The Sports Insanity Network

Zach Wilson: Best Landing Spots

By Mike Rifkin

At the NFL draft combine on Wednesday Jets GM Joe Douglas told reporters that the team has granted permission to Quarterback Zach Wilson has been granted permission to seek a trade. Wilson, the second overall pick in 2021 struggled in his first two seasons. His struggles and a very good defense made the Jets go out and trade for Aaron Rodgers. (that’s a whole other article) (https://thesportsinsanitynetwork.com/2024/02/09/dys-function-junction-is-your-function/)

Wilson will benefit from a change of scenery, but he might have to take a similar route to a few other second overall picks Mitch Trubisky and Carson Wentz and have to compete for a job or be the backup. So here is a list of teams that could trade for Wilson.

Denver Broncos : Everyone expects the Broncos to cut Russell Wilson after two down seasons. If Sean Payton thinks he can fix Zach Wilson, the Broncos could make a lot of sense.

Pittsburgh Steelers : One of the worst kept secrets in the NFL is that the Steelers are going to acquire a Quarterback to compete with Kenny Pickett for the starting gig. The problem is if you sign a Russell Wilson or Kirk Cousins, you’re not signing them to compete they have to start. So someone like Zach Wilson could make more sense for the Steelers.

Minnesota Vikings : The Vikings have a dilemma, they might have to decide between retaining Kirk Cousins or Justin Jefferson. The Vikings have already said they’re unwilling to give Cousins the same deal as his last two deals (fully guaranteed money). Even if they find a way to retain Cousins and keep Jefferson, they can acquire Wilson to be the backup.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers : If the Bucs are unable to land a contract for Baker Mayfield they could wind up trading for Wilson and signing a veteran to compete for the starting role.

Los Angeles Rams : If there are two people who might be able to fix Wilson, it would be Sean Mcvay and Matthew Stafford. Eventually Stafford will retire and the Rams will have to figure out what the team looks like when that day comes, buying low on Zach Wilson makes a ton of sense.

Atlanta Falcons : Whether it’s Justin Fields, Kirk Cousins or Russell Wilson the Atlanta Falcons are in the market for a Quarterback. If they miss out on all three and are unable to move up in the draft they could buy low on Wilson. Although a competition between Zach Wilson and Desmond Ridder is less than thrilling.

Note : Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders and New England Patriots are more likely to draft a quarterback than trade for Wilson.

Big Names Still Available

By Mark Halpern

There are Mets fans wondering why the Mets haven’t been more aggressive in going after talent. Picture yourself as Steve Cohen you could buy whoever you wanted and outbid every other team would just go and do that? No because Baseball is personal it’s a business and Steve Cohen is a smart man and he and Stearns I believe agreed their main and ONLY target was Yamamoto and they went all out. They even flew to his home to sit with him and his family. The Mets at this point were considered the favorites and when it came down to it he went to the Dodgers for about the same money but with the prospect of playing with Shohei. So now what are the Mets doing? We know from what we learned after all the trading and the season was over, they were said not going to be competitive until 2025-2026. This has possibly scared some free agents from coming but, this is not a time to panic.

Mets need a DH and I am still sitting on the same person I was from the beginning of FA and I wanted Bellinger. I think the Mets organization could gotten him back to that form he was and we see he is reaching that plateau but, going to need more than one good season for teams to have faith. He has said he wants north of 200mil for his contract. Now that’s outlandishly ridiculous figure to give a team. He just wants to be able to stay in one place and I think the Mets can offer him that but at a discount. My main thoughts were 6 130 with opt out after 5 and team option for seventh. Marte could return to form but after his inconsistencies I do not think they will be keeping him after this year and having Bellinger to be able to play right when needed and might share time with Drew Gilbert as he looks to be the focus for the Mets RF for future (as of now.) Bellinger fits this team but would have to take less money as Cohen is not going to just toss cash around now.

Justin Turner and JD Martinez were also names that has been linked to the Mets. I loved Turner when he was here and was sad to see him go. He has good vision and a solid bat. He is not a young guy and would need more rest and I believe the Mets want to go the younger route.

Blake Snell. NO. I will not say he isn’t a good pitcher I just don’t think he is as good as he showed last year. Which is why we have only heard of one offer by the Yankees and nothing since. The Yankees offered 150 and he said no. He isn’t worth the 200+ Million he thinks he is worth.

Jordan Montgomery. Probably the best name left out their and you would think with the Mets pitching woes he would be a solid fit. He is also seeking a deal worth upwards of 175 million and again it’s not the Cohen doesn’t have the money. He does but he spending this year very wisely and going to get the team lux tax number down and the Mets will have a rotation of probably 6 to keep them all fresh especially Kodai Senga.

