In what was shocking news just a few days ago, WWE Superstar Shayna Baszler was confirmed for an indie event during WrestleMania XL week. Baszler will be in action at GCW’s Bloodsport X as she makes her GCW debut.
Baszler’s opponent is now confirmed to be TNA Knockout Masha Slamovich. This will be the first time these two share a ring. Josh Barnett who runs Bloodsport posted the follow promo by Slamovich.
In a place like Josh Barnett’s: Bloodsport, when a name like Shayna Baszler is announced it’s like blood in the water of an ocean of nothing but sharks.
One voice stood out loudest and proudest of all. A voice with a tenor of authority from her accomplishments and tone of pure violence.
In the end, I could not deny her request…
In a place like Josh Barnett's: Bloodsport, when a name like Shayna Baszler is announced it's like blood in the water of an ocean of nothing but sharks.
One voice stood out loudest and proudest of all. A voice with a tenor of authority from her accomplishments and tone of pure… pic.twitter.com/u3wI9erGUB
More information is coming out about Mercedes Moné’s deal since debuting for AEW last Wednesday.
Word is that Moné had been signed with the promotion since the beginning of the year, but she had to fully heel from her ankle injury. An injury she had said that could have been career ending.
“I was told this was a career-ending injury,” Moné told ESPN last week.
HOW AND WHY MERCEDES MONE LANDED IN AEW, WHAT SHE HOPES TO ACCOMPLISH THERE
Per PWInsider and ESPN, it is being said that Moné’s contract is a multi year deal and the talks were for eight figures.
PWInsider.com is told by multiple sources from both WWE and AEW that each side had pursued and were willing to commit to deals that amounted to eight figures in total over the course of the deals, which would be record breaking numbers for a female performer in professional wrestling – and now makes her likely the top paid female performer in the history of the business.
ESPN adds, AEW announced that Moné had signed a multiyear contract with the promotion, making her the biggest name thus far in the five-year-old upstart’s women’s division. She joins former NJPW stars Kazuchika Okada and Will Ospreay as top AEW free-agent signings this year.
It appears that Raquel Rodriguez is back on the sidelines. Rodriguez returned to the ring at Elimination Chamber and then defeated Chelsea Green on the Raw after. She hasn’t been on TV since.
Raquel Rodriguez has been pulled from the active WWE roster, PWInsider.com has confirmed with multiple sources.
She is currently listed internally with other talents who are out of action.
In January, Rodriguez revealed that she was diagnosed with Mast cell activation syndrome. She wrestled at the 2024 Elimination Chamber in Australia despite a a flareup of the condition. She last wrestled on Raw, defeating Chelsea Green on the 2/26 edition of Raw.
We have not yet confirmed if there is an injury or whether this is a result of her health issues.
Asuka, who is one-half of the current WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, is injured. She was pulled from the live events over the weekend due to caution to find out the extent.
On last Friday’s SmackDown, all of Damage CTRL including Asuka attacked Bayley in the main event. Asuka could be seen limping during the exchange.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Asuka hurt her knee during this past Friday’s WWE Smackdown broadcast, PWInsider.com has confirmed with multiple sources.
We are told Asuka was pulled from the weekend live events out of caution and so that medical test could be done to confirm whether it was something Asuka could work through or whether she had a larger injury.
Former WWE Divas Champion Kelly Kelly states in a recent virtual signing that she would be open to coming back to the ring.
Kelly has been one of the more prominent past Divas to make appearance over the years since her departure. This includes becoming the first woman to win the 24/7 Championship and has appeared in multiple Royal Rumble matches.
The new mother of twins, Kelly said she would like her kids to see her back in the ring.
“I would be open to a comeback. We’ll see. I want my twins to come and watch me one day.”
The 2024 STARDOM Cinderella Tournament is down to its final four and the semi-finals take place this Wednesday. The finals will take place on the same night. This is the 10th annual event.
The SEMIFINALS are set for Wednesday's Cinderella Finals show:
This final four guarantees a newly crowned winner for the first time since 2021 as Mirai won the past two years. Mirai was defeated in this year’s tournament by Hanan in round two.
Utami Hayashishita will be challenging the World of Stardom Champion Maika. Maika has held the title since December when she defeated Suzu Suzuki for the vacant title after Tam Nakano went out with an injury. Utami is a former champion who held the gold in 2020 for over 400 days.
