Comic Book Clique

TRIPLE H CONFIRMS RETURN OF WWE DRAFT

Jonathan EscuderoComment

Triple H, the legendary WWE figure, dropped a bombshell for wrestling fans during a recent appearance on IMPAULSIVE. The revelation came as Triple H confirmed that the highly anticipated WWE Draft is on the horizon, slated to occur in approximately 'a month or so.'

The announcement has sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, igniting speculation and excitement about potential roster changes, surprise returns, and blockbuster trades. The WWE Draft is a pivotal event in the wrestling calendar, reshaping the landscape of both Raw and SmackDown and setting the stage for new rivalries, alliances, and storylines.

Triple H's confirmation of the upcoming draft adds an extra layer of anticipation to an already action-packed season of WWE programming. As fans eagerly await further details and announcements regarding the draft, the wrestling world is abuzz with speculation about which superstars will be on the move and how the draft will impact the future of WWE.

With the WWE Draft set to shake things up in just a matter of weeks, fans can expect twists, turns, and surprises as the landscape of WWE undergoes a dramatic transformation. As always, the WWE Universe will be glued to their screens, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the ever-evolving world of professional wrestling.

CMLL Makes Major Change to Bryan Danielson Dream Match

Jonathan EscuderoComment

Professional wrestling fans were treated to a dream matchup when CMLL (Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre) officially announced a showdown between Bryan Danielson and Blue Panther, set to take place on a momentous night of wrestling action.

What makes this matchup particularly special is the stipulation CMLL has just attached to the bout: it will now be a one-fall submission only match, adding an extra layer of intensity and anticipation to the already highly anticipated encounter.

For Bryan Danielson, formerly known as Daniel Bryan during his tenure with WWE, the opportunity to face off against Blue Panther represents a culmination of a long-held dream. Throughout his illustrious career, Danielson has expressed admiration for Blue Panther, a Mexican wrestling legend known for his technical prowess and mastery of the submission style.

The prospect of stepping into the ring with Blue Panther is a testament to Danielson's respect for the traditions and history of professional wrestling. Blue Panther's influence on the sport cannot be overstated, and for Danielson, the opportunity to test his skills against such a revered figure is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The announcement of the one-fall submission only stipulation adds an intriguing twist to the matchup, as both competitors will be forced to rely on their grappling and submission skills to secure victory. With Danielson known for his technical proficiency and Blue Panther revered for his mastery of submission holds, fans can expect a clinic in mat wrestling when these two legends collide.

As the wrestling world eagerly anticipates tonight's showdown between Bryan Danielson and Blue Panther, the stage is set for a memorable and historic encounter. Whether it's Danielson's admiration for Blue Panther or the allure of the submission-only stipulation, there's no denying that this matchup has captured the imagination of wrestling fans worldwide.

In a sport defined by its rich history and larger-than-life personalities, moments like this serve as a reminder of the enduring magic of professional wrestling. As Danielson and Blue Panther prepare to write the next chapter in their respective legacies, fans can only sit back and marvel at the spectacle unfolding before them.

Pat McAfee Says Without Rhea Ripley, Dominik Mysterio Would Probably Be At That Other Place In Front Of 600 People

Jonathan EscuderoComment

During a recent episode of The Pat McAfee Show on April 5, host Pat McAfee didn't hold back his thoughts on WWE superstar Dominik Mysterio and the influence of his mother, Rey Mysterio, on his career trajectory.

“If you were to [brush him aside], he'd be gone forever. We'd never have to see him again. He'd probably be at that other place in front of 600 people," said McAfee

In his candid remarks, McAfee implied that Dominik owes much of his current position in WWE to his father, Rey Mysterio, a wrestling legend with a storied career. McAfee's comments also subtly shaded AEW, suggesting that Dominik might find himself performing in front of smaller crowds if not for his association with WWE.

The discussion on The Pat McAfee Show highlights the ongoing rivalry and competition between WWE and AEW, two of the biggest wrestling promotions in the world. McAfee's comments not only reflect his personal opinions on Dominik's career prospects but also touch upon larger themes within the wrestling industry, including the role of family legacy and the dynamics between rival promotions.

As the wrestling landscape continues to evolve, conversations like the one on The Pat McAfee Show offer insights into the complexities of talent development, promotion loyalty, and the ever-present competition between wrestling companies. While McAfee's remarks may stir debate among fans and industry insiders alike, they underscore the ongoing drama and intrigue surrounding the world of professional wrestling.

TNA Wrestling Signs Jonathan Gresham

Jonathan EscuderoComment

TNA has signed Jonathan Gresham. They’ve released a press release regarding the signing:

TNA Wrestling has signed in-ring veteran Jonathan Gresham, the company confirmed today.

