Daily Update: UFC & WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event fallout, Shinsuke Nakamura

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

*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
  • Tons of major independent shows coming
  • AEW gets TV in new market
  • Ticket sales for upcoming WWE, AEW and TNA events
  • Most viewed YouTube videos from AEW and WWE
  • Tag team returning to AEW
  • Dana White shuts down talk of major match
  • A new lawsuit filed against WWE
  • Notes on the recent WWE tryout
  • Notes on all the WWE arena shows this past week.

This Week’s Back Issue

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Sunday Update

— We did two shows over the weekend. Our Friday show talked about the news of the week, Rumble, Saturday Night’s Main Event, WWE Unreal, a look at how many people outside the U.S. watched the PPV shows in 2025 and the surprises. Last night we talked about the first UFC show on Paramount, WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event and the rest of the weekend news.

— Pretty much everyone stepped up last night with the SNME show in Montreal. Every match and the non-match with Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu delivered, particularly AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura. The weather made travel difficult but everyone was there advertised. AEW and many independent shows last night were canceled, which is why AEW taped Collision on Wednesday instead of last night in Arlington, TX.

— Regarding the Shinsuke Nakamura Instagram post regarding AJ Styles and that he was retiring at the Royal Rumble, he later took that down. It was legit in the sense Styles did tell him he was finishing up at the Rumble. It wasn’t a planted story so they can say they fooled the Internet. That doesn’t mean they can’t change it but to do so Gunther would have to lose, and that was not the plan.

— There evidently was a ton of interest in UFC’s debut on Paramount last night. It did 2.5 million searches, the second most searched for topic of the weekend behind Alex Pretti. Saturday Nights’ Main Event was No. 21 with 100,000. UFC had seven of the top 100 searches with Paddy Pimblett leading.

— Regarding scoring from last night, in the Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett bout, there was no doubt Gaethje won. I had it 48-46 (10-8 round two) although scores varied ranging from 49-45 to 48-47. However Gaethje did a second eye poke that should have cost him a point since he’d been warned and followed up with some big punches after. It was an early fight of the year candidate. Not great on the skill side since Gaethje was just firing big punches, with some major misses, but he landed enough of them hard enough to win. Most wouldn’t have stayed standing. Pimblett did show a lot of durability.

— In Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong the judges had it 29-28 across the board with O’Malley getting rounds one and three on all scorecards. Media scores were 59 percent for O’Malley so it was a close fight.

— Most had Rose Namajunas over Natalia Silva. All three judges had rounds one and three for Silva. However, media scores were 74 percent for Namajunas. The winner was to get a shot at Valentina Shevchenko for the flyweight title, but I could see that not happening since either looked like they should be getting a title fight coming out of this.

— Lilian Garcia will be the ring announcer on Raw tomorrow night. Alicia Taylor was unable to get into Toronto due to flight cancellations. Garcia was in Montreal for last night’s show so they had her go to Toronto to fill in.

— There was a very notable increase in viewers for NXT last Tuesday. While the overall number was about the same as usual (608,000 viewers and 0.08 in 18-49), it grew from 18,000 to 68,000 in 18-49 from the first half hour to the final half hour, which was the three-way women’s tag match with Sol Ruca & Zaria over Kendall Grey & Wren Sinclair. It also went from 68,000 to 156,000 in 18-49 over the same period. That is an extremely unusual level of growth.

— Last night’s fight with Michael Johnson vs. Alexander Hernandez was pulled from the UFC show. What happened was all of a sudden a ton of money was coming in on Johnson, the underdog. Evidently Hernandez was injured, the word got around from people who knew him and started betting on him to lose. The odds started falling which is the sign of either a fixed fight or people getting inside info and using it to lay a lot of money down in one direction. After the last time this happened and UFC didn’t call the fight, which in hindsight appeared to be fixed, Dana White said that they had gotten called from the gaming integrity service and they decided to pull the fight. There were gambling sites that had already pulled the fight by that time.

— CMLL had a big last two nights. Usually for Friday, and even more for Saturday, it takes a major show to sell out. Friday was just a normal Mistico & Mascara Dorada vs. Ultimo Guerrero & Averno and they drew 16,000 to Arena Mexico. Last night at Arena Coliseo, the sellout was Templario & Atlantis Jr. vs. Volador Jr.

— Juggalo Championship Wrestling announced a 4/17 show in Las Vegas at the Horseshoe Casino for StrangleMania. It will air on Triller on 4/24 at 7 pm with seven matches. The main event is Vampiro’s retirement match against PCO. Yes, he is going to Terry Funk’s record. Plus Rob Van Dam & Willie Mack & 2 Tuff Tony vs. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson & KENTA, a four-way for the JCW world title with Ken Anderson, Nic Nemeth, Matt Riddle and Kaleb Conley with James Storm as referee. Also appearing are John Layfield, The Rock & Roll Express, Vince Russo, EC3, Ninja Mack, George South, ICP and Mecha Wolf.

— They’ve been in talks with Layfield about becoming a full-time performer on their weekly television show. They are also repackaging EC3 as a full-timer with a new gimmick starting on the 2/27 show in Miami. Former ECW personality Joel Gertner will also become a regular and will manage a tag team. Former WCW announcer Scott Hudson will be coming in in maybe six weeks or so. Jonathan Coachman will also be a TV regular.

— Mayu Iwatani had her 15th anniversary show at the Marigold show yesterday at Korakuen Hall, beating Utami Hayashishita. Iyo Sky and Kairi Sane, who were the big three stars with Iwatani in Stardom for years, sent massive flowers to Iwatani at the show.

— Willow Nightingale has been added to the Pro Wrestling Eve show on 3/8 in London that Will Ospreay is part of putting together.

— 48 years ago today was the Superbowl of Wrestling, with NWA champion Harley Race vs. WWWF champion Superstar Billy Graham at the Orange Bowl in Miami. This clip from the WWE Vault off Championship Wrestling from Florida shows the press conference and highlights of the 60-minute match with the wet ring from a rainstorm. Graham told me about this, as it was one of the bigger matches of his career. It was not a fond memory as he was not a wrestler to go 60 and doing it in the rain made it worse. It was not the financial success expected because in those days everyone bought tickets the day of, and people didn’t want to go to an outdoor stadium in the rain.

