Shawn Michaels Says He Won't Wrestle Again amid WWE Rumors About Kevin Owens Match
Dec 22, 2022
LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 08: WWE personality Shawn Michaels appears at a news conference announcing the WWE Network at the 2014 International CES at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas on January 8, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The network will launch on February 24, 2014 as the first-ever 24/7 streaming network, offering both scheduled programs and video on demand. The USD 9.99 per month subscription will include access to all 12 live WWE pay-per-view events each year. CES, the world's largest annual consumer technology trade show, runs through January 10 and is expected to feature 3,200 exhibitors showing off their latest products and services to about 150,000 attendees. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Shawn Michaels' in-ring career is definitely over.
In an interview on the Culture State podcast (h/t Robert Gunier of Wrestling Inc.), the Heartbreak Kid addressed a recent report that he talked about potentially doing one more match after seeing Stone Cold Steve Austin take on Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 38.
"Yeah, I've had that final match. Nope," he said. "No, father time waits on no man. I'm good. I'm unbelievably happy with my career and it is now time to watch the next generation flourish."
According to Fightful Select (h/t H Jenkins of Ringside News), Michaels spoke with Owens about the WrestleMania match and told him "he'd be lying if he didn't think about doing another match" at some point.
After losing a retirement match to The Undertaker at WrestleMania 26, Michaels remained adamant for years that he wanted to honor the stipulation.
WWE got Michaels back into the ring one more time in a tag match with Triple H against The Undertaker and Kane at Crown Jewel in November 2018. The match was widely panned, with all four legends looking their age. It didn't help that Triple H suffered a torn pectoral muscle during the match.
Despite the one final bout as part of D-Generation X, Michaels did tell the Challenge Mania podcast (h/t Sean Rueter of Cageside Seats) he doesn't think that counts as an official match because the event was a "glorified house show."
The Showstopper revealed on the Sam Roberts Wrestling Podcast in 2017 he was offered a match against AJ Styles at WrestleMania 33 (h/t Dan Garland of SI.com) but said he turned it down.
If Michaels was going to do one more match, that probably would have been the time to do it. He's 57 years old now and has been the head of creative for NXT since September.
Listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot wrestling topics. Catch the latest episode in the player below (warning: profanity).
Travis Hunter to Transfer to Colorado After Deion Sanders Hire; Former No. 1 Recruit
Dec 22, 2022
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 17: Travis Hunter #12 of the Jackson State Tigers reacts after pulling in a touchdown reception against the North Carolina Central Eagles during the second half of the Cricket Celebration Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 17, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Jackson State cornerback Travis Hunter is following Deion Sanders to Colorado, he announced Wednesday, the first day of the early signing period.
It didn't take long for the former No. 1 recruit to make a decision on his next destination as he revealed just two days ago that he would be entering the transfer portal.
Hunter said in a YouTube video posted to his channel, per Sam Cooper of Yahoo Sports:
"I committed to Coach Prime at Jackson State when he was there and I want to honor my commitment and stay with him. I felt like I learned a lot with him at Jackson State so I'm going to stick with him so I can continue to grind, continue to show love, continue to put the work in so I can get to the next level."
Colorado announced the arrival of Sanders as its next head coach earlier this month, and the Pro Football Hall of Famer indicated that he planned to bring other top-tier talent with him to revive a Buffaloes squad that finished 1-11 this season.
Hunter joins quarterback Shedeur Sanders, the son of Deion Sanders, as the latest former Jackson State Tiger to commit to Colorado. Shedeur Sanders also made his transfer decision official on Wednesday.
Hunter, who was listed as the No. 1 recruit in the 2022 class, initially committed to Florida State as a high school prospect before flipping his commitment to Jackson State.
As a true freshman in 2022, the 19-year-old proved to be impactful on both sides of the ball. He posted two interceptions, 10 pass breakups and one fumble recovery while playing as a defensive back. The 6'1" star also caught 18 passes for 188 yards and four touchdowns as a receiver.
It's reasonable to believe Hunter will play a similar role under Sanders in Colorado given his speed and talent.
Before committing to Colorado, Hunter was also considering Georgia, per 247Sports recruiting analyst Rusty Mansell. He added Miami and USC were looking to get in the mix for the speedster.
MLB Rumors: Michael Conforto Interests Giants After Failed Carlos Correa Contract
Dec 21, 2022
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 02: Michael Conforto #30 of the New York Mets reacts with teammates after hitting a ball deep for a home run during the eighth inning of the game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on October 2, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
After losing out on star shortstop Carlos Correa, the San Francisco Giants are left to scour the open market for free agents who can improve their roster.