Maika is gonna eat Utami alive and I'm here for it
Outstanding promo by Maika to build up the Red Belt Match I've been waiting for since she won the belt.#STARDOMpic.twitter.com/zyWzSWcWEK
On the March 16 episode of AEW Collision, it was confirmed that next week’s Rampage will be on a different day and time. It will follow Dynamite live on March 20. On the upcoming episode will be a Street Fight between Kris Statlander & Willow Nightingale vs. Skye Blue & TBS Champion Julia Hart.
Statlander and Nightingale are no strangers to tagging together in a Street Fight. Several months back, they were victorious in one against Mercedes Martinez and Diamante.
They may not have experience as a team, but Deonna Purrazzo and Thunder Rosa do have one thing in common, complete disdain for #AEW Women’s World Champion “Timeless” Toni Storm.
On the March 15 Rampage, Deonna Purrazzo confirmed her tag team partner will be Thunder Rosa against Toni Storm and Mariah May on March 20’s Dynamite. We will also have Mercedes Moné on Dynamite following her massive debut last week.
Julia Hart also defeated Trish Adora on this week’s Collision.
Zelina Vega would love to team with a Hall of Famer at WrestleMania!
Vega is currently a prominent member of the LWO along with Carlito, Cruz Del Toro, Joaquin Wilde, and WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio. The LWO have been in a big feud with former member Santos Escobar and the newly formed Legado Del Fantasma (Humberto, Angel, and Elektra Lopez).
While speaking with SEScoops, Vega has the following hopes for WrestleMania plans.
“In my head, I see, and maybe clip this at some point because I feel like if this ends up happening, I said it here first, but I would love to have a match at WrestleMania with me and Rey and Carlito Joaquin and Cruz against Santos, Elektra and whoever other goons he wants to add to the mix. But that match would be incredible. So even if it’s just me and Rey versus Goon number one and Goon number two, I think it’d be really cool to just be able to say, man, I was on WrestleMania with Rey Mysterio. That’s my hero. That’s crazy. So that’s what I would want, for sure.” (Fightful)
Dakota Kai returned to action on the March 15 episode of SmackDown in the main event against Bayley. The match was very much a handicap affair as all of Damage CTRL was at ringside to do everything in their power to screw over their former leader.
The match broke down into a disqualification as the WWE Women’s Champion IYO SKY entered the ring with the title belt. Bayley tried to fight her WrestleMania opponent off as well as The Kabuki Warriors but the numbers game was too much.
Naomi would rush down to the ring in an attempt to save Bayley but it was too much for her as well. She took out Kai followed by Sane and Asuka, but SKY took Naomi down with a flying knee kick before tossing her out of the ring. Damage CTRL set up Bayley for the Over the Moonsault executed by the champion.
The show ended with Damage CTRL standing tall. SKY vs. Naomi is set for next week.
In a rare and shocking announcement, WWE Superstar Shayna Baszler will be making her GCW debut at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport X.
The Warmaster’s disciple, “The Queen of Spades” Shayna Baszler, comes to Josh Barnett’s: Bloodsport X.
An opponent has not been named at this time. The event takes place before WrestleMania weekend on Thursday, April 4 in Philadelphia.
What does it mean when a Queen takes up the sword and marches to war?
Blood. Victory. Glory.
From battlefields all over the world – MMA & the @ufc , @WWENXT , @WWE , @wwr_stardom , and more – to now step into a ring she was made for from the beginning.
WWE Hall of Famers Trish Stratus and Lita (known together as Team Bestie) shocked the wrestling world when they returned last year to in-ring action. Stratus in particular spent the majority of 2023 on the active roster and feuded with Becky Lynch.
Trish Stratus & Lita put The Kabuki Warriors (Kairi Sane & Asuka) on notice at their Q&A pannel at “For The Love Of Wrestling”
Lita became WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions with Lynch but due to Stratus’ jealousy perhaps, that ended once Stratus attacked Lita backstage.
Stratus and Lita sat down recently for a Q & A with Monopoly Events. They were asked if they had a message to send to the current WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions The Kabuki Warriors.
Stratus responds – “You’re not ready for Team Bestie”
There hasn’t been any talk on WWE TV at this time of bringing in Stratus or Lita. The full Q & A can be watched below!
Mercedes Moné made her highly anticipated debut for AEW this past Wednesday at Big Business. This arrival came after many months speculation on where she would make her home.
