Sting’s sendoff will be a memorable one as @WrestleTix is reporting that there are now over 15,000 tickets distributed for the Revolution pay-per-view at the Greensboro Coliseum for Sting’s final match.
A location that Sting knows very well, fans in North Carolina have responded in droves to witness the icon’s last time in the ring and AEW could expand the arena more if they want to as the Coliseum can hold just over 20,000 fans.
A stage removal would be required as currently seats behind the stage are blocked off and this could very well be done to pack in an additional 5,000 people.
Currently, there are 15,289 tickets out and just 144 tickets left for sale for the show which is two months out.
Five men and four women have so far declared themselves for the 2024 Royal Rumble match, leaving plenty of open spaces with 18 days to go for the premium live event.
Last night on Raw, Drew McIntyre was the latest individual to say he’s entering the Rumble after picking a promo fight with CM Punk. Punk said that being a nice guy, he’s going to eliminate him last.
Apart from Punk and McIntyre, there’s also Cody Rhodes, Bobby Lashley, and Shinsuke Nakamura in the men’s match so far.
Over in the women’s match, two former winners in Becky Lynch and Bianca Belair are both in the match and so are Bayley and Nia Jax, who yesterday was interrupted by the Women’s World champion Rhea Ripley. Jax said that Ripley will stop running away from her when she wins the Rumble and chooses her for WrestleMania.
It may be challenging to forecast the results of wrestling matches, particularly for sports bettors who are risking money. However, it is possible to increase the accuracy and ease of prediction of the results by paying attention to specific parameters. This article examines some of the most important variables that may influence how wrestling bouts turn out and shows you how to take use of this information.
Energy vs. Experience
One important factor to consider when predicting wrestling match outcomes is the balance of energy and experience. A wrestler’s energy and enthusiasm may be contagious, but that doesn’t mean they have the experience and skills to win the match. A more experienced wrestler, on the other hand, may not have the same level of energy but can rely on their knowledge and technique to win.
Watching wrestling matches on platforms like Betway live sports betting allows you to observe how this dynamic plays out in real time. Paying attention to how wrestlers with different levels of energy and experience perform can help sports bettors make more informed predictions.
Bodyweight
The relative bodyweight of a wrestler may also have a big effect on how a battle turns out. Diverse weight class wrestlers have unique skills and methods that might impact their success in the arena. Whereas a lighter wrestler could rely more on quickness and agility, a wrestler who is noticeably bigger than their opponent might have an edge in force and toughness.
Watching events on websites like Betway live sports betting will allow you to observe how bodyweight influences the results of wrestling contests. Observe how wrestlers with different weight classes modify their tactics and capitalize on their advantages. You may use this information to help you place bets with more accurate predictions.
Recent Injuries or Setbacks
The presence of recent injuries or setbacks is another important factor to consider when predicting wrestling match outcomes. Wrestler injuries can have a significant impact on their performance and may even force them to withdraw from a match. Recent setbacks, such as losses or personal issues, can also have an impact on a wrestler’s confidence and focus.
Platforms such as Betway live sports betting offer real-time updates on wrestlers’ health, including any recent injuries or setbacks. You can make more accurate predictions and adjust your betting strategy if you stay informed about these factors.
Recent Changes to Coaching or Management Teams
A wrestler’s performance may be greatly impacted by changes to his or her management or coaching staff. A wrestler’s abilities and chances of winning might be enhanced by a new management or coach who may introduce fresh tactics and methods to the sport. A wrestler’s routine can be upset and performance may suffer with a change in coaching or management, though.
By following games on sites like as Betway Live Sports Betting, you can keep up with any new changes to the coaching or management staff. Observe how these modifications impact a wrestler’s performance and utilize that data to build future forecasts that are more precise.
Motivation
Motivation is a crucial factor that can determine the outcome of a wrestling match. A highly motivated wrestler is more likely to give their best performance and fight harder for a victory. On the other hand, a wrestler who lacks motivation may not perform at their best and may be more susceptible to defeat.
Platforms like Betway live sports betting allow you to place bets in real-time, giving you the opportunity to assess a wrestler’s motivation on the night of the match. Pay attention to their body language, expressions and overall demeanor. A wrestler who displays high levels of motivation is more likely to come out on top.
Final Thoughts
In summary, a number of criteria must be carefully taken into account in order to forecast the result of wrestling bouts. By keeping an eye on energy vs. experience, bodyweight, recent injuries or setbacks, recent changes to coaching or management teams, and motivation, sports bettors can increase their odds of generating correct predictions.
You can make more educated bets by using platforms like Betway live sports betting, which provide insightful information and real-time updates. So, have these things in mind and make use of them the next time you wager on a wrestling bout.
The New Year’s Revolution themed episode of Smackdown last week drew 2,465,000 viewers, up 357,000 viewers from the last live Smackdown on December 22 and the best number since September 15, 2022. The show drew a 0.67 rating in 18-49, up 0.12 from the previous show and again the best since September 15. The show was #1 across all television on Friday. (Ratings credit: SpoilerTV)
New Japan Pro-Wrestling announced that Bryan Danielson will be returning to the Land of the Rising Sun to take on Zack Sabre Jr in a rematch from WrestleDream at The New Beginning in Osaka event.
The show will be held on Sunday, February 11 at the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium in Osaka. Danielson won the first match between the two at the AEW pay-per-view back in October of last year.
In related Japan news, Will Ospreay will wrestle his last match for NJPW as a full-time star there on the same show. Ospreay, who signed an AEW contract, will be joining the promotion on a full-time basis next month.
No other AEW stars are scheduled for any of the upcoming NJPW shows in Japan.
In the vibrant world of social media, finding interactive Instagram story ideas to communicate with target audiences is no longer an option, but a necessity for brands and individuals alike. In fact, leveraging creative Instagram story ideas, especially those focused on customer preferences is crucial to stand out amongst the digital noise.
In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll explore 15 engaging and unique Instagram story ideas that go beyond the ordinary, designed to elevate your online presence and significantly increase engagement.
From behind-the-scenes footage to testimonial strategies, these ideas will help you create compelling narratives that captivate your audience on Instagram’s influential space.
1. Go Out of the Box with Instagram Stories
Every brand follows a specific aesthetic tailored to reflect its brand personality and goals using certain colors and images regularly. While this approach helps you to create a memorable impression, sometimes you need to go beyond expectations in a fun way – as silly as it sounds.
As Instagram stories disappear after a while, you can use them to join trends or post videos and images that don’t have a place among your Instagram feed posts. Being active on Instagram is crucial for businesses, as it allows them to cultivate a friendlier image through stories, regardless of the seriousness of their industry.
2. Reveal Your Behind-the-Scenes Content
Behind interactions are the top most engaging Instagram story ideas as many brands use them to offer their audience a sneak peek into their creative process or just to introduce their team. Therefore, you can also use them to show your brand’s human side whether you want to showcase how you create content or what you do while leading a project.
So, use Instagram stories to unveil the magic behind your product or service, and build anticipation and curiosity among your Instagram followers. Keep your audience engaged and looking for more as you build your social proof.
3. Use Engaging Polls and Questions Stickers
Another interactive Instagram story ideas is the use of stickers. If you want to increase the engagement of your followers on Instagram, one effective way is to use interactive elements such as a poll sticker or a question sticker in your stories.
These features encourage your audience to actively participate and share their opinions and preferences with you. By doing this, you not only boost engagement but also gain valuable insights into your audience’s mindset and how they perceive your Instagram posts. This information can be very useful in shaping your marketing strategy and improving your overall performance on the platform.
4. Collaborate through Instagram Story Takeovers
Collaborating with other Instagram users through takeovers stands among cool Instagram story ideas and is definitely a fan-favorite method to interact with content creators – as it allows them to see different people managing each other’s accounts.
So, it’s a rather fun way to collaborate with social media team members or an influencer to take over your Instagram story for a day to reach a new audience.
Yet, you need to do your research before doing a story takeover. For this, you can use the best story viewer which allows you to view Instagram stories anonymously. So, you don’t have to worry about the person knowing you watched their content while doing your research for collaboration.
5. Repost User-Generated Content with a Shout Out
Another way to encourage followers to interact is by reposting their content and mentioning them in your Instagram story. By doing so, you can show appreciation to your existing customers for creating content based on your brand.
Furthermore, you can create multiple stories with their content to highlight the diversity of your audience. This can improve your credibility, encourage more people to follow your Instagram and brand, and help you come up with cute Instagram story ideas for your future content.
6. Create Interactive Instagram Story Highlights
You can use your Instagram stories to create a visually appealing and organized profile by curating a story highlight. As the stories on the highlight don’t disappear, you can use this method to categorize and showcase your best content, making it easily accessible to new and existing followers.
You can also use his feature to show different aspects of your business, such as the brand’s products, launches, fun facts about your team, and more. This way, your audience can easily find any specific kind of content and interact with it.
7. Integrate Music and Quiz Stickers
You can enhance the entertainment value of your Instagram stories by adding a music sticker – by using a trending sound or audio specially produced for your brand. Or, you can use a quiz sticker to ask questions to your audience.
Using a fun sticker when you post stories can make your content more dynamic and also inspire the followers to interact with them. So, make sure to create a fun and immersive experience that resonates with your brand’s values.
8. Use Countdown Sticker for an Upcoming Event
Instagram stories are great tools to create buzz for an event that is important for your brand – whether it’s a new product launch or a celebration of the anniversary. So, you can utilize countdown stickers to build anticipation and excitement while keeping your followers engaged.
This great idea can create a sense of urgency, prompting your audience to mark their calendars for the big day. If possible, you can increase the engagement with promising rewards for those who first interact with your upcoming big event post or join a live stream.
9. Add Swipe Up Links to Increase Traffic
If you have access to the swipe-up feature on Instagram, you can make use of the link sticker to effortlessly include links in your stories. This feature is especially beneficial when promoting blog posts, upcoming launch events, or creating shoppable stories.
By adding links to your stories, your followers can conveniently access additional content. This naturally can increase your engagement as well as your Instagram account visibility and website traffic.
10. Post Educational Content
Based on your brand goals and overall business content, you can also share educational videos on your Instagram stories. This can increase your credibility and lead your story viewers to interact with you by sharing their thoughts about the issue.
You can use any relevant educational theme as your Instagram story idea. From quick tips to in-depth tutorials, you can provide value to your audience to foster trust and keep them coming back for more.
11. Spread Testimonials of Your Brand’s Community
You can create stories to boost your credibility by incorporating your customer feedback and even video testimonials. By featuring satisfied customers or clients sharing their positive experiences with your brand, you can encourage engagement and influence potential followers to check your account.
With this approach, you can humanize your brand, making it relatable to a wider audience, and also come up with more content ideas for your future stories.
12. Create Your Story Trends
Compared to a feed post, an Instagram story reaches more people as users prefer finding new content through this feature. So, you can use this opportunity to create a trend for your brand and promote it with a hashtag.
By encouraging people to share your story, you can reach a broader audience and boost your overall interactions.
13. Make a Q&A Time
Q&A is one of the most popular interactive Instagram story ideas – and for a good reason. It’s one of the most efficient ways to direct your followers to your brand and allow them to actively interact with it.
So, you can regularly use Instagram stories to allow your audience to ask questions – especially if you don’t have a new idea or time to create new content.
14. Spread Your Announcements
You can also use stories to make quick announcements. For example, if you have an upcoming live event, you can spread the news with stories and include a link for people to watch it – which can increase the engagement rate. It is one of the simplest but most efficient interactive Instagram story ideas.
15. Utilize Slider on Your Stories
Sliders is a great feature that boosts your interaction rate so you can use them on your stories by including fun emojis or simple yes or no. In order to keep your audience engaged try different slide styles and use creative prompts. Using them encourages your viewers to direct participation, which can also lead to valuable feedback from your audience.
FAQs
Here are the frequently asked questions while creating a social media strategy:
Can You Schedule Stories on Instagram?
Yes, there are a few ways to schedule your stories using a variety of tools. This is especially beneficial for a social media manager who has to manage various accounts.
Can You Watch Instagram Stories Anonymously?
You can use Views4You’s free tool to view stories anonymously. For example, if you’re a social media marketer who wants to watch competitors’ stories, you can use this tool to hide your account information.
What is the Best Story Idea for Brand Marketers?
While it changes depending on the niche and the industry, most people see behind interactions as the best story idea on Instagram.
A total of five matches have been announced for tonight’s Monday Night Raw from Portland, Oregon plus a CM Punk appearance as WWE shifts full gear towards the 2024 Royal Rumble premium live event.
Scheduled for the broadcast are Cody Rhodes vs Shinsuke Nakamura in the main event slot, Kofi Kingston takes on Ludwig Kaiser, The Miz battles JD McDonagh, Finn Balor and Tommaso Ciampa go one-on-one in a battle of former NXT champions, and the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles are on the line as Katana Chance and Kayden Carter take on former champs Piper Niven and Chelsea Green.
And while last week there was The Rock, this week there will be CM Punk as he continues his quest to try and main event WrestleMania.
Former WWE Superstar Dolph Ziggler appeared on Busted Open Radio to discuss a variety of subjects, including the surprise release from WWE last September.
While it was a surprise to many, it wasn’t to him, and Ziggler, now going by his real name of Nic Nemeth, said that he exchanged e-mails with “the boss” for several months to let him go.
“It wasn’t out of the blue. I had sent e-mails to the boss over the last few months saying, ‘I have to move on to somewhere else, can you let me do this?’ Eventually, without the exact back and forth, that’s how it worked out,” the former World Heavyweight champion said. “It wasn’t weird because it was six, eight, 10 months in place going…’Here it comes.’ Now, I have 90 days sitting around, which broke my heart, but I just got extra workout!”
Ziggler noted that he wasn’t given the chance to steal the show in six-minute matches and was given 90-second matches with no entrance on TV. He said that he knew he was being paid too much to stay at home so at some point he was going to get out of there regardless.
Wrestling, a sport as ancient as civilization itself, has evolved from the dusty plains of Sumer to the dazzling arenas of today. It’s a world where athletes grapple for glory, each match a narrative of human struggle, strength, and triumph. In this exploration of wrestling, we delve into the facets that make it not just a sport but a spectacle of human drama, where every takedown and pin is a story told in physical form.
The History and Evolution of Wrestling
Wrestling’s roots stretch back 5,000 years, with the earliest records found in Sumerian culture. Over the millennia, it has been a staple of the Olympic Games, a training ground for soldiers, and a form of entertainment for millions. Today, wrestling is recognized as one of the most physically demanding sports, with high school and college athletes dedicating themselves to the craft. The sport has not only survived through the ages but thrived, adapting to various cultures and audiences, becoming a global phenomenon combining athleticism with theatrical flair.
The Physical and Mental Demands of the Sport
To understand wrestling is to acknowledge the sheer physicality it demands. Wrestlers endure rigorous training regimes, honing their bodies to peak conditions. The annual injury incidence rates—6.49 injuries per 1,000 youth wrestlers and 29.57 per 1,000 in scholastic groups—attest to the sport’s intensity. Concussions, accounting for 5% to 10% of all wrestling injuries, highlight the risks involved. Yet, beyond the physicality lies the mental game; strategy, resilience, and psychological warfare are equally crucial in securing victory on the mat.
The Role of Technology in Modern Wrestling
In an era where technology reigns, wrestling has embraced advancements to enhance both athlete performance and fan experience. From sports betting online platforms that allow fans to wager on matches, to social media channels that provide real-time updates, technology has expanded wrestling’s reach. Moreover, the use of software to analyze techniques and improve training methods has become commonplace, proving that even a traditional sport like wrestling can innovate and adapt.
Wrestling and Its Cultural Impact
Wrestling transcends the boundaries of mere sport; it’s a cultural touchstone reflecting societal values and narratives. Characters portrayed in professional wrestling often mirror contemporary issues, heroes, and villains alike. The sport has influenced movies, literature, and fashion, embedding itself into the fabric of popular culture. Wrestling’s ability to tell compelling stories through physicality has made it a unique and enduring form of entertainment.
Safety Measures and Injury Prevention
With the knowledge of wrestling’s inherent risks, the focus on safety has never been more pronounced. Coaches, organizations, and athletes prioritize proper technique and adherence to rules to minimize injuries. Protective gear, rigorous officiating, and medical protocols during matches are now standard. The wrestling community continues to research and implement strategies to make the sport safer without diluting its intensity and appeal.
The Future of Wrestling: Trends and Predictions
As wrestling looks to the future, trends such as the incorporation of mixed martial arts techniques and the rise of women’s wrestling point to a diversifying sport. The integration of virtual reality and other immersive technologies could revolutionize how fans engage with wrestling. With its ability to evolve while honoring its rich history, wrestling’s future promises to be as dynamic and captivating as its past.
The Spectacle of Professional Wrestling Entertainment
Professional wrestling, with its blend of athleticism and theatricality, has captivated audiences worldwide. Unlike traditional wrestling, professional bouts are characterized by storylines and larger-than-life personas. This unique form of entertainment showcases the wrestlers’ ability to engage with the crowd, eliciting cheers and boos alike.
The spectacle is as much about the drama and the characters as it is about the physical contest, making it a distinctive and beloved branch of the wrestling family tree. The grandeur of events like WrestleMania underscores the global appeal, drawing millions of viewers and generating substantial revenue, proving that the allure of professional wrestling is not just enduring but growing.
The Influence of Wrestling on Physical Fitness and Training Regimes
Wrestling has not only left its mark on the sports world but has also significantly influenced the realm of physical fitness and training regimes. Its high-intensity nature and demand for both strength and agility have inspired a variety of workout programs. Fitness enthusiasts and athletes from other sports often adopt wrestling-based exercises to improve their endurance, flexibility, and core strength.
This influence extends to the mainstream fitness industry, with gyms and personal trainers incorporating wrestling-style circuits and resistance training into their routines. The sport’s emphasis on body control and balance has also led to the development of specialized training equipment and methodologies, making it a pivotal contributor to modern fitness culture.
Conclusion
Wrestling is a testament to the enduring human spirit, a sport where athletes battle not just opponents but their own limits. It’s a world where every throw tells a tale, every hold encapsulates hope, and every victory is a chapter in an athlete’s personal odyssey. As we celebrate the grapple and glory of wrestling, we recognize its power to inspire, entertain, and unite people across the globe.
Matt Striker, who does commentary for Major League Wrestling, got into some trouble for things he said during Matt Riddle’s debut with the company this past weekend.
While the match was going on against Jacob Fatu, Striker said that they should talk about the “elephant in the room” and how the court of public opinion would like to see Jacob Fatu slap the taste out of Matt Riddle’s mouth.
“But the court of public opinion does not convict. I’m sorry, I know it’s the world in which we live, but it’s not the case,” Striker said.
He was obviously alluding to Riddle’s sexual misconduct allegations of the past and that was not well received by fans.
“I’ve given this a lot of thought. Could not sleep. My critics are right. I was wrong. Tone deaf,” Striker wrote on social media today. “Trying to use the guise of art or character portrayal is self preservation. Thank you to those that shone light on this. It is now on me to stand in that light. I will be better.”
Meanwhile, a female wrestling fan on X by the name of Kelsey responded to the video of Striker’s commentary saying she was subject to inappropriate behavior from Striker himself in the past.
“I once had to push Striker off of me when he tried to put his hands down my jeans at an Indy show years ago because he was cool with one of my friends and thought that was enough of a go ahead,” she wrote. “None of this remotely surprises me.”
Speaking to WWE cameras after the weekend non-televised live event where he agreed to be a fan’s best man at his wedding, Cody Rhodes said that he “should not have seen that sign.”
The fan said that they’re getting married on Saturday, March 24, but obviously that is when they have live events and it’s close to WrestleMania so Cody asked if there is a chance that he could change it to a weekday.
A quick negotiation later, and the fan had a new best man for his wedding.
“Now here’s the funny thing. I don’t even know his name. He’s gonna send me a DM on instagram he told me,” Cody said. “Man of my word. I’m gonna end up at that guy’s wedding so congratulations to future…guy I’m the best man to!”
You just never know what’s going to happen at WWE house shows!
The Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic returns on NXT tomorrow night and WWE officially announced the first two teams who will be participating.
Former NXT champion Bron Breakker will team up with Baron Corbin while Axiom tag teams with Nathan Frazer.
Introduced in 2015, the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic sees eight tag teams battling out to win the trophy and eventually a shot at the NXT Tag Team titles. In 2022, the female version of the tournament was also announced, with Io Shirai and Kay Lee Ray winning the inaugural one. The Creed Brothers won the men’s 2022 edition.
Dynamite viewership suffered a drop in 2023 compared to the prior year, with the 2023 average being 864,269 versus the 955,538 for 2022. That is a drop of just over 91,000 per episode on average. In 18-49, a demo that AEW is highly after, also had a drop, going from 0.34 to 0.29 last year.
In 2023, Dynamite managed to surpass 1 million viewers only twice, a sharp drop when in 2022, the show did over 1 million viewers on 12 different occasions. The show also did some record lows both in terms of attendance and television ratings.
The most-watched episode of Dynamite was the February 22 one which did 1,028,000 viewers and a 0.35 rating in 18-49. That was followed by the January 25 episode with 1,003,000 viewers and a 0.32 rating. The Dynamite: Grand Slam episode on September 20 drew 984,000 viewers and had the best 18-49 number of the year with a 0.36.
The October 10 episode of Dynamite, titled Title Tuesday and going head-to-head with NXT, drew its lowest number of the year with 609,000 viewers and a 0.26 rating in 18-49. The May 3 and October 25 episodes rounded up the bottom three with 776,000 viewers and 774,000 viewers respectively and 0.28 and 0.24 in 18-49. The 0.24 was the lowest 18-49 of the show so far.
This is the first time since 2020 that the average viewership has dropped.
All six participants in the upcoming Knockouts Ultimate X match for TNA’s Hard to Kill pay-per-view have been finally announced.
New signing Dani Luna was the sixth and final entrant announced yesterday and she now joins former NXT UK star Xia Brookside, Gisele Shaw, Tasha Steelz, Alisha Edwards, and Jody Threat.
The winner of this Ultimate X match will eventually become the number one contender for the Knockouts title which is currently being held by Trinity. Trinity faces Jordynne Grace on the same pay-per-view.
Friday Night Smackdown on FOX managed to increase its audience in 2023 compared to the prior year, with an average of 2,220,635 viewers, up by just over 97,000 viewers when comparing it to the average of 2,123,442 in 2022. This is the second year in a row that its audience went up year-over-year.
In the 18-49 demographic, Smackdown finished 2023 with an average of 0.58, up 0.07 from the 0.51 average of 2022, following in Raw’s footsteps of a younger audience watching the show.
Smackdown went over 2.5 million viewers on six different occasions throughout the year, much better than the two episodes which did that in the year before.
The most-watched episode of Smackdown was the August 25 edition which celebrated the lives of Bray Wyatt and Terry Funk. 2,647,000 viewers tuned in for the broadcast and had a 0.78 rating in 18-49, which was also the best number of the year. The September 15 episode with the return of John Cena did 2,569,000 viewers and a 0.70 rating in 18-49 while the June 2 broadcast rounded up the top three with 2,563,000 viewers but a higher 0.73 rating in 18-49.
The least-watched episodes of the show came when Smackdown aired on FS1 because it was pre-empted from FOX due to other sports. The November 24 episode on the eve of Survivor Series only did 789,000 viewers and a 0.26 rating in 18-49. The October 27 show had 1,145,000 viewers and 0.35 rating in 18-49 while the July 21 broadcast did 1,230,000 viewers and 0.36 rating in 18-49.
The least-watched show on FOX was the December 29 Best Of episode which did 1,335,000 viewers and 0.28 rating in 18-49, a record low for Smackdown on FOX. The December 1 episode was the lowest of a regular Smackdown on FOX with 2,044,000 viewers and 0.59 in 18-49.
Smackdown topped all network TV during most weeks throughout the year and on most occasions was the #1 rated show on all of television as well.
Chris Jericho has not appeared on AEW television ever since the sexual misconduct allegations against him resurfaced just days before the Worlds End pay-per-view.
Jericho was booed throughout his match on the PPV and while he was backstage at Dynamite this week, he did not appear. Jericho did not appear at Collision either but his name was brought up and there were several boos again.
One date he will definitely show up is next Saturday on January 13 when Jericho teams up with Sammy Guevara to take on the current AEW Tag Team champions Big Bill and Ricky Starks on the live Battle of the Belts IX broadcast on TNT. The match, announced yesterday, will be a street fight.
AEW have not addressed the Jericho situation yet and quizzed multiple times during the post-Worlds End press conference, AEW President Tony Khan danced around the question and failed to answer.
TNA will be revealing the new title belts starting from today leading up to their Hard To Kill pay-per-view.
The company has reverted to its original TNA name from this month and changed their branding to reflect the TNA name.
The X-Division title will be revealed today, followed by the Tag Team titles tomorrow, the Digital Media title on January 9, the TNA World title on January 10, the Knockouts title on January 11, and the Knockouts Tag Team titles on January 13. All reveals will be held at 1PM ET.
The Impact+ streaming service is also now TNA+ and for the first time ever, TNA pay-per-views will be available to purchase on TNA+ starting with Hard To Kill. TNA+ is $9.99 while the pay-per-views are an additional $39.99.
Wrestlers get asked all kind of questions from fans but Cody Rhodes probably didn’t think he was going to get hit with this one at the non-televised live event in Spokane, Washington last night.
After finishing his match against Shinsuke Nakamura, Cody noted a sign in the crowd which said, “Cody be my best man.” Cody asked the fans what should he answer and of course, everyone answered yes.
But before committing, Cody had a few important questions to ask. He asked the fan, who was there with his fiancee, if he was a convicted felon. The answer was no.
“He’s not a felon!” Cody announced, to a massive cheer from the crowd.
He then asked how long they have been together, and the answer was two years, which was very acceptable from Cody’s point of view.
“Ok, you know what? You sir, who I don’t know your name and you all have been together for two years and you’re not convicted of a felony…I will indeed be your best man,” Cody said as the crowd cheered and the soon-to-be husband and wife celebrated in the crowd.
There’s one story that Cody is helping finishing at least!
The Workhorsemen were in the ring as the show started. Ric Flair’s music hit to a huge pop. Sting got a healthy pop himself. Anthony Henry attacked Darby before the bell, Drake smacked Sting’s back with a chair. The vet no-sold it, Flair gave Drake a chop and the four workers brawled around ringside.
Sting took a cheap shot to the leg and was limping. The heels doubled up on Darby and threw him inside. Kevin Kelly wondered whether the ref would allow the match to start.
Can tell he hasn’t been here long.
The heels beat up Darby for a few minutes, Sting finally made it back to the apron but Drake knocked him off. But missed a moonsault: Sting tagged himself in, Splash to Drake, lariat to Henry which was supposed to knock him outside, the vet settled for flinging him through the ropes. Darby gave him a coffin splash, Sting hit a Deathdrop to Drake.
Guessing they needed to sell tix since it seems very cheap just throwing Sting’s last ever matches onto tv like this. Those who attended enjoyed it anyway.
The faces took some time with fans at ringside.
Winner: Sting & Darby Allin
Package pushing the Family/Sting & Darby tag at Dynamite ‘Homecoming’.
Eddie Kingston vs Trent (Continental Crown)
Backstory: Trent won a four-way
If I’m a wrestler I’m thinking screw the tournament, next year I’m just gonna volunteer for the random four-way three-days later to get a shot at the belt. They at least tried to hype this by showing clips of the mass brawl at All In.
Kingston got his usual nice reaction. Crowd solidly with him as the two locked up. Break in the corner, Kingston stepped away, back to it, Trent hit the ropes, took a chop, to a fight now as they hurled chops and strikes, Kingston snapmare and kick to the spine.
Trent avoided a corner attack, tornado ddt for one. And worked Kingston over for a while, crowd quiet. A suplex got another one count. Trent chops in the corner, Kingston reversed a whip and wailed away on Trent in the opposite one. Eddie caught Trent in the face with a chop and Trent bailed outside, nose clearly broken as he returned – blood everywhere.
Trent missed a vault outside and took a saito suplex at ringside. A rare cut to break with the good guy on top. Though that was a guarantee here huh?
A fired-up Trent sent Kingston through the ropes via dropkick, tope to follow, both down at ringside. Trent’s mom is in the front row.
Both back in, Trent tried a sunset bomb from the top, Kingston blocked it briefly but still took a powerbomb for a near fall. Kingston hit back via exploder, enziguri; Trent back elbow, German, maintaining grip, a second and a third, the last with a release, thinking running knee and hitting, Gotch-style piledriver, Kingston shockingly kicked out.
They threw rights from their knees, to their feet now, things slowing right down as they exchanged forearms. Trent hit a half-and-half, lariat coming, Kingston ducked, Uriken, northern lights bomb, Trent kicked out. Jeez, enough with ‘protecting’ wrestlers we know are losing by having them kick out of finishers.
A stalling northern lights bomb won it. Probably good, I can’t get into matches with no stakes.
This show doesn’t have much on it and this belt needed establishing as something worth having. So why not have Eddie defend against someone with a push and make it a proper main event to really establish him as a top guy on Saturdays? God knows the show needs some.
Winner: Eddie Kingston
They rushed away to Tony talking with Willow and Statlander earlier today. He asked them about Stokely Hathaway. Without telling us what happened. Willow said ‘that was weird’. Again without saying what happened.
They then cut a generic babyface promo about doing well in 2024. Statlander having a lizard or something on her shoulder the only noteworthy aspect.
*****
Hook cut a promo outside somewhere. Half of it couldn’t be heard over police sirens and stuff. He’s ‘coming for’ Samoa Joe. The hell?
Komander & Bryan Keith vs the Kingdom (Proving Ground Match)
Backstory: If the challengers win they get a title shot
The Kingdom came out to the UK’s music with Roderick Strong. Boy the total lack of starpower in this group really stands out when Cole’s not there. Kelly hammered the heel champs for winning the titles the way they did – 2 on 1 over MJF etc. Nice to see an announcer decry heels.
We quickly went to break. They showed the rest of the card during p-in-p – suffice to say it does not get better.
The champs were working over Keith to silence as we returned. Taven hit a combo springboard-elbow drop/backbreaker for a near fall. Then hit a heel kick. There’s some sort of time-factor here which I’ve missed/they haven’t explained. Since they keep referring to how long the match has gone.
Komander in, things speeding up, tornado ddt to Taven, boot for Bennett sending him outside, Taven got a boot up in the corner but Keith hit him with a running headbutt – ‘not legal but who cares!’ covered Kelly – Komander hit a superplex using Keith’s shoulders, Taven rolled outside.
Keith tagged in to elevate Komander over onto both heels at ringside. The latter’s woken the crowd here. Keith was setting up a move on Taven, Bennett ran in and blocked it, piledriver to take Komander out, they then hit ‘the double-team’ to quote Schiavone, to win.
It was something like a leaping reverse ddt out of a Hart Attack position.
Winner: the Kingdom
Renee with BCG. Amazingly, the Acclaimed & Gunn were nearby and interrupted. White said this was none of their business since the UK had attacked him first. They all bickered. Bowens said they’d put him through glass too and calmed things by saying AEW taught him that the only way to the top is through factions and put White and Billy over as guys who know the value of factions.
‘All I’m saying is, I know it’s crazy… think about it’.
Austin remained to say to Renee it ‘makes sense’.
I didn’t miss anything there, it was that oblique. Clearly they’re considering linking up. More likely it’ll lead to a trios feud.
*****
Adam Copeland out. I just checked the time and we are only 50 minutes in. Feels like at least an hour and a half.
He objected to Cage saying he has to go to the back of the line. Because since Copeland was briefly the champ he has a rematch clause. He said Cage always criticizes him for getting pushes and etc but ‘when it comes down to it I just work harder’ – nice line flipping Cage’s tagline.
He said Cage should be kissing ‘Luchasaurus – sorry Killswitch’s ass’. And that he’s happy to earn his way back to a shot anyway. So he’s starting some sort of open challenge.
Very generic music played – Griff Garrison, Maria Kanellis and Cole Karter came out. I’d just assumed Maria was gone since she’s not with her husband. Griff took the mic and said people are probably asking ‘who the F is Griff Garrison?’, then said he’s a guy who steps up and etc.
Copeland said he sees some of himself in Garrison but that the youngster’s trying to step ‘from below sea level to Mt. Everest’. Griff slapped him, Copeland said that made him like him more but now he’s going to have to kick his ass
Adam Copeland vs Griff Garrison
Backstory: To quote Copeland – ‘we’ll call it the Cope Open or sumthin’
Copeland walloped the youngster for a few minutes, Maria and Carter between them tripped him, Garrison hit a weak boot and forearms from the mount. Then choked the vet in the ropes.
The attack went on several minutes. The most interesting thing was Nigel seemingly making a joke about Maria having ‘a great pair’ out here. Risky move.
Copeland got two with a diving cross body. Garrison countered a spear with a discus shot, went upstairs, Copeland cut him off, shots in the corner – crowd counting along the only noise in several minutes – Copeland won with a crossface.
Cole Karter then attacked from behind but missed a 450 and took a Spear.
Hell of a way to show Copeland on a journey back to the title. Overcoming such drastic odds against massive names. Just throwing him and Sting out there against nobodies is not a way to make them seem like big deals.
Winner: Adam Copeland
Backstage to Sting, Darby and Flair. Flair cut a promo hyping the match Wednesday as the place where Sting returned, where Sting and Darby linked up, they’re ‘unbeatable’, 26-0. Sting literally called what he was about to say ‘a retro promo’ and did indeed sound just like it was the mid-90s.
He insisted he’s not going to be coasting during his last few weeks and the only thing for sure is that at Daily’s Place it’s gonna be showtime. He again said ‘How bout that for retro?’ as they left.
I’ve made it pretty clear how I feel about Flair but dude’s a good hype man. Only Moxley is this good at making others feel special.
Skye Blue vs Kiera Hogan
Backstory: NONE
Kelly said he’d love to know what’s led to Skye Blue changing over the last few months. Not wrong. To paraphrase Penta, ‘ZERO… explanation’.
Not much happened, Blue choked Kiera in the corner with her boot, Hogan sped up, ducked a couple shots and smacked Blue twice then tripped her into the ropes. Hip attack to follow, thrust kick to the face, Blue kicked out.
The way these two are ‘avoiding’ kicks just makes it so hard to buy this, it’s so obvious they’re not even trying to hit one another. Looks so rehearsed.
Ads.
Hogan caught Blue coming off the top via thrust kick, shotgun dropkick, lariat in the corner, hip attack in the corner, basement dropkick, neckbreaker for two. Impressive flurry.
Chops in the corner, Blue slipped under ten punches, hit a thrust kick, missed a lariat, hit another thrust kick, Hogan hit back but was snatched into a TKO and a dragon sleeper. Kelly had to correct Schiavone who called the TKO a ‘fallaway slam’.
Hogan was SO MUCH better than Blue here.
Winner: Skye Blue
Serena Deeb package. Starting in a straightjacket. She said she’s been away studying the division, she cannot be caged, she knows every escape, there are no shackles to keep her.
All of this was mixed with her countering holds in the ring and walloping her training partners.
Very nice package. And a welcome alternative to women who are pushed entirely for their looks. Deeb had a better match a couple years back against Riho with her knee about to be operated on than almost any AEW female match in the last year.
Claudio Castagnoli vs Andrew Everett
Backstory: NONE
Claudio challenged Hangman Page during an inset promo.
Everett ran at the Swiss who bodyslammed him with ridiculous ease. Then hit a running uppercut outside, racing back in to apply the Swing, ten rotations and then just dumping the dude down.
Nigel said he’d let go since he knew the Carolina fans couldn’t count past ten. Brilliant.
Everett hit a springboard heel kick, kick from the apron, to the top, they were trying to setup Claudio hitting an uppercut mid-shooting star but it went totally wrong. Looked really bad. Claudio just let Everett miss instead then nailed him to win. Nigel made a shoot reference to Claudio being a ‘pro’ since he didn’t get flustered.
Winner: Claudio Castagnoli
Lexy with the tag champs. Apparently we heard from Jericho and Sammy on Rampage. (We did? Maybe show us what they said then?)
Sammy had challenged Starks for Wednesday. Ricky used a lot of words to say he’d win. I think. Bill challenged Guevara & Jericho for Battle of the Belts in a street fight.
Boos could be heard when Jericho’s name was mentioned. Be interesting to see if he appears Wednesday. Guessing they put him on Rampage so they could edit it.
FTR vs House of Black
Backstory: The House of Black have – kindof? – been trying to recruit FTR, and I missed this ‘cause I’ve tuned out the HOB’s gobbledygook but apparently if FTR lose here they have to leave their real families to join this one!?? WCW-esque
This is easily the worst story in AEW. Which is an accomplishment. Yet they’ve spent quite a lot of time on it and didn’t recap any of it during the show tonight: didn’t explain it, didn’t show the picture being burned, didn’t show the HOB trying to recruit FTR, didn’t hype the main event at all other than a couple inset graphics.
You have to tell fans matches are a big deal. You can’t just assume they think so because you do.
Matthews pointed at Dax’s daughter, Dax rushed him, physical grappling in the corner, Dax shoved Matthews who hit back with a chop. Dax shook it off, back to the lockup, he tried for a tag with arm control, Matthews slipped free and headed back to his corner.
He and Cash locked up, Matthews working the arm, Cash kipped up and was immediately smashed back down by the hair. Headlock and whip, the two crashed together, back to the mat, headlock takeovers, legscissors and drop toe holds, Dax in, double Russian legsweep, Buddy fled to his corner once more.
Malakai in, Dax too. They kept blocking and countering in a really nice sequence, ending with Malakai dropping to his pose after ducking a couple wild swings. Dax joined him, flipping him off, Malakai ran outside trying to get at Harwood’s family, FTR chased them away.
Ads.
Back to Dax getting one on Buddy after an elbow drop. Chop battle, uppercut in the corner, tag to Black, low dropkick for one. Dax hit a right, Cash in, clubbing blows to the back, chops in the corner, he fought off both HOB on the apron but took a low dropkick to trip him off then was dumped onto it by Buddy before Malakai took flight outside via moonsault.
Kicks to the chest against the apron, Cash flung back in, stomped down, knee drop, cover, barely two. Matthews back in, quick tags in and out from the heels, Cash avoided Malakai, sending both heels spilling outside, dodged a returning Matthews trying to cut off the tag, nearly there, Malakai grabbed his foot, he fought free, nearly there again, Matthews dropkicked Dax off the apron.
That was great work building and cutting off the tag.
More ads.
Dax fighting off both heels, Cash nowhere to be seen, Manhattan drop to Malakai, elevating Buddy via body drop, brainbuster to Black for a near fall. O’Connor roll to Black who kicked out sending Dax into a Buddy strike for another near fall. Still two on one, Dax ducked a clothesline, Cash dragged Buddy outside, Black upstairs, cut off, powerplex coming, Dax milking the crowd, Buddy leapt from the top via knee strike to Cash, sending both crashing into the cover to break it.
Crowd into this now like nothing all night. Understandably. It’s the only worthwhile thing on the show.
Cash was caught out of a tope into a double knee strike from the heels and flung over the announce desk. Malakai grabbed a chair, the ref just allowed him to bring it but tried to nicely talk him out of it. Black talked trash to Dax’s daughter, Buddy hit kicks to Dax, Cash snuck in behind into a Shatter Machine, Malakai saved it at the last.
Cash and Black on the apron, chops and kicks, Dax snuck behind, spike piledriver on the apron, all three down. ‘Holy S’ chant. Brody King hit the ramp, Dancin’ Daniel attacked from behind with a chair, taking out the big man, trying to cheerlead FTR.
Dax returned inside to a Curb Stomp but was near enough to the ropes to break the pin. Matthews hit a powerbomb with a jackknife, Dax countered to win. Came a little out of nowhere.
The babyfaces were celebrating when King struck from behind and the HOB beat them down. Cash took a Curb Stomp on the chair, Malakai hit The End to Dax with a chair in front of his face. Julia Hart was suddenly ringing the bell all slow. Nigel explained it was a ten-bell salute signifying the death of FTR. The fans were so outraged they chanted ‘House of Black’.
Collision is back on TNT tonight after it did not air last week due to the Worlds End pay-per-view in the same time slot.
Three matches have been confirmed for tonight so far with Eddie Kingston defending the AEW Continental Crown title against Trent Beretta headlining the show. AEW is now referring to the Triple Crown title as the Continental Crown moving forward.
Also on the card are FTR vs Buddy Matthews and Malakai Black, and Sting and Darby Allin team up to take on JD Drake and Anthony Henry.
Plus, Adam Copeland will be responding to Christian Cage and the Nature Boy Ric Flair is being used in marketing material since tonight’s show is from Charlotte so it’s highly likely we are going to get an appearance from Flair as well.
