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Pluggo’s Top 5 of the Week: Raw After Mania Edition

by Pluggo
written by Pluggo


Is the Raw After Mania back? I wouldsay absolutely without a doubt. Last nights show hit on so many different levels for me. After a few duds over the last couple years, this Raw After Mania hit so well, it deserved its own Top 5. Considering it’s Tuesday and there is so much wrestling left in the week it would have been tough to fit any hint else in. So instead of making you all wait to read about it next week, let’s dive head first into my favorite moments from last nights epic show: 

Becky Lynch Turns on Lyra Valkyria!

One Night after winning the Tag Team Championships Lynch and Lyra Valkyria lose them back to Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez. The match itself was a really good one and Liv and Raquel are now 4 Time Champions. What’s even crazier is Becky turned on the Intercontinental Champion post match and left her laying in the ring. For me Heel Becky is always a fun ride and I can’t wait to see what her explanation is down the line. Also that IC title match will be without question a banger! 

Rusev has Returned!

After Ich rumor and speculation that RUSEV had resigned with the WWE he has finally returned to the company. As rumors ran wild that he would potentially be Randy Ortons Partner at Mania but instead it’s the Raw After Mania where he lands. Rusev puts the whole roster on notice after wrecking an impromptu Tag make between the New Day and Alpha Academy. 

Women’s Wrestling Is Alive and Well! 

Sure, Thunder Rosa held up the sign on an AEW Program but that statement reigns true throughout the business. The RAW After Mania showcased just how damn special their roster is.

Iyo Sky came out to celebrate her WrestleMania victory and none other than the faster rising star in wrestling NXT Women’s Champion Stephanie Vaquer stepped up and made the challenge and Iyo accepted. A banger of a match ensued until Roxanne Perez and Giulia of NXT busted up the match. To only be met by Mami herself Rhea Ripley saving Iyo and Vaquer! Oh and by the way Mami reminded Iyo she’ll be back for that title! What a great segment to showcase unbelievable talent! 

Gunther is Unhinged! 

Gunther is slowly becoming the most dangerous person on the planet, if that’s was even possible. He lost his title to Jey Uso at WrestleMania. So after the Jey Uso Celebration Gunther was not happy with the way Micheal Cole and Pat McAfee spoke about the Ring General. Listen, it was pretty bold of Cole to tell Gunther to his Face “I’m not the One Who Tapped Out” which cause Gunther to attack Cole and McAfee wasn’t having it and jumped in to the defense of Cole only to get laid out. Shoutout to Cole for coming back to commentary and standing on business after Adam Pearce offer to give him the rest of the night off! M

Another Paul Heyman Guy!

Last nights Raw After Mania ended in spectacular fashion. As Seth Rollins and Paul Heyman were just about to explain their actions from WrestleMania. CM Punks music hits and he beelines for Rollins. Seth ultimately fought him off. Then Heyman looks to end the show putting over Rollins while standing over Punk. Hell, that would have made for an epic ending in itself. Well, the OTC Roman Reigns arrives and spears the crap out of Rollins then Superman Punches Heyman. Now again that would have been a killer ending to a great show. As Roman stands tall a spear from a gentleman in a hoodies lays out Reigns! It’s none other than former Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker! Rollins and Breakker proceed to decimate Punk and Reigns to the enjoyment of Paul Heyman, as the kids say these days “Cinema” what a way to end a fantastic Raw After Mania! 

Another day and another five in the books. Friends let me know in the comments what you felt was your favorites moments from the Raw after WrestlleMania. As always keep it locked here at Love Wrestling for more amazing content from your favorite creators and we will see you next week for another Top 5! 

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Pluggo’s Top Five of the Week!

by Pluggo
written by Pluggo

Even when I’m down, the show must go on. I ask during this difficult time that you just bear with me. The difficult time, you may be wondering, is Para Lira are LPW Tag Team champions, which means I now have to listen to Berat Gorani run his mouth until they lose those championships. Thankfully there was a lot more good this past week in professional wrestling, so let’s get right into it! 

CM Punk is Officially a WrestleMania Main Eventer 

We found out this past Friday on Smackdown that finally CM Punk will get his first opportunity to star in the main event of the biggest show of the year. It’s the only thing CM Punk has wanted in his illustrious career that he has yet to accomplish. As a CM Punk guy, I couldn’t be more excited for him to cross this goal off his list. Now can the Second City Saint put the cherry on top and defeat both Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins? Here’s hoping! 

Double Duty for the Double Champ

I love the fact that Stephanie Vaquer, one week after winning the NXT Championship, is out here defending her North American Championship and the NXT Championship. She’s been presented as an absolute force in a women’s division that is widely considered one of the best in wrestling. 

