Ronda Rousey will be making her first WrestleCon appearance this year and will be signing autographs for her new book and also posing for photos with fans.
The former Raw and Smackdown Women’s champion will be appearing on Saturday only with photo or signature opportunities going for $80 each or else $150 for a combo.
Rousey left WWE in August of last year, losing her last match to her best friend Shayna Baszler. She did make one appearance for Ring of Honor a few months ago.
WrestleCon will run from April 4 to April 7 and will be held at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown. For more information go to wrestlecon.com.
WWE wrestling betting is not a typical conventional game but has unique characteristics. Firstly, WWE wrestling is scripted like a movie; thus, it is not entirely controlled by random probabilities like in other games such as soccer. The employees and the writers know the outcome, which is kept secret. They adhere to certain constraints and objectives while writing to make the show entertaining and predictable when data is well analyzed.
WWE Wrestling betting is an exotic gamble where people can predict the outcome of matches and thus falls in the category of entertainment betting. Unlike betting on other sports, which mainly depends on critical data analysis from previous outcomes to determine a probable outcome in coming events, the developing storylines of characters in WWE are also crucial in predicting match outcomes.
It is prudent to understand that betting carries risks, such as loss of money and even addiction; thus, it should be done responsibly. All the same, betting can be used for fun and entertainment purposes. Here are some WWE wrestling betting tips for students to bet responsibly and have fun while at it.
Safe and Responsible Betting
The rule of thumb in betting is understanding that it is almost a game of luck. The statistical probability of winning is slim; hence, it should be done for entertainment only. Betting in any sport carries significant risk and can lead to financial losses. Therefore, it’s prudent to gamble only what you are willing to lose. So, don’t put all your money there, including what you had set aside for paying a writer at https://essayusa.com/. Also, create a strict limit on your betting limits and avoid impulsive decisions.
Understand How WWE Wresting Operates
A little research and knowledge can increase your edge and chances of winning a bet. So, understand how the WWE wrestling bets occur. Research the different types of bets, such as match-win bets, retain title bets, and brand winner bets. Understand the risks inherent in the different types of bets and how to navigate them. For instance, the risk is low for match-win bets since the prediction is for one of the fighters to win. In retaining title bets, they consider the chance that there might not be a winner. In brand-winner bets, Smackdown and Raw wrestlers compete in matches, and bet placement is usually higher and larger.
Research on Ongoing Character Developments and Updates
When you want to buy an essay online, you have to research and find the best essay writing service to buy from. The same is applicable to WWE betting. Before diving into placing a bet on a WWE match, you need to watch previous results to come up with an informed prediction. As stated earlier, WWE is scripted fiction; with every episode, characters are developed, and a new storyline is formed. You will need to be updated with recent developments to have insights into what is likely to happen.
Pay Attention to Public Opinion and Betting Odds
Public sentiments provide an overview of what might happen. It considers the fans’ beliefs, feelings, and expectations regarding the storyline, character development, and outcomes. On the other hand, the odds are based on various factors such as past outcomes, public sentiment, and wagered money. Odds can provide insights into the likelihood of winning. However, you should keep in mind that while public opinions and demands may shape the writer’s storylines in WWE, it is not guaranteed that the outcome will precisely be the case. The writers can incorporate twists and surprise decisions to keep the show entertaining.
Be Cautious of Insider Information
Insider information refers to privileged information about the occurrence of an event before it happens. Insider information should be utilized with discretion due to several reasons. First, since wrestling is an entertainment industry, the thrill lies in catching the fans by surprise. Therefore, genuine insiders are bound by law and non-disclosure agreements; they cannot leak the information and risk facing charges.
Additionally, insider information can be intentionally misguided. WWE has a large fan base, and it is obvious that the fans wonder what happens behind the scenes. Therefore, leaking misguided information would lead to people making the wrong betting decisions. Moreover, since WWE is fiction, the storylines are fluid based on several factors, such as expectations, real-world events, or the writer’s creative standpoints.
Be Watchful of Personal Bias
We all have a favorite character in a show, and so is with wrestling. You have your favorite wrestler you root for whenever they are in the ring. Personal bias can cloud your judgment, leading to biased decisions. Keep your personal feelings from the betting field. The fact that they are your favorite wrestler does not mean they will win. If the odds and data show they will lose, you have to trust the data.
Be Open-Minded and Updated on Last Minute Changes
In WWE betting, you have to be open-minded. Since the matches are for entertainment purposes, anything can happen at any time. The storyline can change due to several reasons. Firstly, WWE is an entertainment company that relies on maintaining viewer interest. To do so, writers and producers can make last-minute changes to keep viewers interested.
Moreover, unpredictability enhances dramatic tension, creates excitement, and boosts fans’ speculation as they try to predict outcomes. It is helpful in protecting long-term stories and ensuring the coherence of the show and continuity while adapting to disruptions arising from real-world occurrences. Also, real–world events such as injuries and illnesses might significantly affect the predicted outcomes. If you are going to bet, you need to stay on top of the game.
Treat WWE Wrestling as Entertainment
WWE wrestling is meant for entertainment purposes, and betting is designed to make it more fun by getting fans more involved. While betting, you should do so for the sole reason of having fun and not as a money-making opportunity. The fun is in enjoying the storyline and creativity of the producers.
Summing Up
Betting on WWE matches should be done responsibly. To increase your odds of winning, you should research the field and character development. Take into consideration the public sentiments and character storylines. Also, read real-time news involving the wrestlers, remain open-minded, and avoid personal bias. Lastly, treat WWE betting as a form of entertainment; that way, you will always enjoy the show. Have fun and safe betting!
Tickets for the ROH Supercard of Honor pay-per-view during WrestleMania weekend on Friday, April 5, are now available for general sale.
The show will be held at The Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, eight miles away from the Wells Fargo Center where it will run head-to-head with Friday Night Smackdown and the Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
The good news is that over 1,000 tickets have been sold already for the show but the arena, which holds 8,000 in a wrestling setup, has only been configured for 2,000 seats, with none of the second level open and only three quarters of the first raised tier open.
Tickets start from $20 and go up to $59 for ringside plus taxes and fees and are available on Ticketmaster.com.
In comments given to the Daily Mail while they were in Australia for the Elimination Chamber, both Kevin Owens and Becky Lynch described the sexual allegations against Vince McMahon as horrible and terrible.
The media has been asking WWE Superstars about the topic, and while Triple H was evasive during the Royal Rumble post-show press conference, WWE Superstars have spoken more freely about the subject when asked.
Owens said that everything that came out is awful and just terrible.
“There’s really no words to describe how sad this makes me feel,” he said. “If the people spoke out went through what they went through, that’s terrible. It’s shameful and it can’t ever happen again. That’s what it comes down to.”
Former Raw and Smackdown Women’s champion Becky Lynch also said that it’s a horrible thing.
“These allegations are horrible and it’s hard to reconcile as a talent and as a woman. But, my experience in WWE has only ever been amazing,” she said, noting that she’s been fortunate in her career that she’s always felt supported.
Randy Orton also recently discussed the subject, saying that everything that he read hurts his heart while John Cena took a more cautious approach and said that Vince is human and made some f*cking terrible mistakes but for now he’s going to love the man he loves and wait until all facts are out.
In a post on Instagram, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson revealed that he will be also appearing on the March 8 episode of Smackdown from Dallas and the March 15 episode of Smackdown from Memphis.
“You can feel the uptick, excitement, energy & disruption happing now in pro wrestling,” Johnson wrote. “It’s super f*cking cool to see.”
The Rock is also set for this Friday’s Smackdown from Glendale, a show which is sold out with nearly 11,500 tickets out.
WWE Superstar Sunday returns on A&E starting tonight with back-to-back episodes of WWE Rivals at 8PM ET and Biography: WWE Legends at 9PM ET.
Hosted by actor and former WWE writer Freddie Prinze Jr, Rivals will kick off tonight with Triple H vs The Rock. The season continues with other iconic rivalries including Jake “The Snake” Roberts vs “Macho Man” Randy Savage, Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels, John Cena vs Randy Orton, Hardy Boyz vs Dudley Boyz vs Edge & Christian, and The Miz vs Daniel Bryan.
Biography: WWE Legends will start tonight with “The Viper” Randy Orton with other Legends featured this season including Sgt. Slaughter, Scott Hall, Diamond Dallas Page, British Bulldog, and Roman Reigns.
Both series will be available On Demand and to stream on the A&E App and aetv.com.
TMZ.COM is reporting that Tammy “Sunny” Sytch has been transferred to the Lowell Correctional Institution, an all-women’s prison north of Ocala.
The WWE Hall of Famer was previously housed at the Florida Women’s Reception Center in Ocala but she will serve the remaining of her 17-year sentence at the oldest facility in the state.
Sytch pleaded no contest to charges stemming from an accident on March 25, 2022 in Volusia County, Florida, where she killed 75-year-old Julian Lasseter following a car crash where she also tested positive for alcohol. A judge sentenced her to a lengthy prison sentence in November of last year, a length that she is now appealing.
TMZ adds that Sytch’s release date is listed for January 3, 2040 where she would be 67 years old.
Bronson Reed, who is Australian but missed the Elimination Chamber yesterday, wrote on his social media that he is now a proud father.
“Originally, I was set to be at #WWEChamber. It would have been an incredible moment. Unfortunately, plans changed,” Reed wrote.
Then came the good news.
“But everything happens for a reason. My wife and I have had our baby early, I was supposed to miss the PLE to make sure I’m here for my family,” he added.
Reed was set to take on Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight title according to a report by Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful but those plans were derailed after Rollins suffered his knee injury.
“Thank you for all your support. To all my friends and family who have reached out. To @TripleH for guiding me. Now I’m not just BIG … I AM BIG, POPPA!”
Triple H, who is a big supporter of Reed, replied, saying, “Family is everything and fatherhood is amazing. I am proud of you for not only your work, but for the journey you’re now embarking on. Enjoy every moment. You’re exactly where you needed to be!”
Perhaps you noticed that yesterday, Raquel Rodriguez went au naturel for her Elimination Chamber match and was the only one who did not have makeup on.
Rodriguez revealed that she had an MCAS flare up during her long flight from the United States to Australia where her face turned completely pink. Rodriguez has been battling MCAS for the past several months and it’s the reason why she hasn’t been on television lately.
MCAS is a condition in which the patient experiences repeated episodes of the symptoms of allergic symptoms such as hives, swelling, etc.
“A big part of being a female wrestler for WWE is getting to sit in that makeup chair with our amazing makeup team who I love so much and getting to get dolled up. It’s part of being a girl. It’s part of feeling fully the part,” Rodriguez wrote on Instagram.
“At the end of the night, I’m proud I went out there Alicia Keys style. Even if this trip didn’t go as planned I am still grateful that I was blessed to be in Elimination Chamber in Perth, Australia, with 5 other talented women! And I got to hug a koala bear so it was a win for me!”
Rodriguez thanked several people who made it possible, including the WWE medical team who took care of her and eventually allowed her to compete.
Backstory: Apparently Hobbs attacked Guevara, we were neither shown this nor given details
Seems ages since I’ve since Sammy. Got a decent pop from what sounds a very small crowd. Ditto Hobbs actually. These two should have been over enough by now for this to feel like a much bigger deal. The Callis Fam are banned from ringside.
Guevara attacked with a leaping knee before the bell. A couple more saw Hobbs get wise but Guevara continued to zoom around the big man, cutter from the top, Cactus clothesline outside, ‘I’m a Collider now!’ he yelled into the camera.
Hobbs reversed a whip but Sammy hopped the steps and avoided a charge, though took three years preparing a cross body so was caught and slammed into the steps via tree slam. Dueling chant – though 65/35 in Sammy’s favor – as the big man used him as a battering ram around ringside, brutal.
With Guevara down, Hobbs demanded Kevin Kelly stand then demanded his belt as Sammy’s back paid the price. Sammy avoided another shot, hit a pair of thrust kicks and grabbed a chair. Hobbs got a hand up to somewhat block a shot to the head – ‘Hobbs did his best to protect himself, but that was too much,’ said Nigel, not in character.
Tony Khan has to crack down on this.
Sammy threw the chair for Hobbs to catch then launched a leaping kick but saw a sliced bread countered as he was flung over the barricade, landing hard as he missed it entirely, briefly selling his knee until firing back immediately with a cutter on the steps.
Then launching a belt shot and setting up a table. Two in fact. Crowd chanted ‘table’ – boggles my mind how over those things still are. He climbed the ropes and leapt at Hobbs in a way where he was very obviously only leaping to be caught. Which he was, into a Spinebuster off the apron through the tables.
Ads. Crowd enjoying this.
To be fair to Tony Schiavone, he did push that we were just a week away from Sting’s last ever match as we returned. It’s a shame the promotion seem to forget this most of the time.
Sammy avoided a charge, looking for GTH, Hobbs up on the shoulders, Sammy ‘hit it’ though seemed to miss entirely with the knee strike. Hobbs out at two. So Guevara smacked him with a monitor then went outside for more tables. A smashing lariat greeted his return to the ring; Sammy hit back via jawbreaker, thrust kick; double jump cutter countered into a tree slam as Hobbs got two.
A fourth table was setup at ringside by the big fella. And a fifth. Sammy slipped behind out of a stampede and shoved Hobbs to the ringpost then smashed a beer bottle over his face. And a second. He grabbed these from a front row fan who I’m assuming was a plant given how easily they broke. Guevara set Hobbs atop the two tables at ringside then setup a ladder inside.
Presumably I’m loco is coming before a crazy dive.
Nope, no preening, he just went for it with a crazy senton from the second-to-top rung. Crowd chanted ‘Holy shit’ as Sammy sold his arm which landed hard on the wood. Hobbs crawled back in, crowd chanted TiA, Sammy setup the sole unbroken table near the corner of the ring and placed Hobbs atop.
And was readying a dive off the top when Hobbs shoved the ref into him, crotching Guevara. Hobbs joined him upstairs, tree slam through the table. Schiavone kept calling it ‘The World’s Strongest Slam’ so presumably that’s Hobbs’ finish now? Indeed it was.
All over the place here:
I pretty much always enjoy Sammy’s matches. Would’ve been nice if I knew ahead of time that it was happening and why it was happening. The guys should not be killing themselves like this without reason. It’s really dumb Hobbs just shook off two glass bottles to the head.
Very fun, chaotic opener which the crowd was hot for.
Winner: Will Hobbs
Backstage with Mox and Claudio. Mox said when Claudio first got to America his trainers had been amazed that he walked the twenty+ miles from the airport. Point being twenty minutes is nothing to the Swiss – ‘he’s a freak’.
‘Me? I’m a freak in a different way. I need to get hit in the face a couple times just to wake up’. When it comes to endurance there’s no beating the BCC. But a time limit draw is ‘unsatisfactory’. FTR pissed them off.
They accepted FTR’s challenge, talking up the history of the venue next Sunday but saying it is very much that – history. It’s 2024, this is All Elite and they are the elite of the elite. ‘What am I thinkin’ right now?’ he asked Claudio.
Castagnoli listed a bunch of classic tag teams, linking them to FTR and how tied to the past they are. The BCC are looking to the future. They create the style, the wrestling they want to see today. If FTR want to step into the future, that path is through them. ‘All you have to do, is be better than Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, and the Blackpool Combat Club’.
Really nice line.
Mox said Wednesday can’t have been all FTR had. But it felt like they unloaded everything while the BCC barely scratched the surface.
Pretty good promo work. I remain completely uninterested in this feud.
FTR vs Shane Taylor & Lee Moriarty
Backstory: NONE
They showed highlights of the BCC/FTR match from Wednesday and them having to be separated. FTR’s opponents were given an entrance so we got Taylor’s terrible music – ‘S…T…P, S…T…P, S…T…P,’ in the most bored voice possible.
Dax and Moriarty to start, the latter outwrestled Harwood then flung him back to Cash who tagged in. Moriarty outwrestled him too then shoved him to the mat. A pissed Cash rushed him; the youngster ducked his head between the ropes.
Cash landed a back elbow, armdrag takedown, tag to Dax for a double team drop toehold/elbow drop. Moriarty backed Dax to the corner and tagged Taylor. Dax tried several shoulder blocks but barely budged the big man. Though ducked a lariat, through the legs, but stepped back as Taylor reared back.
Reset.
A shotgun dropkick sent Taylor to the ropes, he rebounded into a splash but Dax moved, Harwood tried a shortarm clothesline but Taylor smashed him down with one of his own. Moriarty back in, Dax unloaded with chops and uppercuts, more chops, Moriarty blind tag, Dax sent Taylor off the apron but the big man returned to smash him down.
Nigel pointed out a genuine flaw in AEW booking by highlighting how Moriarty had ‘embarrassed’ Bryan Danielson then ‘never got any opportunities after that’.
Ads.
Dax in a bearhug. Doesn’t get much hotter than that. He tried a belly to back; Taylor tilted his weight and bagged a two count. Dax got two on Moriarty via cradle, Taylor broke a sleeper by backing to his corner and tagging out.
