Tag: headlines

Medical update on WWE ‘superfan’ Vladimir Abouzeide

Posted on by Josh Nason

Vladimir Abouzeide, the subject of the WWE documentary ‘Superfan: The Story of Vladimir’, is in a New York City hospital recovering from what was described as a major concussion.

The news comes from PWInsider’s Mike Johnson on Tuesday who got permission from Abouzeide’s sister to relay what happened.

The Haiti-born Abouzeide has been fighting Parkinson’s disease for several years of which keeping balance is an issue for those who suffer from it. Johnson said Abouzeide was walking with his sister when he suddenly fell and hit his head on concrete, resulting in the concussion. After concern about a brain bleed, Johnson wrote that Abouzeide is “believed to be out of imminent danger when it came to the bleeding” but remains hospitalized for an indefinite period of time.

There is no GoFundMe or anything similar for the NYC-based Abouzeide, who was named WWE’s first-ever officially certified superfan in 2021 after he became known to wrestlers and viewers through sitting in the front row at WWE events for decades. The aforementioned documentary was initially announced for 2021, but didn’t come out until 2023.

He was presented with an award while attending WrestleMania 37 (pictured above). In 2022, MLW honored Abouzeide with a “King of All Superfans” award.

Colby Covington informs UFC that he has retired from MMA

Posted on by Josh Nason

Former interim UFC welterweight champion and controversial figure Colby Covington has informed the UFC that he has retired from MMA.

After it was first noticed on the UFC’s official website that he was tagged as retired, the news was later confirmed by ESPN’s Brett Okamoto.

Covington rose to fame by being an outspoken character, heavily leaning into being a supporter of Donald Trump and befriending the two-time U.S. president. He also leaned into making comments about fighters’ nationalities and other hot button issues as part of his persona.

He fought sparingly in recent years, last competing in December 2024 for his second straight defeat. Joining the UFC after starting his career 5-0, he won nine of his first ten in the Octagon, culminating with a win over Rafael dos Anjos for the vacant welterweight title, later stripped due to him being injured.

During his tenure, he earned three non-interim title shots, the last two coming considerably after his last win and fight in general which drew the ire of fans and his critics.

After a victory over Robbie Lawler to get to 15-1 in August 2019, the collegiate wrestling standout challenged then-champion Kamaru Usman five months later after a very tense buildup and lost via fifth round TKO, getting his jaw broken in the process. He returned nearly a year later with a win over Tyron Woodley before losing to Usman again more than a year later.

That led to the very heated rivalry with former American Top Team teammate Jorge Masvidal in a fight Covington won by unanimous decision in March 2022. The two later got into an altercation outside a Miami restaurant where Covington said Masvid.al sucker punched him. Masvidal was charged with aggravated battery and criminal mischief, later dropped to misdemeanor battery charges.

Covington then got another welterweight title shot, this coming in December 2023 against then-champion Leon Edwards in another heated buildup. Edwards picked up the decision win followed a year later by Covington falling to Joaquin Buckley by third round TKO.

The 38-year-old is currently part of Real American Freestyle and is 2-0 in wins over Luke Rockhold and Dillon Danis. He will face Chris Weidman later this month.

WWE Raw live results: Roman Reigns segment, Women’s Tag title match

Posted on by Joseph Collins

WWE Raw is live tonight from the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Four segments are advertised ahead of time for the show. World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns will be live to address Jacob Fatu’s attack from last week. The Women’s Tag titles will also be on the line as Brie Bella and Paige defend against Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez, who will have Liv Morgan in their corner.

Oba Femi’s open challenge will also continue this week and a six-person tag match is also scheduled.

The full lineup for the show is below:

  • Roman Reigns appears live
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Brie Bella & Paige defend against The Judgment Day (Roxanne Perez & Raquel Rodriguez) w/Liv Morgan
  • El Grande Americano & Los Americanos (Bravo & Rayo Americano) vs. The Original Grande Americano & Los Americanos Hermanos (Brutus & Julius Creed) in a six-person tornado match
  • Oba Femi’s open challenge continues

Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern.

********************************

LIVE! from Greensboro, North Carolina. 

Corey Graves & Michael Cole were on commentary for Season 34, Episode 20, of Monday Night Raw. 

— Last week, Roman Reigns demanded acknowledgment, but Jacob Fatu was somewhat less than willing to oblige. 

— The OTC arrived and demanded a few minutes from Adam Pearce to confront Jacob Fatu. But Pearce was all set to fire him tonight. Their conversation was interrupted by Jacob Fatu’s music playing in the arena! 

Jacob Fatu Calls Out the OTC

Fatu wasted no time calling out Roman Reigns, but it was the Usos who answered the challenge. Jey brought a chair to the ring, but Jimmy brought a mic to try and talk some sense into Fatu. Jimmy laid it out for Jacob: Fatu lost at Backlash and he had to acknowledge the Tribal Chief. Instead, he attacked management and is about to be fired. Jey had enough of the talking and tried to go after Fatu with the chair, but Fatu handled both Usos easily. He absorbed a solid chair shot from Jey and put both Usos down with the Tongan Death Grip. 

Roman’s music hit, and he came out with the title belt and walked faster than usual (but still slower than everyone else) Fatu and Reigns stared each other down. It wasn’t long before Roman and Fatu were exchanging blows, and while Roman got the edge momentarily, he too fell victim to the Tongan Death Grip. Jey freed Roman with a spear to Fatu, Jimmy came off the top with a splash, and the Usos combined for about 80% of a 1D. 

The Usos tied up Fatu in the ropes, and Reigns laid into him with a Superman Punch. The Usos fired off a pair of superkicks. The Usos freed Fatu and Roman leveled him with one last spear. 

The Tribal Chief and the Usos left, and Adam Pearce entered the arena. Reigns told Pearche he could fire Fatu, but before he could, Jacob Fatu shouted “Roman! Tribal combat!” Pearce tried to wave Reigns off, but of course Roman accepted the challenge. 

“Tribal Combat” sounds like a no holds barred match where the loser has to “acknowledge” the winner as their Tribal Cheif.

— Seth Rollins, Oba Femi, and the Judgment Day were shown walking around backstage. 

JD McDonough v. Finn Bálor in a Street Fight 

This is the 3rd match between Bálor and McDonough, with both guys each holding a victory. Not a minute into the match, and kendo sticks and chairs are all over the ring. Bálor tripped up McDonough and he did a header into the turnbuckle. Bálor followed that up by sending McDonough headfirst into a chair. Bálor went to the floor to get a table, but McDonough came through the ropes with a tope to cut off Bálor. 

McDonough took the fight into the crowd, and Bálor whipped McDonough into an equipment case. McDonough came back and sent the back of Bálor’s head into the case a couple of times. McDonough devilered a moonsault from the first row of the lower bowl, and both guys were down. Perfect time to take a commercial break! 

After a three minute break, the match was back in the ring and McDonough was down. Bálor beat him with the chair like he owed him money. McDonough came back and gave Bálor an uranage on the chair and a moonsault. McDonough tried to whip Bálor into a table that had been propped up in a corner. But Bálor countered with a slingblade, and then sent McDonough through the table with a shotgun dropkick. 

Bálor went for the Coupe de Grâce, but McDonough avoided it and hit a Busaiku Knee. McDonough hit a powerbomb for two. McDonough hit a moonsault for another near fall. 

The crowd chanted “JD sucks” while he set up another table in the ring, then put Bálor on top of it. Bálor recovered and crotched McDonough, then put him on the table. Bálor went to the top, but Dominik Mysterio ran in to interfere. This allowed McDonough to superplex Bálor through the table. But Bálor kicked out at two! 

The crowd chanted “Dom! You suck!” While the ref cleared the ring of the table and Dominik threw some aluminum trash cans into the ring. Mysterio and McDonough beat on Bálor with the cans. McDonough held Bálor in place for a 619 from Dominik , but Bálor reversed it, and McDonough ate the 619. Bálor stuffed McDonough in a trash can, hit him with a shotgun dropkick, and then finished the job with the Coupe de Grâce. 

Match Result: Finn Bálor pinned JD McDonough (14:16). 

