MJF Undergoes Shoulder Surgery, Impact on Feud with Undisputed Kingdom

In a recent development reported by WrestlePurists and Jason Solomon, sources close to the situation have confirmed that Maxwell Jacob Friedman, popularly known as MJF, has undergone surgery on his left shoulder.

This news comes as a significant blow to both MJF and the wrestling community, particularly amidst his anticipated return and ongoing storyline engagements.

Originally choosing to rehab instead of getting a surgery. MJF was eyeing a comeback in March. Reports suggest that prior to his surgery, MJF had a crucial meeting with Tony Khan, the CEO of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), in Boston to discuss creative plans. However, with the unexpected setback, these plans have inevitably been reshaped, impacting ongoing storylines and future matches.

The injury to MJF, coupled with the recent setback faced by Adam Cole, has sent ripples across the creative landscape, particularly affecting the much-anticipated feud between MJF and the Undisputed Kingdom. Max was reportedly keen on wrapping up the program, but the injuries have undoubtedly forced a reevaluation of the timeline and direction of this storyline.

As of now, there is no clear timetable for MJF's return to the ring.

Stay tuned to Dirt Sheet Radio for further updates on MJF's recovery and its impact on the evolving landscape of professional wrestling.

WWE DRAFT RESULTS NIGHT 1 04-26-2024

WWE Smackdown presents the WWE Draft Night 1

Paul Heyman announces that Roman Reigns has removed himself from Draft eligibility because he is not returning in the immediate future

NXT is hosting a real life draft party. With fans included.

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The Draft War Rooms, featuring JBL, D-Von, Bubba Ray and Teddy Long

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• CODY RHODES AND AJ STYLES WWE CHAMPIONSHIP CONTRACT SIGNING

AJ says what he did to LA Knight was personal but he doesn’t have been with Cody. He respects his father, the American Dream. He’s wrestled Dream before.

Cody says he respects that AJ is familiar with the Rhodes family but when he puts ‘Cody' in front of the RHODES. It stops being a Dream match and becomes a “must win”.

AJ says it’s a shame that he has to take the WWE Title from Cody so soon after he won it.

---

Triple H interrupted Cody's entrance and asks him to reveal the first few draft picks for Round 1

Bianca Belair to Smackdown

Jey Uso to RAW

Carmello Hayes to Smackdown

Seth Rollins to Raw

Carmelo Hayes comes out and challenges the WWE Champion Cody Rhodes for a match tonight!!!!

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• REY MYSTERIO AND DRAGON LEE DEF. ANGEL AND HUMBERTO GARZA

LWO takes the win after a pretty fast nothing match. Santos Escobar and Electra Lopez come out afterwards. He reveals that he did not attack Dragon Lee.

Electra Lopez reveals she found the security footage from the night Dragon Lee got attacked. It was CARLITO!!!!

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• BRON BREAKKER DEF. CEDRIC ALEXANDER IN 15 SECONDS

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Nick Aldis announces Tiffany Stratton vs Naomi for a shot at Bayley's WWE Women's Championship

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Torrie Wilson and Michelle McCool are out to pick the 2nd Round of Draft Picks.

Randy Orton to Smackdown

Bron Breakker to RAW

Nia Jax to Smackdown

Liv Morgan to RAW

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Solo arrives and asks Heyman if the Bloodline got drafted.

"You're adding new members to the Bloodline which means nobody knows what to expect when they draft the group."

Tama Tonga shows up but both Tama and Solo are quickly attacked by Kevin Owens.

---

Bianca is out and she confirms her and Jade will challenge Kairi Sane and Asuka for the Women’s Tag Team Championships at Backlash.

She’s confronted by the Kabuki Warriors and quickly saved by Jade.

Kevin Owens brawls Tama Tonga out right in between the Women’s Tag Team Championship segment. Owens gets jumped by Solo but he’s saved by Randy Orton.

---

The Dudley Boyz are out to do ROUND 3 of the WWE Draft

LA Knight to Smackdown

Ricochet to RAW

The Bloodline(Solo, Paul and Tama) to Smackdown

Sheamus to RAW

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• NAOMI DEF. TIFFANY STRATTON BY DQ AFTER NIA JAX ATTACKED BAYLEY AND NAOMI

Tiffany rolled Bayley and Naomi into the ring after to hit a moonsault on them both at the same time.

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JBL and Teddy Long come out to do ROUND 4 of the WWE Draft

AJ Styles to Smackdown

Alpha Academy to RAW

Andrade to Smackdown

Kiana James to RAW

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• CODY RHODES DEF. CARMELO HAYES

What a weird match. I’m not sure what went wrong here. Not sure who to blame. But that was…. Off.

