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Triple H Tony Khan Kenny Omega Diamond Dallas Page John Cena

Triple H Tony Khan Kenny Omega Diamond Dallas Page John Cena

5th Issue 18 January „19

Triple H

Tony Khan

Kenny Omega

Priscilla Kelly Finn Balor WWE NXT Superstar Page

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-CONTENT-

PG.2 AN INTRODUCTION WITH KIERAN

PG.3 FINN BALOR

PG.5 ALL ELITE : DOOMED FROM START? Hey everyone I am Kieran Johnstone from sunny Ayrshire, Scotland (not too far from where Drew PG.7 DIJAKOVIC McIntyre and Noam Dar were born), one of the writers INTERVIEW here at Too Sweet Magazine. I‟ve been here since Day One (ish), writing on everything from All In to WWE to . I‟ve got a varied scope of wrestling, but PG.9 DIAMOND tend to believe that storytelling and believability are the DALLAS PAGE most important things. Outside of the squared circle, I play guitar and are a long suffering Manchester United. PG.11 CHANGES Feel free to send me a DM on (@kcj_01) and I‟ll answer any questions you may have. WE NEED IN WWE!

PG.13 TEARS OF Other Writers: NOTE: BLOOD Tom Yamamoto This Magazine is unofficial and Nick Whitworth has no connection with the Santos Esquivel Jr. featured Talents, mArtist & PG.14 JOHN CENA Mohammed Faizan Organization. The views expressed are that of the Twitter: @TooSweetMag individual writers and not of Too FB: /TSCwrestlingMag Sweet Magazine. No content PG.16 WRESTLE Instagram: @TooSweetMag found in this Magazine may be KINGDOM copied , edited or published Website: anywhere else. Toosweetmag.wordpress.com PG.19 TAKEOVER 2

BY NICK WHITWORTH

he former Prince Devitt, Balor was making a name for himself on the UK indie circuit and slowly on US soil before landing a spot on the New Pro Wrestling roster. That is where Devitt started to become a household name but it wasn‟t until he formed the now infamous is where his career skyrocketed him to main event status. As the group become more and more well known worldwide, we all knew it would be only a matter of time before WWE came a calling. Balor was taking names and kicking ass in Japan and fans worldwide were paying attention. With his Demon character and his in ring skills you can‟t help but be drawn into his matches. He was and is everything WWE needs. The news broke that he had signed with WWE and will be heading to the NXT brand. Switching gears from the Prince Devitt name which he worked so hard to get over, he under went a name change becom- ing the now famous Finn Balor. There was zero charac- ter change done to Balor, just a simple name change. obviously saw money in Finn as he was in- stantly showcased like a major star. Hunter let him be everything he was including letting him break out his Demon character for the big matches, only guiding him on some of the WWE ways of doing things. 3

With one look at Balor you can tell he can be a major player for WWE and could easily be the company‟s top baby- face. His good looks and his chiseled physique along with his Demon character then including his in ring talent makes him appealing to all age demographics. Finn is easily marketable and can very well be a heavy moving merchandise ma- chine for the company. Triple H pushed Balor to the moon by putting the NXT title on him relatively quick by having him defeat then champion at the Beast In The East event held in To- kyo, Japan. He would go on to hold the strap for almost 300 days and played a pivotal role in the NXT boom we current- ly have been witnessing. Without Balor leading the pack who knows if the brand would be where it is today. That right there shows you just how much star pow- er Finn has. We all knew his time would come for a main roster call up and that happened on July 19th 2016 when he was drafted 5th overall to Raw in the WWE draft. He was higher then key players like and John Cena showing he was in for a real solid push on his new brand. One month into his Raw run, he went on the defeat Rollins to become the first ever Universal Champi- on. We were all about to watch Balor be- come the next WWE megastar. Little to us all he suffered a shoulder injury during that championship match and had to re- linquish the title the next night on Raw. Such a shame as he was just beginning his major push for the company and this injury derailed said push.

Since his return he hasn‟t been able to gain back that same momentum but Balor oozes star power so just given the right opportunity Balor will seize it. I am not sure if Vince became gun shy with him since he went all in on him right out of the gate but he his track record shows that he can be the man to lead and can be the guy to carry the company. I am sure when the time is right we will see the Demon and when we do we all know we are in for a real treat. Finn Balor deserves a chance to regain the title he never lost. Until the time comes when Vince decides to give him another run we can all just sit back and wait patiently… But my gut says that time will be a lot sooner then we think..

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the arena. Throw in the very expensive cost of visiting Vegas, as well as the dis- tance needed to travel for international

fans, and it covers the event in an even higher chance of running at a loss.

Thirdly, we are at this point still unsure of how other key promotions will work with . The events at

