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Jim Ross (photo credit Wade Keller © PWTorch)

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)…

The following report originally published 20 years ago this week here at PWTorch.com.

WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW REPORT
OCTOBER 17, 2005
SACRAMENTO, CALIF.
REPORT BY WADE KELLER, EDITOR

-The show opened with a lengthy recap of last week’s show-closing angle with Jim Ross being fired by Linda McMahon. Then the Raw opening aired.

-Vince McMahon stepped out without any introduction from any announcers and stood on the stage with a mic. He reminisced about how proud his wife made him in the way she fired Jim Ross. He said Linda would address the J.R. situation later live from their World headquarters in Connecticut. He said there is a nasty rumor going around that a certain individual is on his way to the arena. He said that person alleges to be J.R.’s best friend – “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. WWE.com had teased that all day. “Don’t be surprised if I kick Stone Cold’s beer swilling, pick-up driving ass. I don’t want to, but I might.” He said he isn’t there to appease the fans or “good ol’ J.R.” He said J.R. has made some contributions to WWE. The fans began an “asshole” chant (it’s noteworthy that there is no “J.R.” chant so far). Vince said they put together a video compilations of some of Ross’s better contributions. This sure appears to be a major endorsement and push of J.R. as a personality to lead Raw on USA in the future, rather than a true last chapter of his career as a lead announcer on TV. The clips showed J.R. kissing Vince’s ass, having beer poured on his bloodied face, being stomped into the mat, and kicked between the legs by Linda.

Vince then introduced the “new permanent announcer for Raw.” Out walked Coach in a cowboy hat. McMahon referred to him as “Good ol’ Coach.” The crowd booed. Coach then said, “Thank you to Mr. McMahon.” He said J.R. was a father figure to him, “although a fat Texas father figure.” He said all of that was about to change. He was going to pick up the slack J.R. left behind. He said that as of now, he was “the new voice of the people.” He then put on his headset.

-They went backstage where Kurt Angle met McMahon and said he had to talk to him. He said before he fired J.R. last week, he was about to announce a new no. 1 contender. He wanted to know if he deserves that slot after beating Cena last week. Vince said he is on his way to talk to Eric Bischoff about the Raw main event. Hurricane then showed up and asked him “what’s up w’dat?” regarding Ross being fired. McMahon ordered Angle to attack him. Angle did so, throwing him into the equipment chests and then dragged him through the crowd to the ring. Coach then called the attack solo. He reiterated he is the new voice of Raw. Hurricane made a comeback. Coach’s call of it already accentuated the value of Ross, which at this point may have been intentional since they left Jerry Lawler off commentary. Conspicuously, there was no reference to Lawler yet. Angle applied the Anklelock with viciousness. Four referees pried him off of Hurricane.

-Coach plugged that Mick Foley would be on Carlito’s Cabana later.

-A vignette aired advertising the pending return of Kane, with him saying, “I’mmmm baaaack!” Of course, maniacal laughter followed.

[Commercial Break]

-Coach introduced Lawler. He apologized for taking so long to bring him out.

-Backstage, McMahon told Eric Bischoff he expected to give the audience something they’ve never had and empower them with choices. He wanted him to present a main event that is “absolutely compelling.” Bischoff said he is glad he asked, in full ass-kiss mode. He said at Taboo Tuesday, there would be a three-way match featuring John Cena defending against Kurt Angle and a third man the fans decide. He announced Shawn Michaels vs. Carlito as a match where the winner would be one candidate. He said Big Show vs. Edge would face off for a spot on the ballot. He also booked an 18 man battle royal, with the winner also being listed as a candidate for a title match Taboo Tuesday. Lawler said it looks like Bischoff hit a homerun with his line-up, at least as far as Vince McMahon was concerned.

1 — EDGE (w/Lita) vs. BIG SHOW

When Coach said, “Big Show is so big.” Lawler mocked him for that being the type of analysis he’ll provide in Ross’s absence. Show tossed Edge over the top rope and they cut to a break at 1:10.

[Commercial Break]

Edge worked over Show’s chokeslam arm. He grasped at his shoulder right away as if he might have popped something. Lita then hung from his arm. Show grabbed her by the hair. Edge hit Show with a forearm from behind. Show came back, but Edge used a low blow to regain control a minute later. He then hit a spear, but Coach yelled “Gore! Gore! Gore!” Lawler corrected him, saying it was a “Spear! Spear! Spear!” They’re trying to play up Coach’s incompetence, setting up J.R.’s big comeback or set the bar so low J.R.’s eventual replacement will seem like a gift. Edge grabbed his briefcase. JBL’s introduction then played. That distracted Edge just as he was about to hit Edge with the briefcase. Show then surprised Edge with a chokeslam for the win. Show favored his right arm after the match, and appeared to be in pain.

-Coach plugged Mick Foley on Carlito’s Cabana again.

-A video aired of the ticket sales launch for WrestleMania 22. They aired clips of WWE fans who had spent between 24 and 48 hours camping out for tickets. One fan said he saved up his money to get a $500 ticket to Chicago just to stand in line to get a ticket. They showed fan celebrating getting tickets.

-Edge complained about the JBL music playing. Bischoff asked what he’s going to do about it. Edge told him to tune into Smackdown to find out what he’s going to do.

