Author: John Bass

AEW Dynamite Preview 4/10/2024

AEW Dynamite will air live tonight on TBS and emanate from the Charleston Coliseum in Charleston, West Virginia.

  • AEW World Championship Eliminator Match: Samoa Joe (c) vs. Dustin Rhodes
  • TNT Championship: Adam Copeland (c) vs. Penta El Zero Miedo
  • Mariah May vs. Anna Jay
  • Chris Jericho, HOOK, & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Shane Taylor Promotions (Anthony Ogogo, Shane Taylor, & Lee Moriarty)
  • Matthew & Nicholas Jackson will reveal backstage footage from AEW All In at Wembley Stadium
  • Toni Storm to toast Thunder Rosa
  • Mercedes Mone expected to appear

Odd Happenings On WWE RAW Reportedly Teasing Return Bo Dallas (Uncle Howdy)

Strange things were afoot ahead of Monday’s episode of “WWE Raw.” Prior to the show, a fan posted a video to social media of lights flickering, along with a quick musical tease. Later, during the broadcast itself, 2024 Andre the Giant Battle Royale winner Bronson Reed was cutting a promo backstage when the bottom of the screen scrambled in a familiar static pattern. In the lower right corner of the screen, the word “hello” appeared.

Fightful Select has confirmed that these teases are meant to herald the on-screen return of WWE star Bo Dallas, who portrayed the Uncle Howdy character as part of his late brother Bray Wyatt’s storyline after both made their way back to WWE in late 2022. Dallas — who has remained under WWE contract despite Uncle Howdy being removed from WWE programming due to Wyatt’s illness, which ultimately resulted in his tragic death — was recently featured in a WWE-produced Peacock documentary on Wyatt. In the documentary, Dallas talked about needing to create something to make his brother proud, and an Uncle Howdy tease was shown at the end of the film. Following the documentary’s release, Fightful Select reported that a comeback for Dallas was planned, though they aren’t certain whether he will return as Bo Dallas, Uncle Howdy, Taylor Rotunda (his real name), or some other character.

Dallas was first signed to a developmental deal in 2008, working in Florida Championship Wrestling before that promotion transitioned into “WWE NXT.” He enjoyed a lengthy reign as “NXT” Champion in 2013 and 2014, losing the title on the very first premium live event to be broadcast via the WWE Network, but his subsequent main roster run faltered and he was released in 2021, eventually returning alongside Wyatt the following year.

A few hours after the teases on “Raw,” Dallas, as Uncle Howdy, took to Twitter to pour some gasoline into the simmering fire. While Howdy wasn’t a chatterbox in his response, he got people’s attention by posting the emoji of a rabbit, a callback to when Wyatt and Dallas returned to the WWE in the fall of 2020, as part of the viral “White Rabbit” campaign.

https://twitter.com/UncleHowdy_/status/1777579799130550638

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE NXT Preview 4/9/2024

Tonight’s WWE NXT live on USA Network from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.

  • Fallout from NXT Stand & Deliver
  • WWE NXT Tag Team Championship: Baron Corbin & Bron Breakker (c) vs. Nathan Frazier & Axiom
  • Natalya hinted at confronting new NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez
  • Je’Von Evans to appear

Report: WWE Moving Away From ‘Sports Entertainment,’ Disassociating From Vince McMahon

WrestleMania 40 ended with a brand new Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, as Cody Rhodes finally pulled the rabbit out of the hat, defeating Roman Reigns to claim the title and “finish his story.” But the Universal Title changing hands for the first time in three and a half years isn’t the only thing changing within WWE, as the promotion looks to be in the midst of a new era as they continue to move away from former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, who resigned from the promotion in January following a lawsuit accusing him of sex trafficking and abuse.

Fightful Select reports that WWE distancing themselves from McMahon was the big theme of WrestleMania 40, with the promotion looking to make clear that McMahon was not only gone from WWE, but had no pathway back. This will be welcome news for those looking to enjoy tonight’s post-WrestleMania episode of “Raw,” which those in WWE expect to be a sharp contrast to last year when McMahon significantly changed the show from its original plan.

Overall, the move towards a new era has led to renewed optimism within WWE, as well as many of McMahon’s previous “standards and rules” being abandoned. This includes confirmation that WWE would be moving away from the term “sports entertainment,” though no official edict has been decreed on the matter, and the term “pro wrestling” no longer being seen as a dirty word. The same cannot be said about McMahon, as his name will no longer be uttered on WWE programming, and archived footage of him won’t be used unless absolutely necessary.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Jacob Fatu Expected To Make WWE Debut Soon

According to a previous report from Fightful, Jacob Fatu has signed WWE after his time with MLW, where he was considered a top star.

Fatu told others that he had signed with the promotion last Wednesday. He ended his time with MLW in February at MLW SuperFight.

During on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted that Fatu will begin appearing on television soon with a push. However, it remains uncertain whether he will be featured on the main roster or in NXT.

Source: eWn

WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley Cancels Plans For Final Match After Suffering Concussion

Like many wrestlers who have hung up their boots, WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley still has that itch that needs to be scratched. The hardcore legend announced earlier this year that he was thinking of having one final deathmatch for his 60th birthday, giving him over a year to get himself into ring shape as Foley won’t turn 60 until June 2025. However, that plan has now been scrapped as Foley took to his YouTube channel to explain that his final match will no longer be taking place, after suffering a concussion.

“As some of you know, I had to miss a couple of appearances because of dizziness and light headedness. After consulting a couple of doctors, and also using my own experience with concussions, the symptoms seem to point to a concussion that I did not even know I received. I hadn’t done too much in the ring, but I had done a little bit. I had noticed that I was lightheaded after one of the workouts but I thought it would go away. So it just seems like the wisest move, and one that’s strongly supported by family, is to call off that final match.” 

Foley explained that if he can get concussed without even being aware of it, putting himself through one final deathmatch wouldn’t be the best idea, especially given the things that Foley himself was willing to do in the match. The hardcore legend would have initially liked to have faced someone like Matt Cardona given their on-and-off feud in recent years, or former AEW World Champion Jon Moxley as their planned bout in WWE never took place due to Foley not being medically cleared to compete.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Sheamus Video Package Airs On WWE Raw, Suggesting Imminent Return

Former WWE Champion Sheamus has hasn’t been seen on WWE TV since August due to a shoulder injury, but that could be changing very soon. A video package for “The Celtic Warrior” aired during Monday’s episode of “WWE Raw,” though a set return date for the star was not immediately confirmed. The video showcased highlights from Sheamus’ previous matches, with the former champion’s voice-over saying he comes “from a long line of Celtic warriors” and that he doesn’t care if a brawl is in an arena, bar room or back in Ireland, “the time for fighting is now.”

Sheamus was last seen on “WWE SmackDown” last summer when he took on Edge, now known as AEW”s Adam Copeland, in his final WWE match. Despite being accompanied by the Brawling Brutes, Butch and Ridge Holland, Sheamus was defeated by Edge after “The Rated R Superstar” hit him with two Spears. 

Sheamus is a former King of the Ring. Money in the Bank, and Royal Rumble winner, as well as a three-time WWE Champion and one-time World Heavyweight Champion. He started The Brawling Brutes faction in back in November 2021, but a reunion upon his return is unlikely — Butch has gone back to his original ring name of Pete Dunne and has formed the New Catch Republic tag team with Tyler Bate, while Holland is currently in “WWE NXT” working a storyline that involves his kayfabe retirement. Sheamus has shared cryptic messages on X (formerly Twitter) regarding the status of his contract, which is reportedly set to expire this year, but if this package is any indication, he may have come to terms on a new deal with WWE.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

The Rock Promises To Come Back To WWE For Cody Rhodes: ‘Our Story Has Just Begun’

New Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes may have finished his story with Roman Reigns, but Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson confirmed their story is just beginning after he pinned Rhodes in the main event of Night 1. On the “WWE Raw” after WrestleMania 40, a traditionally rowdy show when it comes to the crowd, The Rock interrupted the new champion to not only give him his flowers, but give him a mysterious object, saying Rhodes wouldn’t even have to open his hand to know what it was.

Rhodes was introduced by Paul “Triple H” Levesque to open the show, and a video package recapping his victory was played. Rhodes began to address the crowd before The Rock’s music hit. The men waited in the ring as the crowd chanted various things at “The Great One.” The Rock told Rhodes that his father in heaven had a “big smile” on his face when Rhodes captured the championship, and asked if he could hold the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. The men traded belts for a moment, as Rock was still carrying the belt given to him by Muhammad Ali’s widow at the 2024 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony.

The Rock then said he “has to go away for a little while,” but when he comes back, whether Rhodes is champion or not, he’s coming for him. He said Rhodes’ story with Reigns may be over, but “our story has just begun.” Rhodes replied that while The Rock is his actual boss since he’s on the TKO board, Rhodes is the champion — and he’s The Rock’s champion. That’s when The Rock gave Rhodes something small that fit in his hand before “riding off into the sunset.” As of this writing it’s unclear when he plans to return.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

2024 WWE Draft Officially Announced

Last night on WWE RAW after Mania, Michael Cole announced that the WWE Draft would begin on the April 26, 2024 episode of “WWE SmackDown” and conclude on the following episode of “Raw” on April 29, 2024.

