BY SACNILK

Ontario, 22 September - There's a lot of commotion in WWE right now due to the recent firings on September 21, 2023, which involve some longtime wrestlers like Dolph Ziggler and Shelton Benjamin. ## Dolph Ziggler and Shelton Benjamin, both seasoned talents, were let go following WWE's announcement of a new TV deal for SmackDown. These releases are expected to impact AEW's decision-making when it comes to potential signings. ## AEW has consistently been the top choice for wrestlers exiting their WWE contracts. However, AEW can't sign every released wrestler, as they also require performers with extensive in-ring experience to captivate their audience. ## Among the latest releases, there are some individuals who might join AEW as soon as their 90-day non-compete clauses expire. Below check out the top 3 stars who could be locked in by AEW. ## #1. DOLPH ZIGGLER ## If Dolph Ziggler decides to join a new company, he'd likely be the top pick. Ziggler started with WWE in 2004 as part of the Spirit Squad, using the name Nicky. In 2008, he moved up to the main roster and became a prominent WWE figure. ## During his time in WWE, Ziggler achieved considerable success, which includes two World Heavyweight Championship wins, a NXT Championship victory, a United States Championship victory, six Intercontinental Championship wins, a SmackDown Tag Team Championship run, two Raw Tag Team Championship victories, a World Tag Team Championship win, and a Money in the Bank win.## Considering all of this, especially the mentioned accomplishments, it seems likely that AEW would be keen on signing Ziggler. Additionally, he's garnered significant attention on social media, with endorsements from The Rock, John Cena, and others. So, AEW wouldn't want to miss the opportunity to bring him on board. ## #2. SHELTON BENJAMIN ## Another wrestler WWE might want to consider rehiring is Shelton Benjamin. During his tenure with WWE, Benjamin achieved some noteworthy accomplishments. These include winning the WWE 24/7 Championship three times, clinching a WWE United States Championship once, securing the WWE Intercontinental Championship on three separate occasions, and capturing the WWE (Raw) Tag Team Championship three times. He teamed up with Charlie Haas twice and later with Cedric Alexander. ## #3. MUSTAFA ALI ## Ali made this announcement recently and it comes as a surprise, especially considering his scheduled appearance on WWE Raw next week, scheduled for September 25, 2023, at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, CA. Ali was also slated to challenge Mysterio for a title at NXT No Mercy on September 30. ## It's worth noting that Ali had previously requested to be released a couple of years ago when Vince McMahon was in charge of creative decisions. He had been more active on NXT since June, with his most recent match on the main roster happening on the June 9 WWE SmackDown episode. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

Edina, 22 September - On September 21, 2023, there was disappointment for many WWE stars as they were released from their contracts. The list of cuts included several prominent names in the company, such as Dolph Ziggler, Shelton Benjamin, Mustafa Ali, Dana Brooke, as well as newer talents like Riddick Moss and Aliyah.## Dolph Ziggler, who garnered significant attention among the releases, has a long history with WWE. He first appeared in WWE in 2004 as part of the Spirit Squad, going by the name Nicky. Eventually, he made his way to the main roster in 2008 and became one of the company's top stars. During his tenure with WWE, Ziggler achieved considerable success, including two World Heavyweight Championship reigns, a NXT Championship victory, a United States Championship win, six Intercontinental Championship reigns, a SmackDown Tag Team Championship run, two Raw Tag Team Championship victories, a World Tag Team Championship win, and a Money in the Bank triumph. ## Shelton Benjamin, on the other hand, has a three-time WWE 24/7 Championship, one WWE United States Championship victory, three WWE Intercontinental Championship reigns, and three WWE (Raw) Tag Team Championship wins. He partnered with Charlie Haas twice and Cedric Alexander once during his career. ## The release of Mustafa Ali also came as a surprise, especially considering his upcoming WWE schedule. He was slated to face Dominik Mysterio for the NXT North American Championship at the No Mercy event on September 30. As for further releases, it's unlikely we'll hear about more unless there are names we haven't been informed of yet. ## Wrestlers released on Thursday ## - Mustafa Ali ## - Emma## - Rick Boogs## - Aliyah ## - Elias## - Top Dolla## - Riddick Moss## - Shelton Benjamin ## - Dolph Ziggler## - Quincy Elliot## - Bryson Montana ## - Dana Brooke ## - Mace## - Mansoor## - Dabba Kato ## - Shanky## - Yulisa Leon## - Daniel McArthur ## - Kevin Ventura-Cortez## - Alexis Gray ## - Brooklyn Barlow## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

Glendale, September 22 - This week on SmackDown, set to air live on September 22, 2023, from Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, AZ, there are three key events on the horizon. First off, there's a showdown for the WWE Women's Title, with the champion IYO SKY putting her title on the line against Asuka. It's shaping up to be a fiery title match. ## Additionally, following an exciting Friday Night SmackDown on FOX last week, The Greatest of All Time is making a return to SmackDown to address the WWE Universe. Fans are eagerly anticipating what they have to say. ## Furthermore, in a tag team clash, Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar will square off against Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins. ## Below check out the top 3 things that must happen on the show: ## #1. Austin Theory Cuts A Promo ## On last week's SmackDown, The Rock made a surprising comeback and, with some assistance from Pat McAfee, took down Austin Theory. The Rock's return occurred while Pat and Theory were engaged in a promo earlier in the show. ## The Most Electrifying Man in All of Entertainment, along with Pat McAfee, was observed delivering People's Elbows to Austin Theory. So, it's likely that Austin Theory will have a promo to address what happened to him last week on SmackDown. ## #2. AJ Styles vs. Jimmy Uso ## Last week on SmackDown, AJ Styles and Finn Balor had a singles match. Priest and Dominik were barred from ringside to prevent distractions. The match was going perfectly for AJ Styles until Jimmy Uso unexpectedly appeared out of nowhere. He caused a distraction that allowed Balor to secure the victory. ## Later in the main event of the show, Solo Sikoa came out to assist Jimmy Uso in launching a 2-on-1 attack on John Cena. AJ Styles rushed into the ring to aid Cena in fending off the assault. ## #3. IYO SKY vs Asuka To Be Made Offical For WWE Fastlane ## At SummerSlam, Sky used her Money in the Bank contract to challenge Bianca Belair after a triple threat match with Asuka and Charlotte Flair. She won her first WWE Women's Championship that night. Asuka, who was the previous champion, is due for a rematch in your opinion. This rematch is happening in two weeks from now. ## The announcement for this match came on the September 8th episode of SmackDown. Charlotte Flair and Shotzi faced off against SKY and Bayley. During the match, Asuka interfered, causing Sky and Bayley to lose. Afterward, Asuka had a quick face-off with IYO Sky. ## Later that same night, during a backstage chat, SKY confirmed that she would give Asuka a title match, which is now scheduled to happen in two weeks. I think the match wouldn't end cleanly, so it should be scheduled for WWE's upcoming event, "Fastlane." ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

Glendale, September 22, 2023 - Here are the full results for this Friday's SmackDown which is scheduled to air live on September 22, 2023, live from 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 5:30 am. While SmackDown airs live on Fox Sports in Mexico and across Central and South America since 2014. ## WWE Friday Night SmackDown, September 22, 2023 Play-By-Play Results We kick things off with "The Greatest Of All-Time," John Cena. ## John Cena says tonight is a special night because he feels something different out there. Cena confirms that, tonight he will have a match. Cena goes behind the crowd to ask their permission and they never deny. Now, Cena takes a shot at The Bloodline. John Cena brings out AJ Styles to the ring. ## It's official, AJ Styles vs. John Cena vs. The Bloodline made official! ## Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar (with Zelina Vega) vs. Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins (with Bobby Lashley) ## The bell rings and the match starts off as Dawkins and Santos lock up. Santos with a dropkick for a near fall. Rey tags in now, multiple tag exchanges there. Ford connects with a dropkick goes for the cover, but no win there. Rey responds with a Springboard Crossbody and gets Dawkings off the apron. ## Dawkins with a massive shoulder tackle. Back from the break...Rey with a sunset flip for near fall. Ford gets a clothesline for the cover, but Rey kicks out again, Rey punches to Ford and connects with a Victory bomb. Santos with a sunset flip, but misses and Ford rolls through. Ford connects with a kick on Santos and follows up with a splash for a near fall. ## Ford goes to the top, but Santos stops him there with a kick. Santos gets a near fall after landing that Frankensteiner. Santso tries the Phantom Driver but misses. Dawkins comes in there and connects with a Flapjack for the cover, but no win there. Rey with a Tornado DDT followed by a dropkick on Dawkings sending him into the ropes. Rey goes for 619, but Dawkins with a Sky High for a near fall.## We see the referee is busy handling Dawkins and Lashley with a choke slam on the apron. Dawkins with a Powerbomb, but Rey connects with a Sunset Flip for the cover and gets the win. ## WINNERS: Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar ## "I want the watches, I want the suits, I want the rings, I want EVERYTHING. I want it all back!" 😓Is this the end of @fightbobby and The #StreetProfits? 👀#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/D6USwu8nKD— WWE (@WWE) September 23, 2023 ## Women's Championship Match: Iyo Sky (with Dakota Kai and Bayley) vs. Asuka ## Both women get introduced and they are going to start off the match, but the music hits and it's Flair who comes out there, she shits ringside and the bell rings. No high-fly offense there, they are just making it do with sideheadlocks. Asuka with back-to-back Deep Arm drag. Asuka goes to the top, IYO also joins there and comes off with her own Arm Drag. Asuka gets out of the ring and Iyo tries an Asai Moonsault, but Asuka sides out and Iyo lands on her feet. Asuka with a round to the temple. ## Back from the break and they hammer away on the top, Iyo sends Asuka to the mat and then comes off with a Dropkick. Iyo with a Meteora for near fall. Asuak and Iyo get on the top and Asuka is the one who advances with a Superplex. Asuka with a knee for a near fall. Iyo with a shoulder tackle for the cover, but no win there. Iyo with a waistlock, but Asuka with a German Suplex for the cover, but no win there. Asuka runs into a kick on the temple, Asuka with a superkick, and then goes to the top, Iyo eats a dropkick followed by a sliding kick for a near fall. ## Asuka is on the top and Iyo connects with a Dropkick that sends Asuka to the floor, Iyo goes for an Iron flip through the ropes but Asuka hangs there, and Iyo finally drops Asuka to the floor. Asuka with a round kick, but misses and hits herself to the ring post. Iyo gets back into the ring and goes to the top, Iyo does a Moonsault on Asuka while she is on the floor. ## Back from the break...Asuka with an Asuka lock and gets the cover, but Iyo kicks out. Asuka releases the hold and goes for a massive kick for another near fall. Asuka goes to the top and performs a Dropkick, showing her maximum impact for another near fall. ## Iyo with a separate lock, but Asuka is still locked in Asuka lock. Iyo with a back elbow followed by a roll-up for a near fall. Asuka with a cross-face Chicken Wing, meanwhile, we see Bayley put Iyo's foot on the ropes, while the referee is busy handling both stars. Flair comes out there and she unloads a forearm on Bayley. Iyo takes advantage of the scramble and connects with a splash against the ropes goes for a moonsault for the cover and gets the win. ## WINNER: IYO SKY ## Butch and Ridge Holland vs. Austin Theory and Grayson Waller ## The bell rings and the match starts off with Theory and Butch. Theory goes for a clothesline and he gets it. Ridge with a butterfly suplex, Buth with a slingshot stomp, and follows up with a dropkick. Waller misses a clothesline, Buth and Waller are ringside, Butch sends him, while Ridge has Theory on the apron and they exchange forearms. Back from the break and they are heading toward a perfect match.## Waller comes in there with a slingshot rolling cutter, but Ridge pounces him. Ridge gets Theory up and goes for a Power slam for near fall. Butch is on the top and he performs a moonsault on Waller. Theory with "A Town Down follows up with headbutts followed by an Alabama Slam for near fall. Ridge with a Boston Crab and gets it. Waller connects with a slingshot rolling cutter followed by A Town Down for near fall. ## WINNER: Austin Theory and Grayson Waller ## Contract Signing For John Cena & AJ Styles vs. The Bloodline At WWE Fastlane ## Adam Pearce is already in the ring and he brings out Cena first. Cena gets into the ring and signs the contract without any disruption there. Adam now brings out AJ Styles, but we are led back to the backstage area where Styles is getting laid out by The Bloodline. John gets out of the ring and heads towards backstage to make the save, meanwhile, Solo comes off the cases with a splash onto Styles. WWE officials separate the cases from Styles. Cena also arrives there to check on Styles. ## Back from the break, we see Styles getting stretched out into an ambulance. ## Meanwhile, we see, Paul Heyman in the arena. Jimmy and Solo also arrive there. Solo is just fired up as he throws stuff out of the ring. The crowd is booing loudly, Heyman gets on the mic, but again the crowd isn't letting him speak. Heyman says he has the contract in his hands with the second, "Greatest of All Time" signed in without a tag partner. Jimmy snatches the mic, Jimmy takes a shot at Cena. The fight is on, and Cena comes and takes out Solo. Cena gets into the ring and unloads punches on Jimmy. Cena with an Attitude Adjustment on Jimmy. John gets Solo up, but Jimmy with a superkick and Solo with a Samoan Spike. Jimmy with a superkick gets a Frog Splash from the top. Jimmy and Solo sign the contract. Jimmy places the contract on John's chest and goes to the top again, performing another Frog Splash. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

Norfolk, 21 September - Jacob Frenkel, who leads Dickinson Wright's Government Investigations & Securities Enforcement Practice Group and previously served as senior counsel in the SEC's Division of Enforcement, initially suggested that McMahon could be removed from his WWE role if he faces legal troubles, as reported by the LA Times. ## Now, a recent SEC filing suggests McMahon might depart from WWE following the company's merger with the UFC through the Endeavor acquisition. ## This year has seen significant developments, from the hush money scandal to federal government investigations. In response to the turmoil, WWE agreed to be acquired by Endeavor and merged with UFC, forming the TKO Group Holdings company. ## The merger took place despite ongoing federal government inquiries into McMahon related to the hush money scandal last summer, which were initially not publicly disclosed. However, on July 17, federal authorities executed a search warrant after the allegations became public, but no legal actions have been taken against him. ## A recent report from AXIOS discusses the registration filings made by TKO, noting that these filings allow McMahon to bypass the lockup period that applies to other TKO stockholders like Endeavor and Silver Lake. McMahon currently holds approximately 28.84 million TKO shares, which were valued at a total of $3 billion in yesterday's market closing. ## Fans can check out the full Report, RIGHT HERE! ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

Edina, 21 September - WWE has declared that WWE SmackDown is set to come back to the USA Network in October 2024. This announcement follows the merger of WWE and UFC, with the first significant agreement being a five-year deal between WWE and NBC Universal. ## As part of this deal, WWE will also make its debut in NBC primetime with the launch of four network specials. This will mark the first time WWE airs on the network during primetime hours. ## According to reports from CNBC and the Wall Street Journal, WWE, in collaboration with TKO, secured a deal with an average annual value of $287 million, totaling $1.435 billion over the course of five years. ## WWE SmackDown previously aired on the USA Network from 2016 to 2019, and it's currently broadcast on FOX since October 2019. USA Network presently airs WWE NXT and WWE Monday Night Raw, and both of these shows will continue to be broadcast on the USA Network until September 2024. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

Here is the full match card and everything you just need to know about The 2024 Elimination Chamber which is all set to take place on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the Optus Stadium in Perth, Western Australia. ## WWE previously held Super Show-Down in Australia back in October 2018 and the 2024 will mark the first event since then. The Elimination Chamber will air live at 5AM ET & 2 AM Pacific in the United States & 10 AM in the UK. ## The event will air on pay-per-view worldwide and will be available to livestream on Peacock in the United States and the WWE Network in most international markets. It will also livestream on Binge in Australia after the Australian version of the WWE Network merged under Foxtel's channel Binge in January 2023. ## WWE Elimination Chamber 2024 Confirmed Match Card ## Tag team match for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship: The Judgment Day (Finn Bálor and Damian Priest) (c) vs. Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate ## The undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship will be defended at the event as the champions The Judgment Day (Finn Bálor and Damian Priest) take on the challengers Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate. ## WWE Women's World Championship: Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Nia Jax ## During the February 5 edition of Monday Night Raw, it was revealed that Rhea Ripley will defend her WWE Women's World Championship against Nia Jax. ## At Crown Jewel in November 2023, Rhea Ripley retained the Women's World Championship in a fatal five-way match which also involved Nia Jax. Since then, Jax continued to target Ripley, vowing to win the 2024 Royal Rumble match to face Ripley at WrestleMania XL, but failed. ## Elimination Chamber match for a Women's World Championship match at WrestleMania XL: Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair vs. Liv Morgan vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Naomi vs. Raquel Rodriguez ## Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan, Tiffany Stratton, Naomi and 1 remaining will collide in an Elimination Chamber match. The winning competitor will get to challenge the Women's World Champion Rhea Ripley. ## Elimination Chamber match for a World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania XL: Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton vs. Bobby Lashley vs. LA Knight vs. Kevin Owens vs. Logan Paul ## Drew McIntyre, Randy Orton, Bobby Lashley, LA Knight, Kevin Owens, and Logan Paul will collide in an Elimination Chamber match. The winning competitor will get to challenge the World Heavyweight Champion, Seth Rollins. ## Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins To Be On The Show ## During the latest edition of "WWE The Bump," Grayson Waller announced that Cody Rhodes and the World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins would be appearing on the Grayson Waller Effect at WWE Chamber. ## The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) (c) (with Iyo Sky) vs. Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell For The Tag Titles ## Kabuki Warriors v Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell for the Women’s Tag-Team Championships on the kickoff for WWE Chamber on Saturday.## The matchup was added during the WWE Elimination Chamber Press Event via a graphic that the champions Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) will be defending the Women's Tag Team Championship against Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell. ## WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth Tickets/Where To Buy? ## Tickets for Elimination Chamber: Perth are on sale now, so head to Ticketmaster.com.au to book your seats today! ## WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth Start Time In The US ## -Elimination Chamber Perth will start at 5 a.m. ET/2 a.m. PT. The pre-show for Elimination Chamber is likely to be on even earlier, at 4 a.m. ET/1 a.m. PT. The event will be available to livestream on Peacock in the United States. ## Australia: 6:00 p.m. AEST/9:00 a.m. AEDT ## United Kingdom and Ireland: 10:00 a.m. GMT ## India: 3:30 p.m. IST ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

Edina, 21 September - WWE has released former World Heavyweight Champions Dolph Ziggler and Shelton Benjamin. ## Dolph Ziggler joined WWE back in 2004 as part of the Spirit Squad, going by the name Nicky. He made his way to the main roster in 2008 and became one of the company's top stars. During his time with WWE, Ziggler achieved significant success, including two World Heavyweight Championship reigns, one NXT Championship win, a United States Championship victory, six Intercontinental Championship wins, a SmackDown Tag Team Championship run, two Raw Tag Team Championship victories, a World Tag Team Championship win, and a Money in the Bank triumph. ## Ziggler's last WWE match took place against JD McDonagh on the May 29 episode of WWE Raw, although he has not officially commented on his release. ## Shelton Benjamin, on the other hand, took to social media on September 21, 2023, to announce his release from WWE and express his anticipation for what lies ahead. During his time in WWE, Benjamin had notable accomplishments, including three WWE 24/7 Championship wins, one WWE United States Championship victory, three WWE Intercontinental Championship reigns, and three WWE (Raw) Tag Team Championship wins, partnering with Charlie Haas twice and Cedric Alexander once. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

Edina, 21 September - WWE has released Top Dolla of Hit Row and Riddick Moss, as reported by Fightful Select. ## Top Dolla joined WWE in January 2020 and made his television debut on May 4, 2021, teaming up with Isaiah "Swerve" Scott. Later, he adopted the name Top Dolla and formed the stable Hit Row alongside Scott, Ashante "Thee" Adonis, and B-Fab. ## During the 2023 WWE draft, Top Dolla and his Hit Row colleagues, Ashante "Thee" Adonis and B-Fab, were drafted to the SmackDown brand. ## Riddick Moss, another WWE release, began his professional wrestling career on December 18 at an NXT live event in Tampa, Florida, using the ring name Digg Rawlis. During his time in WWE, he was paired with Emma, who was also released, but their storyline failed to gain much traction or make a significant impact. ## Top Dolla, Aliyah, Rick Boogs, Emma, Mustafa Ali, Riddick Moss, and Elias are among the releases. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

Ontario, 21 September - WWE has initiated post-merger talent cuts, and the first announcement came with the release of Mustafa Ali from his WWE contract. He shared the news of his departure on his social media. ## Shortly after, Emma also revealed her release on September 21. ## Fightful Select later reported that Rick Boogs had been released from WWE, marking the third release in this post-merger talent cut. The fourth release in this series was Aaliyah, who initially signed a developmental contract with WWE in 2015. She made her debut at the NXT TakeOver: Unstoppable event on May 20, as part of Tyler Breeze's entrance. ## After spending nearly six years in NXT, she was drafted to SmackDown in 2021. Her last match took place on the September 12, 2022 episode of WWE Raw, where she and Rodriguez defended but lost the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships to Damage CTRL (IYO SKY & Dakota Kai). ## Finally, Elias became the fifth release of the day, as confirmed by Fightful. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

Franklin, 21 September - The Elimination Chamber event for this year is happening in Australia, but it appears that one of their Australian talents won't be participating as she has been released by WWE. ## Emma, who joined WWE in 2011, announced her departure from WWE on X. She was released from her WWE contract. Emma had the distinction of being the first female Australian wrestler to sign with WWE.## Emma hasn't made an appearance on WWE Television for quite some time. During her active days, she was paired with Riddick Moss as a heel, but their storyline didn't gain much traction, and they couldn't leave a strong impression. ## Interestingly, her release coincided with WWE's announcement of a major Australian Elimination Chamber event. ## In addition to Emma, another wrestler released by WWE today is Rick Boogs, according to Fightful Select. With Ali also announcing his departure, WWE has now released a total of three wrestlers. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...