— Cathy Kelly interviewed Seth Rollins in the back. Rollins knows he’s a marked man with no allies, but he has to put an end to The Vision. Rollins hasn’t a match on Raw in 9 months, but Adam Pearce has given him the main event tonight. And Rollins will take on any member of The Vision. “One of them, two of them, three of them, all of them!” (So they’ll be really dumb if all four of them don’t come out). But Rollins directly challenged Bron Breakker, accusing him of being a “nepo baby” who can’t get the job done. 

— Byron Saxton (I’m legit shocked he’s still around) interviewed Sol Ruca, and she’s very positive despite her 0-2 record. She’s only been in the business for four years, after all. Becky Lynch came out to talk some trash, and thinks that having  no wins in her first two matches means it’s time to go back to NXT. And so she does… to head out to the arena.

Sol Ruca Calls Out Becky Lynch

Sol’s music hit and she came out to the ring. Ruca wasn’t interested in dealing with Lynch backstage, and called her out. Lynch obliged, and Ruca challenged her to a match right here in Greensboro. 

Becky would love to do this in Greensboro, North Carolina, and even though she’s the best women’s wrestler (and it’s not just her saying it, a lot of people are saying it), she doesn’t want to send another young person out of the business. But, if Ruca really wants a match, she can have one at Saturday Night’s Main Event. 

Ruca is fine with that, and she’ll not only snatch Lynch’s soul, she’ll snatch the Women’s Intercontinental title. But, Lynch didn’t agree to put the title on the line. 

— Bron Breakker wanted to accept Rollins’ challenge, but Paul Heyman convinced him it would be better for Austin Theory to take the main event against Rollins later tonight. 

El Grande Americano & Los Americanos (Bravo & Rayo Americano) vs. The Original Grande Americano & Los Americanos Hermanos (Brutus & Julius Creed) in a Tornado Tag Match

No tags, so everyone is in and out of the ring. Bravo and Rayo crotched The Original Americano against the ring post. Julio came off the top with a dive on the Bravo and Rayo. After Original took everyone out with a moonsault, he superplexed Rayo off the top for a near fall. 

The Original Americano — can I just call him Chad Gable?— took it to all three of his opponents, suplexing Bravo and Rayo at the same time. Gable then suplexed the phony Americano into the turnbuckles for a near fall. Julius hit a moonsault and Gable hit a headbutt off the top on Rayo for a near fall. Julius missed a 450 splash. The new El Grande Americano and his troops all loaded up their masks, but they soon fell victim to triple German suplexes and triple moonsaults. 

Rayo took out Julius with a poisoned rana. On the floor, El Grande Americano took out Gable. Brutus (I think) fell victim to a top rope rana, a top rope headbutt, and then a charging headbutt (who a loaded mask) to get the pinfall. 

Match Result: El Grande Americano, Bravo, and Rayo won when Americano pinned one of the Creeds (10:43). 

Confusing, but good action. 

— Jacob Fatu v. Roman Reigns in a Tribal Combat match is confirmed for Clash in Italy. 

— Cathy Kelly interviewed The Usos to help set the stakes for the match, but LA Knight interrupted to point out that Knight fought with The Usos to deal with The Vision, but how is what the Usos and Roman are doing any different than what the Vision does? They walked away because LA Knight has a point. 

Ethan Page Sits Down with Michael Cole 

Michael Cole sat down backstage with Ethan Page. Page immediately provided Cole with a list of questions he wanted asked.

“Do you know how long I’ve been doing this?” Cole asked.  (Honestly, I’m shocked every time I think about it.)

Page kept handing Cole pre-written questions that were complimentary toward himself and derogatory toward Penta. Cole got fed up with Page trying to control the interview and told him that his ego would get in the way of beating Penta for the Intercontinental Championship.

Roxanne Perez & Raquel Rodriguez (w/ Liv Morgan) v. Paige & Brie Bella for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship 

The winners will face Nia Jax and Lash Legend at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Paige tossed Perez around by the hair to start. Bella fell victim to a tackle from Rodriguez. Perez slapped Bella and did a mocking “Yes!” chant. Paige and Bella hit some “Yes! Kicks” on their opponents, but Paige missed a dive on the floor heading into a break.   

After the break, The Judgment Day crew were working over Paige in the corner. Page managed to dump Rodriguez to the floor, kick free from Perez, and then get the tag to Brie. 

Brie hit some clotheslines on Perez. They did a convoluted spot where she gave Rodriguez a hangman’s neckbreaker (which looked bad because of the eye difference between the two), which caused Rodriguez to give Perez a DDT. 

Liv Morgan tried to distract the ref, but this didn’t work as the champs combined to powerbomb Rodriguez out of the corner. Perez hit a knee to the back on Bella. Bella got her knees up on a Lionsault attempt. Bella went to the top, but Morgan pushed her down. But the referee saw Morgan’s interference and sent her to the back. 

Rodriguez passed one of the tag belts to Perez. She took a wild swing at Bella, who ducked and rolled up Perez for the pinfall. 

Match Result: Paige & Brie Bella retained when Brie Bella pinned Perez (10:06).

After the match, Morgan clotheslined the tag champs from behind. The Judgment Day held the 3-on-2 advantage for a minute, but Lyra Valkyria and Bailey ran in to make the save. Bayley dropped Morgan with a Bayley-to-Belly suplex. Valkyria took out Perez and Rodriguez with a dropkick. 

— Seth Rollins was standing around in the parking lot, and LA Knight happened by to let Rollins know he would not be helping him later tonight. 

— Penta responded to Ethan Page’s comments from earlier. They meet this Saturday on Saturday Night’s Main Event, live on Peacock! 

Oba Femi Open Challenge

While Oba Femi was posing in the ring with the lights down, Brock Lesar returned and jumped Oba from behind! Brock hit four straight F5s. The crowd obviously lost it. I guess the rumors of Brock’s retirement were greatly exaggerated. (Just kidding —nobody bought that.) 

Brock left Oba laying in the ring. 

— Adam Pearce was demanding answers in the back. He went to Paul Heyman. Pearce filed retirement paperwork any everything! Heyman handed Pearce a contract signed by “Brock Legnar” for a rematch with Oba Femi for Clash in Italy. 

Clash in Italy feels like it’s shaping up to be a fairly loaded card. 

Not a loaded card? Saturday Night’s Main Event:

  • The Street Profits v. The Vision for the World Tag Team Titles
  • Becky Lynch v. Sol Ruca (non-title)
  • Petna v. Ethan Page for the Intercontinental Title.
  • Paige & Brie Bella v. The Irresistible Forces
  • Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair v. Michin, Jade Cagrill & B-Fab

— Cathy Kelly interviewed The Street Profits heading into their tag title match this Saturday. They want the smoke and the tag team titles. Angelo Dawkins saw Seth Rollins getting ready for his match. While Montez Ford still wanted nothing to do with Rollins, Dawkins appreciated Rollins’ help last week and went to thank him. Rollins was still kind of a jerk to Dawkins. I hope they’re not really teasing dissention between Dawkins and Ford now, after all these years.

Seth Rollins v. Austin Theory (w/ Logan Paul)

Rollins hit both Paul and Theory with a dive while they were taunting him on the floor. Rollins and Theory fought around the ring for a bit while the crowd sang “Fire Logan Paul!” 

Back in the ring, Rollins sent Theory into the corner with a Buckle Bomb. Rollins sent Theory to the floor with a boot. Standing on the apron, Rollins tried to kick Theory (who was on the floor), but Theory caught him and smashed his ankle into the ring post. Theory then sandwiched the ankle against the ring steps to further damage the ankle. 

Theory worked over Rollin’s leg in the ring. Paul yanked Rollins to the floor, and he landed on his already-injured foot. Theory crotched him on the ringside barricade, then hit him with a rolling forearm. 

After a commercial, Theory was working over Rollins’ ankle in the ring. Rollins came back with a Falcon Arrow. Rollins came back so strong it ruined the picture for a minute. He hit a series of clotheslines on Theory, but ate a back elbow. Theory went for a rolling rana, but Rollins countered with a sit-out powerbomb for two. 

