WWE released several names from its roster in recent weeks, but those cut from the company aren’t entirely gone just yet. Instead, several names who’ve been given the dreaded pink slip will still be playable as part of WWE 2K25.

Released talent who will be playable in WWE 2K25 include:

• Duke Hudson
• Akam
• Rezar
• Blair Davenport
• Cedric Alexander
• Luke Gallows
• Karl Anderson
• Giovanni Vinci
• Sonya Deville
• Isla Dawn
• Elektra Lopez

Paul Ellering was also among those released from WWE. While the Hall of Famer/Final Testament alum won’t be a playable character in WWE 2K25, he will be a non-playable manager in the game.

The inclusion of these released Superstars demonstrate how quickly things can change in WWE. While these talents hoped that WWE 2K25 would just be the latest in a series of games they would be a part of, next month’s instalment will most likely be the last time they are playable in a WWE video game.

These released talents will be part of the largest roster in the history of WWE video games with stars from the past and present. With over 300 names confirmed for the game, in addition to Wyatt Sicks-themed DLC, fans will be able to recreate their favorite matches or create never-before-seen contests in the upcoming game.

WWE 2K25 will release on March 14, with the Deadman and Bloodline Editions of the game launching a week earlier on March 7. With WWE 2K Mobile also announced, this year is shaping up to be a massive one for wrestling fans and gamers alike.

Gallows and Anderson has been released from WWE, according to Fightful Select.

Prior to this release, the duo had been relatively inactive, with Anderson sidelined due to shoulder surgery, while Gallows was relegated to dark matches. Their last notable in-ring appearance came at NXT Battleground, where they unsuccessfully challenged Nathan Frazier and Axiom for the NXT Tag Team Championships.

This marks their second WWE departure, following their previous release in April 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic budget cuts.

After that release, they had stints in TNA and NJPW before returning to WWE in October 2022, despite being offered significant contract raises by TNA at the time.

During their most recent WWE run, they primarily aligned with AJ Styles on SmackDown and made appearances on NXT, though they failed to capture any championships during this period.

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WWE and TNA recently announced their multi-year partnership, which will see talent from both promotions ‘cross the line.’ On a recent edition of the Talk’n Shop podcast, Karl Anderson shared that this partnership is a dream come true, especially for stars in TNA.

“I don’t care what anybody thinks or says, any chance you get an opportunity to work with WWE, you’re getting a platform that people dream of getting.”

Luke Gallows, Anderson’s tag-team partner agreed, and shared that he had fun watching a recent TNA iMPACT, his first time watching in eight years. Gallows also looked ahead to this weekend’s Royal Rumble, which he predicts could see TNA involvement.

“They pulled the trigger on Joe Hendry. So now you wonder, does this feed into, and there’s speculation about this, a Joe Hendry surprise Royal Rumble appearance? I would have to think yes, correct?”

Hendry has already teased entering the Royal Rumble, and if he does, he will be proud to represent TNA Wrestling. Whether or not the viral star enters this weekend’s 30-Man match, fans can expect years of crossover between two promotions which were once bitter rivals. Wes Lee will be in action during this week’s episode of TNA iMPACT after costing his former allies the Rascalz on last week’s show.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on the WWE-TNA partnership and to see who crosses the line next.

Karl Anderson revealed in November that he underwent surgery, sidelining him for the foreseeable future. Speaking on Talk N Shop, Anderson confirmed the procedure was necessary to repair a torn rotator cuff tendon and a partially torn labrum.

The injury initially occurred during a match, but Anderson didn’t think much of it until it worsened during another match the following week. After competing in three or four more matches, the pain became unbearable, causing sleepless nights due to constant aching and throbbing. At the time, Anderson estimated his recovery would take six to nine months.

Providing a recent update on Talk N Shop, Anderson shared, “I’m at home now, obviously with my injured shoulder. I am out indefinitely for at least six or seven more months with a torn rotator cuff and a torn labrum. The labrum…I think before you wondered if that was an old injury, and I have to say, it was not. It’s coming back. I’m able to [move] a little,” he explained.

Anderson, one half of the tag team The OC alongside Luke Gallows, has been absent from television since the September 24 episode of NXT, where they lost to Hank Walker and Tank Ledger. The duo later appeared in a dark match at an NXT event in Chicago the following week.

