Author: Mike Reichlin

  • Kenny Omega on His Comeback: ‘I’m Still Standing, Fueled by Passion’

    Kenny Omega is eager to get back in the ring and prove that he’s still one of the best pro wrestlers in the world.

    The former AEW World Champion has been out of action for most of this year. After being diagnosed with diverticulitis last year, he underwent surgery and has spent the past few months getting his body back into shape. Now training at “moderate intensity,” Omega is confident he’ll soon be able to perform at a high level again.

    In a recent interview with New Japan Pro Wrestling promote his upcoming appearance at NJPW Power Struggle next month, Omega reflected on his journey and future plans. As he prepares for his in-ring return, he acknowledged the difficulty of balancing his dual roles as both an AEW executive and wrestler.

    Omega admitted that holding both responsibilities took a significant toll on him. He reflected on simpler times when he was “only” a pro wrestler, calling the balancing act a “terrible undertaking” that he wouldn’t wish on anyone. He also praised Hiroshi Tanahashi, who successfully juggled wrestling and serving as NJPW President, but noted that burning the candle at both ends isn’t sustainable.

    “I did it for the state of wrestling, and I did it because I wanted to help people—help fans,” Omega said. “I just wanted to unite people all over the world, lovers of professional wrestling. Even people who never watched wrestling but might find a love for it. Did I sacrifice a bit of my physical and mental health for it? Sure. But I’m still standing, and much like Tanahashi, it’s passion that fuels us.”

  • Bobby Lashley Teases Future Plans Amid MVP and Shelton Benjamin’s AEW Signing

    The former WWE Champion Bobby Lashley has shared his thoughts on MVP and Shelton Benjamin joining All Elite Wrestling. The free agent appeared on the Lame Guys Podcast and touted what they bring to AEW.

    Wrestling fans complaining about AEW signing \’ex-WWE guys\’ are missing the big picture. MVP and Shelton Benjamin bring a ton of life experience, still have gas left in the tank, and have the ability to elevate others.

    \”The fans need to understand… You need established guys to help elevate others.”

    Bryan Danielson, Adam Copeland, Samoa Joe and Christian are among the former World Champions who have done just that.

    Lashley does not plan on accumulating ring rust following his WWE exit. The Dominator has teased that fans can expect something big from him over the next few weeks. As for wether or not he\’ll follow MVP and Shelton Benjamin to AEW, he\’s keeping his options open.

    \”You think they have enough money for me?\”

    – Bobby Lashley on the prospect of joining AEW

    Catch the full interview here:

  • Cody Rhodes on Why Goldust Deserves a Hall of Fame Spot

    Cody Rhodes may have finished his story at WrestleMania 40, but an essential figure in his journey, his older brother, Dustin Rhodes, was notably absent from the final chapters. As the American Nightmare is forging his legacy as Undisputed WWE Champion, Dusty’s oldest first-born son remains an active competitor in AEW and Ring of Honor.

    Dustin has taken on various personas throughout his decades-long career, but it’s his work as the iconic Goldust character that Cody believers will secure his spot among wrestling’s legends.

    “I think I was 14 years old when Goldust was really hitting his stride on WWE television,” Cody tells The Schmo. “I can certainly say that it was a unique thing to see. My friends had a lot of feelings about what Goldust was doing.”

    Cody Rhodes on Goldust

    At a time when many wrestlers leaned into their family legacies, Dustin defied expectations. He went all-in with Goldust—an androgynous, gold-painted character who had opponents reeling from mind games before the bell even rang.

    “Knowing how much he had subverted expectations, knowing how much he didn’t want to just be a Rhodes, he wanted to be his own thing. I was very proud of Dustin throughout that whole run, what he did, and the lengths he went to do it.”

    Cody Rhodes on Goldust

    As the mid-90s gave way to the late-90s and society embraced Jerry Springer-style shock value, Goldust stayed at the forefront, pushing boundaries every step of the way. The portrayal of Goldust, in Cody’s view, stands as a testament Dustin’s creative genius deserving of wrestling’s highest honor.

    “Goldust was an underrated part of the Attitude Era, certainly somebody worthy of the Hall of Fame.”

    Cody Rhodes on Goldust

    Catch Cody Rhodes full interview with The Schmo:

  • Raw Preview: Tag Team Tournament Finals, Dirty Dom in Action

    Tonight’s WWE Raw broadcasts live on the USA Network at 8/7 from Philadelphia, PA at the Giant Center. The final Raw before WWE Crown Jewel will see the finals of the World Tag Team Title contenders tournament, several former World Champions in action and more.

    Confirmed matches and segments:

    • New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) vs. War Raiders (Erik & Ivar) vs. Latino World Order (Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee) in the World Tag Team Title Contenders Tournament Final.
    • Dominik Mysterio vs. a former World Champion
    • Sheamus vs. Ludwig Kaiser
    • Zelina Vega vs. Ivy Nile

    Other talent advertised to appear (subject to change) include Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Word Heavyweight Champion Gunther, and Rhea Ripley.

  • Steve Austin Needs Surgery on his Left Knee ‘Pretty Quick’

    WWE Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin says he needs a “new left knee” in the near future.

    Austin revealed the news on the Bobbycast podcast and explained his knee troubles began during his college football days at North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas).

    He tore his ACL during his junior year, while covering a kickoff. He described it as a “mop-end tear,” where the ligament tears in the middle with frayed edges.

    “I need a new left knee here pretty quick.”

    – Steve Austin, Bobbycast

    At the time, doctor opted not to repair the ACL, relying on the strength of his surrounding muscles instead. These early injuries set the stage for persistent knee issues throughout his wrestling career.

    Over the years, Austin has had multiple surgeries, including the replacement of his ACL and PCL using cadaver ligaments.

  • Vikingo Vows to Return Stronger Than Ever from Knee Injury

    El Hijo Del Vikingo has updated fans on his condition after a scary knee injury at Sunday’s post-Bound for Glory TNA Impact tapings. In his Instagram stories, he wrote:

    “Thanks to my brother, Laredo Kid, for accompanying me and keeping an eye on me! I chose this sport, I am happy for the good and the bad. I will recover and come back stronger than ever. Thanks to everyone who sent me a message!”

    Vikingo was stretchered out of the October 27th TNA iMPACT! tapings when he suffered a knee injury in his match against Trent Seven. 

    Vikingo made his return to TNA at Bound For Glory after being sidelined for seven months due to a knee injury. He challenged “Speedball” Mike Bailey for the X-Division Championship. The high-flying flip-fest saw Bailey retain his championship by executing a float-over superplex off the top rope for the victory.

  • Waller Demands Cena: ‘I’ll Keep Saying Mean Things Until You Say Yes’

    Grayson Waller (still) wants a piece of John Cena. The Aussie Superstar doesn’t need a big stage, he just wants to slap Cena silly before it’s too late.

    “I want to slap John in the face like I’ve been wanting it for so long. I’m going to get it, John, he said on UpUpDownDown. “I’m going to keep saying mean things until you say yes.”

    Wrestlers who have called out John Cena wanting to be one of his final opponents include The Miz. Bron Breakker, Randy Orton, Matt Cardona and Carmelo Hayes.

    Cena’s 2025 WWE retirement tour kicks off January 6 when WWE Raw premieres on Netflix.

    “He said 40 shows like come on, give me Poughkeepsie or something,” said Waller. “You don’t have to give one of the big towns. I’m fine with that.”

    Waller currently wrestles on the SmackDown brand as part of the A-Town Down Under tag team with Austin Theory. He also hosts a talk show segment called “The Grayson Waller Effect.”

    https://youtube.com/shorts/FuW8zbNe-bk?si=yImWNlOv253abZNm

  • Samantha Irvin: I Didn’t Like Announcing, I Wanted to be a Manager

    Former WWE ring announcer Samantha Irvin says she didn’t like being a ring announcer and hoped to transition to a manager.

    WWE ring announcer responded to questions about her departure on Instagram, and revealed that her plan was to use ring announcing as a stepping stone to being a manager and even an authority figure, if that opportunity had presented itself. She wanted more – from her outside entertainment projects, do her role in pro wrestling.

    “I don’t like announcing,” she revealed on Instagram. “I’m serious! Announcing was only supposed to be my way in. I wanted to manage, maybe even become general manager one day. But WWE saw no other future for me besides announcer. I love watching the action but I don’t love being an announcer.”

    Another user asked, “ur untalented husband did this huh,” Irvin replied that Ricochet’s success allows her the flexibility to quit a job she didn’t like.

    “My husband is a millionaire so yes, I don’t have to do a job I don’t like anymore.”

