Giovanni Vinci has seemingly been kicked out of the Imperium after tonight’s episode of Monday Night Raw from Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio.

This week’s episode of the red-branded show saw the first appearance of Gunther after he lost his Intercontinental Championship to Sami Zayn at WrestleMania 40.

The Ring General said that people expected him to talk about his loss but he had something else in mind. The former champion then officially declared himself as the first entrance for the upcoming King of The Ring tournament.

The New Day then made their way to the ring and Xavier Woods talked about being the last King of The Ring winner. The back and forth between the two groups lead to a tag team match featuring Ludwig Kaiser and Vinci taking on Woods and Kofi Kingston.

By The Orders of The Ring General?

The ending of this bout saw Wood delivering a double stomp on Vinci and pinning the Raw star for the victory. Gunther who was at the ringside was seemingly disappointed with this result and he stormed to the back after throwing his chair.

Kaiser helped Vinci get back up at the ringside and hugged him. He followed this up, however, by attacking his tag team partner. Kaiser continued the assault for a while and sent his partner crashing through the ring post and the announce desk before the officials sent him back.

Until this point, it appeared that Kaiser had snapped but as the German star returned to the Gorilla position, he ran into Gunther once again. Both the men smiled upon seeing each other suggesting that it was a pre-planned attack.

Elsewhere in the show, we saw the crowning of the new women’s world champion after Rhea Ripley relinquished her title due to an injury last week. You can click here to know who became the new champion.

It has been over four years since WWE made one of the most questionable booking decisions that angered fans. On the October 4, 2019, episode of WWE Friday Night Smackdown, Kofi Kingston put the WWE Championship on the line against Brock Lesnar. Although it was expected that Lesnar would win, WWE made the decision to have ‘The Beast’ defeat Kingston in seven seconds. 

Wrestling fans and his peers have felt that WWE did a disservice to Kingston, who is beloved and held the title for over five months. He was never given a rematch and has only had one opportunity in singles action against Bobby Lashley in 2021 to reclaim it. 

To this day, fans are upset with how WWE handled Kingston’s match with Lesnar, and the longtime company ‘Babyface’ agrees. 

In an interview with SEScoops’ MuscleManMacolm, Kingston spoke about his infamous title match with Lesnar and believes it should’ve gone longer than it did. 

“…There’s two lines of thought on it. One, I don’t get paid by the hour, so that is probably the most amount of money that I’ve made in the least amount of time on the roster.

But obviously, when you have a WWE Championship match, especially with what it meant to win that title, I would’ve loved for it to have last longer and I would’ve loved to beat Brock Lesnar, but of course, I came up short,” said Kingston. 

Although Kingston hasn’t gotten more opportunities to reclaim the WWE Championship, he’s looking to move forward with his career. 

Kofi Kingston On Letting Go Of Brock Lesnar Title Match

In the interview, Kingston stayed true to believing in the “Power of Positivity” and isn’t focused on dwelling on what happened in the Fall of 2019. 

“…It’s always forward in this industry and that’s the route of chosen to take,” said Kingston. 

Kingston may not be in the hunt for the WWE Championship, but he has reunited with Xavier Woods in the tag division. The New Day(Kingston & Woods) is feuding against Imperium(Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci). The company recently announced on Twitter that the two teams will settle their difference in a Street Fight Tag Team Match on the February 26 WWE Monday Night Raw episode. 

A win for New Day could build momentum for them to challenge for the WWE Raw and Smackdown Tag Team Championship. At 42 years old, Kingston is still a featured talent on the WWE roster and doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. 

The January 15 episode of WWE Monday Night Raw gave fans an update on Kofi Kingston’s status. On the January 8 episode of the show, Kingston was attacked by Ludwig Kaiser, resulting in him being injured. WWE Commentator Michael Cole revealed on this past WWE Monday Night Raw that the former WWE Champion is expected to be out for a few weeks. 

Cole shared that Kingston’s injury was a “Cervical neck sprain and an AC sprain.” It’s unclear if these injuries are legitimate or a part of a storyline. Both injuries would seemingly rule out Kingston’s involvement in the WWE Royal Rumble on January 27. 

That said, his partner Xavier Woods made his return and wants to get revenge for Kingston. Woods faced Kaiser on the January 15 episode and lost by disqualification after The New Day member hit him with a chair. They continued to brawl after the match, with Woods getting the better of the exchange.

 In a backstage interview with Byron Sexton, the former King Of The Ring Winner tried to explain his actions but was attacked from behind by Kaiser. Before the Imperium member could continue, Jey Uso appeared to stop the assault. 

For two weeks, Uso helped Kingston in his feud against the Imperium (Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci). Since Vinci and Kingston are out with an injury, this could lead to Uso and WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther being more involved in the storyline. 

