Rhea Ripley wants to follow in the footsteps of her childhood hero Beth Phoenix by competing in a men\’s Royal Rumble match.
Ripley is a member of The Judgment Day faction, along with Finn Balor, Damian Priest and Dominick Mysterio. While the female members of wrestling factions have typically been portrayed as eye candy, Ripley is arguably the enforcer of the group. Over the past several months, the former Raw and SmackDown Women\’s champion has gone face-to-face with several male Superstars, including Luke Gallows, Solo Sikoa and Akira Tozawa.
WWE introduced the annual women\’s Royal Rumble match in 2018, but Ripley sees a chance to make history and emulate one of her childhood heroes by testing herself against the men. During a recent interview with WrestleBinge, Ripley says she\’s ready to make history.
\”I would most definitely love to enter the Men’s Royal Rumble. I would love to.\”
– Rhea Ripley
Several competitors including Phoenix, Chyna and Nia Jax have competed in the men\’s Rumble. However, Ripley is open to the idea of participating in the men\’s and women\’s Rumbles on the same night, a feat that would etch her name in the history books.
Elsewhere in the Wrestlebinge interview, Ripley spoke about her admiration for Beth Phoenix. She was a huge fan of the \’Glamazon\’ while growing up and related to her muscular body type. She would be honored to \’fill those shoes\’ and help advance the women\’s evolution by showing she\’s not limited to competing with other women.
We may very well see Rhea Ripley in a men\’s Royal Rumble one day. As of this writing, she is entered – and the odds-on favorite to win – the women\’s Rumble match.
The 2023 WWE Royal Rumble premium live event takes place this Saturday, January 28.
WWE has scrapped a major segment that was originally planned for Monday\’s \’RAW is XXX\’ anniversary show from Philadelphia, PA.
The Bloodline Acknowledgement Ceremony, which was going to feature several generations of the Anoa\’i wrestling dynasty, will not be taking place. The news was first reported by PWInsider. The Wild Samoans (Afa and Siki) were slated to appear, along with Rikishi and Samu.
WWE has already announced a replacement segment. Due to the events that transpired on Friday\’s SmackDown, The Bloodline will hold a Tribal Court for The Trail of Sami Zayn.
BREAKING: After the events of last night’s #SmackDown, The Bloodline will hold a Tribal Court for the Trial of Sami Zayn this Monday at 8/7c on #RAWisXXX on @USA_Network!
In addition to the Trial of Sami Zayn, top matches advertised for Raw is XXX include:
Becky Lynch vs. Bayley in a Steel Cage Match
Bobby Lashley challenges Austin Theory for the United States Championship
The Judgment Day (Damian Priest and Dominik Mysterio) challenge The Usos for the Raw tag team championships
WWE legends scheduled to appear include The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Road Dogg, X-Pac, Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Jerry “The King” Lawler, Teddy Long, Ron Simmons, and Kurt Angle.
WWE SmackDown heads to the Sames Auto Arena in Laredo, Texas this Friday night. The show takes place just 24 hours before the 2023 Royal Rumble premium live event, so fans can expect a hot atmosphere.
On the eve of the biggest match of his career, Kevin Owens won\’t get a chance to rest up. He may very well be the next Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, but first he\’ll have to make it to San Antonio. Before testing himself against Roman Reigns at the Rumble, Owens have to go through Solo Sikoa.
The SmackDown Tag Team Championship Contender\’s tournament continues, with two semi-final matches scheduled. Plus, Rey Mysterio\’s ongoing feud with Killer Kross comes to a head.
WWE SmackDown Matches (January 25, 2023)
The following matches are scheduled for Smackdown:
Kevin Owens vs. Sola Sikoa of The Bloodline
Killer Kross vs. Rey Mysterio
Sheamus and Drew McIntyre vs. Hit Row (SmackDown Tag Team Championship Contender\’s Tournament Semi-Final Match)
Legado Del Fantasma vs. Imperium (SmackDown Tag Team Championship Contender\’s Tournament Semi-Final Match)
All Elite Wrestling has announced five matches and a unique \’sports entertainment\’ style segment for Wednesday\’s AEW Dynamite from Lexington, Kentucky at the Rupp Arena.
There are six episodes of Dynamite until the next AEW pay-per-view, Revolution on Sunday, March 5. If you\’re in the Lexington area, tickets are still available at AEWTix.com.
The top items for the show including Darby Allin\’s latest TNT Championship Open challenge and Bryan Danielson\’s next \’gauntlet\’ match to earn a shot at MJF\’s AEW World Heavyweight Championship, the \’Big Burberry Belt.\’
WWE paid tribute to Jay Briscoe (Jamin Pugh) on Friday\’s \’SmackDown\’ television broadcast on FOX.
