Eric Mutter
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Born to be a blade in this turbine. Straight edge nerd with a punk song in his heart. I write at @LuchaCentralCom when not watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
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Articles by Eric Mutter
Report: WWE Offering Crew Members Hazard Pay For Traveling To Riyadh For Crown Jewel
The controversy around WWE's planned trek to Saudi Arabia for Crown Jewel continues to rage, with several reports suggesting there is uneasiness from WWE talents, on and offscreen, about the trip, though reportedly no wrestlers have refused to go. That is apparently not the case for certain members of the WWE crew, even as the promotion is trying to entice them with extra pay.
Report: WWE Offering Crew Members Hazard Pay For Traveling To Riyadh For Crown Jewel
The controversy around WWE's planned trek to Saudi Arabia for Crown Jewel continues to rage, with several reports suggesting there is uneasiness from WWE talents, on and offscreen, about the trip, though reportedly no wrestlers have refused to go. That is apparently not the case for certain members of the WWE crew, even as the promotion is trying to entice them with extra pay.
TKO's Mark Shapiro Addresses Chances Of WWE WrestleMania 43 Moving From Saudi Arab Original
Much like a locomotive, WWE is full speed ahead when it comes to WWE Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia this weekend, despite the controversy surrounding it. And according to TKO executive Mark Shapiro, there's little reason to be concerned about the situation affecting WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia next year.
TKO's Mark Shapiro Addresses Chances Of WWE WrestleMania 43 Moving From Saudi Arabia
Much like a locomotive, WWE is full speed ahead when it comes to WWE Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia this weekend, despite the controversy surrounding it. And according to TKO executive Mark Shapiro, there's little reason to be concerned about the situation affecting WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia next year.
WWE's Big E Explains Why Retirement Decision Wasn't Difficult For Him Original
It's now been four years since Big E last wrestled a match after suffering a broken neck, and at least for right now, he's perfectly okay with that. While many other wrestlers with similar injuries have worked to come back, Big E is perfectly content with retirement, and during an interview with "HaangEmHiigh," he explained why, even though he admitted that he had "the time of my life" when he was wrestling.
WWE's Big E Explains Why Retirement Decision Wasn't Difficult For Him
It's now been four years since Big E last wrestled a match after suffering a broken neck, and at least for right now, he's perfectly okay with that. While many other wrestlers with similar injuries have worked to come back, Big E is perfectly content with retirement, and during an interview with "HaangEmHiigh," he explained why, even though he admitted that he had "the time of my life" when he was wrestling.
Potentially Returning Star Enzo Amore Reportedly Visited Backstage At WWE NXT Original
It's been quite the 2026 for Enzo Amore, especially since he hasn't appeared on American wrestling TV at all. And yet, Amore has often been in the news, having been rumored to be returning to WWE earlier this year after being spotted at the Performance Center, only for the return to not materialize, only for recent reports to suggest he would be coming back to WWE after all.
AEW's MVP Says He Never Would've Pursued Pro Wrestling Without Stint In Prison
Before he stepped foot in the ring, AEW's MVP had spent a decent chunk of his life behind bars, having entered prison at sixteen years old for armed robbery and kidnapping. Originally sentenced to eighteen and a half years, he would get out after nine and a half years.
AEW's MVP Says He Never Would've Pursued Pro Wrestling Without Stint In Prison
Before he stepped foot in the ring, AEW's MVP had spent a decent chunk of his life behind bars, having entered prison at sixteen years old for armed robbery and kidnapping. Originally sentenced to eighteen and a half years, he would get out after nine and a half years.
AEW's Kyle Fletcher Blames 'Doo-Doo Head' Partner For WrestleDream Loss
It was so close, yet so far away for Kyle Fletcher at AEW WrestleDream, as he and Kevin Knight couldn't quite put away the Young Bucks to capture the AEW World Tag Team Championships. And Fletcher knows who's exactly to blame for the result; Knight. On his YouTube vlog eight days ago, Fletcher filmed himself poolside in the early hours of the morning after WrestleDream, and spoke all about the match, the loss, and called his tag team partner a name when accusing him of blowing the match.