During her debut she did touch on making her arrival in AEW a revolution. She intends on taking AEW to new heights.
“I want to be here, I need to be here, and it’s because of the women’s division,” Mone told Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated. “The women here laid the foundation. They’re the reason I want to be in AEW. We’re going to make so much magic here.
“This is a global revolution. That’s why I’m here. You don’t think I can take this around the globe? Well then, let me show you I can. My heart is here. My dreams are here. I love wrestling. I’m a leader, and I’m going to lead.”
In addition, according to a new report by Wrestling Observer, one female talent from WWE reportedly noted that they were hearing that the number Mercedes Moné is being paid was enough to make her the highest paid woman in pro wrestling. They added that they were thrilled at AEW for making the offer and happy for her to have accepted it. There is also word that she was asking for “Becky Lynch type money” in WWE.
An unnamed woman in WWE has stated that they have heard that Mercedes Moné’s pay in AEW was enough to make her the highest paid woman in pro-wrestling.
Former 3-time #AEW Women's World Champ Hikaru Shida takes on the longest reigning #ROH Women's World Champ Athena! pic.twitter.com/yVymD41QZt
— ROH – Ring of Honor Wrestling (@ringofhonor) March 15, 2024
Athena asked for more competition. She feels that every one in the locker room is scared of her. She said she would open any door around the world, begging someone to step up and give her real competition.
Athena is quickly approaching 500 days as champion.
Also on this week’s show, the final four for the ROH Women’s TV Tournament. Joining already advanced Queen Aminata and Red Velvet, Billie Starkz and Mercedes Martinez will now see each other in the semi finals.
Starkz def. Diamante while Martinez def. Abadon
Your current standings in the #ROH Women's World TV Title Tournament.
Less than a week removed from TNA Sacrifice, the new TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Champions Spitfire were in action on the March 14 IMPACT against Beaa Moss and Vanna Black.
Before the bell rang, both MK Ultra and Decay entered to watch as Dani Luna and Jody Threat largely dominated their opponents. Luna and Moss started the bout before Threat showcased her offense. Black came in off the tag but ultimately was on the receiving end of Spitfire’s combo finisher for Threat to pin her.
Soon after, Tasha Steelz interrupted commentary in the IMPACT Zone and claimed that she did not lose at Sacrifice because she wasn’t pinned. She laid out the challenge a title match against Jordynne Grace and it has been booked.
Toni Storm & Mariah May beat Little Mean Kathleen & Kayla Sparks. Pure squash. The crowd LOVES the Timeless Toni gimmick. Deonna Purrazzo is out here to face them down and brings her mystery partner…THUNDER ROSA! They’ll see them next week!
AEW Dynamite: Big Business opened with the debut of Mercedes Moné and closed with Willow Nightingale vs. Riho in the main event.
As noted, Moné announced she is #AllElite and is here to take the revolution to a global level. Before the main event, she appeared again backstage to shake Riho’s hand.
Mercedes Moné will have a close eye on the main event match between Willow Nightingale & Riho.
The latter half of the main event saw Willow pounce Riho and they spilled to the outside, but Riho was able to respond with a double stomp from the top rope all the way to the floor.
On the apron, Riho landed a Dragon Suplex and followed it with another double stomp in the ring for a nearfall. In the end, Willow rallied until she landed a huge powerbomb for the three-count.
As Willow celebrated, the lights went out and came back on to show Julia Hart on the apron. Skye Blue attacked Willow from behind before a double beatdown commenced. Moné’s music eventually hit and she struck Blue on the apron. The CEO came face to face with Hart before laying her out with the Moné Maker. Mercedes and Willow raised hands together before Willow left and Mercedes celebrated with the crowd chanting for her.
The CEO Mercedes Moné comes to the aid of Willow Nightingale!
Looking ahead, Toni Storm and Mariah May will be in tag team action this Friday on Rampage. This will preview next week’s Dynamite in Toronto where Deonna Purrazzo will find a partner of her choosing to battle Storm and May. Purrazzo spoke about it backstage.
Deonna Purrazzo hasn't forgotten about what happened at #AEWRevolution and is out for REVENGE!
Former Wonder of Stardom Champion, Mina Shirakawa made her debut in ROH during the March 13 tapings. She faced Anna Jay and pulled out the win. This was the only women’s match for these tapings as only a few matches overall were taped.
STARDOM's Mina Shirakawa working the ROH tapings????