Early in the show, commentator Michael Cole took a moment to acknowledge Briscoe\’s tragic passing in an automobile accident earlier this week (January 17).
Speaking on behalf of WWE, Cole addressed the Universe:
\”We would like to send our condolences to the family of Jay Briscoe. Jay passed away suddenly earlier this week. He and his brother Mark formed one of wrestling\’s great tag teams.\”
WWE acknowledged Briscoe\’s passing on Tuesday night on NXT.
NXT paying tribute to Jay Briscoe is a reminder that despite the tribalism that some fans push, pro wrestling is just a huge family.
AEW, Impact and the entire wrestling world have been paying respects over the past several days. On AEW Dynamite, several stars wore armbands honoring their friend.
A \’Jay Briscoe Celebration of Life\’ special was taped after Dynamite. That card of ROH matches will soon be available for streaming on the HonorClub service. (Spoiler Results)
Game Changer Wrestling presents GCW: Don\’t Talk to Me tonight (January 20, 2023) from the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center in Concord, North Carolina.
Matches
Here\’s the full card for GCW Don\’t Talk to Me:
Ricky Morton vs. Tony Deppen
Nick Wayne vs. Arez
Blake Christian vs. Andrew Everett
Marty Garner vs. Cole Radrick
Jordan Oliver vs. Kerry Morton
BUSSY (Allie Katch and EFFY) vs. Charles Mason and Parrow
John Wayne Murdoch and George South vs. Revolt (Caleb Konley and Zane Riley) vs. Bojack and Lucky Ali vs. Second Gear Crew (Mance Warner and Matthew Justice)
El Hijo del Vikingo vs. Gringo Loco
GCW Tag Team Championship: Los Macizos (Ciclope and Miedo Extremo) (c) vs. The Ugly Ducklings (Lance Lude and Rob Killjoy)
How to Watch
GCW: Don\’t Talk to Me stream live on FITE+ on Friday, January 20, 2023 starting at 8pm (Eastern).
All Elite Wrestling presents a new episode of AEW Rampage this Friday night at 10pm (Eastern) on TNT. These matches were taped Wednesday night from Fresno, California at the Save Mart Center.
In addition to Dynamite and Rampage, AEW also held a Ring of Honor \”Jay Briscoe: Celebration of Life\” special that will soon stream for free on Honor Club.
Major League Wrestling has signed a new TV with REELZ, a US-based cable channel available in more than 40 million homes.
The new weekly series MLW Underground Wrestling premieres Tuesday, February 7 at 10pm (ET) / 7pm (PT). The first episode will see MLW World Heavyweight Champion Alex Hammerstone vs.EJ Nduka in a Last Man Standing match.
New Weekly Primetime “MLW Underground Wrestling” Events Showcase Professional Wrestling for a New Generation
(Albuquerque, NM) Friday, January 20, 2023 — REELZ today announced the fastest growing wrestling league in the world Major League Wrestling (MLW) premieres on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 10pm ET/ 7pm PT. The new weekly primetime series MLW Underground Wrestling is a new era of wrestling for a new generation of fans, featuring an electrifying mix of world class fighters including MLW World Champion Alex Hammerstone, “The Certified G” Real1, Women’s Featherweight Champion Taya Valkyrie, John Hennigan, Jacob Fatu, “The World’s Greatest Wonder” Microman and more.
Journey into the underground beginning Tuesday, February 7 at 10pm ET/ 7pm PT with the premiere of “Titan vs. Titan” featuring Hammerstone vs. ex-NFL player EJ Nduka in a Last Man Standing World Championship Match and also stars Real1, the Bomaye Fight Club and Mance Warner. Immediately following at 11pm ET/ 8pm PT it’s the REELZ premiere of the classic “MLW Battle RIOT IV.”
“Major League Wrestling is for a new generation of fans and we’re thrilled to bring our viewers a ringside view with exciting nights at the fights,” said Steve Cheskin, SVP of Programming at REELZ. “With the strong response from our viewers to several REELZ originals celebrating the extraordinary lives and careers of professional wrestlers we’re stepping into the ring to bring them new Major League Wrestling events every week.”
“Wrestling has never been hotter and MLW Underground Wrestling will deliver a weekly adrenaline rush when we join the REELZ roster February 7,” said MLW CEO Court Bauer. “The extraordinary growth and success of REELZ with its line-up of must-see programming is a perfect fit for MLW.”
MLW wrestlers have distinct backgrounds with rich cultural connections making their journeys relatable and authentic to viewers. MLW also features some of next generation of some of the most iconic wrestling families in the sport including the Samoan Dynasty, the British Bulldogs and more. New episodes of MLW Underground Wrestling air Tuesdays at 10pm ET/ 7pm PT followed at 11pm ET/ 8pm PT with REELZ premieres of classic episodes of the most memorable and action packed matches in MLW history.
ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE WRESTLING
Major League Wrestling (MLW®) is a sports media holding company, offering television content, action figures, apparel, live events, and ancillary entertainment. MLW operates live events in major markets throughout the United States and Mexico, including New York, Philadelphia, Dallas, and Tijuana. One of the fastest growing wrestling leagues today, MLW programming is available in over 60 countries worldwide, including its new flagship series MLW Underground Wrestling on REELZ in the United States airing Tuesdays at 10pm ET / 7pm PT; and MLW Fusion on Pro Wrestling TV in the U.S. and Ayozat TV on SKY in the United Kingdom.
About REELZ—REAL LIVES. REAL STORIES. REAL CELEBRITIES.®
REELZ is a leading independent television network that is home to the hit original series On Patrol: Live that follows law enforcement officers live from a diverse mix of police departments and sheriff offices across America. REELZ original programming is focused on real people in revealing stories ranging from the critically acclaimed and award-winning The Kennedys to Autopsy: The Last Hours Of and the network is also home to true crime stories and law enforcement action including Gangsters: America’s Most Wanted, Mobsters, COPS, COPS Reloaded and Jail that take place in real communities across America.
REELZ is available in more than 40 million homes on DIRECTV (238), DISH Network (299), Verizon FiOS TV (692HD), AT&T U-verse (799/1799HD) and Xfinity, Spectrum, Optimum, Mediacom, Philo, Freecast, DIRECTV Stream, Dish Sling and many other cable systems and major streaming services nationwide. Find REELZ in your area by visiting www.reelz.com. If REELZ is not available, or not in HD, on your cable, telco or streaming provider, we encourage viewers to call them and ask for it. Owned by Hubbard Media Group, REELZ is headquartered in Albuquerque, NM with national ad sales based in New York City with offices in Chicago and Los Angeles.
REELZ library programing is available in more than 30 million additional homes and growing via major streaming platforms such as Amazon Channels, Fire TV, Roku, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Tubi, Samsung Smart TV+, Vizio, Crackle, Xumo, Redbox, FreeVee and Local Now.
WWE Hall of Famer Bret \”Hitman\” Hart is getting into the bar business.
The seven-time world champion has announced Hitman\’s Bar is coming soon to his hometown of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
According to Hart, the establishment will be \”a place to gather, enjoy a great meal, live, laugh, and celebrate.\” The establishment opens next month (February 2023) and grand opening details are coming soon.
Hitman\’s Bar already has a Twitter account set up, which you can follow at @Hitmansbar.
We\’ll provide an update when more information is available.
Join me this February as @hitmansbar in Calgary AB, Canada finally opens!
A place to gather, enjoy a great meal, live, laugh, and celebrate.
Please follow the restaurant & bar at: @hitmansbar
Hitman\’s Bar is not the first time Hart has dabbled in the world of adult beverages.
In 2018, Calgary’s very own Village Brewery released a citrus hibiscus ale called, The Village Hitman Citrus Hibiscus Ale. The brewery described the beer as follows:
\”Like a sharpshooter, the Hitman takes you by surprise. Unlike his contenders, he’s not bitter. Instead, this champion has a subtle bite; a citrus tang of orange and lemon tag teamed with hibiscus and fragrant hops. It catches you off guard. Before you know it, the Hitman has a hold on you.\”
More recently, Hart teamed up with Alberta-based Romero Distilling Co. on a special promotion for their dark rum.
Mockery Brewing Co. out of Denver, CO also has a Hart-themed drink, Brett The Hopman Tart, a Tart Bourbon Barrel-Aged Sour IPA. Hart is not affiliated with this one.
Batista (Dave Bautista) is one of the biggest stars to come out of WWE over the past 20 years. Throughout his WWE career, he racked up six world title reigns, won the Royal Rumble twice and was a founding member of the Evolution faction.
It\’s hard to think of The Animal as anything but a main event star, but even he was a rookie at one point. He wrestled in WWE developmental as the demonic character Leviathan. In May 2002, he made his main roster debut as Deacon Batista, an enforcer for Reverend Devon, a short-lived gimmick by tag team legend Devon Dudley.
It didn\’t take long for WWE officials to see Batista\’s potential. Less than three years later, he was handed the keys to the castle and defeated Triple H in the main event of WrestleMania 21 to win his first World Heavyweight championship.
Earlier this week, Batista celebrated his 54th birthday. To mark the occasion, he looked back on his first world title victory. It was a special moment he\’ll never forget. Despite the fact that everything turned out just fine for him, he admits he was completely unprepared for that achievement and all the responsibility that would soon be placed upon him.
