A fatal five-way elimination match will take place tonight on Smackdown where the winner will be declared as the new number one contender for the Smackdown Women’s title.
The five competitors include Ronda Rousey, Natalya, Lacey Evans, Sonya Deville, and Xia Li. The winner of this match will then meet champion Liv Morgan at Extreme Rules.
The only other match announced for tonight’s show is The Street Profits and Hit Row versus Los Lotharios and Maximum Male Models in an eight-man tag team match.
The returning Braun Strowman will also be on the show as the blue brand will be his new home moving forward.
Former AEW World champion CM Punk suffered a torn triceps during his match against Jon Moxley at All Out according to Dave Meltzer of the Observer and assuming he’s still around in AEW, it will take up to nine months to return to action.
Punk suffered the injury when he went for a tope in the opening minutes of the match and to his credit, soldiered on and finished the match as scheduled. Following surgery, a typical torn triceps injury require a minimum of six months of hard rehab and that can stretch to three more months depending on the severity.
This is the second big injury that CM Punk suffered this year after shattering his foot on the Dynamite after Double or Nothing in early June. He required a four and a half hour surgery to fix that one and many weeks of rehab.
It is believed that Punk is currently suspended as well for his role in the backstage brawl that took place after All Out. While nine months is a long way out, a lot of talent in AEW are not keen of having Punk back in the locker room so it will be interesting to see what happens when, or if, that time comes.
The All Out fallout episode of Dynamite drew 1,035,000 viewers, up 15,000 viewers from last week’s broadcast. The show did a 0.38 rating in the 18-49 demo, up 0.03 from the previous week and placed #2 in the top 50 cable chart.
What’s interesting to note is that in the quarterly hour numbers, Dynamite started big with 1.2 million viewers but declined greatly along the way, finishing the show with just 881,000 viewers for the main event. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
NXT this week drew 684,000 viewers for the post-Worlds Collide show, up 8,000 viewers from last week’s broadcast. This was the third most-watched episode of NXT of 2022 so far. The show did a 0.16 in the 18-49 demo, up 0.01 from last week and placed #12 on the top 50 cable chart for the night. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
D’Lo Brown has departed Impact Wrestling, three years after signing with the promotion to work as a producer.
The former WWE Intercontinental and European champion also had a stint in the commentary booth where he served as a color commentator but he was replaced by Matt Rehwoldt a year later.
Apart from his producing work, Brown also helped in talent relations.
“We appreciate D’Lo’s contributions to Impact Wrestling over the last 3 plus years. We wish him nothing but the best moving forward,” Impact EVP Scott D’Amore said.
WWE today announced that Dan Ventrelle will join the company as EVP, Talent, and Maurice F. Edelson will join as EVP, Chief Legal Officer.
Ventrelle was most recently with the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, where he served as the team’s President. An integral part of the Raiders’ successful move from Oakland to Las Vegas and the opening of the world-class Allegiant Stadium, Ventrelle oversaw all business operations for the team while also serving as lead negotiator for player and coach contracts and as the primary liaison with the NFL. He began his tenure with the Raiders as an attorney in 2004 before expanding into broader business roles. Ventrelle holds a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame.
As EVP, Talent, Ventrelle will oversee the company’s talent department and report to Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque.
“As a lifelong fan, it is an honor to join the world’s premier sports entertainment company,” said Ventrelle. “I am inspired by the vision that Stephanie, Nick and Paul have for the future and excited to further the commitment to deliver exceptional talent to the WWE Universe.”
“Working with Dan during SummerSlam at Allegiant Stadium last year, we were impressed by his expertise across a number of business and personnel areas,” said Levesque. “We’re excited to welcome him to the company.”
Edelson brings to WWE nearly 25 years of legal and business experience within the media, arts and entertainment industries. He joins the company from The Juilliard School, where he served as General Counsel since 2015. Previously, Edelson was EVP & General Counsel of Time Inc., where he also directed Corporate Strategy and M&A during his 16-year tenure. Edelson has also held roles at Time Warner Inc. and Viacom Inc. He began his law career at Cravath, Swaine & Moore, after receiving his J.D. from Columbia Law School, his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and his B.A. from Vassar College.
