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WWE Eyeing TNA Acquisition 🤔, Sting Retiring Face Paint 🎨, JBL Clotheslines Cardona 🤠

WWE Eyeing TNA Acquisition 🤔, Sting Retiring Face Paint 🎨, JBL Clotheslines Cardona 🤠

Wrestling Crossword - Famous Arenas

January 24, 2025

Friday, January 24th, 2025

🧠 Weekly Crossword 🏟️

It’s time to play the game… a crossword. This week’s crossword takes you to the most legendary locations in wrestling history. These arenas have been the backdrop for unforgettable matches, iconic rivalries, and moments that changed the industry forever. Test your knowledge and see if you can remember the places that made wrestling magic happen.

Play it here

🗓️ On This Day

January 24, 1999 - Mr. McMahon Shocks the Rumble!

26 years ago today, WWE presented the Royal Rumble: No Chance in Hell from the Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, California. The event became infamous for Vince McMahon’s shocking victory in the Royal Rumble match. Entering at No. 2 alongside his nemesis ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, McMahon spent most of the match avoiding the action outside the ring. In the end, with help from The Rock, McMahon eliminated Austin to secure an unlikely victory, becoming the first man to win the Rumble after eliminating only one competitor.

Earlier in the night, The Rock recaptured the WWF Championship from Mankind in a brutal and controversial I Quit match. This match had an all-time incredible promo (that would never fly today) with an absolutely ruthless match which featured relentless chair shots (that would never fly today). It cemented its place in history as one of the most violent encounters of the Attitude Era.

Here’s what Mick Foley said about it last year:

“Last week, I had a chance to watch my infamous #IQuit match with Dwayne The Rock Johnson in its entirety for the first time in many years – probably 20. My main take away is – while acknowledging the finish with the multiple chair shots was excessive – the rest of the match was really good, and very enjoyable. There was a really nice combination of hard-hitting action and humor, with the Rock’s work on the mic eliciting genuine laughs from the fans I watched the match back with. I have to say, our in-ring chemistry was always so good!

While watching the match, I noticed a possible missed opportunity for a very unique and creative finish… not that the finish that aired wasn’t unique and creative, but it was a tad (or more than a tad) on the brutal side. Mere seconds before The Rock puts the microphone to my mouth, HE actually DOES say the words, “I Quit”….

I think the actual quote was “You will say I Quit.” No one ever said exactly how, or in what context you have to say “I Quit”… Right there among the crowd last week, I thought what an amazing and ridiculous finish that would’ve been with The Rock losing the match to an unconscious opponent.

Just a little something to think about as we celebrate that infamous match that took place 25 years ago today…”

Beyond The Mat documented this match later in 1999. Here’s a clip from the documentary, but the full movie is worth a watch.

🔮 WWE Smackdown Preview

WWE Smackdown airs tonight at 8pm on The USA Network.

WWE

🤠 JBL Appears on TNA Impact Live
JBL made a surprise appearance during the main event of TNA Impact Live, interfering in Joe Hendry vs. Matt Cardona. He hit a Clothesline from Hell on Cardona, preventing him from using the TNA World Title as a weapon.

🌟 Wes Lee and More NXT Superstars Appear on TNA Impact Live
Wes Lee and other NXT stars made unexpected appearances on TNA Impact Live, fueling speculation about the evolving crossover between WWE and TNA.

WHAT THE HELL IS @WesLee_WWE doing here!?
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: watch.tnawrestling.com/signup
Get one month FREE with code: NXTNA
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA)
2:16 AM • Jan 24, 2025

📺 WWE Reportedly Looking to Buy TNA to Block AEW’s TV Expansion
Dave Meltzer reported WWE’s rumored interest in acquiring TNA is partly to prevent AEW from securing international TV deals. Meltzer noted, “They want to make sure it’s not AEW on those stations...I know people close to the situation who think that it’s gonna end up with WWE owning them.”

⏳ Malakai Black Reportedly Done with AEW, Not Available for Royal Rumble
According to PWI, Malakai Black is officially leaving AEW but won’t be a free agent in time for the Royal Rumble. He’s expected to be available for bookings starting in February or March.

AEW

⚡ Konosuke Takeshita Issues Challenge for AEW Collision Homecoming
Konosuke Takeshita laid down a challenge for AEW Collision Homecoming, setting the stage for what promises to be a high-stakes showdown.

EXCLUSIVE: AEW International Champion @Takesoup and @TheDonCallis call out @K_Shibata2022 for a showdown this Saturday on #AEWCollision!
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW)
2:16 AM • Jan 24, 2025

🎨 Sting Announces End of Face Paint at Full Gear
Sting revealed his iconic face paint will be retired at Full Gear. He also announced fan convention appearances and a licensing deal ahead of his highly anticipated retirement.

I have enjoyed meeting fans at events around the world.
As much as I have loved interacting with you all in the traditional Stinger war paint, I’ve decided that 2025 will be my last year appearing in full gear.
I guess it’s 2025 or never. Wow. Tough to speak that out.
— Sting (@Sting)
8:41 PM • Jan 23, 2025

🚀 Will Ospreay Reflects on Dynamite Spot: “That’s the Highest Thing I’ve Ever Jumped Off”
Will Ospreay shared his thoughts on his daring jump from Dynamite, calling it the highest spot he’s ever attempted. Fans and peers alike continue to marvel at his fearless performance.