Francis Ngannou Vigilant About Tyson Fury Potentially Cheating By Glove Tampering
Francis Ngannou doesn’t seem to have much faith in Tyson Fury’s spirit of sportsmanship and recently made some huge claims. The former UFC heavyweight champion stated that he thinks Fury will cheat during their boxing match using modified gloves. Tyson Fury is set to welcome Francis Ngannou to the world of boxing on October 28 in Saudi Arabia. The matchup is the result of a long process, which saw ‘The Predator’ being linked to several high-profile pugilists. After his exit from the UFC earlier this year, Ngannou made it clear he wanted to box. After names like Deontay Wilder, Anthony Joshua, and Andy Ruiz crossed his path, he finally got his dream opponent. Tyson Fury is the WBC heavyweight champion and is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers ever. Given his resume, not many give Francis Ngannou a rabbit’s chance of winning. However, the Cameroonian is known as the hardest hitter in all of MMA and undoubtedly has a puncher’s chance. During his recent conversation with Joe Rogan, Ngannou recalled Fury’s glove controversy after his win over Wilder in 2020. The story involved Deontay Wilder accusing Tyson Fury of using tampered gloves during their fight. Ngannou told Rogan that Fury is “tricky with his glove” and could cut his glove and land an eye poke. While Francis Ngannou’s concern was genuine, Joe Rogan was having none of it. The UFC commentator pushed back by asking what proof Wilder had and dismissed the allegations as mere losing frenzy. He also added that the British Boxing Commission is very strict and checks everything always. To that point, Ngannou stated that he knew about the commission and was open to fighting bare-knuckle. However, he asked that he not be given 10-ounce gloves while his opponent had 8-ounce gloves. Ngannou’s boxing debut is set to make him a reported $10 million and will stream on ESPN+ pay-per-view. Meanwhile, Fury is coming off a stoppage victory over Derek Chisora in December 2022.
UFC Vegas 79: Mateusz Gamrot Believes He Can Match Islam Makhachev’s Wrestling Skills
Mateusz Gamrot recently made some huge claims about having the skills to match UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev’s wrestling. The 32-year-old Polish national is set to face Rafael Fiziev in a lightweight contest at UFC Vegas 79. The Fight Night event is set to go down at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas this weekend. Gamrot and Fiziev will be headlining the highly anticipated event. Gamrot is coming off a statement split decision victory over Jalin Turner at UFC 285. The victory brought him back into the win column after he dropped a stinker against Beneil Dariush at UFC 280. Prior to that, Mateusz Gamrot was on an incredible four-fight win streak, including a UD over Arman Tsarukyan. During the recent UFC Vegas 79 pre-fight presser, Gamrot discussed Makhachev’s next fight. Islam Makhachev is set to rematch Charles Oliveira in a title fight at UFC 294 on October 21. The Dagestani grappling savant previously dispatched ‘Do Bronx’ via second-round submission at UFC 280. Given his record, Makhachev is an overwhelming favorite against Oliveira. However, Mateusz Gamrot doesn’t give too much stock to the lightweight king’s grappling skills. He stated that if Makhachev wins again, he has his eye on the champ for a future title clash. He outlined his confidence in his skills as a grappler and pointed out that he’s always beaten strikers with it. Predicting another successful title defense for Makhachev, Gamrot claimed he’s interested in fighting him in the next two years. While the Polish native believes he’s the best grappler in the 155-pound division, Islam Makhachev is arguably the most dangerous submission expert we’ve seen since his teammate and close friend Khabib Nurmagomedov. Islam Makhachev is currently on a 12-fight win streak and has beaten the likes of Charles Oliveira, Bobby Green, Dan Hooker and Alexander Volkanovski. However, only time will tell if Mateusz Gamrot is truly a better wrestler than the Dagestani phenom.
