BodySlam

Author: Rami Afif

  • Asuka Confirms She Is Still With WWE, Teases Return In The Future

    Asuka Confirms She Is Still With WWE, Teases Return In The Future

    Asuka has responded to the rampant rumors and reports going around about her status with the WWE.

    In the blowoff feud match between the Empress of Tomorrow, Asuka, and the Genius of the Sky, Iyo Sky. The biggest headline going into that match on that week was Asuka teasing that she was possibly departing or taking some time off from the WWE.

    Following the match, she would embrace in a hug with Sky, and the following night, the two made amends and Asuka departed from the arena, being written off TV so she can handle personal matters back home in Japan.

    Now, in her most recent vlog, Asuka confirmed the report from Fightful Select and teased that she could pop in when fans least expect it to prepare for her comeback to the WWE.

    “It’s already been about two weeks since my last match at Backlash. I know there are a ton of rumors flying around out there… People asking, ‘Are we ever going to see Asuka wrestle again? Is she going back to Japan? Is she leaving WWE?’ The truth is, it was a personal matter — I reached out to WWE and we talked it through. But let’s be clear — as you all know from watching my matches, I can still go. I am still at the top of my game! I’ve been with WWE for over 10 years now, almost like it was just a given. And because it became such a part of your daily routine, I think my presence there just became something everyone took for granted. But remember… nothing lasts forever. Everything is finite. You see, I’m not just a wrestler by trade; I’m a designer, too. Even the way I live my life has to be art. I’m sure you’re all wondering what’s next for me, and how I’ll be involved with TV and the tours moving forward. But don’t forget — I am still officially with WWE. So there’s a chance I might just pop up in front of you when you least expect it! Let’s be honest, no one will ever make the kind of historic impact I made from day one. I don’t think anyone will ever climb to the top non-stop, grabbing every title and accolade along the way — the way I did. And because I’m a true pioneer, there will NEVER be another Asuka! So from here on out, if you ever catch a glimpse of me, you better cherish it. Because it’s going to be rare.” – Asuka on her YouTube Channel.

    H/t to Fightful for the transcription.

  • The Bella Twins: Now Is A Perfect Time To Bring Back Total Divas

    The Bella Twins: Now Is A Perfect Time To Bring Back Total Divas

    The Bella Twins would love to see the iconic reality show be brought back with the new roster WWE has.

    When it first originally came out, the Bellas, Naomi, Nattie, plus others would be involved in the first season of Total Divas before the next couple of seasons included more and more women involved in the WWE.

    Now, the Bellas are in hopes that one day they will get the call to bring back Total Divas, stating to the Battleground podcast that it’s the perfect time and with the roster the WWE currently has, there are plenty of stories to dive into with those who grew up watching the reality show.

    “We’ve had conversations about it for years, about bringing it back. We’ve always pushed hard for that because it really helped the women, not only showcase what they can do in and out of the ring, but it gave our voices such a big platform. I feel like now, with what the women are doing, it’s a perfect time for it to be back, and to showcase what these women are doing, how they’re delivering, and I want to know what some of them are doing inside and outside of the ring. If they were to call, we are back right now, so it might be a yes.”

    Nikki Bella was not cleared to compete at WrestleMania 42 due to an ankle injury, however, the return of Paige allowed Brie Bella to still be involved, and, in the end, the duo would become the new Women’s Tag Team Champions.

    H/t to Fightful for the transcription.

  • Mark Shapiro: Rousey vs. Carano Was More Of A Stunt Than A Meaningful Event

    Mark Shapiro: Rousey vs. Carano Was More Of A Stunt Than A Meaningful Event

    The biggest women’s fight in MMA history ended in 17 seconds, but TKO’s President doesn’t feel it was meaningful.

    Two of the biggest names in women’s MMA clashed on May 16 at the Intuit Dome on Netflix for the MMA clash between Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano. At the end of the night, Rousey was victorious with their signature armbar finish.

    While speaking at the JP Morgan Global Technology and Media Conference, TKO President Mark Shapiro was asked about it and explained why he chose to stay away from it rather than invest into the fight.