Proceed With Caution

Holy smokes, this was easily the best promo of Naomi’s career. Those that love Naomi knew she had it in her. Those that didn’t believe, what do you have to say now? I know for me it would have been a crazy moment had we found out it was Bianca that attacked Jade Cargill. That said, if this is the Naomi we are getting as a product of her attacking Jade, then sign me up twice and I’ll happily shout it from the rooftops that I was wrong. Keep the foot on the gas with Naomi – that promo was special work and I need more! 

Swerve Strickland bodies Jon Moxley on the mic

No surprise to AEW fans that Swerve Strickland is that guy. He went toe to toe with the leader of the Death Riders Wednesday night and I think he came out on top. It was a great back and forth between Moxley and himself. Even Moxley himself put Strickland over in the segment, saying, “Seeing a guy like you makes me want to keep going and all my hard work in this business run by billionaires and YouTubers is not going to waste.” I’m still not sold on Swerve winning at Dynasty, though I think he should. It wouldn’t shock me if  Moxley held it until All In. 

LPW 35 Into The Void

Normally I try and stick to moments on these lists but I’m hard pressed to not sing the praises of the entire LPW 35 card. It was one of my favorite LPW shows of all time. We saw three title changes, an absolute classic in the other title match (MRB vs Miles DeVille), plus that ending. Zoe Sager, the Intangible Opportunist, may have lost her tag title to Para Lira to open, but she made damn sure she left with gold as she becomes a 2-time Grand Champion beating TY Jackson and Marz The Specialist. Not only that she set off a chain of events amongst the roster that now has the anticipation for LPW 36 at an all time high! Head to IWTV or Love Wrestling on YouTube to catch all the action. 

Another week another 5 in the books. We are just heating up to as the Road to WrestleMania continues and AEW Dynasty is next week. So keep it here and see what moments from the week that was stood out to me. As always, feel free to drop your favorites in the comments and keep it locked here for the latest from everyone at Love Wrestling. 

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Pluggo’s Top 5 of the Week.

by Pluggo
written by Pluggo

We are back baby! After taking a few much-needed weeks off to recharge my batteries, so to speak, I am happy to be back after it.  I picked quite the week to write about. From AEW Revolution, RAW at MSG and NXT Roadblock, I had plenty of options for this weeks Top 5 so let’s get right into it: 

Timeless Toni Storm vs Mariah Hollywood Ending Street Fight AEW Revolution

Mariah May and Toni have been nothing short of brilliant since they came together. This past Sunday at AEW Revolution was the Hollywood ending to the best storyline In the company, and it did not disappoint. How this was not the main event of the evening is beyond me – it was perfect. Storm & May left everything they had in that arena. Closing out the match with Toni Storm nuzzling up to a defeated and bloody Mariah May as the screen shows “The End” – we talk about cinema in wrestling all the time. This match set the standard for me. 

Kyle Fletcher vs Will Ospreay Steel Cage Match AEW Revolution 

This match was pure insanity and I loved it. I was on the edge of my set with every false finish. They upped the ante throughout the entirety of the match. The opening shot of both Fletcher and Ospreay standing on top of the cage was fantastic stuff. From there they proceeded to have one of the most brutal and intense matches in AEW history. Ultimately William Ospreay got the win, but in the end I think it was Kyle Fletcher who truly shined. Fletcher continues to add layers and layers to his rising star and he’s proving there isn’t any spot too big for him to succeed in. 

CM Punk vs Seth Rollins Steel Cage on RAW 

Two men who absolutely hate one another enter a steel cage. What’s not to love? Rollins and Punk’s well documented history made this a surefire can’t miss. They delivered. The match had it all: great wrestling, suspense building with every finish, the verbal back and forth mid-match. It was simple and effective. Then you add Roman Reigns returning and yanking Rollins out of the cage, which gave Rollins the win. That didn’t matter, as Reigns laid waste to Rollins then turned around to see Paul Heyman in the cage checking on Punk. Roman lost it and destroyed Punk to end the night. The road to WrestleMania is cooking with gas right now. 

Stephanie Vaquer Double Champ at NXT Roadblock

I admit, I was concerned it was too early for this match. Giulia and Vaquer are new to NXT and the Women’s North American Championship is brand new. So putting both titles on one of them, I had concerns. Well, throw my concerns out the window…for now. That match ruled and Stephanie Vaquer and Giulia have amazing chemistry, and I wish that Main Event would have gotten 10 more minutes. The WWE has a blue-chip no doubt superstar in Vaquer and I’m here for the ride. Now let’s hope she’s not going to just relinquish the NA like they have in the past and let her truly shine during what is already a historical reign. 

Speedball Mike Bailey Debuts on AEW Dynamite 

You love to see when good things happen to even better people. Speedball Mike Bailey has finally debuted in AEW after months of rumor and speculation. Speedball is easily one of the best wrestlers on the planet and him getting this opportunity on a big stage is fantastic. He won his match against the Beast Mortos and is one win away from a date with Kenny Omega for the International Championship. I can’t wait to see what Speedball will do in AEW! 

