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AEW to run smaller arenas in 2025

By
Colin Vassallo
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AEW logo

Bryan Alvarez of F4WOnline is reporting that AEW will be running much smaller buildings next year and will be avoiding huge NBA arenas where they usually have less than 3,000 people in buildings that hold over 15,000.

Alvarez says the delay in doing this is because of a production issue, where some of their set, namely the lighting rig that they use above the ring, was way too heavy for smaller buildings.

The company is in the process of modifying their set and rig so they could fit the smaller buildings and 2025 will see a shift in their arena bookings.

Apart from saving money from booking large NBA arenas, running smaller venues will look better for television and definitely sound better too than having a couple of thousands in a much larger venue.

AEW attendance has been on the decline for a year and judging from the ticket advances of upcoming shows, the trend does not seem to be changing, at least for now.

Smackdown rating for 11/15/2024

By
Colin Vassallo
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Smackdown drew its lowest number since moving to USA Network last week, with only 1,234,000 viewers tuning in, down 302,000 viewers from the prior week and the lowest number in a year since the show had moved to FS1 from FOX. The show had an equally-low 0.32 rating in 18-49, down a whopping 0.15 from last week. All of TV was down and Smackdown actually was still #2 on all of television behind NBA on ESPN. The show went against part of the Tyson vs Paul Netflix special. (Ratings credit: Programming Insider)

Rey Mysterio’s father passes away

By
Colin Vassallo
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WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio announced in a post on social media that his father, Roberto, passed away on Sunday.

Mysterio wrote a touching tribute to his dad, who said that he did more than set the example of how to love and maintain a strong marriage and father four boys.

“Excellent husband, loving father, beautiful grandfather, incredible son & brother, and amazing father in law. You checked every list on the box and can honestly say my majority trates I picked up from you,” Mysterio continued. “You fought until the very last minute and know that your biggest fear was leaving Moms behind, but I can assure you that she will not be alone and we will always look out for her.”

He said that while he is now with God smiling from the heavens, they will continue their work with the real struggle of life until they meet again.

“You will never be forgotten and will always be loved, RIP Pops,” Mysterio concluded.

Women’s WarGames match announced for Survivor Series 2024

By
Colin Vassallo
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Survivor Series 2024

The women’s WarGames match was finally officially announced last night on Raw which featured the return of The Eradicator, Rhea Ripley.

The five on five match will see the team of WWE Women’s World champion Rhea Ripley, WWE Women’s champion Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton, Raquel Rodriguez, and Candice LeRae teaming up to take on the WWE Women’s Tag Team champions Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill, Naomi, Iyo Sky, and Rhea Ripley.

Ripley returned on Raw after a few weeks out due to a broken orbital bone and was sporting a clear face mask to prevent further injury.

A match set for next week will see Bianca Belair take on Nia Jax to see who will have the WarGames advantage for their team.

Lynch hints at WWE return during Vulture Festival panel

By
Colin Vassallo
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Appearing at her Vulture Festival panel yesterday, former multi-time champion Becky Lynch pretty much confirmed that she will be returning to WWE soon.

Rumors last week suggested that Lynch was on her way back to WWE and was expected to return to television around the Netflix premiere.

“If you think I’m gonna go out with Dominik Mysterio slamming a door in my face, that’s not gonna happen,” Lynch told presenter Anne Clark, referring to her last match which she lost in a cage to Liv Morgan back in May.

Lynch has been without a WWE contract since then and welcomed the crowd with, “The Man has come around to Hollywood…it’s been a while since I’ve said that!”

The Man looked much slimmer than the last time we saw her on WWE television.

Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images

WWE reveals more details on Netflix deal

By
Colin Vassallo
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In a press release issued today, WWE announced some additional details to their blockbuster Netflix deal.

The press release states that Raw, Smackdown, NXT, and all of the WWE premium live events will be seen on Netflix in “most international markets around the world,” although in the United States, only Raw will be aired on Netflix.

“Many of WWE’s top RAW moments will be available to watch on Netflix, plus select programming and historic PLEs also available outside the United States, from January 1, 2025,” it continued.

This confirms that not the whole WWE Network content will be moving to Netflix internationally, with many shows going back in the archives. The WWE Network will cease to exist in the current form wherever it still is available around the world.

In the United States, Peacock continues to hold the rights for the WWE Network and premium live events until 2026.

The press release also states that there will be surprise guests for the Raw premiere on January 6 and Travis Scott’s new music will be used as the Raw theme song.

Dwayne Johnson’s Red One debuts #1 with $34 million opening weekend

By
Colin Vassallo
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Dwayne Johnson’s new movie Red One made its debut this past weekend and had a box office of $34 million which was at the top of the projections from industry insiders. The movie ranked #1 for the weekend.