Rollins tried for The Stomp, but his legs were too messed up. He tried for a Pedigree, but Theory blocked that. A sit-out powerbomb out of a torture rack got Theory a near fall, and he immediately transitioned into a half-crab.

Rollins was down, and Theory went for a stomp… but Rollins caught him with a clothesline. Rollins climbed to the middle rope, but while Theory had the ref’s attention, Logan Paul shoved Rollins down. Theory then stomped Rollins, but that only got two. 

Frustrated, Theory pounded away at Rollins. Logan Paul slipped Theory the brass knuckles. Paul distracted the ref, but Rollins came back with a superkick. Rollins went for the brass knuckles, but the ref caught Rollins and took them away. 

Theory tried for a rollup on the distracted Rollins, but he reversed it into a Pedigree and got the pinfall. 

Match Result: Seth Rollins pinned Austin Theory (12:53). 

Paul jumped Rollins after the match. Angelo Dawkins ran in to even the odds, but he got eaten up by the tag champs. Montez Ford ran in to save Dawkins, taking out both Paul and Theory with a over the ringpost dive. 

Back in the ring, Ford chastised his partner. Bron Breakker ran in to hit a spear on Dawkins, but Ford pushed his partner out of the way and took the bullet. Breakker took out Dawkins with a gut buster. Seth Rollins went after Breakker, but Paul tripped him up from the outside and he got speared as well. 

The Vision then took it to Rollins three on one. Paul and Theory spread out Rollins on the lower half of the ring steps so Breakker could smash him with the other half, but Adam Pearce and his gaggle of geeks ran in to put a stop to the carnage. Breakker hit Rollins with another spear before the Vision walked off. 

Final Thoughts:

There was some good action in the opener and the main event, and a big shock angle with Brock’s return. The Italy show feels loaded as Cody/Gunther, Roman/Jacob, and Brock/Oba (although that last match isn’t yet offical) are three big main events.

TKO exec addresses UFC passing on Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano: ‘More of a stunt than a meaningful MMA event’

Posted on by Josh Nason

TKO head Mark Shapiro is now on the record regarding why the UFC passed on the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano fight that aired on Netflix this past Saturday.

Speaking at the JP Morgan Global Technology, Media and Communications Conference Monday, Shapiro said the reason UFC passed on Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano was it “more of a stunt than a meaningful MMA event” and one he thought wasn’t good for the sport after how it played out.

“(Netflix) wants big spectacle events and they saw this as a big spectacle event. We’re in the true MMA business on a meaningful, consistent basis. When we looked at this potential matchup, keep in mind there’s a real art and skill to matchmaking….The answers (he & Ari Emanuel) got back (from Dana White & Hunter Campbell) were that fight will be over in 20 seconds,” he said.

“I don’t believe a fight like that, just the way it played out, is really good for MMA especially because it’s Netflix and such an incredible global audience…that is going to sample, depending on what comes up on the front page, to go to that fight and think that’s what MMA is, I don’t believe is good for the sport long term. “We saw it that way and decided to pass on it,” while adding he didn’t want to take anything away from Rousey, her win, or the viewers the broadcast got.

There wasn’t much in the way of WWE news coming out of the 30-minute conversation other than Shapiro putting over ESPN in how they are promoting PLEs and that they are looking forward to when YouTubeTV finishes their authentication process with ESPN Unlimited. That was reported as hopefully being completed in August or September.

He did say that “We’ve added some cards for NXT because we we think have a couple stars that are about to pop and we want to give them more stage time, if you will.” Based on last week’s announcement about WWE house shows returning this summer, it appears more than likely he meant young talent called up from NXT that need more in-ring work on the main roster, hence the house shows.

TKO remains bullish on the Middle East for events, saying their partners want more events and “want to show the world they are still open for business.”

He talked about how title fights on UFC numbered events make them distinct from Fight Nights, signaling to consumers that it’s “something different” and that Paramount’s ad spends reflect that as well. When it comes to the PPV era, he said, “We’re past that” and want to be accessible to the broadest audience possible.

They are continuing to plan for UFC Freedom 250 and how it will be a big week for them with corporate partners and such. Attendance is going to be at 4000 people: 2900 White House and TKO guests and 1100 military members and their families. He did point out that U.S. president Donald Trump is a WWE Hall of Famer.

Overall, they are looking to get to $400 million in TKO site fees (what they call financial incentive packages”) due to a “pretty clear-cut strategy” in that they have premium content that is in demand and that “there needs to be government and private financial incentives that reflect the economic and cultural impact we bring to these cities and regions.”

Stardom and MLW announce ‘strategic partnership’

Posted on by Ian Carey

Stardom and MLW have announced a partnership.

The news was announced at Stardom’s show at Korakuen Hall on Sunday, May 17. Stardom later released a statement noting that the partnership between the two companies will be based on talent exchanges and creative collaboration.

Stardom wrote, “This partnership will emphasize talent exchanges, creative collaboration, and platforming athletes on new stages in Japan and America!”

According to MLW’s website, more details on the alliance will be revealed in the coming weeks.

MLW’s Court Bauer and Stardom’s Taro Okada comment on partnership

An MLW press release on Sunday included comments from MLW CEO Court Bauer and Stardom CEO Taro Okada.

“STARDOM has built a roster and presentation that set the standard for excellence in women’s wrestling,” said MLW CEO and Owner Court Bauer. “I have tremendous respect and admiration for the level of competition and the athletes who define STARDOM. We’re grateful to Mr. Okada and everyone at World Wonder Ring STARDOM for their partnership. This alliance is about creating fresh matchups, new experiences, and meaningful opportunities for athletes and fans alike.”

Taro Okada, CEO of STARDOM, commented, “MLW has established a firm position in the United States, one of the most developed markets in the professional wrestling business. In addition, we continue to accelerate global development through partnerships with organizations with history and tradition such as New Japan Pro Wrestling and CMLL.

Through cooperation with MLW, STARDOM will further convey the charm of women’s professional wrestling culture from Japan to the United States as well as to various regions where MLW’s broadcasting and distribution networks are expanding.

In addition, we intend to promote the improvement of the competition and further development on the world-class stage of both organizations by strengthening player exchanges and creating new opportunities to participate in the competition.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to MLW and President Court Bauer for their great efforts in making this partnership possible.“

Shotzi Blackheart and Lady Frost comment on MLW x Stardom announcement

Two members of the MLW roster also commented on the announcement.

MLW’s Shotzi Blackheart responded to Stardom’s post announcing the news, writing, “Oh hello new friends!” and “Ready to go wild?”

Lady Frost wrote, “Shall I go hunting in Japan? 😏 🩸”

NJPW Best of the Super Juniors 33 night three results, updated standings

Posted on by F4W Staff

The NJPW Best of the Super Juniors 33 continued on Sunday in Tokyo.

After three nights of the tournament, two wrestlers in each block remain undefeated atop the group.

In A Block, Titan and Ryusuke Taguchi both sit with 3-0 records and six points. Meanwhile, in B Block, Daisuke Sasaki and SHO are both undefeated with six points each.

The results and updated standings are below.

Results from NJPW Best of the Super Juniors 33 night three on Sunday, May 17, 2026:

  • A Block: Titan defeated Daiki Nagai
  • B Block: Yoshinobu Kanemaru defeated Jakob Austin Young
  • A Block: Ryusuke Taguchi defeated Valiente Jr.
  • B Block: SHO defeated KUSHIDA
  • A Block: Francesco Akira defeated Nick Wayne
  • B Block: Daisuke Sasaki defeated Hyo
  • A Block: Master Wato defeated Robbie X
  • B Block: YOH defeated Taiji Ishimori
  • A Block: Jun Kasai defeated Kosei Fujita
  • B Block: Robbie Eagles defeated El Desperado

NJPW Best of the Super Juniors 33 standings —

A Block:

  • Titan (3-0): 6 points
  • Ryusuke Taguchi (3-0): 6 points
  • Kosei Fujita (2-1): 4 points
  • Valiente Jr. (1-1): 2 points
  • Nick Wayne (1-2): 2 points
  • Robbie X (1-2): 2 points
  • Jun Kasai (1-1): 2 points
  • Francesco Akira (1-2): 2 points
  • Master Wato (1-2): 2 points
  • Daiki Nagai (0-3): 0 points

B Block:

  • Daisuke Sasaki (3-0): 6 points
  • SHO (3-0): 6 points
  • YOH (2-1): 4 points
  • Hyo (1-1): 2 points
  • Yoshinobu Kanemaru (1-1): 2 points
  • KUSHIDA (1-2): 2 points
  • El Desperado (1-2): 2 points
  • Taiji Ishimori (1-2): 2 points
  • Robbie Eagles (1-2): 2 points
  • Jakob Austin Young (0-3): 0 points

The next NJPW BOSJ event is set for tomorrow. 

