Nandini Chikte

BY JITU JANGIR

Bayley's reign as the new WWE Women's Champion got underway on this week's episode of SmackDown (April 12th) but not without a twist. Returning to the blue brand after her WrestleMania 40 victory over IYO SKY, Bayley was interrupted by Tiffany Stratton, who mistook Bayley's celebration for an open challenge.## Clearing the air, Bayley revealed she had a specific challenger in mind and summoned Naomi to the ring. This set the stage for an impromptu match between Stratton and Naomi to determine Bayley's first title challenger. Naomi emerged victorious, securing her championship opportunity for next week's SmackDown (April 19th).## While the SmackDown Women's Championship picture heats up, the main event scene also saw significant developments. Two Triple Threat matches took place to determine a future challenger for the Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes. LA Knight took down Bobby Lashley and Santos Escobar in the first match, while AJ Styles emerged victorious from his WrestleMania 40 rematch against Kevin Owens and Rey Mysterio. ## Next week on SmackDown, Knight and Styles will collide in a rematch with a massive prize on the line. The winner will go on to challenge Cody Rhodes at Backlash in France on May 4th, marking Rhodes' first title defense since his WrestleMania win over Roman Reigns. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY JITU JANGIR

This past Friday night's episode of SmackDown was all about title contenders. Cody Rhodes, the newly crowned Undisputed WWE Champion after his victory over Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40, made his presence felt, setting his sights on the blue brand for his first title defense. ## SmackDown didn't waste any time in determining his challenger for the upcoming Backlash pay-per-view in France on May 4th. Two action-packed Triple Threat matches took center stage. In the first, LA Knight emerged victorious over powerhouses Bobby Lashley and Santos Escobar. The second Triple Threat saw a WrestleMania 40 rematch as AJ Styles defeated Kevin Owens and Rey Mysterio.## With both men earning their stripes, the stage is set for a rematch of epic proportions. Next week on SmackDown, LA Knight and AJ Styles will clash once again. The winner of this encounter will have the prestigious honor of challenging Cody Rhodes at Backlash, marking Rhodes' first title defense since his historic WrestleMania win.## The episode also saw another championship clash brewing. Bayley, fresh off her WrestleMania victory, will defend her title next week on SmackDown. Naomi secured the coveted challenger's spot after defeating Tiffany Stratton.## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK TEAM

Mumbai, April 12 - After the underwhelming Eid opening day, Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff-fronted Bade Miyan Chote Miyan dropped by over 50% on its second day which is a worrying sign for the film's box office prospects. ## According to early estimates, BMCM scores around 7 crores net collection on its first Friday, pushing the total to around 22.50 crores net in two days. The movie received mixed to negative word of mouth which has started showing its effect from the second day itself despite the Eid buzz. ## The film needs to perform exceptionally well on Saturday and Sunday to take the opening weekend past 50 crores mark, however, it won't be easy as advances for the weekend are currently lower than the opening day. ## Ajay Devgn-starrer Maidaan too couldn't make a move after the disappointing first-day collection of approximately 4.50 crores net. On its second day, the movie dropped by over 40% for an estimated 2.50-3 crores net despite the opening day itself was not huge enough to justify the drop. ## The total collection of Maidaan after two days + paid preview is around 9.75 crores net which is poor. The movie has Saturday and Sunday to show some power to regain strength at the box office otherwise things are not looking good for it as well. ## Stay tuned...

BY JITU JANGIR

Chris Jericho, the veteran wrestler currently performing for All Elite Wrestling (AEW), has fueled speculation about a potential new faction with recent trademark filings. ## On April 10th, Jericho submitted applications to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for three phrases: "The Rarified Air of Jericho," "The Educator," and "The Learning Tree." The filings indicate Jericho's intention to use these trademarks for wrestling-related entertainment, including contests, exhibitions, and appearances.## The detailed description accompanying the filings covers a wide range of entertainment services, including live and televised appearances, wrestling news and information, and online interviews. Notably, some fans believe "The Learning Tree" might be the name of a new faction within AEW.## Jericho's latest in-ring appearance occurred on the same day as the trademark filings, where he teamed with Hook and Katsuyori Shibata in a losing effort on AEW Dynamite. This episode also garnered attention for Will Ospreay's comments directed at WWE's Triple H during a live promo.## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK TEAM

Mumbai, April 12 - Director Nitesh Tiwari's epic Ramayana is shaping up to be a global phenomenon with every development around it. In India, the film is already a hot topic with its casting along with Kannada superstar Yash coming on board to co-produce and starring in it. ## Producer Namit Malhotra of Prime Focus is working day and night to make Ramayana a global force and according to the latest report by Pinkvilla, the filmmaker is in talks with Hollywood studio Warner Bros. Pictures to take the movie to worldwide audiences. ## "The deal (with Warner Bros.) is being negotiated not just to get monetary support for the project but also to ensure collaboration with the right partners on the distribution and marketing front in international markets up to the film’s release. The plans out in the market are just the tip of the iceberg, as Ramayana is a 100% made-in-India film of an Indian Story aiming at Global Domination", says the report. ## Ramayana is uncountably the most ambitious Indian film in the making and the makers are leaving no stone unturned to achieve the most satisfying outcome of it. As known to everyone, Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor is playing the character of Lord Rama while Sai Pallavi will be seen as Goddess Sita, Yash as evil force Raavan and Sunny Deol as Hanuman among others. ## The Oscar-winning combo of Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman is on board to do music and background score while DNEG, which has won multiple Oscars, will be doing the VFX. The shoot has already commenced and the makers aim to release the first part on Diwali 2025. ## Stay tuned...

BY JITU JANGIR

The Rock's recent stint on WWE has caused a shift in on-screen language policies, particularly for top wrestlers.## Dave Meltzer, wrestling journalist, reports in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the previously enforced PG-rated language restrictions seem to be loosening up. This change appears to be at least partly due to The Rock's freedom to speak his mind. ## Meltzer notes, "Rock says what he wants when he wants," and this leniency seems to be extending to other top stars. Examples include Paul Heyman's (bleeped-out) profanity during his Hall of Fame speech and Cody Rhodes and C.M. Punk using language that wouldn't have been tolerated just a few months ago.## Interestingly, this coincides with a reported decline in viewership among older demographics and a rise in younger viewers. This suggests a potential return to the "Attitude Era" style of programming, known for its edgier content, might be a strategic move to capture a younger audience.## However, WWE seems to be taking a cautious approach. While there's a push for edgier content, there's also a concern about alienating sponsors with excessive profanity. It appears they're aiming for a balance.## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY JITU JANGIR

The Rock's WWE departure is confirmed, following his "go away for a little while" comment on the Raw after WrestleMania. He did assure fans he'd return, specifically for a showdown with Cody Rhodes.## Earlier reports suggested a potential WrestleMania 41 clash (in 2025) between The Rock and Rhodes. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter now sheds more light on The Rock's plans.## Meltzer indicates this is a long-term absence, with no confirmed return date for a match, though WrestleMania next year is a possibility. The Rock initially envisioned a match with Roman Reigns, but due to recent events, a singles match with Rhodes is considered the bigger draw.## Current plans suggest The Rock might work a match later in 2024, but it's not guaranteed. His ideal scenario is a main event clash with Rhodes at next year's WrestleMania, and The Rock often gets what he wants. This could translate to a one-year title reign for Rhodes, though not a certainty as of yet.## Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's busy film schedule likely factors into his WWE hiatus. He has two movies in post-production and a third slated for 2025 release. These include the action-comedy "Red One" (with Chris Evans) in November 2024, "Moana 2" (reprising his role as Maui) also in November 2024, and a live-action "Moana" movie in 2025. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY JITU JANGIR

Plans for Stone Cold Steve Austin's involvement in the main event of WrestleMania 40 have been revealed, along with the reason for his absence.## At WrestleMania 40, Cody Rhodes dethroned Roman Reigns to become the new Undisputed Universal Champion, ending Reigns' historic 1316-day reign. The match featured surprise appearances by WWE legends who helped Rhodes overcome The Bloodline.## John Cena returned to put Solo Sikoa out of action, but was later taken down by The Rock. Just as The Rock appeared poised to interfere further, The Undertaker made a shocking entrance, chokeslamming The Rock and effectively removing him from the equation.## The Undertaker's return was particularly unexpected as WWE had teased appearances by Cena and Stone Cold Steve Austin, who was ultimately absent. According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE was unable to reach a financial agreement with Austin for his WrestleMania 40 appearance.## Meltzer reported that The Undertaker took Austin's originally planned spot in the main event. This explains the surprise nature of The Deadman's return, as opposed to the pre-event hype surrounding Cena and Austin. The Rock's on-screen interaction with Cody Rhodes on Raw this week suggests he might be taking a break from WWE. During the segment, The Rock alluded to stepping away for "a little while." ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY JITU JANGIR

Kevin Owens, a staple in WWE for a decade and a veteran wrestler for 24 years, has spoken about his remaining goals in the company.## In a recent interview with Busted Open Radio, Owens revealed his desire to face Finn Balor at WrestleMania, acknowledging his uncertain number of remaining appearances on the grandest stage. Another dream match for Owens? A singles encounter with Rey Mysterio.## "I've never had a singles match against Rey Mysterio," Owens said. "If I have another WrestleMania in me, I'd love to wrestle Finn Balor there. But as far as just goals, I think I've had it so good. I really can't ask for more."## Owens' WWE journey began in December 2014 at NXT TakeOver: R Evolution, where he debuted with a win over CJ Parker (Juice Robinson) before attacking Sami Zayn in a shocking heel turn. Two months later, Owens dethroned Zayn to capture the NXT Championship at NXT TakeOver: Rival.## The Canadian grappler has since cemented his legacy as a WWE Grand Slam Champion, holding the Undisputed WWE Championship, the United States Championship, the Intercontinental Championship, and the Tag Team Championships. ## At WrestleMania 40, Owens' quest for another title fell short, as he and Randy Orton couldn't defeat Logan Paul for the United States Championship. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY JITU JANGIR

The legendary Undertaker recently advocated for Dustin Rhodes' induction into the WWE Hall of Fame on his podcast, Six Feet Under. AEW's "Natural" has finally responded to the Deadman's comments. ## The Undertaker expressed his belief that Rhodes' career merits a spot in the Hall of Fame, predicting it would happen "down the road." ## During an interview on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Rhodes acknowledged The Undertaker's endorsement, fondly recalling his collaborations with Mark Calaway (Undertaker's real name). He emphasized the importance of good worker chemistry, praising the in-ring ability of wrestlers during their era.## Rhodes went on to discuss the different eras of professional wrestling, highlighting the importance of learning from the past. He stressed the value of mastering traditional wrestling fundamentals before incorporating modern elements.## Concluding the interview, Rhodes emphasized the enduring power of storytelling in wrestling. He believes fans crave emotional connection, which is what truly keeps them engaged. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY JITU JANGIR

Following Cody Rhodes' emotional victory over Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40, capturing the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, wrestling legend Jim Ross revealed a short but significant conversation with the new champion. ## On the grandest stage of them all, Rhodes culminated his pursuit of the WWE Title, which began upon his return to the company in April 2022. This win marked a defining moment in his career, bringing an end to Reigns' historic 1316-day reign as champion. ## As a veteran commentator and WWE Hall of Famer, Jim Ross took the opportunity to congratulate Rhodes on his achievement. Appearing on his podcast, Grilling JR, Ross disclosed sending a text message to Rhodes, expressing his pride and urging him to embrace the leadership role that WWE needs.## Ross recounted Rhodes' response, a simple yet powerful statement: "I did it, cowboy." This phrase held a deeper meaning, referencing the nickname Rhodes often used for Ross during their time working together.## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SUNIT JANGIR

Kochi, April 12 - 2024 is turning into a breakout year for Malayalam cinema which is again on the verge of scoring two more blockbusters at the box office in the form of Aavesham and Varshangalkku Shesham after their big opening day globally. ## Aavesham, an action drama starring Fahadh Faasil in the lead role, was released on Eid day and took full advantage of the national holiday by grossing approximately 10.50 crores at the worldwide box office, making it the biggest start for the talented actor. ## In India, the movie minted approximately 4.20 crores gross while the overseas collection is 6.30 crores, led by the Gulf region which is truly phenomenal. The movie is still in the early days but is showing all the signs of being a huge worldwide success, thanks to the unanimous positive talk. ## Another Malayalam film which opened hugely is the romantic comedy-drama Varshangalkku Shesham. Starring Pranav Mohanlal, Dhyan Sreenivasan, and Kalyani Priyadarshan among others, the movie's opening day worldwide collection is not far behind that of Aavesham. ## The Vineeth Sreenivasan's directorial movie grossed approximately 10.10 crores, including 3.55 crores in India and 6.50 crores overseas. Just like Aavesham, Varshangalkku Shesham is also showing signs of emerging as a big success as word of mouth is positive. ## Mollywood already has scored three massive blockbusters in the form of Manjummel Boys (the only Malayalam movie to reach 200 crores worldwide), Premalu, and Aadujeevitham along with Abraham Ozler which emerged superhit. ## Stay tuned...