In an interview with UK-based Metro, Paul Wight revealed that he hopes to be back in an AEW ring next month following several health issues and a knee replacement surgery.
The man formerly known as The Big Show hasn’t worked too many matches since he arrived in AEW, in fact, he’s only been involved in four matches.
“I’ve had a couple of injury setbacks, had to get a knee replaced in August. That knee was bad for 12 years, so it could’ve gone any day,” Wight said. “It’s like kind of like that tire on your car that you know you should change but keep driving anyway. But we’re good now, and hopefully we’ll be back in the ring in March. Everything’s on schedule, so we’re looking good!”
His last match aired in March 2022 on AEW Dark where he defeated Austin Green in just two minutes. He had two other matches on Dark, both three-on-one handicap matches, and one more match at the All Out 2021 pay-per-view against QT Marshall.
Facing U.S. President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, NXT drew just 562,000 viewers on Tuesday, down 25,000 viewers from the prior week which was already the least-watched show of 2023. The show suffered in the 18-49 demo as well with just a 0.11 rating, down 0.02, and placed #50 in the cable chart for the night. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
From ancient Greek and Roman times to modern-day entertainment, wrestling has been a popular sport and form of entertainment throughout the centuries. From its roots in traditional folk wrestling to its evolution as a professional sport, the fascinating history of wrestling has brought us to the sport we know and love today. Throughout its history, wrestling has evolved to become a multi-faceted form of entertainment.
Whether it is seen as a sport, a form of dramatic entertainment, or a combination of both, wrestling has captivated audiences for centuries and continues to be an integral part of the sports and entertainment world. From the Gladiator combats of Ancient Rome to the high-flying maneuvers of modern professional wrestling, this article will explore the fascinating history of wrestling from its roots to today.
History of Professional Wrestling
From the ancient Greek and Roman times to the modern age, wrestling has been a popular form of entertainment and a form of martial arts; it didn’t just disappear on the Parimatch app. Wrestling is a competitive sport, or a form of unarmed combat, in which two people attempt to grip each other in a hold and either throw or pin each other to the ground. A wrestler can grapple but is not allowed to use the arms of another competitor.
The objective of wrestling is to gain a competitive advantage through superior technique, strength, or cardio endurance over an opponent. Wrestling has been around since very early times, and it is considered the oldest sport in the world. It was practiced in many ancient cultures, and it was even used as a form of entertainment and a form of martial arts by many ancient cultures.
The Greeks and the Egyptians are two ancient cultures that are known to have practiced wrestling extensively. In fact, wrestling was a popular sport in ancient Greece, and wrestling contests were even held as part of the ancient Olympic Games.
Modern Professional Wrestling
Professional wrestling grew even more popular in the 1960s and 1970s, as more and more promoters began to use the term “professional wrestling” to distinguish their wrestling matches from the carnival wrestling that was still popular at the time. The growth of cable television in the 1980s brought professional wrestling to a new audience, as more and more Americans were able to watch televised wrestling matches, often following storylines and built around characters.
Professional wrestling’s popularity also grew throughout the 1990s, as more and more Americans were able to watch and enjoy the high-flying maneuvers and acrobatics of modern professional wrestling.
Impact of Television and Media
The impact of television and media on the growth of professional wrestling cannot be underestimated. The introduction of television in the 1950s opened the door for professional wrestling to become a mainstream sport, and it was not long after television was introduced that professional wrestling was promoted as a major sporting event.
The growth of cable television and satellite television in the 1980s and 1990s brought professional wrestling to even more viewers, who were able to watch their favorite professional wrestling stars on television on weekdays and weekends. As the internet has become more and more popular, professional wrestling has also become more accessible online, meaning that fans are able to watch professional wrestling whenever, wherever, and on whatever device they choose.
The Popularity of Professional Wrestling
Today, professional wrestling continues to be a popular sport and form of entertainment. It can be seen regularly on cable television, on pay-per-view events, and on the internet. It can also be seen regularly at live events, where fans come together to see their favorite professional wrestling stars perform.
The popularity of professional wrestling is clear to see, as professional wrestling is one of the most-watched sports in the world. It is one of the most-watched televised sports in the United States, and it is also one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the world, attracting millions of fans from many different demographics.
Wrestling in Entertainment
Professional wrestling has been used in many forms of entertainment throughout its history, from movies and television shows to video games and music albums. Professional wrestling has been integrated into many forms of entertainment in order for it to be more accessible to a wider audience. Some of the most popular ways that professional wrestling has been integrated into entertainment are through music albums, video games, and movies. Professional wrestling has been featured in many hit music albums, including “Rocky Music Album” by Frank Stallone and Sylvester Stallone, which featured a song called “Rocky Baloney,” “WWE Soundtrack” by John Cena and Fred Durst, which featured the hit song “You Can’t See Me,” and “WWE Smackdown! Music Album” by Jim Johnston, which featured the hit song “Smackdown!.”
Professional wrestling has also been featured in many popular video games like the “WWE 2K” series, “WWE Raw” series, and “WWE Smackdown” series. Many wrestling fans also enjoy watching professional wrestling on television, where they can follow the storylines and watch their favorite professional wrestling stars perform each week.
