Long rumored to be a part of Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes’ WWE WrestleMania feud, a recent report revealed that Ted DiBiase Jr. was never considered for it.
At WWE WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, Nevada, fans saw Ted DiBiase Jr. in attendance with his lawyer. Despite DiBiase Jr. being found not guilty in a fraud case, a recent report from Fightful Select revealed that he was never considered to be involved in Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes’ WrestleMania feud.
Based on DiBiase Jr’s past storyline connection to Orton and Rhodes, fans heavily speculated him to be a part of the feud. However, that did not happen, and despite him being in the stadium and filming his reactions, there were reportedly no “serious considerations” for DiBiase Jr. to get involved.
Fightful Select also reported that while DiBiase Jr. attended WrestleMania with his lawyer, he was not invited by WWE as a guest. Instead, he was in town for WrestleCon. One of Fightful’s sources speculated that he was sponsored by the water company on his shirt for a ticket.
Before WWE WrestleMania 42, Orton, while speaking to Culture Kings, revealed that he was owed $25,000 by DiBiase Jr., although the reason for this still seems missing.
Ted DiBiase Jr. opens up after acquittal
After being found not guilty on multiple charges in the fraud case, Ted DiBiase Jr. shared a statement on his social media regarding the acquittal.
“They got it right. And I give all the glory to God. I give all the credit to my lord and savior, to [my legal team]. I think they did an amazing job of portraying the truth,” DiBiase said. “Seven years of being slandered and made to be something that is completely false has about torn my family apart, but we’re strong. And I’ve had so many friends and so much family that have come around us. And I’m proud that we’ve walked through this. And I’m so thankful that it’s over.”
Prior to the main event, John Cena announced the official attendance number, noting there was a lot of speculation ahead of the announcement. He announced the number at 50,816. After Biana Belair announced her pregnancy, Cena upped it to 50,817. The attendance numbers for this year’s WrestleMania have been a source of speculation as ticket sales have stalled compared to last year’s number, enough for it to become a focal point in WWE’s WrestleMania build.
Rhea Ripley wrote: “I’m in f’n tears!! Congratulations @BiancaBelairWWE & @MontezFordWWE selfishly I don’t wanna lose you for another year… but this is also the sweetest most heart warming news ever!! Love you guys!!!”
AJ Lee lost the Women’s Intercontinental title on Saturday, losing to Becky Lynch after being shoved face first into a thunbuckle. After the match, social media footage showed CM Punk handing Lee flowers.
WWE held their usual Hall of Fame roll call during the show. Notably, the families of Legacy inductees Bad News Brown and Psycho Sid were part of the roll call. Gunnar Eudy, who was critical of the way his father was presented earlier on Saturday in a social media message, was there in attendance.
Eudy had called the ceremony “straight up disappointing” and “disrespectful as hell.”
Ted DiBiase Jr. was in attendance at WrestleMania, joined by his lead defense attorney Scott Gilbert. He credited Gilbert as “saving his life,” referring to his trial regarding misuse of Mississippi welfare funds where he was recently found not guilty. DiBiase noted that Gilbert is now running for judge in Rankin & Madison County, Mississippi.
“The Judge”.. meet Scott Gilbert, the man who saved my life. We “might” be at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. He’s now running for judge in Rankin & Maddison County, Mississippi. He is man of integrity and fights for truth, despite the “Fake News”. Here’s to the TRUTH! 🍻 pic.twitter.com/ikt2vAXTph
Ted DiBiase Jr.’s legal battle is now over with him being found not guilty on all 13 charges he was facing.
On Friday, a Mississippi jury returned “not guilty” verdicts on every charge DiBiase was accused of, which included embezzlement, conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering. The case stemmed from a welfare fraud scandal where the DiBiase family and others — including NFL legend Brett Favre — were accused of inappropriately receiving millions of dollars in government funds.
The charges against DiBiase could have seen him sentenced to more than 160 years in federal prison if he were convicted on all counts.
After the verdict was delivered, an emotional DiBiase spoke to media outside the courthouse. He also was seen hugging his brother Brett, who previously pleaded guilty in the scandal.
“They got it right. And I give all the glory to God. I give all the credit to my lord and savior, to [my legal team]. I think they did an amazing job of portraying the truth,” DiBiase said. “Seven years of being slandered and made to be something that is completely false has about torn my family apart, but we’re strong. And I’ve had so many friends and so much family that have come around us. And I’m proud that we’ve walked through this. And I’m so thankful that it’s over.”
