All Elite Wrestling has some of the most passionate wrestling fans in the world, but they may be a bit too devoted for Booker T’s liking.
AEW was founded in 2019 to serve as an alternative to WWE, though the promotion is home to several former WWE Superstars.
Given the promotion’s role as an alternative to WWE, the company has developed a large fanbase from an audience tired of what they’ve seen from the Stamford-based promotion.
Cult
AEW fans are extremely loyal to the promotion, but Booker T believes some go too far.
Speaking on the latest Hall of Fame podcast, Booker addressed tribalism in wrestling when one listener referred to AEW fans as like a ‘cult.’
“You know, I agree 100 percent. I wouldn’t say all of them, I’m not going to say all of them, but a lot of them. Sometimes they’re just looking for it. It’s like being in a relationship, you know where you got one of those girlfriends that’s just looking through your phone all the time, just looking for something … making up excuses to have a fight, stuff like that, that’s the way AEW fans are.\”
\”Making up excuses to have a fight, stuff like that, that’s the way AEW fans are.\”
Booker T.
\”You could be talking about something totally irrelevant to AEW and they’re like, ‘Wait a minute, he’s talking about AEW, did he say Kenny Omega?’ It’s that kind of stuff, it’s like they’re paranoid. Relax, no one’s thinking about AEW that much enough to where we’re going to try to talk in code about it.”
AEW recently held its Winter is Coming event, and next week’s Dynamite will see the launch of a new production design for Tony Khan’s first wrestling company.
Control Your Narrative banned multiple prominent moves when they were founded earlier this year, but there was a method to EC3’s supposed madness.
After his 2020 release from WWE, EC3 hosted multiple cinematic matches and announced Control Your Narrative as a promotion in February of this year.
In addition to Control Your Narrative, EC3 competed for Impact at Bound for Glory 2020, and signed with Ring of Honor in 2021, but was released when the company announced they would be closing their doors.
Banned Moves
After Control Yor Narrative was announced, EC3 announced the rules on social media, which earned ridicule from fans.
Those on social media mocked rules including rule 1 (You are in control) and rule 2 (YOU ARE IN CONTROL.)
Rule 5 of Control Your Narrative announced that Superkicks, Tope Suicidas, and Canadian Destroyers are banned in the company.
“Part of my reality towards wrestling is how these amazing athletic moves are thrown away by overuse. They have no effectiveness. They have no reason. They have no rhyme, and these are some of the coolest ‘quote’ moves, physical feats that wrestling has to offer, and they’re just they’re thrown away.
“So by banning them, I therefore made them far more effective than they have ever been. They mean more, and there have been super kicks on CYN Shows. Every time that’s happened, maybe the Ref’s back was turned, maybe someone got disqualified, but every time somebody got kicked in the face, they were hurt.”
The Future of CYN
Fans won’t be seeing many (if any) of these banned moves at CYN events, but they may not be seeing any moves from Control Your Narrative.
Right now, the promotion is on a hiatus, and was forced to cancel plans for a tour that was scheduled for late 2022.
The news of the tour’s cancellation came days after Braun Strowman (a CYN co-founder) returned to WWE in September of this year.
Sami Callihan’s time with Impact Wrestling is seemingly coming to an end with his contract set to expire.
Callihan signed with Impact in 2017 and captured the Impact World Championship in 2019 during Impact’s debut on AXS TV.
Prior to arriving in Impact, Callihan wrestled for Ring of Honor, CZW, Evolve and Dragon Gate, as well as having a three-year stint in WWE as Solomon Crowe.
Leaving Impact
Callihan signed a two-year contract extension in early 2021, which means his deal with the promotion will expire within the next few months.
Sources who spoke to Fightful Select said that the former World Champion hasn’t been given any clarity about his status.
Callihan’s contract situation has caught the interest of “outside promoters” but no specific companies were named in Fightful’s report.
Callihan has remained an integral figure with Impact, main-eventing several Pay-Per-Views.
In addition to working for Impact, Callihan is a successful promoter himself with Pro Wrestling REVOLVER being one of the top indie companies on the planet.
Callihan in Impact
After debuting in 2017, Callihan aligned with Dave and Jake Crist of ‘Ohio Versus Everything,’ and would later unsuccessfully challenge for the X-Division Championship.
In 2018, Callihan would feud with Eddie Edwards and in one of the most gruesome moments of the year, Edwards would suffer a broken nose and broken orbital bone thanks to an errant shot with a baseball bat.
In addition to his reign as Impact World Champion, Callihan is a five-time Impact End of Year award winner, including having 2019’s match of the year against Tessa Blanchard.
All Elite Wrestling is set for a major change next year, with a new look coming to Television very soon.
Last week, it was reported that AEW TV will have a new look, starting with their January 4, episode of Dynamite.
During last week\’s AEW Rampage, fans got their first glimpse of the new production for the show.
Tony Khan Comments
Speaking to Grapsody (and reported by Fightful Select) Tony Khan confirmed that the changes to AEW Dynamite won\’t just be from a production standpoint.
