Author: Steve Russell

Chris Jericho has revealed what Vince McMahon said to him after he signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Speaking on his podcast, Talk is Jericho, the current AEW World Champion reflected on his discussion with Vince McMahon. He was joined by Scott Hall, Booker T, Eric Bischoff and Diamond Dallas Page to discuss the history and rise of the nWo. Jericho compared his AEW situation to Hall joining WCW back in 1996.

Chris Jericho Chooses AEW

According to Jericho, he didn’t join AEW to be a “rebel.” Instead, he signed with the promotion because Vince McMahon told him to go. Once the ink was drying on his contract however, it appeared as though Vince had a change of heart.

“I’m not in AEW because I was a rebel,” Jericho admitted. “I’m with AEW because Vince went, ‘go.’ And then, when I went, he went, ‘did you sign the contract?’ I said, ‘well, yeah.’ He said, ‘can you get out of it?’ ‘No! You told me to sign it!’” 

He continued, “But [McMahon] had the opportunity to stop it like he did with [Hall], which is very interesting to me because 23 years later, he made the same [mistake].”

Chris Jericho defends his AEW World Championship against Jon Moxley at AEW Revolution. The show takes place on February 29th, 2020, at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. 

H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription. 

New Day member Xavier Woods has explained why fans should appreciate WWE. Speaking with ESPN, Woods argued how, unlike scripted television shows, WWE Superstars aren’t given scripts days in advance. He also highlighted the physically demanding schedule required of them, as well as the need to be ready for everything to change at a moment’s notice.

“Everybody has some tie to wrestling, either it was their grandpa taking them to matches or their stepmom being really into it,” Woods explained. “Everyone has some sort of wrestling story, and when they understand what wrestling is, they have a different appreciation for it.”

He continued, “Look, it’s 2020. We get it. Wrestling is what wrestling is. And then we’ll hear people saying they just watch UFC and not the ‘fake stuff.’ Well, the dragons on Game of Thrones are not actually dragons. And in shows that are in television, you have months or years to write a script, the actors then get those scripts. They go over their lines. They shoot the scenes 30 times. And then they make their best cuts from all of these, and produce their 12-episode shows.”

Xavier Woods stressed how WWE runs 52 weeks a year. He explained how Superstars tend to find out what they’re doing at 5 pm before performing it live only a few hours later.

In front of a live audience, however, anything could happen, and everything could change: “We have to tell a story through words and through physicality as well. Once people get that, they realize, ‘Oh, this is difficult. I should really appreciate it.’”

The SmackDown Superstar is still recovering from an unfortunate Achilles injury he sustained during a WWE Live Event.

All Elite Wrestling’s Shawn Spears has shared big plans for the rest of his 2020. AEW’s resident “Chair Man” discussed his intentions during a recent interview. He also opened up about his thoughts on the importance of talent being given creative freedom, something he believes AEW provides its roster.

Shawn Spears’ 2020 Goal

One 2020 goal stands out more than others for him: to be more challenged. He explained how, with the help of Tully Blanchard, he wants to evolve and challenge himself as a performer. He wants to be put into situations where he can “rise to the occasion” and how the responsibility currently lies with him to do so.

“[…] there’s no one to blame but me if something works or doesn’t work and I love that. I thrive on that environment, that’s when I feel most alive, especially in this industry so that part I’m looking forward to the most,” Spears explained to Wrestlezone. “In terms of personally, I just hit 18 years in January at wrestling. I’ve always said that if I can make 20 years in-ring, anything beyond that is just a cherry on top, so 2020 I’m looking to challenging and healthy so hopefully if I can do two of those things, I’m pretty sure it’s going to be a good year for me.”

Creative Freedom

When it comes to creative freedoms, Shawn Spears noted how AEW don’t micromanage their performers. He conceded that there are people in place who make the final decision, but that the talent still has freedom “in the palm of their hands” to create and display the performance they want. It’s an aspect he called a “very, very, very rare and beautiful thing” in pro wrestling.

He stressed how not everybody needs a push or title opportunity. According to him, people that make it all about these elements are missing the point entirely. “All talent needs is credibility and the freedom to create. That is all. That’s what will make the talent happy, that’s what makes me happy to this day.”

Spears continued, “I maybe wrestle once or twice a week, I have all the freedom in the world, I have all the time in the world, and that is something that any kind of artist, whether you paint on canvas, whether you write in a novel, or whether you perform in sports, that’s all we can ask for is that creative freedom to hopefully show an audience something a small piece of ourselves so whether they like it or not it’s a different story, but at the end of the day, that’s all we ask for.”

Shawn Spears is currently on the hunt for a tag team partner in AEW. He has partnered with several wrestlers in his efforts to find the perfect partner but has yet to find that elusive person. He lost a match with Colin Delaney to the team of Best Friends during last night’s episode of AEW: Dark.

H/T to Wrestlezone for the transcription.

WWE Superstar Cesaro has opened up about how he came to be partnered with former WWE Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura and Sami Zayn. Cesaro addressed their association during an interview with Alex McCarthy of talkSPORT.

“Sami and Shin were doing a thing together. A thing where Sami was just going crazy during Shin’s entrances [laughs] everyone’s favorite GIF every week,” Cesaro said. “And then Sami was like ‘Yeah, I’m trying to get you into the group’ and I’m like ‘Yeah, OK!’ I’ve moved to SmackDown again and there was no plan so I was like ‘Yeah, I’d love to, let’s do something!’”

Cesaro explained how the idea appealed to him as it sounded fun, especially after he and Nakamura teamed up for the first time. He noted how their teaming was a partnership that didn’t require much talking as it is “one those where you just know.” He confessed that he enjoys the dynamic with Zayn and reflected on the mutual respect that exists between himself and Nakamura, who he thinks is “one of the coolest people in the world.”

When he first came out with them, however, Cesaro admitted he wasn’t sure what to do. In between Nakamura “looking cool” and Sami going “absolutely crazy,” he wasn’t sure how to act. So he decided to stand absolutely still and “be a bad ass.”

WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has offered some advice to Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder of The Revival. He addressed their contract negotiations on a recent episode of his podcast, The Hall of Fame. Booker T stressed one piece of advice over everything else: take the money.

“If I could give them any advice, ‘Take the money. Take what’s behind door number one.’ If they came to me and said, ‘Hey Book, we’re going to give you a million dollars a year. You’re not going to win any titles. We’ll give you TV time. A 15-year contract.’ I’m gonna shut the hell up. I don’t give a damn about no titles,” Booker T said.

He continued, “Legacy and all that is okay. But if I had the choice of getting the money, and not working, I’m taking the money and I’m not gonna care about the legacy. I’m gonna take that $15 million and parlay that into 45 or 50. For me, it was about getting paid and parlaying professional wrestling into what I’m doing right now. If they would’ve said, ‘you can take the money and work sporadically’ or ‘take the money and stay at home.’ You would have never saw me again. I’m serious.”

Booker T reflected on being able to see the world because of pro wrestling, stressing how much he loves the business. He also loves seeing young talent living their dreams. But, for Booker T, if he had been offered $1 million a year, he would have taken the money. He noted the money would have allowed him the opportunity to take the trips anyway without the responsibility of having to perform. 

H/T to Fightful for the transcriptions. 

WWE Superstar Natalya has shared a blog post revolving around Edge’s triumphant return to pro wrestling during the Royal Rumble matchup. In her blog, which she writes for CalgarySun.com, Natalya opened up about how much Edge has helped her throughout her career, whether it was advice or guidance or even diagrams to help her better her matches. 

Commenting on his return, Natalya shared how Edge’s wife, Beth Phoenix, spoke with her backstage about his understandable excitement. Phoenix told her how “Adam is more ready for this than anything else in his life. He’s worked so incredibly hard to get back here. I’m so happy for him and so proud of him in every way.” She then noted how nobody wanted to miss the moment of his comeback, and that they knew it was about more than pro wrestling or performance. It was about somehow finding a way back to your dreams.

Natalya’s Gratefulness

Regarding the help Edge has given Natalya, she provided several examples of his willingness and approachability. She explained how he drew pictures that broke down how she could best set up a ladder to win and, like a true friend, he only ever wanted her to be her very best.

“Adam has always been someone I can turn to for advice or guidance whenever I need it. When I competed in the first women’s ladder match in WWE, it was Adam who I called to ask for help. I knew no one else had experience like Adam with that kind of a match, and he gave me so much advice. 

Looking back at her matchup against Becky Lynch at last year’s Summerslam, Natalya recalled how she asked him for help. According to her, he stopped everything he was doing. The two then found a quiet corner of the arena so he could give her “the very best advice he could give.”

She shared how all of this had a positive impact on her confidence and performance that night, and that she kept his words in her head throughout her match with Lynch. 

“In a world where we tell stories in the WWE, my story was even better because of him. Adam was able to take moments, lessons and inspiration from his own career and pass it on to the next generation.”

After his surprise return at WWE’s Royal Rumble event, MVP would appear on RAW to wrestle Rey Mysterio. Despite his best efforts, MVP would lose his final matchup to Mysterio. Appearing on Corey Graves’ WWE podcast, After The Bell, MVP reflected on coming back to WWE after so much time away and wrestling Mysterio. He also discussed his in-ring future.

“As you said, going one on one with one of the greatest legends of all-time, period, bar none,” MVP said about his opponent. “An individual who I’ve faced a number of times. No matter that I’ve kept busy. I stay active and competitive in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, I wrestle on the international circuit. But no matter what, going from that and stepping onto the stage of Monday Night Raw. Live television, no safety net against one of the greatest to ever do it. I don’t think there are really words that exist in the English vocabulary to properly capture what that feels like. But I’ll just say, in a word, exhilarating.” 

MVP’s Career Twilight

When it comes to his in-ring career, MVP was a little coy in his response. He noted how he is now 46-years-old and confessed he always had intentions to retire at 45. Despite this, he knows he can still go and is in great shape, adding how he wrestles “just about every weekend.” MVP then admitted how the clock is ticking and “retirement is looming” for him. Having had this recent experience coming back to WWE, he feels he is segueing into a new chapter of his career, one where he can begin offering his talents behind the scenes. 

“[…] in the very near future — VERY near future — I see myself hanging up the boots and moving from in-ring competitor to behind the scenes producer, if you will. This is what I’m looking at, and I think that’s the best way to go for me.”

H/T to 411Mania for the transcription.

All Elite Wrestling’s Jon Moxley has revealed how, before leaving WWE, he had no idea what his next step would be. Speaking with Fightful, Moxley confessed he didn’t have a clear vision for his wrestling career, figuring he might disappear for a while and wrestle on the indies or in Japan.

“I didn’t have a real clear vision of where my career was gonna go when I was leaving,” Moxley admitted. “I kinda thought I would take myself off Broadway, so to speak for a while. I didn’t even have a clear vision for myself.”

He continued, “I figured I’d disappear and go off the grid, and wrestle in Japan or somewhere else. Or put a mask on and do indies. I have no idea. I had no idea. I didn’t have a set plan. I kinda wanted to go wherever the wind took me and the timing of AEW popping up at the exact same time.”

What Influenced Jon Moxley’s Decision?

He recalled how Cody Rhodes had an initial conversation with him regarding signing with AEW. Moxley complimented his upcoming opponent at AEW Revolution, Chris Jericho. He noted how Jericho has “always got his finger on the pulse.”

Because Jericho was willing to take a chance on AEW, Moxley felt it legitimized the promotion. This allayed any concerns he had in signing.

“He’s [Jericho] one of the smarter guys and if he was gonna take a chance that this is for real, and risk his reputation and his time and he believed in it, it seemed like that was a sign that this could be for real.”

Their current feud has been well received. WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray was effusive with his praise, stressing how Moxley and Jericho bring “main event level storytelling” to AEW.

Jon Moxley faces off against Chris Jericho for the AEW World Championship at AEW Revolution. The show takes place on February 29, 2020, from the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois.

H/T to Fightful for the transcriptions.

Villain Enterprises’ leader Marty Scurll made a surprise appearance at New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s New Beginning USA event. The Ring of Honor (ROH) star made his return during their show in Durham, North Carolina.

“The Villain” hasn’t been in a NJPW ring since he competed in their Best of Super Juniors tour seven months ago. Despite this absence, Scurll appeared, grabbed a mic and laid out a huge challenge to Bullet Club leader, “Switchblade” Jay White. He challenged White to a matchup at ROH’s upcoming Supercard of Honor event, which takes place on April 4th:

“Consider this a challenge; an international dream match: “Switchblade” Jay White versus “The Villain” Marty Scurll.”

Scurll also promised fans that this appearance wouldn’t be the last time “The Villain” would grace a NJPW ring in 2020.

Marty Scurll Re-Signs With ROH

It was recently reported that Marty Scurll had re-signed with ROH. His contract is said to be a lucrative one—one that has seen him join Delirious as co-booker for the promotion. Despite this, Scurll has been making frequent appearances in the National Wrestling Alliance as of late.

The “Switchblade” wasn’t in attendance for the show in North Carolina. With this challenge, however, it would appear as though ROH and NJPW are interested in continuing to cultivate their working relationship.

Drew McIntyre recently won the 2020 Men’s Royal Rumble matchup. In an interview with Bleacher Report, the Scottish Superstar opened up about what it would be like to face off against Brock Lesnar. He also shared when he found out he would be winning the Rumble matchup. 

When asked if he was ready for the challenge of ‘The Beast Incarnate,’ McIntyre responded “Damn right I am. This is when you’ve got to turn up to a 100. I generally work around a 100, so this is probably where I turn up to 110.”

He continued, “I know I’ve got a beast breathing down my neck. There’s nobody in the world like Brock at any sport. And I know he’s coming for me. Some people get upset like, ‘Oh, Brock Lesnar, he doesn’t show up to work and blah blah blah blah.’ I mean, to be fair, he signed a contract where he doesn’t have to. We can’t hold that against him. What I hold against him is the fact he’s got our title. We need that title on TV. We need it in the live events. That’s a very important part of RAW, and I want it back.”

McIntyre shared how there’s no other WWE Superstar that wants to get into the ring with Lesnar. Except him. He compares how they are matched in size, speed and experience. He noted how he’s not “sitting at home all the time, chilling out.”

Although he conceded that Lesnar is a once-in-a-lifetime athlete, he stressed how he has a few tricks up his sleeve that should help him defeat the champion. “And as soon as he makes a mistake, which he does, just not very often, I will exploit it, and I’ll win that title if I get that opportunity.”

Last night on RAW, McIntyre wasted no time in declaring his decision to face Lesnar for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 36.

When Drew McIntyre Found Out He’d Win The Royal Rumble

Despite winning the Rumble match, Drew McIntyre divulged that he wasn’t aware he would until shortly before the event itself. 

“I didn’t know anything yesterday,” he confessed. “I’m talking about today late. I’ve learned through my experience just to go with the flow. And when you get information, you take it and you perform it to the best of your ability.”

“That’s why I always say sports entertainers, wrestlers, don’t get the credit we deserve. You got to be thinking on your feet, you’ve got to be ready to improve, and you’re doing your own stunts. You’ve got to pull the emotions of the crowd in the direction you want them to go. And there is no business like this. We literally think on our feet.”

Drew McIntyre faces Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 36. The event takes place on April 5th at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. 

With Royal Rumble in the rearview mirror, WWE is officially on the road to WrestleMania.

During Monday’s episode of WWE RAW, Drew McIntyre chose to face Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship. Despite teasing she would share her decision, previously indicating she would choose Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair did not announce her choice. Her refusal to answer has fans wondering what could be in store for the RAW Women’s Champion, Becky Lynch.

According to Dave Meltzer, WWE reportedly plans for Becky Lynch to face former NXT Champion Shayna Baszler at WrestleMania.

Baszler was allegedly initially slated to win the 30-Women Royal Rumble match this past Sunday. Instead, Flair would join Asuka and Becky Lynch as a Royal Rumble winner. Despite this report, Meltzer noted that WWE does not have any plans that would lead Flair to challenge SmackDown Women’s Champion, Bayley.

Baszler And Lynch’s History

During last year’s Survivor Series pay-per-view, Baszler would encounter both Bayley and Lynch. They competed in a Championship triple threat match. Baszler would emerge victorious from this match, helping NXT come out on top in their brand competition against RAW and SmackDown.

If WWE commits to Baszler and Lynch, they will probably begin building a feud between the two of them soon. However, if they don’t intend to have Flair challenge Bayley, it does leave the question as to who Flair will ultimately face on the “Grandest Stage of Them All.”

WrestleMania 36 takes place on April 5th at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

Beth Phoenix made an impressive return during this Sunday’s Women’s Royal Rumble matchup. Unfortunately, “The Glamazon” would suffer an injury early into her Rumble appearance. This injury caused the back of her head to become bloody. As the match continued, the blood continued to flow, matting her hair and dying it red.

According to Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline.com, Phoenix suffered the injury after hitting the back of her head against a ring post. Thankfully, although the damage looked bad, especially as the match drew on, it’s reportedly not a severe injury.

Phoenix appears to have cut her head while selling a punch from NXT’s Bianca Belair in the corner. She threw her head back at the moment, connecting with the ring post behind her.

Beth Phoenix And Edge’s Rumble Experience

“The Glamazon” entered the Women’s Rumble match at number 19. She eliminated only one person: Natalya. The two had been partnering successfully until that point. She was eliminated from the match by NXT’s Shayna Baszler. During the matchup, she would be confronted by a surprise return from her past, Santina Marella.

Phoenix’s husband, Edge, made a triumphant WWE return during the Men’s Royal Rumble matchup. Returning after retiring in 2011, Edge would manage to be one of the last remaining men in the match. He was eliminated by Roman Reigns.