As Chief Legal Officer, Edelson will report to Chairwoman & co-CEO Stephanie McMahon.
“I could not be more delighted to be joining the WWE team at this moment,” said Edelson. “I look forward to contributing to the ongoing success and expansion of the WWE business.”
“Maurice brings to WWE a tremendous legal and business acumen within the media, arts and entertainment sectors,” said McMahon. “We look forward to his contributions to the organization.”
Former WWE marketing manager Michelle Donelan has been appointed to UK’s Prime Minister Liz Truss’ cabinet as Culture Secretary.
Donelan also served as Education Secretary under Boris Johnson for just 48 hours after she resigned to make her the shortest-serving cabinet member in British history.
She worked as the International Marketing Communications Manager for WWE between September 2010 and March 2014 in the London office after joining from Sky where she was the Senior Marketing Executive.
She has been a Member of Parliament for the Chippenham constituency since May 2015.
The Labor Day episode of Monday Night Raw drew 2,054,000 viewers, down 53,000 viewers from the previous week. From now on, Raw will face tough competition in the form of football until January 2023 so numbers are likely to take a dip over the next few months.
The first hour started with 2,088,000 viewers and then increased to 2,120,000 viewers before ending the night with 1,954,000 viewers.
Raw was #2, #3, and #4 in the top 50 cable chart for the night with a 0.60, 0.60, and 0.54 ratings in the 18-49 demo for an average of 0.58, down 0.01 from last week. Raw was #2 overall on the chart behind ESPN’s college football coverage and #3 in all of television behind The Bachelorette on ABC. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
Last Week’s Rating: 1.020,000 overall; 0.35 in 18-49 demo
In the last two weeks:
Wardlow’s stated his unhappiness with his role & contenders
Ditto FTR
Ricky Starks about how the locker room used to be closer
Malakai Black asked for his release (& got it?)
The biggest name commentator openly questioned the point of the PPV main event
And that’s before we even get into Sunday’s post-show.
My take – Punk was pissed that his homecoming was spoiled by the recent rumors. Yes, he still got a good reaction, but it wasn’t nearly as strong as it had been; Moxley wasn’t completely booed and MJF was cheered as his next opponent.
Hopefully, they get control before things get worse. We don’t want this company going the way of so many others.
And now…
It’s Wednesday night, it’s Dynamite. Let’s go.
Excalibur welcomed us as we went straight to a recap package covering MJF’s return, Tony Schiavone and Taz joining as loud ‘MJF!’ chants rang out before Tony Khan appeared to light boos, informing us that both the world title (cheers that Punk had been stripped) and trios titles had been vacated, so tonight’s six-man will be for the latter belts.
A Grand Slam Tournament will decide the new World Champion: Moxley & Jericho advancing to the semi’s where they’ll meet the winners of Allin/Guevara & Hangman/Danielson respectively. All are former World or TNT champions, the winner will be crowned at Grand Slam in two weeks. Tony promised us a great night of wrestling tonight. To give the guy his due, he was very composed here in difficult circumstances.
Somewhat ironically, MJF’s music hit, coming out in a Bills jersey, throwing himself against the rails among the fans, Jericho-1996 style. Good amount of cheers, some boos. Playing to the crowd he announced that ‘Everything I said, I was just kidding, I love AEW guys!’ Started an AEW chant as Excalibur doubted his motives. ‘Round of applause for yourselves!’ Great stuff.
Playing the disingenuous babyface is a great idea.
‘I’m better than Moses! I’m better than you…’ the crowd finished the chant as he held the mic up.
Here comes Mox. ‘You, you are absolutely fulla crap.’ MJF instantly ‘turned’, calling the Bills the worst team etc., wiped his ass with the jersey. Admitted he’d use the AEW title as a bargaining chip, threatening to take it to a ‘real wrestling company’ (wouldn’t have gone there) and the only Khan ‘worth a damn’.
Slapping the mic away, Mox said this wasn’t the time or the place, he wasn’t in the mood. ‘You need to leave right now or I will make you leave.’ Moxley chants. MJF couldn’t get his shirt off, hilarious stuff. Fronted for a bit, then bailed.
‘I’m pissed off, I am embarrassed…’ continued Moxley, talking about how the title meant something to him, the people in the back, the fans, heroes during the pandemic, representing the dream and vision of when this all started and they wanted to show the world ‘what wrestling could be… slaying demons, EVERYTHING I love about this business.’
Admitted that he was supposed to be on vacation ‘ ‘til about two days ago’, put over all the other contenders, emphasizing the strengths of all the guys vis-à-vis him. ‘I want the ball… this is time to be a legend’.
Taz said he had goosebumps. He’s not alone. Absolutely fantastic.
Very good start to the show. All of the stars highlighted and on display; titles on the line. Couldn’t have done better.
Death Triangle vs Best Friends, AEW Trios Titles
Backstory: Cassidy interrupted Pac on Sunday, match made
Interesting timing for this one, with Orange walking out on the Best Friends Friday & Pac seeming just a little heelish this past Sunday. Now the titles are on the line, Death Triangle would be the way to go: credible, top-class talents.
Excalibur explained that Dark Order aren’t in this title match due to Alex Reynolds’ injury. Nice continuity.
Dismissively, Pac wouldn’t even face-off with Cassidy, tagging in Penta. Dueling glove-off/sunglasses-off spots, things jolting to life, Penta drilling Orange with a kick as he tried to roll through, Cassidy responding with a headscissors, blasted by Pac as all six entered, Death Triangle clearing the ring, preparing for dives, all backdropped to the outside, Cassidy flung on to them by the Best Friends as the ads arrived.
The Triangle were on top as we came back, Fenix tagging in Pac, Trent trapped in the corner, an exchange of chops, Trent fighting free via a stomp to the chest as Pac ran at him in the corner. Cassidy in, rolled under then double-hurracanrana’d the Bros, kipping up but wiped out by a vicious elbow from Pac.
As he stomped away in the corner, Danhausen and Abrahantes got into it, culminating in a straight punch to the testicles from ‘Hausen. Pac blasted him with a pump kick, paying for it as Cassidy hit a tope suicida, diving cross-body, swinging ddt for a close near-fall, the first of the match.
Taylor tagged in, ducking Penta, flinging Rey into him in the corner, Penta responding with a Backstabber, the Bros landing a double-team wheelbarrow splash for 2.
(Excalibur announced the rematch for the tag titles at Grand Slam: SioG vs Acclaimed.)
The Friends hit a half-and-half on Fenix, hugging away before Trent drilled Rey with a swinging ddt, the latter responding with a leaping cutter, everyone in, Cassidy landing a German on Pac, Penta Made in Penta on Cassidy, Trent dropping him, Fenix missing the rebound hook kick, caught by Trent but Pac kicked him into a Code Red for another close call. Could’ve been the finish.
With Trent in trouble, Cassidy landed the Orange Punch to Penta, Trent the Awful Waffle, Pac breaking things up at 2.99. Hectic sequence: All three Friends caught with thrust kicks running in, triple Canadian Destroyers, Penta hit the Fear Factor, Fenix the tornillo, Chuck Taylor laid-out in the ring, Black Arrow, we’ve got new champs.
Very good opening match with the right result.
WINNER: Death Triangle
Dark Order w Tony. Jose the Assistant, Andrade etc approached Ten, wanted him to work for him. The rest of the DO told them to ‘do one’ as we say in England. Ten remained silent.
Quick video recap of the women’s title match, Jamie Hayter leaving as Britt shouted after her that she was sorry.
Toni Storm vs Penelope Ford, Eliminator Match
Backstory: Penelope gets a title shot if she wins
Penelope came out with Kip, box and all.
Lock-up, headlock takedown, counter, Penelope flipping to her feet, roll-up for 1. Another mat exchange, Toni wrenching on a headlock, smashing through with a shoulder block, Ford offering a handshake and kick to the gut, Toni a series of heavy dropkicks, missing with the hip attack but drilling Penelope through the ropes with another dropkick.
Toni in trouble as we rejoined, Ford missing in the corner, kicked in the face, uppercut in the corner by Storm and a wicked-looking hip attack. Toni countered a suplex into a ddt for the win. Didn’t see much of it, decent enough.