WWE couple officially announce marriage

Posted on by Ian Carey

EVIL (now known as Naraku) and IYO SKY are married.

The couple officially disclosed their relationship on an episode of the Japanese documentary series Jounetsu Tairiku, which aired on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

SKY later posted images of them together to social media along with the caption “Mr & Mrs.”

She included the following message in her post (translated via Google):

“To everyone who always gives us such warm support,

This is a private matter, but we would like to report that NARAKU (formerly EVIL), who belongs to WWE, and IYO SKY (formerly Io Shirai), also of WWE, are husband and wife.

We each began walking the path of professional wrestling in Japan, and although we have seen different scenery and different “skies,” from this early summer onward, we are deeply grateful and happy to be colleagues and comrades challenging ourselves on the same stage of WWE across the sea.

From now on, as husband and wife, we will support each other in our daily lives. And as WWE ‘superstars,’ while sharing both lonely “darkness” and glory, we will continue to improve one another and devote ourselves so that each of us can shine even brighter.

We will not forget our gratitude to all the fans who have supported and guided us up to now, and to everyone involved, and together we will keep pushing forward toward even greater heights.

We are still immature as a couple, but we sincerely ask for your continued guidance and support.

May 17, 2026

NARAKU
(EVIL)

IYO SKY
(Io Shirai)”

IYO SKY and Naraku in WWE

Naraku made his WWE in-ring debut on the May 12 edition of NXT, defeating Lince Dorado. He also wrestled twice on this weekend’s house shows. On Friday in Buffalo, he lost an NXT title match to Tony D’Angelo. On Saturday’s show, he teamed with Grayson Waller in a loss to D’Angelo and Shiloh Hill.

As for IYO SKY, she is coming off a win over Sol Ruca on the May 11 Raw and a win over Asuka at WWE Backlash on May 9. She dropped her previous match before that, an Intercontinental Championship match against Becky Lynch on the April 27 Raw.

SKY’s social media post announcing her marriage to Naraku is below.

Former WWE wrestler’s return has been ‘heavily talked about’ | Exclusive

Posted on by Ian Carey

WWE has discussed bringing back Baron Corbin.

Corbin departed the company in November 2024 at the expiration of his contract. He has been wrestling for promotions such as Maple Leaf Pro, the NWA, and GCW as Bishop Dyer since.

Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that Corbin’s return has been “heavily talked about.”

“Probably back in WWE,” Meltzer said of Corbin.

“I’ve not heard it’s a done deal, but I know it’s been talked about, yes.”

Meltzer also speculated that Corbin’s return could be related to Danhausen’s segment on WWE SmackDown this week, saying:

“On the SmackDown show, when Danhausen was talking about something bigger, my gut was that that’s who it is. That’s just my speculation, but I just know that he’s been talked with about being brought in.”

“It might even be done, but I haven’t had it officially confirmed to me it’s done. But I have 100% confirmed that it’s been heavily talked about.”

The full edition of Wrestling Observer Radio is available here for subscribers.

Corbin spent 12 years with WWE from 2012 to 2024. During his time with the company, he was the 2017 Men’s Money in the Bank winner, the 2019 King of the Ring winner, the 2016 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal winner, a one-time United States Champion, and a one-time NXT Tag Team Champion with Bron Breakker.

In 2018, he was voted Worst Gimmick and Most Overrated in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards. He also won Most Overrated in 2019.

Roman Reigns segment, Women’s Tag title match set for WWE Raw

Posted on by Ian Carey

The lineup for Monday’s edition of WWE Raw has been announced.

General Manager Adam Pearce posted a video on Sunday revealing that the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships will be on the line when Brie Bella and Paige defend against The Judgment Day’s Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez, with Liv Morgan in their corner.

Pearce also announced that Roman Reigns will be live on Raw this week to address Jacob Fatu attacking him at last week’s acknowledgement ceremony.

Also announced for Monday is a six-person tornado tag team match, with El Grande Americano and Los Americanos facing the Original Grande Americano and Los Americanos Hermanos.

Oba Femi’s open challenge will also continue.

WWE Raw this week is scheduled for the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina.

The updated lineup is below.

WWE Raw lineup for Monday, May 18, 2026:

  • Roman Reigns appears live
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Brie Bella & Paige defend against The Judgment Day (Roxanne Perez & Raquel Rodriguez) w/Liv Morgan
  • El Grande Americano & Los Americanos (Bravo & Rayo Americano) vs. The Original Grande Americano & Los Americanos Hermanos (Brutus & Julius Creed) in a six-person tornado match
  • Oba Femi’s open challenge continues

WWE house shows are back, but not for the reason they should be | Opinion

Posted on by Ian Carey

WWE is bringing back house shows to get talent more reps in the ring, but there is another reason they should never have been taken away in the first place.

WWE added 10 house show stops to its schedule for July and August this summer.

In Friday’s edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that the reason WWE is adding these shows to its schedule is because the company wants to get younger talent more experience in the ring.

But there is another reason house shows can be a good financial move for the company, even if the individual shows themselves lose money.

WWE house shows and the problem with short-term thinking

There used to be a saying in business that went something along the lines of, “Don’t be penny wise, but pound foolish.”

Basically, what this saying conveyed was: don’t do anything stupid that makes you money short-term, but costs you money long-term.

Nobody says this anymore. It’s not considered good advice because in 2026 corporate culture, it does pay to be penny wise and pound foolish, so long as it makes your next quarter’s results look good.

In a world where companies buy other companies daily, sell companies just as fast, and are owned by investment portfolios, nobody has a vision or a dream for what their product looks like. They just have a dream of numbers going up in their bank account.

Cutting WWE house shows might have been a penny wise move, but it’s very pound-foolish if you care about where the industry will be in 20 years.

WWE house shows and live events are where wrestling fans are made

House shows are money losers, so TKO got rid of them.

Why would you do anything that loses money?

Well, the idea is that it would grow your fan base in the long term.

Wrestling, like baseball, like other sports, and like many other things, is something that is passed down to someone from an older generation. A parent, an older sibling, or somebody else takes them to wrestling, and at a young age, that person forms a connection with it that is countless times deeper than the connection they form with it through a television screen.

They’re surrounded by thousands of people who also like this same ridiculous thing that they like. The performers from the television screen are right in front of them. It becomes a much bigger deal.

That young fan is far more likely, in theory, to become a diehard fan throughout their life and, even more importantly, pass down their wrestling fandom to their kids when the time comes.

When you cut out house shows, you cut out the creation of fans through this method. It’s a poor long-term strategy for your business.

Cutting house shows because they’re money losers is penny wise but pound foolish.

Why WWE house shows continued for so long even though they lost money

So when Vince McMahon continued running house shows, even though they lost money, there was a reason for it. It wasn’t just that Vince liked to throw away money. It was that he saw house shows as a pivotal part of growing the audience.

And he was right.

But in 2026, what’s the point in doing something that will be good for your business 20 years from now if there’s a chance you’re not even going to hold any stock in that company 20 years from now?

The only people within an industry trying to improve that industry are people who intend on passing down a business to their kids. Well, when it came time to do that, Vince wasn’t willing, and now TKO is running the company. And we got what we got: a make-money-now, who-cares-about-tomorrow approach.

WWE house shows are fan development, not just talent development

So WWE bringing back house shows because they are good for talent development is part of the equation, but not the full story.

This is not just talent development. It is also fan development.

