TWIW – This Week In Wrestling (3/5 -3/11)

By Jeff Knapp

Our thoughts are with Big E, who suffered a broken neck on Smackdown

Shane “Swerve” Strickland (FKA Isiah Swerve Scott in NXT) has signed with AEW

William Regal has signed on with AEW

Tony Khan has stated he will be the booker of ROH

Impact wrestler Jake Something is now a free agent. If he signs with WWE, AEW, ROH or resigns with Impact, we will post that information

“The Walking Weapon” Josh Alexander has resigned with Impact Wrestling

Vader has been announced as the next inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame

Jeff Hardy is now All Elite

IMPACT – SACRIFICE PPV

Lady Frost vs. Gisele Shaw – Frost connects with a Twisting Moonsault for the pin fall.

Matt Taven & Mike Bennett vs. Rich Swann & Willie Mack – Swann rolls up Bennett for the 1-2-3

X-Division Championship: Trey Miguel (C) vs. Jake Something – Trey Miguel connects with his Flying Meteora for the pin fall.

Eddie Edwards vs. Rhino – Steve Maclin turns on Team Impact and attacks Rhino, allowing Eddie to get the pinfall

IMPACT Knockouts Tag-Team Championships: The Inspiration (C) vs. The Influence – Kaleb slides one of the title belts into the ring, but it’s not clear who he was trying to slide it to. Tenille gets it and hits Cassie Lee with it and then covers her for the pin fall victory to become the NEW Impact women’s tag team champions

Anthony Carelli (FKA Santino Marella) talks to Heath about being an underdog

JONAH vs. PCO – JOHAN lands his avalanche splash for the 1-2-3

Jay White vs. Alex Shelley – White with the submission for the win

Champ-Champ Open Challenge: Deonna Purrazzo (C) vs. Chelsea Green – Purrazzo applies the armbar for the submission. Green ended up with another injury during the match.

IMPACT Knockouts Championship: Mickie James (C) vs. Tasha Steelz – Savannah Evens gets involved again and Tasha “Steals” a victory and is the NEW Impact Knockouts Champion

IMPACT World Tag-Team Championships: The Good Brothers (C) vs. Violent By Design – VBD are your NEW Tag Team Champions

IMPACT World Championship: Moose (C) vs. Heath – Moose nails Heath with a spear for the 1-2-3.

After the match, a returning Josh Alexander comes to the ring and attacks Moose, setting up a match at Rebellion.

AEW – REVOLUTION PPV

PRE-SHOW “BUY-IN”

Kris Statlander vs. “Legit” Leyla Hirsch – After nailing Kris with the turnbuckle metal hook, she connects with a moonsault for the pinfall

Don Callis comes out and says that the Young Bucks wil win the Tag Team championship, and that although he believes Adam Cole will win the AEW World title, that he is just keeping the title warm for when Kenny Omega comes back.

QT Marshall vs. Hook – Hook locks in the Red Rum submission for the victory

Malakai Black, Brody King & Buddy Matthews vs. PAC, Penta El Zero Miedo & Erick Redbeard – Redbeard gets misted by Black, which allows Matthews to hit a running knee strike and and King to hit a nasty piledriver, which then allows Malakai Black to cover him for the 1-2-3.

REVOLUTION 

Chris Jericho vs. Eddie Kingston – A dazed Eddie Kingston connects with 2 spinning backfists for the win. 

After the match Jericho was supposed to shake his hand, but Chris refuses to and walks out of the ring to boos.

AEW Tag-Team Championship: Jurassic Express (C) vs. The Young Bucks vs. reDRagon – In the end, Luchasaurus flip over the top rope and takes out the rest of the field, while Jungle Boy connects with a sit-down power bomb on Matt Jackson for the 1-2-3.

Face Of The Revolution Ladder Match: Christian Cage vs. Powerhouse Hobbs vs. Ricky Starks vs. Wardlow vs. Keith Lee vs. Orange Cassidy – Ricky Starks and Wardlow are the only 2 men on the ladder. Wardlow picks him up and powerbombs him onto the other ladder, allowing him to get the ring and will face the TNT Champion on Dynamite

Tony Schiavone comes out and announces the newest addition to AEW…Shane “Sw3rve” Strickland who was known at Isiah Swerve Scott in NXT.

TBS Women’s Championship: Jade Cargill (C) vs. Tay Conti – Cargill hits her Jaded finisher for the pinfall victory, and she is still undefeated.

Dog Collar Match: CM Punk vs. MJF – This was a brutal match and at the end while both men bled, Punk, who got the Dynamite Diamond Ring when Wardlow “couldn’t find the ring” when MJF asked for it, nails MJF, who falls into the thumbtacks and get the 1-2-3.

AEW Women’s Championship: Dr. Britt Baker (C) vs. Thunder Rosa – Rosa was behind the 8 ball all match, due to interference from Rebel and Jamie Hayter, finally after having to spear Rebel off the apron, Thunder Rosa gets curb stomped while getting back in the ring by Britt for the 1-2-3.

Bryan Danielson vs. Jon Moxley – Danielson has a triangle choke on Moxley, but Jon rolls it over and get the 1-2-3 on Danielson, who is shocked. 

After the match they both continue to fight until…..out comes William Regal, who breaks it up and demands the men shake hands and end it, which they do.

Sting, Darby Allin & Sammy Guevara vs. Matt Hardy, Andrade El Idolo & Isiah Kassidy – Sting jumps off a balcony through a table onto Andrade!!! The ending had Darby hitting the coffin drop onto Matt Hardy for the win.

AEW World Championship: “Hangman” Adam Page (C) vs. Adam Cole – reDRagon and the Dark Order all get involved, but after many 2 and ¾ counts, Hangman connects with his Buckshot Lariat for the 1-2-3.

After the match, Page goes over to a near unconscious Cole and shakes his hand and walks out of the ring.

WWE – RAW

RAW Tag Team Championship: Alpha Academy (c) vs. Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens vs. RK-Bro – Gable goes up for a moonsault but Orton catches him with a RKO, but Randy gets thrown out of the ring by Owens, who hits a stunner on Gable, but then HE gets thrown out of the ring by Riddle, who covers Gable for the 1-2-3 and we have new Raw Tag Team Champions.

After the match, Owens is backstage wondering what happened and what’s next.

24/7 Championship: Dana Brooke w/Regggie vs. Tamina w/Tozawa – Tamina locks Brooke in a Boston Crab but Brooke reverses it into a pin for the win.

Miz TV – Miz w/ Logan Paul who berates Cleveland and talks about their match with the Mysterios at Wrestlemania. 

Bron Breakker and Tommaso Ciampa vs. The Dirty Dawgs – Ciampa knees Roode out of the ring allowing Breakker hits his finish on Ziggler for the 1-2-3.

After the match, Ziggler talks about his match on NXT against Breakker and Ciampa.

Omos vs. Apollo Crews w/Commander Azeez – Choke Bomb by Omos for the pinfall.

After the match Azeez gets into the ring and we have a stare down. I’m guessing this will be a MW match.

Edge comes out and talks about what he did to AJ last week and why. He said he did that because at Wrestlemania he needs the pitbull AJ Styles, not the Styles we’ve seen recently. Edge says by helping Styles he helped himself. He has found a part of himself that he never has before, and he loves it.

Backstage, Owens says he has a plan for Wrestlemania.

Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan vs. Queen Zelina and Carmella (If Morgan and Ripley win, they are added to the tag team title match at WrestleMania) – Vega makes it to the corner to tag out but Carmella is too busy chatting with her fiance Corey Graves at the commentary desk. Ripley hits the Riptide on Vegafor the win.

Finn Bálor vs. Austin Theory – Damian Priest appears out of nowhere and knocks Bálor off the top rope, causing a DQ

Kevin Owens comes down to the ring and talks about how WM this year is in Texas and all the famous WWE superstars from Texas and who he should call out…JBL…NO, Booker T…NO, Shawn Michaels…NO, but there is a man who is a broken-down shell of himself just like the state of Texas. Owens says he knows this guy is watching and he knows he doesn’t have the balls to accept. Owens calls out The Texas Rattlesnake…Stone Cold Steve Austin!!!

NXT – ROADBLOCK

2022 Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Semi-Finals Match: Cora Jade & Raquel Gonzalez vs Wendy Choo & Dakota Kai – Raquel attempts a Chingona Bomb but due to her leg being attacked earlier in the match, she can’t execute it fully due to her leg giving out. Kai connects with a Helluva Kick, and Choo tags in. Choo with a top-rope splash as Kai tags back in and hits a double-stomp off the top for the 1-2-3 and now advancing to the finals

Outside, we see The Creed Brothers have been attacked and are down in a lot of pain.

Tiffany Stratton vs Fallon Henley – When the ref was distracted, Tiffany was attacked by Sarray, allowing Fallon to get the upset victory pinfall

Lash Legend hosts Lashing out with guest Nikkita Lyons – Lash talks trash about Lyons’ family and especially her mom and accusing her of having butt implants. 

Will there be a booty match at Stand and Deliver? 

Last Man Standing Match: LA Knight vs Grayson Waller – Knight positions Waller at the side of the announcer’s table when Grayson punches Knight with a foreign object, laying Knight out across the desk. Waller turns and heads to the top rope and drops an elbow onto Knight, who goes through the announce table. Waller then hangs onto Sanga, who helps him to his feet 1st for the victory

2022 Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Semi-Finals Match: Kayden Carter & Kacy Catanzaro vs Kay Lee Ray & Io Shirai – Shirai whips Carter into a Superkick from Kay Lee Ray, who then hits the KLR Bomb. Shirai is  tagged in and connects with a moonsault for the 1-2-3 and  advances to the 2022 Dusty Classic finals to face Wendy Choo and Dakota Kai

NXT Tag Team Championship Match: Imperium(c) vs MSK – During the match, The Creed Brothers come to the ring and beat up both teams, causing a No Contest

Main Event: NXT Championship Triple-Threat: Bron Breakker(c) vs Tommaso Ciampa vs Dolph Ziggler – Ciampa throws Ziggler out of the ring and looks for a running knee on Bron, but Roode pulls Breakker out of the ring (almost on his head). Ziggler reenters the ring and nails Ciampa with a superkick for the 1-2-3 and is now the NEW NXT Champion!!!

AEW – DYNAMITE

Jericho starts the show in the ring talking about Eddie Kingston and how he regrets not shaking his hand. Eddie comes out and gets deep with the audience about his mental health. This eventually leads to them shaking hands until 2Point0 and Daniel Garcia come out and jump Kingston along with Jericho who has now turned heel. Santana and Ortiz come out to help, but they get attacked by Jack Hager who stays aligned with Jericho. This ends with Jack nailing Kingston with a nasty looking powerbomb over the ropes through a table. Jericho announces the new group as the new group the Jericho Appreciation Society.

AEW World Championship: “Hangman” Adam Page (C) vs. Dante Martin – Page connects with a Buckshot Lariat for the 1-2-3.

After the match,  Adam Cole comes out and says tha at Revolution Page got a fluke win over him, but he wants him next week in a 6 man tag, and that he also won’t stop coming for him and will make his life miserable until he hear the words, “And NEW AEW World Champion.” 

