Tag: becky lynch

Adam Pearce announces two additions to WWE Raw lineup

Posted on by Ian Carey

WWE Raw General Manager Adam Pearce announced two additions to WWE Raw for Monday.

In his weekly run down of the show’s lineup, Pearce revealed that Dominik Mysterio will be on the show tomorrow night to address his Survivor Series opponent John Cena, saying:

“Less than a week from Survivor Series in San Diego, and one of San Diego’s self-proclaimed finest Dominik Mysterio will have plenty to say about his opponent John Cena.”

Pearce also announced that the now former Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch will appear live on Monday’s show.

“After what she did on Friday, I can’t wait to hear what Becky Lynch will crow about, and she will do so in person,” Pearce said before mentioning that Lynch has been leaving him voicemails frequently.

Lynch attacked AJ Lee and aligned with the heel side of the Women’s War Games match on SmackDown.

Monday’s episode of Raw is set for the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The updated lineup is below.

WWE Raw lineup for Monday, November 24:

  • Roman Reigns kicks off the show
  • Men’s WarGames advantage match: Participants TBA
  • The Last Time is Now quarterfinals: Gunther vs. Carmelo Hayes
  • The Last Time is Now quarterfinals: Solo Sikoa vs. Penta
  • Becky Lynch to appear live
  • Dominik Mysterio to address John Cena

Teams finalized for women’s WarGames match at WWE Survivor Series

Posted on by Bryan Rose

The teams for the women’s WarGames match at Survivor Series have now been finalized.

After the end of SmackDown, it was revealed that AJ Lee would join with the likes of Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Rhea Ripley, and IYO SKY at WWE’s next PLE on November 29. But the final moments of the show also had Becky Lynch join forces with the Kabuki Warriors, Lash Legend, and Nia Jax, solidifying their team.

In the main event segment, Ripley’s team came out for a face-to-face and revealed their fifth member: AJ Lee, who came down to the ring. However, the distraction allowed Asuka and her team to attack Ripley’s team from behind. As Lee entered ringside to make the save, she was suddenly blindsided by Becky Lynch. The final moments of the show had Becky Lynch and the rest of the heels standing tall, with Lynch shaking hands with Asuka.

On Raw, it was Lee’s distraction that helped Maxxine Dupri pin Lynch to win the Women’s Intercontinental title. Backstage, Lee talked about Dupri’s win when Ripley came in and asked if they could talk.

WWE Survivor Series: WarGames (November 29)

  • Men’s WarGames match: CM Punk, Jey Uso, and Cody Rhodes vs. Logan Paul, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed
  • Women’s WarGames match: AJ Lee, Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Alexa Bliss, and Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch, Nia Jax, Lash Legend, Asuka, and Kairi Sane
  • Intercontinental Championship: John Cena defends against Dominik Mysterio
  • Women’s World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer defends against Nikki Bella

Becky Lynch responds to AJ Lee’s WWE Raw return: ‘Clearly a case of corruption’

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Becky Lynch believes AJ Lee’s Raw return was ‘clearly a case of corruption’.

During the November 17th edition of Raw at the Madison Square Garden in New York, fans witnessed Maxxine Dupri defeat Becky Lynch for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. Following AJ Lee’s return and interference, Dupri was able to keep Lynch down for the three count. Now, Lynch has finally responded to Lee’s involvement on social media.

Uploading a brief video alongside a lengthy caption, The Man called out WWE management and Lee for allegedly coordinating the return. Instead of breaking character, Lynch maintained kayfabe and called out the entire situation as a ‘clear case of corruption’. Lynch further called out the ‘crooked referee’ and opened up about hiring lawyers.

She wrote, “LET’S NOT FORGET AJ LEE’S MUSIC & THE LED BOARDS. THOSE THINGS DON’T JUST MAGICALLY POP UP WHEN SOMEONE STEPS THROUGH THE CURTAIN. AJ TOLD PEARCE TO HIT HER MUSIC, PEARCE WAS OF COURSE FINE WITH IT BECAUSE THE FANS WILL BE HAPPY AND NOT NOTICE HIS AWFUL DECISION MAKING IN ALLOWING THIS MATCH IN THE FIRST PLACE. MAXXINE WAS IN ON IT TOO BECAUSE SHE KNEW THERE’S NO WAY SHE COULD WIN WITHOUT IT. WHICH SHE DID NOT DO. THE COURTS WILL VERIFY THIS.”

Lynch had earlier won the Women’s Intercontinental title at Money in the Bank 2025 when she defeated Lyra Valkyria.

Seth Rollins opens up about partnership with wife Becky Lynch

A few months ago, Seth Rollins appeared on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike and discussed what it’s like to work alongside his wife, Becky Lynch.

“I think what it boils down to for me is: iron sharpens iron. You know, we met through this industry. We met in 2015 or something like that, 2014, became friends, both started to kind of rise up at the same time, found each other romantically. And then we’ve been able to really use each other as a resource. And to get out there and perform with her, the way she preps is different than how I prep, and the way she performs and interacts is different. So we get to learn from each other, we get to bounce stuff off of each other.”

He further said, “She is actually the greatest of all time. This is the first woman to main event WrestleMania. That’s our Super Bowl. She’s a mother, she’s an athlete, she’s an entertainer, she does everything. And she has transcended our industry and taken female wrestling to heights no one ever could have dreamed of.”

AJ Lee helps Maxxine Dupri win Women’s Intercontinental title on WWE Raw

Posted on by Vincent Verhei

AJ Lee made her return to WWE on Monday Night Raw, helping Maxxine Dupri defeat Becky Lynch to win the women’s Intercontinental championship.

On Monday night, Lynch was defending her women’s Intercontinental championship against Maxxine Dupri when she was distracted by Lee’s entrance.  Dupri then pinned a distracted Lynch with a crossbody to win the title shortly thereafter. 

It was the first pro wrestling championship for Dupri (real name: Sydney Zmrzel). The former cheerleader and dancer signed with WWE after a tryout in 2021. She debuted on the main roster in July of 2022 as the sister of Max Dupri (now known as L.A. Knight), serving as Director of Talent for Maximum Male Models (now performing in AEW as MxM Collection).  In 2023, she joined Alpha Academy alongside Chad Gable, Akira Tozawa, and Otis. Most of her matches this year have come on Main Event or on NXT house shows, though this was her fourth Raw match against Lynch since August. 

Lee returned to WWE after a decade away last September. She teamed with her husband CM Punk to defeat Lynch and her husband Seth Rollins at Wrestlapalooza that month, but had not been seen since. 

Becky Lynch celebrates 20th anniversary of ‘special’ indie promotion Shimmer

Posted on by Joseph Currier

On Thursday, WWE star Becky Lynch took a moment to acknowledge the anniversary of an all-women’s indie promotion that gave her a chance early in her career.

Shimmer Women Athletics staged its first show in Berwyn, Illinois on this day in 2005. The promotion had its last event in 2021 but is well-remembered for how it gave women’s wrestlers a platform during the pre-evolution time period when those opportunities were hard to come by elsewhere.

“Happy 20th anniversary Shimmer,” Lynch posted on Instagram. “A very special company and a special time in my life. They gave this punk teenage gal a chance and a platform and I’ll always be grateful.”

As Rebecca Knox, Lynch made multiple Shimmer appearances in 2006 and later returned as a manager. Her career included a several-year hiatus before she returned to full-time competition in 2013, eventually becoming one of the top names in the entire industry. She is the current WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion.

Dave Prazak, the founder of Shimmer, also made a post today marking the promotion’s anniversary:

  • It’s wild to think that today marks twenty years since we first gathered in Berwyn, Illinois to present our vision of an ideal women’s professional wrestling product.
  • For the sixteen years that we promoted live events, the goals were always the same. To provide the talented women in this industry with a place to call their own, from experienced wrestlers to newcomers who had a desire to learn from those who came before them. For the young talent to have a place to develop as performers, so they could then use that knowledge and experience to build a career. And of course, to give pro wrestling fans a unique promotion to support and enjoy.
  • It wasn’t perfect. The shows should have been shorter for the live audience. The rosters should have been smaller to put more focus on the most promising individual talents. Had we not overspent, perhaps it would’ve lasted longer than it did. We should’ve tried to do more storylines, despite the unusual taping schedule. Immediate release of the video footage should have been the priority, rather than taking too much time trying to get things right in the editing room. In hindsight, there’s a million things I would have done differently, but you live and you learn.
  • We didn’t make any money as a wrestling promotion. In that respect, the promotion was a failure. But we did succeed in providing a stage for those who desperately needed one at the time, during an era before streaming, when the talent had fewer avenues to get themselves noticed. That such a large percentage of the wrestlers who competed in the SHIMMER ring were able to eventually move on in their careers and be featured on global television is truly rewarding.
  • I take pride in comparing SHIMMER to the old Memphis territory. It seems like everyone in wrestling passed through there at some point in their career. Young wrestlers went there to learn. Vets stayed there to keep going. Nobody made any real money there, but it served its purpose. It was a place for the wrestlers to perform, and live entertainment for the fans in the seats every night.
  • Only the locker room on October 31, 2021 knew that it was the last show. Though it would have been nice to give the fans a public farewell, please keep in mind that this is pro wrestling we’re talking about. History has proven that folks retire dozens of times and keep coming back. The same can sometimes be said for wrestling promotions, and I never wanted to be the guy trying to sell sympathy tickets for a ‘final show.’ So, our team just went out there that day, and did the same thing we always did, just one last time.
  • I’ve said it before, but this twenty year anniversary is a good time to reiterate it. Thank you to all of the wrestlers and staff who gave their blood, sweat, and tears to SHIMMER during the years we were around. Every piece of the puzzle was essential to the creation of such wonderful memories when we came together.
  • Shimmer, sparkle… while you can.