  • Lilian Garcia, SmackDown Stars Backstage for Tonight\’s WWE RAW

    WWE Hall of Famer Lilian Garcia is currently backstage at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, site of tonight\’s WWE Raw. Her presence is especially interesting in the wake of Samantha Irvine\’s bombshell announcement that she\’s leaving WWE. We\’ll find out in a matter of hours if Garcia\’s visit is just a social visit, or if she\’ll be filling in for Irvine.

    Irvine\’s exit is understandably the hot topic of conversation this afternoon. Sources at Raw indicate that virtually everyone was caught off-guard by the news, and emphasized how universally well-liked she is.

    In addition to Lilian Garcia, there are several wrestlers from the SmackDown brand at the arena. Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is on hand, as areBloodline leader Solo Sikoa, Women\’s World Champion Nia Jax and Bayley.

    Tonight\’s WWE Raw will feature Bron Breakker challenging Jey Uso for the Intercontinental Championship, WWE Tag Title #1 Contender tournament matches and more.

  • Samantha Irvin Departs WWE: \”Stay Tuned\”

    Samantha Irvin has announced she\’s no longer the ring announcer for WWE Raw, but teases that people should \”stay tuned\” for the next chapter of her professional career.

    In a statement released Monday afternoon, she thanked WWE\’s fans, Superstars, crew and the mentors who guided her on her journey. The word going around backstage at the Wells Fargo Center, site of tonight\’s WWE Raw, is genuine shock over this high-profile departure.

    Irvin was with WWE for four years before announcing her departure on October 21, 2024. After initially pursuing a career as a pro wrestler and participating in tryouts at the Performance Center, she was signed in April 2021 as a ring announcer for WWE 205 Live. She quickly climbed the ranks, first to NXT and then to WWE SmackDown in January 2022. The following year, she was moved to the Raw brand, where she\’s worked ever since.

    Her impassioned delivery on the microphone, her engaging personality and musical talents made her a fan favorite over the past several years.

    Her Statement

    Samantha Irvin posted the following statement addressing her departure:

    “WWE Universe, my time has come to an end as your Monday Night Raw Ring Announcer. I love you all tremendously, and this does not mark the end of my art; I have a lifetime more to share. Thank you to every WWE fan who accepted me.

    To the Women’s Locker Room: you are the most incredible group of people on the face of this Earth. I am beyond proud to be your colleague and friend.

    To the Crew & Cameramen: I can’t thank you enough for the encouragement, the laughs. You created such a wonderful, positive atmosphere for me. Love you all.

    To the WWE Superstars, past and present: I have thanked you since 1989 and will continue to thank you for the rest of my days for entertaining us. For raising the bar over and over again. For risking your bodies and finding new ways to keep us shocked and wanting more.

    There is no form of entertainment like this, and not just any entertainer can be a WWE Superstar. The respect I have for you is more than I can express. Thank you for making it so easy to pour emotion and excitement into your introductions.

    You are the stars that the stars idolize. It doesn’t get any bigger, and I’m proud to have used my voice to let the world know it.

    Thank you Paul Heyman, Michael PS Hayes, and Michael Cole. I will continue to apply what I learned from you to every aspect of my career. Thank you for invigorating my creativity.

    Thank you Brian “Road Dogg” James, Scott Armstrong, Gabe Sapolsky, and George Carroll Jr. for giving me my first opportunities to rise to the occasion. Thank you to HHH for trusting me and showcasing me on this platform. Thank you Mark Henry for giving me my big break. I hope I made you proud.

    Thank you to all the Coaches, Producers, Medical, Writers, Talent Relations, Makeup, Photography, Social Media, Digital, Travel Department, Catering, Merch, 2K Team, Referees, Security, and Announce Team for everything you did to help me along the way.

    To my fans: My entire career I’ve been waiting for you! We are meant to be, and I can prove it. Stay tuned.

    All my love! And still…

    Samantha”

    \"\"
    Samantha Irvin moving on to the next chapter of her career
  • Lin-Manuel Miranda: Dominik Mysterio is Pro Wrestling\’s Best Heel in Decades

    Lin-Manuel Miranda (\”Hamilton\”) is a lifelong wrestling fan, and he\’s not ashamed to share his passion for the unique brand of entertainment. He knows character development as well as anybody, and his eye for talent is locked in on \”Dirty\” Dominik Mysterio, whom he believes as the best villain in the game. Miranda has made a few WWE television appearances over the years, including a surprise cameo at SummerSlam 2017.

