fightful

Rickey Shane Page on MLW deal, almost going to ROH once

Fightful spoke to MLW's Rickey Shane Page for a rare interview.

He's signed with MLW and is working as an agent, which he wasn't originally sure they wanted to be public knowledge. He said that he's done agenting informally when people ask him to watch their matches or help put things together. He's very happy to get paid for it, he believes he's good at it, and thinks that more wrestlers should learn the process of producing matches.

His RCW Wrestling company is opening up some m...

SRS Q&A Show March 18! Over 45 minutes of mailbag

SRS has emerged from food poisoning to answer your questions for over 45 minutes!!

Updates On Potential Jade Cargill Opponents

We've had readers ask about the possibilities surrounding several Canadian women to challenge Jade Cargill next week

LuFisto: We're told LuFisto had interest in joining All Elite Wrestling, and there were some informal discussions about her possibly joining as a coach. However, there was never a follow up on that, and she ended up working a short tag match at the tapings she went to instead. As of Thursday, she was not the planned opponent.

Jody Threat: Jody Threat is still a free...

Select Portions: Undertaker, Gunther-Mania, Bronson Reed

- Gunther's WrestleMania plans have been solidly in place since about December. We've been told that by the time the world found out about the possibility of Brock Lesnar vs. Gunther, it was already off the table.

- Scotty Too Hotty's son has began in-ring wrestling training of late.

- The Undertaker noted in his interview with Ariel Helwani that WWE planned for him to do the original Undertaker presentation for his most recent appearance with Bray Wyatt. We can confirm that WWE a...

Fightful Weekender (3/12): ACTION, IWS vs. GCW, FREELANCE, ICW NHB, NWA vs. AAA, NXT LEVEL UP, HOG, MLW

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

Topics:

- ACTION: "It's Cool" results

- IWS vs. GCW: "UnFnSanctioned" results

- FREELANCE: "Chi-City" results

- ICW NHB: "Pitfighter X15: Ultraviolent Vortex" results

- NWA vs. AAA: "World Is A Vampire" results

- NWA: "Powerrr" (3/7) results

- NXT Level Up (3/10) results

- HOG: "With Glory Comes Pride" results

- MLW: "Underground" (3/7) results

Q&A questions for SRS

Hey guys, thanks for the patience. Drop your questions here!!

Smackdown Producers, Backstage News, More

Smackdown Producers:

- Fatal Five Way IC Title Contender Match: Jason Jordan & Kenny Dykstra

- Rey Mysterio segment with Judgment Day and Legado del Fantasma: Shane Helms

- Legado Del Fantasma vs. Judgment Day: Shane Helms

- Braun Strowman & Ricochet vs. Viking Raiders: Adam Pearce

- Charlotte Flair vs. Shotzi, Rhea Ripley promo: Petey Williams

- Usos promo, Cody Rhodes & Sami Zayn: Michael Hayes

Other News

- Raquel Rodriguez & L...

Select Portions: New AEW Show Rumors, Mania, GCW/AEW

- Andrew Zarian of Mat Men Radio reported that AEW could be getting another hour of television on Saturdays. Top talent haven't been briefed on if this is the case, but a popular rumor -- while unconfirmed -- is that they could end up with a 6 PM time slot, which used to belong to WCW Saturday night. 

- The Miz hosting WrestleMania has been the plan for "several months," we're told.

- We haven't been informed as to the specifics, but have been told there are plans for Legado ...

Bullet Club's Chris Bey and Ace Austin: Helping rebuild NJPW/IMPACT relationship, Ace traveling with Sami Callihan, Getting to work Indy Dates

The new IMPACT Wrestling Tag-Team Champions Chris Bey and Ace Austin of The Bullet Club joined Fightful's Wrestling Perspective Podcast this week. The show is hosted weekly by Lars Frederiksen of the Punk Rock Band "Rancid" and Dennis Farrell. This week, they spoke with the wrestling veteran on various topics.

Chris Bey was asked about the opportunity to help rebuild the relationship between IMPACT and New Japan. Bey put a lot of responsibility on his shoulders, he said. Bey said he kne...

Sean Ross Sapp Speaks With 2K's Bryan Williams!

By Robert Defelice

Bryan Williams talks all things WWE 2K23 with Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp.

Bryan Williams played a role in the development of WWE video games for many years while WWE Games were still being developed by Yuke's. When Yuke's and 2K Games went their separate ways, Williams briefly worked on the development of AEW Fight Forever. However, shortly after the release of WWE 2K22, Brian Williams returned to WWE Games in an effort to help with the development of WWE 2K23. 2023-03-11 16:00:06 +0000 UTC View Post

Alex's SOUR GRAPS: SmackDown Review & Rampage WatchAlong 3/10 | All Bets Are Off

WWE continues to find ways to threaten to not do what would be the best match of WrestleMania in a WALK. They might not actually do it. Because they're terrible.

