The SmarK Rant for AEW Rampage – 01.27.23
Taped from Lexington, KY
Your hosts are Jim Ross, Chris Jericho, Tony Schiavone & Excalibur
The SmarK Rant for AEW Rampage – 01.27.23
Taped from Lexington, KY
Your hosts are Jim Ross, Chris Jericho, Tony Schiavone & Excalibur
“It Feels So Great To Be Excited About Wrestling Again” – Mercedes Mone Reflects On NJPW Debut
Mercedes Mone is ready for her next challenge.
Brock Lesnar WrestleMania 39 Plans Said To Be A “Well-Guarded Secret” Backstage
It appears that Brock Lesnar’s WrestleMania plans are being kept firmly under wraps.
Why Did Kenny Omega Miss Jay Briscoe Tribute Edition Of AEW Dynamite?
Update on why Kenny Omega missed AEW’s tribute to Jay Briscoe.
Smackdown
Date: January 27, 2023
Location: Sames Auto Arena, Laredo, Texas
Commentators: Wade Barrett, Michael Cole
It’s the go home show for the Royal Rumble and that means we have some final pushes to make to get us to the big event. In this case, we are probably going to have some more names added to the Royal Rumbles, but there is also a Kevin Owens vs. Solo Sikoa match that will probably involve the Bloodline. Let’s get to it.
Impact Wrestling
Date: January 26, 2023
Location: Center Stage, Atlanta, Georgia
Commentators: Matthew Rehwoldt, Tom Hannifan
The fallout from Hard To Kill continues and we are also on the way to No Surrender. The latter means that we need a new #1 contender and we will have one by the end of the night due to a six way elimination match. Other than that, Bully Ray now seems to have to deal with Mickie James and possibly Frankie Kazarian so let’s get to it.
Yet Another WWE Executive Gone From The Company
The corporate landscape of WWE continues to change as another executive is gone from the company.
Major Independent Promotion Sent WWE A Cease And Desist Letter
A top independent promotion recently sent a cease and desist letter to WWE.
AEW Sued Over Alleged Copyright Violation
AEW was issued with a lawsuit regarding an alleged copyright infringement.
Vince McMahon Forced Former Champion To Change Their Name Because It Reminded Him Of WCW
Vince McMahon’s grudge against WCW led to an edict for one former champion to undergo a name change!
Update On Matt Riddle’s WWE Status Following Rehab
A new report details when Matt Riddle may be returning to WWE television.
When Will The AEW Fight Forever Video Game Be Released?
New details have emerged about the much-delayed release of AEW Fight Forever.
New Reason Emerges For The Briscoes’ AEW Ban
More details have come to light about Mark and Jay Briscoe being previously banned from AEW television.
Backstage Details On The Real Reason Stephanie McMahon Stepped Away From WWE
Stephanie McMahon’s WWE exit shocked the world, and a new report provides more information about her decision.
This week we look back at an issue of PWI that went to press September 8, 1988 and sold for $2.25 in the U.S, $2.95 in Canada, and £1.50 in the U.K. Let’s get right to Ratings…
The SmarK Rant for NWA Power Hour – 05.04.90
Taped from Marietta, GA
Your hosts are Jim Ross & Gordon Solie
Backstage News On Major Royal Rumble Changes
WWE’s annual Royal Rumble takes place on January 28th in San Antonio, TX, and a new report sheds light on major changes made to plans for the show.
Charlotte Flair Reveals Real Reason Behind WWE Absence
Charlotte Flair has discussed what lay behind her extended absence from WWE that saw her miss seven months of action.
“Who?” – LA Knight Not A Fan Of Former Gimmick
WWE Superstars are no strangers to changing their identities as their characters evolve, and one of WWE SmackDown’s most featured stars says he’s “night and day” from a previous persona.
Jay Briscoe: A Celebration Of Life
Date: January 26, 2023
Location: Save Mart Center, Fresno, California
Commentators: Ian Riccaboni, Carpice Coleman
As you might have guessed, this is a special show honoring the life of Jay Briscoe, who passed away last week. The show was filmed after last week’s AEW taping and features special matches, plus presumably tributes and maybe classic matches from Briscoe’s career. That should be more than enough so let’s get to it.
Vince McMahon Facing Third Lawsuit Since WWE Return
Yet another lawsuit has been filed against Vince McMahon following his return to WWE earlier this month.
Backstage News On Major WWE Royal Rumble Changes, Ronda Rousey Update
A new report details how plans for the upcoming Royal Rumble have drastically changed.
Charlotte Flair Reveals The Real Reason Behind Her Extended WWE Absence
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair opened up about her extended hiatus from WWE during much of 2022.
Chuck E. Cheese Is Now An Official Member Of D-Generation X
Kurt Angle isn’t the most recent star to join the ranks of D-Generation X!
Having said that, would it be best for them to keep Zayn out of the Rumble itself? I'm not expecting a 14-15 DB level hijacking here, but with the crown being invested with his journey for this long, is there the possibility that once Zayn gets eliminated, the crowd could turn on a Rhodes win because not only has he been absent for a while, but he also is the company fed obvious choice, like Batista & reigns were those years?
Obvious choices: Mid 90s Bret, post back injury Shawn, early 2000s Kurt Angle?
Less obvious choices: mid 80s Flair or Steamboat, mid 90s Owen, mid 80s Perfect
Left field choices: modern day Okada, late 90s AJPW pillar (Misawa/Kobashi/Kawada)
Someone else I’ve missed?
Who ya got?
Dynamite
Date: January 25, 2023
Location: Rupp Arena, Lexington, Kentucky
Commentators: Excalibur, Tony Schiavone, Taz
This is going to be an emotional one as the main event will feature the Jay Briscoe Tribute match between Mark Briscoe and Jay Lethal. If that’s not enough, we’re still on the way to Revolution and that means Bryan Danielson gets to wrestle again. This time he has to find a way around Brian Cage, which is quite the different opponent than he has had in recent weeks. Other than that, the Gunns and the Acclaimed are going to have family therapy, which could go in a few different ways. Let’s get to it.
AEW Pay Tribute To Jay Briscoe On Dynamite
The January 25th episode of AEW Dynamite saw the entire roster pay an emotional tribute to Jay Briscoe.
Ric Flair Opens Up About What He Said To Becky Lynch At WWE Raw
Ric Flair has revealed that he apologised to both Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins.
Charlotte Flair Admits She Was “A Little Jealous” Over Ric Flair’s Last Match
Charlotte Flair has admitted that she wishes she could have been part of her dad’s last match.
The SmarK Rant for AEW Dynamite – 01.25.23
Live from Lexington, KY
Your hosts are Excalibur, Tony Schiavone & Taz