\”I just really wanted to make a living and be able to support my family. Being champion, being on top of the company, was something that was beyond my dreams.\”
Batista got emotional while watching the final moments of his WrestleMania 21 encounter with Triple H. Never in his wildest dreams did he expect to be the top guy in WWE. He is honored that Vince McMahon and others had faith in him, but he believes he was wholly unprepared for what was coming.
\”I can\’t believe this is happening at this point, because this happened so fast, where I went from being a guy in the background who they never had any big plans for, to being the top guy in the company. Now I\’m the flagship. Now I\’m out here holding the belt and there\’s a lot of responsibility that comes with that. I was just so unprepared. I was not prepared for what was coming my way.\”
(Photo: WWE)
Unexpected Success
In the early days of his run with WWE, Batista was just happy to be employed. At times, he felt he could get fired at any moment. The last thing he expected was to be \’the guy.\’
\”Triple H was my mentor. He groomed me as best as he could up until then. There just came a point where.. I was on top now and so I had to come into my own. It was still a lot of learning lessons after this, but I was thrown into the deep end. I didn\’t plan on this, so watching it makes me emotional. I just never planned for this. When I was wrestling, I was just happy to have a job. I was thinking, \’I\’m going to lose my job any day,\’ so becoming the world champion was something I just never imagined.
It\’s weird, they always say, \’Why do you want to be there if you don\’t want to be champion? Just because, I was content just having a job. I just really wanted to make a living and be able to support my family. Being champion, being on top of the company, was something that was beyond my dreams.
So with me, it\’s always baby steps. I find things by accident, almost and then I chase them. Once I find something I really love, I\’ll put everything I have into it. I put blinders on and sometimes thats been a fault. I\’ve sacrificed some things because of that, but also my life is what it is because of it. But this is still surreal.\”
New Japan Pro Wrestling has announced two new matches for the upcoming NJPW Battle in the Valley event.
AEW star Eddie Kingston will face former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Jay White. This bout was originally scheduled for NJPW STRONG Autumn Action, but was postponed due to Kingston testing positive for COVID-19. Also signed, Homicide will battle \”Filthy\” Tom Lawlor in a Filthy Rules Fight. These matches are in addition to a title defense by Kazuchika Okada and Mercedes Moné\’s NJPW in-ring debut.
It all goes down Saturday, February 18, 2023, at San Jose Civic in San Jose, California. NJPW Battle in the Valley 2023 will stream live on FITE. The event is now available for purchase for $19.99.
Battle in the Valley Matches
Here\’s an updated look at the card for Battle in the Valley:
Mercedes Moné vs. KAIRI for the IWGP Women\’s Championship
Jay White vs. Eddie Kingston
Tom Lawlor vs. Homicide in a \’Filthy Rules\’ Fight
Alex Coughlin vs. J. R. Kratos
David Finlay vs. Bobby Fish
Kenta vs. Fred Rosser for the Strong Openweight Championship
Plus, the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship will be defended in a match TBD.
John Cena knows how to get people talking with his provocative social media posts. Pro wrestling\’s \’other\’ 16-time world champion has proven to be a master at dropping cryptic comments and photos that touch upon current events.
His tweets are primarily inspirational quotes. His Instagram posts range from playful to downright bewildering. The photos are almost always submitted without a caption, which fuels speculation about what exactly he\’s referencing.
Cena returned to the ring on the final SmackDown of 2022. He and Kevin Owens teamed up to defeat The Bloodline\’s Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn. The show delivered massive viewership, proving that Cena can still deliver eyeballs when needed.
John Cena\’s Latest Tease
The leader of the Cenation is rumored to be competing at WrestleMania in April, with Logan Paul and Austin Theory discussed as his most likely opponents. Both men have campaigned for a match against Cena at WrestleMania.
Cena\’s in-ring career is winding down, so this is a fleeing opportunity for anyone hoping to work with the iconic star before he hangs up the boots once and for all.
Amid reports that WWE is attempting to get Logan Paul to appear at the Royal Rumble on January 28, Cena shared a photo of Logan and his brother Jake Paul on Instagram. It\’s worth noting that he didn\’t post just any random photo of them. He chose a photo that included Logan Paul holding the WWE Championship.
Jake Paul has never competed in a pro wrestling match, but he\’s no stranger to WWE. He\’s spoken about being a pro wrestling fan while growing up. The Problem Child even appeared at WWE Crown Jewel to help back his brother Logan against The Bloodline. He later teased that they might team up at some point.
During a recent interview with DAZN, Jake Paul spoke about his love for WWE. While wearing a Hulk Hogan t-shirt, he was asked to name his all-time favorite wrestler.
“Hulk, probably, yeah,\” said Paul. \”Him or John Cena, which is like super cliché, but there’s a reason why John Cena was the greatest in the world, brother.”
Ashley Pugh, the wife of wrestling star Jay Brisco (Jamin Pugh), is asking for prayers during an extremely difficult time for their family.
Jay Briscoe was tragically killed Tuesday night in an automobile accident that occurred in Laurel, Delaware.
According to a post by Ashley Pugh on Facebook, their daughters were in the car and both have sustained serious injuries. Daughter Stacy is undergoing back surgery today (Wednesday), while Jayleigh sustained \”some pretty serious injuries\” but is stable and resting.
“We need prayers! Gracie is on her way into surgery on her back. Jamin would want the whole world praying for his little girl,” she wrote. “WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF PRAYER!! Pray for the doctors and everyone working on her! Pray for her precious legs to move again Pray for Jayleigh who has some pretty serious injuries, but is stable and resting! Pray for Gannon waiting at home! Pray for strength for all of us! We have a long long road ahead of us!”
SEScoops extends our deepest condolences, as well as thoughts and prayers, to the family and friends of Jamin Pugh.
WWE Superstar Bray Wyatt (Windham Rotunda) is going to walk down the aisle later this year.
Wyatt is engaged to former WWE ring announcer JoJo Offerman. They couple has been together for several years and have two children together. Their son Knash was born in May 2019 and their daughter Hyrie came the following year in May 2020.
Offerman spoke to Nikki and Brie Bella this week for The Bellas Podcast and dropped some new details about her upcoming wedding to WWE\’s creepiest competitor.
Bray Wyatt\’s Wedding to JoJo Offerman
The latest Total Bellas Podcast looks at the upcoming 10-year anniversary of Total Divas, the reality series that helped the Bellas break through to a mainstream audience. The series premiered on the E! Network on July 28, 2013.
Show originals JoJo, Nattie and Ariane (Cameron) joined Nikki and Brie to discuss the \”beautiful journey\” that was Total Divas, including their favorite scenes and memories.
During the episode, JoJo revealed that she and Wyatt are currently planning their wedding ceremony, which is scheduled to take place later this year. She was asked, \”How\’s married life?\” and clarified that they\’re still preparing for their big day.
\”We\’re not officially married, [we\’re] engaged, but we will be married at the end of the year, We picked our date and everything. It\’s fun, the kids are crazy.\”
– JoJo
She said her son looks like her, while her daughter has Windham\’s face but her attitude.
JoJo, 28, also recalled being young and inexperienced when she joined the cast of Total Divas a decade ago. At the time, she was just a few months removed from graduating high school and needed to use a fake ID to attend Natalya\’s bachelorette party in Las Vegas during season one.
Her favorite memories were getting to know the Bellas, forging lifelong friendships with her cast mates and getting to travel the world.
All Elite Wrestling presents Dynamite live tonight on TBS from Fresno, California at the Save Mart Center.
AEW looks to keep the momentum going after a hot show last week, which saw The Elite capture the AEW Trios Championships in \’Game 7\’ of their best of 7 series with Death Triangle. Tonight\’s broadcast will see several of AEW\’s top champions in action, as well as special appearances from top international competitors.
Here\’s a look at what\’s scheduled for the January 18 edition of AEW Dynamite:
Top Flight will face 2/3 of the new AEW Trios Champions, The Young Bucks.
Jay Lethal challenges Orange Cassidy (c) for the All Atlantic Championship.
KUSHIDA has answered Darby Allin\’s TNT Championship Open Challenge
Bryan Danielson battles Bandido in the next round of the gauntlet to earn a shot at MJF\’s AEW World Heavyweight Championship.
Toni Storm vs. Willow Nightingale
Plus, Hangman Page speaks with Renee Paquette one week after his hard-fought victory over Jon Moxley.
WWE is sending two top Superstars to the NFL playoffs this coming weekend.
The 2023 playoffs brackets are set after an exciting, long weekend of wildcard games. On Saturday, the Kansas City Chiefs will play the Jacksonville Jaguars and the New York Giants battle the Philadelphia Eagles. The following day, it will be Cincinnati Bengals vs. Buffalo Bills and the Dallas Cowboys vs. the San Francisco 49ers.
WWE Superstars Montez Ford of the Street Profits and Raw Women\’s Champion Bianca Belair are headed to Kansas City to see the Chiefs play the Jaguars at Arrowhead Stadium.
Ford and Belair will be appearing on on NBC\’s broadcast of the game, although it\’s unclear exactly what they\’ll be doing there. The couple will soon be starring in their own reality series on Hulu, so it\’s possible they\’ll be on hand to promote the new show.
Interestingly, the Jags are owned by billionaire Shahid Khan. His son, AEW President Tony Khan, serves as the team\’s Chief Football Strategy Officer.
Bianca Belair is scheduled to defend the Raw Women\’s Championship against Alexa Bliss later this month at the Royal Rumble on Saturday, January 28.
WWE Superstar R-Truth has provided an update on his health. He\’ll be back in WWE, but his return has been delayed due to an infection that led to him needing another surgery.
Truth has been out of action for several months now. He tore his quad during a match on the November 1 edition of NXT TV. He underwent surgery the following week and later told his fans the surgery went well.
On Monday, the former 24/7 Champion checked in with a live stream and revealed he was forced to undergo a second surgery due to an infection that developed. Thankfully, it sounds like he\’s out of the woods and already plotting his big return.
Truth assured the WWE Universe that he\’ll be back, he just needs to heal up.
\”I had to have two surgeries. A lot of people don’t know that. I caught an infection, so I had to have another surgery. So that set me back. Y’all know me> I’m coming back probably sooner than y’all think.\”
– R-Truth
A torn quad tendon typically takes about 4 months to heal, which would have kept him out of the ring through March 2023. Truth did not give an updated time frame for when we can expect him back in action, but it seems unlikely he\’ll be healthy in time for WrestleMania.
The 50-year-old veteran has done it in all since making his WWE debut way back in 1999. At this stage in his career, he could easily hang it up and be proud of everything he\’s accomplished. He is not going to let an injury force him into retirement and plans to write the final chapters of his story on his own terms.
WWE is advertising the following items for tonight\’s Raw from Cincinnati, Ohio at the Heritage Bank Arena:
Bobby Lashley will address the WWE Universe
What’s next for The Judgment Day?
We\’re just two weeks out from the Royal Rumble, so we can also expect more hype for the upcoming premium live event.
Vince\’s Ruthless Return
CNN is the latest mainstream media outlet to cover Vince McMahon\’s dramatic return to WWE\’s Executive Board of Directors.
The article dives into McMahon \”ruthlessly\” getting his job back at WWE despite allegations of sexual assault and misuse of company funds.
\”.. the real-life saga playing out in World Wrestling Entertainment’s corporate office over the last several weeks surpasses even what most of what those performers and their backstage colleagues could dream up.\”
– CNN
Knock at the Cabin
Dave Bautista is hyping his latest film, Knock at the Cabin, a suspense thriller that arrives in theaters on February 3, 2023. According Buatista, this one will have you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Finally, the FOX network tapped Paul Heyman to promote this weekend\’s NFL Wildcard game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks.
Heyman touted 49ers Quarterback Brock Purdy, who has delivered big results for the team and will remain the starting quarterback for the remainder of the playoffs. The battle cry paid off, as Prudy led the 49ers to victory. The 49ers beat the Seahawks 41-23.
Former WWE Superstar Eva Marie (Natalie Eva Marie Nelson) is teasing that we could see her back with the company in the near future.
Eva Marie\’s first joined WWE a decade ago after winning the 2013 Diva Search competition. Her first run spanned from 2014-2019. She re-signed in October 2020, but did not return to television until June 2021. She was released in November of that year.
Late Thursday evening, Eva Marie tweeted that she\’s headed into 2023 with purpose and tagged multiple WWE-related accounts and hashtags.
Eva Marie has been a controversial figure throughout her time in pro wrestling. She was tailor made for the Divas era of the early 2000\’s, which prioritized looks and sex appeal over technical wrestling abilities. However, a lot has changed since then.
Ever since the Women\’s Revolution in 2015, WWE has featured well-rounded performers and pulled back on pushing bikini model types. Despite her questionable ring work, there\’s always a place in wrestling for charismatic personalities. Marie has not shied away from owning who she is and has generated a great deal of heel heat owning the fact that she\’s more Diva than wrestler.
WWE has brought back over a dozen former Superstars over the past year who were let go during the various rounds of budget cuts. Based on her latest social media post, it looks like Eva Marie is looking to follow this trend.
WWE issued a press release Thursday evening addressing the company\’s exploration of a potential sale. WWE has engaged financial, legal and strategic communications advisors to support the review of \”strategic alternatives to maximize value for all WWE stockholders and other stakeholders.\”
Here is the press release, including a quote by the Executive Chairman Vince McMahon.
WWE ENGAGES OUTSIDE ADVISORS TO SUPPORT REVIEW OF STRATEGIC ALTERNATIVES
STAMFORD, Conn., January 12, 2023 – WWE (NYSE: WWE) today announced that it has retained The Raine Group, LLC as financial advisor, Kirkland & Ellis LLP as legal advisor, and August LLC as strategic communications advisor to support WWE’s management team and its Board of Directors in connection with a review of strategic alternatives to maximize value for all WWE stockholders and other stakeholders.
Vince McMahon, WWE’s Founder and Executive Chairman said:
“WWE’s upcoming media rights cycle will take place amid a rapidly evolving media and entertainment landscape, and we believe exploring our strategic alternatives at this critical juncture will enable WWE to fully capitalize on the significant value of our intellectual property. I am highly confident that our outstanding Directors, outside advisors and executive team will provide valuable expertise and counsel to help guide the Company through this important process while our management team and employee base continue to deliver results and content our fans love.”
– Vince McMahon
There can be no assurances given regarding the outcome or timing of the strategic alternatives review process. WWE does not intend to comment further until the process has concluded or the Company has otherwise determined that further disclosure is appropriate or required.
# # #
About WWE WWE, a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The Company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly entertainment on its television programming, premium live events, digital media, and publishing platforms. WWE’s TVPG programming can be seen in more than 1 billion homes worldwide in 30 languages through world class distribution partners including NBCUniversal, FOX, BT Sport, Sony India and Rogers. The award-winning WWE Network includes all premium live events, scheduled programming and a massive video on-demand library and is currently available in more than 180 countries. In the United States, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, Peacock, is the exclusive home to WWE Network.
GUNTHER says he\’s not concerned about WWE sale rumors. He\’s leaving that stuff to the executives so he can focus on doing what he does best: winning his matches.
Your reigning Intercontinental champion spoke with the Dallas Morning News this week to promote WWE\’s upcoming Royal Rumble premium live event from San Antonio, TX.
It\’s been an eventful news week for WWE, to say the least. Stephanie McMahon officially departed the company and Vince is back as Executive Chairman of the WWE Board of Directors. There was also the run-away rumor that WWE sold to Saudi Arabia\’s Public Investment Fund, which has since been debunked.
During a conversation with reporter Joey Hayden, Gunther was asked for his take on the prospect of Vince McMahon selling WWE to the Saudis.
\”I mean, rumors are rumors. And at the end of the day, I’m not the CEO. I’m a wrestler. So, I focus on what I do in the ring and leave the business to the people that do business.\”
– GUNTHER
Gunther was also asked about Stephanie McMahon\’s resignation, which caught a lot of people off guard. The Austrian grappler says he doesn\’t really know her well, but respects her decision to spend more time with her family.
\”I’m happy for her that she’s going to be able now to take time off and enjoy time with her family,\” he said. \”I think you should be happy for anyone who’s in a position to do that. All the best to her.”
WWE has announced additional dates for the company\’s upcoming live event touring schedule. Tickets for these shows go on sale next Friday, January 20 at Ticketmaster.
Check out the schedule below to see if WWE will be in your area in the weeks and months ahead:
Saturday, March 4: Road To WrestleMania® Tour – Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto, ONT
Sunday, March 12: Road To WrestleMania Tour – Madison Square Garden in New York City
Monday, March 13: Raw® – Amica Medical Pavilion in Providence, R.I.
Friday, March 24: SmackDown® – MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas
Saturday, March 25: Road To WrestleMania Tour – Maverik Center in Salt Lake City, Utah
Sunday, March 26: Road To WrestleMania Tour – Ball Arena in Denver
Friday, April 7: SmackDown – Moda Center in Portland, Ore.
Monday, April 10: Raw – Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle
Friday, April 14: SmackDown – Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb.
Saturday, April 15: Saturday Night’s Main Event® – Rio Rancho Events Center in Rio Rancho, N.M.
Sunday, April 16: Sunday Stunner – Don Haskins Center in El Paso, TX
Monday, April 17: Raw – Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock, Ark.
Friday, April 21: SmackDown – Schottenstein Center in Columbus, OH
Saturday, April 22: Saturday Night’s Main Event – Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Ind.
Monday, April 24: Raw – Allstate Arena in Chicago
Friday, April 28: SmackDown – American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, TX
Saturday, April 29: Saturday Night’s Main Event – Ford Arena in Beaumont, TX
Sunday, April 30: Sunday Stunner – Brookshire Grocery Arena in Bossier City, La.
Monday, May 1: Raw – Dickies Arena in Ft. Worth, TX
Monday, May 22: Raw – GIANT Center in Hershey, Pa.
Tony Khan says AEW plans to begin running non-televised live events.
All Elite Wrestling does not currently run house shows. This comes with positives and negatives. Many wrestlers find the AEW schedule favorable to WWE\’s, because it is far less demanding.
