Tag: wwe msg

Report: Madison Square Garden to host upcoming WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event

Posted on by Joseph Currier

This summer, WWE could be bringing Saturday Night’s Main Event to Madison Square Garden in New York City.

WrestleVotes reports that WWE is planning for a Saturday Night’s Main Event special to be held at the “World’s Most Famous Arena” on July 18. That date would coincide with Fanatics Fest 2026, a convention in NYC that WWE and its stars are involved with.

The SNME date has not been officially announced by WWE yet, but that could change soon. WWE will be at MSG for Raw next Monday (March 30) and at The Theater at MSG for NXT on Tuesday (March 31).

Though SNME is a classic WWE program dating back to the 1980s, it has only ever been held at MSG once before: a 2007 episode during the show’s brief revival. It returned again in December 2024 and now airs live on Peacock a few times per year.

Fort Wayne, Indiana will host the next SNME event on WWE’s calendar. That show is being held at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum on May 23.

During his retirement tour, John Cena spoke about how happy he is that MSG is once again becoming a significant arena for WWE. Because of the costs involved, there was a period where WWE largely avoided running televised events at the venue. Raw and SmackDown now make regular stops at MSG, and this would be WWE’s first streaming special there since 2015.

WWE selling ‘exclusive’ ring canvas opportunity

Posted on by Joseph Currier

If you have $400 to spare, your name could appear on the ring canvas for an upcoming episode of WWE Raw.

WWE is offering fans the “exclusive opportunity” to have their names “immortalized in WWE history” for the March 30 episode of Raw at Madison Square Garden. Those who pay $399.99 will have their name featured on the ring, and they’ll then receive a framed collage with that piece of match-used canvas.

“Monday Night Raw has been a wrestling institution for decades, and for the first time ever, you can own a piece of the action with this framed collage, fitted with a piece of match-used canvas featuring your name as you saw on TV,” the WWE Shop description says. “This 10″ x 20″ piece showcases iconic RAW imagery, celebrating the spectacle and excitement of WWE’s flagship show from March 30, 2026. What sets this collage apart is the inclusion of a genuine piece of match-used canvas featuring your own personal dedicated piece of history.”

It’s noted that the framed collage will be shipped no later than April 24.

The March 30 episode of Raw is happening on the road to WrestleMania 42. CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and Brock Lesnar are among the wrestlers who will be appearing. It will be one of the last times Punk and Reigns interact before their World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania.



























WWE Raw sets MSG return, several more TV dates announced

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE is heading back to the “World’s Most Famous Arena” for one of the last Raws before WrestleMania 42.

It was announced today that the Monday, March 30 edition of Raw will be held at Madison Square Garden in New York City. A ticket pre-sale will begin at 10 a.m. Eastern time next Monday (January 12) using “SOCIAL” as the access code. The general public on-sale will then start on Tuesday, January 13.

CM Punk, Stephanie Vaquer, Becky Lynch, Rhea Ripley, Jey Uso, Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, and Penta are among the wrestlers advertised for the show.

WWE was recently at Madison Square Garden for a November 2025 episode of Raw, with the show being John Cena’s last time appearing at MSG as an active wrestler. Cena spoke to the Raw Recap podcast about the historical significance of pro wrestling at MSG.

“I think the significance of this building should never be lost on sports entertainment,” Cena said. “I know that there are events that are bigger and bolder and can fit more people. But I believe we can learn a lot from history, and I think that every person in WWE should understand the history of this place.

“And that way when they’re awarded the opportunity to stand on the canvas, this building shouldn’t just mean something to me. And over the years, I’ve seen the importance kind of erode away. And I think it’s got a resurgence now. And I’m very, I’m very — that makes me feel good. Because this is a place where if you are allowed to perform here, you are a professional.”

This is one of nine new TV dates that WWE announced today:

  • Friday, March 6: SmackDown at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon
  • Monday, March 9: Raw at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington
  • Friday, March 13: SmackDown at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona
  • Monday, March 16: Raw at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas
  • Friday, March 27: SmackDown at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • Monday, March 30: Raw at Madison Square Garden in New York City
  • Monday, April 6: Raw at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas
  • Friday, April 10: SmackDown at SAP Center in San Jose, California
  • Monday, April 13: Raw at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California

The April 13 event will be Raw’s go-home show for WrestleMania 42.

John Cena happy to see significance of WWE at MSG returning

Posted on by Joseph Currier

John Cena is happy to see Madison Square Garden once again becoming a significant venue for WWE.

On Monday night, Cena was at the “World’s Most Famous Arena” for his last-ever Raw appearance. He kicked off the show with a promo and competed in a six-man tag match, teaming with Sheamus & Rey Mysterio to defeat The Judgment Day. Before the episode, Cena recorded an interview for the Raw Recap podcast and reflected on the importance of MSG.

“I think the significance of this building should never be lost on sports entertainment,” Cena said. “I know that there are events that are bigger and bolder and can fit more people. But I believe we can learn a lot from history, and I think that every person in WWE should understand the history of this place.

“And that way when they’re awarded the opportunity to stand on the canvas, this building shouldn’t just mean something to me. And over the years, I’ve seen the importance kind of erode away. And I think it’s got a resurgence now. And I’m very, I’m very — that makes me feel good. Because this is a place where if you are allowed to perform here, you are a professional.”

Due to the cost of running TV at the venue, WWE largely stayed away from Madison Square Garden for televised events during the 2010s. From 2009 until 2019, WWE ran house shows at MSG but only had one pay-per-view there and one WWE Network special. The company has now returned to having MSG as a regular stop for Raw and SmackDown episodes.

Cena only has two WWE appearances left after last night’s Raw. He’ll compete at Survivor Series on November 29 and then have his last match at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13.

WWE Raw live results: John Cena’s final Raw

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: November 17, 2025
Location: Madison Square Garden in New York City 

The Big Takeaway —

John Cena was victorious in a six-man tag match in his supposed final Raw match ever. There was no post-match angle, but Cena will be defending his Intercontinental Championship at Survivor Series in a rematch against Dominik Mysterio. (Read more below.) 

Gunther and Solo Sikoa advanced in the Last Time is Now tournament with wins over Je’Von Evans and Dolph Ziggler, respectively. 

AJ Lee returned and cost Becky Lynch the Women’s Intercontinental Championship to Maxxine Dupri. 

The main event angle saw Brock Lesnar return to join The Vision’s team at WarGames, while Roman Reigns returned to join the team of CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso. 

**********

Show Recap — 

Becky Lynch, The Vision (with Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre), Solo Sikoa & Talla Tonga, and Gunther arrived at Madison Square Garden. Lynch complained to a staff member that her picture wasn’t on the hallway walls alongside other wrestlers. She stuck a photo of herself over a CM Punk poster. 

It’s a packed house, so the stage just consists of a relatively small screen. 

John Cena kicks off Raw for the final time

Cena entered to a massive ovation. Chants of his name, “Thank you, Cena,” and loud applause. His gear was in the colours of the New York Yankees, and he carried his newly won Intercontinental Championship title belt. 

Alicia Taylor introduced him as “the greatest of all time” and called this his last Monday Night Raw appearance in Madison Square Garden. More chants of “Thank you, Cena.” 

Cena welcomed the enthusiasm. He said New York City makes and breaks careers. And now, at the end of his career, he looked around and saw people as far as the eye could see. He thanked them. 

Madison Square Garden allowed him to step on the stage in these hallowed halls for 23 years. There was some extra enthusiasm in the air because it was the last time they could talk together—at MSG and on Raw. It was a bittersweet moment for some, but a very important one to him. 

Dominik Mysterio interrupted (carrying the AAA Mega Championship). He was booed as he spoke. Dom said Cena was handed a title shot last week, just as he was handed everything else. Dom fought for everything he had. He wanted an IC title rematch. 

Cena was up for it and polled the crowd. They cheered, but Dom said no. Dom said they already did it Cena’s way. Cena had management and his hometown by his side, so now they would do it Dom’s way. The crowd loudly chanted, “Shut the f—k up.” 

Dom wanted the match in his hometown of San Diego at Survivor Series. Cena had no problem with that, so he accepted (and made sure to mention it was on ESPN). 