What Could Be Next In The Storyline?

Although Woods is looking to get revenge on Kaiser for Kingston, Uso could soon set his sights on Gunther’s championship. “The Ring General” has looked unbeatable since winning the title on the June 10, 2022, episode of WWE Friday Night Smackdown. He has successfully defended the title 19 times and would be looking for new challengers. 

 Uso’s involvement in the storyline with Kingston and Woods may provide WWE a way to transition to him challenging the WWE Intercontinental Champion. Since moving to WWE Monday Night Raw, Uso has been showing that he can stand on his own without his family, and it would solidify his decision by potentially winning the title.

For Woods, his ongoing feud with Kaiser may lead to the return of both Kingston and Vinci in a few weeks. The company could decide to have a featured tag team match between The New Day(Kingston & Woods) and Imperium (Kaiser & Vinci) within the next few months. 

While the storyline seems to point in this direction, WWE has plenty of options. Regardless, it doesn’t seem the company has a plan for everyone involved, which may lead to big matches heading into the “Road To WrestleMania.”

Injuries are a sad part of pro wrestling, and they can occur when you least expect them. Imperium’s Giovanni Vinci and Ludwig Kaiser lost this week on RAW, but it was due to referee stoppage after Vinci went down.

Possible Injury During WWE RAW

Kofi Kingston and Jey Uso faced Giovanni Vinci and Ludwig Kaiser in a match that was progressing smoothly during the RAW 1 episode of WWE RAW. Suddenly, the match came to an unexpected halt. 

Giovanni Vinci went down on the apron, prompting an abrupt stoppage of the match. Ringside doctors attended to Vinci, leading the referee to make the decision to end the match.

In an unexpected turn, Kofi Kingston and Jey Uso were declared the winners via referee stoppage.

Michael Cole kept saying on commentary that they take their talent’s safety very seriously. At this time, we are uncertain what happened with Giovanni Vinci, but it was enough to call off the match.

Following the match, Giovanni Vinci was observed walking out on his own. The sudden conclusion of the match added an element of surprise to its outcome.

Giovanni Vinci caught a Kofi Kingston dropkick off a second rope jump.

The ref halted the action, the doctor jumped in the ring, and called off the match. Great work from the referee Shawn Bennett protecting Vinci

Get well soon Giovanni https://t.co/fSb22NvfKF

— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) January 2, 2024

Where Was GUNTHER?

GUNTHER is currently taking some time with his wife, Jinny, as they celebrated the birth of their child. Hopefully, he has a full Imperium faction upon his return.

Giovanni Vinci Gives Update After Injury Scare 

Giovanni Vinci later updated his X with a message. When translated to English, he let fans know that he’s doing fine. He also thanked them for their support and concern.

I am fine, a thousand thanks.

Sto bene. Grazie mille ??

— Fabian Aichner (@VinciWWE) January 2, 2024

WWE consistently strives to make every event memorable, be it on television or at live shows. In a recent WWE live event in Boston, MA, DJ Steve Aoki made a special appearance at the TD Garden, and he brought cake.

Steve Aoki Throws Cake At WWE Event

During the Holiday Tour live event, fans saw numerous memorable moments, but one went viral as an unexpected celebrity showed up. Steve Aoki joined Kofi Kingston for a unique segment, and they brought cake.

Imperium’s Ludwig Kaiser was caked in a big way. In case you didn’t know, Steve Aoki is known for throwing cakes during his performances, and he brought that to the WWE live event.

WWE’s put the clip on social media, along with a caption that asked, “What is Steve Aoki doing with that cake?!” That was a very good question, but it was also one that was answered with the video clip they included in the post.

The WWE Holiday Tour continues with more upcoming dates, because the company isn’t done with 2023 yet. We will keep our eyes peeled for more notable highlights as WWE closes out the year in their own trademark way.

What is @steveaoki doing with that cake!? ?? #WWEBoston pic.twitter.com/cLi3cOKdnn

— WWE (@WWE) December 28, 2023

Who is Steve Aoki?

Steve Aoki is an American DJ, record producer, and music executive. He is a famous face in the electronic dance music scene. Known for his performances, he incorporates crowd-surfing and cake-throwing into his shows.

Aoki is also the founder of the record label Dim Mak Records, promoting emerging artists in electronic music. He has collaborated with musicians across genres and released albums and singles throughout his career. Obviously, he can bring a wild time whenever he shows up, and Steve Aoki proved that at the Boston WWE live event.

WWE Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER has spoken about the perception from some fans that his character and the Imperium stable are rooted in Naziism.

When WWE changed WALTER’s name to GUNTHER, the original change was meant to be ‘Gunther Stark,’ also the name of a Nazi U-Boat commander in World War 2.