Khan added that changes to the set are coming, and visual and production changes that will be made and will stick around
Addressing the changes, the AEW President assured fans that they\’ll still get their fix of regular AEW action no matter what.
\”The wrestling is going to be the same great wrestlers and the same great fans, but it’s in a new city, Seattle, and the look, the changes to the set, and the presentation are going to be changes that we’re going to keep. I’m really looking forward to the new look for the show.
\”I’m really looking forward to the new look for the show.\”
Tony Khan.
\”I find, in wrestling, when you overpromise, you can disappoint people. It’s a set and a presentation. At the end of the day, the most important thing is what the fans bring, what the wrestlers and the staff of AEW and the crew bring every week, but the look of the show is important too and it’s going to look really cool.\”
It has been announced that Ricky Starks will face Chris Jericho on the January 4, Dynamite.
Tony Khan may present himself as a much different boss than Vince McMahon, but like the former WWE CEO, he believes that not everybody can be happy.
2022 has arguably been AEW’s most difficult year, with multiple injuries to top talent and the fallout from All Out being huge parts of the year.
Throughout 2022, there have been reports of talent being unhappy within AEW, which led to meetings backstage with the roster earlier this year.
Can’t Please Everyone
Unhappy names on any roster in wrestling is nothing new, and the AEW President realizes he can’t please everyone.
In an interview with Fightful Select, Khan said that you’re never going to keep every single person on your roster happen.
The AEW President added that he takes every bit of criticism from talent with a smile.
A “series of circumstances” has led to people not being on Television in a regular role, but no details of those ‘circumstances’ were given.
Unhappy Talent
With such a huge roster (one that is too big in the opinion of some fans) it is not surprising that many names do not make it to TV.
Former TNT Champion Miro has been open with his disapproval of his booking in AEW, and liked a tweet suggesting he would do better if he returned to WWE.
AEW’s W. Morrisey and Lexy Nair are celebrating after the two went public with their engagement.
On Twitter, Nair shared an image of her engagement ring, confirming her upcoming nuptials to the former WWE Superstar saying that “Mr. and Mrs. Morrisey coming soon.”
Well, today’s the big day. After weeks of counting down, Christmas Day is finally upon us.
This day will see countless people around the world open presents, and as we all know, WWE is no stranger to embracing the Holiday spirit
Here are five of the best Holiday moments to curl up in a warm blanket and watch this festive season.
5: A Christmas Carol starring ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper
We all have our favorite renditions of Charles Dickens’ classic tale ‘A Christmas Carol’ which tells the story of a wicked man who turns good when he learns about the meaning of Christmas.
Some people see the Muppets Christmas Carol as the best, while others like my father herald Alastair Sim’s 1951 portrayal of Ebeneezer Scrooge as the best telling of the story.
Well on December 20th, 1985, the WWF gave their own rendition of A Christmas Carol, this one starring none other than ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper.
Unquestionably the biggest heel of the year, that week’s episode of Tuesday Night Titans saw Piper visited by three spirits, eager to teach the Hot Rod to change his wicked ways.
Unlike Scrooge though, Piper learned no lessons, and would instead vow to be more wicked after his ghostly visitations.
It would be another two years before Piper turned face and become one of the most beloved good guys of all time, and by 1989, he’d be the one defending Christmas from Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan.
4: A Very Merry D-X-Mas
DX showed Commissioner Sgt. Slaughter exactly what they thought of him during an episode of Raw in 1997.
Forming in 1997, D-Generation X would establish themselves as a counterculture, anti-authority group, much to the chagrin of WWF Commissioner Sgt. Slaughter.
After making an ass out of the company, Triple H and Shawn Michaels would go one step further, exposing their buttocks to spell out a festive message, all while Chyna was in the ring with them.
To counteract, Slaughter booked a gift of a main event: Shawn Michaels Vs. Triple H for HBK’s European title.
After teasing dissension for the rest of the show, the pair ‘fought’ in the ring, but to call this a match is a stretch.
Triple H \”powered\” Michaels to the mat out of collar and elbow tie-up, then comically ran the ropes before delivering a big splash that didn\’t make contact.
One pinfall later and the Game was the new European Champion, while the two friends celebrated their very fake match.
Sure, it may have devalued the European title somewhat, but DX got one over on Commissioner Slaughter in an iconic festive moment.
3: The Arrival of Xanta Claus
ECW alum Balls Mahoney played Xanta Claus, an evil counterpart to Jolly ol\’ Saint Nick who heralded from the South Pole.
We all know the story of Santa Claus: the rosy-cheeked, bearded legend who lives at the North Pole, and judges whether people have been naughty or nice.
Well after a career of humiliating others, Ted DiBiase was definitely on the naughty list, and proved just how bad he could be in 1995.
Interrupting a segment with Savio Vega and ‘Santa,’ DiBiase proved everybody has a price for him, as Mr. Claus attacked Vega.