Champion Grayson Waller Believes He's 'Outworking' WWE NXT Roster Original
Since returning to "NXT" several months ago, Grayson Waller has been outspoken and full of self-confidence, two things that have arguably carried him to his current reign as NXT Champion. And Waller not only thinks he deserves it, he thinks he easily deserves it over everyone else.
Max Caster Addresses His Future, Following Hiatus Announcement Original
In the span of a few days, former AEW star "Platinum" Max Caster went from a wrestling free agent to borderline person non grata, thanks to his controversial rap at TNA Bound for Glory. A few days later, Caster apologized and would subsequently reveal he would be taking a hiatus from wrestling. And while that drew some skepticism from some fans, Caster is holding to that , revealing as much on a "K&S WrestleFest" virtual signing when asked if there was any chance of him returning to AEW one day.
Taya Valkyrie Announces AEW Departure, Says She Turned Down Contract Extension Original
After more than three years of working with AEW, Taya Valkyrie is deciding to explore her options outside of the promotion. Taking to X at exactly noon on Wednesday, Valkyrie posted a tweet saying "Thank you AEW," accompanied by a lengthy press release, announcing that she was leaving the promotion, and that she had rejected an extension offer from AEW in order to stay. Despite that, Valkyrie had nothing negative to say about AEW in an accompanying statement.
Another WWE Main Roster Star Reportedly In Orlando For This Week's NXT
Having been moved to Wednesday night in order to avoid election night coverage, WWE is doing all they can to load up "NXT" against AEW's Blood & Guts edition of "AEW Dynamite." And with John Cena, CM Punk, UFC fighter Michael Chandler, and other main roster stars already set for the show, WWE has decided one more notable name wouldn't hurt either.
Another WWE Main Roster Star Reportedly In Orlando For This Week's NXT
Having been moved to Wednesday night in order to avoid election night coverage, WWE is doing all they can to load up "NXT" against AEW's Blood & Guts edition of "AEW Dynamite." And with John Cena, CM Punk, UFC fighter Michael Chandler, and other main roster stars already set for the show, WWE has decided one more notable name wouldn't hurt either.
Former WWE Co-President George Barrios Remembers Last-Minute Meeting To Seal Saudi Deal
As controversy is continuing to surround WWE's working relationship with Saudi Arabia, one former WWE executive is taking people behind the scenes regarding how the relationship developed. In an appearance on "My World," former WWE co-President George Barrios told a long story to Conrad Thompson and Jeff Jarrett about how the WWE-Saudi partnership became official, even after the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi in October 2018.
AEW's Will Ospreay Makes 'Public Request' To United Empire Ahead Of NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 21 Match
After nearly a year, the tension between United Empire stablemates Will Ospreay and Callum Newman exploded Tuesday morning, with the two brawling after Newman got disqualified during their IWGP Tag Team Title match against the Knockout Brothers. Newman proceeded to challenge Ospreay to a match at Wrestle Kingdom, and a few hours later on X, Ospreay accepted the challenge.
AEW's Will Ospreay Makes 'Public Request' To United Empire Ahead Of NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 21 Match
After nearly a year, the tension between United Empire stablemates Will Ospreay and Callum Newman exploded Tuesday morning, with the two brawling after Newman got disqualified during their IWGP Tag Team Title match against the Knockout Brothers. Newman proceeded to challenge Ospreay to a match at Wrestle Kingdom, and a few hours later on X, Ospreay accepted the challenge.
Report Downplays Rumors Of Shawn Michaels Taking Over For Bruce Prichard In WWE Original
Last week, word emerged that long-time WWE executive Bruce Prichard was set to retire from his position as Executive Director: Creative Writing and Talent, with "NXT" head Shawn Michaels expected to gradually transition into Prichard's role.
The Miz Defends WWE's Booking Of GUNTHER, Danhausen Involvement Original
In the span of a year and a half, WWE's GUNTHER has retired Goldberg, John Cena, and AJ Styles, which would suggest the former World Heavyweight Champion would be a constant in the main event scene for years to come. But lately, GUNTHER's found himself involved in a storyline with comedic character Danhausen, leaving some, including GUNTHER's former rival Ilja Dragunov, to question GUNTHER's booking.
