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  • Shawn Michaels brings back ex-WWE star after a decade, iconic tag team reunites – 8 ECW legends who showed up at NXT’s 2300 Arena show

    WWE NXT aired a very special episode last night. Instead of being on Tuesdays, as has become the norm, this week the show took place on Wednesday thanks to the 2024 United States Presidential Election.

    This was a big show, as they went head-to-head with AEW Dynamite in their usual time slot. NXT went on the road for the show at the 2300 Arena, also known to pro wrestling fans as the infamous ECW Arena.

    Because it was held in a historic wrestling venue, the show was littered with former stars of Extreme Championship Wrestling. This included names advertised and teased, plus some who were big surprises.

    This article will examine everybody from the original ECW who appeared on the special edition of NXT. Some wrestled, some refereed, and others just showed up, but they were all fun blasts from the past.

    #8. Dawn Marie was a guest referee

    Dawn Marie is a former ECW and WWE star. While she was known for her time as a valet in Extreme Championship Wrestling and an on-screen heel figure in World Wrestling Entertainment, she played a different role on NXT.

    The former ECW star served as the special guest referee for a Hardcore Match between Lola Vice and Jaida Parker. Dawn called it right down the middle, and the bout was a hard-hitting affair that ultimately ended with Jaida pinning the former mixed-martial artist following the Hipnotic.

    #7. Nunzio & #6. Tony Mamaluke, The F.B.I leader, wrestled

    Nunzio is another former WWE and ECW star. He was a cruiserweight around two decades ago, with a past leading the F.B.I., aka the Full Blooded Italians, both on SmackDown and ECW.

    A former F.B.I member joined him in Tony Mamaluke. The two had a backstage segment with The Family that got intense. From there, Nunzio challenged Tony D’Angelo for the NXT North American Title.

    In the end, Nunzio lost decisively. Despite that, he received a “you still got it” chant, and The Family and the F.B.I. shook hands and hugged post-match, truly extending their family.

    #5. Francine appeared in the crowd

    The Queen of Extreme appeared on WWE NXT television. Francine is a former manager of Shane Douglas and Chris Candido, so when she was promoted to appear on last night’s show, many hoped she would return to her roots.

    That didn’t happen, however. Francine was highlighted in the crowd, much like a special guest at a classic NXT TakeOver event. While this wasn’t quite as exciting as some may like, it was still nice seeing the wrestling legend.

    #4. Rhyno made his WWE return after several years

    Rhyno has had success in numerous promotions. He has had a handful of runs in WWE, is a former ECW Champion, and has also had multiple stays in TNA Wrestling, where he currently competes.

    The Man Beast wasn’t promoted for NXT. Instead, during a segment with Ava, Stevie Turner, and Robert Stone, the latter began tearing down Philly and ECW. This led to the lights going out and coming back on.

    From there, Rhyno delivered a devastating Gore to the assistant to the NXT General Manager, much to the fans’ delight. This was Rhyno’s first WWE appearance since his last match for the company in 2019.

    #3. Bubba Ray Dudley & #2. D-Von Dudley, The Dudley Boyz reunited

    The Dudley Boyz are one of the most successful tag teams in wrestling history. While billed as 16-time tag team champions, the two have held far more titles than that, including multiple reigns in WWE.

    Bubba Ray Dudley appeared at NXT Halloween Havoc and NXT last week, which effectively set up a tag team match between himself and Trick Williams against Ethan Page and Ridge Holland.

    Despite losing the match due to a fluke pin, they stood tall and attempted to put Ego through a table. They couldn’t find one, but D-Von Dudley returned with a table and watched as they put the former champion through it. The Dudleys reunited!

    #1. RVD got jumped but also shined up young stars

    Rob Van Dam is one of the most successful ECW originals ever. Not only did he have a great run in the company, but he became a WWE Champion at the highest level.

    RVD appeared on NXT last week, and it was announced that he’d be involved in Wes Lee vs. Je’Von Evans. Instead, Wes jumped Mr. Monday Night before their match. He then showed up near the end of the bout to encourage Evans to hit a coast-to-coast Frog Splash.

    Van Dam gave Je’Von his endorsement, celebrating the Young O.G. Not only that, but RVD also had a segment with Kelani Jordan, giving her advice as they stretched together. This rub on both stars will help both in the eyes of fans and motivate them moving forward.

    Source: Sportskeeda

  • WWE legend blasts Goldberg following major announcement: “All the wrong reasons”

    Goldberg made lots of headlines with his surprising appearance at WWE Bad Blood. The Hall of Famer confronted World Heavyweight Champion Gunther, and fans have been anticipating a showdown.

    However, in a recent appearance on ESPN’s SEC Nation, the legend announced that he would have his retirement match in 2025, which has left the world talking again. The Hall of Famer has been one of the pioneers of the industry for quite a while now, and a plethora of opponents are being anticipated for his retirement match.

    In a recent edition of the Busted Open Podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray addressed legends returning for one last match and stated that returning to pick a win against a younger talent shoes ‘ego’ in the veteran. Instead, legends should return to help the younger stars get over for the future.

    “If you are a veteran in this business and you want to come back to have one last match so you can say that you shut the book on your career and you had control of it, I’m totally fine with that. If you are a veteran who needs to come back and have one last match because you need to win, I’m sorry, you’re doing it for all the wrong reasons—that is ego,” said Bully Ray.

    He noted that Goldbergreturning for a win would be ‘wrong’ and things shouldn’t go that way. Rather, the Hall of Famer should work as things work out in the industry.

    “I’m not saying that Goldberg is coming back to wrestle because he needs to win his last match, but if that’s true for any wrestler, that’s ego. You don’t do it that way. There’s a way that things are done in this industry. You can still go out on top while still doing the favor on the way out,” he added. [3:38 onwards]

    Who will Goldberg face in his retirement match?

    While the WWE Universe is anticipating a number of dream matches for the Hall of Famer, fans believe a match against Gunther must happen following their confrontation back at Bad Blood.

    However, it is still unknown if the veteran will have just one last match upon his return or a series of bouts. Time will tell what Goldberg has planned for his farewell from the squared circle.

    Please credit Busted Open Podcast and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use any quotes from this article.

    Source: Sportskeeda

  • Trish Stratus and Lita make major non-WWE announcement

    WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus recently took to social media to make a major announcement outside the Stamford-based promotion. The announcement involved fellow wrestling legend Lita as well.

    Trish Stratus and Lita are two of the biggest names to ever step inside the squared circle in World Wrestling Entertainment. The duo completely changed the landscape of women’s professional wrestling by becoming the first-ever female stars to main event an episode of RAW. The former rivals have won multiple titles throughout their careers and were also inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

    Stratus recently took to X/Twitter to make a major announcement alongside her former tag team partner, Lita. In her tweet, she revealed that they were hosting an event at GalaxyCon in Columbus, Ohio on December 6, 2024, and encouraged fans to purchase tickets for the event as soon as possible.

    “We’re baaa-aaaack! #TeamBestie is hosting an event and we want you to hang with us at #GalaxyConColumbus. TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW! Visit http://TeamBestie.com to get yours! The first 100 purchases will receive a special gift from us, so – GO!” Stratus tweeted.

    Check out her tweet below:

    Many fans want to see another stint from Trish Stratus and Lita in WWE after their incredible performances in 2023. It will be interesting to see what the legends have planned for their future in professional wrestling.

    Source: Sportskeeda

  • 36-year-old star set to challenge WWE champion next, feels Tommy Dreamer

    WWE NXT Champion Trick Williams has been on an incredible run with the title on his shoulder. The star has turned out to be a massive attraction for NXT, and could be next in line to make a name for himself on the main roster. However, the champion got pinned by a 36-year-old star recently.

    The star in question is Ridge Holland, who pinned him during this week’s episode of NXT to pick a win against the champion and WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray in a tag team match. While the surprising victory caught everyone’s attention, Williams was left furious in a backstage segment later on.

    In a recent edition of the Busted Open Podcast, Tommy Dreamer addressed the main event of NXT and stated that WWE is continuing to elevate Ridge Hollandto a whole new level. The legend stated that the story was moving forward and that we would see Ridge Holland vs. Trick Williams soon.

    “The greatest of all time lose games…we saw this tonight with this and obviously again, the elevation of Ridge Holland continues. Ethan Page was excellent in his role. Because now really the story is going forward after we got past this electrifying show. It’s gonna be Ridge and Trick,” said Tommy Dreamer. [4:47 onwards]

    What’s next for Ethan Page in the WWE NXT Championship picture?

    After a win in the tag team match, Ethan Page has clearly strengthened his position as one of the major stars of the brand. However, the former NXT Champion could possibly move out of the NXT title picture for now.

    With Holland and Williams seemingly set to lock horns, Page could work as the guest referee to solidify the feud, making it a massive attraction. A triple threat rivalry in the future could also keep the WWE Universe excited about the story. Only time will tell what the company has planned for Page going forward.

    Please credit Busted Open Podcast and give H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling if you use quotes from this article.

    Source: Sportskeeda

  • Dominik Mysterio to ditch Liv Morgan for former 2-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion? Analyzing potential direction

    There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind about the fact that Dominik Mysterio is nobody’s friend in WWE. He wouldn’t think twice before jumping ship at the first sign of trouble. He betrayed Rhea Ripley for Liv Morgan at SummerSlam. Time isn’t far away when he would ditch Morgan too, if it serves him well.

    Dom, however, shall do it for a good reason this time potentially. There is a possibility that Dominik would exit The Judgment Day, and leave Liv Morgan behind too. And where he would go? Dominik shall go back to his father, Rey Mysterio this time, reconciling with the two-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion.

    Dom betrayed Rey in 2022, turning heel, and even fought against him at WrestleMania 39, which he eventually lost. However, it seems Dominik shall correct the wrongs, and go back to Rey Mysterio.

    The reason for this could be his Judgment Day members betraying him and not coming to Dom’s aid this week on RAW when he lost the No.1 contenders contest in the Fatal-Four Way match.

    Dirty Dom was involved in the Fatal-Four Way match in the main event of RAW this week, against Seth Rollins, Sheamus, and Damian Priest to decide the next challenger for Gunther’s title. However, he had to bite the dust as he stood no chance to win the match with his own abilities. Dominik was pinned by Damian Priest, the same person he had cunningly defeated last week on RAW before Crown Jewel. While he had some help in the one-on-one bout, this week, none of his Judgment Day members came out to help him.

    His Judgment Day mate, Finn Balor seemingly isn’t too happy seeing Dominik’s aspirations to become the World Heavyweight Champion. Balor also walked away when Dominik showed his zeal backstage for getting the gold from Gunther. The Prince later asked JD McDonagh not to help out Dom during his match on RAW. A full-blown war might now erupt between Dom and Finn Balor after his loss this week.

    Dominik Mysterio might ally with Rey Mysterio to challenge for the tag titles

    Things could gradually begin to turn sour between Dominik and Finn Balor, starting from as early as next week on RAW. Balor didn’t look happy when Dominik spoke about defeating Damian Priest in the No.1 contenders match on RAW last week. While other members came out to help Dom against Priest, Balor was nowhere to be seen.

    Dominik could then confront Balor for being jealous of him. This might lead to an altercation between them, leading to Dominik Mysterio walking out of the heel faction. Dom might also get in a singles match with Balor, bringing JD McDonagh into the picture. When Dom is outnumbered against his old faction, he might then turn to his father for help. The duo can then together take on The Judgment Day members.

