WWE has reportedly been pushing to sign former AEW wrestler and EVP Cody Rhodes. Here is the latest.
The wrestling world continues to await the announcement of Cody Rhodes’ next professional wrestling chapter, but nothing appears to be imminent.
Last month, Cody and Brandi Rhodes parted ways with AEW after failing to reach agreements on new deals. Cody was an Executive Vice President in AEW, and Brandi worked as the company’s Chief Brand Officer. Both were instrumental in building up AEW as a major promotion, so their departures were massively unexpected
Many assumed that Cody would quickly strike a deal with WWE and return to the place where his pro wrestling career started. But fast forward three weeks after his AEW departure, and The American Nightmare remains a free agent.
In an update on the F4WOnline.com message board (h/t WrestlingNews.co), Dave Meltzer wrote that contract talks between Cody and AEW “hit a snag.” Meltzer reported that the 36-year-old wrestler “has multiple offers”, and that WWE would like him to make his decision “soon.”
Meltzer added that the “ball is in” Cody’s court. It should be noted that Cody isn’t under a non-compete clause of any kind, so he’s free to sign with another promotion whenever. WWE has done their part in trying to bring Rhodes aboard, and now the second-generation wrestler has to decide if he wants to sign on for a second tenure with the company.
It was previously reported that Cody was on WWE’s WrestleMania 38 internal documents, but that apparently is no longer the case. If WWE wants Cody to return before or at WrestleMania weekend on Apr. 2-3, the clock is ticking on that front.
WWE has had three weeks now to reach a deal with Cody Rhodes. Vince McMahon certainly isn’t one to go back-and-forth over a lengthy period with a specific wrestler when it comes to contract talks. WWE has made it clear how much they’d like Cody to come aboard. It’s now a simple waiting game as they await his decision.
Owens ended this week’s RAW by stating how he plans to host the biggest, most stupendous edition of The KO Show at WrestleMania 38, but because of where the event is being held this year, he knows his guest would have to be “some lowlife from Texas.”
Owens would then take shots at Texan pro wrestling legends such as WWE Hall of Famers JBL, Booker T, and Shawn Michaels, before calling out Austin. He stressed that nothing would make him happier than to beat the hell out of a specific person in his home state, give him a Stunner the world would talk about for years, and then pour a glass of milk over his lifeless body. Owens added that he doesn’t think this person has the guts to show up, before finally naming the man – Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Stone Cold Steve Austin has accepted Kevin Owens invitation to appear on the KO Show at WrestleMania 38.
Austin says:
“Nineteen years ago I wrestled my last match in a WWE ring,” Austin said. “After three Rock Bottoms, 1-2-3, I lost the match and for nineteen years I’ve had to live with that defeat, knowing my time was up. Kevin Owens, I want to thank you. I want to thank you for waking something up deep inside me that I’ve kept buried for nineteen years. Ever since you started running that damn mealy-mouth of yours, talking about the state of Texas, the great state of Texas, you got my attention, and why would you want to do that, Kevin? I can think of two reasons. One, you are one dumb son of a b—h, and two, you are fixing to get your ass kicked by ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin. But if you want to call this The KO Show, a match, a fight, a brawl, whatever, I will guarantee you this – in Dallas, Texas, where I started my career, at WrestleMania, ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin is going to open up one last can of whoop-ass on you, Kevin Owens, and that’s the bottom line because Stone Cold said so.”
The Texas Rattlesnake’s promo ended with glass breaking.