The movie was out at 4,032 theaters across the United States. Internationally, the movie is out in several countries and so far has an additional $50 million in overseas box office receipts, sending the total to $84,073,448 according to BoxOfficeMojo.com.

The Christmas-themed flick also features Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, and J.K. Simmons in leading roles along with the WWE Superstar.

The Rock has another movie coming out in 10 days which is Disney’s Moana 2.

Triple H invites Travis Scott to Raw Netflix premiere

By
Colin Vassallo
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WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H showed up at the Travis Scott concert yesterday at Complexion in Las Vegas and presented him with a custom-made hardcore WWE title.

“Yeah, I take this! I take this, I take this,” Scott said as fans cheered. The hardcore title was a nod to the name of the record label he founded titled Cactus Jack Records.

Triple H then invited Scott to bring the title on January 6, at the Intuit Dome as WWE goes “live to the world on Netflix.”

There were rumors that WWE were in negotiations with the popular 33-year-old American rapper and singer-songwriter to appear on the Raw premiere on Netflix and this pretty much confirms that he will be in attendance.

Josh Alexander says he will no longer work independent dates

By
Colin Vassallo
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Former TNA champion Josh Alexander said in a post on social media that he will no longer be performing at independent wrestling promotions regardless of “of what may or may not be” in his future.

“I’ve loved my time in the independents these past 20yrs. I’ve done amazing things, worked with amazing people and got to travel the world performing in front of amazing fans,” he wrote. “That being said I’m tired of the hustle. It’s time for the next crop to step up and fill whatever void I may leave behind in the Canadian scene.”

Alexander wrote that he drove cars to the ground, was barely able to afford to eat or pay his bills but he followed his heart so he could get to a show and wrestle and there’s nothing he would trade that for.

“I’ve met and made lifelong friends. Found my wife along the way and built a life and family to support me for whatever lies ahead,” he continued.

Alexander thanked all the promotions that booked him and the fellow wrestlers who he shared the ring with along the way, adding that his last indie date will be on January 11 for Wrestle Prestige.

The Canadian is under a TNA deal until February of next year.

Third female WWE referee Victoria D’Errico starts with NXT

By
Colin Vassallo
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New WWE hire Victoria D’Errico has started her journey as a referee part of the NXT brand.

The former boxer had a tryout with WWE during WrestleMania week in Philadelphia earlier this year and is now working the non-televised live events for the developmental brand.

She started her training at the WWE Performance Center in September and was given her first assignment this month.

She becomes the third female WWE referee along with Daphne Lashaun and Jessica Carr, both of who started in NXT and who are now both on the main roster.

Raw Netflix premiere to be held from Intuit Dome in Inglewood

By
Colin Vassallo
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The Raw Netflix premiere will be held live from the brand new Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

The announcement, which was expected, was made today and tickets will go on sale this coming Friday at 10AM PT at Ticketmaster.com.

The $2 billion, 18,000 seater arena was inaugurated in August of this year and it is the new home of the Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA. It sits next to SoFi Stadium, where WWE held WrestleMania 39 last year.

The Raw Netflix premiere is scheduled to be a star-studded event and will be the first WWE broadcast to air almost worldwide on the streaming platform.

Winter Is Coming episode of Dynamite set for December 11

By
Colin Vassallo
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The annual Winter Is Coming episode of Dynamite has been assigned to the December 11 episode which is being held in Kansas City, Missouri at the T-Mobile Center.

The frosty-looking poster features AEW Women’s champion Mariah May front and center, flanked by AEW World champion Jon Moxley and Darby Allin. The other four individuals featured are Kris Statlander, Bobby Lashley, Orange Cassidy, and TBS champion Mercedes Mone.

This is the fifth time that Winter Is Coming is being used as a theme, with the first memorable episode having the arrival of Sting and Kenny Omega winning the AEW World title from Jon Moxley.

Tickets for this show are available through AXS.COM and they start at just $34 plus taxes and fees.

Triple H meets President-elect Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden

By
Colin Vassallo
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WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque shared a hug and a handshake with President-elect Donald Trump last night at Madison Square Garden while both were in attendance for UFC 309.

The WWE Hall of Famer and #47 walked out in MSG to the American Badass song, all known too well for WWE fans, with UFC President Dana White by his side.

Trump shook hands with the UFC commentary team, including big supporter Joe Rogan, and at one point while he was doing his usual dance, Triple H walked in the frame and first greeted White and then embraced Trump, after he finished his dance, of course, as all three had a talk.

Levesque and Trump are obviously not strangers to each other, with Trump sharing a long history with WWE and also being the boss of his mother in law, Linda McMahon.

WWE Superstars Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley were also at the event at MSG and so was Stephanie McMahon. Both Triple H and McMahon were shown on camera and acknowledged during the PPV.

