Welcome to the December 10th Inside The Ropes Live blog, bringing you the latest news from WWE, AEW, NJPW, IMPACT Wrestling and more.
Today’s biggest stories:
Taking to social media, AEW star Anthony Bowens has responded to a fan question regarding a potential brand split in AEW.
Bowens would note that although he does not know if it is the answer, he thinks it could be worth a shot.
He writes:
Q: “Do you feel the roster would be better with a hard brand split for collision/rampage, so there’s more opportunities for other wrestlers who are vying for screentime?”
A: “It’s hard to say but it’s worth a try, I suppose.”
Check out the highlights of last night’s epic episode of Monday Night Raw below courtesy of WWE!
Now that we’ve explored the biggest stories in wrestling, let’s dive into the action from last night’s episode of WWE Raw, live from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York.
Here are the match results:
Rey Fenix’s current status in AEW has sparked significant discussion following recent social media comments and backstage reports.
The former champion, whose contract with AEW appears locked in until mid-2025, has been vocal about his dissatisfaction, including allegations of “inhumane treatment.”
Despite initial rumors suggesting both Fenix and his brother, Penta El Zero Miedo, might jump to WWE, Penta has now become a free agent while Fenix remains tied to Tony Khan’s promotion, partly due to injury-related time added to his contract.
Fenix recently shared concerning posts on social media, claiming he was denied proper medical care for injuries and that he plans to speak out once contractually able.
While AEW insiders have reportedly denied allegations of mistreatment, backstage sources acknowledged strained communication and frustration over Fenix’s dissatisfaction.
Fightful Select reported AEW’s disappointment about rumoured talks between the Lucha Brothers and WWE. Despite tensions, Fenix and Penta were reportedly key to AEW’s creative plans, including a Trios Championship win at All In and a potential Tag Team Title run.
As of now, whether Tony Khan will consider granting an early release for Rey Fenix remains uncertain. The situation continues to unfold as fans and industry insiders await further developments.
CM Punk and Seth Rollins are set to face off on RAW’s Netflix debut.
According to a new report from Chris Featherstone of Sportskeeda Wrestling, the two long time rivals will finally go one on one when Raw debuts on Netflix in 2025.
Chris reports:
“Seth Rollins vs. CM Punk is currently slated to occur on the debut episode of WWE Raw on Netflix, I have been informed.”
Are you excited to see CM Punk and Seth Rollins clash? Let us know using the thumbs below!
After months away from the ring, Drew McIntyre’s return match has been confirmed for Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 14, 2024, at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
The Scottish Psychopath will take on Sami Zayn, following a heated ambush on both Zayn and Jey Uso during last week’s Raw.
General Manager Adam Pearce finalized the match after Zayn pushed for a chance at revenge.
During the December 9th episode of Raw, McIntyre explained his reasons for returning and targeting Zayn and Uso. Questioning their loyalty after they teamed with Roman Reigns at Survivor Series WarGames, McIntyre called their actions a betrayal of the WWE Universe.
“They sold out to Reigns without any real reason,”
McIntyre declared, vowing to reshape the future of WWE.
McIntyre punctuated his statement by attacking Zayn again later in the night, setting the stage for what promises to be a violent and personal encounter at SNME.
AEW President Tony Khan has embraced the holiday spirit, announcing a significant donation to benefit families in need this Christmas season.
During a fan and media event in Arlington, Texas, promoting the upcoming All In show set for July 12, 2025, Khan revealed via social media that 15,000 AEW wrestling toys would be donated to Mission Arlington, a non-profit serving the local community.
“Today, with the help of @Jazwares, here in Arlington, TX, @AEW is donating over 15,000 AEW wrestling toys to Mission Arlington to support @CityOfArlington, Texas families this holiday season! Merry Christmas from AEW + @AEWbyJazwares!” Khan tweeted.
Mission Arlington, a faith-based organisation, distributed gifts to over 30,000 children during the 2023 holiday season, and Khan’s contribution ensures they will reach even more families this year.
This heartwarming gesture exemplifies AEW’s commitment to making a positive impact beyond the wrestling ring.
The tension between All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) continues to simmer, now involving wrestler Willie Mack.
Initially scheduled to face Sydney Akeem at GCW’s Highest in the Room 3 on December 14, Mack was pulled from the event under unclear circumstances.
According to a Fightful Select report, GCW claims AEW’s influence stems from prior comments made by Effy, a GCW star.
However, AEW sources deny pulling Mack, stating instead that talent relations merely advised against the booking.
Addressing the controversy on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer elaborated on the conflicting narratives. GCW’s side suggests Mack was pressured by Christopher Daniels, while AEW insists no such directive was given and that Mack ultimately made the decision himself.
The incident has fuelled ongoing debate about AEW’s handling of contracted talent working with independent promotions, leaving fans to speculate on the larger implications of the dispute. For now, Mack’s absence adds another layer of tension to the AEW-GCW relationship, with both sides firmly sticking to their version of events.
In a tough break for WWE, Bronson Reed and Tonga Loa are unlikely to compete at WrestleMania 41 due to significant injuries.
Reed, who suffered a broken foot during his high-risk dive at Survivor Series: WarGames, is scheduled for surgery and is expected to miss several months.
According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE officials have already ruled out Reed’s return in time for WrestleMania.
Meanwhile, Tonga Loa, who recently underwent surgery for a torn bicep, faces a recovery timeline of 7–8 months, effectively sidelining him until mid-2025.
Both superstars were poised for substantial storylines heading into WrestleMania season, making their absences a blow to WWE’s creative plans.
Reed’s impressive run since his return had positioned him as a standout midcard star, while Loa’s recent debut hinted at big things to come.
With the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania fast approaching, WWE must now rework its plans, leaving fans wondering how the company will adjust its lineup for the year’s biggest stage.
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:
