Author: Ian Carey

Ian Carey is a writer from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, whose work has been featured in NOW Magazine, The Huffington Post, and more. A lifelong wrestling aficionado born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, he has covered the industry for a decade and a half. He joined the f4wonline.com team in 2019.

CM Punk, PAWS Chicago partner for fundraising campaign honoring Larry

Posted on by Ian Carey

PAWS Chicago, Piece Pizzeria and CM Punk have partnered on a fundraising campaign this month in honor of Punk and AJ Lee’s dog, Larry.

Punk revealed last month that Larry had passed away nearly 11 years after Punk and Lee had rescued him in 2015 through PAWS, a no-kill shelter located in Punk’s hometown.

For all of January, a donation of $70 will be made to PAWS Chicago for every $35 specialty pie purchased. $10 of the $70 donation will come from proceeds of the sale, while the other $60 will be via matching donations from PAWS donors Bill Jacobs, Sean & Alison Fogarty, Laura Desmond, Leonard Goodman, Kristin MacGregor, and Joe Mansueto.

The specialty pizza available was crafted by Punk in honor of Larry. A description of the pizza reads:

“CM Punk crafted the January pizza in memory of his beloved PAWS dog Larry. ‘The Larry’ is a New Haven–style thin-crust pizza topped with tangy red sauce, mozzarella, Hot Doug’s signature smoked Italian sausage, Ezzo’s Cup & Char pepperoni, and finished with grated aged Pecorino for the perfect balance of chewy, crispy, smoky, and savory. Rescued from PAWS Chicago in 2015, this pizza celebrates the joy and unconditional love Larry brought into the world, while creating second chances for dogs and cats still waiting.”

PAWS promoted the fundraising campaign on Instagram earlier this week. They shared the following story of Larry’s rescue:

“In 2014, Larry was surrendered to PAWS Chicago. He wasn’t an ‘everybody’ kind of dog, but he was the perfect dog for somebody. Phil Brooks, or CM Punk as you may know him, was that somebody.
 Phil adopted Larry in 2015. He was loved to the fullest, celebrated for exactly who he was, and amassed fans from all over the world — how many rescue dogs can you say have their own action figure! He reminded us every day that adoption changes lives, for pets and their people.
 ‘The Larry’ is a way to honor his memory while giving other dogs and cats the same opportunity to find a loving home by sending a $70 donation to PAWS for every $35 pizza sold.
 Our greatest thanks to Phil, @piecechicago , and the matching donors for making this possible ❤️ For more information, please visit pawschicago.org/piece-pizza”

NJPW wrestler announces he has re-signed with the company

Posted on by Ian Carey

Shota Umino is staying with NJPW.

The 28-year-old revealed on his social media on Friday that he has re-signed with the company for 2026, writing:

“I have signed a contract with New Japan Pro-Wrestling Co., Ltd. for the 2026 fiscal year. My beloved family is ‘New Japan Pro-Wrestling’ alone.”

Umino is coming off a difficult 2025. He started the year by losing to Zack Sabre Jr. in an IWGP World Heavyweight title match in the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 20. In March, he lost to David Finlay in the finals of the New Japan Cup and the following month dropped an IWGP World title match to Hirooki Goto at Windy City Riot in Chicago. He finished second in the B Block during the G1 Climax, but was eliminated in the first knockout round by Yota Tsuji.

Umino is the son of NJPW referee “Red Shoes” Hiroyuki Umino and started in the company’s dojo system in 2017. His social media post announcing his re-signing is available below:

Knockouts Tag title match, more set for TNA Impact AMC debut

Posted on by Ian Carey

Four matches are now set for TNA Wrestling’s debut on AMC.

On Thursday’s episode of Impact, it was announced that TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Champions The IInspiration will defend their titles on the January 15 episode against The Elegance Brand.

TNA wrote:

“BREAKING: The TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Championship is on the line as The Inspiration defend against The Elegance Brand LIVE Thursday, January 15 at 9PM ET on the premiere of Thursday Night iMPACT! on @AMC_TV”

Also announced for next week, Matt and Jeff Hardy will team with Elijah against Order 4’s Mustafa Ali, Jason Hotch, and John Skyler.

