Author: Bryan Rose

Three mixed tag matches announced for NJPW x Stardom Historic X-over

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Four matches have been announced for New Japan and Stardom’s upcoming Historic X-over joint event on November 20.

During Tuesday morning’s press conference, the companies confirmed three matches for the show at Ariake Coliseum: Tom Lawlor & Syuri vs. Zack Sabre Jr. & Giulia , Hiroshi Tanahashi & Utami Hayashishita vs. Hirooki Goto & Maika, and El Desperado, DOUKI, Starlight Kid, and Momo Watanabe vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Taichi, Natsupoi, and Tam Nakano. Additionally, the finals of the IWGP Women’s Championship tournament will be decided to crown the first champion.

It was announced during Tuesday’s conference that the IWGP Women’s Championship tournament will begin at Royal Quest II in London, England on October 1 & 2. The title was announced earlier this year, along with the announcement that Stardom wrestlers would soon begin appearing on NJPW Strong events.

Here is the lineup so far for Historic X-over:

  • Finals in the IWGP Women’s Championship tournament
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Utami Hayashishita vs. Hirooki Goto & Maika
  • Tom Lawlor & Syuri vs. Zack Sabre Jr. & Giulia
  • El Desperado, DOUKI, Starlight Kid, and Momo Watanabe vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Taichi, Natsupoi, and Tam Nakano

Johnny Gargano returns to WWE on Raw

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Johnny Gargano has returned to WWE.

Gargano made his WWE return on Monday’s Raw, appearing during the third hour. He had taken time away from wrestling to care for his newborn son with Candice LeRae.

He talked about while taking that time off, he questioned whether or not he wanted to do this anymore. He said one day he was playing with his son and remembered he had dreams of becoming the United States, the WWE Champion, and main eventing WrestleMania. He said what kind of father would he be if he didn’t teach his son that the biggest dreams could come true. He said when he left he said you’ll never fail if you bet on yourself. He said he is doing that tonight and he stands here and is proud to say that Johnny Wrestling is back.

Theory then came out. He said a lot of things have happened in the last nine months. He mentioned that all the dreams Gargano has, he’s already done them. He said he couldn’t have done any of this without Gargano, as he took him under his wing. Theory said he could be his caboose, carry his bags, carry his briefcase and he could show Gargano “the way”. Theory eventually wanted Gargano to do the high five they used to do in NXT. Gargano acted like he was going to do it, but instead hit Theory with a superkick to end the segment.

Gargano hasn’t appeared on WWE television since the December 7, 2021 edition of NXT, where he gave a farewell speech before being laid out by Grayson Waller. His contract expired shortly after.

IYO SKY & Dakota Kai advance to finals of WWE Women’s Tag Team title tournament

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IYO SKY and Dakota Kai have advanced to the finals of the WWE Women’s Tag Team title tournament.

On Monday’s Raw, they defeated Alexa Bliss and Asuka to advance. The finish had Asuka putting Kai in the Asuka lock. However, Asuka was unaware that SKY had tagged in. The confusion allowed SKY to roll up Asuka and pin her to advance in the finals.

With the win, SKY and Kai will next face the winner of the match between Aliyah & Raquel Gonzalez and the winner of a “second chance fatal four-way match” that will take place on SmackDown this coming Friday. Jacy Jayne and Gigi Dolin of NXT’s Toxic Attraction had originally advanced to the semifinals, but the team was pulled from the tournament after WWE announced Dolin had suffered injuries during the match that took place on Friday.

Tonight’s Raw opened with Trish Stratus coming to the ring. Bayley, SKY, and Kai came out and confronted Stratus, asking why she was there. This brought out Bianca Belair, Asuka, and Bliss to even the odds against Bayley’s stable, leading to the tag match.

Toxic Attraction out of WWE Women’s Tag Team title tournament following Dolin injury

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Toxic Attraction are out of the WWE Women’s Tag Team title tournament.

WWE announced prior to Raw on Monday that Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne are out of the tournament due to “injuries suffered by [Gigi Dolin]”. A ‘second chance’ fatal four-way spot will take place on Friday’s SmackDown that will determine the final spot in the semifinals.

The four teams that have not advanced in the tournament are Tamina & Dana Brooke, Nikki A.S.H. & Doudrop, Xia Li & Shotzi, and Natalya & Deville. Dolin and Jayne replaced Nikkita Lyons & Zoey Stark, who were pulled out of the tournament after Stark suffered a concussion during her NXT Women’s Championship match against Mandy Rose at NXT Heatwave last Tuesday.