At the center of the scandal was a Mississippi official named John Davis who was close friends with DiBiase.
“The welfare scandal came to light in 2020 when the former director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services, John Davis, was indicted on fraud and embezzlement charges alongside several others, including Ted DiBiase Jr.’s brother former pro-wrestler Brett DiBiase,” WFTV News in Mississippi wrote.
“Federal indictments accuse Davis of directing the federal dollars to two nonprofits, which then awarded ‘sham contracts’ to various people and organizations, including several companies owned by DiBiase, for social services that were never provided.”
DiBiase is a former Tag Team Champion for WWE and is best known in wrestling for being part of The Legacy with Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes. He last wrestled for the company in 2013.
*A look at Saturday Night’s Main Event, the interest level, the Royal Rumble and Rumble odds *Big Bad Bobby Duncum, a look at the career of a worldwide headliner who worked on top with almost every major babyface of the 70s, including big WWF and AWA runs and Japanese major tournaments *CMLL has a big business week with Bandido, Ricochet, Komander, Gates of Agony and Lee Moriarty. A look at some of the best matches so far this year and the craziness that ruined could have been the best of all of them. *A look at prior plans for 2025 PPV shows that changed *A look at Netflix numbers over the past six months, as well as how every PPV in 2025 did and some surprises in that direction, as well as how Smackdown did internationally as well as NXT, and how shows that went head-to-head with AEW PPVs drew. *Notes on the TNA ratings for the first show on AMC and what they tell us. *TNA Genesis coverage *2025 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards ballot *More AEW stars to CMLL next week *AAA TV taping notes *Thoughts on the current AAA product and how it relates to Lucha Libre and WWE *Stardom makes claim against Marigold *Saya Kamitani returns early *Notes about a mainstream model who became one of the first big stars in Stardom and women’s MVP *Best tag team match of the year *New Japan next major show lineup *Eight promotions combine for a singles tournament *The potential best actual wrestler in the world signs with RAF *Feast or Fired thoughts *More on AEW’s future with the WBD sale to Netflix *Trey Miguel situation *Ticket sales for upcoming WWE & AEW shows *The most detailed look at the TV ratings over the past week *UFC returns to action with first big show of 2026 *Top exec since the inception of PFL leaves *More notes regarding a lawsuit against Vince McMahon and WWE *WWE headliner talks bowing out *WWE and AEW injury updates *Punk movie box office *Talent coming and going from promotions *TKO and WWE execs get millions this quarter
This issue covers the following topics:
The changes in the WrestleMania plans, the Drew McIntyre title win, Roman Reigns return and the whys.
WWE getting Will Hobbs while AEW signs a slew of new talent as well. A look at each case-by-case.
Notes on the big weekend coming to Mexico City
Kayla Harrison injury and what is the future for the biggest women’s fight in years
Win-loss records and total bouts for all top WWE/NXT talent in 2025
WWE Iron Man winner from 1984-2025
What cutting back on the schedule has taught us about injuries
Who gets protected in booking and who doesn’t
The problem with the current schedule and development of young talent
A star who has been around through various eras talks timing and injuries and best schedule
A look at TNA’s debut on AMC, what went right and wrong
When did wrestling start being a work. Studying of history shows it’s a lot earlier than you would think
Odds for WWE matches upcoming
The most detailed look at the ratings of all the pro wrestling shows this past week, as well as comparisons with the past and a look at the level of declines and why
What wrestler has already main evented 12 sold out shows in 2026
One woman wrestler announces retirement and another retires
Kazuchika Okada in Japan
Most watched New Japan World matches of 2025
Ted DiBiase Jr. on trial
Death of Rick Link, from fan clubs to main events
Jesse Ventura speaks about the current political environment
The greatest wrestler in the world signs with Eric Bischoff’s promotion
— I will be doing a show today with Garrett Gonzales covering the news of the week and will be back on Saturday night covering Saturday Night’s Main Event, UFC 324 Collision and other weekend news.
— SmackDown is tonight in Montreal and had 8,000 tickets out as of yesterday. The show features Damian Priest vs. Trick Williams, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax & Lash Legend vs. Giulia & Kiana James with the winners facing Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky for the tag titles, Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy defend the tag titles against two members of the MFTs, Jade Cargill defends the women’s title against Chelsea Green, AJ Styles is on the show and Carnelo Hayes will have an open challenge. With only three matches scheduled for SNME tomorrow night, I would expect a fourth match to be made tonight.