According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, the Giants have "some interest" in veteran outfielder Michael Conforto, who hasn't played since the 2021 season.
The Giants had reached an agreement with Correa on a 13-year, $350 million deal, which would have tied Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper for the longest contract in MLB history. However, Correa's agent told Jon Heyman of the New York Post that San Francisco had a "difference of opinion" regarding Correa's physical examination.
The hesitation from the Giants opened the door for Boras to engage in negotiations with the New York Mets, and Correa was signed to a $12-year, $315 million contract overnight. Slusser noted that Conforto is also represented by Boras.
Conforto underwent surgery on his shoulder in April and decided to sit out the 2022 season with hopes of returning in 2023. The 29-year-old played the first seven years of his career with the Mets after making his major-league debut in 2015. He rejected a qualifying offer from New York after the 2021 season.
The last time Conforto was on the field, he put up some of the worst numbers of his career. In 2021, he hit .232/.344/.384 with 14 home runs and 55 RBI in 125 games.
The Giants aren't alone in their interest in Conforto. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported on Monday that the Mets, Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays were all pursuing the veteran outfielder.
5-Star Edge Damon Wilson Commits to Georgia over Ohio State, Alabama
Dec 21, 2022
COLUMBIA, MO - OCTOBER 01: A view of the Georgia Bulldogs football logo on an equipment bag before an SEC game between the Georgia Bulldogs and Missouri Tigers on October 1, 2022 at Memorial Stadium at Faurot Field in Columbia, MO. Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Damon Wilson, a 5-star edge-rusher, announced Wednesday that he has committed to the Georgia Bulldogs.
He chose to join the Bulldogs over Ohio State and Alabama:
Another win for Georgia‼️ 🐶
Damon Wilson, the No. 3 DE in the 2023 ESPN 300, selected the Dawgs over Ohio State and Alabama! pic.twitter.com/LOpMvxCQGw
Wilson is a 5-star prospect in the class of 2023 out of Venice, Florida. He is ranked as the 13th-best prospect in the country and the second-best edge rusher, per 247Sports' composite ratings.
The only edge-rusher ranked above him is Keon Keeley, who signed his letter of intent with Alabama on Wednesday.
247Sports' Southeast recruiting analyst Andrew Ivins provided a scouting report on the 6'4", 230-pound edge rusher out of Venice High School:
One of the best pure pass rushers in the class of 2023. Can not only win with his initial burst, but is also skilled at chopping, dipping and ripping his way around the corner. ... Has what it takes to emerge as an impact player for a College Football Playoff contender. Might not be the longest cat, but testing profile (4.5 in the short shuttle to go along with a broad jump over 10 feet) and high success rate when it comes to getting home likely to have NFL talent evaluators buzzing one day.
Georgia has had one of the best defenses in the nation over the last several seasons. Wilson will now join a talented Bulldogs 2023 class that includes 5-star cornerback AJ Harris and number of 4-star recruits.
Wilson should hit the ground running in his freshman season at Georgia..
Lakers Reportedly Seeking Additional Opinions on Anthony Davis' Foot Injury
Dec 21, 2022
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 11: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on December 11, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers are seeking additional opinions on Anthony Davis' foot injury, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin on Wednesday.
Davis continues to receive treatment on his foot and is not wearing a boot, McMenamin added.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Sunday that Davis was expected to miss "multiple weeks" because of a right foot injury. He had exited Los Angeles' win over the Denver Nuggets at halftime last Friday after his leg collided with Nuggets star Nikola Jokić.
Davis had been playing some of the best basketball of his career before being sidelined. The 29-year-old led the Lakers with averages of 27.4 points, 12.1 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and 1.3 steals while shooting a career-best 59.4 percent from the field. Los Angeles had started the season 2-10, but Davis powered the team to a 10-4 stretch before he was injured.
The No. 1 overall pick in 2012, Davis is one of the best talents in the NBA. However, the Kentucky product has developed a reputation for his inability to stay on the court. He appeared in 76 games in the previous two seasons combined.
Any absence by Davis is a major blow to the Lakers, who have struggled to compete against elite teams for much of the year.
While Davis is out, Thomas Bryant will be inserted into the starting lineup. The sixth-year big man has averages of 10.3 points and 4.6 rebounds in 16 appearances this season. Lakers star LeBron James could also see time as a small-ball 5, which is a position he's familiar with.
Report: Troy Weaver, Pistons Agree to Contract Extension; Has Been GM Since 2020
Dec 21, 2022
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JULY 30: Detroit Pistons general manager Troy Weaver looks on during the press conference on July 30, 2021 at the Pistons Performance Center in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
The Detroit Pistons have signed general manager Troy Weaver to a contract extension, per Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic.
Weaver is in his third season with the team after arriving in June 2020 following 12 years in the Oklahoma City Thunder front office.
The Pistons currently have the worst record in the NBA at 8-25 entering Wednesday.
Detroit has been near the bottom of the standings since Weaver arrived, going 20-52 in 2020-21 and 23-59 last year. The organization's last winning record came in 2015-16, while the last playoff win came in 2008.
Despite the struggles on the court, Weaver has been praised for his ability to flip a roster full of aging players while building a promising young core on the current squad.
After moving on from veterans like Derrick Rose and Blake Griffin, the Pistons have added quality prospects like Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren over the past three years.
The few veterans on the current roster, like Bojan Bogdanović and Alec Burks, have been productive, making them potential trade pieces before the Feb. 9 deadline.
Detroit also has a lot of financial flexibility with the second-most cap space in the NBA heading into next year, per Spotrac.
The latest extension gives Weaver a vote of confidence to continue his long-term approach as he tries to build the Pistons into a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference.
5-Star EDGE Prospect Matayo Uiagalelei Commits to Oregon over Ohio State and USC
Dec 21, 2022
The next Uiagalelei knows where he will play college football.
Matayo Uiagalelei, who is the younger brother of former Clemson and current transfer portal quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei, announced he will join the Oregon Ducks as part of their 2023 recruiting class on Wednesday.
The news came after another 5-star recruit, safety Peyton Bowen, also announced his commitment to Oregon.
Uiagalelei, who checks in at 6'5" and 265 pounds, is a 5-star prospect, per 247Sports' composite rankings. He is also the No. 31 overall player, No. 5 edge rusher and No. 4 player from the state of California in his class.
He was recruited by the likes of Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia, Clemson and Texas, which is a who's who list of some of the best programs in all of college football. In December, he trimmed his list to the Buckeyes, USC and Oregon.
It is no surprise the Tigers initially drew interest given his family's connections, but the fact the other annual College Football Playoff contenders were also in on his recruitment hints at his potential.
Uiagalelei played tight end and defensive end at the high-school level, even though he projects to play on the defensive side in college.
The athleticism that helps him run routes as a pass-catcher also allows him to blow past offensive tackles off the edge on defense. Throw in the strength to bulldoze his way through blockers and throw off the rushing attack or passing game, and it is easy to envision him as a defensive game-changer for the Ducks.
He stood out at multiple camps featuring some of the best prospects in the country while showing off that combination of physicality and explosiveness.
Uiagalelei figures to only get better as he enters a college program and adds even more strength while honing his game.
If he does, he can become one of the country's most dominant defensive playmakers early in his career for Oregon.
The Ducks looked like possible Pac-12 title contenders at times during head coach Dan Lanning's first year in 2022, but the defense proved to be a problem at times. It allowed 49 points to Georgia, 37 points to Washington and 38 points to Oregon State in its three regular-season losses, which prevented it from competing for a conference crown.
Consistently landing defensive playmakers like Uiagalelei is the best way to avoid such performances in the future.
49ers' George Kittle Open to Wrestling; WWE Rumors on Roman Reigns and Bronson Reed
Dec 21, 2022
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 15: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter of the game at Lumen Field on December 15, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Christopher Mast/Getty Images)
Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news from the WWE Universe.
George Kittle Open to Wrestling
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle could be the next NFL player to try his hand at professional wrestling.
Appearing on KNBR's Murph and Mac show (h/t Andre Porter of Ringside News), Kittle said he is "open to all opportunities" when asked about stepping into the squared circle at some point.
Rob Gronkowski, Lawrence Taylor, Steve McMichael and Goldberg are among the many former gridiron stars who have made their presence felt in wrestling.
Kittle doesn't hide his wrestling fandom. The three-time Pro Bowler pays tribute to AEW star Penta El Zero Miedo's "zero fear" hand gesture whenever he makes a first down during games.
Penta gave Kittle a custom mask when the 49ers played the Arizona Cardinals in Mexico City for Monday Night Football on Nov. 21.
It will likely be a little while before Kittle is able to get in the ring, if he ever does. The 29-year-old is preparing for the postseason after helping the 49ers win the NFC West for the first time since 2019.
WWE Taped Roman Reigns' Raw Segment
Even though Monday's episode of Raw was built around The Bloodline taking over the red brand, the group's leader wasn't actually on the show.
Per Fightful Select (h/t Sunil Joseph of Ringside News), Roman Reigns' segment at the start of the show was filmed during Friday's SmackDown taping.
Monday's show kicked off with the Tribal Chief warning Kevin Owens that he would need more help than just John Cena to take out the Bloodline. The segment continued by showing Sami Zayn and Solo Sikoa beating up Mustafa Ali in the locker room.
It was pretty apparent that Reigns wasn't at the building, otherwise he would have come out in front of the live crowd. When Zayn and the Usos were in the ring for a promo later in the show without the group's leader, it seemed like a tipoff he didn't make the trip to Des Moines, Iowa.
Even without Reigns at the arena, the Bloodline were all over the show. Zayn defeated A.J. Styles with an assist from Sikoa. The Usos didn't fare as well, losing a tag match to Owens and Seth Rollins.
Reigns will be back on TV for the Dec. 30 episode of Friday Night SmackDown when he teams with Zayn to take on Owens and John Cena in a tag match. It will be Cena's first television bout since he lost to Reigns at SummerSlam in August 2021.
Triple H Prioritized Bronson Reed
Bronson Reed made his return to WWE on Monday to help The Miz beat Dexter Lumis in their ladder match.
Per Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select (h/t H Jenkins of Ringside News), Triple H considered Reed a "priority hire" when he took over as WWE's chief content officer.
Since taking over as the top creative voice in the company over the summer, Triple H has brought back several superstars who were released by Vince McMahon in recent years.
Reed joins a group of returning superstars that includes Dakota Kai, Karrion Kross, Scarlett, Braun Strowman, Bray Wyatt, Emma, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson.
WWE originally signed Reed in 2019 and assigned him to NXT. Triple H clearly saw a lot in the Australian big man because he defeated Johnny Gargano to win the NXT North American championship in May 2021.
Reed was released by the promotion three months later. He has since been working for New Japan Pro Wrestling, with Sapp noting the promotion was "hopeful" it would have been able to keep Reed.
It will be interesting to see how the pairing of Reed and Miz works out. A number of the stars Triple H has brought back haven't made a huge impact thus far, but there's nothing wrong with having more depth on the roster to build around.
Listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot wrestling topics. Catch the latest episode in the player below (warning: profanity).
Hawks GM Landry Fields Replaces Travis Schlenk as President of Basketball Operations
Dec 21, 2022
Atlanta Hawks general manager Landry Fields speaks during a news conference, Friday, July 1, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta Hawks general manager Landry Fields is replacing Travis Schlenk as the team's president of basketball operations.
Throughout this season, Tony and I have had multiple, honest conversations about some of the personal things I've been going through and how I've been feeling, and I appreciate the counsel he has provided me as well as the opportunity he gave me six seasons ago to be a first-time general manager. As we enter a new year, the timing feels right for me to take a step back, reflect and prioritize my family.
The move comes as the Hawks are off to a disappointing 16-15 start that has them seventh in the Eastern Conference. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski referenced what could be Fields' first big piece of business in his new position:
Schlenk has multiple years left on his contract, and will remain in the organization working with owner Tony Ressler, sources said. Fields was promoted to GM in June and will step up and take on a larger role now. Hawks are 16-15 and remain engaged in trade talks on John Collins. https://t.co/6RySqItJgO
Fields has had a rapid ascension in the front office. He was only just promoted from assistant general manager to GM in June, and now he'll be running the show.
The 34-year-old is inheriting what appears to be a difficult challenge.
Schlenk did well to accelerate the Hawks' rebuild. Their run to the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals doesn't happen without the arrivals of Bogdan Bogdanović and Danilo Gallinari.
The downside of the playoff run was that it significantly raised expectations for the organization and gave the front office the wrong idea about the roster it had.
In the aftermath of the 2021 postseason, John Collins got a five-year, $125 million extension and Kevin Huerter got a four-year, $65 million deal. Huerter has already been shipped out to the Sacramento Kings, and Collins is the source of trade speculation as well.
The Dejounte Murray trade also reflected the increased pressure Schlenk felt to atone for a first-round exit in 2021-22. You give up three first-round draft picks for a player when you think you've found the final piece of the puzzle.
Murray is averaging 20.6 points and 6.1 assists through 26 games, but the trade isn't working out as planned with the team out of the top six in the East. And the front office is now without the kind of assets that could land another difference-maker on the squad.
You also have the reported tension between star guard Trae Young and head coach Nate McMillan. On top of being active prior to the Feb. 9 trade deadline, Fields could plausibly be looking for a new coach before the end of this season.
Even if Wednesday's move was something Schlenk had been considering for some time, he's stepping down at an opportune time for himself.
The year 2022 brought with it unforgettable, jaw-dropping performances by top stars in WWE and AEW. From seething promos to unforgettable returns and...