    During a recent appearance on Ebro in The Morning, he jokes that he\’s \”way too into wrestling,\” but that qualifies him to heap praise on Mysterio. He likens Dom\’s \’nuclear heat\’ to that of the Million Dollar Man, who riled up audiences across the world by using his wealth to degrade and humiliate people.

    “I’m way too into wrestling, but I’m loving Dom Mysterio’s heel to super-heel turn. Like he was already over as a heel, and then he left Rhea Ripley for Liv Morgan, and they don’t even let him talk!

    They boo so much when he talks that he has to break into Spanish. It’s the most over I’ve seen a heel since the Million Dollar Man was kicking basketballs out from under kids’ hands in the 80\’s\’.”

    – Lin Manuel Miranda on Dominik Mysterio

    Dominik Mysterio has come a long way since his WWE in-ring debut in the summer of 2020. Just four years into his WWE career, he\’s one of the hottest acts in the business and has established himself a bonafide Superstar outside of the shadow of his famous father.

  • Watch Donald Trump on The Undertaker\’s Podcast (Part 1)

    The first part of US Presidential candidate Donald Trump\’s appearance on The Undertaker\’s Six Feet Under with Mark Calloway podcast is now online.

    The two WWE Hall of Famers discuss a wide range of topics here, including pro wrestling, politics and everything in between. They delved into Trump’s early fascination with wrestling and how he became involved with the sport over time. Trump, an avid wrestling fan for decades, was curious about what\’s \”real\” and what\’s not inside the squared circle, asking if wrestlers ever genuinely get angry during matches and what it feels like to take bumps and perform in the ring.

    The discussion then shifted towards wrestling legends, with both sharing thoughts on the greatest wrestlers of all time and the current generation of stars shaping the industry today.

    Trump pulled back the curtain on his own world, sharing some of his personal motivations, and what keeps him going at such a hectic pace at 78 years old.

    Finally, Trump reflects on showing more of his personal side to the public, and of course, the upcoming election and what\’s at stake for the future of the country.

  • Jey Uso Wants The Usos to Wrestle MCMG & Lucha Bros in WWE

    Jey Uso is enjoying his first reign with a singles title as the WWE Intercontinental Champion. Ahead of his next title defense against Bron Breakker tonight on WWE Raw, the former Bloodline member hasn\’t given up hope on reuniting with his brother.

    Jimmy Uso made a surprise return at WWE Bad Blood and came to the aid of Roman Reigns, but he\’s yet to make peace with Jey.

    During a recent interview with Metro UK, Jey Uso expressed his desire to reform what he calls the greatest tag team in the world, The Usos. They\’re one of the most decorated tag teams in history, and Jey can\’t help but think about the prospective tag matches awaiting them.

    “I would like to [wrestle MCMG] with Jimmy. I feel like with Jimmy… We are the best tag team in the world. We’ve done everything. But I feel like if we did have a comeback, man, I would like to run with those guys.\”

    – Jey Uso to Metro UK

    He also named, \”a couple guys from NXT\” and AEW stars Lucha Bros. (Pentagon and Rey Fenix) , \”but they gotta walk through this door.”

    The Usos last teamed together at WrestleMania 39 (April 1, 2023), where they faced and lost the Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. Neither team is still together, but the arrival of the MCMG freshens up the tag team division.

    Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley have already made an impact following their debuts last week on WWE SmackDown. This coming Friday, they\’ll mix it up with DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa).

  • Bray Wyatt Built The Wyatt Sicks Before He Passed Away

    WWE\’s Wyatt Sicks faction was built by none other than the late Bray Wyatt.

    The faction, which first arrived in the scene back in June, is lead by Uncle Howdy, portrayed by Wyatt\’s younger brother, Taylor Rotunda (formerly known as Bo Dallas).

    Each the four other members\’ characters are based on puppets from the Firefly Funhouse universe: Abby the Witch (Nikki Cross), Ramblin\’ Rabbit (Erick Rowan), Mercy the Buzzard (Dexter Lumis) and Huskus the Pig Boy (Joe Gacy).

    The Waytt Sicks\’ connections to Bray Wyatt are apparent, but Bo Dallas has revealed his brother\’s influence on the group is even greater than fans knew.

