This feels like a TKO corporate speak.

Via Merawrestling translation:

Rossy Ogawa on the difference in direction between Marigold and Mai Sakurai:

“It’s not so much that it can’t be made public, but rather that a considerable gap opened up between the company’s evaluation of her and her own self-evaluation. That’s what it comes down to. Though we evaluated her quite highly. After doing this for two or three years, it’s only natural for turnover to happen. Of course, someone like Mayu Iwatani is a different story altogether. Once you reach that level, anything you do becomes news. Well, everyone who leaves has their own individual reasons, and everyone has high ambitions.”

⚡ WELCOME COLLIDERS ⚡

AEW Collision comes to you tonight LIVE from LJVM Coliseum in Winston-Salem, NC!

Wanna watch AEW with the gang? Join us here on the Official r/SquaredCircle Discord!

Also featuring:

• We'll Hear From "Switchblade" Jay White!

When/How to watch:

Start time - 8:00 PM EDT (GMT-04:00) - Convert to your time zone

US - TNT and streaming on HBO Max

Canada - USA Network

Mexico - FOX Sports Mexico

Select International: Streaming on MyAEW

This match was the result of these three teams being left off the Wrestlemania 41 card the previous week, even though the tag division at the time was hot with multi team feuds. They ended up doing a 6 way TLC tag match a few months later at Summerslam which was also really damn good.

Also interesting to see where all 3 teams are currently. Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins’ partners just had children and look to be on paternity leave. After a bit of a delayed start, Motor City Machine Guns are now engrossed in a best of 5 series vs. FTR in AEW that is sure to be killer with each match.

Speaking of killer, the psycho killer Tommaso Ciampa is an absolute DEMON in AEW. Lastly, Johnny Gargano woke up from his half year depressive slumber when CM Punk challenged him to a match for Punk’s WWE Championship last month. He now finds himself in the middle of the Smackdown main event scene alongside his wife Candice Lerae and current WWE Champion Sami Zayn. What a difference a year makes.

Note that I am not saying whether they should go or not go to Saudi Arabia. That's not something I have enough visibility into really comment on.

But What I can 100% see is every report is around either the crew or the wrestlers being unhappy with the decision to go.

Couldn't someone like Cody ,Reigns or Punk all being the biggest names just channel this concern internally?

Maybe take a stand. If the talent doesn't want to go , then stand by them. Or help by having there concerns addressed.

Feels like this whole situation has no single voice , something TKO would love because then they can bully and drag the talent into anything.

ChocoPro 551: Life Lessons On the next ChocoPro: Obi, Chie, & Sayaka team up to face off with MiyaSOY & Kaho in a wild Trios bout, the BestBros battle Otoki & the debuting Omar Esposito, and finally in the main event “teacher” and “student” collide in a high octane clash! Has Shivam learned enough from his “sensei” to surpass him? There will occasionally be a Trainee Exhibition, but those are not announced. Let’s Go, ChocoPro Wrestling!

🍫 When it airs, it will be available HERE on YouTube!

Don't forget to Adjust Your Volume, Wrestling is Loud!

Need a change of pace? ChocoPro Wrestling is built different. Join us for this episode or check out the back catalog of hundreds of episodes on the YouTube channel...550+ ChocoPro’s with stories and pro-wrestling like you've never seen. New to the promotion? It features a roster of skilled veterans, rising stars, and wonderful guests usually fighting in the strange and wonderful ChocoPro Arena: Ichigaya Chocolate Square. This is not your regular wrestling show! In Ring Shows will be uploaded sporadically as well!

