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Wrestler Injured During Forbidden Door Ladder Match
One of the highlights of Sunday night’s Forbidden Door pay-per-view was a frantic ladder match won by Jack Perry to become the new TNT Champion. However, while bumps and bruisers are always expected in matches of this type, it’s always hoped nobody will suffer any serious injuries. And while the extent of his injury remains unknown as of writing, it has been announced by independent promotion Beyond Wrestling that Lio Rush, who was one of the participants, will miss his upcoming booking for them due to being hurt. The timing for 29-year-old Rush couldn’t be worse as he only returned to AEW after a three-year absence at the end of May, with it reported that while he wasn’t signed, he would be a regular for the promotion from now on. Yet, it now appears the former WWE talent could be set for a spell on the sidelines, which is the last thing anybody who has followed his career of highs and lows would want to see.
Former WWE Talent Reveals He Was Backstage At Forbidden Door
Almost as soon as Dijak announced on social media that he was set to depart WWE due to the company not offering him a new contract, speculation commenced that he could be AEW-bound. And while he wouldn’t appear on camera, the former NXT wrestler has revealed on X that he was at AEW’s Forbidden Door pay-per-view via a photograph taken backstage before later saying, “Great show man, thanks for having me” in Tony Khan’s replies. Of course, this doesn’t mean Dijak is joining AEW or their sister promotion, ROH, but given his talent, it seems likely Khan would at least consider bringing him in. 37-year-old Dijak first made his name in ROH, although that was many years before Khan purchased the promotion. However, most fans know him best for his WWE run, which saw him excel as part of NXT but flop on the main roster. Still, how much he is to blame for not getting the terrible T-Bar gimmick over is debatable, with the Retribution faction seemingly doomed from the start due to their ridiculous names and masks.
SmackDown Talent Has “Made It Official” By Marrying His Long-Term Partner
In some heartwarming news, Gary Gordon, best known as Angelo Dawkins of The Pride stable, has announced on X that he married his long-term partner Grace over the weekend. The loved-up couple are currently expecting their second child together, which explains Dawkins’ caption of “Made it official fam,” and seemingly based on the photos, his tag partner Montez Ford officiated, adding a unique twist to the event. 33-year-old Dawkins signed with WWE in 2012, although his career didn’t really take off until he formed the Street Profits tag team with Ford in 2016. From there, the duo quickly established themselves as a top partnership and won the NXT Tag Team Championship in 2019. Subsequently, they joined the main roster and became WWE Tag Team Triple Crown Champions due to holding gold on Raw and SmackDown.
What FOX Censored During This Week’s SmackDown
SmackDown is moving from FOX to the USA Network in October, and for anyone who watched this week’s episode from MSG, that can’t come soon enough. This is because the network heavily censored the show by muting audio and even blanking out the picture, leaving some fans venting their displeasure on social media. And now, according to Fightful Select, the reason behind this was because a fan flipped off Nia Jax in addition to there being a “f*ck the Pacers” chant. In June 2018, it was announced that FOX had signed a five-year deal to air SmackDown, and the show would debut in October 2019. This was a huge deal for WWE at the time, and with them earning over $200 million a year, they were determined to make it work. However, the ratings never met expectations, and it became known that FOX wouldn’t be in the running to renew due to not achieving the required return on investment. Yet, this wouldn’t put off the USA Network, who snapped up the series as an alternative to Raw, which has since been confirmed to be headed to Netflix.
WWE Hall Of Famers Criticize The Wyatt Sicks For Not Maintaining Kayfabe In Public Following Debut
The Wyatt Sicks, consisting of Uncle Howdy, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, Erick Rowan, and Dexter Lumis, had one of the most memorable WWE debuts of all time when they took out multiple backstage employees and Chad Gable on Raw. However, their decision to pose unmasked with a fan at a fast food restaurant just a few hours later has caused WWE Hall of Famers Mark Henry and Bully Ray to criticize them during a recent episode of Busted Open. Mark Henry and Bully Ray are both well-known for their old-school mentality, which some fans feel is very dated, considering kayfabe has been regularly broken for decades. Yet, there is something to be said about maintaining a gimmick in public, and while expecting the group to be masked at all times is unreasonable, perhaps posing with a fan so shortly after their big reveal was too soon, especially considering the photo was always destined to go viral.