    “It was pitched to us and we did turn it down. That’s to take nothing away from Netflix. They are a great partner and clearly they know what they are doing across the board. They’re in the big event business. They want big spectacle events, and they saw that this is a big spectacle event. We’re in the true MMA business on a meaningful and consistent basis. When we looked at this potential match-up, keep in mind there is a real art and skill to match-making. When you ask Hunter Campbell and Dana White what they think of that matchup prior to it happening, the answer was, ‘That fight will be over in 20 seconds.’ They were off by a few seconds. I don’t think a fight like that, just the way it played out, is really good for MMA. Especially because it’s Netflix and they have an incredible global audience. For them to go to that fight and think that’s what MMA is, I don’t think is good for the sport long-term. We saw it that way and decided to pass on it. Taking nothing away from the legend of Ronda Rousey and the win she got. I guarantee incredible viewership numbers. For us, it was more of a stunt than a meaningful MMA event,” he said.

    Rousey has stated that this was her way of rewriting the ending to her legendary MMA career and she did just that on Saturday, May 16 against Carano in the biggest women’s MMA fight of all time.

     

  • Blake Monroe: Asuka’s Elevated Every Women’s Locker Room She’s In

    Blake Monroe: Asuka’s Elevated Every Women’s Locker Room She’s In

    Blake Monroe would love to step into the ring one day with the Empress Of Tomorrow if the stars did align.

    In the build to the Backlash clash between Iyo Sky and Asuka, reports surfaced that Asuka would be taking time off from the company after seemingly saying goodbye to Sky and the WWE Universe on the following night on WWE Monday Night Raw.

    In a recent interview with Vicente Beltran, Blake Monroe spoke about the impact that Asuka has made on every locker room she’s stepped in and how she would love to get a chance to battle the legend if given the opportunity.

    “So Asuka to me is one of the best women’s wrestlers in the world, and I remember watching her after she won the Rumble wrestling Charlotte Flair and thinking, wow, like she’s something special, and I feel like she came to WWE and she elevated the NXT women’s locker room. She elevated the main roster locker room too. I don’t know where her heart is, what her decision is, but I would love to wrestle her one day. So for me, I’m kind of heartbroken if this is it, but I also respect her and what a career she’s had. So, I mean, she’s amazing.”

    Monroe is currently planning on making the move up to the main roster where she will be part of the Friday Night SmackDown brand on the USA Network.

    H/t to Fightful for the transcription.

  • Chris Jericho: I Put A Million Percent In Every Character, Sometimes It Doesn’t Work Out As Well

    Chris Jericho: I Put A Million Percent In Every Character, Sometimes It Doesn’t Work Out As Well

    Chris Jericho spoke about the characters and gimmicks he has had over the last couple of decades.

    Whether it’s Lionheart, Y2J, Monday Night Jericho, The Ocho, Suit & Tie Jericho, or even the Learning Tree. Chris Jericho has said he does his best to put a million percent of his work into each character of his.

    While speaking with Ringer Wrestling, Jericho spoke about the different stints of characters he has had and which one he prefers to be his favorite.

    “When you’re going through underrated Jericho eras, gosh, I think The Wizard was pretty cool when I started throwing the fireballs. That was something that nobody had seen for years in pro wrestling, I just thought that was really cool. We were in Vegas and I had to get a Magician’s License for real to throw a fireball because that’s the rules that the commission has. I still renew it every year and carry with me at all times, so yes, I am a licensed magician in Nevada.”

    Continuing on, Jericho also showed some appreciation for his Monday Night Jericho era and his Learning Tree stable.

    “I think the first kind of iteration of Jericho is the crybaby era, the tantrums and slamming the chair against the post. Ripping off Dave Penzer’s tuxedo, that was kind of the era of, ‘Who is this guy?’ The paragon of virtue and all of that stuff. Monday Night Jericho, that era. That was a really good time. I also think that The Learning Tree was a good era because it was kind of really going left field and kind of focusing on the haters of the world, which then made them hate it even more. That might be a little bit more of a Stones dirty work. Kiss The Elder, Sane Anger type of vibe. I thought that was a really cool one as well.”

    Jericho has been involved in a feud with the Demand for the last couple of weeks since coming back from a year-long hiatus from the world of All Elite Wrestling.

    H/t to Fightful for the transcription.

  • John Cena: I Will Not Do Anything Physical Now That I Am Retired

    John Cena: I Will Not Do Anything Physical Now That I Am Retired

    John Cena opened up about one of the biggest questions fans have asked him about now that he is retired.

    Last December, John Cena had his final match of his career in the WWE when he suffered a loss to the Ring General, Gunther, who would go on to submit and force Cena to tap out in his retirement match.

    Since then, Cena has become an Ambassador for the WWE, helping promote Club WWE, while also still doing his best to be involved with the WWE with appearances on PLE’s or shows when he is able to.

    While speaking with Sports Illustrated, Cena explained that getting physical in the ring is not something you will be seeing from him, there will be no bumps or any attitudes being adjusted by the Greatest Of All Time.

    “This was the confusing thing about retirement. First of all, I will stay retired — no fall downs. I will not do anything physical. But that doesn’t mean I’m away from WWE. I mean, anyone who knows me knows how passionate I am about not only the sports entertainment business but WWE as a brand. So it was simply a matter of like, ‘So where do I fit in now?’ And we’re still trying to find out those pieces, but I think we got a clear path.”

    There is no word yet on when the John Cena Classic, a tournament that Cena announced at WWE Backlash will be happening.

    H/t to Fightful for the transcription.

  • Adam Copeland: You Can Tell Lio Rush Is Going All In With Blackheart Gimmick

    Adam Copeland: You Can Tell Lio Rush Is Going All In With Blackheart Gimmick

    Adam Copeland had some praise to share recently for Lio Rush’s recent gimmick change and character work.

    Recently, Lio Rush brought in a Blackheart gimmick which has definitely caught the attention of the fans from all around the world.

    In a recent interview with Westwood One Sports, Adam Copeland was asked about the climate of wrestling characters today and had a lot of good praise to share for Rush who has had good and bad criticism from the world of pro wrestling.

    “Especially with the climate of wrestling characters now — if The Undertaker were to come out now, would it work? I don’t know. I still truly believe that if you fully commit to something as a performer and you go all in, then there’s no questions at least. Then you can go, ‘Right, I went all in on this thing and I tried to make it work.’ What I love about Lio is you can tell he’s going all in. Truly, that’s the way it’s going to work is if you just throw it all at the wall. Whatever sticks, whatever doesn’t, okay cool, I’ll just throw some other stuff up there and see if that sticks. I got all day for people who are going to try and recreate themselves.”

    “From my personal standpoint, I’ve always tried to make it more of a gradual character shift. It is more of a shift than a [sudden] change because the one time I did that was the creation of Judgment Day. It was too fast, it was too much, too soon, too too too.  I was a babyface that they saw fight back from a neck surgery he’s not supposed to fight back from. Then, I’m working AJ, who’s just turned babyface. It was a recipe for meh. I realized that’s why I usually do the gradual shift on character. The circumstances were what they were and I had no choice, but that further taught me to kind of gradually do it. But that’s for me, right? Lio, I feel like he goes, ‘Okay, I’m at bat, I got to just start swinging and swinging big.’  You got to appreciate that.”

    Copeland and Christian Cage are set to battle FTR for the Men’s AEW World Tag Team Championships at AEW Double Or Nothing in an I Quit Match where if Cope and Cage lose, they must retire as a tag team.

    H/t to Fightful for the transcription.

  • MJF: If You Show Up And Work Hard In AEW, There’s No Need To Burn Bridges

    MJF: If You Show Up And Work Hard In AEW, There’s No Need To Burn Bridges

    MJF had this to say about anyone who thinks they can use All Elite Wrestling as a leapfrog back to the WWE.

    In the last couple of months to a year, the locker room for AEW has been at an all-time high in regard to morale and satisfaction, according to many wrestlers and talents backstage in the locker room.

    While speaking with Ariel Helwani, MJF detailed the good shape of the locker room and who he believes was the biggest offender in the last couple of years when it came to All Elite Wrestling.

    “I attribute that to the fact that there are no longer people in the locker room who look at my company as a stepping stone; they look at it as a legitimate company. We had a lot of guys, I shouldn’t say a lot, but we had some guys that came in and they were like, ‘I’m going to show up, be top guy, and go back to Vince.’ Really, motherfucker, you’re going to leapfrog me? Good luck, pussy. Not going to happen on my watch, and it didn’t. No one is nearly as good as me, Hangman, Swerve, Kenny, Ospreay, Samoa Joe. A lot of guys came in and thought they could “brother brother” themselves to the top and it didn’t happen. We no longer have that in the locker room, and it’s a breath of fresh air. I no longer have to look at anyone in the eye and think to myself, ‘This guy doesn’t want to be here.’ Everyone in my locker room wants to be here. People had to get weeded out,” he said.

    Asked for names, MJF replied, “The biggest offender? I think it’s pretty obvious that’s Malakai Black (Aleister Black in WWE). I don’t know the guy on a personal level. Do I think he’s a bad guy? No. Do I think he was a mark for ‘Oh, I need my Mania moment.’ Yeah. There were a couple of guys like that, and they got weeded out. They went over there and some found out the grass isn’t greener. Perhaps, for them, the grass was greener. The majority of guys that were like, ‘I’m going to use AEW to go to WWE or back to WWE,’ you’re going to see a lot of those guys get asked for a 50% pay cut or get released. It’s unfortunate because if you show up to our company and work hard, there is no need to burn bridges. I’m not shitting on him, I’m simply telling you what I was told by the majority of the locker room about this specific individual.”

    Aleister Black / Malakai Black was released from the WWE a year after making his return to the company.

    H/t to Fightful for the transcription.

  • MJF: The New Day Are Massive Stars Who Know Their Worth

    MJF: The New Day Are Massive Stars Who Know Their Worth

    MJF would love to see the New Day become All Elite one day.

    On May 2, the New Day’s Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods departed from the WWE following a meeting with TKO higher-ups where they were apparently asked to take a 50% cut on their current contracts.

    Two days later, the New Day would confirm their departure from the WWE and many talents from around the world have praised their work and hope they could work with Kofi and Austin Creed when the time does come.

    While speaking with Ariel Helwani, MJF was asked the question on if he would love to see the New Day become All Elite.

    “Yeah, absolutely. I don’t know what their contract situation is, but whenever they are legally allowed to come over, I think those are guys that would be incredible additions to the AEW roster. They are both crazy talented, massive stars, and guys who know their worth, which to me is the most impressive thing,” he said.

    Many big names have been pushing for the New Day to sign with All Elite Wrestling when the time does come for their non-complete clauses to be officially over with.

    H/t to Fightful for the transcription.

  • The Hardys Set To Battle SSB At House Of Glory: Waging War

    The Hardys Set To Battle SSB At House Of Glory: Waging War

    The Hardys will be in action on May 22 against the team of SSB (Stu Grayson & Evil Uno).

    The House of Glory Tag Team Championships will be on the line when Jeff and Matt Hardy travel to House Of Glory’s Waging War event to battle SSB (Evil Uno & Stu Grayson) for the gold on May 22.

    Here is the official statement from HOG.

    The Hardys Return To Defend HOG Tag Team Championships Against SSB This Friday At HOG: Waging War

    House of Glory Wrestling is proud to announce a blockbuster Tag Team Championship showdown as legendary champions The Hardys (Matt & Jeff Hardy) defend the HOG Tag Team Championships against the dangerous and unpredictable SSB — formerly known worldwide as Dark Order’s Evil Uno & Stu Grayson — this Friday night at HOG: Waging War live from the NYC Arena in Jamaica, New York.

    For decades, The Hardys have defined tag team wrestling with their fearless style, iconic moments, and championship legacy across the globe. Since arriving in House of Glory, Matt and Jeff Hardy have once again proven why they remain one of the most beloved and decorated teams in wrestling history.

    Standing across from them will be one of the most chaotic and innovative tandems in modern wrestling. SSB brings unmatched chemistry, brutality, and experience into this championship opportunity. Evil Uno and Stu Grayson have battled elite competition all over the world, and this Friday they look to make history by capturing HOG gold on one of the biggest stages of the year.

    With two legendary teams colliding, fans can expect an unforgettable war filled with high-risk offense, hard-hitting action, and nonstop excitement as HOG Waging War invades NYC Arena.

    This championship encounter is part of a stacked night of action that fans cannot afford to miss.

    HOG: Waging War
    📍 NYC Arena – Jamaica, NY
    📅 Friday, May 22nd
    🕖 Bell Time: 7 PM

    Watch live worldwide on TrillerTV+ or secure one of the limited remaining tickets now at HOGWrestling.net