Report – AEW Interested In Mercedes Mone For AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door

While Mercedes Mone is currently out of action with an ankle injury, Tony Khan and other AEW officials were in talks with New Japan Pro Wrestling about having the former Sasha Banks appear at AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door II.

According to a report from Fightful Select, the two sides were speaking about the possibility of Mone appearing at the June 25th pay-per-view event. These talks took place before Mone suffered her injury at the NJPW Resurgence event.

In the past, AEW has referenced Mone on commentary. Several sources in both AEW and NJPW have said the talks may have gone as far back as January.

While there have been rumors that Mone would be facing off against Saraya at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door II, that has not been confirmed.

It remains to be seen how long Mone will be out of in-ring action or whether she’ll still be making an appearance on the show.

Source: eWn

Report – KENTA vs. CM Punk Being Discussed For AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door II

KENTA has reportedly been discussed for the AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door II pay-per-view event, which takes place on June 25, 2023, at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

According to a report from Fightful Select, the “working plan” is for KENTA to work the show. In recent interviews, the former Hideo Itami in WWE has stated that he’d be open to working the show “if the money is right.”

As of this writing, there is no word on whether a deal to have KENTA appear on the pay-per-view event has been finalized. With that being said, both AEW and NJPW are working under the assumption that he’ll be wrestling on the show.

Finally, it is said that CM Punk may be his potential opponent. Of course, KENTA and CM Punk have been involved in a long online feud over Punk using KENTA’s finishing maneuver.

Source: eWn

Impact Wrestling Preview 6/8/2023

With Against All Odds just 24 hours away, there’s no telling what might happen on an all-new IMPACT! this Thursday at 8/7c on AXS TV and 8:30pm ET on YouTube for IMPACT Insiders.

  • Knockouts Tag Team Championship: The Coven (Taylor Wilde & KiLynn King) (c) vs. The Death Dollz (Jessicka & Courtney Rush)
  • Moose & Rich Swann vs. Nick Aldis & Jonathan Gresham
  • Trey Miguel vs. Bhupinder Gujjar
  • Heath vs. Raj “Champagne” Singh
  • Jason Hotch vs. Chris Bey
  • Digital Media Champion Joe Hendry vs. Sheldon Jean in a non-title match
  • BTI –  Seleziya Sparx vs. Tara Rising 

ROH TV Preview 6/8/2023

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: 

  • NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Willow Nightingale (c) defends vs. Rachael Ellering
  • Matt Sydal vs. Zack Clayton
  • Dark Order (Evil Uno, Alex Reynolds & John Silver) vs. The WorkHorsemen (JD Drake & Anthony Henry) and Shane Taylor
  • ROH Six-Man Tag Team Champions The Embassy (Brian Cage, Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona) vs. Marcus Kross, Eli Isom & Cheeseburger in a Proving Ground match
  • Kiera Hogan vs. Robyn Renegade
  • Mercedes Martinez vs. VertVixen
  • Darius Martin, Action Andretti & AR Fox vs. Sonny Kiss, Jeeves Kay & Slim J
  • Griff Garrison vs. Lee Moriarty
  • Kyle Fletcher vs. Christopher Daniels
  • Dralistico vs. Willie Mack
  • The Kingdom (Matt Taven & Mike Bennett) vs. El Cobarde & El Dragon
  • Rey Fenix vs. Gravity

MLW Fusion Preview 6/8/2023

MLW FUSION tonight at 8pm ET headlined by a huge National Openweight Championship as Willie Mack challenges John Hennigan for the title, streaming on MLW’s YouTube channel and FITE+, Friday on beIN XTRA and Saturday on Cable TV’s beIN SPORTS (find a provider). 

Willie Mack’s slinging and hustling in Tijuana has incensed John Hennigan enough for The “Shaman of Sports Entertainment” to put his National Openweight Championship on the line against “Chocolate Thunder”. 

Did The Mack just finesse his way to his first championship in MLW? 

MLW cameras catch up with Alex Kane at the BOMAYE fight camp as the road to his World Heavyweight Championship showdown on July 8 at Never Say Never on FITE+ heats up.

Bomaye Fight Club’s mysterious backer is making financial demands for a new contract for Kane. Is it hardball? Or is the Bomaye Fight Club playing games? 

Hammerstone certainly seems to think it’s mind games. The World Heavyweight Champion puts his Never Say Never opponent on blast. 

Plus! Who will Timothy Thatcher square off against at Never Say Never? Find out on Fusion!

The Calling prepares to unleash “The Death Fighter” AKIRA as the group’s taste for championship gold grows stronger by the day.

One week before she finally throws down with Taya Valkyrie for the World Featherweight Championship, Delmi Exo wrestles B3CCA.

Is “The God Queen” ready to ride an incredible wave of momentum into the biggest match of her career or will “The International Popstar” play spoiler and secure a future title shot?

After a wild few weeks of raising hell and causing chaos in Tijuana with his SGC brothers, 1 Called Manders is ready for a fight this week on Fusion. 

AEW’s Bullet Club Gold Getting New Members ‘Imminently’

Fightful Select is reporting that Bullet Club Gold is set to get at least one new member imminently, though there’s no confirmation on who it may be. Former AEW World Champion CM Punk might be heading for a feud with the group after he returns to AEW programming for the debut episode of “Collision.”

The main event for the June 17 premiere of “Collision” is CM Punk and FTR versus Jay White, Juice Robinson, and Samoa Joe, but Fightful was unable to confirm whether or not Joe is or was planned to be a permanent addition to Bullet Club Gold. 

Back in Japan, Bullet Club “proper” recently made a number of additions at the recent NJPW Dominion event. United Empire’s Dan Moloney and former Young Lion Clark Connors both joined the David Finlay-led Bullet Club. Former Bullet Club member Tama Tonga is currently working in NJPW without a contract. With the previously expelled White wearing Bullet Club colors in AEW, former members like Tonga or the recently-expelled El Phantasmo are also possibilities.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

AEW Dynamite Preview 6/7/2023

Tonight’s AEW Dynamite from the Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs, CO. at 8/7c on TBS.

Texas Tornado Tag Team Match: JungleHOOK (“Jungle Boy” Jack Perry & HOOK) vs. Dralistico & Preston Vance

  • AEW International Championship Match: Orange Cassidy (c) vs. Swerve Strickland
  • TBS Championship Open Challenge Match: Kris Statlander vs. Anna Jay A.S.
  • Ricky Starks vs. Jay White (FTR & Juice Robinson are banned from ringside)
  • Blackpool Combat Club (Wheeler Yuta, Jon Moxley, and Claudio Castagnoli) vs. CHAOS (Rocky Romero, Trent Beretta, and Chuck Taylor)
  • We’ll hear from AEW World Champion MJF
  • Tony Khan to announce main event for the debut episode of Collision

Bron Breakker Challenges Seth Rollins For World Heavyweight Title On WWE NXT

After this week’s episode of “WWE NXT,” it seems Bron Breakker is looking past the “NXT” Championship and toward a larger goal. During Tuesday’s episode, Breakker revealed that he wants to face new WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins for the title.

Breakker called out Rollins in the final moments of the show, saying he wanted Rollins to prove that he was “the workhorse of WWE” by coming to the developmental brand and putting his title on the line. He also said that while Rollins was the inaugural “NXT” Champion, Breakker was the most dominant holder of that title. Breakker is a former 2-time “NXT” Champion, his most recent reign lasting nearly a year, from April 4, 2022, to April 1, 2023.

Rollins became the WWE World Heavyweight Champion last month at WWE Night of Champions after defeating AJ Styles in the finals of the World Heavyweight Championship Tournament. Rollins has already made his first defense of the title, defeating the Judgment Day’s Damian Priest this week on “WWE Raw.” He’s also a former 2-time WWE Champion, a former 2-time Universal Champion, and of course, the first-ever “NXT” Champion, having won a tournament for that belt, as well, back in 2012.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

The Iron Sheik Has Passed Away

The Iron Sheik has passed away at the age of 81

In a statement posted to The Iron Sheik’s Twitter account on Wednesday, it was announced that Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, better known to the world as The Iron Sheik, passed away peacefully.

Remembering The Iron Sheik

Today, we gather with heavy hearts to bid farewell to a true legend, a force of nature, and an iconic figure who left an incredible mark on the world of professional wrestling. It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of The Iron Sheik, but we also take solace in knowing that he departed this world peacefully, leaving behind a legacy that will endure for generations to come.

Beyond the wrestling persona that the world knew so well, The Iron Sheik was a devoted family man. He cherished the love and support of his wife of 47 years Caryl, who stood by his side through thick and thin, offering unwavering encouragement throughout his life. Their bond was an anchor, providing him with the strength to face the challenges that life presented.

To his children, Tanya, Nikki, Marissa and son in law Eddie, he was not just a wrestling icon. He was a loving and dedicated father. He instilled in them the values of perseverance, determination, and the importance of following their dreams. The Iron Sheik’s guidance and unwavering belief in their potential served as a driving force for his children, empowering them to become the best versions of themselves.

The Iron Sheik’s love also extended to his grandchildren,Marissa, Zahra, Alexis, Chloe and Niko who brought immeasurable joy into his life. As a doting Papa Sheik, he cherished every moment spent with them, creating memories that will forever be treasured. He shared his wisdom, humor, and zest for life with his grandchildren, leaving an incredible impression on their hearts. The Iron Sheik, (whose real name was Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri), transcended the realm of sports entertainment. With his larger-than-life persona, incredible charisma, and unparalleled in-ring skills, he captivated audiences around the globe. He was a trailblazer, breaking barriers and paving the way for a diverse range of wrestlers who followed in his footsteps. Beyond the glitz and glamour of the squared circle, The Iron Sheik was a man of immense passion and dedication. He embodied resilience. He overcame countless challenges in his life, both inside and outside the wrestling ring. His journey from a small village in Iran to becoming one of the most recognizable figures in the world of wrestling is a testament to his unwavering determination. However, it was not just his in-ring prowess that defined him. The Iron Sheik was a beloved figure who was known for his humor, his larger-than-life personality, and his ability to connect with fans on a personal level. He embraced his role as a heel, becoming one of the most notorious villains in wrestling history… but he also won the hearts of millions with his charm and infectious spirit.

In the realm of family, love, and friendship, The Iron Sheik’s bond with his nephews, Page and Jian Magen was unparalleled. They recognized the significance of their uncle’s legacy and worked tirelessly to ensure that his impact would never be forgotten. They dedicated themselves to preserving his legacy, celebrating his accomplishments, and sharing his story with the world. Their unwavering commitment showcased the profound love and respect they have for him. These devoted nephews poured their hearts into honoring their uncle every single day, reflecting the profound love and admiration they hold for him. They understand the influence he has had on countless lives and embrace the responsibility of carrying forward his legacy. Through their heartfelt dedication, they ensured that The Iron Sheik’s impact would continue to resonate for generations to come.

Throughout his career, The Iron Sheik became a cultural phenomenon, transcending the realm of professional wrestling to become a pop culture icon. His memorable catchphrases and unforgettable moments are etched into the memories of fans worldwide. He left an indelible mark on the industry, and his influence can still be felt in the world of wrestling today. As we bid farewell to The Iron Sheik, let us remember him not only for his athletic prowess but also for the joy and inspiration he brought into our lives. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of fans, as well as in the annals of wrestling history. To his family, friends, and all those who were touched by his larger-than-life presence, we offer our deepest condolences. May you find solace in the knowledge that The Iron Sheik’s legacy will forever be cherished and celebrated. Rest in peace, dear Sheik, and thank you for the memories.

RESPECT THE LEGEND.”

Vaziri leaves behind his wife Caryl of 47 years, his children Tanya, Nikki, Marissa, and son-in-law Eddie, as well as five grandchildren.

Iron Sheik was a one-time WWF Heavyweight Champion and a former WWF Tag Team Champion with Nikolai Volkoff. He received his WWE Hall of Fame induction in 2005.

Update On Bray Wyatt’s WWE Status

Bray Wyatt’s status with WWE appears to be a bit more than the previously reported “physical” issues other outlets have reported on.

According to a source close to the situation, Wyatt has been going through what is being described to us as a “mental break.”

We do know that Bray had battled a case of COVID-19 and the belief is that the illness either “brought on” or “coincided” with some sort of mental health issue.

Additionally, it was said that when Wyatt returned to WWE at the Extreme Rules pay-per-view event on October 8, 2022, he expressed concern over simply saying the words “I’m here” as the show came to a close. There was a debate that took place between Wyatt and several writers at the time regarding whether he should say more. During the post-WWE Extreme Rules 2022 edition of RAW, Wyatt appeared in front of live fans for the first time since his WWE release in July 2021.

Due to the sensitive nature of the matter, WWE officials are giving Bray as much time as he needs. One source added that Wyatt seemed a bit “out of it” when spoken to over the past few months. We also know that he wasn’t happy with the creative plans for his character as time went on.

As of this writing, there is no timetable for Bray Wyatt’s return to WWE.

Source: Exclusive from eWn