-Carlito’s Cabana: Carlito introduced Foley. Foley said it was an honor to be in the same ring with him. Foley said he was there to talk about the travesty that happened last week. He said J.R. may not be cool, but he is the best announcer in WWE history. He said he was disappointed in Linda, whom he felt was a voice of reason within the McMahon family. Linda said that they have been flooded with emails. She said many were concerned with J.R.’s condition because he is scheduled for colon surgery tomorrow. She said there were accusations that her kick to his groin added to his problems. She said that is not true and a lawsuit would be unsuccessful. She said everyone is praying for his health and wished him the best for his years of service with the company. She then told Foley, “Have a nice day.” The fans chanted, “That’s not cool.”

Carlito said, “Let’s face it, J.R.’s gone. He’s not just a fat, out of shape loser. Just like you.” He said that is why he brought him to the Cabana. He said, and we quote: “You must be the least coolest person Carlito’s ever seen. How does it feel to be so uncool.” Foley said, “You got me! I’m here to make a shocking confession. You see, I, Mick Foley, the hardcore legend, am not cool. I’m not even sure I want to be cool.” He asked him to hear him out before spitting on him for not wanting to be cool. He said even though he doesn’t have cool friends or travel to cool places, “with the exception of Sacramento, California” (cheap pop), he said after fans talk to him, they inevitable say, “Mick Foley, he’s cool.” He said on the other hand, Carlito dresses cool, has a cool accent, cool hair, but despite all that, after fans talk to him, they inevitable say, “Carlito is a horse’s ass.”

He asked Carlito not how he feels, but what is he going to do about it. Carlito smiled and then grabbed an apple. Foley told him to go ahead and spit an apple in his face. He said it wouldn’t be the first time he was spit on. He said he shouldn’t worried about produce (i.e. an apple; get it?), what he should worry about is whether he can produce inside the ring later against Shawn Michaels. He said when it’s all said and done, HBK would beat him like a government mule. “And that would be cool,” he concluded. “Have a nice day!” Coach said Foley always wears out his welcome. Lawler said Coach shouldn’t talk about people wearing out their welcome.

-The showed the outside of the arena and Coach said rumors persist that Steve Austin was going to make a surprise appearance.

[Commercial Break]

ARTICLE CONTINUED BELOW…

Check out the latest episode of “Acknowledging WWE” with Javier Machado, part of the PWTorch Dailycast line-up: CLICK HERE to stream (or search “pwtorch†on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or any other iOS or Android app to subscribe free)

2 — SHAWN MICHAELS vs. CARLITO

Carlito attacked Michaels on the rampway during his intro. Coach said, with absolutely no semblance of context or authority, “Viewers, settle in, this one will be a classic!” He said he is trying to wean people off of J.R.’s style, you can’t expect people to go cold turkey. Coach said fans should embrace he and Carlito as a youth movement. Lawler sarcastically said the fans would be doing what he says. Carlito dominated early, clotheslining Michaels over the top rope. Coach said that in his “25 years in the business,” he’s never seen a talent such as Carlito be so aggressive.

Lawler called him out on that outrageous exaggeration. Michaels showed the first sign of life at 5:00 by rolling through on a Carlito bodyblock off the top rope for a near fall. Michaels threw chops at Carlito, then applied a sleeper. Carlito came back with an Abdominal Stretch at 7:00. Michaels came back with a suplex, but both men ended up spilling to the floor. Coach then tried to create drama by saying, “They’re down, they’re down, they’re down!” It sounded as convincing and authentic as when those kids read scripts of pundit arguments on “The Daily Show.” Coach is absolutely terrible, and it’s not just him being terrible on purpose for effect; he just is the wrong person to be doing play-by-play. It’s greatly affecting the quality of the entire show.

[Commercial Break]

Michaels eventually made a full-fledged comeback at 13:30. He played to the crowd well as he climbed to the top rope and hit an elbow. He then signalled for the Sweet Chin Music. Carlito ducked the telegraphed finisher and rolled up Michaels and used the ropes for leverage to score a very near fall, albeit clumsy looking. Carlito nearly whipped Michaels into the ref, but Michaels stopped short. Carlito then shoved Michaels into the ref, then retrieved a chair. Carlito swung the chair, but Michaels ducked. Carlito tried again, but Michaels kicked the chair into his face. The ref returned to the ring and counted to three.

WINNER: Michaels at 15:51.

STAR RATING: **3/4 — Above-average, but bland and one dimensional for several stretches of time. One of Michaels’s worst singles matches in a while.

-As Michaels returned to the stage, Ric Flair walked out to his music. He looked serious, but gave Michaels a handshake first.

[Commercial Break – 10:13 p.m.]

-Ric Flair was standing mid-ring. He said Triple H has told the fans that he (Flair) is the greatest wrestler in history and worships the ground he (Flair) walks on. He said that signal of respect shows he has a soft spot, but after what he did two weeks ago, “he has now lit a fire under my ass.” He said he has a desire right now to achieve at a level he hasn’t achieved at for 15 years.