NJPW‟s Wrestle Kingdom 13, with all members of Bullet Club except Jay

White losing their matches and titles, seem to indicate that there will be no BY KIERAN JOHNSTONE working relationship between them. This will in turn mean that there is very little chance of a working relationship be- tween Ring of Honor and All Elite Wres- tling, due to the former‟s close ties to NJPW. With few other large promotions to work for, it may actively discourage talent to sign up. This, coupled with the fact that ‟s future is still up in the air, could be another huge set back. This one is a lot more hypothetical than the others, but if all three of the above were take a turn for the negative, I very particularly wise goal at present. Now, much doubt a successful businessman that may admittedly sound like a rather like Khan would continue his invest- nihilistic view, which it probably is. ment. I imagine that this will be highly However, there are several factors to be unlikely, as he was probably well aware considered. of the slow burn that revenue of wres- tling takes to yield. However, if one year The first is the lack of knowledge of the from there is little to majority of this roster and the brand to show for his money, there could be a the average American viewer. While the very quick end to All Elite Wrestling. signing of Jericho and , as well as While this may seem like I am not inter- the previous mainstream success of tal- ested in All Elite or want it to fail, it is ent such as Cody and the Addiction is a purely the opposite. I really would love big coup, it is still not guaranteed to pro- to see this new and exciting brand to vide ratings. When you consider that flourish for years to come, and hopefully he major talking point of the last Ring of Honor – the second largest wres- one day compete with the likes of WWE week in wrestling has been the an- tling company in America, where many and NJPW. However, putting all your nouncement of All Elite Wrestling, an signees have previously wrestled – only eggs in one basket and shooting for the organisation founded by , averages about 125,000 views per week moon straight away can be a lethal dose and . With on network TV, this could really hurt of poison in any company. One only has backing from Shadid Khan – patriarch of their exposure when the current press to look back 20 years to the fate of the Khan empire said to be worth over dies down. WCW, to see that sometimes money $6,000,000,000 – and several note wor- The second factor is the risk of running doesn‟t always guarantee success or lon- thy roster members already signed, such such a large venue for their first show. I gevity for a wrestling promotion. as former WWE superstars PAC (FKA personally thought All In was the best as Neville) and , as well as pure wrestling show of 2018, but I was notable independent talent including shocked that they sold out the 11,000- and . The seater Sears Centre so quickly. Running main question has been what will happen the MGM Grand in Las Vegas – a mas- following their Double or Nothing PPV, sive 17,000 capacity venue – for their so here‟s my opinion: first show, with little more than a few I, for one, believe that All Elite may nev- well established contracted talent and a er become a serious contender to WWE, few months to market the event, I have however I feel that this would not be a serious doubts about their ability to fill 5

6 BY MOHAMMED FAIZAN

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In just 4 years of your career, you have Advantages & disadvantages you face in wrestled all around the world then may it the ring as a guy of your size. be USA, UK, Germany, etc. Which was “I'd love to the best crowd of them all? I'm stronger than most of them, but they're quicker than me usually. Every crowd is great and unique in its wrestle Lesnar, own way, I loved them all! Triple H, and Last Question, Explain what is the mean- .” ing of success (as a wrestler) for you? Do you think going for the ROH TV title after winning the Top Prospect Tourna- A good reputation means everything ment would have had more positively to me. affected your career than refusing to face What type of your matches do you enjoy Leythal & turning heel? the most, Against big men or small ones. Eg. or Lio ? Please tell us My time at ROH was fantastic. I an advantage & a disadvantage of facing learned so much and was able to pro- both big men & small men. gress rapidly as a talent while making a name for myself on a worldwide I like all matches equally. They all pre- stage. sent a unique and different challenge.

Do you think high flying should just be Never asked this to a wrestler before, restricted to small men & not for wres- how much gym time & in ring training tlers like you? You've been making some do you get yourself invested in per day? great waves in the sport by displaying springboard & top rope moves that never Probably 3-5 hours, 4-5 days a week. ever were done by big men before.

I think that as long as the moves can be done effectively there is no reason Another question related to why did you why anybody shouldn't be able to do opted for prowrestling, Sir you had so them. many things to opt if not pro wretling like you had a really good chance in bas- ketball & football. So again why a career in wrestling over the other sports you How & when did you decided to become were already shining in? a pro wrestler? You have bachelors de- gree in Criminal Justice, right? So why Once college ended that was pretty didn't you choose to be in FBI, a police much the end of football and basket- officer, a crime investigatoror a Detec- ball for me. tive?

I was on that path originally, but then I fell in love with pro wrestling. A wrestler You enjoyed working with the most & a wrestler you would love to work with in the future if possible?

How was your experience in Westside I couldn't pick, there's too many great Extreme Wrestling, WXW? options. I'd love to wrestle Lesnar, Triple H, and Cesaro. Amazing. They gave me my first inter- national tour and I will forever be grateful.

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BY NICK WHITWORTH

y the time most wrestlers are 35 they have gath- ered quite the amount of experience inside that ring. Not DDP. At that age he was just starting out. A few years prior to his debut as a wrestler, Page was a man- ager in the AWA (American Wrestling Association). That role fit perfectly with Dallas as he has the gift to gab. His presence was quite captivating and he had such a look that drew you in. The rock n roll style hair to his unique clothes, he was a perfect fit in the wrestling business. He went on to sign with WCW in 1991 and they seen money in him as he ended up becoming a full time wrestler. DDP busted his butt, learning how to wrestle on days off while physically doing the job on other days. If you know anything about him, one thing is for sure…. He always puts in the work. Having Dusty 9

Rhodes and helping him, it wasn‟t long before he found his groove. He continued climbing the ranks and earn- ing a shot at the WCW World Television Championship. Like true fashion, DDP went on to defeat Renegade to win his first championship. Continuing to work towards becoming the best he can be, Page starting rising the ranks and was on route to becoming a main event talent. He defeated for the Championship but that is where his career really took and he was suddenly facing the best of the best WCW had to offer.

Dallas was now squaring off against the likes of , , and Goldberg. is now a household name and is a bonafide star. Things still weren‟t enough for Page. In 1999 he became the face of the company winning the WCW World Heavyweight Champi- onship in a Four Way Dance with Hogan, and Flair. Page went on to be one of the top superstars for WCW right up until the end when WWE bought the company. Because of his age I figured a run with WWE was a no go…. Wrong.. Page made a major splash with his debut by going right after WWE‟s top star . His run with the company didn‟t match up to his run with WCW but he was still giving it his all right up until a neck injury in 2002 where he announced his retirement. Dallas had an amazing career, a career you wouldn‟t think would happen to someone starting out at the age of 35.