— It appears Royce Keys will be the name for Powerhouse Hobbs in WWE. At least they could have called him Rickson.
–Smackdown did 968,000 viewers for the show last Friday. We had all the demo info and comparisons in the Observer but not the total viewer number. Friday’s show using the old panel data did 1,203,000 viewers and an 0.29 in 18-49 while the new method was 968,000 and 0.21, or 24 percent higher in viewers and 38 percent higher in 18-49. These are not minor differences. (thanks to Wrestlenomics)
— At press time we still don’t have the Tuesday NXT number. I would expect that number and the Wednesday AEW numbers to be out today.
— Daniel Cormier and Justin Gaethje had a talk about fighter pay when Gaethje went to Cormier who was saying with the new UFC rights deal that everyone is making more than they did and Gaethje said he’s making the same. Gaethje asked why you would say that when you have no idea. Cormier said that he knows. Gaethje said he was fighting for the same money as pre-deal and Cormier said “I never said everybody.”
— The first UFC show of the year is tomorrow night in Las Vegas. Dana White was talking that the show will have an $11 million gate. The show on Paramount+ starts at 5 p.m:
Adam Fugitt (171) vs. Ty Miller (170)
Josh Hokit (234.5) vs. Denzel Freeman (257.5)
Michael Johnson (156) vs. Alexander Hernandez (155.5)
Alex Perez (128.5) vs. Charles Johnson (126) – Perez missed weight by 2.5 and was fined 20 percent of his purse
Nikita Krylov (205.5) vs. Modestas Bukauskas (204)
Ateba Gautier (186) vs. Andrey Pulyaev (186)
Deiveson Figueiredo (138.5) vs Umar Nurmagomedov (136) – Figueiredo missed weight by 2.5 pounds and was fined 20 percent of his purse
Arnold Allen (145.5) vs. Jean Silva (146)
Natallia Silva (126) vs. Rose Namajunas (125.5)
Waldo Cortes-Acosta (262) vs. Derrick Lewis (263.5)
Sean O’Malley (135.5) vs. Song Yadong (136)
Justin Gaethje (155) vs. Paddy Pimblett (154) for the interim lightweight title
There was a very bad situation earlier today at the weigh-ins. Cameron Smotherman, who was to face Ricky Turcios, weighed in at 135.5. He seemed fine, got off the scale, was walking away and just collapsed. The fight has been canceled.
— The Toronto Raptors NBA team announced WWE Night on 2/4 in their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Fans will get a WWE/Raptors wrestling mask.
— NWA champion Thrillbilly Silas Mason and 80s headliner Tommy Rich will be on Memphis Wrestling tomorrow. Rich, who grew up in Hendersonville, TN, was a star on the Jarrett circuit before he became a national star on Georgia Championship Wrestling in the late 70s and into the 80s.
— The reason Ted DiBiase Jr. is asking for a mistrial in his misappropriation of funds case is because he said attorney Scott Gilbert, who heads his defense, is dealing with a sudden medical issue that has left him incapacitated and would be unable to finish the trial. He said he’s had Gilbert representing him since 2020 in this case.
— The Skyscraper climb on Netflix that the service has heavily promoted for weeks starts tonight at 8 p.m. Eastern. Seth Rollins will be a guest on the show.
— Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling show for tomorrow night has been canceled due to the weather. The weather is expected to be so bad that Tony Khan made the call Wednesday to cancel taping in Arlington, TX and they taped Collision instead in Orlando Wednesday night.
— We’re looking for reports on tonight’s Impact tapings in Albuquerque. Matches scheduled are Nic Nemeth vs. BDE, Eleyna Black vs. ?, Elijah vs. Jason Hotch plus they announce the Feast or Fired briefcases. We’re looking for results, angles and highlights to [email protected]
— CMLL has a big advance for tonight’s Arena Mexico show. It’s been two months since they were under 14,000 which is crazy when you think about it. The top bouts tonight are Mistico & Mascara Dorada vs. Averno & Angel de Oro, Templario & Titan & Flip Gordon (returning after knee surgery) vs. Cavernario & Soberano Jr. & Yutani and Esfinge & Star Black & Star Jr. vs. Barboza & Difunto & Furia Roja. Sunday’s Arena Mexico has Mistico & Titan & Atlantis Jr. vs. Gran Guerrero & Ultimo Guerrero & Stuka Jr and Esfinge & Star Black & Xelhua vs. Valiente & Euforia & El Terrible. Puebla on Monday has Mistico & Dorada & Atlantis Jr. vs. Ultimo Guerrero & Gran Guerrero & Stuka Jr.
— On the upcoming Fantastica Mania tour in Japan, New Japan World will be airing shows on 2/18 in Tokyo at the Yoyogi Gym, 2/24 in Osaka at the smaller Edion Arena as well as the big shows on 2/26 and 2/27 from Korakuen Hall.
— AAA will air at 9 p.m. Eastern tomorrow night on YouTube with Laredo Kid vs. Mini Vikingo vs. Octagon Jr. for the cruiserweight title, Pagano & Psycho Clown vs. Motor City Machine Guns for the tag titles and El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. vs. Mecha Wolf for the Latin American title.
— Shocker’s situation continues to be sad. Battling drug addiction issues for decades, the former box office star and Dusty Rhodes favorite was arguing with his wife allegedly about her being mad he wanted to go out and buy drugs while going through withdrawals, and he punched a mirror in the house, cutting his fist up.
— The Beekeeper 2, a movie Adam Copeland is in that stars Jason Statham, will have its theatrical release on January 15, 2027.
— Leilani Kai turned 69 today. She was the best of the American women wrestlers in the 80s. Nigel McGuinness turns 50 and Will Hobbs turns 35. Dominic DeNucci was born on this day in 1932 and Giant Baba was born on this day in 1938. Hall of Famer Bobby Bruns died 43 years ago today at the age of 68. Archie Gouldie, the famed Mongolian Stomper, died ten years ago today at the age of 79. Ice Train died two years ago today at 58.
*Polls on Worlds End plus Continental Classic MVP and best match polls.
*The story of the WWE/UFC merger and Vince McMahon’s resignation, how real was it, the big unanswered question about the WWE Board of Directors, lots of Discovery information in the shareholders lawsuit against WWE, McMahon, TKO, Nick Khan and others, things behind the scenes about the merger, and the change in plans prior to the 2023 WrestleMania in more detail than ever before.
*Full coverage of AEW Worlds End and business notes on the show
*The retirement of Hiroshi Tanahashi and the Tokyo Dome show
*The record setting 2025 at Arena Mexico and biggest attendance week in the 92 years of CMLL, a look at the last week as well as how many Americans are at the shows.
*The few times in history that a company sold out a major arena three times in the same week.
*A look at the Stardom Dream Queendom show
*Pro Wrestling NOAH hosts the first major show of 2026
*Weekly ods
*2026 Observer award ballot
*Most detailed look at the TV ratings from the past week.
*Weedings and engagements in pro wrestling this past week
*All Japan has its best match of 2025
*William Regal and others talk about neck injuries in pro wrestling and our thoughts on it as well as the reaction of some
*Who had the most great matches in 2025
*How Eric Bischoff’s new promotion is similar to Sam Muchnick starting out as a promoter
*Company does a Vince McMahon/Janel Grant angle on its TV show
Becky Lynch following her Women’s Intercontinental title win: ‘My phone has been blowing up with calls from the BIGGEST celebrities, MASSIVE sports stars, dignitaries from all over the world CONGRATULATING me and THANKING me for beating Maxxine last night! As YOUR Intercontinental champion, I represent each and EVERY one of you (even my HATERS)!!! MANY people are saying I’m the greatest champion in the WHOLE GALAXY!!! THEY should rename it the GALACTIC CHAMPIONSHIP!!! Something to look into.”
Je’Von Evans’ mom reacted to the news of her son signing with Raw in a Facebook post: “The first time our son signed his WWE (NXT) contract, it was on our kitchen table with the “Fantastic 4” there to witness. The second WWE contract he signed…..was last night, for RAW…..and was in front of the entire world!!!! 2 years…..from kitchen tables to major stages but even years before was PUTTING IN WORK! We ALWAYS knew…..the world is just catching up!!! Malachi Jeffers, proud is a WHOLE UNDERSTATEMENT! Soar son, SOAR!”
CM Punk talked to Fox 5 New York on his role in the upcoming film ‘Night Patrol’ and his match against Bron Breakker on Raw.
TMZ reported that Nikki Bella has been on dates with Cooper DeJean of the Philadelphia Eagles, but still considers herself single.
WWE ID Women’s Champion Laynie Luck will defend the title against Ivelisse at Shine Wrestling this coming Sunday.