Show ends with AJ Styles facing down Cody Rhodes

---

Additional WWE Draft Picks that did not make TV.

TONY KHAN: AEW is Like the Pepsi of Pro Wrestling. WWE is Like the Harvey Weinstein of Pro Wrestling.

While speaking to NFL Network, Tony reflected on AEW's trajectory in the wrestling industry and shared Shad Khan's perspective on the matter.

He emphasized AEW's significant presence in the market, comparing it to the success of AFL prior to its merger. Tony likened AEW to the Pepsi of pro wrestling, highlighting its role as a formidable challenger to WWE, which he equated to the Harvey Weinstein of pro wrestling.

"AEW, we've been doing this for five years, we are the most successful sports start up since the AFL, pre-merger. There has not been a challenger brand that has gained as much market share as AEW in many many years. We are like the Pepsi of pro wrestling. We're up against an evil juggernaut. WWE is our competitor, that's who we're facing. AEW, like the Pepsi of pro wrestling. WWE is like the Harvey Weinstein of pro wrestling. I'm really proud of what we do down here," he said.

It's worth noting that Weinstein, a film producer, faced accusations of sexual abuse during the #MeToo movement and was convicted of rape, although the conviction was later overturned. Additionally, Vince McMahon and WWE were embroiled in a lawsuit filed by former employee Janel Grant, which included allegations of sexual abuse against McMahon.

Powerhouse Hobbs Injured

Powerhouse Hobbs reportedly suffered a legitimate injury during the 04-24-24 episode of AEW Dynamite, in his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match with Jon Moxley.

According to wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer, who provided insights into the incident, the injury sustained by Powerhouse Hobbs was not part of a scripted storyline. Meltzer described the moment, stating, "If you watched the show last night, that was not a worked knee injury. He went for a high cross or something and smashed into the turnbuckles and injured his knee. He could barely walk, and he hopped his way back into the ring, hopped into like two spots, and got choked out. There was more they were going to do."

The severity of Powerhouse Hobbs' injury and the potential impact on his career remain uncertain at this time. Knee injuries, in particular, can be challenging for wrestlers, as they can require extensive rehabilitation and may result in prolonged absences from in-ring competition. For Powerhouse Hobbs, who has been gaining momentum in AEW with his impressive athleticism and powerhouse style, a significant injury could derail his ascent in the company and alter the trajectory of his career.

The PG Era of WWE Coming to an End?

The Wrestling Observer is reporting The Rock's involvement during the build-up to WrestleMania XL and Paul Heyman's Hall of Fame speech are considered to be the end of the “PG-Era” in WWE.

The PG era, characterized by a more family-friendly and advertiser-friendly product, has been a defining feature of the company's programming for over a decade. During this period, WWE aimed to appeal to a broader audience, toning down some of the edgier elements that had been prevalent in previous eras.

However, recent developments have sparked discussions about whether WWE is poised to transition away from the PG era. One such development is the involvement of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in the build-up to WrestleMania XL. As one of the most electrifying figures in sports entertainment history, The Rock's return to the ring always generates immense excitement among fans. His presence in the lead-up to WrestleMania XL saw a departure from the more sanitized approach of the PG era, returning to the more vulgar yet larger-than-life storytelling and characters that defined previous eras.

Additionally, Paul Heyman's Hall of Fame speech has been cited as another indication of a potential shift in WWE's creative direction. Heyman, at one point in his speech, tells any naysayers they can “SUCK MY F*CKING D*CK”

While these events have sparked speculation about the end of the PG era, it's essential to note that WWE has not made any official announcements regarding a shift in its programming approach.

The company's upcoming deal with Netflix has also been cited as a factor that could have influenced its new creative direction. As WWE explores new avenues for distribution and content creation, there is speculation that it may be more willing to take creative risks and cater to a more mature audience.

Ultimately, whether or not WWE is indeed nearing the end of the PG era remains to be seen. The Rock's involvement in WrestleMania XL and Paul Heyman's Hall of Fame speech may be indicative of a broader shift in the company's creative direction, but only time will tell how WWE chooses to evolve its product in the years to come.

As fans eagerly await the future of sports entertainment, one thing is certain: the landscape of WWE is always evolving, and the only constant is change.

WWE Announces Rules & Pools For The 2024 WWE Draft

On The Bump, WWE revealed the rules for the upcoming WWE Draft. The Draft will begin on the upcoming April 26 episode of WWE SmackDown and continue on the April 29 episode of WWE RAW.