Was he done yet? Not by any means. While hanging up his boots Page‟s legacy switched gears quickly. He created the amazing DDPYOGA program, which if you haven‟t tried you are truly missing out. Instead of performing inside a ring he is changing lives all across the world. His program not only works but you have a program that is run by a guy who truly believes in everyone doing it. He is there to support everyone on their journey using his program. How do I know? I have a few messages from the man himself that‟s how I know. As he says “You can achieve anything you want in life as long as you are willing to put in the work”. That is DDP to a tee. He proved age ain‟t nothing but a number by becoming a wres- tling superstar winning multiple championships and in 2017 he was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame. His DDPYOGA performance center is up and running. He is saving and chang- ing lives all around the globe. His wrestling career turned into a hall of fame career and he is still going strong. Diamond Dallas Page loves everyone, he oozes positivity and is a prime example of what a human being should be. While being a humble person, Dallas deserves more credit then he wants. With the world filled with hate, he is doing the best he can to bring love to everybody who crosses his path. Diamond Dallas Page, you are an icon and are in a league of your own. Thank you for not only an amazing wrestling career but thank you for becoming so invested in peoples lives who need that little bit of love. You are a hero to so many people in this world and we can‟t thank you enough.

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BY SANTOS ESQUIVEL JR.

2019 is shaping up to be one of the most ground. I know it was turned into a because of one injury. Only the people exciting years in . “friends working things out” to be a bet- behind the scenes know if it was truly The formation of All Elite Wrestling ter team, but you can‟t say it was the meant to last as long as it did but I‟m (AEW) has already begun to make plan all along: at one point they even sure glad they stuck with it. waves. Along with Ring of Honor and hinted at a turn, maybe not a heel All of this is to point out how consistent , WWE began scouting turn but definitely an “I‟m done with story telling and concluding a storyline, and signing as many independent stars as Sasha” turn. The inconsistent back and or even attempting to, is better than just it can before AEW could do the same. forth between them disliking each other dropping it. Meanwhile, NJPW‟s biggest pay per to them being “besties” dissipated any view of the year, Wrestle Kingdom 13, momentum the storyline had. Now Wins and Losses Having Merit saw 8 titles change hands and began, they‟re top contenders for the inaugural Late last year, there was a moment in what looks to be, the potential rise of WWE Women‟s Tag Titles sure, but I 205 Live that really stood out. After los- multiple stars to the main event picture. truly believe if it was preceded by at ing the Cruiserweight Title to Buddy With the decline of viewership ratings in least a decent rivalry, with matches on Murphy, hit a rut, suf- the last year, WWE has also decided to par to their NXT bouts, we wouldn‟t just fered a loss to and lost anoth- begin a creative overhaul, in theory at be talking about Charlotte and Becky er opportunity at his rematch for the title. least, since we have yet to see any major being at the top of the but instead At the time, all titles had a guaranteed changes. But with the idea of new begin- giving the Four Horsewomen of the rematch clause attached but this was nings in the air, I spoke to numerous WWE the praise they so rightly deserve. handled differently. General Manager ProWrestling fans, old and new, to find “What about the other feuds?!”, you may declined his rematch out what changes they would like to see be asking, “You said it yourself some- due to his losses, stating it wouldn‟t be within the WWE. times you just can‟t control what hap- fair to him nor the audience to allow him pens to an individual that gets hurt or to wrestle for the title in the state he was Consistent storylines sick”. You are absolutely right, you in. Alexander went on to win some Finn Bálor vs , vs Ro- can‟t, but you can improvise. And for a matches and EARNED the rematch. This man Reigns and Bailey vs . good example you don‟t even have to is a simple idea that is hardly used. These are just a few of the feuds that got leave the company, let‟s look at NXT. There is a belief that Raw relies heavily left unresolved in 2017-2018. Now, I am Last summer we were treated to a pro- on the entertainment aspect and Smack- completely aware of the circumstances gram involving not only the NXT Cham- down focuses on the sport in “Sports En- surrounding the first two feuds: there pion Tomasso Ciampa and his rival tertainment”. And it shows. Just last was a bout of sickness going around at but the former NXT week received an opportunity at that time that sidelined a lot of WWE Champ: . During a house becoming the #1 contender, again, after superstars which changed storylines and show, Black was injured and had to be she lost to Rhonda Rousey, again. Lucki- feuds; there are variables you just can‟t pulled from the Triple Threat at the fol- ly, Sasha Banks won the opportunity but control. We can also look at Roman lowing Takeover. What followed was for most of last year there were only 4 Reigns‟ (Joseph Anoaʻi) absence and the one of the best storylines of the year in- names that were truly held in the Wom- changes to the main event picture as an volving a mystery attacker who injured en‟s and Men‟s Main Title on Raw. example of the WWE making necessary Black and removed him from the match, It was very similar in Smackdown but adjustments in order to fill the void of a an investigation into the attack involving there was one person who won match top performer such as he. multiple NXT talent, a last man standing after match and only after gaining a win- What I‟m talking about is storylines like match, a long awaited comeback and a ning streak did she EARN a shot at the the potential Bayley vs Sasha feud that hero driven to villainy. The consequenc- title: and that was . And was teased but never truly got off the es of the story are still being used. All just as everything was set for Sum- 11

