Collision had the best number since October 21, 2023 this past Saturday, with 492,000 viewers tuning in, up 88,000 viewers from the previous week. The show had a 0.15 rating in 18-49, up 0.03 from the prior show and placed #8 on the top 50 cable chart for the night. (Ratings credit: SpoilerTV)
UFC Fighters that could star in the WWE in future: Adesanya and McGregor
The UFC and the WWE exist in two very different areas of the combat sports spectrum. However, that hasn’t stopped fighters from switching from MMA to professional wrestling regularly throughout the promotions’ histories.
The formula for a successful WWE convert revolves around big personalities who carry huge fanbases. Ronda Rousey is one famous example who’s fit the bill in the past.
Here we’ll look at a duo of long-term UFC superstars that could be next to make the transition from the Octagon to the wrestling ring.
Israel Adesanya
Israel Adesanya is one of the greatest personalities in the UFC, at present, which could be perfect for the WWE. He’s known for his striking confidence and charisma – he backs himself but deeply respects his opponent regardless of the outcome.
For now, his focus is firmly on the UFC as he has a middleweight title to reclaim. Stylebender is seen to have a strong chance of winning back his title this year, at least according to the outright markets for Canada sports betting. BetMGM, for example, offers him at a price of +250 to be the champion of the world at the end of 2024.
Adesanya will likely face current champion Dricus Du Plessis at some point this year and the result of that fight could determine his future. If he wins, then the UFC will continue to be his long-term future, while if he loses again, he could consider other directions such as pro wrestling.
⚡️
Break the fourth wall, then you’ll see it all. ️ pic.twitter.com/uPMsZgJRLy— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) January 21, 2024
The New Zealand fighter already has an iconic nickname, a huge following, and a slim build which is typical of an athletic WWE star. On top of that, Adesanya has explicitly stated a future run in the WWE is a possibility, as reported by Essentially Sports.
All signs point to at least a one-off WWE cameo in the future for the former UFC Middleweight world champion.
Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor hasn’t fought in the UFC for over two and a half years, which has left some questioning whether he’ll ever return. It would take a remarkable effort for McGregor to return to a level anywhere near his peak and perhaps a fresh career path would be best for him.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) January 18, 2024
McGregor is undoubtedly one of the greatest characters the MMA promotion has ever seen and he’s been linked with the WWE many times in the past. His showmanship and straight-talking would make for a nailed-on success in the world of wrestling.
The noise around a potential move to wrestling grew loudest after the UFC-WWE merger, which took place last year described in the Los Angeles Times.
McGregor has been linked to a potential WWE fight with Roman Reigns and has been involved in online feuds with the manager of the promotion, Paul Heyman. The drama carrying over into the wrestling ring seems inevitable at this point.
Adesanya and McGregor are both incredibly successful UFC favorites that are potentially approaching the end of their careers. WWE links have for a long time existed with both and it would not be a surprise if they make their teased switches a reality in the next few years.
Tony Khan says AEW has a great safe workplace for both men and women
Speaking to Amy Kaplan of Fansided MMA, AEW President Tony Khan detailed how AEW has a great safe work environment when he was asked what is the company doing to protect women in the sport.
Khan said that they try to create a safe locker room environment for everyone – both men and women – and the good bond they share backstage makes it a great locker room.
“I think everybody knows there’s a support system there. There are a lot of channels,” Khan responded. “I think everybody feels very good about having a safe place and a safe workplace, and there are people you can talk to.”
He said that there are people in the office and even certain wrestlers who are available to speak to and for them, that’s the most important thing.
“In any office of any workplace, it’s just having a lot of people that will listen and want to make the company a good, safe place to work,” he continued.
Khan did not want to get involved in the “terrible allegations” against WWE and said he could not comment on those legal matters.
The Iron Claw streaming now on Apple TV and Prime Video
The Iron Claw is now available to stream on demand on Apple TV and Prime Video for $19.99.
Based on the true story of the Von Erichs, The Iron Claw follows the rise and fall of the Von Erich family, a dynasty of wrestlers who made a huge impact on the sport from the 1960s to the present day.