Their terrible-ness is never more obvious than when they insist on making this Dominick and Rey Mysterio story ever more important.

Jey is scheduled to "explain his actions" in the main event. Okay.

Hey, also WWE is trying to figure out how to make it legal to place bets on scripted match outcomes. Yeah, ...

SMACKDOWN Plans For Tonight

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

Please be cognizant of those who wish to avoid spoilers.

- Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus vs. Xavier Woods vs. Karrion Kross vs. LA Knight
(The IC Title match is set for a lot of time)

- Legado del Fantasma vs. The Judgement Day

- Braun Strowman/Richochet vs. The Viking Raiders (w/ Valhalla)

- Charlotte Flair vs. Shotzi

- The Usos In-Ring Segment

Backstage Ne...

Select Portions: WWE HOF, Taya, Q&A, Kofi, Plans for SD

- WrestleVotes noted that the WWE Hall of Famers for this year are set to be rolled out, much later than usual. Fightful was told last week that the Hall of Fame was still happening, but many things have been discussed, such as having a smaller cast of stars.

- The Great Muta was a name pitched internally for the Hall of Fame, but we can't confirm he's going in.

- Wrestling Observer noted today that Taya had finished up with IMPACT and was likely going to WWE or AEW. She's been wo...

AEW Dynamite Producers, Backstage News, More

AEW Dynamite Producers

- Orange Cassidy vs. Jay Lethal: Ari Daivari & Pat Buck

- Ruby Soho Promo, match vs. Skye Blue: Luther, BJ Whitmer

- FTR Promo: Serpentico

- Top Flight & AR Fox vs. Jericho Appreciation Society, post match with Elite & House of Black: Jerry Lynn

- Dark Order vs. Blackpool Combat Club: Dean Malenko

- Powerhouse Hobb vs. Wardlow: Pat Buck

Backstage Notes:

- No coach/producer was listed for the Ricky Starks/Juice ...

Lots more on Sarray leaving WWE

Tokyo Sport has reported that Sarray is leaving WWE.

Fightful Select was able to confirm the report, including that Sarray has bookings elsewhere. However, WWE has yet to comment to our numerous inquiries about her in an official capacity. Since word emerged that she'd be leaving WWE imminently. We've learned more.

We're told the beginning of the end was actually early in 2022, when many of her biggest supporters were let go from NXT. Sources within the brand said that she never f...

More on AEW Title Name Change

AEW changed the All-Atlantic Title to the International title, a move that has been in the works for quite some time.

Fightful Select was told that Warner Bros asked for something big in order to cross promote the Shazam: Fury of the Gods movie on AEW. Tony Khan had the idea of doing a "level up" of the championship to the International Title. Khan actually had the new championship belt made months ago to prepare specifically for this week and next week in order to promote the film.

Select Portions: Hobbs' TNT Title Win, WWE, Mania Odds, More

- There have been internal rumors about AEW possibly adding more content, but top stars in the company say they haven't been briefed about it.

- Will Hobbs was tentatively planned to win the TNT Championship around this time months ago. When Fightful reported last fall that Hobbs was set for a big push, this was the endgame. Will Washington will have more details on Day After Dynamite.

- Those that we spoke to within WWE were happy with how WWE Raw unfolded with John Cena adding s...

Better Late Than Never: AEW rundown

Fightful has learned the following match order for tonight's AEW Dynamite. We'll have producer info Thursday

- AEW All-Atlantic Championship: Orange Cassidy (c) vs. Jay Lethal

- Ricky Starks promo

- Ruby Soho vs. Skye Blue

- FTR promo

- Top Flight & AR Fox vs. Chris Jericho, Daniel Garcia, & Sammy Guevara

- Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley & Claudio Castagnoli) vs. Dark Order (John Silver & Alex Reynolds), with Rick Knox reff...

Update On Brian Cage-AEW Status, When His Deal Expires

Brian Cage's time in AEW could be coming to an end.

Recently we reported that Brian Cage's AEW deal was set to expire imminently. However, there were some hiccups to that Fightful Select has learned that AEW had hoped to extend his deal due to injury time that would keep him with the company until at least the end of June. However, Cage pushed back on that and was interested in exploring free agency, and for ...

The Post Show: Brian Cage's AEW Status, More

SRS updates Brian Cage's status!

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/GWunWbBsCww

Select Portions: Identity of LIV GUY, Scorpio Sky/MJF, Who was backstage at Raw

- Regarding Scorpio Sky calling out MJF on social media over throwing a drink on a child at AEW Revolution, there were a lot of replies saying that Scorpio Sky works with MJF and is in the same locker room. Scorpio Sky hasn't been at AEW shows in months, and has been scarcely seen at shows since losing the TNT Title last year.

