Former WWE Superstar Nic Nemeth may be All-Elite soon enough if those working within AEW have their way.
Nemeth was released from WWE in September of this year, ending his nearly two-decade career with the Sports Entertainment juggernaut. Nemeth is best known for his time as Dolph Ziggler and is a two-time former World Heavyweight Champion and one-time WWE NXT Champion. The Show-Off was arguably the biggest name cut from WWE during the September releases.
Nic Nemeth is All-Elite?
Next week, Nemeth’s 90-day non-compete clause will expire and he will be free to work and sign with any promotion that wants him. Sources in AEW who spoke to WrestlePurists have stated that there is a push within the promotion for Nemeth to be signed when the time is right. There have already been multiple creative pitches being drawn up for Nemeth. One idea would see the Show-Off paired with fellow WWE alum CJ Perry. Perry and Nemeth had an on-screen romance in 2015 during which Nemeth would feud with Perry’s real-life husband Rusev (now AEW’s Miro.)
Fans will see CM Punk compete in the ring later this month, in the Best in the World’s first match in WWE since his return at Survivor Series.
The former AEW World Champion returned to WWE in the closing moments of WWE’s most recent main roster PLE. The event marked Punk’s first WWE appearance since the 2014 Royal Rumble and his first appearance in wrestling since his AEW release in September of this year.
CM Punk Back in Action
On this week’s Raw, CM Punk declared himself for the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match, but he’ll be back in the ring far sooner than that.
Punk has been announced for matches on two upcoming shows – CM Punk will face ‘Dirty’ Dominik Mysterio at the December 26 event from Madison Square Garden and the December 30 event in Inglewood, California.
JUST ANNOUNCED: CM Punk will be live at The Garden on Dec 26 for his first match in WWE in over 9 years as he goes one on one with ‘Dirty’ Dominik Mysterio at the @WWE LIVE Holiday Tour.
These won’t just be Punk’s first WWE matches in close to a decade, but will also be Punk’s first matches in months. The Best in the World’s most recent match saw him retain the ‘Real’ World Championship against Samoa Joe at AEW All In.
WWE Live – December 30
Punk’s first WWE match in close to a decade will be just one part of a stacked show. Other matches confirmed for the night include:
Seth Rollins (c) Vs. Drew McIntyre Vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (WWE World Heavyweight Championship)
IYO SKY (c) Bianca Belair Vs. Charlotte Flair (WWE Women’s Championship.
Cody Rhodes was set to face ‘Dirty Dom’ in a Last Man Standing match at the event. It remains to be seen who Rhodes will face at the show with Dominik now facing CM Punk.
More information about the show can be found here.
CM Punk is once again a WWE Superstar and is ready to take over the world of wrestling once more, according to Anthony Pettis.
The former AEW World Champion returned to WWE at the Survivor Series: WarGames 2023 Premium Live Event. The event marked Punk’s first WWE appearance since the 2014 Royal Rumble and his first appearance in wrestling since his AEW release in September of this year.
CM Punk is Ready to Take Over the World
CM Punk has made an impact since returning to WWE and fans can expect that the continue. Speaking with Sportskeeda, Anthony Pettis, a former UFC Lightweight Champion recalled meeting with Punk before Survivor Series and their interaction following the Best in the World’s return.
“I had CM Punk as a special guest on APFC, the weekend before they [WWE] announced his comeback. He didn’t say nothing about it. So we were hanging out in APFC chilling. Nate Diaz was there, Frank Mir was there, Rampage Jackson was there, Yair Rodriguez, we had a squad in walk. You know this is a dope event. And he didn’t say nothing about it bro.
“One of the most humblest guys you ever meet and one of the hardest-working guys you ever met. I was very excited for him. I text him right away and I think his response was ‘Let’s take over the world brother’ and I’m like ‘Yeah let’s go man!’ It’s awesome.”
Jake Paul believes that he and his brother Logan have been able to ‘master’ the newest form of entertainment that sees plenty of crossovers.
Logan Paul signed with WWE in 2022 and has impressed fans with his skills in the ring. In addition to competing for WWE, Paul has also competed in boxing, and has his own brand of energy drinks ‘PRIME Energy.’ In addition to all of this, Paul continues to vlog and has millions of followers across his social media accounts.
“That’s the new way of the entertainment industry. It’s doing it all, you have to do it all. You have to be in all the places and all the businesses, marketing yourself, staying busy, creating companies and that’s I think what me and my brother have proven and shown. It’s being multifaceted and being different. People want to see something they’ve never seen before and I think we’ve mastered that.”
Jake Paul in WWE?
Logan Paul may be WWE’s reigning U.S. Champion, but his brother isn’t against challenging the Maverick. During the interview, Jake was asked about possibly facing his brother in the ring and said:
“Yeah, I’m down. Let’s run it, Logan. Let’s run it.”
Jake hasn’t competed for WWE yet but appeared in support of his brother at WWE Crown Jewel 2022. Logan Paul’s first defense as U.S. Champion will see him face the winner of an ongoing tournament on SmackDown.
Is Logan Paul the greatest WWE United States Champion that we’ve seen in years? Yes according to one Superstar. Click here to find out more.
For the use of quotes, please give an H/T to SE Scoops.
Chavo Guerrero has praised the efforts of the upcoming The Iron Claw as a service to the legendary Von Erich family.
The Iron Claw delves into the lives and numerous tragedies of the Von Erich wrestling family. The wrestling lineage began with Fritz Von Erich (real name Jack Adkisson,) and his sons would also find success in the squared circle. The Von Erichs are still a force in wrestling today with Marshall & Ross Von Erich competing to this day.
Chavo Guerrero on The Iron Claw
Chavo Guerrero is, like so many, excited to see The Iron Claw in cinemas later this month. The ex-Superstar is tied to the film as the official wrestling coordinator and has worked with the cast to create an accurate and compelling performance. Appearing on the Insight podcast, Guerrero spoke about the film and how it effectively represents the Von Erichs.
“It’s doing one of the most influential families a service. It’s portraying their story and not making it a martyr film… They’re actually making this movie, a really true awesome movie. It’s not a wrestling movie. It’s about a family who happens to be wrestlers.”
Working with the Cast
Guerrero’s role as the film’s wrestling coordinator is the latest big project that the former WWE Cruiserweight Champion has been tied to. On the podcast, Guerrero spoke about the connections he was able to make with the cast of The Iron Claw.
“I’ve created a bond. Wrestling creates a bond with people. Being on the road and traveling, being in the trenches with other wrestlers of course but also when I’m training actors, there’s this trust we have to build with each other.”
You squish in as much as you can, whatever they can absorb. Every actor is different. Zac [Efron] was able to absorb a lot so we kind of sped him through it but I threw a lot at him. When you’re creating a scene, there are a lot of things you have to take into consideration. We have to take in the script, what the director wants, how the DP [Director of Photography] wants to shoot it. But also what your actors can and can’t perform. So you have to work within the parameters.
“Once I can get them to give me trust and just know that I’m never going to put them in harm’s way. Safety is the number one port of order for me. Of course we’ve got to get the shot I have an actor to protect. So the number one thing is safety and I won’t let them do anything that I’m sure they can’t repeat a hundred times. It’s one of those things. You know there are fluke accidents and freak accidents that happen.”
Guerrero added that in a way, the actors of the film already know some of the fundamentals of wrestling, even if they don’t know that they know.
“I explain to my actors, the same thing with my GLOW girls, everybody on that awesome Netflix show. I explain to them, ‘Y’all know how to wrestle. You just don’t know you know yet.’ They’re like ‘What do you mean?’ So I portray it to acting a lot. What do you do in acting? You’re convincing the studios that you’re better looking than you are, you’re a better actor than you are, you’re taller than you are. You’re much more handsome or much more beautiful than you are actually are.
“That’s what I’ve been doing in wrestling for the last 25 years. People, every time they see me they go ‘Gosh you’re a lot bigger.’ Yeah, because I portray myself a lot bigger.”
MJF has a role in The Iron Claw but his role was originally much bigger than what made the final cut. Click here to find out more.
For the use of quotes, please give an H/T to SE Scoops.
WWE SmackDown Superstar Braun Strowman is ready to step back in the ring with Roman Reigns, deeming the Tribal Chief his arch-nemesis.
The Monster Among Men returned to WWE last September after being released in late 2021. Strowman has spent much of his time on the shelf though and is currently recovering from neck fusion surgery. Speaking to Wrestle Binge, Strowman was asked about who’s next for him once he is back and made it clear he wants another shot against the Head of the Table.
“I’m never finished with Roman Reigns. He is my arch nemesis and my greatest rivalry of my career, and hopefully one of these days I’ll get back in there and get these hands on The Tribal Chief.”
Braun Strowman Vs. Roman Reigns
Strowman and Reigns have shared the ring a total of 21 times (not including performances in Royal Rumble matches.) The pair first collided at WWE Night of Champions 2015 and saw Strowman, Bray Wyatt, and Luke Harper defeat Reigns, Dean Ambrose, and Chris Jericho.
Strowman and Reigns would feud in 2017 and would collide over the Universal Championship in late 2018. Years later, Strowman would take the pinfall loss at Payback 2020, which saw the start of Reigns’ historic tenure as WWE Universal Champion. Strowman and Reigns last competed on the October 16, 2020, episode of SmackDown, which saw the Tribal Chief get the win.
Braun Strowman won’t rule out a return to WWE programming for a massive upcoming event. Click here to find out more.
The stars were out for the premiere of The Iron Claw, with AEW World Champion MJF being joined by names from WWE.
The Iron Claw delves into the lives and numerous tragedies of the Von Erich wrestling family. The wrestling lineage began with Fritz Von Erich (real name Jack Adkisson,) and his sons would also find success in the squared circle. The Von Erichs are still a force in wrestling today with Marshall & Ross Von Erich competing to this day.
WWE & AEW Collide on the Red Carpet
MJF plays Lance Von Erich in the new film, a kayfabe relation of the family who doesn’t mesh well with the actual Von Erich wrestlers. MJF also serves as an executive producer for the film so it was hardly a surprise to see him walk the red carpet for the premiere. What may have surprised fans though is that MJF was joined by some of WWE’s top names, including 16-time WWE World Champion John Cena.
Cena wasn’t the only notable name to meet up with MJF at the premiere. The reigning AEW World Champion could also be seen with NXT Superstar Baron Corbin.
Liv Morgan was also at last night’s premiere of The Iron Claw. Morgan is currently out of action with an injury and attended a party with MJF last October.
John Cena may have made ‘You Can’t See Me’ his catcphrase, but wrestling fans may struggle to see MJF in The Iron Claw. The reigning AEW World Champion appears for a few seconds in one scene and has no lines in the film. MJF originally had a much bigger role in the film before edits were made.
Stephen P New, the attorney for Ace Steel, has agreed with the ex-AEW producer’s stance that the line a colleague can often become part of a ‘family’.
Steel was on CM Punk’s side during the infamous All Out 2022 backstage fight, and was fired from AEW following an investigation. Steel was rehired by AEW to work with Punk for AEW Collision but on the proviso that Steel worked remotely and away from AEW events. After Punk’s contract was terminated following the backstage fight at AEW All In 2023, Steel was let go by the promotion.
Stephen P. New on Ace Steel
In a recent interview, Ace Steel said that Punk is like family to him, and mentioned Stephen P. New as his attorney following the incident in September 2022. Taking to Twitter/X, New confirmed that he did indeed represent Steel following the All Out brawl and vouched for Steel as someone he could believe in.
I am proud of my clients and would not represent them if I didn’t truly believe in them as people. And @acesofsteel is correct. Sometimes clients and friends are family https://t.co/TIaAfovf7U
In addition to Ace Steel, New is arguably best known for being the legal counsel to wrestling personality Jim Cornette throughout the years. He has also represented the Rock ‘N’ Roll Express and the Midnight Express over trademark issues in the past.
Bryan Danielson has been tasked with ensuring rules are followed within AEW, but this new responsibility doesn’t come with a bigger paycheck. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Danielson addressed her new role.
“It’s not something I get paid for. I’m just like the other wrestlers in the sense of I don’t have a contract outside of being a wrestler contract. But I was honored to take on more when they asked me to take on more roles backstage.”
Latest on Rebel’s status in AEW
The last time Rebel competed for AEW was in August of last year, and after Britt Baker turned face earlier this year, fans have seen nothing from the Dentist’s former ally. Fightful Select reports that Rebel remains under contract, and there has been talks of her being brought back to TV. With that said, there aren’t any working plans for her to wrestle.
Kyle O’Reilly Gives An Update
It’s been over a year since Kyle O’Reilly last competed for AEW as he continues to recover from neck fusion surgery. After previously losing all feeling in his arm, O’Reilly took to social media this week to share his progress.
Samoa Joe will return as franchise mascot Sweet Tooth in the second season of Peacock’s Heavy Metal series. The show is based on the hit vehicular combat series. In a trailer announcing the second season, Joe was featured and the AEW star reacted to the news with a single emoji.
Madi Wrenkowski is no longer one-half of the Mission Pro Wrestling Tag Team Champions, in possibly a sign of bigger things to come.
Wrenkowski vacated the title at the recent MPW Silver Bells 3 event which took place at the Salvation Army Mission Corps in San Antonio, Texas. Wrenkowski said that she was “moving onto bigger and better things” hence her decision to voluntarily give up the gold. It is unclear what this decision means for her tag team partner Rache Chanel.
Heading to WWE?
In September, Wrenkowski was part of a WWE tryout that included Richard Holliday and “HollyHood” Haley J. Not long after, it was reported that she had signed with WWE but later confirmed that a deal had not been reached at that time.
Wrenkowski vacating the MPW Tag Team Championships will no doubt lead to speculation that she has finally reached a deal with WWE. A report from late November stated that a deal had not been reached, but things may have changed since then.
Madi Wrenkowski in the Ring
Wrenkowski had held the MPW Tag Team Championships with Chanel since May of 2022, with their reign being the longest in the short history of the promotion. Wrenkowski was also NWA Women’s Tag Team Champion from February to August of this year and held the titles with Missa Kate. The pair lost the titles at the NWA 75th Anniversary show on August 27 in St. Louis, MO.
Wrenkowski has also competed on AEW Dark and AEW Dark: Elevation, where she was often used as an enhancement talent.
Carmelo Hayes will represent WWE NXT in the ongoing United States Championship contenders tournament, it has been confirmed.
Earlier this month, United States Champion Logan Paul announced an eight-man tournament to determine his first challenger. In his announcement, the Maverick said that he’d love to offer Rey Mysterio a rematch, but can’t due to the WWE Hall of Famer’s injury. Paul captured the title from Mysterio at WWE Crown Jewel in his first taste of gold since signing with WWE.
Shawn Michaels says there was a line of NXT stars outside his door wanting to be part of the US Championship Contenders Tournament, but in his view, nobody deserves the spot more than Carmelo Hayes.
Melo had previously teased being a part of the tournament and has been universally praised for his work in NXT. He’s viewed as having breakout potential as much as anybody in developmental and will be right at home amongst SmackDown’s most talented stars:
With the tournament brackets being revealed last week, it is clear what path Hayes has toward the United States Championship. Hayes will face Grayson Waller in the first round, somebody whom Hayes has experience competing against in NXT. Should he win, Melo will face the winner of the Austin Theory Vs. Kevin Owens quarter-final match. If Hayes wins that bout, he will face either Bobby Lashley or Santos Escobar in the finals.
While not confirmed, many expect the title match to take place at the Royal Rumble next year. The WWE Royal Rumble will take place on January 27, from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Hayes recently called out All Elite Wrestling for merchandise he sees as very similar to his “Melo is Him” catchphrase:
MJF had a much bigger role in the upcoming A24 biopic ‘The Iron Claw‘ before his scenes were almost entirely cut from the final edit.
The Iron Claw delves into the lives and numerous tragedies of the Von Erich wrestling family. The wrestling lineage began with Fritz Von Erich (real name Jack Adkisson,) and his sons would also find success in the squared circle. The Von Erichs are still a force in wrestling today with Marshall & Ross Von Erich competing to this day.
MJF’s role in The Iron Claw may not be the leading role some had hoped for, but he originally had a much bigger role. Mike Johnson of PW Insider reports that in an earlier draft, MJF had three scenes as Lance Von Erich. The first sees Lance being introduced by Fritz as the newest family member, with Kevin Von Erich being unhappy with the idea of a fake family member. Kevin ultimately does what his father wants.
The second scene sees Lance training with his ‘brothers’ in the ring, and it is clear that the fake Von Erich is not in sync with the others. The third scene sees Lance demand more money from Fritz, who tells him no and fires him.
The Iron Claw isn’t MJF’s on ly film role. Click here to find out about the AEW star’s dive into the world of DC Comics.
Logan Paul is well on his way to becoming the greatest U.S. Champion of all time, at least according to the Maverick himself.
At WWE Crown Jewel, Paul captured the United States Championship from Rey Mysterio in a match that marked the first time a U.S. title reign had begun & ended outside the United States. Taking to Twitter this week, Paul confirmed that he will be part of next February’s Premium Live Event in Australia.
Logan Paul on his U.S. Championship Reign
Logan Paul has only been WWE’s U.S. Champion for five weeks, but he already believes his reign is the best title reign we’ve seen in a very long time. Speaking on Jazzy’s World, Paul spoke about his WWE career and had a high opinion of his United States Championship reign thus far.
“I think it’s fun for me people seem to enjoy it and truthfully Jazzy I think at age 27 I found my calling. I gotta say I’m good at it. Jazzy you’re looking at the US champ, the best WWE has seen in a while so I’m gonna be at it for a minute.”
What’s Next?
Logan Paul has yet to defend the United States Champion but he will soon learn who’ll he step into the ring with next. Paul’s first challenger will be decided in an ongoing eight-man tournament featuring seven SmackDown Superstars and one mystery name from WWE NXT. So far, Santos Escobar and Bobby Lashley have advanced to the second round. While not confirmed, many expect the title match to take place at the Royal Rumble next year. The WWE Royal Rumble will take place on January 27, from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Paul has already confirmed his role at a major WWE event that will take place this year. Click here to find out more.
Baron Corbin didn’t leave WWE NXT Deadline as the new NXT Champion, but the Lone Wolf is looking to ‘Shake it Off’ with Taylor Swift.
The pop sensation continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the music scene and has been spotted in recent months supporting her boyfriend Kansas City Chief Travis Kelce. During the Chiefs’ most recent game, Corbin was part of a selfie that included Swift.
During the post-Fastlane press conference, WWE Women’s Champion IYO SKY was asked about Swift in a question that divided fans. While many saw it as a harmless bit of fun, some took issue with this question and SKY was visibly confused as to why she was being asked about a non-wrestler.
It’s not just WWE that has its eye on Taylor Swift. Recently, Tony Khan revealed that Wembley asked him to have a quick set-up for All In 2024 in order to allow more dates for Taylor Swift’s tour. When AEW’s Claudio Castagnoli was asked about Swift possibly appearing at the August 2024 event, the Swiss wrestler said “I wouldn’t put it past her!”
AEW already has an ‘in’ with Taylor Swift in the form of their Director of Business Development Jeff Jarrett. In interviews, Jeff has revealed that Swift used to babysit his kids and has often said that Swift was a kind, genuine person to the Jarrett family.
Jey Uso is free to Yeet once again, as WWE has seemingly secured the rights to use the term for merchandise.
Following Jey’s infamous appearance on the Fastlane post-show press conference, Yeet has been synonymous with the Monday Night Raw Superstar. Yeet has been a popular chant with fans and even made it onto merchandise for Main Event Jey.
When Jey recently Yeet-ed on Twitter, speculation grew that perhaps some sort of deal had been struck to allow Yeet back in WWE. At a recent live event in Utica, New York, Jey was once again donned in a Yeet shirt and made it clear on social media that Yeet is back.
Despite Rollin’s points about Punk, fans have gravitated to the Chicago-Made wrestler. At last night’s WWE live event in Utica, New York, Rollins had some comments for the fans who were chanting Punk’s name.
“Excuse me, who’s that? Who’s that? Serious question, was that guy on the show here tonight? Yeah, no. Hey, maybe, one of these days he’ll grow a set and he’ll come up here to Utica, New York. And look, he’s the best in the world, right? In all seriousness, *raises World Heavyweight Championship* I’m the friggin’ best in the world. Because every single town, every single night, no matter the opponent, I show up and I show out!”
Dragon Lee will be a fighting champion now that he holds the NXT North American Title, and his win has caught the attention of some stars outside of WWE.
This victory marks Lee’s first taste of WWE gold since joining the promotion in late 2022. Speaking in an NXT Digital Exclusive, the new champion was asked how he feels.
“How do I feel? I feel very happy. You know, I don’t even know if I can find the exact words to explain to you how I feel. Me siento como un campeón (I feel like a champion.) I’m ready for the next challenge. Whoever [is next, I’m ready].”
Lee was also asked about Rey Mysterio, who announced the match during the go-home WWE NXT before Deadline.
“Rey Mysterio supports me. That means the world. That means a lot. My superhero… Thank you Rey, this is for all my people.”
AEW Stars React
Dragon Lee is the new NXT North American Champion but he isn’t the only member of his family to wrestle. On Twitter, AEW’s Rush made it clear that he is immensely proud of his brother.
Dragon Lee is very happy to be the new NXT North American Champion, but Dominik Mysterio isn’t happy. Click here to check out the ex-Champion’s reaction.
NXT Superstar Cora Jade has reunited with CM Punk, years after the pair met for the first time back when Jade was just a fan.
Punk helped kick off last night’s NXT Deadline event with an in-ring segment with NXT head Shawn Michaels. Punk grabbed a selfie with the Showstopper and teased signing with NXT instead of Raw or SmackDown on the main roster.
Cora Jade and CM Punk Reunite
WWE NXT Deadline also saw the return of Cora Jade, who appeared during the show to attack reigning NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria. Recently, a video went viral of a young Jade, years before she joined WWE, being overcome with emotion at meeting CM Punk. During a backstage interview with Jade, Punk made sure that the former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion knows he is proud of how far she has come.
While Punk didn’t mention Jade by name during his WWE NXT Deadline appearance, the former AEW & WWE World Champion did say that there had been some wrestlers backstage who spoke about growing up watching Punk in the ring.
What’s Next?
Based on what happened at Deadline, it’s clear that Jade has her sights set on Lyra Valkyria and the NXT Women’s Championship. With that said Blair Davenport has a guaranteed shot at the champion due to winning the Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge. As for CM Punk, he will announce on next week’s Raw which brand he will be signing with.
What did those backstage make to CM Punk being at WWE NXT Deadline? Click here to find out.
‘Dirty’ Dominik Mysterio was far from pleased with the lack of The Judgment Day’s help at last night’s NXT Deadline event.
At last night’s event, Mysterio lost the NXT North American Championship to Dragon Lee while Dominik’s father Rey was on commentary. This match gives Lee his first taste of WWE championship gold, and he and Rey celebrated after the match.
Dominik Reacts to His Title Loss
In a rarity, Dominik was by his lonesome at last night’s Deadline show and had none of his Judgment Day allies. Speaking in an NXT Digital Exclusive after the match, Mysterio questioned why he had no help at ringside.
“You all saw what happened to me out there. I am the greatest NXT North American Champion that’s ever been. Dragon Lee. My deadbeat dad. Where’s Judgment Day? Where’s Finn? Where’s Damian? JD? Mami? You know what? I’m going to go home to Mami because Judgment Day runs all and this shouldn’t be happening!”
This loss presumably marks the end of Dominik Mysterio’s time as part of WWE NXT. Mysterio leaves the gold brand a two-time North American Champion with a combined 141 days with the title. Lee is one of three men to have held the title more than once, the others being two-time Champion Carmelo Hayes and three-time Champion Johnny Gargano. During his run in NXT, Mysterio made history by headlining Raw, SmackDown, and NXT in the same week.
Wes Lee was supposed to challenge Dominik Mysterio at NXT Deadline, but that didn’t happen. Click here to find out why.
Michaels kicked off Deadline with a DX-esque promo, before Punk interrupted the NXT creative head. Punk asked Michaels if he was going to say ‘Suck It’ and Punk later asked if that was something he could no longer say.
This interaction between the two has raised questions as to whether WWE can use those words for D-Generation X members moving forward. Haus of Wrestling reports that Michaels is allowed to say ‘Suck It’ on WWE TV, but it likely just did not fit the moment. It was also pointed out that ‘Suck It’ is usually kept for the end of a DX promo and that Punk and Michaels were just getting started.
CM Punk’s Backstage Reaction
Punk was at the Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, CT for most of the day and was described as being “great around everyone”. Triple H was also at the event and the pair had “legit” very good reactions. Sources have indicated that Punk has continued to talk about how happy he is and that he’s looking to keep riding this wave he’s on. Punk’s appearance on the show caught many off guard. Despite him teasing an appearance at Deadline in the hours before the show, it seems like his presence at the event was not well-known by some at Deadline before they saw him backstage.
Could CM Punk make an appearance at tonight’s WWE NXT Deadline event? It’s possible according to the Best in the World.
WWE NXT Deadline will take place at the Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, CT, and will be NXT’s final major event of the year. This will be the second-annual NXT Deadline event and like last year’s show, will feature the Iron Survivor Challenge.
CM Punk at WWE NXT Deadline?
WWE NXT Deadline is set to feature some of the very top talent from the gold brand, and could also feature CM Punk. On Instagram, Punk said that a missed flight meant he’s currently in Bridgeport and asked if fans have any idea what he should do. To hammer the point home, WWE’s free agent posed in front of a giant Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
Punk’s last appearance at an NXT event came following an episode of the gold brand in August 2012. In a dark match, Punk (the WWE Champion at the time) teamed with then-NXT Champion Seth Rollins to defeat Antonio Cesaro and Kassius Ohno, who teamed for years prior to WWE as the Kings of Wrestling. You can check out Punk’s most recent NXT appearance below.
WWE NXT Deadline
Here is the card for WWE NXT Deadline as it currently stands:
Axiom vs. Nathan Frazer (Kick-Off Show)
Dijak vs. Trick Williams vs. Josh Briggs vs. Bron Breakker vs. Tyler Bate (Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge)
Tiffany Stratton vs. Lash Legend vs. Blair Davenport vs. Kelani Jordan vs. Fallon Henley (Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge)
“Dirty” Dominik Mysterio (c) (with Rhea Ripley) vs. Dragon Lee (with Rey Mysterio) (WWE NXT North American Championship)
Roxanne Perez vs. Kiana James
Carmelo Hayes vs. Lexis King
Ilja Dragunov (c) vs. Baron Corbin (WWE NXT Championship)
Wes Lee was supposed to compete at NXT Deadline, but that is no longer the case. Click here to find out why.
Fans were overjoyed this week to learn that WWE Superstar LA Knight recently tied the knot. In a tweet, Knight made it clear that he didn’t get married this week despite what’s being shared online.
If anybody finds pictures from the wedding I’m hearing I was part of this week, I’m excited to see them! I must have blacked out, because i don’t remember any of it. Please send.
Knight is married to fitness instructor Michelle Yavulla and has been since 2018.
JBL Reacts to SmackDown
This week’s episode of SmackDown was the annual Tribute to the Troops show, so it was fitting that JBL was present at the show. It was the former WWE Champion who came up with the idea in 2003. In a tweet, JBL shared his appreciation for being back on SmackDown for one night. W
Seth Rollins has faced plenty of WWE Superstars as the reigning World Heavyweight Champion but hasn’t shown interest in Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. Speaking on the SI Media podcast, Rollins explained why he hasn’t had the Tribal Chief in his sights.
“He’s been so absent, I don’t think it’s been a topic of conversation amongst fans, let alone the locker room. I think it’s one of those things where it’s an opportunity, but it’s such a glass-ceiling opportunity. It feels like one of those things where it may never happen.”
Reigns’ next match is expected to happen at the WWE Royal Rumble PLE on January 27.
AEW World Champion MJF has continued to make his name outside of the ring by providing the intro for Smoke DZA’s ‘Beyond Spiritual’.
In the intro, MJF puts over Smoke for having better flows, rhymes, clothes, and weed than you. MJF also makes it clear that Smoke’s joints are better than a certain part of your mother’s body.
MJF’s role with this track isn’t the first time that the AEW World Champion has stretched his entertainment muscles outside of the ring. MJF is set to appear as Lance Von Erich in the upcoming The Iron Claw biopic, detailing the lives, careers, and tragedies of the famed family of wrestlers. While MJF is in the new film, fans may struggle to see him, as Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer explained this week.
“From what we understand, the way the “Iron Claw” movie was edited, the MJF role of playing Lance Von Erich based on people who have seen the latest version was pretty much dropped. The latest version has maybe 10 seconds and they never go into the Lance story and he has no speaking lines and unless you were looking for him, you’d never know he was in it.”
Jamie Hawn, the woman allegedly attacked by former AEW producer BJ Whitmer, has spoken about the challenges she and other victims have faced.
In June, Whitmer was arrested over a reported case of domestic violence. He was charged with one count of strangulation in the first degree and one count of burglary in the second degree. AEW quickly terminated its contract with Whitmer and offered support to those impacted by this situation.
Jamie Hawn Speaks
Sitting down with FOX 19, Hawn spoke about the alleged incident with Whitmer, who was her boyfriend at the time.
“He approached me and began strangling me and threatened my life.”
Hawn also understands why so many survivors stay silent.
“It’s physically altering when you’re having to make sure that your voice is being heard and if you don’t attend (court) and you put yourself in this vulnerable environment, it’s very possible that things won’t get mentioned to get that justice.”
She added that while she is cooperating fully, it has been challenging to have her character questioned in legal proceedings.
“Whether I feel safe or not – the ability to move forward from this? I can’t move forward because now I’m going backward about things that have nothing to do with what happened that day.”
Whitmer appeared in Boone County Court this week, where his pre-trial date was scheduled for January 3. There are multiple resources available for survivors of domestic violence. They include:
Ion Center for Violence Prevention, 859-491-3335, ioncenter.org
While Jey and Solo Sikoa are no longer allies, Uso has been impressed by his younger brother. Speaking with Mail Sport’s Alex McCarthy, Jey mentioned Sikoa when asked who could bring an end to Roman Reigns.
“I’d like to keep it in the family. I think Solo could be the next tribal chief but he’s got a little growing to do.”
Later in the interview, Uso shared some words of wisdom for Sikoa and once again praised the former NXT North American Champion.
“I say it to Solo sometimes, when you go out there just embrace what’s going on. I mean, being in Maddison Square Garden with everyone throwing the one’s up – I appreciate it, man.
“Solo is a top performer. He’s like a sponge, he gets it. All you got to do is tell him one time, it clicks with him. He’s going to go real far in the business, like I said he’s got a little growing to do though.”
Sikoa have faced off against each other on three separate occasions in WWE with their first encounter being as part of the Bloodline Civil War at Money in the Bank 2023. At this time, Main Event Jey is 3-0 against his younger brother.
Jey Uso isn’t the only one who sees big things in Sikoa’s future. In August, it was reported that WWE sees Solo and WWE Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER as potential main event heels for the next decade.
