, Zelina Vega, Natalya, Bayley, Sasha Banks, Ember Moon, Ruby Riott, Sarah Logan, Liv Morgan, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville, Alicia Fox, Mickie James, TBA
• WWE RAW Women’s Championship: (C) Ronda Rousey vs. Sasha Banks
• WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship: (C) Asuka vs. Becky Lynch
• WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship: (C) The Bar vs. Shane McMahon & The Miz
• Fatal Four-Way Match For The WWE Cruiserweight Championship: (C) Buddy Murphy vs. Kalisto vs. Akira Tozawa vs. Hideo Itami
• WWE United States Championship: (C) Rusev vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

Tag team wrestling just isn’t what it used to be anymore. Today, tag team wrestling isn’t as big of a focus point for WWE as it used to be. In past generations, tag teams were some of WWE’s biggest stars. Names like The Rockers, Money Inc., The Steiners, The Dudley Boyz, The Hardy Boyz, Edge and Christian, and so many more come to mind. Today, however, there doesn’t seem to be any tag teams that really get fans pumped like they used to.

Much of that can be attributed to the lack of commitment WWE gives to helping the tag team division grow. This is why teams like The Revival are becoming frustrated with their position in the company, and requesting their release. Tag team legends Edge and Christian commented on this during their podcast, “E&C’s Pod Of Awesomeness.”

Commitment To Tag Team Wrestling

During the show, WWE Hall Of Famer Edge questioned Vince McMahon’s commitment to tag team wrestling. He doesn’t believe “The Chairman Of The Board” sees money in the division:

“I don’t know how much Vince [McMahon] will ever focus on tag teams because I don’t think he sees money in it. There can be. We’ve proven there can be, and the Rock ‘N’ Roll Express has proven there can be, and the Dudleys and the Road Warriors.

“And there [are] a lot of instances proving that tag team wrestling, and I know that Steve Austin would be one to throw his hat into this ring. Tag team wrestling can be the best match on the show.” Edge said.

“I just don’t know if Vince is ever going that way. I think any time that tag team wrestling has made any kind of headway on the show it [has] almost been by accident without anybody realizing that it’s happening!”

What do you think about Edge’s comments on Vince McMahon’s commitment to tag team wrestling?

H/T Wrestling Inc. transcriptions

The WWE’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view (PPV) is set to go down this weekend (Sun. January 27, 2019) from the Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. In one of the premiere match-ups of the night, RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey will be defending her title. She’ll face off against former RAW Women’s Champion Sasha Banks. The pair have been feuding on WWE TV for the past several weeks to hype up their bout.

This week, Rousey teamed up with Natalya to take on Banks and Bayley in the main event of RAW. Rousey has proven herself to be a solid worker inside the ring. As for Banks, she’s one of the best in-ring performers the WWE’s women’s division has to offer. It will certainly be interesting to see how the pair work together in singles action on one of WWE’s biggest pay-per-views (PPV) of the year.

Best Ever?

WWE Hall Of Famer Booker T seems pretty optimistic about the match-up. Speaking on his “Heated Conversations” podcast recently, Booker said he believes the bout has the potential to be the best women’s match ever:

“It could be the best women’s match that we’ve seen thus far – and really, I’m not just saying that – as far as Ronda Rousey goes,” Booker said. “As far as Ronda going out there and having that match to where she look back and say, ‘Man, that was so, so good.’ Sasha Banks, she’s one of the best. And she’ll throw caution to the wind.

“She puts herself in certain positions sometimes where it scares me – seriously – inside of the ring, as well as outside of the ring. She’s just one of those type that just will put herself out there and you got to love that. That’s what the business is about, it’s not ballet or anything like that.

“Ronda Rousey’s definitely gonna be tested as far as her cardio and endurance goes because Sasha can go all night long. I’m looking forward to it. All around, the ladies are doing some crazy stuff.”

Do you think Rousey vs. Banks could turn into the best women’s match ever?

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

Back in September, Brie Bella, Nikki Bella, and Natalya teamed up for a Six-Woman Tag Team match. They faced The Riott Squad (Liv Morgan, Ruby Riott, and Sarah Logan) on an episode of Monday Night RAW from the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. During the match, Brie Bella knocked Morgan out cold by hitting her with some of her husband, Daniel Bryan’s, signature kicks.

A pair of kicks hit Morgan in the face and she folded over unconscious. Liv tried to get back to her corner but was stumbling and didn’t look to realize where she was:

https://twitter.com/briantheguppie/status/1044388801047654400

Eventually, Morgan was taken to the back and the match continued as a Tag Team bout. Bella received a lot of online hate after the botched spot. It turns out, the incident even forced her into a “deep depression.”

Bella had this to say about how she reacted to the ordeal in an interview with Digital Spy:

“Yes, it definitely is, because first off it’s crazy how I’ve been wrestling for 12 years and one of my major mistakes in the ring I get judged so harshly on. We’re not perfect, no one’s perfect, you know how many people have been injured in the ring? But for some reason I was like showcased in such a way of like, this evil person, and ‘look what she’s done’ and I got bullied really bad.

“I wanted to run into a cave and you’ll see, I don’t think people have ever seen me break down as bad as they will during the whole Liv situation. I went into deep depression, I didn’t know if I was going to be able to go back to work.

“All the horrible things people were saying about me, I felt a thousand times worse than the things they thought of me and I really had to sit down and think to myself, ‘Brie, you’re a mother’ and if Birdie was in this situation would you want her to feel this bad or would you want her to stand up to it and be like ‘Screw you guys?’

“I made a mistake and she’s not badly injured and you know what, this is our business, this is what we all signed up for. Everyone’s going to see backstage even how Liv and I were with each other. Out in the WWE ring, we have to play so much, bad guy, good guy, don’t talk to your competitors, but backstage you’ll see that we’re all really close and it affects us.

“We never want to go out there and hurt each other so when it happens it’s emotional. But people are going to hear my side of the story and my voice and how it’s about damn time that trolls stopped going on the internet and bullying everyone.”

What do you think about Bella saying she was depressed after injuring Liv Morgan?

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has long been linked to rumors of a WWE career. It’s no secret that WWE likes to pick off stars from other sports to join their roster. WWE has an infatuation with scooping up mixed martial artists and former NFL players. Baron Corbin, Matt Riddle, Ronda Rousey, Roman Reigns, Mojo Rawley, and more all have links to either the NFL or MMA.

At 29-years-old, Gronkowski is already considering retirement from the NFL. He has already established himself as one of the most dominant tight ends the game has ever seen. However, injuries have plagued his career and kept him off the field for a favorable amount of time. Despite this, Gronkowski is still a two-time Super Bowl Champion, with the possibility of winning his third against the Los Angeles Rams next month.

He’s also a five-time Pro Bowler and four-time first-team All-Pro. Much like last season, it’s being reported that Gronkowski is strongly considering retirement after this season is over. NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reports that Gronkowski is considering beginning a new career. That career could be in either WWE – which Rapoport noted as unlikely – or in movies. Check out Rapoport’s report here:

From @NFLGameDay: As #Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski mulls retirement this offseason, it doesn't sound like the WWE is in his future. Perhaps movies, though. … This is very important news. pic.twitter.com/S4obsWijRv

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 20, 2019

Gronkowski has made an appearance for WWE before. He helped his good friend and former teammate Mojo Rawley win the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal in 2017 at WrestleMania 33. He attacked Jinder Mahal after being insulted by the former WWE Champion at ringside.

What do you think about Gronkowski likely opting to go to Hollywood over WWE?

Goldust Injury Update

Former WWE Intercontinental Champion Goldust underwent double knee surgery this past summer. After undergoing surgery in Alabama, Goldust is expected to make a full recovery.

He joined the “WINCLY” podcast last week to discuss his status. The 49-year-old noted he has been undergoing a lengthy rehabilitation process. Goldust thinks he’ll be good to return to the ring after an evaluation at the WWE Performance Center this week :

“Wednesday at the Performance Center is my next evaluation and I believe we’re gonna probably get me cleared that day,” said Goldust. “So I’m hoping. They put stem cells in both knees and my knees feel a lot better. I’m feeling pretty good.”

Paul Heyman Calls Out Gimmick Infringement

The Cricket World Cup recently used a play off WWE’s Paul Heyman’s “Eat, Sleep, Conquer, Repeat” catchphrase. They Tweeted out “Eat. Sleep. Finish games. Repeat.” in reference to Indian cricket player Mahendra Singh Dhoni:

Eat.
Sleep.
Finish games.
Repeat.

Life as @msdhoni. ? pic.twitter.com/5GXrzH0dtR

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) January 18, 2019

Heyman responded to the Tweet by saying he and Brock Lesnar will take their royalties in cash, check, stock, or cryptocurrency:

“My most (in)sincere compliments to @cricketworldcup for promoting the amazing @msdhoni by paraphrasing my mantra for @WWE #UniversalChampion @BrockLesnar #EatSleepConquerRepeat. Our royalties may be paid in cash, check, stock or cryptocurrency.”

My most (in)sincere compliments to @cricketworldcup for promoting the amazing @msdhoni by paraphrasing my mantra for @WWE #UniversalChampion @BrockLesnar #EatSleepConquerRepeat. Our royalties may be paid in cash, check, stock or cryptocurrency. https://t.co/sGtIALzso1

— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) January 18, 2019

The Cricket World Cup account responded by saying they’ll give Lesnar and Heyman free tickets to the game:

“How about tickets to the @cricketworldcup for you and @BrockLesnar?”

How about tickets to the @cricketworldcup for you and @BrockLesnar? ?

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) January 21, 2019

Heyman responded by saying the Cricket World Cup was “exploiting” the fame of himself and Brock Lesnar. An appearance by himself and “The Beast” would also cost the Cricket World Cup around eight figures in appearance fees:

“. @cricketworldcup Thank you for your interest in expanding your global audience even further by exploiting the fame/notoriety of #YourHumbleAdvocate and the reigning defending undisputed @WWE Universal Champion @BrockLesnar. I look forward to your 8 figure appearance fee offer.”

. @cricketworldcup
Thank you for your interest in expanding your global audience even further by exploiting the fame/notoriety of #YourHumbleAdvocate and the reigning defending undisputed @WWE Universal Champion @BrockLesnar. I look forward to your 8 figure appearance fee offer. https://t.co/4GLsTDt2Zf

— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) January 21, 2019