WWE reveals Becky Lynch’s next IC title challenger

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Becky Lynch’s next challenger for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship has been revealed.

Maxxine Dupri is once again in line to challenge Lynch for the Intercontinental title following the events of Monday’s WWE Raw episode.

Raw GM Adam Pearce approached Dupri in a backstage segment and told Dupri that by virtue of her consecutive victories over Lynch by countout and disqualification, Dupri had earned another title shot.

Dupri agreed to the title match but said that she needed to check in with her mentor to determinie if she was ready for the shot before agreeing to a date for the title bout. Pearce agreed.

Lynch was counted out against Dupri on the October 6 Raw show after walking out on the non-title match. On the October 20 episode, Dupri was granted a title match, and Lynch hit Dupri with the title belt to force the DQ.

Our full report from Monday’s Raw is available here.

Wrestling Weekly: AEW shifting into Full Gear, Jey Uso’s championship desperation

Posted on by Victor Sosa

Image: WWE

On a new edition of Wrestling Weekly, Les Thatcher and Vic Sosa look at how AEW followed up another incredible PPV with last Saturday’s WrestleDream, their thoughts on the Women’s Tag Team title tournament, and Jon Moxley’s fear of submission holds.

In WWE, is Jey Uso willing to stop at nothing for another chance at the World Heavyweight title? Could Becky Lynch be headed toward a match with a referee?

Thanks for listening and have a great weekend~!

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

WWE teasing angle involving Becky Lynch and referee

Posted on by Ian Carey

WWE is teasing an angle involving referee Jessika Carr and Becky Lynch.

Lynch has blamed several recent losses on Carr, including WWE Raw this week when Carr disqualified Lynch for hitting Maxxine Dupri with the Women’s Intercontinental title belt. Carr was also the referee when Lynch tapped out to AJ Lee at Wrestlepalooza and when Lynch was counted out in another match against Dupri on the October 6 Raw.

Carr posted the following to social media on Wednesday:

“I don’t say a lot or stir up issues….but it’s wild that someone keeps talking about me….when all they’ve been doing is tapping out, getting counted out, and taking the easy way out by getting disqualified. But I’m the problem?“

Carr’s post was made after Lynch published a video on Instagram addressing her DQ loss from Monday. In the video, Lynch claimed that Carr should have disqualified Dupri for using a closed fist during their match on Raw and also alleges that Dupri’s fingernails were illegal.

Lynch said:

“In the match, clear as day, everybody saw it. Maxxine closed-fist punch to my face, an illegal maneuver. Jessika Carr should have disqualified her. What’s more, an illegal maneuver with an illegal object. I verified this through experts, through nail technicians. They have verified that the nails that Maxxine Dupri was wearing would cause intense damage to the lip.”

Prior to signing with WWE and becoming a referee in 2017, Carr wrestled as Kennedi Brink for promotions such as RISE, Shimmer, SHINE, and Ring of Honor. The Baltimore native also frequently performed for Maryland Championship Wrestling. Carr recently returned to the ring under a mask and the name Kalyx on episodes of WWE Evolve in February and April of this year. Her post and Lynch’s video are below:

WWE Raw live results: Seth Rollins injury fallout

Posted on by Joseph Collins

Tonight’s WWE Raw on Netflix from Sacramento, California, will see three title matches in addition to the fallout from last week’s shocking angle involving Seth Rollins.

The two perpetrators — Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker — will appear alongside Paul Heyman to address their attack on their now-former Vision factionmate and what’s next for the group.

The future of Rollins’ World Heavyweight title could also be discussed tonight as well as Rollins’ injury.

Becky Lynch will defend the WWE Women’s Intercontinental title against Maxxine Dupri after their recent non-title match Dupri won by countout.

In a rematch from earlier this month, WWE Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio will defend against Rusev.

WWE World Tag Team Champions The Judgment Day (Finn Balor & JD McDonagh) defend against AJ Styles & Dragon Lee thanks to the aforementioned Mysterio questioning Raw GM Adam Pearce’s motives.

Our live coverage kicks off at 8 PM Eastern.

**********

Live from Sacramento, California. 

Adam Pearce’s Big Announcement

A recap of last week’s events set up Adam Pearce in the ring to provide a “physical update…” but that’s quickly interrupted by Bron Breakker, Paul Heyman and Bronson Reen entering the arena. Breakker had the WWE World Title belt over his shoulder. Pearce said that Rollins was banged up coming out of the match with Cody Rhodes, but Rollins was put out of action because of what Breakker and Reed did. Pearce stripped Rollins of the world title and announced a battle royal for tonight.

The winner of the battle royal goes on to Saturday Night’s Main Event in Salt Lake City to face CM Punk for the vacant WWE World Championship. “Bron, I’m gonna need you to hand over that championship.” Breakker balked at the suggestion, but Heyman pulled him aside and seemingly talked some sense into him. Breakker eventually hands the belt over… to Heyman, who handed it over to Pearce. 

Pearce left, and Heyman took a mic to explain his actions. Heyman didn’t dump Roman and betray Punk back at WrestleMania just to get to Seth. He did it to get the Vision, the future of WrestleMania Bron Breakker and the new Tribal Thief  Bronson Reed. Seth isn’t the leader of the vision; he’s a “bum shoulder b!tch.” 

— The other members of the Judgement Day were agitated with Dominik Mysterio, who last week talked Adam Pearce into a tag team title defense against AJ and Dragon Lee tonight. 

WWE World Tag Team Champions The Judgment Day (JD McDonough & Finn Balor) defend against Dragon Lee & AJ Styles

This is the second defense for the champions in 111 days, which Joe Tessitore claimed showed the champions are cowards, but I’d contend is a symptom of PLEs with only five matches on them. McDonough and Balor cut off Lee and worked him over in the their corner. McDonough came off the top with an axe handle. Styles got the tag and tried to run the ropes, but McDonough held them open and Styles tumbled to the floor heading into an ad break. 

After the break, Dragon Lee got the tag and suplexed McDonough. Lee went to the top, but McDonough crotched him. McDonough got tied up hanging upside down in the corner, and Lee came off the top with a double stomp. Balor pulled McDonough out of the ring, and Lee followed them both out with a tope con hilo. Back in the ring, Lee went for a powerbomb on McDonough, but McDonough countered into a powerbomb of his own. 

Styles and Balor got the tags. Balor caught Styles with a slingblade and dumped Lee. Styles came back with a Phenomenal Forearm, but McDonough broke up the pin attempt. Styles caught McDonough with a Pele kick, but McDonough came back with a Spanish Fly for a near fall. McDonough came off the top with a moonsault, Balor came off the top with the foot stomp, but Lee broke up the cover. Lee took out McDonough with a dive.  Styles blocked a Styles Clash from Balor, countered with a Styles Clash of his own, and Styles got the pinfall to win the tag tiles. New Champs! 

Match Result: Dragon Lee & AJ Styles defeated JD McDonough & Finn Balor to win the WWE World Tag Team Championship (13:24)

— In the back, Jimmy and Jey Uso made peace with each other ahead of the battle royal tonight. 

WWE Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio defends against Rusev

Mysterio caught Rusev with a dive before he could get in the ring, then threw him into the ring steps. But once the match started, it was all Rusev, smashing Mysterio with a clothesline and mauling him with shoulderblocks in the corner. Rusev tried to kick off Mysterio’s new neck tattoo. Mysterio caught Rusev with a boot and came off the middle ropes with a pair of axe handle blows. Mysterio tried to set up for the 619, but Rusev came back with a clothesline that missed, but everyone decided to sell it like it hit anyway. Rusev dumped Mysterio to the floor with a fallaway slam heading into an ad break. 

Back in the ring after a 3 minute commercial, Dominik hit a slingshot senton. Dom tried a suplex which Rusev blocked, but Dominik shifted his weight into a DDT for a near fall. Mysterio went to the top for a frog splash, but Rusev got his knees up. Rusev dropped Mysterio with a spinning uranage. Mysterio had enough and tried to leave, but Penta cut him off. Rusev threw Domink into Penta. Penta got in Rusev’s face, so Rusev knocked him out.

Back in the ring, Dominik went for the 619, but Rusev blocked it… and found the timekeeper’s bell in Mysterio’s boot. Rusev was going to use the hammer on Dom, but the ref grabbed the hammer away. As the ref and Rusev argued about the bell hammer, Mysterio kicked Rusev low, hit the 619 and then a frog splash to get the pinfall. 

After the match, Penta hit Rusev with a springboard DDT. 

Match Result: WWE Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio defeated Rusev to retain (9:20)

— UFC greats Max Griffin and Nate Diaz were shown in the crowd. 

WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch defends against Maxxine Dupri

This is Becky’s 7th defense in 134 days. Dupri is from Sacramento, so she got a great reaction upon being announced. 

Lynch mauled Dupri in the corner with forearms and shoulderblocks. Lynch went for the uranage, but Dupri countered with a rollup for a near fall. Lynch came back and dumped Dupri to the floor. 

After a commercial, Dupri was still on the floor, struggling to get back in the ring. When she did, she caught Becky with a cradle, and countered another attempt at the uranage with a jawbreaker. Dupri hit a pair of flying clotheslines and a set up legdrop for a near fall. Dupri pulled down her straps and hit a running knee for a near fall. Boo/Yay punches, but Lynch got the advantage.

Dupri again escaped the uranage and caught Lynch with a kick, then locked in an ankle lock. Lynch kicked out the ankle lock, and went for an armbar. Dupri reversed the armbar back into the anklelock. Dupri came off the top with a crossbody for two, and Lynch rolled to the floor.  Lynch tried to leave with her belt, but Dupri brought her back to the ring. Lynch finally had enough and hit Dupri with the IC title belt, drawing the disqualification. Becky retained her championship. 

After the match, Lynch drove a knee into Lynch’s face in the corner, then finally put her down with the uranage. 

Match Result: Maxxine Dupri defeated WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch by disqualification (9:43)

Stephanie Vaquer came out to the ring for her match. 

— At some point earlier in the night, a graphic displayed all the participants in the battle royal and included Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. But, Adam Pearce informed Paul Heyman that he’d had a new graphing made because Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker were out of the battle royal. Heyman was then was confronted by Becky Lynch. Just because Seth Rollins didn’t survive the day last week, there is still room for Becky Lynch in the Vision. Becky turns him down, then tried to spin it that Seth knew Heyman was going to turn on him. When Seth returns, he’ll take his aggressions out on whatever “nepo-baby” Heyman has attached himself to. 

WWE World Women’s Champion Stephanie Vaquer defends against Roxanne Perez (w/ Raquel Rodriguez)

Vaquer tried for a package piledriver, but Perez escaped and dropped to the floor to regroup. Back in the ring, Vaquer tried for a cradle and got caught with a slap from Perez. Vaquer went for the Devil’s Kiss, but Perez escaped. Behind the ref’s back, Raquel Rodriguez caught Vaquer with a right hand. 

After a break, Vaquer hit a suplex. Vaquer hit a meteoria in the corner, then took Perez out of the corner with a dragon screw leg whip. Vaquer got the Devil’s Kiss, but Vaquer was selling her left wrist was bothering her. Perez then attacked the wrist. Rodriguez distracted Vaquer on the apron, and then Perez snapped Vaquer’s arm against the ropes. Vaquer caught both Perez and Rodriguez with crossbody off the top to the floor.  Back in the ring, Vaquer hit the Angel’s Wings at got the pinfall. 

Perez and Rodriguez attacked Vaquer after the match, but Nikki Bella ran in for the save. Vaquer tried to springboard back into the ring, but slipped and hurt her leg. Eventually Bella and Vaquer stood tall, double-dropkicking Perez out of the ring. This was kind of a mess.

Match Result: WWE World Women’s Champion Stephanie Vaquer defeated Roxanne Perez to retain (11:58)

— Lyra Valkyra and Bayley have a moment in the back, and Bayley has a surprise for Lyra next week. 

— Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker need an explanation for why they’re not going to be in the battle royal tonight from Paul Heyman, who explains that Brock Lesnar, CM Punk, and Roman Reigns are all memorable thanks to him. This somehow satisfied them. 

— Nikki Bella and Stephanie Vaquer have a moment in the locker rooms and agree to have each other’s back. 

Battle royal for WWE World Heavyweight title shot at Saturday Night’s Main Event

Just when it looked like things would get underway, CM Punk came out to join the color commentary team. 

Otis and Rusev had a standoff after a hot start for Otis, but Rusev eliminated him. Rusev booted Tozawa and tossed him, too. Dragon Lee went for a springboard but McDonough and Balor caught him and sent him to the floor. Penta and Rusev brawled on the apron, and Dominik Mysterio shoved them both to the floor. 

After a commercial, Ivar was squashing Jimmy Uso and AJ Styles in the corner. Sheamus and Ivar had a confrontation mid ring. They battled onto the ring apron, and Sheamus gave Ivar White Noise on the apron to eliminate him. El Grande Americano  loaded up his mask, but the Usos gave him a 1D and tossed him. Sheamus tried to eliminate Mysterio, but Balor and McDonough saved him. Sheamus eliminated McDonough and Balor. They then helped Kofi Kingston eliminate Sheamus from the floor. Sheamus brawled with McDonough and Balor, and the officials missed Styles toss Mysterio trying to braek that up. So Mysterio got back into the ring and was able to conitune in the match.

After another break, we’re left with AJ Styles, Kofi Kingston, LA Knight, Dominik Mysterio and The Usos. Kingston monkey-flipped Syles across the ring. Styles dumped Kingston on the ropes (Kingston may have hurt his wrist) and hit him with a forearm to eliminate him. Knight blocked a Styles Clash from Lee. Jey Uso and Knight did “Yeet/Yeah” punches, with Jey Uso dangling from the apron, until Jimmy made the save with a superkick. This was the second time Jimmy saved Jey in the match. 

AJ went for a springboard on the Usos, but they super kicked and eliminated him. Jimmy and LA Knight battled against the ropes, and Jey Uso DUMPED BOTH KNIGHT AND HIS BROTHER JIMMY.  Jimmy was upset; he thought they were looking out for each other! Jey then tossed Dominik for the win. Jimmy was irate, but the fans were still behind Jey because it’s anything goes in a battle royal. 

After the match, CM Punk stood in the ring with Jey Uso and that’s the main event for Saturday Night’s Main Event for the vacant World Title. 

Feels like they should just put the belt on Bron Breakker and let him run roughshod over everyone.

Match Result: Jey Uso won a battle royal to face CM Punk at Saturday Night’s Main Event for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship (18:28)

Daily Update: Becky Lynch, Don Callis, Moose

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

October 13, 2025 Observer Newsletter: The new wrestling ratings reality, John Cena’s final opponent, WWE Crown Jewel preview

The new issue of the  Wrestling Observer Newsletter is up on the site:

*In depth with the changes in ratings, are pro wrestling and MMA being undercounted, are they less popular than we thought, how the changes have happened, streaming, how this relates to baseball, football, and other entertainment shows.
*John Cena’s last matches, and the surprises in current WWE booking plans for now until December.
*A look at Crown Jewel and WrestleDream, the cards, how the shows look and the current interest level in them.
*Favorites in the betting in all the major future matches
*A look at The Smashing Machine, the heyday of Mark Kerr, the box office and what we’ve learned, comparisons with Iron Claw, the performances by Dwayne Johnson Emily Blunt and Ryan Bader and the Pride Grand Prix in 2000 with Sakuraba vs. Gracie and key what ifs that people don’t’ talk about
*All In Texas attendance and how much the state will be paying AEW based on the deal, plus original plans for that week and three shows that were once thought and talked about but didn’t happen with two international promotions.
*Full coverage of UFC 320, what’s next for the winners, the business side of things and match-by-match.
*The most complete and detailed look at the ratings for all the major shows as well as comparisons with last year, segment-by-semgent notes, demos and more.
*Expectations of when a major milestone in history of buildings that house wrestling will be reached and when 1 million fans in one specific building attending wrestling in a year is expected
*King  of Pro Wrestling thoughts
*New Japan’s last major show looked at
*40th anniversary of a landmark tag team event taking place
*Hulk Hogan’s widow looking at medical malpractice suit
*Death of the former Sabrina
*Dave Bautista makes surprising revelation
*Mistico vs. Bndido in Xalapa
*Renee Dupree talks the old WWE locker room
*Bound for Glory notes
*Lots of injury and contract updates
*The story of Ultimo Dragon’s ten belts and Mercedes Mone beating that record
*Sting’s son has his first match
*Advance tickets sales for the WWE & AEW shows over the next two months
*The strange secret suspension of  Conor McGregor
*More on the White House show
*MMA Fight of the year on the Dana White Contenders Series
*Has the WWE boom period ended or is it ending?
*The WWE product right now
*Jimmy Jacobs talks differences in backstage at WWE and TNA