With that, DiBiase introduced the wrestling world to Xanta Claus, the polar opposite (quite literally) of Jolly ol\’ Saint Nick.
Xanta Claus (played by future ECW staple Balls Mahoney) would not last long, and while the angle is incredibly goofy, it goes to show that anything can happen in the WWE.
2: ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin Stuns Santa Claus
WWE has hosted plenty of festive shows over the years, but the December 22, 1997, episode of Raw remains arguably the best holiday edition of the red brand ever produced.
Airing from Worcester, Massachusetts, the show was dripping in festive cheer, but the most iconic moment came from good ol’ ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin.
After a fake Santa Claus mocked a young boy, Austin made the save, stomping to the ring in that way only the Bionic Redneck can.
Berating the evil Santa, Austin dropped the not-so-jolly Saint Nick in what has become an iconic Christmas moment.
For all of Austin’s badassery, the segment showed that Austin still had a heart, cementing why it was okay to cheer this foul-mouthed, beer-swilling S.O.B.
Stunning the fake Santa proved that you could never quite predict what the Rattlesnake was going to do, and this unpredictability would be just part of what would launch Austin into mega-stardom the following year.
1: Tribute to the Troops
Six years after stunning Santa Claus, Steve Austin donned the iconic red suit himself to drop then-WWE CEO Vince McMahon.
For most of us, the holidays are a time to be with family and loved ones, surrounded by presents, food, and warmth.
For those serving in the armed forces though, they don’t get to enjoy such luxuries, but WWE attempted to bring some festive cheer to those on duty.
In 2003, WWE introduced Tribute to Troops, an event that has become an annual display of support and appreciation for those who are risking their lives for their country.
The brainchild of John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield, the show still carries on to this day, though takes place back in the U.S. instead of being in the Middle East as it was originally.
Nevertheless, this small token of appreciation goes a long way, and with the show taking place every December, there are plenty of seasonal festivities to enjoy each year at Tribute to the Troops.
WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle may be retired, but the Olympian is ready to make a return to the ring with the right opponent.
Angle returned to WWE in 2017 after a near-eleven-year absence and competed in a handful of matches in that time.
The Olympic Gold Medalist last competed at WrestleMania 35 in a loss to Baron Corbin.
One More Match
Despite it being years since Angle’s most recent match, the former WWE World Champion has never been shy about teasing a return.
Speaking on the most recent episode of The Kurt Angle Show, Angle said he would have to work with a younger talent to ‘carry’ him through a match at WrestleMania.
“I’m not that stupid. So I’m going to make sure it’s a young guy because I’m a little bit older. I lost a little bit of a step. I would have to say someone like AJ Styles or Ricochet, I really liked that kid. I think I would have an incredible match with him.”
Kurt Angle.
While Angle and Styles faced off several times in TNA/Impact Wrestling, the Olympian has yet to face off with the One and Only.
Braun Strowman
It wasn’t just Ricochet and Styles that Angle had praise for, as he also highlighted the career of Braun Strowman.
The Olympian also named the Monster Among Men as someone he’d love to wrestle again if he returned to the ring.
“He is so athletic for his size. He reminds me a lot of Brock Lesnar with his athleticism. He’s not as athletic as Brock, he’s pretty close.”
Kurt Angle.
Strowman was released from WWE in June of last year and returned to WWE TV this past September.
Drew McIntyre will only be allowed to step back in the ring when WWE are beyond certain that he is fully healed from his current injury.
The two-time former WWE Champion had been scheduled to compete at the upcoming Boxing Day live event inside Madison Square Garden.
The eight-man tag-team match McIntyre had been scheduled to be in has been replaced with a standard tag match pitting The Usos against Braun Strowman and Kevin Owens.
Injury
McIntyre has missed several events this month and was \”medically disqualified\” from an Undisputed Tag Title match on the December 9, SmackDown.
It has not been confirmed what injury McIntyre is dealing with, though many believe that he suffered a ruptured ear drum during the Men\’s WarGames match at Survivor Series: WarGames.
McIntyre\’s last match was almost a month ago at a WWE Live event on December 27, in which he competed in an eight-man tag-team match.
Fully Healed
Drew McIntyre may have been able to work the upcoming Boxing Day WWE Live event, PW Insider reports.
It is noted that WWE officials are being extra cautious with the Scottish Warrior, and want him to be \”beyond 100%\” before he\’s cleared to compete.
There is no word on when McIntyre will be allowed to wrestle again.
It was noted that Mcintyre has been eager to wrestle, even trying to compete before he was medically disqualified, but WWE officials overruled him.
Visit WWE.com for ticket information if you’re interested in attending any of the shows on the 2022 Live Holiday Tour.
WWE has made major changes to its Wellness Policy which could see Superstars receive more violations before being released.
The Wellness Policy was introduced in the early 2000s in the wake of the sudden death of Eddie Guerrero, who died aged 38 of heart failure.
Traditionally, a Superstar who violates the policy will receive a 30-day suspension for their first violation, and a 60-day suspension for their second violation.