Pete Alonso is one of the reasons why I believe that after missing out on Yamamoto that the Mets are saving funds. Alonso is arguably the most loved Met not only by the fans but, by his teammates as well. Alonso accepted the arbitration number of 20 million without batting a eye. I believe IMO that there is a done deal and they will announce it after the season begins so it wont count against this year’s salary numbers as much as it will next year. I believe Alonso will get a team contract as friendly like Judge to stay with the Yankees.

So don’t worry Mets fans Cohen and Company have everything in hand and this team will be great again very soon. Hey if we are in the thick of it come trade deadline, we do have chips to play with.

ALL ABOUT THE CAP

By Mark Halpern

The NFL released last week that the salary cap number is going from 240 to 255 million. Giving many teams a deep sigh of relief as pretty much most of the league was going to have to decide who was going to be the victim of being over and other teams way over but this jump gives all teams a breather, especially my Dallas Cowboys.

Dallas was coming into this offseason about 10 over the cap and with some big problems and decisions to make. Well with this jump they are over the cap limit and may not have to make too many drastic choices. 3 million dollars isn’t enough to do anything so we need restructuring to be done and the first player will be Dak Prescott. The Cowboys have invested so much money in Prescott that it makes no BUSINESS sense to replace him at this point and start over and Jerry is all about being probably the best Businessman in the NFL. Yes, the Cowboys have made the playoffs the last three years twice winning the NFC East to only lose in the first round. Dak is the reason this team got where it is and he has to shoulder the blame for the loss because he is the QB. I am a huge fan of Dak and yes, I scream and yell at him but, he is my Quarterback and I think he will bring Dallas back to the promised land. Expect Dallas to restructure Prescott to the point where he is Dallas for the foreseeable future.

The next name will be a surprise but sensible. Trey Lance is on the hook for 23 million and there is no way he is going to get that. I believe Jerry Jones likes what he sees in Trey and will extend him to learn under Dak and you have to think at least a 4-year deal but on a song with the restructure.

Zack Martin whose time is starting to fade but not his play as he has been one of the most solid offensive linemen to play the game. He is a perennial pro bowler and all-team member. His contract has been restructured once before and will be again to free up money.

There are more but, not going into all of them. The money needs to be freed up to sign players such as Cee Dee Lamb, who is on his last year of contract, and then next year Parsons. All Dallas fans want a solid running back like Henry, Jacobs, or even Barkley. But you can’t spend money on players if you don’t have room in the cap.

Before the NFL Draft happens at the end of April, expect to see a lot of this not only in Dallas but throughout the entire league.

HART DISCOURSE

BY MIKE RIFKIN

The NHL season is coming down the stretch, and with every team having around 20 games left in the season teams are fighting for playoff spots. But the other thing that is very much in a big discussion is who is the front-runner for the Hart Trophy as the league’s MVP. So here’s a look at some of the players right now who are in the running for the award.

Nikita Kucherov – Lightning: Kucherov had himself a day Sunday afternoon as his Lightning beat the Devils 4-1. Kucherov had a goal and three assists making him the first player this season to hit 100 points. Kucherov is currently third in the league in goals (38) and second in assists (64). Kucherov has won the Hart previously in 2019.

Artemi Panarin – Rangers: The Breadman has delivered on Broadway, his 33rd goal on Sunday night set a career-high. Panarin is currently tied for fifth in the NHL with 79 points.

Nathan Mackinnon – Avalanche: The Avs star is currently second in points only behind Kucherov. The Avs have had players go in and out of the lineup all season long, but their one constant has been Mackinnon.

Auston Matthews – Maple Leafs: To score 50 goals in 54 games is insane. The Leafs star is at 52 goals and is on pace for over 70. Right now Matthews is eighth in the league in scoring. Matthews has a chance to repeat as the Hart winner.

Connor McDavid – Oilers: How could you make this list and not include the best player in the world? All it took was a coaching change to get the Oilers going and they’ve been on fire for what feels like more than two months. McDavid is third in the league in scoring and leads the league in assists.

JT Miller/Elias Pettersson – Canucks: The Canucks are one of the best stories in the league this season. Normally I would take one of the two and talk about why they’re a specific candidate, but both players are in the top 10 of the league in scoring and both have the same amount of goals. So take your pick on who is more valuable to Vancouver’s success.

David Pastrnak – Bruins: Entering the season most people were concerned with how the Bruins would handle the departures of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. Well it hasn’t hurt David Pastrnak’s production, the star winger is fourth in the league with 82 points and is on his way to another 40-goal campaign.