As expected, the former Sasha Banks made her official debut at AEW Dynamite: Big Business on March 13 in Boston. Moné kicked off the episode by making her way to the ring with a new theme song.
Moné thanked the fans for sticking with her through the highs and lows. But now she’s here in AEW to take care of business. She says that AEW is the only place where the revolution can be global. She can’t wait to tear it up with everyone in the locker room, however she has her attention on the night’s main event — Willow Nightingale vs. Riho.
Mercedes added that she has unfinished business with Willow, however as of right now, she is All Elite. She then thanked Tony Khan and declared herself the new CEO.
Diva Dirt will provide results from Nightingale vs. Riho following the conclusion of the show.
WWE Superstars Naomi and Bayley are reportedly in Boston, Massachusetts ahead of AEW Dynamite. PWInsider is reporting that they are there for the impending Mercedes Moné debut.
Everything but actually saying Moné will debut tonight has been hinted. Between AEW having the show named Big Business and saying they are in Bo$$ton which is Moné’s hometown. Moné has also posted the following.
BO$$TON ????
— Mercedes Moné Varnado (@MercedesVarnado) March 13, 2024
Former AEW Women’s World Champion Britt Baker has been out of action and off of AEW TV for quite some time. Her last match was against Kris Statlander in September for the TBS Championship. Since then, Baker has taken a step back to handle a nagging injury.
While speaking with SXSW panel, Baker answered if she has plans for 2024.
“Yeah, I do. Just growing as a wrestler and performer and learning what works and what doesn’t work. With all the new talent coming in and new talent I get to work with, and new coaches and new people coming over from WWE, new brains and minds we get to pick. You’re really doing yourself a huge disservice if you’re not constantly asking everybody around you for help. The help in AEW is growing and growing. For me personally, I can’t wait to get back in the ring, have [a mic] in my hand and cut some promos. Stay tuned,” she said.
During the same panel, Tony Khan chimed in on potentially when the former champion will return.
“She was out injured for a while, and now that she’s out and about, she could be coming back soon, you never know when she could return. It’s one of those things we have up our sleeve and it’s always fun when you can do those,” he said. (Fightful)
Are you looking forward to a Britt Baker return? Comment below.
Roxanne Perez is finished playing games and is demanding to once again be NXT Women’s Champion. A title she continues to claim that she has never lost.
Perez went down the list of women who have held the title since her. Indi Hartwell, Tiffany Stratton, but she focuses on the woman she sent to the hospital last week – Lyra Valkyria. Since Valkyria can obviously not compete, Perez asked General Manager Ava to come out, strip Valkyria of the title, and crown her instead.
As Ava came out, clearly not to do what Perez said, Tatum Paxley jumped the barricade and went after Perez. Paxley was held back.
Thea Hail is back to her Chase U ways. Hail, who went into the night without a tag team partner to face Kiana James and Izzi Dame. When the match was forming based on Hail getting into it with James and Dame backstage last week, Jacy Jayne wanted nothing to do with it. So, Kelani Jordan stepped up to be Hail’s partner. Only problem was, Jordan was attacked backstage right before the match.
Hail had to go into the match as a handicap until Fallon Henley appeared to team with her. During the match, Jayne and Jazmyn Nyx made their way to ringside. Jayne’s impact was felt as she pulled Henley out of the way from a big boot on the outside but Dame still connected with Hail instead.
The match was shortly won thereafter by James who hit Bankrupt on Hail. After the match, Hail took to the mic and absolutely tore into Jane who didn’t seem to be bothered. Hail ended by kicking Jane to the curb and said the old Thea is back.
Other moments for the women included Arianna Grace defeating Gigi Dolin due to disqualification from a low blow. Yes, you read that right.
Grace was trying to put her tiara on Dolin which distracted the referee. While the referee wasn’t look Grace kicked Dolin with a low blow and then when the referee was looking, Dolin returned the favor and was DQ’d.
Sol Ruca was speaking with Karmen Petrovic about her return. They were interrupted by both Lola Vice who challenged Petrovic to a match and then Brinley Reece who seemingly wants a match against Ruca.
Lastly, Lash Legend and Trick Williams shared a sweet kiss to end the show.
Williams challenged Carmelo Hayes to a match but was interrupted by Meta Four, who said Williams deserved it. This led to a brawl, with Williams taking out Oro Mensah and Noam Dar before the kiss of the century as he and Legend kissed.
