"100,001" Replies (Wrestling Forum)

[Droford]

Im not hugely into NJPW but getting to see them wrestle live (well Tanahashi in a tag match vs reDRagon and Okada in a tag match with Nakamura vs the Briscoes) was pretty awesome

[Hanso Amore]

http://i.imgur.com/NZ4Exiv.gif

This dude has balls to stiff haku. I do t care if it's the style, or he says he's ok with it, don't risk haku getting angry

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

I think he'd be more pissed if he did it like a bitch.

[Tom Guycott]

http://i.imgur.com/NZ4Exiv.gif

What *actually* happened here: that lariat caused gravity to shift. Reality twisted around Meng making it appear as though he fell. The world fell around him, and he was technically still standing.

[Tom Guycott]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNnBMwSi0mg/Vh9ju_tVuLI/AAAAAAAAAb8/jrFazwwaXqk/s1600/slider01.jpg

http://emojipedia-us.s3.amazonaws.com/cache/cc/93/cc937cda4d376ba6b5021c6d795b2d16.pnghttp://emojipedia-us.s3.amazonaws.com/cache/cc/93/cc937cda4d376ba6b5021c6d795b2d16.pnghttp://emojipedia-us.s3.amazonaws.com/cache/cc/93/cc937cda4d376ba6b5021c6d795b2d16.png

Less wrestling promotional vibe, more poster of a new live action "Fist of the North Star" movie. YOU WA SHOCK!!!

[Dark One]

http://i.imgur.com/NZ4Exiv.gif

This is photoshopped. No way a dude knocked HAKU down.

[The Destroyer]

lol legit think the finish could be something like that, 3-4 consecutive RAIN-MAKE-AHHHH!
Well, you called it.

[Innovator]

<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; ██████████ relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/z0mq" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen scrolling="no" style="width: 100%; height: 100%; ██████████ absolute;"></iframe></div>

[The Destroyer]

That match was sick.

[Innovator]

HAKU WAS IN THE NEW JAPAN RUMBLE AND IS IN THE BULLET CLUB

[Innovator]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Unreal <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njwk10?src=hash">#njwk10</a> <a href="https://t.co/V5mESqZsY5">pic.twitter.com/V5mESqZsY5</a></p>&mdash; The Tag Rope (@tagropemag) <a href="https://twitter.com/tagropemag/status/683965699572809728">January 4, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Innovator]

<blockquote class="twitter-video" lang="en"><p lang="in" dir="ltr">KING HAKU!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJPW?src=hash">#NJPW</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njwk10?src=hash">#njwk10</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BULLETCLUB?src=hash">#BULLETCLUB</a> <a href="https://t.co/SpztHVEXJ7">pic.twitter.com/SpztHVEXJ7</a></p>&mdash; LARIATOOOOO!!! (@SenorLARIATO) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenorLARIATO/status/683912300659617792">January 4, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[Corporate CockSnogger]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNnBMwSi0mg/Vh9ju_tVuLI/AAAAAAAAAb8/jrFazwwaXqk/s1600/slider01.jpg

http://emojipedia-us.s3.amazonaws.com/cache/cc/93/cc937cda4d376ba6b5021c6d795b2d16.pnghttp://emojipedia-us.s3.amazonaws.com/cache/cc/93/cc937cda4d376ba6b5021c6d795b2d16.pnghttp://emojipedia-us.s3.amazonaws.com/cache/cc/93/cc937cda4d376ba6b5021c6d795b2d16.png

Asian John Barrowman on the left

[Nicky Fives]

Aiden English just got engaged to Shaul Guerrero, Eddie & Vickie's daughter.... Vaudevillian Heat?

[Emperor Smeat]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dropkick from <a href="https://twitter.com/AJStylesOrg">@AJStylesOrg</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJPW?src=hash">#NJPW</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/njwk10?src=hash">#njwk10</a> <a href="https://t.co/O3sjLUPtMP">pic.twitter.com/O3sjLUPtMP</a></p>&mdash; LARIATOOOOO!!! (@SenorLARIATO) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenorLARIATO/status/683965658422505472">January 4, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[thekrow]

What kind of stipulation would you guys want to see in the Agent X Vs Ric "The Mic" Roberts match? What do you think the stipulation will be?


I think it will probably be a LADDER match but I would love to see a Pyro match. Agent X loves playing with fire, so hes gonna have the advantage but Ric "The Mic" Roberts is one of the toughest sons of bitches to have ever been born so it would really be a crazy match.


So whats your guys take? What kinda match do you want?

[Lock Jaw]

Loser is injected with a lethal dose of poison

[Damian Rey]

How about loser commits double homicide

[Innovator]

Sodomy on/with a pole match.

[Savio]

How about loser commits double homicide
lol was picturing the loser walking in to mcdonalds shooting 2 people then spending life in prison.

[#1-norm-fan]

"I was forced to do it via a backyard wrestling match stipulation, your honor."

"... You're free to go."

[Emperor Smeat]

Been poking around. It looks like the key NJPW notices were given after the show was already laid out/booked.

This means New Beginning plans were likely already made, which would have to be radically adjusted now.
Being rumored that Nakamura, AJ Styles, and another Bullet Club guy(s) gave their notices after the end of Wrestle Kingdom 10. Observer teased a lot more info is expected to be arriving within a day with the biggest rumor going on is Nakamura heading to the WWE.


Also James Storm's WWE-NXT contract recently ended and is going back to TNA.
Former TNA champion James Storm will be returning to Impact Wrestling at this week's TV Tapings in Bethlehem, PA. Storm could appear as soon as tomorrow's live Impact Wrestling broadcast on Pop, PWInsider.com has confirmed.

[Dark One]

Being rumored that Nakamura, AJ Styles, and another Bullet Club guy(s) gave their notices after the end of Wrestle Kingdom 10. Observer teased a lot more info is expected to be arriving within a day with the biggest rumor going on is Nakamura heading to the WWE.


Just gonna leave this here.

http://i.imgur.com/LpQj2th.png

[Emperor Smeat]

In a surprise move Monday, WWE have reportedly signed former IWGP and TNA Champion AJ Styles, former IWGP Champion Shinsuke Nakamura, Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson away from New Japan Pro Wrestling, discussed by Dave Meltzer on today’s Wrestling Observer Radio after news broke today on Court Bauer's MLW Radio.

The story goes is that the four went to Gedo, the current booker of NJPW, at this morning’s WrestleKingdom 10 event and said that they would be finishing up. It’s not known when any of these four will start with WWE, but it was said that Nakamura would not be leaving quickly. He is currently the IWGP Intercontinental champion, and it’s said to be a scenario opposite of current WWE U.S. Champion Alberto del Rio where he’ll most likely drop the title before leaving.

Anderson was also apparently close to coming to TNA, but the story goes is that once the WWE deal came, things changed.

In terms of contract situations, New Japan has a one year contract system that usually expires in January, so them giving notice coincides with that. Styles did not have a New Japan contract.

Nakamura, Anderson and Gallows are all expected to honor their Ring of Honor dates next month in Las Vegas. Dave also reported that AJ Styles was likely done with Ring of Honor going forward.
Nakamura likely won't show up till after Mania because of NXT's upcoming taping schedule and he's probably dropping the belt by March/April. AJ Styles has the best shot of showing up during the next set of tapings out of the group.

[Dark One]

http://cdn.makeagif.com/media/11-23-2015/UiyVHS.gif

Really the only response.

[Vastardikai]

Maybe the Balor Club is coming?

As for Nakamura , it comes down to his ability to learn or speak English. If he can't, he's at least as big as Tajiri. If he can, we could be looking at worst a guy who is the biggest Japanese star to hit America since Muta, possibly Rikodozan. Or we may be in uncharted territory. The guy is too charismatic to NOT get over.

[Savio]

Hope Somoa Joe debuts at the rumble.....congrats to AJ for finishing his career in the WWE.

[Droford]

Festus is back!

[Droford]

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vZbK69PJwx8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Droford]

Apparently the running joke now is because Nakamura signed with WWE that Daniel Bryan will go to NJPW

[Emperor Smeat]

Update from PWI regarding the talent raid by the WWE. Confirmed those wrestlers are now free agents but none of their sources within the WWE states they have been officially signed yet by the company.

Out of the group, NJPW seems to only be interested in keeping Nakamura if possible while AJ Styles is gone and isn't resigning with them nor ROH. Gallows likely is gone as well from NJPW and Anderson likely gone once his deal ends later this month. Both guys do have a few ROH dates left so they could just stay in ROH before moving elsewhere.

For those who have asked about stories making the rounds that a number of talents that work regularly for New Japan Pro Wrestling have given notice and will be leaving the company, we are told that those stories are partially correct but the idea that anyone has signed with WWE is, as of this writing, not correct at all.
The WWE signing part is one of the versions of the story that are making the rounds but to be clear, no sources within WWE have been able to confirm that, as of this evening, there have been any signings of any of these talents.

In the case of AJ Styles, he was not under a New Japan contract. Styles is obviously in demand and there is obviously interest in him from just about every promotion, but according to several sources, he has not signed anything with anyone. Within the last week or two, ROH had removed posters featuring AJ Styles for upcoming events and replaced them with new posters sans Styles. It is believed he finished up with ROH at Final Battle.

The two other big names bandied about are The Bullet Club's Karl Anderson and Doc/Luke Gallows. In the case of Gallows, he was not under New Japan contract. Anderson's deal expires towards the end of the month. It is believed that their departure is more to clear the deck in case there is interest elsewhere for them, but they have not signed anything. They are still being advertised for future ROH dates.

The final name being discussed is the current IWGP Intercontinental champion Shinsuke Nakamura. In Nakamura's case, the belief is that while he has expressed interest in seeing what his future might hold outside NJPW, that discussions between he and New Japan may not have completed and what his final decision may be remains up in the air. We have heard stories going back a year that WWE officials, after seeing him on a tape of the 2015 WrestleKingdom PPV, had expressed interest in him. The idea that Nakamura was signed by WWE already just isn't feasible given the visas and other paperwork required for WWE to hire him, but it's within the realm of possibility to be sure. It's just as possible Nakamura and New Japan will come to terms on a new deal. For Nakamura, nothing is set in stone.

There were a number of people in and around New Japan, including some of the principals involved, who were very angry the story leaked before talents had finished up their dates, specifically since the business is so well protected by those in Japan.

[Fignuts]

Honestly hope Nakamura stays in NJPW. They need him, and while it would be nice to see him on NXT, I have no faith in the WWE to use him properly on the main roster.

[Heisenberg]

just as long as AJ Styles comes. That will bring me back full time to RAW. He seems to be a better fit for NXT, but he's earned enough respect to shoot to the main roster and save us.


His promo is a little off, but he uses the word "piss" so it negates all the bad things

[Exyle]

Wrestling showerthought: It'd be cool if Kalisto won the US title from ADR, re-christened it as the WWE World Cruiserweight Championship (sick looking new belt and all), and brought a cruiserweight open challenge to RAW every week.

[Heisenberg]

Everytime they show Kalisto I imagine Rey Mysterio chucking a remote through the TV and yearning for the roar of the crowd. Never felt that way with Sin Cara. The new Sin Cara is better, but I didn't get the idea that Rey was jelly of him.

[Simple Fan]

If it's all true it's a big hit to NJPW. Still don't know if WWE would use any of them on the main roster if they do sign.

[Bad News Gertner]

My new review is up at 411mania.com : Mr.Dufour's Wayback Machine if anyone is interested. Link below

http://411mania.com/wrestling/mr-dufours-wayback-machine-wwf-championship-wrestling-march-5th-1983/

[Fignuts]

Kind of peeved they didn't sign James Storm.