CMLL has released a poster for their Arena Mexico show on Friday that will be headlined by Mistico squaring off against Barbaro Cavernario for the CMLL Light Heavyweight title.
PWInsider is reporting that Jake Roberts is scheduled to undergo a hip revision surgery tomorrow.
They also report that Duke ‘The Dumpster’ Drose is set for a court appearance next week. He is charged with one count of attempted aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor.
Jury selection has begun in the trial of Ted DiBiase Jr., who is charged with misappropriating millions in safety net funds in the state of Mississippi.
Jaime Dundee wrote on social media that he was ‘good’ after flipping his truck three times: “Well flipped my truck 3 times yesterday I’m sore as hell but I’m good seatbelt saved me from being ejected ..trucks totalled but I’m not lol …”
Warhorse posted a picture of himself recovering from foot surgery: “1 METAL PLATE AND 6 SCREWS LATER…OPERATION WAS A SUCCESS. NOW I’M MORE METAL THAN EVER.”
The new issue of the Observer is up on the site today. Sorry for the delay but there were a number of things having to do with Christmas travel and the weather that basically cost me a full day. But it’s a very heavy issue with two major stories, one on AEW going forward business wise and the many key aspects of media rights and different ways it can go in 2027. The other is a story on Roland Bock, who had one of the most famous pro wrestling matches of the 70s with Antonio Inoki, the famed Stuttgart Massacre, and was one of the most intriguing and controversial pro wrestlers of that era.
*Where AEW stands today, and the key out of the ring and out of their hands challenges that will face them between now and the end of 2027
*AEW’s ratings growth outside the U.S. this past year
*AEW’s television ratings decline with the different factors involved
*Key aspects of the WBD sale and what it means to AEW
*What AEW didn’t do in 2025 as far as new deals that were talked about one year ago
*Estimating using different methods how many U.S. viewers AEW Dynamite really gets
*How things have changed greatly in the past year
*Business of AEW Worlds End
*Gambling odds for matches
*A look at AAA Guerra de Titanes, one of WWE’s best shows of the year
*Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul and business numbers and record level manipulation of numbers
*Ric Flair and Mike Tyson file lawsuit against former business partner
*The life and times of Roland Bock, one of the most intriguing pro wrestling characters of the 1970s, his famous matches with Antonio Inoki, the reality of those matches, his tough guy reputation, the legendary tough guy whose career he ended and just how different pro wrestling was back then. We go from being tortured as a child, to developing a street fighter rep, going to the Olympics in wrestling, his attempt to pioneer a promotional style that got big in Japan several years later, why his career didn’t explode in Japan and everything from wrestling bears to bulls
*Who is eligible for the 2025 Rookie of the Year award
*The most detailed look at the ratings over the past week
*Update on 2025 Arena Mexico attendance
*A look at CMLL Dream Match Night
*Ozawa talks awards
*WrestleKingdom updates
*A look at the life and career of Mark Wolf
*Rick Link goes into hospice care
*Jerry Lawler returns to WMC
*Grandson of Hawaiian pro wrestling legend is starting QB at USC, headed to a bowl game an an NFL prospect
*Ticket sales to upcoming WWE,AEW and TNA shows
*Lots of AEW news notes
*Jim Ross responds to DVon Dudley
*Updates on multiple lawsuits against TKO and judges concerns about evidence in two different cases
*WrestleMania ticket sales as well as the next two AEW PPV sales
— Bryan and I will be back tonight covering Raw, talking about information that came out today regarding the WWE sale and memos that are in evidence, William Regal and Kenny Omega, Anthony Joshua, Don Frye, Stardom and much more.
— Brandon Thurston at Post Wrestling ran a story here, and it’s a must read. Among the key points were that the very day a family member convinced Vince McMahon to resign, Mark Shapiro had already laid out a scenario about Vince laying low and selling the company to Endeavor. They also show communication with McMahon, after he was out of the company, in contact with Ari Emanuel before he came back with the idea of putting it for sale to the best bidder. The lawsuit is that the plaintiffs are claiming WWE didn’t get the best deal but took the deal that would assure Vince McMahon stayed in power. Of course he didn’t stay in power. But there was information Liberty Media and KKR were working on a bid, but never finished nor obtained enough information from WWE to finalize an offer. There was also confirmation McMahon was involved in the decision for Roman Reigns to beat Cody Rhodes at WM 39, although we knew that at the time, but this article did have confirmation of that with McMahon asking Nick Khan if they had told Rhodes and Reigns the new finish.
— Don Frye was hospitalized for three weeks recently with heart issues which he talked about in a video. He noted that both Gary Goodridge and his daughter essentially forced him to go to the hospital.
— Raw tonight if from Orlando. They were close to sold out with almost 11,000 tickets out this morning. Stephanie Vaquer vs. Nikki Bella vs. Raquel Rodriguez for the women’s title and Dragon Lee & AJ Styles face The Usos for the tag titles. Rey Mysterio has a singles match with Austin Theory.
— CMLL had a big weekend, selling out Arena Mexico in advance on Friday, Arena Coliseo on Saturday, Arena Mexico yesterday and Puebla today. Much of that is holiday related as Sunday in particular always does well this time of year as last year they drew 10,000 for the similar show and that’s double or more of usual Sunday. But still, it shows how hot the company is and the Christmas week that they sold out and were headed toward a sellout midweek before the lineup was even announced. Pueblia was sold out to the point they didn’t even open the box office today. Both Mistico on Friday and Atlantis Jr. on Saturday gave speeches to the fans during the show thanking them for the company having a great year, basically a rah-rah thing. Templario & Titan vs. Difunto & Hechicero headline the final Arena Mexico show of the year tomorrow.
— We’re looking for your thoughts on Worlds End, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]. We are also looking for your thoughts on both the best match overall of the Continental Classic tournament and MVP of the tournament.
— The trial of Ted DiBiase Jr. on conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, six counts of wire fraud and two counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds as well as four counts of money laundering will begin this coming Tuesday. This is regarding misappropriations of Mississippi money geared toward the needy for his own personal use. This was a heavily publicized news story because some of the money was diverted to NFL great Brett Favre.
— Stardom sold out Sumo Hall in Tokyo with 6,563 fans today for Stardom Dream Queendom. It was said to be a great show with Saya Kamitani retaining her World of Stardom title over Saori Anou in the main event with a revolution Star crusher. Kamitani will next defend the title against Starlight Kid.
— Most of the WWE content on Peacock will be taken down on Thursday. What will remain is Smackdown, Saturday Night’s Main Event and NXT major shows. All the territorial stuff will be gone.
— We’re also looking for reports from these WWE house shows:
Friday night in Baltimore
Saturday night in Pittsburgh
Sunday night in Jacksonville, FL
Sunday night in Rochester, NY
Tomorrow night in Detroit
Tomorrow night in Estero, FL
We’re looking for results, finishes and highlights to [email protected]
— Stardom has announced American Dream 2026 in Vegas. They will be doing a show over Mania weekend in Las Vegas. More details to come.
— UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall confirmed he needed surgery on both eyes. He said he had one already and the second surgery will be in mid-January. His eyes were poked which caused a premature ending of his title defense with Cyril Gane a few months back and there is no time as to when he’ll be able to return.
— The movie “Night Patrol,” a horror movie that features CM Punk, will be released in theaters on 1/16. The movie is about a Los Angeles Police Department officer having to put aside his differences with the area’s street gangs when he finds a local police task force is harboring a horrific secret that endangers the residents of the housing projects he grew up in.
— Nikki Bella, who grew up in Scottsdale, AZ, will be the Grand Marshal for the 53rd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade in the city that takes place on Saturday at 10 a.m. in Central Phoenix.
— Awesome Championship Wrestling on Saturday night in Poughkeepsie, NY at the Mid Hudson Civic Center has Matt Cardona vs. Mike Santana, Indi Hartwell vs. Shotzi Blackheart and Zack Clayton vs. Real One (Enzo Amroe), plus Tommy Dreamer, The Righteous, Crowbar, Joey Janels, Jordan Oliver and a Rumble match.
— Masked Republic has announced 1/24 in Laredo, TX, 1/25 in San Antonio and 1/31 in Loveland, CO and 2/1 in Denver with LA Park vs. Pirata Morgan and Sam Adonis vs. Tinieblas Jr. El Hijo de Rey Misterio is also on the tour.
— Tomorrow’s WWE show in Estero, FL has CM Punk vs. Bronson Reed for the WWE title, Kabuki Warriors vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss for the tag titles. Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre will headline Detroit tomorrow night.
— NXT is still a taped show tomorrow with Ethan Page vs. Moose for the North American title, Jacy Jayne vs. Wren Sinclair non-title, Ricky Saints vs. Je-Von Evans, Lexis King vs. Tavion Heights in the Speed tournament and Bronco Nima & Lucien Price vs. Ricky Smokes & Brad Baylor and a Joe Hendry concert.