Karl Anderson has confirmed that he recently underwent surgery and is now beginning his journey to recovery. In an Instagram post, Anderson shared a photo from his hospital bed, hooked up to cardiac monitoring equipment.

The WWE star expressed gratitude for Dr. Dugas, the surgeon who performed the procedure, writing in the caption:

“Thanks to Dr. Dugas in Birmingham, Alabama, for fixing me. See you after #WrestleMania ? #WWE #wweraw. Details on this week’s #TalkNShop dropping Thursday a.m. Link in bio @talknshoppodcast. Monday Night Raw tonight! @wwe.”

Anderson, who forms one-half of the tag team known as The OC alongside Luke Gallows, has been absent from television since the September 24th episode of NXT, where they lost to Hank Walker and Tank Ledger. The duo also participated in a dark match at an NXT event in Chicago the following week.

We wish Anderson a swift and full recovery.

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A post shared by Karl Anderson (@machinegunka)

AJ Styles took a hiatus from WWE after the Bloodline attacked him. This was done so they could move LA Knight into Styles’ spot as John Cena’s tag team partner. Then, when Styles finally returned, a lot of things changed for him.

AJ Styles Goes Through Character Shift

AJ Styles, The Good Brothers and Michin were the OC, but things have been much different since Styles’ return to the picture. He has been a bit withdrawn from his faction, and now that separation is complete. Sadly, they didn’t get a lot of focus for a disbanding.

Last night’s WWE Friday Night SmackDown unveiled a notable development as AJ Styles, the leader of a prominent WWE faction, was formally declared to have severed ties with the group.

During the broadcast, Wade Barrett announced that AJ Styles is no longer associated with The OC, which includes Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, and Michin. While hints of this departure had been dropped over the past few weeks since AJ’s return to the ring, this marked the first direct confirmation.

The apparent rift between Styles and The OC has been apparent for months, signifying a significant shift in the storyline dynamics. Fans saw this coming, as AJ has exhibited a new demeanor since his return, but to split them without an actual angle is a bit confusing.

What’s Next

Looking forward into the future, The OC appears set to continue operating, but they are down AJ Styles at this point.

Despite their absence from television since August, WWE creative seems to have laid out plans for their future. The trio, comprising Styles, Gallows, and Anderson, last teamed up in December during house shows, where they faced off against opponents such as Pretty Deadly and Grayson Waller, as well as The Street Profits. Now, they are going their separate ways, with AJ doing his own thing, with Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows, and Michin as the new incarnation of The OC stable.

WWE has a history of fantastic stables, and some of them last a long time, forging an undeniable impression with fans. The O.C. has definitely been through a lot in WWE, with Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows’ release in between the stable’s runs with the company, but they may be nearing an end.

Possible Issues In The O.C.

The turmoil within The O.C. is still going, and cracks are starting to show. Uncle Allan might be growing impatient with Michin in the process.

A digital exclusive from WWE showed Michin seeking advice from Styles after her loss to Women’s Champion IYO SKY last week. She wanted to ask him if he had any advice for her after seeing the match.

Styles only asked, “Did you win?” and walked away after she shook her head to indicate that she was unable to pull down victory.

The issues within The OC arose when Styles took a two-month hiatus after an attack by Solo Sikoa. He was originally slated to team with John Cena at Fastlane, but then he was replaced by LA Knight.

Start Of Possible Issues For The O.C.

Styles returned on December 15th, and he was placed on top of the card. He first showed up to help Knight and Orton against The Bloodline, but then he made it clear that he’s all about his own success after attacking Knight. 

At SmackDown: New Year’s Revolution, Styles ignored The O.C. when they greeted him, because he was upset about their lack of support when taken out by The Bloodline months earlier. The stable is not fully disbanded, but it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see a dismantling eventually. 

These developments suggest a potential split within The OC, but WWE has teased similar scenarios in the past, only to provide wrestlers with a fresh start. It remains to be seen if The OC will strengthen or if plans are in motion to dissolve the group. Those words from AJ Styles might also just be tough love from AJ Styles as he motivates Michin to continue her way up the women division’s ranks.