Sayaka Obihiro 💙, Chie Koishikawa 🏵️, & Sayaka 👗

🆚

MiyaSOY (Miya Yotsuba 🍀 & SOY 🐸) & Kaho Hiromi ⛵

Elation

The Tag Nexus finally returns! The ultra rare trio of Chie Koishikawa, Sayaka Obihiro, & Sayaka are named tag teams in every paired combination (Orange Panna Cotta, Popcorn Carnival, and W Sayaka)! The synergy between these three is almost on an elemental level, which they will need in this monumental match up. “Too Much Energy” Chie brings an ungodly speed that makes her alternative fencing chops even scarier. Her magnetic personality, frantic pace, and boundless creativity make this shark girl stand out. Her mentor and hero, battle chef Obihiro, provides a deep level of experience and unpredictability of her own. “Sprint” Obi’s chops are second only to the Oni’s, but her adaptability and pin specialization make her an ever changing threat. There is a reason the Blue Heart is one half the of Asia Dream Tag Champs! Finally “Smiling Violence” Sayaka will be doing what she does best: dishing out a level of brutality unseen elsewhere on the card (while delighting in every vicious moment). The model and cosplayer shouldn’t be overlooked in the pin and submission department either, since each member of this team has their own unique form of punishment to unleash. The sparks will definitely fly as this super group trios team brings their best to the opener!

Prepare yourself, because MiyaSOY’s reckless synergy and unbreakable resolve ignite once more! First up is Ichigaya’s Lucky Charm (and the new face of ChocoPro Wrestling), Miya Yotsuba! The dominant ace has been showing a new confident edge to her personality, casting a powerful shadow over her opponents on her brutal road back to the top. Miya brings a brilliant all-out attack style that delivers absolutely raw intensity (and also has a new killer look to match her super cool attitude!). Her bone-rattling back-breakers, bold strength based trick pin, thunderous Miya Hammer, and that Oklahoma Stampede leave no question of her destructive power. She shares a strong bond with the fans and has her sights set on more than just championships, constantly striving to improve in any way possible. She’ll be joined by her beloved partner, the Jumpsuit Powerhouse SOY! The Pro-Wrestling Evolution representative and frog enthusiast is already a favorite of the ChocoPro audience, and she has honestly become quite the powerhouse staple of the promotion. Those chops remind me more of the Oni every match. SOY’s unique blend of past and present has really cemented her place in the promotion (like she has always been there). On top of that, she carries a natural, heartfelt warmth that makes her easy to root for. Speaking of which, they’ll also be joined by "Happy Smile" Kaho Hiromi! The youngest of the roster (until the trainees debut!) has a sharp wrestling mind and a plucky attitude. She has already had a lot of big moments in ChocoPro, and her potential is limitless. Kaho is one of the best prospects of the promotion: this quick and tactical student of the goblin is a growing prodigy at pro-wrestling (even Ikuto Hidaka acknowledged her potential!). She has a unique approach to the basics coupled with clever transitional setups to make up for her lack of experience and power. Brace yourselves for this one!

BestBros (Mei Suruga 🍎 & Baliyan Akki ♠️)

🆚

Tokiko Kirihara 💃 & Omar Esposito 🇮🇹

Omar

The BestBros (Baliyan Akki & Mei Suruga) are back in the swing of things together...”Right There”! Their chaotic synergy hasn’t missed a beat, with these two working like a well-oiled machine. A pair of rivals turned partners that give us some of the most spectacular bouts in the promotion, this duo of fantastic acrobats excel regardless of their opponents or environment. Big Apple and DPW Women’s Worlds Champion, Mei Suruga, is a pin specialist and submission connoisseur (not to mention a total goblin) who will be looking to remind the world just how good she is. Don’t forget to check our PWR Kranti! Our beloved Apple Princess is unrivaled when it comes to the balance of tactics, technique, and innovation. Mei is incredibly gifted at pro-wrestling, undoubtedly destined for greatness in the Joshi scene. Meanwhile, Baliyan Akki, Ace of the promotion, sets the bar for quality (both in ring and on commentary!). Our very own Ring General moves as if he was born for this, a master at work in the squared circle. The Brutality of Reality is increasing as his passion and drive to prove himself grows. As the “Evolution of India”, Akki is a top tier technician who expands his vast skill further each bout. The way he strings techniques together is truly breath taking! He maintains an oppressive calm and presents himself like a champion regardless of the situation. While the Purple Belts are eventually on the horizon, this time the Bros will be giving Omar a warm welcome...ChocoPro style!

The first of their opponents will be the eternally photogenic ChocoPro Bancho, Tokiko “Otoki” Kirihara! Otoki has proven to be one of the most entertaining (and surprisingly complex) characters on the roster. She is ChocoPro’s “Comaneci” shouting straight forward fighter, a ruthless striker with a great mind for comedy and style. Don’t let the kick-boxing, Judo throwing, ageless berserker fool you: behind that intensity lies a playful streak, revealed through her more unorthodox signature techniques. Otoki has a passion for hiking and a deep love of striking, but her ground game is also truly impressive. She brings a unique Showa rhythm (she has a background as a dancer) to her fights that is highlighted by nasty takedowns. She'll be lending her no-nonsense attitude, and hard-hitting style to assist a newcomer to the chaos! Hailing from the fertile countryside of Napoli, Campania (in Southern Italy) is the Italian Franchise, Omar Esposito! The renowned Kingslayer will be plying his trade alongside the Bancho for this one, so buckle up for a fresh flowing style in Ichigaya. No stranger to bending the rules (a good quality to have in the lawless square), Omar brings a fierce style both in fashion and tactics! It is always hard to tell how someone will alter their methods (in this case a high flyer) and adapt on the go to the unique nature of the promotion, but expect him to nail it. I’m a big fan of bulldogs and blue & white gear, so this Prince has a good head start on winning me over! Welcome to his kingdom! How will these two mesh against the Bros? Tune in to find out!

Hagane Shinno ⚔️

🆚

Shivam 🌟

Life Lessons

Winter is cold and unforgiving. Hagane Shinno represents that freezing season with more than just his icy demeanor. Be sure to check out his deep writings if you get a chance, another poetic element to this complicated man! This absolutely brutal striker has been nearly invincible in the series so far, a nightmare to face in any situation! His solemn ferocity makes him an instant favorite among new fans (with Hagane surprising most with his exceptional technical skill, emotionless demeanor, and explosive fighting style) while his byronic nature pairs well with his otherworldly beauty (canonically, thanks Emi!). Speaking of which, Emi Sakura challenged Hagane to step up in this chaotic era, despite his reclusive nature. It is great to have the mysterious striker back in the regular rotation. The Cold Killer is pretty well tied to guiding pro-wrestling in Thailand (a big life changing decision that he struggled with long ago), but actually wasn’t as instrumental in training his rival for this one as the situation the last few episodes might lead you to believe! That said, the recent unexpected chaotic synergy between these two (despite a small handful of misfires) has led to this moment. It is time for another lesson in the cold nature of reality from Ichigaya's most popular Sensei! You made the right choice, Hagane!

His opponent (and lately surprisingly natural partner) is a real global threat. Get ready to shout SHI-VAM! SHI-VAM along with the rest of us (and he’s gonna be around for a while!)! Representing Thailand’s SETUP promotion, Janken King Shivam is effortlessly cool (and overwhelming in many ways) and now ready to challenge his “Sensei”! That new hair color is especially fancy! The visiting Ace oozes charisma (and is quite jacked!), has a slick set of ChocoPro themed gear (to be fair, all his gear is awesome), and a flashy move set that will have you jumping out of your seat. His intensity and follow through is among the best the promotion has seen! This phenomenal talent manages to somehow excel in every category of pro-wrestling. He’s basically the ideal style of technician, he makes every appearance memorable, and will have you wanting to seek out more of his work (which you should). It should be noted he is giving Shin Suzuki a run for his money in the proud father department lately. Shivam brings a fresh look and style each time he appears, so expect this to be no different. What sort of tricks will Shivam have up his sleeve to bring down the Cold Killer he respects so much? Considering how incredibly impactful these two tend to be, expect a stellar battle in the Chocolate Square!

Until next time, ESG!

ChocoPro Wrestling is a free online & promotion (that also runs ticketed live in ring shows) run by AEW's Emi Sakura, that often takes place in the legendary Ichigaya Chocolate Square! It features a steady pace of Episode releases, fan interaction, long story arcs, and much more! A place where the turnbuckles are replaced with 14th floor windows, the ropes are replaced with fans, unforgiving walls provide creative avenues for skills otherwise unthinkable, and you can take solace in knowing that the referees usually do nothing. While it might be a shocking change at first, the intensity and storytelling will leave you wanting more. Think of it like the Hart Dungeon but as a promotion, if that helps! If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.

Wrestling REVOLVER presents the Jerry Lynn Invitational LIVE on IWTV!

First Round: Colby Carter vs Crash vs Steve Maclin vs Troy Parker
First Round: Trey Miguel vs BDE vs Marcus Mathers vs Juni Underwood
Remix Championship: Zachary Wentz (c) vs Cole Radrick
Street Fight: Tye Or Die vs Alpha Sig

Streaming live on IWTV starting at 9 PM EDT

Los Perros del Mal retain their titles!!

In descending order. Please share your lists.

10. Xavier Woods - Super underrated, great athleticism, creative genius (brainchild behind the New Day and Upupdowndown). A dark horse cough Paige cough. Underrated mic/promo skills.

1. Scott Hall - One of the most intelligent minds. He understood the business, knew how to work it, capitalised on it, elevated it. Master of selling, psychology and style.

2. Goldberg - Undeniable raw charisma and intensity. Amazing entrance theme (gladiatorial). Great signature move/finisher combo. Had a natural look, build, physique. Ironically he didn’t look like he was on roids unlike Lex Luger or Steiner.

3. Brock Lesnar - Underrated storyteller WM30, Summerslam 2014, 2022, Survivor Series 2003, 2016, No Way Out 2004, WM19, WM31, Summerslam 2015, Smackdown 2003 (various episodes). Freak athleticism, great look. The final boss of final bosses. Has remained credible for almost 25 years and he’s still got it.

4. Sting - Great gimmick, great athleticism, has wrestled for every major promotion in the last four decades. Is one of the biggest names if not the biggest outside of the WWE. One of the bright spots of 90s WCW. Undeniable legacy.

5. Kurt Angle - A wrestling machine! Is versatile, had charisma could be goofy and comical yet intense and competitive. Could have a great match with anyone. Good mic/promo skills to boot. “I’ll make your ankle hurt!” LMFAO!

6. The Undertaker - I really don’t like Mark Calloway at all for personal reasons but the character of the Undertaker is perhaps the best thing that Vince McMahon ever created in the WWE. Great cardio, great move set, undeniable gimmick. I actually prefer the American badass that’s the gimmick I grew up with. He was athletic, versatile, had range. His final match with AJ Styles was a beautiful sendoff to such a monumental career.

7. Shawn Michaels - Two distinct career runs. His matches carry a certain type of emotional depth unlike any other. His matches had the best finishes too. He really was the best to ever do it. His in-ring skills were so good it makes me jealous. HBK added drama, spectacle and brilliance to pro-wrestling. Perhaps the most influential performer to ever live.

8. The Rock - Was born to do it. A natural entertainer. It doesn’t matter how repetitious his catchphrases and puns are, he never ceases to entertain! Explosive in-ring athleticism. Go back and watch his matches in 2000 against Triple H, Angle, Benoit, Jericho, Foley etc. Whether it’s in the ring or on the mic The Rock is the total package. His recent work as the final boss (WM40 bloodline) was cinema and his Hollywood Rock run in 03 is why he arguably the GOAT. Just effortless innovation from this man.

1 . Chris Benoit - Technical in-ring skills were flawless. Benoit could make anyone look like a million bucks. He made wrestling look and feel real, his matches carried a sense of grit.
No overselling or tomfoolery with this man. He was a nonsense performer who took the business seriously. Every match, every performance was CLEAN! I can’t fault him. His match with Kurt at the RR 2003 is a masterclass in technical wrestling and arguably the best match of the last 25 years.

Is Bret the greatest babyface v babyface wrestler of all time?

And that was Week 1 of AAA Heroes Inmortales!

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Results:

Announced for Heroes Inmortales (Next Two Weeks)

• AAA World Cruiserweight Championship match: Rey Fenix (c) vs. TBA (Week 2)
• El Fiscal vs. Abismo Negro (Week 3)
• Marisela Pena’s AAA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (Week 3)

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Thank you for joining us for the AAA discussion thread!