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

Becky Lynch Featured in WWE RAW on Netflix Trailer as Fans Anticipate Her Return

Former WWE Superstar Becky Lynch made a surprising appearance in the latest trailer for WWE RAW on Netflix, leaving fans buzzing about the potential return of “The Man” to the wrestling world.

Lynch, who stepped away from WWE in June, has dropped hints that her departure may not be permanent, keeping the door open for a future comeback. Her inclusion in the trailer, which aired during the NFL’s Christmas Day coverage, alongside other high-profile Superstars, has reignited speculation about when fans might see her back in action.

WWE RAW is set to debut on Netflix on January 6, featuring an impressive lineup of matches. Notably, CM Punk and Roman Reigns are set to headline the all-star card, promising a thrilling start to this new era of WWE programming.

In addition to RAW, international WWE fans will gain access to an extensive selection of WWE content on Netflix, including SmackDown, NXT, premium live events, and classic footage from the company’s archives.

With Lynch’s involvement in the promotional material and the high-stakes matches scheduled, WWE is kicking off its Netflix partnership with significant momentum. Fans are eager to see what surprises lie ahead as WWE expands its reach on the streaming platform.

AEW Dynamite On 34th St. Preview 12/25/2024

AEW Dynamite on 34th St. Christmas Special on TBS from New York City.

  • AEW Continental Classic Blue League: Kyle Fletcher vs. Daniel Garcia
  • AEW Continental Classic Blue League: Shelton Benjamin vs. Kazuchika Okada
  • AEW Continental Classic Gold League: Will Ospreay vs. Brody King
  • AEW Continental Classic Gold League: Ricochet vs. Darby Allin
  • AEW Continental Classic Gold League: Claudio Castagnoli vs. Komander

WWE Raw Preview 12/23/2024

WWE Raw airs tonight on the USA Network from TD Garden in Boston, MA.

  • WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament: IYO SKY vs. Natalya and Alba Fyre
  • Jackie Redmond conducts a sit-down interview with Seth Rollins
  • Damian Priest vs. Judgment Day’s Dominik Mysterio
  • Dexter Lumis of Wyatt Sicks vs. The Miz
  • Chad Gable vs. Akira Tozawa
  • Drew McIntyre vs. Sami Zayn
  • We will hear from The New Day

Bandido’s AEW Return Cut Short by Concussion At ROH Final Battle

After spending a year and a half recovering from injury, Bandido’s long-awaited return to AEW turned bittersweet over the weekend. The Mexican wrestling star made a surprise appearance at ROH Final Battle, confronting Chris Jericho and The Learning Tree in what was expected to be the start of a heated new storyline. However, Bandido’s moment was cut short after he suffered a concussion almost immediately upon entering the ring.

Bandido Opens Up About the Setback

Taking to Instagram, Bandido confirmed the concussion and shared his thoughts on the challenging road ahead.

“What a weekend!” Bandido wrote. “All I can do is thank God for allowing me to wake up another day after all that has happened! The blow was in a delicate area of my head, now just to wait till there is no brain inflammation.”

While expressing gratitude to his fans for their support, Bandido admitted to being frustrated by the turn of events. He described the recovery process as the “hardest battle” of his career and invoked an inspiring message, paraphrasing Rocky Balboa: it’s not about how hard you get hit, but how you get back up.

A Career Interrupted

The injury comes at a tough time for Bandido, who has faced a string of setbacks since joining AEW. His debut match in 2023 saw him take on Chris Jericho in a memorable contest for the ROH World Championship on AEW Dynamite. Unfortunately, Bandido suffered a broken wrist in June while wrestling Konosuke Takeshita on AEW Rampage, sidelining him for months.

The recent concussion not only delays Bandido’s in-ring return but also derails a planned feud with Jericho, as reported by F4WOnline. While no timeline has been provided for his recovery, the severity of concussions often varies, meaning Bandido’s time away will depend on how quickly his brain heals.

What’s Next for Bandido?

Despite the setbacks, fans and colleagues remain optimistic about Bandido’s eventual return. Known for his high-flying style and incredible charisma, Bandido has the potential to be a cornerstone of AEW and ROH once he’s fully healthy. For now, however, the focus remains on his recovery and ensuring he doesn’t rush back too soon.

Here’s wishing Bandido a full and speedy recovery

Tony Khan Confirms The End Of AEW Rampage For Now

After three years on the air, AEW Rampage is officially taking its final bow—at least for now. Tony Khan broke the news during Sunday’s AEW Dynamite taping, confirming that this Friday’s episode will be the last for the foreseeable future. The announcement, made to the live crowd, left room for a potential return down the line, but for now, Rampage will bid farewell as AEW looks toward the future of its programming.

The Final Episode: What to Expect

The final Rampage episode will feature four matches, taped at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. The card includes appearances from fan favorites like Private Party, Thunder Rosa, and HOOK. In the night’s biggest match, Chris Jericho defeated Anthony Bowens of The Acclaimed, though his ROH World Championship was not at stake.

The taping capped off AEW’s three-night stay at the iconic Hammerstein Ballroom, where they also held the ROH Final Battle pay-per-view and a Saturday edition of AEW Collision. Fans at the venue and watching at home praised the shows, signaling that AEW’s experiment with smaller venues may be paying off.

What’s Next for AEW?

While Rampage is wrapping up, speculation is swirling about what’s next for AEW’s television offerings. Rumors suggest that AEW has been in talks with another media company, with Fox frequently mentioned as a possible partner. Earlier this year, AEW trademarked the name “Shockwave,” sparking chatter that it could be the title of a new series. However, no official details have been announced.

AEW’s move to sunset Rampage comes on the heels of their new media rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, potentially signaling a shift in their overall strategy. Whether this means a fresh weekly show or other innovative programming, fans are eager to see how the company will evolve its approach.

A Farewell, But Not Goodbye?

Tony Khan’s phrasing—“for the foreseeable future”—keeps the door open for a Rampage return. In the meantime, AEW’s focus appears to be on refining its other flagship programs and exploring new opportunities for growth.

AEW Christmas Collision Preview 12/21/2024

AEW Christmas Collision live on TNT from the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City.

  • AEW Continental Classic Match – Gold League: Ricochet vs. Will Ospreay
  • AEW Continental Classic Match – Blue League: Shelton Benjamin vs. Daniel Garcia
  • AEW Continental Classic Match – Gold League: Darby Allin vs. Claudio Castagnoli
  • AEW Continental Classic Match – Blue League: Mark Briscoe vs. The Beast Mortos
  • Kris Statlander vs. Penelope Ford
  • Adam Cole & MJF face-to-face
  • We’ll hear from Mercedes Mone

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.