— Nik Sobic, the Senior Vice President of Business Development, Partnerships and Video Games with AEW, has been let go. He had been with AEW since the start working in business, live events and on the video game.

— Mercedes Martinez appears for Progress Wrestling on 3/29 in London at the Electric Ballroom.

— The woman on Collision last night who took the selfie with Andrade was Sofia Sivan, who is an independent woman wrestler.

— Ian Douglass has written a new book called Highland Games and Hippodromes: Scottish Identity and Influence at the Dawn of the American Pro Wrestling Industry, about the early era of pro wrestling in the U.S. and Scotland. He focuses on Donald Dinnie (a super athlete at the time), Duncan C. Ross, Duncan McMillan and Dan McLeod, and how they shaped pro wrestling in the U.S. from 1870 to 1905. Drew McIntyre wrote the foreword.

— Roy Wayne Farris (Honky Tonk Man) turned 73 today. Rod Price turned 64. Stephanie Bellars, the former Gorgeous George with Randy Savage in WCW, turned 50. Michelle McCool turned 46. Stu Grayton turned 37. Willow Nightingale turned 32. Jay Briscoe was born 42 years ago today. (thanks to Tony Richards)

— Georgiann Makropolous, who was well known inside wrestling for doing newsletters and was someone many, including myself, considered a close friend, died 16 years ago today at the age of 67. She helped so many wrestlers out with bookings and connections and asked for no money for her work. She was the President of both the Bruno Sammartino Fan Club in the 60s (the biggest in the country) and the Buddy Rogers Fan Club, which tells you something because they hated each other.

— The University of Nebraska set its home college wrestling attendance record last night in their meet against Iowa at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. They drew 7,891 fans, breaking the record of 7,094 set earlier this season against Oklahoma State.

— Kirk White’s Big Time Wrestling sold out more than a week in advance in Newark, CA for the annual January Battle Royal and Roy Shire trophy. The Cow Palace Battle Royal was the biggest show of the year in Northern California during the 70s and led to the creation of the Royal Rumble by Pat Patterson, also held annually in late January. CJ Cleary won the Battle Royal. Other results saw Ricochet b Starboy Charlie in what I was told was a fantastic match, Cleary b Alan Angels, Gates of Agony b Shane Haste & Bad Dude Tito (why is this guy not signed anywhere?), Aaron Solo & Chase Emery b Big Fonz & Marcus Lewis, Los Suavecitos b Hard Boy Summer, VertVixen b Brittniue Brooks. The next show is 3/20. They are also running Las Vegas on 4/17 over WrestleMania week. (thanks to Jim Davis)

Joe Tessitore misses WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event due to travel issues

Joe Tessitore was unable to make it to Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Stephanie McMahon opened Saturday’s show in Montreal and revealed that due to ongoing winter storm conditions across North America, Tessitore was unable to be there and is currently stuck at an airport in Detroit, Michigan. McMahon went ahead and opened the show before throwing it to the show’s intro.

Tessitore on Friday was calling the action for the first-ever Zuffa Boxing card in Las Vegas.

The winter storm affecting a swath of the country this weekend has caused some promotions to change their plans. AEW Collision was originally set to air live on Saturday in Texas, but was canceled on Wednesday and matches were instead taped following the live Dynamite in Orlando.

According to a Fightful report, WWE representatives said there are “options, backup options, and backup backup options” for travel this week. Following Saturday Night’s Main Event in Montreal, WWE will head to Toronto for Monday’s Raw. They will then travel to Saudi Arabia for SmackDown on Friday and the Royal Rumble the following day.

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event live results: Cody Rhodes vs. Jacob Fatu

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event is set for the Bell Centre in Montreal on January 24, 2026.

Four matches are set for the show, including a four-way match where the winner will earn the right to challenge Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble. Randy Orton, Trick Williams, Damian Priest, and Sami Zayn all won qualifying matches to secure their spots in the four-way.

Also on the card, former New Japan Pro Wrestling stars face off as AJ Styles wrestles Shinsuke Nakamura. The match was added to the lineup on Friday’s SmackDown.

For the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles, Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY will defend against Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez of The Judgment Day.

Additionally, Cody Rhodes will take on Jacob Fatu after Fatu interfered in the Three Stages of Hell match, causing Rhodes to lose his title.

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

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

The night is Saturday. The event is Main. The time is now!

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event from Montreal, Quebec, Canada (mere literal steps from my own door) kicked off with Stephanie McMahon on the host’s desk solo because Joe Tessitore was apparently stuck in an airport due to weather. Speaking of weather, she mentioned that it was dang cold (-7f) but hot in the building! She then asked if Montreal was ready in French. I think that’s a legal thing. 

After the opening video package, the traditional footage of wrestlers arriving to work was shown, but with a twist. In this footage, most were shown in the building having coffee or looking at Montreal Canadien’s Stanley Cup trophies. 

Cody Rhodes vs Jacob Fatu

The first match of the evening looked to set a brutal tone early with a shirtless Fatu yelling at Rhodes through the camera before stomping down to the ring. Rhodes arrived to a huge ovation wearing the skull mask/helmet he borrowed from HHH. All of my heart wishes he’d start wearing it all the time and revert back to “Dashing” Cody, but we can’t all get what we want. 

Fatu jumped Rhodes as he climbed into the ring (See? Should have kept the helmet on, Cody!) and the two started brawling. The ref was knocked over right away and the bell hadn’t even rung yet. Officials flooded the ring and tried to calm it down for some reason. Then security arrived to pull apart the guys who were about to fight anyway, confirming, as always, that there is no one as inept as a WWE security guard.  

Fatu went into a zone formerly held by Ken Shamrock and leapt off the ringpost, taking out Rhodes, the officials and security. Rhodes got to his feet and the two brawled up the ramp. Rhodes threw Fatu back into the ring to clothesline him right back out again. Rhodes landed a suicide dive and then posed on the announce desk. 

He cleared the desk, but Fatu tried to get out through the crowd. Rhodes followed and they brawled in the crowd. Fatu backdropped Rhodes on the concrete, but Rhodes got up and tossed him into some road cases. Fatu dumped Rhodes into the lower bowl seats and the fought up the steps towards the dreaded concessions area. 