merslam, made her return Doing Away With PG Rating instead of the constant heel vs baby face from injury, inserting herself directly in- This one is a bit tricky. I almost didn‟t battle, you have people with the same to the Women‟s Title picture by earning put this one on here because I found the goal of reaching the pinnacle of their a single victory. So when Lynch lost the idea better than the reality. At one point sport and division. Maybe even teach a match, the fans rallied behind her when in time, I whole heartedly agreed that the little nuance in story telling. The one she attacked Charlotte because we saw WWE had lost all the it once had. thing , Naito, how hard she worked for that opportuni- Most of the time the people who say “the and Becky Lynch have in common are ty. PG era killed the WWE” are saying so they all became the stars they are by Wins and losses SHOULD have mean- because they grew up watching the Atti- turning up who they are to 11 and not ing. They establish wrestlers‟ growth, or tude Era. That was a definitely an enter- giving a shit. You can have superstars act lack of, and should be used as a major taining time, but the parts that fell under and talk like adults who are doing every- plot point in any feud. 50/50 booking the mature rating really wouldn‟t hold up thing they can to get that “brass ring” means that for every match you lose nowadays. There were plenty of story- and make a damn good story out of it. against an opponent you will win one lines that were eyebrow raising to say the Even though the WWE hasn‟t quite tak- against said opponent. But all that does is least and, unfortunately, most of the en many steps to make any substantial make matches seem pointless. Worse women‟s programs were really degrad- creative changes to its programs, we can even, is when we keep getting the same ing to women. Aside from that, the vio- imagine they are aware that fans are tired match over and over with no decisive lence was also turned up a notch at times of the same old song and dance. And one winner. And when we finally get to the and sure did have a lot of blood. That hopes that we start to see those changes PPV version of the match we have al- meant wrestlers either blading or genu- soon because the fans have made it clear: ready been inundated with the same inely hurting themselves to do it, and the if they don‟t like what they see, they‟ll match just a slight alteration. To WWE‟s latter is hard to watch, especially since just stop tuning in… And I‟m sure that‟s credit they have removed the Rematch most of the blood came from head trau- nothing but good news for every other Clause, so maybe we will see those wins ma and what we now know about how ProWrestling Promotion. and losses play a more significant role. I easily the brain can be damaged from sure hope they do. such trauma.

Ending the Brand Split So why include it in the article? I think most of the WWE fan base knows A. Because it‟s a good time to address it that the WWE have a new contract with and B. Because I think there may be a FOX and will be moving Smackdown valid reason for non-PG programs. there in October of this year. A new sta- What also made the so enter- tion means an opportunity for more eyes taining was its unpredictability. Because watching the program but it also means the WWE was able to go such lengths, that Fox will more than likely want ac- the fans never knew how far a storyline cess to the entire WWE roster. So busi- or violence would go. I‟m not sure if an- ness wise, it makes sense to end the yone remembers but the Monday WWE brand split and go back to an open pro- programs used to be two shows: Raw is gram where ANY performer on the ros- War and Warzone. Raw would run two ter can make an appearance on any show. hours and be for all audiences and From a program standpoint, it opens up Warzone would air in the final hour, at a so many more possibilities of matches. late night rating, for a more mature audi- How many times have we seen the ence. I think it may be a good time for USO‟s go up against the New Day? Or something similar. the New Day vs The Bar? Sure, it‟s all A lot of the children that grow up watch- down to booking because there ARE oth- ing the WWE stop somewhere along the er tag teams on Smackdown that aren‟t way as they get older. It‟s hard to say being utilized. Sanity is a prime example with 100% certainty why, but most say it of a lost in the shuffle, reported- just became too goofy for them or it just ly because creative just doesn‟t have an- got boring. I was one of those kids and I ything for the time being. The point is if really wish I would have been introduced they eliminate the brand split any wres- to NJPW at the time, it would‟ve kept tler can challenge for any belt and have me engaged in the sport. more opportunities to stand out, or find So how do you keep those kids interested their place. The brand split has really as they get older? You aim for an older narrowed things down and it‟s made demographic and produce mature pro- things predictable. Speaking of predicta- grams. That‟s not to say they should at- ble… tempt to “recapture” the Attitude Era, but to tell more mature stories. Also, allow a more strong style type performance and 12

BY MOHAMMED FAIZAN Hi guys! I am a 22 years old guy from Storm. And I totally loved to see that. I selves! What if it is not a disgusting spot India. And today I am writing on a very love when we support our wrestlers. Be- but an attempt by a 21 year old girl to sensitive topic. Whenever someone re- cause if the wrestling community won‟t make you realize that why are still wom- plies me with something contradicting to stand with them who else will. I am so en made to feel shame while talking my opinions I simply reply them that,”I sad that Toni had to delete her social me- about menstruation & why we are not respect your opinion”. And I really mean dia accounts & this was due to the people open towards it. that. So just take it as my individual who were troubling her. So why not do I‟m from India as I already told you. In opinion, let‟s come to my topic. Many of the same for Priscilla, people are show- 2016 there was a movie released which the guys reading it might already know ing a lot of hate to her on social media was starring Akshay Kumar, It was an about it but if you don‟t know. A video from the time it got all viral. I know what awesome movie which showed how of got viral on Internet ever I am writing is just an individual much backward my country was in terms where she takes out a tampon covered in opinion & it might or might not be sup- of having an open mind for the concept a red substance out of her attire & puts it ported but it was my new year‟s resolu- of mensuration. I am ashamed that today in the mouth of her opponent. Now, first tion to support something I love the most still not just in my country but also in thing I know it looked gross but was it & try to erase hate from our beautiful this entire world women face such prob- actually so bad? We have seen many sport. I don‟t know Priscilla personally lems. You can search the term known as things which are much more gross than but I have interviewed her once & by Period Poverty on Internet, we need to this in movies. And I agree that it was how much I know by that I don‟t think change this & we can only change this if disgusting to see but it was planned to be she did it to disgust people or wanted to we stand together. Help us erase Period so. Wrestling isn‟t much different than go viral for it. Poverty, Help us erase hate! films as in both, things are pre planned. Photo taken during the match You can share your thoughts below or What ever went in that match was pre Why is it like we can be cool while talk- just tweet or share your comment to us planned & proper hygiene was main- ing and joking about penis but can‟t talk on social media. Thanks for reading. tained during the spot. It was just a sim- with same open mind or take a joke ple spot which was to make Priscilla about something like periods or tampon. look that bad. She is having a heel & We find it disgusting & unhygienic. We gross gimmick. The tampon used was are living in a world where everyone has just a prop. artistic freedom. Wrestling is the best art It‟s just been a few days when the whole form I know & is one of the wrestling community stood up for Toni biggest artist in it. By art we express our- 13