[Fignuts]

More than "kind of" actually.

[Heisenberg]

Nakamura better have time traveling capabilities or else he won't make it in the US

[Emperor Smeat]

http://i.imgur.com/9rGxfqk.gif

[GD]

Not sure why there isn't a thread about the topic.

[XL]

Bullet Club debut on the Raw after Mania?

[Droford]

Balor Club debut on the Raw after Mania?

Fixed

[Droford]

http://www.wwe.com/inside/are-aj-styles-shinsuke-nakamura-karl-anderson-doc-gallows-coming-to-wwe-28508549?sf18250852=1

Though not a member of the Bullet Club, Nakamura remains one of the most popular wrestlers outside of WWE. Displaying a flamboyant charisma comparable to Freddie Mercury, but possessing the brutal strikes of an elite fighter, Nakamura roomed with Daniel Bryan years ago in California when both were early into their sports-entertainment careers. During media tours for last year’s WrestleMania, Bryan even revealed he once proposed an inter-promotional match against Nakamura to WWE management.


http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1112/11123556/2764734-2049817071-its_h.gif

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I don't remember WWE ever acknowledging rumors like that before, which suggests there's gotta be some merit to it.

Will be cool to see what WWE does with them.</font>

[Heisenberg]

Going to straight shit myself if AJ Styles goes to WWE

[Sepholio]

Yeah AJ to WWE would make me go boom boom in my trousers as well kind sir.

[Dark One]

There's a part of me that is going to be watching the Rumble waiting, hoping, praying for some kind of crazy surprise possibly involving one of them.

And then I will be severely disappointed when the only surprise entrant is the Boogeyman.

[Dark One]

http://i.imgur.com/eWpvzql.png

What a time to be alive.

[Dark One]

<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="h4XMdUx" data-context="false"><a href="//imgur.com/h4XMdUx">View post on imgur.com</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Dark One]

Further proof it may be happening, at least for Styles (NJPW spoilers):

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0hpZzIqGFn0?rel=0&amp;showinfo=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Volare]

Kenny fucking Omega :) Glad to see he is doing awesome things! Him vs Nakamura should be pretty damn good. Don't know who'd win that match clean honestly.

[Emperor Smeat]

Dirtsheets sponsored by Kofi Coffee and Sheamus Tea now avaliable at the TPWW Store:
http://i.imgur.com/HUGJY.gif

Since we are still receiving a lot of email about the potential WWE signings of AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows, I want to reiterate what I reported last night: none of the four have signed with WWE and any claims that they have are completely, 100% false as of January 5th.
That hasn't stopped WWE from recognizing the big attention that the story has gotten online and it lead to them running their own story on the WWE website where they claimed to have reached out to Triple H's office for confirmation the company was in "negotiations" with the quartet but were unable to get comment.

It should be noted that Nakamura and Anderson are currently under NJPW deals and couldn't even negotiate with WWE "officially" as of today. As I reported last night, neither Styles nor Gallows were under contract to NJPW.
More rumors and news regarding this involves the WWE being somewhat upset the news got leaked since they had planned for a big surprise at the Rumble. Could still do it but might also be changing those plans now. Also another 3 more guys are also rumored to be leaving with the WWE as the likely choice (Rocky Romero, Tama Tonga, & Bad Luck Fale). According to the Observer, AJ Styles and Nakamura likely going straight to the main roster due to the money the WWE is likely tossing at them for offers (even larger than Balor's). Nakamura also rumored to be allowing NJPW as much time needed to make a counter offer which is why he's likely the last to arrive if he takes the WWE offer. Also rumored that NJPW might be disbanding the Bullet Club stable in favor of a new one based on recent show results.

The huge news story which broke early Monday morning, is that former IWGP and TNA Champion AJ Styles, former IWGP Champion Shinsuke Nakamura, Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson have given notice to New Japan Pro Wrestling ... NJPW booker Gedo was told right before the big Tokyo Dome show, Wrestle Kingdom 10, about losing the talent, but apparently no finishes were changed.

The Royal Rumble PPV will be given away for FREE on the WWE Network as was announced last night on Raw (first time subscribers only). The announcement came on a day where investors lost a bit of confidence in the WWE stock which finished down 23 cents to $17.61 per share and is down another 38 cents today, as of this update.

The story going around regarding Jim Ross and the Pittsburgh Pirates broadcasting has nothing to it. I think he was asked a question that if the job was offered would he take it, and he said he'd move to Pittsburgh if it was offered. That's true, if it was offered he would take it, but there are no talks in that direction and it would shock people if there would be any talks. It was said to be a response to a question that then took on a life of its own.

On Monday, WWE announced its non-Florida February NXT touring schedule with tickets going on sale on Friday:

February 4 in Memphis at the Minglewood Hall
February 5 in Nashville at the Auditorium
February 6 in Indianapolis at the Old National Centre Egyptian Room
February 18 in Philadelphia at the Tower Theater
February 19 in Asbury Park, NJ at Boardwalk Hall
February 20 in Albany, NY at the National Guard Armory

The company has also announced details of WrestleMania AXXESS in Dallas, held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, the same site as the NXT show on Friday night.

There will be activities on Thursday, March 31, from 6-10 p.m.; Friday, April 1 from 5-9 p.m., and three Saturday sessions from 8 a.m. to Noon, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The latter session goes head-to-head with the Hall of Fame ceremony. There is also a Sunday event from 8 a.m. to Noon.

The events are in direct competition with a ton of other indie shows that will be held in the area as well as Jim Ross one-man show events. There is also a Sunday event from 8 a.m. to Noon.


Wrestling Observer Newsletter founder Dave Meltzer will receive the Jim Melby Award from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's Dan Gable Museum later this year in Waterloo, IA.

On the induction weekend of July 14-16, Dave will be recognized during the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame induction weekend. The Jim Melby Award recognizes excellence in professional journalism, named in honor of Jim Melby, a professional wrestling historian and journalist.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Banks Club wanna join <a href="https://twitter.com/ShinsukeN">@ShinsukeN</a> �� <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LegitBoss?src=hash">#LegitBoss</a> <a href="https://t.co/BqTreJH1bi">pic.twitter.com/BqTreJH1bi</a></p>&mdash; $asha Banks (@SashaBanksWWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/SashaBanksWWE/status/684513364245135362">January 5, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


Some other sheets news includes:

Lucha Underground announced starting tomorrow El Rey Network will be holding the first mini-marathon of Season 1 as part of the lead up to Season 2 later this month. https://twitter.com/LuchaElRey/status/684418982875537408
According to reports, former wrestler Mason Ryan recently signed to become the new chief archer for Cirque Du Soleil. Prior to the new job, he was doing other smaller jobs since his departure from the indies in 2014. http://www.wwe.com/inside/mason-ryan-new-job
According to the Observer, James Storm's deal with the WWE was strictly just for NXT and included no WWE tv dates. His deal recently ended and is back with TNA at least for this week.
RAW's ratings and viewership numbers for this week got delayed by a day due to the New Years holiday week.

[Blonde Moment]

The solution for Nakamura?

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3n7WCOmAZmg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

HE'S COMING HOME!



BISCUITS AND GRAAAAAAAAAAVVVVYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LiPjwiMWfk8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Droford]

HE'S COMING HOME!



BISCUITS AND GRAAAAAAAAAAVVVVYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LiPjwiMWfk8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>



I already made that joke

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Having watched Wrestle Kingdom 10, and still working through the archives of Lucha Underground...gotta say it's remarkable how many of these dudes are in their mid/to 30s, or even in their 40s and yet they seem to be in mostly really good condition and can move around like no one's business.

Makes me wonder what kind of matches could be had if WWE worked a more limited schedule like the Japanese and Mexican promotions do. No wonder half the roster is hurt now wrestling close to 300 days a year.</font>

[GD]

Does anyone have a New Japan World subscription?

[Heisenberg]

Ric Flair managing AJ Styles again would be money in the WWE

[Innovator]

Does anyone have a New Japan World subscription?

Yessir

[Innovator]

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="6" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr +JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhL w7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nY FnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; ██████████relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BAM25bhNxkl/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">They should have been here by now....</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Finn Bálor (@wwebalor) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-01-06T14:26:50+00:00">Jan 6, 2016 at 6:26am PST</time></p></div></blockquote>
<script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>

[drave]

Awwww shit.

Do you think WWE will allow the "Bullet Club" name since there are guns and bullets and stuff for their logo?

[Emperor Smeat]

Think NJPW still owns the name.

[Heisenberg]

Bullet/Balor Club v.s. Book Club(Social Outcasts)

[Volare]

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="6" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr +JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhL w7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nY FnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; ██████████relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BAM25bhNxkl/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">They should have been here by now....</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Finn Bálor (@wwebalor) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-01-06T14:26:50+00:00">Jan 6, 2016 at 6:26am PST</time></p></div></blockquote>
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Hell yes! Even if it is meant to fuck with the internet that is still pretty cool.

[Tom Guycott]

Ric Flair managing AJ Styles again would be money in the WWE

Debatable. I really didn't dig TNA trying to make him Flair 3.0 (I say 3.0 because Charles Robinson), especially since this was around the time he went from being "the franchise player" to "everybody's lackey". And now that the 6th Flair is already a work in progress in his own daughter (before you ask, Lethal was 4, and Miz was 5), being saddled with that gimmick shouldn't be a concern and he can just do what he does, and hopefully sidestep the WWE Name Generator as well.

[Big Vic]

Vince: "He's coming from Japan?....Lets call him AJ Li "

[Tom Guycott]

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="6" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr +JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhL w7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nY FnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; ██████████relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BAM25bhNxkl/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">They should have been here by now....</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Finn Bálor (@wwebalor) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-01-06T14:26:50+00:00">Jan 6, 2016 at 6:26am PST</time></p></div></blockquote>
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Shouldn't have used the same delivery service TNA used to mail Kazarian to Daniels. They even forgot to pack in the "Bad Influence" name with him. But that took forever, and that was within the US. A significantly heavier box shipped internationally from Japan is going to have to clear customs and shit.

[#1-norm-fan]

Kenny Omega seems way too talented to not have been signed yet. But considering what has happened, I'm guessing only AJ is on his way to WWE.

Between this random reach for talent and WWE's sudden urgency with the booking, I'm actually starting to have some faith that Triple H has gotten in Vince's ear and things are on an upward path? Am I crazy? Probably.

[Dark One]

If there's really any veracity the rumor, it's hard not to take it as a sign of dramatically changing times. Given the supposedly incredibly low offer tossed to AJ before, that alone should signal something.

[Emperor Smeat]

https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xap1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/917886_1533794356932034_712874415_n.jpg

[Vastardikai]

4 Man Band?

[Tom Guycott]

https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xap1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/917886_1533794356932034_712874415_n.jpg

I hope they find synergy. Their promo felt like they were stepping on eachother instead of becoming a group, but I have hope held out. Slater gave off a bit of that vibe I got from Eric Young at the beginning of his serious business heel run at the formation of World Elite. If they get pushed for real and not just treated like yet another joke stable, these guys should, at the very least, rule the midcard, if not better.

I support #socialoutcasts

[Ultra Mantis]

This seems exactly like giving The Ascension to Stardust, they'll make a big deal out of it for a night and then they'll all just carry on jobbing.

It's also a bit like giving Drew McIntyre and Jinder Mahal to Heath Slater, except this time there are three Jinder Mahals.

[Heisenberg]

Damn, kind of hoping Cena is healed before WrestleMania, would seem kind of fucked to not have him around to do the Heel turn everyone is clamoring for. haha, not everyone, but a gimmick change would rule. Hollywood Cena, with him in movies people watch like they have been doing.