TNA wrote:

“BREAKING: @_Iam_Elijah_ teams with The Hardys to take on Order 4 in his first match in 6 months LIVE Thursday, January 15 at 9PM ET on the premiere of Thursday Night iMPACT @AMC_TV”

The updated lineup for next week’s show is below:

Current TNA Impact card | Thursday, January 15 | AMC debut show

  • TNA World Champion Frankie Kazarian defends against Mike Santana
  • X-Division Champion Leon Slater defends against Myron Reed
  • Elijah and The Hardys (Matt and Jeff Hardy) vs. Order 4 (Mustafa Ali, Jason Hotch, and John Skyler)
  • TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Champions The Iinspiration (Cassie Lee & Jessie McKay defend against The Elegance Brand (Heather By Elegance & M By Elegance)

Three new matches confirmed for TNA Genesis

Posted on by Ian Carey

Three new matches are confirmed for TNA Genesis.

Matt and Jeff Hardy will defend their titles against Vincent and Dutch of The Righteous on the January 17 pay-per-view.

The match was set up in the opening segment of Thursday’s TNA Impact. Matt Hardy called out Vincent and Dutch after they had been playing mind games with the brothers for weeks. Matt wanted to wrestle that night in El Paso, but Vincent pushed for the match to take place at Genesis instead.

Later in the show, it was also confirmed that Lei Ying Lee will defend the TNA Knockouts World Championship against Dani Luna at Genesis. AJ Francis vs. Rich Swann was also announced.

Ongoing live coverage of tonight’s TNA Impact, courtesy of Joseph Collins, is available here.

The updated lineup for Genesis is below.

Current TNA Genesis 2026 lineup for January 17th, 2026 | Garland, Texas

  • X-Division Champion Leon Slater defends against Cedric Alexander and Moose in a three-way
  • Mustafa Ali vs. Elijah
  • JDC vs. Eddie Edwards in JDC’s retirement match.
  • TNA World Tag Team Champions The Hardys (Matt and Jeff Hardy) defend against The Righteous (Vincent and Dutch)
  • TNA Knockouts Champion Lei Ying Lee defends against Dani Luna
  • AJ Francis vs. Rich Swann
  • Joe Hendry concert

Lacey Lane aligns with Lio Rush and Action Andretti in ROH

Posted on by Ian Carey

Lacey Lane has a new CRU.

The former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion accompanied Lio Rush and Action Andretti to the ring for their match on tonight’s ROH on HonorClub broadcast. Ongoing live coverage of the show, courtesy of Jeff Moss, is available here.

Rush and Andretti, who wrestle under the team name CRU, defeated Will Allday and Jay Alexander on the show.

Later in the show, the three were interviewed in the back.

“We’re not just back with Action Andretti, we’re not just back with Lio Rush, we’re back with new crew member Lacey Lane,” Dante Martin said backstage.

“I think I found my CRU,” Lane said.

Lane is coming off a loss to Red Velvet in a ROH Women’s TV title eliminator match at the December 6 tapings in Columbus. She also wrestled two matches for Ring of Honor in September when AEW/ROH ran its residency at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, losing to Mina Shirakawa and to Lena Kross in a dark match. Lane also dropped a TBS title match to Mercedes Mone on the October 7 episode of AEW Dynamite.

Lane was released from WWE in May 2025 after nearly seven years with the company.

Cox Cable subscribers now have access to ESPN Unlimited at no extra cost

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Cox Cable subscribers now have access to ESPN Unlimited, which includes ESPN+.

Cox subscribers with a paid subscription to Cox TV Preferred or a higher tier now have access to ESPN Unlimited at no additional cost. ESPN Unlimited includes ESPN’s linear networks as well as ESPN+, the streaming home of WWE’s PLEs.

Bryan Alvarez announced the news to his subscribers on X, writing:

“COX Cable and ESPN made a deal, so Cox subscribers now get ESPN Unlimited at no extra cost.”

The news comes as WWE prepares for one of its biggest PLEs of the year, the Royal Rumble, which takes place January 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and streams on ESPN+.

Cox Cable states that it has 6.5 million total residential and commercial customers across 18 states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Virginia.

“Cox Video customers with a paid subscription to Cox TVPreferred or a higher tier, have access to the ESPN Unlimited app at no additional cost,” reads Cox.com’s customer page.

Cox also provided the following activation details:

“Activate: Eligible customers can sign up through sales channels or by visiting www.cox.com/espnunlimited. Activate and login using Cox credentials. Create an ESPN account or connect your current ESPN account.
Contour TV Devices: The app is available on your Contour TV devices. To access, simply say “ESPN App” on your Contour Voice Remote.
Mobile Devices: You can also access the ESPN app on most mobile devices, web browsers, game consoles, and streaming devices, at home or on the go using Cox credentials. For more information on supported devices, visit the ESPN Support site.”