Former WCW Wrestler Now Working For AEW
Recently, Ray Lloyd, who is best known for his time in WCW as Glacier, was spotted on AEW television breaking up a fight, which left fans wondering whether he was working as an extra on the night or was employed by the company. And now, having investigated this, Fightful Select has confirmed that the accomplished martial artist has been hired as both a coach and producer. 60-year-old Lloyd broke into the business in the late 80s via Southern Championship Wrestling before going on to work enhancement for the NWA prior to them becoming WCW. From there, he would sporadically wrestle on and off before a conversation with DDP in 1996 saw him introduced to Eric Bischoff, who signed him to a full-time contract. Subsequently, Lloyd would be given the Glacier gimmick, a character inspired by the video game Mortal Kombat, and went on a notable winning streak. However, despite his push at the time, fans still considered him a mid carder at best, and by 1999, he would be released. This marked the end of his career in the major leagues. Still, he remained connected to the entertainment industry with occasional acting roles and performances as a stuntman.
Speculated Reason Dijak Was Drafted To Raw Despite WWE Not Intending To Re-Sign Him
Earlier this week, Dijak took to social media to announce that he was departing WWE with his contract set to end, revealing the company had not offered him a new deal. This would surprise many fans, as he had only been drafted to Raw a few months ago, having rebuilt his career as part of NXT. And now Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp has speculated during a recent Q&A session that he was called back up to the main roster but subsequently not used because the company didn’t want him to be featured on NXT with it already known internally that they weren’t keeping him. 37-year-old Dijak broke into the wrestling business in 2013, and due to his size and athleticism, he was promptly signed by ROH the following year. From there, he established himself as a talented performer, which led to WWE hiring him in 2017 and featuring him on their NXT roster. His main roster opportunity would then come as part of the Retribution stable, which saw him renamed T-Bar. However, with the gimmick flopping, he would return to NXT, where he was repackaged simply to being Dijak.
MJF Acknowledges Tama Tonga’s New T-Shirt Design Resembling His Logo
During Friday night’s episode of SmackDown, Tama Tonga debuted a new t-shirt that simply said “MFT,” which is believed to stand for “Mother Fuckin Tonga.” However, rather than admiring the design, fans on social media would be quick to point out its resemblance to AEW star MJF’s logo. And now, clearly having had enough of fans tagging him in on photos, he has taken to the platform to request they stop doing so because “We get it,” seemingly indicating AEW is also aware. 41-year-old Tonga made his WWE debut two months ago, and since then, he has been prominently featured as part of The Bloodline. Therefore, it was about time that he began having merchandise. Yet, given the outcry on social media, it will be interesting to see whether WWE will still put this design up for sale or if they at least change the font to something that doesn’t draw comparisons to a wrestler from their competition.
Wrestler Returns To The Ring After An Eight-Year Hiatus During TNA Television Taping
While best known nowadays for being married to her more famous husband Matt Hardy, with whom she has four children, Reby Hardy was a wrestler herself between 2011 and 2016. However, having not wrestled for the best part of a decade, the 37-year-old has returned to the ring during TNA’s latest set of television tapings, teaming with Matt against fellow husband and wife team Eddie and Alisha Edwards. Matt and Jeff Hardy are currently working for TNA without contracts, and it is understood that both are enjoying the creative freedom available to them and the ability to be big fishes in a small pond. Yet, whether they will be for TNA long-term remains to be seen, with it possible WWE could be open to being the brothers back for at least a short run and Hall of Fame induction, with it known that was previously discussed after Jeff initially departed the company in 2021.
Former AEW Wrestler Paige VanZant Makes Her Power Slap Debut (w/Video)
Having departed AEW after deciding that pro wrestling wasn’t for her, Paige VanZant has returned to combat sports. However, after the former UFC fighter struggled to a split decision draw with adult actress Elle Brooke in a boxing match, there was some debate over whether she should continue fighting or focus on her incredibly popular OnlyFans account instead. Yet, seemingly proving her doubters wrong, VanZant would secure a unanimous decision victory against Christian Wolmarans in her Power Slap debut this past Friday. For those unaware, Power Slap is a relatively new sports brand owned by UFC chief executive officer Dana White. Initially, it would air on TBS following AEW Dynamite, but due to its struggle to retain wrestling fans, it was canceled and now airs on the streaming platform Rumble. Still, despite its viewership challenges, adding a name like VanZant can only help attract eyeballs.
Chris Jericho To Wrestle Superstar Luchador On CMLL Show Following Surprise Appearance (w/Video)
As fans eagerly anticipate Chris Jericho, Big Bill, and a mystery partner’s showdown against Katsuyori Shibata, Samoa Joe, and Hook at Forbidden Door, Jericho is already building toward a dream match that few fans could have predicted. This would be set up during a surprise appearance by The Learning Tree during CMLL’s Friday night event when the AEW star attacked iconic luchador Mistico, leaving him lying following a Codebreaker and Judas Effect. Subsequently, Jericho issued a challenge, which was accepted, and now fans await confirmation of the date. Before becoming a US star, Jericho made his name internationally, with CMLL being his home in Mexico during the mid-90s. There, he wrestled notable names like Blue Demon, Vampiro, Dr. Wagner Jr., Hector Garza, and Ultimo Dragon. And while he would return to the country to wrestle multiple times with WWE, thanks to AEW’s working relationship with CMLL, he will get to compete in the country for the first time in eight years in the coming weeks.
Sick Of It All Cancels Tour & Shares Sad Personal News
Sick of It All are New York hardcore legends, and have been active in the heavy music scene since the mid-‘80s. The band has had some major label success, but they’ve really built their audience and reputation on steady albums and touring for decades. Sadly, the band has announced they’re canceling their summer European tour after singer Lou Koller was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. “What’s up, everybody? Lou here,” the singer said in a social media message. “As you may or may not know, we had to cancel our full European tour this summer. There’s some rumors going around as...
“Clown” Provides Update On New Slipknot Music
Slipknot recently tabbed former Sepultura drummer Eloy Casagrande, and the band has been recently been on the road breaking in their new recruit. The hire has led to speculation that Slipknot is gearing up to release new material, and M. Shawn “Clown” Crahan provided an update in a recent interview with Revolver. “Well, one thing I can say is this: There’s always going to be new Slipknot music,” said Clown. “But we’ve also said that there is a filter, and we are the filter, and that filter must go through everyone. And when I was telling you that we’re doing a lot better...
Nikki Sixx Provides Update On New Mötley Crüe Material
Mötley Crüe dropped a new track, “Dogs Of War,” back in April. The song led to speculation that the band might be on track to record a new album. While a full record doesn’t seem to be in the cards, bassist Nikki Sixx revealed that the band has few more tracks they’re going to release as singles. “We’re just playing festivals, and that takes us into October,” Sixx told Riff X. “We don’t have any plans next year yet. I know there’s some conversations about stuff. I mean, we have a few singles (in the can), so I don’t see...
Jacob Fatu’s Initially Planned WWE Name Revealed
Jacob Fatu’s WWE debut during last week’s episode of SmackDown was a memorable moment, with his takedown of Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens, and Randy Orton hinting at a promising career as part of The Bloodline. However, the use of his real name caught many off guard, as this is a departure from WWE’s usual practice of renaming talents. And now Dave Meltzer has reported in his Wrestling Observer Newsletter that WWE initially intended to call him “Caesar Sikoa,” although they changed their mind for an unknown reason. 32-year-old Fatu finished with MLW in February, and it became known he had signed with WWE shortly before WrestleMania with him canceling bookings. Therefore, the fact it took several months for him to debut was unexpected, although with him having a criminal record, it has been speculated WWE wanted to wait until they’d run their premium live events in France and Scotland, which will seemingly be confirmed to have been a factor if he is unable to travel to August’s Bash In Berlin.
Tony Khan Shares Update On Dr. Britt Baker
Dr. Britt Baker was one of AEW’s first breakout stars, yet she hasn’t wrestled since September, with it known, she has been supporting Adam Cole post-surgery and dealing with her own injuries. However, it appears she won’t be on the sidelines for much longer, as Tony Khan has revealed during the pre-Forbidden Door media call that she is expected to be medically cleared to return to the rung “very soon.” 33-year-old Baker was AEW’s first female signing, and while always treated as a featured performer in the women’s division, her career skyrocketed following her Unsanctioned Lights Out match against Thunder Rosa in March 2021. She wasn’t victorious on the night, although the match set her apart, similar to how Steve Austin’s defeat to Bret Hart at WrestleMania 13 made him a star. Subsequently, fans would get behind her character even though she was a heel, although it now seems likely that when she does finally return to television, she will be presented as a big babyface.
Talk Is Jericho: Canada Day Winnipeggers Watchalong – Clifford!
Happy Canada Day, eh? And there’s no better way to celebrate than with a Winnipeggers reunion with a bonus Clifford! watchalong! We’re not talking about the big red dog, though! We’re talking about the 10-year-old boy played by fellow Canadian legend Martin Short! It’s a movie beloved by everyone from David Letterman to Nicholas Cage to… the Winnipeggers (at least one of them, but you’ll have to listen to find out which one). And of course, in true TIJ watchalong and Winnipeggers style, there’s plenty of casting and acting discussion, behind-the-scenes stories from the set, completely useless trivia, and a plethora (good word, eh?) of tangential (another good word, eh?) anecdotes and references like perms, Fargo, bow ties, birthdays, cameo, post-pimple days, milk, mullets, and first-times. And… take a drink for every obscure reference (but please don’t drive, eh?)! For more Talk Is Jericho episodes, please visit our archives, and for future episodes, you can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts.
Kirk Hammett Says Metallica’s Music Isn’t A Challenge
When you’ve been with a band for 40 years essentially playing the same style of music, chances are you’re gonna get really good at it. Heavy metal legends Metallica no doubt have their fair share of songs that present a challenge to novice and skilled musicians alike who attempt to play them, but for Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett, at this point it’s a breeze. “I gotta tell you. I know that people are going to kill me but Metallica music isn’t that difficult for me to play!” Hammett said on the Metallica Report podcast. “It’s difficult for me to play bebop – now that’s difficult sh*t to play, okay? There are jazz progressions out there where there’s a chord change every beat, that’s difficult bro!,” Hammett stated. Hammett continued: “That’s mind-bending, learning how to solo over that. That’s where my head is at – or looking at great classic solos from great soloists and trying to get deep into the theory side of things and looking at it musically and seeing what their approach was. Metallica music, I’ve been playing it for the last 40 years. Of course, it’s going to be easy for me. It’s because I’m a guitar player.”
WWE & AEW Stars Tie The Knot
Two years ago, speculation started that WWE’s Rhea Ripley and AEW’s Buddy Matthews were dating after he became a regular guest on her Twitch channel, and soon afterward, this would be confirmed. Therefore, fans were ecstatic when the duo announced they were engaged last August, showing their relationship was progressing quickly. And now showing the loved-up couple have found the right person, they have shared a joint Instagram post featuring a photo of them kissing captioned “Til death. 23.06.24,” indicating they tied the knot on Sunday. 27-year-old Ripley was previously in a relationship with indie wrestler Demetri Jackson, who has been an enhancement talent for AEW and WWE. Meanwhile, 35-year-old Matthews was once engaged to Alexa Bliss after they met when both were working for WWE. Yet, while fans were disappointed when these relationships failed to last, things seemed to work out in the end, especially with Bliss having gone on to start a family with Ryan Cabrera.
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WebIsJericho.com is a rock and wrestling news website founded by Chris Jericho, a renowned wrestler and singer; the website offers breaking news, interviews, and exclusive content for rock and wrestling enthusiasts.
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