The WWE Intercontinental Championship has a rich history spanning over four decades, with numerous legendary wrestlers holding the prestigious title.

As Jey Uso begins his reign as the current champion after beating Bron Breakker on RAW, let’s explore some of the greatest Intercontinental Champions of all time and consider whether Uso has the potential to join their ranks.

Legendary Reigns

The Honky Tonk Man’s Record-Breaking Run

For 35 years, The Honky Tonk Man held the record for the longest single reign as Intercontinental Champion, lasting an impressive 454 days. His dastardly tactics and ability to retain the title through various means made him one of the most memorable champions in WWE history.

Randy Savage’s Workhorse Era

“Macho Man” Randy Savage’s 413-day reign brought immense prestige to the Intercontinental Championship. 

His stellar matches, including the classic bout against Ricky Steamboat at WrestleMania 3, solidified the title’s importance and his place among the greatest champions.

Chris Jericho’s Multiple Reigns

Chris Jericho holds the record for the most Intercontinental Championship reigns with nine. 

His consistent excellence and ability to reinvent himself with each title run make him a strong contender for the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time.

Modern Era Standouts

The Miz’s Resurgence

The Miz has held the Intercontinental Championship eight times, second only to Jericho. His work in elevating the title’s prestige, particularly during his feuds with Dolph Ziggler, has earned him a place among the best champions in recent years.

Gunther’s Record-Breaking Reign

In September 2023, Gunther surpassed The Honky Tonk Man’s long-standing record, holding the title for over 479 days. His impressive in-ring performances and dominant reign have quickly established him as one of the greatest Intercontinental Champions in WWE history.

Could Jey Uso Join the Ranks?

As the new Intercontinental Champion, Jey Uso has the opportunity to create his own legacy. While it’s too early to predict the impact of his reign, Uso’s popularity, in-ring skills, and family pedigree give him the potential to become a memorable champion.

To join the ranks of the all-time greats, Uso will need to:

• Have a lengthy and impactful reign
• Elevate the prestige of the championship
• Deliver memorable matches and feuds

Only time will tell if Uso can rise to the challenge and etch his name alongside the legendary Intercontinental Champions of the past.

It’s fitting that Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns began the weekend confronting one another on a football field in their memorable “cinema” exchange on SmackDown because the NFL is always full of “cinema” week in and week out.

Starting this week for the rest of the NFL season, I’ll be doing a pro football/pro wrestling round-up – how the two worlds collide with one another during the NFL season.

Week 3 of the NFL had its fair share of upsets and defining Ws for certain teams, but pro wrestling was in full force on the gridiron. Stars from WWE and AEW were not just attending the games themselves, but players also took opportunity express their pro wrestling fandom.

Seth Rollins Gets “Royal Rumbled” By Star Colts WR!

Seth Rollins is unabashed in his fandom for the Chicago Bears and wears his emotions on his sleeve whether his team wins or loses. In near signature fashion, Rollins will typically wallow in a Bears loss by posting “I hate football” on X or will celebrate by writing “I love football” instead.

Rollins’ actions spoke louder than his words this week as the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion was actually in attendance for the game as the Bears played in Indianapolis. Rollins was clearly the heel in enemy territory and a babyface TY Hilton, longtime Colts wide receiver, “tossed” Rollins “over the top” and onto the field as the Bears took the loss, dropping to 1-2 currently on the season.

Ric Flair Sees Similarities Between Aaron Rodgers and Arn Anderson

With Tom Brady retiring two seasons ago, Aaron Rodgers is currently the oldest active player in the NFL. Even with Brady, the New York Jets’ QB is one of the purest top talents to ever enter the league. It’s no surprise that before the Jets played the New England Patriots this past Thursday that Ric Flair took to social media to put a picture-by-picture comparison of Rodgers next to his Four Horsemen compatriot, Arn Anderson, one of the purest pro wrestlers to ever step foot in the ring.

Rodgers infamously tore his Achilles tendon to start the 2023 season, taking him out for the whole year, but much like Arn, Rodgers didn’t appear to age on Thursday as he ripped the Patriots apart, going 27 for 35 with 281 passing yards, two touchdowns and a 118.9 passer rating. The Jets are now 2-1 after handing their division rival one hefty loss.

Sheamus Revs Up The Tennessee Titan Fans (Almost)

Sheamus may be Irish, but The Celtic Warrior packs quite the presence in Nashville, TN. Sunday was no exception as Sheamus took to Nissan Stadium to amp up the crowd ahead of the Titans playing the Packers. However, all that was “White Noise” as Will Levis and the Titans fell to the Green Bay Packers 30-14.

Jamaal Williams Believes In Joe Hendry

Many wrestling fans “believe” in Joe Hendry, but some NFL players do too. Jamaal Williams, running back for the New Orleans Saints, is one of them. Heading into warm-ups before his team played the Philadelphia Eagles this weekend, Williams hit up the Saints social media team to sing the Joe Hendry theme for the viewers.

Williams may now have channel Journey with “Don’t Stop Believing” as the Saints fell to the Eagles 15-12.

AEW & WWE Stars Reunite For The 49ers vs. The Rams

There was quite the pro wrestling reunion in Los Angeles this weekend as AEW stars joined up with WWE stars to celebrate their San Francisco 49ers. Bayley, Leila Gray, Mercedes Mone, Tamina Snuka and Naomi all met up to cheer on the Brock Purdy-led red and gold. However, much like Giovanni Vinci this past Friday with Apollo Crews, the Los Angeles Rams has the Niners’ number, rolling up for an upset win with a game-winning field goal.

Wrestling Related Games Win-Loss Record

It’s a rough start to the season for wrestling and football related news as the team tied with pro wrestling went 1-4 for the week.

As AEW’s 5th anniversary approaches, wrestling fans are buzzing with anticipation for the potential clash between Will Ospreay and Ricochet. These two high-flying superstars have a storied history of electrifying matches that have pushed the boundaries of athletic prowess in professional wrestling. To prepare for their potential encounter, let’s take a look at their most memorable battles, ranked from good to legendary.

4. RevPro High Stakes 2013

While not their most polished encounter, this early match showcased the raw potential of both performers. At this point, Ospreay was still establishing himself on the UK indie scene, while Ricochet was already making waves internationally in places like PWG. The bout gave fans a glimpse of the chemistry that would define their future clashes.

3. EVOLVE 59 (2016)

This indie showcase allowed Ospreay and Ricochet to let loose without the constraints of a major promotion. The result was a dazzling display of athleticism that left fans in awe.

While not reaching the heights of their most famous encounters, this match earned a respectable ****1/2 rating and further cemented their reputation as two of wrestling’s premier high-flyers.

2. NJPW Best of the Super Juniors XXIII (2016)

This is the bout that truly put Ospreay and Ricochet on the map, sparking intense debate within the wrestling community about what is and isn’t “proper wrestling.”

While many fans and critics praised the match for its innovation, others, including wrestling legend Vader, criticized it for straying too far from traditional wrestling. This divide only increased interest in both performers and their unique style and actually led to Vader vs Ospreay at Rev Pro in a bizarre twist.

1. NJPW Best of the Super Juniors XXIV (2017)

Building on their previous encounters, this match represents the peak of Ospreay and Ricochet’s in-ring chemistry and work together.

Critical Acclaim

This match received widespread praise, earning a near-perfect ****3/4 rating from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. It’s considered not just their best encounter, but one of the finest junior heavyweight matches of that decade.

Why It’s Their Best

• Perfect balance of high spots and storytelling
• Showcased their improved strength and striking abilities
• Culmination of their rivalry, with each man intimately familiar with the other’s moveset

One of the wildest stories from the WWE over the last three years has been the rise of Logan Paul. Wrestling fans were quick to dismiss him as a B-list celebrity WWE was wasting its time with early on. However, his in-ring performances escalated, from a startlingly good tag team debut at WrestleMania 38, to an even better singles performance opposite The Miz at SummerSlam 2022, to holding his own challenging Roman Reigns for a world title in Saudi Arabia.

Paul has gone on thrive on athleticism in the ring and playing the heel brilliantly on the mic. However, his real life persona has raised eyebrows, up to and including some fans suggesting that, even if he is quite good at wrestling, he’s not worth keeping under WWE contract. There are real questions regarding how much of his persona may be a work versus a shoot.

He’s Uniquely Polarizing

Even before he got involved in wrestling, a significant part of Logan Paul’s public persona has been about being outspoken, a little arrogant, and willing to poke at sensitive topics. Recent months have seen a major uptick in Paul grabbing headlines via comments on his podcast, social media and elsewhere.

In June, Paul hosted former president and current candidate Donald Trump on his podcast Impaulsive. The choice to have this guest at all drew strong responses (positive and negative), and things only escalated when Paul advertised the interview on social media with theatrics of him and Trump having a face off, as well as smiling together. From there, the interview itself took a pretty strong partisan stance in favor of Trump.

Paul’s summer was just heating up at that point, though. One of the bigger stories coming out of the 2024 Summer Olympics was that of Algeria’s Imane Khelif competing in women’s boxing after a controversial previous test had ruled her ineligible to fight women. Paul espoused hateful rhetoric that misidentified Khelif as a man. While he walked it back a little after learning more context, critics still pointed out that even his apology arguably had transphobic undertones.

These two high profile instances, amidst a controversial career in the public eye seemed to rattle the good faith Paul had built up among wrestling fans, as public sentiment started to veer away from him.

He’s a Firebrand

Logan Paul hosted Hulk Hogan on his podcast in September. The two got along famously during the interview, which itself raised some eyebrows for a sect of wrestling fans who have grown increasingly-disenchanted with The Hulkster. One of the headlines coming out of the interview, though, was Paul bashing Bret Hart, as he accused The Hitman of “talking sh*t on everyone that he used to work with and work for because,” and saying Hart’s commentary left a bitter taste in his mouth. Rather than slow down, Paul embraced a war of words with Kevin Nash afterword.

Big Daddy Cool knocked Paul on his own podcast, which sent Paul to social media to cut a full-on promo against the former WWE and WCW Champion. Therein, The Maverick identified himself as a top five WWE talent and went on to claim he was better at pro wrestling as a part timer than Nash ever was, before finishing off by directing an expletive his way.

Can’t Look Away

While there’s a substantial body of fans who’ve soured on Logan Paul, a very real question arises. Is is it possible that, just as Paul has demonstrated unexpectedly strong instinct and aptitude for the in-ring elements of wrestling, might he also have an unconventionally old school and effective approach to getting heat.

Paul plays a heel in WWE and there’s a case to be made that the way he has alienated a significant portion of wrestling fans has been strategic. Heck, maybe he’s even transcending wrestling and willingly playing the heel in larger pop culture, embracing not only controversy but down right venom toward him if it courts attention.

Paul targeting Bret Hart and Kevin Nash in recent comments may denote his actual opinions, but it may also mark an unconventional take on the old “legend killer” gimmick, most famously used by Randy Orton, with variations on it used by others including Rob Conway and Heath Slater at different points. The playbook is simple—for a young talent to get heat by disrespecting legends who are well past their prime and can’t shut him up in the ring. A gimmick like this would be a near perfect fit for a brash, not-quite-30-year-old heel around his physical prime.

