Social Media Divided Following “Underwhelming” WWE Announcement; January 5th Wrestling News Round-Up

When The Rock returned to the WWE this past Monday he set his sights on ‘The Head of the Table’.

Since then fan speculation has gone wild regarding the once in a life time clash between ‘The Great One’ and ‘The Tribal Chief’ finally coming to fruition.

Speaking in a new update, Dave Meltzer has stated that although nothing is concrete Roman Reigns vs The Rock looks to be the favourite to main event WrestleMania.

Writing in this morning’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer notes:

“Roman Reigns vs. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson appears to be the favorite to main event day two of WrestleMania after Johnson’s remark about going out to eat at the had of the table on the 1/1 Raw show from San Diego.

This has been a match talked about for years and was planned to be last year’s main event, but Johnson, who never 100 percent committed although had talked about it since prior to the pandemic for a planned show in Dallas or Los Angeles, said he didn’t have time to get into ring shape to do a WrestleMania caliber main event a few months before the show. Cody Rhodes ended up getting the slot. If this is the main event, that would reverse it as Johnson would get the slot originally earmarked for Rhodes.

But nothing is official. Everyone is tight-lipped completely past Johnson would not have said what he did at the time he did without the plan being to build to such a match.

Meltzer also notes that it is possible the match could take place at Elimination Chamber following the Australian Government’s request for The Rock to be at the show.

“While one would think WrestleMania would be the place, it also could be in Perth, Australia, given the story that the government there specifically requested Johnson on the 2/24 Elimination Chamber show.”

Do you think we see Roman Reigns vs The Rock at WrestleMania 40? Let us know by hitting the thumbs below!

The wrestling world was shocked last week to learn that Kevin Dunn, one of the most tenured behind-the-scenes workers in the WWE, had resigned from his post.

Dave Meltzer has provided a fresh update into why Dunn left the WWE and how it may have been a case of walking before he was pushed.

Meltzer writes in this morning’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

“It was Dunn’s decision to leave, which one source said dated back about two months when Endeavor started wanting to make budget cuts to improve profitability in the department and started making decisions on the production side without relying on his opinions.

Dunn had been basically autonomous in his position for decades, only having to answer to Vince McMahon. With McMahon out of power many did feel this was inevitable. When McMahon was first out of power in 2022, a lot of people expected that Dunn and others from that era would be out with Levesque bringing in his own team.

At the time we were told that with McMahon and John Laurinaitis leaving the way they did, they didn’t want any other major changes as far as top executives with the idea it would hurt the stock price, at least at that time.

The feeling was that change would happen but it would be down the line. Still, it was a shock to most in the company when Mike Johnson first broke the story, and was later confirmed to reporters two days later as well as to all employees by the company….

Dunn was independently wealthy and the feeling was that he was not going to have anyone but McMahon dictate to him on things having to do with his job. With stock grants from his position, Dunn is believed to be worth somewhere between $40 million and $60 million and with the exception of Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon and perhaps Nick Khan, was likely worth more than any company full-time company major employee in its history.”

AEW Worlds End saw MJF come face to face with The Devil and Samoa Joe reach the mountain top.

But how did the show do from a business POV.

Well, according to Dave Meltzer, it was a “major success”.

Writing in this morning’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Meltzer would address AEW owner Tony Khan’s comments on the show as well as breaking down the PPV buy numbers.

Meltzer writes:

“Khan kept talking positive business numbers multiple times, bringing up how Collision numbers had improved in recent weeks against the NFL, something that rarely happens historically. The Classic without a doubt was a big success for the Saturday numbers and the 12/27 number given the competition was also a big success, although Wednesday had some positives and negatives during the tournament.

He pushed that the PPV buys were looking to be almost the same as Full Gear (the 135,000 buy range) based on first day streaming numbers. He said again a few days after the show the numbers were still neck-and-neck with Full Gear and could end up as the highest since Wembley Stadium. Based on TV PPV numbers that we have as of 1/4, we have it down 2.0 percent from Full Gear the same number of days after the show, but obviously that could end up or down based on late buys. At press time the digital buys were still identical to Full Gear and so the best estimate right now based on these numbers would be 134,000.

I would call it a major success, because the lineup wasn’t deep and as far as the selling of the show, it was really MJF vs. Samoa Joe as the key match with help from the Kingston vs. Moxley and Copeland vs. Christian matches. And the competition was ridiculous, as it went head-to-head with the Dallas Cowboys vs. Detroit Lions game that did 26,059,000 viewers and a 6.57 in 18-49 (13,735,000/2.61 on ABC, 11,379,000/3.70 on ESPN and 945,000/0.26 on ESPN). Most predictions were a significant drop with the idea the prior show was deeper and this went head-to-head with a giant NFL game. This was the first PPV show in AEW history with that level of competition.”

Did you enjoy AEW Worlds End? Let us know by hitting the thumbs below!

It was recently revealed that Andrade would be leaving AEW upon expiry of his contract with the aim of re-signing with the WWE.

Well, according to a new report it appears AEW owner Tony Khan has a “counter punch” against the WWE planned.

Speaking on the latest rumours surrounding Mercedes Mone, Dave Meltzer would reveal that some in WWE have viewed Mercedes Mone as Tony Khan’s plan to get back at the WWE after losing Andrade.

Writing in this morning’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Meltzer would note:

“The rumors were that Andrade would be starting on Raw, but with Dwayne Johnson on that show it made no sense for him to start there.

The other rumor was that Mercedes Mone would be starting with AEW shortly. The only thing we heard is that she was in talks with WWE and they were far apart on money. Some in WWE speculated that this could be a Punk situation where everyone denies it to lead to a Rumble surprise. Mone was talked about by others in WWE as Khan’s counter punch for losing Andrade. Khan did say he would be very active in the free agent market in 2024.”

Meltzer would go on to note that although Mone is expected to sign with AEW, this is wrestling and until the contract is signed anything can happen.

“Right now I wouldn’t take anything regarding her as definitive until she signs a deal. WWE and AEW have clearly both been talking with her.

Obviously this has gone on with AEW for months if not a year and she’s never signed yet. There was a lot of talk within wrestling of her on this week’s Dynamite which she wasn’t on.

My gut is that if she is to debut, while they may not mention her name, and probably wouldn’t, but they would hint of a major debut or make a special announcement that something big will be on the show ahead of time.

We do know that the expectation is she will be in AEW fairly soon, but until a contract signing is confirmed, anything can happen.”

Do you think Mercedes Mone is going to be All Elite? Let us know by hitting the thumbs below!

Last week the wrestling world tragically lost ‘Mad Kurt’ Kurtis Chapman who passed away just age 26.

Taking to social media, Revolution Pro Wrestling, Kurt’s home promotion, has announced a Go Fund Me, in accordance with Kurt’s family, to help with funeral costs and associated costs following the star’s passing.

Check out the tweet below and please donate if you are able.

A Go Fund Me has been set up in memory of our dear friend Kurtis Chapman.

All money will go directly to his family to help in this difficult time & to ensure he gets the send off that he deserves.

Please share the link & think about donating if you canhttps://t.co/1wkisnKR5d pic.twitter.com/GsX2Er9w7I

— Revolution Pro (@RevProUK) January 5, 2024

In a new interview with Wrestling Shoot Interviews, Greg Valentine has revealed the truth behind WWE’s alleged anti-union actions.

Check it out!

Dave Meltzer has given his thoughts on the first NJPW pay-per-view of 2024.

Here are Dave Meltzer’s star ratings for WrestleKingdom 18 as per this morning’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

• Catch 2/2 [TJP and Francesco Akira] defeated Bullet Club War Dogs [Clark Connors and Drilla Moloney] to become the new IGWP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions – ***1/2
• Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Zack Sabre Jr. to become the new NJPW World Television Champion – ****
• Yuya Uemura defeated Yota Tsuji – ****
• House of Torture [Evil and Ren Narita] defeated Shota Umino and Kaito Kiyomiya – **3/4
• Tama Tonga defeated Shingo Takagi to become the new NEVER Openweight Champion – ****1/2
• Hikuleo and El Phantasmo defeated Hirooki Goto and Yoshi-Hashi to win a winner-take-all match for the IWGP and Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships – ***3/4
• El Desperado defeated Hiromu Takahashi to become the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion – ****
• David Finlay defeated Jon Moxley and Will Ospreay to become the inaugural IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion – ****3/4
• Kazuchika Okada defeated Bryan Danielson – *****1/4
• Tetsuya Naito defeated SANADA to become the new IWGP World Heavyweight Champion – ****1/2

Do you agree with Dave’s ratings? Let us know by hitting the thumbs below!

Dave Meltzer has given his thoughts on the final AEW pay-per-view of 2023.

Here are Dave Meltzer’s star ratings for Worlds End 2023 as per this morning’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

• Bryan Danielson, Claudio Castagnoli, Daniel Garcia and Mark Briscoe defeated Brody King, Jay White, Jay Lethal and Rush – ****1/2
• Miro defeated Andrade El Idolo – ****
• “Timeless” Toni Storm defeated Riho to retain the AEW Women’s Championship – ***1/2
• Swerve Strickland defeated Dustin Rhodes – ***1/4
• Chris Jericho, Sammy Guevara, Sting and Darby Allin defeated Ricky Starks, Big Bill, Konosuke Takeshita and Powerhouse Hobbs – **1/2
• Julia Hart defeated Abadon to retain the TBS Championship – *1/4
• Adam Copeland defeated then quickly lost to Christian Cage to become the new TNT Champion – ****3/4
• Eddie Kingston defeated Jon Moxley in the final round of the AEW Continental Classic – ****3/4
• Samoa Joe defeated MJF to become the new AEW World Champion – ***1/2

Do you agree with Dave’s ratings? Let us know by hitting the thumbs below!

The American Nightmare shares his big plans for 2024 and promises to break records in the new year.

Check it out!

Natalya is one of WWE’s longest tenured talents and one of the most beloved stars in the locker room.

Taking to social media, Natalya would thank the WWE as she celebrates her 17th year with the company.

Writing on Twitter, Natalya would comment:

“Today is 17 years since I signed with @WWE , and my love for this business has only grown. I have never taken a single day for granted, because I learned early, that the amazing position I have is leased, never owned. So wherever the next 17 takes us, just know I’ll be calling someone B*tch! (IYKYK!) and locking them in Sharpshooter. Because this isn’t a career for me. It’s my life.”

What has been your favourite Natalya moment in the WWE? Let us know by using the ‘get involved’ feature at the top of the page!

Rhea Ripley & Buddy Matthews are one of wrestling’s apex power couples but did you know the pair share an usual goal outside of wrestling.

Taking to social media Matthews would reveal the pairs ultimate ambition… to star in Amazon’s The Boys series.

Writing on Twitter, Matthews revealed:

“Myself & Rhea Ripley would like to be in The Boys. Please let us know where to apply!”

During yesterday’s WWE Peacock special both Becky Lynch and Shinsuke Nakamura were confirmed for their respective Royal Rumbles.

But, with just three weeks until the event who are the current favourites for the event?

Based on the average odds offered by UK bookmakers, CM Punk is the standout favourite for the men’s Royal Rumble with even odds. Punk is followed by The Rock who, following his appearance on Raw, is now 3/1 to win.

Back-to-back wins for Cody Rhodes looks increasingly unlikely as ‘The American Nightmare’ comes out at around 6/1.

Gunther closes out the top four for the event at unfortunately unlikely 12/1 odds.

Over on the women’s Royal Rumble and we have a similar picture unfolding.

Bayley sits currently as the massive favourite for the match at 11/10 odds, ‘The Role Model’ is then followed by Becky Lynch (5/1) and Jade Cargill (6/1) before an outside shout in the form of Liv Morgan closes out the top four with 18/1 odds.

Who do you think will win the 2024 Royal Rumble? Let us know by using the ‘get involved’ feature at the top of the page.

Hiroshi Tanahashi became the new NJPW World TV Champion at WrestleKingdom 18 and his first challenger appears to have been revealed.

At NJPW New Year Dash, Matt Riddle would appear on-screen with a challenge to ‘The Ace.’

Matt Riddle(@SuperKingofBros) has issued a huge challenge to Hiroshi Tanahashi at New Year Dash!

Watch Free⏩https://t.co/CeQLGjTmZ5#njdash #NJPW #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/4yGL2ePDhe

— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 5, 2024

No official event has been confirmed for the match but with NJPW Battle in the Valley just a week away, this appears the likely stomping ground for the pairs clash.

Responding to the challenge, Tanahashi would express his willingness to fight anyone before hilariously noting that he has no idea who Matt Riddle is.

“Any time. I’ll do it. But I have no idea who that guy is.”

Are you excited to see Matt Riddle’s post-WWE run? Let us know by hitting the thumbs below!

It was recently announced that on January 4th, 2024, Triple H would have a major announcement for the WWE universe.

This caused social media to go into overdrive with a range of predictions, theories and rumours circulating online.

The primary piece of speculation circulating prior to the announcement was that Triple H was announcing a partnership or purchase of TNA Wrestling.

This rumour, debunked by PWInsider, was due to Triple H’s announcement coinciding with the build up to TNA’s Hard to Kill PPV and TNA, who operate on the same Endeavour streaming service that owns the WWE, announcing that they will be referring to PPV events as Premium Live Events moving forward.

With that rumour debunked fans began to discuss the possibility of the announcement relating to Mercedes Mone, The Rock and more but instead… Triple H would announce on social media, ahead of the WWE live stream regarding the announcement, that Money in the Bank is coming to Toronto, Canada, in 2024.

Following the announcement social media would erupt with some excited to see WWE continuing it’s recent trend of international PPV’s and others angered at the announcement comparing Triple H to Tony Khan after “over promising” with the announcement.

“Triple H doing more underwhelming surprise announcement soon. Get ready to be disappointed.” – @CheeseOnTofu1

“Wow Triple H … Congrats!!! *slow sarcastic claps* You got a lot of people to watch the Preview show. Everyone was so excited for “Triple H’s Big Announcement” during the show… Then you do your “Big Announcement” before the show. Everyone was expecting something bigger” – @Vicious_Cave

“That was some TK level “Major Announcement” by Triple H” – @yoursuitableboy

“The big Triple H announcement was another example of the #IWC whipping themselves into a stupor and creating their own high expectations to then leave themselves disappointed. Quite funny really.” – @RingRopeHistory

What did you think of Triple H’s announcement? Let us know by hitting the thumbs below!

Good Afternoon!

I hope everyone is doing well and is ready for the New Year ahead!

I will be with you from 12pm to 6pm BST (7am – 1pm ET) covering all the biggest stories from WWE, AEW, NJPW, IMPACT and more.

We will be kicking things off today with the biggest stories from the last 24 hours including:

• Triple H faces social media backlash following “underwhelming” major announcement.
• A recently released WWE star is set to clash with NJPW icon Hiroshi Tanahashi.
• Will Ospreay is set to end a 20-year milestone in his final NJPW match.
• Current favourite for the 2024 Royal Rumble revealed.