    Rey and Dominik could then challenge Balor and JD McDonagh for the WWE World Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania 41. Rey and Dominik have previously been the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions. They won the titles on May 16, 2021, at WWE WrestleMania Backlash against Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode.

    Source: Sportskeeda

  • “Motherf***er it’s going to be different” – Major Gunther twist pitched by veteran for WWE champion Cody Rhodes

    The Cody Rhodes—Gunther match at WWE Crown Jewel has garnered much fan attention. The match’s finish was clearly surprising, but things have transitioned smoothly since then.

    In a recent edition of Jim Cornette’s Drive-Thru, reviewing the massive showdown between Cody Rhodes and Gunther at WWE Crown Jewel, veteran analyst Jim Cornette stated that Rhodes’ victory was a ‘fluke.’ However, he added that the victory didn’t harm the character of men and that the finish was perfect for a great match like that.

    Further, the veteran addressed the handshake between both men after the match and cleared that their feud wasn’t over yet. Rather, Cornette stated that Gunther would return for another match against Rhodes very soon, avenging his massive loss at the PLE.

    “It was a good finish because it was a fluke… Ah, s**t—could have happened to anybody. So, they got by with having a good match; nothing’s really particularly settled. And you mentioned the aftermath when Gunther shook Cody’s hand, but he also shook his finger at him. He’s like, ‘All right, give me your hand. Yeah, but next time, motherf***er, it’s going to be different,’ and off he went,” Jim Cornette said. [6:13 onwards]

    Gunther gave his flowers to Cody Rhodes for Crown Jewel victory

    This week’s WWE RAW featured the Ring General addressing his match against Cody Rhodes at Crown Jewel.

    In a surprising fashion, the World Heavyweight Champion accepted his loss and stated that the American Nightmare was the better man that night.

    While the WWE Universe has been surprised by Gunther’s response, the latter could have something else on his mind.

    For now, he has a new challenger in the form of Damian Priest, gawking the World Heavyweight Championship. Time will now tell when WWE will revisit the Gunther-Rhodes storyline.

    Please credit Jim Cornette’s Drive-Thru and give H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling if you use quotes from this article.

    Source: Sportskeeda

  • BREAKING: Shawn Michaels confirms the arrival of 31-year-old megastar to WWE

    WWE legend Shawn Michaels recently took to social media to announce the arrival of 31-year-old megastar Yoshiki Inamura. HBK welcomed the star as part of Pro Wrestling NOAH and NXT’s partnership.

    Inamura has been signed to Pro Wrestling NOAH since 2018 and has also performed for Progress Wrestling, where he made a huge name for himself by winning the Progress Atlas Championship.

    Following the latest edition of NXT, Shawn Michaels went to X/Twitter to confirm Yoshiki Inamura’s arrival at the developmental brand. HBK posted a video showcasing Inamura’s appearance at the Performance Center, where he met Tavion Heights (also known as Hancock) and Josh Briggs.

    In his tweet, Michaels wrote that he was looking forward to the growing partnership between the white and gold brand and Pro Wrestling NOAH.

    “I’m excited to welcome @noah_ghc Wrestler [Yoshiki Inamura] to [NXT]. This hard-hitting young man is going to be a problem for anyone he steps in the ring with. I look forward to growing NXT’s partnership with @noahglobal in the future. [NXT],” HBK wrote.

    Check out the tweet below:

    Some of the biggest WWE names, including AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura, recently performed at Pro Wrestling NOAH. It will be interesting to see what Shawn Michaels has planned for Yoshiki Inamura’s future in WWE NXT.

    Source: Sportskeeda

  • Wrestling veteran discusses rumors of major backstage heat within top Bloodline members

    WCW veteran Disco Inferno recently dismissed rumors of heat within The Bloodline. The faction has been a major focal point of WWE storylines for the last few years.

