Another Major Return or Debut Coming To AEW; April 28th Live Wrestling News Round-Up

Roderick Strong may have only been in AEW for a matter of days but it appears like several members of the AEW roster have already taken an issue with his arrival.

Taking to Twitter, Jericho Appreciation Society member ‘Daddy Magic’ would respond to photo of strong shared by, real life partner, Marina Shafir, telling the AEW star that she should dump the former NXT Superstar because he is “a bag of sh*t.”

“You should probably dump him. He’s a bag of shit.”

Marina Shafir would bite back stating that she is going to make ‘Daddy Magic’ “chew her sock.”

You can check out the full exchange, here.

It was announced last year that Samoa Joe would be entering the world of acting once again as he teamed up with Peacock to portray iconic video game character ‘Sweet Tooth’ in the networks new ‘Twisted Mental’ series.

Now, almost a year later, the first trailer as dropped giving fans a sneak preview at Samoa Joe’s portrayal of the spooktastic killer clown.

Check it out below ⬇️

Your driver has arrived with your order 🚘💥🤡 #TwistedMetal is streaming July 27, only on Peacock. pic.twitter.com/mHPeu3NWCY

— Peacock (@peacock) April 28, 2023

The latest episode of Sheamus’ ‘Celtic Warrior Workout’ takes a look at how WWE legend Rey Mysterio stays in fighting shape at the ripe age of 48-years-old.

Watch his workout with Sheamus, and find out how it keeps him competing at a legendary level.

Tickets for Inside The Ropes ‘Intimate Evening with Gangrel’ at Glasgow’s Classic Grand on July 16th are AVALIABLE NOW!

Head over to ITRTIX.com and get your tickets and don’t miss out on some of Gangrel’s insane, hilarious and downright unbelievable stories from his time in the WWE, as well a memorable photo op with the leader of ‘The Brood’.

Limited tickets available so get your tickets now before they sell out!

As the dust finally settles on WrestleMania 39, attention within WWE is beginning to turn to what lies in store for Roman Reigns and the Undisputed WWE Universal Title at WrestleMania 40.

It has now been reported by Wrestle Votes via GiveMeSport, that a huge rematch between Cody Rhodes & Roman Reigns is under consideration for WrestleMania 40. Although not stated in the report, it would appear likely that this would again involve the Undisputed WWE Universal Title.

You can read the full report, here.

Do you want to see Cody Rhodes vs Roman Reigns at WrestleMania one more time? Let us know by hitting the thumbs down below!

The Miz may be one of WWE’s most successful heels of the modern era, but that doesn’t mean he is without his fans.

When WWE came to Manchester one fan was so excited to see her favourite wrestler, The Miz, live and in person that she crying during his entrance.

Her dad would share the video of her daughter’s incredible reaction and was then delighted to see it make it’s way via Twitter to ‘The A-Lister’ himself who would respond with some heartfelt words for the family.

“After all the booing and disrespectful chants I thought I was done with Manchester, but remembering that all the people chanting “you suck” is worth one family having a moment like this….”

You can check out the original video below ⬇️

My daughter overcome with emotion because her favourite wrestler @mikethemiz is at @wwe live in Manchester #WWEManchester

Never seen her so excited pic.twitter.com/p9szsn57xF

— Omega Photography (@THEHANDOFOMEGA) April 27, 2023

Earlier this week we reported on JBL’s defence of a controversial 2004 SmackDown segment that had resurfaced online.

The segment saw JBL drive down to the Mexican boarder and chase ‘illegal immigrants’ back home to Mexico to ‘protect Texas’.

JBL explained that it is simply television and his job was to portray a bad person, so it isn’t problematic at all because simply, it wasn’t real.

Lance Storm has now taken to Twitter to defend the angle, stating that people are free to think it is bad TV but there is nothing illegal or controversial about it, before comparing the issues raised by fans on Twitter to Netflix shows such as Dexter that depict serial killers as the good guy.

“You’re welcome to think it’s bad television, but it’s a TV show. You know Dexter was a show about a Baby Face serial killer right?”

You can check out the original post, here.

Do you agree with Lance Storm? Let us know by hitting the thumbs down below!

WWE Superstar Nikki Cross took to social media today to share an important message surrounding mental health and self value in 2023.

Taking to Twitter, Cross would share a throwback photo of herself from 2016 looking “sexy and s**t” before revealing that although she looked happy and healthy on the inside, in actuality she was not doing so well.

In the post, Cross opens up on her relationship struggles, her issues with food and the importance of therapy in helping her get to place where she is truly happy.

You can read Cross’ full statement below.

pic.twitter.com/SD5tclIgeP

— Nicola Glencross (@WWENikkiCross) April 28, 2023

Roderick Strong’s AEW debut was not only a shock to fans but reportedly to WWE as well.

It has been reported that although those in WWE knew Strong wouldn’t be appearing for the company again, they were under the impression he remained under contract. Writing in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer noted that this led to many in the company being shocked to see him run out on Dynamite.

You can read Meltzer’s full comments, here.

Do you think Roderick Strong is a good acquisition for AEW? Let us know by hitting the thumbs down below!

Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins recently appeared on Bread Basket Official’s hilarious spoof draft series on TikTok.

The series sees guests take part in a NFL style draft for some of the strangest and most random categories imaginable.

The TikTok account has amassed 1,100,000 followers and a mammoth 77,000,000 likes over the past year.

The Street Profits made a surprise appearance ahead of the 2023 WWE Draft and were tasked with drafting five of the best ‘fighters’ of all-time.

Check out the hilarious video, here.

Sometimes it is easy to forget that in between all the vocal wrestling fans on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube are the real MVP’s of wrestling fans – the kids.

One fan took to Twitter to share an incredible video of her son reacting to Cody Rhodes’ entrance at WWE Live in Manchester after they had tricked him into believing ‘The American Nightmare’ wasn’t on the show.

Check out the wholesome video down below ⬇️

We told him @CodyRhodes wasn’t at @WWE tonight to keep it a surprise! I think it’s the happiest I’ve seen him and he’s been to Disney! We love you Cody that wave meant the world to him #WWEManchester 💙 pic.twitter.com/YT8Pgl6Y8j

— Vicki (@vixx_83) April 27, 2023

Former WWE Superstar, and women’s wrestling pioneer, Victoria briefly returned to WWE in the 2021 Women’s Royal Rumble match at the Thunderdome and lasted seven minutes before being eliminated.

However, the star has revealed that it wasn’t the best experience.

Speaking on the Grown Ass Women podcast, Victoria said that she was “treated like sh*t” backstage before opening up on how it impacted the way the she treats people moving forward to ensure she never makes another talent feel as low as she was made to feel on that day.

You can read Victoria’s scathing comments, here.

Paul Wight, FKA ‘The Big Show, spoke to Kenny McIntosh in 2021 about his huge amount of heel and face turns in his WWE run.

Check out this previously unseen footage down below ⬇️

Wrestlers are no stranger to bizarre celebrity beef and that trend has continued as Saraya recalled an awful encounter from her childhood with Brit Pop icon Emma Bunton.

Responding to a fan complementing her for being lovely during a chance encounter, Saraya would share a story from her childhood when ‘Baby Spice’ Emma Bunton snubbed her during an encounter in the UK.

“Emma Bunton was on this show called “The Big Breakfast” in the UK yearssss ago & my mum asked her for a autograph for baby me & she said no but signed for everyone else.

People will ALWAYS remember the way you made them feel. I won’t ever make someone feel the way I felt when mum told me she said no.

She may of been having a rough day and I understand now as an adult and have a tiny speck of limelight compared to her. But, also my dad would kick my ass if I didn’t respect the fans haha (Except airport scammers, you guys can go fuck yourself)”

What is your favourite bizarre wrestler celebrity beef? Let us know by hitting the ‘get involved’ button at the top of the page!

Speculation continues to run wild about the future of a number of NXT stars with the WWE Draft set to begin on the April 28th episode of SmackDown.

Speaking on his Hall of Fame podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Booker T would heap praise on NXT Superstar Grayson Waller stating that ‘The Mouth of NXT’ is more than ready for the WWE main roster.

” He’s got the look. He’s got the charisma. You don’t really think about how good of a worker he is until you see him in a match and then you go, ‘Oh, this guy’s pretty good.’ He’s got all the qualities to actually be a main roster star.””

You can read more about Booker T’s comments, here.

Do you think Grayson Waller will get called up as part of the 2023 WWE Draft? Let us know by hitting the thumbs down below!

With AEW looking to split the roster in order to accommodate CM Punk’s highly anticipated return, fans have begun to question who will be on AEW Collision alongside ‘The Second City Saint.’

A new report from Dave Meltzer has shed some light on the current plans for AEW’s roster split.

“If the idea is a talent split, with one group working Wednesday and another working Saturday, because Rampage is likely to be taped on Wednesday, that would mean it would have the Wednesday night crew predominately.

The Saturday crew will be headed by Punk and FTR and the Wednesday crew by The Elite and BCC.”

You can read more about this report, here.

On this day in 2005, Chris Candido tragically passed away aged 33 following a bout of Pneumonia due to complications from an injury picked up during a Steel Cage match two days earlier at TNA’s Lockdown event.

