ELIMINATION CHAMBER MATCH FOR THE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP: Austin Theory (c) vs. Bronson Reed vs. Damian Priest vs. Johnny Gargano vs. Montez Ford vs. Seth Rollins
UNDISPUTED WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Sami Zayn
ELIMINATION CHAMBER MATCH TO DETERMINE NO. 1 CONTENDER FOR RAW WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP: Asuka vs. Carmella vs. Liv Morgan vs. Natalya vs. Nikki Cross vs. Raquel Rodriguez
MIXED TAG TEAM MATCH: Edge and Beth Phoenix vs. The Judgment Day (Finn Balor and Rhea Ripley)
WWE SmackDown will air live tonight on FOX, and emanate from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Tonight’s show is the go-home show for Saturday’s Elimination Chamber.
Although Jay White is on WWE’s radar, the company is looking to bring in another major free agent.
White’s deal with NJPW is expiring soon, and he looks to be on his way out of the company after losing a “loser leaves NJPW” match. Many expect him to go to AEW or WWE.
In an update from Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, those in WWE that would normally know about talent acquisitions mentioned that there is an even bigger free agent that the company is looking at.
“Those in WWE who would normally know of major acquisitions during Mania season didn’t know about this one and only said that there was a much bigger major free agent in play right now that was internally the priority.”
On Saturday, New Japan Pro Wrestling will return to the U.S. to host Battle in the Valley in San Jose, California. The event will potentially be the destination for Jay White’s final match with the promotion.
Mercedes Moné’s debut match is the biggest selling point for the upcoming show, which will also feature the latest edition of Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi’s iconic rivalry. Still, all eyes would be on The Switchblade following the outcome of his dramatic Loser Leaves Japan bout at The New Beginning.
Last week, Hikuleo defeated the leader of Bullet Club and banished him from his adopted home. After he accepted his fate, the New Zealand wrestler set his sights on a showdown with AEW’s Eddie Kingston. However, the two upped the ante on this week’s episode of Wrestling Observer Live with our own Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive.
Kingston challenged White to a Loser Leaves NJPW match, and the former IWGP world champion agreed. The added stipulation doesn’t add much suspense to their conflict because many assumed it would be his final appearance with the Japanese promotion.
Instead, the occasion will likely mark the end of the Cutthroat Era and make King Switch the hottest new free agent in wrestling. During his interview with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, White said he was “at peace with it.”
“I don’t know if there is much more I could have done,” he said. “I don’t feel like I left a bunch of boxes unchecked. I’ve been living it, so it can be hard to appreciate it in the moment, but as I move on, I’ve started to look back at the weight some of it holds. As time goes on, I hope people appreciate it even more.”
The first NJPW grand slam champion certainly had a prosperous and impactful run with the company. So, what’s next for the self-proclaimed Catalyst of Pro Wrestling?
ICYMI
Jay White vs Eddie Kingston Saturday at Battle in the Valley is now Loser Leaves NJPW!
The Elite has a long history with White stemming from Kenny Omega’s failed attempt to recruit him at NJPW New Year Dash 2018. The Switchblade rejected him, waited for Bullet Club to implode, and eventually stepped in as its new leader.
When The Cleaner and The Young Bucks left New Japan, he thrived as the top gaijin star in the company. The formation of AEW and the rise of the Cutthroat Era ran parallel to one another as Omega’s successor secured numerous accolades in his absence.
It didn’t take an expert to see that the 30-year-old would inevitably make his way to the U.S. as well. For starters, every wrestler who rose to prominence as the head of Bullet Club did so before him, including its founder, Finn Balor.
White started making inroads into America in 2020 as a part of NJPW Strong. The following year, his U-S-of-Jay Open Challenge became a fixture at these shows, and he appeared on Impact Wrestling.
By the time he made his triumphant return to Japan at Wrestling Dontaku 2022, it became clear that he would be at the forefront of NJPW’s new partnership with AEW. In the process, he continued to gain new fans in the U.S., and you could see where this was leading.
For that reason, AEW would be a perfect landing spot for King Switch. The company’s audience already knows him, and its core fanbase has an affinity for New Japan because of The Elite. His style of wrestling would also fit seamlessly on a roster full of some of the best wrestlers in the industry.
Even more, there are so many potential storylines for him there with familiar opponents like The Best Bout Machine. Straight away, White would be an excellent opponent for Adam Cole at Revolution. After all, the two-time IWGP world champion was a part of his last pay-per-view match at Forbidden Door, and he has reason to seek revenge.