It seems like the crowd have been quiet for the matches but it might just be not many fans in a fairly large arena.
WINNER: Toni Storm
2.0 promo package. I know for a fact that Angelo Parker is an entertaining guy. His character however, as with his partner, incredibly one-dimensional. Addressed Action Bronson, tag-match coming at Grand Slam vs him and Hook.
The Acclaimed came out to big cheers, Swerve’s music interrupting their intro, very much playing the heel as he referred to their ‘corny rap jokes.’ ‘I actually have a joke for y’all, the Acclaimed as tag-team champions.’ An impassioned Billy Gunn cut him off: ‘This ain’t your house no more, this is Daddy Ass’s house!’ Bowens vowed to bring home the titles.
They’re not wasting time with Grand Slam.
Jericho, Sammy and the ladies joined Tony. Sammy’s jacket was brilliantly terrible. Jericho called himself the Best Wrestler Ever, the Best Sports Entertainer Ever, or BWEBSEE (‘BeeWeeBeeCee’), telling Schiavone to hashtag it as the announcer repeated it incredulously. No idea how either kept a straight face.
Vowed to beat Danielson again next week because it’s his belt, ‘AEW is my company, and this is my f’in locker room and no one is taking that away from me, EVER!’.
His two little brothers will be in action: Sammy vs Darby will be Friday on Rampage, while Garcia’s gonna beat Yuta tonight. Sammy wasn’t listening, caught up in how sexy they all are.
Like during the pandemic, Jericho has a knack for knowing when to lighten things up.
Wardlow vs Tony Nese, TNT Title
Backstory: None
The only thing of note was the big guy nearly losing Nese on the first ‘bomb. Could’ve been nasty. Two more, foot on the chest. Eins, zwei, drei.
Smart Mark was next until Josh Woods pulled him to safety. Getting on the mic, the big guy said it was time to remind everyone that ‘this is Wardlow’s world!’ Assumed there’d be some sort of attack by a next opponent here.
WINNER: Wardlow
Hangman Adam Page vs Bryan Danielson, Grand Slam 1st rnd
Backstory: Winner will face Jericho in the semi’s. Their third meeting, Danielson’s never won
Don’t know how this doesn’t main event. Fair enough trying to feature the young guys but the World Title really needs propping up after a messy few months. En route, both paused to stare longingly at the belt.
A tentative start, both guys working for control, each attacking the arm. After dismissively slapping Page on the chest, the Dragon bailed to the outside, hooking a headlock as he returned, trying a shoulder block which didn’t budge the bigger Page but working him to the mat, stomping on the calves. A stinging exchange of chops in the corner led to Yes! kicks, Hangman caught with a boot but knocking the vet to the outside via springboard lariat.
Danielson was ready for the vault to the outside though, hammerlocking Page’s shoulder, running it into the post as the break beckoned.
Back just in time to see the Dragon continuing his work on the shoulder, a stiff kick to the back followed, the younger guy in trouble, trying to fire back with chops but the shoulder was too weak, though not too weak to drop BC with a fallaway, spilling him to the outside, this time landing the vault to the outside into a cross body block.
Back inside, a DVD earned Page a count of two. Continuing his work on the shoulder, Danielson followed-up with running dropkicks in the corner, countering a Page powerbomb into a hurracanrana, kick to the spine, two slaps of the mat as Jericho was shown watching backstage.
More hard kicks with Hangman on his knees ended with a blast to the temple, Page down, BD to the top, Page quickly to his feet, hard shots and chops ending with a fallaway from the top. Really wish Page would leave that one alone/for special occasions, he lands so damn hard on his knees. Another two count, Danielson sensing the Buckshot, again heading outside for a breather. Another break
Literally head-to-head as we returned, both launching more chops against already-red chests. Uppercuts from BD, Page missing a clothesline, Danielson flipping out of a powerbomb but drilled at the second attempt as the match sped up a bit. Perching the Dragon on the buckle, the vet ducked underneath, blasting Page as he hung upside down, hammer and anvils atop the buckle as he set-up the avalanche back suplex only for Page to flip out, beckoning the vet to his feet as he set-up the discus lariat, hitting with the off-arm when Danielson blocked the first attempt.
After a count of two, BD reversed the pin into the LeBell Lock, Hangman powering out, flinging Danielson into the ropes where he skinned the cat, rebounding back inside, ducking the clothesline, double-underhook back into the LeBell Lock, even blocking the nose, Page fighting out again, driving knees to the veteran, both gasping on their knees.
Fighting up, Page threw clotheslines lacking their usual punch due to his shoulder, rolling elbow exchange, Page capturing Danielson out of the Busaiku Knee into the Dead Eye for a close two. Missing with a Moonsault, Danielson hit the knee, Page falling to the outside, snatching BD out of the air on a dive, driving him into the apron, to the top, Ourihara Moonsault, Buckshot time. But Danielson was ready, ducking, hooking an O’Connor Roll for the pin. Excellent finishing sequence.
A small but definite section of the crowd booed Page throughout. Presumably, Jericho dismissing him earlier is part of a storyline of Page being overlooked because he’s come across as anything but a former champ since losing the belt. The BeeWeeBeeCee was shown watching backstage.
This seemed a little slow at times, very good when the pace picked up, definitely not helped by the lack of atmosphere.
WINNER: Bryan Danielson
Jungle Boy package. Vowed to take ‘years off (Christian’s) miserable life’ when he returned and that he’d carried Luchasaurus for years, busting his ass to make them champions. Okay, this is more like it, finally some life and some fire. Maybe these pre-done packages are the way to go. ‘Sometimes you can move on from your past, sometimes you have to destroy it.’
Stokely Hathaway and his collection of nobodies were on the ramp as we came back: ‘Everyone wants an explanation…’ The signing of Morrissey is baffling. He might be bigger than Archer and Malakai; he’s not as good in the ring, on the mic, nor does he have the presence or charisma. This is an example of how the company ended up in the mess it did Sunday.
After a stage-hand tried to tell them they were low on time, they beat him up. MJF was kept far away from these guys, as he should be. I could have virulent diarrhea and not find a **** to give about this group.
Fantastic promo from Dax hyping his match against Claudio on Friday.
Daniel Garcia vs Wheeler Yuta, ROH Pure Championship
Backstory: Jericho has vowed that none of the JAS will be at ringside after DG didn’t come out to celebrate his victory Sunday
Westside Gunn rapped Garcia to the ring, hyping the crowd, both Buffalo boys. Regal joined on comms, as he had the previous match, along with Caprice Coleman. Excalibur explained the rules of the Pure Title.
Loud ‘Garcia’ chants as we kicked off, an exchange of headlocks ending with Wheeler being dropped via shoulder block, Yuta then attacking the leg, Garcia transitioning out, a shoving contest seeing us start from the top, locking up around the ring, neither able to break the deadlock until the ropes did it for them as they spilled outside.
Returning to a step-up enziguri from Yuta, the youngster landed a beautiful flying elbow from the top, count of two. A rope-break was used by Garcia during the break. A rapid chop exchange ended with Yuta still on top, working the arm, Garcia snapping, paintbrushing Wheeler, following up with a backthrow, clothesline in the corner, blasting Wheeler again as Yuta staggered out.
A step-under led to Yuta landing consecutive Germans, Garcia unable to break the grip until reversing, landing three of his own, the pair continuing to exchange standing switches and land Germans, several minutes in total, ending with a devastating one from the top, Yuta crashing down in sickening fashion. Final break.
Both were flat on their back as we came back, scrambling up, vicious slap exchange fighting up from their knees to their feet, Garcia dropping Yuta as the ten count began. Another Garcia chant the backdrop as Wheeler just made it up in time, Garcia immediately seeking the Dragon Slayer as Jericho cheered him on from backstage.
Getting the rope break, Yuta tee’d off with a closed fist and was issued a warning. One more and he’d lose the title. Hoisting Garcia onto his back, Garcia rolling out into a deeeep Dragon Slayer as the crowd came to life as they hadn’t since the opening segment. Yuta reversed into a crossface, Garcia struggling in the middle, locked in a seatbelt pin but kicking out at two, the local locking in the Dragon Slayer for the third time, Yuta trying to crank on the neck to break the hold but finally forced to concede, tapping to the new champ.