Moriarty overshot something so Dax just had to stand and wait for a Taylor knee. Looked so rehearsed. Taylor missed a second knee off the top, Moriarty cut off the tag at first but Dax made it: Cash all jabs, chops and uppercuts.
Brutal lariat taking Taylor out, lariat to the back of Moriarty’s head into a cutter for two. The only exciting sequence of the match so far. Taylor grabbed the legs from outside to trip Cash into a pin, then nailed him from the apron into another, Moriarty got two both times, they were supposed to be dramatic near falls but the crowd couldn’t have cared less.
Cash blind tagged Dax, they used the domesday device/powerbomb to pin Moriarty. Kelly said it was ‘Steiner-esque’ since it’s almost an inverted version of their old finish.
Pointless match, too long, obvious outcome.
Cash took a mic, crowd chanted for FTR but there were only low boos for the BCC as Cash addressed them. He said it took more than being stepped on to finish them and if the BCC wanted some they knew where FTR were.
Dax said the BCC had missed what this was about. It isn’t old vs new. For five years Mox has been the ‘King’ of AEW. He sees the BCC strut around backstage while people cower and lower their eyes because they’re scared. He thinks the BCC are pissed because FTR aren’t afraid. ‘To be a king, you gotta kill a king, at Revolution, we’re comin’ for your head, Top Guys, out’.
Still not much meat on the bone here for me.
Winner: FTR
A package pushed Danielson ‘calling his shots’ since it’s his final year amid highlights of he and Akiyama. Wish they’d do some more of this. Especially where Sting’s concerned. Little late now.
Thunder Rosa vs Lady Bird Monroe
Backstory: NONE
Rosa out to a nice pop. She’s somehow ranked #2. I’ve seen her wrestle maybe twice?
How do you not have someone called Lady Bird Monroe wrestle Toni Storm?
Crowd very quiet until stinging chops from Rosa woke them. Monroe ducked one, firing some kicks and chops, cartwheel out of the corner, missing a kick and paying for it via a Rosa knee strike.
DVD, blaze up, Tijuana Bomb. She said she was climbing the ladder. Though still sounded a little out of breath as she regains her ring shape.
Tony pushed that ‘Biiiig trios action’ was next for a match in which we don’t even know the Bang Bang Scissor Gang’s opponents. Announcer credibility es importante.
Winner: Thunder Rosa
Renee with Willow, Statlander and Stokely. Stokely said he didn’t like Skye Blue or Julia Hart’s attitude and aggression. He was about to call them ‘ho’s’ when Willow – who’d looked irritated the whole time he was talking – told him to think before he spoke (if they made that her gimmick and she stopped every generic ‘bitch’ comment in the company, I’d be on board).
Statlander said Skye is always looking for a fight. She dragged Renee forward right into the camera with her as she menacingly said her and Blue were 1-1 so ‘how about next week I beat your ass’. Stat looks more heelish by the week – mannerisms, extra makeup and etc – Skye’s definitely a heel and if you don’t watch Rampage you don’t know the story.
So what exactly are we supposed to care about here?
Stokely’s always fun. Very much his own man.
Jay White, Colten & Billy Gunn vs Iron Savages
Backstory: NONE
‘By order of the Bang Bang Gang… Gunns Up!’. The best part of the show since the opener. Austin and CardJuice joined the rest of BCG who came out together before Gunn and the Acclaimed made their entrance separately.
Caster made a reference about fighting ‘like me against management’ during his rap. Don’t know if he had second thoughts having said the line but he then totally tripped up and lost his train of thought, abruptly cutting short the rap. Bowens yelled that they’d all arrived.
The Iron Savages were already in the ring and didn’t even get announced. Only via the announcers did I remember their names. Nigel said Bang Bang Scissor Gang sounded like something Schiavone would pay for on OnlyFans. White and Billy argued over who’d start. Gunn won out over the youngster, as he always does.
Proven when he ran through Boulder with a shoulder block. Beefcake Boulder hit back and the Boulders did weird stuff before Billy and Colten doubled up on them until Colten weirdly just leapt out of the ring – it was supposed to look like he missed a corner splash but the intended recipient was already in another state.
The heels tripled up on him in their corner. Then did more weird stuff.
Right before Colten tagged Jay White in. Who should not be within a million miles of this.
He beat down two of the heels in the corner with chops, sent Bronson to the apron, hit his big uranage to Jameson, avoided a Beefcake splash, Gunn came in to Fameasser the youngster, Colten hit a weirdly high strike to the back then White polished off Jameson with the Bladerunner and we got to hear their music again.
Start and finish strong.
My episode-ly reminder of how much this damages Jay White. And ask of when this is going to go somewhere.
Winner: Jay White, Colten & Billy Gunn
Lexy with Bryan Danielson. Danielson heelishly scolded her for not calling Akiyama ‘legendary’ while putting over the Japanese as someone he respects. One of the greatest of all time. And Eddie Kingston’s hero. And Kingston’s going to be on commentary watching Danielson beat his hero.
But while he respects Akiyama and everything he’s done, he doesn’t respect Kingston a bit. It might actually kill him inside if he has to shake Kingston’s hand if he loses at Revolution because he has so little respect for him.
‘And do you know why I don’t?’, he mocked Kingston’s breaking the fourth wall during promos – which even though I like Eddie was very funny – then always storming off. ‘He is not a professional, he has never been a professional’. He ranted maniacally about Kingston wasting his potential.
And that ‘pisses me off’, which is why he’ll beat him at Revolution, ‘for the Continental Crown’.
Okay, who’d forgotten that title exists? Come on, be honest, because I certainly had.
Two main thoughts here:
Excellent promo providing a clear reason for their match and making me believe there’s genuine antipathy there
Would it have been that hard to promote this Wednesday as Danielson going after Kingston’s idol? Or at least mentioning it during the show? Because that changes everything about this match, it gives it purpose
Malakai Black vs Bryan Keith
Backstory: NONE
This is Black’s first singles since 2022. They recapped Julia Hart using a spike on Mark Briscoe two weeks ago. Keith came out to no reaction. His music sounds like someone typed ‘free trap beat’ into Google.
Black stalled for quite a while as the crowd chanted his name.
They wrestled back and forth, working the arm into takedowns then countering back to their feet before a Black legdive and Keith legsweep saw a stalemate. Kelly said Black hadn’t lost since October 3rd, 2021. (Was that against Cody? Seems crazy he’s been here that long.)
Keith hit a big boot, Malakai retreated to the corner, Keith pursued him with chops, Malakai kicked him away and drilled him in the thigh; Keith hit back via snap suplex, knee drop, count of two.
Malakai targeted the left thigh/knee again then absolutely nailed Keith to the apron with an elbow strike. Then viciously booted him off as he crashed to the floor.
Ads. This crowd is so quiet.
And still were as we came back to Keith hooking a pin for two. Then railing Malakai with a forearm, pair of lariats, nice exploder, neckbreaker, another two count. Crowd wakening a little before dying again. Keith went for the pedigree but his knee gave out.
He rebounded to land a tornado ddt, both down. They sat up at the same time then eyed each other, up into an exchange of forearms, weak yay/boo (Malakai being the ‘yay’) until Malakai booted him in the shin to take him down but was caught up top via headbutt.
Black fought him off then landed a stomp off the top, pump kick, rising knee, German with a bridge for two. That was the time to end things.
Speaking of the End, Keith ducked it, hit a powerbomb for two, regrouping in the corner, Black down. But popping up to catch a racing Keith with the End.
Obvious outcome, too long, crowd dead.
Lights went out, Mark Briscoe appeared with a kendo stick, fighting off the other members of the House. Briscoe tried to stab Malakai in the head with that same spike, so hard that when Malakai ducked it stuck in the buckle pad. So yeah Malakai’d have died if he hadn’t moved. Seems excessive.
Brody then hit Dante’s Inferno and the crowd barked, continuing AEW’s problem with their ostensible heel groups.
Winner: Malakai Black
Finally, a Sting video package, has come (can’t say ‘back’ since there hasn’t been one yet) to AEW. Voiced over by Darby and Sting from their promo Wednesday, contrasted with the Bucks’ bloody beatdown of them.
This was very effective.
Lady Frost vs Serena Deeb
Backstory: NONE
They showed Frost wrestling in CMLL as she made her entrance. The crowd remain so quiet.
Frost pinned Deeb to the mat until Serena popped up then slipped behind, Frost countered behind, Deeb countered back, tripping Frost to the mat into a bridging submission before releasing the hold.
Deeb got an armdrag, Frost got her feet up in the corner then cartwheeled into a dropkick but a second cartwheel saw Deeb shoulder block her down. It is literally silent other than the wrestlers selling.
Ads.
Deeb hit a dragon screw, lariat, a second, snapping lefts, big running lariat, kick to the face out of the corner then a draping neckbreaker from the apron. Swinging one back inside, Frost out at two.
Then countered a piledriver via body drop, kick to the face, cartwheeling through into the chiller driller but selling her left knee most of the time. Deeb smashed her down via hammerlock lariat, single leg crab for the tap.
Slow.
Deeb took a mic and said the women’s division is heating up. Anyone who wants to step into the ring and join the division, she’ll be waiting, she’s here to elevate the division.
So might she be Sasha’s first opponent? Be a nice match.
She then said when ‘the Professor’ wrestles, the picture doesn’t go black and white, ‘I wrestle’, she’s here to put the wrestling back in All Elite Wrestling.
She came off as a little heelish here since she’s not a natural promo.
Winner: Serena Deeb
Bryan Danielson vs Jun Akiyama
Backstory: Danielson tries to beat Kingston’s idol in front of him, which is a really cool story, shame they didn’t bother telling us till an hour beforehand
The crowd made noise for the first time in like an hour as Eddie Kingston came out. Danielson followed, refusing to meet Kingston’s eye for a long time as the latter stood and stared a hole through him.
They played clips of Akiyama winning over Ortiz on Rampage a couple years back, highlighting his exploder. Credit where it’s due – it’s better than nothing as a way to quickly introduce him.
A Japanese ref worked the match to help with the language barrier per Kelly.
A cagey Danielson tried to keep Akiyama at bay, avoiding the grapple until Akiyama got the arm. Danielson slipped behind, takedown from behind, Akiyama countered, Danielson forced him to the ropes.
Akiyama got a headlock and landed a shoulder block, a second followed before Danielson tripped him down looking for the Romero Special. Akiyama blocked having his arms captured, Danielson stomped down on the legs to an ‘ooh’ from the crowd then began targeting the left knee.
Crowd clapping along as this one starts slowly.
Akiyama countered an elbow to the knee into a cross armbreaker, Danielson tilted his weight, rolling through into a Muta lock. Akiyama gouged the eyes to break. Then began stomping the arm before torquing and snapping it across his shoulder.
Then aiming knees at it on the mat, back up into a hammerlock, Danielson ran toward the ropes then dropped his hips to send the vet out through the ropes; Akiyama countered a tope with a forearm through the ropes.
Ads. Crowd want to get into this but it’s been cagey so far.
Danielson blocked a suplex outside into one of his own then headed to the apron. Leaping knee which seemed to miss badly, hard to tell from the camera angle. BD threw him back in, headed upstairs, shotgun dropkick, Akiyama slumped in the corner, running leg lariat, a second, a third saw Akiyama meet him with a lariat.
TiA from the crowd.
From the mat, Danielson snatched Akiyama down seeking the LeBell but couldn’t get it synched. Akiyama got the ropes with his legs. Danielson went back upstairs, Akiyama met him with a forearm, Danielson headbutted him down but leapt off into a knee strike, piledriver, Danielson out before three.
Danielson on his knees, Akiyama hit a pair of knees but Danielson rolled through a running one into a single-leg crab, through to an ankle lock, Akiyama got to his feet but was nailed via release German.
Things are picking up.
Akiyama struggling to his feet, stiff kicks to the chest countered via exploder for two. Right into the guillotine choke, Danielson trying to flip his way out or pin the shoulders, but settling for getting the ropes with his legs. Nigel mocked him for not being able to counter the hold.
Akiyama hit a knee strike, Danielson hit back via round kick, German, Akiyama popped up to hit an exploder, running knee strike, both down, almost on top of each other. Ref’s count at seven as they clambered up in opposite corners and raced toward each other with knee strikes, colliding and crashing down again. Up into a slugfest, exchanging forearms, yay/boo, speeding up until a stiff one knocked Danielson on his ass.
Another exploder coming, Danielson escaped via armdrag then met Akiyama with a nasty standing knee strike. Busaiku coming, crowd chanting ‘yes!’, hit, win.
Wow, was expecting a kickout there but not complaining. Built very nicely. Kingston reiterated that he has plenty of respect for Danielson, the problem is the other way.
Danielson pointed toward Akiyama and asked the crowd to cheer, staring smirkingly at Kingston as he moved to shake hands with Akiyama. Kingston threw his headset off to watch. Danielson eyed Kingston and flipped him off, Akiyama slapped him, Danielson begged off, crowd chanted for Kingston.
Danielson offered another handshake but used it to kick Akiyama in the balls. That was great. Kingston flew at Danielson, pounding him until Claudio hit the scene. FTR came down to brawl with the BCC, who bailed.
Tony Khan made FTR & Kingston vs Mox, BD & Claudio for Wednesday.
Very nice angle. The opener and closer were enough to make this one of the best Collisions in a while. Which admittedly isnt saying a ton. It actually had stuff you needed to see to understand everything ahead of the ppv.
FTR & Eddie Kingston vs Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson & Claudio Castagnoli
Added to Revolution:
Jon Moxley and Claudio Castagnoli vs FTR
Bryan Danielson vs Eddie Kingston (Continental Crown)
Thumbs Up/Down
Sammy vs Hobbs
Danielson’s promo
Danielson vs Akiyama and the whole story with Eddie, that closing angle was excellent
*****
A bunch of matches with no stakes which weren’t even promoted ahead of time – much of this show is moving closer to Rampage than it is Dynamite
More piss poor promoting – this time re: the story of the main event and the continued failure to emphasize this is Sting’s last ever week in wrestling
Crowds continue to be a problem – real lack of atmosphere outside of the opener
Appreciate you reading. Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
After it was preempted last week due to the NBA All-Star game programming, Collision returns tonight live from the Great Southern Bank Arena in Springfield, Missouri.
Several matches have been announced for tonight’s show including the main event of Bryan Danielson for Jun Akiyama. FTR take on Shane Taylor and Lee Moriarty, Malakai Black gets a very rare singles match against Bryan Keith, Powerhouse Hobbs vs Sammy Guevara, and Kiera Hogan battles Serena Deeb.
Plus, Bang Bang Scissor Gang will be in trios action and so will Thunder Rosa, but their opponents remain unknown at this point.
Becky Lynch and Drew McIntyre got their ticket to Philadelphia and will be wrestling for the respective world titles at WrestleMania after they each won the Elimination Chamber.
Lynch got her moment first after she pinned Liv Morgan last to earn her shot at the title. The final three also included Bianca Belair, who Morgan beat with a roll-up. The ending of the match came really quick after Belair was pinned with Lynch immediately hitting the Manhandle Slam on Morgan for the victory.
Lynch will now meet Rhea Ripley for the WWE Women’s World title after Ripley cleared her obstacle in the form of Nia Jax in the main event of the show.
Meanwhile, Drew McIntyre is getting another crack at gold, this time in front of fans, as he outlasted five other guys in the men’s Elimination Chamber match. McIntyre pinned Orton to get the victory after Logan Paul, who had just been eliminated with an RKO out of nowhere, came back for revenge and knocked out Orton with the brass knuckles.
McIntyre now faces Seth Rollins for the WWE World Heavyweight title, with Rollins revealing earlier in the night that he’s just days away from being cleared to compete following his knee injury.
Mustafa Ali won his first major singles title at TNA’s No Surrender last night, beating Chris Sabin to become the new TNA X Division champion.
The match, the first one for Ali in TNA, headlined the streaming-exclusive event in New Orleans and it was the first time that particular title was featured in the main event in 19 years.
Sabin’s run ended after 167 days when he won it from Lio Rush at the Impact 1000 episode. Sabin tops the list with the most reigns at 10 and most combined days as champion with 635.
Ali will be appearing on TNA programming for the next several weeks.
With Anthem Sports & Entertainment executives on site at TNA No Surrender, the TNA talent came out before the start of the show to address the crowd, led by one of the locker room leaders Eric Young.
Young said that change can be tricky because everyone is different and said that nothing is guaranteed in life and the only thing for sure is that change will come no matter what.
“This is the only promise this universe gives any of us. All we can do is adapt, pivot, and absorb that change and do our absolute best,” Young said, obviously referring to the removal of Scott D’Amore.
Young admitted that it’s difficult and asked the fans to bear with them.
“This is an amazing place filled with amazing people. And sometimes you lose something, you lose someone. And that the next step is grief. And then after that, after a while, the next step is you got one of two choices. You can be lost with them, or you can move forward. And that’s what we’re going to do,” Young continued.
He said that everyone wants TNA to thrive, be seen, loved, and respected.