— In yesterday’s update we noted a sold out show in Cordoba Mexico on Saturday and noted Mascara Dorada listed in the main event but he couldn’t have been there because he was in Chicago for Worlds Collide. In fact, it was Templario who teamed with Mistico & Rey Pegasus vs. Averno & Euforia & Jaque Mate Jr.
— I will be featured as a guest on tomorrow’s Denise Salcedo show.
— Justin Roberts, the AEW ring announcer turned 46 today. Dr. Sam Sheppard, the inventor of the mandible claw and the subject of the TV show “The Fugitive” which was one of the biggest shows of its era, was born on this day 102 years ago. Steve Williams passed away 16 years ago today at the age of 49. The Amazing Zuma passed away four years ago today at 85. Killer Khan passed away two years ago today at 77. (thanks to Tony Richards)
— Defy from last night in Los Angeles: El Primohenio won over El Mexica, Alan Angels and Chris Nasty, Starboy Charlie b Royce Isaacs, Brittnie Brooks b Johnnie Robbie, Kiren Grey b Steven Borden Jr., Judas Icarus & Travis Williams retained the Defy tag titles over Sonico & Fatal, Viva Van b La Vipress, Bryan Keith b Timothy Thatcher to retain the Defy title. (thanks to Matt Farmer)
— Sting was at the show last night to watch his son wrestle. He talked to some of the talent by the ring before the show and watched it from the production booth.
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Tuesday Update
WWE
An angle was shot last on Raw that saw NXT’s Nathan Frazer have a confrontation with Dominik Mysterio.
Anthony Bowens was named in Out Magazine’s Out 100 list, placing first in the Groundbreakers category. AEW congratulated Bowens on X, writing “Congratulations to @bowens_official on being named the #1 Groundbreaker on the @outmagazine 2023 Out100 list! A list highlighting this year’s most impactful & influential LGBTQ+ people!”
Bowens wrote on X: “I’m extremely honored to be named the #1 groundbreaker on the @outmagazine 2023 Out100 list. A list highlighting this [year’s] most impactful & influential LGBTQ+ people. I love you all & thank you for coming along with me on this amazing journey.”
Sports Illustrated has an article on Claudio Castagnoli’s love for both pro wrestling and coffee.
Andrade El Idolo will face El Hijo Del Vikingo at Wrestlecade’s Supershow event on November 25.
According to PWInsider, Ted DiBiase Jr. is set to face trial for six counts of wire fraud, among other charges, on July 16, 2024.
All Japan Pro Wrestling has announced that Jonathan Gresham will be part of their Giant Series 2023 event.
Ted DiBiase Sr. believes the only reason his family is being targeted as part of the Mississippi welfare funds scandal is due to his famous name.
DiBiase Sr. and sons DiBiase Jr. and Brett DiBiase are being sued by the Mississippi Department of Human Services. The state is alleging the father and sons misappropriated funds meant to go to nonprofit organizations to address poverty.
DiBiase spoke with News 4 Jacksonville recently about the case and referred to it as “a bunch of garbage.”
“We’re doing good,” said DiBiase. “And all of that is a bunch of garbage. I’m not at liberty to talk about it but you know it’s kind of like they’re looking for a scapegoat.”
He continued to say that his family is being made a scapegoat.
“We’re caught in the middle of it. If I didn’t have a celebrity name they wouldn’t even be looking at me,” DiBiase continued.
The lawsuit lists DiBiase Sr. as owing $1,971,223, DiBiase Jr. as owing $2,897,487, and Brett DiBiase as owing $824,258.
Dibiase Jr. has been charged criminally in relation to the scandal as well. He is facing six counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, four counts of money laundering, and two counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds.
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is back with tons to talk about including legal woes for Ted DiBiase Jr., more on the Twitch deal for WWE talent, your Dynamite report, NXT ratings, and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!
Former WWE wrestler Ted DiBiase Jr. has been charged with misappropriating government funds intended for low-income individuals and needy families in the state of Mississippi.
The Department of Justice issued a press release on Thursday announcing that Dibiase has been charged with six counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, four counts of money laundering, and two counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds.
If convicted Dibiase faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for each wire fraud charge, 10 years for each money laundering charge, and five years for each conspiracy charge.
