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Author: Thomas Lowson

  • “It Could have been Different” – Mandy Rose Says She Was Never Warned About Website

    “It Could have been Different” – Mandy Rose Says She Was Never Warned About Website

    Mandy Rose has refuted the idea that she received some kind of warning from WWE over the content of her website.

    The former Superstar was released in December 2022 due to the explicit videos and photos shared on her platform which users can subscribe to see.

    Since parting ways with WWE, Rose has been serving a non-compete clause but has also made a fortune with her website.

    No Warning

    Given the NSFW content the former NXT Women’s Champion was putting online, WWE’s higher-ups felt they had no choice but to release her.

    Speaking on the latest edition of The Sessions, Rose refuted the idea that she was warned about her website prior to her release from the company.

    “I lost the title and got fired the following day. I never had a warning. I know there is news out there that says I was warned, I never did.”

    Mandy Rose.

    Rose added that perhaps if she had been warned by WWE about the consequences of her website, she’d be with WWE to this day, saying “it could have been different.”

    What’s Next?

    While Rose is unable to compete or talk contracts with another promotion at this time, she is still allowed to operate her site.

    In December 2022, Rose made $1 million in the month but later clarified on the Tamron Hall show that it took her just over two weeks in December to reach seven figures.

    Impact Wrestling’s Deonna Purrazzo has offered Rose an invitation to join the promotion, while joining AEW would allow Rose to reunite with ex-WWE names including her Absolution ally Saraya.

    Mandy Rose Shares First ‘Inclination’ of her WWE NXT Release
  • Mandy Rose Shares First ‘Inclination’ of her WWE NXT Release

    Mandy Rose Shares First ‘Inclination’ of her WWE NXT Release

    Mandy Rose’s release may have come as a shock to fans, but it was something that the ex-Superstar had seen coming for 24 hours.

    Rose was let go by WWE in December 2022 due to the nature of the photos and videos being shared with subscribers on her website.

    Prior to her release, Rose had been one of the most dominant champions in recent history, holding the NXT Women’s Championship for 413 days.

    The Inclination

    Mandy Rose’s release came just one day after she lost the NXT Women’s Championship to Roxanne Perez, the winner of the 2022 Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge.

    Speaking on The Sessions, Rose said that it was after arriving at the taping for NXT where she was informed of the title change, that she first suspected her time was up.

    “[I was] completely surprised with everything. I went to work like a normal Tuesday for TV and I was told that the title match that was supposed to happen down the line [was happening.] At Vengeance Day, was when it was supposed to maybe happen, but that was all up in the

    Right away, I had the inclination that something was up. Everyone had treated me so great at NXT. I had a great relationship with Shawn Michaels, the writers, the producers, everyone. I was never kept out of the loop either, being champion for 413 days, I was in the loop for everything. I didn’t really have that many surprises. So [arriving that day] was very like ‘whoa did I do something? What’s going on?” Obviously, I had some inclination because of what was going on on social media.’

    “Right away, I had the inclination that something was up.”

    Mandy Rose.

    “[Moving up the title change] It came from Shawn Michaels himself. Obviously, I know it was coming from the head of creative so I knew in that sense that I didn’t have to try and go seek other answers, even though I wanted other answers. But at that moment I had to do my job and get planning our match and everything else.”

    Losing the Title

    After capturing the NXT Women’s Title at Halloween Havoc 2021, Rose’s reign (the third-longest in history) ended abruptly on the December 13, 2022 edition of NXT.

    Speaking about the match, Rose said that she tried her best to be in the right frame of mind, despite knowing something was coming.

    “It was weird. In the moment, I felt that I was focused, and I always loved working with Roxanne. We had a good relationship so that was good. It [the title change] actually went smooth, as did the rest of the day, but in my mind, and I didn’t sell it, I didn’t show it, I was like ‘this is so messed up. What is going on?’ And I had multiple people coming up to me being like ‘what is going on?’”

    When asked about the new NXT Women’s Champion, Rose said that she felt mixed about Perez’s big win.

    “I felt bad for Roxanne because she’s so amazing, and I really do love her as a person. It was so exciting, anytime you get told you’re going to win the title, it’s very exciting. But I just felt bad because I felt like it was rushed.”

    Mandy Rose.
    Mandy Rose Invited to Impact By Former Knockouts Champion
  • WWE 2K23 Director: AEW Fight Forever Will Drive Us to be Better

    WWE 2K23 Director: AEW Fight Forever Will Drive Us to be Better

    AEW’s much-anticipated debut into the world of console gaming will strive those working at WWE 2K to be better, it has been claimed.

    Next month will see the launch of WWE 2K23, the latest installment in the franchise and sequel to last year’s successful 2K22.

    Prior to 2K22, WWE’s previous game WWE 2K20, had received universal panning, with reports that WWE’s relationship with 2K on the rocks.

    The Gaming Wars

    While WWE’s relationship with 2K is seemingly back on track, AEW is yet to release its Fight Forever video game.

    First announced in late 2020, a playable teaser has been used at gaming events, but fans are still far from getting their hands on a completed copy.

    While speaking with WCCF Tech, WWE 2K23 Creative Director Lynell Jinks addressed the competition AEW Fight Forever brings.

    “I love competition. I started on NBA 2K, I spent 10 years on it, and at that time, we were going against NBA Inside Drive. Then we were going against [NBA] ShootOut and NBA Live, and every year, we would look at what they did and be, like, “that’s interesting” or “they did this better than us.” That only makes our games better.”

    “I’m looking forward to seeing what they’re gonna do that’s going to drive us to be even stronger.”

    Lynell Jinks.

    “Same thing you can say about wrestling in general — having competition, to me, it’s no coincidence that the storylines [in WWE] have been the best they’ve been in a long time. I think it’s because of that competition. It’s the same with video games. I’m looking forward to seeing what they’re gonna do that’s going to drive us to be even stronger.”

      AEW Fight Forever

      With an eight-digit investment into their gaming department (at least $10 million) a lot is riding on the success of Fight Forever.

      The game will feature wrestling game staples, including singles matches, tag matches, ladder matches and battle royales, as well as more unique match types including the Exploding Barbed Wire Deathmatch and Intergender wrestling.

      The game will feature a full creation suite, including wrestlers, movesets, entrances, and arenas and a career mode will allow players to take their own created wrestler

      Despite initially being scheduled for a 2022 release date, no release date is now known for AEW Fight Forever.

      New Gameplay Footage & Details for AEW: Fight Forever

      h/t – 411 Mania

    • AEW Star Reacts to Emotional Cody Rhodes-Paul Heyman Raw Segment

      AEW Star Reacts to Emotional Cody Rhodes-Paul Heyman Raw Segment

      The emotional in-ring war of words between Cody Rhodes and Paul Heyman has got everybody talking, including a member of the AEW roster.

      During Raw, Cody Rhodes’ address to the WWE Universe was interrupted by Heyman, who spoke about the close bond he had with Cody’s father Dusty.

      After some heartwarming reminiscing, Heyman spoke about the names Dusty trained, including Roman Reigns (Rhodes’ WrestleMania 39 opponent), and noted that the American Dream did not train his son.

      Heyman (fighting back tears) recalled his final talk with Dusty, who said that Cody was his favorite son, but Roman Reigns is the son he always wished he had.

      In response, Cody said that since Heyman has made this personal, he vows to dethrone Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania

      Reaction

      Cody may have been Dusty’s favorite son (according to Heyman) but the American Nightmare isn’t the only son of the American Dream.

      Dustin Rhodes now works in AEW, and in a tweet, showed his support for his brother, and had a piece of advice for what Cody should do to Heyman.

      Dustin and Dusty

      Dustin Rhodes and his father would share the screen throughout the respective careers of both men.

      As part of Dusty’s feud with the ‘Million Dollar Man’ Ted DiBiase, the father and son teamed at the 1991 Royal Rumble in a losing effort to DiBiase and Virgil.

      After making appearances together in WCW and outside televised wrestling, the two reunited for Goldust’s green card wedding to Aksana on NXT in 2010.

      The American Dream would also be present for his son’s tag-team match against The Shield (Reigns and Seth Rollins) at Battleground 2013, which earned a Match of the Year nomination at that year’s Slammy Awards.

      Dustin Rhodes Announces 2023 Will be His Final Year in Wrestling
    • CM Punk Was Not “Correct” With All Out 2022 Actions Claims AEW Star

      CM Punk Was Not “Correct” With All Out 2022 Actions Claims AEW Star

      Was CM Punk right with what he said and did following AEW All Out 2022?

      Since the infamous September Pay-Per-View, Punk has not been seen on AEW programming, due to his comments on the post-show media scrum.

      After lashing out at several roster members, including The Elite, ‘Hangman’ Adam Page, and Colt Cabana, Punk was involved in a fight backstage that led to several suspensions.

      Jake Hager Weighs In

      Punk is now the only person suspended at the time to still be suspended from AEW, and many believe his days with the company are through.

      While Tony Khan refuses to speak about Punk when asked in interviews, Jake Hager weighed in when speaking on Story Time with Dutch Mantell.

      “Who knows how animosity builds and how lack of communication leads to certain things. I think it all stems from how you view things, and obviously one person in that party was viewing things so negatively. And I don’t think he was correct.”

      Jake Hager on CM Punk.

      AEW has not revealed the results of the investigation into the backstage fight that was conducted by a third party.

      Given that the Elite are back on TV and AEW Trios Champions again, while Punk is still suspended and his ally Ace Steel fired, the results have seemingly damned the former AEW World Champion.

      What’s next?

      Today is day 155 since the All Out altercation, and Punk’s future in AEW, and wrestling as a whole, remains uncertain.

      It has been reported that Punk is seeking a buyout of his AEW deal, something that Tony Khan is in no hurry to grant.

      Some speculate that Punk wants out of AEW in order to return to WWE, the promotion he walked out of in 2014.

      It has also been reported that people from both companies believe Punk returning to AEW or WWE is a bad idea and that he will only cause more trouble.

      Matt Hardy Was ‘Laughing Out Loud’ Over Recent CM Punk Jab

      h/t – eWrestlingNews

    • Another WWE Tag Team Has Switched Brands

      Another WWE Tag Team Has Switched Brands

      Mere hours after it was reported that the Maximum Male Models have been moved to Raw, another WWE team has found a new home on the main roster.

      The Models, consisting of ma.çé And mån.sôör, alongside their manager Maxine Dupri had been appearing on SmackDown since their call-up to the main roster.

      After appearing on last week’s Raw where they tried to recruit Otis as their next client, it was confirmed that the group will be on the red brand moving forward.

      Moving Brands

      In addition to the Maximum Male Models, Los Lotharios, the duo of Angel and Humberto, are also heading to Monday Night Raw.

      This news was broken by PW Insider, who were the first to report on the models.

      Like the Maximum Male Models situation, no explanation has been given as to why Los Lotharios have been moved away from SmackDown.

      The Maximum Male Models appeared on last night’s Raw, as part of a segment with WWE authority figure Adam Pearce that was interrupted by Chelsea Green.

      Angel and Humberto did not appear on last night’s Monday Night Raw.

      Los Lotharios

      Angel and Humberto are real-life cousins, but it wouldn’t be until 2021 that they began teaming together.

      Their first official match came on the September 20, episode of Raw, where they defeated Mansoor and Mustafa Ali.

      Los Lotharios were moved to SmackDown as part of the 2021 draft in October 2021, and it was the following month that their names were shortened from Angel Garza and Humberto Carillo to Angel and Humberto.

      The most recent match for Los Lotharios saw the pair lose to Hit Row’s Ashante ‘Thee’ Adonis and Top Dolla in the SmackDown Tag Team Tournament.

    • Tony Khan Says He’s “Certainly” Interested in Buying WWE

      Tony Khan Says He’s “Certainly” Interested in Buying WWE

      AEW President Tony Khan wouldn’t mind adding another wrestling promotion to his portfolio.

      Last month, Vince McMahon made his grand return to WWE’s board of directors, where he currently sits as Executive Chairman. The move came less than six months after he ‘retired’ after nearly four decades running the company.

      McMahon has returned to facilitate a sale of the promotion. One of the most interesting names on the list is Tony Khan, the AEW founder, and head of Ring of Honor who has opposed WWE since 2019.

      It is believed that if Khan and his father Shahid were to make an attempt to purchase WWE, they would seek the backing of at least one other financial partner.

      Khan appeared on the Marke Hoke Show and was asked about his level of interest in the WWE’s ongoing attempts to find a buyer.

      I don’t know exactly what will happen there. I’ve been told, and I think they’ve said publicly, that there may be a sale process. If there is a sale process, certainly I’m interested in it and potentially being involved in it. We’ll have to see what that process is, and who exactly they’ll let get involved in it. Certainly, I’m interested in it very much.

      – Tony Khan

      WWE CEO Nick Khan has said that Vince McMahon will do whatever is best for the company, even if that means retiring again.

      However, there are many who believe McMahon would refuse to hand the keys to Titan Towers to the Khans, seeing it as a defeat and concession to AEW.

      Nick Khan on WWE Sale Timeline: “Maybe Three Months”

      h/t – Fightful

    • GUNTHER: Brock Lesnar is My End Boss

      GUNTHER: Brock Lesnar is My End Boss

      WWE Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER is ready to step back in the ring with Brock Lesnar, calling the Beast Incarnate his final boss.

      The Austrian powerhouse has been on a role since joining WWE in 2017, and was the longest reigning NXT UK Champion.

      After his main roster call-up last year, GUNTHER captured the Intercontinental Championship in June, which he holds to this day.

      The Beast Vs. Der Ring General

      During the 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble match, GUNTHER and Brock Lesnar would have a brief face-off that thrilled the Houston audience.

      Speaking on the Rob Brown show, GUNTHER speculated on a one-on-one match with WWE’s Beast.

      “Brock is a one-in-a-million guy, one in ten million. I always liked those guys that have stood out from the pack. I stopped watching wrestling for a while when I was a teenager and then I got back into it again when I started training.

      “There was a time when Brock was young and he was wrestling Eddie (Guerrero) and Big Show and Kurt Angle, and the guy was fantastic. I always loved his matches and was very impressed with that and also with the recent years in WWE.”

      “That’s my end boss.”

      GUNTHER on Brock Lesnar.

      “I always thought it would a thing for wrestling and my style, that’s my end boss. I’ve been portrayed as the end boss in wrestling for a lot of guys, but I think Brock could be my end boss. I really hope the match goes down at some point.”

      Future Plans

      The Imperium leader is hopeful for another match with Lesnar, but his more immediate future will feature two other former champions.

      Despite reports last December of GUNTHER Vs. Lesnar for WrestleMania 39, a more recent report has said it will be GUNTER, Drew McIntyre and Sheamus this April.

      Both men have spoken about dethroning GUNTHER, and an Intercontinental Championship win for Sheamus will earn him the Grand Slam.

      Triple H Praises “Incredible” GUNTHER After Record-Breaking Rumble Performance

      h/t – Fightful

    • WWE Hall of Famer Calls Women’s Rumble the “Best WWE Finish In Years”

      WWE Hall of Famer Calls Women’s Rumble the “Best WWE Finish In Years”

      While fans were blown away by the closing moments of last month’s Royal Rumble Premium Live Event, Kurt Angle has a different pick for his segment of the night.

      The finale of the January 28 event saw Sami Zayn’s time with the Bloodline end after he refused to attack Kevin Owens and instead struck Roman Reigns.

      The segment has been praised by fans and those in the industry as an excellent culmination of Zayn’s near-year-long angle with the Bloodline.

      Women’s Rumble

      Before Reigns and Owens headlined the event, fans saw Rhea Ripley become the sixth woman to win a Rumble match.

      The Judgment Day’s Eradicator now joins Asuka, Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Bianca Belair, and Ronda Rousey, and is the first woman to win a Rumble from #1.

      Speaking on his show, Kurt Angle praised the finish which saw Ripley face off against a returning Asuka and Liv Morgan (who entered at #2.)

      “I thought it was a great Royal Rumble and I’m not gonna lie to you the women’s finish of the women’s Royal Rumble was the best finish I’ve seen in years. Rhea Ripley — the way that that match ended was incredible. I was so impressed by it. I have to give the women five stars for that match.”

      Kurt Angle.

      Ripley at WrestleMania

      On last week’s Raw, Ripley declared that she will be challenging SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 39.

      This match will mark the second WrestleMania match between the two, after Flair dethroned Ripley to become NXT Women’s Champion at the crowd-less WrestleMania 36.

      Should Ripley win this year, she’ll be the first woman to hold the Raw, SmackDown, NXT and NXT UK Women’s Championships.

      Ric Flair Believes Charlotte vs. Rhea Ripley Should Be A WrestleMania Main Event

      h/t – Fightful

    • Sonya Deville Suffers Facial Injury at WWE Pensacola Live Event

      Sonya Deville Suffers Facial Injury at WWE Pensacola Live Event

      A triple threat over the SmackDown Women’s Championship came to an abrupt and unplanned end at the recent WWE live event in Pensacola, Florida.

      WWE returned to the stomping ground of Roman Reigns for their latest untelevised production, though Reigns did not appear or compete.

      Deville’s Injury

      In the penultimate match of the night, SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defended her title against Sonya Deville and Liv Morgan.

      During the match, Deville suffered a laceration to her face, causing the match to be hurried to the finish.

      The former MMA fighter also received medical attention at ringside, and walked to the back immediately at the conclusion of the match.

      On social media, Deville shared her latest facial injury, with the caption “And 7 more.”

      Deville’s caption is a nod to the facial injury she suffered at WWE’s Royal Rumble 2023 event where she suffered a gash above her left eye.

      WWE Pensacola

      The results for the WWE live event in Pensacola are as follows:

      • WWE RAW Women’s Title: Bianca Belair Vs. Bayley ends in a no contest after interference that makes a tag match. Bianca Belair & Becky Lynch defeated Bayley & IYO SKY
      • Solo Sikoa & Jimmy Uso defeated Braun Strowman & Ricochet
      • Candice LeRae defeated Piper Niven
      • WWE Intercontinental Championship: Gunther defeated Sheamus
      • Sheamus, Butch, and Ridge Holland defeated Imperium
      • Light’s Out Street Fight: Bray Wyatt defeated LA Knight
      • WWE SmackDown Women’s Title: Charlotte Flair defeated Sonya Deville and Liv Morgan.
      • Cody Rhodes defeated Seth Rollins
      Sonya Deville On Her Experience Of Working With Vince McMahon
    • WWE NXT Signing Missed Vengeance Day Over Visa Issues (Report)

      WWE NXT Signing Missed Vengeance Day Over Visa Issues (Report)

      Dragon Lee made a huge splash when he announced his signing with WWE, but don’t expect to see him on TV just yet.

      Lee announced his deal with WWE in December 2022, moments after capturing the AAA World Tag Team Championships with Dralistico.

      The pair dethroned AEW’s FTR, ending their 438-day reign, but with Dragon Lee’s departure, the titles have since been vacated.

      Visa Issues

      Last week, WWE hosted their first major NXT event of 2023, ‘NXT Vengeance Day,’ which is also the first major NXT event since Dragon Lee signed.

      While WWE has introduced new NXT signings in the crowd at such events (Asuka, Drew McIntyre, etc.) there was no sighting of Dragon Lee last weekend.

      On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer explained that WWE is hopeful to bring him in soon, but Visa issues are derailing those plans.

      “They wanted to introduce Dragon Lee, but he’s having visa issues, so he’s not there yet.”

      Dave Meltzer.

      Future Plans

      It has been reported that Dragon Lee’s deal will see him earn much more than your standard NXT signing, but not as much as a main-roster performer.

      WWE also reportedly has plans for Lee to be on the main roster sooner rather than later, and believe he will be there by WrestleMania 40.

      Speaking to ESPN after news of his signing broke, Lee said he is confident for his future as part of the WWE roster, and believes he can be the next Rey Mysterio if he is given the opportunity.

      AAA Believed Dragon Lee Going to WWE was a Joke (Report)

      h/t – Bodyslam

    • FTR Was Speaking to Tony Khan The Day WWE Released Them

      FTR Was Speaking to Tony Khan The Day WWE Released Them

      Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood wasted no time in seeking employment with AEW from the moment their time with WWE came to an end.

      FTR, known as The Revival in WWE, was the first triple-crown tag champions, holding the Raw, SmackDown, and NXT Tag Team gold.

      After a series of embarrassing segments, and an even worse plan for the two to receive Flava-Flav style gimmicks, the pair were granted requested releases on April 10, 2020.

      Tony Khan

      After their WWE exits, which saw the pair sign over downside guarentees to WWE in exchange for no non-compete clause, the pair debuted for AEW in May 2020.

      During Dax Harwood’s FTR Podcast, he revealed that the duo wasted no time after receiving the call from the WWE Talent Relations head at the time Mark Carrano.

      “The day that Mark Carrano called us, so two days before the announcement [of the Revival’s release from WWE] was made online, he called us and said ‘you don’t have to give us an answer right now, talk about it, give me a call back.’ I called Cash. We said, should we talk to Cody, or the Bucks, or Tony? He said yeah, let’s do that.

      Harwood added that a text message sent to the Bucks confirmed AEW’s interest in them, and it wasn’t long before they were speaking to Khan.

      “We called Mark Carrano, yes, we agree to your terms. Please give us our release, and thank you.” So he gave us our release. The following day, whenever the contracts were cut and we got the paperwork from Mark Carrano that said we were officially released, is when we started talking contracts with Tony Khan.”

      FTR would go on to become AEW World Tag Team Champions, and have also held the ROH World Tag Team Champion after Khan bought the company last March.

      The Future of FTR

      FTR has been a highlight of AEW’s Tag division for close to three years, but their time with the promotion may be coming to an end.

      The duo is currently on a hiatus from AEW, and their contracts are set to expire in April of this year.

      In a previous edition of his podcast, Harwood stressed that whatever FTR does next will likely be the final chapter of the careers of both men.

      FTR Is Evaluating Their Options For After AEW Deals Expire

      h/t – 411 Mania

    • Seth Rollins on Vince McMahon’s WWE Return: “You Ever Seen Succession?”

      Seth Rollins on Vince McMahon’s WWE Return: “You Ever Seen Succession?”

      Seth Rollins has had an interesting take to the McMahon family and recent changes in WWE, comparing the situation to the hit series ‘Succession.’

      The comedy-drama series, now in its fourth season, tells the story of the Logan family and the power struggles when their father steps down from controlling an influential media company.

      Succession

      Like the Logans, the McMahons are no stranger to personal drama, as seen with the return of Vince McMahon earlier this year.

      When asked about Vince’s return to power by Pro Wrestling Illustrated, Rollins found the comparison to Succession to be apt.

      “Have you ever seen the show ‘Succession’? If you need an explanation, there you go. You have three seasons of it, I think on HBO, so that’s again, all above my head. I’m a pro wrestler, I show up, I put in the work in the ring, try to do my best to entertain the people who buy the tickets and watch us on TV, and that’s all I can focus on. If I start worrying about the other stuff, I’m gonna lose my cool so, I gotta keep my cool, my friend.”

      Seth Rollins.

      Vince Vs. McMahon

      WrestleMania 16 in 2000 was sold on the promise of ‘a McMahon in every corner’ for the main event, but Vince’s issues with his own kin aren’t just for show.

      Following Stephanie’s resignation last month, it was reported that she and her father struggled to work together, with Nick Khan acting as a peacemaker between them.

      Daddy’s Little Girl isn’t the only McMahon to draw Vince’s ire, as Shane McMahon was fired last year due to his actions backstage at the Royal Rumble.

      Shane’s behavior was so egregious that Vince claimed at the time that his son would never receive another pop from the crowd at a WWE event.

      With his biological children out of WWE, Vince’s sole relation still working for the promotion is his son-in-law Triple H, and reports of conflict between the two have cropped up over the years.

      Vince McMahon and Stephanie McMahon Had Issues Working Together (Report)

      h/t – POST Wrestling

    • WWE Targeting AEW Allies For Partnership Deals (Report)

      WWE Targeting AEW Allies For Partnership Deals (Report)

      WWE’s recent partnership with the indie promotion Reality of Wrestling is not an entirely altruistic act, it has been reported.

      Earlier this week, it was announced that NXT talent will be appearing for ROW (the promotion founded by NXT commentator Booker T) starting with Ivy Nile.

      The Diamond Mine member will be in action at the ROW event on February 11, in Texas City.

      Targets

      Following the Monday Night War, WWE and Vince McMahon refused to play with others, which has made this apparent change of attitude such a surprise.

      Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that ROW is just one of several promotions in WWE’s sights, with the goal being to cut sources of talent to AEW.

      “there are several companies that are talked to, with the idea that they may be able to get NXT stars, but the Booker T thing has to go well. If it goes well, there are other companies and I think they are targeting companies that are close to AEW and see what they can do.

      Dave Meltzer.

      Working with Others

      WWE’s reasons for providing ROW with NXT talent aren’t just to help Booker’s promotion, and this isn’t the first time they’ve acted this way.

      During the Monday Night Wars, Vince McMahon would give payments to ECW, initially considered a loan though it is unclear if the money was ever repaid.

      McMahon would also send WWF talent to ECW for further conditioning, and ECW could advertise big names from the much bigger promotion.

      In return, Paul Heyman would give the WWF the first opportunity to sign ECW talent when contracts were expiring, giving McMahon the advantage over WCW.

      Vince McMahon Admonished Kevin Dunn After Using Slur About Ex-WWE Star

      h/t – Wrestling News

    • Matt Riddle Shows Off New Grill Amid WWE Hiatus

      Matt Riddle Shows Off New Grill Amid WWE Hiatus

      Matt Riddle has not been seen on WWE programming in months but has taken to social media to show off his new grill.

      Riddle last competed for WWE in early December and was written off of TV on the December 5, Raw with an attack by Solo Sikoa.

      The former United States Champion was in fact suspended for violating WWE’s Wellness Policy and it was later reported that he had entered rehab.

      New Grill

      Riddle may be missing from WWE TV, but the Original Bro has continued to make headlines for interesting reasons.

      After splitting from his ex-wife Lisa, Riddle began dating adult film actress Misha Montana, but has also faced accusations of cheating from other actresses.

      Taking to social media, Riddle shared a few selfies with Montana, and showed off his new grill.

      Riddle thanked Montana for her support during his recovery following his suspension from WWE.

      When a fan stated that they were hoping to see Riddle in a ‘more stable environment,’ Montana fired back, saying she and Matt are completely sober but people will route for failure.

      Riddle’s Return

      While Riddle’s suspension is believed to have been for sixty days, there’s been no confirmation as to when he will return to TV.

      Though Riddle has been advertised for the February 13, 2023, edition of Raw in Brooklyn, New York, the card is always subject to change.

      In addition to Riddle, RK-Bro ally Randy Orton continues to be missing due to a severe back injury, with some fearing that the Legend Killer’s days in the ring may be already over.

      Matt Riddle Earns His BJJ Black Belt, Update on WWE Return
    • Dominik Mysterio’s “Dream” Is to Compete for Lucha Libre AAA

      Dominik Mysterio’s “Dream” Is to Compete for Lucha Libre AAA

      Dominik Mysterio has made a name for himself as part of the WWE roster, but the self-proclaimed Eddie Guerrero of the modern day could one day compete for AAA.

      After being introduced to WWE fans as a child in the 2000s, Mysterio would make more regular appearances starting in 2019, and would have his first match in 2020.

      Initially teaming with his father Rey, Dominik would turn heel at WWE Clash at the Castle last year and has since joined the Judgment Day

      Competing for AAA

      Before joining WWE, Rey Mysterio honed his skills in AAA, and would return to the promotion after his departure from the Stamford promotion in 2015.

      Speaking to Wrestling Inc’s Nick Hausman, Dominik was asked if he would ever consider working a match in Lucha Libre AAA down the line.

      “I mean, that’d be awesome for me. I know that’s where my dad started and he got his start, so that’d be real cool for me and a dream come true for sure.”

      Dominik Mysterio.

      In addition to being part of his father’s legacy, AAA is also the home of Konnan, who serves as head booker and who has been helping Dominik with his new character.

      Dominik’s Future

      Dominik Mysterio may have his sights set on AAA, but his immediate future resides in his home state of California.

      Since turning heel in Cardiff, fans have assumed that a match between father and son is happening, with Rey moving to SmackDown to avoid said conflict.

      At the 2023 Royal Rumble, Rey was attacked backstage by Dominik, who mocked his father by wearing his mask.

      Dominik Mysterio Says He’s Got in Trouble in WWE for Missing Flights

    • Vince McMahon Admonished Kevin Dunn After Using Slur About Ex-WWE Star

      Vince McMahon Admonished Kevin Dunn After Using Slur About Ex-WWE Star

      Vince McMahon is an interesting person to say the very least.

      After retiring ‘for good’ in July of last year, the billionaire is back in charge of WWE, being appointed ‘Executive Chairman’ last month and replacing his daughter Stephanie.

      The 77-year-old McMahon has declared that he will retire again if it is in WWE’s best interest, and has kept away from creative meetings and TV tapings thus far.

      Hornswoggle

      Out of all the little people WWE has used over its many years Dylan ‘Hornswoggle’ Postl is perhaps the most recognizable.

      The former WWE Cruiserweight Champion (and Anonymous Raw General Manager) debuted as Finlay’s ‘leprechaun’ in 2006 but would have a solo career in his own right.

      While speaking to Chris Van Vliet, Postl explained that Kevin Dunn would often refer to him as “the midget,” a term found offensive by many little people.

      “Kevin Dunn on a headset. I was underneath the ring, and I could always hear the conversations between everyone. Everyone. The producers in the back, Kevin Dunn in the truck, Vince in the back.

      So Kevin Dunn’s like ‘Vince, we need to figure out how to get the midget back to the back.’ [As Vince] ‘Goddammit Kevin! We don’t use that word. He’s a little person.’”

      Dylan ‘Hornswoggle’ Postl.

      Postl added that Dunn gave “apology after apology” over the use of the term, both to McMahon and himself.

      After being released from WWE in May 2016, Postl would make sporadic appearances, including as part of the 2018 Greatest Royal Rumble.

      Postl has also appeared for Impact Wrestling, Ring of Honor and had a cameo appearance for AEW Dynamite in November 2020, as part of The Inner Circle’s trip to Las Vegas.

      Hornswoggle Talks His Medical History and Portraying Vince McMahon’s Son

      h/t – Fightful

    • Dijak Shows Off Finger Injury from NXT Vengeance Day

      Dijak Shows Off Finger Injury from NXT Vengeance Day

      Dijak didn’t become the new WWE NXT North American Champion at the recent Vengeance Day event, but did show his toughness in the ring.

      In the opening match of the night, Dijak hoped to capture his first title in WWE when he faced off against NXT North American Champion Wes Lee.

      Going just over 17 minutes, the two put on a hard-hitting affair which saw Lee (who has held the title since October) get the pinfall victory.

      The Injury

      While it was Lee who got the victory, the main story coming out of this match is Dijak’s finger and his tenacity for continuing to wrestle after his injury

      On social media, the former RETRIBUTION member showed off his nasty injury.

      There’s no word yet on if Dijak will miss any ring time after suffering this injury.

      Even if he does miss time in the ring, the former T-BAR is expected to continue his feud with Tony D’Angelo and Channing ‘Stacks’ Lorenzo, who interfered during the NXT North American Championship match.

      According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, Shawn Michaels informed Bruce Prichard that Dijak’s finger is not broken.

      Dijak in WWE

      Though WWE had plans to sign Dijak in early 2017, a legal threat from ROH (who he was under contract to) led WWE to rescind that offer.

      The following month in February, Dijak opted not to re-sign with ROH, and was signed to WWE that September.

      Competing as Dominik Dijakovic, Dijak would be a solid performer on the gold brand, but never captured the NXT or NXT North American titles.

      In September 2020, Dijakovic was called up to the main roster as T-BAR as part of the doomed Retribution angle.

      After the group split in early 2021, Dijakovic would hover around WWE Main Event before his return to WWE in late 2022.

      WWE NXT Vengeance Day Results (2/4/23): Bron Breakker Successfully Retains NXT Championship Against Grayson Waller Inside of a Steel Cage
    • Tony Khan Is “Certainly Open To” Possible WWE/AEW Crossover

      Tony Khan Is “Certainly Open To” Possible WWE/AEW Crossover

      Could WWE and All Elite Wrestling one day put their differences aside and work together for a crossover supershow? Tony Khan hopes so.

      WWE’s mantra has infamously been to not play with others, and has for decades refused to work with other promotions.

      That attitude has softened somewhat over the last year, with Impact’s Mickie James competing in the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble.

      Last month also saw WWE’s Karl Anderson be allowed to compete at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17.

      WWE-AEW Crossover

      In the four years since being founded, fans have speculated on what a dream card between AEW and WWE talent would look like.

      Tony Khan was a recent guest of the WTF with Marc Maron podcast and when asked, expressed his interest in a crossover show between the two sides.

      “It’s something I would certainly be open to, and I think it’s an interesting thing for the future. It’s not something that’s ever really been done. They’ve kind of existed in their own space. We are working with a lot of wrestling promotions.”

      Tony Khan.

      Khan compared the situation to Marvel and DC Comics, saying it’d be a crossover that fans would have not seen before.

      The AEW President did admit that things “would get very political” with talent from both sides wanting to come out on top.

      Crossing Over

      While WWE and AEW haven’t held a show (yet) the relationship between the two sides isn’t as frosty as one may expect.

      In 2019, Billy Gunn, who had signed with AEW, was allowed to attend the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony for DX’s induction, joking on-camera that Vince McMahon couldn’t fire him.

      For last year’s celebration of 20 years of John Cena, multiple AEW stars including Bryan Danielson and Chris Jericho praised Cena in videos aired on Raw.

      AEW and WWE talent being backstage at each other’s companies is not uncommon either, with Ricky Starks being backstage to support his mentor Cody Rhodes at last weekend’s Royal Rumble.

      Tony Khan Believes it is Impossible to Please Everyone in AEW

      h/t – 411 Mania

    • WWE Interested in ‘Monetizing Ring Assets’ with Sponsorships

      WWE Interested in ‘Monetizing Ring Assets’ with Sponsorships

      Who will be walking down the KFC Deluxe Bucket ramp, stepping between the Castrol GTX-endorsed ropes to compete in the Wendy’s new 5-tier Baconator ring at WrestleMania 39?

      WWE, like any business, is about making money, and sponsorships have been a huge part of the company’s bottom line for years.

      At WWE WrestleMania Backlash 2021, fans saw a lumberjack match sponsored by Netflix’s Army of the Dead, in which ‘zombies’ from the film crashed the event.

      Sponsorships

      At WWE Royal Rumble 2023, fans saw the first-ever Pitch Black match which was won by Bray Wyatt, and sponsored by Mountain Dew.

      Last Saturday’s Rumble didn’t just see that match be sponsored, but the official Royal Rumble clock was sponsored by Applebees.

      During WWE’s fourth-quarter earnings call, WWE CEO Nick Khan was asked whether WWE could possibly look at having sponsorships for different parts of the stage and ringside area.

      “Yes, to your question about monetizing the ring assets. It’s something we’re taking a deep dive into now and that we want to do. In terms of what’s driven it, I think it all started with Stephanie McMahon and changing the culture of our sales group, from changing from a ‘maybe’ to a ‘yes.’

      “It’s something we’re taking a deep dive into.”

      WWE CEO Nick Khan on monetizing ring assets.

      “When Mountain Dew and Pepsi pitched us the idea of sponsoring a match, I think it was done, was ‘absolutely we’ll do it,’ and then a conversation with Triple H, our head of creative, about ‘hey, we can probably do this, right?’ Which Triple H and our creative team made every accommodation to get it done.”

      Earlier this week, WWE Senior Vice President and Head of Global Sales and Partnerships Craig Stimmel told the Hollywood Reporter that another sponsored match will take place at WrestleMania 39.

      Pitch Black Match Confirmed for WWE Royal Rumble

      h/t – Sportskeeda

    • Vince McMahon has “Declared” he Will Step Down Again If In WWE’s Best Interest

      Vince McMahon has “Declared” he Will Step Down Again If In WWE’s Best Interest

      Vince McMahon’s return to WWE may be a short one, according to the company’s sole CEO Nick Khan.

      The billionaire’s return less than a month ago came less than six months after his shocking retirement in July of last year.

      McMahon reportedly strong-armed his way back into WWE, threatening to vote down any sales offers of negotiated TV deals if he was not brought back to the company.

      Second Retirement

      For decades, it was accepted that Vince McMahon would never retire, which made his actions last July all the more shocking.

      Many (including those on WWE’s Board of Directors) believe that McMahon’s return is the wrong call, though the rise in stock price following his return says otherwise.

      Speaking during the 2022 Q4 earnings call, WWE CEO Nick Khan said that McMahon will ultimately do what is best for WWE.

      “Yes [he would step down from his sole role as Executive Chairman.] Without question. He’s declared it to the board. He’s declared it to us in management. It’s all about shareholder value. Obviously, he is a shareholder. So it’s not about what role he’ll have. It’s about maximizing that value opportunity.”

      Nick Khan.

      The Sale

      At the time of his return, it was noted that McMahon is back to facilitate a sale of the promotion.

      While some have been dubious that McMahon doesn’t have grander ambitions than merely overseeing the sale, Vince has kept away from WWE’s TV tapings and creative meetings.

      Names interested in WWE include Comcast, FOX, Disney, Netflix, Amazon, the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, and Shahid & Tony Khan.

      WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Was Much Easier Without Vince McMahon
    • The Rock’s Mother Ata Johnson Involved in Serious Car Accident

      The Rock’s Mother Ata Johnson Involved in Serious Car Accident

      Dwayne Johnson’s mother is fortunate to be alive after being involved in a serious vehicular accident.

      On Instagram, the Hollywood A-Lister shared a photo of his mother’s wrecked Cadillac Escalade that suffered heavy damage to the front passenger side.

      “Angels of mercy watched over my mom as she was in a car crash late last night.”

      The Rock.

      In his post, Johnson said his mom is doing okay, and spoke about his mother’s tenacity, as she has survived lung cancer, a tough marriage, and an attempt to take her own life.

      The Brahma Bull also encouraged fans to hug their parents hard “cos you never know when you’ll get that 3am call we never want to get.”

      Ata Johnson is Dwayne’s remaining parent, after the death of his father ‘Soulman’ Rocky Johnson in January 2020.

      Ata Johnson

      The daughter of the ‘High Chief’ Peter Maivia, Ata is part of the famed Anoa’I wrestling family, and married her husband Rocky Johnson in 1978, though the couple divorced in 2003.

      While not a wrestler like so many members of her family, Ata Johnson has appeared for WWE in the past, including at WrestleMania 38 last April.

      More recently, Ata was in the crowd for WWE Royal Rumble 2023, though her son did not appear at the event as many had hoped.

      Ata’s granddaughter Simone performs today in WWE NXT under the name Ava Raine.

      The Rock Will Be A Presenter at 2023 Grammy Awards
    • WWE Reports Record Earnings In 2022 Financial Results

      WWE Reports Record Earnings In 2022 Financial Results

      2022 was truly an unprecedented year for WWE, but no amount of returns, releases, or retirements could stop the promotion from making a fortune.

      This week, WWE shared its fourth-quarter and full-year fiscal reports, and business is certainly booming.

      Fourth Quarter

      For the final quarter of 2022, (October to December) WWE revenue was $325.3 million, an increase of 5% over Q4 2021.

      Operating income was $62.7 million, a decrease of 22% over the previous fourth quarter.

      Each WWE premium live event (Extreme Rules and Survivor Series) was the most viewed event in its history with increases of 36% and 46%, respectively, in viewership.

      November WWE Crown Jewel event was the most-viewed international event in WWE history, surpassing WWE Clash at the Castle from 2022 Q3.

      2022 In Full

      WWE’s impressive fourth quarter was just part of an incredible year for the company in 2022.

      Year-end revenue increased 18% on 2021 to $1.3 billion, the highest in the company’s history.

      In a statement, WWE heralded the record revenue as down to “increased monetization of content, the return to a full year of ticketed live events and the staging of an additional large-scale international event.”

      Operating income increased 11% to a recorded $283.3 million.

      WWE returned $75.7 million of capital to shareholders, including share repurchases and dividends.

      Live events more than doubled in revenue (2021 bringing in $57.8 million to 2022’s $123.1 million) though that will have been affected by WWE going without live crowds for the first half of 2021.

      A full report on WWE’s impressive 2022 can be found here.

      Top WWE Merchandise Sellers Reportedly Revealed
    • WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Was Much Easier Without Vince McMahon

      WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Was Much Easier Without Vince McMahon

      WWE’s latest Premium Live Event has received rave reviews from fans, and was said to be much easier without Vince McMahon backstage.

      Last Saturday’s WWE Royal Rumble 2023 saw Cody Rhodes and Rhea Ripley punch their tickets to WrestleMania 39, winning the Men’s and Women’s Rumble matches.

      In the main event, Roman Reigns retained his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship over Kevin Owens.

      The post-match segment that resulted in Sami Zayn (and Jey Uso) exiting the Bloodline has been praised as one of WWE’s best stories in years.

      Without McMahon

      Last Saturday’s Premium Live Event was the first PLE since the return of Vince McMahon, who didn’t attend the show himself, Fightful Select reports.

      One talent who spoke to Fightful said that this year’s Rumble was the easiest the annual event has been “in a long time” and cited the lack of McMahon as the reason.

      That same Superstar said that you can’t really count 2021 towards that because of COVID, but that this year was a dream compared to last year’s nightmare.

      Another source added that while people are not ‘afraid’ to bring up Vince’s name, generally most haven’t really asked much since Triple H, Nick Khan and Kevin Dunn held meetings.

      Those meetings last month assured talent that despite McMahon’s return as Executive Chairman, he will not have influence over Creative or Talent Relations.

      The only complaints that Fightful heard were about the Hardy performance cutting into the time of others, and some minor transitional things that they believe the current regime will get used to.

      Looking Ahead

      With the WWE Royal Rumble 2023 being a huge success to fans and those in the company, the promotion looks to keep that momentum going.

      WWE’s next PLE will be the Elimination Chamber event on Saturday, February 18, which will be WWE’s first major event in Montreal in over 13 years.

      A U.S. title Chamber match, as well as a Chamber match to determine Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair’s WrestleMania opponent have already been announced.

      It is reported that the main event will see hometown hero Sami Zayn challenge Roman Reigns for his title.

      WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Main Event Was A “Curtain Sellout” Backstage

    • Top WWE Merchandise Sellers Reportedly Revealed

      Top WWE Merchandise Sellers Reportedly Revealed

      WWE is doing serious business on the road to WrestleMania 39, but who are the biggest names when it comes to merchandise?

      These days, merchandise sellers may not be WWE’s primary source of income (thanks to the promotion’s lucrative TV deals and Saudi contract) but still earn WWE a hefty sum.

      More important merchandise sellers are a quantitative way for WWE to see who is the most popular among the fans.

      Top Merchandise Sellers

      With WrestleMania 39 drawing near, every WWE Superstar will hope to get the attention of the promotion’s higher-ups by moving a serious amount of merchandise.

      On the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer named the stars who are shining above the rest of the roster in terms of merch.

      “A lot of the big characters are very over when it comes to selling merchandise right now. Bray Wyatt, Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, I’m sure Sami Zayn. They’re hot. That’s the deal. Things look good for them going into WrestleMania season.”

      Dave Meltzer.

      WrestleMania 39

      We already know plans for two of WWE’s top merch sellers for WrestleMania, as Cody Rhodes will challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal title this April.

      As for Sami Zayn, it has been rumored that he and Kevin Owens will challenge Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos at WrestleMania 39.

      It’s worth bearing in mind that these rumors began before Jey’s exit from the Bloodline at last weekend’s Royal Rumble event.

      As for Bray Wyatt, all signs are pointing to an eventual clash with Uncle Howdy (played by his brother Bo Dallas) at WrestleMania.

      AEW Theme Song Plays at WWE’s Royal Rumble Super Store
      h/t – Sportskeeda