Its been a tough past few days for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). Recently, it was announced that both Kenny Omega and KUSHIDA are likely moving on from the promotion. Also, longtime NJPW star and Suzuki-gun member, Takashi Iizuka, will be retiring. A celebratory ceremony will be held for him at Korakuen Hall on February 21st.

However, there are a few bright spots for NJPW. They recently re-signed IWGP United States Champion Juice Robinson. Robinson recently defeated Cody Rhodes to reclaim the US strap at Wrestle Kingdom 13 at the Tokyo Dome. Now, it has been announced NJPW and Rocky Romero have come to an agreement on a new multi-year deal.

Romero made the announcement on Twitter this morning:

“Happy to say I came to terms with @njpw1972 for a multi-year deal. RoppongiLights,RoppongiVice #RPG3k #CelebrateProWrestling”

Happy to say I came to terms with @njpw1972 for a multi-year deal. ?RoppongiLights,RoppongiVice? #RPG3k #CelebrateProWrestling pic.twitter.com/fhXrvF5AtB

— ROCKY ROMERO?? ?? ?? ??“Chico El Luchador” (@azucarRoc) January 7, 2019

During his time with NJPW, Romero has won eight Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles. He also won the Super Jr. Tag Tournament with Baretta in 2016. Romero has an IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship reign under his belt as well. Now it looks like he’ll be continuing his run with NJPW for the next few years.

What do you think about Romero re-signing with NJPW on a multi-year deal?

Cornette Comments On Viral Tampon Spot

Professional wrestling legend Jim Cornette has offered his thoughts on the viral tampon spot making the rounds on social media. The clip shows former WWE Mae Young Classic competitor Priscilla Kelly pulling a bloody tampon from her trunks before shoving it in her opponent’s mouth. If you haven’t seen the spot yet, check it out here.

Cornette issues a response to the spot, saying it, along with the likes of Joey Ryan, are killing wrestling:

People want my take so I'll give it direct to you–I expect nothing else from outlaw mud show "rasslers", male or female, cause none of you can work. But to defend your bullshit by starting "Well, it's all fake"? THAT'S why you, dick guy & others are killing wrestling. Fuck you. https://t.co/XZmYhvLBAI

— Jim Cornette (@TheJimCornette) January 6, 2019

You didn't go NEARLY as far as you should have, as I did, or as I will continue to–just tweet out a picture of the goof's face when she asks for a job someday and gets laughed out of Stamford. These fake play rasslers, male or female, need their asses blackballed AND kicked. https://t.co/SjOVbQGi70

— Jim Cornette (@TheJimCornette) January 6, 2019

Anyone who calls themselves a "pro wrestler", yet defends any stupid thing they've done with telling fans "It's fake anyway", male or female, is a piece of shit and should be boiled in oil and have the fat sold for soap. These maggots on the carcass of the business disgust me.

— Jim Cornette (@TheJimCornette) January 6, 2019

JR Says Wrestling Is Overproduced Today

Speaking of Cornette, WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross recently retweeted an old “Ross Report” clip featuring himself and Cornette. The segment showed Cornette and Ross bickering with one another back-and-forth. Ross said he and Cornette had no writers for this segment. He also declared professional wrestling is “way too overproduced today”:

A REMINDER:

Jim Cornette ( @TheJimCornette ) confronts JR ( @JRsBBQ ) back in 1996.

???pic.twitter.com/P6vKAt7a3Y

— Wrestling Remind (@WrestlingRemind) January 5, 2019

Believe it or not, @TheJimCornette & I had NO writers on this, only a basic length and the general theme of our presentation.

Pro Wrestling is WAY too overproduced today. https://t.co/YU68Rek9XY

— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) January 5, 2019

Lio Rush Calls Out Crying Fans

Recently, 205 Live and Monday Night RAW star Lio Rush took to Twitter and took aim at wrestling fans who cry about wrestling, but still continue to watch. Here’s what he had to say:

https://twitter.com/itsLioRush/status/1081733658472529925

Rush recently lost an opportunity to place in the Fatal Four-Way match for the Cruiserweight Championship at the Royal Rumble. He was defeated by Kalisto, who will now face Buddy Murphy, Akira Tozawa, and another opponent to be determined for the title.

It looks like one former WWE Women’s Champion is retiring this year. Two-time WWE Women’s Champion Victoria took to Instagram to announce that 2019 will be her last year competing in the professional wrestling industry. Here’s what the 47-year-old had to say on Instagram:

“Hey Gang!!! Year 2019 will be my last year wrestling in the Squared Circle. An exciting new adventure is to come. So if you are interested in booking me to wrestle in your promotion, please email BookLisaNow@gmail.com”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsTv3G7gacv/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading

Victoria made her professional wrestling debut in 2000 after being encouraged by Chyna to get into the industry. She was signed to WWE in the summer of that year. During her time with WWE, Victoria (real name Lisa Marie Varon) won two WWE Women’s Titles. Her run with the company lasted nine years before she initially retired. In 2009 Victoria signed with IMPACT Wrestling.

Over the years she has worked for other promotions such as Ring Of Honor (ROH) and all around the independent circuit. Her run with IMPACT resulted in five Women’s Knockout Championship runs. Victoria also won the Knockouts Tag Team Titles with Brooke Tessmacher. In 2004, Pro Wrestling Illustrated named Victoria their Woman of The Year.

Now, she’ll have one final run in 2019 before hanging up her boots for good.

What do you think about Victoria calling it a career in 2019?

Dean Ambrose was very dedicated to the art of selling over the weekend. The WWE Intercontinental Champion faced Seth Rollins at a live event Sunday in Fort Myers, Florida. He retained his title over “The Architect,” who he has been feuding with for the past several weeks now. However, as Ambrose was celebrating inside the ring, Rollins got the last laugh. He came back to attack Ambrose to close the show.

Rollins hit Ambrose with a Curb Stomp to send the crowd home happy. That particular Curb Stomp might have been the most powerful Rollins has ever pulled off. After the stomp, Ambrose remained laying in the ring for 15 minutes, even after the crowd begun to leave. As fans filed out of the arena, Ambrose stayed laid out in the middle of the canvas. Also, Ambrose remained inside as the crew began to disassemble the ring.

Check out some photos from Ambrose’s dedicated sell job here below:

https://twitter.com/FLWrestlingFan/status/1082112383156391936

And by epic sell job, I mean Ambrose basically laid in the ring ko’d for 5, 10, maybe even 15 minutes afterwards. Well after Tom Phillips said the goodbyes and mostly everyone had left. #WWEFortMyers pic.twitter.com/6BhbHbY7At

— RA (@RApollos) January 7, 2019

Ambrose turned heel on Rollins last year shortly after Roman Reigns’ leukemia diagnosis announcement. In their feud, WWE has used a lot of real-life references to Reigns’ illness to help add heat to Ambrose. They’re still working house shows against one another as the Royal Rumble pay-per-view (PPV) approaches.

What do you make of Ambrose’s dedicated sell job?

Longtime WWE Superstar The Undertaker has been in the professional wrestling business for nearly 35 years. The 53-year-old is one of the biggest stars the professional wrestling industry has ever seen. Not only that, but he’s one of the most highly-respected stars of all time. Throughout his career with WWE, Undertaker has won seven World Championships. He also once held a legendary undefeated streak at WrestleMania, which reached up to 21-0.

However, Brock Lesnar broke that streak in 2014 when he defeated “The Deadman” at WrestleMania 30. Undertaker won two more matches at “The Show Of Shows” before being defeated by Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 33. Undertaker still appears at WrestleMania to wrestle, as he competed at WrestleMania 34 in New Orleans last year, defeating John Cena.

His last match took place in November at WWE Crown Jewel. He and his storyline brother, Kane, were defeated by D-Generation X (Shawn Michaels and Triple H). With WrestleMania 35 right around the corner, Undertaker will likely be competing at the event yet again, but nothing is confirmed as of this writing. Recently, Undertaker joined Onnit’s “True Wrestling,” and Taker discussed several professional wrestling topics.

He was asked if he ever considered retirement at any point during his career. Here’s what “The Deadman” had to say:

“You know, at the tail-end now, I really have to put everything into perspective, and what damage I’m doing at this point, to myself, and my life after wrestling,” Taker said. “But when I was going full-time, no. Even when the business took a real nose-dive, you’re thinking, ‘OK, how are we gonna get out of this? What we gonna do?

“We can work harder.’ The one thing I was really good at, and in my mind anyway, if anybody else feels that way is another story, but in my mind, I felt like it was always where I belonged, and what I should be doing.

“Obviously there were times where money was… but instead of, ‘Man, I need to get me a job at the Jiffy Lube and figure out something else later on…’, It was, ‘What can we do to make this product where we want to see it?’”

What do you make of Undertaker’s comments on if he ever considered retirement during his career?

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

It has just been announced that next week’s episode of Monday Night RAW will now feature a stipulation match for the RAW Tag Team Championships. Chad Gable and Bobby Roode will now be defending their straps against The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) in a Lumberjack match. Also, Elias will meet Baron Corbin in a singles match on the card as well:

THIS MONDAY on #RAW…

? @REALBobbyRoode & @WWEGable will defend their #TagTeamTitles in a #LumberjackMatch against @ScottDawsonWWE & @DashWilderWWE #TheRevival

? @IAmEliasWWE squares off one-on-one with @BaronCorbinWWE pic.twitter.com/KNSr93wFh1

— WWE (@WWE) January 4, 2019

The first Monday Night RAW of 2019 already includes the return of WWE Hall Of Famer Hulk Hogan. “The Hulkster” will be honoring the recently departed “Mean” Gene Okerlund, who passed away in Florida earlier this week. John Cena is also expected to be making his return to RAW. Cena has been doing a lot of work for his film career as of late. He spent several months in China filming his upcoming “Project X” movie with Jackie Chan. Cena also has been promoting his new “Bumblebee” movie quite a bit as well.

WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar is also set to make an appearance. Alexa Bliss will be debuting her “Moment of Bliss” talk show. She’ll have RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey on as her first guest.

What do you think about the current lineup for RAW next week?

New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) will be holding their New Year Dash pay-per-view (PPV) from the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan tomorrow. The event will begin at 4:30 A.M. ET. You can watch the first two matches of the show for free in the video player below. However, to watch the full show, you’ll have to sign up for NJPW World (very much worth it).

Traditionally, New Year Dash always kicks off a major storyline of the year for NJPW. Last year, Chris Jericho’s feud with Tetsuya Naito was set up when “Y2J” attacked Naito. Naito defeated Jericho for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship last night at Wrestle Kingdom 13. Back in 2016, AJ Styles was kicked out of The Bullet Club, shortly before joining WWE that year when he debuted at the Royal Rumble.

Currently, only one match has been announced for the show. A NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Championship match. Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, and Taiji Ishimori will be defending their titles against the team of Ryusuke Taguchi, Togi Makabe, and Toru Yano. It’s likely that no more matches will be announced before the show begins. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.

Will you be tuning in to watch New Year Dash tomorrow?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_T8WvDA9nc&feature=youtu.be

As many of you already know, WWE Hall Of Famer “Mean” Gene Okerlund passed away earlier this week. Okerlund passed in a Florida hospital with his wife by his side early Wednesday morning. The professional wrestling world has been mourning the loss of Okerlund this week.

In fact, Hulk Hogan will be making his highly-anticipated return to RAW to honor his longtime friend. With that being said, Okerlund was honored with a 10-bell salute during a recent NXT live show yesterday. Check out the video here below:

John Cena Looking Ripped (Photo)

16-time WWE World Champion John Cena is looking absolutely jacked. “The Leader Of The Cenation” just returned from China, where he seemingly lived for several months filming his upcoming “Project X” movie with Jackie Chan. He has also been doing a lot of promotional work for his new “Bumblebee” movie, which is currently in theaters.

Now, Cena will be making an appearance on Sheamus’ “Celtic Warrior Workouts” YouTube series. Sheamus took to Twitter to plug the episode, sharing a photo of himself and Cena. In the picture, Cena looks to be in tremendous shape:

“*Drum Roll* The 1st #CelticWarriorWorkouts Episode of 2019 will be with none other than John Cena (guy in the photo you Can’t See). We’re going Brave Change LARGE in 19. Sub Now.”

*Drum Roll* The 1st #CelticWarriorWorkouts Episode of 2019 will be with none other than John Cena (guy in the photo you Can’t See). We’re going Brave Change LARGE in 19. Sub Now. See First: https://t.co/sH6h6QbTLS pic.twitter.com/0q91EKaLNk

— Sheamus (@WWESheamus) January 2, 2019

“Coming… The New Hair Don’t Care Episode of #CelticWarriorWorkouts feat @JohnCena. Subscribe So Damn Hard Fella”

Coming… The New Hair Don’t Care Episode of #CelticWarriorWorkouts feat @JohnCena. Subscribe So Damn Hard Fella: https://t.co/sH6h6QbTLS pic.twitter.com/A6nYD07PKe

— Sheamus (@WWESheamus) January 3, 2019

Chris Jericho Shows Off WK13 Bruise (Photo)

During last night’s Wrestle Kingdom 13 pay-per-view (PPV), Chris Jericho dropped the IWGP Intercontinental Championship. He was defeated by Tetsuya Naito in a No Disqualification match.

In a match that saw weapons such as kendo sticks, steel chairs, and tables used, both men endured a lot of pain. After the bout, “Y2J” took to Instagram to share a photo of a bruise he suffered during the bout. Jericho captioned the photo with  “#WrestlingIsFake…???” Check it out below:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsNt7-2FVCY/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading

Cody & Kenny Omega React To WK13 Defeats

Also at WK13, Cody Rhodes dropped the IWGP United States Championship to Juice Robinson. Rhodes took to Twitter to react to the news, admitting that Juice was the better man on the night. With fans knowing Cody is on his way to All Elite Wrestling, the result didn’t come as much of a surprise. He closed out his Tweet by thanking Japan:

“Certainly not the outcome I expected, but in the ring tonight Juice was the better man. Thanks Japan, see ya’ soon.”

Certainly not the outcome I expected, but in the ring tonight Juice was the better man.

Thanks Japan, see ya’ soon. ????

— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) January 4, 2019

Another member of The Elite who was defeated at WK13 was Kenny Omega. He lost the IWGP Heavyweight Championship to Hiroshi Tanahashi in the night’s main event. As for what’s next for Omega’s professional wrestling career, that remains to be seen:

“1-1 #njwk13”

1-1 #njwk13 pic.twitter.com/w5Y7C0UX9t

— Kenny Omega (@KennyOmegamanX) January 4, 2019

Earlier this week the sad news broke that WWE Hall Of Famer “Mean” Gene Okerlund passed away at 76. Okerlund was reportedly dealing with several health issues. He was put in a nursing home after suffering a bad fall and breaking some ribs. After having trouble breathing he was hospitalized in Florida and later passed with his wife by his side early Wednesday morning.

The professional wrestling world has been mourning the loss of, arguably, the greatest ring announcer in the history of the industry. One of those mourners being Hall Of Famer Hulk Hogan. Yesterday, Hogan took to Twitter to offer some thoughts on Okerlund’s recent passing. Here’s what he had to say:

“The best partner I ever had. We never rehearsed or did anything scripted from a writer. Gene would ask me “hey big man what do u want to do?” I would always answer “just follow you brother” and it worked from 1980 – 2017. RIP my brother HH”

The best partner I ever had. We never rehearsed or did anything scripted from a writer. Gene would ask me “hey big man what do u want to do?” I would always answer “just follow you brother” and it worked from 1980 – 2017. RIP my brother HH pic.twitter.com/OBtn6NxT1E

— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) January 3, 2019

Now, it looks like Hogan will be making his return to WWE TV next week. WWE announced on Twitter that Hogan will return Monday to help honor Okerlund on RAW:

BREAKING: @HulkHogan will return to #Raw THIS MONDAY to honor the late, great @WWE Hall of Famer "Mean" Gene Okerlund! https://t.co/UiOf3kY4Rl

— WWE (@WWE) January 4, 2019

This will be Hogan’s first appearance on WWE TV since serving as the host of WWE Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia this past November. Hogan only made a brief appearance to kick off the show, where he cut a promo.