Sidney Crosby – Penguins : Crosby had four points in the Penguins 7-6 win over the Flyers on Sunday. The Penguins are right now on the outside looking in of the playoffs, but if they get in it would be on the back of their captain. Crosby is top 10 in goals with 32.

Connor Hellebuyck – Jets: I don’t love putting goalies in the MVP discourse. Hellebuyck is having a Helle of a year (see what I did there). He is tied for third in wins, first with a 2.21 GAA and second with a .925 save percentage. If Winnipeg wins a very competitive Central Division Hellebuyck will receive a Helle lot of love.

As we come down the stretch we will see how this plays out.

This Week in Wrestling 2/23/2024 – Jeff Knapp

WWE2K has finally released the full roster for WWE2K 24 and the list goes as follows:

“Macho Man” Randy Savage (OHHH YEAH)
“Ravishing” Rick Rude
“Rowdy” Roddy Piper
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin
“Superstar” Billy Graham*
Andre The Giant
Bad Bunny
Batista
Beth Phoenix
Big Boss Man
Boogeyman
Booker T
Bray Wyatt
Bret “Hitman” Hart
British Bulldog
Bruno Sammartino
Cactus Jack
Chyna
Diesel
Doink The Clown
Dude Love
Dusty Rhodes*
Eddie Guerrero
Eric Bischoff
Eve Torres
Faarooq
Harley Race
Hollywood Hogan
Hulk Hogan
Jake “The Snake” Roberts
JBL
Jerry “The King” Lawler
Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart
John Cena
Kane
Kevin Nash
Lita
Mankind
Maryse
Mighty Molly
Molly Holly
Muhammad Ali
Rick Steiner
Rikishi
Rob Van Dam
Ronda Rousey
Scott Hall
Scott Steiner
Shane McMahon
Shawn Michaels
Stacy Keibler
Stephanie McMahon
Stardust*
Syxx
Ted DiBiase
The Fiend
The Hurricane
The Rock
The Undertaker
Triple H
Trish Stratus
Tyler Breeze
Ultimate Warrior
Umaga
Uncle Howdy
Vader
Wade Barrett
William Regal
X-Pac
Yokozuna

Raw
Akira Tozawa
Alexa Bliss
Becky Lynch
Bianca Belair
Big E
Braun Strowman
Bronson Reed
Candice LeRae
Carmella
Cedric Alexander
Chad Gable
Chelsea Green
Cody Rhodes
Damian Priest
Dexter Lumis
Dominik Mysterio
Erik
Finn Balor
Giovanni Vinci
Gunther
Indi Hartwell
Ivar
JD McDonagh
Jey Uso
Johnny Gargano
Kofi Kingston
Liv Morgan
Ludwig Kaiser
Maxxine Dupri
Natalya
Nikki Cross
Otis
Piper Niven
Raquel Rodriguez
Rhea Ripley
Ricochet
R-Truth
Sami Zayn
Seth “Freakin” Rollins
Shayna Baszler
Shinsuke Nakamura
Sonya Deville
Tegan Nox
The Miz
Tommaso Ciampa
Valhalla
Xavier Woods
Zoey Stark

SmackDown
AJ Styles
Alba Fyre
Angelo Dawkins
Ashante “Thee” Adonis
Asuka
Austin Theory
Bayley
Bobby Lashley
Butch
Cameron Grimes
Charlotte Flair
Cruz Del Toro
Dakota Kai
Elton Prince
Grayson Waller
Isla Dawn
IYO SKY
Jimmy Uso
Joaquin Wilde
Karrion Kross
Katana Chance
Kayden Carter
Kevin Owens
Kit Wilson
LA Knight
Logan Paul
Luke Gallows
Michin Mia Yim
Montez Ford
MVP
Omos
Randy Orton
Rey Mysterio
Ridge Holland
Robert Roode
Roman Reigns
Santos Escobar
Scarlett
Sheamus
Shotzi
Solo Sikoa
Tamina
Xia Li
Zelina Vega

NXT
Andre Chase
Angel Garza
Apollo Crews
Axiom
Baron Corbin
Blair Davenport
Bron Breakker
Brooks Jensen
Brutus Creed
Carmelo Hayes
Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo
Cora Jade
Damon Kemp
Dijak
Drew Gulak
Duke Hudson
Fallon Henley
Gigi Dolin
Humberto
Ilja Dragunov
Ivy Nile
Jacy Jayne
Jinder Mahal
Joe Coffey
Joe Gacy
Josh Briggs
Julius Creed
Nathan Frazer
Nikkita Lyons
Noam Dar
Roxanne Perez
Sanga
SCRYPTS
Thea Hail
Tiffany Stratton
Tony D’Angelo
Trick Williams
Tyler Bate
Veer Mahaan
Wendy Choo
Wes Lee
Wolfgang

Manager
B-Fab
Bobby “The Brain” Heenan
Cathy Kelley
Mick Foley
Miss Elizabeth
Paul Bearer
Paul Heyman
Theodore Long

In what started in early January, National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) President Billy Corgan announced an exclusive streaming deal for NWA with The CW. Under this newly minted all-encompassing partnership, multiple NWA programs will be streaming and on-demand via The CW platform and portal in the United States.