COUNTDOWN TO SACRIFICE Lady Frost defeated Gisele Shaw
COUNTDOWN TO SACRIFICE Rich Swann & Willie Mack defeated Matt Taven & Mike Bennett
IMPACT X DIVISION TITLE MATCH Trey Miguel (c) defeated Jake Something
Eddie Edwards defeated Rhino
IMPACT KNOCKOUTS WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES MATCH The Influence defeated The IInspiration (c) to become new IMPACT Knockouts Tag Team Champions
JONAH defeated PCO
Jay White defeated Alex Shelley
CHAMP CHAMP CHALLENGE (ROH Women’s World Championship) TBD vs. ROH Women’s World Champion/AAA Reina de Reinas Champion Deonna Purrazzo – No contest due to referee stoppage
IMPACT KNOCKOUTS WORLD TITLE MATCH Tasha Steelz defeated Mickie James (c) to become New IMPACT Knockouts World Champion
IMPACT WORLD TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH Violent By Design (Eric Young & Joe Doering) defeated Good Brothers (Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows) (c) to become NEW IMPACT Tag Team Champions
IMPACT WORLD TITLE MATCH Moose (c) defeated Heath
After the match, Josh Alexander entered the ring and took out Moose with a huge Piledriver. He then grabs a microphone and said the last time he was in this ring he was sent home by Scott D’Amore. Josh says he won’t agree that his emotions were the problem. Josh says Scott was right to send him home. He got to spend time with his family and recharge but sending him home put him a mile from Anthem’s offices. Josh Alexander reveals he’s signed a new multi-year contract with IMPACT Wrestling. Josh also has a contract for the main event of Rebellion which states it will be Moose vs. Josh Alexander for the IMPACT World Championship.
MMA and pro wrestling star Cain Velasquez is still in jail and has been charged with attempted murder.
There was a shooting near San Jose, CA on Monday, and San Jose police said Velasquez was involved. The shooting happened around 3:14pm local time, in Morgan Hill, near Monterey Highway and Bailey Avenue. Police would not confirm Cain’s role in the incident, but one man was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, and another man was arrested. Court records revealed that Cain was in the Santa Clara County jail, with no bond, but no other details were available at that time.
In an update, TMZ Sports reports that Velasquez has been arrested and booked on an attempted murder charge. Police confirmed that he was the suspect in the alleged shooting incident on Monday in San Jose.
“The motive and circumstances surrounding this incident are still under investigation at this time,” police added.
You can see Cain’s mugshot photo below.
Details on the incident have not been released, but the 39 year old Velasquez was involved in the shooting that happened near a high school on Monday.
Jail records show that Velasquez is still being held with no bond, at the main Santa Clara County jail facility on West Hedding Street in San Jose. He has a court date scheduled for Wednesday at 12 noon.
Velasquez fought MMA from 2006 until his retirement in October 2019. He is a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion, and retired with a record of 14-3. A longtime pro wrestling fan, Velasquez made his in-ring debut at AAA’s TripleMania XXVII in August 2019, teaming with Cody Rhodes and Psycho Clown for a win over Killer Kross, Black Taurus and Texano Jr. He later worked AAA/Impact’s Lucha Invades NY show at Madison Square Garden that September, teaming with Brian Cage and Psycho to defeat Taurus, Texano Jr. and Rey Escorpion. Cain first worked out at the WWE Performance Center in July 2018, but he signed a deal with WWE in October 2019 and began feuding with current WWE Champion Brock Lesnar. Cain made his WWE in-ring debut at Crown Jewel 2019 in Saudi Arabia, losing to Lesnar. He then worked a WWE live event in Mexico City on November 30, teaming with Humberto for a win over current Impact World Tag Team Champion The Good Brothers. Cain was set to work the 2020 Royal Rumble but plans were nixed due to an injury, and WWE then released him from his contract on April 28, 2020 along with other budget cuts. Cain returned to AAA this past December at TripleMania Regia II, teaming with Psycho and Pagano for a six-man win over Taurus, Escorpion and LA Park.
EC3 and Adam Scherr (fka WWE’s Braun Strowman) have announced that their Control Your Narrative brand is launching as a new pro wrestling company.
Wrestling Inc. noted a few weeks back how Scherr and EC3 announced their “Control Your Narrative: Live” shows for Orlando and Dallas in March. Killer Kross is also working with the brand, and more names were to be announced in the coming weeks.
In an update, an additional announcement was issued today for the launch of the new pro wrestling company. It was also said that an announcement on a “CYN: Live” TV deal is imminent.
EC3’s original partner, Jedediah Koszewski, noted in today’s announcement that CYN has a new partner, and network distribution.
“The Whisper Campaign has begun. Yes, CYN has a new partner. Yes, CYN has network distribution. Yes, we are very excited to take CYN to the next level,” Koszewski said.
It was noted in today’s press release that the March 31 live event in Dallas is now a TV taping. The Dallas show is also where Kross will make his CYN debut.