This Week’s Back Issue

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Tuesday Update

 WWE

AEW & Other Wrestling

  • AEW uploaded a vignette of the Don Callis Family celebrating Callis’ birthday, including Konosuke Takeshita appearing via video link.
  • Callis on Takeshita’s IWGP World title win: “SO PROUD OF TAKESHITA!! IWGP CHAMPIONSHIP WILL BE ADDED TO THE GROWING LIST OF CHAMPIONSHIPS CONTROLLED BY THE DON CALLIS FAMILY. WE ARE TRULY A GLOBAL COLLECTIVE UNLIKE ANY OTHER!! TAKESHITA WAS THE FIRST MEMBER AFTER DUMBER-THAN RAT S*** KENNY OMEGA.”
  • In an interview with The Sportster, Bam Magera said that Darby Allin has tried to get him to appear on AEW television: “He keeps asking me. Our paths haven’t crossed yet to where I could make it to one of his wrestling things. But whenever he’s in town, I always go skate with him in Atlanta, where he lives, or Philly. Skating is our thing. Never even got to see Darby, for a long time, wrestle.”
  • STL Sports Central spoke to Samoa Joe.
  • Steve Maclin cut a promo following his International title win at TNA Bound for Glory.
  • Deonna Purrazzo to Maclin on social media: “Watching your vision come to life & your dreams come true… is my dream come true. I’m so proud of you @SteveMaclin.”
  • Moose responded to Ridge Holland announcing his WWE contract won’t be renewed: “Sorry to hear Ridge ….. speedy recovery hopefully you make it back to TNA. You’re one of the good ones.”
  • Moose also took to social media to dispute allegations of TNA papering Bound for Glory: “For the people saying half of our record setting attendance record was free tickets given are brain dead and fail to realize in 2016/17 myself The Hardy’s Eddie Cody Rhodes Drew McIntyre Lashley wrestled at Universal in front of only 150 people were every single ticket were free because universal didn’t allow ticket sales. I could understand 200/300 comped tickets for sponsors and media purposes and friends and family but 3k No business will take an outstanding loss just to fill up an arena. If it was that easy every company would do it and we would have done it a decade ago when we struggling to get 500 people to attend a show. Just enjoy the growth and the win. we wouldn’t be in their position without you guys our true fans.  THIS IS TNA.”
  • Lou D’Angeli, the former Sign Guy Dudley, wrote on social media about The Dudleyz retirement at Bound for Glory: “Thank you, Bubba and D-Von, for everything you’ve done for ECW, WWE, TNA, and the wrestling business as a whole. And personally, thank you both for what you did for me — for keeping me a part of an act that became mega over in ECW, for looking out for me, and for showing me the ropes of the business. That was the best education I could have ever asked for.”
  • Royce Isaacs will be on Wrestling Observer Live on Wednesday to talk about his upcoming match with Jon Moxley at Defy Wraith on October 24 in Portland, Oregon. 
  • Demolition Smash has released a new memoir.
  • Local 12 in Madison, Indiana has a profile on Bailey McRoberts, an independent wrestler who nearly died from a car accident.

Three title matches announced for WWE Raw next week

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE has booked a slate of title matches for next week’s episode of Raw.

– After impressing last week with a countout victory over Becky Lynch, Maxxine Dupri will face off against Lynch once again — this time with the Women’s Intercontinental Championship on the line. Dupri did an interview on Raw today thanking the fans for how much they’ve supported her. She called last week the biggest win of her career, then revealed the news that she’s getting a title shot against Lynch in her hometown of Sacramento, California.

– The men’s Intercontinental title will also be defended in a rematch next week with Dominik Mysterio taking on Rusev. In their title match two weeks ago, Dominik cheated by hitting a low blow behind the referee’s back. Dominik then cheated again in his successful defense against Penta today, using the ring bell hammer as a weapon.

– The third championship bout for next week is a World Tag Team title match with AJ Styles & Dragon Lee challenging Finn Balor & JD McDonagh. Dominik accidentally set up the title defense for his Judgment Day stablemates when, in a backstage segment, he complained that he’s the only champion on Raw who has to defend their title every week.

– Along with all that, Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer will be in non-title action against Roxanne Perez.

WWE Raw (Monday, October 20) —

  • Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch defends against Maxxine Dupri
  • Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio defends against Rusev
  • World Tag Team Champions Finn Balor & JD McDonagh defend against AJ Styles & Dragon Lee
  • Non-title match: Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer vs. Roxanne Perez

WWE Raw live results: Crown Jewel go-home show

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: October 6, 2025
Location: American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX 

The Big Takeaway —

The same three men who lost to Seth Rollins at Clash in Paris are still vying for the next world title shot. Three straight matches tonight ended thanks to a distraction, and another ended because one person just stopped paying attention. 

Crown Jewel is Saturday.

**********

Show Recap — 

(There’s an updated Raw thumbnail on Netflix. The old one had Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, and Bianca Belair, three people who are frequently not on Raw. The new one has Rhea Ripley, Becky Lynch, Seth Rollins, CM Punk, Jey Uso, Dominik Mysterio and Penta.) 

Roman Reigns opens Raw 

Reigns entered after a recap of his return last week. The crowd sang his name and chanted “OTC.” He told the Dallas crowd to acknowledge him, and they did, but he was quickly interrupted by Bronson Reed and Paul Heyman. 

Nothing happened for a while (because they stood around waiting for crowd chants), so Reigns asked them if they were just there to stare or to say something. Heyman told the crowd to acknowledge their Tribal Thief. They booed. Heyman wanted Reigns to acknowledge the one man he feared in his heart—Bronson Reed. 

Heyman said Reigns has never been beaten so badly that he needed to be taken out on a stretcher. Reed (who was booed as he spoke) said Afa and Sika never got stretchered out in their careers. Reed wondered how they would feel looking down at Reigns getting stretchered out at his hands. 

Reigns said Reed didn’t know his dad or his uncle, but the dumbass Heyman did, so Heyman knew what they would tell Reigns: fight him now. Reigns challenged Reed to a fight right now. Reed was ready, but Heyman talked him down. Reigns knew Heyman was delaying it, so he said he would be ready whenever they were. 

Heyman issued the challenge for Crown Jewel on Saturday in Australia in a match Reed has never lost, an Australian street fight. (This got a lukewarm reaction.) Reigns accepted. 

As Heyman began to leave, Reigns said they had shown up ready to fight, but now they were leaving like a couple of bitches. Reed marched to the ring to brawl with Reigns. 

Reigns got the better of Reed until security and officials got between them. Reigns broke through and gave Reed a second Superman punch. Reigns posed for the crowd as Reed looked on from the stands.

(The crowd had an understandably underwhelming reaction to the announcement of a street fight between these two. We just saw Reigns wrestle Reed, and Heyman teased the match type like it would be something big, but it’s something we see all the time, including on Raw.) 

********

CM Punk (wearing a Chicago Cubs cap), Lyra Valkyria, and Iyo Sky were shown arriving. 

Backstage, Asuka demanded that Adam Pearce make a match between Kairi Sane and Sky tonight. Pearce said he had to make sure there was enough room in the show first. (He also mentioned that Rhea Ripley was already in Australia doing media.) 

Pearce left as Sane arrived. Asuka was riled up while speaking to Pearce, but she wore a smile upon seeing Sane. Asuka told her that she’d be facing Sky tonight. Sane wasn’t happy about fighting her friend, but Asuka slapped her in the face and told her the match was happening. 

******** 

Non-title match: Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch vs. Maxxine Dupri

Dupri went for a simple dropkick but missed the target and dropkicked Lynch in the knee. It was meant to hit Lynch up high. Lynch reacted by hunching over, but because the spot was meant to hit her in the head and send her out of the ring, Lynch went from being hunched over to doing a back bump and rolling out of the ring. 

Dupri hit a cannonball off the apron, but Lynch suplexed her into the barricade to take over ahead of a break. Dupri fired back after the break and applied an ankle lock (after dropping her straps like Chad Gable or Kurt Angle). Lynch broke out of it, but Dupri hit a sit-out powerbomb (which didn’t look great) for two. 

Lynch hit a superplex for two and applied a Disarmer, but Dupri countered into a cradle for a nearfall. Dupri countered a Man-handle Slam and hit a German suplex. 

Dupri followed with a roundhouse kick for a very close nearfall that had the crowd going. (It was one of those nearfalls that probably should have been three, as Lynch barely kicked out at the absolute last millisecond.) They traded a few more cradles, and Dupri even tried a schoolboy with her feet on the ropes, but they all ended in nearfalls. 

Lynch was frustrated, so she tossed Dupri around ringside, driving her into the announce table and barricade. 

Lynch taunted the crowd while standing on the announce table, but she stopped paying attention to Dupri, who rolled back into the ring to beat the ten-count. The ref counted out Lynch, and Dupri was declared the winner. 

Dupri celebrated while quickly scampering up the ramp away from Lynch. 