Cole also announced that NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov would be participating in the draft, implying a main-roster call-up for “The Czar of NXT.” Dragunov made his RAW debut last night.

WWE WrestleMania 40 Night 2 Results

Stephanie McMahon comes out, speaks to the crowd about how special WrestleMania is, with WrestleMania 40 is the one she’s most proud of as it’s the first WrestleMania of the “Paul Levesque” era. She asks Philadelphia “Are You Ready?” and introduces Night 2 of WrestleMania 40.

  • WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
    Drew McIntyre def. Seth “Freakin” Rollins (c) to become new World Heavyweight Champion

After match: Rollins postures to McIntyre, saying he respects the new champion’s win. McIntyre goes to ringside and shares a moment with his wife. McIntyre then walks over to the announce desk and stares down CM Punk. McIntyre menaces Punk as he climbs across the desk. Punk applauds sarcastically. Punk and McIntyre trash talk each other. Punk tosses McIntyre onto the table and then attacks McIntyre with his arm brace. Punk kicks the crap out of McIntyre. Damian Priest runs down to the ring with his Money In The Bank Briefcase. Priest says he’s cashing in and the announcement is made.

  • WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
    Damian Preist def. Drew McIntyre (c) to become new World Heavyweight Champion
  • PHILADELPHIA STREET FIGHT SIX-MAN TAG TEAM MATCH – Special Guest Referee Bubba Ray Dudley
    The Pride’s Bobby Lashley & The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford) def. Final Testament’s Karrion Kross & AOP (Akam & Rezar)
  • LA Knight def. AJ Styles
  • UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP
    Logan Paul (c) def. Randy Orton and Kevin Owens
  • WWE WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP
    Bayley def. Iyo Sky (c) to become new WWE Women’s Champion

Cody Rhodes’ entrance was nothing short of a spectacle during Night 2 of WWE WrestleMania 40. Rhodes entered the “Show of Shows” for his second stab at Roman Reigns’ Undisputed Universal Championship donning a skull mask akin to his idol-turned-boss Triple H in his signature “Cody-Vator”, flanked by his wife Brandi Rhodes for the first time since returning to WWE. The titantron showed the “American Nightmare” flags flying surrounded by flame, selling the idea that tonight will mark his last stand against Reigns. And Rhodes himself was so overcome with emotion he struggled to sing along to his them per usual practice. 

At ringside, Rhodes went over to his mom and sister who stood with Brodie Lee’s son, all watching on as he looks to finally finish the story. 

  • UNDISPUTED WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP
    Cody Rhodes def. Roman Reigns (c) to become new Undisputed WWE Universal Champion

Cody Finished his story

The two men stare each other down. They circle each other. Rhodes tries to take Roman down but Roman fights him off. Cody out-wrestles Roman again, who smacks Rhodes to knock him off his game. Reigns floors Cody with a shoulder tackle.

They circle each other. They lock up. Roman sends Cody off the ropes. Cody hits gut kick and a right hand to the ear. Cody sends Roman into the ringpost. Roman retreats to ringside. Cody goes under the ring and gets a table. Roman hits Cody with a Drive-By Dropkick out of nowhere. Reigns puts the table back under the ring, much to the crowd’s chagrin. Cody sends Roman into the steel steps. Rhodes throws Reigns back in the ring. Roman immediately retreats to ringside. Cody drags Roman but Reigns hits Cody with a Kendo Stick. Reigns pummels Rhodes with the Kendo Stick. Roman plays to the crowd. Roman winds up but Cody counters. Reigns dodges a Kendo Stick shot and the stick is sent out of the ring. Rhodes takes down Reigns and locks in a Figure Four Leglock. Reigns fights out. Reigns stomps away on Cody.

Roman smashes Cody into the turnbuckle, then into another turnbuckle. Reigns tosses Rhodes out of the ring. 

“I’m gonna miss whupping your ass,” Roman yells as he fights Cody into the crowd. Reigns takes Rhodes onto a platform. Cody counters a suplex attempt. Reigns tries to batter Rhodes, but Rhodes suplexes Reigns onto the platform. Cody takes Reigns back to ringside. Rhodes throws Reigns back in the ring. Reigns counters a Springboard Roundhouse with a Sitout Last Ride Powerbomb. Both men are down.

Roman recovers and chokes Rhodes on the ropes.

