The Triple Threader - Feb. 12, 2024
Welcome to the Triple Threader, covering the three stories from the world of professional wrestling.
“Your hero f***ed around and found out...” - The Rock (Courtesy: WWE)
The Slap
The road to WrestleMania 40 got rocked (no pun intended) with the events of its kickoff show in Las Vegas during Super Bowl week. Undisputed Champion Roman Reigns chose The Rock to face off for the title at the Showcase of the Immortals, but Royal Rumble winner Cody Rhodes – who earned the right to choose either the World Heavyweight or WWE Title – picked the Tribal Chief for the big event. The Rock, Roman, and Rhodes exchanged heated words and invoked each other’s families before the Great One slapped the American Nightmare, triggering a furious, profanity-filled melee that got even World Champion Seth Rollins involved. On this past Friday’s SmackDown, Chief Content Officer Triple H made it clear: the champ doesn’t choose the match and he will face the Nightmare.
Scott D’Amore making his entrance. (Courtesy: TNA Wrestling/AXS TV)
D’Amore out
This past Wednesday, a stunning change in management took place as Anthony Cicione replaced Scott D’Amore as president of TNA Wrestling. An excerpt of the press release from Anthem Sports & Entertainment, the promotion’s parent company, said the following; “Cicione replaces Scott D’Amore, whose contract with Anthem has been terminated. D’Amore has been a part of TNA since 2003. He held many key leadership positions and played a vital role in the growth of the company leading to its strong industry reputation today, including the successful return of the TNA Wrestling brand in 2024. Anthem thanks him for the commitment he brought to the business, the talent, and the people who work outside the ring.”
The graphic for AEW Big Business. (Courtesy: All Elite Wrestling)
Standing on Big Business
This past Wednesday on Dynamite was one to talk about. Sting won his 25th overall title, as he and Darby Allin became the new AEW World Tag Team Champions. However, the celebration was cut short by the new-attitude Young Bucks. In addition, Swerve Strickland and Hangman Adam Page wrestled to a time limit draw to kick off that episode. Tony Schiavone later announced that both men will challenge Samoa Joe for the AEW World Championship at AEW Revolution on March 6. The company’s CEO Tony Khan would also announce a new Dynamite event titled “Big Business” on Wednesday, March 13. According to multiple reports, they expect Mercedes Mone (formerly known as Sasha Banks) to show up at that event.
