Author: Bryan Rose

Bryan Rose is an editor from California that has been covering professional wrestling for well over a decade. He officially joined F4WOnline as an editor in 2017.

Three titles change hands at WWE NXT Halloween Havoc

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Three titles changed hands at NXT Halloween Havoc.

Tatum Paxley defeated Jacy Jayne to win the NXT Women’s Championship. The finish came when both were knocked down. The Culling, who had been booted out of the match earlier after arguing with Fatal Influence, came back as Izzi Dame grabbed the title. She seemed as if she was going to take out Paxley, but instead struck Jayne who was going in for the rolling encore. Paxley hit her finish and pinned Jayne to win the title.

Blake Monroe defeated Zaria to win Sol Ruca’s North American title. The finish of the match had Monroe “accidently” shove Zaria into Ruca, who was supporting her friend at ringside on crutches. Monroe followed that with a double arm DDT on the mat then followed with a second when they re-entered the ring, allowing Monroe her first championship in WWE.

The match was originally scheduled to be Ruca defending her title against Monroe. However, the champion injured herself in a Women’s Tag Team Championship match on SmackDown last Friday. On this past Tuesday’s NXT, she announced she was medically unable to compete. After Monroe came out and insisted on being given the title, Zaria instead asked Ruca if she could step in and take on Monroe for her. Ruca agreed, setting up the new match.

In a Broken Rules match, DarkState regained the titles from The Hardy Boyz in a match filled with ladders and tables, a Hardy staple. The Hardyz emerged under their broken personas but it was not enough to score the win. Osiris Griffin put Matt in a tree of woe position as he and Dion Lennox gave Jeff a doomsday device off a ladder, sending him through a table and allowing themselves to win the NXT Tag Team titles for a second time.

Ricky Saints was the only champion to keep his title on Saturday, defeating Trick Williams in the main event to retain the NXT Championship.

Two title matches set for next WWE NXT

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Two title matches are set for Tuesday’s NXT.

The TNA Knockouts title will be on the line when Kelani Jordan squares off against Jordynne Grace. The two had a confrontation at Halloween Havoc, trading insults back and forth before Grace said she wanted to challenge for the title next. Jordan responded by saying the title carries way more weight than her. Grace slapped Jordan, who reacted by telling Grace that she’ll regret that.

Kendal Grey will be defending the Evolve Women’s title against Lash Legend. After the two exchanged words on Tuesday, they did so again at Halloween Havoc, this time with Lash issuing a challenge. Grey agreed to a title match for Tuesday.

Former members of the NQCC will meet when Myles Borne takes on Tavion Heights. After both shared their gripes about their recent issues with Josh Briggs with Ava, the NXT GM suggested the two face off on Tuesday.

Here is the update lineup for Tuesday’s NXT:

WWE NXT (October 28)

  • TNA Knockouts title: Kelani Jordan defends against Jordynne Grace
  • WWE Evolve Women’s title: Kendal Grey defends against Lash Legend
  • Men’s Speed Tournament finals: Jasper Troy vs. Axiom
  • Tavion Heights vs. Myles Borne

WWE NXT Gold Rush two-week event announced for next month

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Gold Rush is coming to NXT.

During Halloween Havoc on Saturday, it was announced that NXT will air a two-week event called Gold Rush which will air November 18 and November 25 on The CW. It was advertised that championships from NXT, Evolve, TNA, and AAA would be defended.

Heading into the fall, NXT has continued to push its ties with TNA and AAA, with talent from both rosters appearing frequently. The most recent television special was Showdown, featuring two Survivor Series elimination matches featuring TNA talent taking on NXT talent. The series ended up being a tie, with NXT winning the women’s elimination match and TNA winning the men’s match.

Evolve also has had a presence on NXT in recent weeks. Kendal Gray has been featured on television, coming close in a battle royal to determine the number one contender for the NXT Women’s title. She won the Evolve Women’s Championship earlier this month, and has since started a feud with Lash Legend.

CMLL crowns 2025 Women’s International Grand Prix winner

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Persephone has won this year’s CMLL Women’s International Grand Prix.

Much like earlier this year with the men, Team Mexico bested Team International in a 20-woman torneo cibernetico match on Friday in Arena Mexico. AEW’s Thekla was the last person eliminated, with Persephone picking up the win after a moonsault.

Those representing Team Mexico included Persephone, La Catalina, Olympia, Skadi, Reyna Isis, Zeuxis, India Sioux, Lluvia, and La Jarochita. Team International consisted of Julia Hart (AEW), Skye Blue (AEW), Thekla (AEW), Mina Shirakawa (AEW), Diamante (ROH), Shoko Nakajima (MLW), Hazuki (Stardom), Koguma (Stardom) and Kanji (RevPro).