Triple H posts video package for Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre

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Triple H has posted the video package for Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre.

The video is available at this link and below this article.

“For the first time on #SmackDown, the Undisputed @wwe Championship will be decided in THREE STAGES OF HELL,” Triple H wrote.

Rhodes vs. McIntyre in a Three Stages of Hell match is set for Friday’s edition of WWE SmackDown at the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany. The best two-of-three falls match will start with a singles match, the second fall will be contested under Falls Count Anywhere Rules, and if needed, the third fall will take place inside a steel cage.

Friday’s SmackDown is scheduled for 2 p.m. Eastern time, 8 p.m. local time. The announced lineup is below.

WWE SmackDown announced lineup for Friday, January 9:

  • Three Stages of Hell for WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes defends against Drew McIntyre
  • Eight-man tag: Wyatt Sicks vs. The MFTs
  • Trick Williams vs. Rey Fenix

Perez Hilton set to appear on TNA Impact AMC debut

Posted on by Ian Carey

Perez Hilton will be part of TNA Wrestling’s debut on AMC.

The celebrity blogger posted a video to social media on Thursday announcing the news. It was not revealed what role Hilton will play on the show.

Hilton says in the video:

“On Thursday, January 15, I’m going to be in Dallas with TNA Wrestling. I want to see you there, and if you can’t make it, I want to see you on AMC Thursday night Impact, making its debut on AMC.”

“What am I going to be doing there? Well, you’re going to have to watch and see, but I’d rather see you in person.”

Next week’s AMC debut will take place live from the Curtis Culwell Center near Dallas. According to WrestleTix, approximately 1,600 tickets have been distributed for the show as of this weekend. Two title matches are scheduled, with Frankie Kazarian defending the TNA World title against Mike Santana, and Leon Slater defending the X-Division title against Myron Reed.

Current TNA Impact card | Thursday, January 15 | AMC debut show

  • TNA World Champion Frankie Kazarian defends against Mike Santana
  • X-Division Champion Leon Slater defends against Myron Reed
  • Perez Hilton to appear

New member of ROH faction revealed

Posted on by Ian Carey

There is a new member of Team SkyFlight.

Zayda Steel has joined the faction managed by Christopher Daniels. This comes after SkyFlight’s Leila Grey suffered a torn ACL against Mercedes Mone on the December 6 episode of AEW Collision.

Daniels revealed the news in a clip ROH posted to social media on Thursday, just hours before this week’s episode of ROH on HonorClub.

“Ever since SkyFlight started, Leila Grey has proved time and again that she is a warrior through and through,” Daniels said.

“Before that match happened, Leila and I met another warrior, someone very like-minded to the members of SkyFlight. I thought to myself that while Leila is out recovering, this was an opportunity for this warrior to come and show exactly what she’s all about. So with that in mind, I’d like to welcome to the SkyFly team, Zayda Steel.”

Grey defeated Steel in Steel’s ROH debut on the Final Battle pre-show on December 5.

Steel said in the video, “Christopher Daniels is a legend. When a legend calls and asks for a favor, it’d be real dumb not to show up and show out. And that’s exactly what the real deal Zayda Steel is going to do.”

Shortly after Steel was announced for SkyFlight, ROH revealed that she will team with stablemate Darius Martin against Trish Adora and Pure Champion Lee Moriarty of Shane Taylor Promotions on tonight’s episode on HonorClub.

D-Von Dudley gives further details on racism allegations involving Jim Ross

Posted on by Ian Carey

D-Von Dudley has responded to Jim Ross denying allegations that Ross made racist comments toward him during their time together in WWE.

In a video posted to his YouTube channel in late October, D-Von said that a WWE higher-up told him he did not like him because of the color of his skin, implying Ross was the person involved. Bully Ray backed up D-Von’s account. D-Von also described a second incident involving Ross that took place in the presence of Paul Heyman, Spike Dudley, and Tommy Dreamer.

Ross addressed the claim last month, saying he “never uttered those words” and that he does not recall ever having any conflict with D-Von.

On Wednesday, D-Von uploaded another video to his YouTube channel and provided additional details about the two incidents.

D-Von said of an interaction with Ross at WWF New York in 1999:

“It was at the WWE restaurant, the grand opening of it. We were mingling with some of the guests that were there. A lot of them were artists, musical artists, things like that. There were some actors and actresses that were there. WWE really rolled out the red carpet for this event.”