Scherr noted that everything will be revealed at the Dallas event.
“No, we will not tell you anything further. You will learn everything you want to know at CYN: Dallas on 3/31,” Scherr said.
EC3 added, “In Control Your Narrative I speak about finding your purpose. This idea and this company will be bigger than any one person. I can’t promise anything other than my undying effort to create a platform for the right wrestlers to do what they love and provide the freedom they crave. For fans to have an intimate, unforgettable LIVE experience along with an artistic, action packed, emotional TV presentation. Control Your Narrative is my purpose.”
The names working with CYN mentioned in today’s press release include Impact World Champion Moose, Impact Digital Media Champion Matt Cardona, Jon Skyler, Matt Sydal, Marina Shafir, Westin Blake, and Matt Taven.
There’s no word yet on which network is set to carry the CYN product.
You can see CYN’s full announcement below, along with EC3’s related Instagram post:
“Now that I have your attention, here’s the truth.” – ec3
The “Control Your Narrative” concept has manifested itself from an idea, to a movement, to a live touring/televised wrestling company.
“We, collectively as wrestlers, can no longer wait. We can not wait on companies that answer only to share holders. Companies where billionaires collect talent as “toys.” Companies that fire their entire roster for the mistakes their office made. Companies that are complacent in presentation.
Companies where talent sit in the back, and say “nothing matters.”
To create true change, you have to be bold. You have to bet on yourself. With CYN, talent bet on themselves.” -ec3
What has started as a self produced, independently crafted concept focused on character development/wrestling through a “cinematic lens,” Control Your Narrative and their “Free The Narrative” series was created by ec3 and his partner Jedediah Koszewski in April of 2020.
“The world was changing and everyone felt fear and anxiety. When you only have questions, and there are no answers, the best therapy is to create.” – Koszewski
“The talent that has reached out, wanting to create with us, wanting to control their narrative has been humbling. It’s an honor to be able to help tell their story.”
One of these talent is the former Universal Champion “Braun Strowman,” now known by his birth name Adam Scherr.
“I was so impressed with what Control Your Narrative was creating, that I told ec3 and JC how much it inspired me. How much I would like to create with them one day.
The next day I was released from my contract. Things happen for a reason. Preproduction of “Free The Narrative II: The Monster in us All” began immediately.
This is what’s next.” – Scherr
All talent featured in CYN have asked to be a part of the project. These competitors range from known to unknown and include names like Matt Cardona, Moose, Jon Skyler, Matt Sydal, Marina Shafir, Westin Blake, Matt Taven and more.
Opportunity awaits for up and comers through CYN’s “Project Initiation” (seminars hosted prior to CYN Live Events.)
On 3/31 CYN: Dallas, the much anticipated debut of Killer Kross takes place.
“If you want to Control Your Narrative, all you have to do is knock.” – ec3
At CYN there is no corporate hierarchy. There are no deep-pocketed investors wanting to use the sport simply to profit. There are no contracts, or political agendas. There is only passion to create with the platform for a talent to “become who they are supposed to be.”
The one thing missing for CYN to “become who they are supposed to be” was a proper platform and network distribution. That has been achieved.
“The Whisper Campaign has begun. Yes, CYN has a new partner. Yes, CYN has network distribution. Yes, we are very excited to take CYN to the next level.” – Koszewski
“No, we will not tell you anything further. You will learn everything you want to know at CYN: Dallas on 3/31” – Scherr
“In Control Your Narrative I speak about finding your purpose. This idea and this company will be bigger than any one person. I can’t promise anything other than my undying effort to create a platform for the right wrestlers to do what they love and provide the freedom they crave. For fans to have an intimate, unforgettable LIVE experience along with an artistic, action packed, emotional TV presentation.
Control Your Narrative is my purpose.” – ec3
For more information http://www.controlyournarrative.co Instagram- @controlyournarrative For tickets 3/05/22 CYN: Orlando Control Your Narrative | Tin Roof – Orlando | Outhouse Tickets For tickets 3/31/22 CYN: Dallas Control Your Narrative | Southside Music Hall at Gilley’s | Outhouse Tickets For more from Jedediah Koszewski @freethenarrator For more from ec3 @therealec3 For more from Adam Scherr @adamscherr99 For business inquiries office@controlyournarrative.co
Apparently, AEW’s door hasn’t shut on Cody Rhodes just yet.
Cody Rhodes is thought to be an imminent WWE signing following his AEW departure this week but, as reports would have it, the former All Elite EVP isn’t completely out the door just yet.
The American Nightmare was reported to have fashioned a move away from the promotion due to a number of issues, including a loss of booking power, financial disagreements, and other personal problems with Tony Khan. His wife, Brandi, left along with him. And while Cody is rumored to be WWE bound, sources claim she won’t be joining him there should he sign.
Vince McMahon is reportedly very excited over the possibility of having Rhodes back on the roster and plans to give him a major push if it comes to that. There’s already talk of the former AEW superstar being involved in tapings this coming weekend while there’s been speculation pointing to a match at WrestleMania 38.
As things stand, though, Rhodes is still a free agent, and reaching a deal with AEW isn’t yet out of the question.
According to Fightful (H/T WrestlingNews.co), the show Rhodes To The Top has not been canceled, and the direction is still being discussed. The show is centered on Cody and Brandi’s AEW life but was produced by Shed media US and Warner Horizon Unscripted Television so, theoretically, it could go on without involvement from AEW.
Said publication also reports that Rhodes has not put pen to paper on a deal with WWE and, until such a time, there’s a chance of him returning to AEW.
Khan was said to be in a poor mood after talks ended with Rhodes earlier this week, which could be because he wanted him to stay. The former TNT Champion had mentioned his unhappiness to the other company EVPs around two weeks ago, but they all expected him to agree to a deal.
In a Q&A episode of The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy, AEW star Matt Hardy was asked about the possibility of him wrestling his brother, Jeff Hardy, in a singles match somewhere down the road. For all intents and purposes, Matt Hardy indicated the days of him and his brother wrestling each other have come and gone.
“The days of Matt and Jeff Hardy going head to head, they’re probably done,” Hardy said. “We’re teammates, we’re not opponents.”
Matt Hardy was also asked about how his brother, who was released from WWE in December of 2021, was doing as he waits for his 90-day noncompete clause to end. He also shed some light on what happened in Jeff Hardy’s last WWE match.
“He’s good,” Hardy said. “When he wants to share this story, he will I’m sure. But I mean, he ended up being exhausted after driving all night, he was on late in the dark Smackdown, the last match. They had a 300 miles plus drive and he got in early in the morning and then he had a family emergency and then he was up early.
“I think he was just exhausted and shot and probably beat up at the same time. And he was also very stressed out from his WWE job as well, you know? I think for him sometimes, he kinda gets in his head. Especially if he’s alone on the road and whatnot. I think it’s better with me there too. I think he feels a little more comfortable because he really can get in his own head.”
Former three-time WWE Divas Champion, AJ Lee, joined Freddie Prinze Jr. on this week’s Wrestling with Freddie podcast from iHeart Media’s My Cultra Network.
A hot topic that Freddie Prinze Jr. was keen to discuss was AJ’s involvement with WOW – Women of Wrestling. Lee is currently signed as an Executive Producer for the brand. She provided more details about when we can expect to see WOW in the future and what inspired her to join.
“So we’ll actually be shooting pretty soon, I think we’re maybe 60 days out, so it’s getting kinda close,” AJ Lee revealed. “We’re gonna be in syndication in the fall of 2022. Please check wowe.com for your local listings. It’s also on the CWC app and Pluto app. But you know, what really inspired me to join WOW, was the idea that it was women behind the scenes in every capacity and women in front of the camera in every capacity.
“And, to me, I love wrestling. I never stopped loving wrestling and this was the perfect way to rejoin the world of wrestling, but also combine it with what I’m doing now [as a writer] and what I have a passion for now. ”
AJ Lee also disclosed that she has had some offers to return to the ring, but ultimately, she felt the desire to compete again in the squared circle was absent.
“Wrestling opportunities have popped up over the years and I’ve just never been ready for that,” AJ said. “I’m not sure like physically that something like that the fires there, but the art of it, that’s always been there.”