BY NICK WHITWORTH

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a heel turn for years, those children kept States Champion, him where he is now and which is why winner, 2 time winner, he stands behind what he says.. “Never Legacy Award, #1 in Give Up”. Pro Wrestling Illustrated‟s PWI 500 3 times, Wrestling Observer Newsletter He has teased a heel turn over the years Hall Of Fame and much more. Outside ic Flair, Hulk Hogan, “Stone which went over extremely well with the of the ring he has a platinum rap album, Cold” Steve Austin & The Rock… And older crowd but once again he just multiple awards including 2 with Make John Cena? Is and should John be on the couldn‟t turn his back on the kids. The A Wish Foundation, appeared in multi- same list as being one of the all time fact that he thinks about his fans that se- ple television shows and stars in multiple greats? Well Yes and here is why. riously that he chooses to stay true to blockbuster films. Basically John is a himself and not turn his back on them. true icon who worked extremely hard for In 1999 John Cena became his career in That alone shows just how great he real- his celebrity status and used that to help wrestling as The Prototype in UPW ly is. John‟s wrestling career is hall of others (Make A Wish and Susan G. (Ultimate Pro Wrestling) which we fame worthy on its own but what he does Komen). There is no denying no other wrestled for until WWE came knocking on the outside is what truly is remarka- wrestler has accomplished all this and in 2001. Assigned to their developmental ble. His Make A Wish grants are not on- then some. territory OVW, Cena began his start to ly Guinness Book Of World record his remarkable WWE career. The class breaking but it is a true testament to who , Hulk Hogan and “Stone Cold” of OVW students John was a part of end- he is as a human being. As a father my- Steve Austin all are on the list of being ed up being top superstars for WWE. self it warms my heart knowing he fills one of the all time greats but there can be , Batista, Brock Lesnar and these kid‟s hearts with not only joy but only 1 superstar to lead that pack and we just to name a few. with love. He truly is not only a hero to all know who that is….. John Cena. After adapting to the WWE style and the children, he is a hero to all of his While the others have their own accom- gaining experience he was put on the fans. He is one of, if not the best ambas- plishments that make for good debates, road doing dark matches and live events sador for WWE. Nobody is perfect but the overall package of John Cena puts with the main roster. Finally in 2002 John is as perfect as they come. You can him to the top of that list and quite frank- Cena got his big break. Vince McMahon knock him all you want for how is comes ly I do not see anyone knocking him off had stated his is looking for “ruthless across on the Total Bella‟s television that top spot anytime soon. aggression” John answered an open chal- show but you can see the love he had for lenge to face . Even though Nikki and her family. he came up short it was only the begin- ning for what was in store. While his wrestling career is winding down, his Hollywood career is blossom- He had some major match ups facing ing. He might not be on WWE television Chris Jericho, Chavo Guerrero and D- as much but he always comes home. He Von Dudley he was still missing some- has been going non stop for the company thing. John was just bland and didn‟t for so long that his transition into an ac- stand out. To make it to the top he need- tor is well deserved. Even though he is ed to find out a way to connect with the promoting films, he still represents audience. That is when he came up with WWE which shows his love towards the The Doctor Of Thuganomics character. company. It is obvious the love Vince Suddenly Cena was becoming a major McMahon has for John and vise versa as player in WWE and was quickly moving both have helped each other out tremen- up the ladder. It didn‟t take him long to dously. Cena is everything Vince wants win the WWE Championship, becoming in a top guy and then some. WWE re- the company‟s biggest babyface. John ceives more negative headlines then pos- went from a bland wrestler to a money itive but by having John as the leader it machine for the company. His merchan- tends to put out a lot of negative fires. dise sales were in a league of their own, He does so much outside of the ring that he was filling up arenas all around the it tends to outweigh any negativity that is world and was everything WWE stood brought on towards the company. So for. If there was any negative let‟s have a final look at his career thus against the company WWE would send far. UPW Heavyweight Champion, Cena around to fix the mess. John be- OVW Heavyweight Champion, OVW came a hero the many, many children Southern Tag Team Champion, 3 time and took that job very seriously. He WWE World Heavyweight Champion, knew how much he meant to those kids 13 time WWE Champion, 4 time WWE that even though the adult males wanted Tag Team Champion, 5 time United 15

BY TOM YAMAMOTO

Pre Show: Gauntlet match to deter- prowess and played defense as he kept rolled up Smith for the final victory. mine the number one contenders for his opponents from picking up a win by Result: Toru Yano, Togi Makabe, and the NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag breaking up multiple attempts. Chuckie Rysuke Taguchi become the #1 con- Team Championship T. went all in with a but tenders for the NEVER Six-Man Tag- The Elite: , Hangman missed , allowing for anoth- Team Championship. (2.75/5) Page, and Yujiro Takahashi vs. David er victorious roll up. Finlay, , and Enter Suzuki Gun: , NEVER Openweight Championship: Jr., and Lance Arch- (C) vs. er. The complexion of his match heavily shifted as this ruthless faction en- tered. Despite a noble attempt to keep the momentum going, Finlay fell victim to a Killer Bomb. The team of Finlay, Nagata, and Cobb were simply fatigued and outmatched by the time Suzuki Gun entered. Enter: Togi Makabe, Toru Yano, and After a very solid and balanced ex- Even though Suzuki Gun out muscled change, the Elite members become frus- the team entering, Taguchi and his team In what can be considered one of Will trated with one another after a miscom- are crafty and sneaky. Despite all of the Ospreay‟s biggest matches of his career, munication. Finlay was able to roll up failed hip attacks in this match, there key Kota Ibushi equally had much to Takahashi for the pin. ones that saved his team. The hip attack prove. 2018 showed the reunion of the Enter Best Friends: Baretta, Chuckie from Taguchi saved a Gotch Style , but aside from that, T., and Piledriver from being connected, and it Ibushi remained mostly in Omega‟s This segment began with a slug fest be- saved Toru Yano from eating a Killer shadow. This title match was hot and tween the veterans, Goto and Naga- Bomb. As Archer and Davey Boy Smith full of action as both wrestlers let the ta. Nagata really shined during this part were focused on Makabe and Taguchi, strikes and dives fly. Ospreay seems to of the match as he flexed his in ring Yano connected with two low blows and have completely outgrown the Jr. Heavy- 16