But does TKO Group Holdings care about the state the wrestling industry will be in the 2040s or 2050s?

They don’t.

Because everyone involved with that company right now will have cashed out by then.

There’s another saying, a more unofficial one that takes place in business: “You’ll be gone, I’ll be gone.”

It’s basically what someone says before they do something penny wise, very pound foolish, and usually pretty unethical. I have a feeling it gets said a lot around TKO’s offices.

Update on why Cain Velasquez hasn’t returned to AAA under WWE ownership

Posted on by Ian Carey

Cain Velasquez would be wrestling in AAA right now if WWE hadn’t purchased the company.

Velasquez was in attendance at the Intuit Dome for Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano on Saturday night in Los Angeles.

During the episode of Wrestling Observer Radio taped immediately following the show, Dave Meltzer noted that while key names in AAA are big proponents of Velasquez, the former UFC heavyweight champion did not leave WWE on good terms.

“If WWE had not bought AAA, he would already be wrestling for AAA,” Meltzer said.

Regarding why WWE may not be interested in bringing back Velasquez, Meltzer said that doing so likely doesn’t fit with WWE’s goals for AAA.

“They didn’t leave on the best of terms,” Meltzer continued before adding, “I don’t think WWE really wants him in the sense of what their goals are. Their goals aren’t like, let’s bring in a Mexican celebrity.”

Meltzer noted that he has been told that if Dorian Roldan was running the company, Velasquez would be back with AAA.

“The AAA people, Dorian Roldan, Konnan, those people that were involved, they love Cain Velasquez.”

“I was pretty much told that if it was Dorian’s company, then they would have definitely brought Cain in for big shows because that’s how much they think of him.”

The full episode of Wrestling Observer Radio is available here for subscribers.

Ronda Rousey scores fast finish over Gina Carano in MMA return

Posted on by Josh Nason

With a combined 27 years of MMA inactivity, former UFC crossover star and champion Ronda Rousey and former Strikeforce champion/actor Gina Carano turned back time for the first ever MMA card on Netflix Saturday.

And on a main card full of quick finishes, the main event was the quickest with Rousey defeating Carano in just 17 seconds after hitting a double leg takedown and then transitioning to her signature armbar for the quick tap.

It was the third fastest finish of Rousey’s pro career (14 seconds vs. Cat Zingano, 16 seconds over Alexis Davis).

Before any bonuses or other arrangements, Rousey earned $2.2 million while Carano earned $1.05 million per the California State Athletic Commission.

Afterward, Rousey continued to put over Carano strongly for influencing her but still has no interest in returning to fight again as she wants to have more kids. Carano said she felt good and wanted the fight to go longer. She didn’t close the door on a potential return, joking she should have been matched up with a striker.

The event took place at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles with the visually sparse attendance a subject on social media throughout the night, something that some attributed to the lights in the seats.

For an in-depth report on the entire card, please read Paul Fontaine’s full recap.

Rousey vs. Carano main card results & notes

  • In the co-main event, Mike Perry defeated Nate Diaz by second round TKO when Diaz’s corner, led by legendary cutman Jacob “Stitch” Duran, called it off between rounds due to several big cuts on Diaz’s head that saw him bleed profusely as the fight went on.
  • Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou made quick work on a main card full of quick fights, dispatching Philipe Lins by first round knockout. He was asked about fighting Jon Jones someday as Jones was in attendance and both he and Jones seemed to admit that will likely never happen. A fight with Jake Paul was teased, but Ngannou didn’t seem super interested in it. The Conor McGregor/Max Holloway UFC fight was announced as Ngannou was heading to the cage.
  • Salahdine Parnasse defeated Kenneth Cross by first round TKO in a great performance for Parnasse.
  • Robelis Despaigne defeated former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos via first round knockout to open up the main card.

Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano on Netflix live results: Two legends return to the MMA cage

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

For the first time ever, Netflix will hold an MMA event as they continue their relationship with Jake Paul’s MVP promotion.

The headliner features former UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey returning to action for the first time in nearly a decade against former Strikeforce lightweight champion Gina Carano, fighting for the first time in 17 years. It will likely be the final bout for both women.

The co-main event will see former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou battle former UFC fighter Philipe Lins.

In a high-profile fight between two fan favorites, Nate Diaz returns to the MMA cage against Mike Perry who transitioned from MMA to bare knuckle fighting to raise his profile.

The rest of the main card features Salahdine Parnasse vs. Kenneth Cross at lightweight and former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos against Robelis Despaigne.

Our live coverage kicks off with the main card at 9 pm Eastern.

**********

Former UFC Welterweight champion Tyron Woodley is on the analyst desk along with Ariel Helwani. Cain Velasquez is interviewed cageside before the first fight featuring his long time rival Junior Dos Santos and he doesn’t think it will go long. 

Mauro Ranallo and Kenny Florian are the play by play team for this card. 

Junior Dos Santos (21-10) vs Robelis Despaigne (5-2) – Heavyweights

JDS out to “Gonna Fly Now” from Rocky. Gets a nice response from the late arriving crowd. JDS comes in on a 5 fight losing streak, having lost won in 2019. Despaigne lost his last two UFC fights before being cut in 2024 and this is his first fight back. Frank Trigg is the referee. 

Despaigne rocks JDS with his first few shots. JDS makes an impact with a hard leg kick. JDS drops him with a leg kick. Despaigne lands a nice punch combo to the head and follows up with an uppercut. Great punch combo and a head kick by Despaigne and JDS is reeling. He’s busted open and bleeding from the mouth. Despaigne knocks him out cold with a beautiful combo. 

Winner – Robelis Despaigne (6-2) by KO at 2:59

Ariel Helwani interviews Despaigne after the fight. Asks if he will stay in MMA now after leaving in 2024 or go back to karate. Calls out Francis N’Gannou but says he’d like to do both. He also wants a bonus for the knockout and Ariel tells him to talk to “Jake” (Paul). 

Salahdine Parnasse (22-2) vs Kenneth Cross (17-4) – Lightweights

Cross is training partners with Gina Carano, who fights later tonight in the main event. Parnasse is a 2 division champion of KSW in Poland and comes in on a 4 fight win streak. Cross has also won 4 straight but lost his only fight for a major promotion, in Bellator, in 2023. Jason Herzog is the official for this fight. 

Parnasse immediately catches a kick and takes Cross down but he gets right up. They fight for control on the cage before Parnasse takes him down again. Cross up fairly easily. Both guys landing wild strikes after they separate. Cross stuffed on a takedown attempt. Parnasse takes him down again and lands some ground and pound. Takes the back and working for a rear naked choke. Parnasse flattens him out with punches. Cross is turtling and the ref warns him to fight back. Cross to his feet but still eating a lot of punches. Parnasse mixing in strikes to the head and body and Cross goes down clutching his liver and the ref stops it. 

WInner – Salahdine Parnasse (23-2) by TKO at 4:18

That was the first knockout loss of Cross’ career. Parnasse interviewed after the fight and talks in both English and French. Says he’d be willing to box or fight MMA and just wants another fight in this company. Was asked if he felt pressure for this fight and he said he didn’t because he feels he’s the best fighter in the world. Is asked who he’d like to fight next and says “anyone, anytime”. Then says Diaz or Perry. 

One of the promoters was interviewed by Helwani. Says he’s pleased with the show so far. Will not commit to doing another show. Asked if he’ll try to convince Ronda to fight again and he says she’ll always have a place with MVP either as a fighter or promoter. 

Francis Ngannou (18-3) vs Philipe Lins (18-5) – Heavyweights

Lins comes in on a 4 fight win streak in UFC, but hasn’t fought since March 2024. Ngannou is being billed as the linneal heavyweight champion, having left UFC as champion in a contract dispute. He is on a 6 fight win streak in MMA. Herb Dean is the referee. 

Ngannou throwing a lot of kicks early. Lins with a takedown attempt and Ngannou takes his neck. Gives the choke up quickly. Both guys having good success with leg kciks. Ngannou sprawls out of a takedown attempt and gets Lins on his back. Lands some ground and pound before Lins ties him up. Lins up but Ngannou stalking him with punches. Lins lands a nice hope shot. Ngannou up 22-3 in strikes landed 3 minutes in. Seems to be tiring already. Ngannou starting to work the body in the clinch. They separate with 45 seconds left. Ngannou knocks him out cold. 