Matt Hardy Is Glad He Doesn't Have 'Dilemma' About Traveling To Saudi Arabia With WWE Original
As WWE Crown Jewel gets closer and closer, the criticism over the event continuing to be held in Saudi Arabia, despite ongoing bombings and threats in the country, has only gotten louder. As a result, many within the wrestling business have received questions regarding the event and whether it should take place, and on the most recent episode of "The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy," it became Matt Hardy's turn.
Report On Negative Backstage Reaction To WWE NXT Halloween Havoc Match Original
Of all the PLE's WWE has held in 2026, NXT Halloween Havoc this past weekend does not seem to be one that will be remembered fondly by most fans, or even some people within WWE. And the blame for that negative feeling appears to be going towards one match; Naraku vs. Shiloh Hill. On the latest "Wrestling Observer Radio," Dave Meltzer, himself a critic of the Naraku-Hill match, revealed that some people in WWE were so down on the match that they felt it cast a shadow over the rest of the PLE.
WWE Announces Avengers Doomsday Collaboration For Upcoming Worlds Collide Special Original
The John Cena Classic is going to Disneyworld, as announced by its creator John Cena during "WWE Raw." But it's not the only thing coming to the world famous theme park, as WWE has decided to hold another event alongside the Cena Classic, one that will crossover with a major motion picture event.
Former WWE Star Perry Saturn Comments On Crown Jewel Moving Forward In Saudi Arabia Original
Less than a week separates WWE from Crown Jewel taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and despite switching venues within the city, many continue to question whether WWE should hold the event as Riyadh continues to endure attacks from Houthis forces. But perhaps the most shocking voice to come out against the idea is former WCW and WWE star Perry Saturn. In a video on his YouTube channel, Saturn was strong in his belief that WWE should hold Crown Jewel elsewhere.
David Finlay Talks 'Contract Chess Game,' Says AEW Money Is Better Than NJPW Money Original
As two of the top members of the new stable The Cut, formerly known as The Last Outfit, it be easy to mistake David Finlay and Clark Connors as long-time AEW veterans. In reality, the duo have been with AEW for less than a year, only arriving full-time in the winter alongside former stablemate Gabe Kidd.
Bryce Remsburg: AEW Could Hold A Stadium Show At Home Of The Philadelphia Eagles Original
Over the last few years, AEW has not been shy when it comes to running shows in stadiums, holding three All In's at Wembley Stadium since 2023, and the 2025 All In at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. But as of yet, the promotion hasn't tried running in an American football stadium, though one such stadium wasn't entirely dismissed by referee Bryce Remsburg.
WWE's Rusev Believes He Has 'More To Fight For' Ahead Of Son's Birth Original
It was a big last week for WWE's Rusev and his wife, former WWE star CJ Perry, as the couple revealed they were expecting their first child, a son they intend to name Bear, next April. Rusev is excited for his impending fatherhood, and is also more motivated than before by it to make an impact in the ring.
WWE Announces Royal Rumble 2027 Date & Venue Details Original
For the last couple of months, the 2027 WWE Royal Rumble has been an event with a venue, the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, but not a date. But with the start of 2027 quickly closing in, WWE has finally decided to reveal when the first of their Big Five shows will be taking place. Taking to X early Monday afternoon, the promotion announced that the Royal Rumble will be held on Saturday, February 6.
AEW's Darby Allin Completes New York City Marathon Original
AEW's Darby Allin has never met a death defying stunt he couldn't handle, or a mountain he couldn't climb, such as Mount Everest. So it would only make sense that the current AEW TNT Champion would attempt to run the New York City marathon without having trained for it, and finish the race anyway. Taking to Instagram on Sunday afternoon, Allin posted a photo of himself with the TNT Championship and a medal at the marathon's finish line. "NYC marathon complete!" Allin said. "5:35:14.
Dave Meltzer Comments On Whether AEW Is Safe From Upcoming Skydance Sports Cuts Original
Now that the long-awaited merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Brothers Discovery has resulted in the creation of the all encompassing Skydance, many wrestling fans are wondering whether this will prove to be a good or bad thing for AEW. For now, at least, it appears the promotion's TV rights agreement with Skydance, carried over from the WBD days, is safe.
Matt Hardy Recalls WWE's Attempt To Split Up The Hardy Boyz In 2001 Original
Despite spending most of their careers joined at the hip, there have been times where either WWE or TNA have attempted to break up Matt and Jeff Hardy, with mixed results. Most would agree, however, that WWE's short-lived attempt to break the duo up in 2001, with their Team Extreme stablemate Lita caught in the middle, was the worst of the attempts.
Bryce Remsburg Compares Referee Role On The Indies Vs. AEW Original
Since the first AEW Double or Nothing took place in May 2019, Bryce Remsburg has been a constant presence in AEW's referee core, while also serving as a travel manager for the promotion. Remsburg's consistenty as a ref is no surprise, given he had been one of the most notable referees on the independent wrestling circuit for over a decade before signing with AEW. To most, that would seemingly make his transition from the indies to a major league wrestling promotion pretty easy.
Excalibur Recalls Chemistry Test With Jim Ross Before Starting With AEW Original
Since day one of AEW, Excalibur has been the most consistent voice at the promotion's commentary desk. But that may not have been the case if he hadn't impressed colleague Jim Ross in the weeks leading up to AEW's first event, Double or Nothing. In an interview with "Ballast Point Brewing Company," Excalibur revealed he and Ross were tested together to see if they were compatible, and that Ross may have been a bit uneasy about Excalibur's professionalism due to him wearing a mask.
Tommaso Ciampa Attempts RKO On Fellow AEW Star After Mistaking Him For Randy Orton
AEW's Tommaso Ciampa may be a psycho killer, but he's also a guy who likes to have fun, as evident by his "Glorious Bombing" with Johnny Gargano over the years, or his assault on Andrade El Idolo's pants at AEW WrestleDream. But his latest attempt at having a good time may have come back to haunt him. Taking to Instagram, Ciampa posted a video from St. Louis, Missouri, where "Fright Night Dynamite" and "Collision" were held this week.
Tommaso Ciampa Attempts RKO On Fellow AEW Star After Mistaking Him For Randy Orton
AEW's Tommaso Ciampa may be a psycho killer, but he's also a guy who likes to have fun, as evident by his "Glorious Bombing" with Johnny Gargano over the years, or his assault on Andrade El Idolo's pants at AEW WrestleDream. But his latest attempt at having a good time may have come back to haunt him. Taking to Instagram, Ciampa posted a video from St. Louis, Missouri, where "Fright Night Dynamite" and "Collision" were held this week.
Legendary WWE Hall Of Famer Reportedly Set To Take Over Bruce Prichard's Role Original
After more than 50 years in the business, many of which he spent at WWE, Bruce Prichard is calling it a career, retiring from his role as WWE Executive Director of Creative Writing & Talent after WrestleMania 43. And while Prichard is expected to remain somewhat involved with WWE in a consulting role, his departure leaves a hole that the promotion will need to fill. And it appears they will try to fill it with one of the most famous WWE Hall of Famers ever.
Queen Aminata Makes First Comment On AEW TBS Title Win On Fright Night Dynamite Original
It was a night to remember for Queen Aminata at "AEW Fright Night Dynamite" on Wednesday, as she bested Persephone in the main event to capture the AEW TBS Championship. And even hours after the win, Aminata was still taking it all in on X with several posts. The first tweet saw Aminata pay homage to her late father, who passed away in late 2023 while she was recovering from injury.
AEW World Tag Team Champions: Tony Khan 'Doesn't Get Enough Praise' Original
Now once again AEW World Tag Team Champions, the Young Bucks appear to be having the time of their AEW careers, prompting them to pay homage to their boss, Tony Khan. On the post-WrestleDream episode of "Being the Elite," Matt and Nick Jackson were discussing how proud they were of their WrestleDream match against Kyle Fletcher and Kevin Knight when Nick began talking about a brief moment where he looked in the camera and told Khan he wasn't sure how much longer he could perform at this level.
Former Sumo & Football Athlete Reportedly Signs WWE NXT Contract Original
WWE has never been shy about their interest in converting collegiate, or even pro, football players into pro wrestlers, including the likes of future WWE Hall of Famer The Rock and current WWE stars like Trick Williams and Roman Reigns. But never has the WWE had an athlete that was both a football player and a sumo wrestler. That has now changed, as PWInsider Elite reports that the promotion has signed 24 year old Hidetora Hanada to a developmental contract.
Dave Meltzer Thinks WWE Will Announce John Cena Classic For Same Day As AEW PPV Original
The first week of November is a big week if one is a fan of John Cena appearing on WWE TV, as the "Matchbox" star is set to be on both "WWE Raw" and "NXT," with Cena teasing that his "Raw" appearance will feature full details regarding his John Cena Classic competition scheduled for December. Most believe these details will include when, and where, the Classic will take place, though Dave Meltzer thinks he's already got it figured out.
Backstage News On TNA Status Of Elegance Brand's Personal Concierge, Aka George Iceman Original
Though TNA has recently been in talent acquisition mode, bringing in names such as Shotzi Blackheart and Shayna Baszler, there continues to be talk of the promotion losing more names as several contracts come due later this year. And one name to keep an eye on is a talent best known for what he does outside of the ring as opposed to inside it.
WWE Crown Jewel 2026 Moving To New Venue
For the last month, WWE Crown Jewel has been the biggest story in wrestling, not because of its card, but because many have questioned whether it would be safe to hold the show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as the country continues to endure bombings and potential threats from Houthis and Iranian forces. Now with a week and a half left before the show, a new twist has emerged, albeit one that doesn't appear to be a huge deal in the big picture.
WWE Crown Jewel 2026 Moving To New Venue
For the last month, WWE Crown Jewel has been the biggest story in wrestling, not because of its card, but because many have questioned whether it would be safe to hold the show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as the country continues to endure bombings and potential threats from Houthis and Iranian forces. Now with a week and a half left before the show, a new twist has emerged, albeit one that doesn't appear to be a huge deal in the big picture.
WWE Exec Reportedly Spoke To Vince Russo About Returning
The most popular phrase in pro wrestling is "never say never," particularly when it comes to former WWE stars returning after less than amicable exits. But most would agree that statement didn't apply to Vince Russo, the former WWE head writer turned WCW/TNA booker with a reputation so polarizing that it seemed unlikely he'd ever get a job in a mainstream promotion again. But according to Conrad Thompson, it almost happened.
WWE Exec Reportedly Spoke To Vince Russo About Returning
The most popular phrase in pro wrestling is "never say never," particularly when it comes to former WWE stars returning after less than amicable exits. But most would agree that statement didn't apply to Vince Russo, the former WWE head writer turned WCW/TNA booker with a reputation so polarizing that it seemed unlikely he'd ever get a job in a mainstream promotion again. But according to Conrad Thompson, it almost happened.
Johnny Gargano Explains Months Spent Planking On WWE SmackDown, Why He Got Back Up Original
After years of "NXT" glory, final beats, and the occasional tag title reign with now AEW star Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano entered a new stage of his career this past summer; the planking stage. Gargano spent most of this year sitting on a table, practically comatose, in a character development that left many fans confused. Now, on his latest YouTube vlog, Gargano is attempting to clear up just why he spent so much time planking. "Everyone's wondering why," Gargano said.
Ric Flair Posts New Photo Of Himself Heavily Bandaged Following Recent Hospitalization Original
Of all the weekends Ric Flair has had in his life, last weekend would likely not count among the best. Not only was Flair forced to cancel a weekend appearance due to a blood clot in his leg, but the WWE Hall of Famer fell after leaving a bar, sustaining a massive cut on his face and forcing him to go to the hospital. And Flair is still sporting the aftereffects of his fall a few days later.
WWE's Rusev And CJ Perry Announce They're Expecting Their First Child Original
For more than a decade, WWE's Rusev and former WWE star CJ Perry have been among wrestling's most notable power couples, even withstanding a separation in late 2023. And now the couple are ready to embrace a more worthwhile challenge; parenthood. People Magazine reports that Perry and Rusev are expecting their first child, due on April 28 2027. The great news comes after what they called a "wild and emotional" journey.
AEW's Ilja Dragunov Explains Decision To Let WWE Contract Expire Original
AEW's Ilja Dragunov has started off with a bang in his new promotion, debuting thunderously at AEW WrestleDream and then defeating "Speedball" Mike Bailey in his first match a few days later on "AEW Dynamite." At the same time, his media appearances have seen him relive his time in WWE, particularly the reason he decided to let his WWE contract expire and head to AEW.
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