Weekly News Round-Up (Oct. 2nd, 2022): Antonio Inoki passes, Cole Teases Cena, Daniel Cormier in WWE & many more
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Welcome back to this week’s top news stories, courtesy of Wrestlebuddy. Professional Wrestling maintains captivates fans with irresistible headlines that demand our attention.
1. Antonio Anoki passes away
We begin with sad news, Pro-wrestling fans mourn the passing of a true pioneer in the industry. Famed Japanese promoter/ wrestler, WWE Hall of Famer & multiple-time Champion Antonio Inoki recently died on Oct. 1st. He was responsible for organizing New Japan Pro Wrestling. Inoki garnered fame by competing against Mohammad Ali, Andre The Giant, Hulk Hogan & several other superstars during his illustrious career. Inoki’s legacy defined greatness. We send our heartfelt condolences & prayers to his entire family & peers. There is only one Antonio Inoki.
2. Who’s involved in the alleged White Rabbit/ Bray Wyatt mystery?
Wrestling fans can’t seem to get enough of the White Rabbit teases. Anytime you mention it or hear that Jefferson Airplane song, mysterious intrigue fills your mind. What led viewers to speculate & people are witnessing a White Rabbit appear out of QR Codes. Leaving audiences wandering & asking themselves, what’s this all mean? Conspiracy theorists have more reasons to tune in & watch wrestling now.
Its buildup increases as seen on both current editions of Raw & SmackDown. Despite rumors leading toward Bray Wyatt. Triple H said it’s a superstar “ no one is talking about. ” & his line has everyone entertained. Many also wonder if Baron Corbin & Aleister connect with the new storyline. SmackDown had a new Bray Wyatt Big Bad Wolf tease segment where two individuals who wore creepy outfits with one dawning Wolf’s mask on White Rabbit seemingly appeared backstage during a Bayley & Damage Control segment on recent Raw. Clues are piling up & what say you?
3. Michael Cole teases former WWE Champions’ return?
Could John Cena be returning? Well, According to WWE broadcaster Michael Cole that rumor is true. During WWE’s telecast of Friday Night Smackdown, Cole teased fans in a fun way. The former Champion hasn’t wrestled a match in almost one year. Speculation related to Cena coming back & facing Austin Theory at WrestleMania 39. Friday’s SmackDown episode saw Theory battle ex-WWE Champion Drew McIntyre in singles action. The Alpha Academy (Otis & Chad Gable) oddly distracted Theory by helping Drew to win. During their match, Michael Cole stated about Theory;
“ No Doubt Austin Theory is one of the most talented we have seen in a while. He could use an Attitude Adjustment though. “
I’m excited for John Cena versus Austin Theory at Mania.
4. AEW shows no longer air in numerous countries on Warner Bros.-owned channel:
Wrestlebuddy learned via PWMaina that a Warner Bros-owned channel to stop airing All-Elite Wrestling programs in various countries. The Network “ Space “ is part of the Warner Bros & Discovery Americas property & under the ownership of TNT/TBS, represents parent company Warner Bros. Discovery, ceases showing AEW content. Both Dynamite & Rampage will not be, televised on Space in regions like Mexico, South America, Central America, & the Caribbean, & this is from AEW itself. There was no information as to why the removal of programming. Friday, September 30th, All-Elite Wrestling shows are not available on Space, except in Brazil. The wrestling company reassured fans to sign up for their AEW Plus Service from Fite TV. AEW Plus is a weekly program for international viewers & that deal includes Dynamite, Rampage, Dark, Elevation, & Battle of the Belts. The monthly subscription costs $6.99. “
5. UFC Legend-refereeing Matt Riddle vs. Rollins at Extreme Rules
Matt Riddle’s feud with Seth Rollins via WWE Raw has arguably been one of the company’s best programs besides “ The Bloodline! “ things have escalated rapidly lately because of both wrestlers’ animosity toward each other. Everyone loves a riveting physical series involving two capable athletes. The Architect conquered Riddle when they collided in Wales regarding Clash at the Castle, which was just the first in this personal saga. Multiple Rollins & Riddle segments implement straight-up brawls on Raw. Riddle challenged Seth to a Fight Pit Match at Extreme Rules circa Oct. 8th! BT Sport’s Ariel Helwani revealed that the Fight Pit match is to have a special guest referee. Helwani believes UFC legend Daniel Cormier will officiate The Orginal Bro’s fight opposite Rollins. Helwani posted a quote from Cormier related to this feud.
WWE has confirmed the news about Cormier’s role.
Stay tuned next week for more news in the world of wrestling.