AJ Styles is set to challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble in a Fatal 4-Way match. That match will also include Randy Orton and LA Knight. Perhaps this situation with the O.C. will escalate further at Tropicana Field. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiNwismmIJs

WWE is set for SmackDown in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and that episode could include a big return. This is your official spoiler warning, because this article is full of them.

Spoiler for 12/15 WWE SmackDown

PW Insider reports that, “AJ Styles is expected to return tonight at Friday Night Smackdown,” This return has been a long time coming.

AJ Styles has been out of action as he sold a beatdown from Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso. At the time, Styles was set to be John Cena’s tag team partner at Fastlane against the Bloodline, but then LA Knight took Styles’ spot.

It was further noted that, “AJ Styles had initially been planned for a return several weeks back, but WWE decided to hold off on the return.” It is reported that this week is more of a sure thing, as Styles will return to the road for WWE.

Status Of The OC In WWE

AJ Styles’ OC stablemates, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, returned to the ring several weeks ago, but they have only worked live events. Their television hiatus may end with Styles’ return

Fans can probably expect AJ Styles’ return to WWE SmackDown during the December 15th episode. With the Royal Rumble coming up on January 27th, that event will mark 8 years since he shocked the word by finally landing in WWE after a career outside the company.

Exclusive Insight into AJ Styles’ WWE Return

I was told on several occasions over the past 30 days that AJ Styles is set to return “imminently.” This is something that they have held back on for some reason, but it appears the Phenomenal One will be joining the company to close out 2023.

Tonight’s WWE SmackDown will also be a double taping. So, AJ Styles can get two weeks’ worth of tapings out of the way on one night to really jumpstart his comeback.

Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson are locked into their WWE deals for quite some time, Fightful Select has learned.

Gallows and Anderson returned to WWE in late 2022, coming to the aid of AJ Styles in his feud with the Judgment Day.

Both men had previously been released by WWE in April 2020 as part of ‘Budget Cuts’ and had found success in Impact Wrestling, as well as other promotions.

Contracts

When Fightful Select asked sources in WWE, they were told that Gallows and Anderson are under five-year WWE contracts that have them set to stay until late 2027.

These deals are far longer than the typical WWE contract, which like other promotions is a standard three-year deal.

As WWE’s Head of Relations, Triple H oversaw the return of Gallows and Anderson, and it is reported that he encouraged the pair to re-sign with WWE in 2019, over tempting offers from Impact, AEW, and NJPW.

Fightful’s report suggests that the Game felt bad that he cost The O.C. opportunities elsewhere, only for them to be released in April 2020, hence their longer new deals.

Gallows and Anderson

After debuting in WWE in 2016 (as part of AJ Styles’ feud with John Cena,) it wasn’t long before Gallows and Anderson captured their first of two reigns as Raw Tag Team Champions.

The pair also has the distinction of being part of The Undertaker’s final match, as they (unsuccessfully) aided Styles during the Boneyard match at WrestleMania 36.

Though the pair have worked with Styles since returning, the Phenomenal One is currently out of action after suffering an injury at a WWE live event.

WWE and New Japan Pro Wrestling are teaming up for Karl Anderson to compete at Wrestle Kingdom 17, but that’s not a problem for Tony Khan.

Anderson returned to WWE alongside Luke Gallows in October of last year, despite holding the NJPW Never Openweight Championship at the time.

After opting to compete at WWE Crown Jewel over NJPW Battle Autumn in November, the Machine Gun will wrestle this Wednesday at Wrestle Kingdom.

Cool

NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 will be a stacked show, with talent from New Japan, WWE, AEW, and STARDOM all competing.

Speaking to Fightful Select, New Japan’s Rocky Romero said he speaks with Khan quite frequently and was the one to tell Khan about WWE and NJPW working together.

Khan “understood why” the deal had been reached, and said he was “cool” about what was happening.

Anderson will defend the NJPW Never Openweight Championship against Tama Tonga this Wednesday.

Kenny Omega

AEW will have representation at Wrestle Kingdom 17, with Kenny Omega challenging for the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship against Will Ospreay.

Romero told Fightful that Omega was forecasting his return to NJPW, teasing a match with Ospreay, before it was even a done deal.

Speaking about Omega’s suspension from AEW following the backstage fight at All Out, Romero said it “caused a pause” as nobody knew what was going to happen.