It was announced that AJ Lee had signed with WOW in October 2021, alongside the promotion announcing that they had signed into a multi-year distribution agreement with ViacomCBS. Not only will AJ be working behind the scenes, but she will also be providing color commentary for the all-woman shows.
One week after AEW star Bryan Danielson was revealed as the second inductee into the Ring of Honor Hall of Fame, ROH has announced that a contemporary of Danielson’s will be joining him. In a lengthy statement released on their website, Ring of Honor revealed that Samoa Joe will be the third inductee into ROH’s inaugural Hall of Fame class.
“Ring of Honor is proud to welcome Samoa Joe, the most dominant ROH World Champion in history, into the inaugural class of the ROH Hall of Fame,” the statement read. “From the first time he stepped into an ROH ring in 2002, Joe proved to be an intimidating force whose hard-hitting offense, intensity and relentlessness made him one of the sport’s most dangerous competitors. ‘The Samoan Submission Machine’ is arguably the most proficient American pro wrestler in the art of strong style, a form of pro wrestling popularized in Japan that emphasizes strikes and submissions. In just his 10th match in ROH, Joe captured the ROH Title in March 2003. Two months later, Joe officially elevated the championship to world title status when he successfully defended it in London, marking the first time the championship had been defended outside the United States.
“Joe went on to hold the ROH World Championship for a record 645 days and make 31 successful title defenses. It’s not only the longest reign in ROH history, but at the time it was the longest world title reign in any U.S.-based pro wrestling company in 15 years. During Joe’s historic reign, he and CM Punk engaged in an epic trilogy of matches that have become legendary. They wrestled to two 60-minute draws before Joe won their final meeting. Six months after losing the ROH World Title, Joe won the ROH Pure Championship. After leaving ROH in 2007, Joe won the TNA World Heavyweight Title by defeating Kurt Angle. Joe returned to ROH in 2015 for a series of matches before he departed for WWE, where he became the first two-time NXT Champion.”
Samoa Joe joins Danielson and The Briscoe Brothers in Ring of Honor’s inaugural Hall of Fame class; the final inductee will be revealed next week. Shortly after the announcement, Samoa Joe simply tweeted out “#Honored” along with a photo of himself and fellow ROH alumni CM Punk and Homicide.
The announcement comes a little more than a month after Samoa Joe was released from WWE for the second time in the span of a year. Originally released in April of 2021, Joe was re-signed by Triple H and brought to WWE’s NXT brand to work as an in-ring performer and talent scout. He would go on to defeat Killer Kross for the NXT Championship at TakeOver 36 but quickly vacated the title due to injury right before the launch of NXT 2.0.
Joe would never appear on WWE programming again and would ultimately be released on January 6, alongside several other so-called Triple H “lieutenants” William Regal, Gabe Sapolsky, and Road Dogg. In a statement following his release, Joe hinted at a potential return to the ring once he was legally able to. It is unknown what kind, if any, of noncompete clause Joe is under.
As also announced by Ring of Honor, a career retrospective of Samoa Joe will air this weekend on ROH’s weekly Ring of Honor Wrestling program, followed by a YouTube special focused on Monday. The Hall of Fame episode will air on TV next month on Saturday, March 5.
DATE: February 12, 2022 8:00 pm LOCATION: Valor Hal, Oak Grove, Kentucky
CARD
NWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP Trevor Murdoch (c) vs. Matt Cardona
NWA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP Kamille Vs. Taryn Terell
NWA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Chris Adonis (c) vs. Anthony Mayweather
KENTUCKY SWEETHEARTS BRAWL OGK (Matt Taven & Mike Bennett) vs. The Fixers (Jay Bradley & Wrecking Ball Legursky)
I QUIT MATCH Nick Aldis vs. Thom Latimer
TWO-OUT-OF-THREE FALLS MATCH Colby Corino vs. Rhett Titus
Chelsea Green vs. Kylie Raw
Mike Knox vs. ‘Da Pope’ Elijah Burke
Cyon, Matthew Mims, & The Ill Begotten (Alex Taylor and Rush Freeman) vs. Idolmania Sports Management (Tyrus, BLK Jeez, Jordan Clearwater, & Marshe Rockett)
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