What do you think about Hogan returning to RAW next week?

Becky Lynch and Corey Graves are going at it once again. Last month, Lynch and Graves exchanged words on Twitter after “The Irish Lass Kicker” responded to some negative comments from the WWE commentator. Graves said that Lynch was too cocky, to which Lynch responded by mocking Graves’ “Heenan-lite” routine. Now, Graves has sparked another back-and-forth.

He recently responded to a Tweet from Bayley, who reflected on her 2018 with the new year kicking off this week. Graves joked that he can’t wait for their “romance” angle. A fan responded by saying he’d like to see Graves in a romance angle with SmackDown Live’s Lynch. Graves said that he would too, and suggested that Lynch “could use it.” The Irishwoman responded by calling Graves a “middle-aged emo poured into skinny jeans”.

Graves fired back by suggesting Lynch is ripping off UFC mega-star Conor McGregor’s gimmick. Since Lynch and McGregor have seemingly become friends in recent weeks, Graves said she should be better at the act. Check out the whole exchange below:

“I can’t wait for our “romance” angle.”

I can’t wait for our “romance” angle.

— Corey Graves (@WWEGraves) January 2, 2019

“Me too. She could use it.”

Me too. She could use it.

— Corey Graves (@WWEGraves) January 2, 2019

“Of all the things I could “use” in my life right now, a romance with a middle-aged emo poured into skinny jeans isn’t one of them. Maybe you should wait till Monday to reply, you know, when you’ll have help with what to say.”

https://twitter.com/BeckyLynchWWE/status/1080605480903499781

“New Year. Same bootleg @TheNotoriousMMA act. You’re friends with him right? You should be better at it. @BeckyLynchWWE”

New Year. Same bootleg @TheNotoriousMMA act.

You’re friends with him right? You should be better at it. @BeckyLynchWWE https://t.co/vk6de3c6bx

— Corey Graves (@WWEGraves) January 2, 2019

“…and I look damn fine in these skinny jeans.”

…and I look damn fine in these skinny jeans.

— Corey Graves (@WWEGraves) January 2, 2019

What do you think about Lynch and Graves exchanging words with one another?

It looks like Nikki Bella is now dating her former Dancing With The Stars (DWTS) partner, Artem Chigvintsev. This comes from a report via US Weekly. Bella is in her first relationship since breaking up with John Cena last April. They dated for several years and were even engaged to be married. Cena proposed to Bella during WrestleMania 33 after their Mixed Tag Team match victory over The Miz and Maryse.

Nikki and Artem partnered up on the 25th season of the program in 2017. They lasted two months before finally being eliminated from the competition. Currently, Artem is on the national DWTS live tour. He and Bella were spotted together during Christmas weekend in Studio City, California. The report also notes that Artem became friends with Cena when he partnered with Bella on DWTS.

Cena actually once said that Artem would likely choreograph he and Bella’s first dance at their wedding, which, of course, never happened. Bella’s relationship with Artem will be featured on the fourth season of “Total Bellas” which will premiere on January 13th. You can check out the preview for the new season in the video player here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6V61G9J2waE&feature=youtu.be

What do you think about Bella now dating her former DWTS partner?

WWE has added a No DQ match to their WWE NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool card. It was recently announced that Eddie Dennis and Dave Mastiff’s match at the event will no be contested under no disqualifications. The event will go down from the Empress Ballroom in Blackpool, England on Saturday, January 12th.

The brand has compiled quite a strong card for its first-ever TakeOver show. Pete Dunne will be defending his WWE UK Title against Joe Coffey. Also, Toni Storm will get her shot at the NXT UK Women’s Championship against Rhea Ripley. The finals of the NXT UK Tag Team Championship tournament will also commence. Check out the updated card for WWE NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool below:

• WWE UK Title Match: (C) Pete Dunne vs. Joe Coffey
• NXT UK Women’s Title Match: (C) Rhea Ripley vs. Toni Storm
• NXT UK Tag Team Championship Tournament Finals: Trent Seven & Tyler Bate vs. James Drake & Zack Gibson or Mark Andrews & Flash Morgan Webster
• No DQ Match: Eddie Dennis vs. Dave Mastiff

What do you make of WWE adding a No DQ match to the NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool card?

Chris Jericho is currently preparing to defend his IWGP Intercontinental Championship. He will face Tetsuya Naito at Wrestle Kingdom 13 tomorrow from the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan. It’s a rivalry that has been brewing for the past year and will finally commence in a No Disqualification bout. Wrestle Kingdom 13 is New Japan Pro Wrestling’s (NJPW) biggest show of the year.

However, they might just outdo themselves this April during WrestleMania 35 week. They will be co-promoting a massive event at Madison Square Garden with Ring Of Honor (ROH). The G1 Supercard event will go down on April 6th from New York City. On a recent episode of Jericho’s podcast, “Talk Is Jericho,” “Y2J” said he believes WWE is keeping an eye on NJPW.

The promotion, along with ROH, was able to do something WWE hasn’t in quite some time – sellout MSG. WWE even tried to block the event from happening, but their attempts proved unsuccessful:

“WWE is watching. Anytime you have a company that can come into WWE’s backyard and sell out Madison Square Garden — you can spin it anyway you want to; it’s WrestleMania weekend — it doesn’t matter. They did something that WWE has not done in years.