Bryan Danielson & Jon Moxley (w/ William Regal) vs. The Workhorsemen – Danielson with a submission on Drake for the win

After the match Tony Schiavone Interviews William Regal says it’s been 29 years since he’s been on TBS with him doing an interview. He talks about fighting the demons within himself and outside forces throughout the years. He mentions both Moxley and Danielson being two of his pupils. He says his main goal is to help people become better in the sport of pro wrestling and that Danielson is the wrestler he should have been and calls Danielson the perfect wrestler. Regal then talks about his past with Moxley and then vows that the two will be stepping on anyone who gets in their way.

Adam Page is backstage with the Dark Order. They are excited about tagging with Adam, but Adam informs them that he chose the Jurassic Express. I see something happening down the line with this.

Wheeler Yuta vs. PAC – PAC locks in his brutalizer submission fir the win.

Adam Cole, reDRagon & The Young Bucks are backstage. The Bucks think Cole is going to choose them to tag against Page, but they aren’t going against Page, but Cole informs them he was choosing reDRagon anyways.

FTR Fires Tully Blanchard

Back in the ring, we have the A.H.F.O. and Matt Hardy talking about how Andrade El Idolo wants to fire him from the company he started. They vote on it and Private Party gives the thumbs up, but when Hardy turns back around they have their thumbs down.  This leads to Private Party, The Butcher & The Blade & Andrade all beating down Hardy together. This brings out Darby Allin and Sting. Just as they are getting attacked, out comes Jeff Hardy for the save and the crowd absolutely erupted. Jeff hit a Swanton on The Blade and the A.H.F.O. retreat.

It looks like Tony Nese will wrestle Shane “Sw3rve” Strickland in his AEW debut match on Rampage.

Wardlow comes out and says he’s done with MJF & The Pinnacle and wants out of his contract.

AEW World Tag-Team Championships: Jurassic Express (C) vs. The Acclaimed – The JE connect with a springboard Lariat on Bowens for the pinfall

Jade Cargill issues an open challenge for the TBS Women’s Championship and wonders after going 30-0, who’s left?

“Legit” Leyla Hirsch vs. Thunder Rosa – Rosa connects with the Thunder Driver for the 1-2-3 and we are now informed that she will face Britt Baker once again for the Women’s title next week, but this time in a steel cage

Main Event: TNT Championship: Sammy Guevara (C) vs. Scorpio Sky – Paige VanZant gets involved and attacks Tay Conti, which leads to Sammy turning his focus away and allows Sky to hit the TKO for the 1-2-3 and is now the NEW TNT Champion.

After the match Paige Van Zant lays out Tay Conti again and signs her new AEW contract.

IMPACT

The show starts with Josh Alexander in the ring. He says he’s obsessed with getting revenge on Moose and getting his hands on the IMPACT World Championship. He talks about how he was sent home by Scott D’Amore and after spending several weeks at home with his family, he thought to himself that he might never get to return or get his hands on Moose and the IMPACT World Championship. He can now  says that on April 23, 2022 he will finally get his hands on Moose and the IMPACT World Championship at IMPACT Rebellion.

Honor No More come out and to confront Josh Alexander. Eddie Edwards talks about how Josh was handed everything and why he’s with HNM. Things get heated until HNM tries to take out Alexander until Willie Mack, Rich Swann, Heath and Rhino even up the number.

Kenny King vs. Willie Mack – Mack hits the Numba One Stunna, followed by a Six-Star Frogsplash for the pin fall victory.

Moose is backstage talking to Scott D’Amore about the match at Rebellion. He says he hasn’t signed it yet and his lawyers are looking it over. Scott informs him that if it’s not signed by next week, then he’ll be stripped of the Impact World Championship.

X-Division #1 Contenders match:John Skyler vs. Ace Austin vs. Crazzy Steve – Ace hits a blockbuster on Steve for the 1-2-3. 

Tasha Steelz, Savannah Evans & The Influence vs. Mickie James, Chelsea Green & The IInspiration – Mickie James connects with a DDT on Tasha for the pinfall.

We are informed that next week we will see The Motor City Machine Guns vs Jay White & Chris Bey

Josh Alexander approaches Scott D’Amore backstage and asks for a match against Eddie Edwards, but he’s told to focus on Moose, but he’ll be able to wrestle Matt Taven next week.

We also find out that Deonna Purrazzo will put both her AAA & ROH Women’s title on the line next week against Gisele Shaw and Lady Frost. 

Rich Swann vs. Eddie Edwards – Eddie connects with a Boston Knee Party and hits his Die Hard Driver for the 1-2-3.

WWE – SMACKDOWN

Brock Lesnar starts the show coming to the ring and demanding that Roman Reigns get out there. Paul Heyman comes out and tells Brock that Roamn isn’t there tonight and Brock asks Paul, since Roman isn’t here, who’s going to protect you? Brock chases Paul up the ramp and into the back, but Paul gets away.

We go backstage where Sheamus and Ridge Holland introduce us to an old friend of theirs….Pete Dunne, well, sort of. His name is now Butch. No Comment

Ridge Holland & Sheamus w/ Pete Dunne vs the New Day – Sheamus connects with a Brogue Kick on Kofi for the pinfall  ***During a spot, Big E was severly injured. My thoughts go out to him***

Six-Man Tag: Drew McIntyre & the Viking Raiders vs the Happy Folks & Jinder Mahal – No Contest – Before the match started, Happy Corbin, Madcap Moss, Jinder Mahal and Shanky attacked the Viking Raiders. This turns into a 4 on 1, but Drew evens the odds with his sword.

Ronda Rousey comes out and addresses Charlotte’s comments that Ronda is a one-trick pony as she “only” has the arm bar. Flair comes out and they bicker back and forth. Eventually Charlotte leaves the ring and Ronda tells Flair that at WrestleMania, she’s either going home with Flair’s arm or she’ll make her tap out.

Natalya & Shayna Baszler vs Naomi & Sasha Banks – When Carmella and Zelina try to get involved, Sasha sends Natalya into Vega allowing her to connect with a basement codebreaker for the 1-2-3.

The Usos come out and talk about their accomplishments and the lengths of their title reigns and Roman’s as well. They then complain that management doesn’t have an opponent for them when Rick Boogs & Shinsuke Nakamura come out. If Boogs win, he, and Nakamura will get a title shot at Wrestlemanina

Jey Uso w/ Jimmy Uso vs Rick Boogs w/ Shinsuke Nakamura – Boogs hit a pump handle slam for the win, giving Boogs and Nakamura a tag team championship match at Wrestlemania.

Main Event: Intercontinental Championship match: Ricochet(c) vs Sami Zayn – Before the match Austin Theory comes out and gets in Pat McAfee’s face and slaps him again until Pat starts to beat up Theory.

Ricochet goes to the top and connects with the 630 splash for the 1-2-3.

Back in the parking garage, we see Ronda and Charlotte going at it. Flair seems to get the upper hand until security pulls them apart to end the show.

AEW – RAMPAGE

Darby Allin vs. Marq Quen – Darby applies the Fujiwara armbar and cracks it harder until Quen taps out.

A.F.O.come out to attack Darby and Sting until The Hardy Boys come and and the A.F.O. think twice.

We are informed that Scorpio Sky will put his TNT Title on the line next Wednesday against Wardlow.

Mercedes Martinez vs. Jamie Hayter – While the ref is distracted, Britt Baker takes out Mercedes, allowing Jamie to connect with a lariat for the pinfall.

After the match Britt Baker attacks Mercedes until Thunder Rosa comes down with a chair to make the save.

Hikaru Shida has a vignette stating that now she’s back, and she’s going to be Serena Deeb’s worst nightmare.

Keith Lee vs. QT Marshall –  Keith Lee nails a move that’s similar to the Jackhammer, but with the opponent on his shoulder. for the 1-2-3.

After the match, Aaron Solo and Nick Comoroto try to take out Lee, but get destroyed. This brings out Ricky Starks and Powerhouse Hobbs, who end up taking out Keith Lee with a spinebuster.Main Event: Tony Nese vs. Shane “Sw3rve” Strickland – Scott picks up the pinfall after connecting with a top rope stomp.

Bears Season In Review/ Offseason Preview

By: Mike Rifkin

The 2021 Chicago Bears finished the season with a 6-11 record, which was third in the NFC North. After the season the Bears fired GM Ryan Pace and Head Coach Matt Nagy. Pace who had been the Bears GM since 2015 and the team had a 48-65 record, including 0-2 in the playoffs. Nagy was also 0-2 in the playoffs but in his four seasons with the organization he had a 34-32 record. Nagy went 12-4 in his first season and never had a winning season again.  The Bears hired Ryan Poles to be the team’s new General Manager. Poles was the executive director of player personnel for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021, but spent the prior 13 years there doing various other jobs in player personnel and scouting. To replace Nagy the Bears hired Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. Eberflus had been the Colts defensive coordinator since 2018, before that he was the Linebackers coach for the Browns and Cowboys.

Their first goal is going to be to fix this offense that averaged 18.3 points per game. Poles and Eberflus are inheriting second year quarterback Justin Fields. Fields who the Bears moved up to get in the 2021 draft and included their first round pick this year to get him. Fields played in 12 games last season he had a 58.9 completion percentage , 1,870 yards, seven touchdowns and ten interceptions, while also adding 420 yards and two touchdowns rushing. In the 12 games Fields played he was sacked 36 times, the Bears as a team gave up 58 sacks. 

Running Back David Montgomery had 849 yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games played last season. Montgomery also has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield as last season he had 42 catches for 301 yards. Khalil Herbert added 433 yards and two touchdowns in his rookie season. The 2021 sixth round pick must have shown enough because today the Bears announced the release of veteran running back Tarik Cohen who was coming off a torn ACL in 2020 and didn’t appear in a game in 2021.

The Bears are going to have to replace receiver Allen Robinson who is likely to leave as a free agent. Robinson had a rough 2021 with just 38 catches for 410 yards and a touchdown in 12 games. In four seasons with the Bears Robinson had 293 catches for 3,561 yards and 18 touchdowns. Darnell Mooney led the Bears with 81 catches for 1,055 yards and four touchdowns. Receiver is going to be a position to target for Chicago this offseason. 

When you think of the Chicago Bears you think defense. The Bears defense in 2021 gave up 23.9 points per game. The Bears defense was sixth in yards allowed allowing 316.7 yards per game. They were fourth in sacks with 49.0 led by Robert Quinn’s 18.5 which was second in the NFL. The Bears had a -13 turnover differential tied for 29th in the NFL. Their defense forced 16 turnovers. Khalil Mack. The Bears defense was sixth in yards allowed allowing 316.7 yards per game. They were fourth in sacks with 49.0 led by Robert Quinn’s 18.5 which was second in the NFL. The Bears had a -13 turnover differential tied for 29th in the NFL. Their defense forced 16 turnovers. The Bears decided to make a change on their defense, trading star edge rusher Khalil Mack to the Los Angeles Chargers for a 2022 second round pick and a 2023 sixth round pick. Mack had six sacks but was limited to seven games due to getting surgery on his foot. In four seasons in Chicago Mack had 36.0 sacks, 14 forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries. The team announced on Friday they were releasing defensive tackle Eddie Goldman. Goldman, a former second round pick has 174 tackles, 13 sacks and two fumble recoveries in six seasons with Chicago. Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks is also an impending free agent. Hicks in 2021 had 25 tackles, five tackles for loss, three and a half sacks, and nine QB hits. In six seasons in Chicago Hicks had 40.5 sacks. As for guys who will be on the Bears defense in 2022 linebacker Roquan Smith led the team with 163 tackles, three and a half sacks, 12 tackles for loss and an interception. Robert Quinn was second in the NFL with 18.5 sacks.