    “Everything that’s going on up to this date and then going forward, if it’s not Windham’s idea, it has a piece of Windham’s idea in it\”

    – Bo Dallas to USA Today

    Bray Wyatt\’s proverbial finger-prints extend beyond the \’creative\’ elements we\’ve seen thus far. The man behind the Uncle Howdy mask says Bray \”hand picked\” each member, for reasons that he\’s not even fully aware of.

    “He wanted to work with them,” he said. “He hand picked them for reasons almost unknown to me. Like he just saw something and felt something in them.”

    Bray Wyatt built the Wyatt Sicks before he passed away
  • IC Title Match, Seth Rollins Set For Tonight\’s WWE Raw from Philadelphia

    WWE Raw broadcasts live tonight on the USA Network at 8/7c from Philadelphia, PA at the Wells Fargo Center.

    This week\’s show will feature Bron Breakker getting another shot at reclaiming the Intercontinental championship, tournament matches to crown the next challengers to the WWE World tag team champions and more.

    Here\’s what\’s on tap for tonight\’s Raw, just 12 days out from WWE Crown Jewel on Saturday, November 2:

    Confirmed matches and segments:

    • Bron Breakker challenges Jey Uso for the Intercontinental Championship
    • Tag Title #1 Contender Tournament Matches:
      • Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee vs. American Made
      • The New Day (Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston) vs. AOP (Akam & Rezar)

    Plus, there will be a face-to-face meeting between Seth \”Freakin\’\” Rollins and \”Big\” Bronson Reed. Other top stars advertised to appear include GUNTHER, Liv Morgan, Drew McIntyre, Rhea Ripley.

  • Sammy Guevara vs. Shelton Benjamin, Ladder War on AEW Dynamite

    Shelton Benjamin’s next AEW opponent is Sammy Guevara. The match is scheduled for Wednesday’s Dynamite and was announced during a video package that aired on Collision. Guevara emphasized his pride as an AEW original and his goal to create memorable moments in the ring. He said he personally requested the match with Shelton Benjamin from Tony Khan. He praised the WWE alum, saying he has admired him since childhood, and promised fans another standout moment on Dynamite.

    Also announced on Sunday, Queen Aminata will take on Kamille.

    Matches & Segments Announced for October 23 AEW Dynamite

    \"\"

    Here’s the updated card for Wednesday’s Dynamite on TBS:

    • ROH World Title Ladder War Match: Mark Briscoe (c) vs. Chris Jericho
    • Six-Man Tag Team Match: Daniel Garcia & Private Party (Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy) vs. The Elite (Jack Perry, Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson)
    • Sammy Guevara vs. Shelton Benjamin
    • Queen Aminata vs. Kamille
    • House of Black scheduled for in-ring action

    Plus, Kyle Fletcher will address Will Ospreay.

  • Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin Sign WWE Contracts Before SmackDown

    Motor City Machine Guns, Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley, officially signed their WWE contracts Friday afternoon.

    The decorated tag team will be on the SmackDown brand, and will make their in-ring debuts in a matter of hours. They\’ll face Los Garza and A-Town Down Under tonight in a triple threat match.

    Triple H officially welcomed Sabin & Shelley to the WWE family, recognizing their illustrious careers as one of the premiere tag teams over the past twenty years.

    SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis knows the MCMG well. They wrestled in Impact Wrestling at the same time, and even competed against each other. Aldis teamed with Lio Rush against the Guns on July 6, 2023.

  • Jesse Ventura Expected at Saturday Night’s Main Event on Dec. 14

    Jesse Ventura’s first assignment as a contracted ‘WWE Legend’ is scheduled for this December. Ventura will appear at Saturday Night’s Main Event (SNME), according to the Wrestling Observer. The event will siumcast live on NBC and Peacock on Saturday, December 14 from the historic Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York.

    The upcoming SNME promises a nostalgic atmosphere, highlighted by the use of the classic 1984 hit “Obsession” by Animotion in event advertisements.

    With Survivor Series: WarGames on November 30 marking WWE’s final premium live event of 2024, SNME will take center stage as the company’s biggest December showcase. The inclusion of Jesse “The Body” Ventura guarantees that fans are in for something special.