Gresham has been a singles and tag team champion, including a run as the ROH World Champion. Gresham has ranked among the Top 10 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the annual Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 and the among the top 10 wrestlers from Sports Illustrated.

An Atlanta native who has been wrestling professionally since 2005, Gresham had his first match at age 16 – against Heath. He is married to reigning TNA Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace and the two live with their six dogs.

Gresham and the stars of TNA Wrestling will be in action on Saturday & Sunday, April 20-21, at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. The Saturday night show is the annual spring showcase event: the Rebellion pay-per-view, airing live around the world. The Sunday night show will be filmed for the company’s flagship weekly TV show, iMPACT!, airing Thursday nights on AXS TV. The Las Vegas shows will feature TNA World Champion Moose, Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace, along with Nic Nemeth, Mustafa Ali, Ash By Elegance, and many others.

Tickets for both Las Vegas shows are on-sale now at https://www.ticketmaster.com/tna-wrestling-tickets/artist/1008830

The Rock Opens Up About WrestleMania Disappointment

Jonathan EscuderoComment

In a recent interview on the Will Cain show, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson opened up about his feelings regarding the disappointment of fans when they believed he would be facing Roman Reigns at WrestleMania. The wrestling icon expressed that the fans' disappointment "hurt his heart," highlighting the deep connection he feels with the WWE Universe.

During the interview, The Rock acknowledged his influence within WWE and revealed that he could have continued with plans to face Reigns at WrestleMania. However, while in Hawaii, he realized the impact his decisions could have on fans, particularly those who were eagerly anticipating his return to the ring.

The Rock's candid comments shed light on the emotional toll of balancing personal aspirations with fan expectations in the world of professional wrestling. Despite his status as a Hollywood superstar, The Rock's roots in wrestling run deep, and he remains deeply connected to the WWE fanbase.

The Rock's decision to prioritize fan satisfaction over personal ambitions demonstrates his commitment to delivering memorable experiences for wrestling enthusiasts. By acknowledging the disappointment of fans and adjusting his plans accordingly, The Rock underscores the importance of fan engagement and appreciation within the wrestling community.

As WrestleMania approaches, The Rock's words serve as a reminder of the symbiotic relationship between wrestlers and their fans, emphasizing the profound impact of their support and enthusiasm. While plans may change and matches may be altered, the bond between wrestlers and fans remains unbreakable, ensuring that every moment in the ring is infused with passion, excitement, and shared experiences.

“I got a little bit of influence here in the WWE, we could have kept trucking through, or the thing that bugged me, I was in Hawaii and I realized, man, there's a segment of fans here who are just disappointed, and that, it hurt my heart to think that, well, I don't wanna truck through and leave these fans disappointed.

Back in January, I called Nick Khan, our friend. And I said, I have an idea. How about this? Why don't we take care of the people

Give them this story of Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns. And Nick said, great. And I said, however, it's a little bit of a twist. He said, what's that?

I said, what if I became the greatest bad guy of all time?

A lot of self reflection happens in Hawaii, a lot of the Mana.

And I woke up and I went, God, what if I became a bad guy? And then I was able to not be pretzeled and be freer and.

Be visceral and be open and talk and excuse my language, but say… I won't even curse 'cause I've been getting in trouble a lot. I want to, yeah I will… Say the shit that everyone wants to say but they cant say.

Let me do that…

By the way, The Final Boss, the spirit of The Final Boss, is Darth Vader. Yeah.

That's the spirit of The Final Boss.”

WRESTLEMANIA XL MATCH ORDER REVEALED

Jonathan EscuderoComment

With WrestleMania weekend fast approaching, wrestling fans are gearing up for two nights of thrilling action, and excitement reached a fever pitch with the recent reveal of the full match order by The Wrestling Observer. From championship clashes to highly anticipated showdowns, the lineup promises to deliver an unforgettable spectacle for fans around the world.

On Night 1 of WrestleMania, fans can expect a blockbuster lineup featuring some of the biggest names in the industry.

The action kicks off with a high-stakes battle as Rhea Ripley defends her title against the formidable Becky Lynch.

The intensity continues with a Tag Title Ladder Match, followed by a family feud as Rey Mysterio teams up with Dragon Lee to take on Dominik Mysterio and Santos Escobar.

Sibling rivalry takes center stage as Jimmy Uso squares off against Jey Uso in a matchup that is sure to have fans on the edge of their seats.

The action-packed night also features a star-studded six-person tag team match, pitting Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, and Naomi against the formidable trio of Damage CTRL.

The championship matches continue with GUNTHER defending his title against the resilient Sami Zayn, before the night culminates in a colossal showdown between two powerhouse teams.

The Rock teams up with Roman Reigns to take on the dynamic duo of Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins in a match that promises to be nothing short of epic.

As Night 1 comes to a close, anticipation is already building for the action-packed lineup set to unfold on Night 2 of WrestleMania.

The excitement continues with Seth Rollins defending his title against Drew McIntyre in what is sure to be a hard-hitting encounter.

Tag team action takes center stage as Bobby Lashley and the Street Profits face off against Karrion Kross and A.O.P in a clash of titans.

The night also features a highly anticipated singles match between LA Knight and AJ Styles, as well as a triple threat match for the championship title featuring Logan Paul, Randy Orton, and Kevin Owens.

The Women's Championship is on the line as Iyo Sky defends her title against the formidable Bayley, before the night culminates in a blockbuster main event.

Roman Reigns puts his title on the line once again, this time facing off against the resilient Cody Rhodes in a battle for supremacy.

With the full match order now revealed, anticipation is at an all-time high as wrestling fans eagerly await the action-packed spectacle that is WrestleMania weekend. As superstars prepare to step into the ring and make history, one thing is certain: WrestleMania is set to deliver two nights of unforgettable moments, jaw-dropping surprises, and epic showdowns that will leave fans on the edge of their seats.

WM NIGHT 1:

• Rhea Ripley (c) vs Becky Lynch

• Tag Title Ladder Match

• Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee vs Dominik Mysterio & Santos Escobar

• Jimmy Uso vs Jey Uso

• Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill & Naomi vs Damage CTRL

• GUNTHER (c) vs Sami Zayn

• The Rock & Roman Reigns vs Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins

WM NIGHT 2:

• Seth Rollins (c) vs Drew McIntyre

• Bobby Lashley & Street Profits vs Karrion Kross & A.O.P

• LA Knight vs AJ Styles

• Logan Paul (c) vs Randy Orton vs Kevin Owens

• Iyo Sky (c) vs Bayley

• Roman Reigns (c) vs Cody Rhodes

What are you looking forward to seeing the most at WrestleMania this year?

WRESTLEMANIA XL STAGE REVEALED!

Jonathan EscuderoComment

WWE fans around the world are buzzing with excitement as WrestleMania XL approaches, and anticipation reached new heights with the recent unveiling of the event's set design. In a move sure to thrill wrestling enthusiasts, WWE took to YouTube to showcase the elaborate and visually stunning set that will serve as the backdrop for the highly anticipated extravaganza.

The reveal, which garnered significant attention across social media platforms, offered fans a glimpse into the grandeur and spectacle that WrestleMania XL promises to deliver. With WWE's signature blend of athleticism, entertainment, and production value, the stage is set for an unforgettable night of action and drama.

As images of the elaborate set circulated online, fans marveled at the intricate details and larger-than-life design elements. From towering structures to dazzling lighting effects, every aspect of the set reflects the magnitude and importance of WrestleMania XL as one of WWE's premier events.

The unveiling of the WrestleMania XL set not only amps up excitement for the upcoming showcase but also serves as a testament to WWE's commitment to providing fans with unforgettable experiences. As the countdown to the big event continues, anticipation continues to build, with fans eagerly awaiting the moment when their favorite superstars step onto the grand stage.

With WrestleMania XL set to captivate audiences worldwide, the unveiling of the event's set design has only added to the anticipation and excitement surrounding WWE's flagship event. As fans gear up for a night of unforgettable moments and epic showdowns, the stage is set for WrestleMania XL to go down in history as one of the most spectacular events in WWE history.

GCW Bloodsport X Results 04-04-2024

Jonathan EscuderoComment

GCW held Josh Barnett's Bloodsport X event on April 4th, 2024 from Penns Landing Caterers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Triller TV

Full results and highlights ahead:

Josh Barnett's Bloodsport X Results (04/04/2024)

- Victor Benjamin def. AKIRA via referee stoppage

- Nic Nemeth def. “Speedball” Mike Bailey submission

- Women's Tournament Semifinal: Lindsay Snow def. Lady Frost via submission

- Women's Tournament Semifinal: Marina Shafir def. Janai Kai via submission

- Charlie Dempsey def. Matt Makowski via submission

- Timothy Thatcher def. Axel Tischer via submission

- Shayna Baszler (w/ Zoey Stark) def. Masha Slamovich (w/ Jordynne Grace) via referee stoppage

- Women's Tournament Final: Marina Shafir def. Lindsay Snow

- Josh Barnett def. Johnny Bloodsport via referee stoppage

Nick Khan, CM Punk, Nia Jax and Braun Strowman were all spotted at the event.

Karrion Kross and Scarlet were also in attendance.

ROH Supercard of Honor 2024 Media Call Highlights

Jonathan EscuderoComment

AEW/ROH President Tony Khan held a media call earlier today to promote this Friday’s ROH Supercard of Honor pay-per-view event in Philadelphia for WrestleMania 40 weekend. Here are the highlights.

-Right off the bat Khan gets asked about CM Punk’s Ariel Helwani interview. He chose not to respond.

-Khan reveals that Anthony Henry from the Workhorsemen, who was one of the ten talents released by the company, will be returning to AEW once his recovers from his jaw injury.

-Khan says that Dalton Castle’s Boys did not show up to work on a few occasions, which is why they were released. He admits it was a tough call.

-Regarding free agents, Khan promises to continue to be aggressive and make plays for big names, something he believes will help AEW grow over time.

Khan said he values everyone on the roster and also spoke about how the situation is fluid. He said they have to be mindful of the budget, but he intends to continue to add talent. He also brought up Anthony Henry suffering an injury while working an independent show. Khan said he’s had some time to think about it and Henry will be returning to AEW/ROH once he’s cleared.

Khan said he thinks they’ve worked out something and he would like to have him back in the company. Khan said that in some ways, he was trying to make changes to the budget, which he actually intends to increase. Khan said he had to make some cuts, but he will be very aggressive when it comes to the big name free agents. Khan said he thinks everyone has something to offer and some of those wrestlers may return.

-A caller asked about ROH Women’s Champion Athena. Khan raved about working with Athena and spoke about some of their work together. He said he took over the company two years ago and Athena has been champion for most of that time. Khan spoke about Athena facing a former AEW Women’s World Champion in Hikaru Shida, who defeated Shida in the past. Khan spoke of the Athena character’s confidence being shaken. Khan also spoke favorably about the ROH Women’s TV Title tournament. He said Billie Starkz vs. Queen Aminata meeting in the tournament final is the perfect conclusion.

-Khan spoke about how the match count of the Supercard of Honor card is roughly the same as it has been for past ROH shows.

-On AEW’s relationship with STARDOM, Khan says that it has been easier since Rossy Ogawa is gone.

-Khan says that AEW has a big media rights renewal coming by the end of 2024

-Khan was asked if there’s been any movement for an ROH television or streaming deal. Khan said they have their own streaming channel. He said AEW has a big media rights renewal coming up. He said he owns the ROH rights, which are open for business. Khan said there are great opportunities to expand or change the platform going forward. He believes they hold a lot of cards heading into next year and it’s a very exciting time for the company.

-Khan was asked about ROH becoming a female driven brand. Khan said they have some of the best women in pro wrestling in ROH. He said that in addition to the presence of Stardom, they have great championship matches, including the crowning of the first ROH Women’s TV Champion.

-Khan was asked about the Eddie Kingston vs. Mark Briscoe match for the ROH Championship. Khan spoke of it occurring on the eleventh anniversary of the late Jay Briscoe winning the title and how Mark has yet to win it. Khan spoke about his own history with the Briscoes. He said he thinks about Jay’s death every day and said he has a few photos of Jay in his wallet. Khan said the Briscoe family are some of the best people he has ever met.

-Khan was asked when the exclusive window for Warner Bros. Discovery to negotiate the AEW media rights deal expires. Khan laughed and said it probably was not in his best interest to list the date, but he said it’s coming up soon.

-A caller thanked Khan for keeping ROH alive. He also said ROH outshined WrestleMania some years in terms of match quality and really set the table for what WrestleMania has become (in terms of satellite events). Khan spoke about his excitement for Supercard of Honor and said he feels they have set the bar high with the ROH shows they’ve held since he acquired the brand.

-Khan wrapped up the call and mentioned that he will be holding a media scrum after Friday’s ROH Supercard of Honor. The audio of the call will be released as a free podcast later today

Cody Rhodes: We're in the Renaissance Era

Jonathan EscuderoComment

In a recent interview on Fox News Digital, Cody Rhodes, offered his perspective on the current state of WWE, dubbing it the "Renaissance Era." This term, laden with historical connotations of cultural and artistic revival, paints a picture of a period of growth and transformation within the wrestling industry.

“I’ve heard it coined as the Renaissance Era, and I really like that outlook on it,

For me, as a wrestler, I’m most excited that we no longer have to stand in the shadow of the Attitude Era because of the last two years we’ve done better business than they ever did”

Rhodes expressed his enthusiasm for this new era, highlighting a sense of liberation from the long-standing shadow of the Attitude Era. During the Attitude Era, which spanned the late 1990s to the early 2000s, WWE experienced unprecedented success and popularity, setting a high bar for subsequent generations of wrestlers. However, Rhodes contends that the current landscape of WWE has surpassed even those illustrious heights.

The wrestler-turned-executive-turned-wrestler pointed to the remarkable business performance of WWE in recent years as evidence of this newfound success.

According to Rhodes, WWE's achievements over the past two years have eclipsed those of the Attitude Era, signaling a shift in the dynamics of the industry.

This assertion underscores the significance of the ongoing changes and developments within WWE, indicating a departure from the established norms and a forging of new pathways forward.

Rhodes' characterization of the current era as a "Renaissance" implies not only a resurgence of interest and innovation but also a redefinition of wrestling's cultural relevance in contemporary society.

This sentiment resonates with fans and industry insiders alike, who recognize the evolving nature of professional wrestling and its enduring ability to captivate audiences worldwide.

As WWE continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of sports entertainment, Rhodes' perspective offers a compelling glimpse into the aspirations and ambitions driving this transformative period in the industry's history. The "Renaissance Era" beckons, promising an exciting journey filled with boundless potential and untold possibilities for wrestlers and fans alike.

The Rock to Begin Filming "Smashing Machine" Immediately After Wrestlemania

Jonathan EscuderoComment

According to reports from ESPN, The Rock is set to dive straight into filming his next movie role in "The Smashing Machine” after Wrestlemania.

The Smashing Machine is an upcoming biographical drama film on the MMA and UFC legend Mark Kerr. A24 is producing the film, which will serve as the debut solo feature for director Benny Safdie. Starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Emily Blunt.

For The Rock, juggling the demands of both wrestling and acting is nothing short of a balancing act. Yet, his dedication to his craft and tireless work ethic continue to propel him to new heights of success in both arenas. As he transitions from the adrenaline-fueled world of WrestleMania to the disciplined environment of a film set, The Rock's ability to seamlessly navigate between these two worlds is a testament to his versatility as a performer.

While fans eagerly await updates on "The Smashing Machine" and The Rock's involvement in the project, one thing is certain: whether he's delivering spine-tingling promos in the wrestling ring or captivating audiences on the big screen, The Rock's magnetic presence and undeniable talent will continue to leave a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.

In the meantime, as The Rock embarks on his next cinematic adventure, fans can look forward to the excitement of WrestleMania XL.

AEW Dynamite Results 04-03-2024

Jonathan EscuderoComment

AEW Dynamite opens with a promo from Adam Copeland where he puts over the company, the locker room, the Elite and Tony Khan. This seems to be in response to CM Punk's Ariel Helwani.

“Theres been a lot of negative BS that has been spewed this week, there has. Screw that. I wanna talk about the positives — AEW makes pro-wrestling more fun, better & AEW is where the best wrestle.”

Copeland says they’re gonna leave the negative BS in the past and AEW is gonna move forward. He introduces Will “OSPREE” and the opening match begins.


  • WILL OSPREAY vs WILL HOBBS

Hobbs is beating on Ospreay, beyond the boundaries of “friendly competition”. Ospreay eventually powers through and wins a pretty excellent match. Hobbs tries to confront Ospreay after but Callis whispers something into his ear. They leave.

WINNER: Will Ospreay

Ospreay is on his way out when Bryan begins his entrance.


  • BRYAN DANIELSON vs LANCE ARCHER

Archer starts the match by taking Bryan out before the bell. This begins a pretty damn good David vs Goliath match between Bryan and Archer.

WINNER: Bryan Danielson


  • CHRIS JERICHO CALLS OUT HOOK

Chris Jericho comes out to a chorus of boos. Calls out Hook and says he really wants to move forward together but he needs to win Hooks trust.

Hook says he got them a match on Collision but he’s going to keep an eye on Jericho.

Jericho says “BET”


  • BILLY GUNN VS JAY WHITE

Billy Gunn beats the absolute crap out of Jay White for about 10 minutes before the screen shows the Acclaimed taken out by Bullet Club Gold. But it’s not enough to stop Billy Gunn from beating on Jay White. Eventually the BCG get involved and a DQ is called.

Post match, the Acclaimed even the odds and run off BCG. It appears Bullet Club Gold were given new ROH 6 Man Championship Belt Designs as well.


Willow Nightingale is out to talk about her TBA Championship match against Julia Hart. She’s interrupted by Mercedes Mone who reveals she will challenge for the TBS Championship at Double or Nothing.


  • AEW World Tag Team Championship Tournament: EVPs Matthew and Nicholas Jackson vs Best Friends(Orange Cassidy and Trent Baretta) w/Sue

Slow match that built to a very hot finish. I did think Best Friends had the win at one point. Anytime I can be convinced of a different winner in an obvious match is a good time.

WINNER: The EVPs Move to the Finals


TRENT TURNS ON ORANGE CASSIDY IMMEDIATELY AFTER LOSING TO THE EVPS!!


  • MARIAH MAY VS THUNDER ROSA; WINNER FACES TONI STORM FOR THE AEW WOMEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

They worked pretty hard but couldn’t get the crowd into it. Thunder Rosa has not been able to recover her lost momentum. But the match was technically sound.

WINNER: THUNDER ROSA


Edge vs Penta El Zero Mierdo is announced for next week


  • SWERVE STRICKLAND AND SAMOA JOE CONTRACT SIGNING

"I'm going to beat you down so severely. It's going to leave you mentally scarred like you left Diddy's party too late." - Samoa Joe to Swerve Strickland

The contract signing turns into a brawl that leaves Swerve bloody and ko'd. But when Joe thinks he’s done and leave, Swerve starts laughing into a mic.

“If that’s all you got. I’m taking your World Championship. I love this shit.” Swerve takes a pen to his own head and signs the contract in his own blood

Joe rushes back to the ring but Swerve doesn’t care. Joe puts Swerve through a table to end the show.

Cody Rhodes Appears on MMA Hour w/Ariel Helwani

Jonathan EscuderoComment
  • Cody Rhodes says he found out that he’d be losing at WrestleMania 39 right in the ring, in the moment that Roman Reigns hit the spear & the 1,2,3 hit.

  • Cody Rhodes says "The Final Boss" reminds him of "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan

  • Cody Rhodes says he hates the term “finish the story” now because he didn’t finish it the first time he was saying it, and now its became a thing where everyone’s saying it and got a story.Cody Rhodes says that Dusty Rhodes never spoke a lot about not winning the WWE Title, but Dusty did talk a lot about his matches with Superstar Billy Graham at MSG.

  • Cody Rhodes says for Wrestling to truly have more than one royal family, he must defeat Roman Reigns at WrestleMania

  • When asked about Vince McMahon, Cody Rhodes says it’s important that when somebody is accused of something, that people don’t shame the accuser. He says he likes to just see how it plays out in the eyes of the law.

  • Cody Rhodes when asked if Vince McMahon is still involved with WWE, says he has only dealt with Triple H & Nick Khan for a long while now.

  • Cody Rhodes says that Nick Khan and Triple H told him about CM Punk’s WWE Return and wanted his opinion on it.

  • Cody Rhodes talks about conceding the main event to The Rock on SmackDown.

"After I had conceded the main event to The Rock. I still thought, ‘I’m going to find my way there.’ I still thought that. It’s one of the reasons I stayed dead silent. I didn’t want to put an opinion on it. I don’t want to get into the backstage details. What was out there is what was out there. I just felt like I was still going to make it. Then, thankfully, literally millions of people made it so that I did get back."

  • Ariel Helwani asked Cody Rhodes about the length of his new deal with WWE, then the topic of how much was brought up.

  • Rhodes wouldn’t disclose a figure or the length but does allude to a pay similar to LeBron James.

  • “I love Matt, Nick and Kenny. And I love CM Punk. I don’t know how, but I do.”

  • Cody Rhodes was asked if he considered going back to AEW before re-signing with WWE.

"No. No, it’s not in any way a negative towards them, it just, I know I didn’t win the title at WrestleMania 39, but I was in the spot I always dreamed of, and I know how lucky I am to be in this spot. When I see a poster and there I am front and center amongst other unbelievably talented people. When I see the 2K24 cover. When I see the responsibility. They didn’t hand me the exact ball and say, ‘You’re the quarterback,’ but they, Nick and Hunter, certainly gave me a lot of responsibility. I feel it would have been against my being because I was slotted there, you helped put me there, and now I’m making something of it and growing it beyond what you thought it could be. I wanted to keep doing that for them. It just didn’t cross my mind. Not in a negative towards any other places. This is what I’ve enjoyed doing."

  • Cody Rhodes doesn’t agree with CM Punk that Tony Khan isn’t a boss.

  • "I do think you will see Brandi at WrestleMania. To me, that will mean a lot"

  • Cody Rhodes says he bought himself and Seth Rollins matching Rolex’s

  • Cody Rhodes on Triple H:

"He had no reason to take care of me, but he's been an incredible guide, an incredible mentor."

  • "This is a fan created WrestleMania    this wasn't always the case. So I owe it to the fans to finish the story."

Cody Rhodes: 'Final Boss' Rock Feels Very 'Hollywood' Hulk Hogan

Jonathan EscuderoComment

Speaking on First Take, Cody was asked about The Rock's return

"I think it's different than everyone anticipated. The Rock is a Mount Rushmore pro wrestler-sports entertainer. If you ask anybody 'Who is your Mount Rushmore?' The Rock is on it. However, he came back, 'I'll just step into the main event with Roman Reigns, me and my cousin, do this family thing.' I was so blessed that the fans did not want that. They wanted me to finish the story at WrestleMania 40. Because of that, the byproduct is the Final Boss Rock. The Final Boss, the only comparison I can make, in terms of watching him from the outside looking in, feels very Hollywood Hulk Hogan. It's a whole other layer. I don't want to say all positive things about The Rock, but I can tell you, that's the staying power. You turn this and make it into something incredibly unique and very special,"

Tony Schiavone On CM Punk's Comments: I Really Don't Give A Sh*t, Let's Move On

Jonathan EscuderoComment

Speaking on the What Happened When podcast, co-host Conrad Thompson brought up Punk's comments and mentioned that he wanted to give Schiavone the chance to comment:

“Did he have a couple of stories about me? Jungle Boy, right? [Thompson notes that Punk brought Schiavone up but not in a negative way.]

You know what? I really don’t give a shit about it. I’m not gonna get into this. I know what he said, and let him continue to talk if he wants. That’s all I got. Look, okay, I don’t give a shit. That’s all I can say.

I can’t get into that. It would be stupid for me to get into that. I had no idea what he said, with the exception of someone told me, ‘Oh, he brought up your name, and here’s what he said.’ I went, ‘So what?’ So fucking what? [Thompson says Punk was not critical of him]

I know. That’s why I’m saying, ‘So what?’ If he was critical of me, people would say, ‘Oh, Schiavone on his podcast [wanted to] defend himself.’ I have nothing to defend. Let’s move on,"

WWE NXT Results 04-02-2024

Jonathan EscuderoComment

WWE NXT 04-02-2024

  • Good Brothers vs. The LWO vs. Axiom & Nathan Frazer; Winner goes to Stand and Deliver

Surprising result as it seemed the Good Brothers were going to Stand and Deliver.

Winner: Axiom & Nathan

Post-match, the new #1 contenders are interviewed.

Nathan says they haven’t slowed down since starting their team and now they’re headed to Stand & Deliver. Axiom says they’re gonna win on Saturday as the Wolf Dogs look down from the stands.


Lexis King says this is a brutal business and not everyone is cut out for it, and Mr. Stone knows that all too well now. It baffles him that Von Wagner wants another shot at him, but he can’t even take care of himself and that’s what Mr. Stone has been trying to do for him.


Ilja Dragunov is interviewed in the parking lot and says he’s on high alert when he discovers his car got booted.

Some D’Angelo Family goons roll up and say it’s a shame he didn’t pay his parking tickets and order him into the car, saying he doesn’t want to keep the Don waiting.


  • Fallon Henley vs. Jacy Jayne

Nothing match. No real meat here besides the post angle.

Winner: Jacy Jayne

The camera follows Jacy to Gorilla where she crows about her victory and tells Thea Hail she’d never lower herself to actually be friends with her and she only helped Chase U out to get the spotlight back and now she’s where she belongs.


Ava Raine gets up and tells her it’s live TV and time to move it along.

Thea Hail comes through yelling and Ava pops up and tells her she’s had enough and she’s booking a trios match between the two sides for Stand & Deliver.


  • Lexis King vs. Von Wagner

Lexis King finally back on TV and winning matches after a few weeks of floating after losing to Oba Femi. Good stuff.

Winner: Lexis King


Ava Raine reminds Carmelo Hayes of the importance of his match at Stand & Deliver and how there must be a winner and she’s going to bring extra security in tonight to make sure they all make it.


Natalya is giving Karmen Petrovic a pep talk backstage when Roxanne Perez interrupted to tell her she doesn’t need her or any of her other former idols anymore. Petrovic tells Nattie not to pay attention and then picks up her sword(?!) and leaves with her.


Arianna Grace is waiting for Georgina when Wren Sinclair shows up.

Grace has a selection of gowns for Gigi/Georgina to wear and is worried about how she’s going to come off but Wren says she already looks great and claims that pageants aren’t about conforming to arbitrary beauty standards.

Arianna blows up at her for suggesting that she wants to change Gigi and challenges her to a match.


  • Karmen Petrovic vs. Lola Vice

Pretty decent match with a hilarious shot after the finish of Lola Vice taunting while Petrovic and Natalya deal with the reality of loss.

Winner: Lola Vice


Ilja Dragunov gets driven to dinner by the D’Angelo Family. He gets out of the car and walks up to a garage door, which opens as he heads inside, past legbreakers holding crowbars and showing off their skills with a table saw in a pointed manner.

Another man works a nailgun, and finally he arrives at a table for two and the named members of the Family arrive and Tony D’Angelo takes a seat across from him as we cut away.


  • SUPERNOVA SESSIONS W/ ROXANNE AND LYRA

Noam Dar welcomes us to Supernova Sessions before reminding us that his group are hosting Stand & Deliver this year and then welcoming his guests tonight, Roxanne Perez and Lyra Valkyria.

Roxanne and Lyra take shots back and forth, Roxanne has a killer instinct she didn’t have before and Lyra takes issue with Perez not going after Tiffany Stratton or Becky Lynch for “her” title. A fight breaks out and Lyra slams her through a table and stands tall.


Donovan Dijak gets a hype reel where he talks about being the law around here.

Oba Femi is shown watching backstage and says at Stand & Deliver he’ll show Dijak and Josh Briggs both why he is North American Champion


We see Shawn Spears attacks Joe Gacy with a chair during his entrance but the Chainsaw wants to fight so here we go!

  • Joe Gacy vs. Oba Femi

The match comes to an awkward ending after the ref throws up an X. But an angle later on suggests this was part of the show. Which means this awkward ending could’ve been avoided?

Winner: Nobody


Lyra Valkyria has a talk with Tatum Paxley.


  • Arianna Grace vs. Wren Sinclair

Arianna Grace continues to display excellent character work. Wren Sinclair will be a feature face in this division.

Winner: Arianna Grace


We go back to the Ilja Dragunov / Tony D’Angelo sitdown.

Tony says Ilja’s parking issues have been taken care of and Dragunov says the depths Tony will go to get an advantage are impressive.

They go back and forth, Ilja says nothing will stop him from retaining the title, D’Angelo impresses on him the ease with which he could take him out here and now but no, he’s going to do it while the whole world is watching on Saturday.


  • Blair Davenport vs. Sol Ruca

    These are the two best female performers of the night, hands down.

Winner: Sol Ruca


Donovan Dijak and Josh Briggs run into each other backstage and talk about how they’re gonna win the North American Championship but Oba Femi is there to say that nuh-uh he’ll retain.

Ava Raine is excited about the Stand & Deliver card when Joe Gacy literally crawls to her desk to say he’s fine and he wants Shawn Spears on Saturday. She gives it to him.


Carmelo Hayes and his security entourage make their entrance.

Trick Williams also makes his entrance and gets on the mic.

Trick says it’s not supposed to be like this, Trick/Melo Gang was supposed to be strong.

But here they are, the first two Black Men to main event a WWE PLE on WrestleMania weekend.

As much as he’s supposed to be happy about that, he can’t because he’s going to war with a man he used to call his brother.

Hayes says put like that he has to admit that Trick came a long way from that dark match they had at SmackDown in Virginia, which Williams adds was his third match ever.

Trick says he was nervous but he had his brother at his side, and Melo says at one point it was them against the world, but now it’s them against each other.

Carmelo says Trick ruined everything for everybody and Williams says Hayes ruined it. Hayes says Trick taking the title was akin to stealing his girl.

Hayes says he WAS prepping Trick to take the main spot but it wasn’t his time.

He tells Trick directly that he was supposed to take a back seat during all this but Williams says he doesn’t take a back seat for anybody.

Melo says he used to be so humble and mockingly congratulates him on being hot for six months while Hayes has been hot for three years.

Melo says they love you on the rise, but when it’s the next guy’s turn, they’ll switch on you like Nintendo.

Trick says he knows Carmelo better than anybody and he sees that he’s envious and it’s written all over his face.

Melo asks what he’s supposed to be envious of and says he doesn’t care about the fans and Williams will learn the hard way why Melo is HIM.

Trick says he’s gonna whoop that ass and a brawl break out to close the show.

Paul Heyman Comments on All Elite Wrestling and ECW Influences

Jonathan EscuderoComment

While speaking to the Ringer about how Heyman has change professional wrestling, Paul mentions the influences AEW has taken from ECW:

“AEW is in and of itself RVD, because anyone who watches AEW can quickly conclude the AEW style is based on Rob Van Dam versus Jerry Lynn from 1998, 1999. And then you throw in all the different things that were obviously influenced by Taz, Sabu, the Sandman’s entrance, playing music while the action still goes on—let alone the fact that they continue to use the ‘lights out, lights on’ gimmick, which we debuted at the November to Remember 1995 when I brought back Sabu. The first financially viable opposition to WWE in many years employs styles that we either innovated or popularized during our run.”