Last week, GUNTHER received a rating of 88 in WWE 2K23, which raised eyebrows from fans, given that the number is used as code by modern-day Nazis.

In a simple letter-number code, 88 is HH, which Nazis and white supremacists uses as a dog whistle for “Heil Hitler.”

Living With It

As an Austrian (the same nation as Hitler) who spent much of his career competing in Germany, GUNTHER is well aware of the significance of the two nations in WW2.

Speaking on The Ringer’s Cheap Heat podcast, the reigning Intercontinental Champion was asked about the negative stigma as an Austrian who was based out of Germany competing in the U.S.

“That’s the history of the two countries,” GUNTHER replied “That’s something we can never change. We have to live with it. But obviously, that’s something that got thrown at us before and still gets thrown at us. We don’t really acknowledge it because it’s so far away from what the truth is.”

GUNTHER.

GUNTHER added that often, anyone who considers himself to be in any association with fascism cannot acknowledge the differences Austria and Germany have made since 1945.

“Austria and Germany have made huge efforts to be hard on themselves when it comes to their history and keep themselves in check.”

GUTNHER.

The Austrian went on to say that he and Ludwig Kaiser (who is German) have prided themselves on how their nations treat the seriousness of their past atrocities.

Taking Things Seriously

Imperium’s appeal to WWE fans has come with how serious the characters of GUNTHER, Ludwig Kaiser, and Giovanni Vinci are portrayed on TV and at live events.

On the podcast, GUNTHER explained that taking wrestling as seriously as they do is not just part of the act fans see each week.

“We mean it! We build our livelihood around it. Why should we not take it seriously? There’s no playing a character or anything like that. That’s just what we are.”

GUNTHER.

GUNTHER will defend his Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 39 against an opponent yet to be decided.

h/t – Wrestling Inc

The final WWE SmackDown of 2022 was not the end-of-year send-off GUNTHER or his Imperium cohorts had been hoping on.

During the show, the Intercontinental Champion and Imperium had an in-ring promo segment, which was interrupted by Braun Strowman.

When a brawl ensued and Imperium had the advantage, Ricochet made the save, and struck GUNTHER with the edge of a chair.

This errant chair shot caused the Austrian Superstar to be legitimately busted open and WWE officials quickly descended upon him with towels.

The Update

After WWE officials tended to GUNTHER, the Imperium leader was quickly rushed to the back.

In an update from PW Insider, WWE sources who spoke to them said that GUNTHER “seemed okay” after the injury.

There is currently no word on whether he will require any time off from WWE Live events, but a title match with Strowman is coming later this month.

There is also no word on whether there is any heat on Ricochet for what happened.

SmackDown Injuries

The reigning WWE Intercontinental Champion was left worse for wear after the final SmackDown of 2022, but he wasn’t the only one.

PW Insider adds that Sami Zayn suffered a bloody nose during the main event pitting himself and Roman Reigns against Kevin Owens and John Cena.

This explained why the referee pulled out the medical gloves during the bout.

Kevin Owens was sporting a pretty nasty black eye after his victory with Cena in the main event.

Raquel Rodriguez, who unsuccessfully challenged for the WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship, suffered a cut on her hand during her match.

Imperium and the Brawling Brutes will look to settle the score next Saturday when the two factions meet in a Good Old Fashion Donnybrook match at WWE Extreme Rules 2022.

The no-disqualification match was confirmed on WWE.com and on social media, after weeks of the two sides feuding.

Imperium Vs. The Brawling Brutes

The two teams have been at odds for some time, with Imperium reuniting at Clash at the Castle 2022.

At the Cardiff, Wales event, GUNTHER retained the Intercontinental Championship against Sheamus in a critically-acclaimed match.

Imperium once again stood tall over the Brawling Brutes in a Six-Man Tag Team Match on the September 9, edition of SmackDown.

After Butch and Ridge Holland defeated three-other teams (including Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci) to earn a shot at The Usos, Imperium attacked them, costing them the Undisputed WWE Tag Team title match.

On the SmackDown before WWE Extreme Rules, Sheamus will once again challenge GUNTHER for the Intercontinental Championship.

Extreme Rules

The Donnybrook match is just the latest addition to a stacked WWE Extreme Rules 2022 card, which will see several stipulations.

Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair will defend her title against Bayley in a ladder match, the first singles ladder match in WWE Women’s history.

Drew McIntyre will take on Karrion Kross in a strap match, while Matt Riddle and Seth Rollins will square off inside the Fight Pit.

The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor will take on former leader Edge in an I-Quit match.

Diamond Mine manager Malcolm Bivens has big plans for his faction Diamond mine.

Since the rebranding of NXT, Diamond Mine has become a prominent group on the developmental show. Besides the leader Roderick Strong and Bivens, the other members are rookies. Regardless, WWE has pushed the group in NXT 2.0, and are they having a successful run.

