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Browsing: Report
Jeff Cobb left NJPW earlier this year and signed with WWE, quickly associating himself with Solo Sikoa. According to a new Fightful report, Cobb signed a three-year deal, which will take him through the spring of 2028.Â
Cobbâ€s NJPW departure caused controversy at the time as he was one half of the IWGP Tag Team Champions. As a result, the company announced that those titles would be vacated. Cobb went on to have his final match in NJPW on April 19 against Hiroshi Tanahashi.
At Backlash, Cobb made his debut by helping Jacob Fatu retain the United States Championship against LA Knight. Cobbâ€s name was quickly changed to JC Mateo, and over the course of the year became part of Solo Sikoaâ€s MFT group with Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Talla Tonga.
On the most recent episode of SmackDown, the MFTs confronted The Wyatt Sicks. The confrontation ended up becoming a brawl, with everyone being thrown out of the ring except for Erik Rowan and Talla Tonga. The two traded blows until Rowan booted Talla out of the ring.
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Bryan Rose
Bryan Rose is an editor from California that has been covering professional wrestling for well over a decade. He officially joined F4WOnline as an editor in 2017.
previous story
There was just a huge week of MLB moves and we’re going to recap all of them here.
Keep a close eye on the Rotoworld Player News page so you donâ€t miss any of the action and letâ€s take a trip around the league.
MLB: New York Mets at Miami Marlins
MLB Free Agent Tracker 2025-26: Latest signings, top players, and biggest offseason deals
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Stay up to date with the MLB free agent market this offseason, including player signings, contract details, and team fits as the 2025-26 Hot Stove heats up.
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D.J. Short
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Devin Williams, Mets Closer?
Devin Williams agreed to a three-year, $51 million contract with the Mets this past Monday and as of now, it looks like he could potentially be their new closer.
While that deal feels like a heavy commitment considering Williams†bloated 4.79 ERA from last season, everything under the hood said he was still the same dominant reliever weâ€ve always known.
His 34.7% strikeout rate was just a shade below his career norms. It was supported by a 99th percentile whiff rate and 97th percentile chase rate. Those all sound great.
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His fastball velocity fell just more than half a tick, but that was after it rose in 2024. It wound up in line with where it sat across 2022 and 2023. Based on his raw pitch movement and Stuff+ grades, there was practically no discernible difference between this and any recent seasons.
So, how did Williams†season feel so catastrophic?
One big problem, he allowed an earned run in five of his first 14 appearances and sat with a 10.03 ERA on May 5th. Relief pitchers donâ€t have the same opportunity (or volume) as starters to erase a poor start to their season. When one gives up that many runs in quick succession, it will irreparably destroy their statline.
From that point on, Williams†had a much more palatable 3.58 ERA over his final 50 1/3 innings.
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Ironically, some of that inflated ERA wasnâ€t totally his fault. Mike Petriello wrote a great piece last month about the potential for a Williams bounceback and shared this stat:
Screenshot 2025-12-05 at 1.57.38 AM.png
So, Williams received no credit to his ERA for stranding those inherited runners, but got crushed for those other runs that scored after he left the game. Just like life itself, sometimes ERA is not fair.
Luckily for the Mets, they may have gotten a relative bargain on Williams†contract due to last seasonâ€s poor results.
If his 2025 fell more in line with the rest of his career, heâ€d likely have been looking at deals similar to the five-year, $100 million ones that Josh Hader and Edwin DÃaz signed over the last few years.
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On top of that, this deal doesnâ€t have an opt-out built in for Williams if heâ€s able to recoup his lost value. It also includes $15 million of deferred money that pushes his luxury tax hit to just under $15 million per year. If he reverts to being an elite closer, this is a coup.
Will he be the Mets†closer though? Reports indicate that the team is still hot on DÃaz despite this signing.
Yet, itâ€s difficult to see them adding what could be the leagueâ€s most expensive contract for a reliever when they just inked Williams to whatâ€s currently the third-most expensive by total value (and fourth most by prorated value after his deferrals).
