BY SACNILK

CM Punk, who suffered a torn tricep during the Royal Rumble match, is set to make his return to WWE television on the April 1st episode of Raw. This will be CM Punk's first advertised appearance since he announced his injury on the Raw episode following the Royal Rumble. ## Punk's return comes ahead of WrestleMania, which he will miss due to his injury. However, his inclusion in the advertising for the go-home Raw before WrestleMania suggests he might still play a role in the build-up to the show. ## Punk's injury forced a change in the planned World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania. Originally scheduled to face Punk, Seth Rollins will now defend his title against Drew McIntyre.## Punk's recent appearances: ## Announced his injury on the Raw episode following the Royal Rumble.## Served as a panel member on the WrestleMania 40 Kickoff show.## Punk's upcoming appearance: ## April 1st episode of Raw at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. ## While Punk won't be competing at WrestleMania, his return to Raw signals his potential involvement in the upcoming storylines leading up to the biggest event of the year in WWE. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

Cody Rhodes casts a long shadow as he joins The Rock in the building for the next three episodes of SmackDown.## Despite being a Raw superstar, Cody Rhodes announced on [X] (formerly Twitter) that he'll be present for the upcoming episodes of SmackDown. This unexpected move pits Rhodes against his potential WrestleMania opponent, Roman Reigns, and his recently challenged rival, The Rock.## The Bloodline, including Roman Reigns, has yet to acknowledge Rhodes' bold challenge issued during "The Grayson Waller Effect" at Elimination Chamber. This three-week SmackDown residency throws fuel on the fire of the brewing storyline, where these four powerhouses are expected to be heavily featured on the road to WrestleMania.## Adding another layer of intrigue is the presence of World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins. After a heated exchange with Roman Reigns and The Rock at the WrestleMania 40 Kickoff event, Rollins will also be on SmackDown this Friday.## This further muddies the waters as he is expected to face Drew McIntyre, winner of the men's Elimination Chamber match, instead of focusing on the Rhodes-Bloodline drama. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

Here are the full results for this Friday's SmackDown which is scheduled to air live on March 1, 2024, at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, AZ. ## Friday Night SmackDown currently airs live every Friday on Fox from 8:00 ET–10:00 PM ET in the United States. WWE SmackDown starts live at 1 am in the UK on BT Sport 1 on Saturday mornings. ## WWE SmackDown Time In Australia: It airs live on at 10 am (AEST) on Fox8 ## WWE SmackDown Time In Canada: It airs live every Friday at 8 Am on Sportsnet 360 ## WWE SmackDown Time In South Africa: The show also airs live on Supersport in South Africa on Saturday at 02:00 am CAT ## SmackDown Time In Italy: In Italy, SmackDown airs on DMAX at 2:00 pm with the international version of one-hour shows airing on Cielo in Italian ## SmackDown airs live on Sony Ten 1 HD and Sony Ten 1 in India at 6:30 am. While SmackDown airs live on Fox Sports in Mexico and across Central and South America since 2014. ## WWE Friday Night SmackDown, March 1, 2024 Play-By-Play Results ## The episode opens with a recap of highlights from Elimination Chamber.## Roman Reigns enters the ring with his entourage, and Paul Heyman hands him the microphone. Roman complains about the crowd noise and threatens to leave if they don't cheer louder. Paul Heyman stops him and announces that The Rock will be out after a commercial break.## The Rock enters the ring and acknowledges the crowd. He makes a joke about Phoenix being known for drug use, which Roman doesn't seem to appreciate. The Rock then challenges Cody Rhodes to a tag team match at WrestleMania, with Roman Reigns as his partner. If Cody and his partner win, they will have a one-on-one title match against Roman Reigns without any interference from the Bloodline. If they lose, the Bloodline can interfere in the title match under "Bloodline Rules," which means anything goes.## Roman asks The Rock for a microphone and tells him that he needs him to acknowledge him as the Tribal Chief. The Rock acknowledges Roman and they hug. The Rock tells the audience to go home and "smell some crack," then hands the microphone back to Roman.## Backstage, Grayson Waller and Austin Theory are talking about Randy Orton being taken care of by Logan Paul. Randy Orton appears behind them and challenges them to a match. Waller says Theory was volunteering to face Randy, and Theory yells at Waller for putting him in this situation. The segment ends with a match confirmed between Randy Orton and Austin Theory. ## Singles Match: Tiffany Stratton vs Naomi ## Tiffany tackles Naomi and executes a series of back handsprings. Naomi responds with a back elbow, showcasing her own skills. Tiffany grapples Naomi's hair and throws her to the canvas. Naomi retaliates with an Irish whip and a forearm strike in the corner, followed by a series of kicks. She then delivers a dropkick into the corner, nearly pinning Tiffany. Tiffany forces Naomi onto the apron, who counters with a kick and a slingshot X Factor, almost securing the win. ## Tiffany launches back with a handspring and connects with a devastating elbow to the corner. She then executes a double stomp, nearly securing the pin, forcing Naomi to scramble to the apron. Naomi counters with a slingshot sit-out piledriver on the apron, but the momentum is short-lived. She attempts a jumping knee strike, but Tiffany swiftly counters with a spinebuster, once again coming close to victory. ## Naomi regains control with a jawbreaker and a powerful bulldog into the turnbuckles. Sensing danger, Tiffany escapes to the apron. With the referee momentarily distracted, Tiffany resorts to a cheap tactic, raking Naomi's eyes. Seizing the opportunity, Tiffany throws Naomi into the ring post, leaving her vulnerable. Tiffany then caps off the match with her signature "Prettiest Moonsault Ever" for the decisive three count. ## WINNER: Tiffany Stratton ## Non Title Match: Dakota Kai and Bayley vs Asuka and Kairi Sane (with Iyo Sky) ## The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi) attack Bayley before the bell, landing kicks and a dropkick. Bayley retaliates with punches on Asuka, taking her down. Asuka sends Bayley to the apron, then distracts the referee while Kairi throws Bayley off the turnbuckles. Asuka throws kicks, but Bayley trips her and connects with a forearm on Kairi.## Asuka stops Bayley from reaching her corner. Dakota falls off the apron after colliding with Bayley. Bayley fights back with forearms. Asuka kicks, tags in Kairi, then hits a Codebreaker followed by Kairi's blockbuster for a near fall. Kairi slams Bayley's head and sends her into Asuka's boots. Asuka tags back in, but Bayley throws her into Kairi. Both Asuka and Kairi receive forearms from Bayley on the apron. Bayley delivers a cutter against the ropes.## Dakota attempts to join the fight, but Asuka tries to prevent the tag. Bayley kicks Asuka away, forcing Dakota to leap back to avoid the tag. Bayley throws punches and forearms at both Asuka and Kairi. She then sends Dakota into the ringside barrier outside the ring. Asuka and Kairi force Bayley back inside, where Dakota joins them. Dakota slaps Bayley, observed by Iyo, and lands a running knee to the back of her head.## Iyo taunts Bayley by holding the title belt in front of her face.## Bron Breakker makes his SmackDown debut in a backstage segment before the commercial break.## Dakota and her allies encounter Jade Cargill backstage, blocking their path.## Nick Aldis declares he will deal with them later, prioritizing a conversation with Jade. ## Bron Breakker vs Xyon Quinn ## The bell rings and the match starts off, Bron Breakker with a spear for the cover to win the match. ## WINNER: Xyon Quinn## Santos Escobar emphasizes the strong bond within Legado, stating they are charged with upholding the tradition of lucha libre and protecting the LWO's legacy.## Elektra declares Rey's time is over, dismissing him as an aged, injured competitor. She hails Santos as the undisputed champion of lucha libre. ## Street Fight: Santos Escobar vs Carlito ## The match opens with punches. Santos shoves Carlito away, who responds with a Thesz Press and throws him out of the ring. Carlito follows up by sending Santos into the ring steps. He delves under the ring, retrieving a table to rile up the crowd. Santos counters with kicks and chops, then delivers a forearm before Carlito Irish whips him into the steps. Chants of "fruit" erupt, but instead, Carlito finds a kendo stick. He then locates an apple, generating a bigger reaction than the table. Santos executes a suicide dive.## After commercials, we return to see Carlito wearing a trash can on his head. Santos connects with a running double knee strike but only manages a near fall. He throws a forearm and sends Carlito outside the ring, attempting another suicide dive. However, Carlito thwarts him with a chair. Carlito regains control with a clothesline and back elbow, tossing the trash can at Santos before playfully teasing a strike. Santos shields himself, allowing Carlito to place the can over him before smashing it with the chair. Carlito attempts a uranage onto the chair, securing another near fall. ## Carlito enters the ring with a table. Santos attempts a jumping knee strike but shows no interest in setting up the table. He delivers a kick in the corner and attempts a hurricanrana from the turnbuckles, but hesitates too long. Carlito counters with a crotch attack, sending Santos crashing to the mat.## Garza and Carrillo double team Carlito, holding him for a Cerberus Bomb that nearly secures the win. They attempt to set up the table, but Cruz and Joaquin intervene, causing a brawl that spills outside the ring. Santos observes the chaos but Angel and Humberto manage to fend them off.## Rey Mysterio's music hits as he enters the ring on crutches. Santos, Angel, and Humberto mock him, but their laughter is short-lived. Rey discards the crutches, surprising everyone, and attacks them with surprising ferocity.## Santos, bewildered, becomes Rey's main target. Rey enters the ring and taunts Santos, daring him to strike. Carlito spits an apple in Santos' face, followed by a lungblower. Carlito and Rey clear Angel and Humberto from the ring apron with ease, then eliminate Cruz and Wilde with well-timed dives.## Rey executes a 619 on Santos, followed by Carlito's spinebuster through the table for the pinfall victory. ## WINNER: Carlito ## In the locker room, Randy Orton readies himself for his upcoming match against Austin Theory.## After a commercial break, the show announces Bobby Lashley's clash with Karrion Kross and Logan Paul's guest appearance for next week.## Nick interviews Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne. Frustrated by their recent loss in Perth, they blame Dominik for costing them the championship and express their desire to compete for the tag titles at Wrestlemania.## Nick reveals he has discussed the tag title picture with Adam Pearce and promises an announcement soon.## Suddenly, LA Knight enters the scene, searching for AJ Styles. Nick, concerned for Styles' safety after the events at Elimination Chamber, reminds Knight he advised Styles not to attend tonight's show.## Knight, however, points out that Styles traveled a great distance to prevent him from reaching Wrestlemania. Vowing to find Styles and deliver a "present," Knight declares his actions unstoppable.## As the main event approaches, Kevin Owens takes his position at the commentary table. ## Main Event: Austin Theory (with Grayson Waller) vs Randy Orton ## Orton blocks a kick and counters with an uppercut. He throws Theory into the turnbuckles repeatedly, landing another uppercut. Orton pummels Theory with punches from the corner, finishing with a European uppercut. The action spills outside the ring, where Orton continues his assault, driving Theory into the announce table. ## Kevin Patrick encourages Orton to deliver a back body drop onto the table, but MVP intervenes, pulling Theory to safety. Theory retaliates by launching Orton into the ring post before executing his own back body drop onto the announce table. We cut to commercial. ## Theory ascends the turnbuckles, soaking in the cheers, but his triumph is short-lived. Orton springs into action, pummeling Theory with a flurry of punches and a headbutt. Aiming for a devastating superplex, Theory attempts to counter with a blockbuster. However, Orton anticipates the maneuver and executes the superplex with precision. He follows up with a swift kick.## Theory retaliates with an Irish whip, but Orton counters with a thunderous clothesline in the corner. He repeats the maneuver, then ducks under a clothesline attempt and delivers a powerful slam. He maintains the offensive, sending Theory sprawling to the floor with another clothesline.## Eyes set on dominance, Orton positions Theory for a dramatic backdrop driver onto the announce table, much to Kevin Patrick's excitement. He throws Theory back into the ring, but not before sending Waller crashing onto the announce table with a devastating backdrop driver of his own.## Orton propels Theory onto the apron, preparing for his signature IEDDT. He surveys the scene, pounding the mat in anticipation of the RKO. However, Theory thwarts his attempt, driving him into the turnbuckles and the ring post.## Undeterred, Theory attempts a rolling blockbuster, nearly securing the win. He signals for his finishing move, "A Town Down," but Orton escapes just in time. Theory throws a series of double thrusts to Orton's throat before delivering a swift kick. He maintains pressure with a forearm strike, nearly putting Orton away.## Orton scrambles onto the apron. Theory attempts his own IEDDT, but Orton reverses the maneuver, sending Theory crashing onto the apron. As Theory attempts a rolling move from the top rope, Orton seizes the opportunity, executing a swift and decisive RKO for the pinfall victory. ## WINNER: Randy Orton ## Post-match chaos erupts! Waller assaults Orton, but Owens intervenes, pummeling Waller with kicks and punches. Theory joins the fray, attacking Owens. Owens retaliates with a kick to Theory and an elbow to Waller. He stuns a stunned Theory. Waller dodges a Stunner, but falls victim to Orton's RKO for the win. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

Brock Lesnar, known for his dominant presence in the wrestling industry, reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with his compensation for a 2016 match against Goldberg.## The match, which took place at WWE Survivor Series 2016, marked Goldberg's return to the ring after a 12-year hiatus. However, it wasn't well-received by fans, primarily due to both wrestlers leaving the company shortly after.## According to Jim Ross, a WWE Hall of Famer, on his podcast "Grilling JR," both Lesnar and Goldberg received $250,000 for the match. However, Lesnar allegedly felt he was underpaid and contacted Ross, expressing his discontent.## "I remember, I think the payoff... that we did for that show is that, I think he made 250 grand and so did Goldberg," Ross said. "He wanted to talk to Vince [McMahon] and Vince wants him to talk to you. So that was my prep for that conversation... So there he goes and so I get on the phone with him and he's in a foul mood because he got his payoff, thought he got screwed."## Ross further detailed the conversation, stating that Lesnar couldn't provide a specific reason for his dissatisfaction and ultimately ended the call abruptly. ## "I said, 'What are you basing this on, did you do a study of the finances of this event or did somebody tell you, one of your buddies tell you you got screwed in your payoff? What are you basing this on? I don’t… you have to give me something here? You didn't like it?' And he said, 'I just think you guys screwed me.' I said, 'Well we didn't screw you and I'm sorry you feel that way,' and he hung up on me." ## While Lesnar's perspective remains unclear, the reported incident highlights the complex dynamics surrounding wrestler compensation in the professional wrestling industry. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

John Cena, a soon-to-be WWE Hall of Famer, is known for his in-ring prowess and charisma, but his marketing skills are also worth mentioning. He recently created a stir by opening an OnlyFans account, not for personal reasons, but to promote his upcoming film, "Ricky Stanicky."## The twist? The OnlyFans account is under the name of his character in the movie, Ricky Stanicky. This unique approach garnered a lot of attention, with many amused by the unexpected turn.## However, things took a surprising turn when Cena revealed on Twitter that he was locked out of his account for promoting the OnlyFans page. Apparently, Twitter's systems flagged the promotion as potentially associated with a fake account.## Cena, ever the social media savvy individual, took to another platform to clarify the situation. He assured fans that his OnlyFans account is legitimate and features content related to his character, not anything explicit or misleading. ## I really got locked out of X account because they thought my @OnlyFans was fake!It’s not. It’s the real deal!Teabagging, scissoring, creampies… and ALL FREE!https://t.co/fHBRDXn4DB— John Cena (@JohnCena) February 29, 2024 ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

WWE Live returns to Vienna, Austria on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024. The event will take place at the Wiener Stadthalle Halle D, marking the first WWE show in the city since 2019. ## WWE fans in Vienna are in for a treat, as they'll witness their favorite Superstars battle it out in the ring. The confirmed list includes: ## "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, Bianca Belair, Randy Orton, WWE Women's Champion IYO SKY, Drew McIntyre, LA Knight, Bobby Lashley, Kevin Owens, "Main Event" Jey Uso And many more! ## The excitement doesn't stop there. The recently crowned WWE Intercontinental Champion "The Ring General" GUNTHER is also confirmed to appear, adding another layer of intrigue to the event. ## Tickets for WWE Live in Vienna, including VIP packages with Meet & Greet opportunities, are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com Additionally, WWE Backlash France will take place just two days later, on Saturday, May 4th, 2024, at the LDLC Arena in Lyon-Decines, France. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

A wave of negativity recently washed over WWE Superstar Maxxine Dupri following a live event. Dupri, having joined the ranks of WWE in mid-2021, was swiftly promoted to the main roster as a manager, initially overseeing the Maximum Male Models. However, a storyline with Otis last year saw her transition into becoming a member of the Alpha Academy.## Despite still being a fledgling competitor with only a handful of matches under her belt across television and live shows, Dupri recently faced a barrage of boos from the audience at a live event, with the incident gaining significant online traction. ## However, this negativity was countered by a surge of support from fellow WWE Superstars and fans alike. Notably, figures like Rhea Ripley, Chelsea Green, and Natalya all rallied behind Dupri, demonstrating the strong sense of community within the wrestling world.## While speaking on the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted the following updated on the Maxxine Dupri situation: ## "If you're a wrestler, get mad at the company for putting her in that position. Don't get mad at the fans. If the fans see a bad match they've got the right to boo. And even if they see a good match they've got the right to boo. ## "There's a line and now I think we're getting way too sensitive. I'm gonna get ripped on this because it involves women, but that's just my feeling. If you're a pro, Jesus Christ, that's part of being a pro-wrestler. ## "If they say something racial, if they say something really badly sexist, in this day and age at an arena, fucking shut them up. Yell back at them. Tell security. Whatever. But just booing someone or saying 'you suck', that doesn't cross the line of behavior that fans shouldn’t be doing." ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

WWE's iconic wrestling program, "Friday Night Smackdown," is set to grapple its way back to USA Network in October 2024. This move comes as part of a robust five-year domestic media rights partnership forged with NBCUniversal. ## "Smackdown," a bi-weekly, live, two-hour spectacle showcasing renowned superstars like Roman Reigns, Charlotte Flair, Rey Mysterio, and Bianca Belair, consistently dominates the coveted 18-49 demographic.## This return marks a homecoming for the program, which previously aired on USA Network from 2016 to 2019. Fox held the broadcast rights for "Smackdown" since October 2019, but this new deal signifies a shift in the landscape. ## While speaking on the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted that the plan as of the last word was for SmackDown to remain on Friday nights when it moves to USA Network in October. ## "The last time I talked with somebody with WWE on that discussion, they told me outright that nothing's official. The stations are gonna have to all work this out whenever. But, the plan was, as of right now - 'right now' was I would say about a month ago - is that SmackDown would be Friday. ## "I don't know why you would do that. If you're USA it feels utterly stupid to do SmackDown on Friday. But that was the plan as of a month ago, was for SmackDown to stay on Friday. And be called 'Friday Night SmackDown'." ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

WWE NXT experienced a slight drop in viewership and ratings for its most recent Tuesday night episode on USA Network. However, the show continues to exhibit year-over-year growth despite the decline, per Wrestlenomics ## The February 27th episode averaged 570,000 viewers, marking a 7.5% decrease from the previous week and the lowest audience for the show since July 4th, 2023. Similarly, the episode drew a 0.16 rating in the key 18-49 demographic, reflecting an 11.1% dip compared to last week and tying the show's lowest rating since July 4th of last year. ## Despite the recent decline, NXT remains on a positive trajectory compared to its performance in 2023. When looking at the same week from the previous year, the show's overall viewership actually increased by 2.7%, and its 18-49 rating witnessed a significant rise of 23.1%. This indicates that NXT continues to attract a younger demographic compared to its viewership in 2023. ## Furthermore, looking at the entire month of February, NXT averaged 621,500 viewers and a 0.175 rating in the 18-49 demo. This represents a positive trend compared to February 2023, where the show averaged 586,500 viewers and a 0.1325 demo rating. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

Former WWE star Matt Riddle recently appeared on The MMA Hour and shed light on his departure from WWE in September 2023. While not definitive on a potential return, he acknowledged the complex factors surrounding his release, including multiple failed drug tests. ## Riddle expressed mixed feelings, viewing the termination as both opportune and challenging. He highlighted both the demanding WWE schedule and the recent birth of his son as contributing factors. He further elaborated, "There were multiple variables that played into my departure... failing a couple of drug tests, you know. For me, at least, the writing was on the wall." ## The interview delved into the specifics of his failed tests. Riddle revealed, "You're allowed to smoke weed. I went to the strip club and did some cocaine a couple of times, and I failed a drug test." He clarified that these instances involved cocaine use and were isolated events. He noted WWE's random testing protocol, attributing a double failure to overlapping test periods. ## While acknowledging his talent and entertainment value, Riddle conceded, "I don't think I was a good fit [for WWE], at least at the time," especially considering the company's image-conscious approach.## The conversation also touched upon the financial implications of Riddle's release. He mentioned a contract structure suggesting potentially higher earnings in the year following his departure. This detail, coupled with his drug test failures, seemingly contributed to WWE's decision.## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

The professional wrestling world mourns the passing of wrestler Virgil, whose real name was Michael Jones. The news was announced by his friend Mark Charles III on Facebook. ## Jones passed away peacefully at the hospital after battling numerous health issues in recent years, including dementia and strokes. He was 61 years old. ## Jones began his career in the CWA in Memphis as Soul Train Jones, but his most recognizable run came in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) as the silent bodyguard of "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase. He eventually broke away from DiBiase in 1991, becoming a fan favorite alongside Roddy Piper.## The name "Virgil" was an inside joke referencing Dusty Rhodes (real name Virgil Runnels). Jones later adopted different ring names as he moved to WCW (Vincent, a jab at Vince McMahon) and briefly used Shane during a stint with the WWF.## He continued wrestling on independent circuits for years and even returned to WWE in 2010 to reprise his bodyguard role with Ted DiBiase Jr.## Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Mike Jones during this difficult time.## ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

The New Day, a trio of wrestlers consisting of Big E, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods, has cemented their place as one of professional wrestling's most formidable tag teams since their formation in 2014.## They boast several impressive records within WWE, including holding the SmackDown Tag Team Championship a record seven times and the Raw Tag Team Championship for a record-breaking 483 days.## Unfortunately, Big E's wrestling career has been put on hold since March 11, 2022, due to a neck injury. During an episode of SmackDown, he sustained a fractured C1 and C6 vertebrae after taking a dangerous maneuver from Ridge Holland.## Despite Big E's absence, the group (comprising Big E, Kingston, and Woods) remains a cohesive unit. They have enjoyed numerous championship reigns together since 2016.## In a recent interview with WhatCulture Wrestling, Big E revealed that he offered his teammates the option of adding a temporary member while he recovers. However, both Kingston and Woods vehemently oppose this idea, insisting on preserving the group's original three-man dynamic. ## "It's been quite a journey," Big E stated. "We've been aiming for the 10-year mark for a while now, and it's not the same without me. I let the guys know that they're free to bring in someone while I'm out, but they're always adamant about keeping it the original three. I truly appreciate their loyalty." ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...