The Rules are as follows:

• On SmackDown, there will be Four Rounds, 16 Total Picks

• On RAW, there will be Six Rounds, 24 Total Picks

• Champions on each brand are protected

• Women’s Tag-Team Champions are eligible to be drafted

• SmackDown will pick first on Friday

• RAW will pick first on Monday

• Roster picks will lock-in on Monday, May 6

Wrestlers eligible in each respective Draft pools can be seen below (NOTE: NXT talents are also eligible on both nights):

AEW Dynamite Results 04-24-2024

AEW Dynamite opens with the brand new Elite making their way into the building.

Orange Cassidy's music hits and Trent Baretta throws him out into the arena. He’s here for Chuck Taylor's choice.

Chuck comes out. Trent says Orange Cassidy was meant to come in as a mascot but he turned Best Friends into a joke.

Trent asks for a hug from Chuck. Chuck calls him a piece of shit and challenged him to a Parking Lot Brawl

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Casino Guantlet Match for a shot at Roderick Strong's International Championship is announced for tonight

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• SWERVE STRICKLAND DEF. KYLE FLETCHER

Swerve and Fletcher have a great match that ends when Don Callis called a play for Kyle to grab a table. But Kyle refuses. He wants to beat the world Champ his own way. Unfortunately for him, Swerve was better on this night.

---

KENNY OMEGA RETURNS TO AEW NEXT WEEK!!!

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MINA SHIRAKAWA DEF. ANNA JAY

Crowd took some time to get into Mina but they were into it by the end of the match. Mariah May comes out to celebrate woth Mina after her win and gets attacked by Anna Jay until Toni Storm comes out to save her.

SERENA DEEB IS HERE AND SHE WANTS THE AEW WOMENS CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!

Deeb tells the camera she won’t do the trope where she holds the belt above her head. She will instead PROMISE everyone watching at home, Deeb WILL be the World Champion the next time she touches that belt.

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Willow, Stokey and Stat are out to celebrate the TBS Championship win. Willow mentions Daily's Place is where she got her All Elote graphic and now its where she returned as Champion.

Mercedes Mone interrupted and Willow asks why does she keep doing this. Does she really believe Willow purposely injured her in NJPW or attacked her backstage at Dynamite?

Mercedes slaps Willow in the face and they’re broken up before a brawl can start.

---

The entire Elite walk out of Tony Khan's office and announce that Jack Perry and Tony Khan will meet face to face in the ring TONIGHT

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• WILL OSPREAY WINS THE CASINO GAUNTLET MATCH TO CHALLENGE RODERICK STRONG FOR THE INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

What a concept! They just wrestle and more and more people come out until either the roster is depleted or someone gets a pinfall or submission.

Messy in structure but so many great performers in the match that they kept it entertaining.

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"The Learning Tree" Chris Jericho is out with a new name, new theme and new graphics.

Jericho obnoxiously puts over Hook. Says FTW means "FOR THE WORLD" now and then he's interrupted by Big Bill.

Big Bill wants to learn from Jericho's Learning Tree. Jericho says he'll be watching.

That really sucked.

---

• IWGP WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: JON MOXLEY(c) DEF. POWERHOUSE HOBBS

Moxley and Hobbs were just getting started when it appeared Hobbs might have hurt his knee. Mox hit his finisher shortly after, Hobbs licks out hut he goes straight into a choke and goes to sleep.

It’s not apparent if it was a work or not, but Don Callis was on commentary saying he cared more than Hobbs lost than a potential injury.

Takeshita confronts Moxley after. He wants the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.

---

Jack Perry comes out and asks Tony Khan to be reinstated to the company. Tony agrees. They shake hands and Jack Perry punches TK in the gut.

The rest of the Elite run out and ask what Perry is doing. They help TK up. He’s in EVP Trigger position but Okada stops them.

THEY TAKE HIM UP FOR THE TONY KHAN DRIVER INSTEAD!!!!!!

THE ELITE HAVE TAKEN OUT TONY KHAN!!

JIMMY USO INJURED; TIMETABLE FOR RETURN UNKNOWN

Fightful reports that Jimmy Uso has been sidelined with an undisclosed injury. The specifics of the injury remain undisclosed, leaving fans and the wrestling community speculating about the nature and severity of the setback.

While injuries are an unfortunate reality in the world of professional wrestling, fans are hopeful for a speedy recovery for Jimmy Uso and eagerly anticipate his return to the squared circle. Until then, the wrestling world will continue to monitor updates on his condition and eagerly await his eventual comeback.

Stay tuned for further updates as Jimmy Uso's recovery journey progresses, and let's all send our best wishes for a swift and complete recovery to one-half of one of WWE's most beloved tag teams.