The winners of the tournament will be crowned the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions after the former champions, Sasha Banks and Naomi, were stripped of the titles and suspended indefinitely for walking out of Raw back in May.

Chris Dickinson appears at NJPW Strong Fighting Spirit Unleashed tapings

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Chris Dickinson is back in New Japan.

At Sunday’s NJPW Strong Fighting Spirit Unleashed tapings in Hollywood, California, Dickinson made a surprise return to the promotion, attacking Fred Rosser after he successfully defended the Strong Openweight title against TJP. Video footage from the event shows Dickinson confronting fans after the attack.

Dickinson, who is signed to NJPW, hasn’t wrestled since June. He lost to Hiroshi Tanahashi at the Collision 2022 tapings in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 15.

Christina Von Eerie, who previously had a relationship with Dickinson, accused Dickinson of domestic abuse back in April, saying he had been abusive both physically and emotionally. Another woman, McKaila Coulter, also alleged domestic abuse, though did not mention Dickinson by name. 

Earlier this month, Dickinson filed a defamation lawsuit against Von Eerie and Coulter, saying that the allegations of abuse are false and have had a detrimental impact on his wrestling career as a result, with NJPW no longer booking him. Von Eerie and Coulter responded in a statement that “everything we have spoken out against is true” and that they “will continue to stand our ground in the court of law”.

Report: Jeff Jarrett departs WWE

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Jeff Jarrett is reportedly gone from WWE.

PWInsider reported on Sunday afternoon that Jarrett, who held the position of Senior Vice President of Live Events, has departed his position. The belief was that he had finished his duties this past Friday, though they were not sure on a specific timeline regarding his departure.

Jarrett has been in and out of the WWE since 2019, first serving as a producer and a member of WWE’s creative team. After exiting the company during the COVID-19 pandemic, he returned to the company in his current role this past May. His most recent on-screen appearance was at SummerSlam last month, serving as a referee for the Street Profits vs. Usos match.

Jarrett also participated in Ric Flair’s Last Match during SummerSlam weekend, tagging with Jay Lethal in a losing effort against Flair and son-in-law Andrade El Idolo. Earlier this year, he made an appearance at Game Changer Wrestling’s first ever pay-per-view, defeating Effy.

July 11, 2005 Observer Newsletter: Bad WWE earnings report, Pride Critical Countdown

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Despite the addition of four more PPV events and huge increases in international business, World Wrestling Entertainment actually declined in both revenue and profit for the fiscal year that ended on 4/30.

In the company’s earning report released on 6/30, the company grossed $365,431,000 in revenue, its lowest figure since 1998-99, and earned $39,147,000 in profits. From a pure wrestling standpoint, it would be the second least profitable year since the boom that started in 1998-99, but with no outside money losing businesses dragging down the bottom line, it was actually fifth most profitable year in company history. In actuality, the company’s actual money declined from last year, because $33 million plus went to dividends and $28,340,000 was spent on production of two movies, which won’t be listed on the current books until 2007, when revenue from those movies starts coming in. A similar situation will occur the coming year, with at least $20 million, and likely more, depending upon how many movies the company produces over the next fiscal year.

There are also another $5.9 million not on the current year books in accrued expenses and liabilities, and another $2.2 million that is on the books in income that the company is scheduled to receive (not including PPV revenue that always comes late) but has been deferred and thus they don’t have it currently.

Click here to read the rest of the newsletter.

Leon Edwards wins welterweight title at UFC 278

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Leon Edwards is the new UFC welterweight Champion.

At Saturday’s UFC 278 event, Edwards defeated Kamaru Usman by knockout after he connected a head kick at 4:04 of round 5. This ends Usman’s run with the welterweight title after 1,267 days, originally defeating Tyron Woodley at UFC 235 on March 2, 2019.

“We were writing his obituary,” said Daniel Corimer on commentary. During the fifth round, announcers had speculated that Edwards had been defeated, as Usman had been in control of most of the match heading into the final round.

“I told it was possible we could win a belt from the UK,” Edwards, who is from Birmingham, said in his post-fight interview. “I told you. Now look at me now! Look at me now! I told you I could do it!”

The two previously fought in 2015, with Usman winning the fight by unanimous decision. This was only the second loss of Usman’s career, losing his second-ever fight to Jose Caceres back in 2013. 

CM Punk reflects on one-year anniversary of AEW debut

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CM Punk on social media reflected on his first year back in pro wrestling.