There you have it folks, another week another Top 5 in the books! Keep it locked in here for more writing from yours truly as well as all the other amazing contributors here at Love Wrestling! 

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Elimination Chamber Power Rankings

by Pluggo
written by Pluggo

For 12 superstars, the only thing standing between them and a guaranteed spot at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas is the most unforgiving structure in professional wrestling, the Elimination Chamber. 

So per tradition I like to think of these matches in terms of a power rankings ahead of the actual matches March 1. I’ll breakdown both mens and women’s matches, ranking them from 6 to 1, which will act as my predictions on how each competitor will fare in Toronto. Ultimately #1 in each ranking will be my pick to win the opportunity to go to WrestleMania. 

Men’s Elimination Chamber

6 Damian Priest 

Talk about just how loaded this field is, that Priest, a former World Heavyweight Champion, is in the 6 spot. For Damian Priest, he’s still trying to figure his way back into the main event title picture since Finn Balor screwed him out of his championship against Gunther at SummerSlam. A win here would do that, but I just don’t see that happening.

5 Drew McIntyre 

Sure, Drew is doing some of his finest work over the last year, and a program with him and Cody Rhodes on the road to WrestleMania would be fun. The promo work alone would be top-notch. That said, there is something so fun about Drew getting screwed out of a big-time spot, and the man I’ve got at 4 will have a hand in just that. So, better luck next time Drew. 

4 Logan Paul 

The Maverick isn’t much of a fan favorite by any stretch, so a deep run in the Chamber could put a damper on the match. Now, could I see them having it come down to Logan Paul in the last two and making us the fans sweat out his ultimate elimination? Yes. That’s not what I am manifesting here, though. A solid showing where Paul is the 1st in and lasts awhile but he eliminates Drew and that spawns a program for them, is ultimately where my head’s at. Paul does have some issues with CM Punk now as well. Logan will have a massive target on his back Saturday, I think he prefers it that way. That doesn’t mean it’s a great strategy.

3 Seth Freakin Rollins 

This is tough for me to put Rollins here, as at some point he needs to get the leg up on CM Punk. Rollins has been spiraling ever since losing to Punk on the debut Raw on Netflix show, and I don’t see that stopping here. Rollins will have to find another way to Mania as well as figure out his Punk problem.

2 CM Punk 

How ironic that Punk’s last shot to reach the Main Event WrestleMania this year comes in the same year John Cena is on his farewell tour. Will Punk coming up just short once again cause him to take his ball and go home, as Seth Rollins brings up all the time? I don’t think so. It would be an epic way to end the Chamber match if it came down to Punk and Cena as the last two left and Cena somehow pulled out the upset. Talk about some long-term storytelling cinema.

1 John Cena

After coming up short at the Royal Rumble, finishing 2nd to Jey Uso, Cena declared he would be in the Chamber Match, knowing this is his last opportunity to be in the Main Event of WrestleMania. They wouldn’t possibly take this moment away would they? Rhodes vs Cena at Mania is an epic marquee match that we all want to see happen. So don’t get too cute on us, WWE – make the match happen. I’m here for a Cena win at Mania, then CM Punk, who was just slighted, challenges him at MITB for said championship. Tell me that wouldn’t rule! 

Women’s Elimination Chamber Match 

6 Naomi

Naomi always shows out in these opportunities, yet they rarely let Naomi win these high-profile chances. It’s unfortunate because she’s fantastic, but ultimately Naomi has other things on horizon, as I expect the return of Jade Cargill sooner than later. 

5 Bayley

The Role Model has been on a run as of late, appearing on seemingly every show and sprinkled in a NBA Celebrity All-Star Game appearance as well. It’s odd putting a future first-ballot Hall of Famer this low on a list for a championship, but a certain Prodigy has been giving Bayley a problem, which may cause her an early exit at the Chamber.

4 Alexa Bliss

Welcome back Alexa, you have been missed. Bliss returned at this year’s Royal Rumble, though she came up short in punching her ticket to the big dance. While Bliss and Rhea Ripley or Iyo Sky would be a fresh matchup for Mania, I don’t think we are quite ready to make that leap considering she has just returned. It feels like an opportunity to remind everyone just how good the “Five Feet of Furry” is.

3 Roxanne Perez

She will 100 percent eliminate Bayley from this match, thus furthering their storyline. I’d love to see Bayley and Roxanne Perez at WrestleMania. Coming off the heels of being the Iron Women of the Royal Rumble, I expect Perez to have another big showing as they look to continue to push her to the moon! 

2 Liv Morgan 

Half of the new Women’s Tag Team Champions has all that history with Rhea Ripley, so it would make sense for them to run it back one more time. I ultimately don’t think they will do that, as the Liv/Rhea fatigue is still there, for me at least. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t hate their feud; it was just long, and I think it’s too quick to go back to the well. That said, I can’t rule it out as a real possibility. Everything is already built in.