The Bears entered the offseason with 27 million dollars in cap space. By trading Mack the Bears created 6.15 million dollars, but created 24 million dollars in dead cap. By releasing Eddie Goldman the Bears created another 6.7 million dollars. 

Free Agent targets

  1. Re-sign James Daniels/sign Eric Fisher – The Bears offensive line gave up 58 total sacks in 2021.  They need to clean that up, Daniels was very good for them last year and Fisher, a former number one overall pick can replace Jason Peters at left tackle. 
  2. Sign JuJu Smith – Schuster and Emmanuel Sanders : With Allen Robinson likely to depart via free agency the Bears can replace him with two receivers. Smith – Schuster coming off a torn ACL but is still only 25 years old and could be very important to Justin Fields development. Sanders brings a veteran presence to the locker room and is a reliable receiver. 
  3. Sign Quinton Jefferson, Jarran Reed or Larry Ogunjobi : With Akiem Hicks being a free agent and Eddie Goldman being released Chicago has a need in the middle of their defense. All three of these players are coming off of very good years.
  4. Sign Bryce Callahan and Xavier Rhodes : Callahan is one of the better slot corners in the NFL and a return to Chicago could help the Eberflus led defense. Rhodes played for Eberflus in Indianapolis and could reunite with him in Chicago .

Draft

RD 1 : Traded to Giants for Justin Fields.

RD 2 (PK 39): Arnold Ebiketie – Edge Penn State: Now if one of the Ohio State receivers are here that’s the pick. Ebiketie is a skilled and disciplined pass rusher. He won’ t be Mack but has a lot of upside. Other names to watch : Damone Clark linebacker LSU, Roger Mccreary cornerback: Auburn, Justyn Ross Receiver Clemson

RD 3 (PK 71) : Christian Harris – Linebacker Alabama: When you think Bears you think defense and Hall of Fame linebackers. Names like Butkus, Singletary and Urlacher. Harris is a long, athletic linebacker who is great at stopping the run, not really a pass rusher. Other names to watch: Tyler Smith Offensive Tackle Tulsa.

End Of An Era: Seattle Seahawks Offseason Preview

By: Mike Rifkin

The Seattle Seahawks finished the 2021 regular season with a 7-10 record, last in the NFC West. Seahawks fans will not forget the date March 8th, 2022. They won’t forget the day because it truly is the end of an era for the Seahawks as they traded quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos and released All – Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner.  Last offseason there was drama surrounding quarterback Russell Wilson and the chance he might want out of Seattle, that didn’t happen. Wilson in 2021 had a 64.8 completion percentage, 3,113 yards, 25 touchdowns and six interceptions in 14 games played, Wilson had missed three games after surgery on his finger after banging it on an opponent’s helmet. Wilson, a former third round pick out of Wisconsin has a 65.0 completion percentage 37,059 yards, 292 touchdowns and 87 interceptions in his career and led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl title. 

In his Seahawks career Bobby Wagner registered over 100 combined tackles every year since he was drafted in 2012. Wagner has been named First team All Pro six times, and Second team twice. Twice in Wagner’s career he led the NFL in tackles and was named to the NFL 2010’s All Decade Team. 

In exchange for Wilson the Seahawks received Quarterback Drew Lock, Tight End Noah Fant, Defensive Lineman Shelby Harris, two first round picks, two second round picks and a fifth round pick. Lock, a former second round pick in 24 career games, has a 59.3 completion percentage, 4,740 yards, 25 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. Now I don’t think Lock will be handed the starting job, but he will compete for it and at 25 years old there is still a chance Lock figures things out. Fant, a former first round pick has 170 catches for 1,905 yards and 10 touchdowns in his career including a career high four last season. Fant gives whoever the quarterback might be another solid target. Harris tied a career high with six sacks last season. Harris has had six sacks in two of the last three seasons, the Seahawks as a team had 34 sacks. I will get to how I would utilize the picks later, but I do think the Seahawks made the right call on trading Russell Wilson. I think they made the right call. It’s very similar to what the Lions did with Stafford last offseason. While Lock isn’t Goff there is a potential upside to Lock. If you look at the NFC West the other three teams made the playoffs with two of them ( Rams and 49ers) playing in the NFC Championship game. The other part is the draft picks. The Seahawks traded away two first round picks to acquire Safety Jamal Adams and needed to recoup those picks. The other part is me personally. I don’t believe the Seahawks have a Super Bowl roster whether Russ is on the team or not so you trade him and get something back for him. 

Seattle’s offense averaged 23.2 points per game. The Seahawks were eleventh in the NFL averaging 122.0 yards rushing per game and averaging 5.0 yards per carry. Chris Carson was limited to four games due to Neck surgery. In those four games Carson had 232 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 58.0 yards per game. Former first round pick Rashaad Penny was a beast down the stretch he had 671 yards (7.3 yards per carry) and six touchdowns over his last five games. Penny is a free agent but Seattle had to like what they saw down the stretch, Penny does have an injury history but there is a deal to be had. 

Seattle has one of the best receiving duos in the NFL with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Lockett had 73 catches for 1,175 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Metcalf had 75 catches for 967 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. Unless Seattle wants to truly blow this thing up these two guys are what you are building around. Now if there is an offer they are blown away by we can have a conversation but for this I would keep them both around. 

The Seahawk defense was 28th in yards allowed giving up 379.1 yards per game. They gave up 21.5 points per game. The Seahawks were 10th in turnover differential with a +5. 2020 first round pick Jordyn Brooks led the team with 184 tackles, which was second in the NFL, but was first with 109 solo tackles. Safety Quandre Diggs led the team with five interceptions. Diggs, an impending free agent, broke his fibula during the last game of the season. Former trade deadline acquisition Carlos Dunlap led the team with 8.5 sacks. 

Seattle had about 35 million dollars in cap space, by Cutting Wagner they saved 16.6 million dollars. 

  1. Re-sign Rashaad Penny – If Penny can stay healthy he showed what he can potentially be down the stretch. Pairing him with Chris Carson could make them a dynamic duo running the ball.
  2. Re-sign Duane Brown – Whoever the quarterback is, you have to protect them. Brown is 36 so maybe a two year deal can be made. Another name they could look at is Eric Fisher.
  3. Sign DJ Chark or Jamison Crowder- I mentioned earlier Lockett and Metcalf are one of the best duos in the NFL. If you watched the Super Bowl the Bengals got there on the strength of a good trio and with the Rams potentially bringing back OBJ the Seahawks have to find themselves a solid third receiver.
  4. Sign Charvarious Ward – DJ Reed is a free agent Ward has a lot of upside coming from Kansas City and can help the secondary.

Draft 

RD 1 (9) Malik Willis – Quarterback Liberty: With the ninth overall pick the Seahawks can go in plenty of directions. Edge rusher if one falls, cornerback, Offensive line instead they get the guy who can hopefully be Wilson’s replacement. Names to watch Charles Cross Offensive Tackle Mississippi State, Derek Stingley Cornerback LSU, 

RD 2 (40) Lewis Cine – Safety Georgia : If Quandre Diggs walks, Cine would be a nice replacement. Cine is a big hitter and pairing him with Jamal Adams could be a nice safety duo.

RD 2 (41) Kyler Gordon – Cornerback Washington : Big, athletic corner who can replace DJ Reed if he leaves. The Seahawks should have an advantage on the former Husky who ran a 4.52 40 yard dash at the combine.

RD 3 (72) Myjai Sanders – Edge Cincinaitti: High upside but needs to work on some things. But feels like a player Seattle would take a chance on. 

In 2012 Wilson and Wagner were drafted together and 10 years later they were both let go by the Seahawks. So it truly is the end of an era for the Seahawks and let’s see what the future holds.

Rick Zolzer The Voice of the Hudson Valley Renegades

By Mark Halpern & Lawrence Lang

Rick Zolzer 

The Voice of the Hudson Valley Renegades Of the Hudson Valley Renegades

By Mark Halpern & Lawrence Lang

A few weeks ago, Lawrence “Patch-man” Lang and I (Mark “Old Ops Guy” Halpern) wrote an article regarding the sale of the Single-A Baseball Club the Hudson Valley Renegades and did a direct interview with President Steve Gliner. This article is about the one true voice of the Hudson Valley Renegades.

     We all know that baseball has become more of a business these days than a sport of just enjoyable fun. Fun is an interesting word to use. I mean, why go to the ballpark if it’s not to have some fun in more ways than one. For more than 25 years, Rick Zolzer, known as “THE ZOLZ,” has been the PA announcer for the Hudson Valley Renegades and for several years he is also serves as the Vice President of the club. The Hudson Valley Renegades are a High A full season team and a New York Yankees Affiliate. 

MARK HALPERN: “Please tell me how you got to where you are in the Renegades Organization?”

Zolz: My first season with the Renegades was in 1994 when I was a part-time PA announcer. In 95 I worked fulltime for the club for one year and was fired after the season based on a very shaky relationship with the GM at that time. I returned as a Part-Time Announcer in 1999 while my real job was the head of special events and marketing for the YMCA in Poughkeepsie. A few years later, I was brought back fulltime to take over the Renegades Special Events and Promotions department. After several more years then GM Eben Yeager, elevated me VP, and that’s where I am today.”

    When you go to a major league stadium, the PA announcers really can’t do more than announcing players names & sponsorship reads.

In Minor League Baseball, a good PA Announcer needs to have a personality, and that is something Zolz brings to the Ballpark every game. I have worked for the man personally, and he is the person who can make you hate him one moment but then love him the next. This is what it takes in baseball because if you can’t motivate your people, on either side of the coin you’re not going to last very long and he’s been around for 28 years and counting.

Mark Halpern: What is one moment from your time as the Renegades PA you remember the most?”

Zolz: “I got thrown out of a game in 1995. In any given game, no make that ten games, how many times do you see a balk called? There had been three balk calls in the first few innings. So, I start playing some funny tunes and noises that were subtly directed at the umps. Now back then, there used to be a phone that was in the first base dugout that the umpires could call up to the booth. So, I got into heated little chat with one of the umpires. You could hear the team and crowd ragging on this umpire, frankly with good reason. I said to the umpire “in all my years being in baseball; I have never seen so many balks called. I know you are trying to get noticed, but this isn’t the way to do it.”  So, I turned my mic on so the fans could hear what I was saying to this guy.ner hea His partner heard only one half of the argument and went sprinting to the dugout to tell his partner what was going on – He said he would throw me out of the game if I did it again and I said to him “there is no way a guy who went to his senior prom 4 months ago can run me”…The crowd got angrier and he said enough – I knew I was at the line so I shut up turned off my microphone and we all got back to baseball. An inning later they call the 4th balk and I said nothing – Once the 5th balk was called, I said on the PA “Are you kidding me? The only way either one of you two gets to the big leagues will be if you buy a ticket!” At this point the guy on the bases reaches all the way down to his feet and tosses me out – I figured I was going to get fired so better make a statement on the way out. Instead of going down the back way in shame I go out the front window and wave to the crowd! At the bottom of the stairs a bunch of fans carried me out of the 1st base breezeway. The team was down at the time, came back to win the game then all chipped in to pay my fine. Local cable news got it on the air and it then ended up on live at 5 with Len Berman then being the bumper of the NBC Network news broadcast and finally in Sports Illustrated….Man I got a ton of millage out of that and last year I got a bobblehead to commemorate it

Halpern: “So in today’s world, you went “Viral?”

