Chris Jericho Appears At CMLL Viernes Event, Ambushes Mistico

Chris Jericho made a surprise appearance at the CMLL Viernes Espectacular event in Mexico City on Friday night.

The former AEW World Champion, under a luchador mask, interfered during a match between Mistico and Averno, attacking Mistico.

Jericho subsequently challenged Mistico to a match, delivering a promo to express his intentions.

He said, “I’m very happy to be here. A huge part of my life was Mexico and wrestling in Mexico City and living in Mexico City, all across the country. Many people say I am the greatest of all time. But tonight, [Translated from Spanish], I am the best wrestler of all time. Mistico, you are not on my level. You are not in my nest. I am the heart of a lion. You are the heart of a mouse.”

Jericho continued in English, “Mistico, I will challenge you anytime, anyplace, anywhere. You say the word. You call Arena Mexico your house. Thirty years ago, Arena Mexico was my house, and I’m coming back to take my house away from you.”

You can check out Jericho’s promo below:

WWE Reportedly Frustrated By Amount Of FOX Censorship On Friday’s SmackDown

A new report has indicated WWE was frustrated over censorship during the FOX broadcast of “WWE SmackDown” on Friday, June 28. Many fans took to social media during the show to bemoan the censorship throughout the night, with transmission muted and cut-off to censor expletives picked up in audio. 

After which, Fightful Select has reported that several within WWE indicated they were frustrated over the censorship, with one longtime talent reportedly looking forward to the impending move to USA Network quoted as saying, “it’s a chore to watch sometimes. I understand censoring ‘f**k the Pacers,’ but it feels like every segment is edited and it makes us look like it’s our production.”

Several expletives were censored during the match between Logan Paul, LA Knight, and Santos Escobar to qualify for the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match. Paul was joined by Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton for the bout, who attempted to retrieve Paul’s signature brass knuckles to win the bout. However, Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks jumped the guardrail from his front-row seat to balance the odds. The confusion allowed for Knight to pin Paul to qualify for Money in the Bank, but there was an audible “F**k the Pacers” chant levied towards Haliburton. Elsewhere, the screen cut to black during Nia Jax’s entrance, aiming to censor what appeared to be a child flipping the bird in the audience. “SmackDown” will be moving to USA Network on September 13, with WWE’s broadcasting deal with FOX due to expire directly beforehand.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Paul Heyman Refuses To Acknowledge Solo Sikoa, Put Through Announce Table On WWE SmackDown

The new Solo Sikoa-led Bloodline bookended last night’s “WWE SmackDown,” as Solo Sikoa awaited his official annointment as “The Tribal Chief,” “Head of the Table,” et al in an “Acknowledgment Ceremony.” With WWE Undisputed World Champion Cody Rhodes and his allies Randy Orton and Kevin Owens excused early on in the night’s show, there wasn’t much left to stand in the way of Sikoa accepting the ceremonial ula fala, but the Madison Square Garden crowd seemed to either anticipate a betrayal from the latest Bloodline inductee, Jacob Fatu, or perhaps a return from Roman Reigns or The Rock. Neither happened in the end, and ultimately, it was Paul Heyman as the lone resistor, with “The Wiseman” taking the beating of a lifetime as a result.

Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, and Heyman all hit the ring together, and the group then introduced Fatu as its latest official member with a proper introduction, TitanTron, music, graphics and all. All of Tonga, Loa, and Fatu acknowledged Sikoa as their new Tribal Chief, but when it was Heyman’s turn, he hesitated, buried his head, told Sikoa that he loved him, but then admitted that he did not acknowledge him in assuming Reigns’ previous position.

At that point, things only got exponentially worse for Heyman, with Sikoa nailing his former “Wiseman” with the Samoan Spike, then ordering Fatu to hammer him with a diving headbutt. As the crowd roared “We want Roman!” Fatu then led the way in a Triple Powerbomb through the announce desk, with an assist from Tonga and Loa, and down went Heyman, with The New Bloodline raising “The Ones” as the show went off the air.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

https://twitter.com/WWEonFOX/status/1806869888008597790

WWE SmackDown Preview 3/28/2024

WWE SmackDown live on FOX tonight from Madison Square Garden in New York City.

  • Sika Anoa’i Ten Bell Tribute
  • Bloodline Acknowledgment Ceremony
  • Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Candice LeRae vs Jade Cargill vs Tiffany Stratton
  • Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Naomi vs Blair Davenport vs Indi Hartwell
  • Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: LA Knight vs Logan Paul vs Santos Escobar
  • Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes to appear

AEW Rampage Preview 6/28/2024

AEW returns with a new episode of Rampage tonight on TNT, continuing the build for AEW X NJPW Forbidden Door 2024.

  • TNT Championship Qualifying Match: El Phantasmo vs. AR Fox
  • Gabe Kidd & Roderick Strong vs. The Infantry
  • Orange Cassidy vs. The Outrunners
  • Queen Aminata vs. Skye Blue
  • Shingo Takagi vs. Dalton Castle

Penta El Zero Miedo Open To Joining WWE After AEW Contract Expires

The competition to secure the services of a prominent AEW star is expected to intensify as his contract approaches expiration.

This notable talent is Penta El Zero Miedo, whose contract will conclude between August and September 2024. The Luchador has achieved considerable success in AEW, particularly as part of the Lucha Bros alongside his brother Rey Fenix.

Penta’s diverse portfolio has contributed to numerous promotions, including AAA, MLW, TNA Impact, CMLL, and Lucha Underground. The 39-year-old wrestler is an impressive former one-time TNA World Champion and a two-time Lucha Underground Champion.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that Penta is open to departing from AEW and is receptive to joining WWE.

AEW President Tony Khan has publicly expressed confidence in retaining Penta. In a recent interview, Penta confirmed that he has not engaged in discussions with WWE. This statement complies with regulations against contract tampering. Legally, WWE can only initiate talks with Penta once his AEW contract expires.

However, Penta has indicated his willingness to explore opportunities, emphasizing the significance of this upcoming contract decision as potentially the final major deal of his career.

Source: eWn

Report – New AEW-WBD TV Deal To Be Announced Imminently

There have been ongoing discussions regarding the TV rights deal between AEW and Warner Bros. Discovery, which is set to expire at the end of this year, and a resolution may be imminent.

Warner Bros. Discovery’s CEO and President, David Zaslav, along with TNT Sports Head Luis Silberwasser, are interested in retaining the five hours of AEW programming per week on TNT and TBS, featuring Dynamite, Rampage, and Collision. The reported figures being negotiated exceed the estimated $110 million annual mark.

AEW has partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery since its inception in 2019. During this time, the promotion successfully recruited top talent and grew to become the second-largest wrestling promotion globally. The exclusive negotiation period between AEW and Warner Bros. Discovery is now close to expiring.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that the deal is expected to be announced, possibly before the exclusive negotiation window ends.

Dave Meltzer also mentioned the conflicting reports circulating about the ongoing discussions. He noted,

“There are expectations the deal would be announced imminently, maybe even before the expiration of the exclusive window for negotiating that is just about over. I will say that we’ve gotten people who say they know from all over saying completely contradictory things about the talks.”

Meltzer further stated that AEW President Tony has indicated that the new deal is positive and transformative, while competitors have reportedly suggested otherwise, demonstrating the complexities of these negotiations.

AEW is set to present the 2024 Forbidden Door pay-per-view event in partnership with NJPW this Sunday.

Source: eWn

Dijak Announces WWE Exit – ‘WWE Never Negotiated With Me’

Dijak recently announced via Twitter that he will be departing from WWE. His final date of employment is scheduled for tomorrow.

Dijak has also indicated his availability for future bookings. Notably, in his tweet, the WWE Superstar tagged the Twitter handles of Tony Khan, AEW, TNA, Tommy Dreamer, and NJPW.

He wrote, “Here’s the truth. WWE never negotiated with me. We attempted to negotiate and they stonewalled us. They never made me a single offer, then they informed me they would not renew my contract at the eleventh hour. 2 months ago I was in one of the best matches in NXT history, and a top match of Wrestlemania weekend. On that day, a top executive in WWE told me I was “crushing it.” I was slated to feud for the NXT title but I got called up to RAW instead. I consistently outperformed everyone’s expectations, especially throughout 2023 and early 2024. I never complained about anything or was difficult to work with. I tirelessly pitched ideas to anyone who would listen, as recently as the day before I was notified. I never once missed a booking, and I was injured 1 time in 7 years for 3 months. I’m thankful, disappointed, but also excited. This has lit a fire under me to relentlessly prove myself to the world. All I ever wanted was a fair shot and now I have the opportunity to go out and take it. That’s enough talk, now it’s time to Do or Dijak. My last day under a WWE contract is June 28, 2024. Bookings/Interviews: BookDijak@gmail.com Get ready to Feast Your F**king Eyes.”

Source: eWn

TNA Impact Preview 6/27/2024

TNA IMPACT tonight at 8/7c on AXS TV and TNA+. 

  • Road to Slammiversary Qualifier: Nic Nemeth vs. Rich Swann
  • Road to Slammiversary Qualifier: Steve Maclin vs. Sami Callihan
  • Alan Angels vs. KUSHIDA
  • Masha Slamovich vs. Xia Brookside
  • ABC vs. Jake Something & Deaner vs. The Rascalz
  • Mustafa Ali’s State of the Union address

ROH TV Preview 6/27/2024

ROH will air a new episode of its weekly television show tonight at 7 pm ET on HonorClub. 

You can sign up for the streaming service here. Below is the lineup for the show: 

  • Lance Archer & The Righteous in action
  • Marina Shafir in action
  • Lee Johnson vs. Alex Reynolds
  • Taya Valkyrie vs. Trish Adora
  • ROH Women’s World TV Championship Proving Ground Match: Billie Starkz (c) vs. Angelica Risk
  • ROH World Championship: Mark Briscoe (c) vs. Kyle Fletcher