Author: Bryan Rose

Wes Lee qualifies for WWE NXT Halloween Havoc ladder match

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Wes Lee has qualified for the North American Championship ladder match at NXT’s Halloween Havoc event next month.

On Tuesday’s show, Lee defeated Tony D’Angelo to qualify. The finish of the match had Lee give D’Angelo a drop toe hold into the middle turnbuckle. D’Angelo was unable to get up due to what appeared to be a knee injury upon landing and the referee stopped the match, awarding the win to Lee.

Lee will now join Carmelo Hayes and Oro Mensah in the ladder match, which will take place on October 22.

Last week’s NXT saw Solo Sikoa vacate the North American title after Shawn Micheals said he had to, since he was not a choice in the North American title match. Micheals told Hayes, who attempted to get the North American title back, that he would be inserted into a ladder match to determine the next North American champion. Later in the show, Oro Mensah made his NXT debut, defeating Grayson Waller to qualify.

Daily Update: WWE-Hulu, AEW Road To, Ted DiBiase Jr.

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Daily Update

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

Latest Free YouTube Video:

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

AEW Grand Slam report, the business, the future angles coming out of the show, ideas for the show for next year, angles, Saraya, Great Muta, business notes, highest TV gates in U.S history including inflation adjusted and warning signs.
Behind the Roman Reigns vs. Logan Paul idea and why it’s reasons for happening are very different than a traditional PPV main event
CMLL’s 89th anniversary show. A report on the major show this year with the hottest crowd and some of the best action and booking.
Updates on Extreme Rules
The U.S. team wins the men’s world team championship and places second with women, how the team members did and an 18-year old capturing a world championship
Jose Aldo, the featherweight great, his career and how he helped get featherweights into the UFC
WWE & AEW business over the past two months. What categories are up and down and by how much. Also comparisons to May & June numbers and the most unique note about attendance increases and decrease
Complete coverage of last week’s UFC show
Kento Miyahara, All Japan returns to Budokan Hall for its 50th anniversary, and first time since 2004
Dangerous Gate 2002 from Dragon Gate
TV ratings including how each segment on the major shows did
Former WWE wrestler talks about going to CMLL and wants to be in next year’s Anniversary main event
Legend from TV boom returns to Arena Mexico
Notes on next week’s CMLL Night of Champions fan voting show
Stardom Five Star Grand Prix update
Last match of the Great Muta
Fantastica Mania may be back
Former WWE announcers television show canceled
Former WCW announcer now a network radio news anchor
Former WWE star open movie company
Kurt Angle talks about a return after double knee replacement but notes it probably won’t happen
MLW TV taping news
Things is another promotion affect world title
Next questions about WBD long-term
MJF talks his return and future AEW Revolution 2023
Streaming numbers
International TV ratings
The second biggest PPV match of all-time may be rematched in 2023
White Rabbit
NXT changes
Hulu and WWE update
Young Rock update

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter:

Ordering Info:

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If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

Tuesday News Update

WWE

  • WWE posted footage on social media following Raw featuring a brawl between Matt Riddle and Seth Rollins.
  • Shawn Michaels was interviewed by the San Antonio Express News about WWE’s upcoming Royal Rumble event at the Alamodome. When speaking about the transition last year to NXT 2.0, he praised the talent involved. “It was all very sudden for all of us [the shift to NXT 2.0] … It was an event where we had to quickly make a lot of changes and get a lot of things accomplished,” he said. “ We had 75 percent of the roster who had just graduated college the year before and had never stepped foot inside [a] wrestling ring. These are young men and women who had to learn on live television for the last 12 months. What we have accomplished here in the last year is nothing short of a miracle in my opinion.
  • Natalya wrote on Twitter: “We are currently in the direct path of Hurricane Ian, but we are in a safe enough spot not near the water, and have been preparing for the storm as much as we possibly can. We haven’t been asked to evacuate but we’re taking the storm very seriously. Hoping everyone stays safe.”
  • PWInsider is reporting that the expiration date for WWE content on Hulu has been pushed back to this coming Friday and that discussion between the two parties are still ongoing.
  • Along with Roman Reigns, the rest of the Bloodline has been advertised for the October 10 edition of Raw.
  • Trish Stratus teased a new project with WWE on Twitter.
  • The company has canceled a 10/16 house show in Prescott Valley, Arizona. Those who purchased tickets will have them refunded.
  • The New Day, including Big E, recently appeared on G4’s Attack of the Show.
  • Free matches added to WWE’s YouTube page today include The Rock vs. The Hurricane in a no disqualification match from the March 10, 2003 edition of Raw, Matt Riddle vs. AJ Styles from the September 27, 2021 edition of Raw, and Goldberg vs. Bam Bam Bigelow vs. Lex Luger from the November 8, 2000 edition of WCW Thunder.

AEW/ROH

Other Wrestling

  • Ted DiBiase Jr., who is currently a defendant in a welfare scandal in Mississippi that also involves former Mississippi governor Phil Bryant, Brett Farve, and his father, is alleging that Bryant cut welfare funding to a nonprofit because its director supported the Democratic candidate in the 2019 governor’s race. Federal authorities are currently attempting to seize DiBiase Jr.’s house because of his role in the scheme.
  • Teddy Long has released a “You Got Blocked Playa” t-shirt after his Twitter account was hacked over the weekend, causing many people to be blocked by Long’s account.
  • Vice has released a poster for Tales from the Territories, which will begin to air next Tuesday.
  • Impact+ now has a Best of Eddie Edwards category that is streaming for free.
  • Heath was interviewed by the Hindustan Times.

Malakai Black denies release, says he’ll return to AEW ‘pretty soon’

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Malakai Black took to social media to deny reports he had been granted a release from AEW.

Black went live on Instagram Monday night, denying reports about being granted a conditional release. He pointed to his original comments on September 18 about taking time off, saying he had put the word “release” in quotation marks. He later made it clear he was remaining with AEW after taking some time off.

“That is false,” he said in regards to getting a conditional release. “I don’t know why you trust these people to tell you the truth. Because it’s not true.”

He said that he had been given time off by Tony Khan, and speculation about his release being “confirmed” was not true.

“It’s not confirmed. Clearly it’s not confirmed. None of it has been confirmed because I haven’t left,” Black said. “I’ve been given time off by Tony Khan to take care of a bunch of stuff. All this stuff was weeks ago. I posted that statement as a summary to understand why I [am taking] some time off. It is in the statement. It’s mind boggling.”

“I will see you guys in a couple of weeks, maybe a couple of months,” he later added. Like I said, I’m only taking some time off…there’s nothing going on. I’m fine. I’m going to be fine. Everything’s fine. You’ll see me right back in AEW pretty soon. I’m just going to take some time, that’s it.”

https://twitter.com/BRAlNBUSTAH/status/1574616502111768589

Black also clarified he did not have a five year deal. Additionally, he said he had received at least two death threats regarding the reports of his release.

Black last wrestled for AEW at All Out earlier this month, where he, Brody King, and Buddy Matthews lost to Miro, Sting, and Darby Allin. Speculation regarding Buddy Matthews’ status with AEW also emerged after saying he “needed to go away for a while” at a recent independent show. 

Edge returns on WWE Raw, challenges Finn Balor to ‘I Quit’ match at Extreme Rules

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Edge returned to WWE TV on Raw, attacking The Judgment Day and issuing a challenge to Finn Balor for Extreme Rules.

After Matt Riddle scored a win over Damian Priest on Monday, the rest of Judgment Day joined in with Priest and attacked Riddle after the bell rang. That brought out Edge, who speared Priest and Balor. He said that even if it took nine years, he never quit and always came back. He then challenged Balor to an I Quit match for Extreme Rules on October 8.

On the September 12 edition of Raw, a match between Edge and Dominik Mysterio ended after members of the Judgment Day interfered. The show ended with Finn Balor giving Edge’s knee the coup de grace on a sitting chair.

Here’s the lineup for Extreme Rules, which will take place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

  • Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair vs. Bayley in a ladder match
  • SmackDown Women’s Championship: Liv Morgan vs. Ronda Rousey in an Extreme Rules match
  • Strap match: Drew McIntyre vs. Karrion Kross
  • Edge vs. Finn Balor in an I Quit match

Three matches announced for next week’s WWE Raw

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Three matches have been added to next week’s Raw in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Chad Gable will face Braun Strowman, while Johnny Gargano is set to take on Otis. Candace LeRae, who made her return to WWE TV on Raw Monday, will face Dakota Kai on next week’s program as well.

After Alpha Academy failed to defeat Kevin Owens and Johnny Gargano on Raw, they were confronted backstage by an upset Austin Theory. Gable said that if it wasn’t for Braun Strowman, they would have easily won, hurling insults at Strowman. Theory’s phone than rang. When Gable answered, it was Strowman, who said he would be coming to Raw next week in Gable’s hometown.

Following the phone call, Theory told Otis that he would face Gargano next week, and wanted to make sure that he would put an end to Gargano. Otis was excited about his match, while Gable was not.