[Bad News Gertner]

AJ Styles is like Sting: the internet is making him into being a way bigger deal than he is.

Styles is horrendous on the mic but amazing in the ring. The the American Neville.

[Shadrick]

AJ Styles is like Sting: the internet is making him into being a way bigger deal than he is.

Styles is horrendous on the mic but amazing in the ring. The the American Neville.

hes a stupid vanilla midget

[Dark One]

KICKOUT AT TW----I don't even fucking know any more.

<iframe src='https://gfycat.com/ifr/ImmaterialHospitableCrownofthornsstarfish' frameborder='0' scrolling='no' width='650' height='366' style='-webkit-backface-visibility: hidden;-webkit-transform: scale(1);' ></iframe>

[Emperor Smeat]

Dirtsheets sponsored by The Nine Faces of Becky:
http://41.media.tumblr.com/5716609ffbbcf3e9fe6756cad9b3b4b2/tumblr_o095acSQm11ujimkpo4_r1_540.png

Monday's episode of WWE RAW, with Vince McMahon featured throughout the show and no NFL competition, drew 3.575 million viewers. This is up 1% from last week's 3.536 million viewers.

For this week's show, the first hour drew 3.707 million viewers, the second hour drew 3.516 million viewers and the final hour drew 3.503 million viewers.

RAW was #1 for the night in viewership and #2 for the night in the 18-49 demographic, behind Love & Hip-Hop.
For some reference, same 1st show last year had around 200k more viewers. The 1% increase is a lot lower than the 10% boost prediction due to the end of Monday Night Football season. Also a possible sign that Vince's drawing power is slowly dropping from this feud.

Some additional RAW ratings notes from our Paul Fontaine: “January 2015 was down 10% overall from January 2014. December 2015 was the 13th consecutive month that RAW ratings were down from the same month the previous year and they are well on their way to making it 14 months in a row. This is the longest streak like this since October 2006-June 2008, when they dropped 21 consecutive months. For the record, they were averaging between 3.15 and 3.95 ratings points at that time, about 35% higher than the current rating average.”
More on the ratings itself and general decline.

TNA Wrestling's debut on POP TV Tuesday night brought in 255,000 viewers for the first airing of the show and 90,000 viewers for the immediate replay.

For a comparison, during November on Destination America (in 57 million homes as compared to POP TV's 72 million), the show averaged 244,000 for the first run episodes and 84,000 for the replay for shows taped months earlier as opposed to the same day with promises of a new start and the ending of a several month long World title tournament.
For some reference, TNA's debut on Destination America had around 359k viewers watching. 30% down overall in viewers even though they are in around 20% more homes with POP TV. The final show on Destination America also had more viewers than the debut on POP not counting the replays.

As we previously reported, Storm was never locked down to a long term deal during his two appearances on WWE programming — and James’ former employer desperately wanted him back.

Sources close to the situation tell us after months of negotiations, WWE was only willing to offer him a deal that would bring Storm less than $100K a year. TNA, on the other hand, was offering 2 1/2 times more than that. Plus, he’d get a portion of merchandise sales for the 2-year contract.

Even better, we’re told his new deal would be guaranteed money — he’d still get paid in full even if TNA suddenly went out of business — and the door was left open by WWE officials for a future return.

Konnor is out with a jaw injury, according to PWinsider.com. The injury is believed to be a dislocation. No word on when he will be returning to action.

Another wrestler could soon fall victim to The Bullet Club exodus from NJPW … Pro Wrestling Sheet has learned Bad Luck Fale is in the midst of renegotiating his contract.

Sources close to the wrestler tell us Fale’s deal with New Japan Pro Wrestling is up at the end of the month and he’s looking for some changes to his current agreement.

Our sources were tight lipped on whether Bad Luck has had any discussions with WWE at this point, but there’s a good chance considering he’s a founding member of the Bullet Club.
Confirms rumors of Bad Luck Fale also possibility leaving NJPW.


Some other sheet news includes:

According to a report from Tokyo Sports, Nakamura is expected to be leaving NJPW after the end of this month. Either NJPW wasn't able to give a good counter offer or plans changed enough for Nakamura to drop the IC title a lot soon than was predicted. https://twitter.com/enuhito_eng/status/684933522071535616
In a "WWE Did You Know" type fact, Heath Slater's match this week on RAW already tied the amount of matches he wrestled on RAW in 2015. https://www.reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle/comments/3zqlcy/til_heath_slater_has_wrestled_a_match_on_raw_as/
In another "WWE Did You Know" type fact, Mania 31 ended up being a curse for everyone who won or retained a belt since they all got hurt during the year and all could end up missing Mania 32. https://www.reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle/comments/3ztmo9/a_not_so_fun_fact_about_wrestlemania_31_and_by/
In a third "WWE Did You Know" type fact, this week's RAW was the 17th anniversary of both the Finger Poke of Doom and Mick Foley's WWE title victory.

[Droford]

Bad News Barrett and bad Luck Fale

The new team Bad

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Cena to have shoulder surgery!

[Droford]

Its kind of funny because i hurt my rotator cuff about 3weeks ago and im getting mine looked at tomorrow but not operated on. But if i need surgery it should be close so ill get to rehab the same injury at roughly same time lol

[Shadrick]

Its kind of funny because i hurt my rotator cuff about 3weeks ago and im getting mine looked at tomorrow but not operated on. But if i need surgery it should be close so ill get to rehab the same injury at roughly same time lol

hahahahahahahaha friggin hilarious bro

[Shadrick]

jk, luh u droford

[Droford]

Every single person who was a champion at the end of Wrestlemania 31 in California are now injured and have a possibility of missing Wrestlemania 32.
Seth Rollins, WWE World Heavyweight Title: Blown out Knee.
John Cena, US Title: Shoulder Surgery.
Daniel Bryan, Intercontinental Title: Concussion related problems.
Kidd and Cesaro, Tag Team Titles: Kidd- Neck Surgery. Cesaro- Shoulder Surgery.
Nikki, Divas Title: Neck Problems.


Curse of Wrestlemania 31

Somehow big Show winning the Andret he Giant Battle Royal hasnt got him yet though

[Simple Fan]

Fans want him to retire if that counts for anything. Also winning that match alone is pretty much a curse.

[Big Vic]

Please vote for smelly meatball in the spammies :)

http://www.tpwwforums.com/showthread.php?t=130862

[Blonde Moment]

http://cdn.sescoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/bArp87A-635x847.jpg

[Volare]

King of strong style in WWE....Hope nobody rubs him the wrong way!

[Blonde Moment]

Fantasy would be to see him debut at the Rumble as a surprise opponent for Lesnar for Number one contender spot but I think that needs to simmer for a bit.

If it wasn't for the fact that I think he will be sent to NXT first I would think he just might be the next US Champion.

[#1-norm-fan]

Please vote for smelly meatball in the spammies :)

http://www.tpwwforums.com/showthread.php?t=130862

Even I voted Smelly Meatball. He posts news from the sheetz. Haven't had to renew my Wrestling Observer Newsletter subscription in months!

[#1-norm-fan]

Vote Fan vs Smiley for Best Feud though. It's the clear choice.

[Innovator]

Fantasy would be to see him debut at the Rumble as a surprise opponent for Lesnar for Number one contender spot but I think that needs to simmer for a bit.

If it wasn't for the fact that I think he will be sent to NXT first I would think he just might be the next US Champion.

At the rate everyone is dropping it's gonna be him vs. Brock at Mania

[Droford]

Fantasy would be to see him debut at the Rumble as a surprise opponent for Lesnar for Number one contender spot but I think that needs to simmer for a bit.

If it wasn't for the fact that I think he will be sent to NXT first I would think he just might be the next US Champion.

What i heard is the contract he and Styles are getting almost guarantees straight to the main roster..

[Dark One]

http://i.imgur.com/CM4la2b.jpg

[Simple Fan]

Fantasy would be to see him debut at the Rumble as a surprise opponent for Lesnar for Number one contender spot but I think that needs to simmer for a bit.

If it wasn't for the fact that I think he will be sent to NXT first I would think he just might be the next US Champion.

Or he could build up the IC title like he did in NJPW.

[Damian Rey]

Vote Fan vs Smiley for Best Feud though. It's the clear choice.

Can't vote a squash match feud of the year. You're ongoing feud with CyNick, however, now that's a feud.

[Fignuts]

How do they not book Sami Zayn vs Kevin Owens for Mania? It was one of the most intense, emotional feuds of 2015, but it's unfinished. Zayn has come back at the perfect time for a mania conclusion.

Have him rnter the rumble and eliminate Owens. Perfect way to restart yhe feud.

[Innovator]

I want Owens and Zayn to enter #1 and #2

[Emperor Smeat]

http://i.imgur.com/BZdAF.gif

[CSL]

lol Gallows has always looked about 45, that's gotta be at least 5 years ago and he's only 32 now

[owenbrown]

.

[Lock Jaw]

How do they not book Sami Zayn vs Kevin Owens for Mania? It was one of the most intense, emotional feuds of 2015, but it's unfinished. Zayn has come back at the perfect time for a mania conclusion.

Have him rnter the rumble and eliminate Owens. Perfect way to restart yhe feud.

This is exactly what I wanted to happen.... only I wouldn't have brought Sami Zayn back to NXT. Just should have had him show up in the Rumble as a surprise.

[Emperor Smeat]

Dirtsheets sponsored by future WWE Hall of Famer Heath Slater:
http://i.imgur.com/K7jSM.gif

WWE.com posted a new poll asking which current WWE star is a future WWE Hall of Famer; the list includes both Superstars and Divas.

Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Alberto Del Rio, Sheamus, Ryback, Dean Ambrose, Kevin Owens, Charlotte, Paige, Nikki Bella, Dolph Ziggler, Heath Slater, and Brie Bella are the choices. At this time, Rollins leads with 34 percent of the vote, followed by Roman Reigns and Heath Slater.

At press time, John Cena confirmed that he will be undergoing shoulder surgery on 1/7. The injury is believed to be either a torn labium or a torn rotator cuff ... When Seth Rollins went down with knee surgery, the WrestleMania plan was for Roman Reigns defending the WWE title against Cena. We do know that plan had changed and a new card had been made with different matches for both men, although because the company is so sensitive, nobody would confirm anything past that.

The only other details we have is that Cena wanted the surgery done as soon as possible. He had been having nagging shoulder problems and it had gotten worse while training. Cena has been known to make remarkable and what are almost thought to be physically impossible comebacks from surgeries in the past. The change in training methods, focusing on heavy power lifts and heavy Olympic lifting by WWE performers has resulted in a huge increase in shoulder injuries, with Randy Orton and Dustin Runnels the key ones not participating in those kinds of workouts, like Cena, Cesaro, Hideo Itami, Mojo Rawley, Clayton Jack and Sami Zayn among others.
Observer might have revealed what could be the key source behind the recent string of injuries in the WWE. Majority seem to be based on the new training system being used in the WWE or by wrestlers themselves.

In an update on AJ Styles, IWGP Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura, Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows possibly signing with WWE, PWInsider reports that the two sides have not officially spoken and due to some of their contract status, there is major concern within WWE about what might be considered contract tampering.

However, Nakamura reportedly reached out to WWE about a possible deal a year ago. WWE didn't respond until last year's WrestleKingdom show and Nakamura had already signed a one-year deal with New Japan Pro Wrestling.

As of today, none of the four have signed deals yet and the only two that are legally able to do so right now are Styles and Gallows, but they still have to take and pass WWE's medical & physical exams.

