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REVIEW: New Japan Wrestle Kingdom 17: That Feels Right

January 8, 2023 • Admin

Welcome to KB’s Old School (and New School) Reviews. I’ve been reviewing wrestling shows for over twelve years now and have reviewed over 6,000 shows. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, I’ll be posting a new review here on Wrestlingrumors.net. It could be anything from modern WWE to old school to indies to anything in between. Note that I rate using letters instead of stars and I don’t rate matches under three minutes as really, how good or bad can something that short be? Wrestle Kingdom XVII Date: January 4, 2023 Location: Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan Commentators: Kevin Kelly, Chris Charlton, Gino Gambino It’s time to go back to New Japan for a promotion that I have not looked at since last year’s Wrestle Kingdom. As tends to be the case with this show, I’m coming in mostly blind, save for knowing the wrestlers involved. The main event is Jay White defending the IWGP World Title against Kazuchika Okada, who he took the title from back in June. Let’s get to it. Pre-Show: Boltin Oleg ..

WWE Hires JPMorgan To Help With Sale of the Company

January 7, 2023 • Admin

Let the bidding begin. According to a report from CNBC, WWE has hired JPMorgan to begin the process of selling the company. This is being reported following the news that Vince McMahon returned to the company yesterday. The report states that if a deal occurs, it would likely occur in the next three to six months. In addition, WWE plans to talk to potential buyers before it makes a decision on TV rights renewal agreements. McMahon had the following to stay in a statement: “My return will allow WWE, as well as any transaction counterparties, to engage in these processes knowing they will have the support of the controlling shareholder.” His return doesn’t affect current leadership as Stephanie, and former CAA agent Nick Khan are co-CEOs. However, it remains unclear what type of role, if any, Vince would want at WWE if he sold the company. WWE has told investors that his role is essential in “our ability to create popular characters and creative storylines.” Currently, Vince doesn’t h..

Reserved For Him: Here’s How WWE Treated John Cena Very Differently During His Return

January 7, 2023 • Admin

He has earned it. There have been a lot of wrestlers over the years and many of them do not stand out for the most part. It takes someone special to receive additionally positive treatment but in most cases, they have earned the status. That was the case last week when an all time great made a return, and now we know just how differently he was treated upon return. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Even Them? How WWE Is Going Incredibly Far To Protect Uncle Howdy’s Secret The main event of last week’s SmackDown saw John Cena return for his first match of the year, teaming with Kevin Owens to defeat Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE’s booking of Cena was “very carefully done” This included keeping Cena out of the ring for most of the match, as he had not wrestled in over a year, and making sure that he looked strong and hit the Attitude Adjustment. There is no word on when Cena is expected back in the ring, but WWE has been working on WrestleMania pl..

Even Them? How WWE Is Going Incredibly Far To Protect Uncle Howdy’s Secret

January 7, 2023 • Admin

That’s some dedication. There are all kinds of ways to present a new wrestler but one of the most consistently used over the year is a mask. A new star will appear but there is no way of knowing who is behind the mask, leading to quite a bit of intrigue. WWE is utilizing the idea again today, but this time around they are doing something pretty unique with the concept. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: She’s In: WWE Star Makes Long Awaited In-Ring Debut On SmackDown Over the last few months, Bray Wyatt has been attempting to escape his path but is also dealing with someone named Uncle Howdy. The man appears in a mask and has either stared at or attacked Wyatt. It is not clear who is behind the mask and according to Fightful Select, that is the case backstage as well. Howdy reportedly never takes off his mask and costume backstage, leaving no one to know who he actually is. There is no word on when or if the identity will be revealed on television. Howdy doesn’t have much to go on but he is som..

She’s In: WWE Star Makes Long Awaited In-Ring Debut On SmackDown

January 7, 2023 • Admin

There’s a first time for everyone. WWE has a lot of talented wrestlers on its roster and that can make it difficult to find something for all of them to do. Some of them are left doing one specific thing over and over but a little versatility can go a long way. Being able to do multiple things makes you more valuable and that was on display this week as someone got to do something new. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Feel The Glow? Here’s The Latest On Naomi’s WWE Status This week on SmackDown, Scarlett made her televised in-ring debut, teaming with Karrion Kross to defeat Madcap Moss/Emma. This was Scarlett’s first televised match, though she has wrestled some live event matches for WWE. Scarlett has wrestled throughout her career but only began wrestling for WWE in recent weeks, having served as a manager throughout her two tenures with the company. Scarlett has some skills. Check out her debut and some of her other time in WWE: [This post contains video, click to play] [This post conta..