Rhodes threw a garbage can or three at Fatu while Jaime Noble begged them to stop. Fatu started choking Cody and a poor security guard who got in the way ate a slam through a table from Fatu. Rhodes fought back and the fight moved back into the stands. They brawled back down the steps with Fatu bending Rhodes around the railing. 

They made it back to the floor with “twenty security guards” in tow. They climbed up on some boxes and another guard who got in the way got tossed to the floor. Suddenly, Drew McIntyre appeared and did what twenty guards could not and took out Fatu. He then powerbombed Rhodes off the boxes and through a table. 

McIntyre then wandered over to the ring and climbed inside, taking in the fruits of his labor. 

Match Result: Cody Rhodes vs Jacob Fatu never got started, so no contest? I guess?

Fun brawl, but I was kinda looking forward to the match. Also, I have to ask, why didn’t someone just ring the bell? Is there some rule I don’t know about where everyone has to be calm and cool before a match can officially start? Any way, a great, raucous start to the nights festivities.

-Back from break, we got a promo for WWE2K6 that will have a “Monday Night War” edition as well as an “Attitude Era” edition. I’ll just come out and say it: AREN’T THEY THE SAME THING?!?!

They recapped the brawl we all just saw (for all) and Drew McIntyre stomped through the back to talk with Cathy Kelly. McIntyre said that anyone coming for his title can expect the same treatment he just gave Fatu and Rhodes.

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match: Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY [c] vs Liv Morgan & Roxanne Perez

RHIYO got a big pop as expected, but surprisingly, given her heelish nature, so did Liv Morgan. LIllian Garcia did her thing as only she can do and All seemed right with the world for a moment or two. 

Sky and Morgan kicked things off literally as Morgan ate a dropkick. She bounced back though, throwing a back elbow out of the corner. Perez tagged in and they went for a double suplex, but Sky fought them off and took out Perez with a chop block. 

Perez tried to crawl out of the ring, but Sky caught her. The ref took a moment to fix the ring apron for some reason and Morgan snuck in a quick choke of Sky on the ropes. Morgan tagged in and hit a codebreaker, but Sky kicked out at two in the ensuing cover. 

Morgan threw Sky around with some Three Amigo’s suplexes, but again, Sky kicked out while Ripley salivated on the apron. Perez came back in and laid some elbows into the back of Sky’s head. Sky reached for a tag, but Perez held her back, stomping her ankle. 

Sky counted with a rollthrough double stomp, and two hot tags were made. A smiling Ripley stepped into the ring with Morgan and immediately threw her at the ground a lot. She hit a fallaway slam and let out a scream before dropkicking Morgan clear across the ring. 

Ripley went for a Riptide, but Morgan countered into a codebreaker. Ripley caught her though and picked her up for a Razor’s Edge. Morgan wiggled free and tagged in Perez, but Ripley did not care. She headbutted Morgan and then dropped a big boot into Perez’s face. 

Ripley dragged Perez up the turnbuckle, but Perez fought back and Morgan grabbed a blind tag. She ran across the ring to knock Sky off the apron and Perez countered Ripley into a headscissor from the top rope. Morgan then hit a codebreaker, but Ripley kicked out at two. 

Morgan and Ripley stayed legal with ripley getting Morgan up and landing a Razor’s Edge. Sky punctuated it with a missile dropkick, but Perez snuck by Ripley and broke up the pin. Perez went for an around the world head scissor that put Ripley on the mat head first. 

Sky tagged in with a prone Morgan in the corner and charged for a Bullet Train, but Morgan dodged it and hit a spinning crucifix for a two count. With Ripley on the outside, Perez and Morgan double teamed Sky until she fought back and took out Morgan. Perez went for a sunset bomb, but Sky countered with a kick to the face. 

Sky went up top for Over the Moonsault, but Perez got her feet up and hit a Pop Rocks. Perez went for the cover, but Sky kicked out at 2.75.

Ripley came back in and picked up Perez. She head butted her and then hit a Rip Tied. She tagged Sky who naked her over the moonsault and went for the pin. Before the ref could count to three though, Raquel Rodriguez arrived and dumped Ripley on him. 

She dragged Sky to the outside for a powerbomb and then suddenly Stephanie Vaquer hit the ring and got the best of Rodriguez with a kick over the barricade and then a splash in the crowd. 

Back in the ring, Perez tried to steal one by pinning Sky, but Sky kicked out. Perez tagged in Morgan who it an Oblivion. Ripley tagged in blind and nailed her with a Riptide before stacking her up and getting the 1-2-3 to retain the titles. 

Match Result: Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY defeated Liv Morgan & Roxanne Perez

That was a killer match! Everyone got a chance to shine and the interference was minimal and made sense. The crowd has hotter than fresh poutine and it was a joy to watch. 17 Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwiches out of 10.

-Back from a commercial, they went right into the next match which by process of elimination was:

AJ Styles vs Shinsuke Nakamura

It’s likely you’d be hard pressed to find anyone in the wrestling world not looking forward to this match. AJ arrived with his special Japan mask and Nakamura made his entrance like it was Black & Gold NXT, both popping the crowd huge. 

The bell rang and they took it in, taking their time to lock up. Nakamura grabbed a headlock, but Styles shot him off the ropes and they locked up again. This time, Nakamura went for a side headlock takedown. They wrestled through a few technical exchanges before Styles went for a leapfrog off the ropes, but Nakamura hit him with a dropkick. 

They reset and locked up again, with Nakamura pushing Styles to the ropes. He backed off at the ref’s request and the two eyed each other. Nakamura told Styles to “come aaaaaaaahnnnnn!” and he did, landing a dropkick and a backbreaker. 

Styles pushed Nakamura to the corner and Nakamura punched him in the gut. Styles responded with an elbow, sending Nakamura to the outside. Styles then leapt over the ropes onto him, squishing him into the floor. Styles tossed Nakamura back into ring and caught a kick to the back of the head. 

Nakamura laid Styles over the ropes and hit him with a running knee. Nakamura then dropped a knee onto Styles face, keeping control of the pace of the match. Nakamura grabbed a headlock and shoved Styles into the corner and stood on his neck. Nakamura went for a stomp, but Styles rolled though and popped up with a clothesline. 

Styles hit a sliding forearm and then hit a neckbreaker, but Nakamura kicked out of the cover at two. Styles went for the Styles Clash, but Nakamura was having none of it and countered with a running knee. He started kicking Styles in the chest until he dropped to the mat. 

Nakamura hit a sliding German suplex off the second rope and then nailed Styles with a flying knee. Styles kicked out of the cover though. Nakamura set up for Kinshasa, but Styles got out of the way and pulled him down for a calf crusher. Nakamura screamed in pain and crawled to the ropes to break the hold. 

Styles wrapped Nakamura’s knee around the ropes and wrenched it before dragging him to the middle for another calf crusher. Styles held it on for what seemed like 10 minutes, but Nakamura wouldn’t tap. Nakamura almost made it to the ropes, but Styles pulled him back and tried to reset the calf crusher. Nakamura used that to turn the tables slap on a triangle choke. 

Styles lifted Nakamura up for a Styles Clash, but Nakamura got out of hit. Styles then hit a massive knee into the chin of Nakamura, knocking him senseless. Styles got to his feet first and limped over to Nakamura on the mat. 

Styles picked him up and the two started trading forearms. Styles hit a Pele kick, but that opened him up to a Kinshasa to the back of the neck. Nakamura went to the corner and went for another Kinshasa, but his knee gave out. Styles hit one of his own, but Nakamura grabbed the ropes to stop the count. 

Styles hoisted Nakamura up on his shoulders and hit a spinning slam for a two count. Styles went for a a suplex, but Nakamura countered and tried another sliding German, but again his knee gave out on him. Styles hit him with a running knee to send him to the outside. Styles pulled him back in and went for the Phenomenal Forearm, but Nakamura caught him and hit a driver for a 2.5 count on Styles. 

Styles threw a back elbow, but Nakamura took him down with a sling blade. Styles hit another Pele kick, sending Nakamura back to the mat. Both men were down, with Nakamura clutching his leg. 

Styles got to his feet and so did Nakamura. The two traded chops and forearms and kicks to the hamstrings. Nakamura threw a headbutt and when Styles lunged he caught him in an armbar. Styles rolled it through into a pinning combination, but Nakamura kicked out, then kicked Styles. 

Nakamura went for a Kinshasa, but Styles blocked it and set him up for the Styles Clash. Nakamura got out of it and went for another Kinshasa, but Styles dodged and Nakamura hit the ringpost. Styles leapt up and landed a Phenomenal Forearm followed by a Styles Clash to finally put an end to it, 1-2-3.

Match Result: AJ Styles defeated Shinsuke Nakamura

Holy crap in a hat that was amazing! What a match! I’m so glad these two had a chance to have this match after some of their lesser ones. It was back and forth the whole way and told an incredible story the way that only these two could tell. If some of the newer talent in the back wasn’t taking notes on that match, I bet HBK has them doing it on Monday. 57 Montreal Road Work Pylons out of 10.

-The scene shifted back to the Host desk and Stephanie McMahon. She caught everyone up on what’s happend so far in the show. She then set up the Fatal Four Way Main Event and threw to footage of Sami Zayn arriving to work to a huge ovation. She then threw to the match that started right–

— after a promo for Wrestlemania in Las Vegas and then some commercials.

Undisputed WWE Title No. 1 Contender’s Fatal 4-Way Match: Randy Orton vs. Trick Williams vs. Damian Priest vs. Sami Zayn 

Orton made his way to the ring first, ensuring us that the people in his noggin were still talking to him. Priest took one look at Orton’s entrance and said “you call that sauntering?” and walked with purpose to the ring. Williams was next, but really he was just the cooldown entrance for Sami By God Zayn. 

I’m not selling this short when I say that when the “let’s go” in Zayn’s music hit, the Bell Centre and most of downtown Montreal shook like the stands at a Metallica show at Olympic Stadium (google it). Zayn made his way to the ring, soaking in every bit of hometown energy he could. 

At home, Kevin Owens silently watched, a single tear forming in the corner of his eye as he fondly reminisced about all the times he powerbombed Zayn onto the ring apron (the francophonest part of the ring!) 

The bell rang and Williames bailed from the ring. Orton went for an early RKO, but missed, sending Priest out. That left Orton and Zayn to kick things off while the crowd screamed. Williams grabbed Zayne by the ankle and dragged him out of the ring. Orton followed and took out Williams. Priest launched himself off the steps and took out Orton and Williams. 

In the ring, Priest and Zayn fought, with Priest tossing Zayne from corner to corner. He went for a suplex, but Orton got involved with a headbutt, sending him back out. Orton and Zayn locked up with Orton throwing him into the corner. Zayne reversed it, feeding Orton some punches of his own. 

Williams chose then to make his presence known, stomping on Orton and shoving him out of the ring. He then turned his attention and fists to Zayn, punching him and soaking up the boos. Williams threw Zayn into Orton then hit a neckbreaker on Zayn for a two count. He threw Zayn into the corner, bouncing him off the turnbuckle. 

Zayne then fired up and threw some chops, but Williams hit him with a spinning kick. That allowed Priest to slam Williams for a two count. Priest then set up Zayn for a piledriver, but Zayn countered with a tornado DDT. The ole’s started in earnest as Zayn caught a returning Orton in a blue Thunder Bomb attempt. Orton blocked it though and landed a powerslam before clotheslining Williams out of the ring. 

Orton grabbed Priest and dropped him with a dripping DDT. Williams came back in just in time to get kicked in the gut, which allowed Zayn to hit the Blue Thunder Bomb on Orton for the legally required two count. Orton crawled to the corner and Zayn charged for a Helluva kick, but Williams interrupted him. 

Priest threw feet at Williams who slid out of the ring. Priest followed and charged, but Williams hit a Book End on the barricade, which gave Zayn a chance to land a dive on both of them through the ropes. 

Orton picked up Zayn on the outside and Zayne countered it, slamming him on the announce table. Zayne scrambled back into the ring and hit a Helluva Kick on Priest, but Williams pulled the ref out of the ring before the three count could fall. 

Orton then grabbed Williams and slammed him onto the announce table. Then he grabbed Zayne and did the same. Then he grabbed Priest and they shared a nice soda pop. NO! He slammed him on the table as well. Then for good measure, he did it again to Williams. 

Orton tossed Williams back into the ring, but Williams rolled away. That left Orton open for a rollup from Zayn, but only a two count. Orton then hit the ring post off of a charge as Zayn got out of the way. Zayn went up top, but Orton moved. Orton went for an RKO, but Zayn dodged it. Zayn fired up and went for a kick, but Orton landed an RKO. Williams ran in and grabbed Orton, tossing him out to try and pin Zayn, but Priest broke it up before the ref could count to three. 

Priest and Williams traded shots on the ring apron, with both knocking each other silly so Orton could hit a double draping DDT off the ropes. Orton got pumped up for an RKO, but Williams blocked it and threw Orton at Priest who hit a chokeslam. Williams tried to steal one again, shoving Priest out of the way for a two count. 

Priest rolled out in time for Zayn to hit Williams with an exploder in the corner. Zayn ran for the helluva kick, but Williams moved and Zayn tweaked his knee on the ropes. Williams went up top, but Zayn ran up and grabbed him. Priest then hit Zayn and got him with a Razor’s Edge. Priest then turned his attention to Williams, which left Priest open for the Helluva kick and Zayn made the pin to get the victory and head to the Royal Rumble against Drew McIntrye for the WWE Undisputed Championship! 

Match Result: Sami Zayn defeated Randy Orton, Trick Williams and Damian Priest

After the match, Drew McIntyre tried to get the drop on Zayn, but Zayn saw it coming (probably becuase he’s seen wrestling before) and tossed him out of the ring. Zayn then stood tall with fireworks and a massive crowd ovation as the show went off the air.

That was one of the best Saturday Night Main Events they’ve done so far. Four great fights, three great matches two awesome outcomes and the one and only Sami Zayn. 107 Canadiens Stanley Cups out of 24!

Giulia & Kiana James named top contenders to WWE Women’s Tag titles

Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky, the reigning WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, have new challengers following a number one contender’s match on SmackDown. 

Kiana James & Giulia won a triple threat match on Friday night in Montreal, defeating the teams of Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss and Nia Jax & Lash Legend. 

The finish came after Legend hoisted Bliss into crucifix position, then swung her around and dropped her onto her face. Before she could make a cover, however, Flair knocked her out of position with a spear. James quickly hit the ring and splashed Bliss to pin her. 

James & Giulia had just lost to Bliss & Flair on last week’s SmackDown. They did get a win over Alba Fyre & Chelsea Green in their last televised match as a team back in December. 

The WWE has not announced when James & Giulia will get their title shot, but it won’t be this weekend—Ripley & Sky are scheduled to defend against Liv Morgan & Roxanne Perez tomorrow night on Saturday Night’s Main Event. 

New match announced for WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event

AJ Styles will meet an old rival at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

During SmackDown, Aldis asked Styles why he would put his career on the line against Gunther at the Royal Rumble. Styles shared his feelings about Gunther’s recent actions, but then Aldis revealed he had another reason to bring him to Montreal. Shinsuke Nakamura then walked in and said before he stepped into the ring with Gunther, Styles should prove he’s still phenomenal by facing him. The two agreed to the match for Saturday.

Styles and Nakamura have feuded in the past, both in New Japan Pro Wrestling and in WWE. They wrestled in the co-main event of Wrestle Kingdom 10 which saw Nakamura retain the IWGP Intercontinental title over Styles.

The match comes as Styles is set to put his career on the line against Gunther at the Royal Rumble. After Gunther emerged victorious in their first match, Styles demanded a second. But Gunther would only face Styles again if he put up his career, which he agreed to.

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event (January 24)

  • Cody Rhodes vs. Jacob Fatu
  • Number one contender’s match for WWE Championship: Damian Priest vs. Randy Orton vs. Sami Zayn vs. Trick Williams’
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team titles: Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY defend against Judgment Day (Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez)
  • AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

The Rock not among Academy Award nominees

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is still chasing his first Academy Award nomination.

Despite critical praise for his performance in The Smashing Machine, Johnson is not listed among the nominees for the 2026 Academy Awards. The five spots in the Best Actor in a Leading Role category instead went to Timothee Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, and Wagner Moura.

The Smashing Machine did receive one nomination, which was for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. The movie was released in October 2025 and tells the real-life story of MMA legend Mark Kerr, including his battle with addiction, road to sobriety, and relationship with his ex-wife Dawn. Johnson and Emily Blunt star in the two leading roles.

By taking on the project, Johnson wanted to expose Kerr’s story to a larger audience and provide encouragement to anyone battling similar demons. He also wanted to test his range as an actor and show he was capable of more than he’s displayed previously.

Johnson was nominated for a Golden Globe but lost out to Moura, who starred in The Secret Agent.

Upcoming roles for Johnson include Lizard Music (from Smashing Machine director Benny Safdie), as well as new projects in the Jumanji and Moana franchises.

When we’ll see Johnson on WWE programming next remains to be seen, but he recently mentioned “good” conversations regarding a possible appearance at WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia next year.

WWE NXT Women’s North American title match set for next month

Thea Hail gets another shot at the NXT North American title next month.

During Tuesday’s show, Lola Vice was in Ava’s office talking about a future title opportunity against Izzi Dame when Thea Hail walked in wanting the same thing, pointing out she wanted her rematch. The two proceeded to argue until Ava cut them off, saying she knew where this was going and arranged for a triple threat match on February 3, the same episode of NXT that will see a new NXT Champion crowned in a six-way ladder match.

Back at New Year’s Evil, Hail was originally set to defend the title against former champion Blake Monroe. However, Monroe jumped her before the match and was thrown out of the building as a result. Despite the attack, Hail decided to put the title on the line anyway in an open challenge. It seemed like -Tatum Paxley, who defeated Izzi Dame earlier in the show, would answer the challenge. However, Dame appeared from behind and jumped Hail to get the match started, and ended up scoring the win over Hail to take the title.

WWE NXT (February 3)

  • Ladder match for NXT Championship: Shiloh Hill vs. Sean Legacy vs. Ricky Saints vs. TBA vs. TBA vs. TBA
  • Triple threat match for NXT Women’s North American title: Izzi Dame defends against Lola Vice and Thea Hail

Je’Von Evans okay following WWE Raw match stoppage

Update:

Dave Meltzer reports the following:

“Je’Von Evans was injured and the match had to be stopped on Raw today against Grande Americano. Right now the belief is it wasn’t too bad, there was more fear of a concussion and he’s said to be fine and flying home.”

Original story:

Je’Von Evans is reportedly okay after an injury scare on Raw.

Both PWInsider and Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful are reporting that Je’Von Evans is doing okay after his match was stopped during Monday’s show in Belfast, Ireland. According to PWInsider, the match was stopped over a possible concussion. Evans was checked out backstage and left the show to travel with the rest of the roster as part of WWE’s European tour.

According to PWInsider, it was said that it doesn’t appear that Evans suffered a concussion, but it can’t be ruled out 100%.

The bout between Evans and El Grande Americano was stopped very early into the match, with the announcer saying that Evans was no longer able to compete. The match was awarded to Americano as Evans was helped to the back by WWE staff.

Evans was officially called up to the main roster earlier this month, joining the Raw brand and starting a feud with El Grande Americano and Los Americanos. He defeated Bravo on last week’s show ahead of his bout with El Grande. During the European house show tour this past weekend, he teamed with CM Punk to defeat The Vision in tag team matches.

Je’Von Evans injury forces WWE Raw match stoppage

While competing on WWE Raw today, Je’Von Evans suffered an injury that caused his match to end in a referee stoppage.

The 21-year-old Evans faced off against El Grande Americano in a singles bout on Monday’s show from Belfast, Northern Ireland. Shortly into the contest, Americano was declared the winner when it was announced that Evans was not medically cleared to continue. It’s not clear what happened, but Evans sustained what looked to be a shoulder injury that required medical attention. There’s been no announcement as to what the exact injury is or how severe it may be.

Evans performed a springboard clothesline and looked fine as the show went to a commercial break. The injury did not occur during the break, so it had to have happened on the springboard clothesline landing or a different spot that occurred earlier. Evans was holding his shoulder/upper chest when heading to the back after the match.

One of the brightest young stars in WWE, Evans was called up from NXT to Raw on the first episode of 2026. He’s recently been wrestling in house show matches on WWE’s European tour, which wraps up in Brussels tomorrow. Those have either been singles matches against Bron Breakker or tag bouts with Evans & CM Punk facing The Vision (Breakker & Bronson Reed).

Evans has already earned high praise from some of his main roster peers, including The Miz calling him a really special star who has unlimited potential.

Triple H addresses R-Truth WWE contract ordeal: ‘He was never fired’

To promote the new season of “WWE: Unreal,” Netflix has released a sneak peek with Paul “Triple H” Levesque addressing R-Truth’s contract saga from 2025.

Season two of the “Unreal” docuseries arrives on Netflix tomorrow (January 20). One of the focal points will be WWE’s controversial decision to not renew Truth’s contract last year, which sparked fan outcry and ultimately led to Truth being brought back without ever having officially departed WWE.

In the “Unreal” clip, Levesque frames WWE’s decision to not renew as one that was made because communication had broken down between the two sides in contract negotiations. Levesque says that, by making the decision they did, WWE was hoping Truth might change his mind and engage them on a new deal. Instead, Truth took to social media and said he was being released.

“We got to a point in Truth’s run where his contract was coming up,” Levesque says in the clip. “When you are dealing with contracts and money and you’re very far apart in the numbers and communication breaks down, it’s very easy for both sides to read into the communications differently. ‘Okay, well, if you’re not going to come to us, then Truth, we’re going to let your contract lapse. Your contract is at the end. We’re not going to renew.’ Knowing that hopefully maybe this will force his hand to say, ‘Well, hold on a second. Can we talk?’ He immediately went out on social and said he was fired — which, he was never fired, contrary to prior belief. He was never not under contract with us.”

Brief comments from Truth and Brian “Road Dogg” James are also included in the clip. Truth says that, when he was informed of WWE’s decision, he felt like he was being released. James — who is good friends with Truth and is his former tag team partner — called WWE’s decision heartbreaking but believes it made perfect business sense considering that Truth is in his 50s.

The outcry from fans, along with Truth receiving significant support from his colleagues, led to WWE reversing course and signing Truth to a new long-term contract. WWE President Nick Khan played a significant role in making the deal happen.

Two matches official for WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event

Two matches are now set for next week’s Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Next Saturday’s show in Montreal will see Trick Williams, Sami Zayn, Randy Orton, and Damian Priest battle it out to determine the next number one contender for Drew McIntyre’s WWE Championship. Orton defeated The Miz to advance, while Williams defeated Matt Cardona and Priest pinned Solo Sikoa.

The end of Friday’s show saw Sami Zayn win his slot in the four-way that will take place in his hometown, defeating Ilja Dragunov. The show didn’t end with a happy ending, however, as Williams emerged and jumped Zayn from behind, laying him out with the Trick shot to end the show.

Another match was made official when it was confirmed on Friday that Cody Rhodes would meet Jacob Fatu, who inadvertently cost Rhodes the WWE Championship on last week’s SmackDown. Fatu had set his sights on Drew McIntyre, jumping him inside the steel cage. When Rhodes tried to intervene, Fatu responded by attacking Rhodes instead. McIntyre used the distraction to escape and win the match.

On SmackDown, Fatu told Rhodes to come out and face him if he had a problem. The two ended up getting into a brawl that had to be separated by security.