- Raven returned on MLW this week, aligning himself with Rickey Shane Page and Akira. While Akira was just announced as being signed recently, we're told there we...

Cole Radrick Interview Notes:

Jeremy Lambert spoke to Cole Radrick!

- His goal for Mania weekend is to not wrestling as many matches as he can, but to wrestle as many meaningful matches as he can. Would like to wrestle Jordan Oliver.

- Says Japanese fans were very kind and appreciative. Can’t wait to return.

- Is not a big steak guy. Liked the corn at Ribera.

- Enjoyed the wrestling stores in Japan and got a mini-Fedor and Misawa figure.

- Looking forward to Conor McGregor’s return to the...

WWE Angle Nixed After Revolution, Raw Producers, More

WWE Raw Producers

- Kevin Owens vs. Solo Sikoa: Jason Jordan

- Bianca Belair vs. Carmella: TJ Wilson

- Seth Rollins, Logan Paul & The Miz: Adam Pearce

- Dolph Ziggler vs. Omos: Abyss

- Johnny Gargano vs. Finn Balor: Jamie Noble

- Piper Niven vs. Nikki Cross: Molly Holly

- Chad Gable vs. Baron Corbin: Shawn Daivari

- Damage CTRL, Trish Stratus, Becky Lynch, Bayley, Lita: TJ Wilson

- Sami Zayn vs. Jimmy Uso; Jey Uso turn: Michael Hayes 2023-03-08 00:00:02 +0000 UTC View Post

Details, Reactions On Vince McMahon Appearing Backstage At WWE Raw

Vince McMahon was backstage at WWE Raw in Boston, which caused a stir online.

It seemed like based on those we heard back from that it caused more of a stir online than in person, as most of the talent thought it was a matter of time before they'd see him back in general. Specifically, the initial talent that caused the report multiple weeks ago doubled down on their feelings, after Vince McMahon popped up. 

More than anything, it was Vince's physical appearance that turned h...

Select Style Podcast (3/7): NJPW, Jr. Festival, DRAGONGATE, STARDOM

Scott Edwards is back for another edition of the Select Style podcast to discuss NJPW's big week featuring the conclusion of Fantastica Mania 2023 and the beginning of the New Japan Cup, a first-time ever All Star Jr. Festival, and STARDOM's return to PPV.
Here are all the promotions featured:
- NJPW
- All Star Jr. Festival
- DRAGONGATE
- STARDOM

Fightful Weekender (3/6): GCW, JCW, SCI, NEW SOUTH, WEST COAST PRO, MLW, NXT LEVEL UP, NWA

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

Topics:

- GCW: "Holy Smokes" + "Ransom" results

- JCW: "March Madnezz" results

- SCI: "2023 Scenic City Rumble" results

- NEW SOUTH: "HOSS Tournament VI" results

- WEST COAST PRO: "West Coast Best Coast" results

- MLW: "Underground" (2/28) results

- NXT Level Up (3/3) results

- NWA: "Powerrr" (2/28) results

Alex & Kate's SOUR GRAPS: Raw 3/6 | The Truth Hurts

John Cena is back.
So is Vince.
Vince has a mustache.
Cena does not.

Logan Paul knocked out Seth Rollins with the worst punch you'll ever see outside of an Elementary School playground.

Sami saved Kevin Owens from another trip to the hospital, but KO still won't be his friend. Cody might be able to convince him, though. Because of course.

Did anything else happen on Raw? I can't remember.

Everything sucks. Let's talk about it.

VIDEO: 2023-03-07 03:08:23 +0000 UTC View Post

WWE Raw Plans, Match Order, Spoilers

Fightful Select has learned the following plans and match order for WWE Raw.

Card is subject to change. Please be cognizant of those who wish to avoid spoilers.

- Kevin Owens vs. Solo Sikoa

- Bobby Lashley segment

- Bianca Belair vs. Carmella

- Seth Rollins and Logan Paul segment

- Omos vs. Dolph Ziggler

- Johnny Gargano vs. Finn Balor

- Piper Niven vs. Nikki Cross

- John Cena returns

- Chad Gable vs. Baron Corbin

- Becky Lynch...

Vince McMahon backstage at Raw

WWE talent have confirmed to Fightful they have had eyes on Vince McMahon at WWE Raw in Boston.

Several indicated to Fightful that Vince "looked different" backstage. It was later told to us that Vince had dyed his hair, and was sporting a "little mustache."

Talent do not know why he was there and were not briefed about it.

It's worth noting that since retiring, McMahon has visited John Cena multiple times outside of WWE. Cena is appearing tonight, and one talent theorize...

Vince McMahon backstage at Raw

WWE talent have confirmed to Fightful they have had eyes on Vince McMahon at WWE Raw in Boston.

We've reached out to WWE in an official capacity.

We'll update this as we get more information.