Mark Ryan
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Articles by Mark Ryan
Sunderland’s International Break: Injuries, Yellow Cards & Isidor… Oh My! Original
The big news during the international break has been the bad news about Brian Brobbey and Dan Ballard. Coming off his brilliant hat-trick against Manchester City, Brobbey started for the Netherlands on September 24, but went off with a hamstring injury after just 35 minutes. A day later, Ballard pulled up lame in the 90th minute of Northern Ireland’s 1-0 defeat of Georgia. Both subsequently left their respective international camps.
Why Sunderland Is the Perfect Premier League Club for Americans Original
While the two series share much DNA, two major differences separate Sunderland ‘Til I Die and Welcome to Wrexham. The most obvious is that Wrexham’s story is just as much, if not more, the story of two very famous actors doing the fish-out-of-water thing in both Wales and soccer ownership as it is the soccer club. Second, Welcome to Wrexham is a story of triumph, while Sunderland ‘Til I Die - at least the first two seasons - is decidedly not.
2 Up, 2 Down: Sunderland Ease Past Rennes Thanks To Brobbey And Hume Original
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - AUGUST 15: Trai Hume of Sunderland celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates Enzo Le Fee (L) and Reinildo Mandava (R) during the pre-season friendly match between Sunderland and Stade Rennais at Stadium of Light on August 15, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images) Getty Images HAWAY THE PODCAST! Have you heard about Haway The Podcast, the official Roker Report Podcast?
2 Up, 2 Down: Sunderland See Off Lens In A Lively Friendly! Original
HAWAY THE PODCAST! Have you heard about Haway The Podcast, the official Roker Report Podcast? We’d love you to check it out and give it a listen! Rigg looked every inch a Premier League player when he came on, playing a big part in both goals and just looking comfortable whenever he got the ball. Noah Sadiki, Robin Roefs, Trai Hume, Luke O’Nien and Reinildo all getting ninety minutes is a huge positive.
Do Sunderland Really Need to Sign a Right Winger? Original
Conventional wisdom says Sunderland’s biggest need this summer is at right wing. But hear me out. What if conventional wisdom is wrong? While seven different Black Cats started at right wing last season — Chemsdine Talbi, Bertrand Traoré, Trai Hume, Chris Rigg, Eliezer Mayenda, Jocelin Ta Bi and Nilson Angulo — the squad’s best right-sided attacker was, and is, defender Nordi Mukiele.
Matchday Musings: Minutes In The Legs For The Lads In New Jersey Original
HAWAY THE PODCAST! Have you heard about Haway The Podcast, the official Roker Report Podcast? We’d love you to check it out and give it a listen! It’s a cliché to say the most important thing about pre-season matches is to get minutes in the legs, but clichés exist for a reason.
Which Of Sunderland’s Fringe Players Could Be In The Spotlight This Pre-Season? Original
HAWAY THE PODCAST! Have you heard about Haway The Podcast, the official Roker Report Podcast? We’d love you to check it out and give it a listen! Jocelin Ta Bi was impressive in a recent youth tournament, and he assisted in the recent pre-season game too. He got off to a great start last season before injury in what seemed to be his first chance. He has confidence, attacking intent and ability, and we need talented wide men — especially young ones.
2 Up, 2 Down: Sunderland See Off York As Pre-Season Begins Original
Our first run-out of pre-season ended in a comfortable win over York City. What did our writers make of the game? YORK, ENGLAND - JULY 18: Chris Rigg of Sunderland celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Enzo Le Fee during the Pre-season friendly match between York City and Sunderland at LNER Community Stadium on July 18, 2026 in York, England.
Spain 3-0 Austria: Oyarzabal Double Sends Spain Marching On
Spain moved into the last 16 of the World Cup with a polished and commanding 3-0 victory over Austria, producing one of their most complete performances of the tournament and underlining why they remain among the strongest contenders still standing. Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice, Pedro Porro added his first international goal, and Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled the contest from start to finish with the confidence, patience and sharpness expected of a team growing into the knockout stage.
New Strategy Starts Journey To Improved Transport Links for Richmond
A bold new strategy to improve mobility throughout Richmond upon Thames by strengthening the borough’s transport networks has been launched by the Council. The Transport Strategy 2040, officially unveiled last night, outlines a vision for Richmond over the next 14 years.
Raj Hayre’s Biggest Stage Yet: Why the O2 Islington Show Marks a Defining Moment for Folk Bhangra’s Rising Star
The event, titled Hayre To Stay – Live, has already generated considerable excitement among Punjabi music fans across the UK and beyond. While headline concerts at prestigious venues are often viewed as a measure of success, this particular show feels like much more than another date on the calendar. It represents a milestone in the career of an artist who has steadily built a reputation as one of the freshest and most authentic voices in today’s folk Bhangra scene.
City Ground Clash: Dyche’s Forest Host Hürzeler’s Brighton
Nottingham Forest return to the City Ground this weekend hoping to extend their recent upturn in form, while Brighton travel north looking to restore consistency after an uneven spell of results. The meeting arrives at an important stage for both teams, with confidence and direction hanging in the balance. Forest come into this fixture boosted by back-to-back league victories, including a composed display in their last match where they showed greater organisation, resilience and attacking clarity.
Holly Holm: Age, Relationship Status, UFC Record & More
Holly Holm was born on October 17th, 1981, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As a youth, she was highly active, participating in multiple sports, including swimming, gymnastics, and soccer. Interestingly, she didn't start any form of combat sports until she fell into kickboxing by total chance. She went on to become a champion in multiple disciplines. After winning the UFC bantamweight title against Ronda Rousey, she immediately became one of the biggest names in MMA.
Best Heels In Wrestling History, Ranked By Skill
It's been said that the wrestling business runs on great heels. When you think about it, wrestling is one of the only genres in which getting audiences to dislike you is a top priority. Heel wrestlers are a key concept that makes pro wrestling so unique.
10 Best Tag Teams Where Neither Wrestler Competed In WWE
There are a number of tag teams throughout history who never found themselves in the WWE for whatever reason. Teams such as Harlem Heat, Motor City Machine Gunns, and The Young Bucks have never wrestled under the WWE banner. However, while it may not be as well known in some cases as others, at least one member of these teams HAS competed in WWE. Related 10 WWE Tag Teams Who Were Singles Stars Before Teaming Up Take for example, The Young Bucks.
10 Worst Examples Of Backstage Politics In WWE History
Politics in wrestling will always be a part of the culture. In WWE, we've seen several instances of backstage politics, for various reasons and agendas. Some wrestlers even have a reputation for being "politicians," whether it's deserved or otherwise. RELATED: 10 WWE Wrestlers You Had No Idea Were Held Back By Politics In some cases, politics have seriously hampered or impeded the direction the company was going at the time.
5 Legendary Wrestlers Who Love Being Famous (& 5 Who Prefer A Quiet Life)
Like all entertainers when they reach a certain level of notoriety/success, pro wrestlers are celebrities. We've all seen the double edged sword that can be fame, and wrestlers are no exception. Some wrestlers embrace the spotlight, and some seem to have little use for it outside the arena. It essentially boils down to a particular wrestler's personality, and how they choose to handle their fame.
5 Legendary Wrestlers Who Love Being Famous (& 5 Who Prefer A Quiet Life)
Like all entertainers when they reach a certain level of notoriety/success, pro wrestlers are celebrities. We've all seen the double edged sword that can be fame, and wrestlers are no exception. Some wrestlers embrace the spotlight, and some seem to have little use for it outside the arena. It essentially boils down to a particular wrestler's personality, and how they choose to handle their fame.
Rainhill Trials for AI
The ARC challenge and the future of AI Nobody can predict the future reliably, but history can sometimes give us an idea of how things will unfold. Today we may be on the cusp of an AI revolution, or we could be in for several more years of debate, disappointed VCs, and undelivered promises. Is there an analogue in history that could enlighten our current debate about AI and give us a way forward? I think that there is, in...
Every Major Nation Of Domination Rivalry, Ranked Worst To Best
Home WWE Every Major Nation Of Domination Rivalry, Ranked Worst To Best The Nation of Domination is one of the most popular groups of WWE's Attitude Era. Here is every feud the Nation of Domination was involved in, ranked. The Nation Of Domination is perhaps best remembered for launching the career of The Rock. However, they were heavily pushed for nearly a three-year period. Originally, The Nation was designed to make Faarooq a force within WWE by surrounding him with Crush and Savio Vega.
10 Most Unlikable Managers In WWE History
Home WWE 10 Most Unlikable Managers In WWE History Elite heel wrestling managers are a rare breed in pro wrestling, and these ones have undoubtedly been the most unlikable ones in WWE history. A "heat magnet" manager can be a crucial component to a heel wrestler's success. Most of the great managers in WWE history were not the most popular acts with the fans. An effective manager is essentially a mouthpiece and an advantage for their charge, and that doesn't necessarily endear them to the audience.
10 Pairs Of Wrestlers You Forgot Held Grudges Against Each Other
Because pro wrestling is such an emotionally charged genre, personal issues are bound to arise between wrestlers. Here are ten examples of that. Because pro wrestling is such an emotionally charged and, in many ways, volatile genre, personal issues are bound to arise between wrestlers that extend beyond the ring. In many cases these issues turn into full blown grudges that can last several years or for a lifetime.
Top 10 Best Heel Turns Of WWE's Golden Era
Much like the world it existed in at the time, WWE's Golden Era seemed to move at a snail's pace in comparison to modern wrestling. The storylines were allowed to develop more organically, due to there not being two weekly live shows and a monthly PPV. So, when something like a heel turn occurred during the Golden Era, it was truly a pivotal moment, as it didn't happen often. There were a few heel turns during the Golden Era that changed the entire landscape of the company.
10 Things Fans Should Know About Jim Cornette's WCW Run
These days, Jim Cornette is best known for his highly popular and sometimes controversial podcast. Jim's seemingly endless reference of knowledge comes from him having worked for virtually every major wrestling promotion of the last 40 years. While a number of his claims and opinions have raised eyebrows over the last few years, there is no denying that there are few men more experienced than Cornette in the wrestling business.
Brock Lesnar And Paul Heyman & 9 Other Wrestling-Manager Duos That Were Close Friends In Real Life
Share Tweet Share Email There are plenty of wrestler and manger pairings that had close relationships outside of the squared circle! A wrestling manager can be quite literal in terms. They serve as agents, advocates and representatives of a wrestler, as well as giving them an edge during a match. Therefore, it's not surprising that friendships can develop between a manager and their charge, considering the level of trust that must exist between the two.
10 Current Wrestlers Whose Characters Are Like Their Real Life Selves
Share Tweet Share Email These wrestlers don't really need time 'getting into character' because their gimmicks are very much like their real-life selves. "Living your gimmick" is wrestling terminology for a wrestler who is the same person outside the ring as they are on-camera. This practice was not only more commonplace in days past, but it was actually considered to be somewhat mandatory as maintaining kayfabe was always of paramount importance, especially in WWE.
10 Best Feuds Of Greg "The Hammer" Valentine's Career, Ranked
Unless you watched wrestling during the WWE's Golden Era, chances are, you don't know much about the career of Greg "The Hammer" Valentine. A second-generation star, Greg was rarely featured in the main event scene, but he also never fell far below the mid-card. His standing on the card meant that he crossed paths with a number of notable names in the business. Throughout his career, Greg engaged in many high-profile feuds with a who's who of wrestling legends.
10 Absurd Things WWE Executives Reportedly Told Wrestlers
The relationship between WWE executives and wrestlers is an understandably complicated one. Because wrestling is such a unique genre, executives will play a variety of roles in a wrestler's career, aside from simply being their boss. They can be a mentor, a coach, or a friend to a performer. In some instances, a WWE executive has said something to a talent that can't be considered as anything other than preposterous or in some cases, crossing the line of good taste.
Every Major Feud Of William Regal's WWE Career, Ranked Worst To Best
Share Tweet Share Email William Regal became a standout mid-card star in WWE. Let's review every feud of Regal's WWE career, ranked from worst to best! At this point, William Regal is one of the most respected figures in wrestling, comparable to men like The Undertaker, Terry Funk, and Harley Race. His career has been defined by not only his contributions in the ring but the advice and guidance he has given to younger talents.
10 WCW Tag Teams That Never Reached Their Full Potential
Throughout its twelve-year history, WCW boasted a strong tag division at various points. The precursor to WCW, Crockett Promotions, featured several tag teams that are now considered among the greatest in history. WCW did its best to uphold Crockett's reputation for quality tag team wrestling, to moderate success. Because WCW sometimes lacked competent management, certain teams that had potential were either broken up too soon, or not given the opportunities to ascend.
10 Best Steve Austin Matches Before He Became "Stone Cold"
Share Tweet Share Email Everyone remembers Steve Austin for his "Stone Cold" persona, but he delivered in the ring on several occasions before it too. It took the better part of a decade for Steve Austin to find the persona that would equate box-office appeal with the "Stone Cold" character. While there were glimpses of the Rattlesnake along the way, Steve Austin was mostly a much different entity prior to his record-breaking WWE run.
5 Best Partners Of Lex Luger's Career (&5 Worst)
Share Tweet Share Email While he spent most of his career as a singles wrestler, Lex Luger did team up with others on occasion. These are some of his best and worst partners. Thanks to the recent special on A&E, chronicling his career, we've been reminded just how integral Lex Luger was to wrestling in the 80s and 90s. Possessing one of the most impressive physiques in the history of the sport, Luger had several great moments throughout his run.
Randy Savage And Miss Elizabeth & 7 Other Wrestling Couples Who Still Worked Together After Breaking Up
Because pro wrestling is such an all-consuming profession, wrestlers often end up dating one another for the simple reason that they don't have many opportunities to meet anyone else. There have been several on-screen pairings that led to or were inspired by off-screen relationships. Of course, not all of these relationships work out, and sometimes these couples are in the midst of a storyline that were concluded in spite of their status.
5 Wrestlers Who Like To Plan Their Matches In Advance (& 5 Who "Called It In The Ring")
For a professional wrestler, putting together a wrestling match can be one of the toughest aspects of their craft to master. Some wrestlers never really grasp the concept of putting together a match, and instead rely on their co-workers to lead them through. Generally, there are two methods to structuring a match; you can either call the entire match on the fly, with little to no communication prior to the match, or you can pre-plan the match.
10 Most Iconic Referees In Wrestling History
Referees are an integral component of most sports, and they can often be the unsung heroes in a wrestling match. In modern wrestling, referees are often viewed as the administrators of the ubiquitous near fall, but in days gone by, the referee was a way to add drama to a match. Certain referees have been such mainstays, and associated with so many historic moments, that they themselves have become unintentionally iconic.
10 Best Feuds Of Harley Race's Career, Ranked
Share Tweet Share Email Harley Race's contribution to the business is massive and these were his best ever feuds, ranked. An 8-time NWA Champion, Harley Race is one of the most respected figures that pro wrestling has ever known, in and out of the ring. Ric Flair called him the toughest man he had ever been in the ring with, and Harley was instrumental in Flair's career.
10 Things We Learned From Goldberg's A&E Documentary
Fresh off of the A&E produced documentary on Bill Goldberg, there have been a number of takeaways and even revelations about his life. The A&E biography specials have been well received by wrestling fans and non-fans, and Goldberg was featured in the second episode of the second season. While Goldberg has been a major success and a legitimate draw in pro wrestling, he has been something of a polarizing figure throughout his career.
Less Is More: 10 Wrestling Matches That Didn't Know When To End
Share Tweet Share Email Lengthy matches have to justify their extended runtime, but these bouts just didn't know when to end. The length of a wrestling match can go a long way in determining its quality. There are many who feel that a match cannot reach 4 stars or above, and be less than 20 minutes in length. Of course, a long match doesn't always equate to a good match, as there are many memorable bouts that were well under twenty minutes in length.
10 WWE Wrestlers Who Surprisingly Never Competed In A Cage Match
Share Tweet Share Email Steel Cage matches aren't as special as they were in previous eras. However, these 10 WWE Superstars surprisingly never competed in a wrestling cage! Steel cage matches have been a staple of WWE and wrestling in general, for decades. Though it's been somewhat diluted over the years, the cage match was once considered the final resolution for a rivalry that had reached its apex in intensity.
10 Wildest Bumps To Happen In A WWE Money In The Bank Ladder Match
Since being introduced at WrestleMania 21 in 2005, the Money In The Bank ladder match has become of the more novel bouts and concepts in WWE. In 2010, the match would become the catalyst for an entire PPV, and since then WWE has presented it as one of its marquee events. Because the idea of a multi-man ladder match is a recipe for chaos, it's no surprise that we've seen some of the most breathtaking, spectacular, and quite frankly, dangerous spots you'll see in wrestling.
10 Attitude Era Heel Turns That Changed Everything
The Attitude Era is considered to be one of the most notable and pivotal times in WWE history, as well as one of the most celebrated. In fact, in some ways, the Attitude Era was one of the most integral periods in all of pro wrestling's storied history. There were several character shifts throughout the era that were not only significant for the performers themselves, but the company as a whole.
10 Things In Wrestling That Made Fans Believe It Was Real
Some say that when the line between fact and fiction is blurred in pro wrestling is when it's at its best. Ratings and fan interest would support this belief, because some of the most successful angles and moments in wrestling have also been some of the most ambiguous. There have been a few instances in both the modern and the golden eras of wrestling that have left fans convinced that what they were seeing was real.
Long Island & 9 Other Wrestling Cities With Bizarre Crowd Reactions
There's really no way to know how a live pro wrestling audience is going to react to an angle or wrestler. We recently observed just how unpredictable a city like Long Island can be, when they embraced their hometown son and otherwise despised villain, MJF. Perhaps even more unexpectedly, the New York City suburb would outright reject and jeer, otherwise beloved AEW star, CM Punk. Long Island is not alone in its tendency to be somewhat contrarian.
10 Women Who Need To Be Inducted Into The WWE Hall Of Fame (But Probably Won't)
Since making the annual Hall Of Fame a televised event, WWE has made it a point to induct at least one woman per year. With the women's wrestling boom of the last seven years, it's likely that the company will have to eventually increase the number of women inducted. In the case of certain female figures from wrestling history, some have yet to be nominated for the Hall Of Fame.
Hulk Hogan Vs. Ric Flair & 9 More Huge WWE Feuds That Didn't Have A Payoff
WWE is often taken to task for dropping storylines altogether, or at the very least, not giving them a proper conclusion. Many fans see the WWE's lack of attention to detail or simply disregarding it, as an issue that is synonymous with the modern product. However, the company has had a lengthy history of failing to give fans a proper payoff to major storylines and feuds.
10 Wrestlers You Forgot Were Managers For A Short Time
Share Tweet Share Email Fans may have forgotten that these wrestlers were also managers for a short time during their careers! Generally speaking, there is a great divide between wrestlers and managers. By nature, pro wrestling managers are usually diminutive, unathletic and verbose. They are intended to look unimposing alongside their charge, so that the focus is squarely on the wrestler. Of course, in some cases, wrestlers have moonlighted as managers for whatever reason.
10 Best WWE Promos Of The Last Decade
Share Tweet Share Email WWE is often accused of over-manufacturing promos, but these ones have achieved true greatness, making them the best of the last decade. In the last decade of WWE programming, promos have become increasingly more scripted and less extemporaneous. Critics have said that this ultimately makes promos far less effective than they otherwise may be. Occasionally, we still get a riveting or entertaining promo from a WWE wrestler that captures a moment in time.
10 Things WCW Fans Should Know About Disco Inferno
Share Tweet Share Email Disco Inferno was one of WCW's more eccentric characters and there are a lot of things fans should know about him. During the latter half of the 90s, Disco Inferno, AKA Glenn Gilbertti, would emerge as one of the more novel mid-card wrestlers for the company. With his John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever gimmick, Disco wasn't exactly the most original character in WCW, but an entertaining one nonetheless.
10 WCW Wrestlers That Should Have Had More Than One Title Reign
Share Tweet Share Email Several talented WCW wrestlers only captured one Championship during their time with the company, but definitely deserved more gold. It's rather remarkable to think that WCW was only technically in existence for around 12 years, if you don't count the Crockett era. Yet, the company has had a lasting effect on the business that is till felt to this day. During its tenure, WCW hosted a number of all-time great talents.
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