Cena did have a problem: he told the fans he would have his final Raw match tonight. Cena offered Dom a non-title match and a chance to make history. Cena asked, “Do you feel lucky, punk?” 

Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh entered. Dom said Cena wouldn’t be getting his last match, but a beating instead. 

Judgment Day attacked Cena until Sheamus ran out to make the save, but Judgment Day overwhelmed him, too. 

Dominik Mysterio ran out next and immediately attacked his son. Mysterio, Sheamus and Cena cleared the ring. Cena made a six-man match and called out a referee. 

A referee ran out and called for the bell to start the match—which led to commercial break. 

Six-man tag team match: Intercontinental Champion John Cena, Sheamus & Rey Mysterio vs. Finn Bálor, JD McDonagh & Dominik Mysterio

During the break, Judgment Day tried to bail as the match began, but the babyfaces went after them. Sheamus gave Dom a Claudio big swing during the break, but Judgment Day used a double-team to get the heat as they returned from break. 

Rey got a hot tag and ran wild as Wade Barrett mentioned this was his first match in seven months. Rey went for a 619 but was tripped by Dom from outside. Rey gave Dom a dropkick, but Bálor attacked Rey from behind, allowing Judgment Day to take over ahead of another break. 

The first 10 minutes of Cena’s final Raw match included 6 minutes of commercials. 

During the break, fans chanted, “Who’s your daddy?” right on time for Dom to give Rey the three amigos (the last suplex was a brainbuster). Rey fought back and fought off a double-team by Bálor and McDonagh.

Cena made the much-anticipated hot tag and hit McDonagh with shoulder tackles, a side slam, and five knuckle shuffle. McDonagh landed on his feet off an AA attempt and followed with a headbutt. 

Everyone traded moves, which left Cena alone in the ring. McDonagh hit Cena with a moonsault, Bálor hit a Coup de Grace, and Dom hit a frog splash. The heels covered Cena, but Rey and Sheamus leaped in to break it up. 

Sheamus, Rey and Cena each grabbed members of Judgment Day and hit ten beats of the Bodhrán (Rey did it to his own son). With the heels down, Cena, Rey and Sheamus all did the five knuckle shuffle. 

Rey gave Bálor and McDonagh a double 619, Sheamus gave Bálor a Brogue Kick, and Cena hit McDonagh with an AA for the pinfall win.

The crowd went nuts as Sheamus and Rey hugged Cena. The babyfaces left together and posed on the stage. 

Cena looked into the camera and stated, “Monday Night Raw. That’s all she wrote. Love you. Thank you.” 

Match result: Intercontinental Champion John Cena, Sheamus & Rey Mysterio defeated JD McDonagh, Finn Bálor & Dominik Mysterio (14:42) 

********

Nick Aldis met with Adam Pearce. Pearce wasn’t surprised to see Drew McIntyre game the system on SmackDown. Paul Heyman sauntered in and could tell they were heated. Heyman said what he did was within the rules and regulations (Aldis and Pearce didn’t disagree). 

Heyman said if they were pissed about him picking McIntyre, they should see who he picked next. Heyman handed them a clipboard, and they were not happy to see the name. 

*******

Jackie Redmond introduced Andrew Schulz during a break. Fans weren’t thrilled to see him. Schulz introduced injured New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (who was also at UFC on Saturday). Skattebo wore a New York Rangers Matt Rempe jersey. 

Schulz referred to Dom as a bitch, but Dom and Judgment Day were still at ringside, so Dom got in his face. Skattebo stood up for Schulz and shoved Dom to the ground. Bálor, McDonagh, and Dom attacked Schulz, Skattebo, and other members of the NY Giants until it was broken up. 

After the break, Eric Andre, Ashley Cooke, and members of the Philadelphia Eagles (they were booed) were shown at ringside, as were the Giants whom we saw moments ago. 

********

Stephanie Vaquer and Nikki Bella segment 

Redmond was in the ring to interview Stephanie Vaquer, but Nikki Bella attacked Vaquer from behind during her entrance. Bella said she didn’t come back to be Vaquer’s sidekick. She returned to take back her division. She told Vaquer she would be giving her a shot at the Women’s title, and Vaquer would bow down to the woman who changed this entire industry. Bella posed with the belt. 

(This was a fairly standard angle, but Vaquer had to stay down selling for way too long after Bella’s attack. All Bella did was shove Vaquer once into the video screen.) 

********

Asuka and Kairi Sane approached Bayley and Lyra Valkyria backstage. Asuka said she was feeling kind. They needed five people for WarGames, so she would forgive Bayley for the past if she teamed with her. Bayley laughed maniacally at the idea, considering everything they had done to her. She said no. Asuka and Sane left. 

Valkyria was proud of Bayley for that. She wanted a high five, but Bayley was suddenly in no mood and asked Valkyria if she was five years old (for offering a high five). Bayley walked away while saying, “Let’s go, you idiot.” 

********

The Last Time Is Now Tournament Round One: Solo Sikoa (w/ Talla Tonga) vs. Dolph Ziggler 

Dolph Ziggler was the mystery opponent, and he received a big pop and chants of “Welcome back.” Ziggler started with his usual offence: a dropkick, Stinger splash, neckbreaker, and an elbow drop. Ziggler hit a flying elbow drop moments later for just a one count. 

Sikoa took control during a break and hit a Samoan drop when they returned. Ziggler fought back with a leaping DDT and Fameasser for two. Sikoa responded with a Spinning Solo for two. 

Ziggler ducked a spike and applied a schoolboy for two. Ziggler followed with a Zig-Zag for a close nearfall. The fans went nuts for that and told the ref that he sucked. 

Ziggler tuned up the band for a superkick, but Sikoa blocked it. Ziggler managed to hit a superkick anyway, but Sikoa shoved him off and hit a Samoan spike for the pinfall win. 

Match result: Solo Sikoa defeated Dolph Ziggler to advance in The Last Time is Now Tournament (8:53) 

A returning mid-carder who was never taken seriously as a world champion wasn’t the most exciting mystery participant, but it came across well enough thanks to these fans giving him the biggest reaction he was going to get anywhere. 

********

There was a quick video package for Je’Von Evans. 

New Day did their usual commercial break promo alongside Grayson Waller, who wore a Tyrese Haliburton jersey for heat. 

Lil Yachty, Aljamain Sterling, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Stephanie McMahon & Elyse Dudzinski were shown in the crowd. 

Alexa Bliss promo and WarGames angle 

Alexa Bliss entered. She said she hasn’t heard back from Charlotte Flair all weekend. Since Charlotte wasn’t responding, Bliss looked into the camera to address her instead. Bliss knew Charlotte was upset they lost the tag titles, but they could get those back. It would be harder to get back trust. 

Everyone warned her not to trust Charlotte, but she ignored them because she knew who Charlotte was on the inside. But maybe now Charlotte was proving her wrong. Bliss got her ass beat simply because Charlotte didn’t like Rhea Ripley. Charlotte wasn’t there when Bliss needed her best friend. (Bliss was getting ‘What’ chants, but she did a great job dealing with it by incorporating it into her promo.) 

She was interrupted by Asuka, Sane, Nia Jax, and Lash Legend. Jax, as Bliss’ former friend, said she understood why Charlotte left her. The heels surrounded Bliss on the apron, but Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky ran out to join her. 

Ripley and Sky brawled with Asuka and Sane outside the ring, but that left Bliss alone in the ring for Jax and Legend. 

Charlotte ran out with a kendo stick and attacked Jax and Legend until they left the ring. Charlotte helped Bliss to her feet and hugged her. Ripley and Sky were in the other corner of the ring, and upon seeing them hug, Sky quickly hugged Ripley in response. The crowd laughed at the amusing visual, and Charlotte broke out laughing, too. 

********

Women’s Intercontinental Championship match: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Maxxine Dupri

Jessika Carr was the referee. Lynch wasn’t happy with this because she blamed Carr for her previous losses. Lynch got in Dupri’s face during her introduction, and she aggressively handed Carr the title belt. 

Lynch was still arguing with Carr as Carr called for the match to start, so Dupri booted Lynch for a quick nearfall. Lynch took over quickly by knocking Dupri off the top rope, and they went to break 90 seconds into this title match. 