1 Bianca Belair 

Losing the Tag Team Championships on Monday now frees up the EST for other things. Those “other things” of which I speak include giving us a a Women’s World Championship match at WrestleMania against Rhea Ripley. Who says no to that? It’s two of your greatest non Horsewomen talent on the roster. This would be a great way to showcase that the future is bright as ever in the women’s division! Plus you throw in their NXT history, and we are off to the races for what could be a very special match.

There it is folks, from six to one on both sides of the coin. I know on the women’s side I erred on the side of Rhea winning her championship match against Iyo Sky the day after Chamber. I’m going to just assume she retains. Honestly though, if Iyo does win, I don’t think I’d change much on the women’s side. Anyways, how did I do? Do you agree with my rankings? Let me know in the comments and as always keep it right here on Love Wrestling for more of my writings and much more! 

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Pluggo’s Top 5 of the Week.

by Pluggo
written by Pluggo

What a long week in non wrestling related stuff. First Notre Dame loses to Ohio State in the National Championship. Sure I didn’t actually think we would win that game. I’m just happy we played well enough to keep it close but it still stings a bit. Then I’ve been sick all week which had taken me out of commission for a few nights. Friends, listen to your bodies if it’s telling you to slow down its doing so for a reason and wrestling will be there the next day or whenever you’re feeling better. That all said I still watched plenty of fantastic wrestling this week and found my favorite things from this past week. So let’s dive into this weeks Top 5:  

Effy Wins the GCW Championship!

The reign of Mance Warner is over and GCW fans couldn’t be happier.  At The People vs GCW Effy took on Allie Katch with the winner getting a shot a Warner later that night. Effy won the match due to ref stoppage as Allie injured her leg in the match. The story Effy and Mance told all throughout last year was some of the best story telling GCW had done. Effy finally getting his moment over Mance Warner to end the night was a special, special moment. 

Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn Meet Again!

Anytime Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn cross paths on my television screen is always a great time. The chemistry KO & Sami have is unmatched. Kevin Owens angle of he’s always had Sami’s back and wants nothing more than for Sami and him to main event WrestleMania for the Undisputed WWE Championship, it’s full of intrigue. You’d have to imagine the Ladder Match with Cody Rhodes will be before the Rumble match and KO will have his answer. I personally I’m here for a Sami/KO us against the World alliance. We will find out this weekend in Indianapolis. 

I Believe In Joe Hendry! 

Finally TNA pulled the trigger on the hottest star the company has had in quite some time. Joe Hendry defeated Nic Nemeth to win his first World Championship. It comes at the perfect time as TNA and WWE have entered into a partnership where talents can work for both companies. Hendry had a strong showing in his few appearances with NXT over 2024 and I’m ready to Believe when his music hits at the Royal Rumble! 

Rhea Ripley and Nia Jax did it again!

Nia Jax challenged Rhea Ripley for Women’s World Heavyweight Championship at Saturday Night’s Main Event.  They have incredible chemistry together and seem to bring out the best in one another every time they face off and Saturday was no different. Sure was the outcome predictable, absolutely. That doesn’t mean it was bad. I know Nia gets a bad rap but not when she faces Mami, it’s always a good time in my book. 

The Ultimate Role!

Toni Storm won the opportunity to face Mariah May at Grand Slam Australia after winning the Casino Gauntlet last week. They faced of this past Saturday on Collision and the Rookie upstart seemed to be crumbling under pressure on the mic as Mariah May berated her and ultimately lead to a beatdown. As Mariah May walks off in that Timeless Toni Storm cadence “What makes you think that I’ve forgotten” 

A confused and slightly worried Mariah May played it perfectly as she has awoken the monster she had thought TKs he laid to rest. Timeless Toni Storm is back and deserves every single acting award out there! An absolute masterpiece and couldn’t have been played any better and sold me a ticket to Grand Slam on February 15th. 

There you have it another jammed packed week of fantastic wrestling. This upcoming week looks to be even bigger than the last as it’s officially Royal Rumble week. My favorite event of the year and I’ll be there live in person covering it for Love Wrestling and I could not be more excited. So tune in next week for my latest top 5. 

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Pluggo’s Top 5 Of The Week

by Pluggo
written by Pluggo

A new week, a new five. We are back and breaking down all the fun things that stood out to me this week from the world of professional wrestling. Shoutout to RAW this week – the very fun and jam-packed two and a half hours was clutch. AEW Maximum Carnage had the return match for Kenny Omega and a new look venue which I dug a lot. I’m a sucker for different styles of venues. 

Wrestling is simply the coolest thing and I’m always thankful you take time out to check out just what I enjoyed from the week that was! 

Tell Me When They Are Telling Lies!

Is it possible that CM Punk, Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre are all telling the truth? 