Writing on Instagram, Punk talked about his experiences in the last year. He returned to pro wrestling after a seven-year hiatus on the August 20, 2021 edition of AEW Rampage at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

“One year ago began the best year of my professional career. Too many great moments, not enough space to post all the great pics,” Punk wrote. “Rekindled passion, made new friends, reunited with old ones. Can’t stop smiling, won’t stop until the wheels fall off. Thank you most of all to all the fans who made it possible. I’m having the time of my life, as there’s a drive into deep left field by Castellanos and that’ll be a home run. And so that’ll make it a 4-0 ballgame.”

Punk is the current AEW World Champion, defeating Hangman Page at Double or Nothing back in May. Shortly after winning the title, Punk injured his leg, putting him out of action for most of the summer. He recently returned to AEW, setting the stage for an undisputed AEW World title match between himself and interim champion Jon Moxley on Wednesday’s Dynamite.

Billy Gunn vs. Colten Gunn added to AEW Dynamite

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Father and son are set to collide on Wednesday’s Rampage.

Billy Gunn is set to take on his son, Colten, on Wednesday’s show. Also added is Britt Baker vs. KiLynn King and Ricky Starks will speak after Powerhouse Hobbs turned on him several weeks ago.

On Friday’s Rampage, Billy Gunn said that he was going to “spank the asses” of Colten and Austin Gunn after they turned on him on Wednesday’s Dynamite. He also said he wasn’t going to be alone, bringing in The Acclaimed.

Britt Baker appeared on Rampage saying she was going to sit out the pay-per-view and instead watch Thunder Storm (Toni Storm and Thunder Rosa) implode, as the two are set to meet at All Out.

Starks appeared on Friday’s Rampage and said he had some things to say to Powerhouse Hobbs. Earlier in the show, Hobbs demanded that The Factory take out Starks. QT Marshall promised it would happen.

Here is what has been announced thus far for Wednesday’s Dynamite:

  • CM Punk vs. Jon Moxley for the undisputed AEW World Championship
  • Billy Gunn vs. Colten Gunn
  • Dax Harwood vs. Jay Lethal
  • Britt Baker vs. KiLynn King
  • Death Triangle (PAC, Penta El 0M, and Rey Fenix) vs. Will Ospreay & Aussie Open
  • Ricky Starks to speak

Gunther vs. Sheamus IC title match added to WWE Clash at the Castle

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Sheamus is heading to Wales.

On Friday’s SmackDown, Sheamus defeated Ricochet, Sami Zayn, Madcap Moss, and Happy Corbin to earn a shot at Gunther’s Intercontinental title. He will now face Gunther at WWE Clash at the Castle, which takes place on September 3 in Cardiff, Wales.

The story of the match had Zayn, in his hometown, go to the back after injuring his shoulder taking white noise from Sheamus off the top rope. He eventually came back and attempted to pin Ricochet after hitting the helluva kick. Corbin broke up the count, dragging Zayn out of the ring and posting him. The finish had Corbin looking to pin Ricochet, but Sheamus instead came in and hit the brogue kick, pinning Corbin to win.

On last week’s SmackDown, Gunther pinned Shinsuke Nakamura to retain the Intercontinental title.

Here is the current lineup for Clash at the Castle:

  • Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship
  • Liv Morgan vs. Shayna Baszler for the WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship
  • Gunther vs. Sheamus for the Intercontinental Championship
  • Seth Rollins vs. Riddle
  • Bianca Belair, Asuka, and Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley, Dakota Kai, and IYO SKY

Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne advance in WWE Women’s Tag Team title tournament

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Toxic Attraction have advanced to the next round of the WWE Women’s Tag Team title tournament.

On Friday’s SmackDown, Gigi Dolin and Jacey Jayne defeated Natalya and Sonya Deville. The finish of the match had Natalya go for the sharpshooter on Dolin, but didn’t notice that Dolin had tagged in Jayne, who then rolled up Natalya for the three count.

Dolin and Jayne now advance to the semifinals of the Women’s Tag Team title tournament. They will face Aliyah and Raquel Rodriguez, who won their first round match last week after defeating Shotzi and Xia Li.

Zoey Stark and Nikkita Lyons were originally scheduled to be in Toxic Attraction’s spot. However, Dave Meltzer has reported that Zoey Stark suffered a concussion during her match against Mandy Rose at NXT Heatwave on Tuesday and was pulled from the match. The company also didn’t realize that Nikkita Lyons was not vaccinated and as a result was unable to cross the border into Canada, as Friday’s SmackDown took place in Montreal.

Shawn Michaels announced on social media Friday that Toxic Attraction would replace Stark and Lyons.

VIDEO: Kenny Omega addresses fans following AEW Dynamite

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Kenny Omega spoke to the crowd in Charleston, West Virginia following Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite.