“They tried to block this show and it didn’t work out. When you’re talking about a company that has nationwide TV on AXS, it’s not NBC or USA, but it’s still funded by a billionaire, Mark Cuban. There is money there. WWE never takes anything like that lightly.”

What do you make of Jericho’s comments regarding WWE and NJPW?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsECywPlw-s&t=3s

H/T Fightful for the transcriptions

We reported yesterday the sad news that WWE Hall Of Famer “Mean” Gene Okerlund unfortunately passed away at the age of 76. Okerlund established himself as, arguably, the greatest professional wrestling announcer and interviewer of all time throughout his years in WWE and WCW. Upon his passing, not much information was available regarding Okerlund’s cause of death.

However, recently, Okerlund’s son, Todd, spoke to the Associated Press. He revealed that his father passed at a hospital in Sarasota, Florida Sunday morning. Per the Star Tribune, Okerlund passed away sometime around 5:30 A.M. local time in the hospital’s emergency room. His wife, Jeanne, was at his side at the time of his passing. Also, it was revealed that Okerlund recently underwent three kidney transplants.

Todd said his father became ill a few weeks ago and “it just kind of went from bad to worse.” It was also said that he was dealing with several health issues on top of everything. Okerlund took a bad fall at home and sustained a few broken ribs. He was admitted into a nursing home days before his death. When he began having trouble breathing he was hospitalized and later passed.

The professional wrestling world has been mourning the loss of Okerlund. WWE Hall Of Famer Jesse Ventura offered his thoughts on “Mean” Gene’s passing:

“In an interview, I laughingly called him ‘the Mean Gene Hot Air Machine,’ and the ‘Mean Gene’ stuck,” Ventura said. “I’m proud that I gave him a nickname that will stick with him forever.”

In his last appearance on WWE TV, Okerlund interviewed then-WWE Champion AJ Styles. This occurred during the RAW 25th-anniversary special last year. Check it out below:

Drake Maverick On Recent IMPACT Departure

WWE 205 Live General Manager Drake Maverick seems interested in a recently departed IMPACT Wrestling star. Recently, DJZ announced on Twitter that he will be leaving IMPACT after his contract with the promotion has expired:

“At midnight tonight, i will be a free agent for the first time in 7 years. …and 2019 seems like the perfect time to be available for whatever new opportunities may come my way.”

At midnight tonight, i will be a free agent for the first time in 7 years.

…and 2019 seems like the perfect time to be available for whatever new opportunities may come my way. https://t.co/QdA266FTXZ

— Joaquin Wilde (@joaquinwilde_) December 31, 2018

DJZ made his debut with IMPACT back in 2011 where he competed under the name Zema Ion. Maverick offered a very interesting take on DJZ’s departure, hinting at an interest in bringing him to WWE:

https://twitter.com/WWEMaverick/status/1079828861838393344

Heavy Machinery Hypes WWE Main Roster Call-Up

As part of WWE’s new direction in 2019, several NXT stars have been called up to the main roster. There’s currently no news on which brands will get which stars. EC3, Lacey Evans, Nikki Cross, Lars Sullivan, and Heavy Machinery are the stars who have been called up. Recently, Tucker Knight and Otis Dozovic took to Twitter to hype the main roster debut of Heavy Machinery.

“2018 The #BlueCollarSolid Squad ate a lot of steak and did a lot of winning. 2019 promises much of the same but with a #RAW or #SDLIVE twist.”

2018 The #BlueCollarSolid Squad ate a lot of steak and did a lot of winning.

2019 promises much of the same but with a #RAW or #SDLIVE twist. #HeavyMachinery #STEAKSandWEIGHTS #DanmGooodTime pic.twitter.com/CZNje3RQoD

— Levi Cooper (@REALLeviCooper) January 1, 2019

“2018 #BlueCollarSolidYear But What cha See… Is what ya Get but ya Better Keep Your Eyes. Open so you can possibly see BIG Brother “TUCKy” @TuckerKnightWWE and I COMINNNNNNN’ at all Angles. 2019 We’re COMINNNNNNNNNNNNNN’”

2018 #BlueCollarSolidYear ??

But What cha See… Is what ya Get but ya Better Keep Your Eyes ? Open so you can possibly see BIG Brother “TUCKy” @TuckerKnightWWE and I COMINNNNNNN’ at all Angles ??

2019 We’re COMINNNNNNNNNNNNNN’ #HeavyMachinery #STEAKSandWEIGHTS pic.twitter.com/jUls5o85t9

— OTIS (DOZER) (@otiswwe) January 1, 2019

SmackDown Live star Tye Dillinger has had a rather interesting week on social media. Recently, Monday Night RAW star Nia Jax took issue with women of color being left off a recent social media graphic for WWE’s female stars. Dillinger took an indirect shot at Jax’s comments in the following Tweet:

“ALL the WWE ladies had a great year but these ones had some very captivating moments in 2018! And, if you’re all #BooBoo face about being left off the list despite being on TV ALL the time….maybe spend more time on the craft instead of social media. Congratulations ladies”

ALL the WWE ladies had a great year but these ones had some very captivating moments in 2018!
And, if you’re all #BooBoo face about being left off the list despite being on TV ALL the time….maybe spend more time on the craft instead of social media.

Congratulations ladies ?? https://t.co/rFUNWy7hQx

— Shawn Spears™? (@ShawnSpears) December 31, 2018

Now, Dillinger has come out to comment about the recent announcement of the new All Elite Wrestling (AEW) promotion:

AEW Rally

Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks have already signed to the new venture. AEW is being funded by NFL team the Jacksonville Jaguars’ co-owner Shahid Khan. A rally has even been scheduled for the launch of AEW.