I that they just might be. It’s a new era in the WWE and the traditional Heel/Face dynamic might be a thing of the past. The WWE seems to be letting us, the fans, decide who we are rooting for and against, as opposed to shoving us in one direction. 

As I’ve watched CM Punk and Seth Rollins cut promo after promo, I can’t tell who the bad guy is here. Both have vaild points. Punk did take his ball and go home; can you blame him, though? Seth Rollins was very well liked amongst the higher-ups in the company. Neither man is telling lies and we, the fans, seem to be getting behind both men during their segments. 

Now throw in Drew McIntyre, who believes Punk and Rollins are focused too much on one another while Roman Reigns is playing chess and everyone else is playing checkers. Is he wrong? I don’t think so. Roman had hardly any resistance to getting the Bloodline back together while also enlisting Punk and even Cody Rhodes to help him fight his battles. 

It’s a welcome change of pace to have so many sides making so much sense, or at the very least making you think. Not to mention all these men have entered the Royal Rumble, which is stacked! 

AEW Women’s Casino Gauntlet Match!

The young upstart Toni Storm shocked the world and will challenge Mariah May at Grand Slam in Australia. The sky is the limit for the rookie sensation. 

Megan Bayne made an appearance in the match, which ruled. Now hopefully it means the Megasus will officially get the graphics and be signed to AEW. 

The moment between Kris Statlander and Willow Nightengale while working together for the first time since the split was super fun. And even though she was misted by Julia Hart, Harley Cameron continues to impress each week. 

Samoa Joe is Back!

Business picked up, as Good Ole JR would say. Samoa Joe has returned to AEW as he helped Hook fight off Christian Cage and the Patriarchy. The former AEW World Champion will provide an instant spark to the division, and he’s just so damn cool. That nonchalant walk away when someone jumps off the ropes is the best, and who doesn’t love chanting “Joe Joe Joe” as he walks to the ring? That gets me so hyped! 

Bayley Living Her Best Life!

It’s been the week of the Role Model. From RAW on Monday in San Jose to SmackDown on Friday in San Diego, and the NXT in between, Bayley has rocked it all. 

Monday night in her hometown, she soaked it all in hanging out in the front row. She helped Rhea Ripley put Nia Jax in place. That fun little look at the title Bayley gave Rhea was perfect. 

Tuesday night, Bayley returned to NXT to give advice to Roxanne Perez, who of course didn’t want it. So now all I want is a Bayley/Roxanne feud as soon as possible! 

Then on Smackdown, she challenged Tiffany Stratton to a WWE Women’s Championship match. She didn’t leave Smackdown as women’s champion, but that’s ok – they put on an absolute banger in Tiffany Stratton’s first title defense in the Main Event. 

Plus Roxanne called her out to show up Tuesday night on NXT so it looks like we will be getting even more Bayley! 

Jacob Fatu is just getting started!

What a scary thought for the roster after Solo Sikoa showed up on Smackdown for the first time since losing the Ula Fala and the right to be called Tribal Chief to Roman Reigns. Solo left the ring without saying a word and looked defeated. Well, the Samoan Werewolf took to the mic to let the WWE Universe know he’s just getting started.  We all know just how intimidating and dangerous Fatu can be as an enforcer for Solo. Just imagine what he can do with a chip on his shoulder and newly motivated. 

There you have it. Hopefully this time next week, we are sitting here talking about just how awesome it is that Notre Dame is national champions! That said it’s a big week for wrestling: GCW vs The People, TNA Geniuses and Saturday night’s Main Event  on top of the regular schedule of shows. We should have a loaded five. See you next week! 

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Pluggo’s Top Five of the Week

by Pluggo
written by Pluggo

Those who know me know I love me some Notre Dame football and would gladly talk about the fact the we are going to the ‘ship after beating Penn State in the College Football Playoff semifinals Thursday night, but I won’t. I promise not to mention that all the haters said we don’t belong or can’t hang with teams who play in conferences. This is a wrestling website so I will not do that, either. I definitely won’t gush over how much this team has grown up before our eyes this season and are one win away from a national championship. Don’t worry, I’m not going to go there. 

Instead let’s travel through the week that was. – and boy, it was a big one – and talk about the five things that stood out to me: 

Kenny Omega is Back! 

The Cleaner made his in-ring return at Wrestle Kingdom against Gabe Kidd. Sure we can debate if this was the right spot for Omega to return, but you should just let their match speak for itself. A match of the year contender a week into the year isn’t a bad way to return. Then on Wednesday, Dynamite Kenny announced he’s cleared to compete in AEW and will be taking on Brian Cage next week. I for one can’t wait for what 2025 has in store for Omega. The wrestling world is a far better place with Kenny Omega wrestling in it. 

Giulia Wins NXT Womens Championship!