The whole encounter was captured by Matthew Connell which he uploaded on X and can be seen at

Braun Strowman returns during Smackdown dark match

By
Colin Vassallo
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Braun Strowman returned to the ring during a dark match taped at Smackdown after a month and a half out of action.

Strowman was the surprise third man in an impormptu six-man tag match which originally had Finn Balor and JD McDonagh vs Dragon Lee and Rey Mysterio. Carlito kept interfering, which prompted Strowman to come out to even the odds and the match turned into a six-man match.

The monster among men suffered a torn groin during his last monster standing match against Bronson Reed on the September 30 episode of Raw. He later revealed that he felt the tear two minutes after the match started but powered through the rest of the match, which he won.

Mariah May to hold “champagne celebration” at Full Gear

By
Colin Vassallo
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The AEW Women’s title will not be defended at Full Gear and instead, a “champagne celebration” will be held with champion Mariah May.

Joining May will be her long-time friend and former tag team partner Mina Shirakawa, and with vignettes for the returning Toni Storm airing, it’s a very good possibility that Storm will show her face next Saturday during the celebration.

Storm has been off AEW television since All In in late August where she lost her AEW Women’s title to Mariah May.

The Acclaimed get final spot in AEW Tag Team title four way match

By
Colin Vassallo
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The Acclaimed earned the final spot in the AEW Tag Team title four-way match at Full Gear after yesterday they defeated Rush and The Beast Mortos on Collision in the final qualifying match.

The former Tag Team and Trios champions now face title holders Private Party, The Outrunners, and Malakai Black and Brody King next Saturday on the pay-per-view.

This match will be Private Party’s first title defense since winning the titles from The Young Bucks a couple of weeks ago.

New potential Raw logo shown on Netflix during Tyson/Paul fight

By
Colin Vassallo
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During the Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul boxing fight last night, an ad for Raw aired, showing what looks to be the new logo that will be used for the show once it moves over to the streaming giant.

The new logo has two lines above and below the word Raw, with the top line connecting to the W while the bottom one connects to the R, making it look more like BAW than RAW. The bottom part is also arched up rather than straight. It’s unknown if this is the final version of the logo that they’re going with but it’s the one that was part of the ad.

Also, Mauro Ranallo, who was calling the show, plugged WWE, saying that in 2016, he was at the AT&T Stadium doing commentary as part of WrestleMania.

“It’s great to hear from so many of my former colleagues at WWE glad they’re enjoying boxing on Netflix,” Ranallo said as a lower third graphic showed Raw’s premiere date.

Brackets for the WWE Women’s United States title tournament revealed

By
Colin Vassallo
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US Women's title

The tournament to crown the inaugural Women’s WWE United States champion kicked off on Smackdown last night.

Four, triple threat matches will determine the four semi finalists before the winners meet in the finals at next month’s Saturday Night’s Main Event NBC special.

The first match saw Bayley defeat Candice LeRae and B-Fab to advance. On the same side of the bracket there is Bianca Belair vs Chelsea Green vs Blair Davenport, with the winner of that match advancing to take on Bayley.

The right side of the bracket has Jade Cargill vs Michin vs Piper Niven and the other one has Naomi vs Tiffany Stratton vs Elektra Lopez. The winners of those two matches meet each other in the semi final.

Saturday Night’s Main Event will take place on December 14 from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York.

New-look Shinsuke Nakamura returns after seven months out

By
Colin Vassallo
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A new-look Shinsuke Nakamura returned to Friday Night Smackdown last night and took out the WWE United States champion LA Knight, who had just successfully defended his title against Berto.

Nakamura came out in a black outfit, covered in a dark brown trench coat and red paint on his face and waited for Knight to stop celebrating before knocking him out with an elbow followed by a Kinsasha.

The former NXT champion has not been seen on WWE television since April of this year but worked several non-televised live events along the way, including the recent Japan and European tours.

The Japanese star has already been advertised for the January 1 Pro Wrestling NOAH show in Japan.

Bronson Reed joins new Bloodline for WarGames

By
Colin Vassallo
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The new Bloodline found their fifth man for Survivor Series: WarGames and his name is Bronson Reed.

Reed inserted himself into the feud when he showed up and took Roman Reigns during the Bloodline segment on Smackdown. The ending came when Fatu hit a moonsault on Reigns and Reed hit a Tsunami, leaving Reigns, and the rest of the OG Bloodline down.

Earlier this week, Seth Rollins was being recruited to join the new Bloodline but Rollins told Solo Sikoa that he would never team up with Roman Reigns…or a Roman Reigns wannabe. But with Reed now part of the team, the OG Bloodline is favorite to land the former WWE World Heavyweight champion as their fifth man.

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