Breaking: Dana White Announces Tony Ferguson vs. Paddy Pimblett Lightweight Contest Added To UFC 296
Dana White recently confirmed another barnburner for UFC 296 in December, with Tony Ferguson going up against Paddy Pimblett. 2023’s last pay-per-view is set to go down at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Before this matchup was announced, the UFC CEO also confirmed the Stephen Thompson vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov welterweight contest. Pimblett was initially expected to be sidelined this year due to a nasty ankle injury he suffered during the Jared Gordon fight at UFC 282. While he claimed the injury was more serious than expected, it seems the doctors have worked their magic. Now, the Englishman has an opportunity to face one of the UFC’s biggest lightweight stars. While Tony Ferguson is a bonafide legend in the lightweight division, the past few years have been unkind to him. The former interim lightweight champion is on a depressing six-fight losing slide. His dismal form seemingly stemmed from a brutal beatdown from Justin Gaethje at UFC 249. Since then, Ferguson hasn’t looked himself, and many have urged ‘El Cucuy’ to call it a career. However, Tony Ferguson remains adamant about competing. Meanwhile, Paddy Pimblett is on a six-fight winning streak. ‘Paddy The Baddy’ is coming off an extremely controversial victory over Jared Gordon at UFC 282. While he defended himself in public after the unanimous decision, he has a chance to wash off some doubters. Given Ferguson’s recent record, many questioned Dana White’s matchmaking judgment. With Pimblett coming off six consecutive wins, it’s highly unlikely that Ferguson will be a favorite going into this fight. However, it’s also possible that the promotion is slyly trying to retire the former interim champion with an impossible task. Only time will tell how Tony Ferguson fare against one of the fastest-rising stars in the 155-pound division.
Top 5 NXT Superstars To Watch Before Survivor Series 2023
As the wrestling world eagerly anticipates Survivor Series 2023, the spotlight shines brightly on NXT, WWE’s developmental brand that has consistently delivered some of the most exciting and promising talents in the industry. With a rich history of producing legends like Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Becky Lynch, NXT has become a breeding ground for future WWE superstars. In this article, we’ll delve into the top 5 NXT Superstars to keep a close eye on, as we approach Survivor Series 2023. At just 24 years old, Bron Breakker has already made waves in NXT. The son of Rick Steiner and nephew of Scott Steiner, he carries wrestling pedigree in his veins. With a combination of awe-inspiring strength and agility, Breakker is a physical specimen who possesses all the attributes to become a future WWE Champion. Having already tasted championship glory as a former NXT Champion, Breakker is hungry for more success. His diverse arsenal of moves and technical prowess make him a must-watch superstar at Survivor Series 2023. Will he be the breakout star of the event? Mandy Rose’s journey in NXT has been nothing short of remarkable. Transitioning from her Golden Goddess-persona, she has shown tremendous improvement in her In-ring-Skills. Beyond that, Rose has honed her charisma, making her one of the most captivating performers on the NXT roster. As a former NXT Women’s Champion and the leader of the Toxic Attraction Stable, Mandy Rose is set to play a pivotal role for NXT at Survivor Series 2023. Keep an eye on her, as she might just be the embodiment of the brand’s future success. Carmelo Hayes has captured the NXT Universe’s attention with his natural heel persona and cocky demeanor. At just 28 years old, he exudes confidence, both on the microphone and inside the ring. Hayes is no stranger to success, having already held the NXT North American Championship. With a diverse and impressive moveset, Carmelo Hayes has the tools to become a prominent figure in WWE’s future. His ongoing feud with Solo Sikoa adds an extra layer of intrigue to his journey, making him a key player to watch at Survivor Series 2023. Solo Sikoa’s family tree reads like a who’s who of WWE. As the youngest brother of The Usos, son of Rikishi, and cousin of Roman Reigns, the expectations are sky-high. Since his debut in 2021, Sikoa has made a resounding impression in NXT. His physical prowess, characterized by incredible strength and agility, suggests a bright future. While still developing his in-ring skills, Solo Sikoa’s potential to ascend to WWE Championship heights is undeniable. His presence at Survivor Series 2023 will undoubtedly be a captivating spectacle. Cora Jade, at just 21 years old, is one of NXT’s most promising young superstars. Her resume already boasts an NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship, and she’s currently