Conclusion
The history of professional wrestling shows that the sport has evolved to become a multi-faceted form of entertainment that can be seen regularly on television, in pay-per-view events, and on the internet. Professional wrestling has also been featured in many popular forms of entertainment, such as music albums, video games, and movies, to make it more accessible to a wider audience. The sport continues to be a popular form of entertainment, as professional wrestling continues to be one of the most watched sports on television and one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the world.
The main event for Revolution was confirmed last night on Dynamite as Bryan Danielson will now take on MJF for the AEW World title in a 60-minute iron man match.
Danielson’s road to Revolution was bumpy, as he had to win several challenges along the way, similar to the angle they used when Wardlow was gunning for MJF last year.
The former WWE champion went through Konosuke Takeshita, Bandido, Brian Cage, Timothy Thatcher, and yesterday took on Rush in his final challenge.
The iron man match will now headline Revolution, live from the Chase Center in San Francisco, California.
Due to the incredible early response for Money In The Bank ticket pre-registrations at The O2 in London on Saturday, July 1, WWE today announced that SmackDown will also emanate from The O2 the night before, Friday, June 30.
This marks the first time ever that SmackDown will broadcast live and in primetime from the UK at 8pm local on BT Sport.
WWE and O2 presales for combo tickets will be available on Wednesday, February 22 at 12pm GMT at Ticketmaster.co.uk and AXS.com. Fans can register now to receive an exclusive presale offer by visiting here.
General public onsale for SmackDown and Money In The Bank combo tickets will be available on Friday, February 24 at 12pm GMT at Ticketmaster.co.uk and AXS.com.
Last Week’s Rating: 901,000 overall; 0.31 in 18-49 demo
It’s Wednesday night, it’s Dynamite. Let’s go.
…..
Excalibur welcomed us to Championship Fight Night along with Taz and Tony Schiavone. For the first time ever ‘all four championships are in play’.
MJF vs Konosuke Takeshita, Eliminator Match for AEW Title
Backstory: Takeshita stopped MJF attacking Danielson last week and the two had to be separated while brawling backstage
Max had ‘2024’ inscribed on his jacket and looks like he’s been hitting the gym. The venue was heavily blacked-out though it didn’t stop Takeshita receiving a healthy pop.
Successful in offering a handshake, MJF quickly took advantage with a kick to the gut but made the mistake of Irish-whipping the Japanese who took to the air for his flying clothesline then launched ten punches in the corner but was cut-off at nine and Manhattan dropped. Immediately coming back with a leaping knee, he was readying a knee to the face when Max pulled the ref in front and used the advantage to begin working on his opponent’s arm.
Schiavone really went after him for using the ref.
‘Let’s go Maxwell/Maxwell sucks!’
A hammerlock ddt bought a two count, Takeshita in trouble until ducking a lariat and launching an exploder into the corner. Following up with a big boot, he hit another but missed badly on a third and was rolled up for two. Until fighting back via sheer drop for another close count.
Though he was already visibly holding his arm.
Didn’t stop him going up top though to shimmy like Eddie then launch a perfect frog splash as the near falls continued. Crowd went crazy.
Max looked for Salt of the Earth, Takeshita rolled through several times then countered a piledriver into one of his own right into a deadlift German. Max took a powder. Takeshita pursued and went splat on the mats.
Though he quickly rebounded to fling Max into the ring post then volley at his guts but was crotched as he once again went topside. MJF followed him up and was about to fall victim to a clothesline until the champ flipped out to land on his feet. Each rebounded off the ropes to strike, MJF staggered Takeshita with a discus; Takeshita dropped him with a wicked lariat.
Takeshita dragged himself over to cover, Max converted it into Salt of he Earth, Takeshita stacked him for two to break the hold then took flight with a senton as Max bailed to the outside.
Back in the ring, Takeshita rolled down his knee pad, Max took notice and bailed back outside. Before again using the ref as a shield to launch a sneak attack then several knees to the import’s injured arm. But missed a final one, Takeshita slugged him with forearms, Max raked the eye then planted him with a powerbomb across the knee. Though immediately began selling his own knee, getting up right into a blue thunder bomb then a running knee to the face.
Max got his foot on the ropes at 2.9.
Takeshita missed a senton atomico, MJF transitioned right into SotE, the challenger scrambled for the ropes, Max dragged him back middle, bridging up to add pressure as Takeshita tapped.
Good opener. Though never for a second thought Takeshita would win even without the title on the line. Outside of that they certainly made him look a credible threat.
Post-match, Max took aim with his diamond ring then began firing shots from the mount until his eyes bugged out as Danielson’s music hit. Max fled.
The doctors checked on a bleeding Takeshita.
WINNER: MJF
‘What stands before you is your assurance that all is right in the universe,’ exclaimed Samoa Joe with a belt over each shoulder. He gave Allin props for being brave and worthy. Which is more than he can say about Wardlow. Joe threatened to reveal Wardlow’s secrets, week by week, before again vowing – as he had with Darby – to take ‘everything’ from those who wanted to take his title.
I adore this man. He should be champ in perpetuity.
Jamie Hayter vs the Bunny, Eliminator Match for AEW Women’s Title
Backstory: Bunny challenged Hayter last week
If the challenger in the opener seemed unlikely to win, Jamie’s opponent would need an apocalypse.
Britt and Rebel accompanied the champ as they showed footage of Saraya and Storm attacking Britt last week. The locals chanted the champ’s name as Schiavone again ranted against MJF.
Hayter quickly clasped a headlock then ran through the Bunny with shoulder charges. The Bunny caught her in a leg-choke out of the corner but was brought inside from the apron via suplex.
The action spilled outside where the Bunny suplexed the champ so that her legs landed on the steel steps.
Break time.
Both were down as we returned. Britt had once again found a Hayterade sign in the crowd, Penelope Ford ripped it to pieces. On the subject, Hayter began launching exploder suplexes. The second did not go well as the Bunny kind of fell awkwardly to the mat.
Jamie picked her up for the Hayterade to win.
This was a waste of time. There are plenty of women Jamie could’ve had a good match with before winning if they wanted her to do so on tv.
WINNER: Jamie Hayter
Toni Storm and Saraya with Renee. Backstage. Saraya sarcastically congratulated Jamie on her win but said she was a loser like everyone else here. Bringing in Leva Bates, Saraya noted that her name ‘began with L’. Storm attacked from behind, they spray-painted ‘L’ on her before Saraya announced that they weren’t here to make friends, they were here ‘to take over’.
And the NWO rip-off is complete. This sucked. The assault was weak and we’ve been given no reason to care about Leva Bates. Nor is there any reason for Jamie or Britt to care either. Using Rebel for this would’ve been much more effective.
…
Lexi Nair with MJF. Max gave Takeshita credit for being ‘really good’ but that he wasn’t on his level. Max didn’t know if the people hated him because he’s twisted or if he became twisted because the people hate him but he does know that adversity is what really makes a man. Remembering when he first faced it.
He then told a story about speeding in the rain, crashing, tasting blood and badly injuring his high-school crush in the car with him. Really can’t believe they allowed this after what just happened.
He then heard sirens in the distance and switched seats with her. There are winners and losers and he’s a winner. He ranted that Danielson would lose before the ppv.
Ricky Starks vs Angelo Parker
Backstory: Starks has to beat all of the JAS to get another match with Jericho
And the pointless matches keep coming here on Championship Fight Night. Schiavone noted that he hadn’t realized Starks was going to face all of the JAS on the same night. Makes two of us. They might have wanted to emphasize that.
Straight to a scrap, Parker went for a bunch of early covers, avoided the Roshambeaux then ate a Spear to lose quickly.
Ricky Starks vs Matt Menard
Menard snuck in and was immediately rolled up.
Ricky Starks vs Daniel Garcia
Garcia’s music hit, he strutted down the aisle until Sammy’s hit too. Garcia didn’t know what was going on.
Speaking of, Starks now has to beat both Garcia and Guevara. They definitely said it was one or the other last week. Though suppose they should be given credit for avoiding similarities with the MJF/BD storyline.
Taz then announced that if Starks wins here he faces Jericho tonight. The hell’s going on?
Garcia used a distraction from Guevara to take over.
Break.
Garcia went for the Dragon Tamer as we returned, Starks fought free and went for a Spear which Garcia turned into a front guillotine. Starks eventually hoisted him up to blast him with a powerbomb. Both guys down.
Garcia launched a superplex, Starks rolled through to drop him with a northern lights bomb then readied a Roshambeaux. Garcia slipped to the apron to avoid it. Where the two fought until Starks planted him with a Spear.
A ‘fan’ – clearly a masked Jericho – then weakly hit Ricky from the crowd. The announcers talked about it being a back elbow, insinuating a Judas Effect. Though couldn’t for the life of them work out who it was.
Garcia quickly rolled Starks inside to win.
An early taste of the upcoming iron man match in that the crowd weren’t into these earlier sequences since they knew there was more to come. Until there wasn’t.
The announcers put over that Jericho saved himself from having to face Starks tonight. Though still couldn’t get their story straight as they said that would’ve been next, ignoring that they’d said earlier he had to beat Sammy too.
A mess.
WINNER: Daniel Garcia
Renee with Billy Gunn & the Acclaimed. Billy said he was pulled in a bunch of different directions, he cared about all four guys so he’s going to stay in the back tonight. Caster said they were cool with it, Bowens seemed anything but. They scissored to end the seg.
That’ll be the main event.
…
Renee with Danielson who was checking on Takeshita. The door then shut, locking them all in as Rush’s music could be heard.
Rush vs Bryan Danielson
Backstory: Danielson once again must win, once again with a badly injured shoulder, once again MJF has paid his opponent to hurt him
Rush struggled to defeat Christopher Daniels on Friday so don’t rate his chances here. This’ll be the last of these: if BD wins, he’s #1 contender.
A dude in the crowd was vibing hard with Rush’s theme.
MJF’s was next. Limping to the ring, he told Aubrey that according to the rules she should begin a ten count. Which she did. Danielson broke down the door with his injured shoulder then raced to the ring. Aubrey deliberately counted slowly; Danielson made it.
Max joined on comms.
Immediately ranting about Aubrey’s count as Rush poked and prodded a weakened Danielson. Have to acknowledge that they at least made a big issue of Danielson having to win here.
After a chop fest, Rush hit a rebound German then a running knee. Before beating Danielson around ringside. With Danielson bleeding, Rush licked the blood from his fingers.
This beating continued for several minutes.
Until Danielson caught Rush entering the ring, another chop fest broke out on the apron, Danielson punching Rush to his back only for the Mexican to send Danielson plummeting to the floor, right on his shoulder.
Face covered in blood, Danielson got the LeBell Lock as we returned. Rush got the break, bailing outside where Danielson followed with a suicide dive. Then a running dropkick with Rush propped against the barricade.
A ‘Si! Si! Si!’ chant broke out as the Dragon came off the top, Rush down as the crowd chanted that this was awesome. Si! kicks were next until the last was caught, back up into a chop fest, Danielson’s chest almost as red as his face.
They beat the crap out of each other in the corner until Danielson hit his running dropkick. Rush was ready on a third and cut him off, straightjacket piledriver, two only after an arrogant cover.
Schiavone warned MJF to keep that in mind for Revolution. Which greatly irritated Max – who wants to believe Danielson won’t even make it to the ppv. Tony’s awesome.
Bull’s Horns at the ready, Danielson met him mid-way via Busaiku Knee, Rush kicked out at two. Struggling back to their feet, they again slugged it out in the middle.
Headbutts followed, Danielson wobbled then fired up. Both launched headbutts at the same time, the crowd again went crazy. Another rebound German – though Danielson this time rolled through to launch a second Busaiku Knee to bag the incredibly hard-fought win.
MJF, for once, was silent.
This was as physical as wrestling gets and the crowd were into it unlike anything else so far. Great fight, great atmosphere. With a proper angle behind it.
Really felt like Danielson had accomplished something. The match for Revolution is now set.
Max headed straight for the ring where Danielson could barely stand, dropping him with the ring then locking in the Salt of the Earth, Danielson too weak to even sell the move.
A bunch of staff finally got him to break the hold.
WINNER: Bryan Danielson
Schiavone was backstage with a couple of the Impractical Jokers guys. Who had Floyd and talked trash about Jericho. Who apparently wanted a ‘loofah scented candle’.
They challenged Jericho to appear on the show tomorrow. If the rest of it is as funny as that loofah gag…
The Elite vs Top Flight & AR Fox, Trios Titles
Backstory: Top Flight defeated the Bucks a couple weeks back then made this challenge
The crowd sang all the way through the Elite’s entrance then chanted their name. Callis joined on comms.
Dante and Nick got us going with Dante immediately slipping on a landing but coming back to flip off Nick’s chest, land on his feet then immediately spring up into a dropkick. There are NBA players who’d like Dante’s second jump.
He crotch-chopped the rest of the Elite before quick tags brought in all of their opponents to work over both Bucks until Omega entered to loud ‘Kenny’ chants. Cut-off in the corner, Nick was the victim of more quick tags but made a blind one to his brother, Matt picking his spot to drop Darius across Nick’s knee.
Dante in to attempt a double armdrag, the Bucks cartwheeled through into double dropkicks, avoided a flying Fox who Omega cleaned-up with a clothesline. Nick tagged Kenny.
The crowd hot until Omega shushed them so they could properly hear him blister Darius with chops then drop him across the knee via backbreaker as the break beckoned.
Schiavone made fun of Excalibur for calling the break too early.
Matt had Darius down as we returned, readying a superkick but using it to knock Dante and Fox off the apron instead. Darius then avoided another and hit a Spanish fly until Nick came off the top via splash.
Omega avoided a Fox 450, the latter rolling through to land a senton on Nick then hit a rolling cutter on Kenny. He then fought off both Bucks with a dropkick to Nick in the corner, smoothly rolling through to kip-up into a cutter on Matt, avoiding a Nick punt then springing up into a second cutter.
Then took flight across both sides of the ring, launching three dives in total to take out the Bucks and leave Omega down in the ring. Who he hit with a senton atomico for two.
Omega threw fists, got a boot up in the corner but was brought crashing to the mat off the top buckle as Fox tagged Dante back in. He and Nick went at it (they were pretty fast and loose with tags and legality here) until Jackon was ole’d to the outside. Dante avoided Matt too then dropped him with a tejeiras off Matt’s chest before being caught in locomotion.
A blind tag brought in all three only for Jackson to introduce the entire trio to the northern lights.
Nick back in, Dante too, Darius hit a tornado ddt off his brother’s chest for two. Fox then launched a springboard senton onto Matt and Omega as the Martins hit their double team Nose Dive and Fox came off the top onto Nick via 450. Omega just made the save from the outside.
Everyone then took everyone out until Fox was left alone with the Elite into a very smooth triple team Meltzer Driver. Broken up at two.
The Bucks took out Top Flight, Omega missed a V-Trigger, Fox got two, Omega hit a dr. bomb for two of his own, hit a V-Trigger then readied the OWA. Fox rolled through on the landing, avoided a lariat, missed an enziguri, Omega crucifixed him to bag the win.
A crazy, wild, very athletic match but one which wasn’t as smooth as the Elite’s usual outings.
WINNER: the Elite
Hook video package. Very quick and nothing to it.
…..
Though that was remedied as Stokely Hathaway ranted about the youngster. Who’d caused dissension among the Firm. Just happening to appear, Hook took Hathaway by the arm, and not in a Valentine’s way, warning Hathaway to ‘be cautious with those words, sir’.
Lexi was for some reason very concerned that Stokely was okay. They need to be careful with how much they require their talent to ‘act’.
The Acclaimed vs the Gunns, Tag Titles
Backstory: the Gunns made the challenge last week, Billy, sick of the four arguing, accepted on the champs’ behalf
Much like Friday, this doesn’t feel remotely like a main event. A real test of the Acclaimed’s popularity.
‘Acclaimed’d still win if there were four of y’all, you will never finish us like the border wall.’ One of Caster’s best raps as he incorporated some insults in Spanish then finished by calling the Gunns the ‘Ass Boys’.
They were playing-up Billy remaining backstage on commentary.
Caster and Colten got us going, the former launching a high arm-drag then tagging his partner who lit Colten up with chops, tag back to Caster, off the top via double-sledge. Then the pair scissored Gunn’s timbers as the ads arrived.
Austin tagged in as we returned, the Gunns hit crisp double-team moves to Caster until Austin was bridged to the outside. Colten prevented the tag for a while until Max fought free, Bowens unloading on both brothers with kicks, strikes and clubbing blows to the neck. The crowd chanting ‘si!’ as they had with Danielson.
He then hit his over the shoulder Fame-asser for two. All four guys in; all four left laying.
As Austin got to his feet, he avoided a shot from Bowens, the ref didn’t, Austin then dropped Bowens with the quickdraw. Then grabbed a title belt. Bringing Billy to the ring. He helped Bowens up, threw him out the way of an intended belt shot then ate one from Colten, leaving him laying.
The Acclaimed went after both, leaving Colten outside; Bowens hit the arrival on Austin, Caster the Mic Drop. But the ref was still down.
Caster sort-of woke him. Enough to deliver a slow count which Colten broke at two. Bowens got another two via O’Connor roll, Austin kicked him off, Colten landed a belt shot from the apron, right into a roll-up as the Gunns stole the belts.
The crowd stunned. Not in a good way. Seemed like this ended early as there was a lot of dead time before a silent crowd as the show ended.
As someone who watches Dynamite and Rampage every week, I can’t name a single one of the Gunns’ moves or their finish. And they’re the tag team champions. Best division in the world.
WINNER: the Gunns
…..
Next Rampage:
Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta vs Kip Sabian, Butcher & Blade
Jack Perry in action
Ruby Soho vs Marina Shafir
Mark Briscoe will speak
Next Dynamite:
Matches announced on Rampage
…..
Overall impressions
All very well calling it Championship Fight Night. When almost none of the outcomes are in doubt, it doesn’t mean much. A poor show.
In an interview with Uproxx, AEW President Tony Khan said that he is expecting a big increase when the next round of television rights for AEW are up.
AEW’s deal with TNT and TBS was reviewed in May 2021 when it was announced that Dynamite was moving to TBS plus the addition of four new quarterly specials – Battle of the Belts – on TNT. AEW’s deal with Warner Bros. Discovery runs through the end of this year.
“I expect big increases in the rights for the AEW programs and we’re on a good pace to make a very lucrative deal for the AEW media rights going forward,” Khan said.
AEW has consistently out-performed other shows on the network, especially in the 18-49 demo so a renewal from WBD would likely be the most probable outcome. But the negotiations for a new deal come at a time when WBD is doing major cost-cutting so in reality, it’s very difficult to say what AEW will get from their broadcast partners or if they will be eyeing a move to a different channel.
Asked about a streaming deal as well, Khan noted that they have 174 episodes of Dynamite, 80 episodes of Rampage, and 16 pay-per-views so far, in addition to the vast Ring of Honor library.
“We’ve done hundreds and hundreds of hours of AEW content in our library,” Khan said. “I also purchased Ring of Honor last year, which is a great promotion with over 20 years of history, thousands of hours of video in their library.”
He said AEW owns many great wrestling events, including some which are widely considered some of the best of all time.
“There’s a lot of interest in this library as well as the new weekly content we continue to produce each week, and I do think there’s a lot of demand for the library and it makes a lot of sense for us to try to make that AEW library available to fans all over the world on demand,” Khan said.
Titles will be on the line and two will have the opportunity to earn future title shots in eliminator matches as AEW Dynamite returns on TBS tonight.
The AEW World Trios titles will be on the line as The Elite will be defending the gold against Top Flight and AR Fox. The second title match features The Acclaimed defending the AEW World Tag Team titles against The Gunns.
Two eliminator matches take place tonight with AEW Women’s champion Jamie Hayter vs The Bunny and AEW World champion MJF vs Konosuke Takeshita.
Also on the broadcast tonight is Rush vs Bryan Danielson and the Garcia-Guevara guantlet match.
Jerry “The King” Lawler remains in hospital although he has improved and is awake and talking.
The 73-year-old WWE Hall of Famer had a stroke which affected the right side of his brain and while he has moved his arm, he’s still experiencing problems on the right side of his body and his speech is affected.
Longtime friend and broadcast partner Jim Ross wrote on Twitter that he spoke briefly with “The King” last night and while he is obviously week, he could understand his affected speech.
“Jerry’s prognosis is positive but he needs all our thoughts and prayers,” Ross wrote.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Hart visited Lawler at the hospital in Fort Myers, Florida, and the Jerry Lawler Twitter account provided an update on his condition.
“His speech is limited, but with rehabilitation will regain a full recovery. He thanks everyone for the continued prayers and will be back in the near future,” Lawler’s Twitter said, along with a few photos of Jimmy Hart next to him.
Update on Jerry: After suffering a massive Stroke Monday. He is now recovering in a Fort Myers, FL hospital. His speech is limited, but with rehabilitation will regain a full recovery. He thanks everyone for the continued prayers and will be back in the near future. pic.twitter.com/2Ge4XuKVr4
Monday Night Raw this week drew an average of 1,866,000 viewers, down 248,000 viewers from last week’s post-Rumble broadcast. Both the pre and post Rumble shows did over 2 million viewers, although one of which was the Raw 30th anniversary episode.
Hour one started with 1,968,000 viewers, then dropped to 1,881,000 viewers for the second hour, before ending the night with 1,750,000 viewers.
Raw was #1, #2, and #3 in the top 50 cable chart among the 18-49 demo with 0.57, 0.56, and 0.53 ratings respectively for an average of 0.55, down 0.09 from the prior week. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
As a businesswoman, you understand the importance of taking care of your family and extending the same level of support to parents in their later years. Caring for an elderly parent can be rewarding yet challenging. While it’s tempting to squeeze in some extra hours at work or take on additional projects, there is no replacement for quality time spent with aging loved ones. With that said, here are five tips to help busy professionals like yourself balance work and home life while providing comprehensive care to elderly parents.
1. Define Clear Lines of Communication
When caring for an elderly parent, communication is vital. Having honest conversations about their daily routine, healthcare needs, and overall well-being allows you to ensure they feel secure and satisfied with their situation. To ensure both of you are on the same page, establish a schedule for check-ins and regular updates. This will help reduce stress levels and build trust over time.
2. Prioritize Quality Time
Your elderly parent needs to know that you care about them and value the bond between you two. Spend quality moments engaging in meaningful conversations, playing board games, or just catching up on life events – it all matters! Even if it’s only a few hours per week, spending dedicated time with your parent can go a long way in creating solid memories and reinforcing the family connection.
Here are some ways how you can spend quality time with your elderly loved ones:
Weekly picnics and mealtimes
People love to eat, and sharing a meal is a great way to connect with others. If your elderly parent lives in a retirement home or long-term care facility, make it a point to join them for weekly picnics or mealtimes. This way, you can have regular quality time while enjoying delicious food! For example, you can plan a potluck picnic with other seniors or take your parent out for a special meal once in a while.
Attending religious services together
Religion can provide comfort and stability for many older people, so consider attending religious services together. Not only is this an easy way to show that you care, but it may also provide your parent with much-needed spiritual support. This will help your parent develop a stronger sense of belonging and feel more connected with the community.
Family reunions
Elderly loved ones are often the glue that holds a family together. Organize family reunions from time to time, so your parent can stay connected with other relatives and enjoy quality time with them. This may also be an opportunity for younger family members to learn about their grandparents’ life stories and family history. Celebrating Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays with your parent is an incredibly excellent way to show them how much you care.
Game nights and outdoor events
Finally, everyone loves to have fun! Plan a few game nights and outdoor events, such as a mini golf or bowling outing, to keep your parent active and engaged. Playing sports together can be a fantastic bonding experience too. This will help counteract the effects of loneliness, isolation, and depression common among older adults. In addition, you can also take your parent on shopping trips or to the theater, so they can enjoy all the little joys life has to offer.
3. Seek Professional Support
Caring for an elderly parent is a big responsibility and sometimes overwhelming. Recognizing your limits and knowing when to seek professional help is essential. Utilizing hospice care is one of the best ways to support your loved ones, as it provides comprehensive physical, emotional, and spiritual support from qualified health professionals. Hospice care focuses on enhancing the quality of life and providing comfort to your loved one facing terminal illnesses.
4. Cultivate a Supportive Network
It’s essential to have emotional support from friends and family members throughout caring for an elderly parent. Find others who can relate to your situation and lean on them for advice when needed – it helps break down feelings of isolation and loneliness during difficult times. Some people find it helpful to join a caregiver support group, while others prefer to discuss things with close friends. Make sure you take care of your well-being by scheduling regular breaks and setting aside time for yourself.
5. Establish Stable Financial Grounding
As a businesswoman, you understand the importance of financial planning and stability. It’s essential to create a budget for your elderly parent and ensure they can access their funds when needed. Consider factors such as monthly expenses, healthcare costs, insurance coverage, and estate planning so you can prepare for any future issues that may arise. Caring for an elderly parent is still costly, but having a plan in place will give you (and your parent) peace of mind.
Final Words
Caring for an elderly parent is both physically and emotionally taxing, but it can also be a rewarding experience if done correctly. By following these tips, you can ensure that your elderly parent remains comfortable while continuing to focus on your career. Remember to provide the necessary breaks to stay energized and motivated throughout the journey.
Toxic Attraction is no more after Jayc Jayne turned on her tag team partner Gigi Dolin on NXT last night.
The duo were guests of Bayley’s Ding Dong, Hello! in-ring segment and just when we all thought all was good between the two, Jayne superkicked Dolin and sent Bayley scrambling on the sofa.
In an angle reminiscent of the breakup of The Rockers, Jayne then threw Dolin through the door which was set up in the ring as part of the Ding Dong, Hello! set. The door didn’t quite open the first time and then Jayne kicked Dolin in the face to make an even bigger dent on the door.
The two were bickering earlier, blaming each other for losing the triple threat match at Vengeance Day against Roxanne Perez. Eventually the two made up and said they’ll ride together again but it was all a swerve as Jayne superkicked Dolin’s head off her shoulders.
The two had been tag teaming together since July 2021 when Mandy Rose was moved to NXT and formed the group. At one point all of them had the women’s titles in NXT, with Rose holding the NXT Women’s title and Dolin and Jayne holding the NXT Women’s Tag Team titles. They won the tag titles on two occasions, winning them from Io Shirai and Zoey Stark the first time around and Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzalez for their second run.
They lost the titles to Cora Jade and Roxanne Perez at The Great American Bash event in July of last year.
Booker T has revealed on his latest episode of the Hall of Fame Podcast that it looks like his outing at the Royal Rumble was the last one in a wrestling ring.
The two-time WWE Hall of Famer entered at #21 as a surprise entry and even managed a spinaroonie before being tossed over the top rope by Gunther.
“I’m gonna tell you right now, I think that’s the last time people are going to see me in the ring altogether,” Booker told his audience. “In Reality of Wrestling, I’m going to work with my students, but as far as putting my boots on again, that was the last time.”
Booker said it was a great exit for him and it couldn’t have gone any better.
“But putting the old boots up, it’s kind of hard. I think that’s it, I really do. I think that was the last time putting on the boots and getting back in the ring from that level,” he said. “I think that’s the last time I really want to do it too at that level. I don’t think it can get better than that, seriously. But I want to thank all the fans for that moment.”
Impact Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling are teaming up for a WrestleMania week pay-per-view titled Multiverse United: Only The STRONG Survive.
The show will be taking place on Thursday, March 30 at the Globe Theatre in Los Angeles and will feature the top stars from Impact and NJPW colliding. FITE.TV will be airing the pay-per-view.
“We are very excited for this unique collaborative event that brings together two of the best wrestling companies in the world,” said Impact Wrestling executive vice-president Scott D’Amore. “Since NJPW returned to AXS TV just over a year ago, we have been looking at ways to expand our working relationship between the two brands. Multiverse United on March 30th at the Globe Theatre in Los Angeles is the first of many exciting collaborations between IMPACT and NJPW.”
NJPW’s Takami Ohbari added, “New Japan Pro-Wrestling and IMPACT have been a winning combination on AXS TV, and now fans get to see these two companies share the same ring in person. I personally cannot wait to see what arises from this special card, and I can guarantee fans will experience a historic event the likes of which they’ve never seen before.”
Rampage on TNT drew 406,000 viewers, down 52,000 viewers from the previous week and the lowest number of 2023 so far. The show drew a 0.11 in the 18-49 demo, down 0.03 from last week and placed #28 for the night on the top 50 cable chart. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
Action News 5 in Memphis is reporting that WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler suffered a stroke yesterday in Fort Myers, Florida.
The 73-year-old, whose condition is serious, underwent emergency surgery and is now recovering at a hospital in Florida.
Longtime friend Dutch Mantell wrote on Twitter that Lawler suffered paralysis on his right side following the stroke but has now regained partial use of his arm. Mantell noted that Lawler’s speech is still affected and that will take more time.
This is the second stroke he suffered since his heart attack. In March 2018, he spent three days in ICU after he had a stroke while at home in Memphis.
“The King” suffered a massive heart attack in September 2012 live on Raw after wrestling a tag team match on Raw and resumed commentary afterwards. Dr. Michael Sampson, WWE’s ringside physician at the time, was credited for saving his life. Lawler returned to WWE TV two months later.
The Elimination Chamber premium live event had several additions to the show last night during Monday Night Raw.
Damian Priest and Montez Ford advanced to the United States title Elimination Chamber match and now join Austin Theory, Seth Rollins, Bronson Reed, and Johnny Gargano. Priest defeated Angelo Dawkins and Ford defeated Elias to advance.
Carmella rounded up the women’s Elimination Chamber match where the winner will get a Raw Women’s title shot at WrestleMania. Carmella now joins Asuka, Liv Morgan, Nikki Cross, Natalya, and Raquel Rodriguez in the match.
Two new matches were also made official with Brock Lesnar taking on Bobby Lashley and a mixed tag team match featuring husband-and-wife team of Edge and Beth Phoenix vs Finn Balor and Rhea Ripley.
Friday Night Smackdown on FOX drew 2,384,000 viewers for the post-Rumble show, down 160,000 viewers from the prior week but the second most-watched of 2023 so far. The show dominated the 18-49 demo in all of television with a 0.61 rating and was #1 on both network and cable TV. In the overnight numbers, hour one had 2,288,000 viewers and hour two had 2,239,000 viewers. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
Valentine’s Day is approaching fast, and love is in the air, even in professional wrestling. The WWE is renowned for its larger-than-life personalities, thrilling performances, and captivating storylines, and the personal relationships between its athletes are no exception. As we gear up for another exciting year of WWE action, it’s time to take a closer look at the romantic couples that have captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
One such couple is Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins, who have established themselves as one of the WWE’s most influential and dynamic duos. With Seth set to compete in the Elimination Chamber 2023 in Canada on February 18th, fans are eagerly anticipating what the future holds for this couple both inside and outside of the ring.
For those seeking to increase the anticipation of WWE viewing, online betting can give an extra layer of excitement. With reputable and trusted free bet sites, it is possible to place bets on the outcomes of WWE events and matches, such as the Elimination Chamber, with a free bonus.
Here are four of the most romantic WWE couples on the scene.
Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins
In 2023, the power couple of the WWE, Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins, will still be a prominent force in the wrestling world. After their initial meeting during the 2018 Survivor Series, their relationship has reached dizzying heights, with both superstars continuing to experience massive success within the WWE.
Lynch became among the WWE superstars to win the RAW Women’s Championship twice, and Rollins shocked the world by becoming a Triple Crown champion and winning the championship twice.
Their undeniable chemistry has been captivating for fans across the globe, be it on-screen or off. They light up the screen with their signature moves, and their love for each other shines through their interactions in daily life. As they look towards the future, they know they have each other’s support and an inspiring connection that will last for years.
Natalya and Tyson Kidd
Natalya and Tyson Kidd have been a beloved couple in the WWE for over two decades. Natalya, who is a third-generation wrestler, is a multi-time WWE Champion and WWE Hall of Famer. Tyson Kidd, who was forced to retire due to an unfortunate neck injury, is an accomplished wrestler in his own right and is currently working as a WWE Producer.
The pair first met in 2001 while training in Stu Hart’s famous Dungeon and have since shared an incredible bond. After more than a decade of dating, Natalya and Tyson Kidd got engaged in 2011 and married two years later. The wedding was attended by many famous names from the wrestling world, including Natalya’s father and WWE Hall of Famer Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart and former WWE superstar Christian.
After two decades of commitment, the couple continues to demonstrate the strength of their bond and have become iconic figures in the wrestling world. With both Natalya and Tyson Kidd still in the WWE, their story has all the makings of an epic romance and will surely be one to capture fans’ attention in 2023 and beyond.
Jimmy Uso and Naomi
Jimmy (Jonathan Fatu) and Naomi (Trinity Fatu) are considered one of the sweetest and most beloved couples in professional wrestling. They met in 2009 while both were part of the Florida Championship Wrestling and quickly developed a strong connection. Their relationship has demonstrated love, loyalty, and dedication, as they’ve managed to stay together for almost a decade, despite the demands of their careers.
In 2014, they tied the knot in a beautiful wedding aired live on the Total Divas show. Jimmy and Naomi are still together today, providing entertainment and positivity to the WWE show through their exciting segments and matches. Together, they actively support the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which helps support children and families in their quest for education, safety, and stability.
They often share glimpses of their life on social media, and it’s clear that their love is as real as it gets.
Nikki Cross and Killian Dain
Nikki Cross and Killian Dain are undoubtedly one of the most romantic WWE couples in the industry. The athletic duo first crossed paths in NXT when Cross appeared as a member of the SAnitY faction alongside Dain and his two compatriots, Alexander Wolfe, and Eric Young.
Their relationship progressed from a professional to an intimate level, and the couple eventually tied the knot in Scotland in 2019. They are head over heels in love, often seen giving each other kisses and hugs after their respective matches.
Nikki and Killian have become a fan-favorite duo thanks to their undeniable chemistry and genuine affection for each other. They remain inextricably linked in real life and the ring, working together as a tag team and supporting each other in their solo endeavors. With such a strong foundation, we can only imagine the amazing things these lovebirds can achieve together.
Despite the intense competition in the WWE, these couples have proven that true love can endure even in the most brutal arena.
PWInsider.com is reporting that Jerry “The King” Lawler was rushed to a hospital yesterday after suffering a “medical episode” while he was in his condo in Florida.
The site, which did not divulge more information over what happened, described the issue as serious and he was taken to the hospital after he fell ill after going out to lunch with friends.
There have been unconfirmed reports over what happened but at this point it’s best not to speculate.
Lawler suffered a massive heart attack in September 2012 while doing commentary on Raw and WWE ringside doctor Michael Sampson is credited for saving his life.