“So I say this. To anybody that stands in our way, anybody that would oppose us, anybody asking for our unbiased surrender…I want this part because we’re not on TV, I want it to be crystal f*cking clear, this place, these people, you guys, TNA, there will be No Surrender.”
Here are the results from the Elimination Chamber 2024 premium live event which took place from the Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia.
Asuka and Kairi Sane defeated Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell to retain the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles in the Kickoff show; Becky Lynch defeated Liv Morgan, Bianca Belair, Raquel Rodriguez, Tiffany Stratton, and Naomi in the Elimination Chamber match to become the #1 contender for the WWE Women’s World title; Finn Balor and Damian Priest defeated Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne to retain the Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles; Drew McIntyre defeated Randy Orton, Logan Paul, Kevin Owens, LA Knight, and Bobby Lashley in an Elimination Chamber match to become the #1 contender for the WWE World Heavyweight title; Rhea Ripley defeated Nia Jax to retain the WWE Women’s World title.
Kazuchika Okada is a star, a legend in Japan and one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. AEW’s audience needs to know this. And not just the 140,000 who buy the pay-per-views. But the 800,000 who watch Dynamite every week.
Here’s how the company could make sure they do. Beginning with a few rules:
Keep him the hell away from the Best Friends (that includes Orange Cassidy, at least till Okada’s established) – this guy is a serious championship-level wrestler who doesn’t need defining down a la Hangman and the Dark Order
Protect the Rainmaker – no-one kicks out, guys avoid it like death: slide out of the ring, work the arm to try to prevent it etc
Do something different – don’t have an awkward Tony Khan announce it in the usual humdrum way, don’t just throw a graphic up and don’t just have him come out at Big Business. The guy deserves his own stage and, as stated above, needs his stature explaining to the entire audience
In fact, why don’t we go about it like this:
Week One – Dynamite
A short video package plays – ‘Kazuchika Okada – The Rise’. Highlighting his return from excursion (we can leave out TNA and their gross mis-use) and climb up the New Japan ranks, it’s the beginning of a chronological look at his New Japan run, a timeline of his career*.
AEW could include a few pertinent voiceovers from Excalibur, J.R. and the like.
Back in the arena, the announcers play it coy. They could even tie it in to the announcement of Arthur Ashe as the host of this year’s Forbidden Door. Hardcore fans will know without knowing, creating a buzz.
The package(s) is repeated on Collision and/or Rampage.
Week Two – Dynamite
A second package – highlighting his major feuds with Kenny Omega (which they can push as one of the greatest of all time without blathering about star ratings or match quality) and other big names, especially ones even the casual AEW fan will be familiar with such as Jericho. Big stars, big names, big matches, big wins for Okada, Rainmaker after Rainmaker, titles held high before big crowds in the Tokyo Dome.
Again with pertinent voiceovers/soundbites, this time from Omega, Jericho, the Bucks et al.
This guy’s a serial champion who beat big stars you’re familiar with on his way to dominating New Japan.
Week Three – Dynamite
Feuds with Jay White and Will Ospreay could be covered here. Complete with further voiceovers from those guys.
Week Four – Dynamite
Bringing us to the final package – focusing on his leaving New Japan, final win over Tanahashi and so on. Ending (bear in mind we’ve been doing a timeline) with ‘2024 – Kazuchika Okada signs with A…E…W. And he’s coming next week.’
Announcers go wild, numerous stars are asked for their reactions during the rest of the show: babyfaces excited, heels annoyed, some in-between, potential feuds and matches being built. Since Okada’s not going to do much talking for himself (and it’s hard to think of a quality babyface mouthpiece), we have the wrestlers AEW fans already know do it for him.
One of those in the ‘annoyed’ category just happens to be Bryan Danielson.
Week Five – Dynamite
No messing around, the coin drops*, we’re starting the show with a bang while the lead-in audience is at it’s height (I’m open on this, could do top of the hour or end of the show and push it).
With help from Schiavone, it’s made clear Okada’s come here to be AEW Champion. Partly since not enough guys come in and want the title; moreover because the point of the packages has been that this is a Champion. It’s what he does.
However, we can hold this off for a while because Bryan Danielson interrupts. Okada broke his arm, they’re tied 1-1, etc etc. Wheeler Yuta tries a sneak attack and takes a Rainmaker.
And we can now build to Okada decisively pinning Danielson with a single lariat. I’m sure AEW’d like to save that for Forbidden Door, I’d prefer to have it happen sooner rather than later. I’m looking for impact. Meaning Double Or Nothing at the absolute latest. AEW have more than enough top quality matches that they could even do it on tv with enough build.
And now we’ve told some of the backstory, told all of the new audience who Okada is, had him immediately positioned as a guy who’s aiming for the very top, interacts with – and defeats – other top acts. We have ourselves a star.
Where we go next? Well, he could target the champion or be further distracted by Matthew and Nicholas trying to recruit him to the darkside. He could spin-off into a feud with Moxley having defeated the rest of his crew. There are a ton of interesting scenarios.
Should be fun.
*I’m assuming NJPW would be cool with helping out on both fronts since they’ll continue to have access for big shows, he even told fans during his final appearance that they’d see him again.
Cody Rhodes challenged The Rock for a match anytime, anywhere while he was on the Grayson Waller Effect during Elimination Chamber.
But Seth Rollins, who was also in the same segment, told Rhodes that if it involves anyone in The Bloodline, it will never be a one-on-one match and if it happens, he will be there side-by-side to help cut the head off the snake.
The main event of night one of WrestleMania is rumored to be a tag team match featuring Rhodes and Rollins against Reigns and The Rock and it’s certainly looking like they’re building towards that. The Rock said in an interview last week that he’s in training camp as he’s stepping back in the ring at WrestleMania 40.
Rhodes, currently in a battle with The Bloodline, is challenging Roman Reigns for the WWE Undisputed Universal title on night two of WrestleMania.