embroiled in a compelling feud with Mandy Rose. What sets Jade apart is her in-ring ability, showcasing a diverse range of moves and techniques. As a natural babyface with a relatable personality, Cora Jade has the potential to connect with audiences on a profound level. Expect her to be a key player for NXT at Survivor Series 2023, as she continues to rise through the ranks of women’s wrestling. In the lead-up to Survivor Series 2023, NXT presents a lineup of superstars that are poised to redefine the landscape of WWE. From Bron Breakker’s prodigious talent to Mandy Rose’s transformation, Carmelo Hayes’ cocky charisma, Solo Sikoa’s family legacy, and Cora Jade’s rising star power, the future of WWE looks incredibly promising. These five NXT Superstars represent the next generation of wrestling greatness. Their performances at Survivor Series 2023 will not only captivate audiences, but also provide a glimpse into the future of WWE, where they may very well stand atop the industry as its biggest stars. Wrestling fans, prepare to be amazed by the incredible talent NXT has to offer, as we count down the days to Survivor Series 2023.
3 Talking Points From Tonight’s Episode Of WWE Smackdown – 22nd September 2023
The ambiance of the WWE Universe was electric on the night of September 22, 2023, as WWE Smackdown unfurled its dynamic tapestry of drama, athleticism, and storytelling. Here are three pivotal moments that have wrestling aficionados and the WWE Universe buzzing. First, let’s address the seismic shift that was felt with Bobby Lashley’s dramatic involvement with the Street Profits. The latter, Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins have carved a niche for themselves as the energetic, party-loving duo, the effervescent spirits that bring vivacity to the squared circle with their infectious energy and signature Solo cups. However, the winds of change seemed to be blowing as they aligned themselves with the hard-hitting Lashley. The cohesion of this trio raised eyebrows, and tonight, their alliance’s direction became clearer. As the familiar tunes of the Street Profits echoed in the arena, out came Ford and Dawkins, Solo cups in tow, but with Lashley’s presence dimming their usual vivacious aura. A subsequent loss to Legado del Whatever We’re Doing Here With the LWO saw the Profits crestfallen, but it was Lashley’s overt frustration that took center stage. An intense backstage confrontation saw Lashley deliver an ultimatum to Ford and Dawkins: shape up or be replaced. Fans are now left speculating if this alliance is the prelude to a darker, more ruthless Street Profits, potentially reshaping their legacy in the WWE. The second talking point of the night saw a clash of titans, a bout that could headline any pay-per-view. IYO SKY and Asuka, two immensely talented athletes, squared off for the coveted WWE Women’s Championship. While the match had less preamble, the history between the two was palpable. Their past as tag team partners in Japan added layers to their encounter, with both women showcasing a tantalizing blend of Asuka’s mat-wrestling prowess and SKY’s aerial mastery. The match was a testament to the WWE’s commitment to showcasing women’s wrestling at its zenith. However, the ending left many in dismay. Charlotte Flair’s interference, aided by Bayley’s cunning move, might have tainted the match’s conclusion, but it has undoubtedly set the stage for future confrontations. Asuka and SKY delivered an in-ring masterpiece, and the WWE Universe is eager for another chapter in their storied rivalry. Finally, there’s a tale as old as time, the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship curse. Tonight’s episode saw Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn, erstwhile “NXT” women’s tag champs with an affinity for the arcane, claim responsibility for the mishaps and misfortunes that have plagued the title. It’s been a tumultuous ride for the championship, with frequent title changes, vacancies, and injuries marring its lineage. Fyre and Dawn’s appearance, after a noticeable absence, brings with it a fresh perspective. Can they rejuvenate the women’s tag division? Their assertion of being the curse’s architects, combined with their enigmatic promos, has added an air of mystique. The WWE Universe now waits with bated breath to see if Fyre and Dawn can infuse life into a tag team division that desperately needs resurgence. In conclusion, this episode of WWE Smackdown was packed with drama, action, and tantalizing storylines that will surely have ramifications for weeks to come. From the potential transformation of the Street Profits to the outstanding showcase of women’s wrestling and the mystery surrounding the Women’s Tag Team Championship, WWE has successfully set the stage for compelling narratives. The WWE Universe can only wait in eager anticipation for the next chapter.