Now, the JAS had vowed not to appear; Bryan Danielson had not. Observing the handshake, the Dragon snatched the belt away, only to apply it to the youngster’s waist, bringing an irritated, worried Jericho to the ramp.
WINNER: Daniel Garcia
Next Rampage:
Sammy Guevara vs Darby Allin, 1st rnd Grand Slam Tourn.
Serena Deeb vs Madison Rayne
Claudio vs Dax, ROH Title
Next Dynamite:
Jericho vs Danielson, Grand Slam Tourn. Semi
Moxley vs Guevara/Allin, ‘’
Grand Slam:
Hook & Action Bronson vs 2.0
Acclaimed vs Swerve in our Glory, AEW Tag Titles
AEW World Title tournament final
Overall impressions
This was exactly what was needed after a dreadful few months: emphasis on the company, emphasis on the title, emphasis on the guys who are there, big speeches from two of the biggest stars backing the company and a whole lot of good wrestling with a mix of established and up-and-coming.
Check Out…
Depends on your taste: didn’t think anything was ‘can’t miss’ but also enjoyed every match
The AEW World title was vacated as expected last night on Dynamite and a Grand Slam Tournament of Champions has been launched with the winner being crowned later this month at the Arthur Ashe Stadium at Dynamite: Grand Slam.
The first match featured Hangman Page vs Bryan Danielson last night and Danielson advanced in the tournament. Danielson will face Chris Jericho again in the next round. Jericho received a bye in the first round.
The second first-round match will have Sammy Guevara vs Darby Allin and this will take place this Friday. The winner of this match faces Jon Moxley who also received a bye in the first round.
Both semi final matches will be held next week in Albany, New York.
CM Punk was stripped off the AEW World title after his involvement in the backstage brawl on Sunday night and because of his injury which requires surgery. Punk has been also removed from the opener of Dynamite.
Wrestling games aren’t historically as popular as soccer and gridiron titles like FIFA or Maddon, but there is a growing appetite for WWE and MMA-associated titles nowadays. In a recent survey of game genre fondness, 38% of gamers voted for fighting games, of which wrestling titles make up a significant portion. WWE 2K22 is one of the newest options on the block, showcasing a vast improvement on previous Visual Concepts wrestling instalments.
There was tremendous hype before WWE 2K22’s release on March 11th, 2022, with Visual Concepts and publisher 2K Sports going big on the pre-release promo and marketing campaign. Gamers enjoy many new features on the first official WWE title since WWE 2K20. The last one was slightly underwhelming, but signs indicate WWE 2K22 more than makes good on the previous errors. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s have a look.
WWE 2K22: An Overview
It’s safe to say WWE 2K20 was a bit of a disaster for Visual Concepts, so taking a year out was a smart move. It’s allowed the developer to take a step back and refine the gameplay, something we noticed almost instantly after playing WWE 2K22. The gameplay is more direct, quick, and straightforward, with fewer unnecessarily complicated game controls than in the previous installment.
Rey Mysterio is the cover star this time around, formally unveiled upon the game’s release for PS4, PS5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on March 11th, 2022. Visual Concepts has already promised a WWE 2K23, slated for release in the fall of 2022. Hopefully, 2K22 lays solid foundations for a successful wrestling game series. It certainly is based on what we’ve heard regarding WWE 2K22 so far.
New WWE 2K22 Features
2K Sports publicly announced WWE 2K22 on January 10th, 2022, announcing a whole new set of new features. Visual Concepts completely redesigned the gameplay engine, and in tandem with the vast graphics improvement, it’s made WWE 2K22 by far the best wrestling game we’ve played. Here are the most compelling new features:
MyGM: 2K and Visual Concepts have included a brand-new feature in WWE 2K22 called MyGM. It allows players to try their hand at WWE management, taking control of Raw, Smackdown, NXT, and NXT UK. Draft the ultimate roster of WWE Superstars and compete against rival managers to produce the most significant WWE brand around.
MyFaction: MyFaction is another brand-new WWE 2K22 feature. It’s similar to things like Ultimate Team in the FIFA games, only this time you create a four-person-strong faction of fighters. MyFaction revolves around collecting the cards of each fighter and then using your faction to battle against AI opponents. There is currently no online connectivity, but it’s something we’d like to see in the future.