The Next Bullet Club Member to Sign With WWE
If White wants to step out of his comfort zone and compete on a larger stage, WWE is the best option. AEW is a safe bet because he could pick up where he left off with NJPW in some ways and continue to build on established rivalries.
WWE would allow him to do something different and reach a broader audience. It’s hard to imagine he would leave Japan just to keep doing the same character work and catering to a niche audience.
It would be fun to see him work with The Elite or test himself against Bryan Danielson. However, one could argue that he has already done memorable angles with Omega, and he successfully surpassed him as the leader of Bullet Club.
The Switchblade has already beaten him for the IWGP United States Championship. He one-upped him in the main event of G1 Supercard at Madison Square Garden and took part in Forbidden Door.
There are still stories to tell and comeuppances to dish out, but White doesn’t gain as much from revisiting lingering questions surrounding Omega’s NJPW exit. King Switch created a mystique by filling the void he left behind and doing things his way. So, wouldn’t it make more sense for him to chart his own path free of the ever-present comparisons between the two men?
Signing with WWE would definitely come with the risk that the company would dilute his character or repackage and saddle him with an unimaginative name change. Still, he would have a better chance of immediately entering the world title picture there than he would with AEW.
After Roman Reigns’ monster run as the undisputed universal champion, the company will need fresh contenders. In particular, there will be room for a new heel to step up when he isn’t as present on WWE programming.
AEW doesn’t need a new major antagonist as much because MJF just started his reign of terror. It will be hard to compete with him for the top spot right now. So, White could probably make a more significant impact with WWE on the main roster.
The Verdict
White has two great options in WWE and AEW. Both companies have pros and cons, but it all depends on what he wants out of the next chapter of his career.
Pro wrestling lost a true legend of the industry yesterday with the death of Jerry Jarrett.
Conrad Thompson mentioned Jarrett had been battling esophageal cancer during a recording with Jarrett’s son, AEW star Jeff Jarrett, that was released earlier today.
Along with his mother Christine, Jerry Jarrett put Memphis wrestling on the map as one of the true catalysts for making the territory so hot in the 1970s and 1980s. Along the way, he was responsible for making a number of stars in the business such as Jackie Fargo, Jerry Lawler, Bill Dundee, Dutch Mantell, and his own son Jeff. In addition, talent such as “Stone Cold” Steve Austin credited Jarrett for helping them build the proper foundation to get their careers off the ground.
Jarrett’s career spanned decades as both a wrestler and promoter. In 1969, he made his in-ring debut for NWA Mid-America, where he went on to become a 10-time NWA Southern Tag Team Champion. Jarrett initially retired from in-ring competition in 1988 ahead of promoting United States Wrestling Association, but competed in a handful of matches for USWA until his final bout in 1995.
In 2002, after years of consulting work with both World Championship Wrestling and the World Wrestling Federation, Jerry and son Jeff co-founded the promotion that became Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling, now known as Impact Wrestling. Jarrett parted ways with TNA in 2005 after a dispute over the company’s direction — this led to a falling out between Jerry and Jeff until their reconciliation a decade later, after agreeing to never talk about wrestling.
In 2018, Jarrett was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame.
Jarrett was 80 years old, and his contributions are being remembered by friends and colleagues whose lives he impacted over the years.
“I’m hearing reports of my friend and long-time booker/promoter Jerry Jarrett died this morning in TN,” tweeted Mantell. “I last saw him last year when we did the VICE show THE TERRITORIES in Atlanta. Very creative booker. Condolences to Jeff/Deborah and the Jarrett family.”
SAD NEWS: I’m hearing reports of my friend and long time booker/promoter Jerry Jarrett died this morning in TN. I last saw him last year when we did the VICE show THE TERRITORIES in Atlanta. Very creative booker. Condolences to Jeff/Deborah and the Jarrett family. pic.twitter.com/CYOguhr5KY
“Sad news of a great guy who has passed away. Condolences go out to the Jerry Jarrett Family,” wrote The Honky Tonk Man, adding that Jarrett gave him a break in wrestling that he’ll never forget.
“Godspeed, Jerry Jarrett. My heart goes out to his family and friends. What a legacy,” said former NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Adam Pearce.
“Such sad news on Jerry Jarrett – will always be in my heart – one of the greatest promoters that gave way to some of my most fondest professional moments – he will be missed”
Such sad news on Jerry Jarrett – will always be in my heart – one of the greatest promoters that gave way to some of my most fondest professional moments – he will be missed
Everyone in AEW is saddened by the loss of Jerry Jarrett, a legend in every facet of pro wrestling. Jerry Jarrett was an incredible wrestler, one of the best storytelling minds ever, a trailblazing promoter, and a visionary whose family roots in wrestling will endure forever. pic.twitter.com/Ypl3R4RuAb
I loved Jerry Jarrett. He believed in me. He's responsible for Marty & I becoming Tag Champs. I was also one of the 1st people he called to help start TNA. I'm very grateful to Jerry & I'm really sad to know I'll never see him again. #RIPpic.twitter.com/5XSS9EGXq9
The NWA family is saddened to hear of the passing of the legendary Jerry Jarrett. A very important part of the professional wrestling business, we send our condolences to his family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/zMdyNkoV9G
Most importantly, thank you for giving my father & myself our dream job. Love you & your family, Jerry Jarrett. You changed the landscape of professional wrestling. https://t.co/tzDRzVRqHg
Heartbroken to hear about the loss of @JerryJarrett. What an incredibly instrumental figure in the history of professional wrestling in so many ways. Sending love and prayers to his precious wife Deborah, Jeff, Jennifer, Jason & his entire family. It's a sad day for wrestling.
Sad news hearing the passing of Jerry Jarrett. This man helped me out so much in my career. From training at his farm for the USWA wrestling school to last year him saying he’s proud of me for sticking it out. #RipJerry 🙏 pic.twitter.com/u7ELL9sIRw
RIP Jerry Jarrett. Jerry was essentially my first boss when I signed with TNA in 2003. We had several very nice and funny conversations, one in particular I will never forget. Thank you for all you gave to professional wrestling. My heart goes out to my friend @RealJeffJarrett
Last year, Major League Wrestling (MLW) filed a lawsuit against WWE on grounds of malicious interference with their contracts and business prospects. It was alleged that WWE had forced third parties to abandon agreements and prospective relationships with MLW. WWE was further accused of compelling the end of MLW’s negotiations with VICE TV in 2021.
Pwinsider is reporting that on Monday, February 14th, 2023, Judge Edward J. Davila of the U.S. District Court, California Northern District (San Jose) dismissed the antitrust lawsuit filed by MLW against WWE.
Judge Davila stated that MLW had not furnished adequate facts to plausibly allege a relevant antitrust market. He also ruled that some of the harms alleged by MLW were specific to them rather than the competition at large. These two reasons were pivotal for granting WWE’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit.
However, Judge Davila also stated that additional allegations may negate the deficiencies outlined in WWE’s motion, and thus allowed MLW three weeks to file an amended complaint.
MLW and WWE will go back into arguing over the discovery phase, which WWE had been fighting hard to avoid if MLW does file an amended pleading within 21 days. If MLW does not file an amended complaint, the case would be closed.
Following the dismissal of the lawsuit, MLW CEO Court Bauer issued a statement, noting that the MLW legal team is already preparing to file an amended complaint. He said,
“Our legal team is already at work on amending the complaint. We have every intention to continue pursuing our case against WWE.”
It’s been a rough week for Jerry “The King” Lawler, as the WWE Hall of Famer suffered a stroke while staying at his Florida condo on Monday.
As he fell ill, Lawler was rushed to the hospital to undergo emergency surgery. Following the procedure, Lawler’s movement and speech remained limited, but with some rehabilitation, he is expected to make a full recovery. In the latest update, Lawler has now been moved out of the ICU to begin the discharge process Friday, as confirmed by his long-time partner Lauryn McBride via a post on Lawler’s Twitter account.
“Jerry is out of ICU & will return to his Florida home for outpatient rehab for his limited speech & cognitive skills. Doctors hopeful for full recovery & Jerry is looking forward to returning to his fans very soon. – Lauryn #LongLiveTheKing,” the tweet read.
Amidst his health scare, Lawler found himself in the comfort and thoughts of many of his family and friends, including “The Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart, who visited Lawler in his hospital room. Former WWE broadcast partner Jim Ross also spoke with Lawler and took to social media to share that Lawler’s prognosis seemed positive.
Fellow WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley recently discussed Lawler’s contributions to the professional wrestling industry, and of course, his hope for his former colleague to make a full comeback. Noting Lawler as one of the “premier bump guys,” Foley applauded the multi-time champion’s work as a “top guy for decades.”
“By the time the world got to know Jerry, he had a lot of wear and tear on his body,” he said on “Foley Is Pod.”