A third violation traditionally results in a Superstar being released.
Matt Riddle
Earlier this month, Matt Riddle was written off of WWE TV with an attack by Solo Sikoa, which is believed to be due to his second violation of the Wellness Policy.
On the Wrestling Observer Forums, a fan said that Riddle will be fired upon his next suspension from the company.
In response, Dave Meltzer said that WWE has changed the roles, thanks in part to multiple prominent names having two suspensions to their name already.
Meltzer said that the “wrestling war” between WWE and AEW has affected the rule change, as WWE does not want any of those big names on two violations becoming ‘All-Elite.’
It was also noted that somebody with two suspensions could intentionally fail a test to get out of their contract, something that cannot happen with this new rule.
It is unclear how many violations now result in a Superstar’s release, or if there is a fixed number.
Riddle and Rehab
WWE has reported that Riddle is not expected back for six weeks after the attack by Sikoa.
It has been reported that Riddle has entered rehab for his drug issues, though this claim has not been publicly confirmed by WWE.
Riddle is also facing allegations of abuse by his ex-girlfriend Daniela Petrow and has been dating multiple adult film actresses.
It’s safe to say that 2022 has been one of the wildest years in the history of WWE.
From mass releases to the shock retirement of Vince McMahon, this is a year that none of us will ever, ever forget.
But with 2022 drawing to a close, attention turns to 2023, and a whole new year of matches to look forward to.
Here are five of the most anticipated matches of WWE in the new year.
5: Brock Lesnar Vs. GUNTHER
It has been reported that GUNTHER Vs. Brock Lesnar is in the works for WrestleMania 39.
Can you say PHYSICAL?!
In 2022, there are few names in WWE who have made an impact quite like our reigning Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER.
Debuting on the main roster earlier this year, the Austrian powerhouse wasted no time in winning his title from Ricochet, a title he has held for over 200 days.
It was reported recently that right now, WWE’s plan for WrestleMania 39 is for GUNTHER to face Brock Lesnar, in what could be the most hard hitting match we’ve seen in decades.
GUNTHER’s in-ring strength has never been in doubt, while Lesnar is a once in a lifetime athlete who’s 2022 has shown he still has a love for wrestling.
Whether the title is on the line or not, GUNTHER Vs. Lesnar has all the markings of an instant classic, and a match fans are eager to see.
4: Bray Wyatt’s First Match Back
Bray Wyatt returned with a ton of buzz, but WWE needs to pull the trigger with a match soon.
At Extreme Rules, WWE’s excellent White Rabbit build paid off with the return of Bray Wyatt, fifteen months after his controversial release from the company.
Since then, Wyatt has feuded with LA Knight, though his attentions seem to be more focused on the presence of the mysterious Uncle Howdy.
For all of Wyatt’s talk and promos though, Bray is yet to wrestle, something that has not gone unnoticed by fans.
It has been rumored that Wyatt will face Knight in a ‘Pitch Black’ match at the Royal Rumble, though whatever the rules are for said match is unclear.
I guess you could say that with the Pitch Black match, we’re ‘in the dark!’ (I crack myself up.)
While Bray returned with all the momentum in the world, it does feel like some of the shine has come off, and WWE needs to pull the trigger on a match for him soon.
Wyatt’s first match back is hotly anticipated, if nothing else than fans want to see what he can do in the ring as this new character, and we can only imagine his match will come in 2023.
3: Edge’s Final Match
Edge will have the chance to end his career on his own terms next year.
It’s hard to believe that next month will be the third anniversary of Edge’s startling return to wrestling.
In April 2011, fans (and Edge himself) had resigned themselves to the fact that his career was over, tragically cut short by neck issues.
This year has seen Edge compete six times, a slight dip from the ten matches in 2021, but next year may see his final match.
After competing in his native Toronto earlier this year, Edge strongly implied that he will be retiring the next time WWE comes to Canada, which is expected for mid-2023.
If so, then we are not long away from Edge’s final match, and hopefully WWE will give it the build and gravitas it deserves.
Edge’s return to wrestling has been nothing short of miraculous, but the Rated-R Superstar now has the chance to end his in-ring career again, this time on his own terms.
2: Roman Reigns Vs. Cody Rhodes
From the moment Cody Rhodes returned, there has been speculation on a match with Roman Reigns. (via WWE)
From the moment Cody Rhodes’ platform was raised at WrestleMania 38, this was a match fans anticipated.
The idea of Rhodes Vs. Reigns was cemented the following night when the American Nightmare spoke about his WWE return, and his desire to become World Champion.
Sure, Rhodes’ injury may have delayed those plans, but it is clear that Cody is destined to hold gold soon.
With rumors of Rhodes returning as part of the Men’s Rumble match, a match he is a favorite among many to win, a match with Reigns seems a matter of when, not if.
But this match will resonate for another reason. It will be WWE’s top star against someone for years considered the face of AEW.
