Live tonight from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, WWE presents the 2023 Royal Rumble premium live event on Peacock and WWE Network. The full card is as follows:
Roman Reigns vs Kevin Owens for the Undisputed WWE Universal title; Bianca Belair vs Alexa Bliss for the Raw Women’s title; Bray Wyatt vs LA Knight in a Pitch Black match; plus the men and women over-the-top rope Royal Rumble matches where each winner will receive a shot at the title of their choosing at WrestleMania 39.
Men’s entrants so far: Kofi Kingston, Santos Escobar, Ricochet, Austin Theory, Seth Rollins, Bobby Lashley, Baron Corbin, Rey Mysterio, Gunther, Cody Rhodes, Omos, Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, Braun Strowman, Karrion Kross, Dominik Mysterio, Xavier Woods, The Miz, Brock Lesnar.
The show will start at 8PM ET with a 7PM ET Kickoff show airing on all of WWE’s social media properties as well as Peacock and WWE Network.
After the Royal Rumble there will be a press conference hosted by WWE COO Paul “Triple H” Levesque which will air live on Peacock and WWE Network immediately following the conclusion of the show.
Wrestlenomics is reporting that Composite Effects, LLC (CFX) filed a lawsuit against All Elite Wrestling and Austin Matelson, who wrestles as Luchasaurus, for using their copyrighted mask design for merchandise without a license and their permission. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Louisiana last month.
In the lawsuit, the company stated that Matelson was allowed to use the mask for wrestling but there was never permission given to allow him to make money off merchandise using their design. CFX argued that the mask appears on several apparel and also ads.
CFX also claims that both parties tried to come to a licensing agreement following his deal with AEW back in 2019 but went nowhere. In 2021, AEW reached out to create a new mask which they would own and after it was created, the mask was not used, with Matelson saying that the original mask was “too iconic at this point” and AEW decided not to change the face.
After repeated attempts to get a licensing agreement, CFX says that Matelson approached another designer to create a similar mask. The designer, George Frangadakis, signed a statement saying that Matelson and AEW wanted a near exact-replica of his current mask produced. Frangadakis offered to do a new mask but not a replica. He did not get an order to do the new mask.
CFX is now looking to cash in by suing AEW and Matelson for profits related to mask as well as other monetary damages and attorney fees.
Mercedes Mone did her first interview with New Japan Pro Wrestling following her debut at Wrestle Kingdom 17 earlier this month.
Now back in the United States following a few weeks in Japan, Mone said wrestling in Japan at the Tokyo Dome has been a dream of hers and she’s excited to be part of a group that is hungry for success.
“It’s a star in my heart, and it feels so great to be excited about wrestling again,” the former Raw and Smackdown Women’s champion said.
Mone said that she always knew she could make an impact but didn’t know it would be that big and that fast. With WK 17 getting record views and Battle At The Valley selling out, Mone said that the quick turnaround from Sasha Banks to Mercedes Mone surprised even herself.
The Boston native mentioned that she had a lot of nerves leading up to January 4 and her debut but now that she’s done with that, she’s really excited about February 18 and her match against Kairi for the IWGP Women’s title.
Mone revealed that she traveled to Mexico for a month in October to prepare for her Japanese adventure and went to train in different wrestling schools. She said that ever since she left WWE, she worked non-stop doing different things.
In the interview, Mone also talks about the difference in women’s wrestling between WWE and Japan, wanting a world tour, wrestling for STARDOM, and more.
“I’m not a boss anymore. I’m a CEO. I’m going to run every division that I step foot in,” Mone confidently said.
The WWE Undisputed Universal champion Roman Reigns was a guest on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon last night on NBC and addressed the rumors of a WrestleMania match against The Rock.
Reigns admitted that there has been a buzz for a long time about the potential encounter between the two but said he believes The Rock came out with some “statement” saying that he won’t be ready in time.
Fallon changed his facial expression, something that Reigns picked up on saying, “Which that kind of face everyone is making…like hold on, this guy trains every single day! He’s huge!”
Reigns said that to Johnson’s defense, it’s a different kind of training to go through a match and while he gets his weight training and nutrition on point, you have to train your body to take bumps, especially for a match like this.
“When you’re going up against Roman Reigns, you better get ready to fall down,” Reigns joked.
Doors at the Alamodome today will open at 4:30PM and fans are advised to arrive early to allow enough time for security screening.
Those arriving via their own personal car can park at the Alamodome parking lots B and C for a $30 fee. Lot C opens at 8AM while Lot B will open at Noon. Please note that several streets downtown will be closed for traffic so do your research properly before driving to the stadium.
Public transport to the stadium begins at 4:30PM and will be available from Crossroads Park & Ride. Cost for the service is $1.30 each way, with discounts for students and seniors. Parking at Crossroads is free. Return Service runs for one hour after conclusion of the event. For information on these options, visit the VIA website or call 210-362-2020.
It’s advised that you do not bring any bags to the stadium but if you need, the only bags allowed are small bags and/or clutches sized 5.5” x 8.5” or smaller, clear Bags sized 12” x 6” x 12”, and 1-gallon clear freezer bag sized 12” x 12” or smaller.
Prohibited Bags over 5.5” x 8.5” include backpacks, camera cases, mesh bags, purses, etc. Visit the Alamodome bag policy for more information.
WrestleCon opens this morning at the Marriott Rivercenter hotel for a smaller version of their WrestleMania weekend convention, with 16 wrestling legends appearing.
Destination WrestleCon: Highway to Hollywood has a free admission and will run from 10AM to 2PM CT. Wrestlers on hand will be available for photo ops and autographs.
Scheduled to be at WrestleCon are Sting, Trish Stratus, Lita, Mick Foley, Diamond Dallas Page, Sean Waltman, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Sgt Slaughter, Matt Hardy, Arn Anderson, Lex Luger, Rick Steiner, Scott Steiner, Ron Simmons, Jerry Lawler, and John Bradshaw Layfield.
Sting’s price will be $75 each for photo and autograph, Trish, Lita, and Mick Foley will be $50 each or an $80 combo while the rest of the mentioned stars will be $40 each or $60 combo.
The hotel is located at 101 Bowie Street. For more information check out WrestleCon.com.
Last Week’s Rating: 464,000 overall; 0.13 in 18-49 demo
It’s Friday Night, and you know what that means… it’s time for our Rampage Review!
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Hangman Page vs Wheeler Yuta
Backstory: Yuta challenged Page since Moxley wasn’t there to do so
No entrances, right to the ring with Yuta pretty much mid-sprint as he launched a dropkick and began aggressively stomping away on Page in the corner. Seeking distance, Hangman shoved him away; Yuta came back with an Octopus then avoided a shot to the face, wrapping Page up in a leglock, eventually with a bridge.
Until Hangman got the rope break and again tried to put some distance between the two.
Yuta pursued him, stomping away again until Page eventually dropped him via running slap. Excalibur’s nose grew as he hyped the show.
Then took him to the corner, firing off stiff chops before snapmaring Yuta down and hitting him with a basement clothesline.
Aside from a small section chanting ‘cowboy s’, the crowd were very quiet as Yuta dropped Page face-first across the top rope. Page came back quickly to catch and drop him via fallaway slam. The crowd did come alive a bit here.
After starting hot, Yuta now couldn’t get anything going, Page easily cutting him off every time he tried.
A springboard clothesline was followed by a vaulting cross body to the outside. Page afterwards slapping and kicking at his downed opponent. Then briefly turning his back, allowing Yuta to sprint back inside to launch a tope. Thereafter chopping and striking the cowboy around ringside but being caught on a second tope and powerbombed onto the apron. A Liger bomb inside followed for two and the first pin attempt of the match.