The film features Zac Efron as Kevin Von Erich, Jeremy Allen White as Kerry Von Erich, Harris Dickinson as David Von Erich, Stanley Simons as Mike Von Erich, Holt McCallany as Fritz Von Erich and Maura Tierney as Doris Van Erich.
Released on December 22, 2023, The Iron Claw currently has a worldwide box office revenue of $36,966,593 according to BoxOfficeMojo.com.
Steve Austin not shutting the door on another WWE match
Speaking to Marc Raimondi of ESPN to promote the WWE 2K24 video game, WWE Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin did not shut the door on another WWE match.
The Rattlesnake came back for another match at WrestleMania 38 two years ago, beating Kevin Owens in the main event of night one in Dallas, Texas.
“I said I’d never get in a ring again unless all the stars aligned. For some reason, somehow, they all did. At the age of 57, I headlined the first night of WrestleMania,” Austin told ESPN. “I never thought I’d do that. If you’d have told me that when I retired in 2003, I’d have said, ‘You’re crazy.’ So I’m not gonna sit here and say no to anything, because you never say never in this crazy business of sports entertainment!”
Quizzed on who he would want as his final career match, Austin said he has a name in mind but did not want to mention him although he did admit that a match against CM Punk would be good.
“I like Punk, and I think Punk likes me – so, as long as he can take a Stunner,” Austin said with a laugh. “I consider him a great friend, a great guy and a great wrestler who’s had a great career. We’ll see.”
Rampage rating for 02/09/2024
Rampage had the best number since April 14, 2023, last week, getting a total of 456,000 viewers, up 124,000 viewers from the prior week. The show did a 0.14 rating in 18-49, up 0.04 from the previous show and placed #7 on the top 50 cable chart for the night. (Ratings credit: SpoilerTV)
Britt Baker wows at the Madame Web world premiere in Los Angeles
AEW star Britt Baker attended the world premiere Of Sony Pictures’ Madame Web at Regency Village Theatre yesterday in Los Angeles, California.
The former AEW Women’s champion rocked a black mini dress and looked like an absolute star on the black carpet.
Baker, currently injured, has not featured on AEW television since September 16, 2023, wrestling her last match against Kris Statlander for the TBS title on an episode of Collision.
WWE Experience in Riyadh opens to the public on February 16
The WWE Experience at Boulevard City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, opens in a few days on February 16 and tickets are available starting today.
The price to enter the massive permanent WWE world is 75 SAR, equivalent to $20.
The description for WWE Experience reads, “Enter our fully immersive arena, The WWE Super Dome and feel the excitement of being at a WWE event. Create your very own character, become a Superstar, and make your entrance. Feast our eyes on The Crown Jewel, a stunning display of Championship titles from all eras of WWE. Walk through 40 years of WrestleMania and check out authentic memorabilia showcased on display for the very first time. Try not to get buried alive at Undertaker’s Graveyard Escape. Solve The Deadman’s puzzles or you will be forced to REST IN PEACE by WWE’s Undertaker! Interact with unique exhibits and take photos. The space features a one-of-a-kind WWE retail Superstore that highlights the history of WWE featuring exclusive merchandise that can’t be found anywhere else.”
A first-look video showing what WWE Experience is was posted by Turki Alalshikh, the Chairman of the General Authority for Entertainment for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and you can see the video below.
Get ready for thrilling moments with the “WWE” experience 😍
Stay tuned for the grand opening at BlvdCity 🇸🇦❤
February 16 🗓Book now 🎟https://t.co/iuhlVOf280#BigTime #RiyadhSeason #برنامج_جودة_الحياة pic.twitter.com/FzmFgqjZY1
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) February 13, 2024
Charlotte Flair says she’s ahead of schedule in recovery from torn ACL, MCL and meniscus
Charlotte Flair appeared on CNBC’s Power Lunch yesterday to discuss winning the 2023 Stock Pick championship and talks about her winning picks.
During her appearance, Flair talked about how she’s already ahead of schedule following her knee surgery. Flair suffered a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus during a match against Asuka on Smackdown in January.