It's believed there has been communication between at least Gallows, Styles and WWE ...

PWInsider also confirmed the reports that WWE is also in talks with NJPW star Rocky Romero but they couldn't confirm whether or not he's being looked at as a performer or a coach.
Bunch of conflicting reports regarding the situation with Observer, F4W and Japanese media saying official talks and deals have happened and PWI saying it hasn't yet. Only thing that seems to be agreed right now is no actual contracts have been signed as of yet.

WWE was hoping and planning to debut Styles as one of the surprise entrants in the Royal Rumble on 1/24 in Orlando, figuring he’d get a huge reaction from that audience. That could change, given the word is out. WWE was hoping it could pull off a surprise like it did when Alberto Del Rio, the champion from AAA, showed up to face John Cena on 10/25 in Los Angeles, and obviously that’s not happening. After we had reported the story, it grew so big that WWE even acknowledged it on 1/5, doing a story on the rumors and stating that HHH declined to comment on the story, as opposed to denying it.
Observer on one of the possible Rumble plans the WWE was considering with the talent raid.

Anderson had been negotiating with TNA. The hold up had been that he was looking to continue to work for New Japan, a tricky political move since New Japan works with ROH in North America and ROH and TNA are considered rivals. But WWE must have made a serious offer to him at the last minute, likely aware that he would be just about ready to ink a new one-year deal. The belief is WWE is interested in marketing “Balor Club” T-shirts after the worldwide success of the “Bullet Club” T-shirts (New Japan had a worldwide trademark for Bullet Club) ...
Update regarding why Anderson likely picked the WWE over TNA and him being more likely to stay in NJPW had no WWE offer been made.

Nakamura was a surprise because no Japanese wrestler at his level has ever left the home company to sign with a U.S. promotion. Even when WCW was paying out huge money, Keiji Muto and Masahiro Chono stuck with New Japan (although they were making huge money in Japan at the time). WWE had been after Nakamura for months. While KENTA was NOAH’s top star and left, NOAH at the time was a dying company and KENTA (now Hideo Itami) had always had the goal to make it in WWE and was running out of time due to age. Nakamura would be similar except New Japan, while past its peak, is still a vibrant, healthy company and he was a genuine superstar past the small promotion level. Nakamura was also working for a major corporation, Bushiroad, the parent company of New Japan, with an owner, Takaaki Kidani, who had publicly said their competition was WWE & UFC and their goal was to become a worldwide power. Kidani had also in the past talked about how it was inevitable that they may have to pay up to $1 million per year for their top three guys to keep them from inevitably going to WWE. However, Nakamura wasn’t making anywhere close to that.

WWE would have had to have made a significant financial commitment to get him. It’s not just offering more money than he is currently earning, but Nakamura would have tremendous long-term job security provided New Japan stays healthy as a company. New Japan continues to use wrestlers like Manabu Nakanishi and Hiroyoshi Tenzan, who can’t do much anymore, because the company does have more loyalty to talent than most companies. When his body gives out, he probably, with his charisma, could continue in a toned down lower card role in multiple person matches for more than a decade, and on occasion, get some nostalgia runs. But in leaving, that company loyalty situation changes. Still, if it doesn’t work out, he would be accepted back and it would be a big return. But there is the writing on the wall. New Japan had a great comeback, tripling business over a few year period. But they peaked with last year’s Tokyo Dome and Dominion shows, and look to be starting a period where they’ll be paying for the lack of developing new stars. WWE is the opposite, as they’ve been aggressive in building talent for their future, even if most of it was talent really created elsewhere.
Update on the Nakamura situation.

This also hurts ROH. It doesn’t appear that Nakamura will be coming to ROH in February, although he did tell at least one person in ROH he would see him there on 1/5 and nothing has been confirmed on the ROH side. The New Japan/ROH relationship was a huge deal in ROH having its biggest year ever this past year, and the relationship between the sides had gotten stronger after working things out when Jushin Liger worked an NXT date head-to-head in Brooklyn against an ROH show where much of New Japan’s top talent worked. With Liger working the NXT date (interestingly Liger has not worked any other NXT dates even though indie promoters in the U.S. that went to book Liger were told WWE has first priority on dates for him and he hasn’t worked in the U.S. since), Nakamura was the most popular of the New Japan wrestlers with the ROH fan base. After Nakamura gave notice, he did indicate to at least one person he was still coming for the ROH tour.
Update on how ROH is impacted by the WWE's talent raid since all the guys except AJ Styles were planned to be at ROH's upcoming big show.

WWE had an interesting year. While some will view it negatively, and a lot of it was, as a business, it was a year that affirmed they are in good shape for the long haul. They are more dominant than ever before, between TNA’s failure, AAA’s hopes of expansion being dashed and New Japan dropping from its peak. Not only that, but WWE created a sister brand, NXT, that was the biggest growth promotion of the year. While the network isn’t even close to where they projected it, nor are profits anywhere close, the network is a success. The company is not going to be losing money going forward unless they get really stupid, or collapse in popularity. Ratings are at record lows, but there has been no decline in major show interest. The PPVs usually sell out, and the big shows sell out instantly. WrestleMania will be big this year, even with nothing organically in the air that would be special. Really, this year was about building up the network, which is well up from a year earlier, and transitioning from John Cena to Roman Reigns as the flagship star. It was a rough transition, but since they figured out Reigns isn’t Cena and instead booked him like he was Dusty Rhodes, things seem to be working better. But Reigns is not that guy. Nor is anyone else. But keeping attendance steady and interest at a decent level doesn’t need that guy. WWE as a brand is the draw, and while Cena, Brock Lesnar and Vince McMahon in the right situation (and even Sting at Night of Champions) can make a difference, they don’t need any of them.
Basically the WWE is still healthy but came at several potential big costs. Also other promotions struggling in 2015 ended up helping the WWE in terms of competition.

ROH had its most successful year. Some of the success came through Styles, who was a difference maker in many markets. A huge plus was the New Japan crew, which drew sellouts in most markets they appeared. If anything, ROH showed just how badly TNA squandered a similar business deal years ago. TNA got nothing out of the New Japan crew, and most of the current top stars were in TNA at one point and TNA promoted them to mean nothing. Plus, ROH has kept a lot of its talent and gained new talent over the lure of being able to work for New Japan, which has now become the “place to be” for anyone who can’t get into WWE.
Observer thinks ROH will be ok against WWE's attempts at attacks as long as their parent company is willing to spend money to get more talent or find more networks for the company. Them losing Destination America wasn't as bad of a hit like it was to TNA due to how the deal was and them having other networks for shows.

TNA is in a completely different situation. The long-time No. 2 group is a very distant No. 4, and could end up being No. 5, depending on the plight of Lucha Underground. But they still have the best television exposure, Tuesday nights with two hours in prime time on a station that reaches about 63 percent of the country’s homes. But they have no momentum and have lost much of their key talent, and will almost surely be losing Kurt Angle, and there are questions about Matt & Jeff Hardy, whose contracts expire shortly. They are increasing exposure, but have far less momentum and talent, as well as revenue, as compared to a year ago.
Basically TNA survives as long as the Carter Family is willing to toss money at Dixie to keep her happy. Unlike other indie or smaller companies, them not being partially owned by a network is hurting them.

Lucha Underground has the funding for another season. They have a following and may have had the consistently best television in the country, even though its penetration and viewership was very limited. They have a different approach, but they are attempting to create new stars. As much as Rey Mysterio is a bigger star than Alberto El Patron, the loss of Alberto is significant because he was a well-known name who came across as a huge star on their television. GFW is still searching for a television deal. As much as WWE is in great shape because NBC Universal is willing to pay them nine figures per year which keeps them profitable, right now television does not deem anyone else to be worth paying big money for wrestling. And for that matter, the same goes for UFC.
For those in Canada, LU recently signed a deal with TLN to air their show starting with Season 2. http://fightnetwork.com/news/6539724:lucha-underground-secures-canadian-television-deal/

Add Jericho to the list of talent talking about how the scripted interview style isn’t for the best. In an interview with Maria Menounos, Jericho said, “You don’t have that freedom to try and much anymore because it has really gotten into, `Here’s your script,’ like a TV show, but it’s not a TV show. No other entertainment entity is like it, so you have to have that element of giving girls and guys a chance to fail. If it doesn’t work, at least you tried. At least you went outside the box. And I think there is a little bit of that missing where it can still come back, but the opportunities to try stuff are becoming less and less. It’s more of , `This has been approved, read this, memorize these lines and say it.’ I can memorize a Shakespearian play, but it doesn’t mean I can say it with any conviction whatsoever. You have to believe in it and you have to commit.”

Albert Einstein is often credited with saying, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.”

Now, there is no evidence Einstein actually said this, but if he lived long enough to watch TNA wrestling, he probably would have.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We're waiting... <a href="https://t.co/phH8nh68Xz">pic.twitter.com/phH8nh68Xz</a></p>&mdash; Bubba Ray Dudley (@BubbaRayDudley) <a href="https://twitter.com/BubbaRayDudley/status/685134909380386816">January 7, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


Some other sheet news includes:

In a "WWE Did You Know" type fact, Mania 31's injury curse actually extends to everyone who won a match regardless if there was a belt or not. Paige, Big Show, Taker, and Triple H were the only ones who didn't get hurt or could miss out on Mania 32.
In another "WWE Did You Know" type fact, Reigns title win on RAW was the first time since June 1999 that a face won the belt in a 1-on-1 match on RAW. Stone Cold beat Taker in June 28, 1999 to win the WWE title in a 1-on-1 match.
According to reports, NJPW has disbanded the Bullet Club with the new faction led by Kenny Omega to be called The Elite. ProWrestlingTees debunked rumors of WWE buying out the Bullet Club name by saying a recently report attributed to them was false.
WWE is currently working on a new show for the WWE Network which would be a kids version of NXT in the sense of having kids as guest announcers, Izzy as ring announcer, and some regular content cut out.
WWE is rumored to be considering breaking up the Dudley Boys after their feud with New Day is over. Bubba is rumored to be switching more towards a Bully Ray character for his potential singles run. http://www.sescoops.com/wwe-considering-splitting-up-the-dudley-boyz-and-bringing-back-bully-ray/


Some TPWW news includes:

Newest episode of TLP podcast was released: http://tablesladderspodcast.podbean.com/e/tables-ladders-podcast-136-010616/

[Exyle]

Mauro Ranallo was so good on SmackDown. The show felt 100 times more exciting, and even had a "sportish" feel to it. Awesome. Hope he ascends the ranks quickly.

[Poit]

<video src="http://i.imgur.com/j5NG4Gz.webm" autoplay="" muted="" loop=""></video>

[Fignuts]

Fuuuuuuuuuuuuck

Surprise AJ Styles rumble entry would have been incredible. Wish this news never would have dropped.

[Volare]

<video src="http://i.imgur.com/j5NG4Gz.webm" autoplay="" muted="" loop=""></video>

CTFU!!

[drave]

New Day is one of the best things to come along in a while. Always have me laughing and are fun to watch in the ring too.

The god damn trombone with Big E goes for a corner move is the best.

[GD]

http://i.imgur.com/pNuT9OT.jpg

[Tom Guycott]

Killer of Lezends needs to feud with Alberto Of The River first

[GD]

New Day is one of the best things to come along in a while. Always have me laughing and are fun to watch in the ring too.

The god damn trombone with Big E goes for a corner move is the best.

Overexposure.

[drave]

Maybe it is you who is overexposed to the WWE?

They are hilarious. Laugh more and be happier now that you have graduated.