    December 14 will be a homecoming for WWE, Saturday Night’s Main Event, and Ventura. The former Minnesota Governor was on commentary with Vince McMahon for the very first SNME, held on May 10, 1985, at the Nassau Coliseum.

  • Vikingo vs Speedball Mike Bayley Set for TNA Bound for Glory

    Here’s the updated card for TNA Bound for Glory 2024:

    TNA World Championship Match: Nick Nemeth (c) vs. Joe Hendry

    TNA Digital Media Championship & International Heavyweight Wrestling Championship – Monsters Ball Match: PCO (c) vs. Matt Cardona

    TNA World Tag Team Championship – Three-Way Full Metal Mayhem Match: The System (c) vs. The Hardys vs. ABC (Ace Austin and Chris Bey)

    TNA Knockouts World Championship: Jordynne Grace vs. Masha Slamovich

    X-Division Championship Match: “Speedball” Mike Bailey (c) vs. El Hijo Del Vikingo

    Singles Match: Josh Alexander vs. Steve Maclin

    Countdown to Bound for Glory: Call Your Shot Gauntlet Match

    TNA Bound for Glory takes place on October 26, 2024, live from Detroit, MI. The event streams live on pay-per-view. Additional matches or adjustments may be announced leading up to the event.

  • Westside Gunn’s 4TH ROPE Blends Wrestling, Art, and Music

    Rapper Westside Gunn has unveiled his latest business venture: a pro-wrestling company called 4TH ROPE, which reflects his passion for wrestling, art, fashion, and music.

    The company will officially launch at “The Heels Have Eyes III,” set to take place at the UIC Forum in Chicago on Saturday, November 2nd. This event marks the next chapter of Gunn’s concert series, blending live music with professional wrestling.

    The concert series has previously made stops in Philadelphia and Cleveland, both of which sold out. The Chicago event will feature performances from legendary DJs Pete Rock and DJ Premier following the wrestling matches.

    Several prominent wrestling talents are scheduled to appear, including Jordynne Grace (TNA Knockouts World Champion), Sami Callahan, Nick Gage, Moose, Joe Hendry, Masha Slamovich, AJ Francis, and Santana.

    Westside Gunn’s vision for 4TH ROPE is to create a dynamic fusion of music and wrestling, delivering a fun and engaging experience for wrestling fans and music lovers alike.

  • Mercedes Moné Explains the Difference Between Superstars and Wrestlers

    Mercedes Moné says there\’s a difference between pro wrestlers and Superstars, and one is clearly superior. The reigning AEW TBS Champion shared her views on this topic in her latest Moné Mag Newsletter (Vol. 2, Issue 19).

    Drawing from her extensive experience in the industry, the self-proclaimed All Elite \’CEO\’ explains that it takes more than technical skill to reach the level of superstardom.

    Some would argue that \’excellence of execution\’ is what makes a great pro wrestler, but Moné argues that a wrestler\’s look, presentation, charisma and \’aura\’ are crucial to reach the top of the industry.

    “Being a superstar is a combination of having the looks, the presentation, and a connection with the fans and the audience. A superstar is someone that people go WOW! They are just so captivating. Goldberg is one great example of many.\”

    Moné seems to downplay a standard \’wrestler\’ with a quote that sounds like it may have come from her former boss. \”A wrestler, on the other hand, is someone who just puts on the grind and executes moves. They have all the fundamentals down and can do the flips and the dips.\”

    \”Wrestlers can have great matches, too, but to be a superstar is really on a whole different level.\”

    – Mercedes Moné argues, Superstars > Wrestlers

    Moné says there are a few key performers who check both the wrester and superstar boxes, such as Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart.

    She also names Willow Nightingale, Kris Statler and Mariah May as her favorite performers in AEW who encapsulate both descriptions.

  • NXT Preview: Stephanie Vaquer Debuts, Nikkita Lyons Returns

    Here\’s what\’s on tap for tonight\’s WWE NXT on The CW at 8/7c:

    NXT Championship #1 Contender\’s Match: Ethan Page, Wes Lee, and Je’Von Evans will face off in a Triple Threat Match. The winner of this bout will earn the right to challenge Trick Williams for the NXT Championship at NXT Halloween Havoc on October 27.

    In-Ring Debut: Stephanie Vaquer makes her NXT in-ring debut against Wren Sinclair. This match is anticipated to showcase Vaquer\’s abilities in the NXT women\’s division.

    Championship Celebration: Tony D’Angelo, now the NXT North American Champion after defeating Oba Femi, will celebrate his victory with The Family.

    Return to the Ring: Nikkita Lyons returns from injury, facing off against Lola Vice. This marks Lyons\’ first televised match since the January 9, 2024 episode of WWE NXT. Lyons recently returned to action at an NXT live event was sporting a brace on each knee.

    Grudge Match: Riley Osborne will take on Ridge Holland, possibly looking to settle scores or prove themselves in the ring.

    Gentleman’s Duel: Oro Mensah and Lexis King will engage in what\’s being called a Gentleman’s Duel. Expect Shenanigans, especially when this is one of the participants:

    Halloween Havoc Preparation: The episode will also feature the return of the Halloween Havoc wheel, setting the stage for the upcoming PLE.

    Here is the latest NXT vignette hyping the arrival of Delta:

  • Nia Jax Talks Bloodline Rumors: Family Ties, But No Creative Pitch Yet

    Wrestling fans have long speculated about the possibility of Nia Jax aligning with The Bloodline. The reigning WWE Women\’s Champion is cousins with The Rock, so she\’d be an obvious choice if and when The Bloodline adds its first female member.

    Jax says she\’d be there for her family in a moment\’s notice if they needed her, but she\’s focused on dominating the Women\’s division and she\’s never been seriously considered.

    “It’s only been discussed by fans. I definitely think that’s an easy thing to go to, but I also know that the boys really support us in our journey. They want us to be successful in our own right and pave our own path and create our own legacy.\”

    – Nia Jax on joining The Bloodline (Daily Mail)

    The Bloodline consists of Tribal Chief Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, and Tonga Loa. They are currently engaged in a fierce feud with ex-Tribal Chief Roman Reigns and his nephew, Jimmy Uso. The Bloodline left Reigns and Uso severely injured on SmackDown last week, with Jimmy saying he and Reigns need help. The help will likely come from Intercontinental Champion Jey Uso, but the possibility remains that Nia Jax will get involved in this Bloodline civil war before all is said and done.

  • GUNTHER Congratulates Zack Sabre Jr. on Historic IWGP Championship Win

    WWE World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER has congratulated Zack Sabre Jr. on his major victory at Monday’s NJPW King of Pro Wrestling event.

    Sabre Jr. defeated Tetsuya Naito to capture the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, marking a monumental achievement in his career. He is only the second British wrestler to win this prestigious title, following Will Ospreay’s triumph in 2021.

    https://twitter.com/Gunther_AUT/status/1845798806006231543

    Gunther, a former rival of Sabre\’s from their days on the UK independent wrestling scene in 2019, acknowledged this milestone on social media. He posted a simple yet supportive message featuring applause emojis and the initials “ZSJ.” It was a gracious gesture from the Austrian Superstar, likely appreciated by Sabre on this memorable occasion.

    TNA World Champion Nick Nemeth, formerly known as Dolph Ziggler in WWE, also saluted ZSJ.

    Gunther battles Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes at WWE Crown Jewel on Saturday, November 2, 2024. They\’ll have a face-off on tonight\’s WWE Raw.

  • Shinsuke Nakamura Returns to NOAH for 2025 New Year Showdown

    Shinsuke Nakamura is set to return to Pro Wrestling NOAH on New Year’s Day. Nakamura will face Ulka Sasaki in a highly anticipated singles match on January 1, 2025, at NOAH The New Year. This marks Nakamura’s first appearance for NOAH since January 2023, when he famously defeated The Great Muta (Keiji Muto) as part of Muta’s retirement tour.

    The announcement of Nakamura’s return was made during Pro Wrestling NOAH’s October 14th event at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.

    Despite an active year, Nakamura has struggled with a disappointing 3–38 record, though the majority of these matches have been non-televised. Earlier this year, he headlined a major feud with Cody Rhodes, which included intense Street Fights and Bullrope matches. Nakamura also made multiple unsuccessful challenges for the WWE Universal and United States Titles.

    Throughout the year, Nakamura has faced top talent such as LA Knight, Sheamus, Ilja Dragunov, and Sami Zayn. Additionally, he has represented WWE in international events across Japan, Germany, and Europe.

    Follow Shinsuke Nakamura on X @ShinsukeN

    Nakamura\’s 10 Greatest WWE Moments (as of 2021):