Is Goldust (Dustin Rhodes) Done With WWE? Goldust Denies Reports

WWE veteran Goldust is reportedly done with company, according to Pro Wrestling Sheet.

Goldust’s WWE contract recently expired and he will be a free agent after the 90-day non-compete clause expires. There’s no word on when exactly the deal expired, but word is that he will be a free agent in May.

Goldust hasn’t been used by WWE this year and he underwent surgery on both knees in July 2018. He competed in the 5th annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 34 and the Greatest Royal Rumble match, both in 2018, but his TV and live event appearances were limited after that.

All WWE mentions from the former @Goldust Twitter account have also been moved. Dustin Rhodes is now tweeting from @dustinrhodes and his bio now reads like this: “Actor/Author/Entertainer! Appearance manager-scott@prestigeappearances.com. Film Agent – Aur-aelion@almondtalent.com”

There’s been speculation on a possible Dustin vs. Cody Rhodes match at AEW’s Double Or Nothing event on Saturday, May 25. It was recently announced that Cody would be facing a mystery opponent and he’s stated that things are “personal” between them. The rumors picked up when the 9th “Road to Double Or Nothing” episode was released earlier today, seen below. The video includes a tease for the match when Cody’s seamstress asks if she should stay away from gold.

WWE veteran Goldust took to Twitter today and denied reports on his WWE contract being expired.

He wrote, “I am still under contract with the @wwe , and everything that is being said online is just talk, and complete bulls–t. This is exactly why I hate smart marks!”

You can see Goldust’s full tweet on the contract reports below:

https://twitter.com/dustinrhodes/status/1111406766372216834

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Update On Jimmy Uso’s Criminal Charges From Recent Arrest

SmackDown Tag Team Champion Jimmy Uso just caught a big break in his Detroit, Michigan criminal case after he and his lawyer, John Freeman, landed a deal with prosecutors, according to TMZ.

Instead of facing possible jail time from charges of disorderly conduct and obstruction of justice, Uso is pleading no contest to a charge of interfering with a government employee. He was ordered to pay $450 in fine and the case is now closed.

As noted before, Naomi was driving their car down the wrong way of a one-way street in downtown Detroit back on February 13 when the two were pulled over at 10:22pm that night. Police noted that their 2018 Dodge Journey reeked of alcohol. Police said Naomi told them that she was visiting from out of town and didn’t know the streets. Naomi also said that Jimmy was intoxicated. Police said Jimmy pulled Naomi back into the car when they asked her to get out to talk. Police also said they asked Jimmy to stay seated in the car, but that’s when he got out, took his shirt off and “squared up” with officers like he wanted to fight. An officer pulled out his Taser and ordered Jimmy to get on the ground, and he did.

Jimmy was then arrested for disorderly conduct and obstruction of justice. He was taken to the Detroit Detention Center, where he bonded out soon after. WWE issued a statement on the arrest shortly after it came out in the news. They said, “Jonathan Fatu is responsible for his own personal actions.” The Usos would win the SmackDown Tag Team Titles from Shane McMahon and The Miz just days later at WWE Elimination Chamber, indicating there was no heat from officials.

Noami, who was never arrested or charged with a crime, later defended her actions to a fan on Twitter. She wrote, “I was NOT ticketed, I was NOT drinking, leaving the lot I was unaware that it exits to a 1 way street (it was dark snow no signs no traffic I was pulled immediately made a mistake and I own it) as for my husband he’s more of a man you’ll ever be & I’ll leave it at that #blocked”

For those who missed it, below is Jimmy’s mugshot photo from the arrest and police body camera footage that was recently released:

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Possible Stipulation To Be Added To Women’s Triple Threat WrestleMania Match?

On this week’s SmackDown, Charlotte defeated Asuka to become the new SmackDown Women’s Champion, adding a new wrinkle to the upcoming triple threat match at WrestleMania 35 involving Becky Lynch and WWE RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey. Shortly after her win, WWE initially confirmed the triple threat match would still be only for the RAW title, but that could be changing.

On this morning’s Wrestler Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported the match could have a “Winner Take All” or “All On The Line” stipulation added to it, hearing two different names for the stipulation.

The basic idea would be if anyone pins another champion, they would become champion. If Lynch pinned either Rousey or Charlotte, she would become that brand’s champion. If Charlotte or Rousey pinned one another, they would become a dual champion.

The report pointed out things could easily change from today’s plan, and if anything is announced it would mostly likely be on Monday’s RAW.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE Announces Four Big WWE Network Specials And More Tapings For WrestleMania 35 Axxess

Triple H has announced that WrestleMania 35 Axxess will feature another Worlds Collide theme with male and female Superstars from WWE NXT, NXT UK, RAW, SmackDown and 205 Live doing battle at each session. The matches will air over four WWE Network specials. There will also be three NXT UK TV episodes taped at Axxess.

Themes for the WWE Network specials are NXT vs. NXT Alumni, Cruiserweights Collide, Brands Battle and Women Collide.

Below is the full announcement on the tapings with matches confirmed, plus Triple H’s tweet:

NXT Superstars vs. NXT Alumni, Cruiserweights Collide and more at WrestleManiaAxxess’ Worlds Collide eventsWrestleMania Axxess, WWE’s biggest fan gathering of the year in sports-entertainment, just got even bigger with the addition of new Worlds Collide events!

This year’s Axxess — which runs Thursday, April 4, through Monday, April 8, at Brooklyn Pier 12 in Brooklyn, N.Y. — will feature unique, never-before-seen Worlds Collide matchups involving Superstars from NXT, NXT UK, 205 Live, Raw and SmackDown LIVE. Axxess will be your only chance to see these matches before they air on WWE Network. In addition, three sets of NXT UK tapings will take place at Axxess.

Check out the schedule of events below and be sure to secure your Axxess ticket today by going to Ticketmaster.com.

NXT vs. NXT Alumni
Thursday, April 4 (6-10 p.m.)
The past meets the present as former NXT Superstars battle current Superstars from the black-and-gold brand. The matches will include Roderick Strong vs. Tyler Breeze, Dominik Dijkaovic vs. Harper, SAnitY vs. Undisputed ERA, and Kassius Ohno vs. Aiden English.

Cruiserweights Collide
Friday, April 5 – Sessions 1 and 2 
Cruiserweights from 205 Live, NXT UK and NXT will soar to new heights in inter-brand bouts on Friday’s Axxess sessions. Featured matches will include Tyler Bate vs. The Brian Kendrick, Akira Tozawa vs. Jordan Devlin, Flash Morgan Webster & Mark Andrews vs. Ariya Daivari & Mike Kanellis, and Albert Hardie Jr. vs. Gran Metalik. Session 1 runs 1-5 p.m., and Session 2 runs 6-10 p.m.

NXT UK Tapings
Saturday, April 6 – Sessions 1, 2 and 3
Each of Saturday’s three Axxess sessions will feature an NXT UK TV taping for future airing on the award-winning WWE Network. Don’t miss the rare opportunity to watch the United Kingdom’s best and brightest Superstars competing stateside. Session 1 runs 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Session 2 runs 1-5 p.m. and Session 3 runs 6-10 p.m.

Brands Battle
Sunday, April 7 (8 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
Two 20-Superstar Battle Royals — one for male Superstars and one for female Superstars — will take place the morning of WrestleMania. Both Battle Royals will feature Superstars from NXT and NXT UK, and the Men’s Battle Royal will additionally feature Superstars from 205 Live.

Women Collide
Monday, April 8 (12-4 p.m.)
One day after female Superstars main-event WrestleMania for the first time in history, the WWE Women’s Evolution continues to take center stage at Axxess. Watch top female Superstars from NXT, NXT UK, Raw and SmackDown LIVE collide, with matches including Io Shirai vs. Sonya Deville, Toni Storm vs. Nikki Cross vs. Bianca Belair, Piper Niven vs. Zelina Vega, Candice LeRae vs. Kay Lee Ray and more!

Don’t wait to secure your seat at these events. Tickets for WrestleMania Axxess are available now at Ticketmaster.com!

*Talent listed and depicted above are subject to change.

Vince McMahon Sells Millions Of Dollars Worth Of WWE Stock To Help Fund The XFL

A new SEC filing made by WWE today revealed that Vince McMahon sold 3,204,427 shares of company stock, worth around $270 million.

The filing noted that the sale was primarily to fund Vince’s Alpha Entertainment LLC, which oversees the XFL football league that will re-launch in 2020. Vince informed the company that he has no current plan to sell additional shares, and that he intends to continue his role as WWE Chairman and CEO for the foreseeable future.

The shares sold today represent 4.1% of the total outstanding shares of stock. Vince still owns 28,682,948 shares of WWE stock, which represents approximately 36.8% of the company’s total shares of stock and 80.1% of the total voting power.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Former Lucha Underground Star Possibly Signing With WWE?

It was confirmed this week that Joey Ryan, Thunder Rosa (Kobra Moon), Ivelisse Velez and King Cuerno (El Hijo del Fantasma) were released from their Lucha Underground contracts.

There’s now speculation on King Cuerno possibly going to WWE in the near future. Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that Cuerno had an offer from WWE at one point. There’s no word yet on if WWE still has interest in the former AAA World Cruiserweight Champion, but it was assumed that the offers still stand.

Cuerno was reportedly offered a spot in the WWE Cruiserweight Classic back in 2016, but Lucha Underground and AAA would not allow him to enter.

In case you didn’t know Cuerno wrestled under the name El Hijo del Fantasma in Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide and on Impact Wrestling. Below is a photo of Cuerno as El Hijo del Fantasma.

Image result for el hijo del fantasma Impact wrestling

Regarding Ivelisse possibly coming to WWE, Meltzer noted that she has had behind-the-scenes issues with people in WWE in the past, which is why she’s not there now. There’s been no recent talk of Ivelisse possibly returning to WWE, but that could change as WWE looks to sign as many talents from the indies as they can. She was signed to a WWE developmental deal from 2011-2012, working under the name Sofia Cortez. She also worked WWE Tough Enough in 2011.

Image result for ivelisse

There’s been rumors on Lucha Underground being done, but that’s not official yet. Chris DeJoseph, the Lucha Underground Co-Executive Producer, stated last month that he thought the show was “dead” when asked about season 5 taking place.

 

Bray Wyatt And JoJo Announce They’re Having A Baby

Bray Wyatt and JoJo have confirmed they’re having a baby!

The couple took to their respective Instagram accounts to share the news, with Bray posting an image of his hands on top of his girlfriend’s belly, and JoJo sharing a photo of herself lying on a beach.

“I’m so excited to announce baby Knash, coming this June! This has been the most beautiful, incredible experience of my life so far. I am so happy that I was able to use this time to enjoy this privately but now I’m ready to share it with you all. I could not be happier!!! This truly has been the biggest blessing. And words can not explain how ready and excited we are to meet you my little man! I love you more than you’ll ever know,” JoJo captioned the image.

As you’ve probably noticed, Bray and JoJo have each been off WWE TV for a significant amount of time. The announcement from JoJo concludes by addressing this. She wrote, “Oh and WWE universe WE will be back when the time is right.”

Congratulations to the soon-to-be parents!

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

Buff Bagwell Says He Doesn’t ‘Get’ AEW, Plus Bagwell talks About His Time In WCW & WWE

In an interview with Wrestling Inc,’s WINCLY podcast Buff Bagwell gave his thoughts on the upstart promotion All Elite Wrestling, saying he doesn’t know Cody or the Young Bucks. Here are highlights:

On AEW: “At my age, [WWE is the only option], because these other boys are for the young kids and unfortunately, they don’t get it. Nobody knows them. I’m in the industry and don’t know them,” Bagwell said of Cody and The Young Bucks. “So, if I don’t know them, y’all don’t know them. So I don’t get it.”

On his brief tenure in WWE: “It wasn’t my fault that I was 30 and when I joined the WWF and I was going to take somebody’s job. Every single star, when I signed, was 12 years older than me…. It wasn’t my fault, but I sure as heck paid for it.”

On his backstage reputation: “Backstage gossip… hard to get along with, complains. My mom, when she started coming on the road with me…they thought he was acting up, obviously. She realized one day that her son was doing everything right and still, it was just rules in WCW.”

On WCW White Box Rule: One of those WCW rules was a white box that all talent had to enter a code into to document their arrival at each show.”If you didn’t check the box before 12:00, you got fined $500. The second time was a grand and the third time was I think fired. Do y’all really think us being late is our problem,” asked Bagwell. Bagwell said the white box became a headache for all of the WCW talent and affected the morale of everyone. “White box half a shoe box,” Bagwell said about the box. “At any time there was a line of $10 million worth of talent waiting to put the code in so you didn’t get fined off your check. “That’s a true story and Lex Luger and Goldberg and everybody would go to that little box and everybody checked in.”

On his health: “I’m about 80 percent almost back. Not body-wise, muscle-wise, but I’m gonna be 100 percent back in 3-4 months.”

On getting respect he deserves: Bagwell feels he doesn’t always get the respect he deserves for his contributions to pro wrestling. However, he contends that he’s done something that no one else has ever done in the tag team division.

“Most importantly, I think everyone, except you, has always announced me as a five-time world tag team champion and I’m truthfully a six-time world tag team champion with five different partners,” Bagwell told Nick Hausman. “How many guys have had six tag team titles with five different partners? Please let me know. It’s never been done brother.”

On his stand up comedy routine: Bagwell is now telling his wrestling stories via Tall Tales at Doc Holliday’s Saloon in Georgia. He teased one of those stories about a late night encounter with Brian Pillman in which Pillman knocked on his hotel door at 3 am “asking for a razor.”

“It’s three in the morning, so y’all do the math,” said Bagwell before adding “God rest his soul, but he was done before he was 40. I’ve wrestled 70 dead guys now.”

Bagwell uses that backdrop to set up his on stage routine and to detail everything he’s been through in the wrestling world. He says his comedy routine is unique and not something that even the best comics in the world could replicate.

“If Kevin Hart had my material, he couldn’t make it up. It’s too deep. It’s too crazy. That’s what makes this such a great idea and hopefully guys and girls will turn out to raise awareness of this thing. It’s a big deal as people are hungry out there. So I’m really, really excited about it.”

News On Kurt Angle’s Future With WWE

EWrestling.com reports that their affiliate website Rajah.com posted some news about WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle’s future with WWE. The following item come from Rajah Kumar, who often breaks the stories first on his official Twitter page (@RajahNews).

* WWE either will be or already has signed Kurt Angle to a new contract extension that will be seeing him work a part-time schedule as a road agent after WrestleMania 35. As is the case with all contracts WWE is offering talent, it will be a multi-year deal between three and five years. Either way, he will be staying with WWE for the long-term.

 

WWE NXT Preview 3/27/19

NXT  streaming tonight at 8 ET on WWE Network.

* Aleister Black & Ricochet meet The Forgotten Sons in Dusty Classic finale

* What will happen when Adam Cole and Johnny Gargano meet face-to-face?

* Kacy Catanzaro & Lacey Lane take on Aliyah & Vanessa Borne

*  Matt Riddle will take on Kona Reeves