William Regal returned to NXT last night, his first appearance since he returned to the company a year ago after getting his release from AEW.
Regal was in a backstage segment with Ava, congratulating her on becoming the new NXT General Manager and the youngest in WWE history. Regal said that NXT means a lot to him and he has been there since day one so Ava needs to look out for the brand. Ava told Regal that she knows she has big shoes to fill but is ready to do the job.
Regal, who now occupies the role of Vice President of Global Talent Development, had a one year clause in his AEW release where he could not appear on WWE television. He requested and got the release from AEW in December 2022.
Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show to discuss the new blockbuster deal with Netflix, WWE President Nick Khan said that as of now, Raw will remain on Monday but that could change over the next 11 months as both parties evaluate options.
Khan listed Monday Night Football, college football, simulcasts of games on ABC, Manningcast, NBA and other sports shows that challenge Raw for many months of the year so they have to carefully decide what is best for them.
“If we stay on Mondays, it’ll work. If we move to a different day, we think it’ll work too,” Khan commented, mentioning how Raw still held up its own in the ratings when facing tough competition over the last several weeks.
Raw, since its inception in 1993, has always aired on Monday nights apart from a few occasions when it was pre-empted due to other broadcasts on USA Network.
Rampage had 390,000 viewers for its latest broadcast, down just 6,000 viewers from the prior week. The show had the same 0.12 rating from last week and placed #26 on the top 50 cable chart for the night. (Ratings credit: SpoilerTV)
Appearing on ESPN’s First Take as part of his media tour this morning, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson said that if he and Roman Reigns were to headline WrestleMania, it would be the greatest and biggest WrestleMania of all time.
“I’m a long-gamer. I like to build. And what this is, if myself and Roman Reigns were to main event WrestleMania, and I mean this very respectfully of all the WrestleManias prior because I grew up in this business and I love it, we could possibly put on, with us as the main event and this incredible group of men and women who are these incredible performers, we could possibly put on the greatest and the biggest WrestleMania of all time,” Johnson said.
Pressed by the hosts if there’s a chance of that happening, The Rock said yes.
“There’s a chance. I love this business, I love pro wrestling, I love WWE. But also I have this deep passion to grow it and to build it. And if we’re going to do something like this, I want the world to watch,” he continued.
The Rock dropped his first hint at taking on Roman Reigns on the Day 1 Raw when he said that he wants to be at the head of the table.
The Rock says that him and Roman Reigns could put on “the greatest and biggest WrestleMania of all time.” 🍿 👀 pic.twitter.com/uwsaX7RajJ
With the advent of the Internet, online casinos have become incredibly popular, attracting many players from all over the world. This has led to an increase in the number of companies developing virtual slot machines. Today in the iGaming industry you can find many providers offering high-quality licensed software. From our review you will learn about some of the best developers of slots for online casinos.
When it comes to choosing a slot machine developer for an online casino, there are several important points to pay attention to. One of the key factors is the reputation of the provider: it reflects the quality and fairness of the games offered. It is also important to consider the range of games provided by the provider and their compatibility with different platforms. The optimal solution is to choose a developer that offers a variety of high-quality games, adapted for various devices and meeting user requirements.
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Play’n GO
Play’n GO, a Swedish developer, started its activities in 1997. It is licensed by the Malta Gambling Authority (MGA), which confirms the quality and integrity of their online casino software. Their games are featured in popular casinos. Particular attention is paid to the quality of graphics in Play’n GO slot machines. Their video slots are distinguished by their three-dimensional design, thematic design and musical accompaniment. Their gaming software is optimized for mobile devices, supporting iOS, Android, and Windows thanks to HTML-5 technology. Their portfolio includes more than 100 video slots, among which popular games are Book of Dead, Legacy of Dead, Rich Wilde and the Tome of Madness, Rise of Merlin, Reactoonz and others.
Microgaming
Microgaming, founded in 1994, is considered one of the pioneers in the world of online casinos. Over more than a quarter of a century of its existence, the company has created a number of outstanding slot machines that have become a model for many new brands. Their products, such as Jurassic World, Game of Thrones and Mega Moolah, are not only hugely popular among gamers, but are also recognized by the industry for their innovation and quality. In addition to slots, Microgaming also successfully develops table and card games, which allows them to offer a variety of entertainment for online casinos and remain in the spotlight of the gaming audience.
Evolution Gaming
Since 2006, Evolution Gaming has specialized in creating high-quality live games for online casinos. Their games are broadcast from various studios equipped specifically for this purpose, located in different parts of the world. Evolution Gaming dealers speak several languages, including Russian, English, French and many others. In 2020, the company acquired NetEnt and renamed itself Evolution. In 2021, they introduced a new VR game, Gonzo’s Treasure Hunt, which combined elements of classic slots and live games. The brand’s collection includes more than 40 slot machines, among which the most popular are Crazy Time, Lightning Roulette, Monopoly, Deal or No Deal, Auto-Roulette, Ruleta En Vivo, Roulette Live, Speed Auto Roulette, Lightning Dice and Dream Catcher.
Pragmatic Play
Pragmatic Play, one of the youngest and most successful companies in the iGaming industry, has over 150 slot machines licensed in over 20 jurisdictions, including the UK and Malta. One of the big advantages of Pragmatic Play slots is that they are multilingual – they are available in 31 languages, which ensures convenience for players from all over the world.
Pragmatic Play is renowned for the quality of its slot machines, but also offers online video poker. The brand’s work has received numerous awards such as Slot Innovation and Mobile Product Innovation. Popular Pragmatic Play slots include Wolf Gold, Chilli Heat, Mustang Gold, The Dog House, Sweet Bonanza, Super Rhino Megaways and John Hunter and the Tomb of the Scarab Queen.
Amatic
Amatic Industries, a manufacturer of gaming software for online casinos, began operations in 1993 in Austria and has produced more than 100 slot machines. Their range includes both modern video slots and table games, as well as online video poker, all based on HTML5 technology, which ensures ease of use on mobile devices. The benefits of this provider include cryptocurrency support and an authentic gaming experience similar to land-based casinos. Some of the most popular Amatic slots are Book Of Aztec, Lucky Joker 10, Hot Fruits 27, Lucky Joker 100, Hottest Fruits 20, Lady Pin-ups 100, Hot Fruits 20 and Lucky Joker 5.
Multiple insiders are reporting that Smackdown announcer Kevin Patrick has been removed from his position and will no longer be calling the show. His future with WWE remains unknown at this point.
Patrick called Raw with Corey Graves and then was moved to Smackdown a few months ago and had help from Michael Cole. Adding Cole with Patrick was seen as a way to help Patrick get better at his job but that apparently didn’t work out, as a lot of criticism was thrown at the Irish commentator after Cole was moved exclusively to Monday Night Raw.
He has been working with WWE since 2021, starting as a backstage interviewer first and then moving to commentary at ringside for Raw and Smackdown.
Smackdown last week drew 2,408,000 viewers, up 23,000 viewers from the prior week. In the 18-49 demo, Smackdown did a 0.62, down 0.02 from the January 12 episode and was #1 on network television but #2 overall as the NBA game on ESPN did a better 0.66 rating. (Ratings credit: SpoilerTV)
After months of speculations, WWE has finalized their media rights for all their three main shows: Raw, Smackdown, and NXT.
Predictions went out of the window for this one, and while one was expected to end up where it did, two certainly came in as a major surprise.
Smackdown was announced first as moving back to cable television after five years on network. FOX, who did not bid for the show, will lose Smackdown in October 2024 and the show moves to USA Network, with WWE continuing their relationship with NBCUniversal for a few more years to come.
NXT is moving out of cable television and on to network, with the developmental brand jumping from USA Network and on to The CW Network. The CW is now back with a WWE show for the first time in 15 years.
And last and certainly not least, for the first time in 31 years, Raw will be off linear television and heading to streaming. Netflix will be the new home of Raw in many countries and a major shift which will certainly have others follow suit in years to come.
WWE is getting $1.4 billion for five years for Smackdown on USA Network while $5 billion for 10 years for Raw on Netflix. The deal for NXT is not known but it’s believed to be just under $200 million for five years, giving WWE a yearly fee of over $800 million guaranteed just for television rights.
In 2023, WWE found itself at the center of a scandal due to Vince McMahon’s misconduct, which led to his resignation as CEO. In connection with these events, the idea of selling the company began. In April of that year, WWE announced a deal with Endeavor. Under the deal, WWE merged with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), known for its mixed martial arts fighting, to create a new publicly traded company called TKO Group Holdings. At the same time, Endeavor became the majority owner, Vince McMahon was appointed executive chairman of the new structure, and Nick Khan became president of WWE. This merger process was completed on September 12, 2023.
WWE has been on a roll lately and is firing on all cylinders, from matchmaking to creative, talent selection and, of course, staging its biggest live shows. The company has always been a global brand that has hosted numerous shows outside the US. However, WWE has recently started hosting premium events in other countries such as Clash At The Castle in Wales, Backlash in Puerto Rico and Elimination Chamber in Montreal, Canada. And so, on the morning of January 4, Canadian WWE fans received a pleasant surprise.
In July 2024, WWE is heading to Scotiabank Arena in Toronto for an impressive event – Money In The Bank, scheduled for Saturday, July 6th. This marks the historic first time that Toronto will host the annual premium live show. The weekend begins with Friday Night SmackDown on July 5 and ends with NXT Heatwave on July 7. Ticket sales information will be available in the coming months. “Money In The Bank” will air exclusively on Peacock in the US and Sportsnet+ (WWE) in Canada.
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What is the Money In The Bank show?
Money in the Bank is an annual wrestling event produced by WWE since 2010 between May and July. It is one of the company’s “Big Five” main events, including WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, SummerSlam and Survivor Series. The show’s concept is based around a ladder match, where multiple wrestlers compete for a briefcase that holds a contract for a title shot any time next year.
On January 4, 2024, the 15th Money in the Bank event was announced, scheduled for Saturday, July 6, 2024 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada. This is the first Money in the Bank event to take place in Canada and the second outside the United States, following the 2023 event in London, England. The broadcast will be available on pay-per-view worldwide, as well as on Peacock in the US and the WWE Network in many international markets. The event will feature wrestlers from the Raw and SmackDown brands. It was also announced that the July 5 episode of Friday Night SmackDown and the July 7 NXT Heatwave live event would take place at the same location.
Money In The Bank in Canada
“Toronto is a city that loves sports entertainment,” said WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque. “We are excited to bring Money In The Bank to Canada for the first time as we continue to expand WWE’s global presence.” WWE has announced four Premium Live events for the first eight months of 2024 for international markets: Elimination Chamber: Perth in Australia on February 24, WrestleMania Backlash in Lyon, France on May 4 and Bash in Berlin, Germany on August 31.
The Money In The Bank event features WWE’s biggest superstars competing for a contract that guarantees a match for the championship of their choice at any time over the next year.
In addition, official Money In The Bank Priority Pass tickets will soon go on sale through exclusive partner On Location. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase ticket packages prior to the official launch of general public sales. Money In The Bank Preferred Passes will give fans access to unique experiences including premium seating, special pre-show hospitality with WWE stars, ringside photo ops, exclusive items, luxury amenities and more. You can deposit today to secure priority access, and register today to gain access to exclusive presales.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson along with Vince McMahon, Ari Emanuel, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, Nick Khan, and other TKO executives, rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange this morning.
It was a big day for TKO today after announcing that Johnson has joined the Board of Directors and that Raw would be moving to Netflix come January 2025.
Johnson and Ari Emanuel did several media interviews following the opening bell and Wall Street has so far been very receptive to the news, with TKO stocks up around 15% at time of this writing.
On CNBC, Johnson said that Endeavor and TKO CEO Ari Emanuel could have found a million reasons not to hand over the rights of The Rock to him, but he found one reason to say yes and he owes that name for everything in his career. Emanuel said that Johnson definitely earned the right to own his name and believes that The Rock belongs solely to Dwayne Johnson.
As part of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson being appointed on the TKO Board of Directors, the People’s Champion got something big: full rights to The Rock trademark with no strings attached.
In a Form 8-K filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, it was revealed that TKO Group entered into an IP Assignment Agreement with Johnson to hand over The Rock trademark and certain related trademarks, service marks, ring names, taglines and other intellectual property assets.
Effective yesterday, WWE also entered into an independent contractor and merchandise deal with The Rock to provide to WWE certain promotional and other services. Under the agreement, Johnson agrees to license the name, likeness and certain other intellectual
property rights to WWE for use in connection with certain categories of licensed products related to professional wrestling for up to 10 years, subject to certain earlier termination rights.
Johnson will receive TKO stocks to a value of $30 million which will fully vest in 2025. He will also receive annual royalties from WWE in connection with his appearances in WWE-produced content, merchandise, and other services performed for WWE.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Johnson received royalties in an aggregate amount of approximately $491,000.
The WWE Friday Night SmackDown returns to Charlotte, North Carolina, on February 9, 2024, promising an evening of high-octane wrestling action. The event, slated to take place at the renowned Spectrum Center, stands as a pinnacle showcase in the world of professional wrestling, drawing fans from across the globe.
Star-Studded Lineup and Key Matches
The upcoming event in Charlotte boasts a stellar lineup of wrestling superstars, ensuring a night of drama and athleticism.
Randy Orton
At 43, Randy Orton, hailing from Knoxville, Tennessee, USA, continues to dominate the WWE universe. Starting his career in 2000, Orton has evolved into a legend, captivating audiences with his seasoned skills and charismatic presence. With the third most world championship reigns in history, Orton is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers ever.
Kevin Owens
Kevin Owens, 39, originally from Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada, is celebrated for his unapologetic attitude and high-octane performance style. Beginning his career in 2000, Owens brings an element of unpredictability to every match.
His technique is a blend of traditional wrestling moves and aerial maneuvers, which he executes with surprising agility for his size.
Owens’ ability to engage with the audience, whether as a beloved hero or a despised villain, has cemented his place as a fan favorite.
AJ Styles
AJ Styles, aged 46 and from Gainesville, Georgia, USA, is often called The Phenomenal One for his athletic and high-flying wrestling style.
Debuting in 1998, Styles is known for his dynamic range of moves, including the Styles Clash and the Phenomenal Forearm.
His repertoire includes a range of dynamic moves, from the Styles Clash to the Phenomenal Forearm, showcasing his versatility and technical expertise.
LA Knight
LA Knight, a relatively newer face in WWE compared to the veterans, has quickly risen through the ranks with his charismatic persona and impressive mic skills.
Knight combines classic wrestling moves with a flair for showmanship in the ring, making his matches both technically sound and entertaining.
Bianca Belair
At 34 years old, Bianca Belair, from Knoxville, Tennessee, USA, is celebrated for her incredible athletic ability and charisma. Beginning her WWE journey in 2016, Belair, known as The EST of WWE, represents strength, speed, and agility. Her signature braid, more than a fashion statement, plays into her unique in-ring tactics.
Cody Rhodes vs. Finn Balor
The American Nightmare Cody Rhodes brings a sense of tradition and excellence with his legacy as a second-generation wrestler and his polished, technical style. His rivalry with Finn Balor, known for his extraordinary agility and the enigmatic “Demon King” persona, is a clash of styles and storytelling at its finest.
Ricochet vs. Gunther
Ricochet, aptly named for his acrobatic and high-flying style, offers a match filled with awe-inspiring aerial attacks and rapid-paced action. His encounter with The Ring General Gunther, known for his powerful and methodical wrestling style, creates a compelling David vs. Goliath scenario.
North Carolina Online Sports Betting: A New Dimension
Legal and Regulatory Context
North Carolina’s sports betting scene is currently undergoing a significant transformation, with the anticipated launch of online sports betting platforms. This development in North Carolina’s betting landscape is a notable advancement, considering the state’s historical stance on gambling. The introduction of online sports betting is set to revolutionize how sports enthusiasts in North Carolina engage with their favorite games. It’s not just about placing bets; this move is expected to add a new dimension of interaction and excitement to sports events.
This expansion of sports betting in North Carolina is poised to enhance the accessibility and convenience for bettors. Previously, sports fans in the state had limited options, often restricted to physical locations or out-of-state platforms. The introduction of online sports betting will make it easier for fans to place bets from the comfort of their homes or while on the go, using mobile devices.
Moreover, this development is anticipated to have a positive impact on the state’s economy. The legalization and regulation of online sports betting can potentially generate significant revenue for North Carolina, through licensing fees and taxes. This could lead to increased funding for various state programs and initiatives.
Implications for WWE Fans and Sports Betting Enthusiasts
Enhancing the WWE Viewing Experience
Including online sports betting introduces an exciting new dimension to watching WWE events.
Fans can now engage more actively, placing bets on matches and potentially enhancing their viewing experience. The additional interaction layer could attract a new audience to WWE events and deepen the involvement of existing fans.
Opportunities and Challenges for Betting on WWE
While the prospect of betting on WWE events presents exciting opportunities, it also poses unique challenges. The scripted nature of WWE matches may require sportsbooks to approach WWE betting differently than traditional sports.
Predictions for Sports Betting Evolution in North Carolina
The sports betting market in North Carolina is expected to multiply, driven by the enthusiasm of sports fans and advancements in betting technology. Online sportsbooks prepare for a competitive market, with significant players gearing up to offer services. The market’s evolution will likely see a mix of local and national brands vying for dominance.
Impact on Future WWE Events and Sports Entertainment
The introduction of sports betting in North Carolina could have far-reaching implications for WWE events and the broader sports entertainment industry. The new element could influence planned and marketed events, potentially leading to more interactive and engaging fan experiences. Moreover, it could lead to increased revenue streams for sports betting and entertainment industries.
The Spectrum Center: A Venue Fit for Champions
The Spectrum Center, known for its state-of-the-art facilities, provides the perfect backdrop for this wrestling extravaganza. Located at 333 E Trade St in Charlotte, NC, it’s a central hub for sports and entertainment, offering fans a vibrant atmosphere to witness the action-packed battles.
Economic and Cultural Impact in Charlotte
Hosting WWE SmackDown is expected to be a significant economic boon for Charlotte. The Spectrum Center, a premier venue in the city, is well-equipped to host such a large-scale event, with recent renovations enhancing its appeal.
The presence of WWE in the city will likely drive local tourism and business as fans from various locations converge to witness the spectacle.
Furthermore, the event enriches the city’s cultural landscape, offering a unique entertainment experience that brings the community together.
Fan Activities and Engagement Opportunities
For fans attending WWE SmackDown in Charlotte, the experience extends beyond the wrestling ring. The Spectrum Center, located in the heart of Charlotte, is surrounded by numerous attractions, including dining options and entertainment venues.
Inside the arena, fans can enjoy a variety of food offerings from local favorites at the concourse dining areas, such as Carolina Moonshine Bar-B-Que, Dippin’ Dots, Domino’s Pizza, and several bars offering craft beers and cocktails.
Tickets and Accessibility
Tickets for the WWE Friday Night SmackDown are available for purchase, with prices starting at USD 36.10. Fans are encouraged to secure their seats early for this much-anticipated event.
Group bookings and premium seating options are also available, catering to different preferences and ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
Final Thoughts
As February 9th, 2024, approaches, the excitement and anticipation for WWE Friday Night SmackDown in Charlotte, NC, continue to build. With a lineup of renowned wrestling superstars and the dynamic atmosphere of the Spectrum Center, this event promises to be a highlight in the WWE calendar. Fans are set to experience an evening where athleticism, drama, and spectacle converge, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Netflix will be paying WWE over $5 billion for a 10-year agreement after it secured the media rights for Raw starting from January 2025.
As part of the deal, Netflix can decide to terminate the deal after five years and it also has the option to extend it for an additional 10 years according to a filing by TKO.
But this deal goes beyond Monday Night Raw. This new deal will see Netflix become the home of Raw in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Latin America from January 2025 with more countries to be added over time.
Also, Smackdown and NXT will be moving to Netflix to all viewers outside the United States and where there’s no television deal in place.
Plus, all WWE’s premium live events, including WrestleMania, WWE documentaries, original series, and future projects will also be moving to Netflix internationally beginning in 2025, suggesting that the WWE Network will probably cease to exist. The rights to these shows will remain as part of Peacock in the United States until that expires in 2026.
What’s interesting is that in the press release, the name of the show is referred to just as WWE Raw and nowhere it says Monday Night, which might mean that the show will be moving nights once it transitions to Netflix.
Netflix has over 77 million subscribers in the United States and 247 million subscribers worldwide.
The story received coverage on major news outlets this morning.
As a flagship event of the WWE, The Royal Rumble is a truly spectacular form of entertainment. Even though most participants are announced in advance, the concept allows for a few surprises. This is part of the charm and excitement.
Thanks to the rich history of the event and so many iconic moments, it was very hard to pick only a few names for this list. To keep the list short and relevant, we concluded it is best if we stick to surprise appearances, returns from retirement, and sudden returns from hard injuries. Here we go!
John Cena Winning His First Royal Rumble Ever
John Cena’s early injury recovery was one of the biggest surprises in the 2008 Royal Rumble. Following the injury that was supposed to keep him out of action for a year, Cena made his return after only four months, shocking the fans in the Madison Square Garden. Not only did they see his unexpected return, but he also won his first Royal Rumble match that night. This moment solidified Cena as one of the top stars in WWE history.
Kane Igniting the Flames Again
Kane is arguably one of the best Royal Rumble participants despite having never won the event. He was a villain, but he was likable. The flames, and the red and black attire led him to be known as the quote “horror-themed personification of fire”. Although it could be over the top for some, the fire theme permeates a lot of our entertainment today, whether it’s the popular fire joker slot demo, latest horror movies or superhero/villain TV shows. The mayor of Knox County made a completely unexpected appearance back in 2021 when he entered as the 18th participant, eliminating two competitors.
Carlito Shocking the Audience
Carlito’s appearance in the 2021 Royal Rumble shocked everyone. His surprise entry was the perfect mix of nostalgia and excitement for the fans. Although his stay in the ring was short-lived, it reminded everyone of his talent and charisma.
Chris Jericho’s Major Comeback
Chris Jericho comes and goes, sometimes with huge promo campaigns, sometimes quietly. But stepping into the ring as the second entrant, Chris Jericho’s surprise return to the WWE in the 2013 Royal Rumble sent shockwaves through the crowd and the wrestling world. “Break the Walls Down” echoed through the arena, and the crowd simply erupted. It was a moment that will forever be etched in the minds of Jericho’s fans.
Triple H Beating His Quad Injury
Another unexpected return after the injury was Triple H’s entrance in the 2002 Royal Rumble match. After being out of action for months thanks to the quad injury, he made a surprise appearance, entered as the 22nd participant, and went on to win the match. It was a remarkable comeback for both The Game and his fans.
Diesel Making an Appearance After 15 Years
It was expected to see a few surprises in the 2011 Royal Rumble, as the number of participants was raised to 40. But no one expected to see Big Daddy Cool after the 15-year absence. Diesel’s return was one of the most shocking and exciting moments of the whole event. The way he put on his iconic leather glove was simply electrifying, and fans went completely wild when he eliminated the Big Show.
Edge Appearing in the Best Shape of His Life
Edge’s appearance in the 2020 Royal Rumble was probably one of the greatest returns ever. Faced with the daunting prognosis of permanent paralysis after the serious neck injury, the superstar was forced to abandon his wrestling career in April 2011. However, the spirit of the WWE Hall of Famer refused to be extinguished. Against all odds, Edge made a remarkable return. At the age of 46, he emerged in peak physical condition as a surprise entrant and was received with a thunderous roar from the crowd.
Rey Misterio’s Sudden Appearance
Rey Misterio left WWE in 2015, after 13 years. After his departure, fans thought they had seen the last of him in the Royal Rumble matches. However, in 2018, Misterio made an unexpected return. Being one of the best Royal Rumble competitors in history, his sudden appearance in the 2018 Royal Rumble was received with an enthusiastic welcome. Even though he was not scheduled to be part of the match, Rey made a surprise entrance as number 27.
Out to open the show is the WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins. Seth is visibly limping with a brace on his left knee. After they finished singing his song a “Thank You Seth” chant as his eyes started to fill with tears. He welcomed us to Monday Night Rollins, he thanked the fans and said it’s been a long week and began to explain what happened.
He has a few tears in his knee and with surgery he is looking at 3 – 4 months recovery. As he said he is taking it day by day and week by week. Gunther’s music interrupts him. Seth says he doesn’t have time for them if you came out to make an example out of me, just get in here and do what you need to do.
Gunther said don’t worry about them they have a match later and Gunther said he is there to tell him what he thinks of him. He begins by saying from day one he was labeled as a workhorse champion, and he is sad that he may miss WrestleMania and Seth said he should have left him finish because he doesn’t care what the doctors say he will take the title into WrestleMania. Seth says he will do everything in his power to walk out of WrestleMania, the champion. Gunther says he respects that and reminds him of himself, and he is going to win the Royal Rumble and choose him and attack his leg and back and win the title and Seth says he appreciates his honesty but remember who you are coming after. Gunther said you should remember who is coming after you.
Gunther made a mistake in his promo and said he was going to win the rumble on Sunday and the Royal Rumble is Saturday.
The New Day attack Kaiser and Vinci after Seth and Gunther were finished.
Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci VS. The New Day
As the four continued to fight on the outside and ignore the referee, the referee made it a double count out.
Winners: Double Count out
After the bell the fight continued. The fighting spilled in the crowd Kaiser and Vinci picked up Woods for a suplex off the equipment boxes but Kofi made the save and Woods and Kofi speared Vinci and Kaiser off the equipment box onto a table.
A video package of the issues between Damian Priest and Drew McIntyre is shown as they are set to face each other tonight.
The Judgment Day are shown, and Rhea says next week Finn and Damian defend the tag titles against DIY. Priest then tells Rhea he is not trying to fight everyone like she says, and he isn’t walking around backstage with a big head because she is on the cover of WWE 24K, and he isn’t the one going into Pearce’s office making matches for the Judgment Day every other week. Priest then leaves and Rhea tells Dominik and JD that DIY should have been handled last week and Finn laughed, and Rhea told him to stop laughing because it has been a long time since she has seen his vicious side and Finn said you want to see my vicious side, I will show you vicious.
Ivy Nile is interviewed by Jackie Redmond talks about her match with Valhalla and Maxxine Dupri interrupts and then the Creed Brothers come in and tells her she is ready.
Ivy Nile VS. Valhalla
Valhalla hit a headbutt and tried to pin Nile with her feet on the ropes, but Maxxine yelled, and the referee saw the feet on the ropes. Valhalla yelled at Maxxine and went running into the corner at Nile, but Nile moved, and Valhalla hit her knee on the middle turnbuckle. Nile flipped over the top rope and then climbed the ropes as Valhalla followed her. Nile slammed Valhalla’s head into the corner post and stood on the top rope with her hair in her hand and then delivered a bulldog off the top and pinned Valhalla.
Winner: Ivy Nile
The New Day are shown backstage as Jey Uso walked up to them and handed them ice packs. Jackie Redmond came in to interview them about Imperium. Kofi then says Jey isn’t the only one looking for titles this year and he is challenging Gunther for the Intercontinental title next week.
Nia Jax out for an in-ring promo. Nia says she is going to kill both Becky Lynch and Rhea Ripley’s dreams and she is going to win the Royal Rumble and go on to face Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania. Becky Lynch comes out and says no one in the Royal Rumble has a bigger target on their back then you because no one likes you. Becky says she doesn’t know what she will enjoy more, winning her second Royal Rumble or watching Nia lose.
Bayley comes out and tells them both they are wrong. She came here looking for Rhea but wanted to come out now instead and said she was going to win the Royal Rumble. A fight started with Becky giving the manhandle slam to Bayley and Nia then throws Becky out of the ring over the top rope and then drops a leg drop on Bayley.
R-Truth warning The Miz earlier to watch his back tonight with the Mysterio boys, Tom and Nick and The Miz said it’s Dominik its one guy.
Dominik Mysterio VS. The Miz
JD McDonagh and Finn Balor are out with Dominik and Finn gets involved by punching the Miz while the Miz was outside. JD later distracted the Miz allowing Dominik to take control again. The Miz ducks 619 but JD jumps on the apron to distract the referee and Finn kicks Miz in the head allowing Dominik to hit 619 then the frog splash to get the win.
Winner: Dominik Mysterio
After the match the three members of Judgment Day continued to beat down the Miz until DIY comes out to save the Miz.
Jackie Redmond interviews Damian Priest. R-Truth comes in and Priest tells him he has something serious going on tonight so another time. Truth leaves and Priest tells Drew he is going to receive his punishment.
Big Bronson Reed says Jey Uso plans on becoming a singles champion this year but so does he. And he wants to face Jey sooner than later and challenges Jey to a match for next week.
Chad Gable VS. Ivar
Gable had Ivar in the ankle lock twice once Ivar kicked out of it another time Ivar got to the rope. Ivar misses a moonsault. Gable hit a backsuplex bridge, but Ivar kicked out. Gable goes up to the top rope but Valhalla screams in Gable’s face and Ivar hits Gable from behind. Ivar then hits this moonsault and gets the win.
Winner: Ivar
The American Nightmare Cody Rhodes and CM Punk go face-to-face in the ring. Punk says before we start let’s take a moment to enjoy this, we took different paths to get here and Sunday morning I hope we are still friends but let’s take a minute to enjoy this.
Cody asked Punk what he wanted to talk about. Punk says I want to talk about your dad. Dusty called him in 2007 and wanted him to keep an eye on him. Punk watched him go from a preliminary wrestler to this superstar main event wrestler we see today, and he is proud of him. But this Saturday he feels like he is breaking a promise because he is going to look for him to throw him out of the rumble.
Cody says he showed up in OVW and Punk could have treated him poorly, but he didn’t, and they became friends. Punk says he never saw Cody as Dusty. He felt bad for him because he knew how hard he was going to have to work to get out of Dusty’s shadow, but he has done it. Punk says his dad was a common man he was an electrician which makes him closer to the American Dream then he was.
Cody turned his attention to the “pipe bomb” which inspired a lot of wrestlers including him. But he left and Cody picked up where he left off and that makes him more CM Punk than him. Punk tells Cody that he carried this company on his back for the past 2 years and he lands on the cover of the new WWE 24K video game, (Congratulations by the way). But just as he is about to turn the corner and finish his story there is something in his way, a much bigger superstar that hasn’t been here in a while and he is talking about himself.
Cody tells Punk there is only one direction he can go and that is forward and that means he needs to go through him. Cody drops the microphone and goes to leave and shoulder bumps Punk who grabs Cody by the shoulder and spins him around and they are face-to-face, nose-to-nose. After a brief stare down the both back up and exit the ring on opposite sides.
A video package of the 40-year anniversary of the birth of Hulkamania.
Candace LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS. Zoey Stark & Shayna Baszler
LeRae reverses the Kirifuda Clutch into a pin, but a tag had been made to Stark who hit a 360 go to sleep.
Winners: Zoey Stark & Shayna Baszler
After the match Chance and Carter who were at ringside stepped in the ring and held the titles up and the Kabuki Warriors came in to attack the champions.
Jackie Redmond now interviews Drew McIntyre and asked if he had any words about the face-to-face with Punk and Rhodes and Drew said no. Drew said he is tired of people making light of what he accomplished during his time as champion. Priest isn’t ready for the world championship and everyone saying the same thing not everyone can finish their story.
Damage Control is shown walking backstage and run into Natalya and Tegan Nox and Natalya asked if they think they can just come to Raw and get away with what they just did. An argument ensues and Adam Pearce comes in and yells save it for the Royal Rumble. Pearce then yelled at Bayley and said he invited her there to promote the Royal Rumble, not go into business for herself and cause chaos. They said take it up with Nick Aldis and Pearce said if I can pry him away from looking at himself in a mirror, I will do just that. Bayley says well you better get used to seeing a lot of us when the Kabuki Warriors win the tag titles Friday night. Pearce said I can hardly wait.
Jinder Mahal, Sanga and Veer come into the picture and talk to Pearce. Mahal wants to know what he has plans for him. Pearce said why don’t I meet you in my office.
Damian Priest VS. Drew McIntyre
As the action spilled outside the ring Priest delivered a Falcon Arrow to Drew on the announce table. More action on the inside and then spills outside again as Priest throws Drew back inside, R-Truth comes up to Priest and tries to give him money again. Priest pushed Truth down and then acted like he was sorry for pushing Truth but returned his focus to Drew who was in the ring. Priest gets on the apron and calls for Drew to come at him. Truth gets up and says he wants his briefcase and goes to get the Money in the Bank briefcase.
Drew hits a future shock DDT and sets up for a Claymore. Meanwhile Truth can’t get in the briefcase to put the money in, so he is up on the apron yelling “what’s the password” to Priest who is trying to get to his feet. Drew turns his attention to Truth. Drew then punches Truth who falls in the ring and money flies everywhere. Drew sets up again for the Claymore but Priest catches him and hits the South of Heaven Chokeslam. As Priest covers Drew, the referee is tied up trying to get Truth out of the ring.
Priest then yells at Truth what are you doing and throws Truth out of the ring and turns around right into a Claymore from Drew. Drew makes the cover and picks up the win.
STAMFORD, Conn., January 23, 2024 – WWE, part of TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO), and Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) today announced a long-term partnership that will bring WWE’s flagship weekly program – Raw – to the world’s leading entertainment service. This marks a major programming shift as Raw leaves linear television for the first time since its inception 31 years ago.
Beginning in January 2025, Netflix will be the exclusive new home of Raw in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Latin America, among other territories, with additional countries and regions to be added over time. Likewise, as part of the agreement, Netflix will also become the home for all WWE shows and specials outside the U.S. as available, inclusive of Raw and WWE’s other weekly shows – SmackDown and NXT – as well as the company’s Premium Live Events, including WrestleMania, SummerSlam and Royal Rumble. WWE’s award-winning documentaries, original series and forthcoming projects will also be available on Netflix internationally beginning in 2025.
“This deal is transformative,” said Mark Shapiro, TKO President and COO. “It marries the can’t-miss WWE product with Netflix’s extraordinary global reach and locks in significant and predictable economics for many years. Our partnership fundamentally alters and strengthens the media landscape, dramatically expands the reach of WWE, and brings weekly live appointment viewing to Netflix.”
“We are excited to have WWE Raw, with its huge and passionate multigenerational fan base, on Netflix,” said Netflix Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria. “By combining our reach, recommendations, and fandom with WWE, we’ll be able to deliver more joy and value for their audiences and our members. Raw is the best of sports entertainment, blending great characters and storytelling with live action 52 weeks a year and we’re thrilled to be in this long-term partnership with WWE.”
“In its relatively short history, Netflix has engineered a phenomenal track record for storytelling,” said Nick Khan, WWE President. “We believe Netflix, as one of the world’s leading entertainment brands, is the ideal long-term home for Raw’s live, loyal, and ever-growing fan base.”
With 1,600 episodes to date, Raw is the most iconic show in sports entertainment. Since its debut in 1993, Raw has delivered action, compelling drama and unmatched athleticism – 52 weeks a year. Blending the best of scripted content with unpredictable live entertainment, the three-hour show has helped launch the careers of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Triple H, John Cena, Roman Reigns, Bianca Belair and Charlotte Flair.
The show is currently the No. 1 show on USA Network, where it brings in 17.5 million unique viewers over the course of the year. One of television’s best performing shows in the 18-49 advertising demographic, Raw trends on X 52 weeks a year while each new episode is airing. On social media, WWE has more than one billion followers across its platforms.
NEW YORK (January 23, 2024) – TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO) (“TKO”), a premium sports and entertainment company, has appointed Dwayne Johnson to its Board of Directors, effective today.
Johnson, one of the most decorated WWE Superstars in company history and the most followed American man globally on social media platforms, brings decades of experience in live entertainment and sports to the Board. Through his expansive business portfolio, which includes Seven Bucks Productions, Teremana Tequila, ZOA Energy, Project Rock, and the recently combined spring football league, the United Football League (UFL), Johnson has significant experience identifying and cultivating revenue generating media rights, live events, sponsorship, licensing, and social media opportunities. The appointment of Johnson reflects TKO’s commitment to delivering long-term value and strong performance for shareholders through strategic growth initiatives across both UFC and WWE.
Vince McMahon, Executive Chairman of the Board, TKO, said: “Very few people on the planet understand the convergence of sports, entertainment, media, and business like Rock. We are proud to have him join the TKO board to help take our company to new heights.”
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, said: “My grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, and my dad, Rocky ‘Soulman’ Johnson, would’ve never thought this day would come. Which is why I’m very humbled to have a seat at the table that has decades of history and family legacy for me. A table that my family helped to build. Being on the TKO Board of Directors, and taking full ownership of my name, ‘The Rock’, is not only unprecedented, but incredibly inspiring as my crazy life is coming full circle. At my core, I’m a builder who builds for and serves the people, and Ari is building something truly game changing. I’m very motivated to help continue to globally expand our TKO, WWE, and UFC businesses as the worldwide leaders in sports and entertainment — while proudly representing so many phenomenal athletes and performers who show up every day putting in the hard work with their own two hands to make their dreams come true and deliver for our audiences. I’ve been there, I’m still there and this is for them.”
Ariel Emanuel, CEO, TKO, said: “I am thrilled to partner with Dwayne and welcome his immense talent to TKO’s Board. Dwayne brings an incredible track record of creating content and building globally recognized consumer brands, and he will play a key role in realizing our ambitions for TKO.”
WWE has also entered into a services and merchandising agreement with Johnson that provides for his promotional, licensing, and other services, and an intellectual property assignment agreement pursuant to which Johnson has secured ownership of the trademarked name, “The Rock”. The name is derived from his father, WWE Hall of Famer Rocky Johnson, who was the first Black champion in WWE history (alongside partner Tony Atlas). Johnson’s grandfather, Peter Maivia, a Samoan-American professional wrestler, was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008.
The addition of Johnson, as well as today’s appointment of Brad Keywell to TKO’s Board of Directors, will increase TKO’s board from 11 to 13 members.
Dwayne Johnson Background
Dwayne Johnson is a global entertainer and entrepreneur who manages a diverse and ever-expanding media and business portfolio. Johnson serves as the co-founder and CEO of Seven Bucks Companies, a multi-platform global enterprise crossing all entertainment and creative verticals with an audience-first mentality. A third-generation performer, Johnson began his WWE career in 1996 and remains one of WWE’s preeminent WWE Superstars in the organization’s history.
Johnson develops, produces, and stars in all forms of entertainment content via his production company, Seven Bucks Productions, LLC, which he co-founded in 2012. In addition to Seven Bucks Productions, LLC, Johnson has founded multiple business ventures, including Teramana Tequila, the fastest-growing tequila brand in history, and co-founded ZOA Energy, LLC, an energy drink company in partnership with Molson Coors. In 2020, Johnson co-led a consortium to acquire the XFL, a professional American football league, which re-launched in 2023 before merging with the USFL to form the UFL. Johnson also maintains several prominent brand partnerships. Alongside Under Armour, Inc., Johnson founded and developed a line of fitness apparel under the “Project Rock” brand. In 2016 and 2019, Johnson was named by TIME as one of the world’s most influential people.
A dedicated philanthropist, Johnson serves as a National Celebrity Wish Ambassador for Make-A-Wish and has been granting wishes with the organization for over 20 years. In 2008, the United States Congress and the United States Joint Leadership Commission recognized Johnson with the prestigious Horizon Award, the U.S. Congressional Award given to an individual in the private sector who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and provided opportunities for youth nationwide. Johnson graduated from the University of Miami, where he earned a football scholarship and became NCAA National Football Champions.
Johnson has been a client of Endeavor’s WME agency for nearly 13 years.
The first trailer of Love & WWE: Bianca & Montez reality show from Hulu was published today.
The show features the same formula of Total Divas and Total Bellas and will follow Bianca Belair and Montez Ford in the ring and in their personal lives as they juggle time between home and work.
All episodes will be available for binge watching starting on February 2 and a subscription to Hulu is required.
A video posted by WWE shows how Cody Rhodes, Bianca Belair, and Rhea Ripley were surprised with the announcement of being cover Superstars for the WWE 2K24 video game.
All three were brought in to Los Angeles under the pretense that they were doing stuff for WWE 2K23 this past Summer. But then, a video of Triple H shows up on screen in front of them where The Game tells them that they’re not there for 2K23, but rather because they earned the right to be on the cover of the next video game.
“You truly all three of you embody what it means to be WWE Superstars,” Triple H tells them. “So from all of us, to you, thank you, and congratulations!”
All three were obviously very excited about the news and you couldn’t hide the happiness from their faces.
Gunther has held the Intercontinental Belt for 579 days and The Ring General surpassed Honky Tonk Man’s record in September 2023. The year ended with his successful title defense against The Miz on WWE RAW. The question is: will Gunther lose his Intercontinental Championship?
You can’t be a champion forever. The leader of Imperium himself believes that he has grown out of this title, similar to what happened with NXT UK several years ago. In anticipation of the return of WWE RAW, let’s look at five signs that Gunther could lose his championship in 2024.
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No. 5. Chad Gable Threat
Chad Gable has emerged as one of the most serious contenders for Gunter’s title in 2023. Master Gable even managed to inflict a rare defeat on the General of the Ring on WWE RAW during an exciting title match in September. In an emotional post-match promo, Chad Gable solemnly promised to strip the champion of the title.
This match was featured on the WWE Best of RAW 2023 episode, suggesting that Triple H may have big plans for Chad Gable in 2024, including the possibility of a meaningful title win over Ring General.
No. 4. Rise of the Superstars
Currently, the WWE roster is the best it has been since 2002, offering a plethora of Superstars ready to take advantage of the right opportunity to capture the Intercontinental Title. Names like Jey Uso, Ivar, Bronson Reed, Chad Gable and Otis represent just a few of the list of people who could make their mark in solo action in 2024.
Of particular note is Jey Uso, who has demonstrated his ability to compete with the best in the industry. The YEET Master had an outstanding title match against Seth Rollins in 2023. Who knows, we might end up with Jey Uso vs. Gunter for the Intercontinental Belt at Royal Rumble 2024.
No. 3. The solo journey of Ludwig Kaiser
Ludwig Kaiser and Gunther essentially began their careers at the same time, competing with each other both in Germany and around the world. Marcel Barthel joined Walter in NXT UK and the Imperium faction became dominant on the brand.
After Giovanni Vinci’s injury, Kaiser found himself in a difficult situation, but dealt with it by turning a real-life injury into an exciting storyline involving Kofi Kingston. WWE has already announced information about a solo match for the superstar, although it remains to be seen whether The Ring General will approve this move.
No. 2. Gunther’s race for the World Championship title
The Ring General entered the 2023 Royal Rumble in pursuit of an opportunity to headline WrestleMania 39. He was held in the ring for over sixty minutes before being eliminated by Cody Rhodes. Gunter gave a superb performance at this ‘Biggest Show of the Year’.
Although the 36-year-old superstar has yet to win a world title, fans may not have to wait long. The Austrian beast has hinted that he intends to challenge for the title. WWE will also provide a suitable event for Gunther to win his first world title.
No. 1. Bash in Berlin
Bash in Berlin will mark a historic event by being the first WWE premium event in Germany with a live audience. The company heads to Berlin, marking this moment in its history. It is interesting to note that Imperium already presented Bash in Berlin last year during a home tour in the capital.
Considering that Gunther began his professional wrestling career virtually in Germany, it’s safe to assume that he will likely be involved in the main event of this premium event. Fans shouldn’t be surprised if Imperium succeeds and wins all the titles on August 31st.