Yuta was working the fingers as we came back, trying to escape Page’s grip, finally doing so then launching a shotgun dropkick from the middle buckle. Then a flurry of offense: Manhattan drop, enziguri, splash in the corner, diving elbow strike to the face, kip-up, another splash in the corner, bulldog, count of two.
Page finally caught him up top and fired off headbutts then spiked him via avalanche dvd. Looked brutal. Yuta just kicked out. More weak ‘cowboy s’ chants as Yuta crawled to his feet only to be dropped right back on his neck via German. Then another.
A third setup, Yuta widened his base, reached for the ropes then finally slipped behind to drop Page with three Germans of his own until Page got the ropes. Then threw back-elbows to free himself, looking for the Buckshot.
Yuta quickly cut him off, firing H&A elbows with Page still between the ropes then looked for a German on the apron, which he finally hit after running Page into the buckle, maintaining his grip down to drop him with another German at ringside. Following up with a diving cross body off the top.
Then flinging Page inside before heading to the top once more. Page got the knees up then dropped him with a stiff lariat as Excalibur noted it was the type of move which took out Moxley.
Yuta again countered the Buckshot then headed up top once more to this time hit the splash for two. Then flung more H&A elbows which Page eventually blocked. To his feet, they slugged it out in the middle, Yuta biting the forehead, Page flung him away, Yuta went to the apron looking for his seatbelt pin but Page was ready for it, sending him back inside with an invitation to Buckshot city.
Though he wasn’t done. A Death Rider followed to send a message to Mox along with the victory. Page went to the cameras to yell that he’d see Moxley next week.
Hard-hitting, nice back and forth all wrapped up in the Hangman/Mox story. Though a good crowd does make a match for me and this one wasn’t even palatable.
WINNER: Hangman Page
Footage of Starks and Andretti after Wednesday’s match. AA guaranteed that he could beat Sammy one-on-one. Starks noted that Jericho never wins his matches, it’s always one of the JAS getting the win for him.
…..
Eddie Kingston backstage. He said the real Eddie Kingston is going to come out now. He ‘understands’ and ‘feels’ the HOB and is ‘ready to go home’. Still didn’t feel like he’d gone heel. Nor should it, he’s still being cheered.
Jeff Jarrett, Jay Lethal & Satnam Singh vs Best Friends & Danhausen
Backstory: The J’s stole the Best Friends’ friend’s golden globe
Danhausen had a ukelele. Singh broke it over his knee. How impressive.
Taylor and Lethal got us going: quick tag to Trent, double-team elbow drop, tag out to Jarrett. Who threw fists; Trent responded with chops then raked his boot over Jarrett’s face before all three quickly tagged in to triple team Jarrett. Then dropped Singh off the apron and were about to hug when the heels all dragged them outsde.
Leaving Trent in the ring with Singh. Though the big man only had to stand still and be chopped. Then whip Trent into the corner where he flew over to the outside.
Break time.
Singh wrestled throughout the break but wasn’t in the ring when we came back. Which pretty much tells you all you need to know.
Trent bagged two with a roll-up then tagged Chuck who dropped Lethal with clotheslines then a raised knee and a single-arm ddt into an armlock. Jarrett broke up the submission.
Taylor drop toe hold-ed Lethal into Jarrett’s junk then put a figure four on the veteran, avoiding a Lethal elbow off the top until Singh came in and Taylor got the tag to Danhausen. Whom Jericho clearly really likes.
Nothing worked, Danhausen celebrated anyway. Until Singh missed in the corner, hitting his face on the buckle, the ref took the guitar away from Danhausen and Jarrett struck him with the golden globe to absolutely no reaction whatsoever as Singh got the pin.
Still doesn’t look like he’s anywhere near ready for tv. Perhaps they can invent a belt and give him a win streak?
WINNER: Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal
Renee with Ruby Soho this past Wednesday. Britt quickly interrupted. Soho didn’t want her help tonight or any night. Baker admitted that Ruby had some value and challenged her to grow a backbone and pick a side. ‘And if you’re smart, you’ll know which side to pick.’
Will Hobbs vs Tony Mudd
Backstory: None
Hobbs brought a literal Book of Hobbs with him.
You know the outcome. Several very intense clotheslines led to a face-first DVD for the win.
Follow-up continues to be by far AEW’s biggest weakness. Hobbs being, ironically enough, ‘just another victim’ of it. He’s done nothing for months. The vignettes led nowhere. And there was nothing here suggesting any sort of upcoming feud.
WINNER: Will Hobbs
Top Flight package and promo. They put themselves over for beating the Young Bucks and winning the $300,000 battle royal. Essentially, they kept emphasizing the number 3 before challenging the Elite to a trios match, their partner being AR Fox. ‘Step up, or take flight’
Like that closing line.
…..
Renee with Dustin Rhodes. Who just wanted to thank the fans for all their support. Swerve Strickland interrupted along with his boys. He threatened to get rid of Dustin like he’d done to Billy Gunn.
Dustin warned him.
Swerve didn’t heed it, talking down the entire family until he got to Dustin’s father. At which point Rhodes had enough. Both warned the other to step off. Neither backing down.
This was a really good, intense segment. Strickland comes across as such a star.
….
Lexi Nair with Jade and Leila. Red Velvet, along with Kiera Hogan, interrupted with ‘cut the s***’. Then challenged her to put her record on the line next week (Cargill is 49-0). Velvet talks well but is there even a glint of interest in this match?
Jamie Hayter vs Emi Sakura, Women’s title Eliminator
Backstory: None
Testament to Hayter’s popularity is that she got even this crowd to react.
Sakura kept stepping away from the lockup until both got to chopping, the champ driving Sakura back into the ropes but the vet low-bridged her to the outside. Then flung her back and forth between the barricade and the ring apron. Finishing by crushing her with a knee to the gut. Then peppering her with more chops before returning her to the ring.
A stiff slap to the face was followed by a cross body splash in the corner then another dismissive slap which finally woke Hayter. Though she was quickly tripped back to the mat as Sakura dropped an elbow then hauled her up into a surfboard.
Sakura’s facials are great.
To the break with the champ in big trouble.
And still was as we returned, crushed in the corner but fighting out with heavy chops. Before being quickly cut off once more. Sakura stopped to trash talk and ate an exploder, then another. A third even. Hayter then crushing the vet in the corner before piling on stiff shots, driving Sakura down in the corner then catching her into the Haytbreaker as she stumbled out. Two only.
Hayterade was blocked, Sakura dropping Jamie by holding her upside down for a good ten seconds before spinning her ’round into a backbreaker as she dropped. Hayter kicked out right on two. Britt was worried on the outside.
After a tired ushi-goroshi, Hayter struck with a basement clothesline then hauled Sakura up top to drop her face-first (essentially a draping RKO) before going topside herself, missing a moonsault, Sakura got la magistral for another close two, then another via tiger driver.
Sakura then landed a moonsault of her own. Hayter kicked out again. A frustrated Sakura began launching slaps until Hayter popped up into a big clothesline. Sakura again avoided Hayterade into a backdrop driver. Hayter popped up to launch another lariat then finally hit Hayterade to escape with the win.
Jamie was all but unconscious afterward. She gave the vet a ton here.
It should be a long time before Hayter loses this belt. She’s had three of the best women’s matches in AEW history in/since winning it.
WINNER: Jamie Hayter
…..
Next Dynamite:
Bryan Danielson vs Timothy Thatcher
Hangman Adam Page vs Jon Moxley
Acclaimed in action
Darby Allin vs Samoa Joe, TNT Title, No Holds Barred
Red Velvet vs Jade Cargill, TBS Title, Jade 49-0 (Mercedes finally?)
Konosuke Takeshita vs Brian Cage
…..
Overall impressions
Two good matches out of four isn’t something to complain about. So I won’t. But more connections with Dynamite please. They help the show feel important and connected to the main storylines.
A recap of the Sami trial is shown. The Usos and Solo arrive and Sami Zayn stopped Jey Uso and Jey said you are not even supposed to be here and Sami thanks him for helping him at the Tribal Court on Monday.
Rey Mysterio VS. Karrion Kross
Kross picks Rey up for a power slam and Rey wiggles around and pulls Kross down into a crucifix pin attempt and gets the 3 count.
Winner: Rey Mysterio
Out next is the United States Champion Austin Theory. Austin says he is going straight to the Royal Rumble and win the Royal Rumble and is interrupted by the New Day. Kofi asked if he heard him right about winning the Royal Rumble and Theory said that is exactly what he said, and the New Day started laughing. Theory then tells the New Day that he is the biggest star in the WWE.
This leads to The Miz coming out and The Miz says he has been competing in Royal Rumbles since before he hit puberty. The Miz says he is going to show Theory what is going to happen tomorrow. And Theory attacks Kofi as the Miz attacks Woods.
Lashley then comes out and clears the ring. Lashley then says since Lesnar interrupted his United States Championship match this past Monday, he is going to terrorize these guys until he gets what he deserves. Brock Lesnar slides in the ring and gives Lashley and F5 and says see you tomorrow brother.
Lacey Evans VS. Jazmin Allure
During the match Evans’ sole of her boot came off. Evans locked in the cobra clutch. Allure taps out.
Winner: Lacey Evans
After the match, Evans gets the microphone called everyone in the arena losers and said she was going to win the Women’s Royal Rumble and picks up Allure and throws her out of the ring.
Drew McIntyre and Sheamus are interviewed backstage, and they took turns saying each one was going to win as they chopped each other and said they are going to send Hit Row back to Skid Row tonight.
They showed Cody Rhodes video package again.
As Sheamus and Drew McIntyre were coming out to the ring for their match, they were attacked by the Viking Raiders. During the break, Sheamus and Drew McIntyre got up and left the ringside area then Adam Pearce said no one is getting a bye in this tournament.
Hit Row VS. Braun Strowman & Ricochet
After a monster bomb on Ashante by Strowman, Ricochet flies over the top rope to the floor to take out Top Dollar the replacement team wins.
Winners: Braun Strowman & Ricochet
Kayla interviews Kevin Owens and talks about his match with Solo Sikoa tonight right before tomorrow’s match against Roman Reigns. He gets interrupted by the Usos and officials break it up before a fight breaks out. Adam Pearce tells the Usos to get out of the building he does not want to see them again tonight and tells Owens to go get ready for his match.
Back from the break, security is escorting the Usos out of the building. Jey calls someone on the phone and asks if they are still in town and he needs a favor.
L.A. Knight comes out to Bray Wyatt’s music, dressed like Bray. Knight tells Bray when the lights go out in the Alamodome you ain’t coming back. YEAH! Bray interrupted him and said laugh it up tonight because tomorrow when the lights go out you’ll see.
Legado Del Fantasma VS. Imperium
After a great match in the end it was the Imperium Bomb on Wilde for the win.
Winners: Imperium
Adam Pearce is in the back and Charlotte Flair comes in and says she will give Sonya a title match which will take place next week on Smackdown.
Kevin Owens VS. Solo Sikoa
At one point Owens goes for the pinfall but Sami Zayn comes to the ring and pulls Solo out of the cover attempt. The fight then continued outside the ring, Solo set Owens up on the announce table but Owens gets up and gives Solo a pop up power bomb on the announce table but it does not break. Owens then picks up a chair and hit Solo into the crowd, then throws the chair at Sami.
Owens then screams this is my show and says Roman tomorrow night I am bringing everything.
The match never officially ended. Kevin then looks back at Sami and says I will see you tomorrow night Sami. As the show goes off the air.
The funeral service for Jamin Pugh, better known to fans as Jay Briscoe, will be held on Sunday, January 29 at the Laurel High School at 1133 S. Central Avenue in Laurel, Delaware.
Visitation will be from Noon until 1PM ET in the Bill Pugh Gymnasium and funeral service will commence immediately after.
Visitors who wish to attend the funeral must enter the LHS parking from the main entrance as all other entrances will be blocked. Overflow seating will be available within the school and will be simulcast to the cafeteria and auditorium. If the school reaches its seating capacity, additional visitors will be directed to the Laurel Stadium where the funeral service will be streamed on a video wall.
The funeral service will be streamed online via the school’s YouTube channel.
With the advent of boxing bets, the already overwhelming fame of boxers and their profession has soared. Gamblers are increasingly placing wagers on matches for the same reason they bet on other sports. That is the excitement of trying to guess the winner of a contest with a high payout. Their outcomes are several to predict, unlike the results of contests in other sporting activities. This is exciting for gamblers since larger prizes are possible. As you’ll see in this article, there are several factors contributing to the mainstream appeal of this type of gambling.
The Global Reach Of Boxing And Its Impact On Betting
Boxing’s universal admiration is becoming unrivaled in the sports realm. The gambling sector stands to benefit from this phenomenon’s wider acceptance since it attracts a sizable pool of new customers. High-profile events draw viewers from all around the world, and a lot of them wager on the outcome.
Because of this, there is a greater need for wagering options, which is a key factor in the industry’s expansion. The sport’s international popularity also results in a myriad of high-profile competitive boxing Olympics in various locations, giving punters plenty of advantages for staking.
What’s Driving The Popularity of Boxing Bets?
Bet on boxing has displayed casino prominence over the past years and is currently among the most widely practiced types of sports wagering. You can put your money on your favorite boxer at some of the best live casino playcasinos out there and get paid if you win. We’ll go into the factors that have contributed to the rise of boxing wagers and the possible upsides of gambling on the sport itself. Let’s dig in.
The Thrill Of Boxing Bets And The Uncertainty Of The Sports
Boxing has earned a reputation as a highly unpredictable sport. A match’s outcome isn’t so straightforward, unlike the results of matches in other sports. It hooks gamblers because of the increased chance of large rewards at online casinos. Also, the inherent volatility of this type of venture ensures that there will always be unexpected outcomes to wager on. Bets are popular among bettors due to the adrenaline rush of the unknown.
Increased Betting Options And Notable Boxing Events
With its growing fan base, major fights have become common in recent years. These matches not only draw enormous crowds but also provide spectators with several betting options. Given the prominence of such occasions, they’re frequently shown on popular channels, drawing even greater attention and prospective bettors to the table. They gained popularity as the number of high-profile contests increased, providing more possibilities for wagering.
The growing availability of wagers has also played a role in boosting the sport as a great staking alternative. The growth of online gambling has expanded this market since wagers may be staked from any location in the world. The fact that a bet on boxing can now be placed in real time because of specialized advancements adds to the fun of the game.
Recent Technological Developments
Improved accessibility to gambling on boxing contests is one way in which technology has reshaped the betting world. Fans can now stake on games at online casinos in real-time, thanks to industry-centered innovations. Enthusiasts now have more options than ever to wager on their favorite events thanks to the surge of virtual and in-play staking.
The Future Of Boxing Bets
Given the sport’s rising profile, betting on it is promising. An increase in wagering options and novel mechanisms is to be expected with the development of new technologies. And if it continues to grow in popularity, more high-value events will be played, giving spectators greater chances for staking. We can also expect additional bets being placed on fights by fans from all around the globe, which will fuel its expansion. Stakes on boxers for an intriguing match have a bright future.
Conclusion
Betting has grown in popularity due to the sport’s universal appeal, the different ways of purchasing, and the monetary payouts at stake. Gamblers of all skill levels are drawn to the excitement of staking and the possibility of a high payoff. Thanks to the proliferation of internet gambling, a new demographic of fans and bettors has been able to get in on the action. The result has been a surge in the acceptance of boxing wagers.
We are just one day away from the 2023 Royal Rumble, the first WWE premium live event of the year and the one that kicks off the road to WrestleMania. As always, we will bring you the latest betting odds for the show but today we will take a look at the early odds for the whole card.
Remember, these odds will change and tomorrow will be providing an update with the latest numbers, courtesy of the best casino sites Kuwait.
In the men’s Royal Rumble match, Cody Rhodes remains the favorite to win it all, with his odds at 8/11. Sami Zayn is 2/1 and second, followed by The Rock at 7/2, Steve Austin and 8/1, and Bobby Lashley, Logan Paul, and Seth Rollins all at 20/1 in joint fifth.
The women’s Royal Rumble match also sees Rhea Ripley holding on in the winner spot with her odds at 4/7. Becky Lynch is 11/4 and second, followed by Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, and Raquel Rodriguez all at 11/1, Ronda Rousey at 12/1, and Bayley at 14/1.
Despite a good showing last week, Kevin Owens still seems to be coming up short in his quest to get the Undisputed WWE Universal title as Roman Reigns is favorite with 1/10 odds and Owens is 11/2.
The Pitch Black match between Bray Wyatt and LA Knight sees Wyatt as clear favorite with 4/11 odds and Knight with 2/1.
Bianca Belair will defend the Raw Women’s title against Alexa Bliss and the champ is in control with odds of 1/7 while Bliss is 4/1 for the upset.
Valerie Loureda, who now goes by the name of Lola Vice in NXT, will be making her television debut on NXT Level Up tonight.
“Tomorrow night after Smackdown on Level Up a star is reborn,” she tweeted. She will be facing Dani Palmer on the WWE Network show which starts at 10PM ET.
The 24-year-old former MMA fighter has been signed since mid-last year and recently made her NXT in-ring debut at a non-televised live event. She received her new name in November.
She is touted as the first Cuban-American NXT star and has an MMA record of 4-1.
The WrestleMania 39 sign has been erected inside the Alamodome, the host of tomorrow’s Royal Rumble premium live event.
The massive WrestleMania Goes Hollywood sign will be pointed at – a lot – today and the sign will be visible at television shows leading up to WrestleMania starting from Raw.
Hopefully this time around the sign does not catch fire like what happened at last year’s Royal Rumble. Last year, the sign caught fire twice due to the pyro shooting out from it following Ronda Rousey’s and Brock Lesnar’s wins. The sign had to be lowered after the women’s Rumble match as the fire couldn’t be put out and security had to clear the whole section beneath it before they extinguished the fire.
A three-hour Jay Briscoe ROH tribute show is now available on HonorClub and YouTube, with the show made available for free to watch.
The celebration of life show features seven new matches which were taped last Wednesday following Dynamite and an in-ring promo from Adam Cole. The matches include Wheeler Yuta vs Hagane Shinno for the ROH Pure title, Marina Shafir vs Mighty Mayra, Eddie Kingston vs QT Marshall, Athena vs Madison Rayne for the ROH Women’s title, Juice Robinson vs Brandon Cutler, Yuka Sakazaki vs Sandra Moone, and Claudio Castagnoli vs Christopher Daniels for the ROH World title.
It also features three matches with Jay Briscoe, against Adam Cole for the ROH World title, against Christopher Daniels, and against the Kings of Wrestling in a tag match with his brother.
Samoa Joe, Claudio Castagnoli, Adam Cole, Eddie Kingston, Christopher Daniels and others are also featured in clips remembering Jay.
With the Royal Rumble just one day away, many of the entrants have still yet to be announced and as of this writing, 16 men and 7 women out of a total of 60 have been made public.
In the men’s match, we have nine coming from the Smackdown roster including Kofi Kingston, Santos Escobar, Ricochet, Rey Mysterio, Gunther, Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, Braun Strowman, and Karrion Kross. Another seven are from the Raw roster, with Austin Theory, Seth Rollins, Bobby Lashley, Baron Corbin, Cody Rhodes, Dominik Mysterio, and Omos announced.
Over in the women’s match, only two are from the Raw roster so far with Candice LaRae and Rhea Ripley announced while five are representing the blue brand who are Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Shayna Baszler, Zelina Vega, and Emma.
More names will likely be announced on Smackdown tonight and there will be a few surprises and Hall of Famers who will be participating, especially in the women’s match where there’s not enough on the main roster to make up 30 entrants.
The 2023 Royal Rumble has crossed the 40,000 tickets sold and the Almodome is now configured to hold over 44,000 seats according to ticket tracking service @WrestleTix.
With more sections opened, the Rumble is now at 42.972 sold and 1,430tickets approximately left but it’s highly likely that more sections will be opened up to accommodate the final rush.
Last year, WWE sold thousands of tickets in the final 72 hours before the show and the Rumble at The Dome at America’s Center had over 44,000 fans in the stands.
This will be another very successful stadium show for the company in terms of attendance and revenue. Back in November, WWE announced that this year’s show had broken the company’s record for the largest gate in the Rumble’s 36-year history with over $5 million in gate money, taking over the record from the 2017 edition, coincidentally enough held at the Alamodome in San Antonio as well.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Wrestling is reporting through his Select service that Brian Cage’s contract with AEW is expiring in a few weeks.
Currently one third of the ROH Six-Man Tag Team champions, Cage has been with the promotion since early 2020 and made his debut at the Double or Nothing pay-per-view, winning the Casino ladder match.
Cage didn’t do much for months but AEW President Tony Khan opted to extend his contract in the beginning of 2022. He was moved to Ring of Honor with Gates of Agony in April of last year and was part of the Supercard of Honor show during WrestleMania weekend.
He defeated Willie Mack on an episode of Rampage last week and wrestled Bryan Danielson on Dynamite two days ago, but prior to that, Cage made little appearances on AEW television, with his previous appearance being a loss to Jack Perry at the Winter Is Coming themed episode of Dynamite in December. He has, however, wrestled multiple times on Dark and Dark Elevation this month.
DAZN Group announced that it has secured exclusive broadcast rights to All Elite Wrestling in a multi-year agreement that will bring AEW broadcasts to 42 markets across Europe and Asia.
Effective immediately, Dynamite will air every Wednesday, Rampage every Friday, Dark Elevation every Monday, Dark every Tuesday, along with the Battle of the Belts and all the AEW pay-per-views.
The introduction of AEW to DAZN’s schedule is another major addition to the breadth of multi-sport content available on the platform and further cements DAZN as a growing global home of combat sports.
AEW will be available on DAZN in the following countries: Albania, Alderney, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Fare Islands, Finland, Georgia, Gibraltar, Greece, Guernsey, Hungary, Iceland, Jan Mayen Islands, Jersey, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Svalbard, Sweden, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan.
This week’s Dynamite, featuring the Jay Briscoe tribute match, drew 1,003,000 viewers, up 34,000 viewers from the prior week. This was the most-watched episode of Dynamite since October 5, the first time it crossed a million viewers since then. The show did a 0.32 rating in the 18-49 demo, up 0.01 from last week and placed #3 on the top 50 cable chart for the night. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
The Royal Rumble Superstore opens its doors today in San Antonio as thousands of WWE fans prepare to arrive in the city for the Rumble weekend.
Located at the entrance at parking lot C at the Alamodome, the Superstore will have the largest collection of exclusive Royal Rumble merchandise, championship titles, apparel from your favorite WWE Superstars, and official memorabilia on display from the upcoming season 2 of WWE and A&E’s Most Wanted Treasures.
The Superstore opens at 4PM today until 9PM, 10AM tomorrow till 9PM, 9AM on Saturday until 11PM, and 9AM to 2PM on Sunday.
Entry to the Royal Rumble Superstore is free and open to the public.