Match result: Maxxine Dupri defeated Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch via count-out in a non-title match (13:34) 

This was the biggest mixed bag of a match. It started poorly, and Dupri’s offence didn’t look good, but the counters and nearfalls were laid out well, so the crowd really got into Dupri almost pinning Lynch. Wade Barrett was too over-the-top trying to emphasize Dupri’s supposed improvements, and even called the match a banger before all the nearfalls happened. 

********

Reigns met with Jimmy and Jey Uso backstage. Jimmy was about to tell Reigns that they had his back at Crown Jewel, but Jey cut him off to say, “I got you.” Reigns didn’t want their help, especially not Jey. Reigns already told Jey to focus on himself. Reigns mentioned that it was CM Punk—not Jey Uso—speaking at the top of the hour. Jey didn’t like that, so he left. 

Reigns told Jimmy that he knew everything that was going on around here. He asked Jimmy why there would be a problem with Jey seeking his advice. (Referring to Jimmy’s obvious discontent.) Reigns left. 

********

Lyra Valkyria (w/ Bayley) vs. Roxanne Perez (w/ Raquel Rodriguez)

(The opening match was a rematch from August 11th, and this was a rematch from September 15th.)

Perez worked over Valkyria’s arm through a break, enough that Valkyria had trouble hitting her finisher. 

It was time for a distraction, so Rodriguez distracted the referee, which also distracted Valkyria as she went to the top rope. Valkyria stopped what she was doing upon seeing Rodriguez on the apron, so Perez tried a move off the ropes, but Bayley held Valkyria’s arm down to prevent that from happening. Valkyria gave Bayley a thumbs up before hitting Perez with a moonsault for two. 

Rodriguez booted Bayley, so Valkyria dropkicked Rodriguez. Perez threw through the ropes and laid out Valkyria with a tornado DDT. Perez followed with Pop Rox in the ring for the pinfall win. 

— Bayley was not happy, so she encouraged Valkyria to storm to the back with her.

Match result: Roxanne Perez defeated Lyra Valkyria (9:24) 

********

There was a video package for John Cena vs. AJ Styles. They really want you to think this match is happening because of the fans. 

Jackie Redmond tried to interview Styles about his upcoming match against Cena, but he was interrupted by the male members of Judgment Day. Dominik wondered why Styles thought he could beat Cena when Styles couldn’t even beat him. (Dom wore a t-shirt with the picture of himself as a kid playing PSP.) 

Finn Bálor heard a rumour that Styles and Dragon Lee wanted to challenge for the tag titles. Bálor warned Styles that would be a mistake. 

Styles said they were acting tough because it was three on one. Styles said he would find Dragon Lee and a partner, and they would have a six-man match tonight. (Hopefully, there’s enough room on the show.) 

After a break, Styles and Dragon Lee met with Penta. The meeting ended before Penta could answer their request because Bayley and Valkyria were beating the crap out of Perez and Rodriguez nearby. Pearce and officials stormed in to break it up.

******** 

Some professional bull riders and Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders were in the crowd.  

CM Punk, LA Knight and Jey Uso segment

(Long story short, the three guys who most recently wrestled for the world title still want to be world champion.) 

Punk was glad to be back after being gone for two weeks. He thanked the fans for their warm welcome back of AJ Lee. 

Punk spoke about the upcoming match between Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. He called it title vs. title, but quickly noted no titles were on the line and didn’t want anyone in the back getting mad at him (for calling it title vs. title). 

Punk hasn’t been around because he didn’t want to get involved in their match. But he noted that he kicked off the year by beating Rollins on the Netflix premiere. He wanted to end the year by beating Rollins for the title. He had Rollins’ number. He always won when it was one-on-one and man-to-man. Punk was better than Rollins, and Rollins knew it. 

LA Knight interrupted. Knight said he deserved and earned a reign as world champion. Knight said Punk was known for his pipe bomb, but lately, he’s been known for being a husband. That wasn’t meant to be an insult. Everybody needed love—it was a beautiful thing. But as good a husband Punk seemed to be, he was a trash champion. 

Knight said Punk was champion for five minutes before Rollins pinned him in the ring. Rollins pinned him again at Clash in Paris. Knight called himself the guy who had never been pinned by Rollins. Punk said he’s also the guy who has never been world champion. 

Knight called Punk a two-time loser against Rollins, while Knight was the last to pin Rollins. Knight would be the next to pin Rollins and become champion. 

Jey Uso interrupted. Jey was finally thinking clearly. He was the one. The one who never got his singles rematch for the world title. He was up next. 

Knight said this was déjà vu. It was the three of them again (after they wrestled Rollins in Paris). Knight said Jey’s time came and went. Knight knew Jey thought he lost because he wasn’t quite Roman enough. Knight said that was a good thing, but Jey should probably focus on being a tag champion right now. But given The Usos’ recent history, Jey should probably stop sucking at being a tag team first. 

Jimmy marched out after hearing that comment. Knight kept rambling, so thankfully, Jey superkicked him to shut him up. 

Punk (whose hair now looks like Beavis or Butt-head) told Jey that Knight had a point. Maybe Jey should focus on being a tag team. Punk liked Jey Uso—but he didn’t like Little Roman. 

Punk and Jey argued, but Jimmy got between them. Jey was about to superkick Punk, but Jimmy pulled him away. Punk saw the attempt, so he decked Jey. Jimmy didn’t like that, so he superkicked Punk. 

********

There was an Iyo Sky video package outlining her recent history with Asuka. 

A tag match was made official for tonight with CM Punk and LA Knight facing The Usos. There will also be a six-man match with AJ Styles, Dragon Lee and Penta facing Judgment Day. (It’s hilarious that Pearce even suggested there may not be room on the show for one impromptu match, given that there are now three of them.) 

IYO SKY vs. Kairi Sane (w/ Asuka)

Sky wiped out Asuka with a dive before the match officially began, although it didn’t really matter. There was a terrifying spot moments later. 

Sky went after Sane while outside the ring, but a distraction by Asuka allowed Sane to shove her into the side of the ring. Sane followed by giving Sky an Alabama Slam onto the edge of the ring, and boy did it look like Sky’s head slammed right against the ring. Her arms were up, too, so hopefully they caught the brunt of it. (Even worse, this happened during commercials.) Sky continued the match. 

Later on, Sane went for an Insane Elbow, but Sky got her feet up and followed with a corner meteora. 

As in the previous match, the heel outside the ring jumped on the apron, which distracted the babyface. This allowed Sane to cradle Sky—as Asuka held down Sane’s arms for leverage—for the pinfall win.

— After the match, Asuka held down Sky while Sane hit an Insane Elbow. (Ripley is in Australia, so there was no save.) 

Match result: Kairi Sane defeated IYO SKY (9:51) 

********

They aired part two of the three-part video package for Rhodes vs. Rollins. 

Lynch ranted to Rollins backstage about losing to Dupri. She was pissed at the way she was treated and left to tell Pearce she wasn’t going to Australia until they got better referees. 

After she left, Rollins repeated to Heyman that he had to beat Rhodes on Saturday. Rollins asked him what would happen if he lost to Rhodes. Heyman didn’t take that possibility seriously, but Rollins wanted him to consider it. 

Heyman said Rollins would lose the locker room if he lost. He would lose the faith of Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. He would throw away the fact that the entire Netflix era has been built around him. Rollins would become a de facto secondary champion. Heyman told him not to lose. 

Rollins wondered what Heyman would do if he lost. Heyman would have to ask himself why he picked Rollins, and why he picked him over Reigns. Heyman left. 

********

Jey wasn’t happy about Jimmy getting involved and having to wrestle a tag match while he was focused on getting the world title. Jey wondered if Jimmy was protecting Punk earlier, and told him to know what side he’s on tonight. Jey left. 

Jimmy told Reigns that he and Jey were nothing like him. Reigns told Jimmy that if he wanted to help Jey, he should just get out of his way. 

********

Styles “tried” cutting a promo before the match, and seemed like he had something to get off his chest, but he was interrupted by Judgment Day’s music, so he stopped out of frustration. (I think having a microphone allows people to hear you despite music being played.) 

Six-man tag team match: AJ Styles, Dragon Lee & Penta vs. Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio & World Tag Team Champions Finn Bálor & JD McDonagh

They went to break twice in the first 7.5 minutes of the match, so the first 10 minutes included 5 minutes of commercials. 

Absolutely nothing happened during the second break, and Dragon Lee made a hot tag to Penta as soon as they returned. Penta ran wild and went for a Canadian Destroyer, but McDonagh reversed into a Spanish Fly (Joe Tessitore thought it was Penta who hit the offensive move). 

Styles tagged in next and hit a Dom with a spinning rack bomb, but McDonagh broke up the cover. Dragon Lee got rid of McDonagh, and Penta wiped out Bálor with a flip dive. 

Dom went for a 619 on Styles, but stopped in his tracks upon seeing Rusev. Yes, another distraction. 