Dibiase along with others are alleged to have fraudulently obtained millions of dollars in funds from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program (TANF) as well as The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).
John Davis was the executive director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services when the alleged scheme took place. He is accused of directing federal funds to two non-profit organizations and directing them to award “sham contracts” to various businesses and individuals including Dibiase’s Familiae Orientem LLC and Priceless Ventures LLC. Millions of dollars are alleged to have been directed to Dibiase’s companies “for social services that DiBiase did not provide and did not intend to provide.” He is accused of using the funds to purchase a boat, and another vehicle, as well as to make the down payment on a house and other expenditures.
Ted Dibiase Sr, Brett Dibiase, and Ted Dibiase Jr. were named in a civil suit by the Mississippi Department of Human Services last May related to the scandal. The lawsuit alleges DiBiase Sr. owes $1,971,223 in illegally obtained funds, DiBiase Jr. owes $2,897,487, and Brett DiBiase owes $824,258. NFL legend Brett Favre was also listed in the lawsuit.
Dibiase Jr. was with WWE from 2006 to 2013. He was a member of Randy Orton’s legacy faction and twice won the promotion’s tag titles with Cody Rhodes.
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Shawn Michaels was interviewed by the San Antonio Express News about WWE’s upcoming Royal Rumble event at the Alamodome. When speaking about the transition last year to NXT 2.0, he praised the talent involved. “It was all very sudden for all of us [the shift to NXT 2.0] … It was an event where we had to quickly make a lot of changes and get a lot of things accomplished,” he said. “ We had 75 percent of the roster who had just graduated college the year before and had never stepped foot inside [a] wrestling ring. These are young men and women who had to learn on live television for the last 12 months. What we have accomplished here in the last year is nothing short of a miracle in my opinion.
Natalya wrote on Twitter: “We are currently in the direct path of Hurricane Ian, but we are in a safe enough spot not near the water, and have been preparing for the storm as much as we possibly can. We haven’t been asked to evacuate but we’re taking the storm very seriously. Hoping everyone stays safe.”
PWInsider is reporting that the expiration date for WWE content on Hulu has been pushed back to this coming Friday and that discussion between the two parties are still ongoing.
Along with Roman Reigns, the rest of the Bloodline has been advertised for the October 10 edition of Raw.
Ted DiBiase Jr., who is currently a defendant in a welfare scandal in Mississippi that also involves former Mississippi governor Phil Bryant, Brett Farve, and his father, is alleging that Bryant cut welfare funding to a nonprofit because its director supported the Democratic candidate in the 2019 governor’s race. Federal authorities are currently attempting to seize DiBiase Jr.’s house because of his role in the scheme.
Ted DiBiase and his sons Ted Jr. and Brett DiBiase have been sued by the state of Mississippi as the state seeks to reclaim $24 million dollars of misused federal funds meant for welfare.
Mississippi Today (h/t WLOX) is reporting that the DiBiase family have been named in a civil lawsuit by the Mississippi Department of Human Services. 38 people overall are being sued over squandering welfare money meant to address poverty in the state.
The lawsuit alleges that Nancy New and her son Zack New used their nonprofit to illegally funnel ‘tens of millions’ of dollars into other nonprofits. John Davis, who was then the director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services, befriended Ted DiBiase Jr. and elevated him within the department to receive payment from two of the New nonprofits totaling over $3 million dollars in anti-poverty funds. The funds were meant to “address the multiple needs of inner-city youth” despite DiBiase Jr. possessing no qualifications to provide those services in relation to the federal grant called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF.
Davis was reindicted in March on bribery and conspiracy charges. Nancy and Zack New, who recently pleaded guilty on seperate federal charges for using public school funds for their private school, have recieved plea deals in the state welfare fraud case and are cooperating with prosecutors.
Ted DiBiase Jr., the lawsuit alleges, later urged Davis to divert $1.7 million to Ted DiBiase Sr.’s ministry called Heart of David. However, DiBiase allegedly used some of the money for his own personal expenses.
Brett DiBiase, who also received money from two of New’s nonprofits, faced criminal charges as a result of his part in the misuse of TANF funds and pleaded guilty to fraud in 2020. He later agreed to cooperate with prosecutors.
The lawsuit lists Ted DiBiase Sr. owing $1,971,223, Ted DiBiase Jr. $2,897,487, and Brett DiBiase $824,258.
Others named in the lawsuit include football stars Brett Farve, Paul Lacoste, and Marcus Dupree,