The fact that Cody is in WWE now at all remains mind-blowing, and him facing Reigns has the substance to be an all-time great story, even if there’s one more for the Tribal Chief that fans are anticipating even more…
1: The Rock Vs. Roman Reigns
The Rock & Roman Reigns could be the biggest match WWE has held in a decade.
The People’s Champion Vs. The Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
The Brahma Bull Vs. The Tribal Chief.
The Rock Vs. Roman Reigns.
Not since The Rock Vs. John Cena in 2012 has there been this level of excitement for a match, one that WWE has yet to confirm.
Both Reigns and Rock have teased for years that a match between them could happen, but never has it seemed more likely.
From Reigns being at his very best, to Rock’s movie filming schedule being suspiciously free for the first quarter of the year, all the signs are pointing to this match finally happening.
The Rock, now 50 years old, is not the spring chicken he once was, and if not next year, than this match, nor any other match with him, may never happen.
If WWE wants The Rock Vs. Reigns, then 2023 is the time, in what would be the biggest fight we’ve seen in years.
“The great thing about wrestling is it doesn\’t matter what company you work for, what promotion, anything can happen. Let\’s be honest, we know that everyone always returns back to WWE at some point.\”
\”Everyone always returns back to WWE at some point.\”
CJ Perry
Speaking about Rusev Day, arguably Miro’s most popular gimmick, Perry said the idea will live on, and reiterated her belief that he will return.
“Rusev Day will never die. It\’s always going to be around, the kids are going to want to sing it and I\’m sure it will make a return in WWE at some point. Rusev — well, whatever he shows [up] back in; whatever frickin name or gimmick or character he returns [as] at some point, in WWE is going to be iconic.\”
Unhappy
Miro held more titles and was more prominently featured in WWE, so it’s hardly surprising that he is reportedly unhappy in AEW.
Earlier this year, Miro liked a tweet suggesting that his AEW run had been a dud so far.
The tweet also suggested that Miro would do much better if he returned to WWE.
The identity of the man who attacked Keith Lee on this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite has been revealed.
During a segment, rapper Rick Ross attempted to mediate a discussion between Lee and tag-team partner Swerve Strickland.
After Strickland warned Lee to be wary of his surroundings, the Limitless One was attacked by Parker Boudreaux and a mystery man, bringing an end to Swerve in Our Glory.
Granden Goetzman
After AEW Dynamite went off the air, Lee’s attacker was revealed to be Granden Goetzman, according to Fightful Select.
It is reported that Goetzman has been training for quite some time in preparation of his AEW debut, and has been working hard at Jay Lethal’s wrestling school.
Sources who spoke to Fightful said that his debut has been planned out for at the least a couple of weeks before last night’s show.
Goetzman was also backstage at AEW Dynamite on October 10, and sources said he’s been with AEW for \”quite some time\” anticipating his debut.
Goetzman Before AEW
The 30-year-old Goetzman joins AEW with a background in baseball, which he played professionally until last year.
A second-round pick by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2011, Goetzman has been playing in the minor league system in Mexico.
Listed at 6-4, Goetzman made it all the way up to AAA in the Rays minor league system before moving on to the St. Lous Cardinals and Houston Astros farm systems until 2019.
The outfielder was primarily known for his speed but did not end in the major leagues.
Will Vince McMahon return to WWE after his shocking retirement in July? Ric Flair certainly hopes so.
The 77-year-old billionaire retired from WWE earlier this year due to allegations of misconduct with female employees and after paying millions of dollars in ‘hush money’ NDAs.
McMahon reportedly regrets retiring as CEO and Chairman and believes the allegations against him would have blown over had he stayed in his roles.
Hope
Since McMahon’s retirement, it has been reported that morale in WWE has improved significantly, with talent and staff no longer walking on eggshells.
Speaking about McMahon’s rumored comeback during the latest To Be The Man, Flair admitted he doesn’t know for sure but hopes it happens.
“I don’t know the answer to that. I wish he would come back in some capacity. I mean, obviously, Hunter and Stephanie [McMahon] are doing a great job, and trust me, it’s a big job, you know what I mean? At least they’re dividing the time. I see people periodically, and people are happy working for Hunter.
\” I wish he would come back in some capacity.\”
Ric Flair on Vince McMahon.
“Here’s the problem, it’s like in any business, you’re never gonna like everybody you work for. So, I’m sure there are some people [who] like working for Hunter, some people like better working for Vince. I can’t give you an honest answer. I just want him to be happy.”
McMahon’s Return – Could it Happen?
Although Vince McMahon is gone from WWE, he’s not entirely left the promotion he ran for four decades.
McMahon is the majority shareholder, owning over 30% of all stock, and due to how his stock is treated, the ex-CEO has approximately 80% of the voting power.
With that said, his return to WWE’s board and as CEO would face significant backlash from fans and the media, and could lead to a potential loss of sponsors.
WWE Raw Superstar Matt Riddle is in more hot water after being accused of sexual abuse by his former girlfriend.