Time will tell how much heat Logan Paul is drawing intentionally, or more organically based on his real personality. Regardless, he remains a lightning rod for attention and it will be especially interesting to see what happens if he does commit to his stated goal of starting up wrestling full time in the near future.

As the only promotion to truly compete with WWE in the late 20th century, World Championship Wrestling (WCW) remains a crucial and beloved part of pro wrestling history. Some of the biggest names in the sport passed through WCW, the promotion that officially began under that name in 1988, initially owned by Ted Turner.

We’ve already highlighted WCW’s legendary wrestlers like Ric Flair, Sting, Hulk Hogan, and Booker T, but what about the matches? Below, we dive into the iconic matches that defined WCW and still resonate with fans and critics today.

Ric Flair vs. Terry Funk – Great American Bash 1989

Ric Flair and Terry Funk are two titans of wrestling, and their 1989 feud gave us some of the best matches in WCW history. At the Great American Bash, Flair defended the NWA World Heavyweight Championship against Funk in a hard-hitting battle that showcased Flair’s versatility as a babyface. Though Flair is often more associated with his heel work, this match stands as one of his finest in-ring performances, solidifying 1989 as perhaps the greatest year of his career.

Sting’s Squadron vs. Dangerous Alliance (WarGames) – WrestleWar 1992

WarGames matches in WCW were often hit-or-miss, but the 1992 showdown between Sting’s Squadron and the Dangerous Alliance was an undeniable hit. Featuring a stacked roster—Sting, Steve Austin (before he was Stone Cold), Ricky Steamboat, Rick Rude, and more—this match is remembered as one of the greatest WarGames bouts ever. It’s an explosive two-ring, steel cage brawl that perfectly captures the intensity and spectacle WCW brought to the table.

Ric Flair vs. Terry Funk – Clash of the Champions IX (I Quit Match)

Returning to Flair and Funk, their epic 1989 feud culminated in an “I Quit” match at Clash of the Champions IX. This was no ordinary TV event; WCW’s Clash shows delivered pay-per-view quality action for free, and this match was no exception. The intensity and emotion on display brought a fitting conclusion to one of wrestling’s greatest rivalries, proving that Flair and Funk’s chemistry could elevate any card to legendary status.

Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio – Halloween Havoc 1997

The Cruiserweight division consistently stole the show in WCW, and the mask vs. title match between Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio at Halloween Havoc 1997 was a masterclass in high-flying, fast-paced wrestling. Guerrero spent much of the match trying to unmask Mysterio, but Mysterio’s quickness and innovation kept him one step ahead. The match ended with Mysterio reversing a hurricanrana into a pin, securing his victory and cementing this bout as one of the greatest Cruiserweight matches of all time.

Ricky Steamboat vs. Ric Flair – Clash of the Champions VI (2-out-of-3 Falls)

One of the greatest trilogies in wrestling history is undoubtedly Ric Flair vs. Ricky Steamboat in 1989. Their 2-out-of-3 falls match at Clash of the Champions VI showcased the endurance and technical brilliance of both men. Running nearly an hour, this bout was an epic for its time, offering free TV audiences a match worthy of any pay-per-view. Though often regarded as the “worst” of their trilogy, it’s still an all-time great, illustrating how high the bar was set by these two legends.

Ricky Steamboat vs. Ric Flair – WrestleWar 1989

The third and final match of Flair and Steamboat’s 1989 trilogy took place at WrestleWar, where Flair regained the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Though it wasn’t their best outing, it was still a stunning example of in-ring storytelling. The aftermath was equally memorable, as Terry Funk attacked Flair after the match, setting the stage for another iconic feud. WrestleWar 1989 is a standout in WCW history, bringing a close to one of wrestling’s most celebrated rivalries.

Ric Flair vs. Ricky Steamboat – Chi-Town Rumble 1989

The first match in the Flair-Steamboat trilogy at Chi-Town Rumble is considered by many to be the pinnacle of professional wrestling. If we were ranking the greatest matches in the history of the sport, this one could easily top the list. The pacing, the in-ring storytelling, and the pure athleticism on display were revolutionary. What makes this match even more impressive is that much of it was called on the fly, showcasing the incredible chemistry and skill of both men. Chi-Town Rumble remains a must-watch for any wrestling fan.

These matches represent the peak of WCW, a promotion that pushed the boundaries of professional wrestling during its heyday. From high-flying Cruiserweight action to grueling heavyweight rivalries, WCW’s legacy is cemented in these unforgettable moments.

Bryan Danielson, also known as Daniel Bryan in WWE, is of course widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. Throughout his illustrious career spanning multiple promotions, Danielson has consistently delivered exceptional in-ring performances.

Here, we’ll explore some of the best Bryan Danielson matches across his tenures in Ring of Honor (ROH), WWE, and All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

Ring of Honor (ROH) Classics

Bryan Danielson vs. KENTA – ROH Glory By Honor V

Considered by many to be Danielson’s magnum opus, this match against KENTA (also known as Hideo Itami in WWE) at ROH Glory By Honor V is a masterclass in professional wrestling. 

The bout featured a perfect blend of technical wizardry, high-flying moves, and hard-hitting strikes. As ROH World Champion, Danielson put on a clinic against the undefeated KENTA, showcasing his versatility and cementing his status as one of the best in the world.

Bryan Danielson vs. Nigel McGuinness – ROH Unified 2006

Another standout performance came against Nigel McGuinness at ROH Unified in 2006. This title unification match was a grueling, physical encounter that pushed both men to their limits.

The technical prowess on display, combined with the intense rivalry between the two, created an unforgettable spectacle that still holds up as one of Danielson’s finest outings.

WWE Milestones

Daniel Bryan vs. John Cena – SummerSlam 2013

Danielson’s WWE run, under the name Daniel Bryan, produced numerous memorable matches. His clash with John Cena at SummerSlam 2013 stands out as a career-defining moment. 

The match saw Bryan near the height of his popularity, challenging for the WWE Championship. The in-ring chemistry between the two was palpable, resulting in a thrilling contest that culminated in Bryan’s first WWE Championship win.

Daniel Bryan vs. Triple H – WrestleMania 30

The opening match of WrestleMania 30 saw Bryan take on Triple H in a high-stakes bout that would see the winner go on to the main event of the night. 

The intensity and storytelling in this match were off the charts, with both men delivering one of the best WrestleMania openers of all time. Bryan’s victory set the stage for his triumphant main event later that night, making this match a crucial part of his WWE legacy.

Daniel Bryan vs. Brock Lesnar – Survivor Series 2018

In what many consider one of the best WWE matches of the past decade, Bryan faced off against Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series 2018. 

This David vs. Goliath encounter showcased Bryan’s resilience and technical prowess against Lesnar’s raw power and intensity. The match’s use of psychology and storytelling were exceptional, with Bryan’s performance elevating him even in defeat.

AEW Showstoppers

Bryan Danielson vs. Kenny Omega – AEW Grand Slam 2021

Danielson’s AEW debut match against Kenny Omega at Grand Slam 2021 lived up to the immense hype surrounding it. 

The 30-minute time limit draw was a wrestling clinic, featuring two of the best in-ring performers of their generation. This match set the tone for Danielson’s AEW run and reminded fans of his world-class abilities.

Bryan Danielson vs. “Hangman” Adam Page – AEW Dynamite (January 5, 2022)

Following a time limit draw in their previous encounter, Danielson and Page delivered an instant classic on the January 5, 2022 episode of AEW Dynamite. 

The match was a bloody, intense affair that showcased both men’s technical skills and storytelling abilities. This bout further solidified Danielson’s status as one of AEW’s top performers.

Bryan Danielson vs. Zack Sabre Jr. – AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2023

At the cross-promotional event Forbidden Door, Danielson faced off against British technical wizard Zack Sabre Jr. The match was a masterclass in mat-based wrestling, with both men showcasing their vast repertoire of holds and counters.

This encounter highlighted Danielson’s ability to adapt to different styles and deliver world-class performances against a variety of opponents.

Read More – Greatest Bryan Danielson AEW Matches (Ranked)

Honorable Mentions

While it’s impossible to cover all of Danielson’s greatest matches, some other notable encounters include:

• vs. Samoa Joe (ROH)
• vs. CM Punk (WWE Over The Limit 2012)
• vs. AJ Styles (WWE)
• vs. Kazuchika Okada (AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2023)
• vs. MJF (AEW Revolution 2023)

CM Punk has been one of WWE’s biggest stars during his tenure with the company from 2006 to 2014 and the end of 2023 to now. Known for his mic work and controversial persona and solid in-ring work, Punk has delivered many memorable matches throughout his WWE career.

Here, we rank the very best CM Punk matches in WWE history.

Read More – Worst WWE Merchandise Ever: Does The CM Punk Bracelet Make The List?

Greatest CM Punk WWE Matches

CM Punk vs. John Cena vs. Big Show (SummerSlam 2012)

This triple threat match for the WWE Championship saw all three men shine. Punk retained his title in dramatic fashion, continuing his historic 434-day reign.

CM Punk vs. Jeff Hardy – Steel Cage Match (SmackDown, August 2009)

This intense steel cage match saw Punk defeat Jeff Hardy, forcing Hardy to leave WWE as per the match stipulation. The bout featured great high-risk spots that played off their contrasting personalities and lifestyles as Straight Edge and…er…not so straight edge.

CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho (Payback 2013)

Taking place in Punk’s hometown of Chicago, this match saw the returning Punk defeat Jericho in an excellent back-and-forth contest. The electric crowd and stellar in-ring action made this a standout bout.

CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan (Over the Limit 2012)

Two of the best technical wrestlers of their generation clashed for the WWE Championship in this critically-acclaimed match. Punk and Bryan’s chemistry was on full display as they put on a wrestling clinic.

CM Punk vs. The Undertaker (WrestleMania 29)

Punk gave The Undertaker one of his best WrestleMania matches in this encounter. The build-up involving Paul Bearer’s death added emotional weight to an already stellar contest.

CM Punk vs. John Cena (RAW, February 2013)

Often considered their best match together, this RAW main event saw Punk and Cena pull out all the stops in an epic encounter. The winner would go on to face The Rock at WrestleMania 29.

CM Punk vs. John Cena (Money in the Bank 2011)

Taking place in Punk’s hometown of Chicago, the electric atmosphere elevated this match to legendary status. Punk’s victory and subsequent exit with the WWE Championship became an iconic moment.

CM Punk vs. Brock Lesnar (SummerSlam 2013)

Punk’s performance against the much larger Lesnar was nothing short of masterful. The no disqualification stipulation allowed for a brutal, hard-hitting affair that showcased Punk’s toughness and in-ring psychology. This match is widely considered Punk’s best in WWE, JUST above the MITB match.

World Championship Wrestling (WCW) was a major force in professional wrestling from 1988 to 2001, rivaling WWE and producing some of the most iconic moments in wrestling history. During its run, WCW showcased an incredible array of talent that helped define the late 80s and Monday Night Wars eras. Let’s take a look at the greatest WCW wrestlers of all time, ranked from 12 down to 1 based on their impact, skill, and legacy within the company.

11. Scott Steiner

Scott Steiner’s transformation from one half of the Steiner Brothers tag team to the “Big Poppa Pump” persona is one of wrestling’s most dramatic character evolutions.

His freakish strength, intimidating presence, and outrageous promos made him one of WCW’s most memorable heel champions in its final years.

