Lucha Libre Legend Rey Misterio Sr. Passes Away at 66

The wrestling world is mourning the loss of Miguel Angel Lopez Dias, better known as Rey Misterio Sr., who passed away at the age of 66. The news was confirmed in a heartfelt statement shared on Facebook by one of his sons, marking the end of an era for lucha libre.

A Pioneer of Lucha Libre

Rey Misterio Sr. was a trailblazer in Mexican wrestling, with a career that spanned decades and left an indelible mark on the industry. While most of his in-ring legacy was built in Mexico, Misterio Sr. also made appearances in WCW during the 1990s and continued to perform on the U.S. independent circuit through the 2000s. His contributions to wrestling were not confined to his own career—he played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of lucha libre stars.

A Master Trainer

Rey Misterio Sr. was not just a celebrated wrestler but also a renowned trainer, passing on his knowledge to some of wrestling’s most recognizable names. He helped mold the careers of his nephew, Rey Misterio Jr. (later renamed Rey Mysterio in WWE), and his son, Hijo del Rey Mysterio. Misterio Sr. also trained lucha libre legends like Konnan and Psicosis, who went on to enjoy prominent careers in promotions such as WCW and beyond.

A Legacy That Lives On

Rey Misterio Jr., Misterio Sr.’s nephew, became one of the most influential lucha libre stars in the world. From his groundbreaking matches in WCW to his iconic WWE career, Rey Mysterio Jr. has carried his uncle’s legacy to global audiences. His storied journey culminated in a WWE Hall of Fame induction in 2023, a testament to the impact Rey Misterio Sr.’s mentorship had on the industry.

Remembering a Legend

Rey Misterio Sr.’s contributions to professional wrestling extended far beyond the ring. As both a performer and a mentor, he played a crucial role in elevating lucha libre’s status worldwide. His passing marks the loss of a true icon, but his influence will continue to resonate through the wrestlers he trained and the fans who admired his work.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time. Rey Misterio Sr. will forever be remembered as a cornerstone of lucha libre and a beloved figure in the wrestling community.

ROH Final Battle 12/20/2024 (Results) – Return Of Bandido & Danhausen

ROH Final Battle: Top Highlights, Shocking Moments, and Title Changes

Ring of Honor’s Final Battle delivered a thrilling mix of in-ring artistry, dramatic storytelling, and jaw-dropping surprises. From stunning heel turns to unexpected alliances, the event left fans buzzing. Let’s dive into the most memorable matches and moments.

Zero Hour Pre-Show

Grizzled Young Veterans (GYV) Defeated Dark Order

The action kicked off with GYV targeting John Silver’s injured hamstring, utilizing their ruthless efficiency to outmaneuver the Dark Order. Despite a fiery hot tag to Alex Reynolds and Evil Uno’s antics involving Mr. Brodie Lee’s papers, GYV capitalized with their Grit Your Teeth finisher to secure the win.

Hanako defeated Harley Cameron

Stardom’s powerhouse, Hanako, showcased her strength, shrugging off Harley Cameron’s Shining Wizard. A brutal backbreaker followed by a torture rack buster sealed the deal for the dominant Hanako.

The Kingdom Defeated The Infantry

Amid chaotic interference from Shane Taylor and Trish Adora, The Kingdom’s experience shone through. Despite a near-fall after Infantry’s Boot Camp finisher, The Kingdom rebounded with the Rockstar Supernova combo to win.

Gates of Agony Dominate Defeated Lee Johnson & EJ Nduka

Lee Johnson and EJ Nduka fell to the imposing Gates of Agony after a brutal double crucifix slam. Post-match, Johnson and Nduka blindsided their opponents in a shocking heel turn, cementing their status as dangerous adversaries.

Main Card

Atlantis Jr. Defeated Mansoor

Atlantis Jr. bested Mansoor with a picture-perfect frog splash, but the moment fans will remember came courtesy of a masked intruder—Danhausen. With a “very evil” crotch punch to Mason Madden, Danhausen tipped the scales in Atlantis Jr.’s favor, setting up a post-match curse and teeth-laden assault.

Katsuyori Shibata Defeated Tommy Billington

Katsuyori Shibata’s technical brilliance was on full display as he countered Tommy Billington’s flying headbutt with precise strikes. A well-timed sleeper hold secured a tap-out victory for the wrestling maestro.

Jay Lethal Defeated QT Marshall

This match was pure madness, with QT channeling NWO Randy Savage and Lethal embracing his Black Machismo persona. Highlights included dueling figure-four leg locks and Jeff Jarrett smashing Aaron Solo with a guitar. Lethal’s back-to-back Lethal Injections finally put QT down in a highly entertaining spectacle.

