Paige Hoping To Come Out Of Retirement, Beth Phoenix Responds

Former two-time WWE Divas Champion Paige is hoping to follow in the footsteps of WWE Hall of Famer Edge and Daniel Bryan and come out of retirement from a career-ending injury.

During a backstage segment on last Friday’s SmackDown, Edge said that Bryan returning to the ring in 2018 inspired him to do the same. Bryan then said that Edge, the winner of the 2021 Men’s Royal Rumble, should pick him as his opponent at WrestleMania 37 if Bryan is able to capture the Universal Championship at Sunday’s Elimination Chamber event.

Edge then asked Bryan if he would call that “a dream match.” Bryan said some people would call it “long overdue,” to which Edge said those people would be right.

While reacting to the segment, Paige tweeted, “one day” with a fingers crossed emoji. She was responding to a tweet from the WWE on FOX handle, which captioned “Retirement” while sharing the Edge-Bryan exchange.

Beth Phoenix, the wife of Edge, reacted to Paige.

“You deserve it,” wrote Phoenix.

Paige, 28, retired in 2018 after suffering a career-ending neck injury during a house show.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Former Impact Star Taya Valkyrie Reports To The WWE Performance Center, Rick Steiner’s Son

Former Impact Wrestling Knockouts Taya Valkyrie has reported to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando to begin training under her WWE NXT contract.

Valkyrie, who is married to RAW Superstar John Morrison, officially reported for training today and is to be announced in the next WWE Performance Center Class, according to PWInsider.

Regarding the new WWE Performance Center Class that reported for training today, F4Wonline.com reports that around 30 men and women are included in the class.

WWE is expected to officially announce the new Performance Center Class any time this week, possibly tomorrow afternoon.

Below is the updated list of confirmed names that reported for training today:

* Taya Valkyrie – 37 years old, longest-reigning Impact Knockouts Champion in history, married to John Morrison

* Parker Boudreaux – 18 year old college football star, compared to a young Brock Lesnar

* Bronson Rechsteiner – 23 year old former football player, son of Rick Steiner

* Angela Arnold – known as AQA, trained by WWE Hall of Famer Booker T

* Christian Brigham – known as Christian Casanova

* Anthony Henry – 36 year old former EVOLVE star

* Christian Hubble – known as Blake Christian

* Karissa Rivera – second generation talent, daughter of Steve King. Appeared on RAW as Bobby Lashley’s “ex-wife” once

* Zoey Stark – formerly known as Lacey Ryan, recently debuted on NXT TV and worked the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic

* Cora Jade – formerly known as Elayna Black, recently debuted on NXT TV in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic

* Gigi Dolin – formerly known as Priscilla Kelly, recently debuted on NXT TV in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic

Rumored names expected to be confirmed for this WWE Performance Center Class this week include LA Knight (now working NXT but not confirmed for this specific class, fka Eli Drake), Harlem Bravado, and Sareee.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Paul Wight (Big Show) Leaves WWE And Joins AEW

Big Show is no longer with WWE.

AEW announced today that Paul Wight has joined the company, signing a long-term contract.

Wight will serve as a commentator for AEW’s newest show on YouTube, AEW Dark: Elevation. Elevation will air on Mondays at 7pm ET, complimenting the weekly AEW Dark show that airs on Tuesdays at 7pm ET. Elevation will showcase AEW’s established and rising talent, as well as top indie talents.https://14833a136a38a5723e97b3b6ff6cff7f.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html

Wight said it’s been amazing to watch what AEW has done in a few years since launching.

“It’s been amazing to watch what AEW has built in just a couple of years,” Wight said in a press release. “AEW Dark is an incredible platform to hone the skills of up-and-coming wrestlers, but I also love that established AEW talent can build out their personalities and showcase themselves in new ways on Dark. It’s no exaggeration when they say that AEW is boundless.”

AEW CEO, General Manager and Head of Creative Tony Khan also commented on why Wight wanted to come to AEW.

“Paul Wight is one of the most recognizable and impressive professional athletes in the world,” said Tony Khan, CEO, GM and Head of Creative of AEW. “He wanted to come to AEW because he believes that we’re the best promotion in wrestling, and we believe that he has a lot to offer us, both in the ring as a wrestler, and also outside the ring as a commentator, host and ambassador for AEW.”

“Paul is one of the most experienced stars in all of wrestling, and he’s eager to work with our diverse roster,” added Khan. “He can benefit and guide our young talent with his mentorship, and his expert commentary on AEW Dark: Elevation will educate and entertain our fans, and also educate the younger wrestlers on the roster. Furthermore, Paul enters AEW as a licensed wrestler, and he’s very much looking forward to studying our talent firsthand from the commentary desk in preparation for his return to the ring!”

AEW is promising more details on Wight’s signing during tonight’s Dynamite show on TNT.

Big Show’s last WWE match came on the July 20, 2020 RAW episode, a loss to Randy Orton. He had only worked a handful of matches last year, and spent all of 2019 on the shelf with an injury. He did appear for The Undertaker’s “Final Farewell” segment at the Survivor Series in 2020, and appeared at RAW Legends Night back on January 4 of this year. Show first signed with WWE back in February 1999. He leaves the company as a Grand Slam Champion – a two-time WWE Champion, a one-time ECW Champion, a two-time World Heavyweight Champion, a three-time WWE Hardcore Champion, a one-time WWE United States Champion, a one-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, and a eight-time Tag Team Champion.

Stay tuned for more. Below is the full announcement issued to us today by AEW:

Wrestling Legend Paul Wight Signs Long-Term Deal with AEW

— Wight Joins Commentary for New YouTube Extension, AEW Dark: Elevation —

February 24, 2021 – As 2021 shapes up to be the year for AEW’s biggest shows yet, today the promotion announced that wrestling legend Paul Wight signed a long-term deal, adding yet another universally regarded name to AEW’s roster of stars, legends, and upcoming talent. Wight will have an extensive role within AEW, and on top of his return to the ring, he will serve as a commentator on AEW’s newest show, AEW Dark: Elevation.

Complementing AEW Dark on Tuesdays, AEW Dark: Elevation will air on Mondays at 7 p.m. ET on AEW’s YouTube channel, and will showcase AEW’s established and rising stars, as well as the top independent wrestlers within the industry, competing against each other in the ring in pursuit of wins. AEW Dark: Elevation will also maintain continuity with AEW DYNAMITE, AEW Dark, AEW pay-per-view shows and streaming events, with wins and losses factoring into each wrestler’s ranking in the company.

With new wrestling programming now available three nights per week, AEW continues to solidify its position as the fastest growing and hottest promotion in professional wrestling.

“It’s been amazing to watch what AEW has built in just a couple of years,” said Paul Wight. “AEW Dark is an incredible platform to hone the skills of up-and-coming wrestlers, but I also love that established AEW talent can build out their personalities and showcase themselves in new ways on Dark. It’s no exaggeration when they say that AEW is boundless.”

“Paul Wight is one of the most recognizable and impressive professional athletes in the world,” said Tony Khan, CEO, GM and Head of Creative of AEW. “He wanted to come to AEW because he believes that we’re the best promotion in wrestling, and we believe that he has a lot to offer us, both in the ring as a wrestler, and also outside the ring as a commentator, host and ambassador for AEW.”

“Paul is one of the most experienced stars in all of wrestling, and he’s eager to work with our diverse roster,” added Khan. “He can benefit and guide our young talent with his mentorship, and his expert commentary on AEW Dark: Elevation will educate and entertain our fans, and also educate the younger wrestlers on the roster. Furthermore, Paul enters AEW as a licensed wrestler, and he’s very much looking forward to studying our talent firsthand from the commentary desk in preparation for his return to the ring!”

Already a monumental day for AEW, be sure to tune in to AEW DYNAMITE tonight on TNT at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT for additional announcements surrounding Wight’s signing, the new AEW Dark: Elevation show, and the identity of Wight’s commentary partner.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Rhea Ripley Coming Soon To WWE RAW

Rhea Ripley is headed to the WWE RAW brand.

There had been speculation on Ripley possibly going to RAW or SmackDown after her official call-up from WWE NXT was considered to be at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view in late January. Now WWE has confirmed that the former NXT Women’s Champion is headed to Monday nights.

As seen below, a “coming soon” vignette for Ripley aired during last night’s post-Elimination Chamber edition of RAW.

Ripley was the #14 entrant in the 30-Woman Rumble Match last month, and was the last elimination, tossed out by winner Bianca Belair. She lasted 39:06 and eliminated Toni Storm, Santana Garrett, Dana Brooke, Dakota Kai, Mandy Rose, Alexa Bliss, and Charlotte Flair, with Belair’s help. Ripley’s last NXT TV match came on January 6 at the New Year’s Evil special, when she lost to Raquel Gonzalez in the Last Woman Standing match.

There is no word yet on when Ripley will make her official RAW debut.

Impact Wrestling Preview 2/23/2021

IMPACT! tonight at 8/7c

* Fallah Bahh vs. Johnny Swinger on BFI at 7/6c on AXS TV

* Tables Match: Jake Something vs. Deaner

* Knockouts Tag Team #1 Contenders Match: Kimber Lee and Susan vs. Jordynne Grace and Jazz

* Trey Miguel, Willie Mack and Josh Alexander vs. Ace Austin, Chris Bey and Black Taurus (Winning team competes next week in a X-Division #1 Contenders Triple Threat Match)

WWE RAW Preview 2/22/2021

Tonight’s WWE RAW will feature the fallout from last night’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.

WWE has not announced any matches for tonight’s show but it’s likely that new WWE Champion The Miz and new WWE United States Champion Riddle will appear to follow up on their big wins at Elimination Chamber.

It’s also likely that RAW Women’s Champion Asuka will appear to begin her next feud after the Elimination Chamber match with Lacey Evans was nixed due to Evans’ pregnancy. WWE is expected to really pick up the build for Fastlane and WrestleMania 37 soon, which means returns for “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt and other happenings.

“Dark Side Of The Ring” Topic And Special Revealed

The life and career of former WWE Tag Team Champion “The Dynamite Kid” Tom Billington is set to be covered in an episode of Vice TV’s “Dark Side of the Ring” series.

Billington’s first wife Michelle and their children were recently interviewed for the episode, according to PWInsider. Tom’s former sister-in-law Julie Hart was also interviewed.

On a related note, Vice TV will premiere a special titled “Dark Side of the Ring: Confidential” on Tuesday, March 9. The special will feature an overview of past and future “Dark Side” episodes, plus footage of Conrad Thompson interviewing Evan Hunsley and Jason Eisner, the creators of the hit series. That interview was filmed last year at the former ECW Arena, the 2300 Arena, in Philadelphia.

There is still no official word on when season three of “Dark Side” will premiere, but we will keep you updated. Below is the updated list of confirmed topics for season three, which is narrated by Chris Jericho:

* Brian Pillman (season premiere, WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin interviewed)

* FMW (Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling)

* XPW (Xtreme Pro Wrestling)

* Nick Gage

* WCW/NJPW Collision In Korea event from 1995

* The Smith Family (Grizzly Smith and his children – Sam Houston, Rockin’ Robin, WWE Hall of Famer Jake Roberts)

* Ion Croitoru (aka Bruiser Bedlam and Johnny K-9)

* Chris Kanyon

* “The Dynamite Kid” Tom Billington

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Top NJPW Star Hiromu Takahashi Out For Six Months

NJPW announced earlier today IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion Hiromu Takahashi is out for six months due to a torn left pectoral.

“After medical assessment, Hiromu Takahashi’s left pectoral injury will leave him out of action for an estimated six months. More information will follow.”

Takahashi last wrestled on February 19 at a Road to Castle Attack event in Morioka where the injury came during a tag match. NJPW had previously announced he would miss a February 20 event, but obviously the injury sustained will keep him out much longer.

Takahashi was scheduled to defend the title at Castle Attack on February 28 against El Phantasmo. No word yet on how NJPW is going to handle the title situation.

Los Ingobernables de Japon member Tetsuya Naito is also currently on the shelf due to a knee injury. He is expected to return to the ring on February 25.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

News On Lacey Evans Pregnancy Reveal

As seen on RAW last week, Evans revealed that she is pregnant. It was insinuated in storyline that Ric Flair is the father.

Evans is legitimately pregnant. WWE learned of Evans’ pregnancy today and changed the direction of her angle with Charlotte Flair. Evans was scheduled to face Asuka for the RAW Women’s Championship at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, however that match clearly did not happen.

Evans has a daughter, Summer, who was used for storylines during her feud with Sasha Banks.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE Elimination Chamber Results 2/21/2021

KICKOFF
John Morrison defeated Elias, Mustafa Ali, and Ricochet to advance to WWE US Championship Match

SMACKDOWN ELIMINATION CHAMBER
Daniel Bryan def. Jey Uso, Cesaro, Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens and King Corbin

WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Roman Reigns def. Daniel Bryan

Post -Match: While Reigns was celebrating, Edge came in from nowhere and hit Reigns with a spear. Edge pointed to the WrestleMania sign. So it appears Edge made his decision.

WWE US CHAMPIONSHIP
Riddle def. Bobby Lashley (c) vs. John Morrison to win the WWE US Championship

WWE WOMEN’S TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax (c) def. Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair

WWE CHAMPIONSHIP (ELIMINATION CHAMBER)
Drew McIntyre (c) def. AJ Styles, Sheamus, Jeff Hardy, Kofi Kingston and Randy Orton

Post-Match: Bobby Lashley attacked McIntyre. The Miz came out and cashed in Money in the Bank contract.

WWE CHAMPIONSHIP
The Miz def. Drew McIntyre (c) to win the WWE Championship