It will be held on Tuesday, January 8th at the TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. This is the same stadium where the Jaguars play their home NFL games during the regular season. In an interesting twist, WWE SmackDown Live will also be taking place in Jacksonville that night. However, SDL will be going down from the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.

What do you make of Dillinger’s comments regarding AEW?

Kazuchika Okada will once again be competing on the Wrestle Kingdom 13 pay-per-view (PPV) this year. The New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) star has been in the main event of the past four Wrestle Kingdom PPVs. This year, however, he will not be headlining the show. His match with Jay White will go on before the IWGP Heavyweight Title contest.

Kenny Omega will be defending his championship against Hiroshi Tanahashi. Recently, Okada did an interview with NJPW to preview his match-up with Jay White inside the Tokyo Dome. During their conversation, Okada was asked about how he feels not headlining this year’s event:

“Honestly, I’m not that upset about it. If this was any other sport, the same sport isn’t going to dominate all the time. The Giants aren’t going to run the table every year. … The Dome is always the Dome.

“So the setting hasn’t changed. But the scenario, not a main event, not a title match. What’s that even like? I can’t remember, so I want to see for myself. I might get pumped up just like a title match, or it might be very different, I won’t know until January 4th, so I’m kinda excited, honestly.”

Check out the full card for Wrestle Kingdom 13 here:

Main Card

• IWGP Heavyweight Title Match: (C) Kenny Omega vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi
• IWGP Intercontinental Title Match: (C) Chris Jericho vs. Tetsuya Naito
  Kazuchika Okada vs. Jay White
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title Match: (C) KUSHIDA vs. Taiji Ishimori
• IWGP United States Title Match: (C) Cody vs. Juice Robinson
• IWGP Tag Team Title Match: (C) Guerrillas of Destiny vs. The Young Bucks vs. EVIL and SANADA
• RevPro British Heavyweight Title Match: (C) Tomohiro Ishii vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Title Match: (C) Yoshinobu Kanemaru and El Desperado vs. Roppongi 3K vs. BUSHI and Shingo Takagi
• IWGP NEVER Openweight Title Match: (C) Kota Ibushi vs. Will

Pre-Show

• Gauntlet Match to determine #1 Contenders for NEVER Six-Man Titles: Ryusuke Taguchi, Toru Yano, and Togi Makabe vs. David Finley, Jeff Cobb, and Yuji Nagata vs. Best Friends and Hirooki Goto vs. Killer Elite Squad and Minoru Suzuki vs. Marty Scurll, Adam Page, and Yujiro Takahashi

What do you think about Okada not main eventing this year’s Wrestle Kingdom 13?

After beginning his professional wrestling career in the late ’80s, working for promotions in Mexico as well as companies like New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), Eddie Guerrero made quite the name for himself in WCW. As one of the Cruiserweight division’s biggest stars, Guerrero put on some amazing matches inside WCW’s ring.

He’d eventually sign with WWE in 2000, joining the company before they bought out his former employer. However, he was released from his WWE deal after a drunk driving arrest in November of 2001. Guerrero returned to WWE in 2002 when he attacked Rob Van Dam on an episode of Monday Night RAW. During his time with WWE, Guerrero established himself as one of the WWE Universe’s most beloved stars. He won a WWE Championship, two European Titles, a United States Championship, and two Intercontinental Titles.

Guerrero also captured four Tag Team Championships with partners such as Chavo Guerrero, Tajiri, and Rey Mysterio. Unfortunately, Guerrero’s career was cut short when he passed away in November of 2005 due to an underlying heart condition. It was a tremendous loss for the professional wrestling world. He was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame in 2006, several months after his passing.

Recently, Chris Jericho released a podcast that was taped on his Jericho Cruise. The show included himself, Rey Mysterio, Konnan, and Diamond Dallas Page. The four men honored Guerrero with an episode of the “Talk Is Jericho” podcast, reminiscing on his life and career. During the show, Jericho revealed how WWE CEO Vince McMahon felt about Guerrero upon his arrival to the company:

“He came in with Chris [Benoit], Perry Saturn, and Dean [Malenko]. They were called The Radicalz, imagine combination. Now, if you look at those guys, Chris Benoit, Perry Saturn, Eddie Guerrero and Dean Malenko. It’s the WWE system. Who’s gonna make it?

“Right from the start – I vividly remember this two weeks after they got there – I heard from a very high source, ‘Vince says, ‘Eddie’s the guy.’’ I was like, ‘Really?’ ‘Eddie’s the guy. He’s the one?’ ‘Out of all these other guys?’ Perry’s all big and Benoit was Benoit and Dean was Dean.

“Vince said, ‘Eddie’s the guy.’ Because he checked off all the boxes. He didn’t have the size, but he worked like he was a giant. He thought like he was a giant, he could do anything, as all of us know, and he had the character and charisma.

“Lo and behold – Vince is a genius and Vince knew what he wanted and Vince made him one of the biggest stars in the company, but that was right off the bat. He saw that, which I always though, ‘Wow, right away, you could see Eddie’s character and charisma coming through.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ta5uCNIqC1s

H/T WrestleZone for the transcriptions

There appear to be some rumors going around suggesting that SmackDown Live star Zelina Vega is dealing with an injury. More specifically, a concussion. Vega took to Twitter to shut those reports down:

“Guys.. this is exactly why you should take everything you read on the internet with a grain of salt: I am not concussed, I am very healthy. See you all tonight on #SmackdownLive !”

https://twitter.com/Zelina_VegaWWE/status/1080137788178210817

These reports were likely going around considering the history Vega has with concussions. This past November, Vega missed an episode of SmackDown Live due to a concussion. The injury was sustained during the WWE’s first-ever all-female pay-per-view (PPV), Evolution. Vega hit the floor harder than expected after being eliminated from a Battle Royal by Nia Jax.

She has since recovered, however, and remains at the side of former NXT Champion Andrade “Cien” Almas.

Vega and Black

For those of you who missed it, Vega and current NXT star Aleister Black were recently married. Details regarding where and when the ceremony happened have not been made available. Vega was previously dating former WWE Cruiserweight Austin Aries. However, she has since acknowledged their relationship has ended and she no longer wishes to be associated with him.

She had this to say about her relationship with Aries in a Tweet that has since been deleted:

“I am going to say this once: We (Vega and Aries) are NOT together and have not been together for a very long time. We were certainly NEVER married or engaged. I’ve moved on a long time ago and do not wish to be associated with him.”

The professional wrestling world has lost a legend today (Wed. January 2, 2019). WWE has announced that Hall Of Famer “Mean” Gene Okerlund has passed away at the age of 76-years-old. After leaving the radio industry, Okerlund began his professional wrestling career with the American Wrestling Association (AWA) in 1970. He remained there for 14 years before accepting a job with WWE in 1984.

Okerlund remained with WWE until his deal expired in 1993 when he made the decision to venture off to World Championship Wrestling (WCW) after WWE did not offer him a renewal. Throughout his career, Okerlund solidified himself as, arguably, the greatest ring announcer and interviewer professional wrestling has ever seen.

In 2001 Okerlund returned to WWE and had made sporadic appearances for the company over the next 17 years. In April of 2006, Okerlund was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame.

He also inducted Mr. T into the HOF in April of 2014 just before WrestleMania 30. His latest WWE appearance came at the RAW 25th anniversary special last January when he interviewed then-WWE Champion AJ Styles.

We here at SEScoops would like to offer our deepest condolences to Okerlund’s family during this difficult time.

The Wrestling World Reacts to the Passing of Mean Gene

Mean Gene I love you my brother HH

— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) January 2, 2019

Just heard Mean Gene Okerlund has passed away. As an interviewer, pitch man, announcer, or host, he was untouchable. Simply the best. Total professional with quick wit, sarcasm, humor, and that golden voice.
Condolences to his friends and family.

— Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR) January 2, 2019

So sad today to hear of the sudden passing of my dear friend @TheGeneOkerlund

I just saw Mean Gene in North Carolina at WrestleCade.

It’s so true that our tomorrow’s are never guaranteed.

Say hello to Jan, Mean Gene. ? pic.twitter.com/PQ4ZZGmXnx

— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) January 2, 2019

RIP Mean Gene Okerlund. Gene was the mold others aspired to be. Without a doubt one of the most talented individuals I have ever had the privilege to work with. Rest in Peace Gene and thank you for all of your wisdom and help throughout the years.

— Bruce Prichard (@bruceprichard) January 2, 2019

So sad to hear of the passing of our friend, Mean Gene Okerlund.
I'll always remember Gene with a smile on his face and a drink in his hand and always wanting to help. His was "The Voice" of @WWE RIP Gene. pic.twitter.com/tgS1Yy3VpA

— Jerry Lawler (@JerryLawler) January 2, 2019

I MAKE THE GENE MEAN LAUGH SO HARD HERE HE TELL ME I MAKE HIM CRY. HE HELP ME WHEN I DONT REMEMBER THE JABRONIS NAMES I WRESTLE. I LOVE YOU BROTHER. https://t.co/YFnuEWVFn6 pic.twitter.com/YvgpApVeTE

— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) January 2, 2019

A voice and sound track to an entire era of our industry. He was the star of some of @WWE’s most memorable segments. “Mean Gene” was beloved by all who got to work with him. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. https://t.co/9ddj6372eE

— Triple H (@TripleH) January 2, 2019

Gutted to hear that Mean Gene Okerlund has passed away. He could get things out of guys during promos in a way few others could. One of my greatest thrills was being able to interview him in person. A class act. https://t.co/dyZfxRaPah

— Jason Solomon ?? (@solomonster) January 2, 2019

So sad to hear of the passing of one of the greatest voices in wrestling. Mean Gene you will be missed and we will continue to love you. What a true class act. I am very fortunate to work with you.

— Charles Robinson (@WWERobinson) January 2, 2019

Of the very few regrets I harbor in my career, one was never getting to scream "Mean Gene" when answering the queries of a man who presence was larger than life and ingrained in the better memories of my childhood.
RIP Mean Gene.
My condolences to the Okerlund family.

— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) January 2, 2019

https://twitter.com/LanceStorm/status/1080494555378503681

Mean Gene was the voice of millions of childhoods. Mine certainly. An honor to meet him. Condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/krsMtbeNIl

— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE) January 2, 2019

RIP “Mean” Gene. Thanks for the memories and being a Gentleman.

God Bless. ? pic.twitter.com/AJn3HsY7Am

— Bully Ray (@bullyray5150) January 2, 2019

Braun Strowman hasn’t been physical inside the WWE ring for quite some time now. Strowman recently underwent surgery on his elbow to repair some bone spurs. He was booked to face Baron Corbin in a Tables Ladders and Chairs (TLC) match earlier this month. Strowman did show up for the match, but since it was a no disqualification match, he utilized some help.

Finn Balor, Apollo Crews, Bobby Roode, Chad Gable, and Heath Slater all beat down Corbin, allowing Strowman to pick up the pinfall victory. Now, Strowman is set to face Brock Lesnar for the WWE Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view (PPV) on January 27th. Strowman is still recovering from his surgery, and likely won’t compete until the Royal Rumble.

However, it looks like he’s on the right track to full recovery, as he posted a photo on Instagram of himself back in the gym. Check it out here:

“And so it begins!!!! 8 weeks with out training has been killing me. First day back training shoulders. 25lbs at a time. Slow and steady and getting ready to pass these out”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Br29QtHlJtZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading

The 2019 Royal Rumble PPV event goes down from the Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona on January 27th.

Earlier this week WWE made its return to “The World’s Most Famous Arena.” The professional wrestling juggernaut held a stacked house show from Madison Square Garden in New York. The card featured several big match-ups, including the first-ever women’s match to main event a wrestling show in MSG. Ronda Rousey successfully defended her title against Nia Jax.

Also, John Cena made his WWE return before Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose went head-to-head inside a Steel Cage. However, another big match on the card featured several of NXT’s top stars. The team of NXT North American Champion Ricochet, WWE UK Champion Pete Dunne, The Velveteen Dream, Aleister Black, and Matt Riddle defeated NXT Champion Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, and The Undisputed Era (Adam Cole and NXT Tag Team Champions Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong) in a Ten-Man Tag Team bout.

It was a proud moment for WWE Hall Of Famer Shawn Michaels, who has been working a lot with NXT talents lately. Michaels has been training athletes at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando and also producing NXT television. “HBK” took to Twitter recently and expressed how proud he was to see the NXT crew in MSG:

“One of the greatest pictures these eyes have ever seen!!!#NXTCrew in MSG!!!!! #ProudofYou”

One of the greatest pictures these eyes have ever seen!!!#NXTCrew in MSG!!!!! #ProudofYou pic.twitter.com/3tfGrLgort

— Shawn Michaels (@ShawnMichaels) December 27, 2018

What do you think about Michaels’ comments on NXT stars competing at MSG?

There have been plenty of rumors going around that now-former WWE United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura could be going back to Japan. However, those rumors have been proven to be untrue. New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) has certainly shown interest in bringing “The King Of Strong Style” back. But Nakamura relocated his entire family to Orlando after signing with WWE in 2016.

It would take a big financial offer to get him to make such another big move across the world. With that being said, rumors of Shinsuke’s return to Japan continue to run rampant. Especially after his recent interaction with Hiroki Goto on Twitter. Prior to signing with WWE, Nakamura founded the CHAOS faction in NJPW back in 2009. He served as the group’s leader before leaving in 2016.

Shortly after his departure, Goto joined CHAOS and has remained a member ever since. Yesterday, Goto took to Twitter and posted a good morning Tweet to his fans. Nakamura responded by telling Goto good morning in return. Goto excitedly asked Nakamura how he is doing. Nakamura is coming off a United States Championship loss to Rusev. The WWE star responded by saying he’s feeling “Genki Dah,” which translates into feeling energetic or lively.

Check out Nakamura and Goto’s exchange below:

Good morning!

— ?? ??? Goto hirooki (@510njpw) December 28, 2018

“good morning”

????

— Shinsuke Nakamura (@ShinsukeN) December 28, 2018

“How are you!”

??????

— ?? ??? Goto hirooki (@510njpw) December 28, 2018

“Genki Dah”

????

— Shinsuke Nakamura (@ShinsukeN) December 28, 2018

Good!

— ?? ??? Goto hirooki (@510njpw) December 28, 2018

One name that always gets tossed around when it comes to the WWE Hall Of Fame, is Chyna. Chyna was a very important piece of the WWE’s road to the Women’s Revolution. She helped break down barriers for women in professional wrestling during the Attitude Era in the late ’90s and early ‘2000s. Chyna competed in matches against men, participated in the Royal Rumble match, and even won the Intercontinental Championship.

“The Ninth Wonder Of The World” was truly ahead of her time in her heyday. However, her exit from the WWE was a highly controversial one, as well as her choices after her unceremonious departure. Unfortunately, Chyna passed away in April of 2016 from an apparent overdose. She was found in her Redondo Beach, California home by her manager, Anthony Anzaldo.

“Do What’s Right”

Now, many WWE fans and stars believe that a WWE Hall Of Fame induction for Chyna is long overdue. Her mother, Jan LaQue, certainly agrees. In a recent Facebook post, LaQue urged WWE to “do what’s right” and finally induct Chyna (real name Joan Marie Laurer) into the WWE HOF:

“As many of you know, yesterday would have been Joanie’s (Chyna’s) birthday. I truly appreciate all of the messages and rememberances of her that were posted by so many of you. As you can imagine, it’s always a very sad day for me. But it helps a lot to know how many people remember her and loved her.

“It’s one of the worst things in the world to lose a child. We HAVE to get her into the WWE hall of fame. She richly deserves to be there. WWE – LISTEN UP and do what’s right for Chyna!! You owe her that for what she did for you and women’s wrestling. She earned her place there. And it’s long overdue.”

For what it’s worth, WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon said she believes Chyna will one day be inducted into the Hall Of Fame. Her comments came just several weeks after Chyna’s passing in 2016:

Do you think Chyna should be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame?