Chris Jericho has yet another impressive accolade to his name after being listed one of the 50 greatest heavy metal singers of all time.
When not in the ring competing for All Elite Wrestling, Jericho can be found performing with his band Fozzy, who he founded in 1999.
The band’s track ‘Enemy’ was used for the WWE No Way Out 2005 Pay-Per-View, while Jericho has used ‘Judas’ as his theme in AEW.
Making the List
Jericho’s musical talents may have been overshadowed by his impressive wrestling career, but he has made it into the Top 50 heavy metal singles.
In a ranking from ‘ThisDayInMetal.com’ Jericho squeaks in at the #50 spot, with the following description:
Who? Yes, that’s right, before you say Jericho can’t sing I suggest you go listen to his version of Iron Maiden’s Aces High. Right Sebastian Bach?
Other notable names on the list include KISS’ Paul Stanley (#40,) Alice Cooper (#22,) and WWE Celebrity Wing Hall of Famer Lemmy Kilmister (#12.)
The ranking sees Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden take bronze, Rob Halford of Judas Priest ranked second, and former Black Sabbath member Ronnie James Dio take first place.
Fozzy
Originally christened ‘Fozzy Osbourne’ Jericho’s band would begin when Rich ‘The Duke’ Ward had a chance encounter with the AEW star at a wrestling show in 1999.
It would be a year later that the band’s name was shortened, and the group would release their first of eight albums with ‘Fozzy’ in 2000.
So far, the only track to be certified gold is Judas, and the song’s sales were likely helped by Jericho’s use of the theme in AEW.
Is a 38-year-old Montreal-born wrestler who once donned the masked persona of ‘El Generico’ on the cusp of becoming the next face of WWE?
Sami Zayn’s popularity with wrestling fans is truly impossible to deny, with the Honorary Uce winning over crowds around the globe with his role in the Bloodline.
Zayn’s journey with the group began in April 2022 when he tried to curry favor with Roman Reigns’ faction, a plan that has clearly paid off.
The Face of WWE?
Since losing their tag match to John Cena and Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn has felt the ire of the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
After being found not guilty on this week’s Raw (thanks to a last-minute defense by Jey Uso) Zayn was told that he will face a final challenge at tomorrow’s Royal Rumble.
While Zayn has proven his loyalty to the Bloodline time and time again, many feel it is just a matter of time before e and Reigns face off.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani, Zayn was asked about the prospect of dethroning the most dominant champion of the last three decades.
“If we’re being honest, I mean, I don’t know, I can win the World title. I could carry it for a while. I could go do talk shows, I could do all that stuff. I don’t know if I’m the guy you could necessarily hitch your wagon to for the next five to ten years and like face of the company for the next five to ten years.”
“I’m not as big as say Roman or Cena or Brock or whoever and that’s typically the guy who’s the head.”
Sami Zayn.
“If nothing else, I’m somewhat realistic about my physical [appearance.] I’m not as big as say Roman or Cena or Brock or whoever and that’s typically the guy who’s the head at that scene. Because they [WWE] want a certain projection for the long haul.”
World Champion
Zayn may be pessimistic about becoming the next face of WWE, but that doesn’t mean World Championship glory will allude him.
In the interview, Zayn spoke about the possibility of being champion, and says it would be an excellent payoff, as long as the story is done correctly.
“Could I win the world title? I think, especially because of the way the story’s done… if you do it right, fans will buy it and get into it. So I think at this point, the way it’s been built, and I’m not saying this is what’s going to happen. But if it was me and Roman at WrestleMania, and I beat Roman, if we did it right like we’ve been doing it right the past nine month, nobody’s going to go ‘bogus. I’m out. I can’t take that.’ Because we’ve done it right.”
Even if he wasn’t to become the ‘face’ of WWE, Zayn was confident he would represent the company proudly as champion.
“I think I could be a guy who carries that title six months. Go on Jimmy Fallon, make a couple of jokes, have him do that fake laugh that he does. All that good stuff. Sure I could do that. Sure. I could probably do that in my sleep to be honest. But it’s just I understand the company’s projection of what they see as the face of the company.”
“I could be a guy who carries that title.”
Sami Zayn.
“Being the champion and being the face are almost two different things, and I think I could be the champion. No problem. As far as being the guy that they’re like ‘number one, he’s our guy, he’s the poster-boy. He’s the ultimate representation of what our company is.’ I know physically I don’t fit that mold.”
Reigns will face Zayn’s real-life best friend Kevin Owens with the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship tomorrow night at the Royal Rumble.
Liv Morgan is hoping to prove just how tough she is by entering tomorrow’s Women’s Royal Rumble match from the #1 spot.
Tomorrow’s show will be the 36th Royal Rumble event in total (37 if you include 2018’s Greatest Royal Rumble) and the sixth to feature a women’s match.
Since 2018, Asuka, Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Bianca Belair, and Ronda Rousey have all won the Rumble and punched their ticket on the road to WrestleMania.
Number One
Statistically speaking, #1 is the worst possible spot for a Rumble entrant, though that didn’t stop Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit, and Edge from winning.
Speaking to Denise Salcedo, Morgan shared her plans for the Rumble, and will have a long night ahead.
“I am hoping and I have been pitching myself to come out first. I want to come out first and make a statement. To not only endure all the pain and physicality that it will take to get to me to be the last woman standing, but just to leave a message that, bring all 29 women on, but at the end of the day, I’m still going to be the last one standing in that ring. And who knows what title I’d want to wrestle for.”
The earliest Women’s Rumble victory goes to Bianca Belair, who lasted 56:42 in 2021 to win from the number 3 position.
2022
It was in January 2022 that Morgan was challenging for the Raw Women’s Championship, that started a milestone year for her.
Winning the Women’s Money in the Bank contract and the SmackDown Women’s Title that July, Morgan spoke about accomplishing her goals in 2022.
I feel like all the obstacles just made the end goal and the end result so much sweeter. I feel like there are so many times in my career where I felt like I’d never be Champion, or I wasn’t good enough to be Champion. Other people thought I wasn’t good enough to be champion.
“Other people thought I wasn’t good enough to be champion.”
Liv Morgan.
“At the end of the day [I knew] I will be Champion so that’s exactly what I did. I’ve had an incredible, amazing, blessed year and I couldn’t be happier.”
Change of Character
After losing the SmackDown Women’s Championship to Ronda Rousey, Morgan underwent a change of character that has shown her more extreme side.
Addressing the change, Morgan appreciated how she’s been able to push the boat out from what fans are used to seeing.
“I just feel more free if that makes sense? Especially right now with what I’m doing on TV. Liv is very extreme, she’s willing to go the extra mile to get what she needs done and with that I just feel like there are no handcuffs. No cage.
“I just feel like there are no handcuffs. No cage.”
Liv Morgan.
“I can do anything and everything to accomplish my goal, to get what I want. So with that is such an intense feeling of just freedom which I’ve had so much fun with.”
Could Vince McMahon actually be telling the TRUTH?!
The 77-year-old billionaire retired from WWE last July over allegations of misconduct with female employees, resulting in millions of dollars being paid in NDAs.
McMahon returned to WWE earlier this month and has since been appointed the promotion’s Executive Chairman.
Keeping his Word
When announcing his intention to return, McMahon made it clear that he was merely back to facilitate a sale of the promotion.
Names reported as potential buyers include Comcast, FOX, Netflix, Disney, Amazon, and the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, among others.
Many have been dubious of McMahon’s claim, and believe it is just a matter of time until he makes a play to take over previous roles such as Head of Creative.
In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it is reported that McMahon is remaining true to his word, and is rarely seen outside of meetings about the potential sale.
McMahon has not attended any TV tapings, nor has he appeared at any creative meetings yet.
Sources who spoke to the Observer that contrary to McMahon’s first era on top of WWE, he now leaves work at a normal time, rather than staying into the early morning.
The Sale
Though there was a time when the idea of Vince McMahon selling WWE seemed impossible, McMahon is seemingly fixated on making a sale go through.
While it had been reported that the Saudi PIF had purchased the company and were planning on turning it private, that was later debunked.
It is believed that WWE hopes for a sale to happen soon, before they have to renegotiate with their broadcast partners at the USA Network and FOX later this year.
The talent from WWE NXT are still in the dark as to whether they will be used for tomorrow’s Royal Rumble Premium Live Event.
The show will be the 36th Rumble event (37 if you include the Greatest Royal Rumble) and will be the sixth year in a row that there will be a men’s and women’s match.
This will also be the first Royal Rumble for Triple H following his appointment as WWE’s Head of Creative and Head of Talent Relations last July.
NXT Power
At this time, just seven spots in the Women’s Royal Rumble match have been filled, while 16 for the men’s match have been claimed.
In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it is reported that as of midweek, NXT talent, particularly the women, were waiting to hear if anyone was being brought into the Rumble.
WWE has previously used NXT talent to boost the numbers in previous Royal Rumbles.
It was reported ahead of last year’s Royal Rumble event that WWE did not want to use women from NXT for that year’s match, following the brand’s relaunch as NXT 2.0.
The belief at the time was that with NXT 2.0 once again being a developmental brand, it didn’t make sense for these ‘rookies’ to be put in the Women’s Rumble.
No Rousey
The women of NXT may not be sure of their Royal Rumble fates, but we do know that Ronda Rousey will not compete.
The Observer adds that as of mid-week, the former SmackDown Women’s Champion was not going to be in the Rumble match.
The feeling is that they didn’t want to marginalize Rousey’s star power by making her just one of 30 names in the match.
Ronda Rousey returned to WWE after a near three-year hiatus at last year’s Royal Rumble event, winning the Women’s Rumble match.
This week’s emotional tribute show to Jay Briscoe was a huge night for AEW, but wasn’t approved until very late in the game.
Briscoe died last Tuesday in a car accident, mere minutes from his home in Laurel, Delaware. He was 38.
Both Jay and Mark had previously been banned by WBD from appearing on AEW programming over controversial comments Jay made a decade ago.
Tribute Show
This week’s show went off well, but there were several changes made to the show before it went live.
Fightful Select reports that prior to Tuesday, it didn’t appear that Mark Briscoe’s match against Jay Lethal was happening.
AEW had to move “many things around” to make the match a reality, and Ian Riccaboni was flown in just hours before the show.
The AEW TNT Championship match between Darby Allin and Buddy Matthews was the originally scheduled main event of the show.
That match had some time trimmed to add to the Briscoe-Lethal match, and the same happened with the Acclaimed’s therapy segment.
One source said it was impressive how they were able to provide Mark Briscoe and Jay Lethal as much time as they needed without compromising anything else that was advertised.
Dalton Castle was at the show and came to sit front row to cheer on Mark Briscoe, who defeated Lethal in the main event.
Those working in AEW who spoke to Fightful said they were very happy with how the show went.
This week’s edition of AEW Dynamite was an emotional show, but one top name from the company could not attend.
This week’s Dynamite was a tribute to Jay Briscoe, who died earlier this month in a car accident near his home in Laurel, Delaware.
Dynamite saw Jay’s brother Mark make his AEW debut and defeat Jay Lethal in the main event of the show.
Visa Issues
In addition to a stacked show, Dynamite saw the rosters of AEW and Ring of Honor appear to support Mark, but Kenny Omega wasn’t among them.
According to Fightful Select, the self-proclaimed ‘Best Bout Machine’ wanted to be at the AEW tapings “but has been battling visa issues” in recent days.
Omega has not appeared for AEW since he and the Young Bucks regained the AEW Trios Championships from Death Triangle on the January 11, 2023, episode of Dynamite.
It remains unclear when Omega will be able to return to TV, and the former World Champion missed much of 2022 due to injuries and his post-All Out suspension.
Tribute Show
Even without Omega, this week’s Dynamite was an exceptional affair in memory to one of the most established names in Ring of Honor history.
Dynamite saw AEW TNT Champion Darby Allin retain his title against Buddy Matthews, while JungleHook defeated Matt Hardy and ‘All Ego’ Ethan Page.
Bryan Danielson continued his winning ways in his efforts to get a shot at MJF, by defeating ROH Six-Man-Tag Team Champion Brian Cage.
Ruby Soho defeated Toni Storm in a match that was meant to be a triple-threat but was changed due to Britt Baker’s injury.
Action from All Elite Wrestling will be available in dozens of markets across Europe and Asia as part of a new broadcast deal with DAZN.
DAZN, the popular global sports streaming service, began in 2015, and holds domestic broadcasting rights for several top soccer teams in their main markets, include Italy’s Serie A, Spain’s La Liga and Germany’s Bundesliga.
The Statement
In a statement by DAZN Group, it was confirmed that they had secured “exclusive broadcast rights to AEW, in a multi-year deal that will bring the promotion to DAZN subscribers in 42 markets across Europe and Asia.
The deal will include AEW Dynamite and Rampage, Dark and Dark: Elevation, four Battle of the Belt events a year, and four Pay-Per-Views a year.
The statement by DAZN calls the introduction of AEW to is schedule “another major addition to the breadth of multi-sport content available on the platform.”
AEW is described in the statement as “the new professional wrestling league taking the world by storm with its meteoric rise, record-high ratings, world-class roster and highly entertaining product.”
AEW will air in the following markets as part of DAZN:
Albania, Alderney, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, Georgia, Gibraltar, Greece, Guernsey, Hungary, Iceland, Jan Mayen Islands, Jersey, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Svalbard, Sweden, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.
Is CM Punk the best wrestler in the world as he claimed during his iconic June 2011 Raw pipebomb?
Perhaps, perhaps not. But he’s a darn fine ‘Sports Entertainer.’
Punk has been a huge topic of discussion ever since his actions following last September’s All Out 2022 event, and he has been suspended ever since.
Sports Entertainer
Punk has often credited himself as a professional wrestler, and during his 2011 pipebomb spoke about ‘sports entertainers’ like The Rock and John Cena.
Oh his Oh You Didn’t Know podcast, ‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James admitted that Punk is a great wrestler, but believes that the Sports Entertainer label fits him better. He added:
“Punk’s a great example of a guy that if you just went with wrestler, wrestler, wrestler, wouldn’t have made it without the attitude, mic skills and I don’t want to say character because Punk was never really a character, he was just himself, but he’s good at it.”
‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James.
CM Punk’s Future
Punk’s future with AEW remains uncertain, with Tony Khan refusing any and all requests for comment on the former World Champion’s situation.
It has been reported that some top names in AEW have refused to work with Punk if he is brought back, and that Chris Jericho is one of them.
Things are not looking better for Punk in WWE, with reports that some in the company absolutely do not want him to return.
The belief is that Punk (who walked out of WWE in 2014 on bad terms) will only bring the problems seen in AEW if he is rehired.
Mark Briscoe was allowed to appear on this week’s Dynamite but only after the monumental efforts of AEW President Tony Khan.
The Briscoes were not allowed to appear on AEW programming due to an edict by Warner Bros. Discovery, over problematic comments made by Jay a decade ago.
After Jay’s death earlier this month, Mark was allowed to compete on this week’s Dynamite, where he faced Jay Lethal.
Khan’s Efforts
Briscoe’s debut on this week’s Dynamite came hours after a report stating that WBD wanted no part of him on their show, due to Jay’s comments.
Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer stated that it was Tony Khan who went to bat for the Briscoes.
“You have to credit that one to Tony Khan. I mean, he pushed and pushed and I mean, he pushed really hard on this one and got them to change their minds. They [Warner Bros. Discovery] were pretty dead-set against it. I mean, the social media stuff, that possibly could have helped.”
Dave Meltzer.
Team Effort
While Khan was able to convince WBD to ditch their ban on either Briscoe, he wasn’t the only one who worked on this.
On his show, Meltzer said that it was a team effort of people who showed the better side of Jay Briscoe to AEW’s broadcast partners.
“It was certainly a lot of people. We said it last Wednesday, but a lot of people had been saying it all week like ‘how do you ban Jay Briscoe, the tribute show? How do you ban the tribute show when you’re showing Dana White on Slap-Fight?’ Dana White’s mistake was December 31st, 2022 [and WBD moved on.] Jay’s mistake, a big mistake, both of them were big mistakes. His mistake was in 2013 and he had certainly apologized and atoned for it. Just read the article that I did. The stuff from [ROH commentator Ian] Riccaboni and other people. Cary Silkin and others.
“Nobody hid from that part of Jay Briscoe’s life, and neither did he. So [allowing Mark on Dynamite] was the right thing to do and I’m glad he got to do it. But it took a lot a lot a lot of work to get it done.”
Meltzer added on his show that Mark is free to compete on AEW going forward, implying that his appearance this week was not a one-off.
The wrestling world is in mourning following the death of Jay Briscoe, but that is no excuse to harass the family of the other driver killed in last Tuesday’s accident.
Briscoe, 38, was killed in a vehicular collision mere minutes from his home in Laurel, Delaware and his daughters (who were in the car) were also seriously injured.
Delaware State Police confirmed that another driver crossed the center line and collided with Jay’s vehicle head-on and that they too were killed in the accident.
Harassment
While the wrestling world has come out in support of Briscoe and the Pugh family, the response to the other victim’s family has been far more hostile.
Lillyanne Ternahan, a mother of two, was the driver of the other vehicle, and her family has been on the receiving end of hurtful comments.
Josh Wharton, a friend of the Pugh family, addressed these attacks on Facebook, and made it clear he and the Pughs are against such comments.
“It’s been a tough week for our community, but also has been heartwarming to see the outpouring of love towards the Pugh family during this tragedy. Once again-Jamin touched so many lives across the world and that has been evident by the daily tributes, comments and love we’ve all witnessed. The girls are still progressing, as God continues to hear all of our prayers.
“Unfortunately this has not been the case for the other family, as there have been numerous rumors and information out there which has led to attacking/degrading comments on social media that the family has seen. Her children will read these at some point.
“Jamin, Ashley, the Pugh family, myself and K.c. do not stand for this. In a time of tragedy, pointing fingers does not reverse what has been done.
“The driver of the other vehicle has 2 young children, and we all should be showing the same love and compassion for them as we have done for the Pugh’s. Be reminded that their world has also been turned upside down undeservingly, and there is a huge hole left in their family.
“I am sincerely asking that everyone stop with the negative comments and feelings towards them. Let me remind you all that none of us, and I know myself better than anyone-have things we are not proud of. We all struggle with something.
“To judge an entire life by the outcome of this tragedy is not who we are. Only love can conquer hate. Instead of expressing harsh feelings, pray for them.”
Our thoughts remain with the Pughs and the Ternahan family at this sad time.
A donation page for the Pugh family can be found here, and a donation page for the Ternahan’s can be found here.
A former WWE NXT Superstar will be making their presence felt on next week’s AEW Dynamite, as part of the feud between Bryan Danielson and MJF.
Danielson is currently working towards a match with the reigning AEW World Champion but must remain undefeated until February 8 to do so.
If Danielson does reach that date without taking a loss, the AEW World Championship match between the pair will be a sixty-minute Iron Man match at AEW Revolution 2023.
AEW Debut
During this week’s Dynamite, Danielson continued his winning ways, defeating Brian Cage, who attacked the American Dragon after the match.
MJF would join Cage in the ring, but Konosuke Takeshita would arrive to make the save.
Later on, MJF appeared in a video promo where he stated Danielson’s next opponent will systematically eliminate him.
That opponent turned out to be Timothy Thatcher, who will face Danielson next week on AEW Dynamite.
Before coming to WWE in 2020, Thatcher proved his toughness on the independent scene, working for promotions like wXw and Evolve.
The former Evolve Champion would be assigned to NXT in 2020, replacing Pete Dunne as Matt Riddle’s tag partner, when the Bruiserweight was unable to travel due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Not long after his debut, Thatcher walked out on Riddle, turning heel, and would defeat the Original Bro in WWE’s first Fight Pit match.
After transitioning into a teaching role at the WWE PC, Thatcher would be released on January 5, 2022, and make his debut for Pro Wrestling Noah that June.
WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam is feeling “awesome” ahead of this Saturday’s WWE Royal Rumble Premium Live Event.
Van Dam, a veteran of six WWE Royal Rumble matches, hasn’t competed for WWE since August 2014 when he was on the losing end of a match to Seth Rollins.
Outside of WWE, RVD has competed for TNA/Impact Wrestling and various other smaller promotions.
Rumble Return
With only 15 spots filled in the Men’s Royal Rumble match, there are plenty of available spots for returning Superstars such as RVD.
“It’s happened before [returning at a Rumble.] you know when I left way back in 2006 or seven. I guess it was six. But yeah, hey, that’d be cool. I got no plans to share with you.”
Rob Van Dam.
Van Dam in the Rumble
After signing with the WWF in 2001, RVD would make his Rumble debut in January 2002 as the 29th entrant.
Van Dam would not last long, being eliminated by Booker T (his future tag-team partner) in just over two minutes.
Van Dam would fare much better the following year, lasting 33 minutes and scoring two eliminations, before being thrown out by Kane (another tag-partner of his.)
After an injury forced Rob to miss much of 2005, he returned in 2006, and would make a one-night return as part of the 2009 Rumble match (which was won by Randy Orton.)
Charlotte Flair has admitted to being somewhat “jealous” that her father and her husband were able to share the ring last year.
For Flair’s last match in July 2022, the father and son-in-law duo teamed to defeat Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett.
This match marked Flair’s first match in over a decade, when he lost to Sting on the September 12, 2011, episode of TNA Impact.
Jealous
While Ric and Charlotte have both had impressive careers, they have never had the chance to be on the same team in the ring.
While appearing on NBC’s The TODAY Show to promote Saturday’s Royal Rumble, Flair admitted to being jealous that her father and husband got such a special moment.
“Honestly, I was a little jealous (seeing them in the ring together) because I was like, “Oh, I wanna be a part of this,’ because I’ve shared the ring with my dad but not in that capacity.”
Charlotte Flair
Charlotte also spoke about her brother Reid, who died in 2013, and who is the reason Charlotte is a wrestler today.
“I’m like, ‘Man, I wish my little brother could see this.’ My husband is a third-generational wrestler, and then with my dad…it was awesome, picture-perfect.”
Charlotte Flair.
Ric Flair made his first appearance on WWE TV in two years on this week’s Raw when he introduced Charlotte.
Fans were left extremely disappointed with this week’s Steel Cage match on Monday Night Raw, which did not go as planned.
The match, pitting Damage CTRL’s Bayley against Becky Lynch, had been promoted all week long, and had been as one of the main attractions for Raw’s 30th-anniversary episode.
Instead of a match, Lynch was attacked by WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions IYO SKY and Dakota Kai during her entrance and thrown into the ring.
Locking the cage door, the SKY, Kai, and Bayley beat down on Lynch, and left only after Adam Pearce had broken the lock on the cage door.
Original Plans
The Steel Cage match WWE had planned had to be scrapped due to segments earlier in the episode going long.
It has been reported that the Trial of Sami Zayn that opened up this week’s Raw went much longer than expected.
PW Insider reports that the plan for the cage match was for Lynch to win, and then be attacked post-match by Damage CTRL.
There has been no confirmation yet as to whether this match will be used in full down the line.
Backlash
WWE felt it was the right call to scrap the Steel Cage match, as the alternative was having the actual match go for approximately two minutes.
However, the decision to scrap the match has led to backlash by fans, who have called into question WWE’s treatment of their women for the Raw is 30 event.
Ahmed Johnson was a force to be reckoned with throughout his WWF career, but the powerhouse was hardly making friends in the locker room.
Johnson debuted in the WWF in 1995, and captured the Intercontinental Championship at the following year’s King of the Ring event.
This win made Johnson the first African-American Intercontinental Champion, setting the path for future stars including modern-day talent like Kofi Kingston, Shelton Benjamin, and Big E.
The Kiss
Prior to his IC title win, Ahmed feuded with Goldust, who played mind games with the powerhouse.
On the May 27, 1996 Raw, the Bizarre One performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on Johnson, who was laid out backstage.
This act of CPR played into the gay panic that was more prevalent at the time, which Jake Roberts addressed on the latest Snake Pit podcast.
“I was there when they had him [Goldust] kiss Ahmed. Oh, boy, I wouldn’t have wanted to be in his way. He lost his sh*t!”
Jake Roberts.
Injuring Talent
As a former Football star, Johnson was used to letting his intensity do the talking and garnered a reputation among some for being dangerous in the ring.
On his podcast, Roberts suggested that Vince McMahon, well aware of how Ahmed would react to the kiss, booked it on purpose to try and get Johnson to leave the promotion.
“Vince did that on purpose. Vince needed a black superstar, and Ahmed was gonna be it, but then Ahmed just got to where he wouldn’t show up. He was hurting people every f*ing night. He just became unruly, unable to deal with him. Too demanding. They finally had to let him go.”
Jake Roberts
After leaving the WWF in 1998, Ahmed would join WCW in 1999 as ‘Big T,’ and would form ‘Harlem Heat 2000’ with Stevie Ray.
In a feud that would have filled arenas on Sesame Street, Big T feuded with Booker T over the usage of the letter ‘T,’ a feud Big T would win, leaving the future WWE Hall of Famer to go by just ‘Booker.’
Will Matt Cardona be returning to WWE, possibly as soon as this weekend’s Royal Rumble?
Cardona spent over a decade with WWE under the name Zack Ryder, and previously worked as Brett Major.
The former Intercontinental, U.S., and Tag Champion was released in April 2020 as part of one of WWE’s ‘budget cut’ mass layoffs.
Trademark
In recent months, Cardona has teased a return to WWE following the comebacks of names like Karrion Kross, Johnny Gargano, Bray Wyatt, and others.
Over the past week, Cardona filed a trademark for the term ‘WOO WOO WOO. YOU KNOW IT,’ a line synonymous with his Zack Ryder character.
The trademark was filed with Michael E Dockins, who has assisted dozens of wrestlers with their trademark filings.
The term has been filed for the use of merchandise, including clothing and action figures.
It has been reported that Cardona’s wife Chelsea Green is set to return to WWE, and that both sides are just waiting on a creative decision for her TV comeback.
On His Own Terms
After spending much of his WWE career as little above an enhancement talent, Cardona has become a main eventer on the independent scene.
Speaking to Sportskeeda Wrestling last November, the former NWA World Champion said that it would have to be on his own terms.
“I said Zack Ryder is dead because, and listen, never say never, right, but if I were to ever go back, it has to be as Matt Cardona.”
In addition to the NWA, Cardona has competed for Impact, Game Changer Wrestling (where he is also a former World Champion) and had a brief appearance in AEW.
Mercedes Moné will only wrestle a handful of times a year for New Japan Pro Wrestling, but fans will see plenty of her in the coming months.
Moné made her debut for New Japan at Wrestle Kingdom 17 earlier this month, confronting IWGP Women’s Champion KAIRI after a title defense against Tam Nakano.
The former Sasha Banks attacked KAIRI after the match and a title match between the two has been set for next month.
Future Plans
Moné hopes to become the second-ever IWGP Women’s Champion on February 18, but more details are being presented about future matches.
On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted that Moné is only contracted for a handful of matches, with her second set for NJPW Sakura Genesis on April 8, at Ryogoku Sumo Hall.
Moné’s third match will see her compete at a STARDOM event at the Yokohama Arena on April 23.
Other than the Battle in the Valley match, no opponents have been announced for Moné’s other matches.
It has been reported that New Japan has already planned for a sequel to Moné Vs. KAIRI next month.
Outside the Ring
Reportedly contracted to just a handful of matches a year with New Japan, Moné has plenty of time for non-wrestling projects.
The former Superstar has a budding acting career, having appeared as Koska Reeves in Disney+ hit ‘The Mandalorian.’
Last month, Moné informed her fans on Twitter that she had wrapped up shooting for her first feature film in Boston, MA.
During her hiatus from WWE, the former Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion walked the runway for New York Fashion Week alongside fellow wrestler Naomi.
Should women be blading in professional wrestling? Willow Nightingale says yes.
While blood is common in men’s matches for promotions that allow blood, women’s wrestling has often gone years if not decades without a single laceration.
That has changed in recent years, though there are some (including Ric Flair) who are opposed to the idea of women blading.
The Tag Match
During the January 13, AEW Rampage, Nightingale teamed with Ruby Soho to face Tay Melo and Anna Jay, which saw plenty of the red viscous liquid.
Speaking on The Sessions, Nightingale recalled the match and the restrictions put in place before the bell rung.
“We are all very excited to be given the opportunity to do something like this. Anna and Tay have already done this a year ago on Television. They had a lot of fun with it. There are limits, I guess, on how grotesque it’s allowed to be. I can only speak from my experience. I don’t know if this is the case with other matches, other tag matches, or men’s wrestling. I don’t know what those conversations are like. I only know the conversations that we had and for us, it was that one person from each team was allowed to bleed.
“We all wanted to get our hands dirty and we all wanted to do crazy stuff.”
Willow Nightingale.
“We all wanted to get our hands dirty and we all wanted to do crazy stuff, but we were like ‘okay, understood.’ We didn’t have to worry about it because Ruby bled enough for everybody. I felt it was awesome, I thought she looked killer. She thought she looked great. She had to get stitched up after and I held her hand as she got injected [with an anesthetic.]”
The match saw Soho and Nightingale get the win in the main event of Rampage
Backlash
While the match was lauded by many, many fans also criticized the match, arguing that the level of blood wasn’t fitting for a women’s division match.
Speaking about the negative response, Nightingale felt fans needed reminding that countless women will bleed once a month, whether they want to or not.
“We were just really excited about everything and I think if people are getting their panties in a bunch about [women blading in wrestling,] then that’s the least of your concerns. Like, we bleed every single month. Nobody talks about that, and I’m sure if that happened [in the match] or if it happened ever on the show, people would make a big deal about that too. You know, If someone was to bleed through their gear.”
“If people are getting their panties in a bunch about [women blading in wrestling,] then that’s the least of your concerns.”
Willow Nightingale.
“We bleed the same as men do. We take the same bumps in the ring as they do. We’re at the same risk so I just don’t understand why there has to be a double standard about physically seeing blood. Ultimately, it’s what we signed up for. We were aware of this possibility.”
Mark Briscoe will still not be allowed to appear for All Elite Wrestling, even after the death of his brother Jay.
Jay Briscoe died in a car accident last week when a vehicle driving the other way swerved onto his lane, mere minutes from Jay’s home in Laurel, Delaware.
Briscoe was 38 at the time of his death, and his daughters, who were in the vehicle at the time, have since undergone surgery.
Controversy
The Briscoes were one of the most popular tag teams of their era but were banned from appearing for AEW.
The decision was made by AEW’s partners at Warner Bros. Discovery, who did not want the Briscoes given controversial statements from Jay’s past.
In June 2011, Jay stirred controversy when he tweeted “a lot of f*gs out in New York today,” and would share a similar homophobic message following Hurricane Irene.
When the Delaware Senate passed a bill allowing same-sex couples to marry in May 2013, Briscoe said “try and teach my kids that there’s nothing wrong with that and I’ll f*cking shoot you.”
After considerable backlash, Briscoe explained these comments as his redneck heel character, and did not reflect his personal beliefs on homosexuality.
Briscoe also agreed to donate his full salary from the next two shows to the Partners Against Hate charity.
In 2021, Ian Riccaboni said “If folks only knew how Jay supports and puts over all talent, specifically LGBTQ+ talent, as a leader in the locker room.”
Following his death this month, Dave Meltzer said that Briscoe was considered to have completely reformed his views on the LGBTQ+ community, and that he enjoyed the support of LGBTQ+ wrestlers.
Banned from AEW
Though it was Jay who made the comments that saw the Briscoes banned by WBD, his brother Mark will suffer the consequences.
On Wrestling Observer Radio, Bryan Alverez read asked if Mark will be allowed on AEW TV and to join the roster following Jay’s passing.
“I already know the answer. The answer is no. Okay? I can’t tell you more. It could change, but that is the answer.”
Dave Meltzer.
Both Meltzer and Alverez were evidently frustrated, and Meltzer said he hopes this changes.
This isn’t what fans had originally expected, as many believed it would have been Reigns Vs. The Rock, but that match is now unlikely to happen.
Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said there has been talks in WWE about Austin facing Brock Lesnar this April.
“The match that was pitched was not with Roman Reigns. It was Brock Lesnar, but as you can tell, pretty much from the show tonight [Raw is XXX] it’s not happening. It’s not on. Something could happen now [but it’s not on at this time.]”
Dave Meltzer.
Meltzer added that talks of Lesnar Vs. Austin is nothing new and was happening backstage as far back as early December when reports broke that Lesnar Vs. GUNTHER was the WrestleMania plan.
“It’s been talked about, probably for months. Because I know when they had that Brock Lesnar-GUNTHER thing came up, I was told immediately it’s not happening, or that’s not the idea right now. Maybe it’s going to happen. But the idea [for Lesnar’s WrestleMania opponent] was a secret. Austin was that secret.”
Lesnar Vs. Lashley
On last night’s Raw 30th anniversary episode, Brock Lesnar made his TV return, costing Bobby Lashley a shot at the U.S. title.
On his show, Meltzer said that all signs are pointing to Brock Vs. the All Mighty at WrestleMania.
“The match is not on. It looks like it’s going to be Lesnar with Lashley, based on the show tonight. I don’t have that confirmed if it’s a WrestleMania match. Obviously, both will likely be in the Rumble, probably feud. Whether that means Montreal where the Pay-Per-View is there [Elimination Chamber 2023] or WrestleMania, I don’t know, but it seems like it’s probably something to do with WrestleMania.”
When speaking about Roman Reigns and a potential match with Austin, Meltzer said we should have a clearer picture after this weekend’s Royal Rumble.
“As far as Roman Reigns goes, I don’t know, but I figure that whatever Roman Reigns’ situation [for WrestleMania] will be, we will know on Saturday night, based on who wins the Rumble match.”
Gracie has regained feeling below her knees, after being left with no movement below her waist and no sensations below her knees after the crash.
Her strength is said to be improving after working with physical and occupational therapists, and she was able to assist with her transfer into a wheelchair on Monday afternoon.
Jaleigh’s feeding tube was removed on Saturday night, and the nine-year-old was allowed to eat as much as she wanted on Sunday.
On Monday, she was able to get out of bed and stand up, and was able to spend some time with her older sister.
After returning to her bed, Jayleigh’s wound VAC (vacuum-assisted closure) on her abdominal incision was removed.
Mark Briscoe
Mark Briscoe wasn’t in the vehicle at the time of the crash, but has kept silent to the public since the accident.
In his update, Wharton shared a text message from Mark, reading “GOD IS ON THE THRONE.”
Wharton added that he spoke to Mark over the phone on Monday night and described him as “chipper” as can be given the circumstances.
Our thoughts remain with the Pugh family at this awful time.
John Cena may have been lambasted by fans for years for his alleged inability to wrestle, but that didn’t stop him and Shawn Michaels from putting on a classic in 2007.
At that year’s WrestleMania, Cena retained the WWE Championship against Michaels in the main event, a year after defeating Michaels’ best friend Triple H at the show.
Meeting in a non-title rematch on the April 23, 2007 edition of Raw, Michaels and Cena wrestled for close to an hour before Shawn got the win with Sweet Chin Music.
Easy
The Cena-Michaels match would go for approximately one hour (including commercial breaks) and is heralded by many as one of the best matches in Raw history.
While speaking on WWE’s The Bump, Michaels recalled the match with the 16-time WWE World Champion.
“This is the end of the tour and John and I had to go an hour. No, look, there is no better guy to do it with than John, honestly, and I’ll say this — it sounds strange, but because, you know, it’s not a full hour and you feel like in your mind, even though you’re not dealing with commercial breaks, it’s not, it was really easy.”
Shawn Michaels
Michaels would later face Cena in a fatal four-way at WWE Backlash 2007 (which included Edge and Randy Orton) which Cena would win.
John Cena
It would be a long time before fans would come to appreciate John Cena’s talents in the ring (with many not doing so to this day.)
Addressing the WWE icon, Michaels called Cena a dream to share the ring with.
“John is, is such a dream to work with, John and I got along very well. It was a fantastic night and I had a chemistry with John that was darn near effortless … It was absolutely a piece of cake because you know, it was just a lot of fun.”
Shawn Michaels.
Cena is expected to next compete for WWE at WrestleMania 39, with rumored opponents including Austin Theory and Logan Paul.
Factors beyond WWE’s control led to the Bloodline Acknowledgement Ceremony scheduled for tonight’s Raw being scrapped.
The segment was promoted as featuring every generation of the Anoa’I wrestling family, in a ceremony focussed on Roman Reigns.
Last week, WWE announced that the segment had been replaced with ‘The Trial of Sami Zayn.’
Scrapped
WWE’s promise of every generation of the Bloodline appearing had fabs excited, but it was a promise the company couldn’t deliver on.
In an F4WOnline update, Dave Meltzer reported that a series of absences ultimately led to WWE ditching the ceremony.
It is noted that the Wild Samoans (Afa and Sika) were originally going to play a large part in the ceremony, but neither was going to be able to make it to Raw.
Rikishi, the father of The Usos and Solo Sikoa is dealing with an illness and would not have made the show either.
The report refuted rumors that The Rock not being at Raw led to the segment being scrapped, saying he was never scheduled to appear.
The Trial of Sami Zayn
Instead of an acknowledgment ceremony, the Bloodline will be all business on tonight’s Raw.
Sami Zayn has been at odds with the group ever since he ate the pin during his and Reigns’ tag match against Kevin Owens and John Cena on the final SmackDown of 2022.
The match marked the second time in 2022 that Reigns lost a match (the first being by DQ at the Royal Rumble against Seth Rollins.)
While Reigns wasn’t pinned, the loss to Cena and Owens was the first clean defeat for the Tribal Chief since 2019.
Monday Night Raw. For three decades, the red brand has welcomed wrestling fans every Monday night, with hours upon hours of action.
Tonight, WWE celebrates three decades of the red brand, and we’ve created a timeline of some essential viewing from Raw’s three decades of history.
Mr. Perfect Vs. Ric Flair (January 25, 1993)
On the third episode ever, Mr. Perfect and Ric Flair delivered a must-see match for any wrestling fan worth their salt. Perfect’s trademark Perfect-plex would secure Hennig the victory in this Loser Leaves WWF match and it’d be eight years before fans saw the Nature Boy again.
WWF Champion Bret Hart Vs. The 1-2-3 Kid (July 11, 1994) The man fans would later know as X-Pac, Sean Waltman was the WWF’s resident underdog, but that didn’t stop him from pushing the Hitman to the limit, in what Jim Ross would call one of the greatest matches he’d ever seen.
Bret Hart Vs. Owen Hart (March 27, 1995) A rematch from their WrestleMania X epic, the Hart brothers once again proved to be wrestling royalty with this No Holds Barred collision. On this occasion, it’d be Owen who would lose, tapping to his brother’s Sharpshooter, and Bret’s reluctance to break the hold would give fans a glimpse to a darker side of the Hitman.
The Undertaker Vs. Mankind (December 9, 1996)
Over a year and a half before their Hell in a Cell classic at King of the Ring 1998, Mankind and the Phenom gave fans a taste of what was to come in 1996. Meeting in No Holds Barred, the Undertaker emerged victorious, and even a random appearance by The Executioner post-match couldn’t spoil this forgotten classic.
Owen Hart Vs. The British Bulldog (March 3, 1997)
Brothers-in-law and the WWF Tag Champions, these connections didn’t stop Owen Hart and Davey Boy Smith fighting tooth and nail to become the first European Champion. Fittingly taking place in Europe (Berlin, Germany to be exact) it was Bulldog who made history with a reversed roll-up.
WWF Champion Kane Vs. ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin (June 28, 1998) One night after winning the very-first First Blood match, new WWF Champion Kane accepted a challenge for a rematch from Stone Cold. Kane’s reign may have ended after just one day, but he and the Rattlesnake had one of the greatest title matches in Raw history.
WWF Champion The Rock Vs. Mankind (January 4, 1999) The same day as the Fingerpoke of doom which drove a nail in the coffin of WCW, Mick Foley’s dream culminated on Raw with his WWF title win. Throw in the talented Rock, DX and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, and this match certainly put ‘butts in seats.’
WWF Champion Triple H Vs. Chris Jericho (April 17, 2000)
A controversial finish saw Chris Jericho become WWF Champion less than a year into his tenure with the company. The decision would not stand for long, but it was an epic night that showed Jericho knew how to play the Game.
WWF World Tag Team Champions ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin & Triple H Vs. Chris Jericho & Chris Benoit (May 21, 2001)
The infamous match where Triple H suffered his first quad tear, this bout may not be for the squeamish, but the four men put on an excellent match. The fact that Triple H toughened it out and completed the match after the tear makes this an all time classic.
WWE Undisputed Champion The Undertaker Vs. Jeff Hardy (June 1, 2002)
Meeting in Hardy’s speciality, the Ladder match, it was the Deadman who was at a disadvantage on this night. That didn’t stop the American Badass from retaining, but it was Hardy who left with the respect of the Phenom and the fans.
World Heavyweight Champion Triple H Vs. Kane (June 23, 2003) For years, fans wondered what Kane looked like under his mask, and on this fateful 2003 night, they got the answer. In this mask vs. title match, Triple H left with all the prizes, and it’d be RVD who’d feel Kane’s wrath post-match inside MSG.
Shelton Benjamin Vs. Triple H (March 29, 2004) Mere days after being drafted to Raw, established tag-team wrestler Shelton Benjamin looked to make a huge first impression by facing Triple H. Fresh off losing the World Championship at WrestleMania 20, fans expected the Game to win, but it was all about the Benjamins on this night.
John Cena, Hulk Hogan & Shawn Michaels Vs. Christian, Chris Jericho & Tyson Tomko (June 27, 2005)
Our only six-man-tag match on this list, this match is worth viewing for the dream-team of Hogan, Michaels, and Cena. The three generations of top guys made for an epic main event trio in 2005.
WWE Champion Rob Van Dam Vs. Edge Vs. John Cena (July 3, 2006)
Oh RVD! It was all going so well for Mr. PPV until he was pulled over by police and arrested. Van Dam’s brief reign as WWE Champion ended on this night, but at least fans got to see an epic triple threat and a title change on Raw.
WWE Champion John Cena Vs. Shawn Michaels (April 23, 2007) John Cena’s third must-see match in a row (not bad for a guy who apparently can’t wrestle.) This non-title match started like any other, but as the match went on, fans knew this was special. A rematch from WrestleMania 23, Michaels got the win over Cena after close to an hour, proving Sweet Chin Music can come from nowhere.
Jeff Hardy Vs. Umaga (January 7, 2008)
The first Raw of 2007 would help set the tone for a huge year as two of the red brand’s most talented stars faced off in a cage. The ever-popular Hardy’s dive off the top of the cage would seal the deal and somehow make Jeff even more beloved by fans.
Chris Jericho & The Big Show Vs. Triple H & Shawn Michaels Vs. The Undertaker & John Cena (November 16, 2009)
A match with six of WWE’s biggest ever Superstars, it was fitting that this bout happened inside Madison Square Garden. Cena and the Deadman may have gotten the win, but the post-match Tombstone on Big Match John proved that the Phenom was not there to make friends.
WWE Champion The Miz Vs. Jerry Lawler (November 30, 2010)
Meeting in a TLC match of all things, this bout seemed on paper to be the creation of a WWE 2K game gone wrong. Instead, Lawler held his own against the Miz in this title match, and would’ve won if not for Michael Cole. Not bad for the King, who had turned 60 just one day before the match.
Rey Mysterio Vs. The Miz (July 25, 2011) Sure, Rey winning the vacant WWE Championship wasn’t a long reign, as he would lose the title to John Cena later in the show, but he and Miz put on a worthy title match and gave the fans a feel-good moment with one of WWE’s most beloved Superstars.
CM Punk Vs. Daniel Bryan (February 28, 2012)
A meeting of the WWE Champion and the World Heavyweight Champion, this would have meant a lot no matter who was in the ring. The fact that this was two guys who had been told they’d never make it in WWE was the icing on the cake. Oh, and the match is great too!
John Cena Vs. CM Punk (February 25, 2013)
CM Punk’s reign as WWE Champion being ended by a part-timer irked fans for valid reasons, but his quest to regain the title gave us this fantastic match. Fans were wowed to see a piledriver on WWE TV in 2013, and though Punk didn’t earn a title match, this was a fitting epilogue on his epic reign.
Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns Vs. Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper & Erick Rowan (March 3, 2014)
Like their match at Elimination Chamber (which received ‘this is awesome’ chants before a single punch was thrown) The Shield Vs. the Wyatts II lived up to lofty expectations. After teases of dissension, this match proved the Hounds of Justice were stronger than ever, if only for a few more months…
WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins Vs. Neville (August 3, 2015)
Responding to John Cena’s U.S. title open challenge, Seth Rollins laid out an open challenge of his own. While Neville (now PAC) didn’t leave with the gold, the gasp of excitement when fans thought he’d won with the Red Arrow makes this match worth seeing.
WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair Vs. Sasha Banks (July 25, 2016)
The first Monday Night Raw of the post-draft era, fans were treated to seeing Sasha Banks capture the WWE Women’s Championship from the Queen. Banks was massively popular with fans at the time, and her win was a sign that she had arrived on the main roster.
WWE Raw Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair Vs. Bayley (February 13, 2017)
If Sasha Banks was popular at the time of her title win the prior year, then Bayley was a supernova of over with her 2017 victory. Dispatching of Dana Brooke at ringside, Bayley’s win would be the feel-good moment of the year.
‘Woken’ Matt Hardy Vs. Bray Wyatt (March 19, 2018)
At a tine when WWE was arguably it’s most stale, Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt shook things up with the Ultimate Deletion. A drone, a lake and reincarnation and a cameo by Reby Hardy makes this one of the most bizarre, but must-see matches in Raw history.
Rey Mysterio Vs. Cesaro (May 13, 2019)
No titles were needed in this instant classic, which with no gold and no stipulation, has gone overlooked by fans. From the high-flying of Rey to Cesaro’s incredible counters, this match is just one whole match of highlights.
WWE Champion Randy Orton Vs. Drew McIntyre (November 16, 2020)
Drew McIntyre’s emotional return to WWE culminated with his WrestleMania 36 WWE Title win, albeit in front of zero fans. McIntyre carried WWE through unprecedented times, and was rewarded with his second title win on Raw in the Thunderdome. Here’s hoping he one day gets that big win in front of a real crowd.
Seth Rollins Vs. Finn Balor Vs. Kevin Owens Vs. Rey Mysterio (October 25, 2021)
A fatal-four-way ladder match? On Raw?! Yes please! Four of WWE’s most popular stars in recent years met in a truly stacked main event. Not only did the right person win (but we won’t spoil who) everybody had their chance to shine in this ladder match.
Raw Tag Team Champions Chad Gable & Otis Vs. Randy Orton & Matt Riddle Vs. Kevin Owens & Seth Rollins (March 7, 2022)
Not just a fantastic match in 2022, but this may hold the distinction as the best Raw opener ever! Three incredibly over teams showing just how good a Raw tag team division can be. RK-Bro’s victory and regaining the Raw Tag Titles was the perfect call!
