WWE

Randy Orton Turns on Cody Rhodes in Shocking SmackDown Finale

The March 13 episode of SmackDown ended in chaos as Randy Orton turned heel, brutally attacking Cody Rhodes during their contract signing segment for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42. What began as a respectful exchange quickly escalated into a bloody confrontation, with Orton embracing his "Viper" persona and leaving Rhodes in a pool of his own blood. This turn is significant because it reestablishes Orton as a top heel and adds intense drama to the WrestleMania card, particularly as fans have been rallying behind Rhodes after his recent title win [1][2][3][4][5][6][7].

Tribute to Davey Coates

WWE mourns the loss of Davey Coates, a veteran production manager who played a crucial role in the company's global operations. Tributes have poured in from colleagues and wrestlers alike, highlighting his contributions, including his work during the pandemic to keep NXT UK running. Coates' passing is a reminder of the many unsung heroes in the wrestling industry whose efforts often go unnoticed [16][17][18][19][20].

WrestleMania 42 Watch Party Blackout Lifted

In a surprising turn, WWE has lifted the local blackout preventing venues in Las Vegas from hosting WrestleMania 42 watch parties. After backlash from fans and venue owners, the decision allows local establishments to broadcast the event, which is expected to boost viewership and engagement in the area. This is crucial for WWE, especially considering recent reports of lackluster ticket sales for the event [24][25][26][27][28].

Drew McIntyre's Rollercoaster SmackDown

Drew McIntyre opened SmackDown by announcing he had "quit" WWE following his loss to Cody Rhodes, expressing frustration with management. However, he made a dramatic return later in the show, further complicating his storyline with Jacob Fatu and setting up a match for next week. This back-and-forth keeps fans guessing about McIntyre's trajectory leading into WrestleMania [33][34][35][36][37].

Bella Twins Return and Tag Team Title Chaos

The Bella Twins made a surprise return on SmackDown, immediately inserting themselves into the Women's Tag Team Championship scene by interfering in a title match. Their involvement signals a potential shift in the division's landscape, with the twins declaring themselves next in line for a shot at the titles. This return could reignite interest in the women's tag team division as WrestleMania approaches [41][42][43][44].

Upcoming Matches on WWE Raw

WWE has announced a match between Natalya and Maxxine Dupri for the March 16 episode of Raw, following a heated rivalry that has seen tensions escalate. This match adds to an already stacked card as WWE gears up for the "3:16 Day" celebrations [49][50][51].

AEW

AEW Dynamite Ratings Drop Ahead of Revolution

AEW Dynamite's ratings hit a six-week low in the key 18-49 demographic as the company approaches its Revolution pay-per-view. The show averaged 619,000 viewers, a drop of nearly 5% from the previous week. This decline raises questions about the current state of storytelling and character development in AEW as it heads into one of its marquee events [231][232][233].

Tony Khan Announces Revolution Sellout

In a positive note, AEW President Tony Khan confirmed that Revolution is officially sold out, boasting a $1 million live gate. This success underscores the company's growing popularity and the anticipation surrounding the event, which features multiple championship matches [234][235][236].

AEW Collision Preview

Tonight's episode of AEW Collision serves as the final stop before Revolution, featuring a lineup that includes Andrade El Idolo facing Mascara Dorada and other exciting matchups. This go-home show is crucial for building last-minute hype as fans prepare for the big event [239][240][241] .

NJPW

New Japan Cup Advances

The New Japan Cup continued on March 14, with Zack Sabre Jr. and Shota Umino securing their spots in the quarterfinals. This tournament remains a highlight of the NJPW calendar, showcasing the promotion's top talent in a competitive format that has historically led to breakout performances [273][274].

TNA

Steph De Lander Returns to the Ring

After a tumultuous exit from TNA, Steph De Lander is set to make her in-ring return this weekend. Her comeback is highly anticipated as she looks to re-establish herself in the wrestling world following her departure from TNA [277][278].

Lucha Libre

AAA Rey de Reyes Predictions

AAA's Rey de Reyes event is set to take place tonight, featuring Dominik Mysterio defending his Mega Championship against El Hijo del Vikingo. The stakes are incredibly high, as a loss for Mysterio would mean he can never challenge for the title again. This match is expected to be a major highlight of the AAA calendar [279][280][281][282].

Looking Ahead

As we head into a pivotal weekend for both WWE and AEW, fans can expect significant developments in ongoing storylines. WrestleMania 42 is just around the corner, and with major matches being set, including Rhodes vs. Orton and Ripley vs. Cargill, the stakes have never been higher. Meanwhile, AEW's Revolution promises to deliver a packed card that could reshape the landscape of the promotion.

Keep an eye on developments from both promotions as they ramp up for their respective events!