“I’ll send you to Hollywood like the rest of them, this is my company you little b***h,” Reigns chides as he continues the assault. Reigns gets a nearfall on Rhodes. Reigns locks in a Cravate. Cody fights out of the Cravate. Reigns hits a big Fisherman’s Suplex for a nearfall. Reigns corners Rhodes and starts knocking him around the ring with powerful punches and lariats. Rhodes fires up and delivers a series of quick strikes. Both men trade blows and drop the other. Both men are down.

They struggle to their feet. They resume trading blows. Cody comes back with a series of strikes and delivers a swift Powerslam. Rhodes hits a Springboard Roundhouse for a nearfall. Reigns counters a Cody Cutter with a Cross Rhodes and covers for a nearfall. Reigns and Heyman joke about how Reigns could kick Cody’s ass forever. Reigns is having a very good time.

Reigns signals for a Superman Punch. Cody counters with punches and a Bionic Elbow, in tribute to Dusty Rhodes. Cody signals to his father in heaven, as Reigns escapes the ring. Cody gives chase and clears off the announce table. Reigns recovers and punches Cody in the scrotum. Reigns powerbomb Cody through the announce table. Reigns throws Cody in the ring and hits a Superman Punch. Reigns covers for a nearfall. Reigns signals for a spear but Cody counters and hits a Cody Cutter. Cody crawls into a pinfall but Reigns kicks out at 2. Reigns fights out of a Cross Rhodes attempt. Reigns goes for a Rock Bottom but Cody counters. Cody hits a Spear and covers for a nearfall.

Cody hits Cross Rhodes. Cody goes for a second but Jimmy Uso appears out of nowhere and Superkicks Rhodes. Jimmy sets up Cody and Reigns hits a Superman Punch. Jey Uso’s music plays. Jimmy and Jey brawl on the outside. Jey spears Jimmy off the stage and through some tables. In the ring, Cody rolls up Roman for a nearfall. Roman hits a Spear for a nearfall.

Roman Reigns locks in a Guillotine Choke. Rhodes sends them both out of the ring, breaking the Guillotine. Cody recovers and spears Roman Reigns through the barricade. Rhodes gets Reigns back in the ring. Cody hits Cross Rhodes. Cody hits a second Cross Rhodes. Cody goes for a third. Solo Sikoa appears out of nowhere and jams his thumb in Cody’s throat. Solo covers Cody with an unconscious Reigns. Cody kicks out at 2. Solo pummels Rhodes. Reigns struggles to his feet. Roman spears Rhodes as Sikoa hits a Samoan Spike. Reigns covers. Cody kicks out at 2.99.

John Cena’s music hits. Cena appears and attacks Sikoa. Sikoa is sent out of the ring. Cena hits Reigns with an Attitude Adjustment. Cena hits Sikoa with an Attitude Adjustment through the announce table. The Rock’s music hits. The Rock appears. The Rock and Cena face off in the ring. Cena removes his shirt. They soak in the moment. Cena says “You can’t see me.” Rock hits Cena with a Rock Bottom. The Sheild music hits. Seth Rollins appears -in full Shield gear- with a chair but Roman Reigns hits him with a Superman Punch to stop him. The Undertaker’s music hits. The lights go out. Lights up, Biker Undertaker appears behind The Rock. Undertaker chokeslams The Rock. Lights go out. Lights come back up. He’s gone.

Reigns and Rhodes fight to their feet. Reigns grabs a chair. He wails on Seth Rollins, like Rollins did to Reigns 10 years ago. Cody hits Cross Rhodes. Cody hits a second Cross Rhodes. Cody struggles for a third. Cody hits Cross Rhodes for the pinfall.

WINNER AND NEW UNDISPUTED WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPION: Cody Rhodes

An emotional Cody Rhodes is handed the title, just as “My father said, when I was younger, Hard Times make better men.” The Rock looks furious at Reigns. Rhodes is overcome as he poses with the title for the fans. Kevin Owens, LA Knight, John Cena, Randy Orton, Jey Uso, Sami Zayn and Brandi Rhodes celebrate with Cody in the ring. CM Punk comes to the ring to raise Rhodes hand. Rhodes’s mother gets in the ring and hugs her son. Cody hands his mother the title and she poses with the title.

Cody grabs a microphone. Cody asks Bruce Prichard and Paul Levesque to join him in the ring. Prichard and Levesque both go to the ring. Prichard hugs Rhodes. Levesque shakes Rhodes’s hand and hugs him. The two men share a moment. Levesque raises Rhodes’s hand. More celebrations follow. Cody gets out of the ring and hugs Michael Cole. Cody shakes Corey Graves and Pat McAfee’s hands. Cody shakes Seth Rollins’s hand and thanks him for helping him. Cody gets out of the ring and shakes Nick Khan’s hand.

Match transcript from Wrestling Inc.