AEW Rampage Results – January 6, 2023

January 7, 2023 • Admin

Rampage Date: January 6, 2023 Location: Portland Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon Commentators: Jim Ross, Excalibur, Tony Schiavone, Chris Jericho We are in for the first of two hours of AEW TV this week. That could mean quite a few things, but we do have a TNT Title match as new champion Darby Allin defends against Matt Taven. It’s a little weird to have a title match on the show right before a title made of nothing but title matches, but it should be good. Let’s get to it. Opening sequence. Top Flight vs. Jon Moxley/Bryan Danielson The Club gets jumped from behind to start and it’s Darius dropkicking Moxley for a quick one. A standing moonsault gives Dante two but it’s off to Danielson to fire off the kicks in the corner. Moxley comes back in to hammer away before it’s a four way standoff. The double fights go to the floor, with Moxley and Danielson hitting running kicks against the barricade. Back in and Danielson puts Dante in a surfboard, allowing him to rip at the..

Feel The Glow? Here’s The Latest On Naomi’s WWE Status

January 7, 2023 • Admin

One more run? WWE has seen several wrestlers coming and going from the company in recent months as the roster has dramatically changed. There have been multiple reasons for wrestlers to leave, but two of the most prominent left on their own accord. One of them has since settled elsewhere, but the other might be still have a chance to return to WWE if things go another way. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: WATCH: WWE Runs Surprise Attack Angle After This Week’s SmackDown Back in May 2022, Naomi and Sasha Banks both walked out on WWE, vacating their Women’s Tag Team Titles in the process. Banks has since debuted with New Japan Pro Wrestling, under the name Mercedes Mone, while Naomi has not appeared for a promotion since. According to the Wrestling Observer Radio, there are no changes in Naomi’s status with WWE. A return is still possible, but nothing has been agreed to so far. Naomi was seen in Japan with Mone for her New Japan debut but did not appear and has no known deal with any promotion. ..

SmackDown Results – January 6, 2023

January 7, 2023 • Admin

Smackdown Date: January 6, 2023 Location: FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee Commentators: Michael Cole, Wade Barrett We are less than a month away from the Royal Rumble as we are officially in the new year. That means we should be in for some fun tonight and there is certainly a big main event. This week, the Usos will be defending the Tag Team Titles against Drew McIntyre/Sheamus in a match that was originally scheduled for last month. Let’s get to it. The Bloodline opens things up by throwing chairs from the crowd as Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman come to the ring to join them. Reigns demands acknowledgment and seems to receive it but doesn’t seem happy. This week, we are going to hear from Sami Zayn, who says this year belongs to the Bloodline. Zayn brags about the team winning its matches on Raw but that’s not what Reigns wants to talk about. He wants to talk about LAST YEAR when he and Zayn faced John Cena and Kevin Owens. Some people have said they lost, but Reigns doesn’t remember..

WATCH: WWE Runs Surprise Attack Angle After This Week’s SmackDown

January 7, 2023 • Admin

That’s up next. There are several types of wrestlers and some of them work well together, with their styles meshing. That can make for some of the most entertaining matches around, especially if you have wrestlers who are good at what they do in the first place. It seems that WWE is setting up what could be an interesting match between wrestlers who could work well together. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: WATCH: WWE Stable Turns Heel In Surprise Switch On SmackDown The main event of this week’s SmackDown saw the Usos cheat to retain their Tag Team Titles against the team of Sheamus and Drew McIntyre. Following the show, the Viking Raiders came to the ring and attacked McIntyre and Sheamus, suggesting that a match between the teams could be coming. The clip included commentary and was shot like a part of the show. This could be interesting. Check out what we could be seeing next from both teams: [This post contains video, click to play] [This post contains video, click to play] [This po..

WATCH: WWE Stable Turns Heel In Surprise Switch On SmackDown

January 7, 2023 • Admin

They switched. Stables are an interesting concept in wrestling as you can have a bunch of wrestlers together in one group to let them get more television time. That can cause a lot to change at once if the entire group does something different. That seems to be the case this week, as a team of wrestlers is now going in a rather different direction for the first time in this place. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Run It Back: Roman Reigns’ Next Title Defense And Opponent Announced This week on SmackDown, Ricochet defeated Top Dolla in a Royal Rumble qualifying match. Following the match, Dolla shook Ricochet’s hand, allowing Dolla’s Hit Row teammate Ashante Thee Adonis to superkick Ricochet. The team, including B Fab, attacked Ricochet, turning heel in the process. Braun Strowman, Ricochet’s occasional tag partner, ran in for the save. This is the first time Hit Row will have been villains since their original run in NXT. It was a busy night. Check out Hit Row, both new and old: [This post c..