Winner – Francis Ngannou (19-3) by KO at 4:31

Ariel interview Ngannou after the fight. Says he respects Lins, who was tougher than he thought. Says this was a reminder of just who he is. Says he wasn’t worried about cage rust. It’s an instinct that’s always in him. Ariel asks about Robelis Despaigne. Said he had a good knockout. They are both in the running for performance of the night and they are on a collision course. Jon Jones was watching and Ariel points him out at the analyst desk. Says Joes is a great fighter but he has something to learn about business. Said this fight needs to happen before they retire. But it has to be here. Said that Jake Paul is just a blah blah guy and he doesn’t respect him. He’s glad he found someone to run the business side. Says Jones is tied up but Paul isn’t and if he wants him next. Says if he’s grown up, then maybe. Asks Jake about it. Crowd gives him the loudest boos of the night. Says he’ll fight him. They’re here to get fighters paid more and to get them watched more than people in the UFC. Says he’ll box him, doesn’t seem to want to fight him. Ngannou closes saying he’s the best heavyweight in the world, period while Jon Jones smiles from the desk. 

Woodley and Jones talk on the desk. Jones says he’s trying to get out of his UFC contract. Wants to fight Francis and since Dana won’t make the fight it’s got to happen here. Jones says Francis fought a light heavyweight tonight but he looked good. Woodley says that he should get Netflix to pick up the legal tab to get him out of his UFC contract. Jones is asked about the main event. Says that Ronda is the main reason he’s here. He’s close friends with her and think she’ll do amazing tonight. Also says that Gina is the reason Rousey was able to do what she did and puts her over as the most important woman in the history of MMA. Jones closes by saying he’s officially retired. He’s asked about Ronda and Gina coming back after being retired and he says “well they don’t have arthritis and I do”. 

Mike Perry (14-8) vs Nate Diaz (21-13) – Welterweights 

Perry is fighting MMA for the first time since 2021 where he lost his last two fights in UFC. He last won over Mickey Gall in June 2020. Diaz won his last UFC fight in September 2022 over Tony Ferguson and has gone 1-1 in boxing matches since then. He gets the loudest pop of the night so far for his walkout. Mike Beltran is the ref.

Perry all over Diaz early. Diaz trying to clinch up. Diaz takes him down but Perry takes top position. Perry landing ground and pound. Diaz working a sub from his back. He’s got Perry’s legs all tied up. Loud DIAZ chants from the crowd. Perry gets up and forces Nate to follow. Perry starting to work the body. both guys looking tired. Perry lands a knee to the body and Diaz seems to be in real trouble. Diaz covering up his body which opens up the head.  Diaz starting to fight back with 2 minutes left. Diaz is busted open with a cut over his right eye. Diaz firing back with hard jabs. Perry cut open now beside his nose. More DIAZ chants. Diaz takes the back standing but Perry quickly takes control> Elbows to the head to close the round. 10-9 Perry

Mauro brings up that Diaz would like a rubber match with Conor McGregor which is interesting since his return fight for UFC was just announced for July 11. Perry looking really good early in the 2nd, landing a lot of punches standing. Perry mixing in elbows to the head and punches to the body. Diaz still firing back. Perry is definitely looking most tired although Diaz’ face is covered with blood. Perry takes his back standing. Tries for a choke and that allows Diaz to escape. The blood is dripping into Diaz’ eyes, which is bothering him. Perry throws Diaz to the matt and then follows up with punches to the head. Diaz throws up an armbar but Perry escapes easily. Perry backs off, forcing Diaz up. He gets up very slowly. He’s now bleeding from the back of his head as well. The blood is really getting bad and this could be stopped after the round. Diaz needs the cage to hold him up at points. Perry continuing to stalk him. Perry drops him to close the round. 10-8 Perry but this could be over. 

The fight is indeed stopped between rounds. 

Winner – Mike Perry (15-8) via corner stoppage at 5:00 of Round 2

Ariel Helwani interviews Mike Perry. Says he got tired from hitting Diaz so much. Puts him over as being tough and has no quit in him. Says they did their job. Crowd cheered Diaz and booed him. He’s thankful for the opportunity given by Netflix and MVP. Ariel asks him if he’s disappointed for not winning emphatically, which was kind of a dumb question and Perry says it was emphatic. Couldn’t have been more definitive than that. He calls out Conor McGregor and the fans cheer that. He asks for an MMA fight with Jake Paul and Jake is up for that. Paul beat him in a boxing match. Says cardio wasn’t an issue tonight because he didn’t get to the championship rounds. He’s asked if he’ll stick with MMA now. Says he’s an all around fighter and great in the clinch so seems up to another fight. 

He talks to Diaz as well. Congratulates him on a valiant effort. Says Perry did everything he was expecting. Broke his finger two minutes in. Says he’ll come back and get Perry and even says he’ll take out Paul and Helwani. He congratulates Perry on a good fight and says the stoppage was warranted. Perry seems up for another fight. 

CM Punk was interviewed at cageside. He’s picking Ronda Rousey to win by armbar. Celebrities shown at ringside include James Cameron, David Spade, Tommy Lee and Michael Irvin. 

Main Event – Gina Carano (7-1) vs Ronda Rousey (12-2) – Featherweights

Rousey out to “Bad Reputation” and gets a mixed reaction from the crowd. This is Gina’s first fight since losing to Cris Cyborg in Strikeforce in August 2009. Ronda is fighting for the first time since December 2016, having lost her last two UFC fights. Big John McCarthy is the referee. 

Ronda takes her down immediately. Gina with a guillotine attempt. Ronda with an armbar and it’s over. 

Winner – Ronda Rousey 13-2) via armbar submission in 17 seconds

Ariel interviews both ladies in the cage. Compares it to Cat Zingano in this same city. Ronda says Gina brought her in and is the only person who could’ve brought her back. She’s in tears. “You changed my world and we changed the world”. Ronda thanks MVP and Netflix and says the fans in the building and at home give this show value. They’re here to fight for the fans. She says she was hoping it would go like it did. She didn’t want to hurt Gina. Ariel asks if she wanted more time and Ronda says “hell no!”. Thanks her family and coaches and training partners for getting her here. Says that Gina is her hero and thanked her for bringing her home. Ariel asks if we could see more of Ronda in a cage. Ronda says this was the perfect ending and she wants to go have babies now. 

Gina says she wanted it to last longer. She’s never felt that good in the cage. Says that just getting back in the cage was a victory. She is disappointed because she wanted a fight and didn’t really get it. Says she lost 100 lbs and probably added years to her life because of it. Ariel asks if she wants to keep doing this. Being away 17 years and being 44 years old is a lot. She’ll talk about it with her family. Says you never know. Maybe she should’ve matched up against a striker.

Jake Paul says we will definitely see more MVP MMA. Says they’re taking over MMA and Dana White better be prepared. 

 

AEW Collision live results: Darby Allin vs. Sammy Guevara

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

AEW presents a live episode of Collision tonight from the Wicomico Civic Center in Salisbury, Maryland.

The same venue hosted Friday night’s ROH Supercard of Honor pay-per-view.

Darby Allin will once again put his AEW World Championship on the line tonight as he defends against Sammy Guevara. The TBS Championship will also be on the line, with Willow Nightingale defending against Red Velvet.

In an AEW World Trios Championship Eliminator match, the champions, The Conglomeration (Orange Cassidy, Mark Briscoe, and Kyle O’Reilly), will wrestle former ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Champions Shane Taylor Promotions (Lee Moriarty, Shawn Dean, and Carlie Bravo), who dropped their titles to Dalton Castle and The Outrunners on Friday.

Samoa Joe and Anthony Bowens of The Opps will team up to take on Jay Lethal and Lee Johnson.

AEW Women’s World Tag Team Champions Divine Dominion (Lena Kross and Megan Bayne) will wrestle a five-minute Eliminator challenge. Their opponents have yet to be named.

Our live coverage kicks off at 8 p.m. Eastern.

**********

Collision opened with Tony Schiavone and Nigel McGuinness running down the card, and then went directly to a Jon Moxley promo.

–Moxley talked about his upcoming match with Kyle O’Reilly, and how O’Reilly had his number whenever they have stepped into the ring, and that he tapped out twice to O’Reilly. Moxley did not make excuses or deny that it happened, and by conventional logic, he acknowledged that he should stay away from Kyle O’Reilly, but he was not the same Jon Moxley he was six months ago, and he wasn’t even the same Moxley he was 24 hours earlier, so O’Reilly better be prepared for a Jon Moxley he hasn’t faced before. This was an awesome promo.

Claudio Castagnoli then spoke, saying that Brody King had quite the bark, but that he was going to see if Brody King had any real bite. PAC then stood up and said that it did not matter who you were, it was the Death Riders against the world. Yuta and Garcia agreed, and Marina Shafir challenged everyone to bring it. This segment ruled.

The Conglomeration (Orange Cassidy, Mark Briscoe, & Kyle O’Reilly) vs. Shane Taylor Promotions (Lee Moriarty, Shawn Dean, & Carlie Bravo) (w/ Shane Taylor)

Mark Briscoe started the match with Carlie Bravo and he quickly tagged out to Lee Moriarty after a chop from Briscoe’s redneck kung-fu. O’Reilly tagged in and began exchanging some technical wrestling with the current ROH Pure champion, including some creative transitions into pinfall attempts. Moriarty tried to hit a sunset flip, which O’Reilly immediately transitioned into an armbar that his teammates wanted nothing of, so they broke it up. O’Reilly almost locked on an ankle lock, but Moriarty scrambled.

After a series to punches on Moriarty in the corner, Orange Cassidy did a bunch of comedy spots with Charlie Bravo and Shawn Dean. Moriarty cut Cassidy off on the apron and Orange Cassidy was hit with a legdrop on the apron by Shane Taylor as they went to a commercial break on TNT. Throughout the ad break, Shane Taylor Promotions got the heat on Orange Cassidy. When the came back the old leverage with an abdominal stretch spot was being done by all four members of Shane Taylor Promotions. That was quite funny.

Orange Cassidy hit a hip toss on Moriarty and then tagged out to O’Reilly who hit several strikes on Moriarty, but as soon as he went for a submission, Bravo and Dean raced in to break it up. O’Reilly was briefly in trouble, but managed to tag out to Mark Briscoe, who came in with a great hot tag, hitting chops, forearms, and counters to everything Dean and Bravo threw at him until he called for the Jay Driller on Bravo.

Bravo countered, but was soon dumped to the floor. Orange Cassidy hit a tope suicida on Moriarty while Briscoe was going to hit a dive with an assist from a chair, but Shane Taylor got on the apron to block it. Orange Cassidy hit the Orange Punch of Cassidy, Briscoe hit the dive, then threw Bravo back in the ring before hitting the Froggy Bow and a Jay Driller for the pinfall. Very fun trios match.

Result: The Conglomeration defeated Shane Taylor Promotions

–A recap video aired of Tommaso Ciampa’s actions when he betrayed Mark Briscoe, indicating that this feud from Ciampa and Briscoe will be resuming soon.

–Will Ospreay was backstage and apologized for not answering Samoa Joe’s messages, but said that while he respected Joe, and Joe was in the match that made him want to become a professional wrestler (Samoa Joe vs. Christopher Daniels vs. AJ Styles), he needed to learn from the Ace of AEW, Jon Moxley. Moxley may have violent and vile methods, but he could bring Ospreay back to what he needed to be, and make Ospreay even better, and that is why he wants to see what he is like with Moxley in his corner. He isn’t doing this because he thinks Moxley is a good person, but that he believes Moxley is the key for him getting back on track to winning the AEW World Championship, and unfortunately for Joe, that means Joe is not going to survive the first round of the Owen. Excellent promo from Ospreay that explains his motivations clearly for anyone that doesn’t understand it – Moxley has the killer instinct that Ospreay wants.

–The Conglomeration were backstage with Lexy Nair and Kyle O’Reilly talked about how he had an elimination match against Jon Moxley on Wednesday, and he was, again, going to tap out Jon Moxley and then take the Continental title from him. Mark Briscoe called out Tommaso Ciampa again, and it was announced that they would have a match on Wednesday as well. Willow Nightingale then said that she wanted more gold and was going to defeat Red Velvet tonight.

–Red Velvet was backstage and said she was angry that Nightingale was in the Owen and she wasn’t, but she was going to make up for this tonight by defeating Willow Nightingale.

Willow Nightingale vs. Red Velvet for the TBS Championship

The match started with a technical exchange that saw Red Velvet getting the advantage. Velvet also hit Nightingale quite hard several times, and botched a standing moonsault when she landed with her knees on Willow rather than her midsection. The action spilled outside and Velvet continued with hard strikes and then went for a vertical suplex on the floor. Willow Nightingale blocked it and hit a suplex of her own. That looked brutal! Very hard bump there.

Nightingale and Velvet exchanged strikes until Nightingale hit one hard forearm and then Nightingale did an airplane spin and hit a Samoan Drop for a 2-count. Nightingale then transitioned into a submission. Nightingale hit a snap suplex for a 2-count. Nightingale and Velvet ended up on the apron and Nightingale went for her rolling senton off the apron, but Velvet moved and Nightingale crashed to the mat.

Velvet hit a bulldog out of a wheelbarrow back in the ring for a 2-count, but as she hit the ropes Nightingale hit a spinebuster that got a 2-count. Nightingale went for a Oklahoma Stampede, but Velvet countered into a tornado DDT. Nightingale then countered a cravat into a powerslam, and then went for a powerbomb, but Velvet countered. Velvet put herself into a wheelbarrow again going for something, but Nightingale countered into a full nelson slam for 2.

Nightingale went to the top rope but Velvet countered it into a O’Connor roll that planted Nightingale. Velvet hit a knee strike and got a 2-count. Velvet, frustrated, got up and hit the ropes, and Nightingale hit the parallel ropes and hit a pounce before hitting the Babe with the Powerbomb for the win.

Result: Willow Nightingale defeated Red Velvet

This match started a little rough, but they worked so hard to make it work, and my goodness, they did. This was a good match by the end with Red Velvet looking very dangerous. Nightingale did a lot to sell for her in this match, and she looked like she is more than ready to step into one of the title pictures on AEW TV despite being the ROH Women’s Television Champion. Good match.

–A hype video aired showing Sammy Guevara challenging Darby Allin for the world title. He said that he beat Darby Allin 4 times in the past, and that this would be the fifth time. This was followed by a promo where Guevara said many of the same things, but also included comments where he said he would then go to Double or Nothing and shave MJF bald too, but promised to make it more like a nice fade. That was funny.

–Darby Allin was backstage and was interviewed by Lexy Nair. She asked Allin about his title match with Guevara, and Allin answered by saying that a lot of people have wondered why he would keep taking title shots week after week so close to the PPV when he could lose the title before then. Allin said that, unlike MJF, he loved AEW, and loved fighting and defending its greatest prize. He said Guevara was one of the few guys as crazy as he was, and if he succeeded in defending the title he would take Speedball Mike Bailey’s challenge for Dynamite, and that it was showtime. Great promo here from Allin. He has really turned into a good talker.

–As the announcers were talking about this we heard chaos backstage and Tommaso Ciampa and Mark Briscoe were brawling. Briscoe brought Ciampa into the ring and looked to be hit the Jay Driller on a chair, but Ciampa low blowed Briscoe. Ciampa then setup two chairs in the ring and went to suplex Briscoe on them, but Orange Cassidy and O’Reilly ran down to make the save. Briscoe then grabbed a mic and said that the match on Dynamite would be a No DQ match so they can finally settle this. This is going to be a very fun, and violent, match.

Samoa Joe & Anthony Bowens vs. Jay Lethal & Lee Johnson (w/ Blake Christian)

Lethal started the match and indicated to Bowens that he wanted Samoa Joe, facing off against his former teacher. Lethal chopped Joe, who no sold it, then Lethal did a Fargo Strut. Joe responded with a series of jabs and strikes that took the fun out of this for Lethal. It seems Lethal still has some lessons to learn from his former mentor. Lethal went to the floor and Joe tagged out to Bowens. Johnson tagged in and faced off with Bowens.

Eventually Lethal started running around the ring, and Bowens made him pay, driving him into the apron, which brought joy to Samoa Joe. Joe tagged in and hit Johnson with a senton, and then chopped Lethal who went to the top rope. This distracted Joe enough for Johnson to attack, allowing Joe to be hit with a missile dropkick from Lethal as they went to an ad break. They isolated Joe in their corner during the break, and included attacks from Blake Christian as the referee’s back was turned. Lethal hit a dropkick that dropped Joe and screamed, “I hate you!” as he punched him.

Johnson and Lethal hit a combo enziguri and dragon screw legwhip. Lethal hit the ropes but Joe hit a powerslam and tagged out to Bowens for the hot tag, who ran wild, including hitting a neckbreaker on Lethal. Bowens hit an elevated Fameasser on Lethal and then torture rack bomb of sorts for a 2-count. Bowens hit a superkick on Johnson, who ran in, and then Johnson hit one of his own, letting Lethal hit a flying elbow for a 2-count. Lethal tried to hit a Lethal Injection on Joe, but Joe countered it into a rear naked choke, but Lethal fought out, went for a figure four, and Joe countered again into the rear naked choke. Bowens then locked an arm twist on Johnson and got the submission for the win.

Result: Samoa Joe & Anthony Bowens defeated Jay Lethal & Lee Johnson

–Bowens grabbed a mic and said that while he was lost over the last year, he found himself a place he could call home, and he was learning to be the killer he knew he was. Samoa Joe took the mic and said that he was honoured that Ospreay saw his match with him as a dream match, but for Ospreay, it was going to be a nightmare. Short, simple, and effective promo.

–A hype video aired for Swerve Strickland and Bandido, which is a first round match in the Owen Hart Tournament. This included showing highlights of Swerve attacking Bandido at the ROH PPV last night, laying him out with a Vertebreaker on a chair.

–Brody King and Bandido were backstage and King promised Swerve would pay for what he did, but Bandido cut him off and said that it was his fight, and he was going to make Swerve pay for his attack.

–Divine Dominion said that their next 5 minute challenge was not going to pretty, as the first one only lasted

Divine Dominion (Lena Kross & Megan Bayne) vs. Allie Katch & Kaia McKenna

This went as you would expect, and in 1:50 Divine Dominon pinned Allie Katch.

Result: Divine Dominion defeated Allie Katch & Kaia McKenna

–A hype video aired for the AEW Women’s World Championship, with every woman commenting on the match, with the majority of dialogue given by Kris Statlander, identifying each person and how she felt about them, including how unsure she was of Hikaru Shida at the moment.

–Athena and Mina Shirakawa were backstage and cut promos on each other about their upcoming first round match in the Owen. Athena promised to send Shirakawa to the ditch where Toni Storm was, leaving her for dead.

–A recap video aired of Lio Rush vs. AR Fox, and we saw Action Andretti shoving Lio Rush from the top rope allowing Fox to hit a 450 splash for the pinfall. Nigel McGuinness was backstage earlier with Lio Rush, and Rush claimed that everything was fine. As McGuinness walked away, black ooze came out of Rush’s mouth as he took of his sunglasses to reveal red eyes.

–The War Dogs were making their entrance, and a backstage hand accidentally dropped Clark Connor’s toothpicks, which led to him beating the hand up before walking out to the ring.

The War Dogs (David Finlay & Clark Connors) & Mark Davis vs. The Rascalz (Zachery Wentz, Dezmond Xavier, and Myron Reed)

The Rascalz took it right to Mark Davis, triple teaming him as the match started, which is one way to deal with the size difference, but as they sent Davis to the ropes, Finlay and Connors pulled Davis to the floor to save him. They then decided to make a charge together, but got knocked back to the floor. The Rascalz then tried to hit a dive, but the War Dogs cut them off, and Davis caught Xavier and dropped him. Davis missed a corner charge and at repeated kicks from Xavier, who tagged out to Wentz, and then they resumed the trios attack on Davis, laying him out after some effort.

David Finlay came in, caught Xavier and sent him flying into his own partners before the Dogs and Davis triple teamed Wentz. Turnabout is fair play, it seems. Finlay proceeded to get the heat on Wentz, and Connors was more than happy to take cheap shots as he did. Connors tagged in but Wentz was able to knock Davis off the apron and then shove Connors away. Wentz crawled towards his corner, but Connors cut him off. It was around this moment that Tony Schiavone compared Roddy Piper to Nigel McGuinness, saying Piper would take of his skirt, wrestle, and then go to the commentary desk. McGuinness, with disgust (and correctly) said, “It’s a kilt, Schiavone!”

As the Rascalz tried to hit a triple team move, Finlay hit a uranage into a back breaker, but the Rascalz hit double poisonranas on Finlay and Connors, then Xavier hit a superplex on Davis. The Rascalz then hit dives onto everyone, and Reed and Wentz flipped Xavier into a dropkick on Davis before all three hit different high flying moves, but the Dogs made the save.

Connors hit a pounce that sent Wentz almost flying into the guardrail. Reed went for a cutter over the ropes on Davis, but Davis blocked it and killed Reed with a lariat and piledriver before sending Reed into the Last Clip by the Dogs for the pinfall.

Result: The War Dogs & Mark Davis

–Anna Jay was backstage and said that she just came back, and she was not killed, like Willow Nightingale predicted. Tay Melo walked into the screen and said that she was also back, so it seems the women’s tag division has another team, and we might get a match between Nightingale and Anna Jay in the future if Nightingale retains the title at Double or Nothing.

Darby Allin vs. Sammy Guevara for the AEW World Championship in a No Count Out Match

Guevara hit a curb stomp on Allin onto the AEW title to start the match, setup a table at the entrance area, and then setup a ladder. Guevara put Allin on the table and then climbed the ladder, and hit a senton bomb off the top of the ladder on Allin through the table. Guevara put Allin into the ring for a two count. Guevara went for Go to Hell, but Allin blocked it and locked on the Scorpion Death Lock, but it seemed that Allin got dizzy and fell to the mat. The referee pulled Guevara away, but he hit a springboard splash for a 2-count, and Allin still kicked out somehow.

Allin manged to fight back into a position to do a Coffin Drop, but Guevara shoved him from the ropes, and Darby crashed butt first onto the ropes, then flipped backwards to the floor hitting his face on the apron on the way down. Schiavone’s call here was excellent, calling it with shock. Guevara hit a kick on the floor, and Allin was laid out again, but he kept getting up. Guevara then hit the three amigos in the ring for a 2-count. Guevara hit a superkick on Allin for another near fall.

Allin blocked a kick from Guevara, who flipped backwards, but Allin hit a shotgun dropkick. Allin then went for a tope suicida, but Guevara countered into a cutter. Guevara then went for a springboard into a cutter in the ring, but Allin caught him in a rear naked choke, forcing Guevara to go to the ropes to break it. Allin then went for a coffin drop on the apron, but before he could, Guevara rolled across the apron. Guevara then hit a flying double stomp onto the standing Allin, which was insane, for a 2-count.

Guevara managed to hit Go to Hell twice a few minutes later, and then Guevara hit a frog splash for another 2-count. Guevara setup a table on the floor, as we are well into overrun territory on the show right now. Guevara then went for a 630 splash to the floor through the table, but Allin moved and Guevara crashed through the table. Allin then rolled Guevara in and hit a Coffin Drop for the pinfall.

Result: Darby Allin defeated Sammy Guevara

Allin looked half dead at the end of this match, which is showing the story of his reign thus far – he is getting worn down. This main event match was excellent, if not a bit too long. That said, it was still very good.

Final Thoughts

This was not as good as last week’s one hour Collision, but it was still a good show. We got some good promos from Moxley and Ospreay, and some development of stories heading into AEW Double or Nothing. All in all, a thumbs up show.