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Not that the Mets and Steve Cohen canâ€t do that, itâ€s just a question as to if they will. Still, itâ€s likely some other reliever is added to this mix.
Williams is trusted, but not infallible. Heâ€s past 30 years old, has an 11.3% walk rate for his career, and a fastball thatâ€s below average in terms of average velocity for right handed relievers.
A weird trend also developed for him this past season with an increased contact rate on pitches he threw out of the strike zone. For more on that, check out my recent YouTube video talking more about Williams.
As a two-pitch pitcher, itâ€s important that the fastball can still keep hitters honest. Luckily for him, the other of his two pitches may still be the nastiest and most unique in baseball.
If he is the Mets†closer on opening day, thereâ€s an argument he should be one of the first five closers off the board in fantasy drafts.
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Ryan Helsley Redemption
In a similar boat to Williams and the Mets, the Orioles are betting on a Ryan Helsely rebound. After a catastrophic second half in Queens, he signed a two-year, $28 million contract to be the closer in Baltimore. The contract includes an opt-out after the first year.
Helsley came to the Mets as their supposed set-up man at the trade deadline and failed miserably. He allowed 16 earned runs over 20 innings (7.20 ERA) including at least one in nine of his first 16 appearances with the club before being banished to a low leverage role in September.
Some thought the bright lights of New York in a pennant race got to Helsley. He and the team harped on a pitch tipping issue as the root cause of his struggles. Regardless, he was un-pitchable.
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Yet, his fastball still sat near triple digits and his slider had the same movement profile it always did. In terms of stuff, he was practically the same guy that proved himself as one of the best closers in the league with the Cardinals.
He says the pitch tipping is “ironed out†and if thatâ€s the case, heâ€s a great bet to be an effective closer once again. Currently the fifth-highest paid reliever in terms of average annual value, the Orioles clearly think so too. Heâ€s sure to shoot far past his ADP just outside the top-150 over the next month of drafts.
More Hot Stove Quick Hits
â—† Reigning KBO MVP Cody Ponce and the Blue Jays agreed to a three-year, $30 million deal. Ponce returns to the states with a litany of accolades overseas including the Choi-Dong Won Award (KBO equivalent of the Cy Young), MVP, and both single-season and single game strikeout record holder.
More importantly, Ponceâ€s fastball ticked up to an average around 96 MPH and he developed a new kick-change that should help him as a right-handed pitcher against left-handed hitters next season. Plus velocity, a deep repertoire, and a potential back-end rotation spot make him an intriguing deep-sleeper.
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◆ The Reds brought their closer Emilio Pagán back on a one-year, $10 million deal with an option to double up after this year.
Pagán sneakily struck out 30% of the batters he faced last season thanks to a fastball that sat around 96 mph with plus ride and nasty splitter. Heâ€s a good bet to be a solid closer once again.
â—† Starter Johan Oviedo is heading to the Red Sox in exchange for corner outfielder Jhostynxon GarcÃa to the Pirates and a handful of other prospects going in each direction of this trade.
Oviedo has an intriguing fastball, slider combo, just without the ability to ever consistently throw strikes. If his command clicks, he has true mid-rotation upside.
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GarcÃa (aka ‘The Passwordâ€) was blocked by Jarren Duran, Roman Anthony, and Wilyer Abreu in Boston despite some exciting tools. Thereâ€s a chance he could have an outfield spot to call his own in Pittsburgh at some point next season and if so, thereâ€s real power upside in his bat.
â—† Anthony Kay signed with the White Sox as a depth option with his ground ball oriented arsenal and the Angels brought Alek Manoah in for another shot to regain his past form.
â—† The Rays signed Cedric Mullins to a one-year deal that could theoretically cut into speedster Chandler Simpsonâ€s playing time.
â—† World Series hero Miguel Rojas is back with the Dodgers for a well deserved retirement tour.
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â—† Trade rumors have intensified for Joe Ryan, Luis Robert Jr., and Freddy Peralta. There could be a lot of action at the Winter Meetings this week. Make sure to keep up the Rotoworld Player News page so you donâ€t miss any of the action plus live stream and video content here all next week!
One of the biggest questions in the air with the MLB Winter Meetings set to begin in a few days is what the Tigers will do with potential Mets target Tarik Skubal.
Skubal, one of the best pitchers in baseball, is set for free agency after the 2026 season. And it seems like a foregone conclusion that Detroit will not be able to retain him.
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When the Tigers attempted to extend Skubal, it was reportedly not just a non-competitive offer, but one that was relatively insulting. And owner Christopher Ilitchgave a bit of a weird answer a few months ago when asked about a possible Skubal extension.
With that as a backdrop, Buster Olney of ESPN reports that the Tigers “continue to be engaged” with teams that are interested in trading for Skubal.
Olney notes that the asking price for the left-hander is “enormous.”
Skubal is represented by Scott Boras, but the Mets would have the wherewithal to re-sign him in the event they trade for him — something that would make the haul they’d have to part with more palatable.
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For the Mets, it would likely take at least one or two of their best prospects along with much more to get a conversation going for Skubal.
Sep 19, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Brandon Sproat (40) follows through on a pitch against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Citi Field. / Brad Penner-Imagn Images
SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino reported earlier this offseason that the Tigers have expressed interest in Brett Baty in the past.
Skubal, 29, has led the American League in ERA and FIP the last two seasons. And in 2025, he also led the AL in WHIP (0.89), walks per nine (1.5), and strikeout to walk rate (7.30). He carried that into the postseason, when he fired 7.2 one-run innings while striking out 14 in his Wild Card Series start and posted a 2.08 ERA and 0.61 WHIP while fanning 22 batters in 13.0 innings spanning his two starts in the ALDS.
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He has also been a workhorse over the last two years, tossing 192.0 innings in 2024 and 195.1 innings in 2025.
Meanwhile, a look at Skubal’s advanced stats via Baseball Savant illustrates his eye-popping dominance. In 2025, Skubal was in the 92nd percentile or better when it came to xERA, average exit velocity, chase percentage, whiff percentage, strikeout percentage, walk percentage, and hard hit percentage.
Skubal’s stuff — he relies heavily on his 4-seam and sinking fastballs and his changeup — grades out in the 100th percentile.
He’s also relatively inexpensive (for now), expected to make roughly $18 million in 2026 in what is his final season of arbitration.
Both New York clubs are searching for starting pitching this offseason, and two players they are reportedly strongly considering are Tatsuya Imai and Michael King.
The Mets and Yankees are among the most interested in the free agent righties, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
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That certainly doesnâ€t come as a surprise, as both would present a strong addition to either clubs rotation.
Imai, who was posted by the NPBâ€s Seibu Lions this offseason, is coming off a spectacular campaign in which he pitched to a career-best 1.92 ERA and 0.89 WHIP in 163 innings.
His plus-arsenal includes a mid-90s fastball, a splitter, slider, and cutter.
He has until Jan. 2 to sign with a club, and according to a recent report from the Athletic, he is expected to visit with teams upon the end of next weekâ€s Winter Meetings.
Boston, Philly, and the Cubs are also believed to be interested as well.
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King was tremendous in 2024 as he transitioned from the bullpen to a full-time starter, but he battled injuries for most of last season and was limited to just 15 outings with the Padres.
He dealt with a nerve injury in his throwing shoulder, and also lost time due to a knee injury.
The NY native and former Yankee has top of the rotation potential when healthy, but concerns over his durability could result in him landing a short-term deal this offseason.
King could potentially bet on himself with an eye on hitting the market again next winter, but there are several other clubs in the mix for his talents including the Orioles, Tigers, and Marlins.
As the Mets search for a top of the rotation starter, they are “among the favorites” for free agent left-hander Framber Valdez, reports Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
Per Feinsand, the Orioles are also viewed as a top suitor for Valdez.
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In addition to Valdez, Feinsand reports that the Mets are one of the teams most interested in free agent starters Tatsuya Imaiand Michael King.
Additionally, Feinsand links the Mets to Ranger Suarez, but lists his most serious suitors as the Astros, Cubs, and Orioles.
As far as the 32-year-old Valdez, he has been a workhorse over the last four seasons while posting a 3.21 ERA and 1.15 WHIP across 767.2 innings.
After leading the American League in innings pitched in 2022 (201.1 IP), Valdez hasn’t really slowed down. He fired 198.0 innings in 2023, 176.1 innings in 2024, and 192.0 innings this past season.
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His ERA in 2025 was 3.66 — the highest it’s been since 2019, when Valdez was working mostly in relief. But while the ERA was a tick high, there wasn’t much cause for concern elsewhere, as Valdez’s WHIP, hit rate, walk rate, home run rate, and strikeout rate were all right around his career averages.
It’s also worth noting that Valdez has excelled over the course of his career despite never being an advanced stats darling.
Part of the reason why he’s able to perform so well while not blowing hitters away is his elite ground ball rate, which was in the 97th percentile in 2025. Valdez’s sinker — which he relied on 44 percent of the time this past season — also graded out strongly, ranking in the 91st percentile.
When it comes to Valdez’s advanced stats, there are some causes for concern. The biggest one is that his curve ball and slider — his two main secondary pitches — both graded out poorly in 2025. That was a stark difference from the prior three seasons, so perhaps it was just a one-year blip.
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There was also troubling moment with Valdez this past September, when he seemingly intentionally crossed up his catcher in order to hit him with a pitch — and showed no remorse after. For his part, Valdez claimed it was unintentional.
AEW
The November 27 edition of “AEW Collision” didn’t fare well in the ratings and overall viewership, as the numbers for both metrics dipped compared to the previous week.
Last week’s “Collision,” which was the post-Full Gear show, was pre-empted to Thursday, moving away from its usual Saturday night time slot, which seemingly hurt the overall average viewership. “Programming Insider” has reported that the viewership for the show fell from 322,000 — which was also pre-empted, but aired right after “Dynamite” — to 285,000, which is an 11 percent drop. The one positive that AEW can take away from a ratings perspective is that it was 18% higher than the trailing four-week average, as per “Wrestlenomics.”Â
The 18-49 key demographic ratings for the show also fell, marginally, from 0.07 to 0.06 — slightly higher than the four-week average of 0.04. The show reportedly ranked 15th among all cable programs that night. The post-Full Gear “Collision” hasn’t done well when compared to its sister show, “Dynamite,” which grew in the overall viewership.
Last week’s “Collision” featured two Continental Classic matches, as well as three singles matches, which included Eddie Kingston’s win over Katsuyori Shibata. The show will return to its usual Saturday night spot this week, and will air live from the Greater Columbus Convention Center, featuring a host of Continental Classic matches, with the likes of Jon Moxley, Orange Cassidy, and Claudio Castagnoli set to compete on the night.
Manchester United had a strong summer in terms of recruitment, but there are still areas Ruben Amorim would like to address.
The last window saw them bring in Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to boost their attack, and Senne Lammens to solve another problem position between the sticks.
But there are still issues to solve in the centre of the pitch, and reports suggest that this will be the Red Devils’ next focus.
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Manchester United in battle with Real Madrid for young midfielder
The bid could spell bad news for the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte (Image credit: Getty Images)
The two deeper midfielders are still a slight issue, however, with Bruno Fernandes playing an adapted role, and Casemiro alongside him, who has been one of Manchester United’s best players this season. But the Brazilian is not getting any younger and is out of contract at the end of this campaign, while Amorim does not appear sold on Kobbie Mainoo.
It’s for that reason, therefore, that the Old Trafford outfit have launched a bid for Greek midfielder Christos Mouzakitis, according to a report from Sportime.
The 18-year-old plays in the centre of the park for Olympiacos, having appeared in all but two of their Super League games, while racking up five UEFA Champions League outings against the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Arsenal.
Los Blancos, according to the Greek outlet, are the current other main candidates for Mouzakitis’ signature, clearly having enjoyed what they saw in that game.
United are said to have bid €28 million (£25m) for the starlet, with Madrid’s proposal reportedly slightly higher.
Neither, however, have reached Evangelos Marinakis owner Olympiacos’ valuation of €40m, with a figure of €30m thought to be the minimum requirement to bring the Nottingham Forest supremo to the negotiating table.
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Christos Mouzakitis tackles Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United at Barcelona (Image credit: Getty Images)
In FourFourTwo’s opinion, playing with such seniority in a key position for a club like Olympiacos suggests Mouzakitis is an exciting, developing talent.
The fact Madrid are interested only supports that theory, and it’s a position Manchester United could really do with some support in.
More to the point, Brighton have moved decisively into the Greek market over the last year, spending a small fortune on Greek teenage pair Charalampos Kostoulas and Stefanos Tzimas.
The Seagulls rarely get their recruitment wrong, so copying their homework certainly isn’t a bad shout.
Mouzakitis is valued at €15m, according to Transfermarkt. United next face West Ham United in this week’s Premier League action.
Liverpool’s rivalry with Everton is as fierce and deep-seated as they come in English football.
The two clubs, who until this year were separated by the short distance across Stanley Park, are two of the Premier League’s best-supported teams.
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Everton attacker ‘wanted’ by three Premier League clubs – including Liverpool
Everton boss David Moyes will be reluctant to lose one of his top performers, especially to a local rival (Image credit: Getty Images)
Due to the two teams’ local rivalry, though, few players have ever been transferred between the clubs.
In 2000, Nick Barmby completed a highly-controversial move from Everton to Liverpool, becoming the first player to ‘cross the park’ in over 40 years.
Nick Barmby ‘crossed the park’ to sign for Liverpool in 2000 (Image credit: Getty Images)
Two years later, Portuguese defender Abel Xavier made the same switch.
Now, according to French outlet FootMercato, one Everton player is being linked with a similar move after resurrecting his top flight career.
Liverpool have reportedly enquired about the availability of Senegalese forward Iliman Ndiaye, who joined the Toffees from Olympique Marseille back in 2024.
This term, Ndiaye has been one of David Moyes’ best players, playing primarily off the left-wing, starting each of the team’s 13 league fixtures.
FootMercato claim: “Manchester City, Tottenham, and Liverpool have made inquiries about signing the former AS Dakar Sacre-Coeur player.
Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye is a wanted man (Image credit: Getty Images)
“Needing to bring in a new striker in the coming months, these three clubs are interested in recruiting the former Marseille player, who is high on their shortlist.”
Ndiaye has scored 15 goals in 52 outings for Everton, and is much-improved compared to his time at Stade Velodrome where he managed only four goals in 46 games.
English football appears to suit the 25-year-old, who also excelled at Sheffield United prior to his Marseille switch.
SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)…
NXT TV RESULTS
DECEMBER 2, 2025
WINTER PARK, FLA. AT THE CAPITOL WRESTLING CENTER
LIVE ON CW NETWORK
REPORT BY KELLY WELLS, PWTORCH CONTRIBUTOR
NXT Commentators: Vic Joseph, Corey Graves
Ring Announcer: Mike Rome
Backstage Correspondent(s): Sarah Schreiber
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO OUR POST-SHOW PODCAST
-WOMEN’S IRON SURVIVOR MATCH SUMMIT: Ava turned it over to the women. Sol Ruca started by saying last week Ethan Page called her a world champion caliber talent, and although she doesn’t usually care what comes out of his mouth, she said it’s time she started believing it too.
Jordynne Grace said it’s never that simple, and she’s come so close so many times that she can’t let it happen again. Lola Vice said she’s been grinding just as hard and no matter how many times she gets screwed, she still believes in herself. She said if not for Lainey, she’d be a champion right now. Kendal Grey said that the only champion in the ring right now is her, and she’s built on big moments.
Kelani Jordan told her to shut up, and she was booed loudly. She said she’s used to swimming with fish, and now she’s swimming with sharks. She said nobody’s excuses will matter after she wins. The crowd was ridiculously loud when booing her; is there some sort of “loudest fan” contest again? (There really used to be one in NXT; I’m not sure whether it’s still around or not)
Jacy Jayne and her cronies hit the ramp. She said it doesn’t matter, because nobody’s taking the belt from around her itty bitty size 2 waist. She talked down all the women in the ring.
-In the pantry, Joe Hendry and Thea Hail talked about the next time they team up. Stacks and Arianna Grace happened by and mocked them, and they devolved into a pre-teen mocking voice match that led to a match tonight.
-Thea made her entrance ahead of the match with Arianna. [c]
-Ava instructed some security guys to take care of the eight-man later tonight. She then ran upon Fatal Influence, and barred extra women from the ring later tonight.
(1) THEA HAIL (w/Joe Hendry) vs. ARIANNA GRACE (w/Stacks)
The two got going quickly, so this might not be getting a lot of time. As Hail took control, Stacks tried to get involved, but Hendry chokeslammed him on the steps. In the ring, Hail trapped Grace in the Kimura Lock for the immediate tap.
WINNER: Hail in about 2:00.
(Wells’s Analysis: Grace is funny enough that she qualifies as wildly underused. Hard to believe Stacks, even with this quick appearance, is still doing better than anyone else formerly of the Family faction)
-OTM almost go hit by a car in the parking lot that was driven by Uriah Connors & Kale Dixon. Andre Chase tried to smooth things over, but OTM said “next time we see them, it’s on sight.” Chase went to his students and said he didn’t know what on sight means, but OTM sounded pretty pissed off.
-Josh Briggs made his entrance. [c]
-Ava talked with the babyfaces from the Iron Survivor Challenge, and said if any of them scores the pin in the main event, they get to choose their spot in the Iron Survivor Challenge, but if DarkState wins, Dion Lennox gets to choose. Not a bad deal for Dion, honestly.
(2) TAVION HEIGHTS vs. JOSH BRIGGS
The two brawled outside the ring before the bell. Not long after they made it inside, Briggs got a two count after a chokeslam. Things slowed down and Heights hit a waistlock takedown, then another. The two exchanged forearms until Heights caught Briggs with a slick suplex with a leg hooked, right into a two-count. Fireman’s carry takedown by Heights. Briggs gained some separation with a hard right. Heights got dumped, then tried to hop back in, but Briggs kicked him in the mouth (it looked like it may have connected hard). Heights drove Briggs into the barricade, and the crowd said some allegedly naughty words and the show was muted as it went to split-screen commercial. [c]
A side slam got two for Briggs. The big spots before the break were replayed. Briggs kept it slow as he continued the heat sequence with a boot followed by an armbar on the mat. Briggs missed an elbow drop. Heights threw some rights and hit a single-leg dropkick. Briggs again took control and leaned on Heights with some elbows, and then a corner charge and elbow, then another set in the opposite corner. He went for a third, but Heights moved and got some separation with a hip toss. Running lariats by Heights. Heights hit something like a sling blade, then went for a second but ate an elbow. Briggs tried to use a chain but Heights caught him and hit a suplex with a bridge. The ref couldn’t count right away because he was dealing with the chain. Briggs got a foot on the rope at the last moment, and as Heights argued with the official, Briggs hit a hard lariat to finish. Briggs argued with some fans that may have been plants, as they were shown up close for kind of a while.
WINNER: Josh Briggs at 11:35.
(Wells’s Analysis: Really slow stuff here, and I’m glad a match knows how to slow down, but they didn’t spend much time in any other gear. This still feels like a feud that just isn’t going to end, but maybe we’ll get lucky and each guy will be given something new to do)
-Izzi Dame, flanked by the men from The Culling, walked through the back ahead of the next segment. [c]
-The Culling headed to the ring. Izzi took the mic and said she looked out at the crowd, and she gets it. They’re just like Tatum, because none of them want to be alone. The damned loser on the censor button killed about 15 seconds of Dame’s promo because they were busy muting the crowd, so I’m not sure what she was saying. She said she’s the one who gave Tatum a voice and propped her up. She said Tatum was selfish and stubborn. The crowd chanted the beat to the Addams Family theme song, and followed up by “We want Tatum.” Izzi used it and said “I’M the one who made her name worth chanting. She said this Saturday, they’re facing off one on one, and she’s finally going to finish this. She said she’s ending the version of Tatum that refused to Evolve.
The camera cut to Paxley sitting in the old Culling chairs. She asked why Dame took the only steady thing in her life from her. Dame said she became predictable. Izzi told her to come out unless she was scared. Tatum said she was scared because she doesn’t know what she’ll become without Izzi’s hand on her shoulder, and she’s going to have to make Izzi feel all of her pain.
-In the women’s locker room, Sol Ruca apologized for not being there fr Zaria’s match last week. Zaria said Ruca was obviously moving on, referring to the other women she’d be out there with tonight. Kendal Grey told Ruca she’d have her back out there. Wren Sinclair said that meant she’d be there, and although she’s not as scary as Zaria, she’s super supportive, which is kind of her thing. Zaria seethed as the women took off. This is looking like a Zaria villain origin story after all, which is a little irritating because Ruca acted like the heel for so long for it to get here, and really should be the bad one based on what we’ve seen. [c]
-A narrated hype video for the Iron Survivor Challenge laid out the rules of the match.
(3) SOL RUCA & LOLA VICE & KENDAL GREY (w/Wren Sinclair) vs. FATAL INFLUENCE (Jacy Jayne & Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid)
Vice and Reid started the match, but after one shove, all six women got into the ring and jawed, then turned it into a schmoz to get the obligatory mess out of the way. Vice hit a move outside and started her little dance, but Henley flew around the post and booted her in the face in a pretty funny spot. The brawl cleaned up as quickly as it started, and the match really got going.
[HOUR TWO]
Vice battered Reid in the babyface corner, and Ruca was tagged in. Reid got the upper hand fairly quickly and tagged Henley, who dropkicked Ruca for two. Graves called out Henley as perhaps the most underrated talent on the roster (I’m inclined to agree; she never should have stopped being the leader of this faction, though Jayne has learned on the job pretty well). Grey was tagged in and she dominated until Henley booted her in the face and tagged Reid, who ran the ropes and ate a double-underhook suplex. Jayne tagged in and Grey dominated her with some mat wrestling. Jayne put Grey on the apron, and with Jayne taking the ref’s focus, Henley yanked down Grey so she ate the apron. Fatal Influence preened for the camera as the match went to split-screen. [c]
Alek Manoah’s second act will be in Anaheim.
The former Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher has agreed to a one-year, $1.95 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels, according to MLB.com. Both sides will be hoping for a total turn-around for a once-solid pitcher.
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Rewind three years, and Manoah was a finalist for the AL Cy Young Award after a breakout 2022 season, his second with Toronto. At only 24 years old, he seemed to be an ace in the making. Then he suffered one of the most bizarre losses of form in recent MLB history.
In 2023, Manoah went from a 2.26 ERA to a 5.87 mark, becoming unplayable for a team in a playoff race and receiving a demotion to the minors. Despite speculation that an injury was limiting him, MRIs found no structural damage. However, Manoah did receive some injections at the end of the season.
He returned in 2024 and looked decent for five starts, until he tore his UCL and needed surgery. He didn’t pitch again until August of this year and never reached the majors in 2025. He did post a 2.97 ERA in seven starts for Triple-A Buffalo, but that wasn’t enough to prevent the Blue Jays from waiving him. The Atlanta Braves picked him up off waivers but non-tendered him last month.
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It’s something of a surprise that Manoah managed to land a major-league deal, but the Angels apparently believe he can rebound. Anything approaching his 2022 form would make this contract a massive bargain, but that is a humongous “if.”
This is the second step the Angels have taken to reshape a rotation that ranked 28th in MLB last season with a 4.91 ERA. Last month, they picked up Grayson Rodriguez, another once-promising starter making his way back from major elbow surgery, in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles.