Booker T To Make A In-Ring Return For His Reality of Wrestling Promotion

WWE Hall of Famer and NXT commentator Booker T will be making his in-ring return at his Reality of Wrestling promotion’s upcoming show on January 11, 2024.

Zilla Fatu, who appeared at Reality of Wrestling’s ‘Breakout’ event on Sunday night, called out Booker T, accusing him of being an enemy instead of the mentor he was supposed to be. The two exchanged words, and the WWE Legend responded by agreeing to face Fatu in a match at the company’s January event

This match will mark Booker T’s first return to action since his appearance in the 2023 Royal Rumble.

https://twitter.com/MalcolmMuscle/status/1873530572469133726

AEW Worlds End 12/28/2024 (Results) – Kenny Omega & Adam Copeland Return

Zero Hour Results

Leila Grey vs. Toni Storm
A technical start saw both women trade holds before Toni Storm shifted momentum with a running hip attack and a Fisherman suplex. Leila Grey fought valiantly, delivering a diving blockbuster for a near fall, but it wasn’t enough.
Winner: Toni Storm via pinfall with an inside cradle.

Jeff Jarrett vs. QT Marshall
QT showed off his antics early with a celebratory dance after a takedown, but Jarrett fired back with his signature Fargo Strut. Despite interference from Aaron Solo and outside chaos involving Jay Lethal, Jarrett sealed the win.
Winner: Jeff Jarrett via pinfall with the Stroke.

Action Andretti, Lio Rush, & Murder Machines vs. The Outrunners & Top Flight
This eight-man tag match saw chaos unfold with fast-paced action. Despite tensions within their team, Lio Rush tagged himself in to hit a frog splash on Dante Martin for the victory. Post-match, the Murder Machines weren’t pleased with Rush stealing the spotlight.
Winners: Action Andretti, Lio Rush, & Murder Machines.

Main Card Highlights

Kyle Fletcher vs. Will Ospreay (AEW Continental Classic Semifinal)
A physical and blood-soaked battle saw both men push each other to their limits. Fletcher’s arrogance cost him as Ospreay countered into a devastating Styles Clash to secure the win.
Winner: Will Ospreay via pinfall.

Kazuchika Okada vs. Ricochet (AEW Continental Classic Semifinal)
A back-and-forth war highlighted Ricochet’s agility and Okada’s resilience. Despite Ricochet’s relentless offense, Okada ended it with the Rainmaker.
Winner: Kazuchika Okada via pinfall.
Post-match, Shane “Swerve” Strickland embarrassed Ricochet by orchestrating a public toilet paper prank.

Mariah May (c) vs. Thunder Rosa (AEW Women’s World Championship – Tijuana Street Fight)
This brutal contest featured thumbtacks, barbed wire, and interference involving Thunder Rosa’s family. May’s resilience and vicious Storm Zero through a table retained her title.
Winner: Mariah May via pinfall.

Adam Cole vs. MJF (c) (AEW Dynamite Diamond Ring)
MJF’s underhanded tactics, including faking an attack to get Cole’s allies ejected, showcased his mastery of mind games. After a heated bout, MJF retained with a Heatseeker, solidifying his reign.
Winner: MJF via pinfall.
Post-match, Roderick Strong and Kyle O’Reilly reunited with Cole to deliver justice to MJF.

Konosuke Takeshita (c) vs. Powerhouse Hobbs (AEW International Championship)
Takeshita’s agility met Hobbs’ raw power in a hard-hitting showdown. Despite Hobbs’ nearfalls, Takeshita retained with his devastating Raging Fire.
Winner: Konosuke Takeshita via pinfall.

Kris Statlander vs. Mercedes Mone (c) (AEW TBS Championship)
A brutal battle saw Mone utilize innovative offense, including a piledriver on the floor and targeting Statlander’s leg. Statlander’s resilience fell just short, with Mone escaping with a clever crucifix pin.
Winner: Mercedes Mone via pinfall.

Kazuchika Okada vs. Will Ospreay (AEW Continental Classic Finals)
The grand finale lived up to its billing as Okada and Ospreay gave it their all. Despite Ospreay’s fiery effort, Okada secured victory with the Rainmaker, cementing his legacy as the Continental Classic Champion.

Winner: Kazuchika Okada via pinfall.
Post-match: Kenny Omega returned to AEW, presenting Okada with the title in a historic moment.

Main Event: AEW World Championship

Jon Moxley (c) vs. Adam Page vs. Jay White vs. Orange Cassidy
This chaotic fatal four-way was filled with alliances, betrayals, and sheer carnage. Moxley retained after delivering a Death Rider to Jay White, but the drama didn’t end there.

Post-match: FTR and the returning Adam Copeland (fka Edge) joined forces to lay waste to Moxley and the Death Riders. The Patriarchy leave their skybox, Adam stomps the crossbar out of a chair and chokes Jon out with it! Copeland calls Moxley out and calls him “kid” because he was growing pubes when he started doing this, and he says Rated FTR are taking Death Riders out.
Winner: Jon Moxley via pinfall.

Final Thoughts

Worlds End delivered unforgettable moments, from Okada’s triumph to the return of Kenny Omega and Adam Copeland. AEW has set the stage for an electric 2025. Stay tuned for more on these developing stories!

AEW Rampage (Final Episode) Preview 12/27/2024

All Elite Wrestling has announced the lineup for tonight’s AEW Rampage, which will be the last episode on TNT.

  • Chris Jericho vs. Anthony Bowens
  • Nick Wayne vs. HOOK
  • Thunder Rosa vs. Leila Grey
  • Private Party vs. TBD

WWE SmackDown Preview 12/27/2024

WWE SmackDown live tonight on USA Network from the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.

The only thing WWE has officially announced and advertised heading into the show this evening is an appearance by Undisputed WWE Champion “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes.

WWE No Longer Holding Annual Tribute To The Troops

WWE’s beloved Tribute to the Troops specials have officially come to an end. According to Dave Meltzer on a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, a source within WWE confirmed that the company will no longer produce the long-running tradition.

A Storied Legacy

Tribute to the Troops first debuted in December 2003, spearheaded by WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and Hall of Famer John “Bradshaw” Layfield. Designed as a heartfelt gesture to honor the men and women of the armed forces, the show began as a live event in Baghdad, Iraq, aired during the Christmas season.

Over the years, WWE evolved the format, shifting from international deployments to holding the specials at U.S. military bases. Later, the event transitioned to standalone television specials broadcast on NBC and FOX. With a legacy of two decades, Tribute to the Troops became one of WWE’s most cherished annual events.

A Gradual Decline

Despite its historical significance, the show’s prominence faded in recent years. After 2009, WWE moved away from international tapings, and by 2010, the program was primarily filmed stateside. Only one episode, in 2019, did not air on television. The most recent installment aired in December 2023, marking the end of its 20-year run.

WWE Moves Forward

The decision to discontinue Tribute to the Troops is a significant shift for WWE, which has long balanced sports entertainment with charitable and patriotic outreach. While no specific reason has been given for the change, it could reflect WWE’s evolving focus on other large-scale events and partnerships.

Fans who grew up watching the specials will undoubtedly feel the absence of this tradition, which showcased a unique blend of gratitude, wrestling action, and heartfelt moments with the troops.

As WWE continues to innovate and expand its global reach, the spirit of Tribute to the Troops will remain a cherished chapter in the company’s history.

AEW Worlds End 12/28/2024 (Card)

AEW Worlds End live on Pay-Per-View – Saturday December 28, 2024 – 8 p.m. ET (Zero Hour Pre-Show starts at 6:30 p.m. ET) – Addition Financial Arena in Orlando Florida

CARD

AEW World Championship Match: Jon Moxley vs. Orange Cassidy vs. Hangman Page vs. Jay White

AEW Women’s World Championship Tijuana Street Fight: Mariah May vs. Thunder Rosa

AEW Continental Classic: Kyle Fletcher vs. Will Ospreay

AEW Continental Classic: Ricochet vs. Kazuchika Okada (c)

AEW Contintental Classic Finals: TBA vs. TBA

Dynamite Dozen Ring Match: MJF vs. Adam Cole

AEW TBS Championship: Mercedes Mone vs. Kris Statlander

AEW International Championship: Konosuke Takeshita vs. Powerhouse Hobbs

Zero Hour: Jeff Jarrett vs. QT Marshall

Zero Hour: Toni Storm vs. Leila Grey

Zero Hour: The Outrunners & Top Flight vs. Lio Rush, Action Andretti & Murder Machines (Brian Cage & Lance Archer)

WWE Will Not Introduce A Tribal Chief Championship

As previously reported here on Wrestling News Blog, WWE had been exploring the idea of introducing a new championship to highlight the intense rivalry between Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa. However, according to the latest update from The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, those plans have officially been shelved.

The Tribal Conflict

The feud between the two Bloodline leaders has been brewing for months, with both Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa vying to establish themselves as the true Tribal Chief. At Survivor Series: WarGames 2024, Reigns solidified his dominance by pinning Sikoa in a high-stakes WarGames match. The event saw the Original Bloodline, alongside CM Punk, clash with the New Bloodline and Bronson Reed, leaving fans buzzing about the heated familial warfare.

The rivalry is far from over, as Reigns and Sikoa are set to collide in a Tribal Combat match on the premiere episode of RAW on Netflix next month in Los Angeles. The bout promises to be another brutal chapter in their ongoing saga.

No Tribal Championship

While early speculation suggested that WWE was considering creating a “Tribal Championship” to symbolize the ultimate prize in their feud, recent reports confirm that such a title will not be introduced. Instead, the focus will remain on the ula fala, a traditional Samoan necklace that has become a symbol of leadership within the Bloodline storyline.

“Regarding reports of a new title being added called the Tribal Chief title, we’re told that’s not happening,” the Observer noted. “Now will guys feud over the ula fala? Yes, obviously.”

What’s Next?

With the rumored championship off the table, the ula fala remains at the heart of this epic Bloodline conflict. The unique stakes and cultural significance of the ula fala have added depth to an already captivating story, allowing Reigns and Sikoa to channel their personal and professional tensions into one of WWE’s most talked-about rivalries.

Fans can expect fireworks when Reigns and Sikoa square off in Los Angeles next month. Will Reigns continue to assert his dominance, or will Sikoa rise to the occasion and claim his spot as the rightful Tribal Chief?

NXT’s Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo and Arianna Grace Are Engaged

Romance is in the air at WWE’s Performance Center! Among the many NXT Superstars whose relationships have captured fans’ hearts, one couple has just taken their love story to the next level.

Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo, a key member of The Family faction on NXT, and Arianna Grace (the daughter of Santino Marella) have announced their engagement! The pair, who have charmed fans with glimpses of their relationship through social media and live streams, are now preparing to tie the knot.

On Friday morning, Arianna Grace took to social media to share the exciting news, expressing her joy over the proposal. “It was perfect,” Grace wrote, adding a touch of romance to an already thrilling moment.

The Future for Stacks and Grace

With both Lorenzo and Grace continuing to make waves in NXT, their engagement marks a special milestone in their personal and professional lives. Fans can expect even more heartfelt moments from the couple as they move toward their wedding day.

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Former NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Jax Dane Passes Away at 48

The wrestling world is mourning the loss of Jeremy Laymon, better known to fans as Jax Dane. The National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) announced Dane’s passing on Thursday, revealing that the former NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion died on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at the age of 48 due to complications from a heart attack he suffered in late November.

A Champion’s Journey

Jax Dane began his professional wrestling career in 2012, making his debut with NWA Houston alongside Raymond Rowe—now known as Erik of WWE’s War Raiders. Together, they formed the tag team “The Path of Resistance,” establishing themselves as a force in the NWA scene.

Dane’s career soon skyrocketed, with appearances in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) in 2013, where he squared off with internationally renowned talents like KUSHIDA, Shelton Benjamin, and the team of Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson.

In 2015, Dane achieved a rare feat, capturing both the NWA National Heavyweight Championship and the prestigious NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship. He claimed the world title by defeating Hiroyoshi Tenzan, a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion, cementing his place in NWA history. Dane held the gold for an impressive 419 days, one of the longest reigns of the modern NWA era, before losing it to Tim Storm in 2016.

Beyond the NWA

After his world title reign, Dane ventured into other major promotions. He appeared in Ring of Honor, Ohio Valley Wrestling, and even IMPACT Wrestling under the name Wilcox. Despite his travels, Dane’s connection to the NWA remained strong. He returned to the organization in 2020, where he secured the NWA National Heavyweight Championship twice more.

Most recently, Dane was seen wrestling in October 2024 on an episode of NWA Powerrr, where he teamed with Tim Storm to defeat Jake Dumas and Zyon. This return to the ring showcased his enduring passion for the sport and his continued commitment to the NWA.

Tributes to a Legend

Tim Storm, a former rival and later a tag team partner of Dane, expressed his admiration and grief in a statement shared by the NWA.

“Very few people have been as influential to my wrestling career as Jax,” Storm said. “He was completely unselfish. That is no more evident than in our current tag team. He put me squarely on his shoulders and made it happen.”

Dane’s legacy in professional wrestling is one of strength, resilience, and generosity. From his dominant title reigns to his willingness to elevate others, Jax Dane’s impact on the sport will not be forgotten.

Remembering Jax Dane

As fans and fellow wrestlers reflect on his storied career, Jax Dane will be remembered as a powerhouse in the ring and a mentor outside of it. His contributions to the NWA and the wider wrestling world leave a lasting imprint, ensuring his legacy endures for years to come.

Rest in peace, Jax Dane.

ROH Boxing Day Brawl 12/26/2024

AEW taped the Ring of Honor Boxing Day Brawl episode on Saturday Night at the Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan, New York.

The ROH Boxing Day episode with air Thursday, December 26 exclusively on WatchROH.com.

  • Harley Cameron vs. Ashley Vox
  • Serpentico vs. Lee Johnson
  • Katsuyori Shibata and Tommy Billington vs. Premier Athletes (Tony Nese and Ariya Daivari)
  • ROH Women’s World Champion Athena to expel a member of M.I.T.
  • Toni Storm vs. Rebecca Scott
  • Rocky Romero and a Mystery Partner vs. QT Marshall and Aaron Solo
  • AR Fox vs. Blake Christian
  • Shane Taylor Promotions (Shane Taylor, Lee Moriarty, Shawn Dean and Carlie Bravo) vs. The Iron Savages, Alex Reynolds and EVIL Uno
  • ROH Women’s World TV Championship Match: Red Velvet (c) vs. HANAKO
  • ROH World TV Championship Match: Komander (c) vs. Johnny TV