LeRae made her return to WWE on Monday, defeating Nikki A.S.H in a match. Later, she met Bianca Belair, Alexa Bliss, and Asuka backstage and wished Belair luck against Bayley at Extreme Rules. Bayley and Damage Control overheard and the groups exchanged words, with LeRae eventually challenging Kai.

Here is the lineup so far for next week’s Raw:

  • Chad Gable vs. Braun Strowman
  • Johnny Gargano vs. Otis
  • Candace LeRae vs. Dakota Kai

Candice LeRae returns to WWE on Raw

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Candice LeRae made her return to wrestling on Monday night, appearing on WWE Raw.

During Monday’s show, LeRae appeared as a surprise opponent for Nikki A.S.H. LeRae scored the victory after a few minutes with a spinning neckbreaker off the top rope. Commentary mentioned that she was the wife of Johnny Gargano.

It was reported back in May that LeRae’s contract with WWE had expired, and she chose not to renew. She has been on maternity leave since last summer, giving birth to her and Gargano’s son Quinn back in February.

LeRae first signed with the WWE back in 2018, appearing regularly on NXT. In 2020, she along with Gargano, Indi Hartwell and Austin Theory formed the stable The Way. Together, Hartwell and LeRae defeated Ember Moon and Shotzi Blackheart to win the NXT Women’s Tag Team titles. They lost the titles at The Great American Bash 2021, which also marked LeRae’s final match prior to her pregnancy. She continued to appear on television in the following months until The Way stable disbanded.

Ladder stipulation added to Raw Women’s title match at WWE Extreme Rules

Posted on by Bryan Rose

A ladder match stipulation has been added to the Raw Women’s Championship match at Extreme Rules.

The opening of Monday’s Raw had Bayley and Bianca Belair confronting one another after Belair was attacked last week by Bayley. The end of the segment had Bayley challenging Belair to a ladder match at Extreme Rules, which takes place October 8. Belair accepted.

Belair later faced IYO SKY in a singles match, with the rest of Damage Control in SKY’s corner and Asuka & Alexa Bliss in Belair’s corner. Belair proceeded to pick up the win, posing with the title after the match.

Bayley has continued to feud with Belair following Clash at the Castle, when Bayley pinned Belair in a six-woman tag match. Damage Control ended Raw last week laying out Belair, Asuka, and Bliss after Bayley defeated Bliss in a singles match. Bayley told Belair that she wanted the Raw Women’s title, and the match would take place at Extreme Rules.

Here is the latest lineup for Extreme Rules, which will take place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:

  • Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair vs. Bayley in a ladder match
  • SmackDown Women’s Championship: Liv Morgan vs. Ronda Rousey in an Extreme Rules match
  • Strap match: Drew McIntyre vs. Karrion Kross

NJPW adds three matches to Declaration of Power

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Three new matches have been added to NJPW’s Declaration of Power event for October 10.

New matches for the upcoming Sumo Hall event include Taiji Ishimori vs. KUSHIDA in a non-title match, Shingo Takagi vs. El Phantasmo in a “who’s your daddy” match for the KOPW 2022 trophy, and Ren Narita returning from excursion against an unknown opponent.

Ishimori has rebuffed KUSHIDA’s challenges for an IWGP Junior Heavyweight title match since returning to the company earlier this summer. NJPW’s website mentions that if KUSHIDA were to get the victory at Declaration of Power, he would get a title shot down the line.

ELP and Shingo Takagi have been feuding following the G1 Climax tournament in August. At the final Burning Spirit tour event on Sunday morning, the two argued following a tag match, with Shingo saying he was the daddy and ELP saying otherwise.

After three years training at the LA Dojo, Narita is set to make his return to NJPW in what is being billed as a “homecoming match”. His opponent was not named.

Here is the card so far for Declaration of Power:

  • Jay White vs. Tama Tonga for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship
  • Kazuchika Okada vs. JONAH
  • Non-title: Taiji Ishimori vs. KUSHIDA
  • KOPW 2022 trophy: Shingo Takagi vs. EL Phantasmo in a “who’s your daddy” match
  • Ren Narita homecoming match

NJPW reveals cards for Royal Quest II nights one and two

Posted on by Bryan Rose

NJPW has revealed the full cards for their upcoming Royal Quest II shows in London next month.

The first night on October 1 will be headlined by FTR defending the IWGP Tag Team Championship against Aussie Open, with Will Ospreay facing off against Shota Umino in the co-main event. The second night on October 2 will see Tetsuya Naito facing off against Zack Sabre Jr., with the winner facing Will Ospreay for the IWGP United States Championship at a later date. In the co-main event, Hikuleo will team with his brother Tama Tonga and Hiroshi Tanahashi to take on Doc Gallows, Karl Anderson, and Jay White.