ROH Women’s World Television Championship: Red Velvet Defeated Leyla Hirsch to Retain the Title

In a physical showdown, Velvet resorted to underhanded tactics, clocking Leyla Hirsch with a hidden wrench to retain her championship. The post-match reaction hinted at a full-blown heel turn for Velvet.

ROH Pure Championship: Lee Moriarty Defeated Nigel McGuinness

Nigel’s surprise return brought an old-school feel to the Pure Championship match. After an intense back-and-forth, Lee Moriarty forced Nigel to submit with the Border City Stretch, overcoming McGuinness’s legendary wit and rule-bending.

ROH World Tag Team Championship – Texas Bull Rope Match: Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara Defeated The Righteous to Retain the Titles.

Tied to their respective opponents, Rhodes and Guevara delivered a violent spectacle. Highlights included Dustin smashing Dutch through a barbed wire table and Sammy’s GTH to Vincent. A Dusty Rhodes-inspired cowbell shot from Dustin sealed the victory.

ROH World Television Championship: Komander Defeated Brian Cage, Willie Mack, Mark Davis, AR Fox, and Blake Christian to win the Title

Komander outlasted five other competitors in an electric elimination match to become the new champion. His dazzling high-flying offense, including a rope-walking shooting star press, earned a standing ovation as he pinned Blake Christian to claim the gold.

ROH World Championship: Chris Jericho defeated Matt Cardona to Retain the Title

Chris Jericho embraced his “Le Champion” theatrics, entering to Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” before engaging in a grueling contest with Matt Cardona. Despite Cardona’s best efforts and a seven-count visual pinfall, outside interference from Bryan Keith secured Jericho’s victory. Afterward, Bandido made a surprise return to fend off Jericho and his cronies, setting up a likely title clash down the road.

ROH Women’s World Championship: Athena Defeated Billie Starkz to Retain the Title

In an emotional battle, Athena’s relentless targeting of Starkz’s knee led to a decisive victory after the O-Face flying stunner. After the match, Athena laughed at Starkz crying on the mat.

AEW Rampage Holiday Bash Preview 12/20/2024

AEW Rampage Holiday Bash tonight on TNT.

  • AEW Continental Classic Gold League Match: Brody King (6 pts) vs. Komander (0 pts)
  • Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage vs. Powerhouse Hobbs & Mark Davis
  • Willow Nightingale vs. Harley Cameron
  • Lio Rush & Action Andretti vs. TBD
  • We’ll hear from Don Callis

WWE SmackDown Preview 12/20/2024

WWE SmackDown will air tonight on the USA Network, taped last week from the XL Center in Hartford, CT.

  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match: Bianca Belair and Naomi defends against Nia Jax and Candice LeRae
  • The Bloodline vs. LA Knight, Apollo Crews and Andrade
  • Carmelo Hayes vs. Braun Strowman
  • Johnny Gargano vs. Alex Shelley

WWE NXT Level Up Reportedly Ending

As WWE gears up for a transformative 2025, the company’s programming continues to shift across networks, and it seems NXT Level Up is the latest casualty of this new era.

According to a report from Fightful Select, WWE is set to wrap up NXT Level Up this week, with Thursday’s taping reportedly marking the series’ final episode. This comes amid WWE’s broader network shuffle, as the company prepares for RAW’s highly anticipated move to Netflix in January.

NXT itself has already undergone significant changes this year. Back in October, SmackDown moved from FOX to the USA Network, while NXT transitioned from USA to The CW Network. Along with this shift, older episodes of NXT migrated from Peacock to The CW App, causing uncertainty about where supplemental content like NXT Level Up would land.

NXT Level Up first debuted on February 18, 2022, as a successor to the beloved 205 Live. The show primarily served as a proving ground for newer NXT talent—those who had yet to establish themselves on the main Tuesday night NXT broadcast. Episodes were often taped either before or after the live NXT shows, giving developmental wrestlers a chance to gain experience in front of a live audience.

Despite its role in spotlighting emerging stars, the future of NXT Level Up has felt uncertain for months. The lack of clarity on its streaming home—especially with NXT’s library moving to The CW—sparked speculation that the show would soon be discontinued. Now, with Fightful’s report indicating its imminent conclusion, it appears WWE is officially pulling the plug.

While NXT Level Up may be ending, WWE’s developmental brand remains a key focus. NXT’s move to The CW has given the brand a new home with broader reach, and WWE is clearly investing in elevating its younger talent through Tuesday night programming. With RAW moving to Netflix in 2025 and SmackDown thriving on USA Network, WWE’s media landscape continues to evolve—and smaller shows like NXT Level Up may no longer fit into the company’s long-term strategy.

For now, fans can tune in to the final episode of NXT Level Up this Thursday as WWE says goodbye to the short-lived series. It’s a bittersweet end for a show that helped develop the next generation of stars, but it’s clear WWE has its eyes set on a much bigger stage as it heads into 2025.

Kenny Omega Nearing Return: AEW Comeback Expected Before NJPW Match

After spending all of 2024 sidelined with diverticulitis, former AEW World Champion Kenny Omega is finally set for an in-ring return. Omega’s first official match back will see him face NJPW STRONG Openweight Champion Gabe Kidd at Wrestle Dynasty on January 5, 2025, in the iconic Tokyo Dome. But while fans eagerly await Omega’s return to Japan, reports suggest his comeback to AEW could happen even sooner.

According to Fightful Select, Omega’s return to AEW is likely to take place before his NJPW bout. In fact, there’s been significant internal discussion about potentially bringing Omega back at AEW’s final pay-per-view of the year, Worlds End, on December 28. Although nothing has been officially confirmed, this would be a monumental way for AEW to close out 2024 and kickstart Omega’s next chapter.

Omega’s return has been highly anticipated, and AEW has already begun building momentum. A vignette promoting his comeback aired during the Holiday Bash edition of AEW Dynamite, sparking excitement among fans. However, AEW has noticeably avoided mentioning Omega’s Wrestle Dynasty match against Gabe Kidd, raising questions about what role Omega might play upon his return.

Interestingly, Omega’s choice to have his first match back in Japan rather than AEW is reportedly part of a goodwill gesture to New Japan Pro Wrestling. Sources close to the situation indicate that AEW President Tony Khan personally approved the decision to strengthen the working relationship between AEW and NJPW. Omega himself has also spoken about the move, expressing his desire to repay NJPW for its role in shaping his career.

Before his health setback, Omega was reportedly on track for a high-profile feud with Kazuchika Okada, a rivalry that would have reunited two of the best to ever compete in NJPW. While it remains unclear if AEW will pick up those plans, Omega’s return opens up countless storytelling possibilities, especially as AEW heads into 2025 with growing momentum.

Omega’s absence this year left a noticeable void in AEW, but his return promises to reignite the fanbase. Whether it’s at Worlds End on December 28 or another major AEW show leading into the new year, the wrestling world will be watching closely to see how “The Cleaner” re-establishes himself on the AEW stage.

Stay tuned to wrestlingnewsblog.com for further updates on Kenny Omega’s return, his role in AEW, and his upcoming clash with Gabe Kidd at NJPW’s Wrestle Dynasty. One thing’s for sure: 2025 is about to get a whole lot cleaner.

WWE Reportedly Considering a ‘Tribal Chief Championship’ for Bloodline Storyline

The Bloodline saga has been one of WWE’s most captivating storylines in years, but even its biggest supporters have pointed out a minor flaw: the rivalry is built around an abstract concept. While Roman Reigns’ title as “Tribal Chief” is deeply rooted in the faction’s Samoan heritage, it lacks the tangible symbolism often seen in championship-driven feuds. However, WWE may soon change that.

According to a report from WrestleVotes, WWE is considering introducing a Tribal Chief Championship belt into the Bloodline storyline, giving Reigns, Solo Sikoa, and the entire faction something more concrete to fight over. The report suggests this championship would be similar to the People’s Championship presented to The Rock earlier this year at WrestleMania 40.

If this move happens, it could coincide with the highly-anticipated January 6 debut of WWE Raw on Netflix, where Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa are already set to clash. Their match, which Reigns officially laid out on the December 13 episode of SmackDown, will be a “Tribal Combat” Match — a stipulation that features no disqualifications and no outside interference. WWE elaborated further on Raw three days later, building anticipation for this significant showdown.

While the introduction of a Tribal Chief Championship is still speculative, it wouldn’t be the first time wrestling has seen story-driven titles designed to enhance rivalries.

  • In the late ’80s, Ted DiBiase introduced the Million Dollar Championship, a flashy symbol of his wealth and influence.
  • In ECW, Taz debuted the rebellious FTW Championship (affectionately called the “F*** the World” title) as a darkly humorous declaration of dominance.
  • In WWE’s early 2010s, Matt Cardona (then Zack Ryder) crowned himself the Internet Champion, a nod to his social media success and rising online fanbase.

These titles, while not always formally recognized, added depth to storylines and served as symbolic trophies for larger-than-life personas. A Tribal Chief Championship could play a similar role, giving Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa an unmistakable prize that embodies their struggle for leadership and power within the Bloodline.

The timing would certainly make sense. With the Netflix era of WWE Raw on the horizon and Roman Reigns’ storyline entering yet another pivotal chapter, a new championship would help escalate tensions and provide fans with a fresh visual centerpiece for the Bloodline feud.

Should WWE proceed with this plan, the Tribal Chief Championship could become a unique piece of wrestling lore — a title driven less by traditional wrestling wins and losses and more by legacy, dominance, and family pride.

Stay tuned to wrestlingnewsblog.com as we continue to cover all the latest developments leading up to WWE Raw’s Netflix debut and the ongoing Bloodline saga. Could Solo Sikoa or Roman Reigns soon hold a title that defines the true Tribal Chief? We’ll find out soon enough!

Adam Copeland Is Expected To Return To AEW TV Very Soon

Former AEW TNT Champion Adam Copeland has been absent from the ring since suffering a brutal tibia injury during his Barbed Wire Steel Cage Match against Malakai Black at Double or Nothing in May. The injury forced Copeland to relinquish the TNT Championship and put him on the sidelines for months. However, it seems his time away is finally coming to an end.

According to a report from Fightful Select, Copeland has officially been medically cleared to return and could be making his comeback sooner rather than later. Most in AEW reportedly believe that his return will take place on the January 1 episode of AEW Dynamite: Fight for the Fallen. The timing and location make a lot of sense for several reasons.

Firstly, AEW’s January 1 Dynamite marks their streaming debut on MAX, making it a major milestone for the company. Secondly, the show will take place in Asheville, North Carolina, a city where Copeland currently resides. Adding more fuel to the speculation, FTR, who are also Asheville locals, recently teased that they wouldn’t be coming to Fight for the Fallen “alone.” If those comments are anything to go by, Copeland could very well be joining them in some capacity.

While Copeland has reportedly been training in preparation for his in-ring return after being medically cleared , he’s also been keeping busy outside the ring. He’s currently shooting the second season of Disney+’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians, where he plays Ares, the God of War. The filming is expected to wrap in January, so it remains to be seen whether Copeland’s potential appearance at Fight for the Fallen will be a one-off or if he’ll resume a more consistent schedule.

Interestingly, Copeland’s acting career has been thriving. He recently earned a Children’s and Family Emmy Award nomination for his work as Ares in the first season of Percy Jackson. Between his wrestling success and his Hollywood recognition, Copeland is proving once again why he’s one of the most versatile stars in the industry.

Adding to the importance of Fight for the Fallen, all proceeds from the show will go toward hurricane relief efforts in Asheville and surrounding areas following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. With AEW combining a charitable cause, a major streaming debut, and a potential surprise return, the January 1 Dynamite could be one of AEW’s biggest shows of the year.

Will Adam Copeland return to AEW on January 1 and kick off 2025 with a bang? If the speculation holds true, fans are in for an unforgettable night in Asheville! Stay tuned to wrestlingnewsblog.com for any updates on Copeland’s status and AEW’s Fight for the Fallen.

ROH Final Battle 12/20/2024 (Card)

Ring Of Honor – Final Battle – December 20, 2024 · New York, NY · Hammerstein Ballroom

Main Card:

ROH Women’s World Championship Match:
Athena (c) vs. Billie Starkz

ROH World Championship Match:
Chris Jericho (c) vs. Matt Cardona

ROH Women’s TV Championship Match:
Red Velvet (c) vs. Leyla Hirsch

ROH World Tag Team Championships Texas Bull Rope Match:
Sammy Guevara & Dustin Rhodes (c) vs. The Righteous

ROH TV Championship Survival of the Fittest Match:
Brian Cage (c) vs. AR Fox vs. Willie Mack vs. Komander vs. Blake Christian vs. Mark Davis

ROH Pure Championship Open Challenge:
Lee Moriarty (c) vs. TBD

QT Marshall vs. Jay Lethal

Atlantis Jr. vs. Mansoor

Katsuyori Shibata vs. “The Dynamite Kid” Tommy Billington

Zero Hour:

The Infantry vs. Undisputed Kingdom

Alex Reynolds & John Silver vs. Grizzled Young Veterans

Lee Johnson & EJ Nduka vs. Gates of Agony

Harley Cameron vs. Hanako

ROH Preview 12/19/2024

ROH TV tonight on HonorClub.

  • Lee Johnson vs. Bishop Kaun
  • Murder Machines (Lance Archer & Brian Cage) vs. Iron Savages (Beefcake Boulder & Bulk Bronson)
  • Queen Aminata vs. Lady Frost
  • Sidney Akeem vs. Serpentico
  • Grizzled Young Veterans and Shane Taylor Promotions (Shane Taylor & Lee Moriarty) vs. Dark Order (Evil Uno & Alex Reynolds) and Undisputed Kingdom (Mike Bennett & Matt Taven)
  • Billie Starkz & Athena vs. TBD
  • Update on Chris Jericho vs. Matt Cardona