Rusev marched out, and Dom bailed from the ring. Dom grabbed his belts and tried to escape, but Rusev caught him. Penta went to superkick Dom, but Dom ducked, and Penta superkicked Rusev by mistake. Dom bailed through the crowd. 

Styles grabbed McDonagh and hit a Styles Clash for the pinfall win. 

— Styles grabbed a mic after the match. He said his match against Cena didn’t need a story because it wrote itself. Two men will dance for the last time. They would leave it all in the ring, and it will kick ass. Styles did Cena’s salute. 

Match result: AJ Styles, Dragon Lee & Penta defeated Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio & World Tag Team Champions Finn Bálor & JD McDonagh (14:05) 

********

Crown Jewel card (8 am ET start time, with a 6 am pre-show): 

  • John Cena vs. AJ Styles 
  • Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed – Australian Street Fight 
  • IYO SKY & Rhea Ripley vs. Asuka & Kairi Sane 
  • Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer vs. WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton 
  • World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins vs. Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes 

Raw next week (also an 8 am ET start time): 

  • Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. Penta for the Intercontinental Championship 
  • Bayley & Lyra Valkyria vs. Roxanne Perez & Raquel Rodriguez 

The announcers said Penta earned the IC title shot with tonight’s win (Styles pinned McDonagh in the match). We can probably guess how the match will end, considering what happened with Penta and Rusev tonight.

********

Punk and Knight agreed that neither of them wanted this match tonight. Knight had one thing to ask of Punk: don’t get pinned. 

Knight’s entrance was cut short by Punk, who stormed out to get things started against The Usos. 

CM Punk & LA Knight vs. Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso

Punk and Knight weren’t getting along, and Punk chopped Knight’s chest to tag him in. Jey aggressively launched Knight into the steel steps as the Usos held control through an early break. 

Punk made a hot tag and hit Jimmy with a flying elbow drop. Jimmy slipped out of a GTS attempt and tagged in Jey, who hit an Uso splash, but Knight broke up the cover. Knight gave Jimmy a BFT, then Jey superkicked Knight. Jey speared Punk and went back to the top, but leaped down to knock Knight off the apron. 

Punk gave Jey a GTS, but Knight tagged himself and pinned Jey for the win. 

Match result: LA Knight & CM Punk defeated Jey Uso & Jimmy Uso (9:30) 

A weak finish and match to end a weak show.

AJ Lee reflects on WWE Wrestlepalooza return: ‘I guess I still got it’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

AJ Lee is expressing gratitude for everyone who helped with her WWE return.

After a decade away from the ring, Lee returned to competition in a mixed tag match last Saturday at WWE Wrestlepalooza. She made an Instagram post today reflecting on the moment and showing appreciation for everyone else who was involved in the match. She thanked her husband CM Punk, their opponents Becky Lynch & Seth Rollins, referee Jessika Carr, producer TJ Wilson, her dog Larry, and all of the fans.

“A chaotic fairytale so far. I’m proud of myself for being scared but doing it anyway, after ten years of retirement, on one month’s notice. I guess I still got it,” Lee wrote. “I’m so grateful to Rebecca, Colby, Jess, TJ, and my hot husband Phil for taking such good care of me. And Larry for sharing his dressing room. I’m feeling all the love and support from you guys, my wonderful weirdos, it means the world.”

The mixed tag match ended with Lee using her Black Widow submission on Lynch to get the victory. What’s next for Lee remains to be seen, but her challenging Lynch for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship would appear to be the logical direction.

The 38-year-old Lee has officially signed a new contract with WWE in her return. She was a three-time Divas Champion during her first run with the company, where Lee was one of the most popular characters on WWE programming. A neck injury contributed to her decision to retire in 2015.

Outside of the ring, Lee is a writer and mental health advocate.

Married couple victorious at WWE Wrestlepalooza

Posted on by Josh Nason

For the first time in more than a decade, AJ Lee returned to in-ring action, leaving WWE Wrestlepalooza victorious alongside her tag team partner in life, husband CM Punk.

The duo defeated rivals and fellow married couple Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch at Saturday’s premium live event in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The end came when Lee countered a Lynch Manhandle Slam attempt into a Black Widow submission, eventually getting the reigning Women’s Intercontinental Champion to tap out.

Punk and Rollins were both on the floor at the time, recovering after crashing through an announcer’s table following Lynch throwing Lee into them while on another announcer’s table.

It was Lee’s first match since March 2015 and her first time teaming with Punk since July 2012. She officially returned two weeks ago on SmackDown.

**********

The story of the match was Lee being kept out of the match by Rollins and Lynch who wanted no part of her. She finally did get in as Lynch was holding Punk’s leg, he blew her a kiss, and then backed up for the tag.

She got the better of Lynch with a flurry of offense and then, all four competitors battled it out with the men somewhat getting physical with the women. Punk and Lee hit an assisted sliced bread using Rollins onto a prone Lynch for a nearfall in one sequence.

One close call sequence began with a Lee counter to a disarmer into a Black Widow followed by Punk getting a sharpshooter on Rollins for a near double submission, thwarted by a Rollins eye rake and superkick to Punk. Later, Punk and Lee got double pedigreed by Rollins and Lynch for their own close call.

Another saw Lynch getting Punk in a sharpshooter of her own which he eventually countered, but got hit with a pedigree and curb stomp. Lee broke it up and got hit with a Manhandle slam for a very, very close two count.

It now remains to be seen if and when Lee challenges Lynch for her title and when Punk might challenge Rollins for his.

WWE Wrestlepalooza live results: John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar, AJ Lee’s in-ring return

Posted on by Jeff Moss

WWE kicks off their ESPN era tonight with their first-ever Wrestlepalooza premium live event from Indianapolis, Indiana.

In one of the featured matches, John Cena takes on Brock Lesnar who returns for the first time in more than two years. The two last clashed more than a decade ago.

In another high-profile return, AJ Lee competes for the first time in a decade, joining husband CM Punk against rivals WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.

WWE Champion Cody Rhodes returns after a month off to defend his title against Drew McIntyre after McIntyre put him out of action. It’s Rhodes’ first defense of the title he regained at SummerSlam.

IYO SKY takes on Stephanie Vaquer with the vacant WWE Women’s World title on the line.

Jimmy & Jey Uso will reunite to take on Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed.

The pre-show begins at 5 PM Eastern. The show airs on Netflix outside the U.S.

**********

When you think of the great “Paloozas” of time, Lollapalooza, Chillipalooza, etc, there has until now not been a wrestling even worthy of joining the great “Palooza” lexicon. Fear no more friends for that time is over as WWE presents Wrestlepalooza from the great state of Indiana and for the first time under a newly struck deal, on ESPN.

ESPN viewers got their first taste of the legally mandatory “Wrestlers Arriving To Work” montage and you’ll be happy to know everyone made it there OK. After that, it was right into match number one!

Hahaha gotcha! No, there was an extensive promo package that played comparing WWE and ESPN over the years, showing wrestling and sports have been intertwined over the years and entertainment is key to both.

After it was over, The Triple One himself, HHH appeared in the ring a said that tonight is the “final form” of sports entertainment (take that how you will). He welcomed everyone in and cued the fireworks.

But the show still wasn’t ready to start yet because a black truck pulled up and Mr Indianapolis, Pat McAffee climbed out and sauntered to the join the announce team to a huge ovation.

John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar

OK, I don’t want to deal with this, you don’t want to deal with this, but they are getting it out of the way early, so lets just hold hands and get through it.

Lesnar is 4-2 when it comes to singles matches against Cena. The last time they met was 2014, and Cena walked away with a DQ victory, but took quite a beating in process. Since we last saw him, Lesnar has been lifting presumably large logs and working on his Canadian accent.  

Cena came to the ring with a hoard of children all dressed like him and I swear at one point Lesnar looked confused as to which one he was. Bold strategy, John. Lesnar stomped around the ring as Cena took a moment to highlight the ever present “let’s go Cena/Cena sucks” chant before Alicia Taylor announced the participants.

She got through Cena just fine, but when it came to Lesnar we suddenly heard “Ladies and Gentlemen…” and who should appear but Paul Heyman, longtime manager and mouthpiece for Lesnar. Heyman did his thing and people were excited about that.

The bell rang and Lesnar jumped Cena, sending him into the corner for some shoulders to the gut. Cena punched his way out of it, but Lesnar sent him to the mat with a clothesline, followed by another. Lesnar whipped Cena into the corner, raising welts all over Cena’s back.

Lesnar hit a British Bulldog style powerslam and then threw Cena out of the ring with a suplex. Cena climbed back in and Lesnar locked in a bear hug. Cena fought out of it, and hoisted him up on his shoulders, but Lesnar got free and hit another clothesline.

Lesnar took Cena back to Suplex City (hopefully in time for Suplexpalooza) and tossed him clear across the ring. Cena got up and shoved Lesnar into the turnbuckle. The then hit a dozen shoulders and two back to back AA’s. Cena hit a third AA and Lesnar kicked out at two.