weight division but his transition to Sabre Jr. Tonga Loa seemed off, as they were una- heavyweight has been successful thus ble to take any sort of control in the far. He was able to keep Ibushi from match. Tama Tonga was able to connect gaining complete control of the match with a pivotal Gun Stun, eliminating despite Ibushi‟s heavy strikes. In the cli- Nick Jackson. But this only served max of this match, Ibushi had his sights and because they re- set on Kamigoye but Ospreay avoided it, mained the only team with both members and blindsided Ibushi with a sharp kick present. EVIL hit Tama Tonga with to the head. This was followed up by a Everything is Evil, and the LIJ duo then concussing elbow to the back of Ibushi‟s dropped Matt Jackson with the Magic head and finally, Ospreay connected with Killer, then SANADA landing a the devastating Storm Breaker for the Moonsault on Jackson for the pin fall. win. Result: de Japon (EVIL & SANADA) win the IWGP Result: Will Ospreay wins the NEVER Tag-Team Championship. (3.5) OPENWEIGHT Championship. (4.75/5) IWGP United States Championship: CODY (C) vs. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag-Team As stated before, there is a lot of specula- Championship: Suzuki Gun (C) (El tion on matches involving Elite mem- Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru) 2018 was an incredible year for both bers. Who is or isn‟t leaving vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon Zack Sabre Jr. and . The NJPW? Cody had a very fruitful 2018 in (Shingo Takagi & ) vs. Rop- RevPro British Heavyweight Champion- New Japan but 2019 may be very differ- pongi 3K ( & ) ship had recently bounced back and forth ent depending on if he stays with the between Ishii and Minoru Suzuki but company. Juice Robinson had a turbu- Zack Sabre Jr. aimed to reclaim the Brit- lent 2018, but kept progressing nonethe- ish title back to the UK. This match was less. This match seemed even from the a clash of styles as Ishii dominates with start, but as the match went on, Cody did brute strength and resilience while Zack not display his common ruthlessness. He Sabre Jr. can dissect his opponents with still displayed a nasty side, but it looked wrenching technicality. Ishii mounted to be more out of frustration as opposed heavy offense at times, but Sabre Jr. was to arrogance and dominance. Brandi, just too elusive and remained very savvy attempted to get involved but was even- as he persistently locked in his submis- tually tossed out by the referee, which is sion holds. The veteran, Ishii, simply when Cody seemed to lose his edge. On This was a rematch of the Jr. Tag League could not keep up with Sabre Jr.‟s the counter, Robinson remained focused, finals earlier this fall. Kanemaru and pace. Ishii had one final gasp to nail the even when he only received near Desperado have had a very successful Vertical Drop but was falls. His composure allowed him to year, holding the titles since the spring- caught in a double arm Octopus Stretch, connect with some jaw breaking left jabs time. Despite the consistency of Rop- which forced him to submit. and two Pulp Frictions for the win. pongi 3K and Shingo Takagi entering Result: Zack Sabre Jr. wins the Result: Juice Robinson wins the NJPW, the junior team of Suzuki Gun RevPro British Heavyweight Champi- IWGP United States Championship has been able to withstand the pres- onship. (4/5) (3.75) sure. This match in particular allowed for all of the juniors involved to show- IWGP Tag-Team Championship: Bul- IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion- case their ability. The match heavily fa- let Club/Guerrillas of (C) ship: (C) vs. Taiji Ishimori vored Roppongi 3K and Suzuki Gun ini- (Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa) vs. Los Both junior heavyweights in this match tially, but that all changed when Takagi Ingobernables de Japon (SANADA & have had a successful 2018. Ishimori became a legal part of the match. His EVIL) vs. The Elite/Young Bucks excelled in the Best of Super Juniors power was too great as he destroyed (Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson) tournament earlier in the spring and KU- SHO with a Pumping Bomber and a fi- SHIDA became a six-time Jr. Heavy- nal, Last of the Dragon. This match was full of potential twists weight champion. With the title on the Result: Los Ingobernables de Japon with the Young Bucks and the Elite po- line, it would be expected that both wres- (Shingo Takagi and BUSHI) win the tentially leaving NJPW, the resurgence tlers brought their “A” game. KUSHI- IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag-Team of Bullet Club, and SANADA and EVIL DA heavily focused on slowing down Championship. (3.5/5) looking to regain the momentum they Ishimori. It has been seen in the past that had earlier in 2018. This match dis- KUSHIDA can up his pace but Ishimori played the unmatched chemistry of the held the speed advantage in this match, RevPro British Heavyweight Champi- Young Bucks, the unparalleled athleti- therefore we saw KUSHIDA work over onship: Tomohiro Ishii (C) vs. Zack cism of SANADA, but Tama Tonga and Ishimori to hopefully apply the Hover 17