Candido was highly regarded as one of the hardest workers in the business working for various promotions throughout his career such as the WWF, WCW, ECW, TNA, NJPW, and Smoky Mountain Wrestling.

Check out this WWE clip of Candido taking on Terry Funk in a Hardcore Match on an episode of WCW Thunder in 2000 ⬇️

Much like many officer workers around the world, WWE employees have enjoyed flexible/hybrid working following the COVID-19 global pandemic.

However, following Endeavours purchase of the WWE at the start of April, WWE office employees have been informed they are expected to return to full office working in the coming weeks.

A leaked email from Nick Khan sent on April 25th, noted that all staff would be required to return to the office.

It has now been reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that despite Khan’s name being on the email, many within WWE believe that Vince McMahon was behind the move as he’s “back in charge.”

You can read Meltzer’s full comments, here.

Do you support hybrid working? Let us know by hitting the arrows down below!

Happy Birthday to WWE’s resident PowerPoint enthusiast Drew Gulak!

One of WWE’s hidden gems, Gulak today celebrates his 36th birthday just days before his NXT North American Championship match against Wes Lee.

What are some of your favourite Drew Gulak moments? Let us know by hitting the ‘get involved’ button at the top of the page or by clicking here.

Ahead of the 2023 WWE Draft kicking off during tonight’s episode of SmackDown, WWE has released a hilarious video showing new ‘best friends’ Elias & Rick Boogs contemplating the idea that the may get split up during the draft.

Check out the hilarious video below ⬇️

Logan Paul has finally released his behind the scenes vlog from his show stealing performance at WrestleMania 39.

In a new video on his YouTube channel, with over 23m subscribers, Paul showcases what it was like backstage prior to his match against Seth Rollins on the grandest stage of them all.

Check out the full video below ⬇️

Another day another CM Punk update.

This time we have an update on talent’s reaction to CM Punk’s shock backstage appearance at Monday Night Raw.

Writing in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer would note that the general reaction to CM Punk’s appearance was that “it was weird.”

“WWE talent generally thought it was weird he was there but was asked to leave relatively quickly,. Some thought it was a publicity stunt and some thought he was looking to get back in (legally that can’t happen right now as he’s got years left on his AEW contract) but the only person who knows why he did it was himself and this did lead to lots of speculation throughout wrestling as to why.”

You can read more about CM Punk’s shock WWE appearance, here.

Cody Rhodes shocked the world when he left AEW to return to the WWE at WrestleMania 38.

Fans have speculated over how successful Cody Rhodes will be in WWE, with some fans going as far as to claim he will be back in AEW before his WWE contract even expires.

However, according to Jim Ross, there is almost no chance Cody Rhodes will ever return to AEW – at least now anytime soon.

Speaking on his Grilling JR podcast, ‘The Voice of AEW’ would state:

“It would be a long shot based on Dustin’s age, and [for this scenario] he’ll be moving companies. He’d have to be hired by WWE.

As crazy as it sounds, Dustin getting hired for a one-off or a big match at a stadium show is more likely than Cody coming back to AEW. I might be wrong on that deal. I don’t see that happening right away because Cody is on a rocket ship,” said Ross.

“I’ve said on here that I believe that WWE made the right decision in keeping the title on [Roman Reigns] and let Cody chase and build and chase. I just thought that was the way to go. I still believe that even more strongly today because I’ve seen they’re doing stuff with Lesnar and added some new elements to that story. So I’m a big believer that the chase is the story.” [h/t to Fightful]

Do you agree with Jim Ross? Do you think Cody Rhodes will stay in WWE for the rest of his career? Let us know by hitting the thumbs down below!

Inside The Ropes is delighted to announce that our incredible live show experiences will be returning, starting with ‘An Intimate Evening with Gangrel’.

This will be a one off show in Glasgow’s Classic Grand on July 16th and will give fans the chance to hear some of Gangrel’s insane, hilarious and down right unbelievable stories from his time in the business.

Fans will also have the chance to meet Gangrel during a pre-show photograph and autograph session.

For more information, including how to get your tickets, click here.

NXT is currently in the middle of a small injury crisis with names such as Sol Ruca, Nikkita Lyons and Wendy Choo all out with long term injuries.

Although wrestling is a physical sport, the severity and frequency of NXT’s injuries of late have led some fans to question what is going on behind the scenes that may be causing this issue.

Writing in this morning’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer have revealed NXT talent are putting the blame firmly on the recent weight training they have been doing in the performance center.

“There are those who have blamed the current workouts they are putting the talent through as being counterproductive due to all the injuries.

One person noted the new strength and conditioning coach has talent lifting heavy all the time and there is a feeling that heavy lifting that puts any stress on knees, shoulders or backs, is counterproductive for a wrestling style that also puts so much stress on those same body parts.