The Rhea Ripley vs Nia Jax match for the WWE Women’s World title will be main eventing the Elimination Chamber premium live event, becoming the first match since Sasha Banks vs Bianca Belair at night one of WrestleMania 37 to main event a major WWE event.
This is also the first time these two women – both born in Australia – will headline a show.
The Elimination Chamber show will also have, for the first time ever, more women matches than men when including the Kickoff match. There are three women matches on the card versus the two of men.
Roger Cook, the Premier of Western Australia wrote a funny letter addressed to The Rock, informing him that there have been a lot of trash talking about him leading up to the Elimination Chamber in Perth.
Earlier this week WWE uploaded a video where The Rock says that anyone who hears people talk trash about him, they should let him know. So the Premier, who obviously wants The Rock in the country for the show, decided to take matter in his own hands.
Addressed originally to “Mr. Rock” and then changed to The Rock via pen, the letter states, “I’m writing in relation to The Rock’s recent video regarding Saturday’s WWE Elimination Chamber here in Perth, Western Australia. As Premier of Western Australia I feel compelled to inform The Rock there has been a lot of out-of-towners talking trash in the lead up to the Elimination Chamber. I am sorry to have to inform The Rock, I feel much of this trash talk has been directed at The Rock himself.”
It then continues, “On behalf of the people of Western Australia, I thought I’d let The Rock know, The State of Western Australia stands ready to assist The Rock in making ‘magic happen’ and provide logistical support so you can respond to this outrageous trash talk. Western Australians would love to smell what The Rock is cooking.”
The letter is signed by Cook, who even uploaded it on his social media for more publicity.
The government of Western Australia did make a request to possibly have The Rock as part of the Chamber show since they were coughing up a lot of money to bring WWE over.
This show was taped last week due to tomorrow’s Elimination Chamber in Perth.
LA Knight is shown arriving to the arena tonight as was Drew McIntyre who face off tonight as well as Liv Morgan and Tiffany Stratton.
Bianca Belair is out to the ring first as she will be on commentary for the first match.
Liv Morgan VS. Tiffany Stratton
Stratton rolls outside and hits Liv’s head off the announce table then smacks Bianca in the face. Bianca jumps up on the apron while Liv rolls Tiffany up the referee trying to get Bianca down but turned around and gave a 2 count. Tiffany kicks out sending Liv into Bianca and Tiffany rolls up Liv for the pin.
Winner: Tiffany Stratton
Kayla Braxton interviewed Drew McIntyre. Drew said if he loses tonight, tomorrow or at Mania his entire career is about as useless as CM Punk’s return to the WWE. Bobby Lashley comes in and laughs at what Drew has been posting and his t-shirt and then says it is about as funny as WrestleMmania 37 when he picked Drew up in the hurt lock and beat him.
Ashante and Cedric are shown arguing over Ashante’s clothing.
Video of Jimmy costing Jey his shot at the Intercontinental championship Monday airs. Then Jimmy comes in and laughs with Roman and Solo and Roman asked who sent him to Raw and Jimmy says Heyman did and Roman says no I did.
Heyman then comes in and says Grayson Waller is here and wants to talk to you and Roman says send him in. “This should be good”.
Bron Breakker VS. Dante Chen
Bron beats Chen easily with a spear.
Winner: Bron Breakker
Kayla Braxton interviews The Judgement Day about their match against Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate.
Escobar, Angel & Huberto jumped Del Toro & Wilde and warned them they are going to get them for not standing by him.
JD McDonagh & Dominik Mysterio VS. Tyler Bate & Pete Dunne
JD hit his head on the ring post and Dunne snapped his finger and Dunne and Bate performed a team move on JD and Bate got the pinfall.
Winners: Tyler Bate & Pete Dunne
After the match Balor and Priest come out but Dunne and Bate fight them off and run back the entrance way to the top of the ramp.
Logan Paul, Austin Theory and Grayson Waller standing there talking and Kevin Owens comes in and says he hopes Paul gets caught trying to bring the brass knuckles to Australia. Owens walks away and Heyman comes in and tells Grayson, the Tribal Chief, is ready to speak with you. Theory looks at Paul and says I want to talk to the Tribal Chief too.
Nick Aldis and a referee are shown helping an injured Dakota Kai to the trainer’s office.
The Street Profits VS. Authors of Pain
While Scarlett had the referee distracted, Kross pushed Ford off the top rope. B-Fab pulled Scarlett down and started fighting with her as Bobby Lashley went after Kross. Kross got the upper hand slamming Lashley’s arm against the ring post and then hitting Lashley in the arm as he was up against the ring post. Back in the ring the AOP hit Ford with a double team neck breaker/powerbomb and pin Ford.
Winners: Authors of Pain
Bayley comes in the trainer’s office and asks what happened and Dakota said Damage Control jumped her in the locker room. Bayley says they are not going to get away with this and Dakota says she has her back. Dakota then said they are going to make them pay.
The Bloodline is shown and Heyman brings in Grayson Waller and Roman tells Jimmy to move and Grayson to sit. Roman tells Grayson he wants to tell him something but it’s for his ears only.
Bobby Lashley is shown in the trainer’s office and Drew McIntyre comes in and tells Bobby he will pray for him.
LA Knight VS. Drew McIntyre
Prior to the match starting Logan Paul comes out to sit at the announce table. Kevin Owens also comes out and joins the announce table.
While on the outside Drew threw Knight into Owens and Owens attacked Drew and caused the DQ.
Winner by DQ: Drew McIntyre
Logan Paul and Bobby Lashley also got involved as everyone was laid out and Lashley celebrated. Drew hit the Claymore on Lashley and as Drew celebrated, Randy Orton came in and hit the RKO and he then got up on the ropes and celebrated with the crowd.