Run It Back: Roman Reigns’ Next Title Defense And Opponent Announced

January 7, 2023 • Admin

He’s up next. There has not been a WWE World Title reign like Roman Reigns’ current run with the championship in a very long time. With the longest title reign since the 1980s, Reigns is rapdily running out of challengers for his title. It means something to see him defend the title and now he is going to be doing just that on one of the bigger stages WWE has to offer. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: There It Is: Vince McMahon Officially Returns To WWE Board Of Directors Last week on SmackDown, Kevin Owens and John Cena defeated Reigns and Sami Zayn. This continued Reigns’ issues with Owens, which have been going on for a few weeks now. Therefore, this week, Owens challenged Reigns to a title match at the Royal Rumble. Reigns agreed and the match was set later in the show. The Royal Rumble takes place on January 28 in San Antonio, Texas. There is a history. Check out the two going at it: [This post contains video, click to play] [This post contains video, click to play] [This post conta..

Impact Wrestling Results – January 5, 2023

January 7, 2023 • Admin

Impact Wrestling Date: January 5, 2023 Location: Charles F. Dodge City Center, Pembroke Pines, Florida Commentators: Matthew Rehwoldt, Tom Hannifan We’re back after last week’s Best Of 2022 event with the first show of 2023. That means we are just over a week away from Hard To Kill and the card is mostly set. There is always room for a little more effort though and now we might be getting to do just that. If nothing else, getting some of the lower card built up should help so let’s get to it. In Memory Of Don West. Opening recap. Masha Slamovich vs. Taylor Wilde Deonna Purrazzo is on commentary. Wilde is in all black and apparently has a new attitude, as seen on Before The Impact. Purrazzo doesn’t think much of Wilde’s resume, asking how long it has been since Wilde was a champion. Fair enough really, as it was a long time ago. They grapple to the mat to start with Slamovich spinning out of a wristlock into an armbar. Wilde avoids a charge in the corner though and some choking has..

There It Is: Vince McMahon Officially Returns To WWE Board Of Directors

January 6, 2023 • Admin

That didn’t take long. To say that WWE is rapidly changing at this point would be a huge understatement as the major backstage pieces keep moving around. There were all kinds of changes last year, including one at the very top of the company. Now things have changed back in the other direction after a very short time, as the original boss is back in a huge way. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: She’s In: Update On Ronda Rousey’s WWE Status Following Title Loss Earlier this week, Vince McMahon announced that he was attempting to return to WWE’s Board Of Directors by threatening to block any potential sale or media rights deal. Less than twenty four hours later, three members of the WWE Board Of Directors (JoEllen Lyons Dillon, Jeffrey R. Speed, Alan M. Wexler) have officially been removed, allowing McMahon and former co-Presidents George Barrios and Michelle Wilson to take their places. Following the change, other members Ignace Lahoud and Man Jit Singh resigned. There is no word on any potentia..

She’s In: Update On Ronda Rousey’s WWE Status Following Title Loss

January 6, 2023 • Admin

That’s a good sign. We are coming up on the most important time of the year for WWE, as the Road To WrestleMania 39 is set to begin later this month. That means it is going to be an all hands on deck moment for WWE, with all of its biggest stars available ready to go. Now we might be getting a sign that one star whose future is a bit in doubt will be around going forward. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Not Welcome: Backstage Reaction To Vince McMahon Wanting Back In WWE (It’s Not Good) Last week on SmackDown, Charlotte made a surprise return and defeated Ronda Rousey to regain the SmackDown Women’s Title. This led to questions about Rousey’s future in WWE, but according to PWInsider.com by way of SportSkeeda.com, Rousey is still listed on WWE’s internal roster. Rousey is listed as a heel and is booked for several upcoming appearances, including the Royal Rumble. She is also advertised for this month’s Raw 30. Rousey is one of those special WWE stars. Check out her time in the company: [Thi..

Not Welcome: Backstage Reaction To Vince McMahon Wanting Back In WWE (It’s Not Good)

January 6, 2023 • Admin

It doesn’t seem to be popular. The biggest wrestling story of the week so far has been Vince McMahon announcing that he is attempting to return to WWE after five months away. McMahon is planning to try to return to the Board of Directors and is threatening to block any media rights deal or sale of the company if he is not allowed. This is going to cause some backlash and it seems to have already begun. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: It Didn’t Work: Bryan Danielson Reveals How He Tried To Get Fired From WWE Job Fightful Select has spoken to several people in WWE about the situation, with everyone being described as “floored” by the announcement. No WWE department was given a heads up about McMahon’s statement and the main concern is about McMahon possibly returning to WWE creative. Everyone asked felt that the announcement was negative but it was something they would not worry about until they had to. There is no word on when McMahon will be attempting to return to WWE. There have been a lot..