The Beautiful Madness finally reached the top of the NXT Mountain Tuesday night, beating Roxanne Perez and ending her historic title reign. Giulia is a fantastic choice to dethrone Roxanne. I was very high on the idea that Giulia should have beaten Perez on the CW NXT debut episode but I’m more than ok with them waiting a few months to pull the trigger. Now one has to wonder what’s next for Giulia, as the NXTWomens roster is absolutely loaded. 

RAW Is Netflix!

I honestly could have just made my top 5 this entire show, but what would have been the fun in that? The WWE debuted RAW Jan. 6 on Netflix in a big way. From the opening segment about the history of WWE, The Rock, John Cena and Undertaker all making appearances, to CM Punk standing tall at the end, it was a home run. Mami is back on top, Cena is Rumble-bound and Travis Scott sparked up during Jey Usos entrance. This show had it all! Plus the endless parade of celebrities in attendance topped by none other than Topanga and that other guy….IYKYK. 

All in all a great way to start off this new era of WWE programming. 

Ethan Page Meets The Rock!

The Rock took his talents to NXT and had some really fun moments throughout the night. None more fun than his interaction with All Ego Ethan Page while talking to Ava backstage about his recent transgressions aka Je’Von Evan’s Jaw. The Rock appears and lets age know he may be the Final Boss but around NXT Ava and if he wants them to be cool, he’d better not mess with her. 

Very cool moment for Page, I’d have to imagine. All Ego held his own and looked like he belonged in that spot. Side note: if that doesn’t show just how high the WWE is on Page I don’t know what does. I mean, hell, on RAW the night The Rock had segments Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes and we all know how they are doing amongst the hierarchy of the WWE. So looks like the sky is the limit for All Ego.

AJ Francis vs BDE at Revolver!

Wrestling Revolver VYBE Check took place this past Thursday and AJ Francis FMA Top Dolla took on BDE, who is most known for his content creation. Sure, I know what you’re thinking. A gimmick match against a YouTuber? Let me finish, AJ Francis has been on a run as of late. Most of you associate him with his run in WWE and how it ended. That all said Francis has refined himself and is putting on some great stuff. Also shoutout to BDE, who came up short but put up a great fight. 

First my guy MuscleMan Malcom and now BDE, which content creator is next? I will officially take my hat out of the ring Mr. Francis, sir. 

Honorable Mention

Harley Cameron, who just makes me laugh every time she’s on my TV screen and Wednesday night was no different. The Hot Girl Graps line popped me. She’s not leaning into “being hot” in a distasteful way, it’s a clever and very smart way. HarleyCameron and Mariah May play so well off each other. Plus I think Harley would appreciate the Honorable Mention spot more than just some random number!

Another week down and another Top 5 in the books. Tune in next week for my latest top 5. Wrestling is showing no signs of slowing down and either will I. Until next week, bye!!!

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Pluggo’s Top 5 of the Week

by Pluggo
written by Pluggo


New Year, new me? Well, I don’t know about all that, but I’m definitely going to try and write more this year. I love getting an opportunity to put pen to paper, so to speak. So going into 2025, let’s make that happen. I plan on dropping my weekly top 5 moments of the week. Now before we get too deep in the weeds, this list is not ranked 1-5 and I also can’t weight everything so this is simply 5 or so things (who knows, I might get crazy some weeks) that I watch over the previous week that I liked and stood out to me. In 2025 I want to highlight my favorites and not lean so much on the negatives (I have other outlets for that).

So let’s jump right in to my Top 5 moments from the week: 

Women Shine at AEW Worlds End!

Mercedes Moné put her TBS Championship on the line vs Kris Statlander in a rematch from Full Gear. I was skeptical that they would be able to replicate their classic from just a month prior, but they absolutely did. 

I thought the longest women’s match in AEW history, just under 25 minutes, was their best performances yet. Statlander and Mone have incredible chemistry with each other. This was, in my opinion, the best match either one has had in AEW. 

AEW really feels like they are turning a corner with the women’s division and if they keep putting on matches like this and Mariah May and Thunder Rosa from earlier in the night, 2025 could be a banner year for the women of AEW. 

I can’t wait for round 3! 

CM Punk and Seth Rollins Promo from RAW

Talk about a great way to end a show. Sure, traditionally speaking, you’d want to end your show with a huge main event match. That said, this was a masterpiece segment to end the RAW on USA Network era. Both Punk and Rollins put everything on the table and held no verbal punches. I’m honestly surprised they didn’t come to blows prior to next week’s huge match up on Netflix. 

From Punk asking Seth if The Man (Becky Lynch” took her ball and went home to Seth saying “With fire in my eyes and rage in my heart, I will burn you to the ground” it was a great back and forth and you should definitely check it out. 

Omos Wins Tag Team Gold in Pro Wrestling Noah

Where has Omos been? We haven’t seen the Giant in WWE since early last year. Well, he kicked off 2025 by showing up in NOAH and winning the GHC Tag Team Championships with Jack Morris. 

