Surprising Name Announced As WWE ID Prospect; November 22nd Wrestling News Round-Up

Fans have gotten their first glimpse of The Rock as Maui in Disney’s live-action adaptation of the 2016 animated hit Moana.

The actor and WWE legend, who originally voiced the lovable demigod in the animated film, is now bringing the character to life on-screen in the remake, slated for release in 2026.

Photos from the set reveal The Rock embodying Maui’s larger-than-life persona, with his signature charisma and a muscular build befitting the powerful demigod.

Dwayne Johnson as Maui Moana. pic.twitter.com/UCMOoKjLP7

— UnBoxPHD (@UnBoxPHD) November 20, 2024

While some fans speculate that a bodysuit might be enhancing his already impressive physique, there’s no denying that The Rock looks the part.

The live-action Moana is part of Disney’s effort to revisit its modern classics, with the animated film’s sequel also arriving later this month.

WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff didn’t mince words when reviewing a recent episode of AEW Dynamite, labeling it “one of the worst wrestling shows I’ve ever watched.”

Speaking on his podcast 83 Weeks, Bischoff explained that while he rarely tunes in to AEW, curiosity about AEW World Champion Jon Moxley’s storyline prompted him to give the show a chance.

However, he found the experience deeply disappointing.

“There’s nothing about it that I find interesting or compelling,” Bischoff said, adding that the program was “garbage from the beginning to the end.”

Although he acknowledged that some matches were “okay,” his overall assessment was harsh, criticizing both the storytelling and the presentation.

Bischoff’s remarks contribute to the ongoing conversation about AEW’s place in the wrestling landscape.

While the promotion has been praised for its athleticism and dynamic matches, critics like Bischoff point to perceived shortcomings in its storytelling and production quality as areas for improvement.

As WWE’s record-breaking year in live gates, viewership, and social media engagement continues, the company has unveiled its top 10 merchandise sellers for 2024. Topping the list is Royal Rumble winner and Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes, whose incredible year as a fan favorite solidified his position as WWE’s most popular star.

Roman Reigns follows closely in second, with CM Punk and Jey Uso rounding out the top four. Among women wrestlers, Liv Morgan claimed the top spot in merchandise sales, edging out Rhea Ripley.

Here’s the full top 10:

• Cody Rhodes
• Roman Reigns
• CM Punk
• Jey Uso
• John Cena
• Liv Morgan
• Rhea Ripley
• LA Knight
• Randy Orton
• Damian Priest

Toni Storm’s recent declaration that she would be stepping away from wrestling has left fans and AEW President Tony Khan alike questioning its authenticity.

Following her title loss to Mariah May at All In and subsequent defeats in Japan and Mexico, Storm’s dramatic announcement was revealed to be in-character, leaving her future with AEW open-ended.

Addressing the situation on the Full Gear media call, Khan expressed confidence in Storm’s ability to bounce back, praising her contributions to AEW:

“Timeless Toni Storm has been a great world champion for AEW… I still expect Toni Storm will have a great wrestling career. She’s clearly struggling… I hope she can find herself and come back to us in AEW because Timeless Toni Storm is a great part of AEW.” [h/t to Fightful.]

With Mariah May set to host a champagne celebration at Full Gear, speculation is rife that Storm could stage a surprise return, reigniting her rivalry with the new champion. Fans will be watching closely to see if the “Timeless” star’s wrestling journey continues.

Charlotte Flair, sidelined since December 2023 due to a severe knee injury, has dropped a mysterious social media update hinting at her highly anticipated return.

The multi-time Women’s Champion shared a video of a diamond defrosting, revealing her image and signature Queen logo inside, sparking speculation among fans.

💎💎💎 pic.twitter.com/YDFcc8tPA5

— Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) November 21, 2024

Flair has been out of action since suffering a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus during her match against Asuka on Tribute to the Troops.

While initially projected to return in nine months, she has exceeded recovery expectations but has yet to reappear on WWE television nearly a year later.

With no official date set for her comeback, this cryptic post has fans buzzing, suggesting that the Queen’s return may finally be on the horizon.

Tomorrow night, AEW is set to present the sixth annual AEW Full Gear PPV live from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

The show is expected to draw a sell out capacity crowd of over 8000.

Here is everything currently announced for the show.

• A.J. vs. Q.T. Marshall – Singles Match (P)
• MJF vs. Roderick Strong – Singles Match
• Jay White vs. “Hangman” Adam Page – Singles Match
• Private Party (Isiah Kassidy and Marq Quen) (c) vs. The Outrunners (Truth Magnum and Turbo Floyd) vs. Kings of the Black Throne (Malakai Black and Brody King) vs. The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens and Max Caster) – Four-way Tag Team Match for the AEW World Tag Team Championship
• Mercedes Moné (c) (with Kamille) vs. Kris Statlander – Singles Match for the AEW TBS Championship
• Swerve Strickland vs. Bobby Lashley – Singles Match
• Jack Perry (c) vs. Daniel Garcia – Singles Match for the AEW TNT Championship
• Will Ospreay vs. Kyle Fletcher – Singles Match
• Konosuke Takeshita (c) vs. Ricochet – Singles Match for the AEW International Championship
• Jon Moxley (c) vs. Orange Cassidy – Singles Match for the AEW World Championship

Are you excited for AEW Full Gear? Let us know using the thumbs below!

Stephanie McMahon has taken to social media to congratulate her mother, Linda McMahon, after she was nominated by President Elect Donald Trump to become the new Secretary for Education in the US Government.

Writing via Twitter, now X, McMahon would state:

“Congratulations Linda McMahon on being nominated for United States Secretary of Education.

Your grandchildren will know you as a two-time cabinet member! What a legacy for us all! I am so proud of you Mom!”

Former AEW wrestler Kylie Rae has officially joined WWE’s ID program, marking a pivotal step in her wrestling career.

The announcement came during a Freelance Wrestling event, with WWE’s Gabe Sapolsky praising Rae as “the best worker on the indies” on social media platform X.

Rae, a founding member of AEW’s women’s division in 2019, left the promotion later that year by request but has since remained a standout figure in the independent scene.

Her inclusion in WWE’s ID program—a developmental initiative for independent talent—highlights her potential as she joins a roster of 17 emerging prospects.

Participants in the ID program receive financial support and training resources without full-time contracts, offering a pathway to WWE’s main roster.

Rae joins a group that includes talents like Ricky Smokes, Zayda Steel, and Marcus Mathers, further solidifying WWE’s investment in the future of professional wrestling.

Hello and welcome back to the ITRWrestling live blog.

My name is Liam and I will be with you from 2pm to 6pm (UK) covering all the biggest stories from the past 24 hours across the world in wrestling.

Kicking things off today we have:

• A surprising former AEW star has been announced as the latest WWE ID prospect.
• The end of the WWE Network has been announced.
• Huge championship match announced for AEW Full Gear.