Other highlights from the cards include Gabriel Kidd making his first appearances back in NJPW since earlier this year, facing Dan Maloney in a singles match in night one and competing in an eight-man tag on night two. The IWGP Women’s Championship tournament will officially begin on the second night, as Jazzy Gabert will face Ava White.

Several Rev Pro Wrestling stars will also appear on the cards, including the new British Heavyweight Champion Ricky Knight Jr..

Here are the full cards for both shows:

Night 1:

  • IWGP Tag Team Championship: FTR vs. Aussie Open
  • Will Ospreay vs. Shota Umino
  • Hikuleo, Jado, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Tama Tonga vs. Gedo, Doc Gallows, Karl Anderson, and Jay White
  • Tomohiro Ishii and Kazuchika Okada vs. JONAH and Bad Dude Tito
  • Hiromu Takahashi, SANADA, and Tetsuya Naito vs. DOUKI, El Desperado, and Zack Sabre Jr.
  • Gideon Grey and The Great-O-Khan vs. Ricky Knight Jr. and Michael Oku
  • Kanji and Jazzy Gabert vs. Alex Windsor and Ava White
  • Gabriel Kidd vs. Dan Moloney

Night 2:

  • Tetsuya Natio vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
  • Hikuelo,Tama Tonga, and Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Doc Gallows, Karl Anderson, and Jay White
  • Kazuchika Okada vs. Bad Dude Tito
  • Tomohiro Ishii vs. JONAH
  • Gabriel Kidd, Shota Umino, Ricky Knight Jr., and FTR vs. Gideon Grey, Great-O-Khan, Will Ospreay, and Aussie Open
  • IWGP Women’s Championship tournament: Jazzy Gabert vs. Ava White
  • Hiromu Takahashi and SANADA vs. Young Guns (Ethan Allen and Luke Jacobs)
  • DOUKI and El Desperado vs. Michael Oku and Robbie X

NJPW Burning Spirit notes: Hikuelo, IWGP United States Championship

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Some notes from Sunday morning’s NJPW Burning Spirit event in Kobe.

Hikuelo turned on Jay White during Sunday’s show, aligning himself with his brother Tama Tonga. Meanwhile, a match between Zack Sabre Jr. and Tetsuya Naito was set for NJPW Royal Quest, where the winner will face Will Ospreay for the IWGP United States Championship.

After Ospreay successfully defended the IWGP United States title against David Finaly, Naito came out and issued a challenge to Ospreay. Before Ospreay could answer, Sabre came out and mentioned that it was him who defeated Ospreay during the New Japan Cup tournament this year, and therefore he should be champion. Eventually, Sabre figured out a plan without consulting Ospreay where he and Naito would face off at NJPW Royal Quest in London, and the winner would be next to face Ospreay. Ospreay didn’t have a chance to reply as both of his future potential opponents left before he could get a word in.

Earlier in the show, Karl Anderson successfully defended the NEVER Openweight Championship against Hiroshi Tanahashi. After the match, Jay White and Doc Gallows jumped Tanahashi. Tama Tonga came to the ring, and soon did his brother, Hikuleo. After Hikuleo saw both Tonga and White in the ring, he chose to help his brother, throwing White into Tonga who delivered a gun stun. The segment ended with Tonga posing with the IWGP World Heavyweight title, while Hikuelo posed with the NEVER Openweight title.

Veer Mahaan, Sanga reform Indus Sher team at WWE NXT house show

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Indus Sher, the former tag team featuring Veer Mahaan and Sanga, have reunited.

At a house show in Citrus Springs, Florida, the two reunited to face Andre Chase and another talent. It is the first time that the two have teamed together since January 2021, when they teamed with Drew McIntyre to defeat Jinder Mahal and The Bollywood Boyz at WWE Superstar Spectacle, a show highlighting Indian talent.

The two started to team together back in 2018. At one time, they were featured on NXT television managed by Malcom Bivens, now known as Stokely Hathaway in NXT. They were split up, with Veer later being called up to Raw. After feuding with the Mysterios, he has only been seen a few times on television since Triple H took over WWE creative in July.

Sanga was later reintroduced in NXT 2.0 as a bodyguard for Grayson Waller. However, Sanga soon split up with Waller and became a babyface, encouraging others in a positive way in backstage segments. His most recent match aired on Tuesday’s NXT, where he lost to Von Wagner.

Sami Zayn, Solo Sikoa heading to WWE Raw following AJ Styles tweet

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Sami Zayn says he’s heading to Raw following a tweet by AJ Styles.

On Saturday afternoon, AJ Styles tweeted “Man, people will do anything for a T-shirt these days,” based on Zayn being given an honorary uce t-shirt on Friday’s SmackDown by Roman Reigns. Zayn responded by saying he was going to Raw this Monday with Solo Sikoa.

“Roman Reigns GIFTED me the HONORARY UCE T-shirt (now available at @WWEShop & selling like crazy, from what I hear),” Zayn replied. “Disrespect the shirt = disrespect The Bloodline. Might just come to Raw on Monday to sort this out. Oh, and I don’t travel alone. Pack your bags uce. @WWESoloSikoa.”

SmackDown on Friday opened with Reigns asking Sikoa to acknowledge him. Sikoa did, and the Bloodline hugged to end the segment. However, Zayn interrupted by saying he acknowledged Reigns as well. Reigns told Zayn to take off the Bloodline shirt, with Jey Uso eventually ripping the shirt off of Zayn’s chest. However, Reigns said he wanted that shirt off because he got Zayn a new shirt, one that signified Zayn as an honorary uce.

Here is everything announced so far for Monday’s Raw:

  • Bianca Belair vs. IYO SKY
  • Rey Mysterio vs. Seth Rollins
  • Kevin Owens & Johnny Gargano vs. Alpha Academy (Chad Gable & Otis)
  • Matt Riddle vs. Damian Priest

Bianca Belair vs. IYO SKY, Seth Rollins vs. Rey Mysterio set for WWE Raw

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Two matches have been added to Monday’s Raw.

It was announced on Friday that Bianca Belair will face IYO SKY, while Seth Rollins will face Rey Mysterio.

The end of Raw on Monday had Damage Control lay out Bianca Belair, Asuka, and Alexa Bliss after Bayley defeated Bliss. The show ended with Bayley telling Belair that she will see Belair at Extreme Rules on October 8 for the Raw Women’s Championship.

Raw this past Monday also had Rollins and Riddle interfere in each other’s matches. After Riddle caused Rollins a match against Bobby Lashley, Rollins emerged during a Judgment Day vs. Rey Mysterio & Riddle bout, eventually causing them to lose the match. Later, Rollins accepted a match against Riddle at Extreme Rules in a Fight Pit match.

Here is the latest lineup for Monday’s Raw:

  • Bianca Belair vs. IYO SKY
  • Rey Mysterio vs. Seth Rollins
  • Kevin Owens & Johnny Gargano vs. Alpha Academy (Chad Gable & Otis)
  • Matt Riddle vs. Damian Priest

Sting to participate in The Great Muta’s retirement match

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Sting is heading to Japan.

Pro Wrestling NOAH announced on Saturday morning that Sting will team with Muta at Muta Final Bye-Bye, the event that will feature Keiji Mutoh’s final match under The Great Muta persona.

“We are pleased to announce the participation of AEW superstar and international pro wrestling legend Sting at the GREAT MUTA FINAL ‘BYE-BYE’ event, which will be held on Sunday, January 22, 2023 in Yokohama,” NOAH’s announcement read. “It was The Great Muta who came to the unexpected rescue of Sting On AEW Rampage: Grand Slam this week. This incident triggered him to partner with Sting at the Yokohama Arena event.”

Muta appeared towards the end of the Sting & Darby Allin vs. Buddy Matthews & Brody King no disqualification match, aiding Sting by misting Matthews. After Sting picked up the victory, the two shook hands and hugged.

Sting and Muta had a storied rivalry in pro wrestling that dates back to 1989, facing each other and sometimes teaming with one another both in WCW and New Japan Pro Wrestling throughout the 1990s.

Hangman Page wins Golden Ticket Battle Royal at AEW Rampage Grand Slam

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Hangman Adam Page is in line for a future AEW World Championship match.

Page won a battle royal on Friday’s Rampage to earn a shot at the AEW World Championship, which will take place on the October 18 edition of Dynamite, a special Tuesday night airing. The finish of the battle royal had Page last eliminating Rush, who had attacked him prior to the match on the rampway as Page was making his entrance.

Other participants in the match included The Butcher, The Blade, Ari Daivari, Penta El 0 M, Best Friends, Cole Karter, Danhausen, QT Marshall, Dante Martin, Brian Cage, Dalton Castle, Lance Archer, Daniel Garcia, Lee Moriarty, 10, Matt Hardy, Private Party, Evil Uno, John Silver, and Jay Lethal.

Jon Moxley won the AEW World Championship at AEW Dynamite Grand Slam on Wednesday in a tournament final, defeating Bryan Danielson. MJF also has a future shot at the AEW World Championship, having won the Casino Ladder Match at All Out earlier this month that earns him a title match at a time of his choosing.