Next up for the NWA, the massive signature live event Hard Times 2024 will premiere on the platform as part of future episodes of NWA Powerrr, streaming on both CWTV.com and the CW app.

After going down and being unable to continue competing after landing on the outside of the ring during her NXT Women’s Championship match, Shotzi has confirmed she tore her ACL and will be out of action for about 9 months. At best, she’s back in November to compete during Survivor Series weekend. If not, then I’d guess a return at the 2025 Royal Rumble.

In a move that surprised nobody, TNA Wrestling has extended the contract of one of the greatest wrestlers in TNA/Impact history, Josh Alexander. The length of the extension for the former Tag Team, X-Division, and World Champion hasn’t been disclosed but it comes just a day after he and others posted hourglass emojis on their X feed. Not sure if it’s related but we will see.

This past Monday Raquel Rodriguez became the last lady to qualify for the Women’s Elimination Chamber match, where the winner will go on to face the winner of the Rhea Ripley vs Nia Jax match. Along with Raquel, the other women competing will be Naomi, Liv Morgan, Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, and Tiffany Stratton.

The WWE has filed a trademark for the name “New Catch Republic” as a tag team name for the team of Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate.

AEW announced that next Wednesday of Dynamite “The Aerial Assassin” Will Ospreay will be there to confront the Don Callis family, leading up to his match at Revolution against Konosuke Takeshita.

Brock Lesnar, although in the new WWE is now unplayable. 2K has somehow locked his character and fans of the game will be unable to use him once they start playing WWE2K 24

After 2 neck fusion surgeries, Booby Roode is now medically cleared to return to the ring. With that said during his interview on the show INSIGHT With Chris Van Vliet, he said the following about his return “Ironically enough, I just got green-lighted. The fusion has completely fused. So as far as like, looking at it from a medical point of view, it’s safe to get back in the ring, I guess. But at almost 48 years old, given the opportunity that I’ve been given now to work as a producer, which was my goal coming to WWE almost eight years ago. I’m quite happy doing this. And I feel like I’ve had a good run, as they say, and I’m happy to do what I’m doing now.”

Reports are saying that this year’s AEW Forbidden Door will take place this June from Arthur Ashe Stadium in NYC. The two different weekends this could work are June 8-9 and June 22-23 because those are the two weekends when the NY Mets, who play across the street are on the road.

Congratulations are to both Nick Nemeth (FKA Dolph Ziggler) for becoming the new NJPW IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion when he defeated David Finley and to Matt Riddle for defeating Hiroshi Tanahashi and becoming the new NJPW TV Champion at NJPW’s New Beginning.

Rollcall of current Champions across the wrestling world

WWE

WWE Universal Championship – Roman Reigns

World Heavyweight Champion – Seth Rollins

WWE Undisputed Tag Team Champions – Judgement Day

WWE Women’s Champion – Iyo Sky

Women’s World Champion – Rhea Ripley

WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions – The Kabuki Warriors

WWE US Champion – Logan Paul

WWE Intercontinental Champion – Gunther

NXT

NXT Championship- Ilja Dragunov

NXT Women’s Champion – Lyra Valkyria

North American Champion – Oba Femi

Tag Team Champions – The Wolf Dogs (Bron Breakker and Baron Corbin)

AEW

AEW World Champion – Samoa Joe

TNT Champion – Christian

Women’s Champion – Toni Storm

TBS Champion – Julia Hart

Tag Team Champions – Sting & Darby Allin

Trios Champions – The Acclaimed and Billy Gunn

AEW International Champion – Orange Cassidy

TNA Wrestling

World Champion – Moose

X Division – Chris Sabin

Tag Team Champions – ABC

Digital Media Champion – Crazzy Steve

Knockouts Champion – Jordynne Grace

Knockouts Tag Champions – Decay

ROH

ROH World Champion – Eddie Kingston

ROH TV Champion – Kyle Fletcher

ROH Pure Champion – Wheeler Yuta

ROH Tag Champions – The Kingdom

ROH Women’s Champion – Athena

ROH Six Man Tag Champions – Bullet Club Gold

NJPW

IWGP World Champion – Tetsuya Naito

IWGP Global Heavyweight – Nick Nemeth

IWGP Junior Heavyweight – El Desperado

Strong Openweight Champion – Eddie Kingston

IWGP Television Champion – Matt Riddle

IWGP Tag Team Champions – Bullet Club (Kenta & Chase Owens)