UPDATE ON JACOB FATU

PWInsider reports Jacob Fatu is no longer slated to be at the forthcoming WWE Draft related TV tapings this week, so he won't be debuting at that time as some in the company originally expected.

There is a plan in place but with The Bloodline, everything is laid out in a meticulous manner.

According to one WWE source, there is no rush on his debut.

DOMINIK MYSTERIO INJURED

During a recent episode of WWE RAW, Dominik Mysterio mentioned that he required Santos Escobar to step in for him in a match due to feeling "a little banged up."

Shortly after Mysterio's statement on RAW, reports from Fightful confirmed that his absence from the ring was not just a storyline development but rather a result of a legitimate injury. The specifics of Mysterio's injury have not been disclosed.

As the son of wrestling icon Rey Mysterio, Dominik has been under intense scrutiny since his debut, but he has consistently proven himself as a formidable competitor and a rising star in his own right.

WWE RAW Results 04-22-2024

Michael Cole and Pat McAfee open the show inside the ring. They tell us a Women's Battle Royale will close the show to crown a new Women's Champion.

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Jey Uso opens the show to hype the crowd but he’s interrupted by Damian Priest. Priest says he’s proud to stand in the ring across from Jey Uso. He tells Jey that he’s just the first in a line of people the machine is gonna feed to him to make sure the belt looks good on his shoulder.

Jey tells Priest the only reason he’s in charge of Judgement Day is because Rhea Ripley is hurt. That makes Priest, Dom Mysterio's bitch. JD tries to jump Jey, he misses and gets Priest superkicked instead.

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The King and Queen of the Ring will be crowned in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on May 25th.

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• WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS: AWESOME TRUTH(c) def. D.I.Y

Pretty OK match. Ciampa refused to shake hands afterwards. Here’s hoping for a rematch where DIY takes the belts.

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Damien Priest tells JD he didn’t want his help out there. Dom comes into the room with Santos Escobar. Dom says he’s banged up so he needs someone to replace him. Priest has an issue with this. But there’s nothing he can do about it.

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Gunther returns to WWE TV. He says he took time off to reflect. He doesn’t have words for Sami Zayn. He’s just happy to have the weight of being the greatest Intercontinental Champion ever. He’s going from being hunted to being a Hunter.

Gunther wants to become King of the Ring. And he sends a warning to every Champion in this company. They all have Gunther coming after them now.

Xavier and Kofi come out to remind Gunther who the last King of the Ring was.

New Day make fun of Gunther for losing his IC Championship. Gunther says this is beneath him. He leaves Ludwig and Giovanni to handle it. Xavier says but they’ve fought so much already. But he agrees to the match anyway.

• THE NEW DAY DEF. IMPERIUM

The New Days wins yet again. Gunther is disgusted and leaves. Ludwig HAS FINALLY HAD ENOUGH. He beats the absolute SHIT out of Vinci. As he’s leaving, he sees Gunther in the back and Gunther is PROUD.

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Andrade declares himself the Judgement Day's biggest problem because he feels they didn’t actually want him in their group, they just wanted to use him.

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Drew McIntyre asks the fans why they keep chanting CM Punk's name. Punk hates them almost as much as he hates himself.

He asks the fans if they ever loved something that didn't quite love them back?

Drew tells the fans they don't understand complex relationships because the only one they've ever had is with their right hands.

McIntyre says he isn’t going to complain. Then he starts to complain about everything that's ’s happened to him. Sheamus comes out and says he’s sad to see his best friend got everything he wanted and blew it all because of a meme and a TShirt.

Sheamus says the hard truth is a One Armed CM Punk kicked McIntyre's ass. McIntyre says the fans dont know it but Sheamus knows how much Punk affected him when they were younger.

McIntyre says Sheamus isn’t about banger after banger anymore. He’s about Burger after Burger after Burger.

Drew says that’s what the the wrestlers in the back were saying about Sheamus and Drew stuck up for him. Sheamus doesn’t care.

McIntyre tells Sheamus he's only trying to watch his back

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• SHEAMUS DEF. SHINSUKE NAKAMURA

Pretty decent match but the way they’ve booked Nakamura the past few months really takes any suspense out of his matches.

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Sami Zayn is asked about Chad Gable and what he did last week. He doesn’t have much to say yet because Gable will be out to address it next.

Sami is confronted then attacked by Bronson Reed who wants the IC title.

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Chad Gable is out to address his actions from last week.

Chad Gable breaks down and craps all over the Alpha Academy calling them losers. Says Tozawa is a failure who can only dance. Maxxine is pretty but can’t wrestle no matter what and Otis is the biggest loser of them all.

He says they need to get on the same page and help him with the Intercontinental Championship no matter what. Gable forces Otis to say he’ll help.

---

Liv DID tell Rhea Ripley she would take everything from her.

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• ANDRADE AND RICOCHET DEF. SANTOS ESCOBAR AND JD MCDONOUGH(w DOMINIK MYSTERIO)

Very fun match but the crowd didn’t really know what to do with it. Damian Priest attacks Andrade and Ricochet after. He then tells Dom and JD that he doesn’t need them. They need him.

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Jackie Redmond is trying to interview Candice and Indi when a brawl breaks out between Liv and Nia Jax. Becky arrives and takes the mic from Jackie.

She then walks away from the Brawl with the camera man and directly to her entrance for the Women's World Championship Battle Royale up next.

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• WWE WOMEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLE ROYALE

Maxxine Dupri eliminates Candice and then Indi Hartwell, getting revenge for the way they’ve spoken to her.

Nia Jax ends Maxxine Dupri's dreams of being World Champion

Becky Lynch eliminates Piper Niven. Piper drags Becky out and jumps her. She puts her on the table but then tries to save Chelsea from Nia Jax

Nia Jax dumps Chelsea and goes outside to fight Piper instead. She dumps Piper onto Becky on the table but it doesnt break

Nia tries and fails a couple times to get Piper up. She finally gets her up. Samoan Drop onto Becky but the table still doesn’t break

Chelsea is eliminated but all the refs are distracted so she re-enters the match.

It's a fun triple threat match for the final 3 as Liv, Becky and Nia remained.

They do plenty of Nia domination and double team moves before Nia is eliminated. Liv and Becky final 2

Becky Lynch is the NEW Women’s World Champion, eliminating Liv Morgan!!!

FINN BALOR ANNOUNCES HE IS STAYING WITH WWE

Finn Balor took to Instagram to announce he will be staying with WWE.

In an exclusive report by Fightful, it has been revealed that Finn Bálor, one of WWE's most celebrated superstars, has inked a new multi-year contract with the company, marking a significant milestone in his career trajectory.

With this latest deal, Bálor solidifies his position as a cornerstone of WWE's roster, poised to continue delivering electrifying performances and captivating audiences worldwide.

The specifics of the contract, including its duration and financial terms, have not been disclosed publicly. However, Fightful's report emphasizes that Bálor's new deal represents a substantial investment by WWE, signaling the company's recognition of his talent, star power, and enduring appeal.

Bálor, known for his unparalleled athleticism, charismatic presence, and innovative in-ring style, has carved out a distinguished career in WWE since his debut in 2014. From his memorable NXT Championship reign to his successful stints on the main roster, including a historic Universal Championship victory at SummerSlam in 2016, Bálor has consistently captivated audiences with his performances.

Throughout his tenure with WWE, Bálor has garnered a loyal fan base and earned the respect of his peers for his professionalism, dedication, and passion for the industry. His ability to connect with audiences on a visceral level has solidified his status as one of WWE's most beloved and respected superstars.

With his future secured under this new contract, Bálor's fans can look forward to witnessing his continued evolution and contributions to WWE's ever-evolving landscape. Whether he's competing for championship gold, engaging in high-stakes rivalries, or dazzling fans with his in-ring artistry, Bálor remains a vital asset to WWE's programming and a shining example of excellence in sports entertainment.

As Bálor embarks on this exciting new chapter in his WWE journey, the WWE Universe can rest assured that they'll be treated to more unforgettable moments and thrilling encounters courtesy of the extraordinary Finn Bálor.

Yota Tsuji Criticizes the AEW/NJPW Partnership

In a recent interview with Tokyo Sports, Yota Tsuji didn't hold back in expressing his discontent with Powerhouse Hobbs' unexpected challenge for Jon Moxley's IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.

Tsuji acknowledged Moxley's right to defend the championship but criticized NJPW's silence on the matter, emphasizing a sense of discomfort and disregard for the title's sanctity.

The crux of Tsuji's argument lies in the suddenness and perceived arbitrariness of Powerhouse Hobbs' challenge. Despite Hobbs' prowess as a fighter, Tsuji finds it peculiar that someone with no prior association with NJPW and no history of competing in its events would be granted a shot at the top prize. Tsuji even raised logistical concerns, questioning whether Hobbs possesses the necessary visa to compete in NJPW and whether his potential victory would allow him to participate in future events, such as the upcoming one in Fukuoka.

"Where was the value of the IWGP? If Moxley has agreed to be the champion, then he certainly has the right to fight for the title. The problem is that New Japan Pro-Wrestling didn't say anything about it. What is that feeling? I wonder if they don't feel any discomfort with that. I feel nothing but disgust and displeasure.