The Creed Brothers won the 2022 Dusty Cup by defeating former NXT Tag Team Champions MSK at NXT Vengeance Day on Feb. 15. The tag team will challenge the NXT Tag Team Champions Imperium’s Fabian Archer and Marcel Barthel. While it’s unclear when the match will occur, it may happen at NXT Stand and Deliver on Apr. 2.

In an interview with The Black Announce Table Podcast, Ms. Sookoo asked Bivens what he expects for the group after The Creed Brothers tournament win. He shared that he expects the match at NXT Stand and Deliver. He also believes Niles will challenge for the NXT Women’s Championship at some point and hopes the faction wins all of the NXT titles.

“I think it’s the NXT championships. I am eyeing Stand and Deliver in Dallas and we also have the pitbull of NXT Ivy Nile and I think she has her eyes set on the NXT Women’s Championship, so If I could have all the gold that’d be great. That be fantastic,” said Bivens.

Will the Creed Brothers Defeat Imperium?

As NXT 2.0 progresses, the brand is slowly replacing it’s veterans with newer talent. The show has also seen veteran NXT talents either move to the main roster, get released from the WWE or choose to leave. After winning the Dusty Cup, the WWE may have The Creed Brothers defeat Imperium to win the NXT Tag Team Championships to become the face of the NXT 2.0 tag team division.

WWE main roster could also use a fresh tag team like Imperium on either the Friday Night Smackdown or Monday Night Raw roster. In addition, Gunther may also be staying in the United States and possibly lead the group on the main roster. However, it’s unclear if WWE has interest in taking Imperium faction from NXT 2.0.

Imperium stepped up to the plate and dethroned MSK as the WWE NXT Tag Team Champions in a Lumberjack Match on Tuesday’s episode of NXT 2.0 TV, which was billed as a Halloween Havoc special. 

The match went 15 minutes in the co-main event spot on the broadcast. It was a solid tag team match that had a few spots using the other wrestler including when there was an outside dive to take out everyone. Imperium won with their finisher. 

This was a big upset as MSK was listed as -150 favorites to retain the titles in the betting odds that were released this morning. 

MSK became the champions when they won it in a triple threat match against The Grizzled Young Veterans and Legado del Fantasma (Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde) at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver this April.

Other notable title defenses included a winners-take-all six-man tag match at the WWE NXT TakeOver:  In Your House event as well as them beating  Tommaso Ciampa and Timothy Thatcher at NXT: Great American Bash in July. 

What are your thoughts on Imperium winning the NXT Tag Team Titles? Was this the right call by WWE officials? Sound off in the comment section.

WWE has filed for a dozen new trademarks in the past week, which includes trademarks for some factions and the names of various superstars.

The most interesting one of these trademarks is for the name Retribution for goods and service, specifically for being used as a name for wrestling character, which the company filed on August 4.

Retribution is the new faction which debuted on the August 3 episode of Raw and they have since made their presence felt during the following episode of SmackDown as well.

Other trademarks filed on the same day include Mustance Mountain, Karrion Kross, James Drake, Jake Atlas, Indi Hartwell, and Kacy Catanzaro which are similar in nature to the Retribution trademark.’

Though this is not all as the company filed an application for additional trademarks the next day on August 5, including Gallus, Indus Sher, Grizzled Young Veterans, Legado del Fantasma and Imperium.

• Also Read: AJ Styles Wants To Face WWE Hall Of Famer

These trademark applications suggest that the company has big plans for the Retribution in future and we can expect to see a lot more of the new faction in coming times.

It would also be interesting to see how the promotion utilises the other trademarks and if filings such as the one for Imperium could mean that we might start seeing them on the main roster sooner rather than later.

Imperium is the new NXT Tag Team Champions.

Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner did so when they defeated Matt Riddle and temporary partner Timothy Thatcher on Wednesday’s episode of WWE NXT in Winter Park, Florida at Full Sail University on the USA Network. 

This served as the opening contest of the show. The finish saw Riddle accidentally kick Thatcher in the head when going for a monkey flip out of the corner. This led to Thatcher walking out and to the backstage area. 

Riddle tried to fight them off by hitting some signature moves while alone inside of the ring but the NXT UK tag team managed to get the upper hand. Imperium hit their finisher on Riddle for the win and to win the NXT Tag Team Titles. 

After the commercial break, Riddle and Thatcher got into a scuffle. 

Thatcher had been serving as Riddle’s partner to defend the gold due to Pete Dunne being stuck in the United Kingdom due to the coronavirus outbreak. 

What are your thoughts on Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner beating Timothy Thatcher & Matt Riddle for the NXT Tag Team Titles? Was this the right call by WWE officials? Sound off in the comment section.

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