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event (January 24)

  • Cody Rhodes vs. Jacob Fatu
  • Number one contender’s match for WWE Championship: Damian Priest vs. Randy Orton vs. Sami Zayn vs. Trick Williams

Daily Update: Seth Rollins update, MJF, Scott D’Amore

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Among the news covered in this issue:

  • Coverage of the Tokyo Dome show
  • How did the show accomplish what should have been its key goals
  • Thoughts on Aaron Wolf
  • Business notes on the show
  • Yota Tsuji and the title name change
  • The end of the Bullet Club
  • Shinsuke Nakamura and his thoughts
  • Angle with Will Ospreay
  • Records that Tanahashi set during his career
  • Tanahashi’s background
  • Notes on his last IWGP title win that wasn’t supposed to happen
  • The unique way he became a mainstream figure in a news story
  • How his career exploded from there
  • How Tanahashi differed from prior IWGP champions and how that changed who could hold that title
  • The Tanahashi era that turned around New Japan
  • A look at his record setting 13 Tokyo Dome career main events
  • Various title wins and career awards
  • 2025 Business Year in Review
  • A look at all the shows that drew 15,000 fans
  • Biggest individual draws of the year
  • Crowds of 15,000 or more by promotion and how the main companies did
  • How UFC PPV gates were
  • The biggest pro wrestling drawing card every year from 1916 to 2025
  • What wrestlers were No. 1 for the year the most years in their career
  • The 50 biggest arena draws in pro wrestling history based on the standards of their era
  • New Year Dash coverage
  • The year in matches, who had the most great matches in 2025, most over the course of a career, top ten arenas of all-time and new records set in 2025 by a promotion for a year as well as for a city
  • A look at the life of Johnny Legend, a cult celebrity wrestling fan, his work with Freddie Blassie and Andy Kaufman, and his promotion, Incredibly Strange Wrestling.
  • The most detailed look at the ratings of the pro wrestling TV shows and details regarding who watches
  • Advanced ticket sales for WWE, AEW and TNA events
  • AEW stars headed to CMLL next week
  • Another Arena Mexico sellout
  • Legendary pro wrestling promoter turns 101
  • Old living wrestling personalities
  • Ted DiBiase files lawsuit
  • The Ted DiBiase Jr. case
  • A look at the career of Bob Boyer/Bobby Bold Eagle, who wrestled from 1955 to 1987
  • Documentary planned on 80s tag team
  • Notes on WrestleMania week shows
  • Update on the WBD sale
  • Former UFC champion goes for boxing world title
  • Update on the home for WWE’s library
  • Plans for TV shows this month
  • How much Dwayne Johnson has made from the WWE contract he signed two years ago
  • Those added to WWE, those leaving, those injured and those they are interested in
  • How the Holiday week house shows did
  • Why WWE’s weekly  audience on Netflix should go up close to 12 percent over the next three months.

This Week’s Back Issue

FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBERS GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH

Wednesday Update

WWE

  • While speaking with Complex News, Seth Rollins gave an update on his recovery from shoulder surgery:
    • It’s coming along. Yeah, it’s coming along. I had surgery almost three months ago now. I can do most normal things like wash my hair and scratch my armpit and all those things. So, it’s good. Still got time. I don’t know exactly when we’re going to come back, but I’m making progress in the right direction.
  • R-Truth told TV Insider that he thinks the existence of “WWE: Unreal” shows how much the industry is adapting to the times:
    • I know everyone has different takes and different views on it. My thought, like everything else, was, like, cool. I wasn’t pro Unreal or anti-Unreal. I wasn’t against it or for it. I think it shows how much the business is growing, adapting, and excelling into things we’ve never seen before. That’s a good thing. We have to adapt. It’s about trying new and different things, whether it’s inside or outside the box. I’m just here to play the hand.
  • BBC Scotland briefly interviewed new WWE Champion Drew McIntyre.
  • Jade Cargill attended the premiere of Netflix’s movie “The Rip” in New York City.
  • Kendal Grey appeared on Busted Open After Dark following NXT last night.
  • Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada had a meeting with WWE President Nick Khan: “It was a pleasure meeting with @WWE President Nick Khan who happens to be a former student of mine @UNLV.”

Other Wrestling

  • MJF named Steve Austin as the greatest wrestler of all time (besides himself): “In my opinion. After me of course. When people talk about the greatest of all time. They should be saying Steve Austin.”
  • Limitless Wrestling promoter Randy Carver spoke to Undisputed about booking MJF vs. Alec Price for the AEW World Championship at this Friday’s Limitless Rumble event:
    • I try to never take anything off the table, but this one always felt unrealistic. Yet every year, without fail, the number one vote for the wrestler our fans wanted to see return was the same: MJF. There was a constant heartbeat among the fans that this could happen.
    • Nights like this don’t happen often, but the goalposts continue to move. There’s a beauty to the landscape of 2026 independent wrestling where nights like this can exist.
    • We’re less than 200 tickets away from selling out The Colisee in Lewiston, something that would’ve sounded ludicrous when we took this gamble for the first time. We have a dedicated team committed to making Maine a professional wrestling destination. This Friday is a major step forward for Maine professional wrestling. The possibilities are truly limitless.
  • Alex Windsor reflected on her first Stardom tour
    • Had the absolute time of my life, shared the ring with the greatest talent there is and saw firsthand the highest level every one of these girls work at. The kind of wrestling that I feel most at home and lights that spark. Thank you @wwr_stardom
  • Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling President Scott D’Amore has added on another wrestling role with him joining One Fall Wrestling as a co-executive producer and creative consultant. The indie promotion is owned by QT Marshall.
  • TV Insider asked Mike Santana if he could see himself crossing over into “The Walking Dead” universe now that TNA Impact is on AMC:
    • Absolutely. I read the graphic novel two years before it came out. I have been following The Walking Dead for a long time. So if I got the opportunity to do something with them it would be a huge deal. I followed Breaking Bad, that was an amazing show. There are opportunities for a lot of integration. I think it will be great for everyone involved. As far as I’ve heard, AMC executives are very happy with the reaction everything has gotten so far. This is the first time they are in the sports entertainment business and offering a platform for wrestling. It’s a good time overall. We’re excited.
  • Minoru Suzuki is taking bookings for WrestleMania week in Las Vegas this April: “Any promotions that need me at Mania Week this year please get in touch. KAZE NI NAREeee [email protected]
  • Kurt Angle is set to appear at WrestleCon’s convention on the Friday of Mania week.
  • The “You Know I’m Right” podcast had Kacy Catanzaro (former WWE wrestler Katana Chance) on as a guest.
  • “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan is celebrating his 72nd birthday today.

Daily Update: Becky Lynch, Laredo Kid, The Acclaimed

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

*Coverage of the Tokyo Dome show

*How did the show accomplish what should have been its key goals

*Thoughts on Aaron Wolf

*Business notes on the show

*Yota Tsuji and the title name change

*The end of the Bullet Club

*Shinsuke Nakamura and his thoughts

*Angle with Will Ospreay

*Records that Tanahashi set during his career

*Tanahashi’s background

*Notes on his last IWGP title win that wasn’t supposed to happen

*The unique way he became a mainstream figure in a news story

*How his career exploded from there

*How Tanahashi differed from prior IWGP champions and how that changed who could hold that title

*The Tanahashi era that turned around New Japan

*A look at his record setting 13 Tokyo Dome career main events

*Various title wins and career awards

*2025 Business Year in Review

*A look at all the shows that drew 15,000 fans

*Biggest individual draws of the year

*Crowds of 15,000 or more by promotion  and how the main companies did

*How UFC PPV gates wer

*The biggest pro wrestling drawing card every year from 1916 to 2025

*What wrestlers were No. 1 for the year the most years in their career

*The 50 biggest arena draws  in pro wrestling history based on the standards of their era

*New Year Dash coverage

*The year in matches, who had the most great matches in 2025, most over the course of a career, top ten arenas of all-time and new records set in 2025 by a promotion for a year as well as for a city

*A look at the life of Johnny Legend, a cult celebrity wrestling fan, his work with Freddie Blassie and Andy Kaufman, and his promotion, Incredibly Strange Wrestling.

*The most detailed look at the ratings of the pro wrestling TV shows and details regarding who watches

*Advanced ticket sales for WWE, AEW and TNA events

*AEW stars headed to CMLL next week

*Another Arena Mexico sellout

*Legendary pro wrestling promoter turns 101

*Old living wrestling personalities

*Ted DiBiase files lawsuit

*The Ted DiBiase Jr. case

*A look at the career of Bob Boyer/Bobby Bold Eagle, who wrestled from 1955 to 1987

*Documentary planned on 80s tag team

*Notes on WrestleMania week shows

*Update on the WBD sale

*Former UFC champion goes for boxing world title

*Update on the home for WWE’s library

*Plans for TV shows this month

*How much Dwayne Johnson has made from the WWE contract he signed two years ago

*Those added to WWE, those leaving, those injured and those they are interested in

*How the Holiday week house shows did

*Why WWE’s weekly  audience on Netflix should go up close to 12 percent over the next three months.

This Week’s Back Issue

FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBERS GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH

Tuesday Update

Image Copyright: AEW

WWE

  • WWE has more footage of Drew McIntyre celebrating his title win in Glasgow over the weekend.
  • New Sol Ruca merchandise is out.
  • Becky Lynch on social media: “One year ago, the women’s Intercontinental championship was won by LOSER LYRA! Big whoop!! Now, because I’M holding the gold, people say this title means more than ANY OTHER CHAMPIONSHIP in the world of pro wrestling! Instead of THANKING ME, the media continues to spread LIES! Instead of PRAISING me, PETTY Pearce tries to stack the deck against me! However, when you’re THE MAN like me, you take on all challenges and prove to these SCUMBAG haters that you’re the best for a reason! As my gift to you, ENJOY this picture of me in my garden that I PLANTED MYSELF – BTB THE GREATEST INTERCONTINENTAL (Intergalactic) CHAMPION EVER!”
  • Laredo Kid shared his feelings on the second AAA La Parka, who passed away six years ago on January 11: “Today marks 6 years since you left us, my mentor. Thank you for opening your home to me, for believing in me when I was just starting, and for supporting me without expecting anything in return. You were a mentor, a true friend, and family. La Parka, you will never be forgotten.”
  • Recent WWE Vault additions include R-Truth confronting Brock Lesnar from the January 13, 2020 edition of Raw, a WWC match between Luna Vachon and Madusa from 1993, a compilation of wrestlers doing bench presses, and Asuka & Charlotte Flair vs. Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler from the Royal Rumble 2021 kickoff.

AEW & Other Wrestling

  • The latest “team building exercise” between Anthony Bowens and Max Caster.
  • HBO Max is now available in Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Israel, and Greece. The UK and Ireland will get the service at the end of March.
  • The lineup for next Monday’s CMLL show in Arena Puebla, which will see Bandido taking on Angel de Oro and GOA vs. Volador Jr. & Hechicero.
  • Okumura has been added to the MLW Battle Riot.
  • Fred Rosser reflected on his own tryout in wake of WWE holding tryouts this week in Orlando: “I hate to sound like an old timer, but I can’t stress enough how fortunate today’s men and women are to have opportunities with @WWE. Back in my day, I paid $1,000 for a four-day tryout, beat out 75 men and women from all over the world, and earned my WWE contract May 4th 2009. Make the most of it, and good luck to you all  @WWEID @WWERecruit #blockthehate”
  • Jetspeed vs. Janelasus (Joey Janela & Megan Bayne) has been announced for Superpower Slam on February 1.
  • Gangrel vs. Matt Tremont has been signed for Hybrid Wrestling on April 16.

Miz praises ‘really special’ WWE star Je’Von Evans

The Miz sees Je’Von Evans as a truly special star who has unlimited potential in WWE.

Last month, the two worked together with Evans defeating Miz on SmackDown. The 45-year-old veteran came away from that experience very impressed with Evans. If Evans stays on the right track and avoids major injuries, Miz sees him having an incredible career.

“I was with Je’Von Evans and I was like — no one really knows him, right? Like, people know him, NXT, you know who he is. But the masses don’t know who he is,” Miz said on Insight with Chris Van Vliet. “So we have to really make this kid, because he’s special. He truly is. If you’ve watched him and you feel his energy, the kid has an infectious smile. He’s got charisma, he’s got the ability — and he’s young. He’s young. I was like, ‘Man, this kid’s 21? Imagine what he’s going to be like when he’s 25.’ He might be bored because he’s so good at this age. I was like, man, if this kid can keep elevating himself, keep getting bigger, keep just focusing, locking in, don’t mess up, don’t get injured. This kid can be something really special in this business.”

Miz noted that he wishes WWE still ran a live event schedule that would allow young talent like Evans to get more experience at house shows.

When Evans defeated Miz on the December 12 episode of SmackDown, WWE referred to it as the biggest win of his career so far. Evans is now a member of the WWE Raw roster after being called up from NXT. He worked a match on this week’s episode in Germany, defeating Bravo Americano (Tyler Bate).