Romero said that NJPW worked with Barry Bloom on making this happen, and that Bloom was the one that made the Chris Jericho deal when he was in NJPW years ago.

WWE’s Karl Anderson will step through the Forbidden Door next month to defend his NJPW Never Openweight Champion at Wrestle Kingdom 17.

Anderson returned to WWE alongside Luke Gallows in October of this year after being released from the promotion in April 2020.

The Machine Gun had been scheduled to defend his title at NJPW Battle Autumn in November but instead competed at WWE Crown Jewel that same night.

Tama Tonga

This week, Anderson made his way to Japan for NJPW’s World Tag/Super Junior Tag League finals.

Competing against Hikuleo, his planned opponent for Battle Autumn, Anderson retained his title and sent a message to the locker room after the bell.

“I ain’t coming over here to drop no titles. You think I’m coming back to New Japan Pro-Wrestling to do a jiz-zob?”

Karl Anderson.

Tama Tonga came out to confront Anderson but took a Stun Gun from the Never Openweight Champion.

Anderson told Tonga that he will see him again at Wrestle Kingdom on January 4.

Wrestle Kingdom 17

Wrestle Kingdom 17 will be the first time in years that the show will take place on one day, but the event has a stacked card.

IWGP Women’s Champion KAIRI will defend her title against Tam Nakano, while Zack Sabre Jr. and Ren Narita will determine the first NJPW World Television Champion.

IWGP U.S. Heavyweight Champion Will Ospreay will defend against AEW’s Kenny Omega, and FTR will put their IWGP World Tag Titles on the line against opponents yet to be announced.

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Taiji Ishimori vs. Master Wato vs. Hiromu Takahashi vs. El Desperado has been announced, and IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Jay White will take on Kazukchika Okada.

Talent from four of the biggest promotions in the world will come together for Wrestle Kingdom.

The show, scheduled for January 4, 2023, will be the seventeenth Wrestle Kingdom event, New Japan’s biggest annual event.

Next year’s show will mark the first time since 2019 that Wrestle Kingdom will take place on one day.

Karl Anderson

Earlier this week, it was reported that WWE Raw Superstar Karl Anderson will defend his NJPW Never Openweight Championship at the World Tag League/Super Junior Tag League finals on Wednesday, December 14.

Anderson was previously scheduled to defend his title at NJPW Battle Autumn but instead competed at WWE Crown Jewel, which took place the same day.

In an update from Fightful Select, it is reported that NJPW and WWE have agreed that next month won’t be Anderson’s last match in Japan, and that he will work the Tokyo Dome.

Sources who spoke to Fightful said Gallows and Anderson have “always been penciled in” to compete at Wrestle Kingdom, despite reports of tension.

Gallows and Anderson had committed to working these dates for New Japan before their WWE returns in October and before leaving Impact Wrestling in August.

The Four

Having (at least) two WWE Superstars compete at Wrestle Kingdom is a huge deal, but just part of a stacked show.

Of course, New Japan’s own talent will be competing at the show, but so will names from AEW and Stardom.

AEW’s Kenny Omega will challenge IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion Will Ospreay.

KAIRI, who recently became the first IWGP Women’s Champion, will defend her title against fellow STARDOM wrestler Tam Nakano.

Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows are headed back to NJPW next month. 

The OC announced in a video posted to Anderson’s Instagram account on Tuesday they will be in Japan for the World Tag League/Super Junior Tag League finals on Wednesday, December 14. It was also stated in the video that Anderson would be defending his NEVER Openweight Championship at the show. 

Going Back to Japan

This comes after Anderson was scheduled to defend the NEVER Openweight title against Hikuleo at NJPW’s Battle Autumn event in Osaka on November 5, but was double booked as it took place on the same day as WWE’s Crown Jewel pay-per-view.

Anderson decided to do the six-man tag match at the WWE event in Saudi Arabia instead of defending the title. 

As a result, NJPW came up with a storyline where NJPW threatened to strip Anderson of the NEVER Openweight title if he doesn’t show up to Battle Autumn. However, Hikuleo said he wanted to beat Anderson for the title instead.

Anderson has held the title since winning the title from Tama Tonga at NJPW Dominion this June. Despite being the champion, Gallows and Anderson returned to WWE in October as they weren’t under contract. They’ve reunited with AJ Styles and helping him even the odds against The Judgment Day.

Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson are back with WWE, but only after a tumultuous exit from the company.

The former Raw Tag Team Champions returned to WWE last month to aid AJ Styles in his feud with The Judgment Day.

The pair had been released from WWE in April 2020 as part of the first wave of releases explained as ‘budget cuts.’

Offended

Gallows and Anderson’s final appearance for WWE before being released came at WrestleMania 36, during the much-acclaimed Boneyard match between Styles and The Undertaker.

Speaking about being released on After the Bell, Luke Gallows explained why it was kind of offensive to be cut after such a popular match.

“It’s eleven days removed from this Boneyard match that we got all this praise for. so we didn’t see it coming. It offended him and it offended me too a little bit. We’re eleven days out from main eventing Wrestlemania.”

Luke Gallows.

The match, which would also be The Undertaker’s final match, saw the Deadman win in the main event of WrestleMania 36: Night One.

A Total Surprise

Gallows and Anderson were one of dozens of names cut in April 2020, which included Matt Cardona, Miro, Kurt Angle among many more.

During the podcast, Anderson explained that when he was called, he did not figure he would be one of the many released.

“When the Talent Relations person called that day, I saw them ringing my phone. I said ‘you must be having a bad day and wanting to hear a good voice.’ He goes ‘well it’s not so good for you either.’ I go ‘Huh?!'”

Like Anderson, Gallows had no idea he was going to be released, even as more names were added to the list of cuts.

“He [Gallows] doesn’t even know what’s going on because he’s outside mowing his lawn. The guy rings and the HR guy goes ‘I just got off the phone with your partner’ and Gallows go ‘why?’ It just came as a surprise to us.”

Hitting the Ground Running

Gallows and Anderson’s departure in 2020 came less than four years after the joined WWE, which in Gallows’ case, was a return.

Anderson explained on After the Bell that he and Gallows immediately went to work after receiving the dreaded call.

“Those kind of things set people back for days. But after that first hour, we had CBD Oil, we had a beer, and we had a wine label. We had an Impact Wrestling offer. We had New Japan on the phone. All of this was rocking. By the end of the day, I had almost forgotten what had happened.”

Gallows and Anderson would return to New Japan, debut for AEW, and compete for Impact Wrestling before their return to WWE this year.

NJPW Never Openweight Champion Karl Anderson is officially off the card for Battle Autumn, the promotion has confirmed.

Anderson had previously been booked for the show on November 5, where he was scheduled to defend his title against Hikuleo.

In a statement on their website, New Japan confirmed that despite “extensive efforts,” the match is now off.

New Japan apologized for Anderson not being on the show, adding that they hold their champions “to the highest standard of professionalism.”

Instead of the pre-announced title match, Hikuleo will now face Yujiro Takahashi in a non-title match.

The Openweight Championship

Anderson returned to WWE earlier this month as the NJPW Never Openweight Champion, and the match with Hikuleo had already been booked and announced.

It was in a social media video that Anderson claimed he would not be at Battle Autumn and instead compete at WWE Crown Jewel (also November 5.)

In a response, NJPW said that Anderson will be stripped of the title if he does not compete at Battle Autumn, but the title’s future was not addressed in the recent statement.

More than Meets the Eye

The conflict between Anderson, New Japan and WWE has been going on for weeks now, but this isn’t how things are behind the scenes.

A report last week notes that there have always been plans for Anderson to wrestle for New Japan despite his WWE return.

Sources close to the situation said that “things are fine” between Anderson and the two promotions.

Will Karl Anderson miss NJPW Battle Autumn as he claims? Perhaps, but that isn’t a bad thing.

Earlier this month, Anderson returned to WWE as the NJPW Never Openweight Champion and was booked for a title match at Battle Autumn on November 5.

Anderson has made it clear that he intends to compete at WWE Crown Jewel on November 5 and will miss Battle Autumn.

The Update

Anderson, WWE, and New Japan appear to be at odds, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Fightful Select reports that there have always been plans for the ‘Machine Gun’ to compete for New Japan despite his WWE return.

It is unclear what will happen with the Never Openweight Championship, which NJPW has insisted must be defended at Battle Autumn or Anderson will be stripped of the title.