Zolz: “Yes, I definitely went “Viral” that night.”

    Last year The Hudson Valley Renegades celebrated this moment by creating a Bobblehead of Zolz leaning out of his Press Booth and waving goodbye to the crowd. I am proud to say I not only have one, but it is autographed on my shelf.

   Now I mentioned earlier that Zolz is a great events and promotions coordinator. He has been involved with countless promotions and sponsorships over the years. Like anyone who works there, Zolz is about fun; however, he is very business oriented. Whether running youth baseball camps during the summer or hosting a slew of special events during the on and off-season, Zolz has got a full plate.

Halpern: “Now that you are a New York Yankee affiliate and no longer a Tampa Rays affiliate, do you think companies (new and old) will be more willing to buy advertisements and other promotional sponsorships?”

ZOLZ: “I can tell you this, people who used to be a part of the Renegades corporate family with us back in the day have been calling me wanting to return to part of this exciting change. I am actually getting ready to go to a meeting with a long-time client after this.”

      Nothing against the Tampa Rays organization, but when you put the most popular Baseball franchise in Baseball history anywhere, it will draw attention. Dutchess Stadium is about an hour and twenty min from Yankee Stadium in the Bronx so, you know that many of the people will be chomping at the bit to come to watch the Baby Bombers  play.

      With the former owners, The Goldklang Group selling the team to Diamond Baseball Holdings, Lawrence Lang was interested in knowing how Zolz felt about the sale.

Lawrence Lang: What was your reaction to the sale of the club, and what do you think of Diamond Baseball Holdings?”

ZOLZ: “I wasn’t surprised, it has been very tough on ownership over the last few years with covid and it very tough to make money. So, our old owners saw a great business opportunity and took it. For them and the community this is a great mood. I met Peter Freund of D.B.H. a couple of times at our Goldklang meetings, and he is a great guy, funny, and very savvy.

    Whether they are Sports Franchises or mom and pop stores, companies have been suffering due to the pandemic. Many stores and businesses that have been around for years had to close their doors based on the ripples in the water from this issue. So, business decisions are what they are, and it is meant to be what’s best for the company. Lawrence and I are very excited to see what D.B.H. will do not only with the team but with the stadium. The stadium was completely refurbished with new seats, lighting, food areas, suite rooms for rent for games, and the esthetic is getting better every year.

Zolz is also in charge of the Fun Team which is a group of interns from colleges all over the northeast who help do all the wacky antics on the field, in the stands, and at the front gate during the season. Zolz and his crew work very hard to create an atmosphere that will create smiles and memories for families from all over the Hudson Valley.

     So, who doesn’t love on the field games in between innings of a baseball game?  Even games after the game are a important part of the show at the Dutch. For as long as Lawrence and I can remember all that fun and action is one of the main reasons they have been so successful all these years. From being an intern and working fulltime for the Gades I have seen so many games take place during a game that were a huge hit with the fans and there are a few that come to mind that I can remember in particular that always hit the mark. 

Let’s Make a Deal – seems simple right? Zolz will say, “let’s make a deal” whether it’s a $2 bill, a candy bar that has not been unwrapped yet, or an ugly driver license photo, if you have what he is looking for you better get your butt to the PA booth. Here is where it gets funny cause Zolz will give directions to his booth, and people still fail to listen to him (are you kidding me in the words of Zolz) and can’t find it or bring the wrong item (and he will let them know on the mic). People who sit in front of the PA Booth have to take an extra step .He says to make it fair since you are so close because he will remind them they must go all the way down the stairs and come back up to win whatever he is looking for. From experience being up close, people are always jockeying for position to get up the stairs as if it was a Black Friday sale at Target to win. The best part is that if you screw up, Zolz will call you out and they will be promptly booed by the crowd. Let’s Make a Deal is a staple at the Dutch and ridiculously popular based on its simplicity. 

Stroller Derby: This game takes me back to my days as a kid because it was my favorite game that Zolz and the fun team did, and the game still comes around once and a while to this day because it was such a great game. Three guys are given a stroller and a baby doll in a simple concept game. Their goal is to race each other to a changing station. They must change the doll diaper off, clean its bottom with a baby wipe, put a new diaper on, and then put the baby back in the stroller and race to the finish line. One night, an interesting case happened with this game and was something me and Zolz reminisced on this moment a while back because we both remembered it. 

The game started as usual as all three guys got the job done with changing. One guy got a little quick for himself, tripped over feet, and beefed it on the ground. The gentleman preceded to get up and try to cheat to win and Zolz called him on it and DQ him. The good old K-word came around karma. The gentleman forgot to dump his stroller and the baby fell out of the stroller and of all things the baby doll head came off. Hence, in Zolz fashion, he made a joke to send fans into laughter. Now the events after are what makes this game memorable. Just seeing the events that night makes this game rememberable because this game, anything can happen at any time, and if something does, Zolz will be there with the call.

Tennis Ball Toss: This game has been a staple at Renegades games ever since I remember going as a fan. This simple game usually happens after fireworks. The game is simple: hula hoops are scattered on the infield, usually down the first and third baselines, some at second base, and of course, Rascal, who is seated right in front of the pitcher’s mound with his big bucket. You toss the tennis ball from either the first or third base seats, and if you win, you get a prize. Prizes have ranged over the years from tickets, movies, gems to even a tv. Usually, if a big prize was given out one night, the hula hoop was placed way out behind second base (must work for the prize because Zolz wouldn’t make it that easy for you to win the big prize). Now, if a big prize was not given out a night for tennis balls, that’s where Rascal comes into play with his bucket. If you got it in his bucket, you won all prizes given out for that night. Now a sight to see his hundreds of tennis balls thrown at once on the field going in all directions, whether it was at the hula hoops, interns, Rascals, and his bucket, or even Zolz.

(because who wouldn’t want to peg him with a tennis ball if you had the chance? You might get the Medusa stone stare of death if the hit was pulled off, but he would laugh it off after the stare). This was just a simple game that was easy to pull off and has been a success ever since its inception. The only thing that sucked for this was as an intern and helping Rascal was to clean up something that still gives nightmares occasionally because it was a pain to clean up 1,000+ tennis balls and collect them for the next time.  

Pokémon (The Grid): The last game that gets the crowd pumped up is Pokémon. Simple, you have a bunch of mascots out on the field, whether it was Captain America, Iron Man, Lego Batman, Mario, and Luigi, a Poop Emoji, Rascal, to occasional Intern who broke loose from its shed even the fan-favorite Pikachu was here for this game. Three Kids are given three giant pokeballs to throw around and try to catch all the mascots they can in a 60-second time frame by hitting the mascots with a Pokeball. What makes this game the good old term will take from pro wrestling: the oversell. What makes the game is the mascots overselling being hit by the Pokeball cause the game is there for the kids but also to put on the entertainment aspect as well because who doesn’t want to see mascots fall in theater-like performance and speaking from experience if you get the oversell to work you will stand out. The crowd will love you because you did your job.   

Another advantage of being the great Zolz is that he has announced great names such as Josh Hamilton, Evan Longoria, Wade Davis, and other big names that have come through the Hudson Valley over the years. With the Renegades being a Yankee affiliate, there is a lot of hype about Yankee Prospect Jason Dominguez and when he will make his arrival and come through. Of course, Zolz is excited to see him, but he has another player he is very excited to see.

HALPERN: “Who are you most excited to see this season?”

Zolz “That is a very hard question. I mean, yes, I want to see Dominguez and Volpe and a ton of our guys play. However, I am excited to see Andres Chaparro. I watched this kid from when he arrived mid-season last year and have watched what he has done in the instructional leagues, and he not only has a glove, but his bat is also coming along, and he has some big-time pop. I truly hope we get to see a full season cause this individual is a heck of a ballplayer.”

     Rick Zolzer is what baseball is about; from his talk and swagger, Zolz is famous at Dutchess Stadium. He plays the proper form of a Public Announcer before the game, but during the game, his antics and collaboration of the fun team and Mascots make the entire day a worthwhile trip and a fun experience. When you come to a game, and one of those Yankees hit a dinger, listen for Zolz’s signature “Yes You DID!” after the ball clears the wall.

Vikings Season In Review/Offseason Preview

By: Mike Rifkin

If you were to sum up the Minnesota Vikings 2021 season in one word to me that word would be disappointing. The Vikings finished with an 8-9 record which was second in the NFC North. After the season the Vikings fired General Manager Rick Spielman and coach Mike Zimmer. Zimmer was fired after eight seasons. Spielman was replaced by Kwesi Adofo- Mensah who was the Vice President of Football Operations for Cleveland Browns. Zimmer was replaced by Kevin O’Connell, the Rams offensive coordinator. O”Connell inherited an offense that was twelfth in the NFL in total yards averaging 362.8 yards per game and 25.0 points per game. 

O’Connell will reunite with quarterback Kirk Cousins, who he coached for one season in Washington. Cousins is often criticized for not being worth the contract he signed. It’s a fair criticism of Cousins but  Cousins has put up good numbers. In 2021 Cousins had a 66.3 completion percentage 4,221 yards, 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions and averaged 271.0 yards per game. Is Cousins going to be Aaron Rodgers, no but he does enough with what he has to elevate Minnesota. 

O’Connell will also be getting one of the best Running Back duos in the NFL. Dalvin Cook was fifth in the NFL in rushing with 1,159 yards averaging 89.2 yards per game and had six touchdowns in 13 games played. Cook is one of the elite running backs in the league he just has to stay healthy, in his career Cook has never played a full season. Alexander Mattison is one of the best backup running backs in the league In 16 games played Mattison posted career highs in yards with 491 and touchdowns with three. If Minnesota wants to keep Cook healthy using Mattison more would surely help them. 

The Vikings offense also possesses one of the best receiving duos in the NFL with Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen. Jefferson was second in the league in receiving yards with 1,616 yards, fourth in catches with 108 and had 10 touchdowns. In his two seasons in the league 196 catches for 3,016 yards and 17 touchdowns. Adam Thielen had 67 catches for 726 yards and 10 touchdowns in 13 games played. K.J Osborn had a breakout season with 50 receptions for 655 yards and seven touchdowns. 

The Viking defense gave up 25.1 points per game in 2021. They gave up 383.6 yards per game which ranked 30th in the NFL, they were second in sacks with 51 and were fifth in turnover differential with a +11. Safety Xavier Woods and linebacker Anthony Barr were tied for the team lead with three interceptions. Defensive End Danielle Hunter had six sacks but was limited to seven games due to a torn pectoral muscle. The two prior seasons Hunter had 14.5 sacks in both seasons. 

The Vikings currently sit 14 million dollars over the salary cap. Ways the Vikings could save cap is trading defensive tackle Michael Pierce before June 1st would save them 6.5 million dollars, Trading defensive Tackle Armon Watts could save 2.54 million dollars, Trading Center Garrett Bradbury could save 2.25 million dollars. Minnesota also has to find a way to restructure Kirk Cousins contract and his 35 million dollars guaranteed. Trading Cousins would create 45 million dollars in dead cap for the Vikings. 

Free agency

  1. Sign Brian Allen – If the Vikings get rid of Bradbury Allen is a perfect replacement. He played for Kevin O’Connell with the Rams.
  2. Sign Maxx Williams – Former Cardinal went to the University of Minnesota and is coming off a torn ACL which means he won’t be an expensive pickup. Vikings have a need at tight end
  3. Re-sign Xavier Woods and Patrick Peterson. Woods tied for the team lead with three interceptions and both he and Peterson bring a good veteran presence to the defense.

Draft

RD 1 (12) – Ahmad Gardner Cornerback Cincinnati: The best corner in the draft Gardner is a tall corner who had a good career with the Bearcats. Needs to improve on some things but can start day one. Other names to watch: Derek Stingley Jr Cornerback LSU, David Ojabo Edge Michigan, Charles Cross OT Mississippi State

RD 2 (46) –  Damone Clark Linebacker LSU: Brings size and speed to the linebacker position. If Anthony Barr departs in free agency Clark can replace him. Other Names to watch Jalen Wydermyer Tight End Texas A&M, Jaquan Brisker Safety Penn State

RD 3 ( 77) – Charlie Kolar Tight End Iowa State: More of a receiving tight end Kolar put up solid numbers for the Cyclones. If the Vikings sign Maxx Williams he can be the blocking tight end for the duo and give Kirk Cousins another solid weapon. Other names to watch Verone Mckinley Safety Oregon, Christopher Allen Edge Alabama.

TWIW – This Week In Wrestling (2/27/22 – 3/4/22)

By Jeff Knapp

In unbelievable news, Tony Khan has purchased Ring Of Honor and their video tape library. The wrestling world is buzzing over this news. Hopefully there will be more news in the days to come to post to next week’s edition of TWIW

WWE – RAW

The KO Show starts the show with Owens in his amazing cowboy hat. Seth Rollins joins him and talk about “the two biggest WWE Superstars in History not on WrestleMania” but have an opportunity to change that when they challenge the Alpha Academy & the Street Profits next week on Raw for the Raw Tag Team Titles.

Non-Title Tag Team Match: Raw Tag Team Champions the Alpha Academy vs Seth Rollins & Kevin Owens – Rollins with a Buckle Bomb on Gable, followed by a Stunner by Owens, which leads to a Stomp from Rollings for the 1-2-3.

Omos vs T-Bar – Omos nails T-BAR with a two-handed Spinebuster toss.

6 Woman tag: Bianca Belair, Rhea Ripley & Liv Morgan vs Nikki A.S.H., Doudrop, and Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch – Belair hits the KOD on Nikki for the pinfall, but not before whipping Becky multiple times in the stomach with her long hair.

Robert Roode w/ Dolph Ziggler vs NXT’s Tommaso Ciampa – Ciampa goes for a Fairy Tale ending, but Roode counters into a roll-up attempt. Roode finally connects with a Glorious DDT but Ciampa turns that into a roll-up for the 1-2-3.

After the match Ziggler and Roode attack Ciampa and say that Tuesday on NXT they’ll prove that the Dirty Dawgs are the dirties dogs in the game when they destroy Ciampa and Bron Breakker.

Mixed Tag: 24/7 Champion Dana Brooke & Reggie vs Tamina & Akira Tozawa – Brooke sends Tamina outside and Reggie hits a spinning move to down Tozawa and pick up the win.

The Mysterios vs The Hurt Business – Dominik sends Benjamin into the ring post and as the ref checks on Shelton, the Miz pulls Dom’s feet out from under him. Rey chases the Miz into the crowd, leaving Dominik by himself, allowing Shelton to roll up Dominik for the pinfall. Dom looks upset at his dad.

RK-Bro vs the Street Profits – Orton is looking for a RKO but Ford shoves him off and hits a leaping kick. Ford then goes to the top and hits his Skyscraper Frog Splash. Ford covers and Orton attempts to put his foot on the rope, but Dawkins blocks it for the pinfall victory.

Main Event: US Championship title match: Damian Priest(c) vs Finn Bálor – Bálor nails a Shotgun Dropkick on Priest into the corner and as Damien is on the mat, Bálor goes up top and connects with up the Coup De Grace for the 1-2-3 and becomes the NEW United States Champion.

After the match, Priest blames the fans for powering Finn to a win and “never” cheering for him. Priest then takes Finn outside the ring and nails him with Outsider’s Edge as he walks away.

Edge Addresses His WrestleMania Future and continues to offer up an open challenge for Wrestlemania. Who’s going to accept?

AJ Styles comes out and accepts the Wrestlemania match. Edge tells Styles he’s been wanting a match against him forever, but then demands he get the Phenomenal One and not the Styles who’s been playing “tag team bitch” to Omos. Edge offers to shake hands, but instead attacks AJ and eventually hits Styles with a one-man conchairto.

NXT

NXT Champion Bron Breakker & Tommaso Ciampa vs Raw’s the Dirty Dawgs – Ciampa ducks a Superkick from Ziggler and instead hits the Fairy Tale Ending on him for the 1-2-3.

LA Knight is in the ring and talks about his rivalry with Grayson Waller. He ends up challenging Waller to Last Man Standing match.

2022 Women’s Dusty Classic Quarter-finals Match: Indi Hartwell & Persia Pirotta vs Dakota Kai & Wendy Choo – Choo sends Hartwell out of the ring. Pirotta grabs Choo but Kai drops Pirotta with a running kick. Choo then tags in and Kai tags immediately after as Choo ascends the top and lands a splash/double stomp combo on Pirotta for the pinfall.

Amari Miller vs Lash Legend – Legend picks up the win off a modified Death Valley Driver for the 1-2-3.

Solo Sikoa vs WALTER – Sikoa heads up to and looks for an Uso Splash but WALTER moves and applies a sleeper but Solo breaks it with a jawbreaker. WALTER again applies a sleeper hold and now Sikoa starts to fade.The ref checks on him but WALTER transitions from the Sleeper to connecting with 2 powerbombs for the pinfall and ending Solo’s undefeated streak.

NXT Roadblock is next week and will be main evented by Bron Breakker defending his NXT Championship in a triple-threat match against Dolph Ziggler & Tommaso Ciampa. Also, LA Knight vs Grayson Waller in a Last Man Standing match and The Creed Brothers will challenge Imperium for the NXT tag titles.

Harland w/ Joe Gacy vs Draco Anthony – Harland slams Draco’s face into the match and picks up the pinfall.

2022 Women’s Dusty Classic Quarter-finals Match: Cora Jade & Raquel Gonzalez vs Yulissa Leon & Valentina Feroz – Raquel hits the Chingona Bomb, tags in Jade, Raquel hits a big boot followed by a cover from Jade to pick up the victory.

Andre Chase w/ Bodhi Hayward vs Von Wagner w/ Robert Stone – As Chase heads outside and confronts Robert Stone. When Andre reenters the ring, Wagner nails him with his slam for the victory.

Main Event: North American Championship: Carmelo Hayes(c) w/ Trick Williams vs Pete Dunne – Dunne looks for a Bitter End but Hayes counters with a cutter. As Hayes climbs the middle turnbuckle, Dunne is up fast and nails Carmelo. Trick Williams climbs the apron, distracting Dunne. Dunne snaps Williams’ fingers, but the distraction allows Melo the ability to shove Dunne off the top and follows it up with a top-rope leg drop for the 1-2-3.

After the match Carmelo Hayes announces that at NXT Stand & Deliver during WrestleMania weekend, he will defend his title in a ladder match against an as-yet-unnamed wrestler.

AEW – DYNAMITE

The show opens with Tony Khan announcing to the world that he has acquired ROH. He also mentioned that the main event at ROH’s 1st show was Bryan Danielson vs Christopher Daniels. With that said, that’s what will start off tonight’s show.

Bryan Danielson vs. Christopher Daniels – Both men adhere to the code of honor, with a handshake. Daniels goes for the Best Moonsault Ever but gets caught in the triangle choke from Danielson who then lands elbows to Chris’s head and the ref calls off the match.

After the match Bryan Danielson breaks ROH tradition by leading people to think he’s going to shake hands, but ends up stopping Daniels’ head. This leads to Mox coming out and Bryan tells him that this will be his head this Sunday at the Revolution PPV.

Casino Tag-Team Royale No. 2 to see who will face The Jurassic Express and Redragon at Revolution for the AEW Tag Team Titles: FTR vs Top Flight vs The Acclaimed vs The Dark Order’s Alan Angels &  #10 vs The Butcher & The Blade vs The Varsity Blondes vs  Santana & Ortiz vs Bear Country vs Best Friends vs The Dark Order’s  Stu Grayson &  Evil Uno vs The Young Bucks vs The Gunn Club vs Lee Johnson and Brock Anderson vs Team 2point0 – Darius Martin and Matt Jackson both go over the top rope and slug it out until Jackson connects with a superkick to eliminate Darius for the victory.

It will now be The Jurassic Express vs The Young Bucks and Redragon this Sunday at Revolution.

CM Punk comes out to address MJF’s promo from last week and asks himself if he’s the bad guy. MJF comes out looking sullen and when Punk offers his hand, MJF give him a hug, then kicks him right between the legs. MJF then brutally attacks him and busts him wide open. Wardlow and Shawn Spears come down, and while Wardlow looks disgusted, Shawn helps MJF hang Punk over the top rope with the dog collar and chain. As Punk is bleeding profusely, Sting and Darby Allin run out to make the save.

Britt Baker & Jamie Hayter vs. Thunder Rosa & Mercedes Martinez – As Hayter and Martinez fight on the floor, Thunder Rosa hits her finisher on Baker for the 1-2-3.

It’s announced that Sammy Guevara will defend his TNT Championship this Friday on Rampage against Andrade El Idolo and Darby Allin.

Wardlow vs. Cezar Bononi – Powerbombs and the match is over and so is Wardlow with the fans. Spears attempts to blast Cezar with a chair after the match, but Wardlow stops him. Shawn gets in Wardlow’s face, but quickly backs down.

MJF insults Wardlow, smacks him in the face and reminds him that Wardlow works for him as his bodyguard and not for AEW.

Main Event: “Hangman” Page, John Silver & Alex Reynolds vs. Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish – Cole “Lowers The Boom” on Alex Reynolds for the 1-2-3.

IMPACT

Eddie Edwards vs. Steve Maclin – Maclin wins via a DQ after getting hit with a kendo stick from Eddie

After the match both Team Impact & HNM both hit the ring, which leads to a match between Vincent and Heath

Heath vs Vincent – Heath connects with the Wake Up Call for the 1-2-3

Masha Slamovich vs. Rachell Pose – Masha delivers the snow plow for the pinfall.

G.O.D. talks about Jay White being a liar and how they brought in Jay White into Bullet Club and he betrayed them. VBD talks to them about having a business arrangement. They decide to make their presence felt and get The Good Brothers and The Bullet Club tonight.

Cassie Lee vs. Madison Rayne – Kaleb with a K catches Jessica McKay who fell off the apron and gently puts her down. This distracts Madison who gets finished off by Cassie for the pinfall.

Jake Something vows to capture the X-Division Championship from Trey Miguel this Sunday at Sacrifice.

Knockouts Title Eliminator: Tasha Steelz vs Chelsea Green – while on the outside, Chelsea gets ran over by Savanah while the ref was distracted. Green gets rolled into the ring allowing Tasha to hit a frog splash of the 1-2-3 and will now fave Mickie James for the Knockouts title.

Johnny Swinger vs. JONAH – JONAH hits a running senton and follows up with his Psunami splash for the pinfall

Main Event: The Bullet Club vs. Violent By Design & G.O.D. (NO DQ) – Joe Doering sets up a door in the corner then charges at Bey he rolls out of the way and Doering crashes through the door. White then follows that up with a Bladerunner on the steel chair for the 1-2-3.

WWE – SMACKDOWN

Intercontinental Championship Match: Sami Zayn(c) vs Ricochet – Johnny Knoxville comes out and distracts Sami, allowing Ricochet to roll up Sami for the win and become the NEW Intercontinental Champion

Backstage Sami Zayn has a complete meltdown and challenges Knoxville to a match at Wrestlemania

Austin Theory comes down ringside and informs Pat McAfee that he’s going to be his opponent at WrestleMania and then open hand slaps Pat across the face.

Naomi w/ Sasha Banks vs Carmella w/ Queen Zelina – Naomi gets the 1-2-3

Drew McIntyre vs Jinder Mahal w/ Shanky – Drew connects with a devastating Claymore for the pinfall victory.

Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs are attacked from behind by the Usos

SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match: the Usos(c) vs the Viking Raiders – 1D on Erik for the 1-2-3.

Big E w/ Kofi Kingston vs Sheamus w/ Ridge Holland – New day come out on 4 wheelers, but are attacked by Sheamus and Ridge, who steal their 4 wheeler and drive off. (No Contest)

Main Event: Ronda Rousey(d) vs Sonya Deville – After tossing Sonya around for a bit, Ronda applies an armbar on Sonya for the submission victory

AEW – RAMPAGE

TNT Championship: Sammy Guevara (C) vs. Darby Allin vs. Andrade El Idolo – Darby connect with a Coffin Drop off the top-rope on Andrade, goes for the cover, but is broken up on 2 by Sammy, who cover Andrade for the 1-2-3.

Malakai Black, Brody King & Buddy Matthews confront  Penta & PAC, but are surprised that they have somebody to watch their back. Out comes….Erick Redbeard (FKA Erick Rowan in the WWE)

Keith Lee vs. JD Drake – Keith Lee finishes Drake off with a sit down power bomb

The Professor’s 5-Minute Rookie Challenge: Serena Deeb vs. Leila Grey – Serenity lock by Deeb for the submission victory. After the match Hikaru Shida returns and whips Deeb with a Kendo stick and announces that she’s back.

Main Event: Face Of The Revolution Qualifier: Ethan Page vs. Christian Cage – Christian connects with the Killswitch for the 1-2-3 and is the final entrant in the Face of the Revolution ladder match at the Revolution PPV.

Colts Season In Review/Offseason Preview

By: Mike Rifkin

Everyone’s lasting image of the 2021 Indianapolis Colts was them getting manhandled by the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars which kept the Colts out of the playoffs. It’s been a long offseason in Indy especially for quarterback Carson Wentz. 

Wentz was acquired from the Eagles for a first round pick this year. Colts coach Frank Reich was the Eagles Offensive Coordinator in 2017 when Wentz was having the best year of his career and was the frontrunner for MVP before tearing his ACL. Reich and the Eagles still won the Super Bowl with Nick Foles at the helm. Wentz in 2021 had a 62.4 completion percentage with 3,563 yards, 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions, Wentz was also sacked 32 times. I don’t think this is a tough decision for Indy. I would keep Wentz unless I can go big. By big I mean trade for either Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson, I would include Deshaun Watson here but I doubt Houston trades him within the division. Give Wentz another year and surround him with some playmakers. 

Speaking of playmakers, Jonathon Taylor who was in the MVP conversation until the end of the season led the NFL with 1,811 yards and 18 touchdowns. Taylor averaged 106.5 yards per game. Taylor led the Colts to the second best rushing attack in the NFL averaging 149.4 yards per game rushing. 

Taylor wasn’t the only second year player to have a big year. Receiver Michael Pittman Jr. led the team with 88 catches for 1,082 yards and six touchdowns. Running backs Jonathon Taylor and Nyheim Hines were tied for second with 40 receptions each. If the Colts have one massive need it’s receiver 

Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus was hired to be the new head coach of the Chicago Bears. Eberflus will be replaced by former Jaguars coach Gus Bradley. The Colts were 16th in yards allowed giving up 343.2 yards per game, and gave up 21.5 points per game. The Colts defense was 25th in sacks with 33.Defensive Tackle DeForest Buckner led the team with seven. The Colts defense feasted on turnovers with 33 takeaways which gave them a +14 turnover differential which was tied with the Cowboys for the best in the NFL. The defense is led by linebacker Darius Leonard who had 122 tackles, four interceptions, and eight forced fumbles. Cornerback Kenny Moore matched his 2020 total with four interceptions. 

The Colts will have about 41 million dollars in cap space this offseason. This is a team that could be on the verge of something big in the AFC. Spending big money isn’t usually the plan in Indy but maybe that changes this offseason. 

Offseason to do list

  1. Extend Quenton Nelson. The team already picked up his fifth year option which is set at just under 14 million dollars. So the Colts can scrap it with an extension or extend him and that doesn’t kick in until next season it is vital the Colts get this done for one of the best offensive linemen in football.
  2. Re-sign Mark Glowinski and Matt Pryor. Keep one of the best offensive lines intact because the Colts want to establish their run game.
  3. Sign Allen Robinson or Chris Godwin. It doesn’t matter who the quarterback is, the Colts need someone opposite Pittman. Now if the Colts could land Rodgers this would say do everything you can to get Davante Adams, but Robinson and Godwin are very good recievers that can help Indy’s passing game. 
  4. Re-sign Zach Pascal. Pascal had a solid year in 2021 with 384 yards and three touchdowns. If the Colts sign one of the above receivers plus Pittman that is a solid group of three.
  5. Sign Hasson Reddick, Melvin Ingram or Jadeveon Clowney. Indy needs a pass rusher in the worst way. Reddick and Ingram would probably be multi year contracts but Clowney for the right price could sign a one year contract. 

Draft

RD 1 : Traded to Eagles for Carson Wentz

RD 2 : (47) Trey Mcbride: Colorado State Tight End. Good blocker and has great run after the catch. Uncertain of the futures of Mo Allie-Cox and Jack Doyle the Colts should grab the tight end. Other names to look for Kyler Gordon cornerback Washington, Cam Thomas Edge San Diego State

RD 3 (82) Cobe Bryant: Cincinnati Cornerback. Four year starter and with uncertainty about the futures of Xavier Rhodes and Rock Ya-Sin drafting Bryant could help the Colts secondary. Other name to watch : John Metchie Wide Receiver Alabama.

Once again if the Colts cannot acquire Rodgers or Wilson I would stick it out with Carson Wentz and surround him with talent because there is something here with the Colts.

Rob-bing Us Of Baseball

By: Mike Rifkin

On Tuesday it was announced that Major League Baseball and the Players Association could not come to terms on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. With that, Commissioner Rob Manfred has announced that the first two series of the 2022 season are canceled. There is only one individual to blame for this mess and that is Rob Manfred. 

Manfred announced the beginning of the lockout in December and said “Simply put, we believe that an offseason lockout is the best mechanism to protect the 2022 season. We hope that the lockout will jumpstart the negotiations and get us to an agreement that will allow us to start the season on time.” The next league proposal was 43 days later, if Manfred was serious about protecting the 2022 season it shouldn’t have taken 43 days to make an offer and wait until the last minute to try to facilitate a deal after Manfred and the owners imposed the lockout. His body language showed he seemed unaffected by the work stoppage by smiling and laughing at certain points during his press conference. Manfred was also asked  by a reporter “Why didn’t you negotiate over the last three months?” Manfred’s response was “We have been here for 10 days. That is my best answer.” The problem is that’s not an answer. Manfred imposed the lockout in December. Why are you waiting until the last possible minute to get a deal done? That shows you never wanted to work with the players on certain issues. 

So on revenue yes owners lost money due to the pandemic in 2020, but that too is Manfred’s fault because he is the guy who instituted the 60 game schedule. Manfred also said during his press conference “The concerns of our fans are at the very top of our consideration list.” All Rob sees in fans is their money because if he truly cared what the fans thought he wouldn’t have waited to negotiate the CBA. Also while they were down in Florida he wouldn’t have waited until Friday to see if he could help get a deal done. 

Baseball right now cannot afford a season long lockout because it’s popularity has dwindled. Yes there are a lot of people who love the game, but the NFL, NBA and a few others have surpassed MLB in popularity. Rob Manfred is the same guy who called the World Series trophy a hunk of metal, it’s time for baseball to get a commissioner who cares about the game because a lockout hurts the players and owners but the most affected by a lockout are the fans.

TWIW – This Week In Wrestling (2/19 – 2/25)

By Jeff Knapp

Congratulations to CM Punk for becoming the next wrestler inducted into the ROH Hall Of Fame

On 2/21 NJPW announced the 48-Man New Japan Cup tournament which will start on March 2nd and last through the 7th. The 16 winners will go on to face the 16 other wrestlers that received a first round bye to the second round. The second round will begin on March 9th, with the final match taking place on March 27th.

Jay White turns on founding Bullet Club members the G.O.D.

It appears that Drake Maverick who was released last year has been rehired by the WWE and will be part of Raw’s creative team.

The 2022 Crockett Cup has been announced for 3/29 and 3/30 and below are the brackets as the stand

“The Swiss Superman” Cesaro aka Claudio Castagnoli is no longer with the WWE by deciding to let his contract to expire and not resign with the company.

AAA – REY DE REYES

Taya Valkyrie def. Lady Maravilla, Lady Shani, Flammer and Keyra in a #1 Contender’s Match for the AAA Reina de Reinas Championship.

Los Vipers (Abismo Negro Jr., Psicosis and Latigo) def. Nino Hamburguesa, Mr. Iguana and Myzteziz Jr. in a 6-Man Tag Team Match.

Los Vipers (Chik Tormenta and Arez) (c) def. Sexy Star and Octagon Jr. and Los Mercenarios (La Hiedra and Villano III Jr.) in a Triple Threat Match to retain their AAA World Mixed Tag Team Championships.

La Familia Real (LA Park, LA Park Jr. and El Hijo de LA Park) def. Nueva Generacion Dinamita (El Cuatrero, Forastero and Sanson) and La Empresa (Sam Adonis, Puma King and DMT Azul) via DQ in a Triple Threat Trios Match.

Psycho Clown def. Heavy Metal, Laredo Kid, Cibernetico and Bandido in a Rey de Reyes Match.

Pentagon Jr. def. Dralistico in a Singles Match.

El Hijo del Vikingo (c) def. John Superstar to retain his AAA Mega Championship.

WWE -ELIMINATION CHAMBER

The Miz vs. Rey Mysterio – The Miz goes for the Skull crushing finale but Rey counters into a roll-up and scores the pinfall victory.

WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns (C) vs. Goldberg – Goldberg connects with a giant spear then starts to set him up for the jackhammer, but Reigns counters into a guillotine choke. Goldberg fights is off as long as he can but passes out and the ref calls for the bell.

Women’s Elimination Chamber: Alexa Bliss vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Liv Morgan vs. Bianca Belair vs. Doudrop vs. Nikki A.S.H. –

Ripley hits the Rip-Tide on Nikki for the 1st elimination

Liv hits a wild top-rope sunset flip on Doudrop for the 1-2-3 and the 2nd elimination

Alexa connects with Twisted Bliss on Live for the 3rd elimination

Bianca hits the KOD on Ripley for the 4th elimination.

Bianca finally connects with another KOD on Alexa for the 5th and final elimination for the win and is now going to face Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 38 for the Raw Women’s title

Charlotte Flair & Sonya Deville vs. Ronda Rousey & Naomi – With one arm tied behind her back, Ronda Rousey locks in the arm bar on Sonya for the submission

Falls Count Anywhere: Drew McIntyre vs. Madcap Moss – Drew hit the Future Shock DDT, then grabs Amber the sword and still connects with the Claymore Kick for the 1-2-3.

Raw Women’s Championship: Lita vs. Becky Lynch (C) – Lita hits a Twist of Fate. Lita then heads to the top rope and hits a Lita-sault, but only gets a two and a half count on Becky.

Lynch then nails Lita with her Man-Handle Slam for the pinfall.

SmackDown Tag-Team Championships: The Viking Raiders vs. The Usos (C) – The Usos attack the VR from behind and leave them laying. The match never happens

WWE Championship Elimination Chamber: Bobby Lashley (C) vs. Brock Lesnar vs. AJ Styles vs. Seth Rollins vs. Riddle vs. Austin Theory

Rollins hits a buckle bomb on Theory into Lashley’s pod but the force knocks Lashley backwards into the steel frame. Lashley is removed and sent in for concussion protocol. There will be a NEW WWE champion tonight no matter what.

Unable to wait any longer, Lesnar breaks through his own pod and makes an early entrance into the match.

Lesnar F5s Rollins for the pinfall and elimination

Seconds later Lesnar beats down Riddle and F5s him too for the 2nd elimination

Lesnar then beats down Styles and F5s him for the 3rd elimination

Lesnar and Theory are the last 2 men. Theory is running scared. He is able to low blow Lesnar, but that only makes him angrier. Theory tries to climb out of the Elimination Chamber although that can’t be done. Lesnar catches him and F5s him off the top of a pod and then gets the 4th and final elimination becoming the NEW WWE World Champion.

IMPACT – NO SURRENDER

X-Division #1 Contender Match: Ace Austin vs. “Speedball” Mike Bailey vs. Jake Something vs. Chris Bey -Something hits the Into the Void on Austin for the 1-2-3 and is the new #1 Contender to the X-Division Title.

Jonah vs. Black Taurus – Jonah slams Taurus to the ring then a splash, followed by a Power Bomb for a 2 count. Jonah heads to the top turnbuckle for the Tsunami 1-2-3

Eric Young vs. “Switchblade” Jay White – White hits the Half and Half Suplex followed by the Bladerunner for the pinfall

ROH Women’s Championship: Deonna Purrazzo vs. Miranda Alize – Alize with a Rip Cord Knee followed by the MIranda Rights. Purrazzo turns it over for a cover but Alize kicks out at the two. Purrazzo with an Arm Bar for the submission

Impact Digital Media Championship: Matt Cardona (c) vs. Jordynne Grace – Matt Cardona looks to hit Grace with the chair but Jordynne nails Matt with a low blow giving Cardona the win via DQ.

Impact World Tag Team Championship: Good Brothers (c) vs. G.O.D. – Tonga and Loa look for the Magic Killer as Chris Bey distracts the referee. Tonga and Gallows spill over the top rope. While the ref is still distracted Jay White turns on the GOD but hitting the Blade Runner on Tonga. Allowing the Good Brothers to get the three count.

Knockouts World Championship: Mickie James (c) vs. Tasha Steelz – Mickie James rolls up Tasha Steelz for the pinfall victory

Impact World Championship: Moose (c) vs. W. Morrissey – While both men are down Moose jumps back to his feet as Morrisey struggles to his feet. Moose connects with a Spear for the 1-2-3.

Honor No More (Matt Taven, Mike Bennett, Vincent, PCO, & Kenny King) vs. Team Impact (Eddie Edwards, Chris Sabin, Rich Swann, Rhino, & Steve Maclin) – Edwards turns on Impact wrestling and nails Rhino with the kendo stick allowing Honor No More to get the win and can stay in Impact Wrestling.

WWE – RAW

The show opens with WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar. He hypes his match at Wrestlemania against Roman Reigns. Paul Heyman comes out and tells Brock that he may not make it to WM as the WWE Champion because he has to defend his title at MSG on Saturday March 5th. Lesnar said he knows he has to be there, and he also said that he will be in Hershey, PA this Friday for Smackdown.

Backstage Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins claim they’re the best tag team champions on the roster. They announce that they’ll enter a tag title tournament in two weeks, and brag about going on to win the Raw tag titles, and then eventually challenging the Usos for the blue-brand titles, too.

Non-Title Tag Match: The Street Profits vs Raw Tag Team Champions the Alpha Academy – Ford hoists Otis up, cross-body style, but collapses, Otis lands on top of him, Gable holds his boot and the tag champs steal the win.

The Dirty Dawgs vs Finn Bálor & NXT’s Tommaso Ciampa – Ciampa connects with a step-up flying knee on Roode then attempts the Fairy Tale Ending but modifies it mid-move into a roll-up for the 1-2-3.

MizTV featuring the Mysterios – Miz challenges the Mysterios to a tag team match at WM. He introduces them to his partner, Logan Paul. They proceed to destroy the Mysterios.

Rhea Ripley vs Nikki A.S.H. – (for the 900th time) Rhea connects with Riptide for the pinfall.

NonTitle Match: United States Champion Damian Priest vs Shelton Benjamin – Priest hits South of Heaven followed by the Reckoning. For the 1-2-3.>

Priest announces that next week he’ll defend his title in an open challenge. Finn Bálor accepts the challenge and promises to give Priest the caliber of contender he’s been looking for.

Impromptu 24/7 Championship Match: Reggie “allows” Dana to cover him, but he kicks out twice. Finally, Dana kisses him and pins him at the same time to become the 24/7 champion. Catering comes to the ring and they escape.

Bianca Belair and Becky Lynch jaw jack each other until Bianca’s upcoming match starts

Bianca Belair vs Doudrop – Belair gets Dou up for the KOD and nails it for the pinfall victory. Bianca has to be the strongest lady on the roster pound for pound and possibly in the locker room as a whole.

Edge comes out and addresses the WWE Universe. Edge says he needs WrestleMania and it needs him. Edge then issues an open challenge to the locker room, telling someone, anyone to step up and prove themselves across from him in the ring on the grandest stage at all. He demands the boys step up.

Main Event: RK-Bro vs Seth Rollins & Kevin Owens – Riddle attacks Owens but Owens stomps Riddle’s exposed feet. On the outside, Rollins hits a Stomp on Orton. Riddle hits a Floating Bro to Owens. Seth Rollins is tagged in then Riddle looks for an RKO but Rollins & Owens counter and connect with a stunner and stomp for the 1-2-3.

Rollins & Owens will now face RK-Bro and the Alpha Academy in 2 weeks for the Raw tag titles.

NXT

NXT Champion Bron Breakker Addresses the NXT Universe. Bron promises to walk into WrestleMania weekend and the upcoming NXT Stand & Deliver event as the champ. Dolph Ziggler arrives and compliments then insults Bron. Dolph hypes his match later tonight.

LA Knight vs Grayson Waller w/ Sanga – Sanga, interferes and distracts Knight allowing Waller to capitalize for the win. After the match, Waller and Sanga attack LA Knight but he nails both with the BFD

2022 Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic First Round Match: Io Shirai & Kay Lee Ray vs Amari Miller & Lash Legend – KLR connects with a KLR Bomb on Lash Legend. Io is then tagged in and hits her Moonsault for the 1-2-3.

Duke Hudson vs Dante Chen – Hudson hits the Razor’s Edge for the pinfall

North American Champion Carmelo Hayes with Trick Williams come to the ring and tells us how he stole the show last week. This leads to Pete Dunne coming out and challenges Melo to a match, which he accepts.

Trick Williams w/ Carmelo Hayes vs Cameron Grimes w/ Pete Dunne – Grimes nails Williams with the Cave In for the win.

Nikkita Lyons (debut match) vs Kayla Inlay – Nikkita wins with a spin kick and lays on her split legged style. She had our attention

Diamond Mine and Imperium are cutting a promo about the tag titles when the Creed Brother start fighting Marcel & Barthel on the outside. WALTER starts to walk towards Bivens, but Solo Sikoa attacks WALTER.

2022 Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, First Round Match: Kayden Carter & Kacy Catanzaro vs the Diamond Mine – Carter and Catanzaro hit their finish neck breaker into a 450 splash finisher on Paxley for the 1-2-3.

After the match, Tatum Paxley is attacked by Ivy Nile until Roderick Strong calms her down and they back up the ramp together.

Main Event: NXT Championship #1 Contenders Match: Dolph Ziggler vs Tommaso Ciampa – Ciampa picks Ziggler hits Dolph with the Air Raid Crash on the apron. While the ref checks on Dolph a “Camera Man” nails Ciampa with the camera allowing Ziggler to connect with a Superkick for the 1-2-3. And becoming the #1 Contender for the NXT Championship.

After the match, the cameraman takes his mask off to reveal it’s Dolph’s tag team partner Bobby Roode. Breakker hits the ring challenges The Dirty Dawgs to a tag team match next week.

NWA – POWERRR

Jax Dane defeated Eric Jackson

Two-Out-Of-Three Falls: Colby Corino defeated Rhett Titus

Chelsea Green defeated Kenzie Page

NWA Women’s Championship: Kamille (c) defeated Taryn Terrell

AEW – DYNAMITE

Tag-Team Battle Royale: The Butcher & the Blade vs Private Party vs Santana & Ortiz vs Redragon vs FTR vs The Young Bucks vs The Dark Order vs The Gunn Club (Austin & Colton) vs Best Friends (Baretta & Orange Cassidy) vs 2Point0 – Matt Jackson and Kyle O’Reilly gang up on John Silver but as Matt goes to toss out John Kyle ends up tossing both men out and winning the match for Redragon and are now the #1 contenders for the AEW World Tag Team Championships.

MJF’s response to CM Punk’s Dog Collar Match is now addressed. MJF gives us a 10-star promo. He talks about he looked up to punk because of all the bullying and issues he went through as a kid but felt like Punk gave up and left him in 2014. He dropped his dream of being a pro wrestler because of that but saw a picture of Punk and Danielson and got that fire back years later. MJF mentioned how Punk said that autograph signing was just another Friday to him, but it meant the world to him that day because of all the nasty things said and done to him leading up to that day.

Punk comes to the ring and asks if that’s true. MJF won’t answer and just leaves the ring. That was an amazing segment.

Team 2.0 & Daniel Garcia Respond To Bryan Danielson and say they don’t need him.

Malakai Black & Brody King vs. PAC & Penta El Zero Miedo – Malakai Black attempts to spray the black mist into Penta, but Penta covers Black’s mouth and starts to choak on the mist leading to Penta getting the 1-2-3. After the match the House Of Black take out PAC attacks Penta with the shovel he brought to the ring. Black goes to take Penta out, but the lights go out. When they come back on Buddy Matthews (aka Buddy Murphy) is standing in the ring.  Black is shocked, as Buddy attacks PAC. Black soon lays a chair down and Buddy is prompted to stomp Penta’s face on the steel. The lights go out and the House Of Black vanish.