The former coach was about doing athletic drills and trying to develop explosiveness and the complaints are that now it is more about increasing strength in different lefts by going heavy.”

Tonight’s episode of SmackDown sees the return of the iconic WWE Draft – but who is up for selection and what surprises does WWE have in store?

Ahead of the show, WWE has released the full list of Superstars who are eligible to be drafted, and on which night. The second part of the Draft will take place on the May 1st edition of Monday Night Raw.

WWE Draft Night One – SmackDown

1. Becky Lynch
2. Bianca Belair
3. Bobby Lashley
4. Candice LeRae
5. Chelsea Green & Sonya Deville
6. Cody Rhodes
7. Damage CTRL (Bayley, IYO SKY & Dakota Kai)
8. Dexter Lumis
9. Dolph Ziggler
10. Drew McIntyre
11. Edge
12. Hit Row (Top Dolla & Ashante “Thee” Adonis w/ B-Fab)
13. Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci)
14. Lacey Evans
15. Matt Riddle
16. Maximum Male Models (Mace, Mansoor & Maxxine Dupri)
17. Mustafa Ali
18. Natalya
19. Omos (w/ MVP)
20. Shinsuke Nakamura
21. The Bloodline (Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa)
22. The Miz
23. The OC (AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson & Michin)
24. The Street Profits
25. The Viking Raiders (Erik & Ivar w/ Valhalla)
26. Select NXT Superstars

Although there was no further details revealed as to which NXT Superstars will be available for draft, names such as as Cameron Grimes, Bron Breakker, Cora Jade, Pretty Deadly, Tyler Bate and Grayson Waller have all circulated as potential call-up candidates in recent months.

You can read more about these potential call ups, here.

Who would you like to see called up in the 2023 WWE Draft? Let us know by hitting the ‘get involved’ button at the top of the page or by clicking here.

Arn Anderson has tipped AEW’s star Wardlow for greatness before revealing that he believes the TNT Champion has been given bad advice throughout his AEW career.

Speaking on his podcast, Arn, the legend heaped praise on Wardlow, commenting that he’s previously received some bad advice.

“That guy [Wardlow] has got so much potential, so much talent. He is such a class act. He is focused. He carries himself like a professional. He does everything right. He’s just been getting some bad advice from day one, bad guidance.”

The WWE Hall of Famer would also tip AEW Superstar ‘Powerhouse’ Hobbs for success, stating that he believes Hobbs has ‘unlimited potential.’

“What makes it such a big victory is that the guy he beat, Powerhouse Hobbs, is a stud and is a superstar in the making, make no mistake. That guy has got unlimited potential as well, so it makes the win even bigger.”

Read Arn’s full comments, here.

Do you agree with Arn Anderson? Do you think Wardlow can be a major player in AEW? Let us know by hitting the thumbs down below!

In a sentence I never thought I would be writing… confusion online has led to some fans doing a double take, believing that Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle had signed with the WWE.

Unsurprisingly, she has not.

A new report from Variety revealed that Markle had signed with a new Hollywood talent agency WME.

The global entertainment agency’s announcement led to brief confusion as fans on social media mistook the companies abbreviation for that of the WWE.

Although the Duchess has not signed with Vince McMahon’s sports entertainment giant, WME is owned by WWE’s new owners Endeavour and posts huge Hollywood clients such as WWE legend Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.

Bizarre news to start the day but at least we are now one step closer to getting to see Meghan Markle give Piers Morgan a good beating, possibly inside Hell in a Cell?

CM Punk is heading back to AEW and it appears that he won’t be coming alone.

AEW is going to go all out in order to hype the launch of their new Saturday show ‘AEW Collision.’

So far reports have circulated that CM Punk will be making his much anticipated AEW return on the debut episode of the show and according to a new report he won’t be coming alone.

Writing in this weeks Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer would reveal that another ‘major’ return or debut is set for the inaugural episode of AEW Collision on June 17th – although no indication is given as to who this may be.

You can read more about this story, here.

Who do you think AEW could bring in to help elevate their new show to the next level? Let us know by using the ‘get involved’ at the top of the page or by clicking here.

Good Afternoon!

Hope everyone is doing well and is ready for the weekend ahead – I know I am!

We are going to kick off this afternoon with the latest news on another ‘major’ return/debut coming to AEW before we take a look a a few spoilers ahead of tonight’s WWE Draft special edition of SmackDown.

Then we will have all the newest and biggest news as it breaks from 12pm to 6pm GMT (7am – 1pm EST) before taking a short break ahead of our live coverage of tonight’s WWE Draft.

As always if you have anything in particular you would like to see us talk about, let us know by hitting the ‘get involved’ button at the top of the page or by clicking here.