AEW films Dynamite and Rampage on Wednesday nights most weeks, leading to a lighter travel schedule and more free time. On the flip side, the company is not earning revenue from a full-time touring schedule and younger talent is not getting the experience they need to develop as performers.
Beginning to run live events will bring a significant change to AEW\’s business model. The initiative brings logistical coordination, as well as new expenses. However, it also comes with increased revenue from ticket and merchandise sales.
AEW Live Events Coming Soon
(AEW)
Khan appeared on the In The Zone podcast earlier this week and says AEW is actively talking about taking their show on the road.
\”We have a great live events team,\” said Khan. \”It\’s something we\’ve talked a lot about and building out the live event business.\”
When Jeff Jarrett signed with AEW in November 2022 and was named the Director of Business Development, the belief was that his function would include getting their house show business up and running.
Khan says the wrestlers and fans want AEW live events, so it\’s something that he\’s motivated to make happen.
\”There is definitely a lot of demand for AEW live events, and now we have this great big strong roster that wants to do these live events, so it\’s something we\’re going to do.\”
– Tony Khan
Jim Ross also recently addressed the topic of AEW live events on his Grilling JR podcast. He stated last month, “I believe, I don’t know this to be a fact but I believe in 2023, that AEW will be in the house show/ live event business to some degree. I just think that it’s an opportunity that can be capitalized upon if AEW is strategic in their planning. I think that’s what Jeff Jarrett is working on.”
H/T to Fightful and Jeremy Lambert for the transcribed quotes
Former WWE Superstar Mandy Rose (Amanda Saccomanno) is speaking out following her surprise departure from the company last month.
On Tuesday, Rose appeared on the Tamron Hall daytime talk show and spoke about why she was so hurt by the way things transpired. Among the newsworthy items covered, she says WWE never told her that her FanTime account was the reason she was being let go.
Lost and Confused
\”Because of everything that\’s happened since then, everything happens for a reason,\” said Rose. \”I can\’t even say I was wronged, because I am so forever grateful for everything the WWE has presented me with. So, I can\’t sit here and say I was wronged or not..
I am very hurt, nobody wants to get that call that they\’re being fired from any job, so I was very hurt, I was very disappointed. I was disappointed so much more because of everything that I put into the business, but just the last year and a half, I was champion for 414 days, I unified those two titles that we just saw, I was the third longest-reigning NXT Women\’s Champion.\”
Mandy Rose backstage at the Tamron Hall Show
Rose accomplished a lot in the ring, but is also devastated because she truly enjoyed working with younger talent and helping them progress in their own careers. \”I also created this must-see faction with two other women that are going to be brought up, and I got to see so many women develop their characters, younger than me, and in the beginning of their careers. To me, that was so important, because it was so rewarding to me.\”
\”Losing the title was honestly a gut punch. I was so disappointed, but at the end of the day, my purpose was gone, and that\’s where I felt kind of lost and I felt confused, because of all the hard work I put in.\”
– Mandy Rose
Driving home from that, a lot of things were going through my mind. You always think, there were a lot of answered questions and all that, at the end of the day, like I said, I love what I\’ve done in the WWE and I love what the platform presented me with, so i am forever grateful.\”
Mandy Rose lost out on a lucrative WWE contract, but the FanTime account that led to her departure has already made her a fortune. According to her manager, the account generated over a million dollars in December 2022.
Legendary wrestling broadcaster Jim Ross has no plans to retire, despite fans who complain online about his work.
JR spoke about this topic and more on the latest episode of his Grilling JR podcast focusing on the 1998 WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view.The Oklahoma native is a polarizing figure these days. He\’s one of the most iconic voices in wrestling history, but some believe his best days are behind him. If ever he makes a mistake while calling a match, it quickly becomes a topic of conversation on social media.
Ross says he sees negative feedback about his work every day, including calls for him to retire. With nearly five decades in the business, he\’d developed a thick skin.
Retiring on His Terms
Jim Ross was a legend before many of these \’critics\’ were born. He still enjoys what he does and is savoring this chapter of his illustrious career.
“I read about it every day. \’When is JR Going to quit? When is JR going to get off Wednesday, I gotta get off the air.\’ Well, you know, I got no timeline on this thing. I know when my agreement with Tony Khan is up. But does that mean I’m not going to continue? No.\”
– Jim Ross
Ross is in charge of his destiny and gets to decide the amount of work and travel he takes on. The older he gets, the more he feels that he does not want to pass up on these valuable opportunities to continue contributing.
In addition to his role as an on-air commentator, Ross also serves as a \’senior advisor\’ for AEW. At some point, the day will come when he hangs up the headset. Even then, he can still contribute in a managerial role.
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