“I’m six weeks out Thursday. I’m ahead of schedule and every day all I can think about is returning back to the ring, especially with all the excitement of The Rock, going to Netflix, WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia, all I can think about is getting back and winning that number 15,” Flair said.
Flair was upbeat about WWE moving to Netlfix, saying that the streaming service’s millions of subscribers worldwide will only help WWE content become more popular. She also said The Rock coming back brings more eyeballs to the shows and all of this is going to be huge for all those involved with WWE.
The 14-time champion has been posting videos of her rehab on social media and is expected to miss the majority of 2024 due to her injury.
Smackdown rating for 02/09/2024
Coming off the WrestleMania press conference, Smackdown did 2,578,000 viewers on Friday night, up 109,000 viewers from the prior week and the most-watched episode since August 25, 2023. The show had a 0.75 rating in 18-49, up 0.01 from last week and more than doubled anything else on both network and cable television for the #1 spot. (Ratings credit: SpoilerTV)
Former 4 Horsemen member Steve McMichael to be inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Former Four Horsemen member and NFL legend Steve “Mongo” McMichael will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame later this year, something that McMichael has hoped for a very long time.
Unfortunately, McMichael is suffering from ALS and is confined to a bed and there are doubts if he will be alive when the induction takes place in August.
ESPN on Sunday aired a 10-minute segment on the former Chicago Bears player where news was broken to him by Hall of Fame team mate Richard Tate via a video call.
McMichael, who is not able to move or speak, flashed a smile that lit up the room after he got the news.
Ric Flair, who worked with McMichael while in WCW, is part of the ESPN piece which is super, super emotional.
His wife Misty said that McMichael wants to go to the Hall of Fame but they have no idea how to sustain it and could die on stage.
How Steve McMichael fought ALS so he could see himself get to Canton. pic.twitter.com/3N1rLTTMWK
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 11, 2024
Three more qualify for the Elimination Chamber 2024 matches
The men and women’s Elimination Chamber matches got three new additions following last night’s episode of Raw.
In the men’s match, Bobby Lashley defeated Bronson Reed to qualify first and then LA Knight beat Ivar to earn himself a spot on the match. The two join Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre with two open spots left.
The final two spots in the men’s match will see The Miz vs Logan Paul and Dominik Mysterio for Kevin Owens with both matches on Smackdown this Friday.
Meanwhile, in the women’s match, Liv Morgan advanced to the match after she beat Zoey Stark in their qualifying match. Becky Lynch and Bianca Belair have already qualified for the match.
The last spots in the women’s match will see Shotzi vs Tiffany Stratton and Naomi vs Zelina Vega on Smackdown while the last spot will be determined after a battle royal on next week’s episode of Raw.
Monday Night Raw TV report for 02/12/2024
Arena: Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center
City: Lexington, KY
The American Nightmare Cody Rhodes is shown arriving to the arena.
Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods & Main Event Jey Uso VS. Imperium
With the rest of Imperium down and Kofi diving out on Kaiser, Uso hits the splash off the top to Vinci to get the win.
Winners: Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods & Main Event Jey Uso
Bobby Lashley VS. Big Bronson Reed in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match
Lashley caught Reed going to the top rope and slammed him off. Lashley then gave Reed a spear and got the victory.
Winner: Bobby Lashley
The American Nightmare Cody Rhodes is out for an in-ring promo. He said he will face Roman Reigns at WrestleMania and it took him a while to be able to say that and the only reason he is able to say it was because of you guys for spreading the word and the crowd chanted “we want Cody”. Cody says he doesn’t know how to repay everyone but maybe there is one way and looked up at the WrestleMania sign.
They showed an interview with the Rock calling Cody and Cody’s fans crybabies.
Cody says Rock you slapped me in the face that means I am going to hit you back. Seth “Freakin” Rollins comes out. Cody tells Seth before they start, he wanted to thank him for coming to his aid at the press conference. Seth said you are welcome. Seth said he is disappointed, but he understands why he picked Roman to face at WrestleMania. Seth tells Cody now that the decision is made, you need to finish your story.
Seth asked Cody what his plan was because he not only has to deal with the Bloodline like last year but now, he has to deal with them and the Rock. Seth then tells Cody he doesn’t have to do this alone. Seth says there is only one man that can be Cody’s shield and that is him.
Cathy Kelly interviews Main Event Jey Uso and The New Day and she said Gunther has to defend the Intercontinental title next week against Main Event Jey Uso.
Liv Morgan VS. Zoey Stark in a Women’s Elimination Chamber qualifying match
Liv hits Zoey with Oblivion and is going to the Elimination Chamber match.
Winner: Liv Morgan
R-Truth walks up to the Judgement Day and starts arguing with JD McDonagh and said he is facing JD tonight and he is finally realizing he is not in the Judgment Day. Priest then tells Truth he was never a member of Judgment Day and tonight will not be another beat down it will be an execution.
After JD made it to the ring with the rest of Judgment Day, Truth is shown arguing with Adam Pearce about how long the flight is from Lexington to wherever the Miz is. He is then on the phone yelling at the Miz to hop on a plane and get to Lexington because the Judgment Day is going to kill him. Pearce said there is no time, your match is now.
JD McDonagh VS. R-Truth
Truth went for the scissor kick, but JD moves and hits him with a DDT like maneuver he calls the devil inside and gets the win.
Winner: JD McDonagh
After the match Truth tried to fight off the attack of all four male members of Judgment Day but was beat down until DIY come out with chairs in hand and sent the Judgment Day running from the ring.
Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes are shown talking backstage and Cody tells Sami he believes in him as does the WWE Universe. Cody tells Sami he always has his back and Sami tells him the same.
Becky Lynch was then shown walking backstage.
Becky is next out to the ring for a promo and talks about how she loves this business. She then says a girl that once failed gym class went on to win the main event at WrestleMania and this is where she met her husband and had her daughter, but she has missed some families’ birthdays and her father’s funeral. She had to explain to her daughter some tough things. She then toasted to Rhea Ripley for her last few weeks as champion.
Nia Jax comes out and says she knows they have had their differences, and she has something to say to her. She tells Becky she respects her and the mother that she is, and Nia hopes that she can be a mother one day to be like her. She then says there is nothing that is going to stop Becky from winning the Elimination Chamber but says she is going to be Rhea Ripley and it will be Nia against Becky at WrestleMania.
Rhea comes out and attacks Nia, but Nia splashed Rhea into Becky but as Nia is fighting Rhea. Becky hits Nia with a dropkick off the top rope. A brief stare down between Rhea and Becky until Nia got back on the apron and Rhea kicked her off. A brief stare down again as both looked at Nia from the ring.
Cathy Kelly then interviews Drew McIntyre who already qualified for the Elimination Chamber match. Next week he goes against the American Nightmare Cody Rhodes. Drew tells Cody there are two things he should not be and one in his prayers and two in the ring with him or he might miss WrestleMania just like Punk.
LA Knight VS. Ivar in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match
Ivar went for the moonsault, but Knight moves and hits Ivar with BFT and qualifies for the Elimination Chamber match.
Winner: LA Knight
Sami Zayn is shown walking backstage getting ready for his match and runs into Drew McIntyre and Drew asked him what his problem was and to keep his name out of his mouth and his nose out of Drew’s business. Sami just looked at Drew and told him he was in his way. Drew put both hands gesturing like go ahead. Sami slowly passed Drew, walked backwards a few steps and kept looking back as he left the area.
Adam Pearce is talking to Indi Hartwell and Candace LeRae and Chelsea Green comes in and asked about the last chance battle royal for the final spot for the Elimination Chamber and Chelsea said she needs a one-on-one match not a loser battle royal with Indi, Candance, Shayna, and Zoey. Chelsea turned around and Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark are there, and Shayna said we came to talk to Adam about the Kabuki Warriors and the tag titles, but I think I would love to take all Chelsea’s hopes and dreams away next week.
Sami Zayn VS. Shinsuke Nakamura
As Sami was fighting back and setting up Shinsuke for a Helluva Kick, Drew McIntyre came out and distracted Sami and Shinsuke did a knee block and then hit Sami with a Kinshasa Kick and got the win.
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura
After the match Drew and Shinsuke continued to beat on Sami but Cody Rhodes who promised to have Sami’s back came out and ran off Drew and Shinsuke.
Three Elimination Chamber qualifying matches on Raw tonight
Five matches have already been announced for tonight’s Monday Night Raw live from the Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.
A six-man tag team match will pit The New Day and Jey Uso vs Imperium, Liv Morgan takes on Zoey Stark in a women’s Elimination Chamber qualifying match, R-Truth battles JD McDonagh, and two men’s Elimination Chamber qualifying matches featuring Bronson Reed vs Bobby Lashley and LA Knight vs Ivar.
Over 9,000 fans have gotten tickets for tonight’s show and tickets are still available at Ticketmaster.com.
Kansas City Chiefs celebrate Super Bowl win with custom WWE Championship
It did not take long for WWE to capitalize on the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory and presented the team with a custom-made WWE title for the celebration.
The Undisputed WWE Universal championship with the KC Chiefs side plates was pictured several times during the team’s celebration backstage with Patrick Mahomes running around with the belt and lending it to his team mates.
As part of their deal with the NFL, WWE is now also selling a Super Bowl WWE replica title, with the Super Bowl LVIII logo as the main plate and the Chiefs’ logo on the side plates. The belt is available for sale now for $549.99.
The party in the Chiefs lockeroom. pic.twitter.com/XC4RkGRkmz
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) February 12, 2024
WWE releases cinematic-style trailer for WrestleMania XL
WWE released the WrestleMania XL teaser trailer yesterday to coincide with the Super Bowl and the video is already a hit on social media with millions of views in less than a day.
The cinematic-style trailer features The Rock and Roman Reigns along with Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins facing off as “The World is on Notice” flashes on the screen.
Clips from the chaotic WrestleMania press conference in Las Vegas are embedded as Triple H says they’re going to take WrestleMania to a whole new level.
Individual tickets for Smackdown and Bash In Berlin out on Thursday
Individual tickets for Friday Night Smackdown and the Bash In Berlin premium live event will come out this Thursday on Ticketmaster.de.
The two shows, live on Friday, August 30 and Saturday, August 31 respectively, will both take place from the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin, Germany.
Combo tickets are available already and start from €631 all the way to €3,450 for ringside. While WWE has already sold a considerable amount of tickets, the floor area is practically all for sale as ticket prices in that section are ridiculously expensive with the cheapest ones priced at €1,020.
WWE has priced out many customers with Backlash France and Bash In Berlin, putting prices way more expensive than WrestleMania.
Will Ospreay wraps up NJPW duties, starting with AEW imminently
Will Ospreay wrapped up his NJPW duties this past weekend at the New Beginning in Osaka and will be starting full time with AEW imminently.
Ospreay’s last match was with his stablemates of United Empire against Bullet Club War Dogs in a steel cage match.
“Thank you New Japan Pro Wrestling. I’m really going to miss you guys. I love you all so much,” Ospreay wrote.
Ospreay was announced as a new AEW signee at the Full Gear pay-per-view last year after working for NJPW for eight straight years.
His illustrious career in New Japan resulted in the IWGP World Heavyweight title, IWGP United States Heavyweight title, IWGP Junior Heavyweight title, and the NEVER Openweight title.
The Rock says Cody Rhodes “f*cked around and found out”
The Rock commented on his heel turn from Thursday, telling everyone to “enjoy the ride” before adding a new post today telling Cody fans that their hero f*cked around and found out!
“I was born into this crazy world and I love every second of it. It’s been decades since pro wrestling has been buzzing like this for WRESTLEMANIA and this has become rare air that we’re all breathing, and it’s very f*cking cool & exciting for us, as wrestlers, our company and most importantly – all our fans,” The Rock wrote, along with a video of him slapping Cody.
“Your hero f*cked around and he found out quick what happens when you talk about our family with disrespect,” he continued. “Lines crossed and blurred – bring it. We don’t toe the mark for no one.”
Johnson also replied to a post by reporter Nick Sortor who said that Johnson was booed on Thursday because people demanded he follow through with his aid for Maui with the crowd, he says, chanting “Maui! Maui! Maui!” when in fact they were chanting for Cody.