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions – Bullet Club War Dogs (Drilla Moloney and Clark Connors)

Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions – Guerrillas of Destiny (Hikuleo and El Phantasmo)

NEVER Openweight Champion – Evil

NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Champions – Vacant

KOPW 2023 – Great O Khan

IWGP Women’s Champion – Maya Iwatani (Shared with Stardom)

Strong Women’s Champion – Guillia (Shared with Stardom)

NWA

NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion – EC3

NWA World TV Champion – Max The Impaler (unified men’s and women’s)

NWA World Jr Heavyweight Champion – Colby Corino

NWA National Champion – “Thrillbilly Silas Mason

NWA World Tag Team Champions – Blunt Force Trauma – (Carnage & Damage)

NWA US Tag Team Champions – The Immortals (Kratos & Odinson)

NWA World Women’s Champion – Kenzie Paige

NWA World Women’s TV Champion – Max The Impaler

NWA World Women’s Tag Team Champions – Pretty Empowered (Ella Envy & Kylie Paige)

AAA – Triple A Worldwide

AAA Mega Champion – El Hijo Del Vikingo

AAA Latin American Champion – Octagon Jr

AAA World Cruiserweight Champion – Komander

AAA World Tag Team Champions – Nueva Generacion Dinamita (Sanson & Forastero)

AAA World Trios Champions – Los Vipers (Abismo Negro Jr, Psicosis & Toxin)

AAA Reina de Reinas Champion – Flammer

CMLL – Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre

CMLL World Heavyweight Champion – Gran Guerrero

CMLL World Light Heavyweight Champion – Niebla Roja

CMLL World Middleweight Champion – Templario

CMLL World Welterweight Champion – Titan

CMLL World Lightweight Champion – Stigma

CMLL World Tag Team Champions – Los Nuevos Ingobernables (Ángel de Oro & Niebla Roja)

CMLL World Trios Champions – Atlantis Jr., Star Jr. &Volador Jr.

CMLL World Women’s Champion – Stephanie Vaquer

Stardom

World of Stardom Champion (main title) – Maika

Wonder of Stardom Champion (secondary title ie IC tite) – Saori Anou

Goddess of Stardom Champions (tag) – AphroditE – (Saya Kamitani & Utami Hayashishita)

Artist of Stardom Champions (trios) – Abarenbo GE (Syuri, Mirai and Ami Sohrei)

High Speed Champion (lightweight or x type of title) Mei Seira

Too Loyal?

By Mike Rifkin

Spring Training is upon us, meaning Baseball is back. Every team has high expectations to compete for a World Series Championship. One team that people are going to have doubts about is the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, who saw the best player in the world (Shohei Ohtani) go across the I-5 highway to the Dodgers. Now losing the best player in the world would send most teams into a rebuild situation, but not the Angels because they’ve had another generational talent on their roster.

Mike Trout told reporters that he has been pushing ownership to make big-time additions to the roster so the team can compete for a championship, and he also went on to say that if things don’t improve he might ask for a trade. Trout said “You know, there might be a time. I really haven’t thought about this, but you know when I signed that contract, I’m loyal.” Trout has seven years remaining on his contract. Loyalty in sports is not something you see today, with free agency and players demanding trades.

I don’t believe people would be mad at Mike Trout if he does eventually request out of Anaheim. Despite the phenomenal weather and being able to go to Disneyland what have the Angels shown him? They signed Albert Pujols just so he could hit milestone home runs in their uniform and then they let him go, they signed Shohei Ohtani and that couldn’t even land them a playoff spot. Mike Trout in his career has been to the playoffs once and the Angels were swept in that series. Mike Trout is one of the best players of his generation and he has been on the grand stage of October once. That’s a shame for baseball and its fanbase.

So what do the Angels do to keep their star in-house? Well, there are two really good starting pitchers still on the free agency market Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery, the Angels should sign one of them. Now people are going to ask how you replace Shohei Ohtani. Think of the scene in Moneyball where Brad Pitt tells his scouts one player wouldn’t replace Jason Giambi, the Angels need multiple guys to step up in the absence of Ohtani.

But the most important thing the Angels need to do might be to cut bait with Anthony Rendon. Rendon has played in 200 games since signing a seven-year 245 million-dollar contract in 2020. Rendon has 22 homers and 111 RBI since joining the Angels. Rendon has been hurt and has made headlines off the field whether it’s interacting with a fan, not talking to reporters about his recovery, on-field brawl, etc… But recently Rendon has said baseball has never been a top priority for him. Well, he’s not paying back the money he made from baseball, but if the Angels want to be successful they need Rendon to play or he needs to go.

The baseball world deserves to see Mike Trout on the biggest stage. If the Angels continue to hold him down, he might have no choice but to request a trade, but his loyalty does matter. The Angels need to reciprocate the fact that he’s loyal maybe a little too loyal.

This Week in Wrestling 2/16/2024 – Jeff Knapp

TNA And PowerTown Wrestling Announced the Lineup for the First Wave Of Action Figures, and those wrestlers announced for Series 1 Ultras so far are Moose, Josh Alexander, Eddie Edwards & Jordynne Grace.

Mandy Rose announced she would collaborate with another former WWE wrestler, Lacey Evans, for OnlyFans Content. I won’t check that out “wink wink, nudge, nudge, say no more, say no more” (ode to Monty Python)

With a victory for the Kansas City Chief at Superbowl LVIII, the WWE and NFL have released a WWE Super Bowl LVIII legacy title belt to commemorate their win.

The officially licensed NFL product showcases the official design and color scheme of Super Bowl LVII, including the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign and custom side plates emblazoned with the Chiefs logo. The legacy title belt is available for purchase now via NFLShop.com, WWEShop.com, and Fanatics.com.

I’d love to send a huge congratulations to WWE Superstar & wrestler Sonya Deville. She and her longtime girlfriend, Toni Cassano, got married over the weekend. Reports are that Maria Menounos officiated the wedding.

AEW owner Tony Khan confirms Forbidden Door 3 and wants CMLL involved.

Former WWF, CWF, Portland Wrestling, and WCCW wrestler Billy Jack” Haynes was arrested in the killing of his wife at home in Portland, Ore., on Thursday, 2/8, after a standoff with police.

Former WWE Divas Champion Maryse took to social media this past week to confirm that she had been diagnosed with Serious Borderline Ovarian Tumors and will need to undergo surgery. SBOT is a rare but severe form of precancer.

This week on NWA Powerrr, we saw Max the Impaler unify the NWA’s Men’s and Women’s TV titles when she defeated Mims in the title about.

Sean Ross Sapp at Fightful Select, QT Marshall, is on his way back to returning to AEW and will return to the VP role that he previously held last year. However, he’s not currently scheduled to return as an in-ring talent. With his return to the company, Marshall can continue wrestling elsewhere, excluding the WWE.

Congratulations to The Wolf Dogs (Bron Breakker and Baron Corbin) for becoming the new NXT Tag Team Champions when they defeated The Family (Tony D’Angelo and Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo)

The TNA roster got together and decided to send a group-inspired letter to the heads of Anthem Sports to voice their concerns about the Firing of Scott D’Amore. Which you can read in the link provided. https://rajah.com/node/tna-wrestling-roster-sends-letter-anthem-entertainment-regarding-scott-damore-firing

It was announced that on March 3rd, 2024, at AEW Revolution, Sting and Darby Allin will defend the AEW World Tag Team Championships against Nicholas and Matthew Jackson in Sting’s final wrestling match.

Former WWE Raw Announcer Kevin Patrick, whose real name is Kevin Egan, has announced he has landed a new job as the lead host of MLS 360 on Apple TV. MLS 360 is MLS’s version of NFL RedZone.

It’s being reported, but it has yet to be confirmed, that Tommy Dreamer has assumed the role of head of creative for TNA Wrestling.

It’s reported that NXT’s Nikkita Lyons will be out of action again after suffering another injury.

Roll call of current Champions across the wrestling world

WWE

WWE Championship – Roman Reigns

WWE Universal – Roman Reigns

World Heavyweight Champion – Seth Rollins

WWE Undisputed Tag Team Champions – Judgement Day

WWE Women’s Champion – Iyo Sky

Women’s World Champion – Rhea Ripley

WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions – The Kabuki Warriors

WWE US Champion – Logan Paul

WWE Intercontinental Champion – Gunther

NXT

NXT Championship- Ilja Dragunov

NXT Women’s Champion – Lyra Valkyria

North American Champion – Oba Femi

Tag Team Champions – The Wolf Dogs (Bron Breakker and Baron Corbin)

AEW

AEW World Champion – Samoa Joe

TNT Champion – Christian

Women’s Champion – Toni Storm

TBS Champion – Julia Hart

Tag Team Champions – Sting & Darby Allin

Trios Champions – The Acclaimed and Billy Gunn

AEW International Champion – Orange Cassidy

TNA Wrestling

World Champion – Moose

X Division – Chris Sabin

Tag Team Champions – ABC

Digital Media Champion – Crazzy Steve

Knockouts Champion – Jordynne Grace

Knockouts Tag Champions – Decay

ROH

ROH World Champion – Eddie Kingston

ROH TV Champion – Kyle Fletcher

ROH Pure Champion – Wheeler Yuta

ROH Tag Champions – The Kingdom

ROH Women’s Champion – Athena

ROH Six Man Tag Champions – Bullet Club Gold

NJPW

IWGP World Champion – Tetsuya Naito

IWGP Global Heavyweight – David Finlay

IWGP Junior Heavyweight – El Desperado

Strong Openweight Champion – Eddie Kingston

IWGP Television Champion – Hiroshi Tanahashi

IWGP Tag Team Champions – Bullet Club (Kenta & Chase Owens)

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions – Bullet Club War Dogs (Drilla Moloney and Clark Connors)

Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions – Guerrillas of Destiny (Hikuleo and El Phantasmo)

NEVER Openweight Champion – Evil

NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Champions – Vacant

KOPW 2023 – Great O Khan

IWGP Women’s Champion – Maya Iwatani (Shared with Stardom)

Strong Women’s Champion – Guillia (Shared with Stardom)

NWA

NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion – EC3

NWA World TV Champion – Max The Impaler (unified men’s and women’s)

NWA World Jr Heavyweight Champion – Colby Corino

NWA National Champion – “Thrillbilly Silas Mason

NWA World Tag Team Champions – Blunt Force Trauma – (Carnage & Damage)

NWA US Tag Team Champions – The Immortals (Kratos & Odinson)

NWA World Women’s Champion – Kenzie Paige

NWA World Women’s TV Champion – Max The Impaler

NWA World Women’s Tag Team Champions – Pretty Empowered (Ella Envy & Kylie Paige)

AAA – Triple A Worldwide

AAA Mega Champion – El Hijo Del Vikingo

AAA Latin American Champion – Octagon Jr

AAA World Cruiserweight Champion – Komander

AAA World Tag Team Champions – Nueva Generacion Dinamita (Sanson & Forastero)

AAA World Trios Champions – Los Vipers (Abismo Negro Jr, Psicosis & Toxin)

AAA Reina de Reinas Champion – Flammer

CMLL – Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre

CMLL World Heavyweight Champion – Gran Guerrero

CMLL World Light Heavyweight Champion – Niebla Roja

CMLL World Middleweight Champion – Templario

CMLL World Welterweight Champion – Titan

CMLL World Lightweight Champion – Stigma

CMLL World Tag Team Champions – Los Nuevos Ingobernables (Ángel de Oro & Niebla Roja)

CMLL World Trios Champions – Atlantis Jr., Star Jr. &Volador Jr.

CMLL World Women’s Champion – Stephanie Vaquer

Stardom

World of Stardom Champion (main title) – Maika

Wonder of Stardom Champion (secondary title ie, IC title) – Saori Anou

Goddess of Stardom Champions (tag) – AphroditE – (Saya Kamitani & Utami Hayashishita)

Artist of Stardom Champions (trios) – Abarenbo GE (Syuri, Mirai and Ami Sohrei)

High-Speed Champion (lightweight or x type of title) Mei Seira

DUELING MOCK DRAFTS

BY NOAH TROMBLEY AND MARK HALPERN

Here is the first edition of dueling mock drafts, a series which we will be doing until the first round of the NFL Draft. We have our selections for the first round, but reasons why will be given at a later date. But here’s the first edition of dueling mocks.

Noah Trombley Mock Draft 2024 #1

Bears trade pick to Denver Broncos for Pat Surtain, Number 12 overall pick, and Courtland Sutton
1. Denver Selects Caleb Williams (QB USC)
Washington Selects Drake Maye (QB North Carolina)
Patriots Select Jayden Daniels (QB LSU)
Cardinals Select Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR Ohio State)
Chargers Select Malik Nabers (WR LSU)
Giants Select Brock Bowers (TE Georgia)
Titans Select Olumuyiwa Fashanu (OL Penn State)
Atlanta Selects Joe Alt (OL Notre Dame)
Chicago Selects Jared Verse (DE Florida State)
Jets Select Rome Odunze (WR Washington)
Minnesota Selects J.J. McCarthy (QB Michigan)
Chicago Selects Dallas Turner (LB Alabama)
Raiders Select Amarius Mims (OL Georgia)
Saints Select Jer’Zhan Newton (DT Illinois)
Colts Select Taliese Fuaga (OL Oregon State)
Seattle Selects Byron Murphy II (DT Texas)
Jaguars Select Nate Wiggins (CB Clemson)
Bengals Select Kingsley Suamataia (OL BYU)
Rams Select Cooper DeJean (CB Iowa)
Steelers Select T’Vondre Sweat (DT Texas)
Dolphins Select JC Latham (OL Alabama)
Eagles Select Terrion Arnold (CB Alabama)
Houston Selects Quinyon Mitchell (CB Toledo)
Cowboys trade pick to Arizona Cardinals for Number 27 overall and Number 66 overall
1. Cardinals select Troy Fautanu (OL Washington)
Packers Select Tyler Guyton (OL Oklahoma)
Buccaneers Select Keon Coleman (WR Florida State)
Cowboys Select Jordan Morgan (OL Arizona)
Bills Select Ennis RakeStraw Jr. (CB Missouri)
Lions Select Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB Alabama)
Ravens Select Adonai Mitchell (WR Texas)
Niners Select Graham Barton (C Duke)
Chiefs Select Brian Thomas Jr. (WR LSU)

Halpern Mock Draft

Washington – Caleb Williams. Trade with Chicago- Chicago Gets #2 overall Terry McLaurin and 2024 4^th round pick
Chicago- Marvin Harrison Jr
New England- Drake Maye
Ari – Malik Nabers
LAC – Joe Alt
NYG- Jayden Daniels
Ten – Olumuyiwa Fashanu
Atlanta- Dallas Turner
Chicago- Jc Lathan
NYJ -Jared Verse
MIN – Terrion Arnold
Den- Rome Odunze
LV – Byron Murphy
NO- Laiatu Latu
IND – Brock Bowers
SEA Jackson Powers-Johnson
JAX – Brian Thomas Jr
CIN – Amarius Mims
LAR- J.J Mcarthy
PIT -Quinyon Mitchell
MIA – Nate Wiggins
PHI – Cooper DeJean
HOU – Taliese Fuaga
DALLAS -Tyler Guyton
GB Ennis Rakestraw
TB -Troy Fautanu
ARI – Graham Barton
BUF- Kool-Aid Mckinstry
DET JerXhan Newton
Balt Jordan Morgan
49ers Jordan Morgan
KC T’vondre Sweat

HE’S BACK

DALLAS HAS THEIR NEW DC

By Mark Halpern

Well Dan Quinn took an opportunity to be the Head Coach of the Washington Commanders and the question who was going to be brought into replace the man who made the Dallas Defense what it is. There were plenty of candidates but, when you have someone who was very successful in Dallas once as the DC and Had them ranked at the top of the league during his tenure, then it should work again right? Well Dallas last night made their decision to bring back former DC Mike Zimmer.

Zimmer was the DC for the Cowboys from 2000-2006 and had the defense at the top of it’s game during his tenure as DC. Mike Zimmer had been the Head coach for the Vikings from 2014-2021 and had some success as it but the team had fallen off and Zimmer was let go. Dan Quinn did a fantastic job not only with the LB core but the Secondary as well. Zimmer is a great defensive minded coach and there is some similarity to their coaching style. Zimmer, I believe he will use the success of the secondary as a stepping off point but will rebuild the Defensive line to the likes of what it was there and the NFL Draft has plenty of good defensive prospects for Dallas to look at.

I think this is one of the best ways that Jerry Jones could have answered the leaving of Dan Quinn that might have soured Dallas fans but, the Zimmer hire will definitely sweeten them back up

Royal Pains

By Mike Rifkin

The LA Kings came out of the All-Star break with an impressive 4-0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, and most people thought that was what they needed to get out of this almost two-month funk they’ve been in. Well, on Tuesday night, they lost by a touchdown to the Buffalo Sabres, and any good feeling people had about LA after the win over the Oilers evaporated.

Since the new year, the Kings are 4-8-5 and are clinging to a wild card position in the Western Conference. The beatdown in Buffalo began a four-game East Coast trip for LA, who will also visit New Jersey, Boston, and Pittsburgh on this trip. Two teams like LA are fighting for their playoff lives, and Boston is one of the best teams in the NHL. As I said, LA is currently the first wild card in the Western Conference, but their saving grace is that they have games in hand on the teams chasing them. But the games in hand won’t matter if the Kings continue to play terribly.

LA’s recent stretch got Head Coach Todd McLellan fired during the All-Star break; after a tremendous start to the season, the Kings have fallen off. Before the season, I was very high on LA significantly after they added Pierre-Luc Dubois from the Winnipeg Jets, but right now, I am unsure of what the Kings are, and if they continue to be this bad, what will Rob Blake do with the trade deadline coming?