WWE Smackdown Result And Report For 22 September 2023: Highlight, Match Ratings, Winners And Losers
The WWE universe, in an anticipated episode of Friday Night SmackDown on 22nd September, will again see the comeback of none other than the iconic John Cena, setting the stage for a thrilling night. Fans who have been glued to their screens for SmackDown updates would not have been disappointed by the events of the night. Especially when Iyo Sky will defend her WWE Women’s title against the formidable Asuka. Opening with the “WWE Then. Now. Forever. Together.” signature, the iconic voice of John Cena set the tone for an electrifying evening. As the camera spanned the buzzing arena, Kevin Patrick’s enthusiasm was palpable, welcoming ardent wrestling followers worldwide. Before one could soak in the atmosphere, the airwaves were dominated by John Cena’s signature tune. To the roaring applause, the WWE legend made his entrance. Flashbacks from his stint on “The Grayson Waller Effect” kept the audience hooked. The admiration for Cena was evident as an overwhelming “Cena! Cena!” chant echoed. Acknowledging the love, he acquainted the audience with his roles since his return, teasing the possibility of not just being a host or referee. But then, the real surprise was unboxed: Cena expressed his desire for a match that night. Eliciting an uproarious approval, he hinted at partnering with someone “Phenomenal.” The arena’s excitement reached a crescendo as AJ Styles’ music reverberated. The pair’s prospect of teaming up was met with an exhilarating cheer from the fans. This excitement was momentarily interrupted by Jimmy Uso’s theme, as he emerged with Solo Sikoa, only to retreat teasingly, hinting at a showdown later in the evening. Changing tracks, Rey Mysterio’s theme signaled another high-octane encounter. The WWE United States Champion and the leader of the LWO, Rey was accompanied by Santos Escobar, prepping to face The Street Profits. In the ring, Zelina Vega joined Santos Escobar and Rey Mysterio, only to be countered by the entry of The Street Profits. With the revamped Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins flanked by “The All Mighty” Bobby Lashley, the anticipation was soaring. The match commenced with Dawkins and Escobar trading moves, the momentum gradually shifting in LWO’s favor. A missed high-flying move by Mysterio outside the ring provided The Street Profits an opportunity to assert their dominance. And as viewers were teased with glimpses of a likely LWO loss, especially with Lashley’s covert chokeslam to Mysterio. Lashley’s anticipated interference did not deter the LWO duo. In an unexpected twist, Mysterio managed to counter Dawkins’ powerbomb, ensuring a surprise victory for the LWO. In a match that fans have been eagerly waiting for, “The Genius of the Sky” IYO SKY clashed with “The Empress of Tomorrow” Asuka in a first-of-its-kind battle for the WWE Women’s Championship. The tension was palpable when Asuka’s theme song heralded her entrance, promising a dynamic face-off. But, soon after, the atmosphere intensified with the champion, IYO SKY, flanked by Damage CTRL allies Bayley and Dakota Kai, making her grand entrance amid resounding boos. As the bell rang, it became clear this wasn’t just any match. The initial minutes saw both titans measuring each other, exchanging blows and gauging their respective strengths. However, IYO SKY soon took the lead, orchestrating a risky high spot. But Asuka, showcasing her trademark agility, sidestepped, causing SKY to misfire. The rollercoaster didn’t stop there. Asuka’s powerful kick almost had SKY on the ropes, but external interference from Bayley and Dakota swung the momentum back in SKY’s favor. But, when Charlotte Flair intervened, neutralizing the meddling allies, the odds seemed to be evening out. Sadly, for Asuka, the distraction proved costly. A swift capitalization from IYO SKY followed by her majestic moonsault finisher sealed the deal, ensuring she retains her coveted WWE Women’s Championship. In the final match of the night, the Brawling Brutes took on the dynamic duo of Austin Theory & Grayson Waller. The energy was palpable as Butch, lauded for managing dual roles in SmackDown and NXT, leapt into action, wasting no time in challenging his adversaries. Ridge Holland, another member of the Brawling Brutes, displayed an astounding show of force against Waller. The audience was left in awe when the Brutes seamlessly executed a double version of the 10 Beats, paying tribute to Sheamus. Undergoing Butch’s signature joint manipulation and the relentless offense from Holland, he barely managed to escape a pin. The tides shifted when a synchronized chop block gave the antagonists a breather. With Butch racing to rescue his teammate from a near pin and Holland showcasing his might with a rugby tackle followed by a close-call Jackhammer, the outcome remained uncertain. However, in a whirlwind of events, Holland’s Boston Crab on Theory and Butch’s attempt to subdue Waller outside the ring didn’t culminate as anticipated. Waller’s quick reflexes and a rolling stunner gave Theory the setup needed to land the A-Town Down, clinching a thrilling victory for the duo. The anticipation following the evening’s exhilarating match lineup was palpable as WWE prepared for the climax of the night: The WWE Fastlane 2023 Main Event Contract Signing. Inside the arena, the setting bore a solemn aura with the contract signing paraphernalia perfectly in place. The audience’s roars grew deafening as Adam Pearce introduced the one and only John Cena, whose mere presence always guarantees a memorable segment. In a testament to his professionalism, Cena, without uttering a single word, penned his commitment, turning the tables on the night’s proceedings. However, as AJ Styles was awaited, the scene took a dramatic turn. The live feed exposed a ruthless attack on Styles by Jimmy Uso backstage. The sheer audacity was punctuated by Solo Sikoa’s jaw-dropping leap, leaving Styles in a devastating state. Cena, despite his best efforts, couldn’t prevent the ambush and reached only to find Styles incapacitated. The audience’s tension mounted post-commercial as visuals of AJ Styles being stretchered out relayed the gravity of the ambush. The audacious assault was further dissected by Kevin Patrick and Michael Cole, but before the crowd could digest this shocking turn, the culprits –
Breaking News: Matt Riddle Released By WWE
Matt Riddle has announced that he is leaving WWE. He shared this news on his Instagram & Twitter/X Accounts. WWE is making big changes due to a new TV deal for “WWE SmackDown” starting in October. This deal is expected to bring in a massive $1.4 billion over the next five years. As a result, WWE is releasing some of its wrestlers, and they started informing them about this on Thursday. Matt Riddle’s release was quite surprising, ranking as the second most unexpected release from WWE, right after Dolph Ziggler. He is only 37 years old and was performing well. However, he had been absent from WWE recently due to an incident at an airport, which might have played a part in his release. Earlier this week, several WWE superstars were let go following Endeavor’s acquisition. On Friday evening Just before WWE Smackdown, Matt Riddle confirmed his departure from WWE through a post on Twitter/X & Instagram. Riddle wrote: “I want to let everyone know that I am no longer part of WWE. I want to express my gratitude for the memories and opportunities, and I also want to thank all the fans for their support and love every time I stepped into the ring. I’ll see you all again soon 🤙” During the summer, rumors were circulating about WWE’s dissatisfaction with Riddle. He has faced personal problems in recent years. Earlier this month, he made a serious claim about being mistreated at JFK Airport in New York, where he alleged a police officer had sexually assaulted him. Riddle even posted a photo of the officer but later removed it. The police have stated that they were not aware of any such incident. TMZ reported that they were called due to a disturbance caused by Riddle while he was getting off the plane. As a result of Riddle’s claim, an internal investigation has been initiated by the authorities. Meanwhile, Riddle has not appeared in the last two episodes of Raw, leading to speculation about his future with the company. With his recent social media post, he has now confirmed his departure and put all the rumors to rest. Riddle initially joined WWE in 2018 as a member of the NXT roster. His final match took place on September 4 on Raw, where he and Drew McIntyre were defeated by the Viking Raiders. The storyline appeared to be heading towards McIntyre turning heel and betraying Riddle. Throughout Riddle’s time with WWE, various issues arose, including allegations of sexual assault from before he joined the company, failed drug tests leading to rehab, and the recent incident at JFK International Airport where he accused a police officer of sexual assault but was also reported as being disorderly. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.
3 Reasons Why WWE Part Ways With Dolph Ziggler
On September 21st, WWE made an announcement that caught everyone’s attention: they let go of 18 of their superstars, and among them were 9 from the main roster. The most prominent name among those released was Dolph Ziggler, a wrestling legend who has held the World Championship twice, the Intercontinental Championship six times, the United States Championship twice, and has also been a tag team champion. Remarkably, he achieved a feat known as the Grand Slam, something not even John Cena accomplished. Dolph Ziggler had been with WWE for nearly 20 years. He started his journey in 2004 under his real name, Nick Nemeth, as a solo wrestler in Ohio Valley Wrestling. Later, he transitioned to WWE’s RAW brand, initially serving as the caddy for Kerwin White (Chavo Guerrero). His career then took an interesting turn as he became part of the Spirit Squad stable on RAW. However, the Spirit Squad eventually found themselves back in OVW after a memorable feud with DX on RAW. It was in 2008 that Nick Nemeth re-emerged as ‘Dolph Ziggler’ on the red brand. His most successful phase came as Dolph Ziggler, where he captured the World Heavyweight Championship twice and the Intercontinental Championship six times. Ziggler also held the United States Championship and SmackDown Championship, and he proudly earned the distinction of being the 22nd Triple Crown Champion in WWE. His final title victory was the NXT Championship in 2022, which he secured during a feud with Bron Breakker. Ziggler’s last match took place at a live event, ending in a double countout decision against JD McDonagh on May 29. His last televised match was in an Intercontinental Title #1 Contenders Battle Royal on RAW on May 15. Dolph Ziggler is more than just a wrestler; he’s known for his charisma and showmanship. There’s speculation that he might continue his wrestling journey with AEW or elsewhere, but that’s not his only potential path. Now, let’s delve into three key reasons why WWE parted ways with Dolph Ziggler: 3) Lack of Plans for Dolph Ziggler The foremost reason for WWE’s decision to release the longtime veteran is their apparent lack of plans for him. It’s evident from the fact that his last match in WWE was on May 15, and it wasn’t even televised; it occurred at a house show or live event. This absence of plans for the charismatic Dolph Ziggler led to WWE making the tough decision to let him go. 2) He’s Over 40 WWE has been giving more attention to young talent in recent times, such as Austin Theory, Cora Jade, Dominik Mysterio, Roxanne Perez, Bron Breakker, and Nikkita Lyons, among others. This emphasis on youth is one of the main reasons why WWE rarely signs wrestlers over the age of 30 unless they are already extremely popular and beneficial for the company. So, in addition to the lack of plans, Ziggler’s age, being over 40, may have contributed to his release from the company. 1) Budget Constraints Budget cuts have been a recurring reason cited by WWE when releasing high-profile talents. This essentially means that when they need to reduce expenses, they often release well-paid veteran wrestlers who may not have much going on in the company. Instead of releasing several lower-paid talents, WWE opts to let go of one big-money contract, citing budget constraints as the reason. In summary, these are the three primary reasons behind Dolph Ziggler’s release from WWE. What are your thoughts on this matter? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments.
Shanky, Dana Brooke, Mansoor And Other Big Names Released By NXT
After announcing a massive new TV deal for “WWE SmackDown” that kicks off in October and is set to bring in a staggering $1.4 billion over the next five years, WWE swiftly decided to release some of its talent. Wrestlers were notified of their releases on a Thursday morning, and it was expected that more NXT wrestlers would follow suit, following the earlier cuts from the main roster. WWE appeared to be in a hurry to implement these changes. Here is the confirmed list of wrestlers who have been released from WWE NXT: 1. Shanky2. Dana Brooke3. Mansoor4. Mace5. Dabba-Kato (formerly known as Commander Azeez on the main roster)6. Quincy Elliott7. Bryson Montana8. Yulisa León9. Daniel McArthur10. Kevin Ventura-Cortez11. Brooklyn Barlow12. Abule Abadi-Fitzgerald13. Ikemen Jiro14. Alexis Gray When you add these 14 NXT releases to the earlier departures from the main roster, the total count now stands at 23 wrestlers released from both WWE’s main roster and WWE NXT. Despite the total of 23 releases, there has been no official confirmation from WWE or credible sources that these are the final cuts. These recent releases coincide with the launch of TKO, a media conglomerate created by Endeavor, which merged WWE and UFC parent company Zuffa. While WWE and UFC still operate independently, they do so under the TKO banner. TKO officially debuted on September 12 with a valuation of $21.4 billion, with Endeavor holding 51% ownership and WWE shareholders possessing 49%. Earlier this month, over 100 employees, primarily off-camera WWE staff, were let go as part of cost-saving measures. It remains uncertain whether these releases signify the conclusion of changes or if more are on the horizon. What are your thoughts regarding the release of all 23 superstars from both the main and NXT rosters? Which departure surprised you the most, and who would you have preferred to see remain with WWE?
How Many Superstars WWE And NXT Released Last Night? All You Need To Know
After the announcement of a new TV deal for “WWE SmackDown” starting in October, which is expected to bring in a whopping $1.4 billion over the next five years, WWE wasted no time in letting some of its talent go. They began informing wrestlers about their releases on Thursday morning. It was anticipated that more wrestlers from WWE NXT would also be let go, following the earlier cuts from the main roster. WWE seemed to be in a hurry to make these changes. Here is the confirmed list of wrestlers who have been released from WWE NXT: 1. Dana Brooke 2. Mansoor 3. Mace 4. Dabba-Kato (formerly known as Commander Azeez on the main roster) 5. Shanky 6. Quincy Elliott 7. Bryson Montana 8. Yulisa León 9. Daniel McArthur 10. Kevin Ventura-Cortez 11. Brooklyn Barlow 12. Alexis Gray 13. Ikemen Jiro 14. Abule Abadi-Fitzgerald When you add these NXT releases to the earlier departures from the main roster, the total count now stands at 23 wrestlers released from both WWE’s main roster and WWE NXT. Here is the confirmed list of wrestlers who have been released from WWE’s Main Roster: 1. Dolph Ziggler 2. Emma 3. Mustafa Ali 4. Elias 5. Rick Boogs 6. Riddick Moss 7. Aliyah 8. Shelton Benjamin 9. Top Dolla With a total of 23 releases, there hasn’t been any official confirmation from WWE or reliable sources that these are the final cuts. These recent releases come in the wake of the launch of TKO, a media conglomerate created by Endeavor, which merged WWE and UFC parent company Zuffa. While WWE and UFC still operate separately, they do so under the TKO banner. TKO officially launched on September 12 with a valuation of $21.4 billion, with Endeavor controlling 51% and WWE shareholders owning 49%. Earlier this month, more than 100 employees, mainly off-camera WWE staff, were let go as part of budget cuts. It remains to be seen whether these releases mark the end of the changes or if more are on the horizon. What are your thoughts on the release of all 23 superstars from both the main and NXT rosters? Which departure surprised you the most, and who would you have preferred to see stay with WWE?