I want to take this moment to wish all of our loyal fans a Merry Christmas and a safe holiday!
So, over the past year, we have seen a lot of changes in the professional wrestling industry. The WWE was sold and then merged with the UFC, creating a new sports entertainment company called “TKO.” We saw many returns of superstars, like CM Punk back to AEW, then fired from AEW, to returning to the WWE after 10 long years. We also saw the recent return of TNA Wrestling, which was known as IMPACT Wrestling. At this year’s IMPACT Bound For Glory Live Premium Event, the company announced that they will be rebranding back to TNA “Total Non-Stop” Wrestling at their next PPV “Hard To Kill” in January 2024.
There’s a new report circulating on Mercedes Moné’s (Sasha Banks) future in the wrestling business. Both the WWE and AEW apparently have interest in signing her to a contract. But as per Fightful Select, there are sources within AEW, who are stating they had tentative plans for her to work for AEW only if she was injury free. But the two sides apparently couldn’t come to terms on several items. Now, there are really no reliable reports that are saying the WWE is also involved in talks with Mercedes Moné. But that doesn’t mean that Mercedes Moné didn’t already talk to the WWE. So, what does the future hold for the biggest free agent in the business right now? We will just have to hang tight and wait and see.
News is coming out of New Japan Pro Wrestling, in regards to one of their top stars, SANADA, who is currently the company’s IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, and has a scheduled title defense against Tetsuya Natio at their biggest event, “Wrestle Kingdom 18.” SANADA has recently announced that he is thinking of retiring from active pro wrestling. During an interview, SANADA stated, “I feel like, compared to people around me, I find myself thinking about my age more.” SANADA, who is currently 41 years old, further stated, “That’s why I feel if I don’t make the most of this moment, I’ll live to regret it later, my age has made me realize what’s important.” SANADA and Tetsuya are no strangers to each other as they were stable mates in the Los Ingobernables de Japon faction. No matter what happens in this match, SANADA is an excellent performer, who brought a lot to NJPW. This is a match that I will be watching.
Former AEW Women’s Champion Thunder Rosa has recently made her return to the company on the December 16, 2023 edition of AEW Collision. Thunder Rosa has been out of action since August 2022. As per Busted Open Radio, “she is happy to be back after 500 days away from actively performing in the ring.” I am not a fan of Thunder Rosa and probably never will be, but I wish her success in her return.
The Question of the Week comes from Edward F. in Rockaway Park, and he asked, “Is the WWE ever going to focus on their Women’s Division? I feel there is a lot of wasted talent not being used.” Hi Ed, I agree with you that the Women’s Division has not been built properly in this past year. The problem, as I see it, is that they had their Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley involved with many non-women’s division related segments, and that took away from the Women’s Division being showcased. Also, it’s time they start pushing their younger superstars more, and show the world what they can do. Thanks for the question!
If you have a question or comment, please send it to eavil183@yahoo.com and have a great weekend!