    The new Bloodline made a statement at Crown Jewel as they defeated the combined forces of Roman Reigns and The Usos. Solo Sikoa, in fact, sent a message as he pinned Reigns after a devastating Samoan Spike to the former Undisputed WWE Champion.

    In a recent clip from Keepin’ IT 100, Disco Inferno answered questions about backstage heat between Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu. He felt nothing was evident from the way they worked together. He felt they were getting along just fine.

    However, the former WCW wrestler mentioned that Fatu could stop putting up the praying hands whenever he was standing behind Solo, claiming it made The Samoan Werewolf look silly.

    “Where on earth are you watching them on screen thinking they have legit heat backstage with each other? That’s absurd. There’s literally nothing in their performances. The only thing I don’t like, they say it’s the character work. I don’t like him standing there like praying to Solo. Standing next to him with the praying hands. I think that’s kinda silly looking, to be honest with you.” [From 0:55 – 1:11]

    The Bloodline is stronger than ever after pinning Roman Reigns

    Last week, Crown Jewel proved to be a turning point for the new Bloodline. The faction managed to pick up the win in the six-man tag team encounter.

    Things got better for the faction after Sami Zayn inadvertently hit a Helluva Kick on Roman Reigns in the aftermath of the encounter. The older iteration of The Bloodline was visibly still not on the same page as the premium live event ended.

    With Survivor Series less than a month away, it will be interesting to see what Solo Sikoa and his henchmen have in mind as WWE rolls into the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY, for this week’s SmackDown.

    If you use the quotes from this article, please credit Keepin’ IT 100 and add an H/T to Sportskeeda for the transcript.

    Source: Sportskeeda

  • “I’m pissed off” – WWE champion FURIOUS after major loss; has to be talked down backstage

    Last night, WWE NXT hosted one of its most intriguing episodes in the legendary 2300 Arena. The show featured several match-ups, including the tag team match involving Ethan Page and Ridge Holland against Trick Williamsand Bully Ray Dudley.

    Little did the WWE Universe expect Ridge Hollandto get a roll-up pin against Trick Williams, not only winning the match for his team but also pinning the NXT Champion. However, his spotlight was short-lived after D-Von Dudley made a surprising return to excite the fans.

    In a backstage meeting with the Dudley Boyz, Trick Williams addressed his pinfall loss against Ridge Holland and Ethan Page. The NXT Champion stated that he was furious after his loss and felt better than that.

    “I appreciate you coming out, Bubba. You already know it’s a pleasure, but I’m pissed off. I shouldn’t have lost tonight, man, for real. I’m better than that, and I know that,” said Trick Williams.

    However, the Hall of Famers talked things down for the champion and appreciated his talent. The duo then ‘testified’ the NXT Champion with Bubba Ray Dudley calling him ‘Trick Dudley.’

    What’s next for the WWE NXT Champion?

    After his win on this week’s NXT, Shawn Michaels is clearly building Ridge Holland up as a major main event talent. A pinfall victory against Trick Williams could be enough to get Holland a title opportunity.

    However, with Ethan Page also involved, a major triple-threat storyline might be built in the next few weeks. With some intriguing developments attracting fans, time will tell what the company has in store for the NXT Champion.

    Please credit WWE and give H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.

    Source: Sportskeeda

  • Major AEW star may be returning to WWE

    Fightful Select sources indicate that Malakai Black’s contract with AEW may be nearing its end, speculated to be around late 2024 or early 2025. This news emerged after Black’s match against Adam Cole on AEW Dynamite on November 6, where Black embraced Cole after refusing a handshake. This sparked speculation that Black might be saying goodbye to AEW.

    Tony Khan, president of AEW, mentioned in 2022 that Black had a “nearly five-year” contract. Later reports suggested that this period included optional years, not a fixed term. At the time, when rumors surfaced about Black’s interest in returning to WWE, AEW maintained its stance of not granting talent releases to re-sign with WWE.

    There’s no official confirmation on whether Black is actually leaving AEW.