Earlier this month, Riddle was written off of WWE TV with an attack by Solo Sikoa, allegedly covering up his second violation of WWE\’s Wellness Policy.
Riddle was recently spotted with adult film actress Misha Montana, but it is Jordan Maxx (another actress) who has said that Riddle has entered rehab.
Accusation
After his split with his now ex-wife Lisa, Riddle was seen with Daniella Petrow, and it was reported that they were in a relationship.
On Twitter, Petrow spoke about Riddle and claimed the former WWE United States Champion was abusive during their relationship.
Petrow called Montana Riddle\’s \”newest victim,\” and said she thought Riddle would have changed after the \”Candy Cartwright days.\”
Cartwright, an indie wrestler, accused Riddle of sexual assault and blocking her from getting bookings, but her lawsuit was dropped in July 2021.
Petrow made her views clear on Riddle, saying that he has a history of targeting women with his alleged behavior.
\”You have been conned into loving a man who uses your love to then take advantage of you, to then manipulate you, to sexually abuse you, to torment you.\”
The Original Bro has reportedly entered rehab due to his violations of the Wellness Policy, which Petrow believes is not enough.
In a video, Petrow spoke about the \”pedestal of fame\” around Riddle and said that rehab won\’t fix him.
\”Rehab’s not gonna f*cking help him. He still has this f*cking job. He’s still gonna f*cking do what he’s doing.\”
Daniela Petrow.
Petrow added that WWE needs to part ways with Riddle to send him a message.
\”People, wake the f*ck up. WWE, you need to fire his ass. And 30 days in rehab is not enough time to fix what’s f*cking wrong with this man. Charges might.\”
Daniel Petrow.
Riddle has not responded publicly to the allegations against him.
Jim Ross has shared his experiences of the now-infamous Brock Lesnar Vs. Goldberg match at WrestleMania 20 in 2004.
For the March 14, event, the two powerhouses faced off in the first singles match between the two, which had been one of the most hotly-anticipated matches on the show.
Days prior to WrestleMania, it was reported that both men were leaving WWE after the event, and fans turned on both men for the match.
Feeling Bad
The match is considered one of the worst bouts of both men\’s careers, with Goldberg and Lesnar giving a deliberately underwhelming performance in response to the crowd.
Jim Ross had previously served as WWE\’s Head of Talent Relations, and was tasked with called the disastrous match.
Speaking on the latest episode of Grilling JR, Ross said that it would have been impossible for the match to go well, given the opinion by fans before the bell was rung.
\”They were dead. The jury had already declared their verdict before the trial had started. We\’re done. I felt bad for those guys. I really did. I signed Brock. I helped sign Goldberg. I liked both guys for various reasons.
\”They both had a lot of similar characteristics as far as physicality. I\’ll tell you that for as good an athlete as Goldberg was, he wasn\’t in Lesnar\’s league in terms of being a pure athlete.\”
\”I love those guys, and I felt so bad for them.\”
Jim Ross.
Lesnar and Goldberg would later return to WWE (in 2012 and 2016 respectively) and would have far better matches at Survivor Series 2016 and WrestleMania 33.
The Rattlesnake
To amp up the star power for this match, WWE brought in \’Stone Cold\’ Steve Austin to officiate the WrestleMania 20 bout.
Austin, realising that the crowd had turned, delivered both men stunners after the match, earning the only cheers from the audience inside Madison Square Garden.
On his show, Ross said it was a wise move on the Texas Rattlesnake\’s behalf.
\”Thank God Austin was there, because those two stunners at the end, one to each guy, was money. It finally gave the guys something to embrace and cheer for.\”
Jim Ross.
When Ross\’ co-host Conrad Thompson asked him about if he spoke to either Brock or Goldberg, JR questioned what exactly he could have said on the night.
\”They were making a ton of money, and they didn\’t want to be there. What more could I do? Pay them more money to rent their services? Not their heart, not their soul, not their passion, but to rent their services. It was not the time to do that.\”
Goldberg would beat Lesnar in the match, considered to be one of the worst bouts in the 38-year history of WrestleMania.
Brock After WWE
Lesnar\’s departure from WWE came less than two years after his main-roster debut, and because he had big plans for the gridiron.
Part of Brock\’s decision to leave was because he wanted to compete in the NFL, and would later be signed to the Minnesota Vikings.
Ross said that while Lesnar was not picked for the official team, he was still impressive with how far he got.
\”For Lesnar to get a chance to go try out for the [Minnesota] Vikings and almost make the team. I mean, he was the last cut and he hadn\’t played football since high school. We\’re talking about the National Football League here. He was an extraordinary athlete. And he still is.\”
After his Football dreams did not pan out, Lesnar returned to wrestling, competing in NJPW before finding success in the UFC which he joined in 2007.
WWE Superstar Logan Paul may have won over fans with his in-ring work, but his participation with an online project is earning him serious scrutiny.
Paul made his in-ring debut for WWE at WrestleMania 38 in April, and would defeat The Miz at Summerslam 2022.