[Rammsteinmad]

Been offline for a few weeks now. Moved into my new flat but internet not being installed/going live until the 13th. Been using library wifi which blocks most of these pages. So...

1. Barely followed WWE the last couple of weeks. Doesn't sound like I've missed anything of importance, but all these main-event injuries is ridiculous. I hope it gives WWE the chance to actually let some fresh people step up into the spotlight. I'm not expecting guys like Ziggler and Rhodes to carry Wrestlemania, but as long as WWE doesn't book 79% of the show around the Rock, Brock Lesnar, Undertaker and Triple H, it could at least be the first step to really building some new main eventers.

2. Has AJ Styles signed with WWE? Only read vague comments, so has it been confirmed or whatever?

3. What is so special about the Bullet Club? Have never seen the appeal they hold over the IWC.

[EzekielKane]

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-9/12439497_1020664031318157_3938031200027345989_n.jpg?oh=e36ff24b621e0d81b1ff08a95c11adb2&oe=57075D51


New season of TWA starts this spring!


First match has been announced and its a huge one, Cazzam will step in the ring with "Deadye" Dylan McQuinn.
These two guys are both heavyweights, should be a great match!

[Innovator]

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UE9RdTQUnWE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Damian Rey]

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-9/12439497_1020664031318157_3938031200027345989_n.jpg?oh=e36ff24b621e0d81b1ff08a95c11adb2&oe=57075D51


New season of TWA starts this spring!


First match has been announced and its a huge one, Cazzam will step in the ring with "Deadye" Dylan McQuinn.
These two guys are both heavyweights, should be a great match!

If by heavyweight you mean two fat fucks who haven't seen the inside of gym, then yes, they are indeed heavyweights.

[Heisenberg]

well, if I had a belt and was in a high caliber match I would not be smiling like my mom got me a new video game console and brushed against me like the one on the left. The one on the right doesn't even know where he's at when the picture is taken.

[The CyNick]

Had to laugh at the one observer post. I swear it was lifted from one of my threads on here.

[Droford]

http://i.imgur.com/RLkl2QUl.jpg

[drave]

Don't step on her dreams.

#DivasRevolutionLivesMatter

[GD]

Will never forget this storyline from a SvR game where Trish Status becomes the WWE Champion

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ijjXn0P41VM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Fignuts]

lol terrible caw

[Fignuts]

BreakingGround is awesome, but it's infuriating how despite the fact that it is a behind the scenes doc, and everyone is out of character, they still refer to the matches as if it's real.

Like, what the fuck even

[Emperor Smeat]

From a new NXT show being done by the WWE:
http://i.imgur.com/w1GbKL4.jpg

[Fignuts]

Is that izzy?

[Emperor Smeat]

Yes.

[Droford]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CUVqGGXXAAAvELj.jpg

[XL]

Been offline for a few weeks now. Moved into my new flat but internet not being installed/going live until the 13th. Been using library wifi which blocks most of these pages. So...

3. What is so special about the Bullet Club? Have never seen the appeal they hold over the IWC.

Can't vouch for everybody but...a pretty cool t-shirt?

Nothing I've seen them do is original. The crotch chops, the Kliq "high five", etc. but there's still an appeal to them.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CUVqGGXXAAAvELj.jpg

At least she's wearing a Bayley Club shirt.

[GD]

Izzy has entered the Impact Zone. Old news but still amusing.

[Fignuts]

Can honestly say I've never "got" the bullet club. Outside of the cool logo, they seem like every other gaijinstable ever.

Also

FUCK YEAH ASUKA T SHIRT IS HERE MOTHER FUCKERS

[Fignuts]

For posterity

http://demandware.edgesuite.net/aaiw_prd/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-main/default/dwc2fec63f/images/large/W10724.jpg

[Dark One]

LET'S START A CLUB.

[Shadrick]

The "Shadrick Club" and I'm not allowed in.

[Ultra Mantis]

They'll let you in man, all you gotta do is buy the T-Shirt and put on some shoes. Maybe some pants.

[Fignuts]

No pants allowed.

[Ultra Mantis]

Take your pants off, Shadrick.

[Emperor Smeat]

Dirtsheets sponsored by The DEMON <s>Kane</s> Balor:
https://49.media.tumblr.com/c38694536da6844ab21686ffb6a09a09/tumblr_nhlclsruNT1r0nizbo1_500.gif

Last night's WWE SmackDown, which was the USA Network premiere, drew 2.757 million viewers.

This is up from the last SyFy airing on New Year's Eve, which drew 1.658 million viewers. This is also up from the Super SmackDown episode, which drew 2.264 million viewers. This is also up from the last regular Thursday SyFy airing, which drew 2.332 million viewers.
Highest since last year's post-Rumble week. A lot of it probably due to WWE hyping it up as a big show and the show having a new home on USA Network. Past reports and rumors hinted that USA Network is well aware its not going to last based on WWE's past history with the brand and new homes for the show.

According to The Wrestling Observer, WWE once again had more 50/50 booking of talent on TV in 2015 than any other major wrestling promotion.

50/50 booking is when a talent loses as much as he or she wins, and WWE decided to take this booking approach again this year despite the fact that stars might be perceived as average because they lose as often as they win.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter correspondent Chris Siggia compiled the following WWE TV 50/50 booking stats:

World Champions did 12 jobs on WWE television last year, including nine of the 12 by Seth Rollins.

Intercontinental Champions did 14 jobs on television in 2015, including eight by King Barrett and three by Kevin Owens.

United States Champions did eight jobs on TV, with Rollins looking at the lights on three of those occasions.

Tag-Team Champions did 21 tag-team jobs, ten of which were by The New Day.

Divas Champions did nine television jobs, seven by Nikki Bella and two by Charlotte.

There are two key lessons in this. New Japan has attempted to copy the WWE business in many ways, such as making the Tokyo Dome week like WrestleMania, giving up on PPV and iPPV in favor of a streaming service and just all kinds of business and promotional changes. The first lesson is that they need to sign their top guys to longer than one-year deals. The top WWE talent that they rely on is signed up for eight to ten years, and renegotiated with and given new deals long before the current ones expire. Even the minor guys and developmental guys are usually signed up for three years minimum. This prevents a rich billionaire wanting to start out from being able to execute a raid. New Japan’s one-year deals that expire in January left them as sitting ducks for this.

The second is, instead of a system where they just create their own stars from scratch, they should be open to poaching good young talent from other promotions. There is a ton of great young talent in Japan, or even great talent in smaller promotions that could work out great in New Japan. It’s not the Japanese way of doing things. But WWE, whether in 1984, 1994 or 2014, has always been built more on taking talent that worked in other promotions and was already good.
Observer on how the talent raid might force NJPW to change how it handles talent deals especially if their goal is to be like WWE in the end.

Other names floated around from New Japan as far as coming to WWE included Rocky Romero, Bad Luck Fale and Tama Tonga. The only thing known is that as of this week, none of the three had given notice. Romero had recent discussions with WWE, with the belief being it involved a player/coach type of job at NXT. Balor is believed to have suggested and recruited Fale and Tonga. Because of his size, Fale had offers of sorts in the past but he lives in New Zealand, has family there, and in the past hadn’t been interested in relocating to Orlando.
Rocky Romero ended up signing a new 2 year deal with NJPW according to ProWrestlingSheet with the recent talent raid as a key reason why NJPW rushed to get a deal done.

Axxess before WrestleMania will take place at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, the same building that the NXT show takes place in. The arena and the part of the building that Axxess will be in are two different places, however because of the time scheduled for Axxess, they are delaying the start of the NXT Takeover show on 4/1 until after Axxess is over. The Takeover show is scheduled for the card to start at 9 p.m. local time right now and with it being Central time, the show is set for a 10 p.m. start time on the network until after midnight. The Axxess times are 3/31 (Thursday) from 6-10 p.m.; Friday from 5-9 p.m.; Saturday from 8 a.m. to Noon; 1-5 p.m. and 6-10 p.m. (head-to-head with the Hall of Fame) and on the morning of WrestleMania from 8 a.m. to Noon.

“The signing of the four NJPW wrestlers, including Bullet Club members, is essentially a done deal as in ‘agreed on the terms in principle’ type of thing. The key to this matter now is how will WWE introduce these men as how they are initially presented will go miles into how they are perceived by the fans.”

“Shinsuke Nakamura is a hugely gifted resource that WWE is getting and has the natural charisma and ‘IT Factor” that promotions are always seeking. I hope that age old stereotype of how Japanese wrestlers are presented in America is broken as it relates to this talent who can, by the way, speak English. I sung Nakamura, and others including AJ Styles, Gallows, and Anderson’s praises when I returned from broadcasting Wrestle Kingdom 9 last year to WWE honchos. I believe in these four talents and if they are used strategically and if they come in as ‘main eventers’ WWE may have made themselves four, new main event talents.”

“Could a Balor Club get created and if so can they be made to be villains? The answer is “absolutely” especially if the proposed Balor Club is friendly with The Authority. Or the Balor Club could be positioned against the Authority to make them bigger fan favorites of which they will likely be if this much talked about matter goes down.”

As of these tapings, TNA's live production is being handled by an outside company owned by Ron and Don Harris. The official change-over took place sometime over the last month. Going forward, TNA will pay the Harris' production company to handle the live production aspect of events. Instead of being paid by TNA, the live production staff will now be paid directly by the Harris' company.

Previously, the staffers were paid by TNA with many of the late checks being blamed by the process of going through Panda Energy. TNA has worked to move all of their payments out of Panda's office in Texas and into their own office in Nashville.

We've heard from one source there are still some staffers unhappy as there was some money still owed from before the change-over happened, leaving Ron and Don to have to rectify the issues.

That source's account of the meeting described as an "ugly fight" regarding money owed but a second source who was in attendance at the meeting denied the scene was anything like that at all.



Some other sheet news includes:

Prior to signing with the WWE, NJPW made several offers to La Sombra hoping he would sign with them instead.
According to the Observer, 2016 could be a very critical year for both CMLL and AAA. CMLL took several huge hits and struggled last year after a good start while AAA's fortunes seem to depend on how well Lucha Underground does due to the talent they lent. AAA also struggled to do well last year.
WWE is rumored to be looking at China for the next wave of talent scouting both as a way to find new potential wrestlers and help boost that market for the company.
NXT is currently rumored to be making the Dusty Rhodes Tag Classic an annual tournament with plans for the finals to happen during Summerslam week.
Based on a recent survey sent by the WWE, the company is considering taping another season for Legends House for the WWE Network.
WWE.com had a recent interview with Finn Balor about the rumors of WWE signing NJPW wrestlers and the possibility of a new Bullet/Balor Club being formed. http://www.wwe.com/inside/finn-balor-shinsuke-nakamura-bullet-club-q-a
For those interested in owning their very own Vince mugshot t-shirt, WWE Shop is starting to sell the shirt for $25. http://shop.wwe.com/Mr.-McMahon-Mugshot-T-Shirt/W10797,default,pd.html
Jim Ross recently hinted that if given the chance by the WWE, he would want to be the commentator for Undertaker's retirement match. https://twitter.com/JRsBBQ/status/685615761209954304

[The CyNick]

According to The Wrestling Observer, WWE once again had more 50/50 booking of talent on TV in 2015 than any other major wrestling promotion.

50/50 booking is when a talent loses as much as he or she wins, and WWE decided to take this booking approach again this year despite the fact that stars might be perceived as average because they lose as often as they win.

This is exactly why I think this guy is a terrible journalist. Who did he poll to get the "perceived as average" conclusion?

[Simple Fan]

50/50 booking = average. Don't really need polls and shit.

[Emperor Smeat]

According to The Wrestling Observer, WWE once again had more 50/50 booking of talent on TV in 2015 than any other major wrestling promotion.

50/50 booking is when a talent loses as much as he or she wins, and WWE decided to take this booking approach again this year despite the fact that stars might be perceived as average because they lose as often as they win.

This is exactly why I think this guy is a terrible journalist. Who did he poll to get the "perceived as average" conclusion?

:roll: Yeah Meltzer's soo terrible as a journalist that he's getting the highest honor for wrestling journalism from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter founder Dave Meltzer will receive the Jim Melby Award from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's Dan Gable Museum later this year in Waterloo, IA.

On the induction weekend of July 14-16, Dave will be recognized during the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame induction weekend. The Jim Melby Award recognizes excellence in professional journalism, named in honor of Jim Melby, a professional wrestling historian and journalist.

[Lock Jaw]

For whatever reason, I want to see Becky Lynch really pushed hard and built up big time to win the title at Wrestlemania. Make a "big deal" about how she never won the NXT Woman's Title and has always been "last place"..... Try to recreate a bit of the feeling surrounding Bayley/Sasha or Sami Zayn's "Road to Redemption"...... where they finally win the "big one" in a v emotional and fulfilling moment....

[Fignuts]

Is Sasha out for Wrestlemania? If not, I see Becky challenging at the rumble and fastlane, but coming up short, with Banks finally dethroning charlotte at mania.

[The CyNick]

50/50 booking = average. Don't really need polls and shit.

Most North American sports leagues are built on the idea that they want to create a system where all the teams are average, so ever fanbase feels like their team has a chance to win. Sports hasn't been crippled by the change in philosophy. In fact every major sport in North America is seeing record revenue numbers.

My thing about the statement is its just his opinion, that the booking style prevents stars from being created. But there's no evidence to back the claim and its presented as a reflection of what the audience thinks. But there's no such evidence.

[The CyNick]

:roll: Yeah Meltzer's soo terrible as a journalist that he's getting the highest honor for wrestling journalism from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Wrestling and journalism sounds funny together.

I wonder if there is an award for Best Home Improvement Show Journalist. I'm trying to find something that I would equate in terms of importance as that award you just mentioned.

I for one consider the National Wrestling Hall of Fame to be one of the top 1000 irrelevant hall of fames in the world.

[Blonde Moment]

I for one consider the National Wrestling Hall of Fame to be one of the top 1000 irrelevant hall of fames in the world.
Why?

[Mr. Nerfect]

<font color=goldenrod>Had no idea Zack Ryder and Emma were dating. Apparently have been for a while.

Getting to bang Evil Emma is a pretty great consolation prize for having basically nothing to do on the main roster for 4 years.</font> :y:

Easily the best thing Zack Ryder has ever done in his life.

[Mr. Nerfect]

For whatever reason, I want to see Becky Lynch really pushed hard and built up big time to win the title at Wrestlemania. Make a "big deal" about how she never won the NXT Woman's Title and has always been "last place"..... Try to recreate a bit of the feeling surrounding Bayley/Sasha or Sami Zayn's "Road to Redemption"...... where they finally win the "big one" in a v emotional and fulfilling moment....

I'm thinking that Charlotte vs. Becky Lynch vs. Sasha Banks vs. Paige is going to be the Divas Title match at WrestleMania. If that's the case, then Lynch actually has a very good shot at winning it.

* Paige has been on the roster the longest, and although she is the youngest talent in the match, she needs the win the least.

* Charlotte could retain, but they probably don't want to overexpose her. Dropping the title in a multi-woman match also allows her to claim she was never pinned, etc.

* Sasha Banks would seem like the obvious choice for the winner, but she's naturally going to be the biggest star. Plus it might ring too similar to her NXT Women's Title win.

* That leaves Becky Lynch as perhaps the best and most shocking choice for Divas Champion.

After that is when you turn Natalya, who feels like this "Revolution" has passed her by. Bayley and Asuka get called up a bit after that, with Bayley working with Nattie as her introduction to the main roster. Asuka just goes on a bad-ass killing spree, perhaps with Heyman as a manager. Sasha Banks aligns with Stephanie McMahon as her "chosen one" within the division. Emma comes up as the girl that has been "forgotten" and is looking for revenge.

Everything is set.

[Black Widow]

http://i.imgur.com/h4XMdUx.gif

[Anybody Thrilla]

For posterity

http://demandware.edgesuite.net/aaiw_prd/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-main/default/dwc2fec63f/images/large/W10724.jpg

That is fucking ill. :y:

I also wanted to say that Lucha Underground is a lot of fun.

[CSL]

According to The Wrestling Observer, WWE once again had more 50/50 booking of talent on TV in 2015 than any other major wrestling promotion.

50/50 booking is when a talent loses as much as he or she wins, and WWE decided to take this booking approach again this year despite the fact that stars might be perceived as average because they lose as often as they win.

This is exactly why I think this guy is a terrible journalist. Who did he poll to get the "perceived as average" conclusion?

Wrestling and journalism sounds funny together.

I wonder if there is an award for Best Home Improvement Show Journalist. I'm trying to find something that I would equate in terms of importance as that award you just mentioned.

I for one consider the National Wrestling Hall of Fame to be one of the top 1000 irrelevant hall of fames in the world.

lol christ

[Maluco]

Insane notion to equate all of wrestling to home improvement. And you have previously said that others don't understand the business?

A fairer comparison would be theatre critics or something like that, events which happen all over the world regularly and are watched by millions of people worldwide with many facets, organisation, politics and multiple performers and variation on performances.

I am not a big "sheet" reader but I feel like you are equating the entire wrestling business to WWE RAW as a cable show?

[Simple Fan]

Most North American sports leagues are built on the idea that they want a system where all the teams are average, so ever fanbase feels like their team has a chance to win. Sports hasn't been crippled by the change in philosophy. In fact every major sport in North America is seeing record revenue numbers.

My thing about the statement is its just his opinion, that the booking style prevents stars from being created. But there's no evidence to back the claim and its presented as a reflection of what the audience thinks. But there's no such evidence.

No evidence? He listed all the jobs that champions did on TV. Your comparison to salary cap in sports is laughable. Yeah that's the point of it but does it keep everyone average, no. If that was the case the NFL would be full of 8-8 teams. I get what your trying to say but it doesn't compare like you think.

[Emperor Smeat]

http://33.media.tumblr.com/a0088de925445d9e332a387eb697861f/tumblr_nho0smWvdi1sbzhteo1_400.gif

[Mr. Pierre]

With Cena most likely out, I've been armchair booking scenarios for a good Taker opponent..figured I'd post an idea

The Wyatts are just dominating the Rumble, they start to beatdown on Taker but theres an apparent miscommunication between the Wyatts and Taker is able to dump em over with help from maybe Reigns or Ambrose. Taker ends up winning the whole thing about 15 min later and is WWE Champion.

Wyatt cuts a promo on RAW mentioning how he had everything where he wanted, but the family messed up. He still considers them brothers but he prefers to do his work by himself. Still a stable though

Fastlane, Wyatt wins a fatal four way with Del Rio, Ambrose, and Reigns to face Taker at Mania

Wyatt beats Taker by himself at Mania 32, wins the title. Taker has his moment in the ring, end show

On RAW, Wyatt family close the show with an in ring promo. Harper takes the mic from Bray and says something like "if we cant help our leader, i guess we need a new one"..and the family start a beatdown on Bray

Lights go out, Taker is in the ring. Wyatt and Taker clean house on the family, leaving them standing tall.

During the brawl the title fell on the ground, Taker picks it up, hands it to Bray

Lights go out, Brays gone, Taker's alone in the ring as "Thank you Taker" chant breaks out, no commentary, and he does his pose in the center of the ring to end the show

Takers out, passed torch

Brays a huge babyface

Harpers the new leader of the Harper Family and designed as a huge heel

[EzekielKane]

With Cena most likely out, I've been armchair booking scenarios for a good opponent..figured I'd post an idea

The Wyatts are just dominating the Rumble, they start to beatdown on Taker but theres an apparent miscommunication between the Wyatts and Taker is able to dump em over with help from maybe Reigns or Ambrose. Taker ends up winning the whole thing about 15 min later and is WWE Champion.

Wyatt cuts a promo on RAW mentioning how he had everything where he wanted, but the family messed up. He still considers them brothers but he prefers to do his work by himself. Still a stable though

Fastlane, Wyatt wins a fatal four way with Del Rio, Ambrose, and Reigns to face Taker at Mania

Wyatt beats Taker by himself at Mania 32, wins the title. Taker has his moment in the ring, end show

On RAW, Wyatt family close the show with an in ring promo. Harper takes the mic from Bray and says something like "if we cant help our leader, i guess we need a new one"..and the family start a beatdown on Bray

Lights go out, Taker is in the ring. Wyatt and Taker clean house on the family, leaving them standing tall.

During the brawl the title fell on the ground, Taker picks it up, hands it to Bray

Lights go out, Brays gone, Taker's alone in the ring as "Thank you Taker" chant breaks out, no commentary, and he does his pose in the center of the ring to end the show

Takers out, passed torch

Brays a huge babyface

Harpers the new leader of the Harper Family and designed as a huge heel



Cool idea. While waiting for TWA to come back Ive been trying to come up with some cool ideas as to what they can do in terms of storylines. They are coming back with a huge show Rumble Series and already have one kick ass match booked,


https://fbcdn-photos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xta1/v/t1.0-0/s480x480/12439497_1020664031318157_3938031200027345989_n.jpg?oh=6b37a92526b3b9be892b7ef8ff728e6b&oe=570CCA9A&__gda__=1459908069_67dcaeb88740d97e7e28d84f10113b87


But I was thinking...how interesting would it be if Jordan THE GIANT Cassatt interfered in the match and ANNIHILATED his own brother! Then Jordan can help the TWA originals win and sort of "betray" the guys he worked with back in Real Deal Wrestling.

[Dark One]

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="6" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.5% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr +JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhL w7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nY FnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; ██████████relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BASus3_C_Q0/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Beast shoulder session. Thank you @alexcarneiro for designing yet another amazing program. #illtakeoneveryone</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Rebecca Quin (@wwebeckylynch) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-01-08T21:10:39+00:00">Jan 8, 2016 at 1:10pm PST</time></p></div></blockquote>
<script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>

[Fignuts]

omg fuck off already

[Fignuts]

Damn it dark one.

[Mr. Nerfect]

With Cena most likely out, I've been armchair booking scenarios for a good Taker opponent..figured I'd post an idea

The Wyatts are just dominating the Rumble, they start to beatdown on Taker but theres an apparent miscommunication between the Wyatts and Taker is able to dump em over with help from maybe Reigns or Ambrose. Taker ends up winning the whole thing about 15 min later and is WWE Champion.

Wyatt cuts a promo on RAW mentioning how he had everything where he wanted, but the family messed up. He still considers them brothers but he prefers to do his work by himself. Still a stable though

Fastlane, Wyatt wins a fatal four way with Del Rio, Ambrose, and Reigns to face Taker at Mania

Wyatt beats Taker by himself at Mania 32, wins the title. Taker has his moment in the ring, end show

On RAW, Wyatt family close the show with an in ring promo. Harper takes the mic from Bray and says something like "if we cant help our leader, i guess we need a new one"..and the family start a beatdown on Bray

Lights go out, Taker is in the ring. Wyatt and Taker clean house on the family, leaving them standing tall.

