Category: WWE

Japanese Wrestling Legend Antonio Inoki Has Passed Away At The Age Of 79

One of the most influential and important figures in the history of Japanese professional wrestling has died.

Yahoo! Japan reported Antonio Inoki passed away at his home on Saturday, October 1. A specific cause of death was not reported, but Inoki’s health problems over recent years were well known. In an interview earlier this year, he admitted he had been near death on a number of occasions.

News of Inoki’s passing came nearly 62 years to the day after his pro wrestling debut at the age of 17 on September 30, 1960. Another literal and figurative giant in Japanese wrestling history, Inoki’s future tag team partner Shohei Baba, made his in-ring debut on the same card for the Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance (later, simply known as the Japan Wrestling Alliance).

Inoki and Baba’s departures from the JWA changed the course of wrestling in Japan forever. In 1972, Inoki founded New Japan Pro-Wrestling, while Baba founded All Japan Pro Wrestling. Without two of its top stars, the JWA collapsed.

Inoki’s influence spread around the world. In 1976, he squared off against Muhammed Ali in an infamous “wrestler vs. boxer” match. The bout is viewed by many as a prelude to the future popularity of the sport of mixed martial arts.

Inoki’s leadership of NJPW was not without its missteps. His interest in MMA during the early 2000s gave birth to an in-ring philosophy that became known as Inoki-ism. However, the shift to the shoot fighting style nearly doomed NJPW. Inoki sold his stake in NJPW in 2005 and stepped away from the company.

Inoki explored other promotions and ventures following his exit from NJPW. Those included him founding the Inoki Genome Federation

Inoki also found success in the political arena. He served two terms in the House of Councillors. He was first elected in 1989. During that term, he notably traveled to Iraq, where he met with Saddam Hussein and successfully negotiated the release of a group of Japanese hostages.

A failed re-election bid saw Inoki leave office, but he returned after being elected to a new term in 2013. This one was marked by a number of controversial trips to North Korea. Inoki retired from politics in 2019.

Word of Inoki’s death began circulating in North America on Friday night.

News of his passing was announced during Friday night’s live broadcast of “SmackDown,” with Michael Cole conveying the company’s condolences to Inoki’s family, friends, and fans. On Twitter, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque shared his own tribute.

“One of the most important figures in the history of our business, and a man who embodied the term ‘fighting spirit,'” Levesque wrote. “The legacy of WWE Hall of Famer Antonio Inoki will live on forever.”

Inoki defeated Bob Backlund to win the WWF Heavyweight Championship in 1979, but the company never officially recognized his reign. Inoki was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2010.

AEW Owner and CEO Tony Khan joined the many on social media paying tribute to Inoki’s memory.

“RIP Antonio Inoki, a pioneer in the pro wrestling industry,” Khan wrote on Twitter Friday night. “Inoki’s influence and his achievements will live on forever in the wrestling world; he’s an inspiration to all of the dreamers. Thank you sir.”

Many of NJPW’s current top stars are in London, England where the company is holding its two-night Royal Quest II event this weekend.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

A New White Rabbit QR Code Airs On SmackDown

The QR codes for the “White Rabbit” continue.

During Friday night’s episode of WWE SmackDown, a new QR code aired at the end of a Karrion Kross vignette, which teased a rebirth of sorts.

When the QR code was scanned, it led to a WWE.com link that featured a video of the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf. At one point, the pigs were butchered. Additionally, the Big Bad Wolf was wearing Granny’s clothes. The video ended with a Morse code that translated to “Azazel Reborn.”

For what it’s worth, Azazel is part of Jewish folklore who was associated with the scapegoat rite. He is referenced in Christian and Islamic folklore and is sometimes considered to be a “fallen angel.” Fans of Marvel likely know Azazel as the name of a mutant teleporter from Chuck Austin’s run in the early 2000s.

The WWE.com video also features the White Rabbit in the corner and has the filename of “TS_10E6.” With that being said, episode six of The Simpsons in season 10 has a segment where the town of Springfield gets drugged thanks to Homer. At that point, Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit” plays as they all hallucinate. The filename also includes a phone number (8554895099) that if you call, it plays a distorted audio clip. When it’s played in reverse, it says, “Bravo. Echo. Lima. Alpha. India. Romeo. I am the way into the City of Woe. I am the way into the eternal sorrow.” The first six letters are military alphabet for “Belair.”

Interestingly, WWE’s QR code URL was titled wwe.com/1911, which fans immediately connected to an image of Firefly Funhouse Bray in a Mad Hatter hat with the numbers 19/11. You can view the old image here. 

The source code of the WWE.com URL also features the message, “Drink More Ovaltine,” which is in reference to “A Christmas Story” where Ralphie gets a Little Orphan Annie Secret Society Decoder Pin and uses it to decode a message that is an advertisement for Ovaltine.

The Wyatt teases didn’t end there. Later on “SmackDown,” a fan standing directly behind announcers Michael Cole and Corey Graves held up a sign that read, “Revel in what you are.” Wyatt had tweeted this exact message in 2019 while appreciating Rob Schamberg’s artwork for The Fiend. 

As noted earlier, the big White Rabbit reveal is expected to take place at next Saturday’s Extreme Rules premium live event. 

Sources: Wrestling Inc. and EWrestlingNews with credit to Ryan Satin

WWE Star Robert Roode Apparently Undergoes Medical Procedure

It appears that “WWE Raw” star Robert Roode underwent a medical procedure during a recent visit to Birmingham, Alabama. While Roode’s tag team partner, Dolph Ziggler, has had a presence on “Raw” since returning to the brand following a brief run on “NXT,” Roode hasn’t been seen on WWE programming since June.

It looks like the reason for Roode’s absence could be medical. Roode took to his Instagram account to reveal that he is hopeful after meeting with doctors at Southlake Orthopaedics and Andrews Sports Medicine.

“Heading home after what is hoped to be a successful trip to Birmingham, AL,” Roode wrote. “Big thank you to Southlake Orthopaedics and Andrews Sports Medicine for taking great care of me this week. Especially to the first class medical staff of Dr. Micheal Ellerbusch, Dr. Andrew Cordover, and Dr. Charles Carnel.”

Roode did not specify the reason for his visit. He did share a picture of himself in a hospital gown and also a pair of small bandages on the side of his neck.

Roode has been a part of the WWE roster since 2016. He was pushed as a main eventer on the “NXT” brand and even captured the “NXT” Championship. His status as a headliner didn’t translate to the main roster, but he’s still found success. Roode is a former two-time “Raw” Tag Team Champion, a former “SmackDown” Tag Team Champion, and also a former United States Champion.

Prior to his WWE run, Roode was with Impact Wrestling for over a decade and became a two-time Impact World Champion. Before he became a top singles star in the company, Roode was in a memorable tag team with James Storm. Together, they were known as Beer Money and held the Impact World Tag Team Championship five times.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE SmackDown Preview 9/30/2022

Tonight’s WWE SmackDown comes from the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, MB, Canada on FOX at 8/7c.

Major Concern In WWE Over Randy Orton’s Current Injury

WWE is said to be very concerned over Randy Orton’s condition due to the injury that has kept him out of action for months.

Randy Orton has been out with a back injury since May, with his most recent match being RK-Bro’s loss to The Usos in the WWE Tag Title unification match.

In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it is reported that there is concern over the severity of the injury, despite the months of time off.

WWE has previously announced that Orton is consulting with neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons to determine the extent of the damage to his back.

Despite hope that the former WWE World Champion would be back by now, there is no word on when Randy Orton is scheduled to return to the ring.

This year marks the 20th anniversary or Orton’s debut on WWE’s main roster.

Source: EWrestlingNews

WWE’s White Rabbit Reveal Expected To Happen At Extreme Rules

WWE’s White Rabbit teasers have been a pretty big success. Wrestling fans have been hypothesizing who exactly the clues are pointing to, and while it seems likely they are pointing to Bray Wyatt, there are a few other names out in the ether. Even a clue hinting it might be Malakai Black has been discovered, although that seems very unlikely considering his current status.

The clues have taken the form of videos, QR codes, and even flyers on fans’ cars outside WWE shows. What fans want to know is when exactly these teasers are going to amount to something. The initial implication was that whoever the White Rabbit is would be revealed on the September 23 episode of SmackDown. That didn’t happen, and now all eyes are on Extreme Rules.

That’s following a new report from Fightful Select (via WrestlingHeadlines). Apparently the idea was met with doubt from some backstage at first, but now everyone is on board due to its popularity and execution. The internal belief is the reveal will happen at Extreme Rules, but how exactly that will happen and whether they will actually be there remains unclear.

There’s also the potential for plans to change as well, of course. Even without Vince McMahon running the show, there’s always a chance that things might change whether it be due to an injury, or simply a change in the direction of the booking. Extreme Rules does seem like the most likely place for a reveal though, especially after fireflies and a lantern were spotted in some of the event’s artwork.

More indicators that the White Rabbit is Wyatt, and it has almost reached a point where the former WWE Champion is so expected that there might be backlash if it isn’t him. Wyatt left WWE during the summer of 2021 and hasn’t popped up anywhere else since. Perhaps he just needed some time off and we’re now a little more than a week away from what will be a pretty big return.

Source: TheSportster

Ricky Morton Details Plans For His And Rock ‘n’ Roll Express’s Final Matches

Ricky Morton is in the midst of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Express farewell tour, and he has detailed when he and his longtime tag team partner, Robert Gibson, plan to hang up their wrestling boots for good. The legendary team began their tour earlier this year. Morton appeared on the “Insiders Edge Podcast” and revealed whether or not the final match has been finalized.

“No we haven’t,” Morton said. “There’s so many places that you’d think we’re having our farewell tour, and I guess it’s gonna turn into like Kiss’ farewell tour, it’s gonna go on for 14 years because there’s so many places that we hadn’t been that we need to go back. Here in the United States, it’s a lot of towns that you want to go, but we’re talking about it. Our last match has to be at NWA.”

With that said, Morton did confirm that he and Gibson have at least discussed final match plans with NWA owner Billy Corgan. He then revealed the potential timeframe for the final Rock ‘n’ Roll Express match.

“Probably June, July of next year because Robert and I still have a few towns that we still got to hit,” Morton said.

Morton admitted that he and Gibson were going to wrap up the farewell tour this year, but the team is trying to reach as many towns as possible. Morton said that once his in-ring career comes to a close, he hopes to teach today’s talent that there’s more to the wrestling business than doing high spots.

Source: Wrestling Inc. with credit to the “Insiders Edge Podcast”

Tony D’Angelo Suffers Apparent Injury On WWE NXT – Update

Rising WWE Superstar Tony D’Angelo apparently suffered a knee injury during the 9/27 episode of NXT.

The injury occurred during the D’Angelo vs. Wes Lee qualifier match for a spot in the NXT North American Championship Ladder Match at Halloween Havoc. At a crucial juncture in the bout, D’Angelo seemed to seize control after nailing a huge tilt-a-whirl side slam off the ropes, before grounding Lee to the mat with a sleeper hold. Thereafter, D’Angelo charged toward his opponent in the corner, but Lee countered with a drop toehold. After falling face-first into the turnbuckles, D’Angelo immediately clutched his right knee and struggled to get back up on his feet. The referee threw the ‘X’ sign before calling for the bell, awarding the win to Lee by forfeit. D’Angelo was helped to the back by trainers and WWE officials.

Soon after the show was taped on September 14, there were murmurs of D’Angelo suffering a knee injury at the tapings. However, there was no confirmation of the same from WWE or D’Angelo himself. It was believed that WWE might not air the match at all and just give Lee a bye to qualify for the tournament. With WWE airing footage of D’Angelo’s injury, it’s possible they will use the injury as part of a storyline for D’Angelo’s eventual return to action. 

By virtue of the victory, Lee joined Carmelo Hayes and Oro Mensah in the five-man NXT North American Championship Ladder Match at the upcoming Halloween Havoc premium live event. The final two competitors will be decided in the coming weeks. 

As of this writing, WWE has yet to provide an update on the severity of D’Angelo’s injury.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1574922477179895808

UPDATE

Tony D’Angelo is said to be better than expected after suffering an injury on this week’s episode.

On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reports that the issue is not as bad as first feared and he is not expected to undergo major surgery.

The report adds that D’Angelo could be back sooner than people would think.

WWE NXT Preview 9/27/2022

Here is the lineup for tonight’s episode of WWE NXT in Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center airing on the USA Network at 8/7C.

Candice LeRae Returns To WWE On RAW

Former NXT Superstar Candice LeRae made her surprise return to WWE during Monday night’s episode of Raw.  LaRae squared off against Nikki A.S.H. and picked up a win over A.S.H.

This is LaRae’s first appearance on WWE television since May 4, 2021. She took time away from WWE due to her pregnancy. After her contract expired this past May, she was among including her husband Johnny Gargano that were speculated to sign with AEW. Gargano made his surprise return to WWE during the August 22 episode of Raw that took place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.