Last month, Paul suffered his first loss in WWE, coming up short against Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.
CryptoZoo
On his Impaulsive podcast, the WWE Superstar shared great excitement for CryptoZoo, a \”fun game\” that allows players to earn money.
The game allows users to buy animal eggs, which then hatch into unique NFTs that can be traded and sold online.
Coin Edition reports that the game is little more than a scam, as users have been unable to cash out their earnings.
One user who goes by the name HelicopterBob, invested $7,000 into the game and has seen no return on his investment.
Paul has come under fire for using Adobe Stock images and photoshopping them into ‘art’ as part of CryptoZoo, despite claiming that each image is “hand made art.”
Development
Paul has previously claimed that the problems stem from CryptoZoo\’s developer, who created a code and then ran off with it to Switzerland.
The developer allegedly would not do any more work on the project unless they were paid $1 million by Paul.
When YouTuber Coffeezilla spoke to developers, they claimed they were not paid by Paul so stopped working on the game.
Paul\’s agent Jeffrey Levin refused to give a comment when asked, and Coffezilla has claimed that Logan Paul has blocked him on social media.
Coffeezilla\’s full video on Paul\’s game can be found by clicking the link here.
Sources within WWE are said to be excited that there is a ton of buzz among fans whenever any NXT Superstars compete on WWE Main Event.
Since Triple H took over as Head of Creative and Head of Talent Relations in July, fans have seen NXT Superstars being given a taste of the main roster on WWE Main Event.
People in WWE are thrilled that these appearances are getting fans talking about possible call-ups, Fightful Select reports.
This week’s WWE Main Event taping saw Axion face off against Mustafa Ali in a losing effort.
Andre Chase would have better luck on the show, defeating former WWE Cruiserweight and Raw Tag Team Champion Cedric Alexander.
In addition to WWE Main Event, Chase had a brief cameo on Raw, being the victim of a beatdown by The Bloodline.
Both matches were produced by Shane ‘Hurricane’ Helms.
WWE Main Event
Premiering in October 2012, WWE Main Event celebrated its 500th episode earlier this year.
The show features mid-card and lower talent, in addition to NXT Superstars being given a shot on the main roster.
Last month saw Kiana James lose to Asuka on the November 20, 2022 WWE Main Event, while JD McDonagh lost to Cedric Alexander.
Grayson Waller has also competed on WWE Main Event, facing Akira Tozawa on the show last month.
For the November 27, 2022 taping of the show, Waller lost to Tozawa, but Alba Fyre defeated Tamina Snuka in the former NXT UK Women’s Champion’s main roster debut.
Neither John Cena nor Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson are guaranteed for next year’s WrestleMania 39 Premium Live Event in April.
WrestleMania 39 will take place on April 1, and April 2, at the SoFi Stadium, in Los Angeles, California.
The event will be the fourth WrestleMania in a row to take place across two nights, a tradition that began with WrestleMania 36.
Not a Sure Thing
With WrestleMania being WWE’s biggest event of the year, it’s no surprise that the promotion wants its biggest stars.
It has been reported that both Cena and The Rock are expected to compete at next year’s show.
On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer explained how The Rock is far from guaranteed due to his commitments to the XFL.
“Am I saying he’s not going to do it? No, I’m not saying that at all. And if he’s doing it, wow, you have him, Austin, and Cena all on the same show – or the same weekend because they’ll split them up, obviously.”
Dave Meltzer.
The XFL will kick off in early 2023 and will be the third iteration of the football league, and the first to not involve Vince McMahon.
It has been rumored that The Rock will face his cousin Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39.
John Cena
Like The Rock, John Cena has plenty of big commitments in 2023, and as Meltzer explained, he isn’t guaranteed for WrestleMania 39.
“Cena’s not 100% either, by the way. He’s got a movie in February and March, so he’s not going to be able to do a lot of TVs. I don’t know…he will do the show if he’s available, but it’s the same thing. He may have other things going on. I was told… I guess the best way to put it is Cena is a ‘probable’, and Dwayne is a ‘possible’ maybe a probable, I don’t know, but neither is a sure thing.”
Dave Meltzer.
John Cena will team with Kevin Owens to face Reigns and Sami Zayn on the final SmackDown of 2022.
Tickets for the December 30, episode of WWE SmackDown on FOX are getting increasingly more difficult to come by, and it is all thanks to John Cena.
On last week’s SmackDown, Cena appeared on the titantron to announce that he will team with Kevin Owens on the final SmackDown of the year.
The former opponents will face off against the Bloodline’s Sami Zayn and Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.
Cena Still Drives Business
Often considered by many to be arguably the last drawing name in wrestling, it should come as no surprise that Cena is moving tickets.
During the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that Cena’s involvement in the show is proving to be a draw.
“We always say, and it’s true, ‘It’s the brand and not the guy’, but John Cena is the exception. They’ve sold 4,000 tickets in Tampa since he was announced on that show, which is amazing. You know, he is the exception to the rule. If you’re wondering, ‘Is anyone a draw?’ It’s like, well, he is.”