During the brawl the title fell on the ground, Taker picks it up, hands it to Bray

Lights go out, Brays gone, Taker's alone in the ring as "Thank you Taker" chant breaks out, no commentary, and he does his pose in the center of the ring to end the show

Takers out, passed torch

Brays a huge babyface

Harpers the new leader of the Harper Family and designed as a huge heel

I like it. A lot. I don't think you need the WWE Title in there though. The whole thing could happen and just be a personal issue of redemption for Bray.

I'd call Harper's new group "The Reapers." I'd eventually like to see them against The New Day. Could be a great SummerSlam opener or something.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I just want to smell Becky Lynch's skin. Is that weird?

[Mr. Nerfect]

http://dailywrestlingnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Dana-Becky.jpg

[Mr. Nerfect]

The timing was never quite right, but I've wanted to see Jimmy Jacobs appear on WWE television too. The dude is great at getting characters down. I'd debut him by having him sit in the front row during all Seth Rollins' matches or something. Eventually, he plucks Joey Mercury, Luke Harper and Blue Pants and forms a WWE-style version of The Age of the Fall to go against Rollins. If they want to give him his own WWE name, he could be Jacob Black or something as a jab at Seth Rollins' indy name.

You could have Jimmy Jacobs emerge as the new "leader" of The Family once Bray Wyatt is cast out.

[Simple Fan]

Or he could be Little Jimmy and accompany R Truth.

[Mr. Nerfect]

They could do that too.

[Mr. Pierre]

Jacobs was excellent, cool idea too for a fresh heel and a great program for Rollins..is Jacobs working for WWE? Had last heard he was on creative but that could be bs

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Heard that was true but haven't really heard of him lately. He wasn't on Breaking Ground.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Last I knew he was working for creative. I think rumors said that it was originally for NXT, but then it turned out he was working the main roster.

[Mr. Nerfect]

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/07/8a/95/078a956092f7de687b0bc6809b3e25f5.jpg

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ea/b4/a9/eab4a9ee1d23f6de0e34af0d5d9add2c.jpg

http://www.gotceleb.com/wp-content/uploads/photos/becky-lynch/wwe-divas-fight-club-photoshoot/Becky-Lynch:-WWE-Divas-Fight-Club-Photoshoot--12-662x372.jpg

http://www.gotceleb.com/wp-content/uploads/photos/becky-lynch/wwe-divas-fight-club-photoshoot/Becky-Lynch:-WWE-Divas-Fight-Club-Photoshoot--03.jpg

Young Becky:

http://freewallpapershd.in/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/WWE-Becky-Wonderful-HD-Wallpapers.jpg

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

0_0

[Lock Jaw]

https://41.media.tumblr.com/c674f2d39fef518446d1ae7cea6728df/tumblr_nyegfiuxJo1ujimkpo1_540.png
https://36.media.tumblr.com/64eedd21ad851f043bcbe784538010be/tumblr_nyegfiuxJo1ujimkpo4_540.png
https://49.media.tumblr.com/af9433fc8055e6c8b281b434c0c036fb/tumblr_o0ayrrTopq1ujimkpo3_r2_500.gifhttps://49.media.tumblr.com/fee5775e4dc732e6696f6aa545028b9c/tumblr_o0ayrrTopq1ujimkpo4_r1_500.gif

[Mr. Nerfect]

Such a fan of that woman. She's got a hell of a story too. They could really give her a "feel good" chase for the title.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I didn't know Becky has a brown belt in submission wrestling.

[Mr. Nerfect]

http://dirtsheet.org/superstars/r/rebeccaknox/gallery/ring-divas-27684671/gallery1/016.jpg

http://dirtsheet.org/superstars/r/rebeccaknox/gallery/ring-divas-27684671/gallery1/019.jpg

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I don't ever want to go to the Performance Center. I feel undeserving to step foot on the same ground Becky Lynch has walked on.</font>

[Mr. Nerfect]

Love babyface Becky, but Evil Bitch Becky is pretty hot too.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6OwuHXCAAAJrYO.jpg

[Mr. Nerfect]

<font color=goldenrod>I don't ever want to go to the Performance Center. I feel undeserving to step foot on the same ground Becky Lynch has walked on.</font>

I can't work out whether I never want to meet Becky Lynch, in fear of embarrassing myself; or if she's the wrestler I want to meet most. Huge, huge fan. She always seems genuinely thrilled to meet fans too. In photos of her with people, she always seems like she's the one having more fun for some reason.

[Mr. Nerfect]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BuPc4DpIQAAlSAo.jpg:large

Paige and Becky Lynch back when Lynch used to manage her.

[Mr. Nerfect]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WB5QRzjW4Pk/UqSsJ1WYiuI/AAAAAAAA1Ew/2GnuLMjznbo/s1600/Rebecca+Knox-Becky+Lynch-WWE.jpg

More Hot Manager Becky.

[Mr. Nerfect]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CK9EPfEUYAAO2sW.jpg

[Mr. Nerfect]

Should I be optimistic about The Social Outcasts?

[Mr. Nerfect]

R-Truth, Damien Sandow, Johnny Curtis & Zack Ryder to go against them?

[Mr. Nerfect]

Roman Reigns should be #1 against Kevin Owens, who vows to Triple H that he will take out Reigns. The two can be "contemporaries" throughout the match, until Reigns eventually does eliminate Owens and then Triple H takes out Reigns before the half-way mark of the Rumble.

Brock is the correct winner of this thing.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Should I be optimistic about The Social Outcasts?

Just Royal Rumble alliance Fodder.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I've posted a lot of Becky Lynch, so here are Bayley and Emma chilling by a pool.

http://dailywrestlingnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Emma-bikini-gifs-003.gif

[Mr. Nerfect]

Heath Slater seems to be getting over in a backwards sort of way. Good for him.

[Fignuts]

Just finished watching Wrestle Kingdom 10. Thought the Styles vs Nakamura match had MOTN in the bag, but my god that main event. Super early MOTY candidate. Just incredible.

[Wishbone]

Guys, please stop trying to kill me. I can't take this much Becky all at once. I mean it'd be a nice way to go out don't get me wrong, but I don't really wanna die today.

[Emperor Smeat]

http://i.imgur.com/h7nFAEC.gif

[The CyNick]

Why?

I hate all Hall of Fame's. I think they are just about the dumbest thing in sports because admission is so arbitrary.

Wrestling takes it to another level because for the most part a wrestler should be rated on ability to draw. The vast majority of stats out there about who drew what is at best an educated guess, and more accurately completely made up. With the exception of guys who worked for WWE since WWE went public, because those numbers are readily available to the public.

From what I understand national wrestling hall of fame looks at quality of matches as well. So we're even more heavily into factors that going to rely on the judges to use their personal taste to judge.

I just hate them all.

[The CyNick]

No evidence? He listed all the jobs that champions did on TV. Your comparison to salary cap in sports is laughable. Yeah that's the point of it but does it keep everyone average, no. If that was the case the NFL would be full of 8-8 teams. I get what your trying to say but it doesn't compare like you think.

You will always have different records. Just like in WWE, I guarantee Cena and Reigns dont have "50-50" records.

I dont want to get into a whole thing about this, but I know 100% for a FACT based on previous work experience that pro sports leagues in North America would love to have every team be 8-8 (or equivalent in their sport). The ideal state is to have all of your markets in contention for as long as possible. Personally, I'm actually against this mentality, I prefer a system where your biggest markets are able to flex their financial muscle and be dominant, but I'm not running any sports leagues, so I dont get my way.

I know WWE has pulled a lot of executives from the pro sports world, so that might be where the mentality came from. My point though is there is no evidence that one element has caused any shift in the success of decline of aspects of the business. Despite what the bloggers say.

[The CyNick]

Roman Reigns should be #1 against Kevin Owens, who vows to Triple H that he will take out Reigns. The two can be "contemporaries" throughout the match, until Reigns eventually does eliminate Owens and then Triple H takes out Reigns before the half-way mark of the Rumble.

Brock is the correct winner of this thing.

If its Brock vs Reigns for the title at Mania, yes.

But if Hunter costs Reigns the Rumble, you have to think Mania is going to be Reigns vs Hunter. Maybe its for control of the company - or like if Hunter loses he's not running RAW and SD. Opens the door for a new babyface GM - someone like Foley, but not Foley.

Then who does Brock face for the title at Mania? Rock? Dont see that as a title match. It would be awesome if Bryan were cleared between now and Mania.

I'm very interested how everything shakes out.

[Emperor Smeat]

WWE rumored to have bought the license to Nakamura's NJPW entrance theme according to a report from Bleacher Report.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Have been told WWE licensed the rights to &quot;Subconscious,&quot; the <a href="https://twitter.com/ShinsukeN">@ShinsukeN</a> theme song from NJPW. Will be great if tue.</p>&mdash; Jeremy Botter (@jeremybotter) <a href="https://twitter.com/jeremybotter/status/686077495632773120">January 10, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Mercenary]

WWE rumored to have bought the license to Nakamura's NJPW entrance theme according to a report from Bleacher Report.

<iframe title="Twitter Tweet" data-tweet-id="686077495632773120" style="██████████ static; visibility: visible; display: block; width: 100%; height: 186px; padding: 0px; border: medium none; max-width: 500px; min-width: 220px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" scrolling="no" id="twitter-widget-0" frameborder="0"></iframe>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fZnXGvrDHV0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Ok I love it!

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Seems like they could have easily used a sound-a-like. Generic Japanese EGM.

[Locke]

Everyone here needs to calm down with the pictures of Becky Lynch

[Simple Fan]

Noid can post as many Becky Lynch photos he wants. He doesnt post them enough in my opinion.

[Locke]

Would you say you are not annoid by him

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Everyone here needs to calm down with the pictures of Becky Lynch

oi. No.

[Simple Fan]

Would you say you are not annoid by him

Yes Noid is a fabulous poster.

[Locke]

oi. No.
I saw a guy with a New Day jacket today. He looked normal, but it was weird.

[Simple Fan]

Did it have a Unicorn on it? Was it like a New Day motorcycle jacket?

[Locke]

It was just a light blue track jacket with a small logo on the front. I thought the jacket looked nice when he was approaching me then I looked at the logo and saw it had New Day on it, then on the back was some giant picture of them riding unicorns.

[Locke]

Tamina :drool:

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/f2/f6/5d/f2f65d177d2557e1a511b8bb1f68b583.jpg

http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140929074243/villains/images/3/36/Tamina_@_NXT_3.28.12.jpg

[Simple Fan]

Ehh, if you going to post big women I'd prefer Lei'D Tapa.

[Locke]

I don't know who that is.

[Simple Fan]

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRv--h30OIoD9jANWq3hDfzXK4r8ifGPRTL5GKZUNncSkocH4k1

[Locke]

She seems interesting

[The CyNick]

Seems like they could have easily used a sound-a-like. Generic Japanese EGM.

Seems to me like they really want him to be as authentic as possible to appeal to the Japanese fanbase.

[Simple Fan]

Which would be best, keep everything including his name. Hate when WWE changes well known talents names. Just now getting used to Bàlor, Itami, and Owens. Still dont like the Hideo Itami name either.

[Lock Jaw]

All those name changes are fine because the casual fan couldn't give a F or know who those guys were before.

Samoa Joe was smart that they let him keep his name, on the other hand, because due to TNA he would be "known enough" by a portion of North American casual fans for that name to "matter" and "mean something".

[Simple Fan]

Do you think they'll change Nakumura's name? Feel like it would be smart if they want him to help sell the network in Japan. I'd assume Gallows goes back to Luke but im not sure about Anderson they might give him a new name. Hope AJ keeps his name to.

[Lock Jaw]

Only one of those guys I'd let keep their name is AJ Styles.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Angle re-iterated/confirmed that he'll be retiring from TNA at the end of their current UK tour, his contract expires that final day of the tour.

It's January 31st, so no opportunity for a Rumble surprise return. But with him purposely saying he's only retiring "from TNA" it still leaves the door open for one last WWE match. Supposedly talks between Angle and WWE fell apart last time because WWE wanted Angle to work a full schedule. But with them hurting for star power right now I'd find it hard to believe they wouldn't gladly bring him in just for a Mania program to close out his career with a HOF induction this year or next.</font>

[Simple Fan]

I hope he does, could have his retirement match at Mania this year and go into the hall of fame next year. Could really face anyone at Mania, Bryan would be the obvious choice but it all depends on WWE. Could also see him facing Taker, Owens, Del Rio, Ziggler, or Sheamus as well.

[Wishbone]

Only one of those guys I'd let keep their name is AJ Styles.

Honestly considering they paid for his theme song I'm gonna assume Nakamura is keeping his name. I could see them shortening it to just "Nakamura" though, especially since the Cher thing seems to be really big with WWE management right now.

[Innovator]

Yeah I see them shortening it to just Nakamura

[Big Vic]

Angle re-iterated/confirmed that he'll be retiring from TNA at the end of their current UK tour, his contract expires that final day of the tour.

It's January 31st, so no opportunity for a Rumble surprise return. But with him purposely saying he's only retiring "from TNA" it still leaves the door open for one last WWE match. Supposedly talks between Angle and WWE fell apart last time because WWE wanted Angle to work a full schedule. But with them hurting for star power right now I'd find it hard to believe they wouldn't gladly bring him in just for a Mania program to close out his career with a HOF induction this year or next.
I think he wont get a HOF bid until like 2018

[Emperor Smeat]

http://i.imgur.com/LaOSIRT.gif

[Sepholio]

lmao@that gif

[Sepholio]

should be Cesaros new move when he comes back

[Schlomey]

Pretty excited/awesome first HOF announcement just went up on WWE. No spoilers but it makes me very happy.

[Volare]

Tournament match of the year 2016:

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3Hcz7-rAT5s?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Pretty Cool Rollins won with a crappy team. Showing his mastery of Madden.

[Volare]

It was all about the halftime show!

[Shadrick]

Take your pants off, Shadrick.

I'm not wearing any.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Nakamura's already vacated the NJPW IC Title and a new champ will be decided in February.

I guess NJPW sees little reason in booking the champ in a title defense when everybody knows he's leaving anyway.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

http://ringtimeprowrestling.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Vince-McMahon-Bullet-Club.jpg

[Fignuts]

Yo

[drave]

Hell yeah.

[drave]

Fignuts, when do we get your "Poster of the Year Edition" since you have been remastered now?

[Droford]

http://i.imgur.com/HgOaS.jpg

Spacecore Holly and his Unnamed Monkey sidekick

Almost was a thing

[Bad News Gertner]

http://i.imgur.com/LaOSIRT.gif

That is my new favourite gif

[Fignuts]

Fignuts, when do we get your "Poster of the Year Edition" since you have been remastered now?

Remsters never get ______ of the year. I doomed myself from the start.

[Dark One]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Watched some old nWo stuff Hollywood set the bar for a heel but still got over as he put everyone over brother Hollywood HulkHogan4Life2swee</p>&mdash; Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) <a href="https://twitter.com/HulkHogan/status/687121222153404418">January 13, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/Briannakiser614">@Briannakiser614</a> oh testify my brother. HH. &quot;Thanks Devon &quot;. Only love HH</p>&mdash; Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) <a href="https://twitter.com/HulkHogan/status/687122113111683072">January 13, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Watched some old nWo stuff Hollywood set the bar for a heel but still got over as he put everyone over brother Hollywood HulkHogan4Life2swee</p>&mdash; Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) <a href="https://twitter.com/HulkHogan/status/687121222153404418">January 13, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/HulkHogan">@HulkHogan</a> best heel in wrestling history and best group nwo 4 life</p>&mdash; brianna kiser (@Briannakiser614) <a href="https://twitter.com/Briannakiser614/status/687121913517371392">January 13, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/Briannakiser614">@Briannakiser614</a> oh testify my brother. HH. &quot;Thanks Devon &quot;. Only love HH</p>&mdash; Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) <a href="https://twitter.com/HulkHogan/status/687122113111683072">January 13, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

No.

The point of a heel is to get the face over. Who got over by way of Hollywood Hulk Hogan? Hulk Hogan.

[Simple Fan]

The following wrestlers are officially confirmed for the match…

* WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns
* Brock Lesnar
* Chris Jericho
* Bray Wyatt
* Erick Rowan
* Luke Harper
* Braun Strowman
* Dolph Ziggler
* Ryback
* Big Show
* Curtis Axel

[Emperor Smeat]

Dirtsheets sponsored by the vicious demise of New Day's trombone:
https://57.media.tumblr.com/32599ac6bc4a671a35cdc8c7cc18fc24/tumblr_o0tn6cGtJc1unu9zio4_400.gif

Monday's episode of WWE RAW, with Brock Lesnar's return and Vince McMahon regularly featured, drew 3.323 million viewers. This is down from last week's 3.575 million viewers.

For this week's show, the first hour drew 3.536 million viewers, the second hour drew 3.206 million viewers and the final hour drew 3.228 million viewers.

RAW was #6 for the night in viewership, behind the college football championship game and the accompanying coverage, which dominated the night, and #7 for the night in the 18-49 demographic, behind Love & Hip-Hop and college football.
For some reference, same week last year had 3.9 million viewers for the average.

According to f4wonline.com, New Japan Pro Wrestling has stripped Shinsuke Nakamura of the IWGP IC Title. Kenny Omega will face a mystery opponent in the main event of the New Beginnings in Niigata event on February 14th to crown a new champion. While not confirmed, the speculation is that it will be Hiroshi Tanahashi as the mystery opponent.

Nakamura will continue to appear on New Japan shows for the rest of the month, and finish on January 30th. His final match will be teaming with Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii to face Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata.
Nakamura will be holding a press conference around January 25th regarding his departure from the company.

As we noted last week, Sasha Banks has been out of action since the final Raw of 2015 in Brooklyn, NY with an undisclosed injury.

PWInsider.com is told that Banks has suffered a MCL injury to one of her knees and is not expected back in the ring until sometime next month.

Obviously, given the high level of her work, that is a blow to the Divas division, but thankfully she will be back within a month or so.

The WWE injury bug struck again.

Paige disappeared from WWE television not long ago and while there were rumors that she was dealing with an injury of some sort, nothing was confirmed either way. That was until today when she told Channel Guide Mag she's dealing with a concussion:

"I took a bad bump in one of my matches. WWE has been absolutely great with the Wellness Program and wanting to make sure I'm back on my feet and completely healthy before getting back in the ring again. I'm losing my mind because I'm not at work right now, so it's been a few straight weeks of not leaving the house. I do go to the Performance Center and get back in the ring there and see the doctors to make sure I'm a good kid and taking as much ImPACT tests as I possibly can. I hope to get back in the ring soon. It's just a slight concussion. No big deal. Not a crazy one, but WWE is obviously very protective of their talent. I'm like 'I'm fine. I promise.' They're like 'No, we have to make sure you are 100 percent.' They are like parents."

WWE is dealing with multiple concussion lawsuits at the moment, so the company is playing it as safe as possible with any head injuries. Really, that should be the case either which way.

Paige joins a long list of WWE stars dealing with injuries, including Seth Rollins, Randy Orton, John Cena, Nikki Bella, Cesaro, Tyson Kidd, and Daniel Bryan, to name too many.

According to Dave Meltzer, Rusev suffered what is begin described as a minor knee injury over the weekend, which is why he was held off Raw. Rusev suffered the injury in a match with Ryback at the WWE live event in Bossier City, Louisiana, on Saturday night. While there is no confirmation, the hope is that Rusev will be back for the Royal Rumble PPV.

In an update, Dave Meltzer discussed Orton's status on today's installment of Wrestling Observer Radio. Meltzer explained that he received word about Orton possibly needing surgery back in November and Ric Flair also mentioned it on his podcast around the same time. Meltzer claims that Orton was just recently told that he would not be needing the surgery, as early as last week.

Meltzer would go on to mention that Orton is expected to return to action between mid-March or early May.

The Sports Business Daily had a report that the NFL is looking at splitting up its Thursday night package and selling it to two or three different networks next season and that the league may expand to 17 Thursday night games, which would greatly affect fall Smackdown ratings.

The Wall Street Journal today had a small ad in the weekend edition looking for people who have archival items related to Gorgeous George, particularly photos or home movies for a documentary. The e-mail address to contact is gorgeousgeo32415@gmail.com (thanks to Robert Steinberg)

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">fantastic <a href="https://t.co/KEylPaGWbe">pic.twitter.com/KEylPaGWbe</a></p>&mdash; DTAM (@DeathToAllMarks) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeathToAllMarks/status/686652865184665600">January 11, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


Some other sheet news includes:

For those in Florida, upcoming EVOLVE show will be having NXT's William Regal and Jordan & Gable appearing as part of a cross-promotion deal between WWE and EVOLVE. Regal was teased to be making an announcement while Jordan and Gable will be doing signings. http://files.ctctcdn.com/ec1d1f30101/6f119771-e6dc-410b-9e9b-931e86fef676.png?a=1123446396858
Tama Tonga revealed he is currently a free agent after not signing a new deal with NJPW. https://twitter.com/Tama_Tonga/status/687010253091794945
Manik/TJ Perkins revealed he will be leaving TNA once his current contract is done. https://twitter.com/MaskaraManik/status/687025323561451520
Mauro Ranallo recently did an interview with Fox Sports regarding his move to the WWE and being the new announcer for Smackdown. http://www.foxsports.com/wwe/story/wwe-mauro-ranallo-on-his-dream-come-true-experience-working-for-wwe-011116
Bad Luck Fale revealed he has recently signed a new deal to stay in NJPW.

[Black Widow]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m85/hulk6785/WWE/wwf1999-11.jpg

[Rammsteinmad]

Reading Chris Jericho's third book (absolutely love it), and had to check out this match. Man, this is hilarious. Good camera work from WWE covering it up, but still funny as hell knowing what's happened.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vdrqh8qp2II" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[#1-norm-fan]

Hey! Rory Fox! I remember him from the MTV True Life: I'm a Professional Wrestler back in the late 90s. Good shit. Anyone else remember that? It also feature Tony Atlas making potato salad in his tiny apartment at the time.

[Emperor Smeat]

http://i.imgur.com/Cde0QCl.gif

[Sepholio]

Santaplex.

[DAMN iNATOR]

As if the injury bug hasn't hit WWE hard enough in recent times, it seems to have struck again recently --- multiple times.

News page saying Paige is out w/a concussion, Sasha out w/MCL injury, and Rusev w/minor knee injury, but they're hopeful of having him back in action in time for the Rumble

Obviously this is unwelcome news for the company when it's just about 1 1/2 weeks from starting its busiest and most important season of every year. I'm thinking about now they should just skip the HoF rehash @ Mania and instead do a Oscars-style credit crawl and slide show in dedication of all those injured.

[Emperor Smeat]

http://i.imgur.com/p3ZX5D8.jpg

[Big Vic]

BREAKING: Alberto Del Rio is out for a few months due to an MCL tear.

[Big Vic]

BREAKING: Kevin Nash is also sidelined from his year rumble appearance due to tearing his quad (again)

[Big Vic]

BREAKING: Michael Cole will miss 2 week of broadcasting due to anal bleeding.