The report adds that New Japan was aware that Anderson and Luke Gallows would be returning to WWE as early as August.

Sources close to the situation said that “things are fine” between Anderson and the two promotions.

More Appearances

In their report, Fightful reported that New Japan expects more appearances from Anderson and Gallows after Battle Autumn and that WWE is fine with this.

It was previously reported that NJPW is hopeful that Gallows and Anderson will make multiple appearances in the run-up to their big annual event Wrestle Kingdom.

NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 will take place on January 4, 2023, marking the first time since 2019 the show has happened in one day.

Four matches have been announced so far, including the crowning of the inaugural NJPW World Television Champion.

Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson recently returned to WWE to help AJ Styles in his battle with The Judgment Day.

Finn Balor had been trying to get The Phenomenal One to join the faction but AJ ultimately declined. The Judgment Day attacked Styles in response and The Good Brothers made their return.

WWE has announced that The OC will battle The Judgment Day in a 6-man tag team match at Crown Jewel on November 5th.

NJPW Warns Karl Anderson That They Will Vacate His Title If He Works Crown Jewel

Karl Anderson is the current NEVER Openweight Champion and was scheduled to defend the title on the same day against Hikuleo. Karl and Luke recently uploaded a video and said that they will not be at Battle Autumn. Gallows added that Anderson’s bookings must go through him and NJPW didn’t clear it with him.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling has responded today with a statement that refutes the claims made above by Luke Gallows. NJPW stated that they booked the match through the proper channels with Karl Anderson and the match was announced on October 4th. NJPW added that Karl will have to vacate and return the NEVER Openweight Championship if he does not compete in the match he was scheduled for.

You can read the entire statement below:

Thank you for supporting New Japan Pro-Wrestling. 

Early morning Japan time on October 20, NEVER Openweight Champion Karl Anderson posted a video on social media indicating that he would not be making his advertised commitment on November 5 in Osaka. 

NJPW had announced Anderson’s match with Hikuleo for the NEVER Openweight Championship on October 4. Despite comments from Doc Gallows to the contrary in Anderson’s video, the booking was made through the appropriate channels, and with Anderson’s expressed approval.

However, after the match’s announcement, both Gallows and Anderson would appear on the October 10 edition of WWE’s “Monday Night Raw” broadcast. This led to WWE announcing a match featuring both men for their Saudi Arabia event on November 5, in direct conflict with Anderson’s prior commitment.

NJPW has for the past several days attempted to negotiate with Anderson, but has not been met with a response. Should Anderson decide to renege on his scheduled championship match, he will be required to vacate the NEVER Openweight Championship and return the title belt to NJPW immediately. 

New Japan Pro-Wrestling holds its champions to the highest standards of professionalism, and sincerely apologizes to fans for any disappointment or inconvenience caused by this matter. 

Karl Anderson’s decision to choose WWE Crown Jewel 2022 over NJPW Battle Autumn has infuriated NJPW President Takami Ohbari.

Anderson, the reigning NJPW NEVER Openweight Champion, returned to WWE earlier this month alongside Luke Gallows.

The duo will team up with AJ Styles to face the Judgment Day at Crown Jewel on November 5.

Double Booking

After his return to WWE, it was reported that Anderson was still booked for Battle Autumn, where he was set to defend against Hikuleo.

In an updated card, published after the Good Brothers returned to Raw, the match was still on the schedule, with many believing NJPW and WWE had reached a deal.

After his match at Crown Jewel was announced, Anderson took to Twitter, where he and Gallows said they will not be competing at Battle Autumn.

The show is also scheduled for November 5 and is will take place in Osaka, Japan, over 5,200 miles away from Crown Jewel’s host city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Furious

Anderson and by proxy, Gallows, are off the Battle Autumn card, which hasn’t gone down well with New Japan’s higher ups.

In a recent interview with Tokyo Sports, company President Takami Ohbari stated that he was “furious,” but declined to comment further on the matter.

The report also noted that in early 2006, Brock Lesnar was forced to pull out a NJPW event, though in his case it was due to Visa issues.

Anderson’s decision to skip Battle Autum in favor of WWE Crown Jewel is the first instance of a “foreign fighter blatantly refusing to participate” at a pre-advertised show.

Karl Anderson has commented on the situation where NJPW and WWE double-booked him on the same date. 

The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows) made their returns to WWE to align with AJ Styles earlier this month despite working for NJPW as they weren’t under contract with the promotion. Instead, they had been working for NJPW on a handshake deal only. Anderson still has New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s NEVER Openweight Title. 

The belief is that The Good Brothers will work their committed dates with NJPW through next January at Wrestle Kingdom 17. Anderson won the belt from Tama Tonga at Dominion.

His next title defense is scheduled for November 5th at NJPW Battle Autumn in Osaka against Hikuleo. WWE confirmed on Monday Night Raw that Gallows and Anderson are scheduled to team with Styles at WWE Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia against The Judgment Day. 

Karl Anderson’s Address

Anderson shared a video on social media where he noted that he’ll defend the belt on his own time and will not be at Battle Autumn. Gallows added that all Karl’s bookings must go through him, and since New Japan did not clear it, Anderson will not be there.

WWE booked The Good Brothers on Tuesday’s NXT episode, where they tagged with Cameron Grimes and scored a win over The Schism (Joe Gacy, Jagger Reid & Rip Fowler).

As of this writing, NJPW is still advertising the NEVER Title match on its website for the upcoming November 5th event. 

Karl Anderson may be weeks away from making history by competing for WWE and New Japan Pro Wrestling on the very same night.

Last week, Anderson, alongside Luke Gallows, returned to WWE, coming to the aid of AJ Styles for his feud with The Judgment Day.

Gallows and Anderson, who are former WWE Raw Tag Team Champions, were released in April 2020 with their final appearances being during WrestleMania 36’s Boneyard match.

History Maker?

Anderson returned to WWE, despite being the NJPW NEVER Openweight Champion.

After his return, New Japan uploaded an updated card for their Battle Autumn event next month, confirming that Anderson is still on the card.

Anderson will defend his championship against Hikuleo and is expected to drop the title in Osaka Jo-Hall in Japan on November 5.

During this week’s Raw, it was announced that Styles, Gallows, and Anderson will face the Judgment Day’s Finn Balor, Damian Priest, and Dominik Mysterio at Crown Jewel.

Crown Jewel will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, also on November 5.

If he works both events, Anderson will become the first wrestler to work for WWE and New Japan on the same night.

More Appearances?

Anderson is set to appear for New Japan Pro Wrestling, despite being a WWE Superstar, but his work with the former promotion won’t be a one-off.

According to reports, New Japan is hopeful that both Anderson and Luke Gallows will be able to work events up until the company’s biggest annual show, Wrestle Kingdom 17 in January 2023.

There is no confirmation as to whether WWE will agree for the duo to make multiple appearances for the other promotion.

The second bout has been announced for WWE Crown Jewel, and it’s a big one as Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson will work their first premium live event since returning to the company. 

On Monday’s Raw,  Gallows and Anderson make their in-ring returns with a win over Alpha Academy. After the match, The Judgment Day interrupted to set up AJ Styles vs. Dominik Mysterio later in the night. Finn Balor reminded everyone how he started “this club” and promised to end them as well, so he challenged The O.C. to a six-man tag team match at Crown Jewel, and Styles accepted.

Anderson’s Other Match on November 5th

Anderson is still the NEVER Openweight Champion in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. It was previously reported that WWE would allow Anderson and Gallows to continue fulfilling their agreed bookings with NJPW, all the way up through Wrestle Kingdom in January. 

Anderson is already booked to defend his title against Hikuleo in Osaka, Japan, at New Japan’s Battle Autumn event on the same day sas Crown Jewel – November 5th. 

A direct flight between the two cities clocks in at under 14 hours. By the time Crown Jewel starts locally in Riyadh, it will already be 1 a.m. in Japan. 

Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. Logan Paul is the only other match confirmed for the next event in Saudi Arabia. 

Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson feel like right back where they belong after returning to WWE last week on RAW.

Finn Balor and The Judgment Day have tried to recruit AJ Styles to The Judgment Day for several weeks but The Phenomenal One declined. After Styles refused again on RAW, The Judgment Day attacked.

The Good Brothers made their shocking return to the company and stood by AJ’s side as The Judgment Day retreated. The O.C. then stood tall and posed in the ring to end the segment.

Gallows and Anderson Deliver A Warning To Alpha Academy

The Good Brothers will return to action in a WWE ring tonight against Alpha Academy (Chad Gable & Otis). Byron Saxton caught up to Gallows and Anderson as they arrived to the arena for tonight’s episode of RAW in a WWE Digital Exclusive.

Luke Gallows said that they’ve been around the world in the past two and a half years but WWE is their home.

Karl Anderson noted that the team has unfinished business in WWE and warned Alpha Academy ahead of the tag team match tonight.

H/T: Sportskeeda Wrestling

The Good Brothers are back with WWE, but that won’t prevent both men from competing outside of the company.

The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows) returned during this week’s WWE Raw, coming to the aid of AJ Styles.

Styles has been feuding with the Judgment Day fr months, as the group continues to try and recruit the two-time former WWE World Champion.

Good Brothers

Despite being WWE Superstars, Gallows and Anderson are still expected to compete for New Japan.

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Anderson, the reigning NJPW NEVER Openweight Champion, will compete at Battle Autumn on November 5.

Fightful Select reports that the duo have been working for New Japan without contracts, and have plans to use the two in the coming months.

It was also reported that New Japan officials were aware that Gallows and Anderson were returning to WWE despite dates committed through to the end of this year.

Officials at NJPW are hopeful that WWE will allow Gallows and Anderson to work Wrestle Kingdom in January 2023, but that has not been confirmed at this time.

Return to WWE

Gallows and Anderson are back with WWE, two years after they were released by the promotion.

Fightful’s report adds that Gallows and Anderson were sent feelers from WWE during their recent run in Impact Wrestling.

It was said that neither man kept WWE’s interest in them a secret behind the scenes in Impact.

Both men’s contracts were originally set to end in July, but extended for a month, meaning their Impact deals ended in late August.

Gallows and Anderson’s first match back will come on tomorrow’s Raw when they will face Alpha Academy.

Karl Anderson is still slated to work a show for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) after making his return to WWE.

As noted, The Good Brothers made their return to WWE on this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW. The pair flanked AJ Styles against The Judgement Day, seemingly marking the beginning of a feud between the factions.

However, this is certainly an interesting development for Anderson, in particular, as he’s still the NEVER Openweight Champion in NJPW.

According to a report from Fightful, Anderson is still slated to work the Wrestle Kingdom 17 show on January 4.

NJPW is also still advertising a bout between Karl Anderson and Hikuleo at the Battle Autumn show on November 5. With that being said, it’s likely WWE and NJPW have come to some sort of agreement in regards to Anderson’s remaining dates with the latter.

Given Anderson is slated for NJPW’s November 5 show, it’s unlikely Anderson works the WWE Crown Jewel show in Riyadh, as it’s on the same day.

Gallows will also be a part of the New Japan Strong episode on Saturday, but that was pre-taped before the pair returned on RAW this week.

NJPW was said to have been given a heads up about the duo returning to WWE, allowing them to plan around the situation.

The report adds that WWE has been interested in The Good Brothers for some time now, dating back to when they were still under contract with IMPACT Wrestling.

Some former WWE Tag Team Champions are expected to be joining WWE very soon.

According to a recent report from PWInsider, The Good Brothers, Luke/Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson, are expected to be rejoining WWE soon. The initial expectation is that the duo will be returning to RAW to re-align with AJ Styles.

The trio were actually spotted together yesterday in Washington DC. They were likely filming something for WWE. Styles has been feuding with The Judgement Day faction on RAW, so The Good Brothers returning to back him would certainly make sense.

Back in August, The Good Brothers wrapped up their obligations with IMPACT Wrestling, dropping a match to The Motor City Machine Guns in Texas. The duo’s deal actually expired in July, however, they came to an agreement to add a few more additional dates.

The initial expectation was for The Good Brothers to return to Japan and work there at least through Wrestle Kingdom. However, that no longer seems to be the case.

This would be the tag team’s second run with WWE. They first signed with WWE back in 2016, where they saw great success. After winning a WWE Tag Team World Cup, and two runs as WWE RAW Tag Team Champions, they signed new five-year deals with WWE.

Despite this, The Good Brothers were part of the massive cuts made within WWE amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.