Women’s International Grand Prix matches weren’t held in the promotion until 2022, when Dalys became the first tournament winner. Tessa Blanchard won in 2023, while Reyna Isis won last year’s tournament.

Mistico won the Men’s International Grand Prix back in August, last eliminating TJP. He, Volador Jr., Titan, Atlantis Jr., Mascara Dorada, Angel de Oro, Neon, Templario, Zandokan Jr., and Difunto represented Team Mexico while Team International featured Rocky Romero, Donovan Dijak, Robbie X, Michael Oku, The Beast Mortos, Lio Rush, Mike Bailey, TJP, Taiji Ishimori, and Action Andretti.

Liv Morgan’s alleged stalker won’t stand trial until 2026

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Liv Morgan’s alleged stalker won’t face trial until next year.

PWInsider reported on Friday that an unopposed motion has been filed requesting Shawn Chan’s trial be pushed back two months, meaning the earliest he could stand trial would be in January. Chan was arrested back in June on federal stalking charges after entering Morgan’s property.

“Mr. Chan is charged with the interstate stalking of a professional wrestler. An initial psychological evaluation done to examine his competency diagnosed delusional disorder,” the motion reads. “The Defense has retained an expert to more fully evaluate Mr. Chan for purposes of trial, and likely to testify. If this second expert will provide testimony, the Government will have a right to conduct its own examination.”

Chan, a Canadian citizen, flew to Florida on May 26 and told customs officials that he would be staying at the WWE Performance Center, which has no housing. Four days later, Chan traveled to Morgan’s home and circled the property several times before entering her backyard. He then attempted to gain entry at the front door but was unsuccessful, and at one point wielded an air rifle pellet gun that had been left out in the porch area. He left a note before leaving the area.

On June 3 after WWE security saw him at the Performance Center, Chan was arrested, having been identified through security footage from Morgan’s home. He was indicted later that month and has remained incarcerated since.

Jade Cargill turns against Tiffany Stratton, title match set for WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event

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A match for the WWE Women’s title is now set for Saturday Night’s Main Event following a big angle on SmackDown.

After defeating Kiana James on Friday, Tiffany Stratton was attacked by Giulia until Jade Cargill came out for the save. But once the coast was clear, Cargill blindsided Stratton with a clothesline. She then continued the attack, throwing her to the floor and sending Stratton into the steel steps and across the announcer’s table. Officials attempted to stop the assault but Cargill persisted, finishing things off by ramming her foot onto Stratton’s ankle on the steel steps. The segment ended with Cargill holding the WWE Women’s title, the title match for Saturday Night’s Main Event becoming official later in the show.

Following the assault, Cathy Kelly asked Cargill why she did it and if she was afraid of the consequences. She responded by saying she made a mistake in thinking that the world rewards patience, it rewards power. And she was no longer going to ask for it, she will take the WWE Women’s Championship from Stratton.

The two had been friendly towards one another leading up to Friday, even after Stratton defeated Queen of the Ring winner Cargill at SummerSlam this past August. In September, the two along with Nia Jax squared off for the WWE Women’s Championship in a triple threat match, with Stratton again emerging as the winner.

Saturday Night’s Main Event (November 1)

  • WWE World Heavyweight title: CM Punk vs. Jey Uso
  • WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes defends against Drew McIntyre
  • WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton defends against Jade Cargill

Kota Ibushi discharged from hospital, thanks Tony Khan & Kenny Omega

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Kota Ibushi is out of the hospital.

On social media Tuesday night, Ibushi announced that he had been released from the hospital. He took time to thank the medical staff, Tony Khan, Kenny Omega, Michael Nakazawa, and the fans for their help and support.

Ibushi had been hospitalized for the last two weeks following an injury that took place on the episode of AEW Collision that aired on October 11. Josh Alexander had Ibushi on his shoulders as they went up to the top rope. Ibushi ended up falling off Alexander and crash landed to the floor, breaking his femur in the process. Ibushi lost via count out and was eventually stretchered out after an angle involving the Don Callis Family. 

During his time in the hospital Ibushi gave updates to fans on his condition, with doctors telling him that it would take two years before he could get back in the ring. Ibushi believes, however, that it could take less.

“One year to fully recover. Two years until I can step into the ring again. I believe in myself more than the doctors,” he said. “I absolutely don’t believe in that. I know I have amazing DNA that gives me the ability to heal!!”

The last few years have been difficult for Ibushi injury-wise, suffering an injury during the G1 Climax finals in 2021 that kept him out for a long period of time. In January of 2024, he suffered another injury during a match in Pro Wrestling NOAH, causing him to miss further time.