Dave Meltzer.
The December 30, SmackDown will mark Cena’s first televised match for WWE since Summerslam 2021, where he lost to Roman Reigns.
SmackDown
John Cena will keep his streak going on the final SmackDown of this year, by having a WWE match every year since 2002.
Other names promoted to appear for the show include SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey, Bray Wyatt, and Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos.
Solo Sikoa Vs. Sheamus will also take place on the show, in the second singles collision between the two.
Sikoa defeated the former WWE Champion on the October 21, episode of SmackDown.
Former TNA/Impact Wrestling star Rhaka Khan is a wanted woman yet again with a warrant out for her arrest.
The bench warrant was issued on December 14, in Texas, after she no-showed the first day of her scheduled trial.
Legal Problems
Khan, real name Tenesha Daniyall Biggers, has had problems with the law for years, and at one point was on El Paso’s Most Wanted list.
In 2019, Biggers was charged with interfering with child custody and aggravated kidnapping.
She was placed on the Most Wanted list after no-showing her court date at the time.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Khan’s trial was delayed numerous times and was supposed to begin this month.
If convicted, interference with child custody is a felony in the state of Texas, punishable with a jail sentence of up to two years.
Rhaka Khan in TNA Wrestling
After competing in the 2005 WWE Divas search as Trenesha, Biggers would sign with TNA in 2008, debuting at February’s Against All Odds Pay-Per-View.
Khan served as a manager for Scott Steiner and later Petey Williams, and would compete in the first ‘Queen of the Cage’ match at Lockdown in April.
After a face-turn over the summer, Khan would turn heel in November, and would align herself with Awesome Kong and Raisha Saeed to form the ‘Kongtourage.’
In April 2009, Khan was suspended for 60 days due to a backstage altercation when Roxxi Laveaux accused her of working too stiff, and she was released in October of that year.
Fans attending the upcoming Christian National Wrestling Exhibition Alliance event to see Chavo Guerrero will be disappointed to learn that he won’t be on the show.
Last week, the promotion advertised a “big name” on their Facebook page that will be doing a signing in Butte, Montana, adding that it was a third-generation wrestler.
When further clues indicated that the big name was Chavo, Guerrero himself commented saying he is not appearing, and the page’s admin called Guerrero’s account a fake.
On Twitter, the former WWE Superstar reiterated his message, saying that he will not be appearing and has not been contacted for the show.
What does former WWE Superstar Maven regret about his career? Apparently not using enough steroids.
The former high school teacher became a WWE Superstar after winning the first season of MTV’s Tough Enough in 2001 alongside female winner Nidia.
Maven would remain with the promotion until 2005, and would leave a former three-time WWE Hardcore Champion, a title he would win off The Undertaker in early 2002.
Steroids
At the time that Maven was wrestling, WWE had not introduced the Wellness Policy fans know today.
During a recent appearance on the Monte and Pharaoh Show, Maven addressed his use of steroids during his WWE tenure.
“I loved everything about it. The good, the bad, the ups, the downs. I’m not going to lie, the money. I’m the one wrestler, I’m going to be perfectly honest, whether you like or dislike my answer. I hate it when guys talk about, ‘Did you take steroids?’ and they beat around it. I did them. I did. I’m not sorry for it. I wish I would have taken more! I would have done everything the same. At this point in my life, at 46, there is no one I’m trying to get the approval of. Why lie?“
Maven.
WWE would introduce its Wellness Policy in 2005 following the shocking death of Eddie Guerrero.
After WWE
After his departure from WWE, Maven would work on the independent scene before joining TNA in 2006.
After a couple of house shows, Maven would bow out of wrestling, but would make a return in 2015 as part of Brian Myers’ Create A Pro Wrestling Academy.
Is Bill Goldberg and an errant really to blame for Bret Hart\’s career-ending concussion?
That\’s certainly been the consensus for decades after the Hitman took a stiff kick from Goldberg during their match at Starrcade 1999.
After the match, Hart would be diagnosed with a concussion which would lead to his retirement from wrestling, and the Hitman has loathed Goldberg ever since.
The Real Concussion
Due to this kick, Goldberg has spent years being labeled \’dangerous\’ and \’unprofessional\’ by countless fans as well as some wrestlers.
On the latest edition of his 83 Weeks podcast, former WCW President Eric Bischoff argued that another spot from the match is to blame.
“I’m looking at Bret bouncing his head off the concrete or the ring post, whatever it was, and if I had to put my money, I would put it on that concussion occurring on that bump as much or more so than the kick to the head.”
Eric Bischoff.
Hart would defeat Goldberg in the main event by submission when \’Rowdy\’ Roddy Piper called for the bell, mimicking the Montreal Screwjob of two years earlier.
Bret and Goldberg
Whether it was a shot by the ring post or the superkick, Bret Hart has been very anti-Goldberg in the decades since what happened.
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