I’m a huge fan of chaos in my pro wrestling. If Omos winning NOAH Gold as a WWE contracted wrestler is how we are starting 2025, boy are we in for a wild year! 

Iyo Sky vs Lyra Valkyria Semi Finals of the Women’s Intercontinental Championship 

This for me was the best match of either Women’s championship tournament. You could tell both Iyo and Lyra said “Let’s go out there and steal the whole show,” and in terms of a wrestling match they did just that. I’ve been very happy with how the WWE has handled these Inaugural Women’s championship tournaments. Every match has gotten time and shown just what these competitors can do. I personally was pulling for Iyo to get the win and face her Damage CNTRL partner Dakota Kai – I’m a sucker for inner faction friction – but don’t get me wrong, Lyra and Dakota will kill it in the finals and either outcome will be the right decision for your first ever Women’s Intercontinental Champion. 

It’s Finally TIffy Time!

On the 1st three-hour Smackdown they pulled out all the stops. Big matches and big angles being set up on a blue canvas. How did you feel about that? Drop a comment. I dug it all, even the canvas after I got used to it. Nothing though was bigger than Tiffany Stratton finally making the decision to cash in on Nia Jax to become your new WWE Womens Champion. This storyline between Stratton and Nia Jax has been one of the best in the WWE. The way Tiffany played both sides of the fence was brilliant. Over the past few weeks she started to show her true intentions and took the opportunity after Nia Jax retained in a great match against Naomi. 

As much as the MITB storyline is now finished, how Nia Jax will handle the betrayal of Tiffany Stratton will be appointment viewing in the first couple of months in 2025. 

Thank you checking out my first article of the new year. Did you agree with my 5 or do you think I missed something? Let me know in the comments. We will see you next week where I fully expect there to be some major moneys with RAW on Netflix, AEW streaming on Max and hopefully a Notre Dame win in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff

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Get To Know: Eli Surge

by Pluggo
written by Pluggo

We are back baby, and what better way to be back and in full swing than having the opportunity to Get To Know your LPW Scramble Champion Eli Surge? Henry took some time away from his rock outside of Skywalker Ranch to sit down and discuss his start in the business, what his favorite match of his career has been, what to expect when you catch the man in the tinfoil hat live, and much more! So let’s waste no more time and Get To Know the man who believes birds aren’t real – your LPW Scramble Champion Eli Surge: 

At what moment did you realize you wanted to be in the wrestling business? 

Wrestling was something I always loved, whether it was shared outwardly or I watched in secret. I think it was a podcast that made me realize that there were schools I could go to. That information, with a background in acting and having played nearly every sport growing up, made me feel I could take a shot. 

How did you get started in wrestling?

I looked at it for years before jumping in. With the encouragement of my now-wife, I signed up and moved to Calgary… Alberta Canada to train with Lance Storm. 

Who would you say is your biggest influence in wrestling?

You’ll probably notice through this that I have a hard time choosing a definite one in any category. My biggest influence could change day to day and what area I’m looking. 

I would probably have a different answer for character, gear, facials, movement, fan Interaction & social media. 

I also try to draw a lot of my influence from outside of wrestling. I look at people like Bobo from Finding Bigfoot, various political and cult leaders, and how people interact on interesting topics in real life vs. online/in media.

It’s hard to just have one favorite wrestler. Who is on your Mount Rushmore of wrestling? 

If I’m picking a top 4 favorites, it’s CM Punk, Edge/Adam Copeland, Eddie Guerrero & Dolph Ziggler/Nic Nemeth.

If we’re looking at 4 that built/build the business it’s Sammartino, McMahon, HHH and Cody.

Who is currently your favorite wrestler?

Brody King. 

I’ve been a fan for years. I met him at the Harley Race camp in 2017 and saw he had something different then. Since then he’s had some of my favorite matches, including against Adam Copeland in a street fight that I got to see live. 

What one match of yours that you are most proud of? 

I’m my own worst critic, so I’d pick one based on my opponents. Anything with Travis Williams, Judas Icarus or Elliott Tyler I’d say to check out. To give one match, I might say myself & Sasquatch vs “Top Dog” Franklin Myer & a Hotdog at Mystery Wrestling.  

Who would you want to face in your dream match? 

If I’m looking at everyone in wrestling, I’d bring up names such as Soberano Jr., Danhausen, Kyle O’Reilly, El Generico, Brody King, Randy Orton & Adam Copeland as people in the running; however, the one dream would be CM Punk.

Who’s that up-and-coming wrestler no one is talking about but should be?

There are MANY, but if I’m looking west I’d keep my eyes on Maxwell Benson and Casey Ferreira.

Looking east it’s Ahmed & Abu of KPK and Matty Z. 

What advice do you have for anyone thinking about getting into wrestling? 

There’s space for everyone in wrestling. Sometimes that space is the front row. Assess your whys, set your goals and think about what you expect to put in vs. get out of the business. There’s no problem being a weekend warrior, but don’t stand in the way of people trying to go further.