Eddie Kingston & Chris Jericho are in the ring demeaning each other. Jericho says that Eddie has the fear of winning the big one and can’t win the big one and in AEW he IS the big one. Eddie says he’s not a sports entertainer but a fighter and wants the old Jericho that turned WCW on its head and was the first to win the AEW Championship.

Backstage, Matt Hardy challenges Sting, Darby Allin and Sammy Guevara to face himself, Andrade and one of the members of Private Party in a Tornado trios match.

Face of the Revolution Qualifier: Ricky Starks vs. Dark Order No. 10 – Ricky pulls at 10’s mask and then spears him for the 1-2-3.

Backstage Adam Cole is trying to get The Young Bucks & Redragon to stop arguing and get along.

TBS Women’s Championship: Jade Cargill (C) vs. The Bunny – Jade hits the Widow’s Peak / Jaded finisher for the 1-2-3.

After the match she wants to know who’s next and then asks who’s left? This brings out Tay Conti as they brawl and get pulled apart.

Main Event: Daniel Garcia vs. Bryan Danielson – Danielson hits a Tiger Suplex followed by Cattle Mutilation, but Garcia gets free and locks in an ankle lock. Garcia stomps on Bryan’s head, but Daniels grounds Garcia for a pin attempt. Danielson eventually get Garcia on the mat and stomps away on Garcia then floats over into a triangle sleeper for the submission.

After the match Bryan asks the crowd if Garcia’s got what it takes but ends up getting attacked from behind by 2point0 until Jon Moxley makes the save.

IMPACT

Moose starts the show talking about how he’s the greatest champion in all of pro wrestling and he proved it once again at the last PPV. Heath comes out and talks about how Impact is at war with HNM and that he should be in the fight. Moose says he doesn’t care about any of that as long as they stay out of his way. Heath wants a title shot so he can represent Impact the right way. After Moose insults Heath’s kids, they start to brawl.

Returning from the break, Moose is in the back and tells the HNM guys that he has no issue with them as long as they don’t come for the title, but if they do, then they will have to deal with him.

IMPACT Digital Media Championship: Jordynne Grace vs. Matt Cardinal (C) – Grace hits a Vader Bomb then a bit later low blows Cardona, but Matt was prepared and reveals he was wearing a cup. He eventually nails Grace in the corner and get the 1-2-3 with his feet on the ropes.

John Skyler vs. Bhupinder Gujjar – Gujjar nails John with a slingblade, then a spinebuster for a 2 count. He then connects with a spear from the second rope for the 1-2-3.

AAA Reigns de Renas Championship: Deonna Purrazzo (C) vs. Lady Frost – Deonna locks in the Fujiwa armbar for the submission

Jay White comes to the ring with the Good Brothers and announces that the GOD are out of the Bullet Club because they needed to let go of dead weight. VBD come down and inform Gallows & Anderson their partnership is over, and they want their tag title opportunity. The GOD come down and start to brawl with White, Gallows & Anderson.

Zicky Dice vs. JONAH – Sitdown powerbomb for the quick win. JONAH wants real competition and is given it by the way of PCO and the next PPV.

Gail Kim makes Chelsea Green vs Tasha Steelz next week to see who’ll the #1 contender to the Knockouts Championship be.

Main Event: Honor No More (Matt Taven, Mike Bennett & Kenny King) vs Chris Sabin, Rich Swann & Willie Mack – Bennett and Taven hit their Proton Pack finisher on Mack for the 1-2-3.

After the match Eddie Edwards coms out. He understands why people feel betrayed and they’re right to feel that way, but you can’t blame him. Eddie says the reason he joined Honor No More is to expose corruption in IMPACT Wrestling. Two years ago, when Scott D’Amore opened the doors to others outside IMPACT Wrestling he was all for it, he welcomed it because he believed in what IMPACT Wrestling was doing. Even when Kenny Omega challenged for the title, he was all for it. Swann dropped the ball on Kenny, and he let an outsider walk away with the belt. He waited for his shot. Sami Callihan failed; Moose failed. Eddie still waited for his shot. IMPACT never gave it to him, so he had no choice but to listen to Honor No More. He didn’t turn his back on IMPACT, Scott D’Amore and IMPACT Wrestling turned his back on him.

Eddie’s Wife Alisha Edwards is on her way down and she wasn’t happy. She can’t believe he’s defending his actions. He should be asking for forgiveness to that IMPACT locker room. Alisha makes it clear that Alexander got the job done and brought the title back home to IMPACT. Eddie says this is his family now and when Alisha asked what about his actual family? Eddie says that is up to her.

WWE – SMACKDOWN

Michael Cole interviews “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey – Ronda talks about how she was the first American woman to medal in the Olympics, the first UFC women’s champion, the first woman to be inducted into the UFC hall of fame, and one of the first women to main event WrestleMania. Now she wants to be the first person in years to tap out Charlotte Flair. Out comes SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair. She tells Ronda that she’s going to put her in the Figure 8 and “for the first time in your life, you’re going to scream for mercy and tap out. Out comes Sonya Deville, who attacks Rousey from behind, but Rhonda flips her across the ring. Deville flees the ring and heads up the ramp.

We go backstage where Adam Pearce informs Sonya Deville that per the higher up that she will face Ronda Rousey next week on Smackdown.

New Day vs Los Lotharios – Big E & Kofi execute the Midnight Hour (Big Ending + Kofi diving off the top to strike the opponent as the BE is executed.) to get the 1-2-3.

Xia Li vs Natalya – Li connects with a strong spin kick for the win

Sami Zayn’s Victory Celebration gets interrupted by Johnny Knoxville, who ends up getting hit with 2 Helluva kicks for interrupting him.

Sasha Banks vs Shotzi Blackheart – Sasha hits the backstabber then floats over into the Bank Statement for the submission.

After the match, Naomi gets in the ring and tells the WWE Universe that they are looking at the next WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.

Drew McIntyre vs Madcap Moss w/Happy Corbin – McIntyre connects with a Claymore on Moss for the 1-2-3.

WrestleMania Title-Versus-Title Title Unification Contract Signing – Roman claims he’s going to smash Brock at WM and that this is all his. He owns the ring, the camera man, the announcers and even the security guards who are in the ring. Security then turns and all of them attack Brock, who destroys every single one of them, leaving Roman angry as all get out.

AEW – RAMPAGE

TNT Championship: Sammy Guevara (C) vs. Andrade El Idolo – Sammy connects with an amazing double springboard into a cutter for the 1-2-3.

Wardlow vs. Nick Comoroto – Wardlow hits a symphony of destruction powerbombs for the win, but Spears tells Wardlow that the powerbomb thing doesn’t seem to be over. Assuming Wardlow doesn’t follow the obvious remark, he follows up by telling him that it means the fans aren’t digging it. Spears tells Wardlow that he appreciates him, like a proud father would do his son, before closing in for the real thing, a hug.

The Professor’s 5-Minute Rookie Challenge: Serena Deeb vs. Kayla Sparks – Deeb locks in the Serenity Lock for the easy submission

AEW Revolution Women’s Title Match Contract Signing: Dr. Britt Baker & Thunder Rosa – Baker talks about their iconic AEW Lights Out match, and brought up the fact that even though Thunder Rosa won, it was Baker that everyone talked about, and Baker who ended up with all of the glory. Britt says that made Thunder Rosa “bitter,” and that regardless of what happens at Revolution, she will never be Baker, nor will she ever be as big as the champion.

After Britt Baker signed the contract, Rosa dove across the table and started to fight Britt, which leads to Mercedes Martinez coming out and attacking Jamie Hayter and put her through a table.

Main Event: Face Of The Revolution Qualifying Match: Orange Cassidy vs. Anthony Bowens – Danhausen gets involved and puts a on Caster, which leads to a distraction to Bowens, who gets nailed with a Orange Punch for the 1-2-3.

Wake Up Call

By: Mike Rifkin

It was a tough weekend for the New York Rangers as they lost their games to the Pittsburgh Penguins and Vancouver Canucks by a combined score of  6-2. The Rangers were shutout for the first five periods of the back to back. 

The Rangers currently sit in third place in the Metropolitan Division mainly because of the stellar play of their goalie Igor Shesterkin. Shesterkin is 25-6-3 with a 1.95 Goals Against Average, .941 save percentage and three shutouts. Shesterkin right now is probably the frontrunner for the Vezina trophy as the NHL’S top goalie and he might even receive some Hart votes as the league’s most valuable player. 

The Rangers average 2.89 goals per game and their power play connects at 25.3 percent and those are good numbers although you would like for goals per game to go up. But the Rangers heavily rely on their top players to carry them offensively. Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Adam Fox all have 50 points or more. Chris Kreider who has 34 goals has 48 points and Ryan Strome has 37 points. Then there is a gap Jacob Trouba has 24 points, Barclay Goodrow has 22, and former first overall pick Alexis Lafreniere has 16 points. Lafreniere has already matched his goal total from last season and has played very well since playing with Zibanejad and Kreider. But the Rangers can use a right winger to play with Panarin and Strome. Kappo Kakko is out with an upper body injury and Sammy Blais is out for the season with a torn ACL. In Kakko’s place the Rangers have tried a few different players to play with Panarin and Strome, most recently it’s been Dryden Hunt who has three goals on the season.

First year General Manager Chris Drury, who had a really good offseason, needs to add a top nine right wing who can create some scoring punch. Now there are two things in the Rangers favor heading into the trade deadline. The first is the Rangers have around 32 million dollars in cap space entering the trade deadline so any player they acquire they can take on the rest of their remaining salary. The second is the Rangers have a plethora of young defensemen in their prospect pool. 

Names to watch

Phil Kessel Arizona Coyotes: Kessel has six goals and 33 points in 53 games this season. The Coyotes are going to sell everyone not named Clayton Keller. Kessel is also three goals away from 400 in his career. Kessel would bring playoff experience to a team that doesn’t have much, he has tallied 34 goals and 81 points in 96 career playoff games including winning two Stanley Cups. 

Joe Pavelski Dallas Stars: Let me get started with this would be my preference but it’s not happening. Dallas is currently tied for the second wild card in the West, but if they struggle at any point and can’t come to terms on an extension for Pavelski the Rangers should be all over him. Pavelski has 61 goals and 119 points in 161 career playoff games.

J.T. Miller Vancouver Canucks: There are two different things that separate Miller from the other two guys I just mentioned. First is Miller has another year on his contract at over five million dollars and second Miller was a Ranger. Miller leads the Canucks with 20 goals and 59 points but with new management led by Jim Rutherford Vancouver could move Miller even though they sit three points out of the second wild card spot. Miller in 78 playoff games has nine goals and 44 points. 

Reilly Smith Vegas Golden Knights: Smith played for current Rangers coach Gerard Gallant in Vegas. Smith has 14 goals and 34 points in 51 games this season. Vegas has a cap issue after acquiring Jack Eichel from the Sabres. Smith also can help the Penalty Kill and is very responsible defensively. Smith in 84 career playoff games has 22 goals and 65 points.  

Chris Drury owes it to his team to go out and get the scorer they need. For one thing, when Kakko comes back it will make them deeper. Shesterkin is having one of those seasons that if they get in who knows what can happen. But one thing is for sure if the last two games proved anything the Rangers definitely need another goal scoring winger.