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Kazuchika Okada Leaving NJPW -- AEW, WWE, TNA news

Kazuchika Okada is leaving NJPW, according the company and the man himself.

NJPW announced today that the legendary performer was finishing up with New Japan Pro Wrestling on January 31 when his contract is up. It will end a historic run that includes 7 World Championships. He's actually still the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champion along with Tomohiro Ishii and Hiroshi Tanahashi.

NJPW sources had heard very recently that Okada and New Japan officials had a meeting to discu...

ROH Supercard of Honor details

ROH is set to bring back Supercard of Honor, and it’s going to remain a WrestleMania weekend tradition.

Fightful Select has learned that internally, ROH Supercard of Honor is listed on the company’s schedule for April 5 in Philadelphia. Specifically, the event is listed for the Liacouras Center. The venue has a capacity of 10,000, but is almost always scaled for much less.

This isn’t AEW/ROH’s first time at the venue. The company broadcasted AEW Dynamite from the venue on ...

Interesting free agent name backstage at AEW

An interesting free agent name is backstage at tonight's AEW Dynamite. 

Fightful Select has learned that top free agent Kamille is backstage at the North Charleston, South Carolina episode of AEW Dynamite. Fightful was told in recent weeks that WWE was expected to make an offer to her to join the NXT brand.

Those that we've spoken to haven't confirmed she's signed a deal as of yet, and believed that she was visiting friends at the show.

Kamille had been the cornerstone ...

Details Behind AEW Departure of Andrade, WWE News

Andrade has finished up with All Elite Wrestling and has an agreement with WWE. The path there was a rollercoaster.

We’re told that Andrade’s original deal was only for two years, but there was injury time added that extended it that ended up with him being signed through the end of the year. AEW talent said that Andrade was often very open about his contract status, and that his deal would be up in or at the end of 2023. Numerous talent also said that he’d mentioned that he’d p...

The List Goes On (1/17)

SRS and Jimmy KEEP IT ROLLIN!

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/Y6vhSoGDTs8

MLW ending their long stay in Philly

MLW's semi-permanent home will be changing.

Fightful has learned that MLW's effective resident in Philadelphia is coming to a close after Superfight, outside of their presence and involvement with WaleMania. The majority of MLW shows have emanated from Philadelphia since late 2022, with the exception of a few New York shows and Tijuana. 

MLW already has New York on the slate for February 29, Tampa/St. Petersburg for March 29, and Chicago for May 11. We're told that they plan ...

NXT Plans, Spoilers And Notes

Fightful's Corey Brennan has learned the following plans for NXT, subject to change.

Please be cognizant of those who wish to avoid spoilers. 

These are not in order unless noted.

- Dusty Classic: Trick Melo Gang vs. Edris Enofe & Malik Blade opens the show

- Dusty Classic: LWO vs. Riley Osborne & Duke Hudson

- Lyra Valkyria & Tatum Paxley vs. Lola Vice & Elektra Lopez

- Oba Femi speaks

- Women's Battle Royal is set to main event<...

WWE Raw Backstage News, Producers, Seth Rollins, More

- We can confirm PWTorch's report that Seth Rollins was limping backstage after being helped to the back. Those that we've spoken to believe the company will know more Wednesday. 

- We're told that there was never consideration given to having Jinder Mahal win or a Damian Priest cash-in for WWE Raw.

- There were numerous wrestlers that battled crazy travel woes in getting to the show.

- We haven't been given an answer as to whether or not the set is permanent, but a new...

NJPW Legend Coming To MLW

Major League Wrestling is bringing a Japanese legend to the company. 

Fightful has learned that New Japan Pro Wrestling talent, former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and (and WCW star) Yuji Nagata is set to appear in MLW in the coming weeks. We're told he'll debut on February 3 on the SuperFight special on Triller TV. 

The 55 year old Nagata continues to wrestle a heavy schedule, working over 70 matches in 2023 across NJPW, AJPW and other companies. 

Alex & Kate's SOUR GRAPS: Raw 1/15 | Hitting Little Rock Bottom

Seth vs Jinder is the main event. The less said about all that, the better.

Drew called out Cody's bullcrap, which was good, but I get the sense that we're supposed to be rooting for Cody here, which is not good.

It's looking like Becky vs Rhea at Mania, which is good, but I get the sense they want us to overlook Becky being booked to lose to Nia clean, which was not good.

It's possible that this Imperium vs New Day feud might perhaps lead to the triumphant and emotional ret...

WWE Raw Plans

Fightful has learned the following plans for tonight's WWE Raw, subject to change.

Please be cognizant of those who wish to avoid spoilers

- Cody Rhodes promo

- DIY vs. Judgment Day's JD McDonagh & Dominik Mysterio

- Chelsea & Piper vs. Indi & Candice

- GUNTHER promo

- SPOILER MATCH

- Shinsuke Nakamura promo

- Judgment Day Backstage

- Akira Tozawa vs. Ivar

- Rhea Ripley promo

- Awesome Truth vs. Judgment Day's Finn ...

Select Portions: Mansury, Ali, WWE/ Panini, Emily Jaye

- We’ve heard from indie promoters that Mustafa Ali’s impact on ticket sales for some of his first events are the most they’ve seen for a WWE departure in years.

- For those asking about Mike Mansury as a potential replacement as Kevin Dunn, we’ve confirmed Wrestling Observer’s report that Mansury is under a multi-year agreement with All Elite Wrestling.

- We’re told that WWE and Panini have continued their relationship, and it appears it will continue through the dura...

More on the new-style WWE promos on Raw & SD

Many have taken notice of new elements of WWE production that we’ve seen, which include a new approach within WWE as the Kevin Dunn era has closed. What has resulted quickly are many things that Dunn didn’t previously want, now becoming the norm.

Among them are two very distinct videos across WWE Raw and Smackdown. One featuring Chelsea Green and Piper Niven at a club to confront Kayden Carter and Katana Chance. Another on Smackdown, highlighting Butch/Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate.

Fightful Weekender (1/15): GCW, GLORY PRO, TWE, FREELANCE, NXT LEVEL UP, NWA, TNA & ROH SPOILERS

STEPHEN JENSEN is back with a new edition of the WEEKENDER!

- GCW: "No Compadre" + "56 Birdz" results

- GLORY PRO: "Ascend" (Ep. 19) results

- TWE: "Barbed Wire Baptism" results

- FREELANCE: "Rhapsody" results

- TNA *TV TAPING SPOILERS* (51 min-55 min)

- NXT LEVEL UP (Ep. 100) results

- NWA: "Powerrr" (1/9) results

- ROH *TV TAPING SPOILERS* (1 hr-end)

Recently absent AEW star was backstage at Dynamite

A long-absent AEW name was backstage at AEW Dynamite in Jacksonville.

Fightful Select has learned that Parker Boudreaux was backstage at the AEW Dynamite Homecoming show, visiting friends and co-workers. Boudreaux hasn’t appeared on AEW TV in months, and was healing up an injury. However, we’ve not heard of any imminent creative plans for Parker.

Parker had been a member of the Mogul Embassy in its early days, joining alongside Trench, who is gone from All Elite Wrestling. Tho...

SRS Backstage Report 1/14/24: Recapping this week's news

- Queen Aminata

- Raw and SD News

- PAC

- Names backstage at Dynamite

- Mickie James/OVW

- TNA Hard to Kill

- Queen Aminata

- WWE injury returns

- Gable Steveson

- STING

Another NJPW Contract Has Expired

Well, it seems like almost the entire Bullet Club has reached contract season.

In previous days, Fightful has reported that Gabriel Kidd, Clark Connors and Alex Coughlin all had contracts set to expire in January. They aren’t alone, as we’re told that Drilla Moloney, aka Dan Moloney is among those whose contracts  are actually already up. We’ve not heard if he’s been in active negotiations with NJPW.

He was a tag team champion with Clark Connors, who he held the IWGP ...

Details on Xia Brookside's TNA Contract

Xia Brookside is a TNA Knockout.

Brookside competed at TNA Hard to Kill in the Knockouts X-Division match, and by the end of the night, the company announced the WWE veteran had officially signed with the company. We can confirm that the two sides had been in talks for quite some time.

As far back as November, IMPACT/TNA and Brookside were in contact, and the company had extended an offer to bring her to the company. The deal was done before the PLE, so Hard to Kill was the first ...

Alex & Kate's SOUR GRAPS: AEW Collision Review & BOTB WatchAlong 1/13 | Paint It Black

FTGARcia vs House of Black promises to be a fantastic main event.

So far we've seen the in-ring debut of Deonna Purrazzo, HOOK in action, Hangman & JD Drake beating the dogcrap out of each other, another Copen Challenge, TWO SEPARATE TITLE MATCHES booked for Dynamite, and a whole lot more.

Kate & Alex will talk about all of this, while watching Battle of the Belts and praying to whatever God will hear our pleas that Chris Jericho does not become the new AEW Tag Team Champi...

TNA Hard To Kill SCOOPS THREAD

TNA is back, and Fightful Select has an ongoing scoops thread for tonight's show.

- We're told the mood backstage has been very positive among the talent.

- Fightful's Joel Pearl is on the scene, and has interviews scheduled at the show.

- Fightful also has a post show on the main feed for tonight's TNA Hard to Kill.

- AJ Francis has not signed with TNA Wrestling as of now, but is expected to continue with the company for the time being.

- Eric Young is still als...

Select Portions: Smackdown Scoops, Producers, More

- We can confirm Wrestling Observer's report that Sheamus and Xavier Woods have been discussed for returns soon.

- For those asking about Paul Ellering, he had never told WWE during AOP's first run that he wouldn't go on the road as many speculated. He was always adamant that he would.

- Gable Steveson has been backstage at numerous Smackdown shows of late, in addition to the last couple he worked dark matches at.

- Recent WWE signing Madi Wrenkowski was in the background of...

Alex's SOUR GRAPS: SmackDown Review & Rampage WatchAlong 1/12 | Rule of Threes

Trips is living up to his name, at least on SmackDown.

There are at least six factions of three that are currently being built in the men's division on the blue brand. What is the end game here?

I know what I hope it is! (Don't worry, I'll tell you.)

Bayley is definitely getting kicked out of Damage CTRL, and Carmelo is definitely getting called up as a babyface, and Roman DEFINITELY doesn't work Lincoln Nebraska in a snowstorm.

Over on Rampage, we're getting Eddie Kin...

WWE Smackdown Plans: Lots of Scoops

Fightful has learned the following plans for WWE Smackdown, subject to change.

Please be cognizant of those who wish to avoid spoilers. 

- Cameron Grimes vs. Grayson Waller

- Jimmy Uso, Paul Heyman, Solo Sikoa promo

- Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro vs. Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo

- Bayley vs. Bianca Belair

- Street Profits & Bobby Lashley promo

- SPOILER MATCH

- SPOILER MAIN EVENT

Backstage news

- Cedri...

Select Portions: NJPW news, AEW, TNA

- Many NJPW talent are getting into town today for Battle in the Valley

- Though it isn't confirmed, most in NJPW expect Jeff Cobb to be Riddle's Battle in the Valley partner.

- To clear up some confusion, Kazuchika Okada's contract isn't up for at least a couple more weeks. 

- WBD has been pushing the success of AEW properties heavily in recent press releases. 

- An OVW executive was backstage at AEW Dynamite this past week. 

- Other names that we...

SRS Q&A January 12

- Kamille

- Elimination Chambers

- Tony's Jinder tweets

- Aaron Solo

- Mercedes

- Royal Rumble surprise possibilities

- NJPW

Update on Hammerstone-TNA

Alex Hammerstone hit free agency on January 1, and is already getting bookings.

Hammerstone was quickly booked for a marquee match at TNA Hard To Kill against former IMPACT World Champion Josh Alexander. This led to natural inquisition about his contract status with the company.

We’ve learned that as of last week, Hammerstone hasn’t signed a full-time deal with TNA, but there have been discussions regarding that possibility. We have learned that there are some upcoming TNA sig...

Select Portions: TNA News, Kushida, Jody Threat, AEW Notes

- We've heard that TNA does have multiple signings that are likely to be revealed in upcoming weeks

- Elijah Burke aka The Pope was backstage at AEW Dynamite this week in Jacksonville, as he is from the area.

- Fightful will have an interview with indie wrestler Emily Jaye next week. She makes her on-screen debut for ROH tonight. The interview was filmed at WrestleCade, ahead of the debut.

- We are now planning our Fightful Awards for Wednesday, January 31 at 6 PM ET.  ...

Mickie James Joins OVW | Free Story

A future WWE Hall of Famer has joined OVW.

Fightful Select has learned that Mickie James has joined OVW as Creative Director and Head of Female Talent. In addition she'll be Executive Producer for all OVW wrestling shows.

We'll have more details shortly. 

Details on Sting & Darby vs. Young Bucks!

Sting is set to retire after almost 40 years since his debut.

The legendary performer is planned for the Greensboro AEW Revolution show, a city in which he’s performed in many times. Many had questions as to who his opponent will be, and how it would be selected.

Fightful has learned that Sting has had a major say in who his opponent or opponents will be. We’ve heard that he’s been more keen on continuing to do tag team matches as opposed to a singles match, as he’s indica...

Ask Grapsody! Get Your Questions In! 5 PM EST

Get Your Questions In! Ask Grapsody begins at 5 PM EST.

Join Phil and Reg as they answer your questions! Ask Grapsody! Fightful Select Exclusive! January 11th, 2023

Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-mMV0bl1pY