Cena went for his You Can’t See Me Elbow, but Lesnar intercepted and delivered two F5’s. He landed a third F5, but seemed to be in pain doing so. Lesnar hit him again with an F5, bringing the total to four. He didn’t try to pin him though.

Cena staggered to his feet and Lesnar hit a fifth F5, then a quick sixth. Finally he pinned him and the ref counted 1,2,3 to give Lesnar the victory.

Match Result: Brock Lesnar defeated John Cena

After the match, Lesnar went back into the ring and hit an F5 on the ref, then one more on Cena for good measure. Lesnar then took off his gloves and left. Cena staggered out of the ring and up the ramp to “Thank You, Cena” chants.

Not for nothing, but when Lesnar won the match there was barely a cheer from the crowd and no one in the section behind the ring was standing. I can’t for the life of me figure out what this match accomplished, so I’m just going to move on and enjoy whoever Cena faces next on his retirement tour.

The Usos vs. Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker

Jey Uso and LA Knight were in a tag match against Breakker and Reed that went awry. So, it was announced earlier in the night that LA Knight would be the special guest referee for this clash of tag team heavyweights. The Usos have reunited to avenge Roman Reigns who was injured at the hands of Breakker and Reed.

Once Indianapolis was satisfactorily YEET’ed, the bell rang and Reed and Jey kicked things off with a lockup. Reed came out the better and pounded Jey in the corners. Jey turned the tables with a kick to the ear and tagged in Jimmy. They double superkicked Reed and splashed him in the corner.

Reed fought back though and tagged in Breakker. Breaker isolated Jimmy in the corner and laid in some shoulders before throwing him outside. Breakker distracted ref Knight and Reed went for a chair, but Knight saw it and told him to stop. Jimmy picked it up and Knight “turned away” allowing Jimmy to nail Reed with the chair. That brought Breakker to the outside and Jey hit a splash from the top on all three of them.

Back in the ring, Jimmy and Reed fought in the corner, while Jey and Breakker battled on the outside. Breaker got the best of Jey and pulled the rope down so that Jimmy spilled back to the outside. Breakker took a running leap and hit a shoulder on Jimmy. He tossed him back in the ring and went for a cover. Before he could complete it though, he tagged in Breakker and they double teamed Jimmy.

Back on the outside, Reed tried the chair thing again, this time hitting Jimmy in front of Knight, but for some reason he allowed it. Reed tossed the chair and Jimmy back in the ring, with Uso clutching his left knee.

Reed set up the chair in the ring and after a back and forth, Jimmy went for the hot tag, but Reed got one first and Breakker stormed across the ring to take out both Usos. Reed got Jimmy up on his shoulders and Breakker bulldogged him from the top rope.

Breakker went for a pin and argued with Knight when it was only a two count. Reed tagged in and went for a senton, but Jimmy rolled away. When no one was looking, Jimmy set up the chair in between the ropes and lured Reed into it face first.

Jey reappeared on the apron and Jimmy finally got that hot tag. Breakker ran in and Jey punched him into the corner. He hit a crossbody on Breakker but only got a two count. Jimmy pulled a table from under the ring and sent it in to his brother. They both set it up in the middle of the ring, but Brekker and Reed popped up and took them out.

Reed set up the table in the corner with an assist from Knight, the ref. Jey staggered up and Breakker went for a spear, but Jey caught him in a superkick and Jimmy hit one on Reed. The Usos went for a 1D but Reed broke up the pin at two.

Reed put Jey up on the turnbuckle, but Jey fought him off. Breakker ran up for a frankensteiner and then Reed hit Jey with a moonsault. Jimmy got involved and ate a spear from Breakker. Jey then speared Breakker and went up top for an Uso splash, but Breakker would not go down and kicked out at two.

Knight and Reed began arguing at ringside, allowing Jey to hit a superkick and a dive through the ropes. Knight questioned if he was aiming at him, and Heyman threw a chair to Breakker to try and sneak a shot at Jey. Jey intercepted and went to hit Breakker, but Breakker ducked and Jey almost hit Knight. He then threw the chair at reed.

Breakker hit a spear on Jey coming across the ring, covered in Jey’s blodd. Breakker then speared BOTH Usos through the table in the corner. He set up Jey and Reed went up top for a Tsunami. That did it and Reed got the pin, 1-2-3.

Match Result: Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker defeated Jimmy and Jey Uso

I’ll say, it was a fun match, but there was absolutely no reason for LA Knight to be the referee. It would have been easier just to have a No DQ or tables match. Regardless, it was fun and I mean it when I say that Breakker was covered in Uso’s blood.

WWE Women’s World Championship Match: IYO SKY vs. Stephanie Vaquer

For those not in the know, Naomi had to vacate the championship a little more than a month into her reign due to becoming pregnant. That set up this match between Vaquer, who was owed a title shot for winning a Battle Royal at WWE Evolution, and IYO SKY, who was next in line to face Naomi. So, the winner of this match is the new Champion.

The two locked up off the top with Vaquer sending Sky to the mat. The two chain wrestled with Vaquer ending up getting Sky in a waist lock. Sky fought out of it and the two ran the ropes ofr a second before flipping in a few pinning combinations, with the crowd cheering the technical showcase.

Vaquer hit a back drop but Sky was able to avoid the Devil’s Kiss. Sky hit a chop block and a dropkick to sent Vaquer to the ropes. Then she stomped her and hoisted her up for a scoop slam. Sky then dropped double knees on Vaquer and rolled her over for a knee lock. Vaquer kicked her way out of it and wrangled Sky into a tarantula around the ropes.

Sky emerged clutching her arm and Vaquer hit a running leg drop. She then hit a big suplex (a Suplex Burrough as opposed to City, if you will) followed by another. She put Sky in a modified surfboard but Sky was able to slide back and turn it into a lock of her own.

After an exchange, Sky hit a stalling backbreaker on Vaquer and both women collapsed. Sky got back to her feet first and hit a missile dropkick from the top turnbuckle. The crowd was into it and Sky hit a suicide dive onto Vaquer on the outside.

They staggered to their feet by the light of the Old Spice signs and Sky tossed Vaquer back into the ring to avoid a countout. Sky tried a sunsetflip pwerbomb, but Vaquer had it scouted and sent Sky off the apron with a double knee. Vaquer dove on her and then threw her back into the ring to hit a springboard crossbody.

Vaquer picked up the speed and snap suplexed Sky. She charged, but Sky caught her and hit a suplex of her own. Vaquer got back up and suplexed Sky in retaliation. The striking began as they traded punches chops and head butts.

Vaquer went back to the suplex well and the crowd was on their feet. Vaquer took too much time to get the Devil’s Kiss in and Sky managed to knock her down and lock in a crossface. Vaquer flipped out of it and right into a knee from Sky.

Sky went up top, but Vaquer caught her in a dragon screw, yanking Sky’s leg through the ropes. Sky recovered and kicked Vaquer square in the temple. Sky started punching her leg to keep going and pulled Sky into position for an Over the Moonsault. Vaquer got her knees up though and Sky bounced across the ring. Vaquer set her up and hit a second dragon screw.

Vaquer dragged Sky to the center of the ring and locked in the Devil’s Kiss, pounding Sky’s head against the canvas. She hit her signature bomb and went for a pin, but Sky kicked out at two.

Vaquer went up top, but Sky went after her and they battled on the top turnbuckle. Sky set up Vaquer and hit a Spanish Fly, but seemed to knock her own knee in the process. Sky went for the pin, but Vaquer kicked out at two.

Digging deep, Sky exposed her knee for a Bullet Train attack in the corner. She then hit a running knee right to Vaquer’s head and dragged her in position for an Over The Moonsault. Sky leapt, but Vaquer rolled out of the way. Vaquer went up top and hit a spiral moonsault. She landed it and pinned Sky for the three count to become the new WWE Women’s World Champion.

Match Result: Stephanie Vaquer defeated IYO SKY

The crowd was hotter for this match than they have been for anything else tonight. These two put on a hell of a show and Vaquer really earned the Championship here.

-For reasons unknown, Pat McAffee signed off after the Vaquer/Sky match, so Cole and Barrett carried on from here.

Mixed Tag Team Match: CM Punk & AJ Lee vs. Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch

Rollins and Punk have been trying to kill each other for years, but they’ve never gotten their wives involved until now. The exciting part is of course the return of Punk’s wife AJ Lee who hasn’t been in WWE in over a decade. Punk and AJ are 2-0 in mixed tag matches, while Lynch and Rollins went 3-0 in 2019. So, someone’s streak is coming to an end, presuming there’s a winner in this match.

The Rollins Family Entrance for this match began on a platform raised about 40 feet in the air. It lowered into a circle of fireworks and they stomped off of it in matching suits with GIGANTIC shoulders and lapels. It was, by definition, very extra.

Punk arrived in an amazing “AJ’s Husband” jacket and announced that it was clobberin’ time. Lee arrived next to a massive ovation and then walked/skipped down to the ring (I’ll let you guess who skipped and who walked. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised).

Lee wanted to start the match, but Lynch waved her off and Punk and Rollins faced off. Then, Lynch decided she wanted in and started shoving punk. The crowd chanted for a GTS, but instead they got an AJ Lee who tagged in and the match actually started.

Lynch bailed from the ring and Lee chased her until she popped back in and tagged Rollins. Rollins and Lynch started making out so CM Punk hit them both with a suicide dive. He then threw Rollins into the barricades and leapt off them, fighting him in the crowd.

Rollins ran back ro the ring and Punk went for a head lock. Rollins sent him into the corner and Lynch reached over and choked him behind the ref’s back. Punk shook it off and returned the favour, driving Rollins into the corner for Lee to mess with him out of the ref’s sight.

Punk grabbed Rollins for an atomic drop followed by a big chop. He landed an axe handle on Rollins’ head and went up top for a shot from the top rope. Rollins crumpled and Punk tried it again, but Rollins kicked him instead. Punk bounced off the ropes and caught a kick from Lynch. Rollins stomped him until he rolled out of the ring where Lynch sent him into the steps.

Lee ran around to help, but Rollins got in her way. Rollins grabbed Punk and laid him out on the announce table, punching him. He then tossed him back into the ring and hit an axe handle from the top rope. Punk tried to stand, but Rollins stomped his hand and delivered some chops before kicking him in the face.

Rollins went over and kissed Lynch (which apparently didn’t count as a tag) and then threw Punk onto the ropes for a big knee to the back of the head. Punk reached for Lee, but Rollins wouldn’t let it happen. Punk threw punches, but Rollins held him back.

Lee bounced on the ropes as Rollins whipped Punk back into the corner. Punk tried to crawl to the tag, but Rollins intercepted and tried for a suplex. Punk blocked it and tried for one of his own that Rollins blocked. They went back and forth until Punk executed a suplex and crawled over to get the tag. Rollins cut him off again though.

Punk fought hard against Rollins, pushing him closer and closer to finally get the hot tag, but the ref didn’t see it. She put Lee back in her corner allowing Rollins and Lynch to double team Punk. Rollins lifted Lynch up to throw her at Punk, but Punk rolled out and Rollins dropped her right on the mat.

Rollins charged Punk who sent him out and just before he could get the tag, Lynch pulled Lee off the apron. In the ring, Rollins hit a Falcon Arrow, but Punk kicked out at two. Rollins then skipped around thr ring, mocking Lee. He rolled out of the ring and skipped around her before climbing back in.

The mocking might have gone on too long though as Punk scooped him up and hit a GTS, knocking Rollins cold. Punk went to tag Lee, but Lynch grabbed his foot trying to prevent it. Punk blew her a kiss and made the tag anyway.

Lee entered the ring with a Thez press and rained down shots on Lynch. She threw Lynch to the corner and stomped her, then delivering a splash in the corner. Lee climbed the turnbuckles and punched Lynch exactly 10 times before laying Lynch out with a spin kick.

Lee went up top for a crossbody and got a two count, with Lynch just kicking out. Lee pulled Lynch up to her feet and the two traded slaps. Rollins rolled back in and pulled Lee off of Lynch. Lee then punched him in the face about it and then hit a DDT on Lynch. Rollins grabbed her, but Punk arrived and hit a sliced bread with is own wife.

Lynch and Rollins were dazed in each corner and Lee and Punk hit duelling bulldogs and shining wizards. Lee tried for a black widow submission, but Lynch thew her off. Lee tried it again and managed to lock it on. Rollins tried to save his wife, but Punk grabbed him and locked in a sharpshooter. Rollins kicked his way out of it though and Lee put a Black Widow on Seth. Lynch broke it up and she and Rollins hit a double Pedigree on Punk and Lee.

Rollins and Lynch made motions like they were going to hit duelling GTS’s, but Punk sent Rollins to the outside. Lee took advantage and hit Lynch with a Bexploder. Rollins grabbed her ankle and dropped Lee in the ring. Punk then hit a curbstomp on Rollins and Lynch began hitting Punk.

Punk caught her foot through when she went for a kick and looked to put her in a sharpshooter. Rollins interfered, and Lynch put the sharpshooter on Punk! Punk powered out of it and reversed it. Rollins then broke it up with a Pedigree and curb stomp.

Rollins went for the pin, but Lee broke it up. Lynch grabbed her and hit a Manhandle slam, but Lee kicked out at two.

Lynch got to her feet first and threw a few shots at Lee. Lee hit a few of her own until Rollins and Punk pulled them apart so they had room to brawl. Lee and Lynch then pulled them apart and started a brawl of their own. Then everyone brawled.

Lee and Punk sent Rollins and Lynch out of the ring and Punk flipped Rollins over the announce table. Lee took the monitors off the Spanish Announce Table and Punk began to clear Cole and Barrett’s table. They grabbed Lynch and Rollins and put them on the tables.

Rollins and Lynch woke up and reversed it though, with Lynch sending Lee into Punk and Rollins, collapsing their table. Lynch grabbed Lee and threw her back into the ring. Lynch went for a Manhandle, but Lee locked in a Black Widow, forcing Lynch to tap out.

Match Result: CM Punk & AJ Lee defeated Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch

That was a ton of fun. Lynch and Rollins are some of the best characters in WWE right now and Punk and Lee made her return a really good one. It was a great match that ticked all the boxes without making them feel like a list. Great work by all four.

We were all set for the Main Event when suddenly we were interrupted by the Undertaker’s dong. The American Badass rolled down to the ring on his motorcycle and hopped into the ring while Stephanie McMahon clapped at ringside.

Undertaker grabbed a mic and asked her if he could sit next to her in the crowd. They sat down and discussed what they did last weekend. They had a pleasant conversation and then Undertaker asked her “… are you ready?” He then announced that Stephanie would be be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2026. They hugged as the crowd cheered.

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre

Cody Rhodes wears big coats. Drew McIntyre occasionally wears a big coat. That has nothing to do with this match, but they are some nice coats. Anyway, McIntyre put Rhodes out of action for a month via Claymore to the face, so there’s some animosity there. Rhodes issued this challenge to settle the face-kicking thing once and for all, here in the Main Event of the only palooza that matters, Wrestlepalooza.

McIntyre started off the match by approaching Rhodes and opening his arms as if asking for a hug. Rhodes didn’t go for it though and the two started to fight with McIntyre sending Rhodes into the ropes and landing a headlock.

They traded blows with Rhodes landing a bionic elbow and bringing McIntyre to his knees. Rhodes went for a Cody Cutter, but stalled and seemed to fall over, indicating that maybe he isn’t at 100%. He put a waist lock on McIntyre to fought out of it and armdragged Rhodes. Rhodes hit a disaster kick and sent McIntyre out of the ring.

Rhodes went for a suicide dive but McIntyre caught him and sent him into the ring post before throwing Rhodes over the announce table. He put Rhodes back in the ring and he stumbled again, allowing McIntyre to get a couple of belly-to-belly throws in.

McIntyre charged and Rhodes moved, sending him into the ring post. McIntyre lured Rhodes out of the ring and hit an Alabama Slam onto the steel steps. He thew Rhodes back into the ring, but could only get a two count.

Rhodes covered up as McIntyre stomped and punched him. McIntyre went up to the top turnbuckle, but Rhodes followed and landed a superplex. Both slowly got to their feet and started trading punches. Rhodes landed a powerslam and then a disaster kick. He landed a Cody Cutter but looked dazed in between.

He set up McIntyre for a Crossrhodes, but McIntrye got a way and delivered a Glasgow kiss. He then grabbed Rhodes on the top turnbuckle and hit a while noise for a two count. He tried for a Claymore, but Rhodes caught him and stacked him up for a two count.

Rhodes then wrapped McIntyre up in a figure four, but he was able to throw him off. While the ref checked on Rhodes, McIntyre pulled the turnbuckle pad off. McIntyre stacked up Rhodes, but the ref was out of position and couldn’t count the three in time. Rhodes took advantage of the situation and hit a Crossrhodes. McIntyre kicked out at two. McIntyre then landed a Claymore kick, but Rhodes wouldn’t go down and kicked out at two.

On the outside, McIntyre set Rhodes up against the announce table for a big boot. The ref tried to stop McIntyre, but he went for it and Rhodes rolled out of the way. McIntyre kicked through the Announce table, screaming with pain. He went back in and hit a Glasgow kiss. Mcintyre tried for a Claymore, but his leg buckled, allowing Rhodes to hit a super cutter.

Rhodes hit a picture perfect Crossrhodes and pinned McIntyre 1,2,3 to get the victory and retain the title.

Match Result: Cody Rhodes defeated Drew McIntyre

Pretty good main event! I liked Cody selling the potential head injury and McIntyre is very good and playing a villain. The stuff with the Ref might come back to haunt Rhodes, but for the most part, lots of fun and a good night of wrestling!