New match, stipulation added to WWE NXT Halloween Havoc

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A new match and a stipulation has been added to NXT Halloween Havoc.

Saturday’s show will now see The Hardy Boyz defend the NXT Tag Team titles against DarkState in a Broken Rules match. During a DarkState promo on Tuesday’s NXT, The Hardyz interrupted and talked about DarkState’s attack last week, walking around Matt’s estate. Senor Benjamin, Matt’s wife Rebecca, and the Hardy children were all seen as the Hardyz walked into the Lake of Reincarnation. When they emerged, they became Broken Matt and Brother Nero. Matt said that their match at Halloween Havoc would now be a Broken Rules match, meaning anything goes.

Leon Slater and Je’Von Evans on Tuesday were looking to team together at Halloween Havoc after forming a bond following their match at Bound for Glory. After Slater successfully defended the TNA X Division title against Stacks, the two issued a challenge to anyone from the main roster or NXT. AAA’s Mr. Iguana and La Parka came out instead and the two teams agreed to meet on Saturday.

There is also a change to the Women’s NXT North American title match. After Sol Ruca announced she was not medically cleared, Blake Monroe came out and demanded she be given the title. Ruca and Ava ultimately agreed that Zaria could replace Ruca in the title match.

Here is the updated lineup for Halloween Havoc:

WWE NXT Halloween Havoc (October 25) —

  • NXT Champion Ricky Saints defends against Trick Williams
  • NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne defends against Tatum Paxley
  • Broken rules match for the NXT Tag Team Champions The Hardys defend against DarkState
  • Day of the Dead match: NXT North American Champion Ethan Page defends against El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr.
  • NXT Women’s North American Championship: Zaria defends for Sol Ruca against Blake Monroe
  • Leon Slater & Je’Von Evans vs. Mr. Iguana & La Parka

Sol Ruca not medically cleared for WWE NXT Halloween Havoc

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Sol Ruca is out of action.

On Tuesday’s NXT, the North American and Speed Champion came out on a crutch and a knee brace and announced that she wasn’t medically cleared to compete for this Saturday’s Halloween Havoc event. She further said she didn’t know when she would be to return to action. After a back and forth between Zaria and Ruca’s challenger Blake Monroe, Ruca allowed Zaria to take her place this Saturday, keeping the North American title match on the show alive.

Ruca said she was injured during the WWE Women’s Tag Team title match on Friday. Zaria as well as champions Alexa Bliss and Charlotte helped Ruca to the back following the match. Earlier on Tuesday, Ruca said she would address “the NXT Unvierse” about her status. Ava said that “unforseen circumstances” had come up and would be accompanying Ruca to the ring.

Blake Monroe has been feuding with Ruca in recent weeks. On Friday, she made her main roster debut by distracting Ruca in the crowd. That allowed Flair to target Ruca’s knee, eventually allowing the champions to retain.

Here is the updated card for Halloween Havoc:

WWE NXT Halloween Havoc (October 25) —

  • NXT Champion Ricky Saints defends against Trick Williams
  • NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne defends against Tatum Paxley
  • Broken rules match for the NXT Tag Team Champions The Hardys defend against DarkState
  • Day of the Dead match: NXT North American Champion Ethan Page defends against El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr.
  • NXT Women’s North American Championship: Zaria defends for Sol Ruca against Blake Monroe
  • Leon Slater & Je’Von Evans vs. Mr. Iguana & La Parka

Ridge Holland says he may need neck surgery

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Ridge Holland may need neck surgery.

In an update on social media, Ridge Holland says that along with his foot cast being removed, he’s getting x-rays to ensure everything is healing well. However, he mentioned that he is also suffering from a neck injury and will get imaging to see if surgery is needed there.

“Next Tuesday I’ve got to go to Birmingham, Alabama to have the cast cut off, some more x-rays to make sure the foot’s all good and we can go possibly to partial weight bearing,” he said. “The kicker is that prior to the foot, I had a neck injury that I was going to get imaging for. I got imaging for the post-foot surgery and I’m going to Birmingham also to see the neck specialist.”

“I mean, worst case scenario, I’ll need surgery and I’m hoping for the best case scenario which is injections,” he added. “But I’m having some nerve impingement which is sending pain down my arm, so I’m a little bit apprehensive about what’s going to happen because it’s another kick in the balls, really. So I’ll keep you posted.”

Holland suffered the foot injury back in September during a TNA television taping. Earlier this month, he announced on social media that WWE had opted not to renew his contract, though will pay for his rehabilitation. His contract is set to expire on November 14.

WWE title match added to next Saturday Night’s Main Event

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A new championship match is set for Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Nick Aldis on social media Tuesday confirmed that Cody Rhodes would be defending the WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre on November 1 in Salt Lake City. This follows an angle on SmackDown that saw the two brawl in an impromptu match.

A show-long storyline on Friday saw Aldis announce that McIntyre would meet Jacob Fatu in a number one contender’s match in the main event. However, as Fatu’s music played, it was soon revealed that he was laid out backstage, his mouth a bloody mess and what appeared to be teeth on the floor. McIntyre was pleased by what had happened but denied he had any involvement. 

Cody Rhodes then came out and said if McIntyre wanted a WWE title match, they would do it right now. The two brawled for a while before the bell rang. It never became clear if it was a a title match, however, as the match soon ended in a DQ after Rhodes laid out McIntyre with the WWE title.

Saturday Night’s Main Event (November 1)

  • WWE World Heavyweight title: CM Punk vs. Jey Uso
  • WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes defends against Drew McIntyre

Daily Update: Nate Diaz, John Cena, HBO Max

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Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Notes from the new issue which apparently has been the talk of the social media wrestling world:
*Seth Rollins injury and how this will lead to numerous changes in  booking plans, including what was scheduled short and long-term for Rollins through Mania and after.
*Full coverage of Crown Jewel, business notes and match coverage
*The Media Ratings Council has questions about the new numbers
*Just how far Smackdown has dropped with younger viewers based on the new sampling and NXT isn’t much  different, nor is AEW
*Konosuke Takeshita beats Zack Sabre Jr. to win the IWGP title, a look at King of Prm Wrestling, WrestleKingdom, first thoughts on Aaron Wolf, and the angles on the show
*WrestleDream preview, business notes, as well as Saturday Night’s Main Event in Salt Lake City needs the entire show revamped
*Odds for upcoming big matches
*TNA Bound for Glory notes
*A detailed story on WWE cuts focusing on Ridge Holland and WEs Lee
*Pro  Wrestling NOAH at Sumo Hall
*A huge story on the 2025 Hall of Fame U.S. & Canada candidates
*What the awards voting over the last 45 years says about those who fare better not  in than those who are in.  
*The most detailed look at the ratings for all the wrestling shows of the past week
*It women’s month at Arena Mexico but one person is still the star, a look at  the recent main events
*A look at two PPV shows from Arena Mexico coming
*Who is the obvious choice for tag team of the year that nobody is talking about
*Best of the Super Juniors tournament
*Japanese referee dies in bear attack
*Update on Smashing Machine business
*They named a bridge after Stu Hart and more notes
*NFL star copying Ric Flair
*Fantastica Mania UK
*The Andrade situation
*Lots of background details on similar stories
*Kota Ibushi update
*Notes on Chris Jericho and Britt Baker
*Darby Allin talks about the cancers that used to be in AEW
*Update on  a training camp for AEW in Asheville, NC
*Rematch of a match of the year candidate coming to AEW show in Edinburg, TX
*Updates on YouTube numbers for September
*Debate over the new and old Ali Act
*Details on Zuffa Boxing deals
*How much UFC makes in profit per Saturday show
*New UFC fights
*Sad BJ Penn story
*Stories on fighters getting screwed by promoters
*Ticket demand for John Cena’s ast show
*New WWE hire, usage of AI for wrestling storylines and some are worried about their jobs
*AJ Styles talks retiring
*WWE injury updates

This Week’s Back Issue

FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBERS GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH

Tuesday Update

 WWE

AEW & Other Wrestling

  • HBO Max plans have increased in price effective immediately. Basic with Ads is now $10.99 a month, Standard is $18.49 a month, and Premium is $22.99 a month.
  • Andrade is being advertised for a Big Time Wrestling event in Augusta, Maine for November 1.
  • TNA is debuting its Bound for Glory: Fade to Black documentary that will air this Wednesday. 
  • In an interview with Daily Star, Indi Hartwell said that she is joining Bayley’s upcoming seminar and encourages others to do the same: “I would say take advantage of these opportunities that come up, because you don’t know when they’re going to come around again. To work with someone like Bayley, I’m going to sign up for the seminar. Hopefully she accepts me. Do whatever you can, get in front of different eyes, get as much exposure as you can. You never know when you’re going to be in a position or at a show when the right person is there to get you the next opportunity or get you your big break. Just say yes to all the opportunities that come your way.”
  • A GoFundMe has been launched to keep open the WWA4 training school in Atlanta that is run by AR Fox. Notable names that have come from the school include Austin Theory, Apollo Crews, Myron Reed, and Lee Johnson.
  • Another fundraiser is up to cover funeral expenses for Sir Mo, who passed away on Sunday.

Killer Kross releases new documentary, opens up on WWE contract negotiations falling apart

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Killer Kross’ new documentary is out now.

On Monday, the former WWE star released his third documentary, the second after word came out that his contract was not being renewed by WWE. Titled ‘My Life after WWE’, Kross opens up about his career after leaving the company in August, featuring matches from Defy and elsewhere on the independent scene as well as interactions with fans and other wrestlers who praised him for his character work. You can watch the documentary in full below.

During one part of the documentary, Kross compares his career in WWE to that of the story of Moby Dick. He uses metaphors and characters in the novel to describe his final negotiations with the company prior to his contract expiring in August. Kross said one of things that kept him from signing was the company not considering his book, which WWE got a cut of, to be important enough in the negotiations.

“When you tell that kid his story doesn’t matter and you’re taking money from him and you’re telling him that the subject is irrelevant to the conversation, there’s no deal to be made, there’s nothing to agree to. So they said they would rescind their offer in 24 hours.”

Kross said he wanted to work things out, but they went ahead and rescinded the offer regardless.

“Sometimes when somebody makes you an offer and there’s red flags over it, you should pay attention to that,” he said.

He recalled that in 2021 when they wanted to sign him to be part of the main roster, he asked about his “siren,” aka Scarlett. He said WWE told him to sign the contract and they’d get to Scarlett. However, she was not called up and both were released by the end of the year, with WWE at the time saying the layoffs were due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Ahab signed the contract and he went out to sea, they never signed the siren, they kept her sitting at home and they turned Ahab into a f****** a******. So Ahab wasn’t going to fall for that again. Because he’s f****** read the book.”

“Money is f****** worthless when it’s not attached to principles,” he added. “Ahab thought I’d rather make less money and preserve my principles than to agree that nothing I have done over the last three years means anything and nothing I will do for the next three or five will mean anything either. My story, my life story, is not irrelevant.”

Since his release in August, Kross has found steady work on the independent scene. He will be making his return to MLW next month.

Seth Rollins stripped of WWE World Heavyweight title following injury

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The World Heavyweight title is vacant.

On Raw, Adam Pearce told Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed that due to their actions last week, Seth Rollins has undergone ‘major surgery’ and as a result, Rollins has been stripped of the World Heavyweight Championship. A new champion will be crowned at Saturday Night’s Main Event on November 1 when CM Punk will face the winner of a battle royal taking place on Raw.

After the announcement, Pearce asked Breakker to give him the title belt. Breakker intimidated Pearce into asking nicely before handing it to Paul Heyman, who then handed it to Pearce.

Rollins was injured during his match against Cody Rhodes at WWE Crown Jewel last weekend, injuring his shoulder to the point it will require surgery. The following Monday on Raw, a shock angle took place where Breakker speared Rollins, telling Reed and Heyman that they were either with him or against him. Both quickly jumped ship, leaving Rollins laying.

Following Pearce’s announcement, Heyman hinted at Rollins’ injury, saying that Rollins couldn’t shoulder the responsibility of leading The Vision into the future.

Tony Khan on Chris Jericho: ‘We’ll see what happens here in the coming months’

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Tony Khan talks Chris Jericho.

In an interview with Busted Open Radio, Khan was asked about Chris Jericho’s status with the company as reports indicate he may be looking at a WWE return. Khan said he’ll take a wait and see approach, but Jericho is always welcome in AEW.

“I love Chris Jericho. He’s a huge part of AEW, he’s been here since the beginning and, you know, we’ll see what happens here in the coming months,” he said. “Chris is always a welcome, big part of AEW we’d always want to have here. So I am absolutely so grateful to Chris Jericho for everything he’s done.”

Jericho hasn’t been seen on AEW television since April, abandoning Learning Tree stablemates Big Bill and Bryan Keith. Speculation has been mounting about his future, particularly this week when Jericho announced talent for his 2026 cruise which didn’t feature any AEW talent. In this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it was noted that Jericho is either heading to WWE or has people thinking he may return.

“He’s either going to WWE or he wants people to think he’s going to WWE to up his price from each side,” Meltzer wrote. “The idea is that Jericho is coming for a retirement tour and Hall of Fame induction. It also should be pointed out the cruise has nobody from WWE either but I don’t know that WWE would allow their talent to go even if he was with the company.”

Jericho last wrestled for the WWE in 2018. Before officially signing with AEW in 2019, he made appearances for New Japan Pro Wrestling, winning the IWGP Intercontinental title at one point.