"[Hobbs] may be a great fighter, but it's strange that a fighter who has no connection to New Japan and has never been to New Japan is suddenly challenging for the top belt, even if he doesn't win the [New Japan Cup]. I wonder if he has a visa. Even if he were to win the belt, would he be able to come to Fukuoka? I wonder how long they'll continue to be beholden to AEW, which has no respect for the IWGP. We are lowering the value of the pinnacle by ourselves, and I think we have to break out of this situation."

Moreover, Tsuji's criticism extends beyond Hobbs himself to NJPW's apparent deference to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), the promotion with which Hobbs is affiliated. He lamented what he perceives as NJPW sacrificing the integrity and prestige of the IWGP Championship in exchange for a relationship with AEW, which he feels lacks respect for NJPW's legacy.

AEW STAR CONTRACT COMING UP SOONER THAN EXPECTED

According to Fightful, there was initial belief that AEW had extended Jeff Hardy's deal into 2025 due to injury and sabbatical time.

However, as of late March, it was revealed that Jeff's deal was set to expire sometime in the Spring. This information was reportedly shared by Jeff Hardy himself with other talent at recent conventions.

With Matt Hardy's recent departure from AEW to return to TNA Wrestling (formerly known as IMPACT), there's speculation about the future of Jeff Hardy's contract with AEW. Despite his contract nearing its end, AEW could potentially extend the duration of the deal.

AEW Dynasty Results 04-21-2024

• AEW Dynasty Pre Show

The Young Bucks arrive to the arena in the obnoxious and recently recalled Tesla Cybertruck

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• TRENT BARETTA DEF. MATT SYDAL

“We want Sue” chants distract Trent early on. Pretty good back and forth that ends with Trent tapping Sydal out with a triangle choke. Chuck Taylor has to stop Trent from continuing to beat on Sydal.

Trent tells Chuck Taylor he hasn’t been answering his phone and he’s acting like a prick. Chuck has until Wednesday to tell him where he stands. As he’s leaving Orange Cassidy comes out for his match. He’s got a job to do, so he let’s Trent go.

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• KATSUYURI SHIBATA AND ORANGE CASSIDY DEF. SHANE TAYLOR PROMOTIONS

Fun match that so some stuff striking and interesting technical wrestling. Shane Taylor is really winning me over. Great wrestler.

---

• WINNER TAKE ALL ROH SIX MAN VS AEW TRIOS CHAMPIONSHIPS: BULLET CLUB GOLD DEF THE ACCLAIMED

THE UNIFIED AEW WORLD TRIOS CHAMPIONSHIPS HAVE ARRIVED. Decent six man match that really reminded me of how stuck in hell the six man titles have been since the Acclaimed lost their momentum.

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• AEW CONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP: KAZUCHIKA OKADA(c) def. PAC

Kazuchika Okada brings the IWGP Heavyweight epic to AEW here with PAC. Slow paced to start and increasingly violent as time goes on.

Okada is entirely comfortable being a dickhead heel here and it is AWESOME to see. Excellent freaking match.

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• ADAM COPELAND, MARK BRISCOE AND EDDIE KINGSTON DEF. HOUSE OF BLACK

What a surprisingly fun match here. Great stuff from everyone involved. Adam Copeland has been so good in the ring lately. Match ends when Copeland goes for a spear and gets misted by Malakai Black for a pin.

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• TBS CHAMPIONSHIP: WILLOW NIGHTINGALE DEF. JULIA HART(c) TO BECOME THE NEW TBS CHAMPION!

Very fast match that makes me believe Julia Hart was not cleared to do very much. Mercedes confronts Willow after the match

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Legendary Spanish announce team member Carlos Cabrera is shown on camera for the first time after being hired last week

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• AEW INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: RODERICK STRONG(c) DEF. KYLE O'REILLY

EXCELLENT FREAKING MATCH. Wardlow almost gets involved a few times before finally distracting Kyle one time. Full blown peak ROH/PWG era match here.

Adam Cole and the rest of Undisputed Kingdom Come out to celebrate with Roddy. Cole stares a hole into Wardlow's head. The story there is just beginning.

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• FTW CHAMPIONSHIP: CHRIS JERICHO DEF. HOOK(c) TO BECOME FTW CHAMPION

Painful match and it wasn’t because of the performances. This audience is sick and tired of Chris Jericho in his current form and they let it be known for the entire match.

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• AEW WOMENS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: TONI STORM(c) DEF. THUNDER ROSA

Toni Storm and Thunder Rosa tore the house down here. VERY physical match that saw both ladies absolutely CLOCKING each other multiple times. Rosa kicked out of Storm Zero once but a kick to the genitals led to another Storm Zero and a pin.