Dupri fought back as soon as they returned from break with clotheslines and a roundhouse kick for two. Dupri hit a fisherman’s suplex, dropped her straps, and hit (missed) a leg drop for two. Lynch booted Dupri’s arm and tried targeting it, but Dupri fought back again. Lynch lifted her out of the corner and hit a powerbomb. 

Lynch tried applying an arm bar, but Dupri bridged out of it. She countered it a second time and applied a cradle for two. Dupri applied an ankle lock and grapevined the legs to avoid a rope break. Lynch still managed to slip out of it, and she kicked Dupri in the arm again. Lynch hit a Man-handle Slam right next to the ropes, so Dupri got a predictable rope break. 

Lynch got in Carr’s face and poked her in the chest. Carr knocked her hand down and told her to get back to the match. 

Lynch chucked Dupri out of the ring and, as Carr checked on Dupri, Lynch tried to expose the top turnbuckle. 

AJ Lee then skipped out to her music, which distracted Lynch, so Dupri caught her with a flying crossbody for the pinfall win. Dupri is the new Women’s Intercontinental Champion. 

Dupri sprinted out of the ring and embraced AJ. Fireworks went off as Dupri posed with her new title belt. Lynch was pissed. 

Match result: Maxxine Dupri defeated Becky Lynch to win the Women’s Intercontinental Championship (9:50)

This match was not good. They tried to manufacture a moment while also getting heat behind a Lynch/AJ Lee singles match. But now Maxxine Dupri is the IC champion. The crowd was not really into Dupri here, and they only popped for the finish. Perhaps they will get behind her more now, but she won’t improve fast enough, and fans can see she isn’t ready. 

********

Byron Saxton interviewed Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez during a break. The most notable thing here was Perez correctly complaining that Bella was getting a title shot despite Perez beating her twice in a row. 

Brandon Marshall, Chuck Zito, and Gabriel Iglesias were in the crowd.  

The Last Time Is Now Tournament Round One: Je’Von Evans vs. Gunther

Gunther dismissively patted Evans on the head, so Evans smacked him. Evans chopped Gunther and countered a few spots until Gunther simply booted him to take over. 

Gunther maintained control through a commercial break, and there was a “Y2J” chant as he did. 

Evans countered a powerbomb into a hurricanrana. It might’ve been a nice nearfall, but the referee stopped counting because Gunther’s shoulders weren’t flush against the mat. Evans followed with a somersault kick, and the crowd started to get into him. He tried a suicide dive, but Gunther caught him and chucked him hard into the side of the ring. 

During a break, Gunther tried a German suplex, but Evans landed on his feet. Gunther cut him off again, this time with a dropkick. Evans countered him again, this time into a sunset flip cradle for two as they returned from break. 

They traded strikes until Evans tried springing off the ropes, but Gunther booted him. Evans countered Gunther once again, this time into a cutter, and he hit a dive over the top rope. Evans followed with a great-looking frog splash for two. (The crowd is fully into this now.) 

Gunther hit an uppercut to the back of Evans’ neck as he came off the top. Gunther followed with a suplex and powerbomb, but Evans kicked out. Gunther applied a sleeper, and Evans tried fighting through it, but Gunther cinched it in, and Evans tapped out. 

— Gunther left the ring, and you could hear the crowd starting to give Evans an ovation, but they cut to the back. 

Match result: Gunther defeated Je’Von Evans to advance in The Last Time is Now Tournament (15:04)

This was really good. Evans and the match would’ve benefited from an extra minute or two, but Evans still came across great. Unlike the previous match, the crowd really got into the underdog as it went along, and it seemed like the fans were ready to give him a big ovation despite the loss. 

*******

Backstage, Dupri (with AJ Lee) told Redmond that this title win meant everything because all the hard work paid off. She beat one of the best of all time, and that meant she finally belonged here. It was all thanks to AJ Lee. 

AJ said the credit belonged to Dupri. AJ hated a bully and just wanted to put Lynch in her place. Otis and Akira Tozawa showed up to celebrate with Dupri, and they left together. 

Redmond asked AJ if she was sticking around. AJ said she initially came back to help her husband, but Lynch lit a fire under her, so we’ll see. Ripley approached AJ and asked if they could chat. AJ left with Ripley. The fans cheered. 

*******

Somebody named Gangster Granny was shown ringside during a break.

Main event WarGames angle 

Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, and Logan Paul entered together. Drew McIntyre entered separately to join them. Heyman said he walked with the Samoan Swat Team & The Freebirds, with the Dangerous Alliance, and with The Bloodline to the ring for WarGames, but this was the greatest assembly of talent for WarGames ever. 

CM Punk interrupted to his music. He waited ringside as Jey and Jimmy Uso entered to Jey’s music through the crowd. They all waited for Cody Rhodes to come out next to his music. (Rhodes stood side-by-side with Punk and went for a fist bump, but Punk legitimately didn’t see it, so Rhodes forcibly bumped his fist so it didn’t look like he got left hanging.) The babyfaces cleared the ring, and Punk dropped Paul with a bulldog. 

Brock Lesnar entered. Punk went after him, but Lesnar laid him out with a couple of suplexes. Rhodes went after Lesnar, but Lesnar laid him out with suplexes, too. Lesnar stood tall, and they displayed the trademark graphic to fake that the show was over, but it wasn’t. 

Roman Reigns entered and faced off with Lesnar. Lesnar tried to attack, but Reigns ducked a clothesline and knocked Lesnar out of the ring with a Superman punch. 

Security stepped in front of Reigns, so Reed attacked Reigns from behind. Reed went for a Tsunami, but Reigns popped up and gave Reed a Superman punch. 

“NYPD” appeared at ringside as Punk choked out Paul with a kendo stick. NYPD and security tried settling things down, but Reigns speared Reed through the barricade as the show abruptly ended at 10:25 pm ET.

Netflix hypes John Cena’s final WWE Raw appearance

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Netflix has released a new trailer hyping John Cena’s last-ever appearance on WWE Raw.

At Madison Square Garden next Monday, Cena will appear on Raw for the final time. It’s one of only three WWE shows he has left before retirement. He’ll be on Raw next Monday, Survivor Series: WarGames on November 29, and then have his last match at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13.

Netflix’s description for the trailer appears to confirm that Cena will be wrestling on the Raw episode. He became the new Intercontinental Champion last night, defeating Dominik Mysterio in Boston.

“This Monday night, witness the end of an era. John Cena takes center stage for his FINAL appearance ever on Monday Night RAW,” Netflix wrote. “One last match. One unforgettable farewell. Celebrate the legacy of a true WWE legend!”

We know that Madison Square Garden will host two first-round matches in WWE’s ongoing tournament to decide Cena’s final opponent for SNME. Gunther vs. Je’Von Evans and Solo Sikoa vs. a mystery opponent have been announced for the Raw episode.

Rusev and Sheamus are the first two competitors to have advanced to the next round of the tournament.

WWE Raw (Monday, November 17) —

  • Intercontinental Champion John Cena makes his final Raw appearance
  • Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch defends against Maxxine Dupri
  • The Last Time is Now tournament first round: Gunther vs. Je’Von Evans
  • The Last Time is Now tournament first round: Solo Sikoa vs. mystery opponent

WWE Raw live results: CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins cage match at MSG

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: March 10, 2025
Location: Madison Square Garden in New York City 

The Big Takeaway —

Roman Reigns returned to attack Seth Rollins in the main event. Reigns also laid out CM Punk after seeing him being consoled by Paul Heyman. 

Cody Rhodes and John Cena will both be on Raw in Brussels, Belgium, next week. 

**********

Show Recap — 

Michael Cole announced a sell-out crowd of over 19,000 at Madison Square Garden, which is hosting Raw for a 15th time. There’s a small video screen in lieu of a stage. 

Cody Rhodes, Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai, Bianca Belair, Seth Rollins, and CM Punk were shown arriving. 

Jey Uso entered to kick off Raw. As he did, Cole let us know that “many, many celebrities” were here and they showed someone named Andrew Schulz in the crowd. 

Grayson Waller ripped up a kid’s “Yeet” sign on the way down. 

Jey Uso defeated Grayson Waller (w/Austin Theory) (9:10) 

This was a rare instance of a match kicking off Raw, but they still went to break just three minutes into it. 

This was not a squash match for Jey Uso, which you could argue it should have been. Instead, it was your usual patterned WWE TV match. 

Waller used a Theory distraction to take advantage ahead of the break and held control until Jey fought back with strikes and a Samoan drop. Jey fended off another distraction and hit a superkick but Waller blocked his dive attempt and hit a rolling flatliner for two. 

Jey fought back with another superkick before superkicking Theory off the apron. Jey speared Waller for the pinfall win. 

— Theory and Waller attacked Jey after the match, but he dumped Waller from the ring and speared Theory. Jey splashed Theory but Gunther grabbed Jey in a sleeper and put him down.

(This was an ordinary match to say the least. I have no issue with Jey Uso’s position on the card, but this match didn’t help his case with anyone who has doubts. The crowd was into him, though, and the Gunther attack got a decent amount of heat.) 

********

There was a video package for CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins. 

During a break, there was a video package for Penta/Ludwig Kaiser. 

After the break, Alpha Academy approached Jey in the trainer’s room. Otis said they’d have his back, and he said he’d be alright. (It’s a little weird they’re associating some of the biggest losers on the show with Main Event Jey Uso.) 

********

Logan Paul and AJ Styles segment 

Logan Paul entered. He ripped off the t-shirt of some fan plant which read “I hate Logan Paul.” 

Paul got an absolute ton of heat. He said his name was associated with people like The Rock and John Cena, who transcended the business and would do anything to reach the top. That’s why he was shocked when Cody Rhodes turned down The Rock. It took Cena 20 years to realize that nice guys finish last. Paul wanted Rock to know that his soul was for sale. 

Paul called out Andrew Schulz (the comedian shown earlier). Paul wanted to know who he was there to see. Schulz was there to see the cage match between Punk and Rollins. He said no one in New York was there to see Paul. They were a real city, unlike Cleveland, who wanted to see real wrestlers. Schulz also wanted to see AJ Styles. 

Paul didn’t like that, so he yanked Schulz over the barricade. Paul was about to suplex Schulz, but Styles ran out. 

The crowd was pumped for Styles who laid out Paul with a Phenomenal forearm. (Styles, off mic, yelled, “F*ck yeah!” and he slapped hands with Schulz.) 

Paul walked toward the stage as Styles told him to get back in the ring. Styles kept telling him this was New York City, but Paul kept walking to the back. Styles held up Schulz’ hand and repeated that this was New York City and they played Styles’ music to conclude the segment. 

The crowd was super into this, but the segment just petered out at the end. This was one of those segments that was probably better for the live crowd.

******** 

There was a video recap of Iyo Sky beating Rhea Ripley for the world title last week. 

New Day cut a promo during a break. Kofi Kingston buried the Jets and Giants, and Xavier Woods buried the Knicks. (They were going for cheap heat but the crowd didn’t bite.) New Day’s new thing lately is to tell the audience to thank God for them. Although, I think their promos only happen during commercials, so the audience may not be aware of that. 

They showed Dana White’s TKO Boxing announcement. Boxer Callum Walsh and trainer Freddie Roach were shown in the crowd. 

Oba Femi was also shown in the crowd. 

******** 

Tornado Tag Team Match: Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods defeated Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee (11:08) 

The crowd chanted for tables, so LWO gave them what they wanted. However, New Day attacked them and put the table away. LWO got the advantage again, so the crowd chanted for tables again. LWO pulled out a table again, but New Day attacked them before they could use it, again. 

New Day had control through a break. Rey brought Woods off the top rope with a springboard hurricanrana, and Dragon Lee hit a double foot stomp off the top. Dragon Lee hit a running hurricanrana off the apron to put Woods through the table. It didn’t land perfectly but the crowd popped because the table technically broke. 

Rey ran wild on Kingston and hit a 619. Kingston got his knees up on a frog splash and applied a cradle but Dragon Lee broke up the cover. Dragon Lee wiped out Kingston with a dive. 

An unidentified masked man in a black hoodie suddenly appeared and wiped out Dragon Lee with a hurricanrana attempt. It was Chad Gable in a USA-themed mask. Gable also laid out Rey with a German suplex. He yelled, “Gracias!” before being grabbed by security. Gable escaped security and ran away through the crowd. 

Thanks to the interference, New Day hit Rey with UpUpDownDown for the pinfall win. 

*******

Judgment Day segment 

Finn Bálor told Carlito that he was sick of Bron Breakker. Carlito wasn’t listening. He was thinking about John Cena being a bad guy. He thought Cena would be a good guy forever, like him. 

Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, and Dominik Mysterio joined them. Morgan said they were off getting Rodriguez a match against Bayley, with the winner getting a shot at the Women’s IC title. Dom also got Bálor an Men’s IC title match against Breakker next week. Bálor hugged Dom and thanked him sincerely. Bálor left to make it official with Adam Pearce. 

After Bálor left, Morgan asked Dom why he didn’t get himself a title match. Dom believed in Bálor. 

********

Peter Rosenberg, Fabolous, and Macaulay Culkin were shown in the crowd. 

******** 

Cody Rhodes promo 

Rhodes entered, still sporting a black eye, and cut a passionate promo on John Cena. 

Rhodes said he was there because the Garden was the cathedral and WWE’s home base. His WrestleMania opponent John Cena was not there tonight. The mere mention of Cena’s name was booed, as well as mentions of Travis Scott and The Rock. 

Rhodes noted that Cena would be in Brussels, Belgium, next week instead. This was the same Cena who first won the US title in MSG and returned to the Royal Rumble from injury in MSG. It was apparently an easy decision for Cena not to appear in MSG. However, Rhodes did not begrudge Cena for having a part-time schedule. 

(Dueling, “Let’s go, Cena” and “Cena sucks” chants broke out. Rhodes paused his promo and told the crowd to let Cena hear it.) 

Rhodes did begrudge Cena for something. He mentioned Cena’s social media post stating that you must have the discipline to do what needs to be done even if you don’t feel like it. Rhodes compared Cena to the overzealous teacher or coach who kept giving advice but it was time for Cena to sit down, “you Goddamn moron.” 

Nobody defined best for business quite like Cena. But there were 17,000 in attendance who knew what was best. (The announcers frantically made sure to mention it was closer to 20,000.) 

The key number to remember was 17 (the record Cena was chasing). It would be Rhodes’ heart-breaking privilege to beat his hero in his last chance, while Cena found out what the fans already knew: “I’m the captain now.” 

(They announced that Cena and Rhoeds will both be on Raw next week.) 

********

Jackie Redmond had a quick interview with Lyra Valkyria during a break. 

Ali Ahn, Rich the Kid, Amanda Serrano, and cast members from ‘Selling The City’, were shown in the crowd. 

They showed a clip of Jimmy Snuka hitting Don Muraco with a splash off the cage at MSG in 1983. 

******* 

Tag Team Champion Raquel Rodriguez (w/Dominik Mysterio & Tag Team Champion Liv Morgan) defeated Bayley (11:06) 

Bayley fought back after a break and hit a flying elbow drop for two. She missed a baseball slide by a mile but managed to shove Rodriguez into the post before Rodriguez could do it to her. 

Dom distracted the referee while Morgan tried to interfere, but Bayley knocked her off the apron. She also knocked Dom off the apron and went for a dive, but Rodriguez caught her and slammed her onto the announce table. 

Bayley barely avoided a count-out but Rodriguez booted her as she entered the ring. Rodriguez followed with the Tejana Bomb for the pinfall win. Rodriguez is next in line for Valkyria’s title with this win. 

The crowd has been hot so far, but they were mostly pretty quiet for this. 

********

Cathy Kelley interviewed Chad Gable. He played dumb and said it wasn’t him who attacked LWO. He called security pathetic for not getting to that fan before he could get involved. As Kelley argued with Gable, a man in a black hoodie and USA-themed mask could be seen being taken out by security. Kelley was confused. 

During a break, there was a Bron Breakker video promo on Bálor. 

There was a clip of Randy Savage defending the WWF Championship in a cage match against Ted DiBiase at MSG in 1988. 

Celebrities William Jackson Harper, Kris Diaz, Josh Segarra, and Nardo Wick were shown in the crowd. 

******** 

IYO SKY, Bianca Belair, and Rhea Ripley segment 

Michael Cole interviewed Iyo Sky in the ring. He congratulated her on heading to WrestleMania and the crowd cheered. She called it a dream to be standing in MSG as the champion and she was over the moon knowing she was headed to WrestleMania. 

Belair entered. She congratulated Sky and said she was excited for them to be headed to Mania. Cole asked Belair if Rhea Ripley would still be champion of Belair was not sitting at ringside last week. Belair said she has had enough drama lately and was only out there to watch the match. If Ripley thought she would put her hands on her and get away with it, she didn’t know her at all. 

Ripley interrupted to a big reaction. She was skeptical of Belair’s explanation. She said Belair should have left her to handle her business with Sky while Belair handled her business with Naomi and Jade Cargill. Belair said Ripley was mad because she knew she couldn’t beat Sky. 

They got in each other’s faces as Sky tried to interject. Ripley and Belair each shoved her aside, so Sky smacked them both in the face (Ripley stumbled back, while Belair fell to the mat). The crowd chanted for Sky. She was livid and left the ring. 

********

Next week on Raw in Brussels, Belgium (start time 3 pm ET/12 pm PT): 

  • Cody Rhodes and John Cena in the same building 
  • Penta vs. Ludwig Kaiser 
  • Jey Uso vs. Austin Theory 
  • Dakota Kai vs. Ivy Nile 
  • Bron Breakker vs. Finn Bálor for the Intercontinental Championship 

******** 

Steel Cage Match: Seth Rollins defeated CM Punk (22:26) 

Rollins chucked his jacket Punk as he entered the ring and attacked him in the ropes as the bell rang to start the match. The crowd booed him for that. Punk fought back before they wildly slapped and punched each other (and missed each other a bunch). 

Rollins powerbombed Punk into the side of the cage, leading to a break three minutes in, and hit another one during the break. Rollins repeatedly drove Punk into the cage during the break. 

After the break, Rollins opened the door and invited Punk to leave. Punk flipped off Rollins (and the screen went black to censor it). Punk used a hurricanrana to drive Rollins into the cage and he followed with a GTS. Punk did not go for a cover. 

Punk drove Rollins’ face into the cage and hit a running knee to the back of his head, causing Rollins’ face to bounce off the cage. Punk invited Rollins to leave, so Rollins flipped him off, too (this was also blacked out). 

Punk hit repeated elbow drops and consecutive flying elbow drops. As Cole noted, neither man had gone for a cover yet. Punk hit a third flying elbow drop and finally did go for a cover for a two count. 

Punk climbed to the top of the cage, so Rollins met him up there. (They used a drone shot to circle them as they exchanged strikes.) Rollins yanked Punk down from the top of the cage and hit a superplex (off the top rope) for two. The crowd reacted like this was a superplex off the cage, but it was basically a normal superplex. 

Rollins went for a Pedigree, but Punk countered into a GTS for a nearfall. Punk went for another GTS, but Rollins countered into an STF (Cena’s move). Punk reversed that into an Anaconda Vice, but Rollins raked his eyes to get out of it. Rollins followed with a curb stomp for a nearfall. 

Rollins set up for a super stomp, but Punk yanked him off the ropes and hit a third GTS for a nearfall. A frustrated Punk hit a curb stomp for another nearfall. 

Punk saw the open door but turned around to see Rollins screaming at him, “If you want my house, take it from me, you asshole. You want this from me? Take it from me. Earn it, you asshole!” 

Punk hit him with a running knee and set up for another GTS, but Rollins popped out and hit a GTS of his own. Rollins followed with a curb stomp for a close nearfall. The crowd went nuts for that. 

Rollins hit a super stomp off the middle rope. Rollins seemingly had it won, finally, but didn’t make a cover or go for the door just yet. 

The door was open and the crowd began screaming. Roman Reigns suddenly grabbed Rollins and yanked him out of the ring. Rollins was announced the winner because he technically escaped the cage. Rollins was shocked to see Reigns. 

— Reigns hit Rollins with a Superman punch, spear and a curb stomp. 

Reigns placed Rollins over the steel steps and set up for another stomp, but officials ran down to stop him. 

Reigns’ attention suddenly turned to the ring upon seeing Paul Heyman comforting Punk. 

Reigns laughed and entered the ring. He drove Punk into the cage and speared him. Heyman backed into the corner as Reigns stood tall. The crowd chanted “OTC,” and he posed as the show ended.

(This was a hot conclusion to a pretty good main event. The rest of the show felt like an average Raw, but all anyone will remember is this finish. Hopefully Punk does not complain about Reigns getting involved, because Rollins had it won regardless. He just hit a super stomp and was sitting right by the open door. ) 

WWE to hold NXT Roadblock special at The Theater at MSG

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE NXT is coming to New York City next month for a special TV episode.

It was announced today that NXT Roadblock will be held at The Theater at MSG on Tuesday, March 11. The episode is airing live on The CW at 8 p.m. Eastern time that night.

The Theater at MSG is a smaller venue located inside Madison Square Garden. The venue previously hosted an NXT house show in 2016. Without factoring production configuration, it has a capacity of 5,570.

Madison Square Garden itself is hosting WWE Raw on March 10, the night before Roadblock.

Roadblock tickets are going on sale to the general public this Friday (February 14) at 10 a.m. Eastern time. A pre-sale will begin at 10 a.m. this Wednesday and last through midnight on Thursday with “NXTLIVE” as the access code.

Since debuting on The CW last October, NXT has traveled outside the WWE Performance Center for select television episodes. Roadblock is taking place just over a month before NXT’s Stand & Deliver PLE, which will be held in Las Vegas during WrestleMania weekend.

WWE Raw returning to Madison Square Garden in March 2025

Posted on by Joseph Currier

On the road to WrestleMania 41, WWE will be holding an episode of Raw at Madison Square Garden.

It was announced last night that the Monday, March 10 episode of WWE Raw will take place live from Madison Square Garden in New York City. It’s the first time Madison Square Garden has hosted Raw since 2022, and it will be the first time Raw has taken place from MSG during the Netflix era.

Tickets are going on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. Eastern time on Friday, January 10.

WWE was at MSG on Thursday night for its annual post-Christmas house show, headlined by World Heavyweight Champion Gunther defeating Damian Priest in a steel cage match. The show ended with CM Punk — wearing a towel and shower cap — saving Priest from an attack.

Raw moves to Netflix starting with its January 6 episode from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

The MSG Raw episode is happening just under six weeks before WrestleMania 41, which is being held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20.

Damian Priest misses WWE SmackDown MSG dark match due to travel issues

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Travel issues prevented World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest from making his scheduled appearance at Madison Square Garden on Friday night.

Priest was supposed to defend his title against Jey Uso in a dark match after WWE SmackDown went off the air. But, despite trying his best to be there, Priest was unable to get to New York City for the show. His flight was delayed due to plane issues. Just before 7 p.m. Eastern time, Priest sent out a tweet apologizing to fans and informing them that his plane had still not taken off.

“Unfortunately the honor of main eventing The Garden is not possible tonight,” Priest wrote. “Still haven’t taken off. Stuck on a plane in a runway. Very disappointed and apologies to my people. This one hurts. Enjoy the show! #SmackDown I’m sure will be awesome.”

The dark match main event was instead a street fight where Uso defeated Finn Balor. There was also a dark match where The Miz & R-Truth defeated Pretty Deadly.

As World Heavyweight Champion, Priest is one of the top stars on the Raw roster. He’s putting the title on the line against Seth Rollins at Money in the Bank on July 6. The winner will then defend against Gunther at SummerSlam.

WWE MSG house show results: Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa

Posted on by Ethan Renner

New York City’s Madison Square Garden hosted the WWE: Road to WrestleMania Supershow event on Sunday. 

Headlined by an Austin Theory vs. Seth Rollins United States title Steel Cage match, the key undercard bout saw Cody Rhodes take on Solo Sikoa of The Bloodline. 

Rhodes will challenge The Bloodline’s Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at the two-night WrestleMania 39 event on Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. 

Here are results from Sunday’s MSG house show: 

  • Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Candice LeRae, Asuka & Nikki Cross defeated Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai & IYO Sky), Carmella & Piper Niven
  • Ricochet won an 18-man battle royal for a shot at Gunther’s Intercontinental Championship, last eliminating Dominik Mysterio. Dominik eliminated Rey Mysterio earlier in the match
  • Intercontinental Championship: Gunther defeated Ricochet to retain the title
  • Cody Rhodes defeated Solo Sikoa by DQ –The Usos attacked Rhodes, Sami Zayn made the save
  • Braun Strowman defeated LA Knight
  • SmackDown Women’s Championship: Charlotte Flair defeated Liv Morgan & Sonya Deville to retain the title –Flair tapped out Deville with the Figure 8
  • United States Championship Steel Cage match: Austin Theory defeated Seth Rollins to retain the title

Daily Update: WWE MSG, Gabe Sapolsky, AEW ticket sales

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Daily Update

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

Latest Free YouTube Video:

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

*Wrestler of the Week and Match of the week
*John Cena’s early career and his return, as well as an update on his WrestleMania prospects
*In depth on why television and streaming are cutting back on new programming and how this impacts the pro wrestling business.
*If you asked people to name a pro wrestler, how many could name one and who would be the first person they’d name, and the reality of “mainstream” knowledge of today’s pro wrestlers.
*Complete coverage of UFC’s last show of the year as well as a sad lesson about getting injured the week of your fight.
*A look at one of the best shows of 2022, the TakaTaichi promoted show at Yoyogi Gym in Tokyo
*The most detailed look at TV viewership for every major show over the past week
*New weekly streaming live show debuts
*Promotion doing rematches of its best matches of 2022
*The story behind the voting for tag team of the year in Japan
*Stardom has one of its biggest shows in its history this week
*Notes on the upcoming show at the Tokyo Dome
*A week of incredible matches
*Ospreay vs. Ishii
*El Hijo del Vikingo in the U.S. working dates
*Impact next PPV
*AEW makes major new broadcast deal that will be announced in a few weeks
*The mystery man on Dynamite this week
*Tickets sales for upcoming AEW & WWE shows
*WWE & AEW streaming numbers
*International TV ratings
*Ticket sales for upcoming AEW & WWE shows
*UFC PPV numbers for this past year
*A bill expected to be introduced in the U.S. Senate that would greatly change the MMA world
*Dana White talks about luck and timing
*Judging controversies
*Two fighters feud on Twitter and got into it at the UFC gym
*Sports business analyst predicts NBCU buying WWE and we talks about what is and isn’t valid about that
*Post-Christmas WWE touring
*Most popular WWE names in social media
*Current WWE market value

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter:

Ordering Info:

Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

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

Monday Update

We had some schedule changes this week as far as shows. Our show for today wit Bryan is already up because there is no new Raw tonight, being a Best of show. I will be doing a show with Jim Valley Wednesday night and there will be a ton on that. We’ll also have a big show with Garrett Gonzales on Friday. Bryan and I won’t do another show together until Jan. 1 and from there we will be back on schedule, including a big show on Jan. 4 covering the Tokyo Dome and Dynamite. Plus we will have a special show immediately after Battle of Los Angeles the week after next.

We have a gigantic history piece in the next issue of the Observer, which talks about the early days of the NWA, Sam Muchnick, Vince McMahon Sr., promotional battles around the country, when the government investigated wrestling, when the NWA encouraged promoters not to air arena matches on television for fear of hurting live attendance, wrestlers strikes, talk of heath care for wrestlers all revolving around Johnny Doyle, a promoter show life story is fascinating.

Raw is a Best of 2022 show tonight. No doubt they will heavily push the Friday Smackdown show where the expectation is for the biggest match rating for WWE this year. As noted yesterday,. FOX heavily pushed the Cena & Owens vs. Reigns & Zayn match during its football broadcasts Saturday and Sunday. Raw tonight goes against the Indianapolis Colts vs. Los Angeles Chargers NFL game. With a highlights show I suspect the numbers will be way down, perhaps a record low, but it would be silly to try and read anything into this week’s rating.

We are looking for reports on tonight’s WWE shows from Madison Square Garden and Columbus, OH, results, finishes and highlights to [email protected] There is talent that was having problems getting into New York for the show. Even though Ricochet took six stitches, that match was actually on 12/16, not Friday, so he’s fine for this week. As noted on Friday, Drew McIntyre is still off this week’s shows due to a busted eardrum suffered at Survivor Series. He did work matches after the injury not realizing the severity of it. 

There were 9,700 tickets out for MSG with a show headlined by Braun Strowman & Kevin Owens vs. Usos. Columbus and all the Raw house shows this week have Austin Theory vs. Seth Rollins. Most shows are doing very well attendance wise since this is traditionally the easiest week to draw for live shows of the year.

Ratings will be delayed by one day this week. So the Friday numbers will be out tomorrow and the Raw number will be out Wednesday afternoon. It’s not a lock that Dynamite numbers will be out Thursday. They have been out on Thursday after other holidays this year but there have also been holiday weeks they aren’t out until Friday.

WWE is pushing a Pitch Black match for the Royal Rumble in conjunction with a Mountain Dew sponsorship deal.

The Ric Flair documentary is up on Peacock right now. We’ll talk more about this later in the week.

WWE’s Gabe Sapolsky is doing a seminar on 1/21 at the WWN Training Center in Port Richey, FL which will include tryout matches and those at the seminar will have the right to use their footage of their tryout matches to send promoters and Sapolsky will talk about what WWE is looking for, ideas on promos and more.

Athena defends the ROH women’s title against Kiera Hogan on Dark Elevation tonight. Also Dralistico faces Blake Christian.

AEW had 3,700 tickets out as of this morning for Wednesday’s show. It’s normal range for what they’ve been doing these days before walkup, but they are well ahead of the pace they were for their first time in the Denver market, which you can’t say about a lot of the recent shows. On paper it’s a strong show with Samoa Joe vs. Wardlow for the TNT title, match six in the best of seven with The Elite vs. Death Triangle, Bryan Danielson vs. Ethan Page, Jon Moxley & Claudio Castagnoli vs Dante & Darius Martin and Ruby Soho & Willow Nightingale vs. Tay Melo & Anna Jay.

Regarding Wednesday’s AAA show in Acapulco they are listing Sammy Guevara & Tay Melo defending the mixed tag titles against Octagon Jr. & Lady Shani and Komander & Sexy Star. Obviously that isn’t happening as Melo is booked for Dynamite in Broomfield, CO that same night. From what we talked about on today’s show, here is an update. the visa issue that kept Guevara & Melo from the last tapings in Mexico where they were to defend has been cleared up. However, AEW had an illness that changed original plans for a women’s match on Wednesday so last week they set up Melo & Jay vs. Nightingale & Soho, which means Melo was pulled from Acapulco. We are told there will be a mixed tag title match but Guevara & Melo will be stripped of the titles and new champions will be crowned. Two other things we were told is that Konnan will be at the show, which will be his first TV taping back since his health improved due to undergoing kidney dialysis, and we were told Larry Dallas would be there announcing. Dallas had said he was going into rehab but we just heard from him today and he’s doing much better. The main event is El Hijo del Vikingo vs. Bandido for the Mega title and FTR vs. Dralistico & Dragon Lee for the tag titles.

Bandido beat Vikingo in a non-title match on Christmas Day for
Bandido’s Big Lucha promotion championship belt. Yes, this is the same as if MJF or
Roman Reigns worked an indie show and lost to that company’s champion. Well not exactly the same.

UWC on 1/7 in Bordenton, NJ at the Elks Lodge has a show with an 80s theme wit wrestling mixed with music from the 80s.

Jeff Molina has been suspended by the Nevada Athletic commission. The reasons were not disclosed but Molina is associated with James Krause, who was suspended in the recent suspicious battling scandal. Molina’s profile on mixedmartialarts.com listed “this fighter is currently serving a suspension by an ABC-recognized athletic commission” and note it is from Nevada.

With Volador Jr. out due to testing positive for COVID, Soberano Jr. takes his place on tonight’s show in Puebla. Volador Jr. is scheduled for the main event on Friday night teaming with Titan to challenge Angel de Oro & Niebla Roja for the CMLL tag titles.

AIW on Friday night in Akron, OH at the Tadmor Shrine with Brian Myers, Tom Lawlor, Matthew Justice and Joey Janela. They also just announced a 2/11 date in Youngstown, O at West Side Bowl.

WWE Raw live results: SummerSlam go-home show at MSG

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: July 25, 2022
Location: Madison Square Garden in New York City

The Big Takeaway —

There were some very minor differences but this was essentially the same Raw show as usual. 

******** 

Show Recap —

No intro or recaps to start Raw. The show opened immediately with Miz and Logan Paul brawling in the middle of the ring until officials ran down to break them up.

Things quickly settled and they showed a clip of Miz charging out to the ring before they went on the air because Paul had called him out. 

(Jimmy Smith, Corey Graves and Byron Saxton are on commentary as usual.) 

*********

Roman Reigns, the Usos and Paul Heyman entered to officially kick things off at Madison Square Garden. They received a big mixed reaction including chants for Roman.

Reigns told MSG to acknowledge him. They did. Reigns said he didn’t feel like talking anymore so he handed the microphone over to Heyman.

The mic cut out as Reigns spoke and again as Heyman spoke. Heyman said they must have a sound guy from New Jersey. Heyman said, “We want your name written down, you’re the next one out the door.”

Heyman said Sunday would mark 700 days of Reigns as the champion but he knew that Brock Lesnar wanted to end Reigns’ party. Heyman noted that Lesnar ended Randy Couture when he was on top, ended Undertaker’s streak, and took John Cena to Suplex City when he was at his peak.

Heyman mentioned notable streaks in sports, whether it be the Red Sox vs. Yankees or The Rock vs. Stone Cold. However, you wouldn’t think about Lesnar alongside Reigns’ name anymore after Saturday. It was time for Lesnar to go back to Saskatchewan to slaughter hogs. In their final match against each other, Reigns would finally rid himself of Lesnar. The crowd chanted “Suplex City.”

Theory interrupted. He repeated his plan for SummerSlam again. Reigns told him to step in the ring and acknowledge his Tribal Chief. Theory was defensive as he entered the ring.

Reigns told Theory that he had no idea what to do with the briefcase so he offered him some advice. Reigns told Theory to analyze the situation. “Your daddy’s not here anymore.” This got a big pop from the crowd followed by chants of “daddy’s boy” and “who’s your daddy.” Reigns told him that the Garden belonged to him.

As the Bloodline left, Jey Uso smacked Theory in the back of the head. Theory responded by hitting him with the briefcase. Reigns held Jey back before he could go after Theory. Reigns settled things down and they left. 

********

Theory was still in the ring after a break and was introduced to the live crowd. Before he could say much, he was interrupted by Drew McIntyre. I guess they’re having a match. 

Drew McIntyre defeated Theory via disqualification (9:37)

This match featured your usual number of rapid camera cuts and it ended in a DQ.

McIntyre hit a Future Shock DDT and set up for the Claymore Kick but Theory rolled outside the ring. McIntyre went after him and dropped him onto the announce table which led to break. Theory briefly took the advantage after driving McIntyre into the steel steps but McIntyre came back with a vertical suplex and spinebuster for two.

As McIntyre set up for the Claymore again, Sheamus, Ridge Holland and Butch ran in for the DQ.

As they attacked McIntyre, Bobby Lashley ran down to make the save and they cleared the ring. Theory tried attacking from behind with the briefcase but they chased him away. 

US Champion Bobby Lashley & Drew McIntyre defeated Theory & Sheamus (approx. 12:20)

This match featured interference and a distraction finish.

The match started during a break. Sheamus was amused by McIntyre chopping Theory but he used a distraction to knock down McIntyre and take control. The crowd chanted “we want Bobby” as Sheamus faked a tag to Theory. McIntyre headbutted Sheamus before tagging in Lashley.

Lashley gave Sheamus a delayed vertical suplex before giving Theory a flatliner. Lashley went to spear Theory through the barricade but Sheamus clocked him with a knee strike. Butch and Holland tried to attack McIntyre but McIntyre caught Butch and suplexed him onto Holland. The referee kicked them out and they went to another break.

They briefly had the heat on Lashley until he made the hot tag to McIntyre who hit Theory with a sit-out spinebuster for two. Lashley made a blind tag and gave Theory a chokeslam but Sheamus broke up the cover with a flying knee strike. McIntyre wiped out Sheamus but Sheamus poked him in the eye and gave him White Noise on the outside.

Theory set up for his finisher but got distracted by Dolph Ziggler who suddenly appeared at ringside so Lashley applied the Hurt Lock for the submission win.

— The Usos superkicked Theory after the match. Reigns placed the briefcase on Theory’s chest and sarcastically reminded him to bring it on Saturday.

******** 

There was a Rey Mysterio video package featuring words from JBL, Kurt Angle, Kofi Kingston, Batista, Randy Orton, AJ Styles, Kevin Owens, and John Cena. There was a clip of Rey early in his Smackdown run where he wiped out Lance Storm and Christian with a dive off the top of the steel cage as well as clips of Rey winning the 2006 Royal Rumble and winning the world title at WrestleMania 22. They also showed Rey and Dominik winning the tag titles.

Rey, Dominik, Aalyah and Angie were shown arriving at the building.

[SECOND HOUR] 

The cryptic video aired.

Ziggler told Kevin Patrick that Theory has risen fast but hasn’t done anything to earn it. AJ Styles approached him and basically agreed with him. Alpha Academy showed up to mock them and challenge them to a match. Styles and Ziggler accepted.

********

Rey Mysterio’s 20th-anniversary celebration 

Rey and Dominik entered. The crowd chanted “thank you, Rey.”

Rey mentioned having his first match at 14 years old in Tijuana and never imagined back then that he would perform in a WWE ring, travel the world, make money, and create legendary rivalries for the crowd to enjoy.

Rey said guys his size were not part of the business back then but he broke the blueprint of what a superstar should look like. He was a smaller guy and a proud Latino who went on to win the world title.

Rey thanked Dean Malenko, Konnan (“K-Dog”), Batista, Kurt Angle, Edge, and of course, Eddie Guerrero. The crowd chanted for Eddie. Rey choked up as he told Eddie how much he missed him. He thanked Eddie for always watching over him.

Rey was humble and appreciated the love and support the fans have given him over the years. Rey said it meant that much more to be able to celebrate it with his family. The crowd chanted “you deserve it.”

Rey thanked Angie and Aalyah for always being there. He told Dominik that he was proud of him. Rey knew that Dominik would represent the Mysterio legacy to the fullest when he no longer could.

Rey thanked the fans for always accepting him and for the most awesome 20 years. Rey especially wanted to thank the fans at the Garden. Rey spoke in Spanish and said, “Viva mi Raza!”

Finn Bálor and Damian Priest approached through the crowd and sarcastically applauded as they went to break.

********

Rey & Dominik Mysterio defeated Finn Bálor & Damian Priest (approx. 10:30)

Dominik tried a dive but Priest caught him and chucked him into the barricade. Rey made a hot tag after a break and hit Priest with a springboard crossbody, kicks and a seated senton for two. Priest responded with a thrust kick for two.

Priest tried a Razor’s Edge but Rey brought him down with a hurricanrana. As Rey set up for a 619, Bálor made a blind tag and killed Rey with a clothesline. Bálor followed with a shotgun dropkick and Coup de Grace but Dominik broke up the cover.

Bálor tried the Eddie Guerrero trick by chucking a chair at Rey before taking a bump. Dominik had the ref distracted though so Rey chucked it back at Bálor and took a bump himself. As Bálor pleaded with the ref, Rey dropped both members of Judgment Day on the ropes and the Mysterios followed with 619s.

Rey gave Bálor a frog splash for the pinfall win. The crowd popped big for the win.

The celebration and match finish was a big thumbs up.

********

They aired clips of Titus O’Neil and Cody Rhodes (with Brandi Rhodes) at the ESPYs. 

********

Mysterios/Judgment Day angle

Rey’s extended family was shown celebrating in the back. Rey and Dominik entered to celebrate with them and Rey took a shot of tequila. Aalyah had a gift for him: his original gear from Halloween Havoc 1997. Rey was surprised to see it and said he’s been looking everywhere for it.

Rhea Ripley entered the room. Aalyah told her to back off. It was a distraction and the Mysterios were attacked by Bálor and Priest. They put Rey through a table.

(During the ambush, Bálor yelled, “it’s not your anniversary, it’s my birthday!” which was pretty damn funny.)

******** 

Bianca Belair/Becky Lynch segment

This was supposed to be a promo by Bianca Belair but she was immediately interrupted by Becky Lynch. Belair was in the middle of her catchphrase when Lynch decked her. Belair fought back and they brawled until officials broke it up.

******** 

Sarah Schrieber asked Alexa Bliss about having Doudrop again. Bliss couldn’t blame Doudrop for asking for this match again but what she didn’t understand was her relationship with Nikki ASH. Bliss didn’t think they seemed to be gaining anything from it, unlike her and Lily. She claimed Lily was independent and made her own money — she was even number one on WWE Shop.

Bliss got serious and informed Belair and Lynch that she was coming for the winner of their match at SummerSlam.

********

Medical staff checked on Rey in the back when Bálor and Priest showed up to mock him so Dominik chased them away. Ripley booted Rey and wished him a happy anniversary. Dominik returned to check on Rey.

Alexa Bliss defeated Doudrop (w/Nikki ASH) (4:22)

Bliss set up for Twisted Bliss but Nikki knocked her off the ropes. It didn’t matter though because Bliss countered a Doudrop powerslam into a DDT for the pinfall win.

The crowd was silent for this.

******** 

AJ Styles told Logan Paul that he liked what he did to Miz earlier. Styles told Paul that he didn’t really like him that much (“I don’t know you that well”), but he liked Miz even less. He told Paul to do us all a favour and shut the Miz’s mouth at SummerSlam. They bumped fists.

[THIRD HOUR] 

impaulsive TV with host Logan Paul 

Logan Paul noted that his brother would be fighting in MSG next week which drew a smattering of boos. He said that was next week but tonight was the debut of “impaulsive TV.” He called out Miz.

Miz didn’t show but Maryse did. She plugged her show before warning Paul to never talk about her kids again. She didn’t appreciate Paul’s comments about Miz’s “package.” (Maryse had a purse or something shaped like silver balls.) She said Miz had average-sized testicles and Paul wondered who measured their testicles.

Miz entered to his music and said he measures his testicles. He warned Paul that he was getting big-match Miz at SummerSlam. Paul told him to shut up. Paul mentioned his balls again so Maryse tried smacking the mic out of his hand. Paul said she had bigger balls than Miz.

Ciampa tried attacking from behind but Paul fought him off. Paul tackled Miz so Ciampa pulled him off and they double-teamed him until Miz gave him a Skull Crushing Finale. There was a modest “one more time” chant as Miz and Ciampa stood tall.

This was quite bad.

********

Patrick interviewed the Street Profits and the Usos. Jeff Jarrett (wearing a referee shirt five days early) stood between them. The teams exchanged words before Jarrett told them to shut up. He warned them to keep the peace or else. 

********

Chad Gable told New York not to boo an Olympian and not to boo a man with a Master’s degree who did it with a 4.0 GPA. He warned them that the island they live on would collapse to the bottom of the ocean under the weight of human garbage and that was just science speaking. He said Ziggler and Styles weren’t a real team and would fail just like the Knicks.

AJ Styles & Dolph Ziggler defeated Alpha Academy (7:29)

They went to break a minute into the match and Alpha Academy took control during the break after Otis dropped Styles onto the barricade. Ziggler made a tag but was quickly cut off by Otis. Gable followed with the Chaos Theory suplex (he used this recently as a finisher but didn’t go for a cover here). Gable tried a moonsault but Ziggler dodged and hit a superkick. Otis broke up the cover so Ziggler and Styles worked together to take him out.

Styles blocked a Gable suplex attempt and Ziggler gave him a Zig-Zag for the pinfall win.

********

The announcers ran down the SummerSlam card. A no disqualification match between the Mysterios and Judgment Day was added to the show.

******** 

I feel obligated to do this before the main event every week, so here goes:

10:28pm – Bloodline enter
10:31pm – Commercial break
10:35pm – Street Profits enter
10:36pm – Riddle enters
10:37pm – Main event begins
10:40pm – Commercial break
10:44pm – Main event resumes, heat on the babyfaces
10:49pm – Commercial break 
10:53pm – Main event resumes 
10:57pm – Main event concludes 

Six-man tag team match: Universal Champion Roman Reigns & Tag Team Champions The Usos vs. Riddle & The Street Profits (19:23)

This opened with the usual sequence. Ford wiped out the Usos with a flip dive which led to break less than three minutes into the match and the heels were randomly in control after the break.

Ford (who earlier yelled, “acknowledge me” at Reigns) briefly ran wild before Reigns cut him off with a Uranage. Ford got busted open at some point here (possibly after getting driven into the turnbuckle).

The Bloodline continued to work over Ford after another break. Reigns knocked Angelo Dawkins off the apron as he set up for a spear and the distraction allowed Ford to hit a blockbuster.

Riddle tagged in and handed out suplexes and sentons to Jimmy and Jey Uso before wiping them out with a dive. Riddle gave Jimmy a powerslam but Reigns had tagged himself in and hit a superman punch.

Ford broke up the cover and took out Jey with a dive. Jimmy knocked down Ford with a suicide dive before Dawkins tackled the Usos into the barricade. Reigns then drove Dawkins into the steel steps.

The crowd popped for Riddle who gave Reigns a draping DDT. However, Reigns blocked an RKO and hit a spear for the pinfall win.

— Seth Rollins entered after the match as the Bloodline was leaving. Rollins and Reigns exchanged looks before Rollins attacked Riddle. He hit Riddle with the steel steps and stomped him. Rollins hit one more stomp onto the steel steps. 

Roman Reigns added to July WWE Raw at Madison Square Garden

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Update —

Roman Reigns is also now listed for the Friday, August 19 episode of SmackDown at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

**********

Roman Reigns has been added to WWE’s return to Madison Square Garden this summer.

Madison Square Garden in New York City announced today that Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Reigns will be appearing when Raw takes place at Madison Square Garden on Monday, July 25. Reigns originally wasn’t advertised for the event.

Reigns has also been added to the Friday, July 22 episode of SmackDown at TD Garden in Boston.

As part of a new contract he’s signed with WWE, Reigns will be working a reduced schedule going forward. Dave Meltzer spoke about Reigns’ new schedule on an episode of Wrestling Observer Radio last week:

Basically, Roman Reigns is not gonna be on every pay-per-view. He’s off the Chicago show [Hell in a Cell], [which is] the next pay-per-view on June 5. He will be doing pay-per-views this summer. Even though he was removed from all the advertising after June 24 I believe it is — yeah, June 24 in Austin. He’s been removed from all advertising from house shows, TVs, everything except for the two stadium shows [Money in the Bank and SummerSlam], but he will do TVs to build up those shows. So it’s not like he’s not gonna be on TV, but he’s not gonna be doing a lot of dates. And from what I understand, the shows he will be on, eventually — probably sooner than later — they’ll start advertising him. So the dates will be known, it’s not like it’s gonna be like they’re gonna put him on TV without advertising him. But that’s the basic situation.

VIDEO: Roman Reigns attacks Brock Lesnar at WWE Madison Square Garden house show

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE has released video of the show-closing angle from Saturday night’s house show at Madison Square Garden.

After Brock Lesnar retained his Universal Championship against Austin Theory in the main event of the house show, he was attacked by Roman Reigns. Lesnar was able to fight off Reigns and then fight off The Usos. But as Lesnar had Paul Heyman cornered, Reigns hit Lesnar in the back with a steel chair.

Reigns attacked Lesnar with the chair and the ring steps. With Lesnar bloody from the attack, Reigns gave him a Rock Bottom on the steps. The show ended with Reigns standing over Lesnar while holding both the WWE Championship and Universal Championship title belts. Reigns told Lesnar to acknowledge him.

Reigns also had a title defense at Madison Square Garden, retaining against Seth Rollins.

The Madison Square Garden house show had been mentioned on Raw and SmackDown leading into last night. Theory wasn’t revealed as Lesnar’s opponent until their match was about to start.

A winner-take-all title unification match between Lesnar and Reigns will headline WrestleMania 38 night two on Sunday, April 3. The show is being held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.