Favorite venue you have performed in?

Washington Hall in Seattle. There’s an electricity there that builds between fans and performs that is unexplainable without being there. 

Notable Runner-Ups:

Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver 

West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton 

White Eagle Polish Hall, Victoria 

Nat Bailey Stadium, Vancouver  

What’s your pre-match routine or superstitions? 

The only thing that I absolutely have to do before every match is make tinfoil hats. Everything else can move around. If it’s a big match I might even do a jumping jack!

I’m sure the car rides are long so what’s on your playlist? 

If I’m on my own I’ve got podcasts playing. Escaping Denver, Sasquatch Chronicles, Flightless Bird & Talk’n Shop are regular choices. I’ve been privileged enough to do a lot of flying in the last couple years and the airport setup always includes my Switch and trusty neck pillow.

What food spot are you hitting up while on the road? What are you ordering? 

Show day, I aim for a late breakfast and a 3 p.m. meal. Ideally it’s high volume and protein. After the show it’s whatever’s open and on the way. 

What do you say to the people who say wrestling is fake? 

Exactly! I put on Spandex and get thrown around by oiled up, half-naked men!”

If the way they introduce their knowledge to the business is that manner, I often know that they don’t share my appreciation. Normally if I take the route of less seriousness they’ll let their walls down and they actually become more interested then. 

What is the one thing you would change about the wrestling business? 

Boy, there’s a list. 

Not having to fight for fair pay or hunt down promoters for pay they agreed upon, paid ring crew, make sure there’s water in every locker room, feed the crew (even if it’s just a veggie tray), less brother-brother attitudes, less weekend enthusiasts trying to hold back those who want to go beyond that. No company should be telling workers they can’t work for other companies unless they’re offering a true livable wage. No more companies trying to pull shady moves and acting surprised when they’re called on it, etc. 

Like I said, there’s a list.

If you weren’t in the wrestling business what would you be doing?

Full-time trophy husband.

When it’s time to hang them up, what do you hope people will say about your wrestling career? 

He made me feel.

What are some of the challenges you’ve encountered as the LPW Scramble Champion? How do you prepare for such a match type? 

A scramble match is like a strategic reality television show. 

You need to look for alliances while preparing to be stabbed in the back with a smile. You can enter with the most well-thought-out game plan that has to be scrapped as soon as the bell rings, because your opponents came with unexpected alliances or strategies. 

I think the best way to think of it is “You can’t change the wind, but you can set your sails.”

What can the fans expect when they come out and see you live in person? 

Expect unfortunate amounts of tinfoil, to chant Birds Aren’t Real, and if you’re lucky: a Bigfoot sighting.

There you have it folks! Another great conversation with one of the best out there today! I can’t thank Eli Surge enough for his time, I know he’s been busy hanging with Bigfoot and reading up on the latest conspiracy theories out there. Make sure you take the time to follow him across all his social media accounts @RealEliSurge. Also, as always, make sure you catch him doing what his does best when Eli comes to a town near you. Last but not least make sure you keep your eyes out for the next Get To Know Spotlight highlighting the very best across the independent wrestling scene

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S&F #92

Lucha Libre & Laughs Promoter Nick Gossert | Smark & Friends #92

by Zak Ralph
written by Zak Ralph

f you ever share wrestling with an uninitiated fan, you gotta show them something with highspots, something like a car crash, or something funny, and on today’s episode we lean into the latter! Zak welcomes Lucha Libre & Laughs promoter Nick Gossert to Smark & Friends, and as you might tell about the company’s name, LLL brings together the worlds of wrestling and comedy.

We talk to Nick on how the idea of LLL came to be, times the comedians at commentary got the wrestlers to corpse, and how Nick responds to gatekeepers who say comedy has no place in wrestling. All this and more with Nick as he prepares for two upcoming shows; Day Drinking Demolition on May 22 and Hey Rube, their anniversary show on June 24th!



Lucha Libre & Laughs:
SUBSCRIBE: YouTube
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Lucha Libre & Laughs: Hey Rube! Denver, Colarado, June 24th
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LPW 4: LET’S TALK ABOUT WRESTLING, Edmonton, Alberta, May 27th
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Music: “Euphoria” by Medicine Pilot

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RK ATHLETICS
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PODCAST EDITING: Tina Lulham
VIDEO PRODUCTION: Zak Ralph
MUSIC: Trevor Nemeth

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S&F #91 | C*4 Watchalong with Buddy

S&F 88

Hardly the first time we’ve explored the notion of comedy and wrestling on this show. Have you met Casey Corbin? Casey is a comedian from the Great White North who also happens to host his own wrestling podcast, Talk N Wrestling on Never Sleeps Network. Catch our watch along of The Voros Twins taking on Son of Irish and Syd Greed from Love Pro Wrestling’s first event, Change The Game! S&F #88

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