After he and The Young Bucks defeated Andrade El Idolo, Rush, and Dragon Lee in the main event of the show, Omega cut a short promo in the ring. You can see the footage below:

Omega mentioned that the last time he was here, The Elite were in a Halloween themed match. He said the his time away was grueling and wondered if he could compete at the level of other AEW wrestlers. He said it would take a while to catch up to the Young Bucks, and may be a while before he challenges for a singles title. But he is glad that people are here with him for the journey.

He clarified that he wasn’t a good guy, but said when The Elite are in the ring, you’re getting the real thing, we’re not a parody and not in here for selfish reasons. They are going to leave a legacy, not for titles or match ratings, but to change the wrestling world and how the audience consumes it. He said we’ll give you a smorgasbord of wrestling, that is the mission statement, and as long as the Elite are here, you will get that variety. He said medical devices or not, you’re going to get Omega as well. 

Matt Jackson, who was in the ring, pointed out the crowd was cheering for them despite booing them for most of the last year. Omega said he could hate them as well, pointing out the rehab he had to do to come back. He said it’s never for him, it’s for the crowd. He likened the fans to a cat “who pees and poops all over the house”. He gets mad because he has to find it and clean it, but added “how could he hate a little kitty kat?”. He may blame the fans and resent them on TV, but deep down inside, as long as this never gets aired, he appreciates them.

Omega returned to action on Wednesday’s show after being out of action since November, when he lost the AEW World Championship to Hangman Page at Full Gear.

Kenny Omega returns on AEW Dynamite, advances in Trios tournament with Young Bucks

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Kenny Omega is back.

Omega ended up being the surprise mystery partner of The Young Bucks on Wednesday’s AEW Rampage, defeating Andrade el Idolo, Rush, and Dragon Lee in the opening round of the AEW World Trios Championship tournament. This was Omega’s first match since last November, where he lost the AEW World Championship to Hangman Page at Full Gear. Omega scored the win for his team, pinning Dragon Lee with the One Winged Angel.

The closing moments of the show had Andrade and Rush turn on Lee, with Andrade laying out Lee with the hammerlock DDT and removing his mask. Omega and The Bucks were seen heading toward the ring as the show faded to black.

With the win, Omega and The Bucks move on to the second round. They will next face the winners of a match between Death Triangle (PAC, Penta Oscuro, and Rey Fenix) and NJPW’s United Empire (Will Ospreay, Mark Davis, and Kyle Fletcher) on next week’s Dynamite.

Back in March, it was reported that Omega was recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery and was scheduled to repair a sports hernia later that match. He also said that he was suffering from vertigo during his matches prior to taking time off.

WSJ: Vince McMahon donated $5 million in unrecorded company expenses to Trump Foundation

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A new report says Vince McMahon paid $5 million in unrecorded company expenses to former president Donald Trump’s charity.

The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that among the $19.6 million in unrecorded company expenses were two donations to Trump’s now-defunct Donald J. Trump Foundation in 2007 and 2009 that totaled to $5 million. McMahon resigned from WWE in July following the revelation of the unrecorded company expenses, along with allegations of sexual misconduct.

The report says an attorney for WWE told the Wall Street Journal that the payments to Trump should have been booked as business expenses, as McMahon was a principal shareholder and the payments benefited the company. WWE attorney Jerry McDevitt didn’t dispute the report regarding the contributions but denied Trump’s claim that an additional $1 million was a bonus for the success of WrestleMania 23.

“Mr. Trump and WWE entered into a contract whereby WWE agreed to and did pay him personally an appearance fee of $1 million,” McDevitt told the Wall Street Journal. “At the same time, the McMahons made a personal contribution to the Trump Foundation of $4 million. There was no additional fee paid to Mr. Trump, or any additional contribution to the Trump Foundation, due to the success of the event.”

In 2007, Trump played part in a storyline where he feuded with Vince McMahon, leading to a hair vs. hair match at WrestleMania 23, with Umaga (McMahon) and Bobby Lashley (Trump) representing the two men. Lashley won the match, and McMahon’s hair was shaved off as a result. Trump appeared on WWE television again in 2009 in a quickly dropped storyline that involved Trump purchasing Raw from McMahon, then selling it back to him for “double the price”.

The McMahon family has had ties to Trump during and after his presidency, with Linda McMahon previously serving as the administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019. She is now the chairwoman of a pro-Trump Super PAC, America First Action. 

WWE in their securities filing Monday said that their internal investigation into McMahon’s payments were “substantially complete”.