10. “Macho Man” Randy Savage

Randy Savage’s run in WCW saw him reinvent himself multiple times, from his initial feud with Ric Flair to his nWo Hollywood days. Savage captured the WCW World Heavyweight Championship four times and remained a top draw throughout his tenure.

His ability to deliver compelling promos and matches made him an integral part of WCW’s success.

9. Dean Malenko

“The Man of 1,000 Holds,” Dean Malenko was a cornerstone of WCW’s cruiserweight division. His technical prowess and no-nonsense demeanor provided a perfect contrast to the flashier styles of his contemporaries.

Malenko’s series of matches with Rey Mysterio Jr. and Chris Jericho are still revered by wrestling purists.

8. Eddie Guerrero

Eddie Guerrero’s charisma and in-ring ability made him a star in WCW’s cruiserweight division.

His matches with Rey Mysterio Jr. set a new standard for high-flying action. Guerrero’s ability to connect with the audience, both as a face and heel, showcased his versatility and laid the groundwork for his future WWE success.

7. Chris Benoit

Known as “The Canadian Crippler,” Chris Benoit was the epitome of technical wrestling excellence in WCW.

His intensity and grappling skills made him a standout in the cruiserweight division before he ascended to main event status. Benoit’s matches with Kevin Sullivan, Booker T, and his fellow Horsemen are considered some of the best in WCW history.

6. Booker T

Rising through the tag team ranks with his brother Stevie Ray as Harlem Heat, Booker T evolved into a singles superstar in WCW’s later years.

A five-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, Booker’s charisma and in-ring skills made him one of the company’s last great babyfaces. His memorable catchphrases and spin-a-roonie became fan favorites.

5. Diamond Dallas Page

DDP’s journey from manager to main event star is one of WCW’s greatest success stories. His everyman appeal and signature Diamond Cutter finisher made him a fan favorite.

Page’s feuds with Randy Savage, Sting, and the nWo showcased his versatility and cemented his place as one of WCW’s homegrown stars.

4. Hulk Hogan

While Hulk Hogan made his name in WWE, his impact on WCW cannot be overstated. Hogan’s arrival in 1994 brought mainstream attention to the company, and his shocking heel turn to form the nWo in 1996 changed the wrestling landscape forever.

As Hollywood Hogan, he became WCW’s top villain and a central figure in the Monday Night Wars.

3. Goldberg

Few wrestlers have made as immediate and lasting an impact as Goldberg. His undefeated streak of 173-0 captivated audiences and made him one of WCW’s biggest draws.

Goldberg’s intensity, power, and no-nonsense approach created a phenomenon that rivaled even Steve Austin in popularity at points.

2. Sting

The face-painted warrior known as Sting was WCW’s franchise player throughout its existence. From his early days as a bleach-blonde surfer to his dark, brooding “Crow” persona, Sting remained a fan favorite and a symbol of WCW’s resistance against the nWo invasion. His epic encounters with Ric Flair and Hollywood Hogan are among the most memorable in the company’s history.

1. Ric Flair

The “Nature Boy” Ric Flair stands atop the mountain as the greatest WCW wrestler of all time. A 16-time world champion, Flair’s charisma, in-ring prowess, and leadership of the Four Horsemen made him the face of WCW for over a decade. His legendary feuds with Sting, Ricky Steamboat, and Vader are etched in wrestling history.

In 2005, the WWE Universe was introduced to Dominik, a sweet kid caught up in the deeply personal rivalry of Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero. Nobody at the time could’ve predicted that this sweet-faced boy would one day become one of WWE’s most loathed villains who elicits boos without having to say a word.

Dominik Mysterio is one of WWE’s top heels for a reason and in this article, we’re looking back at some of his most vile moments.

Crashing Thanksgiving

After betraying his father at Clash At The Castle 2022, Dominik and Rhea Ripley made clear their issues with Rey wouldn’t remain in the ring. For Thanksgiving that year, Dominik not only interrupted the family’s mean (to which he was not invited) but attacked his father in his own home.

Telling His Mom to Shut Up

With Dominik hating his father, his mother Angie tried to be the voice of reason in this family drama. On an episode of SmackDown, Dominik yelled at his mom to shut up, in a disgusting display from the self-professed hardened criminal.

Walking Out On His Father’s Hall of Fame Speech

In 2023, Rey Mysterio took his rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame after a legendary in-ring career. Before the masked legend could begin his acceptance speech in earnest though, Dominik walked out, flanked by Rhea Ripley and Damian Priest.

Throwing a Drink in his Sister’s Face

Just one night after the Hall of Fame, Dominik proved that his issues weren’t just with his father, but his entire family. During his WrestleMania 39 match with Rey, Dominik threw his sister Aalyah’s drink in her face, earning the fury of his sister and their mom.

Betraying Rhea Ripley

In the run-up to SummerSlam 2024, Dominik had seemingly made clear that he was aligned with Rhea Ripley in her feud with Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan. At the PLE in Cleveland though, Mysterio aided Morgan in her match with ‘Mami’ ending a nearly-two-year partnership between Mysterio and the Australian Superstar.

Dominik Mysterio’s villainy seemingly knows no depths and he will be by Morgan’s side when she defends her gold once again against Rhea Ripley at WWE Bad Blood. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Dominik Mysterio and the depths he’ll sink to.

I first met Nigel McGuinness in 2001 at Les Thatcher’s Main Event Wrestling Camp. He was kind enough to give me an interview shortly before a weekday Heartland Wrestling Association show.

I was one of maybe 10 people in the crowd. The camp recently changed locations and Nigel recently returned to the United States. When ABC’s 20/20 recorded a segment on professional wrestling, they came to Thatcher’s camp. Nigel was featured in one portion of the segment, telling his story how he was now on his second VISA, working to resume training and looking for his shot, which at the time was his end-all, be-all goal of working for World Wrestling Entertainment and winning the world title.

McGuinness was a prototypical athlete, but in 2001, he wasn’t a prototypical pro wrestler. He was tall, but he didn’t have the bodybuilder look of most talent of the time. He was too tall and too big to be one of nameless spot specialists, the type of wrestlers who watched WCW’s Cruiserweight division and cut out all of the wrestling and psychology.

When Nigel returned to the states, the wrestling industry had been cut to a third. ECW was out of business, WCW was out of business and WWE was the only major company. HWA, which previously was a developmental territory for WCW, would soon have a developmental deal with WWE. Nigel didn’t get a developmental contract himself (much to the chagrin of Thatcher, and from what I heard, other WWE developmental mainstays like Jim Cornette and Tom Pirtchard).

Even though the HWA was soon invaded by former WCW wrestlers and WWE developmental stars-in-the-waiting, they didn’t wrestle as well as the HWA talent, paying their dues and tuition. When developmental talent arrived, HWA was already drawing hundreds to shows, wrestling in three different states and put on matches that were making news across the burgeoning online wrestling scene.

But professional wrestling is not always about being better. Somestimes, it’s seldom about being better.

I watched Nigel wrestle dozens of times. During any other era he was a sure star in the making on personality alone, but during the early days of the monopoly, it was almost impossible to see where he would fit into the picture. For him to make it, a total re-invention of the business would have to take place. Physicality, psychology, promos, natural charisma – those were the tools he had in his toolbox, but he didn’t fit the mold. And as my own extremely inexperienced outlook would learn many times over the years, those who don’t fit the mold tend to be the wrestlers who are the most special.

Roll On

McGuinness had this strange ability of finding a way to be the most over person on any card. If it was a new town or audience, give him two shows and people paid good money to listen to his rants at the crowd or see him take his shots. His natural heel personality, the punk rock, blue collar look, and the instantly recognizable entrance music by The Living End, made it easy to know when he was coming.

I have several favorite Nigel stories. One, at first, was quite distressing. I was told privately that his green card had ran out and he was sleeping on Shark Boy’s floor while trying to stay in the country (the veracity of this, I believed at the time. Later, not so much. Wrestlers love working reporters). A week later, I wake to emails and voice mails saying Nigel had been arrested and hauled out of an HWA show by men in ICE jackets and tossed in a van. Nobody knew where he was. Fans told me they saw this. What in the hell.

A few weeks later, a valet who accompanied her storyline brother to the ring on a regular basis had an announcement that she was engaged. Her brother demanded to know who this guy was and couldn’t wait to meet him. “Roll On,” by The Living End began cranking its iconic intro.

Pro wrestlers talk about different levels of heat. When fans are angry, into it, hate the heels. The HWA training faciiity, which was now drawing 75 to 100 fans for its weekly weekday shows and hundreds on weekend shows at other places, sounded like a prison riot.

Like all bad guys, when you’re really good at being bad, that’s when the crowd starts to see you as good. Within a month Nigel was a babyface. Confused former WCW talent and WWE developmental dealers couldn’t understand why the crowd loved this guy with the spiky blond hair more than them. They had the deals and were the chosen ones, but that doesn’t mean you’re good.

Ups and Downs of the hyper motivated

McGuinness was the most focused pro wrestler I’d ever covered. I interviewed dozens, talked to dozens, became friends with dozens, but Nigel made it clear to everyone, his career goal was to make it to WWE and become WWE world champion.

By this time, I knew how politics worked inside WWE. The last thing you wanted the company to know is how badly you wanted to be there. This was setting yourself up for major problems.

The company never admits it, but the talent that plays hard to get or has options tend to get the best deals and tend to get the most effort. It’s a strange thing, but this was how the company worked, and Nigel’s vocal mindset helped him grow and keep focused and grew him fans throughout Ohio and the indies, but it was a negative as far as how backstage politics worked in WWE.

Before the first Pillman memorial show, I talked with Nigel for about half an hour. He was down on his prospects, which is normal for anyone that’s highly motivated the ups and downs in making it any tough business are tremendous. Having this mindset in pro wrestling, which is subjective and is determined in totality on a few people, has to be torture.

This was the last time I talked to Nigel. Around this time, to make up for the gaping hole left by two major companies, independents began picking up steam. In the spirit of the Super J Cup, or the G1, tournaments started popping up on the east coast, featuring the best unsigned talent in the country. A couple guys, who sold ECW tapes online through RF Video, attended and saw how much talent was at these shows and realized there was enough to start a company.

A year later Ring of Honor launched. After several shows around Philadelphia, they took a shot and went to Dayton, Ohio, where HWA had drew 500-plus crowds monthly on a regular basis. Nigel McGuinness wrestled his first match for ROH that night. I remember walking the parking lot and counting the license plates from different states. It was like ECW when it had its first Dayton show, it was a grand opening to the rest of the country. This was the night Nigel debuted for ROH.

TNA, WWE, Retirement

Ring of Honor inherited the renegade spirit of ECW, and it was the perfect intellectual fit for Nigel. McGuinness was a technically solid wrestler, but he didn’t take off until he built his own identity. BJ Whitmer, who trained with McGuinness in the HWA and worked with him for years in ROH, once told me it wasn’t until Nigel began watching World of Sport that he began to form his own wrestling psychological personality. It was perfect timing for him and ROH, which needed strong promos, strong personalities and charismatic faces, and Nigel had all of that.

Instead of adoptin the tropes of XPW, TNA and the other smaller companies that popped up or were around, Nigel wasn’t doing flaming table spots. He made his claim as the best wrestler in the world, adopted the lariat, and along with other workers in ROH and on the indies, began developing a new US style that drew on Japan, the Pillars, the Southeast, WCW’s Cruiserweight division and WWE’s main event style. It was perfect. It was true punk rock. If the TV companies were doing 5 minute matches, he was going an hour. If they were throwing themselves off balconies, he’d work snug with anyone and keep it on the mat.

He found the perfect opponent in Bryan Danielson. Danielson was considered too short for WWE. If you’re short and you can’t do a shooting star press, that’s a problem. He was physical, he wrestled on the mat, he liked to kick heads in. Nigel’s matches with Danielson began inspiring wrestlers around the world. His success inspired wrestlers in Europe and soon a strong independent scene appeared in the UK.

While WWE’s main event still held strong to psychology, the pomp and circumstance was what the company sold to fans. This wasn’t the case with Nigel, Danielson and others. This group saved psychological storytelling in wrestling. While they were doing this in. the US, Tanahashi was taking form in New Japan, a company that was near death.

McGuinness was a top performer for years, but it took WWE a long time before they offered him a developmental contract.

Things fell apart after he failed a physical, his deal was denied, as the story goes. He continued on the indies for a few more years, and over a decade ago, he retired.

He became the management face of ROH, a top color commentator and a valued voice.

The came WWE. They wanted Nigel, but as an announcer.

Nigel’s story was so compelling, it was the subject of a documentary on WWE Network just after he signed to be WWE’s color commentator for NXT UK.

Wembley

After WWE laid off Nigel from his NXT announcing gig, he landed in AEW and Ring of Honor, which was purchased by Tony Khan around this time. Immediately, he began taking shots at his former rival Danielson. Danielson advised Nigel to stay retired during a press scrum, but the seeds were already being laid.

Dave Meltzer said McGuinness’s addition to the All In card at Wembley came together shortly beforehand, but not in the mind of McGuinness. The shape he was in, the stamina he had, the level of his work, this was not someone who decided to do this just a few weeks before the show. Nigel was considered one of the highlights of the night.

It was nice, a one-night return. Except it isn’t one night. Nigel cut two amazing promos the following week, challenging Bryan Danielson to a non-title match at AEW Grand Slam. At the home of the U.S. Open, in the building named after Arthur Ashe, McGuinness wants Danielson. And it won’t end there. AEW may think it’s a one-off. I don’t know. I know Nigel doesn’t see it as a one-off.

In the movie Demolition Man, Sylvester Stallone is hunting down an escaped convict played by Wesley Snipes. “To catch a maniac, send a maniac,” Stallone mutters to himself at one point. Maybe it takes a maniac, to book a maniac. Nigel’s on the loose, and the Forbidden Door Tony Khan is the booker. Nigel isn’t letting off the gas, unless an unforseen injury comes up, he’s not going away.

You don’t come back after a decade and put in that work, not when you’re the highly motivated, and go back to the commentator’s chair with no plans to get back in the ring. Whether Khan knows it or not, he’s entering the Age of McGuinness.

It’s coming. No one will out-work him, no one will out-talk him. He’s going to be relentless. He’s not going to give you a great promo, he’s going to melt ears. He’s going to melt the ring, he’s ruthless and in his mind the AEW Title is probably a certainty.

Whether AEW knows it, the talent, the producers – it’s all over. Just make the plans. Line him up with Swerve, Hangman, Orange, the rest. Let him do his thing. Maybe he needs more time in between matches, but you’re talking about a real life mad scientist (he has the college credentials) who has watched Chris Jericho, CM Punk, Christopher Daniels and others wrestle into their 40s and 50s. He’s done his homework, he’s watched their work at ringside, he knows what he can do and he knows what they can do.

He learned wrestling and psychology from the best, Les Thatcher. He spent a decade wrestling the best, at the top of the list, Danielson. He’s had a decade to ponder a possible last chance. I haven’t talked to Nigel in 20 years. I left wrestling, got into newspapers and went on my own route, but I know the guy and just make the plans now – put the belt on him. Book it. He’ll be another on a list of colossal WWE flubs and horrible judges of talent (Athena, Swerve, what happened??), and AEW can laugh to the bank, and Nigel will laugh hardest.

He’s in it to win it, get out of the way.

In 2012, WWE transitioned to airing Raw for three hours every week. The move was a clear business decision. As streaming services started finding their footing and television viewer became less reliant on cable, there was drive to fill a lot of hours with live TV that ran year round and had a loyal following. Three hour Raws were very good for WWE’s business.

The move was controversial from fans’ perspectives, though, with some already complaining about a high volume of three-hour Raw specials, only to see the issues of bloated shows exacerbated by three-hour broadcasts every week. WWE recently announced a transition back to two hours, with early rumblings suggesting that change will hold into the move to Netflix in 2025. This transition is ultimately the best thing for the show and its viewers.

Three Hours Always Felt Too Long

Wrestling fans will readily consume a three-hour super card, as has often been the standard for the pay-per-view or Premium Live Event models. When these events only happened a few times a year, or even when they ballooned to monthly occurrences, it was nonetheless fun for fans to come together, order some pizza, and enjoy this occasional experience.

A three-hour weekly television show is a much tougher sell. Whether it’s for working adults, younger people in school, or a variety of other demographics, it can be hard for a viewer to dedicate that much time to their TV in a sitting, and to do so on that regular of a basis.

A two-hour block is much more natural fit for the average fan’s weekly schedule and viewing habits. While the occasional longer special episode can work, a transition from three, back to two hours marks a potential end to the days when watching Raw feels like a chore or a slog to endure, but rather scales things back to more moderate, consistently enjoyable viewing experience.

WWE Can Tighten Its Focus With Two-Hour Shows

It’s a matter of personal opinion which era of Monday Night Raw was the best and factors like nostalgia as well as individual preferences around in-ring action, storytelling, and character work all coming into play when people pick favorites. It is difficult to deny, however, that the hottest period in Raw’s history—when the product had the most eyes on it and was subject to the most water cooler talk, roping in casual fans–came during The Attitude Era.

There were a lot of factors that contributed to the Attitude Era’s success, but it’s no coincidence that the roughly five-year stretch that encompasses this period saw Raw air for two hours. Two hours was enough time to tell stories and include compelling matches, but also a short enough time that it hardly ever felt as though there was filler dragging the product down or testing viewers’ patience.

WWE has been on a hot streak since Triple H took over creative and there are justifiably some concerns that fewer minutes will result in fewer opportunities for a wide swathe of talents to shine. While there is some legitimacy to this concern, there’s also a real case to be made that the cream will always rise to the top. Moreover, if having just two hours of TV times makes talents step up their game to earn their minutes or leads to unexpected partnerships for talents to share TV time, there’s a lot of potential for great TV ahead.

The Netflix Platform May Afford WWE The Best Of All Worlds

One of the selling points of Raw on Netflix that has already been established is a no-commercial model, which will open up a lot of storytelling possibilities, including big matches airing without interruption and opportunities to have one match or promo flow into another in ways that are traditionally pretty challenging to pull off.

The move to Netflix also opens the possibility of more flexible timing. A two-hour standard baseline makes sense for Raw. But what if a match or a promo segment runs long? While WWE will surely have to work within reasonable parameters for the sake of the live audience and venue, it looks feasible an episode could run two hours and fifteen minutes when it needs to. By contrast, if everything were to occur within an hour and fifty minutes, that would probably be fine as well. Just as Netflix shows like Stranger Things have famously had episode run times ranging from around the forty-five-minute mark in season one to the season four finale that clocked in at two hours and nineteen minutes, Raw may well be able to organically expand and contract according to the needs of the show as opposed the constraints of a cable television broadcast.

Only time will truly tell if two hours is the better fit for WWE Raw, but this is a change that entails plenty of reasons for optimism in watchability, focus, and the potential for flexibility that a streaming platform affords.

With a roster of premiere talent across its brands, Cody Rhodes has emerged as the leader WWE can champion in any capacity. Saturday’s Bash In Berlin post-show was the perfect example of that.

Rhodes had to make the EVP hot tag for Triple H by providing the attendance figures for Berlin. That alone is a testament to the confidence they have in Cody as their Atlas, and he excelled in several ways. Rhodes has the ability to walk the tightrope of keeping the company in mind while also being forthright in a press conference where he doesn’t necessarily have to be. The trust is there, and for good reason.

Cody navigated a Randy Orton question that in all likelihood played spoiler to a major storyline planned, but that was just the warm-up to the crossfire he was about to get in. Rhodes got the double-barrel aimed his way when he was asked outright about the Netflix Vince McMahon docu-series, a question that deserved to be asked, but there were two more add-ons: “Why has the locker room been so silent” and “do you believe Janel Grant?”

Handling Difficult Situations

Both questions were more sensational than professional. 1) Many prominent figures had addressed the situation when the story initially broke, and 2) Cody shouldn’t be put in a position to play judge. It was clearly a question designed to generate headlines, and it succeeded, but Rhodes navigated the waters beautifully, saying, “I don’t know enough about the information to give you a good enough answer. I’m sorry.”

Regarding the perceived silence in the locker room, Rhodes noted, “I don’t think that’s a matter of belief versus non-belief. I think, strictly speaking, we want to be doing what we were doing out there.” He mentioned that the locker room learned about the documentary just as the rest of the world did.

He handled the questions with such skill that even a seasoned White House press secretary would be impressed.

Cody’s position at the forefront of WWE’s brand is a testament to both his individual efforts and the company’s support. His merchandise sales are booming, a clear indication of his popularity and the fans’ embrace of his genuine babyface persona, a sentiment that had seemed absent since the Hulkamania era.

The First Cody Rhodes

Cody’s revival of this classic persona has been a welcome addition to the new era of WWE. CM Punk and Damian Priest effectively fill those alternative roles on RAW, but Cody, as the modern-day Babe Ruth, provides WWE (and pro wrestling as a whole) with a sense of positive nostalgia, reimagined for today’s audience.

Fans are concerned with Cody getting overshadowed by a Roman Reigns babyface run, but Reigns feels like he’ll basically have the schedule he’s used to. The consistency is what will keep Rhodes the guy the company can lean on. The presence of both feels like they’ll enhance rather than hinder one another. That table was already set with Roman helping Cody retain at SummerSlam. Adversaries becoming allies always creates intrigue, and the two may have a “Final Boss” to deal with during WrestleMania season.

Cody’s rise also coincides with John Cena’s retirement tour in 2025. Cena held that role for years when the crowd wasn’t willing to embrace it, but Cena stayed the course through the “Cena sucks” chants and fans ultimately appreciated him for it. Cody’s mentioned how he’s learned a lot about merchandise sales from John, but Cena undoubtedly laid the groundwork by showing staying steady in that role ultimately pays off.

For all of the talk of the next John Cena, Cody Rhodes is forging his own path in this new modern era. It’s all about playing the long-game, and Rhodes is WWE’s new marathon man.

Call him Sid Vicious, Sid Justice, Sycho Sid, or just plain Sid. Wrestling fans of the 1990s couldn’t avoid one of the most eye-catching and prolific attractions of the era. Sid Eudy had an incomparable look for a wrestling star and went on to play a major role in WWE and WCW alike, with stopovers in ECW and other smaller stages. While there are parts of his legacy that haven’t aged as well as others, he remains the subject of a great deal of nostalgia from some of wrestling’s hottest periods. Moreover, late in life, he role-modeled what life after wrestling perhaps should look like. Sadly, the world lost Eudy on August 26, 2024, but his legacy will remain for quite some time.

Sid Eudy Looked the Prototype of a Pro Wrestler

Though Sid Eudy famously had some real-life hard feelings with Arn Anderson (more on that later), Anderson nonetheless articulated what so many people who followed wrestling in the 1980s and 1990s thought: that Eudy had one of the greatest looks for pro wrestling of all time.

Indeed, billed at 6’9” and 317 pounds, Eudy was jacked to the gills, coming across as an absolute monster every time he walked to the ring. Accordingly, he was a key figure in popularizing some of the most over, fundamental big man offense of his generation and the ones to follow, delivering powerbombs and chokeslams with fiery authority.

Sid Eudy Wrestled in the Main Event of WrestleMania and Starrcade During the Monday Night War

Only a select few wrestlers have been entrusted with working the main event match at WrestleMania, and similarly, only a select class has had the chance to close WCW’s rough equivalent, Starrcade. The number of wrestlers who headlined both of these major shows is even smaller, and those who main-evented both Starrcade and WrestleMania during the white-hot period of the Monday Night War are limited to just two names: Bret Hart and Sid Eudy.

Eudy may seem like a less obvious name to have achieved this dual accomplishment and, in fairness, he was on the losing end of less-than-stellar main events in each instance. Nonetheless, his positioning to headline opposite some of the most iconic stars of the time in The Undertaker and Scott Steiner (not to mention main-eventing ‘Mania opposite Hulk Hogan at the tail end of the Golden Era) reinforces that Eudy was a consistent draw whom fans were eager to see working under the brightest spotlights in wrestling.

Sid Eudy’s Lows Don’t Overshadow the Way He Captured the Imagination of Wrestling Fans

The rise of the Internet wasn’t altogether kind to Sid Eudy. First and foremost, he wasn’t a “work rate” wrestler known to stage five-star classic matches. Moreover, he had some famous blunders during live promos and a weird reputation for allegedly feigning injury so he could play softball each year.

On top of all that, Eudy was involved in an infamous hotel room brawl that purportedly saw him stab Arn Anderson repeatedly with scissors in 1993. The incident wasn’t exactly a secret but exploded into fans’ consciousness online. Additionally, the last image many fans have of the big man was him incurring a horrifying leg injury in the ring during the main event of the Sin PPV in 2001.

There was plenty of reason for Eudy to become the subject of criticism and the butt of jokes following his retirement. Nonetheless, for fans who watched him live—especially as children—it’s hard to erase the aura the man once had. Indeed, for a certain generation, he was quite arguably the defining monster heel (or babyface) of wrestling and captured the imagination like few before or since.

Sid Eudy’s Life After Wrestling

One of the aspects of Sid Eudy’s life that will age quite well is that in a business in which so many people died young, often estranged from their families, or after making regrettable public comments that threatened to “cancel” their legacies, that was not Eudy’s story at all.

Eudy only appeared sporadically in wrestling post-WCW, working a bit on the indies and having a one-off appearance for WWE, taking down Heath Slater on Raw. More notably, his late-in-life social media posts were highlighted by loving photographs of him spending time with his grandchildren, looking content in a quieter life, away from the bright lights of wrestling.

Indeed, one of the sadder parts of Eudy’s final chapters of life is that he had openly written about his desire to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, citing that he thought he had a better shot with Vince McMahon no longer calling the shots. It’s unfortunate that he didn’t live to see this goal come to fruition before succumbing to cancer at the age of 63.

Sid Eudy lives on in the hearts and minds of professional wrestling as an influential star with an awesome look and prominent placement for some huge moments in wrestling history. It’s with a heavy heart and condolences to his loved ones that fans say farewell to The Master and The Ruler of the World.

Judgment Day has had its ups and downs, but it’s telling that this faction’s show-long angle wound up threading its way through SummerSlam, one of the biggest events on the WWE calendar. Indeed, in the men’s and women’s divisions alike on Monday Night Raw, Judgment Day has been a huge force, holding its own with the World Heavyweight Championship scene and drama between Drew McIntyre and CM Punk as one of the most buzzworthy parts of the brand.

One of the more interesting aspects of the creative success surrounding Judgment Day is that their history is in many ways repeating itself. That’s not only in having the Women’s World and Raw Tag Team Championships on lock—a familiar position for the group over the last year—but also in a number of specific choices around their booking that are playing out more successfully the second time around.

Judgment Day Has Ousted Its Longest Standing Members Again

One of the defining elements of Judgment Day as a unusual wrestling stable is that they kicked out their founder and first leader Edge just a couple months into the group’s run. That choice certainly appeared to hurt the group in the short-term, as they lost their lone bona fide main eventer and undisputed biggest name.

Nonetheless, Judgment Day rallied, particularly after Triple H took the reins of creative. Rhea Ripley came to dominate her show’s women’s division, while Dominik Mysterio found unlikely success as a heel fans loved to hate. JD McDonough is a talented hand who got a nice rub from joining the group and an immediate sense of identity, as opposed to getting lost in the main roster shuffle like he otherwise might have. Finn Balor was a steady de facto top name for the group, and Damian Priest grew into a role in which he arguably superseded Balor for star power. R-Truth injected some comedy, and working in a big-bodied lackey role wound up being a pretty perfect role for Carlito at this stage of his career.

Judgment Day started when Damian Priest helped Edge beat AJ Styles at WrestleMania 38, and Rhea Ripley was the next recruit. So it is that, in the group exiling Priest and Ripley at SummerSlam, they are staying true their history. They’ve booted their longest standing members and again reinvented themselves around their newer participants, not least of all including Liv Morgan enlisting in their ranks.

Dominik Mysterio Is Disloyal Again… And It Cuts Deeper This Time

It can be difficult to remember now, but in 2022, Dominik Mysterio was a white meat babyface and he floundered in the role—showing little personality and facing fan backlash for the sense he only had a featured spot on account of who his dad was. His heel turn and betrayal of his father, culminating in a showdown at WrestleMania 39, completely changed fans’ perspectives of Dirty Dom.

On one hand, betraying one’s father is without question a more profound act of disloyalty than betraying one’s girlfriend. However, it’s worth noting than in terms of Mysterio’s full-time, on screen work with WWE, his partnerships with Rey and with and Rhea Ripley weren’t actually so disparate in length, each running around two years.

More important than sheer time, there’s the matter of heat. When Dominik turned on his father it was a welcome change because their partnership felt stale and fans didn’t really buy into the younger Mysterio as a face. By contrast, there’s a real case to be made that the love triangle angle Dominik worked with Ripley and Liv Morgan was the single hottest storyline WWE had to offer from the spring through the summer.

There were certainly a fair share of fans who saw it coming when Dirty Dom turned on Mami. Nonetheless, the sight of him making out with Morgan in the aisle way while a beaten Ripley seethed was positively electric. Whether it’s good creative, good performances, or a simple matter of fans being along for the ride for the entirety of the couple’s kayfabe relationship, there’s little question that instance of Dominik’s betrayal hit even harder than his first.

Judgment Day Will Get Its Comeuppance

When Judgment Day kicked out Edge, it became the focal point of both the group’s and the rest of The Rated R Superstar’s WWE run that they’d get into each other’s business. It all culminated in Edge besting Finn Balor inside Hell in a Cell at WrestleMania 39.

There are plenty of permutations for WWE to run through in the current feud between Judgment Day and The Terror Twins. However things play out, though, it seems very likely things won’t be over until Rhea Ripley destroys Liv Morgan and Dominik Mysterio—probably getting her title back in the process. Meanwhile, at least one high-profile one-on-one showdown between Balor and Damian Priest also feels like an inevitability.

Whatever happens, Triple H has demonstrated a strength for booking factions who get heat, but also get what’s coming to them in the long term. Judgment Day looks set to move through that cycle once again.

Rumors Of Judgment Day’s Demise Have Been Greatly Exaggerated

When Judgment Day booted Edge, the naysayers were quick to jump on them, suggesting the group would never last. Indeed, it did feel like they were on life support for a while as the subsequent feud with The Ultimate Opportunist got stretched thin and the stable’s successes were few and far between.

The faction bounced back with a vengeance, though, becoming one of the most provocative parts of WWE programming, particularly from WrestleMania 40 to the present moment. Coming out of SummerSlam , rumors flew again that with Rhea Ripley and Damian Priest splintering, the stable might be over, or the remaining heels might rebrand under another name. Once again, the group wasn’t done quite yet, with Judgment Day vs. The Terror Twins really clicking in these weeks to follow.

It appears that this last piece—of fans sticking a fork in Judgment Day only for their part of WWE programming to reemerge, stronger than ever–has been the most defining part of the stable’s story. Who knows how much longer they’ll carry on, but the audience should understand by now never to count them out.

On August 23, 2023, the wrestling world was rocked by the passing of one of the industry’s most notable legends: Terry Funk. The former NWA World Heavyweight Champion passed away at the age of 79 after years of several health issues, including being diagnosed with dementia in 2021.

The Legacy of Terry Funk

Born on June 30, 1944, in Hammond, Indiana, Terry Funk was destined for the wrestling world. The son of Dory Funk Sr., a revered wrestler and promoter, Terry and his brother, Dory Funk Jr. were quite literally raised in the sport.

Terry debuted in 1965, quickly making a name for himself in his father’s promotion, Western States Sports, based in Amarillo, Texas. His early style was a reflection of his father’s influence—technical and hard-hitting. It would be a decade later that Funk’s crowning achievement came as on December 10, 1975, he won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship by defeating the legendary Jack Brisco. Funk held the gold for 14 months and his technically sound bouts proved why he was the right man to hold the 10 pounds of gold.

The Reinvention

In the 1980, Funk did what few wrestlers can, or rather, want, to do; he reinvented himself. Moving away from the pure technical style of his early career, Funk embraced a more violent, unhinged persona. His work in promotions including All Japan and later ECW showcased a different, more violent side, complimented nicely by his technical savvy in the ring. Funk’s feud with Ric Flair in 1989, particularly their brutal “I Quit” match at WCW Clash of the Champions IX continues to be considered one of the pivotal matches of the career in both men.

As a pivotal figure in hardcore wrestling, it is fitting that Funk became ECW World Heavyweight Champion at the extreme promotion’s first pay-per-view, Barely Legal 1997. Having Funk be a part of the promotion proved to be pivotal for the rag-tag promotion that was looking to make its mark in wrestling, as the legacy and prestige of Funk proved impossible to deny.

An Influencer

Terry Funk’s impact on professional wrestling extends beyond his in-ring accomplishments. He was a mentor to countless wrestlers, including Mick Foley, Steve Austin, and Tommy Dreamer, all of whom credit Funk with helping them shape their careers. In the foreword of Funk’s book More Than Just Hardcore, Foley recalls being under a ring for over an hour as part of a planned spot involving Funk, stating that despite the cramped and uncomfortable area, he’d do anything for his mentor.

Funk’s influence also reached Hollywood, where he appeared in several films, including Road House and Over the Top, often playing the tough guy that mirrored his wrestling persona. This allowed Funk the chance to share the screen with top Hollywood names like Patrick Swayze, further etching his legacy in the media in and out of the ring.

Terry Funk Honored

In 2009, Terry, alongside his brother Dory Jr. was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, a fitting induction given that it took place in the pair’s native Texas. Their induction also came the same night that ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, one of many names inspired by Funk, took his place in the annals of wrestling greats. Following his passing, WWE paid tribute to Funk and Kevin Owens, whose in-ring style bears a striking similarity to the Funker, wore a shirt of the legend for a Payback 2023 Street Fight.

The Funker may be gone, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of wrestling fans forever. The wrestling world will always remember him as a man of many roles: A champion, a pioneer, a symbol, and of course “middle-aged and crazy!”

Hulk Hogan is one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling history, yet, his fame extends beyond the ring, very often dipping into realms of controversy that have impacted his public image.

Here we delve into some of the most infamous controversies associated with Hogan, including the Belzer lawsuit, the Gawker case, the leaked tape scandal, and a peculiar connection to Kamala Harris.

The Belzer Lawsuit: A Wrestling Move Gone Wrong

In 1985, Hulk Hogan appeared on the television show “Hot Properties,” hosted by Richard Belzer. The appearance was intended to promote the first-ever WrestleMania, but it quickly spiraled into an infamous incident.

During the show, Belzer asked Hogan to demonstrate a wrestling move. Complying, Hogan applied a front chin-lock, a common wrestling maneuver, on Belzer. However, the move rendered Belzer unconscious, causing him to collapse onto the studio floor. To make matters worse, Belzer’s head hit the floor, resulting in a laceration that required medical attention.

Belzer sued Hogan and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), seeking damages for the incident. The lawsuit was eventually settled out of court, with Belzer reportedly receiving $5 million according to Hogan.

This controversy highlighted the dangers of blurring the lines between wrestling entertainment and real life, marking one of the earliest public scandals in Hogan’s career.

The Gawker Case: A Pioneering Privacy Battle

One of Hulk Hogan’s most high-profile controversies was his legal battle against Gawker Media.

In 2012, Gawker published a secretly recorded sex tape featuring Hogan and Heather Clem, the wife of his then-best friend, radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge. The tape quickly went viral, causing significant damage to Hogan’s reputation.

Hogan sued Gawker for invasion of privacy, leading to a landmark trial. In 2016, the court ruled in Hogan’s favor, awarding him $140 million in damages. The lawsuit effectively bankrupted Gawker, leading to the media company’s shutdown.

This case was not only significant for Hogan but also set a precedent in privacy law, highlighting the legal risks of publishing private content without consent.

The Leaked Tape Scandal: Racial Slurs and Public Fallout

The fallout from the Gawker tape wasn’t just about privacy—it also revealed a darker side of Hogan’s character.

In the leaked video, Hogan was heard making racially charged comments, including the use of the N-word. The revelation of these remarks caused widespread outrage, leading to Hogan’s immediate firing from WWE and the removal of his profile from their website.

The scandal tarnished Hogan’s legacy, with many fans and fellow wrestlers expressing their disappointment.

Hogan later apologized for his remarks, attributing them to a low point in his life. Despite his efforts to rebuild his image, the incident remains a significant blemish on his career.

Kamala Harris: Controversial Comments

Hulk Hogan’s connection to Kamala Harris, the current Vice President of the United States, stems from a controversial incident that occurred in 2024. During a promotional event for his new beer, Hogan made headlines for making inflammatory comments about Harris. In a video obtained by TMZ, Hogan jokingly asked a crowd if they wanted him to “body slam Kamala Harris” and “drop the leg” on her, referencing his iconic wrestling moves.

The remarks, made in front of a fired-up crowd, were not only provocative but also crossed into racially insensitive territory. Hogan questioned Harris’s racial identity, making comments about her Indian heritage and using outdated stereotypes. He referred to Harris as a “chameleon” and questioned whether she was truly Indian, which drew significant backlash.

Hogan’s comments came at a time of heightened political tension in the U.S., with growing calls to curb violent political rhetoric. His remarks were widely condemned, especially given the context of recent political violence and the ongoing divisiveness in American politics.

Hogan later tried to downplay the incident by blaming his comments on the beer he was promoting, but the damage to his public image was already done.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been five years since All Elite Wrestling debuted with AEW Dynamite, and my goodness, how the landscape has changed.

AEW started as a true alternative to WWE, and while it still is, the perception of both companies has evolved dramatically since 2019. Real-life power struggles have unfolded, with both companies gaining and losing talent, both in the ring and behind the scenes—much like the shifting dynamics of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Before 2005, Marvel was a company teetering on the brink, fit for “The Void” (more on that later). But Robert Downey Jr.‘s portrayal of Tony Stark in Iron Man breathed new life into the comic book movie genre. This resurgence was further fueled by Disney’s acquisition of Marvel, a steal in hindsight. From there, Captain America swung his shield, The Hulk smashed, and Thor felt mighty (at least two out of four times). Add The Avengers films, Dave Bautista boosting Guardians of the Galaxy, and the rights to Spider-Man, and Marvel suddenly had a roster and future to be excited about.

However, that roster became oversaturated, the focus turned multi-universal, and goodwill eroded as the franchise drifted away from its core comic book fanbase. This should sound familiar to the diehard wrestling fans.

Whether your fandom began by flipping through the halftone pages of comics or trading wrestling tapes with Meltzer, making money is what both businesses are ultimately about. However, there’s always a better way to profit, and sometimes a property needs a reset. Deadpool & Wolverine seemingly did that for Marvel, both creatively and at the box office. In these challenging times for AEW, Tony Khan could learn a thing or two from this summer blockbuster.

WARNING: Spoilers for “Deadpool & Wolverine” lie ahead. Continue reading if you’d like to break the fourth wall.

Make It Make Sense.

A major plot point in Deadpool & Wolverine revolves around “timelines,” with several that Deadpool (and eventually Wolverine) must navigate. Two are the characters’ individual timelines, and one is the “sacred timeline,” which includes all the main Marvel characters (“Earth-616”). Deadpool remains part of Fox’s X-Men Universe (referred to as “Earth-10005” in the movie), but in his timeline, Wolverine is dead, having been killed in Logan seven years ago. To find a living Wolverine, Wade Wilson must travel to another universe, but he inadvertently ends up in one where Wolverine is at his worst. The two team up after a timeline operator throws them into a multi-verse purgatory called “The Void,” where they must collaborate to save (and possibly correct) their own universes.

At this point, “timeline” and “multi-verse” have become Marvel’s equivalent of the “Forbidden Door,” terms that have been used to the point of exhaustion, weaving a tangled web of complex storylines. However, if Marvel could bring Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine back to life in a sensible way within their (wait for it) “multi-verse,” then AEW should have no problem bringing clarity to their weekly programming.

Making sense of Marvel’s convoluted narrative required a team of five writers, including Ryan Reynolds, who has a deep understanding and personal investment in the character. With Shawn Levy directing and the original Deadpool writers on board, they managed to craft a coherent story. Tony Khan has mentioned what appears to be a rotating cast of people contributing creative input at AEW. On top of that, Khan is producing what amounts to two and a half feature-length “films” each week. By trusting a core group to execute a unified vision under his guidance, AEW could achieve the distinction and direction it needs. Right now, there are too many timelines in play, and the show is in desperate need of a “sacred” one.

Related: AEW Stories To Give Behind-The-Scenes Look At All In: London 2023

Focus On Your Stars, Even The Forgotten Ones.

With a title as straightforward as Deadpool & Wolverine, Marvel clearly understood who the stars of the film were. The movie would have fallen flat if the spotlight wasn’t squarely on Reynolds and Jackman, and AEW could benefit from a similar focus on identifying and elevating the wrestlers who drive their television product. Too much of the AEW roster has been relegated to “The Void,” which has significantly impacted the product and contributed to declining ratings.

Deadpool & Wolverine gave fans exactly what they wanted by teaming up Reynolds and Jackman in the right way, but it also brought back familiar faces to round out the ensemble. Wesley Snipes returned as Blade, Jennifer Garner reprised her role as Elektra from Ben Affleck’s Daredevil, and Channing Tatum finally debuted as Gambit after years of the Fox film being stuck in production limbo. Along with X-23 from Logan, these characters helped Deadpool and Wolverine in their battle out of “The Void.”

The film also featured numerous cameos that were used effectively to fill out the lower midcard. Tyler Mane, Kevin Nash’s former Master Blaster partner, was swiftly killed by Wolverine in his return as Sabretooth, and Chris Evans’ Human Torch was horrifically murdered by the film’s top villain, Cassandra Nova. As Kevin Sullivan would say, they “did the favor,” but those squash matches still mattered in the grand scheme of the film and arguably the entire Marvel franchise.

From its inception, AEW has struggled to make its stars feel like top-tier talent due to inconsistent booking, limited TV time, and poor positioning. With talents like Ricky Starks, Jade Cargill, Wardlow, and Ethan Page, the list of wrestlers stuck in “The Void” could go on indefinitely. Two of those names have already found greater success by jumping ship to WWE. If AEW took the time to establish a solid hierarchy, it could better position itself as the engaging alternative it was meant to be. Unfortunately, we’ve often seen a “Toad” in a prominent position over a Channing Tatum “Gambit” (no offense to Ray Park).

Related: All of AEW’s World Champions RANKED

Make Fun Of Past Mistakes – At The Right Time.

How do you beat a bully? By not letting them see you sweat. Deadpool is notorious for breaking the fourth wall, taking jabs at everyone—Fox, Disney, even Hugh Jackman—but there’s a fine line between taking good-natured shots and coming across as petty.

Tony Khan has shown he’s unafraid to “break the fourth wall” when taking shots at WWE, but are they always the right target? What about poking fun at the tribalistic fanbase or even acknowledging the company’s own missteps? Reynolds’ Deadpool is known as “The Merc With The Mouth” for a reason, but often, the character’s sharpest barbs are directed at himself. If a Taco Bell commercial airs between an intense vignette of one of your top heels, why not make light of it the following week by having that heel eat a taco after beating Darby Allin?

AEW is still a young company, and there’s value in knowing when to take yourself seriously and when to lighten the mood. Breaking your own “fourth wall” can be a powerful tool, and fans will appreciate the nods to those paying close attention.

As Bryan Danielson is set to challenge for the AEW Championship at All In on Sunday, August 25th, it could be the last match of his legendary pro wrestling career.

Danielson has done it all, ranging from his initial runs on the independent scenes in the US and Europe (including Butlins in England), incredible time in Ring of Honor, underdog rise to the top in WWE to his sensational run in AEW.

Here, we’ll be going over the greatest matches in Bryan Danielson’s AEW career thus far which again could come to an end at All In 2024.

6. Bryan Danielson vs Adam Page (AEW Dynamite: 01/05/2022)

After their initial time limit draw, Bryan Danielson and Adam Page faced off again in a bloody, hard-hitting rematch. The intensity was palpable as both wrestlers pushed each other to the limit. This time, Page managed to overcome Danielson, marking a significant victory in his own AEW career to that point.

5. Bryan Danielson vs Zack Sabre Jr (AEW WrestleDream 2023)

In a technical masterpiece, Danielson and Zack Sabre Jr put on a clinic of submission-based grappling, transitions, and mat wrestling. The match captivated the audience at WrestleDream with its intricate exchanges, proving that technical prowess can be as thrilling as high-flying action if done right.

4. Bryan Danielson vs Kenny Omega (AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam 2021)

Danielson’s AEW debut against Kenny Omega was nothing short of spectacular. Despite the match ending in a draw, the electric atmosphere and high-level technical wrestling made it an instant classic that left the door open for a rematch.

The crowd’s energy elevated the match, making it one of the most memorable in AEW history.

3. Bryan Danielson vs Adam Page (AEW Dynamite: Winter Is Coming 2021)

In their first encounter, Danielson and Page wrestled to a thrilling 60-minute time limit draw.

The match was a showcase of Danielson’s ability to play a heel and Page’s resilience as the top babyface champion. The non-stop action kept fans engaged throughout, solidifying it as one of the best matches in all of pro wrestling in 2021.

2. Bryan Danielson vs MJF (AEW Revolution 2023)

Danielson’s Iron Man match against MJF was a true masterpiece of storytelling between the older veteran and, quite frankly, young veteran.

Lasting over an hour, the match kept the audience on the edge of their seats with its relentless pace and dramatic near-falls.

MJF’s performance proved he’s not just a great talker but also one of the best in-ring workers in All Elite, making this match an unforgettable highlight in AEW history.

1. Bryan Danielson vs Will Ospreay (AEW Dynasty 2024)

This match between two of the world’s best wrestlers was a high-impact, fast-paced showdown and one of the greatest of the modern era, and that is why it tops our list.

The chemistry between Danielson and Ospreay was undeniable, with both men delivering jaw-dropping performances. Despite the controversial finish, the match is considered one of the finest in Danielson’s career.

On August 9, the world lost Kevin Sullivan. While casual fans may not remember him as well for never having a WWE run and not being as featured on screen in WCW by the time the Monday Night War heated up, he was nonetheless a deceptively important figure. His influence as a performer and his contributions to creative were hugely important in their time and had a ripple effect that has been felt to this day. Indeed The Taskmaster may well have been one of the greatest wrestling minds to have ever lived.

Kevin Sullivan Was An Ahead Of His Time On-Screen Character

Kevin Sullivan first carved out a spot in the consciousness of wrestling fans en masse wrestling in Florida, where his Prince of Darkness persona captured by he imagination of
fans and made him a heel who transcended the his regional territory to grab attention
in national wrestling publications and lead to his work with WCW.

Sullivan’s work as a cultish figure was so memorable that it led a number of fans
to actually think he’d had something to do with the death of his ex-wife and
family in 2007. More importantly, Sullivan was among a small cohort of
wrestlers working more overtly sinister, borderline supernatural characters
that paved the way for characters like The Undertaker and, down the road, Bray
Wyatt to break the mold of wrestler as athlete or cartoonish character to
inspire real fear in fans and offbeat storylines.

In the shorter term, a toned version of Sullivan’s personal also became central
to WCW programming during Hulk Hogan’s initial babyface years in WCW. Rebranded
as The Taskmaster, he became a player-coach type leading the polarizing Dungeon
of Doom faction.

Kevin Sullivan Knew How To Book Heat

To have heard Dusty Rhodes tell the tale, when he took over booking for WCW, one of his first orders of business was to get Kevin Sullivan on his payroll. The premise was simple: Sullivan knew how to book heat.

The art of getting fans truly invested in hating the heels is deceptively tricky, and Sullivan was deservedly well respected in this very specific domain. He was a complement to Rhodes in this way, and he continued to be a valuable contributor as things got rolling in the days of the New World Order. While Eric Bischoff typically gets credit for masterminding (and ultimately fumbling) the nWo concept, Sullivan’s influence is easy to detect in some of the faction’s earlier brutal beat downs of the babyfaces and other dastardly deeds.

Kevin Sullivan Navigated Tricky Waters Booking WCW

As a booker behind the scenes, one of the items Kevin Sullivan didn’t get enough credit for is doing his job amidst competing political factors and considerations. WCW was notorious for having to kowtow to the whims of a larger bureaucratic management structure, not to mention having a revolving door of leadership.

More specifically Sullivan was in charge of creative when Hulk Hogan signed on, with his infamous creative control and political stroke. It’s well documented that, when fans were lukewarm on The Hulkster, Sullivan pushed for a heel turn long before the nWo storyline started up and Hogan was ready. On top of that, Sullivan had to find something to do with an influx of talents Hogan wanted with him in WCW, or whom WCW opted to hire to recreate the feel of 1980s WWE. While a lot of fans had maligned the often hokey Dungeon of Doom concept, Sullivan capably explained late in life that his idea was to get as many of the associated talents on one segment to still free up TV time for the rest of the roster.

Sullivan also booked his way through one of the diciest situations imaginable as he wrote his own feud with Chris Benoit, which included Benoit taking Sullivan’s real life wife, Woman, from him in a wild situation of life ultimately imitating art, given she actually did ultimately leave Sullivan for Benoit. Sullivan was also a key figure when Brian Pillman’s Loose Cannon gimmick took off, including a memorable worked shoot moment in which Pillman called him “booker man” mid-match.

Kevin Sullivan’s contributions on screen and, all the more so, behind the scenes made him a hugely important figure in wrestling history. It’s very sad to see him go at the age of 75, but he won’t soon be forgotten.

As Bobby Lashley’s time in WWE appearing to be nearing its end, the wrestling world buzzes with speculation about his next move.

Many believe the “All Mighty” will head to AEW, including those supposedly close to the former WWE and ECW Champion.

Here are the top three matches we need to see if Lashley makes the jump to AEW.

Read More – Latest On Bobby Lashley’s WWE Status Amid Ongoing TV Hiatus

1. Bobby Lashley vs. Powerhouse Hobbs

A Battle of Behemoths

Powerhouse Hobbs has long been touted as a future AEW World Champion. A match against Bobby Lashley would not only be a hard-hitting affair but could also serve as a major turning point in Hobbs’ career.

Hobbs, who has been struggling with creative direction in AEW, could find new momentum by facing a decorated veteran like Lashley.

This clash could also potentially set the stage for faction warfare, especially if Lashley reunites with MVP and Shelton Benjamin in AEW, creating an intense rivalry with the Don Callis Family.

2. Bobby Lashley vs. Swerve Strickland

A Clash of Styles

Swerve Strickland is one of AEW’s most dynamic and unpredictable talents. His innovative in-ring style would mesh well with Lashley’s power and aggression, making for a compelling match between the ropes.

The contrast between Strickland’s agility and Lashley’s brute strength could create a unique showdown that highlights both competitors.

A win for either man would solidify their position in AEW’s hierarchy, making this a must-see encounter, likely after Swerve has lost the AEW Championship.

3. Bobby Lashley vs. Darby Allin

The Ultimate Underdog Story

Darby Allin has made a career out of defying the odds, and a match against Bobby Lashley would be the ultimate underdog story.

Lashley’s overwhelming power against Allin’s resilience and never-say-die attitude would tell a captivating story in the ring.

Allin attempting to survive the onslaught of one of wrestling’s most physically imposing figures could establish Lashley as a threat in All Elite early on and this match could easily become one of AEW’s most memorable David vs. Goliath encounters.

At WrestleMania 40: Sunday, Roman Reigns’ 1,316-day run as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion ended, marking the finish to one of the greatest stories in modern WWE history. Not long after this monumental moment, it became apparent that Reigns would not be appearing anytime soon, leaving fans all the more eager to see him again.

Though absent from WWE programming, Reigns has not been taking things easy. The former World Champion was spotted the week after his Philadelphia defeat filming a comedy heist film with Keke Palmer. Reigns has also been training hard in the gym ahead of his inevitable return to the squared circle.

But when will this return come? Well many believe that the Tribal Chief’s comeback will be at SummerSlam this Saturday in Cleveland.

It’s worth remembering that Reigns has a history of huge moments at the Biggest Party of the Summer. It was in 2018 that Reigns ended the 504-day reign of Brock Lesnar as Universal Champion, a reign that now pails in comparison to the Head of the Table. Just two years later, Reigns would return from a hiatus brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’d be just one week later that he’d capture the Universal Title.

But what would a Roman Reigns return look like at SummerSlam 2024? If he does make an appearance, it’ll almost certainly be in the Undisputed WWE title match between Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa. In Reigns’ absence, Sikoa has laid claim to being the Tribal Chief and has made a series of remarks about Reigns himself. From claiming Roman Reigns will never return to essentially daring Reigns to show-up, stating in a promo that if Reigns has a problem with Solo Sikoa and his Bloodline, he knows where to find him.

The Bloodline Civil War of the summer of 2023 proved popular with fans, and the Cleveland Browns Stadium could be the epicenter of a second conflict. With the recent arrivals of Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Jacob Fatu, there are more family members than ever before, ensuring a much wider conflict than what fans saw last year.

Of course, the question then is who would Reigns recruit to his side, especially given his past treatment of his own kin. While Jimmy Uso (a victim of Sikoa’s Bloodline) may fall back in line with Roman, it’s hard to see Jey Uso returning to SmackDown and aligning with the brother and cousin who did him wrong. Interestingly enough, Zilla Fatu, the son of Umaga, is reportedly in Cleveland, with some speculating his debut could come with Reigns’ return.

But there’s also another option that few have considered; that Reigns isn’t returning to confront Sikoa and his allies, but to align with them. After all, Sikoa will be facing Cody Rhodes, the man who ended Reigns’ run on top, a fact that the former champion will not have forgotten.

Will Roman Reigns return at WWE SummerSlam this weekend, and if so what role will he play in the fate of the Undisputed WWE Championship?

Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on the Tribal Chief.

Wrestling fans had a lot to enjoy at last weekend’s San Diego Comic-Con 2024 event. The top stars from WWE and AEW participated in discussion panels. We got a first-look at dozens of upcoming action figures. Even the blockbuster reveal that Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe to portray the iconic villain Doctor Doom featured elements of a wrestling angle

Here are the pro wrestling highlights from San Diego Comic Con 2024:

WWE Panel

WWE stars CM Punk and Zoey Stark participated in the Mattel panel, which included a Q&A session with fans in the audience.

CM Punk talks Vince McMahon and Darby Allin

In an interview with Denise Salcedo, Punk discussed how much it meant to work with a rising star like Darby and considered him a great friend.

“Being a straight-edge kid, being the one that kind of lured CM Punk back to the ring and getting my first match back after six or seven years or whatever it was. That’ll always be my number one with a bullet because I think Darby is a talented kid and I was happy to share the ring with him. I think we told a nice little story.”

Punk also touched upon getting back into the WWE fold, noting that Vince McMahon leaving “illuminated” the way for him returning.

“Vince being out of the picture probably illuminated the way,” he said. “That might have been one of the biggest things. That’s both ways, for everybody who is going to sensationalize a headline. It wasn’t me, it wasn’t him, there’s just a lot of history there. All of a sudden, one of us is removed from the equation, and I think it changed a lot of things.”

Punk also shared this photo of a backstage meetup with AEW’s Darby Allin and Brody King:

All the while this was going on Drew McIntyre was trolling his SummerSlam rival while in Nashville, making sure he got a photo-op with Jack Perry who was still cooling down from his AEW Blood & Guts battle.

AEW Panel

All Elite Wrestling ”maximized their minutes’ at the convention, with a Jazware panel that featured a big wrestling angle and a massive rollout of upcoming wrestling figures.

A skirmish occurred during the panel with all stars such as Swerve Strickland and Ospreay tried to break it up. The only man to remain neutral was Darby Allin who thought the two recent rivals should duke it out.

Mercedes Mone Cosplay

The CEO was in full villain mode as she was in a Poison Ivy from Batman cosplay and appropriately alongside her was her new enforcer, Kamille, who donned the mask and jacket of other Batman baddie Bane.

Wrestling Figures Galore

The reason wrestling had such a presence at SDCC was for the aforementioned line of figures both companies have in store and it’s quite a bit.

Mattel and WWE have several CM Punk figures set to release including a modern day version, but also the notorious Money In The Bank 2011 Punk blowing a kiss to Cena. Additionally, there is a variation of Punk wearing Randy Savage gear and the masked Straight Edge Society CM Punk.

Legends included in Mattel’s upcoming Monday Night Wars include Syxx, Curt Hennig, DDP, Ultimate Warrior, Big Bossman and Dusty Rhodes.

A lot of newer faces on the roster are getting the WWE figure treatment, including Zoey Stark, Jade Cargill, Ludwig Kaiser, Giovanni Vinci, Chase U and others.

AEW was far from resting on their laurels as plenty of special edition figures were revealed. A big release was a special pre-order of Mark and Jay Briscoe. There’s also a silver screen Toni Storm, House of Black three-pack and three eras of the recently retired Sting.

WWE’s resident Bonnie & Clyde are back together as Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio reunited during the July 22, edition of RAW. Despite months of Liv Morgan trying to woo ‘Dirty Dom’, Mysterio made clear this week that Morgan means nothing to him, leaving the reigning Women’s World Champion in tears. Ripley on the other hand, was delighted by this revelation and proved all was forgiven with a lick of Mysterio’s face.

With that in mind, here are some of the defining moments of the pair’s relationship.

Love at First Sight?

Ripley and Dominik’s first interactions did not suggest that the pair would become a power couple in WWE. In 2022, Ripley, fresh off a heel turn and a member of the Judgment Day, began targeting Dominik during the faction’s feud with Rey Mysterio and Edge. These segments routinely saw Ripley get the upper hand on Dominik, often using her impressive strength to literally manhandle the young babyface.

Coupling in Cardiff

At WWE Clash At The Castle 2022, Rey Mysterio teamed with Edge to defeat Finn Balor and Damian Priest. The real shock came after the match though, as Dominik low-blowed Edge and betrayed his father, aligning with the Judgment Day in the process.

Mami Is Born

As part of the Judgment Day, Dominik would mirror much of Eddie Guerrero’s mannerisms and make reference to Eddie’s feud with Rey that saw Guerrero declare ‘I’m Your Papi.’ To compliment the character, Ripley was dubbed ‘Mami’ and her ‘I’m Your Mami’ shirt would add another twisted layer to the couple’s relationship.

Love Behind Bars

On Thanksgiving 2022, Dominik and Rhea crashed the Mysterio’s family meal and sought to repeat this nefarious act the following month at Christmas. This time, however, the plan would backfire as Dominik would be arrested. This resulted in Mysterio becoming a (self-professed) hardened criminal and Rhea stuck by her ex-con boyfriend.

A Championship Couple

By July 2023, Ripley had been dominating as the WWE Women’s World Champion for months and it was time for Mysterio to also hold a title. On the July 18, edition of WWE NXT, Ripley, alongside Finn Balor and Damian Priest, aided Mysterio in winning the NXT North American Title from Wes Lee. This ended Lee’s record-setting 269-day reign and would mark Mysterio’s first singles title in WWE.

Living with Liv

When Rhea Ripley was injured in April 2024, an act that ended Rhea’s time as Women’s World Champion, Liv Morgan wasted little time in trying to win over ‘Dirty Dom.’ A one-woman kind of man (admittedly if you ignore his real-life marriage,) Mysterio refused to be won over as we saw on the latest Monday Night RAW.

What’s to Come?

With all forgiven between herself and Dominik, Rhea Ripley can now focus on WWE SummerSlam 2024 where she will challenge Liv Morgan for the WWE Women’s World Championship. After leaving RAW in tears, Morgan’s days with the gold may be numbered now that Dominik has made his allegiances crystal clear.

WWE recently announced the return of the Bad Blood brand for a PLE to occur this October from Atlanta. The first one—formally titled In Your House: Badd Blood—occurred in 1997, featuring the first ever Hell in a Cell match between The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels, culminating in the debut of Kane. The show returned in 2003 and 2004, headlined by Triple H working Hell in a Cell matches first with Kevin Nash, then Michaels.

After twenty years, Bad Blood is back. There’s no guarantee we’ll see the Cell, but it does feel like a natural choice given the history of the event. Moreover, WWE’s been building precisely the kind of feud that would warrant a big-time Hell in a Cell main event: CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre.

CM Punk Vs. Drew McIntyre Is The Hottest Feud In WWE

CM Punk’s return to WWE was one of the biggest stories in wrestling at the turn of the year. There was a real risk of it fizzling just as it got started, though, as Punk went down to injury in his first televised match back—the men’s Royal Rumble—and had to miss WrestleMania.

WWE pivoted very nicely as Drew McIntyre took credit for the injury. The months to follow saw Punk three times directly cost McIntyre the World Heavyweight Championship–at WrestleMania, Clash at the Castle, and Money in the Bank–in addition the Scotsman beating Punk bloody on an episode of SmackDown.

This intense series of events, paired with the promo skills put on display by both participants have elevated this feud. Against the odds, it’s the hottest issue in WWE without the men involved working a single match together (aside from the Rumble).

Patience Has Been A Virtue In CM Punk Vs. Drew McIntyre Storytelling

While CM Punk’s injury has protected against rushing the CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre feud too much, WWE has also been shrewd in its storytelling. Punk and McIntyre have never entirely taken their eyes off each other even as McIntyre has engaged in other pursuits like chasing Seth Rollins and Damian Priest for the World Heavyweight Championship. Moreover, they’ve built in some pacing like McIntyre pretending to quit the company, then getting suspended coming out of Money in the Bank.

Given the pace to date, it feels realistic WWE can carry forward without a match between these two until SummerSlam or later and, in any event, the pairing should still feel fresh enough to be a draw headlining Bad Blood.

The Promise And Pitfalls Of Adding Seth Rollins To The Mix

Seth Rollins vs. CM Punk looked like the clear direction for WrestleMania 40 before Punk went down to injury. WWE has nicely reignited the on-screen heat between them when Punk got in the middle of The Visionary’s business at Money in the Bank, going after Drew McIntyre.

Might WWE add Rollins more formally into the mix, including making this prospective Hell in a Cell showdown a triple threat? There are merits to the idea.

After all, one of the biggest questions surrounding Punk right now is his ability to deliver in a big match scenario. He looked a little sluggish in the Royal Rumble and got injured again, following an AEW run that was riddled with major injuries at all the worst times. If there’s anyone on the current WWE roster who can singlehandedly elevate match quality, it would have to be Rollins. The Visionary could enhance the existing match or be a key contributor if Punk were to get hurt and necessitate a change in plans on the fly.

On the other hand, Punk vs. McIntyre is hot enough that it’s more than worthy of its own epic blow off. Transitioning Punk into a feud focused on Rollins after he finishes his business with McIntyre makes all the sense in the world. As such, Rollins having some involvement with the finish or immediate aftermath of this match makes sense, but it may not be the best call to officially add him.

Alternatives Or Additions To CM Punk Vs. Drew McIntyre In Hell In A Cell

On a literal level, it’s overstating it to say CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre is the only match that could close Bad Blood 2024. It may well be the best choice, but world championships also offer obvious options. Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa probably isn’t going to be a “one and done” title program and could bleed into October. Meanwhile, Gunther awaits his World Heavyweight Championship opportunity at SummerSlam and however things play out between him and (presumably) Damian Priest may dictate a feud that could warrant the Cell, too.

Perhaps the most intriguing option of all would be to put Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan in the Cell. Their storyline and involvement with Dominik Mysterio has been a focal point of Raw for months now, culminating in a major moment when The Eradicator returned to close the July 8 episode of Raw. Ripley and Morgan have the talent and the heat behind their feud that they could also justify this kind of spotlight—especially if the current or a future injury were to prevent Punk from headlining the show.

In the end, WWE reviving the Bad Blood brand is doing exactly what it should in tapping into nostalgia and creating buzz. One of WWE’s most buzzworthy feuds should get the chance to headline the show.

On the July 15, 2019, edition of Monday Night Raw, the WWE Universe was introduced to one of the company’s most creepy yet captivating characters. Just over an hour into the show, Finn Balor defeated Samoa Joe, but the night was going to get much worse for the Irish Superstar. After the match, Balor would become the first victim of ‘The Fiend’ a demonic new side to Bray Wyatt that had been teased for months. Today, on the fifth anniversary of the character’s arrival, we look back on what brought the Fiend to TV.

Before The Fiend

In the six years on WWE’s main roster before the arrival of The Fiend, Bray Wyatt had been one of the most consistently captivating Superstars. In 2016, Wyatt captured the SmackDown Tag Team Titles and followed up by becoming WWE Champion the following year.

More important though than titles, was how Wyatt was able to draw in a crowd with his mastery of character work. From John Cena to The Undertaker to Roman Reigns, it seemed nobody could escape Wyatt’s mind games as he played on potential weaknesses in some of WWE’s biggest stars. This work rightly earned Wyatt a ‘cult-like’ following who were eager to see what was next for him.

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Teasing The Fiend

After vanishing from our screens in early 2019, Wyatt returned in April of that year with a character far different than what we’d seen. Gone was the Max Cady-inspired swamp-dweller, now replaced with an excitable sweater-donned Bray who looked like more like Mr. Rogers than an ‘Eater of Worlds.’

Introducing the WWE Universe to the Firefly Fun House was a brilliant stroke by Wyatt as it added some much-appreciated lore to a character fans had already learned so much (and yet not enough) about. The idea of a children’s presenter with a twisted side proved especially chilling for any parents watching and delivered a sense of dread never before seen in WWE.

The Fiend Arrives

In the episodes of the Firefly Fun House, the jovial Wyatt teased that somebody was coming and that he wouldn’t be able to stop them. That force proved to be the Fiend who from the moment fans saw him, captivated audiences. With a striking design crafted by horror effects staple Jason Baker, the Fiend’s chilling look was another success story to Bray’s latest creation.

The Fiend was able to handle himself in the ring, as seen with his two reigns as WWE Universal Champion, but the character’s best work arguably came outside the squared circle. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced WWE to think outside the box without crowds, and Wyatt would again show his creative chops in the cinematic Firefly Fun House match. The WrestleMania 36 showdown with John Cena saw both participants craft a rich story that saw The Fiend best the man he failed to defeat at the event six years earlier.

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The Fiend Today

In August 2023, Bray Wyatt passed away at the tragically young age of 36 and WWE has, for all intents and purposes, retired The Fiend character. Nevertheless, the creative vision of Windham Rotunda can still be felt today with the recently introduced Wyatt Sicks. Like all great creative minds, Rotunda’s legacy has surpassed his own mortal life, and the WWE Universe will always appreciate (and fear) The Fiend.