“God I’m feeling good,” said Flair. “I, for 20 years, carried that brass ring we talked about in my back pocket. I owned it. No one could take it from me. I knew day in and day out I was the best wrestler alive today. And you knew it. Nobody walked out of that arena without saying god, Ric Flair put on a show tonight. He did it all.’ Well, Triple, now you’ve got that ring. You are considered the man. God, I question that call.” He said he knows he’s 20 years older, but then he dropped an elbow on the sports coat he shed a minute earlier. He said he wanted to get everyone up to speed on him. He said he was in a plane crash which killed a pilot and paralyzed two other wrestlers. He said doctors said he’d never wrestle again.

He said six months later he was in the ring wearing gold. He said in 1981, he got off an Eastern airlines jet in Richmond, Va., it was raining so hard, lightning hit his umbrella and killed the guy standing three feet from him dead. “You think I’m afraid of you, Triple H? God!” He pulled off his bandage and said every day he has to look at his cut. He punched away it and said he got the stitches out just a few minutes ago. He began bleeding heavily. He rubbed the blood all over his face and shirt. He said he has taken two of his sledge hammer shots.

He called him out to the ring. “Come out here to see what Nature Boy has for you,” he said. Then he rubbed the flowing blood on his face like aftershave. “God, I want you bad! Where are you?” he said. Triple H walked out with a mic in hand. When Flair made a move toward him with a baseball bat, Hunter bolted to the back. Flair chased after him. He said he wouldn’t stop until he found him. He asked why he would run from him.

[Commercial Break]

-They again teased the arrival of Steve Austin.

-Maria was going to interview Carlito. He yanked the mic out of her hand and in a rage said he didn’t win his match because of Mick Foley. He challenged him to a match at Taboo Tuesday. “I don’t care if you’re retired.” Maria was flown into Sacramento for that?

3 — MICKEY JAMES & TRISH STRATUS & ASHLEY vs. VICTORIA & TORRIE WILSON &

Coach plugged that after Raw, USA would show exclusive footage of Rock’s new movie, “Doom.”

-They showed Steve Austin driving into the arena in his pick-up truck. He crashed into a few things as he drove right up to ringside. Austin entered the ring and stood on the top rope, saluting the fans from each corner. They cut to a break.

[Commercial Break]

-Austin said he came to the arena because he has something important to discuss. He said he has been with WWE for ten years and he gave the place his blood, sweat, and tears. He said there have been some good times and some bad times. “I ain’t never backed down from anybody in this sum-bitch company. I fought everybody in this company. I can honestly say through all the times I’ve been here, only one person has been my friend. That is Jim Ross. He has been like a father to me, and a brother to me. I sat there in my house and watched him get treated like a dog. It was completely unacceptable. It was complete… you know what I’m saying.” He said he has to address one man – Vince McMahon. He called him to the ring and said they had business to take care of. He said he had 48 beers so he could stay there all night long. Stephanie McMahon walked out instead.

She said, “What’s the matter? Steve. You look disappointed to see me.” He said he doesn’t understand what’s wrong with the McMahon family. He said they seem obsessed with balls and grapefruits. He said last week she even claimed to have the biggest balls in the company. “Am I about to slam a transvestite?” he asked. He said her breath stinks. She said he won’t lay a hand on her because then it would be his fault if J.R. stays fired. Austin swigged a beer and said, “Let me understand this. You fired J.R. why?” He said because he gave each of the family members Stunners. Steph began talking over Austin and asked, “Where is J.R.?” Austin asked if it was J.R.’s fault. “You’re not making a lick of damn sense to me,” Austin said. “He had nothing to do with what happened to you and your little family.” He said, “Since you’re in the ring, what if I just put you over my knee, pull your little dress up, and I have to be careful because I don’t want your balls to fall out.” That got a big crowd pop, and Austin even cracked himself up. He asked the crowd for a “hell yeah.”

Coach stood up and said, “Hell, no. Don’t you even think of attacking a defenseless woman. Don’t you get it, Steve. J.R. isn’t coming back. Nobody wants J.R. here and nobody wants you here.” He told Austin to get in his truck and drive away like the scolded dog he is. Austin cleaned out both of his ears with his finger, then said, “I don’t remember talking to you, you kiss ass son of a bitch.” He said after he’s done kicking Vince’s ass, he was going to kick his ass anyway, so he might as well do it now. As he was about to leave the ring, Steph asked him to wait a second. Austin mocked her tone of voice. He said he’d do whatever he wants. “I’ve got a proposition for you, but not the kind you want to hear,” she said. Austin said, “I don’t think I’ve got a 20 on me.” She said she had a proposal to get J.R. back. Austin said he was listening.

Steph said he gave her a hell of an idea. She said if he faces Coach at Taboo Tuesday and he wins, he’d win J.R.’s job back. She said J.R. would be rehired if he could win. Austin said since she’s a McMahon, he doesn’t trust her. He wanted to get it straight, and then repeated her proposal. Steph said, “As a McMahon, and as your boss, I guarantee it.” Austin said, “I can drink to that. Give me a damn beer.” He then told Coach he had ass whippin’ coming. Lawler gloated. As Austin celebrated, Steph said from the stage, “Oh, one more thing. If you lose to Jonathan Coachman at Taboo Tuesday, then you’re fired.” Austin said, “Oh, Stephanie. I fully understand if I lose, I’m fired. It won’t be the first time I’m fired. Here’s to ya’.” He gave her the finger, then called for more beers.

Austin walked up to Coach at the broadcasting desk. Austin said he could have the first shot. He said, “You know what bothers me, when I talk to a sum-bitch like you and you disrespect me.” He mocked his sunglasses, flipped them off, then asked if that made him mad. He asked if he was okay. He ripped his shirt open and knocked off his hat. Coach got wide-eyed in a cartoonish way. Austin asked if he was going to do something. Coach said, “Not tonight.” Austin said he was giving him a free shot. Austin poured a beer into Coach’s hat, then put it over his head. He told him he’d see it in two weeks and “a war machine is rolling into town named Stone Cold Steve Austin.”

[Commercial Break]

-With a bunch of wrestlers standing in the ring, Bischoff stepped out and announced that voting for Taboo Tuesday begins next week on Raw. He said fans could vote on stips for Triple H vs. Ric Flair. He also said they’d be able to vote on Carlito vs. Mick Foley. He said there would also be a “Fulfill Your Fantasy Diva Battle Royal.” John Cena walked to this music, adjusted Bischoff’s collar, waved his hand in his face, and then joined Coach and Lawler at the announcers’ desk. He said he is doing his homework and scouting the battle royal. Bischoff went back to announcing a surprise entrant in the battle royal, the seven foot Kane. Carlito took a big bite out of his apple as Kane entered the ring. The entire riing of wrestlers backed off to one side of the ring. Carlito went to spit at Kane, but Kane grabbed him by his throat to chokeslam him. Carlito showed what happens when a wrestler attempts a chokeslam without help. On the second chokeslam, Carlito leaped into the air so Kane got good height on it. They cut to a break.

[Commercial Break – 10:58 p.m.]

It came down to Chris Masters vs. Kane after just a couple minutes. Kane blocked the Master Lock and then backdropped Masters for the win. Cena stood up and looked at Kane. Kane shot back a look in his direction. Kane then signalled he wanted the belt. Nice finish to the show to add a refreshed Kane into the mix headed into Taboo Tuesday. I suspect Shawn Michaels will run away with the voting, but Kane isn’t a bad third wildcard to include in voting. Other in the battle royal were Edge, Kerwin White, Trevor Murdoch, Lance Cade, Rob Conway, Viscera, Rosey, Shelton Benjamin (take him off the milk carton), Gene Snitsky, Tyson Tomko, Eugene, Heart Throbs, Tajiri, and Val Venis.

WINNER: Kane in 6:00.

STAR RATING: 1/2* – Not a memorable battle royal.

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It was just four months ago that R-Truth became the biggest story in pro wrestling after his WWE contract expired, only for the promotion to re-sign him just days later after fan uproar. But just when it appeared WWE was set to go all the way in repackaging Truth under his real name, Ron Killings, and with a more serious persona, the character quickly fizzled out. Only a few weeks later, Truth reverted back to his more comedic persona, suggesting plans were scrapped.Â

But according to Truth during an interview with CBS Sports, nothing went array with the creative plans.

“It went where it was supposed to,” Truth said. “Ron Killings created R-Truth. Those hundreds of millions of fans who spoke and up-roared. They wanted R-Truth back. Ron Killings was the rebellious one who spoke up for R-Truth.”

At the same time, Truth also seemed to suggest that the character revert was brought on by fans wanting R-Truth more than they wanted Ron Killings. He also implied that John Cena turning back babyface after his heel run played a role.

“Ron Killings has been around for years, but people had never come together in lockstep like that,” Truth said. “They did that for R-Truth. You feel me? I wanted Ron Killings to go where he was supposed to go. He made a statement; he had eyes on him. When John Cena came back, R-Truth came back. Ron Killings was the cavalry.”

Truth then made a rather shocking statement, stating that, had he continued on with his serious persona, it wouldn’t have been right towards the fans, even going as far to say such a decision would’ve been “selfish.”

“I think [Ron Killings] was a selfish-type deal, more of a selfish move,” Truth said. “I had more than 100 million views that wanted R-Truth. If numbers are real, that was the power of numbers.”

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Blake Monroe says Mariah May and her current character in WWE aren’t all that different.

Monroe’s final match in AEW as May was in March at Revolution 2025. She lost the “Hollywood Ending” match to Toni Storm and then debuted on NXT programming on June 3. During a recent interview with TV Insider, Monroe said her character is evolving rather than starting over.

Monroe said:

“We talk about Mariah May, but Blake Monroe is continuing to evolve from the things Iâ€ve already done. Itâ€s not different. Itâ€s not wiping something clean and starting again. Itâ€s taking these parts of me and growing them and nurturing them.”

“As you saw my introduction was ‘The Glamour’ and was very big on that whole pop star vibe with my entrance and the vanity and all these incredible things. Weâ€ve been able to evolve the character. Then you saw me at No Mercy in the steel cage match. You saw a different side of me. Someone who was a bit merciless and a bit unhinged. I think it has been so exciting to evolve something. Iâ€m really proud of my journey, and this is the next chapter. Iâ€m loving just getting so detailed with it. The creative team is so passionate about every part of what you do. Iâ€m having a ball because I love those details and that presentation. I wouldnâ€t say there is too much difference. I would say itâ€s more of an evolution.”

Also during the interview, Monroe said that the idea when she got to WWE is to take what she’s been doing but “make it bigger.”

Monroe continued:

“For me, I loved my character in ‘The Glamour’ when I spoke to WWE. They loved ‘The Glamour’ too and recognized my work and what was important to me. They wanted to take that and make it bigger. My first vignette if you remember was me in a bath. Thatâ€s something I wanted to do for about a year. I always wanted to do that vignette. The very next week thatâ€s what we did.”

“Iâ€m just trying to be a sponge and take everything in at the PC and being around all these Hall of Famers and amazing writing and production team. I try to make the most of it all because I donâ€t take anything for granted. Just to be here is amazing.”

Monroe is 3-3 in singles matches on NXT programming since debuting, dropping two matches to Kelani Jordan and a Weaponized Steel Cage match against Jordynne Grace. Her wins have come against Grace at Heatwave, vs. Wren Sinclair in July, and she defeated Zaria in her last match on the October 7 taping of NXT, which aired on October 14. She appeared in the crowd on SmackDown in San Jose on Friday during Zaria and Sol Ruca’s match against Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair.

Monroe’s full interview with Scott Fishman of TV Insider is available here.

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Even though the vibes around the Philadelphia Eagles are odd right now as they search for answers amid their two-game losing skid, the defending Super Bowl champs aren’t looking to trade A.J. Brown.

Per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Eagles have told teams asking about Brown they “aren’t moving him now.”

Brown’s future in Philadelphia has been a hot topic of discussion ever since his social media post quoting a Bible verse following the Eagles’ 31-25 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4.

Addressing the post on Oct. 1, Brown said it wasn’t directed at Jalen Hurts or any of the Eagles coaches and he just “let my frustrations boil over.”

The Eagles were 4-0 after that victory over the Bucs, but they have since lost back-to-back games to the Denver Broncos and New York Giants. The offense has scored a total of 34 points in those games.

In the aftermath of the Giants’ loss, Albert Breer of SI.com reported the Eagles view Brown’s actions “as part of the deal with their mercurial receiver” even as teams have tried calling to gauge their interest in trading him.

Philadelphia’s offense under first-year coordinator Kevin Patullo has received a lot of criticism so far this season. Even when the team was winning games, the offense has failed to impress both in terms of scheme and performance.

There are plenty of reasons for the issues, including injuries on the offensive line, Saquon Barkley not being as explosive as he was in 2024 and no juice in the passing game.

Trading Brown would seem like an extreme move for the Eagles, especially since he received a three-year, $96 million extension in April 2024 that runs through the 2029 season.

Brown is only 28 and has been named to the All-Pro second team in each of the past three seasons. He’s averaging a career-low 11.0 yards per reception so far this season, but history suggests his output will improve over the course of the season.

For all of their recent struggles, the Eagles still lead the NFC East with a 4-2 record. They are the only team in the division that is currently over .500.

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Teams are reportedly expressing interest in Miami Dolphins pass-rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips ahead of the Nov. 4 NFL trade deadline.

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Dolphins have received “lots of calls” on Chubb and Phillips.

It comes as little surprise that teams are lurking around the Dolphins in hopes of them selling off assets since the team is tied for the second-worst record in the league at 1-5.

Both Chubb and Phillips are coming off major knee injuries, and their performances so far in 2025 have been at opposite ends of the spectrum.

Chubb, 29, missed the entire 2024 campaign due to a torn ACL. He has shown no ill effects this season, though, registering a team-leading four sacks through six games.

The 26-year-old Phillips was limited to four games last season due to a torn ACL, and he also missed nine games the previous season with a torn Achilles.

Given the severity of the injuries he suffered back to back, perhaps it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Phillips has only one sack in six games this season.

Originally the fifth overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft by the Denver Broncos, Chubb was traded to the Dolphins in 2022.

The two-time Pro Bowler made a major impact early in his tenure with the Dolphins, and in his only full season in Miami thus far, Chubb had 11 sacks and a league-leading six forced fumbles in 2023.

Miami selected Phillips 18th overall in the 2021 NFL draft out of the University of Miami, and he showed immense potential early in his career.

Phillips had a career-high eight sacks as a rookie, followed by seven in his second year. In 2023, Phillips had 6.5 sacks in eight games before tearing his Achilles, and he hasn’t been the same player since then.

While Chubb is signed through 2027, Phillips is playing under his fifth-year option this year, meaning he is set to become a free agent during the offseason.

That suggests the Dolphins may be more willing to part with Phillips, but given Chubb’s production, he would likely land more in a trade.

Miami’s performance in its next three games against the Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens could potentially go a long way toward determining whether the organization sells off pieces or tries to make a run at the playoffs.

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So, it was no surprise to see the Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender shoot the referee a dirty look and an earful of opinion after he stopped a J.T. Miller one-timer at close range — with no helmet.

And it should be no surprise that Stolarz, speaking more measuredly after Torontoâ€s 2-1 overtime victory over the New York Rangers, criticized the rule that allowed him to face a clapper with, well, a bare face.

After a Matt Rempe shot dislodged Stolarzâ€s mask, the Rangers still controlled the puck down low and quickly created Millerâ€s attempt. Referees Garrett Rank and Justin Kea called the book. (Play can continue against a maskless goalie in event of an imminent scoring chance.) But Stolarz suggests the book could use a rewrite.

“This is the second time itâ€s happened. Happened to Adin Hill the other night as well. So, hopefully we can find a compromise. Itâ€s not like goalies are trying to knock our helmets off,†Stolarz argued.

“I mean, without the buckle, you canâ€t really see the puck, you canâ€t really track or do anything. As soon as you move your head, it falls off. So, hopefully the league can look at it and talk to some goalies or people who have knowledge of the position, and we can come to some sort of compromise where our safety isnâ€t put at risk there.â€

Stolarzâ€s 1950s-style battle level proved the highlight of a Throwback Thursday in which scoring chances were hard to come by, and most were turned aside by goaltenders at the top of their game.

“Just trying to be a competitor and slide across,†Stolarz said of kicking out Millerâ€s blast without his most important piece of equipment. “Obviously, itâ€s not an ideal situation. But at that stage of the game, youâ€re just trying to do anything to keep the puck out of the net.â€

The sequence slapped an exclamation point on a 28-save star turn for Stolarz, who was awarded Torontoâ€s player-of-the-game belt for his badassery.

But in real time, the helmet-free save both frightened and confused his teammates.

“I was a little scared to be honest,†Matthew Knies said. “I don’t know how it came to that. You know, I thought it was supposed to be blown. It was a shocker for sure, for everyone.â€

Superstars William Nylander and Auston Matthews — who connected for a 3-on-3 winner in the first shift of OT — were both surprised that play could continue after a lost mask, based on a judgment call.

“Thankfully it didnâ€t hit him there. I was completely unaware of the rule. I thought the second the helmetâ€s off, I mean, the playâ€s gotta be dead with no helmet on,†Matthews said.

“Just another example of what a gamer he is. I mean, he just goes in there, he wants to compete. And heâ€s a big communicator back there. He lets you know whatâ€s going on, and heâ€ll let you know when he doesnâ€t like what he’s seeing. So, I think you can really appreciate that.â€

Nylander believes “itâ€s crazy†that pucks can be shot in that scenario.

“I mean, thatâ€s so dangerous. Like, it should be blown off right away,†Nylander said. “I guess you could argue that sometimes a goalie could maybe try to shake his helmet off or whatever, but I think thatâ€s pretty dangerous.â€

Head coach Craig Berube agrees.

“It’s a tough call. Your goalie loses his mask, heâ€s in a very vulnerable position, a position to get really hurt,†Berube said. “And I don’t think anybody wants to see that — ever. So, in my opinion, blow it down.â€

Stolarz described Thursdayâ€s grind-it-out affair as “playoff-like†because it was so defensively sound and tight checking. Only one goal, a third-period tip by New Yorkâ€s Jusso Parssinen, was scored at even-strength.

“I like the way that we stuck with our game and stayed patient. Didnâ€t try to try to open it up too much,†said Stolarz, who outduelled the mighty Igor Shesterkin.

“Heâ€s one of the best, if not the best. So, for me, itâ€s just worrying about stopping the puck. You see him making save after save, and as a goalie you want to match that and just try to give the team some time to put one by him.â€

Stolarz did precisely that.

No masking who the home teamâ€s hero was on this night.

• Easton Cowan has already thrown six hits and taken seven in just three games, including a dangerous one into the post from Nashvilleâ€s Ozzy Wiesblatt on Tuesday when he didnâ€t have the puck and a late shot from Filip Forsberg during a delayed penalty.

“Heâ€s a smaller guy, but heâ€s not afraid to go in those dirty areas,†Matthews said. “Took a couple kind of cheap hits, the one going to the net, stuff like that, but heâ€s strong. Heâ€s deceptively a lot stronger than he maybe looks.â€

Cowan grinned after it was relayed that his centreman said heâ€d been targeted with a couple cheap shots.

“I think itâ€s just the game,†Cowan replied. “Just get back up and keep playing.â€

Berube and Matthews have both commended the 20-year-oldâ€s ability to handle the physicality of the pro game.

“Heâ€s handled it really well,†Matthews said. “Thereâ€s obviously a lot of big guys out there, strong men, and you got to protect yourself. And I think he does a good job of that.â€

Sure. But should Cowanâ€s teammates be protecting him better?

“Weâ€ve got a power play on the (Weisblatt) one, so you canâ€t react to that,†Berube countered. “You gotta stay disciplined. All scenarios are different when it comes to that. Our team, Iâ€m not too worried about it. I think our teamâ€s going to stand up for each other and get in there. I know they are. They did it last year; I expect them to do the same. But, at the same time, itâ€s situational for me. We got a power play out of it. Power playâ€s job is to make them pay.â€

• Cowan played just two shifts in the third period and not at all in the final 14:17 of action with the score tied.

Berubeâ€s explanation: “Our team maybe lacked a little energy, so I was just trying to find some lines and some energy together. Thatâ€s all.â€

Cowanâ€s 11:47 ice time marked his first time under 14 minutes.

The rookie committed a game-high five giveaways.

• The Rangers still donâ€t have a forward who has scored more than once. Meanwhile, in Anaheim, Chris Kreider has four goals in three games.

• Steven Lorentz, who inked a three-year contract extension over the summer, was healthy-scratched for the first time since joining the Maple Leafs.

“Heâ€s an important player,†Berube said. “We all like him, we want him, but sometimes these are the decisions coaches gotta make — and theyâ€re not easy for the guys that arenâ€t playing.â€

Berube believes the Leafs were coming off their best two games, which just happened to coincide with Lorentzâ€s absence due to an upper-body injury.

Our take: It was too early to sit Dakota Joshua, whoâ€s trying to find his footing with a new club. Calle Järnkrok has been one of Berubeâ€s most productive and reliable forwards. And Nick Robertsonâ€s trade value would only be harmed by a trip to the press box.

• Bit of a sleepy night at the rink, perhaps because the Blue Jays were playing a more important game. Still, the goalie deserves more love.

Not sure why “Sto-lie!†chants donâ€t punctuate Stolarzâ€s monster saves the way “Sam-my!†“Soooup!†and “Fred-dy!†cheers did for his predecessorsâ€.

The big guy committed to this town on a team-friendly deal and has been a stud most nights.

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World Wrestling Entertainment is making history by taking its flagship event, WrestleMania, to Saudi Arabia in 2027, marking the first time WrestleMania 43 will be held outside of the United States or Canada. WWE President Nick Khan discussed the landmark decision at the JOY Forum 2025 in Riyadh, emphasizing the companyâ€s commitment to becoming a truly global brand.

A Natural Evolution for WWE

Speaking at the forum, Khan described the Saudi Arabia partnership as an organic progression for the companyâ€s international strategy. “It was a natural next step for us,†Khan stated. “In WWE, we realized a number of years ago that we canâ€t simply pipe American product out globally and hope to be a global product. You actually have to have boots on the ground.â€

This philosophy has already transformed WWEâ€s event calendar. According to Khan, approximately half of the companyâ€s Premium Live Events now take place outside of the United States, reflecting a deliberate shift toward international engagement rather than simply broadcasting American content worldwide.

The move to Saudi Arabia follows another historic milestone: the Royal Rumble in January 2026 will also be held in Saudi Arabia, marking the first time that event has taken place outside North America.

Building on Strong Relationships

Khan emphasized that WWEâ€s decision-making process is fundamentally relationship-driven, particularly highlighting the companyâ€s long-term partnership with Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabiaâ€s General Entertainment Authority.

“WWE had received a number of different offers from entities outside of the US, and to me, as I try to help lead the company, itâ€s all about relationships,†he explained. Khan praised the partnership with Al-Sheikh as one built on mutual trust and direct collaboration.

The negotiations proved remarkably smooth. “When Turki expressed interest in having it here, we got together for a couple of different meetings, worked out the deal in short order, and had the good fortune of announcing it the day before Canelo-Crawford, our first fight together in Las Vegas,†Khan revealed. He described the process as respectful and productive, with both sides quickly finalizing the agreement.

A Star-Studded Spectacle in the Making

WWE is approaching this historic WrestleMania with significant confidence and ambition. “Weâ€re excited. We think viewership is going to be strong. We think people will come to the Kingdom to see our show and weâ€re going to put on a spectacle,†Khan said, emphasizing the companyâ€s commitment to delivering a spectacle-level show that will attract global fans to Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi partners are reportedly pushing for the “most star-studded show ever,†with speculation about potential appearances or matches from legendary figures. Reports suggest that Dwayne “The Rock†Johnson is being heavily pursued for a main event role, potentially facing either Cody Rhodes or Roman Reigns. Other legendary names like “Stone Cold†Steve Austin have also been discussed for the historic event.

Why 2027?

The timing of WrestleMania 43 holds special significance for Saudi Arabia. According to reports, WWE originally wanted to host the event in 2028, but Saudi Arabia pushed for 2027 to celebrate the 300-year anniversary of the founding of the first Saudi state, making the event part of a broader national celebration.

Nick Khanâ€s Leadership Vision

Under Khanâ€s leadership, WWE has experienced unprecedented global expansion and financial success. Since joining the company in 2020, Khan has been instrumental in negotiating major media deals and expanding WWEâ€s international footprint. His philosophy of prioritizing relationships and maintaining “boots on the ground†in key markets has proven successful, with the company regularly breaking attendance and revenue records.

The companyâ€s optimism appears well-founded, given Saudi Arabiaâ€s demonstrated enthusiasm for major sporting and entertainment events. The Kingdom has been actively pursuing high-profile international events as part of its Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its economy and establish itself as a global entertainment destination.

Looking Ahead

WrestleMania 43â€s expansion to Saudi Arabia represents more than just a business deal—it signals WWEâ€s evolution from an American wrestling promotion to a global entertainment powerhouse. By prioritizing on-the-ground presence over simple content distribution, WWE is betting that authentic international engagement will build lasting connections with fans worldwide.

As the 2027 event approaches, all eyes will be on whether this bold move sets a new standard for how major entertainment properties expand their global footprint. With the Royal Rumble 2026 serving as a precursor to this historic WrestleMania, WWE and Saudi Arabia are poised to reshape the landscape of professional wrestlingâ€s biggest stages.????????????????

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Few individuals can be credited for changing the pro wrestling industry as much as Sabu, the former ECW star who introduced fans to a fast-paced, high-flying style that would eventually become the norm. On a recent episode of “My World,” wrestler Jeff Jarrett spent some time breaking down his Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame ballot for 2025, and Jarrett made the case that Sabu will certainly be included, if not this year then soon.

“He really had a brand in and of itself that translated to all the promotions that he worked in,” Jarrett said. “Is he the first breakout independent wrestling star? … If he’s not the first, he’s right up there.”

Along with Sabu ushering in a new style of offense in the ring, Jarrett believes the ECW standout changed the industry by staying true to himself in every promotion he traveled through. In doing so, he cleared a path for future stars like Samoa Joe and CM Punk, who built up reputations that they’d later take with them to WWE and elsewhere.

“Hell yeah, he’s a hall of famer,” Jarrett continued. “How do you argue about Sabu translated into multiple promotions. … Did he draw main event money? But was he main or semi-main his whole career? Yes.”

Sabu died on May 11, 2025, weeks after wrestling his retirement match. While his impact on pro wrestling was immeasurable, Sabu has yet to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, though he did receive the honor of being added to the Independent Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2024.

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Matt Riddleâ€s name always seems to come with controversy attached, whether itâ€s backstage behavior or viral headlines. But Rob Van Dam isnâ€t jumping on the hate train — instead, heâ€s defending his longtime friend as someone people just donâ€t fully understand.

While speaking with Bill Apter, the WWE Hall of Famer opened up about his relationship with Riddle and why he still stands by him. According to RVD, thereâ€s more to Riddle than people online give him credit for.

“Mattâ€s a good dude, from what I know of him. Heâ€s one of my friends. He definitely has some crazy sides to him and some parts I donâ€t really connect with, but thatâ€s normal — everyoneâ€s got different sides. The parts I do relate to are the ones that matter.â€

RVD admitted he sees why people often lump them together. The stoner image, chill attitude, and even the barefoot wrestling style connect the two — even though most fans forget RVD used to wrestle without boots, too.

“People always compare Matt to me, probably because of the cannabis thing, maybe the laid-back attitude. We both wrestled barefoot too, though most people donâ€t even remember that about me. I think the cannabis connection is what people see most.â€

But itâ€s Riddleâ€s loud personality and tendency to stir things up that gets him into trouble, RVD says. And while itâ€s easy for fans to pile on, he believes the hate is often overblown.

“He likes to fight, heâ€s not passive, and heâ€s not afraid to speak his mind. Heâ€ll stir things up and say, ‘Iâ€m just telling the truth, man.†Maybe some of that comes from inexperience or being younger — maybe he still has something to prove to himself or others.â€

Referencing past incidents like the backlash Riddle received for no-showing a UK charity event, RVD called out internet fans for reacting before knowing the facts.

“When that recent scandal happened, headlines said he no-showed a fundraiser — and thatâ€s all people needed to attack him. They donâ€t read the article or wait for his side. Three words in a headline and theyâ€re ready to hate, hiding behind keyboards. Thatâ€s society today — internet marks with short attention spans.â€

Despite the constant scrutiny, RVD says Riddle isnâ€t fazed by the backlash. In fact, he sees right through the fake outrage and moves on.

“Matt knows that, though. He shrugs it off because he understands how shallow that loyalty really is. So, no concern.â€

RVDâ€s loyalty to Riddle is clear — he sees a friend trying to navigate fame in a world where one wrong word can trend in minutes. Whether Riddle can stay out of trouble going forward is anyoneâ€s guess, but according to RVD, the hate isnâ€t always earned.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.

Do you think Matt Riddle has been misunderstood or is the criticism fair? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.

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After interacting at a WWE NXT house show in Detroit on Friday night, Omos and Oba Femi are set to wrestle tonight in Cleveland.

The news was announced via WWE NXT social media accounts on Saturday.

“After an interaction last night at #NXTDetroit, @Obaofwwe has challenged @TheGiantOmosto a match TONIGHT at #NXTCleveland!“

On Fridayâ€s show, Omos confronted Femi and the two had a brief stare down before Omos hit Femi with a clothesline. Femi then challenged Omos to a match in a video posted to social media on Saturday.

“This is a message from the ruler directly to the giant Omos. You came here to Detroit city under the guise of being an ally of the ruler. When I least expected it, you turned on me and you hit me when I wasn’t looking. Omos, you know what that tells me? That tells me that that you think you can come down from your throne, from your pedestal, and come here to NXT and try to bully people. You can’t bully anybody, especially not the ruler.”

“There can only be one Nigerian giant. There can only be one giant of Africa. There can only be one dominant force and his name is not Omos, his name is Oba Femi!”

Both Omos and Femi are from Lagos, Nigeria. Femi moved to the United States in 2017 after being offered a track and field scholarship by the University of Tennessee. Omos moved to the United States alone at the age of 15, attending Atlantic Shores Christian School and later playing basketball for the University of South Florida.

Omos returned to the ring on Thursday, defeating Lexis King at an NXT house show in Columbus. It was his first match since AAA TripleMania XXXIII, where he won the Bardahl Cup battle royal.

Sol Ruca, Jacy Jayne, and Trick Williams are also advertised for tonight’s NXT house show in Cleveland.

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