It Didn’t Work: Bryan Danielson Reveals How He Tried To Get Fired From WWE Job

January 6, 2023 • Admin

He wanted out. There are all kinds of different WWE programs every week and not all of them involve actual wrestling. The company regularly features a variety of shows recapping recent action or focusing on interviews with wrestlers. Those shows have their own regular hosts, but a former one is now recalling a time when he was desperately trying to get off his own show. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Try Him: AEW Reportedly Planning Push For Popular Star Bryan Danielson appeared on Renee Paquette’s The Sessions podcast and discussed their time hosting Talking Smack in WWE. Danielson revealed that during some of his time on the show, he was actively trying to get fired. Danielson cited frustrations with not being medically cleared to wrestle and not wanting to be brought in for television for just Talking Smack. In efforts to get fired, Danielson would regularly bring up James Ellsworth having a “huge hog” despite being told not to by management. Eventually Danielson was cleared to return to ..

Try Him: AEW Reportedly Planning Push For Popular Star

January 6, 2023 • Admin

He’s next. With so many wrestlers on the AEW roster, it can be difficult to find a way to stand out. The best way tends to be by showcasing yourself in the ring, but even then it takes something very special. There are enough stars in AEW to make it happen though, and now it seems we know the next star to be getting a major chance. It just might take another bit of time. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Keep Them? Top AEW Stars Reportedly Set To Negotiate New Deals According to Wrestling Observer Radio, AEW is expeced to give Konosuke Takeshita a big push in the near future. The push will not likely start within the next week though, as Takeshita is scheduled to face Bryan Danielson next week in a match that Danielson must win to earn a World Title shot at Revolution. Takeshita returned to AEW and the United States after a brief hiatus late last year and is signed to the company. Takeshita has done rather well in AEW so far. Check out some of his best moments: [This post contains video, clic..

Keep Them? Top AEW Stars Reportedly Set To Negotiate New Deals

January 6, 2023 • Admin

Stick around? The AEW roster has done the company a lot of good over the years and a lot of its success has been built around the collection of wrestlers. There are several who have been added over the years but some of them have been around since the beginning. At some point, AEW has to figure out who they want to keep around though and now they are needing to do just that with two originals. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: LOOK: WWE, AEW And New Japan Stars Recreate Classic Photo This Week According to Fightful Select, the Young Bucks’ contracts with AEW are coming up and the two sides have yet to come to a new deal. According to Wrestling Observer Radio, negotiations between the two sides have not yet begun but AEW wants to “lock them in” with multi year deals as soon as possible. Negotiations between the two are expected to begin soon. The Bucks have been around for a bit. Check out their time together in AEW: [This post contains video, click to play] [This post contains video, click ..

WATCH: WWE Star Celebrates Twentieth Anniversary Of His Debut

January 6, 2023 • Admin

That’s a long time. We are entering a new year and that causes a lot of people to look back at other things, both short and long times ago. This can be the case in wrestling as well, as you will see some stars celebrating milestones in their careers. You might see someone being happy with how long it has been since they first did something, and that was the case again this week in a surprising place. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: He’s Back? Vince McMahon Planning Return To WWE, Threatens To Block Huge Deals This week on WWE Main Event, Shelton Benjamin defeated Rip Fowler. Following the match, Benjamin mentioned that he recently celebrated the twenty year anniversary of his WWE debut. Benjamin thanked the fans and said that he was still the Gold Standard and there was no stopping him now. Benjamin debuted on the December 26, 2002 SmackDown and he is a former United States, Intercontinental and Tag Team Champion. That was a special moment. Check out Benjamin’s address, plus some of his bett..

He’s Back? Vince McMahon Planning Return To WWE, Threatens To Block Huge Deals

January 6, 2023 • Admin

He wants back in. The biggest wrestling story in a busy 2022 was the retirement of Vince McMahon from WWE. After nearly forty years in charge of the company, McMahon retired amid an internal investigation over a series of payments but still remained the company’s majority owner. However, now something else has chanced and we could be in for something very different. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Over There: WWE Taking Annual Event To London Later This Year Last month, a report stated that McMahon was planning a comeback to WWE. According to the Wall Street Journal, McMahon is attempting to have himself and former co-WWE Presidents Michelle Wilson and George Barrios elected to the WWE Board of Directors. This would require three current Board members to vacate their positions. McMahon has also said he will not support any media rights deal (with negotiations expected to begin before the current deals expire in 2024) or sale of the company. McMahon has issued a press release: Submits written..