Board Lock. KUSHIDA had success tioned no disqualification match. Omega had in 2018, with this tactic but Bullet Club‟s Naito came out of the gates firing, taking reclaimed his throne atop NJPW through Ishimori, mounted some vicious of- the fight to Jericho. The action ran wild resilience, craft, and heart. Kenny Ome- fense. Ishimori landed bone breaking on the outside. Jericho was able to cap- ga was unable to finish Tanahashi off knee strikes which allowed him to deliv- ture Naito and deliver a gruesome DDT with the One-Winged Angel but on the er a finishing, Bloody Cross. on a table. Some order was finally re- contrary, Tanahashi was able to connect Result: Taiji Ishimori wins the IWGP stored back in the ring and Jericho held with multiple High-Fly Flows. The final Jr. Heavyweight Championship (4.25) the advantage. Chairs were introduced, blow came after Tanahashi dropped Jericho locked in the Walls of Jericho, Omega on his neck with a Slingblade vs. but it would be Naito who ironically followed up by a crashing High-Fly would use the title he once destroyed, as Flow. This match arguably had the most dra- a weapon. He clocked Jericho in the Result: Hiroshi Tanahashi wins the matic story to tell on the card. Jay head and finished Y2J with a Destino. IWGP Heavyweight Championship White, once a hungry rookie has fully Result: wins the IWGP (5+/5) embraced his “Switchblade” perso- Intercontinental Championship (4.5) na. Earlier in 2018, he finished his trans- 3 Big Takeaways: formation by becoming the newfound IWGP Heavyweight Championship: NJPW Going all in with Jay White: Jay spearhead of Bullet Club. Kazuchika Kenny Omega (C) vs. Hiroshi White had the best consistent year of Okada has had a roller coaster 2018. He Tanahashi 2018. Despite losing his debut match at retained his Heavyweight Title at Wres- Wrestle Kingdom 12, he went on to cap- tle Kingdom 12, but lost it in the historic ture the IWGP United States Champion- two out of three falls match with Omega, ship, defeat both Okada and Tanahashi in then recently came up just short in the the , gave Bullet Club new G1 Climax. Within this madness, Jay life and new energy, then capped it off White and turned on their former with another epic win over Kazuchika CHAOS comrade, Okada, and joined Okada here at Wrestle Kingdom 13. It Bullet Club. looks as if NJPW has confidence in Jay Aside from this story to tell, the match White‟s work ethic, therefore we may itself was up to par. White radiated con- see an even bigger year in 2019 for the fidence and Okada channeled his former Switchblade and a shift in New Japan all Maker. The action went back and The legendary New Japan staple versus together. forth, in and out of the ring. Okada the Canadian mega star who vows to All Elite Wrestling: The night before would eliminate White‟s x-factor, that change the world. Tanahashi shocked Wrestle Kingdom 13, Brandi Rhodes, being Gedo who was at ring side. Okada the world this past summer by winning wife of Cody, announced the birth of seemed to have all momentum on his the G1 Climax to gain contention for the AEW (All Elite Wrestling). This news side, but he was unable to hit White with heavyweight title. Omega capped off a was huge given the current popularity of the Rain Maker. The inability of Okada historic chase for the title by finally beat- the former Bullet Club members, the to finish White off gave the Switchblade ing Kazuchika Okada at Dominion in Elite. On top of that, all of the Elite extra time to find ways to exert counter June. This epic showdown slowly built members lost their matches/dropped ti- offense. After various attempts, White upon itself as a battle of wrestlers, a con- tles at Wrestle Kingdom. This poses was able to turn a Rain Maker into a of styles, and then a war of ide- swirling thoughts as to whether these game ending, Blade Runner. als. The Wrestle Kingdom main event popular New Japan foreigners will con- Result: Jay White defeats Kazuchika quickly escalated from being simply a tinue working with the promotion or the Okada. (4.25) historic encounter, to a very personal Elite completely moving on. agenda. Kenny Omega‟s Future: It doesn‟t seem IWGP Intercontinental Championship Omega versus Tanahashi lived up to ex- that long ago that Kenny Omega (No Disqualification Match): Chris pectations across the board. It was an achieved his dream of capturing the Jericho (C) vs. Tetsuya Naito epic match that won‟t be forgotten any- IWGP Heavyweight Championship. He This match has essentially been built a time soon for many reasons. In this reigned for nearly six months, but that year in the making. Naito insulted Jeri- match the wrestling community wit- came to an end at this event, losing to cho‟s arrival to New Japan last January nessed “The Cleaner” Kenny Ome- one of the promotions most legendary and it‟s no surprise the outspoken Jericho ga. He acted despicable and disrespect- wrestlers. This ties in with the Elite per- would respond in a not so respectful ful which is what was needed to counter haps departing, but Omega has had such manner. In June, Jericho ripped the In- the divine presence of Hiroshi a loyal and successful run with the com- tercontinental title away from Naito and Tanahashi. Both wrestlers delivered and pany. Omega is part of the Elite but is successfully defended it against Naito‟s received a heavy load of damage. There the outlier due to his very deep roots LIJ brother, EVIL. Over the course of were many times it looked as if either with New Japan. His contract expires at the year, their rivalry grew meaner, more wrestler could take the match, but in the the end of January, so the biggest ques- personal, which eventually led to this end, the Ace was able to topple Ome- tion to start off 2019 is, where will Ken- Wrestle Kingdom bout being an unsanc- ga. Despite the incredible year Kenny ny Omega wrestle next? 18 BY KIERAN JOHNSTONE