---

• Will Ospreay def. Bryan Danielson in One of the greatest pro wrestling matches you will ever see in your life. This was something to be proud of.

  No hyperbole to be found here. This was worth the price of admission alone.

---

• THE YOUNG BUCKS DEF. FTR TO BECOME AEW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS! JACK PERRY RETURNS!!

This match was full of violence and everything you would want out of a ladder match. It took a bit to get into it after that last performance stole the show. But they absolutely lived up. Jack Perry's appearance at the end was icing on top of the cake.

---

The reaction for Swerve Strickland is incredible as he comes out dressed like Killmonger from Black Panther.

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• AEW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: SWERVE STRICKLAND DEF. SAMOA JOE(c) TO BECOME THE NEW AEW WORLD CHAMPION

What a great moment for the company. What a great show all around.

FORMER TNA WRESTLER IN TALKS FOR RETURN

PWInsider reports TNA has been in preliminary talks with Tess Blanchard about making a return to the company.

It’s not known if this is connected to the “Lights Out” teaser that aired on IMPACT last week.

Tessa Blanchard's time with TNA Wrestling was marked by both success and controversy. She became the Impact World Champion, making history as the first woman to hold the title. However, there were reports of backstage issues, including allegations of bullying and racism. These issues led to her departure from the company amidst some controversy.

Kenny Omega Alludes to Rossy Ogawa's Shady Past

During one of his regular Twitch streams, Kenny Omega was asked his thoughts on Rossy Ogawa and he did not hold back.

“"From someone who lived it, breathed, who has very close friends in the industry. I don't necessarily mean the wrestling industry, I mean the industry. The government issued press. The information they know. I'm just going to leave it at that. I would say don't be so quick to listen to praise for that individual because someday, I'm not sure when it will be. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow, but someday, people will know the truth. What they do with that truth, I don't know. Will they share it? Maybe. A lot of the higher ups in Japan, they know exactly what,"

When a fan mentioned Kenny might be saying this because Rossy is working with rival promotion, WWE. Kenny responded:

"My comments on Rossy are whatever. There is nothing to say. I just think, eventually....I don't care about Rossy being an E-Drone. That's no big deal. He's done....that's not even the tip...just you friggin wait. If you are still interested in wrestling and you're listening to the stories and reading stuff. When it finally comes out. I will say one thing, there are a lot of people who refuse to work for him for the very same reason. Some of those people are in WWE. Some are in AEW. They have a very good reason. It's not just, 'I decided to wake up and not like this guy.' If you want to know along what lines they tread amongst, the dude just flat out said, 'we're looking for girls ages 13 to 21 that don't have a boyfriend and aren't married.' We already know he puts underage girls in very revealing swimsuit calendars and books. I wish that's all he did. Let's put it that way. I don't know. I don't want to say anything. I'm not going on record to say anything. I don't want lawyers barking at my door. That's why I don't want to say anything. I don't have any sort of video evidence, I just have the good word of people who are very close. I'm outside of it. If those people feel like commenting or saying something, whatever. For now, I'll say that people going to Marigold, good luck. I hope you have a great time. I hope it works out for you. For me, I would be very hesitant. I would be very hesitant. That's all,"

Kenny concluded the Rossy talk by saying:

“Just gonna say I'm with Asuka. Always have been.”

WWE Talents Released From Company

Several WWE talents have been released. These talents will have the standard non-compete clause that expires in 90 Days following their release. Some of these talents announced their leave on Twitter/X.

Current departures include:

• Jinder Mahal

• Xia Li

• Xyon Quinn

• Sanga

• Veer

• Von Wagner

• Cameron Grimes

We’ll update this as more info comes out.

Xyon Quinn lost a squash match to Bron Breakker in 6 seconds on the March 1, 2024 episode of WWE SmackDown. Before then, he last wrestled in an Intercontinental Title Shot Battle Royal on the May 15, 2023 episode of WWE RAW following the 2023 WWE Draft that April. He appeared frequently on NXT before then. Quinn had a long-standing rugby career spanning from 2009-2017, before signing with NXT in May 2018.

On Twitter/X, Jinder Mahal announced that he “quit” WWE. Jinder is a former WWE Champion who wrestled his last match with the company during the 2024 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. Jinder was originally signed to WWE in 2010 where he competed in FCW before debuting on the main roster in 2011. Jinder was released in 2014 during a run in the 3MB group. After 2 years on the independent circuit, Jinder returned to WWE in 2016 to win championships including the previously mentioned WWE Championship as well as the United States Title and the 24/7 Championship two times.

Xia Li impressed talent scouts during a January 2017 WWE tryout camp in Shanghai, China. She made her debut in the inaugural Mae Young Classic where she earned the distinction of being the first female Chinese wrestler to compete in WWE. She then competed on NXT for a few years before being drafted to the SmackDown brand during the 2021 WWE Draft. Her last match was against Natalya on the April 15, 2024 episode of WWE Main Event.

Sanga is a former National Kickboxing gold medalist who signed with WWE in 2018. In 2020, Sanga, alongside Veer, joined forces in NXT to form the team Indus Sher. In 2022, Sanga became the bodyguard of Grayson Waller on NXT before being teamed up with Veer again in the 2023 WWE Draft. Indus Sher and Jinder Mahal joined forces up until their release.

Veer came from a baseball background, where he joined the Pittsburgh Pirates at a pitcher following The Million Dollar Arm reality series. He became the first Indian player to be in professional baseball. As mentioned previously, Veer teamed with Sanga on the team Indus Sher. From late 2021 to April 2022, Veer became an internet meme due to having weekly teases that said he was “coming to RAW” soon.

WWE SMACKDOWN RESULTS 04-19-2024

The show kicks off with the finals of the #1 CONTENDERS Matches.

• LA KNIGHT VS AJ STYLES

Pretty slow match but it wasn't horrible.

AJ STYLES IS THE NUMBER 1 CONTENDER FOR THE WWE CHAMPIONSHIP. AJ VS CODY RHODES IS OFFICIAL FOR BACKLASH

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Solo Sikoa arrives at the arena with his “MFT” Tama Tonga. He strongarms Heyman into finding Kevin Owens for them.

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Triple H is out to introduce new WWE Tag Team Championship belts with Nick Aldis

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Naomi cuts a promo promising her friendship with Bayley won’t be in trouble after this match… Uh oh.

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• STREET PROFITS DEF. NEW CATCH REPUBLIC, LEGADO DEL FANTASMA AND AUTHORS OF PAIN TO BECOME NUMBER 1 CONTENDERS FOR THE WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

Freaking excellent match. Sick spot where NCR does double moonsaults to the outside while Montez hops the turnbuckle. Go seek this out.

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Paul Heyman tells Solo Sikoa that Solo has been making decisions that aren’t yet his to make. They will be one day but not yet. Solo doesn’t want to hear any of it.

Solo Sikoa snatches the mic out of Heyman's hands and the crowd is screaming for Roman Reigns. Solo is not pleased.

Tama Tonga brings out a bloody Kevin Owens! This is nasty

It turns out Tama Tonga tried to kill KO before they came out. Aldis told Heyman to keep The Bloodline in control because Tama Tonga’s actions would have repercussions for the WWE Draft.

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• Santos Escobar (w/ Elektra Lopez) def. Carlito Colon (w/ Zelina Vega)

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Kayla Braxton interviewed Damage CTRL from a skybox. Kai scolded Braxton for naming Sky as the FORMER Women's Champion and said that DamageCTRL was still the most dominant faction in WWE.

This led to Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill and joining them in the skybox next to them in the crowd. This led directly to the main event of the night.

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• WWE Women's Championship Match: Bayley (c) def. Naomi via Disqualification.

Tiffany Stratton attacked Bayley from behind on the outside, ending the match via disqualification. Stratton attacked Naomi & Bayley before getting them back in the ring and hitting them with the PME (Prettiest Moonsault Ever). Stratton stood tall to end the broadcast.

SETH ROLLINS UNDERGOES KNEE SURGERY

In a surprising revelation that has sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, Becky Lynch revealed on the Late Late Show in Ireland that her husband, Seth Rollins, underwent knee surgery last Tuesday afternoon.

Despite facing the daunting challenge of a torn meniscus earlier this year, Rollins displayed incredible resilience and determination, pushing through the pain to deliver standout performances at WrestleMania. Working back-to-back nights on the grandest stage of them all, Rollins' commitment to his craft and his unwavering dedication to his fans shine through, earning him admiration and respect from colleagues and fans alike.

The news of Rollins' knee surgery adds a new layer of appreciation for his WrestleMania performances, underscoring the physical toll and sacrifices that wrestlers often endure to entertain audiences around the world. Rollins' willingness to push through adversity and deliver despite his injury speaks volumes about his professionalism and passion for his craft.

As Rollins embarks on the road to recovery, fans can rest assured that his resilience and determination will propel him forward. With the support of his loved ones and the wrestling community behind him, Rollins is poised to return stronger than ever, ready to continue making an impact in the squared circle.

Stay tuned for further updates on Seth Rollins' recovery journey and his eventual return to the ring, as fans eagerly await his triumphant comeback following his recent surgery.