D-Von said he went down to a private room at the restaurant, where Ross later approached him and Bubba. According to D-Von, Ross told them they were doing really well in WWE, but said he was unsure about D-Von.

“He said, ‘You boys are doing really good, and this and that. I like you boys, I like you boys a lot. D-Von, I’m not too sure. The verdict’s still out on him. I’m not too sure how I particularly feel about this.’“

D-Von said Bully Ray interjected at this point.

“And Bubba knew what he was getting at. So Bubba butts in and goes, ‘You know something, JR, regardless of what, D-Von’s a hard worker. He never gives this company any problems.”

“And JR continued, ‘Well, you know, I get that. That’s all good, but there’s just something about him. I’m not sure.'”

“And finally, that’s when it comes out. ‘He’s Black. I just don’t know. That’s my hiccup.'”

D-Von said that Bubba again attempted to interject, telling JR that D-Von is a “good human being.”

D-Von says Ross continued, “‘I’m not saying that he’s not, but I just don’t know. You know, because he’s Black and I just don’t know about that.’”

D-Von continued:

“I had to think about it. If I hit him, we’re going to lose our jobs. If I say something, I can lose my job. Because at that time, I didn’t think that I would be able to fight that. Again, I’m a little fish in a big pond.“

D-Von added that Ross was heavily intoxicated during the incident.

“Remind you though, when he said it he was extremely drunk. He was extremely drunk, slurring his words. But they say when you’re drunk, the truth comes out.”

D-Von then described another incident that took place in Indianapolis.

“And then the other incident was in Indianapolis, where myself, Dreamer, Bubba, Heyman, and Spike were sitting at the table.”

“And I think JR had just come in catering. He had just gotten out of a meeting, and he comes over. He says hello to everybody but me.”

D-Von says that Heyman called Ross out for saying hello to everyone but D-Von.

“Paul pretty much called him out, says, ‘What? You don’t want to say nothing because what? Why don’t you want to say hello to D-Von? What’s wrong with D-Von? What, ’cause he’s Black?’”

“And JR went, ‘You’re damn right cause he’s Black, you’re damn right.”

“I don’t know if he got mad at that and that’s why he said what he said, because his ego got in the way or what have you. But that’s what was said.”

D-Von also said he never had any issues with other WWE executives regarding race, specifically mentioning Vince McMahon and Michael Hayes. He also said he holds no hard feelings for Ross.

D-Von’s full video is available below:

AJ Styles: Opportunity to learn from Shawn Michaels would have been ‘priceless’

Posted on by Ian Carey

AJ Styles discussed never getting the chance to wrestle Shawn Michaels during a recent interview.

WWE previously approached Michaels about potentially wrestling Styles at WrestleMania 33, but Michaels turned the offer down, saying he wished Styles had been with the company 10 years earlier. During a recent interview with Justin Barrasso of The Undisputed, Styles said the opportunity to have learned from Michaels would have been “priceless.”

“The thing that I regret the most about not being able to get in the ring with Shawn Michaels is the opportunity to learn from him,” said Styles. “That would have been priceless.”

“It just wasn’t meant to be. Hopefully we’ll get the opportunity to work together in some capacity, whether it’s developing talent or just helping the brand get better altogether.”

It was noted in the article that Styles is considering a role with WWE helping to develop talent at the Performance Center following the end of his in-ring career in 2026. Such a role would have him working alongside Michaels at the Performance Center. Styles said that if that were to happen, perhaps he and Michaels would finally get to wrestle each other, albeit behind closed doors.

He continued:

“One day we might be rolling around with no one watching it. That would be enough for me.”

The full interview with Styles is available on Barrasso’s Undisputed Substack.

Tony Khan addresses whether AEW wrestlers will be part of NJPW G1 Climax

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Tony Khan commented on AEW’s possible involvement in the G1 Climax this summer.

The tournament will kick off in Chicago at the NOW Arena on July 11. During an appearance on The Battleground podcast, Khan said he expects AEW wrestlers to be included in the tournament and discussed his working relationship with New Japan Pro Wrestling.

Khan was asked if he has creative input when AEW wrestlers are booked for NJPW tournaments. He responded:

“No, New Japan may come to me to book wrestlers into the tournament but how they handle their business, that’s completely New Japan’s prerogative. But we may work together. I think there could potentially be involvement from AEW wrestlers. I believe there will be, based on our early talks. So I’m excited about that, and the G1 coming this summer to America.“

Khan was also asked about NJPW referring to Andrade as an AEW wrestler at Wrestle Kingdom 20 and New Year’s Dash, and whether there was an update on his status.