punches lead to a mere one count for ing his team. In a call back to how they Seven. Seven followed up this with a lost the NXT Tag Team Championship, dive onto Drake outside, only for Gibson both members of Moustache Mountain to lay him out with a massive hook. Both were locked in a Shankley Gates wrist- men took it in turns to wear down Seven, lock, with both having to encourage the with a rogue elbow by Drake managing other not to tap out. Bate was the first to to bust Seven open. Seven pulled some break the hold, as he picked up Drake strength back, hitting a flurry of chops and dropped him onto Gibson and Sev- on Drake but still being unable to reach en. This last few bursts of energy were his partner. not enough for Bate and Seven, as Drake and Gibson hit a Ticket to to become the first ever champions, with the belts being presented by NXT UK General Manager Jonny Saint. aving gone from strength to strength in the last few months, it felt only fitting that NXT UK‟s first Takeo- ver event, held at the Empress Ballroom in Blackpool, would be a fantastic show. The show opened with my favourite match of the evening, and an early match After some miscommunication between of the year contender, with Drake and Gibson, Bate was able to tag and facing off in and wipe out both opponents. Bate and to crown the inaugural was also able to pick up both his foes NXT Tag Team Champions. The match and hit them with an amazing aeroplane opened with some excellent technical spin, before throwing Drake off the The next match brought a shocking work between Bate and Gibson, with apron onto Gibson and diving onto both change of plan, as two attacks by Jordan only Gibson‟s slight strength advantage with a shooting star press. Gibson was Devlin throughout the day of the show separating the two. Their respective part- able to roll back into the ring only to be rendered his opponent una- ners tagged in and continued to wrestle hit with a Trent Seven burning hammer, ble to compete. However, assistant GM with each other, before a serious of with only Drake breaking up the fall sav- Sid Scala was undettered by these

events, as RAW Superstar, and trainer of body by hitting a kamikaze crash onto fore suplexing him onto the ramp. Jordan, Devlin Finn Balor replaced this exposed floor. The match appeared Coffey threw Dunne back into the ring, Banks. This infuriated Devlin, who to be over when Dennis hits his patented hitting a side walk slam and several slapped Balor in the face several times Neck Stop Driver onto Mastiff, but Mas- stomps. A lengthy bearhug by Coffey before a series of strikes by Balor tiff was able to kick out and hit a can- wore down Dunne further, before Dunne brought down Devlin. Balor then ran nonball through Dennis and a table to was able to fight out with a series of around the ring to hit a running strike on remain undefeated. headbutts. Dunne proceeded to forearm Devlin, who quickly recovered to throw Coffey several times, before diving out- Balor around ringside. When the action side onto his opponent. One overarching returned to the ring, Devlin stole several theme of the match was the use of sub- of his mentors move, including a double missions to wear down the opponent, foot stomp, before dropkicking Balor with Dunne using the majority of these, from the top rope following a coup de including reversing a Coffey tombstone grace attempt. The closest fall in the ear- into an ankle lock. Coffey also tried sev- ly portion of the match came following a eral times for his diving crossbody, only uranage and moonsault by Devlin. This to be punched out of mid air several led to both men trying to wear each other times by Dunne. When the dust had set- down with abdominal stretches before a tled throughout this over 30 minute long hard striking exchange. Balor then hit a The night‟s semi-main event was the match, Dunne would need three Bitter double stomp of his own, before follow- continuation of a long-running feud be- ends to knock Coffey down to size, be- ing this with a Bloody Sunday and sling- tween and NXT UK Wom- fore locking in his arm triangle with a blade for a near fall. Devlin wouldn‟t lay en‟s Champion . This match finger hold to cause Coffey to tap. down that easily, hitting a vicious for the title opened with some brutal headbutt and for a near fall. The forearms from both women, before match concluded with Balor‟s patented Storm was able to knock Ripley out the corner dropkick and a Coup de Grace, in ring and dive onto her. Ripley played up what was a somewhat surprising win for to her heelish tendencies, pulling Balor. Storm‟s hair and stomping her, before hitting a big suplex to almost retain her title early on. This streak continued throughout the match, with may big moves and near falls for Ripley. This only brought out the strength in Toni Storm, who hit two German Dunne wouldn‟t get long to celebrate before countering a Riptide attempt with however, as new WWE signee a spike DDT for a near fall. Storm wres- would make his way to the ring and con- tled out of a standing cloverleaf by Rip- front Dunne. Taking the time to boot ley, hitting a third German to almost win Coffey off the ring apron, Walter and A violent no disqualifaction match fol- the title. Despite Ripley hitting a Riptide, Dunne had an intense stare down. Hope- lowed this impromptu contest, as Eddie Storm persevered and reversed a second fully this leads to a match between the Dennis and Dave Mastiff battled. The Riptide attempt into a Storm Zero to be- pair in the not too distant future. match wasted little time to get going, come the new champion. with powerful strikes from both men be- The main event was a truly epic affair, fore Dennis was able to gain the upper another potential match of the year, as hand thanks to some savage stick Gallus‟ attempted to take the shots. Dennis then exposed the hard NXT UK Title from , who wooden floor of the Empress Ballroom, had held the belt for over 600 days at the before failing to drop Mastiff onto this time of the PPV. This match between floor. Mastiff quickly gained controlling two of the UK‟s finest talents opened in following a headbutt and some kendo a predictably technical way, with Dunne stick strikes of his own, but this burst using his renowned joint manipulation to didn‟t last long as Dennis threw his op- try and take away Coffey‟s power game. ponent into the steps. Mastiff hit a kami- When the match got back onto its feet, kaze crash when the action returned to Coffey laid into Dunne with big upper- the ring, but let his confidence get the cuts and punches, before Dunne used a better of him as he was then power- variety of stretches and holds to wear bombed off the top rope by Dennis. Mas- down Coffey. Coffey wouldn‟t take the- tiff tried to suplex Dennis onto the ex- se attacks lightly, throwing Dunne out of posed floor, but had to his own the ring – face first onto the apron – be- 20

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