MyRise: MyRise is back in WWE 2K22, but it’s bigger and better than ever before. You can play across NXT, Raw, and Smackdown, climbing the echelons of professional wrestling with new storylines and rivalries to explore. With an upgraded Creation Suite, gamers can customize their characters like never before.
The Best Wrestling Games of all Time
Gamers and wrestling fans have enjoyed countless wrestling games over the last several decades, but not all of them are up-to-scratch. These games can be difficult for developers to get right, especially with the intricacies required for player movement. Nevertheless, a few wrestling games have stood out from the rest.
Check out some of the games below to see what we mean:
WWF Wrestlemania: The Arcade Game
WWE 2K14
WWF No Mercy
WWE All Stars
Saturday Night Slam Masters
Other Ways to Enjoy Wrestling
There are other types of wrestling games out there if you don’t own a video game console. WWE 2K22 is very much the market leader, but mobile wrestling games like Wrestling Revolution 3D or WWE Mayhem are also incredibly enjoyable. And remember, if you don’t enjoy playing wrestling video games, why not watch the real thing? PPV and regular WWE shows are popular worldwide.
For an added sprinkle of excitement, punters are increasingly placing bets on matches. For example, you can use things like prop bets to predict the exact number of takedowns or straight money lines to bet on the victor. If you’re in a location where gambling is prohibited, such as Saudi Arabia and other locations, you can use VPNs to access online sites to place bets. Do some research to find the best Saudi sports betting offers before you start. You must also ensure the site you use is safe and secure. The best betting sites guarantee your safety while offering several betting markets and generous bonus promotions. For example, punters can access things like a $100 deposit bonus with a $30 free bet. These platforms also offer live in-play betting alongside practical mobile apps. A comprehensive FAQ section can answer any other questions you might have. Alternatively, if you don’t enjoy betting, why not try wrestling for yourself? Going to the gym and working on your core strength is a great place to start. Afterward, you’ll be perfectly positioned to start learning at local wrestling classes.
The Death Triangle – the trios team consisting of All-Atlantic champion PAC, Penta El Zero M, and Rey Fenix – became the new AEW World Trios champions on Dynamite.
The three defeated Orange Cassidy and Best Friends after the Trios titles were vacated by the company as part of the punishment for Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks who were suspended for their roles in the backstage brawl on Sunday night.
The Death Triangle were part of the tournament to crown the inaugural champions last month but lost to NJPW’s United Empire in the first round.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful is reporting through the Select service that Malakai Black has been “conditionally released” from his AEW contract and will not be appearing on AEW TV anymore.
What conditions are attached to his release are unknown but you can bet one of them is that he cannot join WWE. His original contract was supposed to run till 2027.
Black requested his full release a few weeks ago citing mental health issues and other unhappiness with the direction of his character. That release was denied by AEW management.
He has been part of AEW since July 2021 after he was surprisingly released from WWE earlier in the year.
AEW President Tony Khan wrote on Twitter today that he will be appearing on Dynamite tonight to address the AEW World title and AEW World Trios title situation.
Punk, who suffered an injury and requires surgery, will have to drop the title he just won on Sunday if he’s still lucky to have a job past tonight. Meanwhile, The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega, who won the newly-created Trios title on Sunday, have all been suspended for being part of the backstage brawl that rocked AEW.
It is believed that The Elite will also be stripped off their titles by Khan who is at least trying to show some authority following several of his stars going to war.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer is reporting that AEW World champion CM Punk suffered a “serious injury” at All Out during the match against Jon Moxley and will require surgery.
The AEW World title situation will be addressed tonight because no matter what happens with Punk and the fallout from his backstage brawl, a new champion has to be crowned.
If Punk gets away with just a suspension, it won’t really matter as it will be months before he returns to the ring. Meltzer said that the injury happened when he went for a tope on Mox.
The champ just returned from three months out after suffering a leg injury on the Dynamite after Double or Nothing. He kept the title and an interim one was crowned, which was Moxley. Moxley then defeated Punk on Dynamite to unify the titles in just three minutes but lost the title on Sunday at All Out back to Punk.
The fallout from All Out will take place tonight on Dynamite on TBS and as you can guess, things will be pretty hectic.
AEW announced that Chris Jericho will be addressing the “AEW Galaxy,” a dig of course at WWE and their use of “WWE Universe.” Jericho was not originally set to appear on Dynamite tonight but with so many suspensions, him and Moxley were recalled.
The situation with the AEW World title will also be addressed as Punk’s status with the company remains unknown.
In addition, there should be some good old fashioned wrestling with ROH Pure champion Wheeler Yuta defending against Daniel Garcia, Best Friends team with Orange Cassidy to take on Death Triangle, new Interim AEW Women’s champion Toni Storm battles Penelope Ford, and the returning MJF will have a live mic!
Speaking on the Pat McAfee Show, the Smackdown commentator explained the decision to do College GameDay and how he’s taking a small break from his commentary duties over at WWE during college football season.
McAfee said he called WWE to see what their thoughts are and run it by them. He recalled that time when the WWE plane got stuck in Saudi Arabia and Triple H called him to go to Buffalo to do Smackdown commentary and he flew in on a private jet but had GameDay the next morning and did it all on two hours of sleep. He said that his idea was that it was doable, do Smackdown on Friday and then fly to GameDay afterward.
“The folks at the WWE, who I have nothing but love respect and appreciation for…I m talking old regime, new regime, whoever you think is in charge of there, I have nothing but great feelings towards,” McAfee said.
He noted that WWE told him that if he’s going to be on GameDay, he cannot be traveling overnight for the entire season as it’s not good for his health and for his family and when it’s time, he can go back to the WWE family.
“I’m still very much in the WWE family,” McAfee continued. “As one OG in the WWE said to me in a message…it was very heartfelt…said, “Now one of our guys is on College GameDay.”
SmackDAHN will be on hold for a little bit while I do College GameDay.. I'm still VERY much in the WWE family & will still be doing things with WWE#PMSLivepic.twitter.com/bhSpOYg3wW
The final week of WWE block on A&E Network consisted of the Biography of WrestleMania 1, Rivals tackled the feud between Stephanie McMahon and Brie Bella, and Smack Talk rounded up the night as always.
Biography: WrestleMania 1 drew just 385,000 viewers, down 59,000 viewers from the Rey Mysterio bio and the least-watched broadcast of the season. It did a 0.07 in 18-49, down 0.05 from the week before and placed #52 on the chart.
Rivals: Stephanie McMahon vs Brie Bella drew 251,000 viewers, down 65,000 viewers from the Rey vs Eddie Rivals episode. It did a 0.05 in 18-49, down 0.04 from the prior week and placed #70 on the chart. This was also the least-watched episode of Rivals.
Smack Talk at 11PM drew 163,000 viewers, down 16,000 viewers from the prior week and drew a 0.04 in 18-49, down 0.01 from last time and placed #80 on the chart. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
Jon Moxley and Chris Jericho, who were not originally planned to be part of tonight’s post-All Out Dynamite, were brought into town as many top stars have been suspended due to Sunday’s backstage brawl.
Moxley lost the AEW World title to CM Punk on Sunday and Jericho defeated Bryan Danielson in his match on the show. The returning MJF will also be at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, with a live mic!
The new AEW Trios World champions Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks have been suspended from the company for their involvement. All three of them are AEW Executive Vice Presidents and are supposed to set an example for the rest, but instead, the three of them barged in Punk’s locker room for a confrontation.
AEW’s chief legal officer Megha Parekh reportedly was present for the majority of the brawl and is one of the “neutrals” who witnessed the drama on Sunday.
CM Punk is not expected to be part of the broadcast tonight at time of this writing as the axe still has to drop on him. Punk is facing the possibility of getting fired for his role in the brawl and for throwing repeated punches at Matt Jackson.
The live Rampage on Friday night heading into the All Out pay-per-view drew 485,000 viewers, up 54,000 viewers from last week’s broadcast. In the 18-49 demo, the show drew a 0.16, up 0.05 from the prior week and the best number since July 29. Rampage placed #11 for the night on the top 50 cable chart. (Ratings credit: Showbuzzdaily.com)