“I’d say that bodes well, wouldn’t you?” Khan responded. “I think it bodes very well.”

Another topic Khan addressed during the interview was wrestlers having “creative control.”

“There’s no creative control. Only I have it. No wrestler has that. There’s a lot of freedom to work with the staff, and the coaches, and the wrestlers together and come up with ideas. I am one of the most collaborative people on the planet.”

Khan’s full interview with The Battleground podcast is below:

Tony Khan says promoting AEW awards success is ‘a balance of promotion and humility’

Posted on by Ian Carey

Tony Khan commented on AEW celebrating the Sports Illustrated awards it won in 2025 during a recent interview.

AEW won 10 awards in Sports Illustrated’s annual awards voting, including Promotion of the Year, and the company has frequently mentioned this on its programming. During a recent interview on the Battleground podcast, Khan said he wants to strike a balance between promotion and humility.

Khan said:

“I think we certainly had a fantastic year. It’s the most awards we’ve ever won. And to your point, in 2024, AEW did not win that award (Promotion of the year). In 2025, we did. That’s why I’m here at the SI Awards now, and I wasn’t invited to this last year. So I think we did put our heads down and do a lot of work. I think it’s good to be out and promote the show, and you’ve got to find a balance between humility and promotion. But you can do both.”

Khan also mentioned Sports Illustrated’s panel voting AEW Double or Nothing as the show of the year, while ESPN selected AEW Revolution. However, Khan said a case can also be made for AEW All In: Texas as the best event of 2025.

“They had AEW Revolution as the best show of the year. It speaks to the quality of the company that Revolution was ESPN’s pick for the best wrestling show in the world last year. And Sports Illustrated thought the best wrestling show in the world was Double or Nothing. I think there are a lot of people who would say the best wrestling show last year was AEW All In Texas.”

“So we really put out so many tremendous shows throughout the year. Those three were excellent, but it’s a 52 week-a-year business.”

Khan also commented on the recent retirement of Hiroshi Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom 20 at the Tokyo Dome.

“I thought that was so special, and I think it’s a great example of some of the great things that can be achieved. To have the massive audience that the show pulled, the huge crowd live, and the TV audience. It was very befitting Tanahashi’s legendary status. He’s a great choice to be the president of New Japan, and we’re very blessed to work with him. I’m so glad that his retirement was a great success, and I think it’s a tribute to him. We’re just blessed to be a part of that.”

Khan’s appearance on the Battleground Podcast is available below:

NXT wrestler announces departure from WWE

Posted on by Ian Carey

NXT wrestler Brinley Reece has announced she is leaving WWE.

The 25-year-old has not wrestled since March and underwent shoulder surgery in May. She posted a statement to social media on Sunday, stating that her decision to leave WWE was based on navigating personal health challenges.

Reece wrote:

“After three years, I am officially closing my chapter Wrestling at WWE. This decision came after navigating personal health challenges and a serious injury that required surgery last year. It wasn’t an easy choice, but it was a necessary one — choosing my health, my body, and my future first. That choice alone has been one of the most powerful lessons this journey gave me.

The last three years have been truly life-changing. WWE pushed me in ways I never imagined, taught me resilience, discipline, and belief, and allowed me to grow not only as a wrestler, but as a person. Every setback, every win, every long day and hard moment shaped who I am today, and for that I am so grateful.

To my supporters — you are the reason I kept going on the hardest days. Your messages, encouragement, love, and belief in me never went unnoticed. You stood by me through injuries, healing, growth, and transformation, and I carry that support with me forever. I love you more than words can say.

This isn’t an ending — it’s a redirection. I’m proud of everything I gave to this chapter, and even more excited for what’s ahead. Thank you for being part of my journey. The best is still to come. 🤍✨

With Love, 
Brinley Reece”

Reece, whose real name is Breanna Ruggiero, signed with WWE out of Sacramento State in 2022, where she was a cheer captain. She has a background in tumbling and acrobatics and made her in-ring debut in September 2023.

Ruggiero also announced her engagement to Marcus Aponte last August, writing, “BRB- Changing my last name! 8.2.25 was the best day of my life. This moment was more magical than my younger self could have ever dreamed of. I love you, forever!!”

Her social media post is below: