Rikishi Introduces Newest Wrestler From The Anoa’i Family

This week, yet another member of the Anoa’i family has entered the wrestling world. WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi announced via Instagram that his son would be entering the wrestling world, using the name Thamiko T. Fatu moving forward. The 36-year-old performer is Rikishi’s fourth and final son to become a professional wrestler, joining his three brothers, Solo Sikoa and The Usos.

Thamiko, real name Jeramiah Fatu, has remained away from the wrestling world up until this point, but his arrival on the scene could be a major development for any company that he ends up competing for. While some fans are already speculating that Thamiko will eventually become a new addition to WWE’s Bloodline faction, Rikishi’s Instagram post suggests that Thamiko is independent and accepting bookings at this time.

Thamiko, who Rikishi nicknamed “Toko Uso” online, has a lot of pressure on his shoulders as a part of the legendary Anoa’i Family Dynasty. The Anoa’i family is one of the most prolific families in professional wrestling history, with members making their marks all over the world. While the most notable of these family members in the modern day may be The Bloodline, who has dominated WWE’s main roster as a group for three years now, the Anoa’i family’s dominance reigns elsewhere, with the likes of Jacob Fatu dominating MLW and the North American independents over the past number of years.

While Toko’s journey as a professional wrestler is just beginning, his two older brothers just celebrated a major career milestone earlier this month when they became the first WWE Tag Team Champions to main event WrestleMania, losing the titles to Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens on Night One of WWE’s biggest event of the year.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE RAW Preview 4/10/2023

WWE Raw will air live tonight on the USA Network and emanate from the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, WA.

Matt Hardy Provides Update On Jeff Hardy’s Return To AEW

Jeff Hardy has been absent from All Elite Wrestling since June of last year due to his DUI arrest. In February, Jeff pleaded no contest in his DUI case. He has since been out of action recuperating after undergoing eye surgery.

Matt Hardy, his brother, expressed his desire to see Jeff return to the ring once he has recovered from his surgery.

Sharing details regarding his brother’s eye surgery, Matt Hardy said,

“Jeff just had some eye surgery. His eyes were just a little off set, it’s just probably from wear and tear and beating his body up. They had to work on some ligaments and tendons in one of his eyes. So, they corrected that [with] surgery and they said probably in five, six weeks, he should be okay.”

Matt then expressed hope that Jeff will soon return to AEW after putting his legal troubles behind him and proceeded to provide a timeline as to when Jeff might return to AEW. He said,

“So, I’m hoping after that, now that he’s kind of putting this whole situation behind him, that we’ll see him back around soon. I’m hoping so, man. You guys keep your fingers crossed. Maybe six, eight weeks from now, hopefully we can see some Jeff Hardy on AEW.”

Jeff Hardy was suspended indefinitely without pay following his DUI arrest last summer, and Tony Khan emphasized that Jeff can only return to AEW upon successfully completing treatment and maintaining his sobriety.

Source: eWrestlingNews

Details On Vince McMahon’s Lack Of Influence On WWE SmackDown And WrestleMania 39

WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque was reportedly the go-to person with regard to creative operations on this week’s “WWE SmackDown.”

As reported earlier, Vince McMahon was not present at the tapings in Portland, Oregon, and “reviewed creative plans remotely.” While there were minor changes made to the script, there was nothing major, which represents a drastic shift from the backstage environment during Monday’s post-WrestleMania 39 “WWE Raw” in Los Angeles.

In an update from PWInsiderElite, a source at the tapings described whatever changes made to the script as “nothing out of the ordinary” in comparison to changes made since Levesque took over creative last year. Typically, rewrites ordered by McMahon are known to wipe out multiple segments and/or matches, but there was “no sign of that today,” the source added. 

Furthermore, Mike Johnson of PWInsider confirmed that the main event plan for WrestleMania 39 was “always locked in” for Roman Reigns to defeat Cody Rhodes. Contrary to fan speculation, there were “no last-minute changes due to Vince McMahon” or anyone else. Johnson added that “Cody will be pushed going forward as a top-tier talent,” and the finish to his match with Reigns was kept a secret to the “absolute bare minimum of those who needed to know.” 

For fans who missed “SmackDown,” Triple H cut a very uplifting promo on the show, addressing “the future” in his address to the WWE Universe in Portland. While the primary focus of his speech was to announce the upcoming WWE Draft, Triple H seemed to firmly suggest that he was back calling the shots as it pertains to WWE creative operations, asking fans if they were “ready to play the game.”

It now remains to be seen if the script for Monday’s “Raw” is again altered by McMahon, as was reportedly the case earlier this week.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Update On Randy Orton’s Injury Status & In-Ring Return

It was reported last week that Randy Orton was in Los Angeles, CA for WrestleMania Weekend festivities. This sparked rumors of Orton possibly making his return at WrestleMania 39, or on RAW after WrestleMania. However, The Viper never appeared at either event.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that Orton’s back injury is not healed to the point that he can be medically cleared for an in-ring return. WWE sent out the information to dismiss any speculation about Orton making a surprise appearance.

Orton last competed on the May 20, 2022 episode of WWE SmackDown.

Source: eWrestlingNews

Triple H Announced Return Of The WWE Draft.

During a promo segment to open hour two of Friday night’s episode of SmackDown, Triple H once again sang the praises of WrestleMania 39 and all of the records the pay-per-view event set.

The WWE CCO then asked the fans if they wanted to know what was next. It was at that point that he announced the WWE Draft will be taking place “in a few weeks.” Triple H went on to announce that every Superstar will be eligible for this year’s draft. He claims it’ll be “bigger than ever” and will “change the game.” As of this writing, there is no word on whether the WWE NXT roster will be eligible to participate.

The WWE Draft is returning after a one year absence.

Impact Wrestling Preview 4/6/2023

Thursday at 8/7c on AXS TV and 8:30pm ET on YouTube for IMPACT Insiders, experience the fallout from Sacrifice and Multiverse United: Only the STRONG Survive!

  • Tommy Dreamer, Yuya Uemura & Darren McCarty vs. Bully Ray & The Good Hands
  • Jody Threat vs. unknown opponent
  • TMDK vs. Motor City Machine Guns
  • Winner Gets X-Division Title Match: Mike Bailey vs. Jonathan Gresham
  • Josh Alexander relinquishes the Impact World Title

‘Fire Vince’ Chant Breaks Out During Commercial Break On WWE NXT

Vince McMahon’s divisive return to WWE in recent months is now starting to spill over into its live audience’s reactions. Wrestling Inc. has independently confirmed reports that the “WWE NXT” crowd began chanting “Fire Vince!” during commercial breaks of Tuesday night’s episode.”‘Fire Vince’ chants on NXT programming … if that isn’t a wake up call to Ari Emanuel and Endeavor I don’t know what is,” one fan tweeted, referencing the company WWE was sold to this week. At least two other users who appeared to be in attendance at the show also shared posts that said “Fire Vince!” chants broke out.

McMahon returned to WWE as its Chairman in January, according to a recent SEC filing, resulting in this week’s sale of the company. His return has sparked concern among a fanbase that had overwhelmingly been in favor of the iconic 77-year-old pro wrestling promoter stepping back from leading the company’s creative direction last year. McMahon initially announced his retirement last summer following the revelation that he made $17.4 million in hush money payments to several women who accused him of sexual misconduct. In doing so, McMahon ceded creative control to his son-in-law Paul “Triple H” Levesque, who took over as WWE’s new Chief Content Officer.

But since the turn of the year, McMahon has brazenly retaken control of the company he built ahead of its sale to Endeavor, reclaimed his position as chairman, and has appeared more and more frequently backstage — culminating in reports that he took firm creative control of this week’s “WWE Raw,” and leaving many fans concerned for WWE’s creative future.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

FTR Save AEW Careers, Win Tag Team Titles On Dynamite

It appears all those teases, hinting at FTR’s return to WWE, were just to swerve fans. Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler are staying with AEW for the foreseeable future. 

On last night’s “AEW Dynamite,” FTR defeated The Gunns in a Career vs. Titles bout to capture the AEW World Tag Team Championship in Long Island, New York. After the match, FTR celebrated in the ring with Marc Briscoe and AEW President Tony Khan, essentially confirming that they had signed new contracts with the promotion.

During the closing stages of the bout, Austin Gunn clocked Harwood with a title belt, as the Gunns appeared in prime position to retain their championships. However, Harwood miraculously kicked out, following which FTR took out Colten Gunn with a stereo sunset flip. The sequence allowed Harwood to roll-up Austin for the pinfall victory. 

FTR will now start their second reign as AEW World Tag Team Champions. Their previous reign, of 63 days, ended when they lost the titles to The Young Bucks at the Full Gear pay-per-view in November 2020.

The topic of FTR’s contracts had been a talking point in pro wrestling over the past few months. Last month, Harwood urged wrestling fans to “respect our decision,” assuring them that their decision would be made in the best interest of their families. The FTR vs. The Gunns feud dates back to last year and intensified when Austin & Colten secured an upset victory on the December 21 episode of “Dynamite.” Subsequently, FTR lost their IWGP and AAA Tag Team Championships and took a sabbatical until last month’s Revolution pay-per-view, where they returned and laid out The Gunns to set their sights on the AEW’s tag titles. The Gunns initially rejected FTR’s challenge but agreed after FTR offered to put their AEW careers on the line in a high-stakes match.

A clip of FTR celebrating with Tony Khan after last night’s show can be seen below.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Tony Khan’s Major AEW Announcement – AEW All In PPV In London At Wembley Stadium

Tony Khan made his “major announcement” on this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite.

For the first time in the history of All Elite Wrestling, the company will be coming to the UK on August 27. And it’s not just any AEW show – it’ll be the All In 2023 pay-per-view event. The event will take place at Wembley Stadium, which can hold over 80,000 fans for wrestling. Tickets for the event will be going on sale in May.

You can check out the official announcement below:

AEW Plants Flag at Iconic Wembley Stadium with Massive UK Special Event on Sunday, August 27
— AEW’s London Debut Marks First Professional Wrestling Event at Wembley Stadium in More Than 30 Years —
— Tickets for “AEW: All In London at Wembley Stadium” On Sale May 5; Pre-Registration Available for Priority Access —
During tonight’s live episode of “AEW: Dynamite” from Long Island, NY, AEW CEO Tony Khan, star Adam Cole and host Nigel McGuinness announced that AEW’s highly anticipated UK debut will take place in London at the iconic Wembley Stadium on Sunday, August 27. “AEW: All In London at Wembley Stadium” marks AEW’s first show outside of North America, and the first time that professional wrestling has taken center stage at Wembley Stadium in more than 30 years.

Tickets for “AEW: All In London at Wembley Stadium” go on sale to the general public Monday, May 5 at 9 a.m. BST. Effective immediately, fans in the UK can pre-register for early access to event tickets at ticketmaster.co.uk/AEWWembley. Pre-registered access and priority presales will take place prior to the general on-sale date. Beginning May 5, tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.co.uk/AEWWembley.

“The UK is one of the most important markets in professional wrestling, and AEW is coming in hot as the number one wrestling company in the UK on television,” said Tony Khan. “We want our debut in London to be epic in scale, and there’s no better venue than Wembley Stadium to deliver what I know will be one of the greatest events in AEW’s history. This April also marks 100 years of Warner Bros. and 100 years of Wembley Stadium – it’s a fitting time to come together for ‘AEW: All In London at Wembley Stadium.’”

This announcement comes on the heels of AEW’s tremendous growth in TV viewership in the UK, with AEW programming serving as the highest ratings driver for men ages 16-34 on ITV4 since the start of 2022. AEW reached 2.8 million men on ITV platforms in 2022 and began 2023 by increasing that reach by another 45 percent among men ages 16-34. “AEW: All In London at Wembley Stadium” is far from the Khan Family’s first foray into London or the legendary venue. Shahid Khan is Chairman of Fulham Football Club, which earned promotion to the English Premier League with playoff wins at Wembley Stadium in both 2018 and 2020.

The elder Khan is also owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have regularly hosted a home game at the stadium since 2013 and will return once again during the 2023 National Football League season for a ninth game at Wembley.

“AEW: All In London at Wembley Stadium,” which will be a homecoming for several top stars including AEW Women’s World Champion Jamie Hayter, Saraya, Nigel McGuinness, Pac, Anthony Ogogo and more, will be produced in conjunction with Live Nation Entertainment.