AEW star Eddie Kingston sounds ready to reignite his rivalry with Cesaro. In an unexpected turn of events, these two could cross paths again in the very near future.
News broke earlier this week that Cesaro is no longer with WWE after the two sides were unable to come to terms on a new contract. Cesaro was willing to stick with WWE, but wasn’t satisfied with the money WWE offered him.
Due to his previous contract expiring, Cesaro is free to work anywhere else effective immediately. He is not bound by a 90-day non-compete clause, which is only for cases when wrestlers are released from their contracts.
Cesaro (as Claudio Castagnoli) has a long, violent history with Eddie Kingston from their days in the CHIKARA promotion.
Once it became public knowledge that Cesaro was a free agent, Eddie Kingston took to social media to address his former rival.
Kingston tweeted, “All I am going to say is, he doesn’t have the balls to come to AEW.”
Kingston, also known as the Mad King, later re-tweeted a video that someone posted of a match between the two men from their days in CHIKARA.
AEW has been signing talent left and right, with some fans questioning if their roster is reaching maximum capacity.
Former WWE Superstar Buddy Matthews made his AEW debut this week on Dynamite. Jeff Hardy and Shane “Swerve” Strickland are also expected to be joining AEW soon, as well.
Hit up the comments section and let us know if you think AEW should sign Cesaro.
John Cena is receiving backlash on social media for a tweet that seemingly references Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The entire world is watching as Russian Vladamir Putin leads his army into its sovereign neighbor. Putin has called the Russian offensive a “peacekeeping” mission, which prompted Cena to reference his Peacemaker super hero character.
John Cena says he wishes he could summon the powers of a real life Peacemaker to end the bloody conflict.
If I could somehow summon the powers of a real life #Peacemaker I think this would be a great time to do so.
John Cena’s tweet is getting a lot of negative reactions. Some people are referencing an incident from last year when John Cena apologized to China for referencing Taiwan as an independent country while promoting his Suicide Squad movie.
Jonathan Gresham’s Terminus promotion held its second event on Thursday night from Atlanta, GA.
The main event saw Gresham retain the ROH World Championship against AEW star Santana. The event aired live on FITE and is now available for on-demand purchase.
Here are quick results from the show:
Chris Sabin defeated Tre Lamar, Kenny Alfonso, & Leon Ruff
Queen Aminata defeated Killa Kate
Joe Keys & Dante Caballero defeated Daniel Garcia & Kevin Blackwood
Serena Deeb defeated Liiza Hall
Sw3rve the Realest defeated Davey Richards
Jay Lethal defeated Baron Black
ROH World Champion Jonathan Gresham defeated Santana
At the conclusion of the event, Gresham announced there will be a third Terminus event.
AEW All Out 2021 garnered the most PPV buys in company history.
All Out was AEW’s first pay-per-view outside of Jacksonville, Florida since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The main event saw Kenny Omega retain the AEW World Championship against Christian Cage. It also featured CM Punk’s first match in seven years (he defeated Darby Allin), Chris Jericho vs. MJF and the AEW debuts of Bryan Danielson, Adam Cole and Ruby Soho.
AEW All Out sold 205,000 buys across all outlets, according to the Wrestling Observer, and grossed over $10 million. To put this into perspective, AEW All Out 2021 surpassed the previous company record for PPV buys by over 40%.
AEW All Out PPV Buys
The following is an updated look at the AEW All Out PPV buys since the event was founded in 2019.
As you can see, the estimated figures were largely steady for the first two years before more-than-doubling last year for CM Punk’s return to the ring.
Tony Schiavone is sharing his reaction to Cody Rhodes leaving AEW.
Schiavone’s relationship with the Rhodes family goes back to the 1980’s. He’s very close to their family and considers Cody and Brandi to be dear friends.
On the latest episode of his What Happened When podcast with Conrad Thompson, Schiavone opened up about the Cody Rhodes situation.
Aside from Cody being a driving force behind AEW’s formation, Cody is also the man responsible for introducing Schiavone to AEW President Tony Khan.
“Cody Rhodes, to me, was one of the faces of AEW,” said Schiavone. “Cody was the one who got me in touch with Tony Khan, and that’s why I signed,” he said.
“Of course, I’m very close to the family. We took many bus rides together to Jacksonville. I consider him and Brandi friends. I think we’re a better organization today because of them.”
It’s Wrestling. It Happens.
– Tony Schiavone on Cody Rhodes’ AEW Departure
Tony Schiavone wishes Cody and Brandi Rhodes the best and is grateful for everything they’ve done for him and for AEW.
Schiavone has seen it all since he started with Jim Crocket Promotions in 1983. That said, Cody Rhodes was an integral part of AEW and his departure is nothing short of shocking.
“But, after you get over the shock of it, you kind of think, ‘You know what? It’s wrestling. It happens. This is the first one that’s left our company, but it’s one of our biggest names that left the company, so that’s why it’s the biggest shock.”
Members of the Hit Row faction will be reuniting during WrestleMania weekend.
Hit Row was a popular group in NXT last year. The group was comprised of Isiah “Swerve” Scott, Top Dolla, Ashante Thee Adonis and B-Fab. Despite their initial popularity, the group was dismantled and ultimately released entirely by WWE.
Shane Strickland (formerly Isiah Scott) is back taking solo independent bookings. The remaining members are headed to WrestleMania weekend to appear together for Game Changer Wrestling.
Now known as HitMakerZ, AJ Francis (Top Dolla), Tehuti Miles (Ashante Thee Adonis) and Briana Brandi (B-Fab) have been announced for GCW’s For The Fulture event on Friday, April 1st from Dallas, TX.
If you’ll be in the Dallas area for WrestleMania weekend, GCW For The Culture tickets are now available at Eventbrite.com.
Shane Strickland Moves On from Hit Row
Shane “Swerve” Strickland is conspicuously absent from this reunion. The Beyonce to Hit Row’s Destiny Child says he’s focused on his solo career right now.
Swerve did a virtual autograph signing for K&S Wrestle Fest earlier this week and commented on Hit Row’s future. He had a fun time with the group, but he’s moving on to greater things.
“The group going to another promotion together is always an option, but right now I’m focused on myself and what I have to do,” he said. “I’m at an older age. My persona with the pro wrestling business and being on screen is always maturing.”
He had fun with Hit Row and enjoyed feels they made history in NXT. However, “I’m maturing and moving on to something greater.”
Posted February 23rd, 2022 in GCW, News. Tagged: Hit Row.
WWE Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg has warmed up to the idea of other wrestlers using the spear attack during matches.
Goldberg just competed at WWE Elimination Chamber, where he came up short against Universal Champion Roman Reigns. This was the final match Goldberg’s WWE contract.
At 55 years old, Goldberg needs to take special care of his body to continue performing at a high level. He recently paid a visit to Dr. Beau Hightower, renowned Chiropractor and strength and conditioning specialist.
Hightower has a popular YouTube channel that shows him treating celebrities and athletes. Goldberg’s visit was the subject of his latest video and of course they talked wrestling while Bill got worked on.
Interestingly, Goldberg says he used to hate seeing other wrestlers use the spear, which has been one of his signature moves since the late 1990’s. We’ve seen countless WWE Superstars utilize the move since then, most notably Roman Reigns, Edge and Bobby Lashley.
Goldberg’s Spear
According to Goldberg, you can use the spear.. if he likes you.
“About 15 to 20 superstars at WWE use it, and I used to hate it, but now I like it,” Goldberg said about the spear. “I like it because you see them do it, and then you see the master do it. And there’s a huge difference.”
He continued, “… and if I like you, I’ll let you live through it. If I don’t like you, I’ll put my head right in the middle of your chest and you’ll be in the hospital.”
Catch Goldberg’s appearance on Dr. Beau Hightower’s YouTube show:
On Tuesday’s edition of The Pat McAfee Show, the SmackDown color commentator addressed the buzz about Cody’s future. He also addressed the Wednesday Night Wars and took a few digs at AEW in the process.
“I guess Cody Rhodes is coming to WWE,” said McAfee. “I guess. Who cares, dude, you know? Him and his little friends, they started something, it was terrible, we actually went head-to-head with them on Wednesdays, we beat ’em a couple different times, who cares? The hell with Cody Rhodes!”
McAfee must have realized there’s money to be made with Cody Rhodes in WWE, because he pivoted his position pretty quickly.
Taking on a more positive outlook, McAfee said Cody is a “massive name” and is excited by the prospect of working together.
“Now people are going to think I’m starting an angle with Cody Rhodes,” he joked. “I’m actually pretty pumped if Cody is coming back. [He’s] obviously a massive name in Sports Entertainment. If he’s coming to SmackDown, I’m excited by it.”
AJ Styles has signed a phenomenal new contract with WWE. The former WWE Champion has re-upped for 3 more years and will make “well over” $3 million per year, per Fightful. This makes him one of the highest-paid pro wrestlers in the world.
Styles was due to become a free agent this summer. However, WWE never let things get to that point. They did not want a bidding war to unfold and made Styles an offer he couldn’t refuse.
Despite mass layoffs in 2021 due to budget cuts, WWE has not hesitated to throw big money at stars like Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn to keep them on board. As the wrestling war heats up with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), AJ Styles is somebody you do not want “seeing what’s out there.”
AJ Styles had a Hall of Fame caliber career before joining WWE in January 2016. He could have retired as an all-time great after his runs in Ring of Honor, Impact Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling. Luckily for us, he was just getting warmed up. He’s held the WWE Championship twice, the United States title 3 times, the IC title and the Raw tag titles (with Omos).
Styles is not currently booked for WrestleMania 38, but he’s stated in multiple interviews that he wants to wrestle Edge at WWE’s biggest show of the year. He told Ariel Helwani earlier this month:
“There was that time when I thought there would never be an opportunity to wrestle him, and now, it’s here. The time is limited in which we can pull it off. Whether he or I retire first, who knows, but I want to get that match. I desperately want to get that match. I think it’s the one that most fans would enjoy.”
The XFL and the National Football League (NFL) are partnering to expand opportunities for player development both on and off the field.
The leagues will work together on innovation opportunities, testing rules for player protection and officiating technology.
XFL co-owner Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson released a video statement, which you can watch below. Johnson maintains that his top priority is the health and safety of the players. This working relationship will hopefully benefit players from both leagues and the entire sport of professional football.
XFL President Russ Brandon tells ESPN the partnership gives the NFL a “petri dish” to experiment with new rules, test new equipment and develop prospective officials.
The XFL is scheduled to relaunch in February 2023 under the new ownership of Dany Garcia, Dwayne Johnson and RedBird Capital Partners.
This will not be a talent sharing relationship, but this agreement is a stark comparison from Vince McMahon’s initial vision for the XFL, which was adversarial towards the NFL. Co-Owner
Danny Garcia maintains that the XFL will not sharing talent or developing talent for the NFL. “That’s a no,” she said to ESPN. “We are a spring league. We will play at the highest level in the spring. There is not the anticipation of any player sharing that changes the dynamic. That’s not how we’re executing our vision.”
The card for WrestleMania 38 is starting to come together.
Elimination Chamber 2022 is in the books and the event brought a few changes to WWE’s biggest show of the year.
Bianca Belair won the Women’s Elimination Chamber match to become #1 contender to the Raw Women’s Championship. That title is held by Becky Lynch, who successfully retained against Lita.
Brock Lesnar captured the WWE Championship once again by winning the Men’s Elimination Chamber match. In doing so, his match against Roman Reigns will now be Champion vs. Champion.
WrestleMania 38 Card
The following matches are now set for WrestleMania:
WWE Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Universal Champion Roman Reigns
Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair vs. Ronda Rousey
Hit up the comments to let us know what you think about how this card is looking.
WWE Elimination Chamber takes place at a special time this Saturday, February 19th.
Most WWE premium live events take place in the evenings (in the United States). However, this is not your typical WWE show.
WWE Elimination Chamber 2022 starts at 12pm (ET) / 9am (PT).
In case you forget what time Elimination Chamber begins, you can always catch the show on-demand on Peacock (US) and on the WWE Network (international).
For more information, including the full match card and the latest news, visit our WWE Elimination Chamber event page.
The Undertaker has been announced as the first member of the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2022. The news was first reported by the New York Post.
The Undertaker made his WWE debut in November 1990. He would go on to become one of the most iconic performers in WWE history.
His final match took place at WrestleMania 36 in the critically-acclaimed cinematic Boneyard Match against AJ Styles.
He announced his retirement in 2020, capping off an incredible 30 year run.
The Dead Man will take his rightful place amongst the immortals Friday, April 1st during WrestleMania 38 weekend. The ceremony will air April 1st on Peacock.
For more on The Undertaker’s legendary career, visit WWE.com.
Wrestling legend Dustin Rhodes has seen it all since his debut in 1988. On Thursday, he went on social media and vented about “too many egos” and “too much bullsh-t.”
It’s unclear exactly what he is referencing, but the timing is curious in light of his brother Cody’s shocking departure from All Elite Wrestling.
Rhodes warned about the need to keep your ego in check and focus on lifting other people up.
“Too many egos and too much bullshit,” said Rhodes. “Work hard, keep your nose out of trouble, lift other up instead of treating them as they’re below you. Do these things and succeed at anything. I’ll beat ego every time.”
Too many egos and too much bullshit. Work hard, keep your nose out of trouble, lift other up instead of treating them as they're below you. Do these things and succeed at anything. I'll beat ego every time. #KeepSteppin#ImStillHerepic.twitter.com/fTipXdhdIh
Fans immediately began wondering if he was referencing backstage politics that may have been a factor in Cody’s decision to leave AEW. However, Dustin quickly set the record straight and let everybody know he couldn’t be happier working for Tony Khan.
Just a few minutes after the first tweet, Dustin Rhodes followed up with another tweet encouraging people to get on board with AEW. “We are ever growing and making big moves.”
Join the @AEW train kids. We are ever growing and making big moves. Plus, you get to see me as well as so many up and coming superstars that are coming in to their own. Everything is a process. Let me here ya- #ImWithAEW
“The Natural” has been with AEW since the company’s first pay-per-view event, Double or Nothing in 2019. His all-time record in AEW is 32-14. He’s 0-1 so far this year.
Cody Rhodes is gone from AEW. This is a blockbuster story with a lot to unpack. For those questioning if this is an angle, it’s not. This is a legitimate situation and not part of a storyline.
Cody’s AEW contract expired approximately six weeks ago, as first reported by Sean Ross Sapp. Cody has been working as a free agent since then, with negotiations ongoing.
Just two months ago, Cody tweeted, “I’m thankful to the fans that cheer and boo me because both are getting ready to go on a ride that’s just bizarre and not the path that you think. We’re not doing what’s been done before.” Little did we know at the time just how bizarre things would get.
During the early days of AEW, Cody, Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks were all involved with planning longterm storylines and feuds. SEScoops has learned learned that Tony Khan assuming total control over the creative process was a big factor in Cody leaving AEW.
Of course, this is the wrestling business and these things always come down to dollars and centers. Cody Rhodes was asking for big money. How big? AEW refused to pay his asking price and allowed an Executive Vice President to walk out the door.
The talks fell apart on Monday when it became clear Cody and Brandi would not be returning. Cody’s pending departure from AEW was a hot topic of conversation behind the scenes at Monday’s Raw.
Is Cody Rhodes Returning to WWE?
WWE is said to be “very interested” in bringing Cody. They know the type of buzz Cody Rhodes returning would generate. The company is also keenly aware of the public perception that talent is discouraged and morale is low.
AEW has signed a lot of former WWE and NXT talent, which has reinforced these optics. Cody Rhodes would be the first AEW original to jump ship and we could see him thrown into a top WrestleMania program at any moment.
WWE has the cash to get this deal done, no matter what Cody is asking for. The general feeling within the industry is that Cody returning to WWE is inevitable.
Despite the reports of tension amongst AEW’s EVP’s, Cody Rhodes was very well-liked behind the scenes in AEW. As one of the co-founders of AEW, he’s been a mentor to young talent. Many AEW stars have been expressing their gratitude towards Cody on social media since this story broke.
Major League Wrestling (MLW) is returning to Chicago’s Cicero Stadium this summer.
MLW boss Court Bauer appeared on ESPN Chicago’s Tuesday Wrestling Tuesday with Jonathan Hood to announce the news.
Tickets for this event go on sale Tuesday, March 1st at at MLWgo.com and Eventbrite.com. As part of a ‘fan appreciation’ experience, MLW fans can meet and greet their favorite MLW fighters ahead of the show.
Top stars advertised for the event include World Heavyweight Champion Alex Hammerstone, Los Parks, Jacob Fatu, Davey Richards, King Muertes, EJ Nduka, Calvin Tankman, National Openweight Champion Alex Kane, Richard Holliday with Alicia Atout and more.
Additional details about the card will be announced in the weeks ahead.
Three of our finest staff members have gathered to share predictions for the WWE Elimination Chamber 2022 premium live event.
Fernando Quiles Jr., Chris Stephens, and I run down the full card of WWE’s latest Saudi Arabia mega show. After this Sunday, we will have a pretty clear idea of the top matches for WrestleMania 38.
The panel was in agreement for most of the predicted winners, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be any surprises when the bell rings and the Elimination Chamber is lowered.
Here are our WWE Elimination Chamber 2022 predictions:
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos vs. Viking Raiders
Michael: This match comes off as filler to me. The Viking Raiders are not on The Usos’ level and are simply the latest team up for a tag title shot to keep things churning. I can’t say what’s next for The Usos after they brush off this minor inconvenience, but a loss to the Viking Experience would come out of left field. (Prediction: The Usos)
Chris: The Usos should win this one, albeit they will do so through underhanded tactics. WWE could put the belts on the Viking Raiders if they want but the Usos and Roman all holding titles as part of the Bloodline seems like something they will want to keep intact until at least WrestleMania. I’m not sure they will have much planned for these belts at WrestleMania, however. (Prediction: The Usos)
Fernando: It’s possible that this is where WWE will begin to show some serious cracks in The Bloodline ahead of WrestleMania. An upset win for the Viking Raiders over The Usos would certainly do that. With that said, I think The Usos will keep looking strong ahead of the big event. I expect the champions to retain. (Prediction: The Usos)
Consensus: The Usos
Drew McIntyre vs. Madcap Moss
Fernando: This storyline isn’t dead? Alrighty then. I don’t think Drew McIntyre should be losing any singles match until he gets a WWE Universal Title shot. I have McIntyre winning and hopefully moving on to a big WrestleMania match. No, Happy Corbin doesn’t count. (Prediction: Drew McIntyre)
Chris: I’m expecting this to be a short and dominant win for Drew McIntyre. Reports are he is still rehabbing his injuries at the moment in the hopes that he’ll be fully ready for WrestleMania. This could be as quick as one Claymore Kick and a 1-2-3. (Prediction: Drew McIntyre)
Michael: Drew McIntyre is still working through injuries, so I don’t expect WWE will keep him out there for long. Although Moss has far more upside at this stage in both men’s careers, I think WWE feeds Madcap to McIntyre to give the crowd an exciting and short, dominant win for the former WWE Champion. (Prediction: Drew McIntyre)
Consensus: Drew McIntyre
Ronda Rousey & Naomi vs. Charlotte Flair and Sonya Deville
Chris: I don’t see Ronda Rousey losing anytime soon, let alone before her match with Flair at WrestleMania, even if it’s just in a tag match. Rousey will make Deville submit to win things for her team. Flair might attack after the match and get some heat but Rousey will get her hand raised for sure. (Prediction: Ronda Rousey & Naomi)
Michael: The real story here is the WrestleMania feud between Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair. Neither woman is eating a pin here. Although Rousey losing her return match doesn’t look great on the surface, I think Charlotte Flair scores the win over Naomi to put an even bigger chip on Rousey’s shoulder leading up to their showdown at WM38. (Prediction: Charlotte Flair and Sonya Deville)
Fernando: One thing that should be a guarantee with this match is that neither Ronda Rousey nor Charlotte will be taking the pinfall or submission here. This is either gonna be Ronda taking Sonya’s arm home with her, or Naomi getting screwed over by the WWE authority figure one last time before Mania. I’m leaning towards the latter (Prediction: Charlotte Flair & Sonya Deville)
Consensus: Charlotte Flair & Sonya Deville
Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch vs. Lita
Chris: I’d love to see Lita win this match but it’s not going to happen. As great as it is to see her back, I don’t think Lita is factoring into WWE’s plans for WrestleMania. Lynch vs Charlotte Flair will headline one of the two nights in Dallas, and having Lynch drop the belt the month before just isn’t a decision the company is going to make. Hopefully, this is the start of a full-time or part-time return to the company for her, but Lita is not winning the title here. (Prediction: Becky Lynch)
Michael: Thank goodness Lita was able to put aside her feelings about the regime in Saudi Arabia to take this booking. It will be cool to see Lita challenging for a WWE Women’s Championship for the first time in over a decade, but this is a special attraction match and nothing more. Lita gets her big payday, but Big Time Becks leaves with the gold and goes on to bigger and better things at WrestleMania. (Prediction: Becky Lynch)
Fernando: After lasting longer than most expected in the Royal Rumble, Lita will be getting a world title shot in 2022. This will certainly feel nostalgic for those who are fond of the Attitude Era and the Ruthless Aggression Era but Becky should get the win here. (Prediction: Becky Lynch)
Consensus: Becky Lynch
Women’s Elimination Chamber Match: Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Bianca Belair vs. Doudrop vs. Nikki A.S.H
Fernando: There are some potential solid options for the mystery participant in this match. I’m gonna guess that it’s Asuka but I won’t pick her to win. I think this will be a win for Bianca to set the stage for a WrestleMania showdown with Becky Lynch (Prediction: Bianca Belair)
Michael: The big story here will be the mystery sixth entrant. WWE has several former Women’s Champions sitting on the sidelines and pretty close to returning. Asuka, Bayley and Alexa Bliss could all step up to this challenge to determine Becky Lynch’s WrestleMania opponent. My pick is Asuka, who I think is the “most ready” to return to WWE TV. However, the real star in this match is Bianca Belair, at least she could be, if she was booked properly. Out of all my Elimination Chamber predictions, I feel this one is the most important. WWE cut her legs out last year at SummerSlam and she hasn’t reached the same level since. I see WWE giving Belair another big push and maybe she’ll get revenge on The Man at Mania. (Prediction: Bianca Belair)
Chris: This is a tough one. It won’t be Doudrop because Lynch just beat her at the Royal Rumble. It won’t be Liv Morgan, because Lynch has already beaten her multiple times and she also just lost to Doudrop on RAW. Nikki ASH… it just won’t be. Bianca Belair is a possibility. Behind Rousey, Lynch, and Flair, Bianca is the biggest female star WWE has, so Belair vs Lynch at WrestleMania is a possibility. Ripley winning is also possible.
The best odds in this match must belong to TBA, however. There is a reason they aren’t announcing who this person is ahead of time, it’s because they are saving the surprise. In all likelihood, TBA will be Bayley or Asuka. Lacey Evans could be in the mix too. Ultimately, however, I think the most likely scenario is Bayley returning, winning the Chamber, and moving into a WrestleMania storyline with Lynch (Prediction: Bayley)
Consensus: Bianca Belair
Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. Goldberg
Chris: There can be little debate that Roman Reigns is going to win this match. The only thing left to question is how much will they try and protect Goldberg in the process. Will Reigns have to cheat to win? Will someone interfere? If this is Goldberg’s last match on his WWE contract, he might just get beat clean. The Universal title has been on Roman Reigns for a very long time. He’s not dropping it at Elimination Chamber when he’s got the biggest match of his title reign already booked for WrestleMania. (Prediction: Roman Reigns)
Fernando: Roman Reigns vs. Goldberg in 2022 isn’t exactly music to my ears. Maybe these two can have a short, fast-paced match that is solid enough. Regardless, I’m taking Reigns here as he is destined to meet Brock Lesnar again at WrestleMania (Prediction: Roman Reigns)
Michael: This is the final match on Goldberg’s WWE contract. Love him or hate him, you’ve gotta admire his ability to maximize his dollars-to-minutes pay rate. Assuming this is Goldberg’s retirement match, he’s made enough money from this business to go out “the right way” and do the honors for our beloved Tribal Chief. Reigns has a date with Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania, so there’s no way he’s losing to a part-time legend at Elimination Chamber. (Prediction: Roman Reigns)
Consensus: Roman Reigns
Chamber Match for the WWE Championship: Bobby Lashley (c) vs. Brock Lesnar vs. AJ Styles vs. Seth Rollins vs. Riddle vs. Austin Theory
Fernando: I expect this to be a good one. Seth Rollins rarely disappoints in the main event and I think he’ll be the star of this match but don’t rule out AJ Styles taking that distinction. Ultimately, I think there’s no way Brock Lesnar gets pinned in back-to-back PPVs. I see a title vs. title match closing out WrestleMania this year (Prediction: Brock Lesnar)
Michael: We’ve seen the reports about Paul Heyman pushing for a title vs. title match at WrestleMania, when Lesnar and Reigns square off. I also don’t think WWE putting the championship up for grabs in the Elimination Chamber for Lashley to retain. This match was booked so WWE can shake things up one last time before the biggest show of the year. Lashley got another ceremonial title reign to pad out his record, but Brock Lesnar is the real star here and he’ll add another title reign to his own legacy as we jump the final hurdle and see the final destination WWE has planned for Mania. (Prediction: Brock Lesnar)
Chris: If WWE wants a title vs title match between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar then Lesnar is going to have to win this match. Everything WWE is building right now is about Reigns vs Lesnar so to have Lesnar either pinned or submitted, even if it takes 5 other wrestlers to do it, probably isn’t something that’s going to happen before WrestleMania. If WWE wasn’t going to have Lesnar win this match, they would not have put him in it. (Prediction: Brock Lesnar)
Consensus: Brock Lesnar
That wraps up our Elimination Chamber predictions. Hit up the comments to let us know what you think about our picks and share your own!
Elimination Chamber is WWE’s next premium live event. 2022 marks 20 years since the chamber match was first introduced at November 2002 at Survivor Series.
The Road to WrestleMania begins at the Royal Rumble, but there is one last big stop on the way. WWE is putting the pieces in place for WrestleMania and we’ll soon have a clearer look at the biggest spectacle of the year.
This is a solid lineup with a few special attractions and big developments taking us to WrestleMania.
Goldberg is back in action against . Bobby Lashley will defend the WWE Championship he just won inside the cell against 5 men including Brock Lesnar.
WWE Hall of Famer Lita challenges for the Raw Women’s Championship in her first singles match in years. The 4-time Women’s Champion last held a title in 2006. Plus, there will be a Women’s Chamber match (with a mystery participant) to determine Becky Lynch’s challenger for the Raw Women’s Championship at WrestleMania
Here’s the final match card for WWE Elimination Chamber 2022:
Chamber Match for the WWE Championship: Bobby Lashley (c) vs. Brock Lesnar vs. AJ Styles vs. Seth Rollins vs. Riddle vs. Austin Theory
Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch vs. Lita
Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. Goldberg
Chamber Match to determine Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch’s WrestleMania opponent: Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Bianca Belair vs. Doudrop vs. Nikki A.S.H vs. TBA
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos vs. Viking Raiders
Paul Heyman is a master communicator. He is one of the greatest talkers in wrestling history and possesses a keen ability to affect audiences.
Heyman was interviewed by NOLA.com to promote Friday’s WWE SmackDown from New Orleans. He addressed WWE operating during the pandemic and the various challenges this presented.
With fans prohibited from attending live events, WWE was forced to get creative and ran shows from the ThunderDome. Wrestlers are reliant on reactions from audiences and it’s just not the same performing for LCD screens.
Some talent struggled with this format, while others thrived. Paul Heyman didn’t skip a beat and remained a prominent force during this unique period in WWE history.
“I can play the audience as my instrument.”
– Paul Heyman to NOLA.com (February 2022)
When Paul Heyman pulls back the curtain and shares clues about what makes him so great at what he does, fans need to listen up.
Heyman divulges that one trick to resonate with audiences involves viewing them as one entity instead of a collection of individuals.
“I see the audience en masse,” Heyman told NOLA. “You try to seduce as much of the crowd as possible, to be invested in your message, and the only way to do that is to present yourself to all of them, not one of them or some of them.”
Heyman crafts the delivery of his words based on what he’s sensing from the audience.
“I can play the audience as my instrument,” Heyman said. “I can ride their display of emotions to what I’m saying to make the best music possible to those living it in person or watching it at home.”
In Heyman’s opinion, the best performers work with the audience instead of speaking at them. “If the audience isn’t a character in the performance, then you’re leaving out your greatest asset.”
Kenny Omega has been out of action since November 2021. After losing the AEW World Championship to Adam Page at Full Gear, the Best Bout Machine announced he’d need to step away from AEW. He told the Young Bucks, “I feel like there is things I gotta fix and there is things I gotta change and I can’t do it here.”
Omega had been working through injuries for months. During his reign as AEW champion, he dealt with issues affecting his knee, shoulder and an abdominal hernia.
AEW President Tony Khan spoke about Kenny Omega’s situation this week while doing the media rounds for Wednesday’s Dynamite from Atlantic City. During a discussion with PWInsider, Khan said Omega is greatly missed behind the scenes.
Kenny Omega Update
“He’s one of the greatest wrestlers of all time and was a dominant champion in AEW for almost a year,” said Khan. “I personally miss Kenny Omega being around very much. He’s healing from a bunch of injuries, significant injuries.”
“He wrestled through all of that and had some of the best matches in the history of the company while he was really beat up. And he really cares a lot about wrestling and he worked his ass off to fill up and make his matches great even when he was in a ton of pain.”
It’s believed that Kenny Omega has undergone all the necessary procedures for him to begin a road back to recovery and full health. Tony Khan still can’t believe what he was able to do in the ring while battling such extensive injuries.
“Now it’s time for him to rehabilitate and heal and he’s going to come back stronger, and comeback, I hope as good or even better than ever. I really believe the stuff he did while he was physically limited was so impressive.”
“He was coming in with major injuries and then he worked a really hard schedule here in AEW too. I think he was absolutely the wrestler of the year for 2021. And I’m very excited for Kenny Omega’s return in 2022. It’ll be a long time coming and we’d be excited to have him back.”
It will be interesting to see how Kenny Omega conducts himself when he returns. Prior to his hiatus, Omega was entrenched in the Elite with the Young Bucks, but there was tension with Adam Cole. We could see Omega and Cole jockey for control of The Elite, or he could go in an entirely different direction.
In the lead-up to Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair’s match at Survivor Series, Flair said “there’s not enough choreography in the business to save you.”
Flair got a ton of negative attention from the Dark Side of the Ring episode about the Plane Ride from Hell. Lynch was asked about that situation and her beef with Charlotte Flair during a November interview with Ariel Helwani. She didn’t hold back.
“It’s really sad, because this is a legend at one point, Ric Flair is now jealous of me,” said Lynch. “It’s cool for me, he’s now using me to get clout to promote whatever he has going on because he’s dug himself into a hole with other things.”
Flair Says Lynch has “No Drip”
Last month, Ric Flair attempted to slight Becky Lynch once again, seemingly out of the blue. Lynch took a photo with rap group Migos over the weekend at the WWE Day 1 pay-per-view. Migos is comprised of Offset, Quavo and Takeoff.
Flair previously worked with Offset for the Ric Flair Drip music video. He posted a comparison photo of them both and claims Becky Lynch ‘has no drip and never will.’ Flair has since deleted the tweet.
Ric Flair & Becky Lynch Beef Continues
On the latest episode of his Wooooo Nation podcast, Ric Flair hurled insults at Becky Lynch yet again. Flair called Becky Lynch generic, stupid and out of her mind.
While talking about Ronda Rousey’s return to WWE, Flair ran down Big Time Becks for referring to Rousey as Ronnie.
“Anybody who is stupid enough to call her ‘Ronnie’ and make a joke of her presence, what she brings to the company, is out of their mind,” said Flair.
Becky Lynch fired back at the Nature Boy with a zinger of her own. She told her 2.1 million Twitter followers, “Work so hard your heroes become your rivals. Then, become so good, Ric Flair loses his mind every time you breathe.”
“Work so hard your heroes become your rivals. Then, become so good, Ric Flair loses his mind every time you breathe”- Becky Lynch – February 2022
WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair believes Shane McMahon’s departure from WWE is legitimate and not part of a wrestling storyline.
The Nature Boy spoke about Shane’s falling out with WWE on the latest episode of his Wooooo Nation podcast.
Shane McMahon’s surprise return at the Royal Rumble was short-lived. There were plans for Shane to be part of WWE storylines through WrestleMania, but all of that was scrapped after he exhibited what many observers called unprofessional behavior backstage at the Rumble event.
Ric Flair says he’s very fond of the entire McMahon family and thinks the whole situation is very unfortunate.
“I like Shane McMahon as a person, he has always been great to me my whole life,” said Flair. “Of course, I do not have enough good things to say about Vince. It’s a very uncomfortable topic and situation for me to discuss because I just do not know enough about it.”
When asked if WWE sending Shane McMahon home was a work, Flair says he hopes so, but he doubts it.
“No, but I really do not see Shane being put through this brief period of humiliation for it to be something that’s not real either,” he continued. “If your family is as closely knit as they are, why would you let that be the top subject in WWE news for two weeks? I hope it’s a work.”
Flair added that he does not expect Shane McMahon to join All Elite Wrestling (AEW), despite speculation that he could be the mystery surprise advertised for Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite.
Listen to the latest episode of Ric Flair’s Wooooo Nation podcast here:
WWE has announced a Women’s Elimination Chamber match for the company’s next premium live event. The match has an extra layer of intrigue, because only five of the six participants will be known ahead of time.
The Women’s Elimination Chamber match will feature Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan, Doudrop, Rhea Ripley, Nikki A.S.H. and a mystery entrant.
Women’s Elimination Chamber match
Fans are speculating that the mystery opponent in the Women’s Chamber match could be Asuka, Bayley or Alexa Bliss.
WWE Elimination Chamber Matches
The following is the updated card WWE Elimination Chamber 2022:
WWE Championship Elimination Chamber Match: Bobby Lashley(c) vs. Brock Lesnar vs. Seth Rollins vs. AJ Styles vs. Riddle vs. Austin Theory
Women’s Elimination Chamber Match: Bianca Belair vs. Liv Morgan vs. Doudrop vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Nikki A.S.H. vs. TBA
Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch vs. Lita
Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. Goldberg
Drew McIntyre vs. Madcap Moss
WWE Elimination Chamber takes place on Sunday, February 19th from Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Super Dome. The show will stream live on Peacock and the WWE Network.
