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AEW's Chris Jericho Lands Leading Role in 'Dark Match' Horror Movie
Dec 16, 2022
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 14: Chris Jericho attends the Saban Films' "Jay & Silent Bob Reboot" Los Angeles Premiere at TCL Chinese Theatre on October 14, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images)
AEW star Chris Jericho is playing the lead in an upcoming horror movie entitled Dark Match.
According to Andreas Wiseman of Deadline.com, filming for Dark Match recently wrapped in Edmonton, which is fitting since Jericho is a native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
The film is written and directed by Lowell Dean, produced by John MacDonald and backed by Dept. 9 Studios.
Joining Jericho in the cast are Ayisha Issa, Steven Ogg, Sara Canning, Michael Eklund and Jonathan Cherry.
Jericho is seemingly a perfect fit for the movie since it puts a horror-related spin on his craft of professional wrestling. Per Wiseman, the plot sees a small wrestling company accept a large payout to put on a show in a backwoods town, however, the wrestlers soon learn that something sinister is at work since the town is run by a cult leader.
The 52-year-old Jericho has previous acting experience, primarily appearing in comedies such as MacGruber, Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! and Jay and Silent Bob Reboot, although he did recently get more involved in the horror genre, appearing in KillRoy Was Here and Terrifier 2 this year.
Jericho has also long been the lead singer of the rock band Fozzy, plus he has been a pro wrestler since 1990.
He is perhaps best known for his runs in WCW from 1996 to 1999 and WWE, where he wrestled on and off from 1999 until 2018.
Jericho shocked the wrestling world by signing with AEW in 2019, and he eventually became the inaugural AEW world champion. Jericho also held the ROH World Championship, and remains one of AEW's top stars.
Listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot wrestling topics. Catch the latest episode in the player below.
Tiger Woods: Playing with Son Charlie More Important Than Letting Foot Injury Heal
Dec 16, 2022
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 16: Charlie Woods and Tiger Woods of the United States walk on the 11th green during the pro-am prior to the PNC Championship at Ritz-Carlton Golf Club on December 16, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Tiger Woods is still recovering from plantar fasciitis in his right foot, but it won't stop him from taking part in the PNC Championship this weekend in Orlando, Florida, alongside his son, Charlie.
"You know, I don't really care about that [a delayed recovery]," Woods told reporters Friday. "I think being there with and alongside my son is far more important, and [getting] to have a chance to have this experience with him is far better than my foot being a little creaky."
The annual tournament provides a chance for major champions to compete alongside family members. Team Woods finished second last year behind John Daly and his son, John Daly II.
Tiger and Charlie took part in Friday's pro-am at Ritz-Carlton Golf Club and showcased plenty of similarities on the tee:
Though Tiger was limping during the pro-am, he will be able to use a cart during the 36-hole event.
The 46-year-old also participated in Capital One's The Match last Saturday alongside Rory McIlroy, losing to Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas. All competitors were allowed to use a cart in that event as well.
Woods missed most of last season while recovering from a February 2021 car crash. He entered The Open Championship at St. Andrews but missed the cut and hasn't took part in an official event since. The superstar was expected to return for the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas, but the foot injury caused him to withdraw.
Despite his physical issues, Woods is excited to play alongside Charlie.
"Any time I get a chance to spend time with my son, it's always special," he said Friday. "And to do it in a competitive forum, the last couple of years have been magical, and to be able to do it again, we're looking forward to it."
WWE Rumors on Mandy Rose's Release, WrestleMania 39 Plans and Shotzi's Injury Status
Dec 16, 2022
Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news from the WWE Universe.
Some in WWE Reportedly Claim Rose Asked for Release
In the wake of Mandy Rose's reported release from WWE this week, new details are emerging regarding what led up to it.
According to Fightful Select (h/t Manik Aftab of Ringside News), some within WWE have said Rose requested her release from the company two weeks ago, although there has been no legitimate confirmation of those claims.
Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp broke the news of Rose's release Wednesday, reporting that WWE made the decision that some of the content she posted on her FanTime page was believed to be "outside of the parameters" of her contract.
Rose posted explicit photos and videos on FanTime behind a paywall, although some of her content was leaked onto social media.
The reported decision to release Rose came one day after she dropped the NXT Women's Championship to Roxanne Perez on Tuesday night's episode of NXT.
Rose had held the title for 413 days, which is the third-longest NXT Women's Championship reign of all time, and her loss seemed sudden.
Despite her apparent release, Bryan Alvarez of Wrestling Observer Live (h/t Subhojeet Mukherjee of Ringside News) reported this week that WWE remains open to bringing her back at some point if the two sides can get back on the same page.
While the terms of her potentially returning were not reported, it seems likely that WWE would want her to either get rid of her FanTime page or tone down the content because of its status as a PG product geared toward children.
For now, Rose is a free agent, meaning she could potentially test the waters with other companies such as All Elite Wrestling or Impact Wrestling.
WWE Reportedly Weighing Multiple WrestleMania Ideas
WrestleMania 39 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, is less than four months away, and WWE is reportedly still considering many different potential matches and moments for the show.
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Mukherjee), WWE is batting around "multiple ideas," and every top talent in the company is being considered for "multiple different things" at the event.
While many possible matches have been speculated about, WWE has yet to announce anything for WrestleMania or give any true indication regarding what direction they are leaning in.
The most popular match that has been discussed by fans is undisputed WWE universal champion Roman Reigns going up against his real-life cousin, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
WWE hasn't so much as teased Reigns vs. The Rock, and it is completely unclear if The Rock is willing or able to clear his busy acting schedule enough to have the time needed to participate in a WrestleMania feud and match.
Fans have also speculated on Reigns putting his titles on the line against Cody Rhodes, provided he returns from his torn pectoral muscle and wins the men's Royal Rumble match.
There has even been talk of Reigns wrestling on both nights of WrestleMania with The Rock and Rhodes as his opponents, and Meltzer (h/t Andrew Ravens of WrestlingNews.co) reported that it is something WWE is at least considering.
Several other big names need to be figured into the plans as well, including Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Ronda Rousey, Brock Lesnar, Bianca Belair, Bobby Lashley and possibly even a returning John Cena.
Whatever WWE's plans are, they figure to become far more apparent over the next couple of months, especially at the Royal Rumble in late January.
Shotzi Reportedly Out with Legit Injury
WWE seemingly writing Shotzi off television a couple of weeks ago was reportedly done to account for a legitimate injury.
According to PWInsider.com (h/t Sunil Joseph of Ringside News), the storyline injury is meant to cover for a real injury Shotzi suffered.
The exact nature of Shotzi's injury is unclear, but in the storyline, Shotzi injured her hand after Rousey and Shayna Baszler apparently slammed it in a car door in the parking lot.
Shotzi has picked up a lot of steam on SmackDown in recent months, especially since turning face. She was even rewarded with the first one-on-one title match at a premium live event of her career.
After beating Lacey Evans, Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Sonya Deville and Xia Li to become No. 1 contender, Shotzi fell to Rousey at Survivor Series WarGames last month.
Shotzi has not competed in a televised match since the loss to Rousey, although she faced Rousey at a live event on Nov. 27.
Until Shotzi is able to return, it appears as though Rodriguez, Morgan and the returning Tegan Nox are getting pushed as the top babyface women on the SmackDown roster.
Listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot wrestling topics. Catch the latest episode in the player below (warning: some language NSFW).
Russell Wilson, Tee Higgins, NFL Injury Statuses and Fantasy Impact for Week 15
Dec 16, 2022
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 11: Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) scrampes out of the pocket in the first quarter during a game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on December 11, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Russell Wilson will not be on the field for the Denver Broncos in Week 15.
Wilson was officially listed as out on Friday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Broncos ruled out Russell Wilson for Sunday’s game.
Wilson has been in concussion protocol all week after he suffered the head injury in Week 14.
While Wilson will not be on the field, Tee Higgins is trending in the right direction to play on Sunday.
Higgins was at the center of a controversial circumstance last week, as he played a single snap before leaving the field.
The Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver practiced on Friday in what could be viewed as a positive development ahead of Sunday.
Bengals WR Tee Higgins (hamstring) and WR Tyler Boyd (finger) both practiced in full today and are listed as questionable to play Sunday against the Bucs.
Below is a look at updates on the other significant fantasy football stars dealing with injuries ahead of Week 15.
Russell Wilson, QB, DEN: out (concussion)
Tee Higgins, WR, CIN: questionable (hamstring)
Tyler Boyd, WR, CIN: questionable (finger)
Jakobi Meyers, WR, NE: returned to practice Friday (concussion), per NESN's Zack Cox
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, NE: returned to practice Friday, per Cox
Damien Harris, RB, NE: limited in practice (thigh), per NFL.com.
Marquise Brown, WR, ARI: questionable (illness)
Pat Freiermuth, TE, PIT: not listed on injury report (foot)
Diontae Johnson, WR, PIT: not listed on injury report (hip)
David Montgomery, RB, CHI: not listed on injury report (Illness)
Dameon Pierce, RB, HOU: out (ankle)
Jeff Wilson, RB, MIA: questionable (hip)
Kenny Pickett, QB, PIT: doubtful (concussion)
DJ Moore, WR, CAR: questionable (ankle)
Chase Claypool, WR, CHI: out (knee)
Russell Wilson Practices Friday
Russell Wilson will not play on Sunday.
He will be replaced by Brett Rypien for the clash with the Arizona Cardinals.
Rypien threw a touchdown pass in relief of Wilson, but he only had 16 yards and completed four of his eight pass attempts in Week 14.
Rypien had 225 passing yards and no touchdown passes in his lone start this season in Week 7 against the New York Jets.
Jeudy and Greg Dulcich are most affected by Wilson's absence. Courtland Sutton is out for Sunday. Running back Latavius Murray carries a bit more fantasy value.
Taylor Heinicke, Desmond Ridder and Andy Dalton are among the potential waiver-wire candidates to add at quarterback.
Tee Higgins Listed as Questionable
Tee Higgins is officially listed as questionable for the Cincinnati Bengals' matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Higgins is dealing with a hamstring injury that kept him out for most of last week's game against the Cleveland Browns.
He did practice on Friday, as well as teammate and fellow wide receiver Tyler Boyd, which is a positive sign for his hopes to play on Sunday.
Higgins played one snap last week and then did not feature in the AFC North to the ire of fantasy football players.
There may be some lost trust between fantasy players and the Bengals regarding Higgins' status for Week 15.
Higgins produced back-to-back 100-yard games in Weeks 11 and 12 and scored three times in five weeks leading up to Week 14.
Higgins could play a large role in the Cincinnati offense, as usual, if he does see the field against Tampa Bay.
If he can't play, Michael Gallup, Elijah Moore and Mack Hollins are among the players to pick up off the waiver wire.
Report: Sasha Banks Eyed Contract Comparable to Becky Lynch, Charlotte; WWE Declined
Dec 16, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 13: Sasha Banks walks the runway wearing Carmen Steffens at The Majestic Downtown on October 13, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)
Sasha Banks' rumored departure from WWE reportedly came after the company refused to make her one of the highest-paid female Superstars on the roster.
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t James Holder of Inside The Ropes), Banks wanted pay similar to Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair, but people with knowledge of the situation said WWE never made her close to that type of offer.
Sources also told Meltzer that Banks is not viewed internally as "somebody who would be on top for the next five years," but rather as a wrestler who has already "peaked as a star."
Banks and Naomi walked out prior to an episode of Raw in May because of apparent unhappiness over how they were being booked. WWE subsequently stripped them of the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships and suspended them.
Neither of them has done anything in a wrestling capacity since then, but PWInsider.com's Mike Johnson reported this month that Banks is expected to make an appearance at New Japan Pro-Wrestling's Wrestle Kingdom 17 event on Jan. 4.
Meltzer (h/t Ian Carey of F4WOnline) followed up by reporting that Banks negotiated the Wrestle Kingdom appearance and other appearances with NJPW rather than through WWE.
It was noted that Banks negotiated her release from her WWE contract over the summer, but she agreed to not have any involvement in wrestling until the start of 2023.
Meltzer added that while Banks and WWE had contract talks after Vince McMahon retired in July and was replaced by Triple H, Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan, they were far apart on money.
If Banks did indeed request to be paid the same as Lynch and Flair, it is understandable why, as she played a huge role along with them and Bayley in the advancement of women's wrestling in WWE.
Known as the Four Horsewomen, Banks, Lynch, Flair and Bayley changed the perception of WWE women's wrestling in NXT and enjoyed massive success on the main roster as well.
Lynch and Charlotte were part of the first-ever WrestleMania women's main event at WrestleMania 35 when they faced Ronda Rousey in a Triple Threat, but Banks also repeated the feat two years later, headlining Night 1 of WrestleMania 37 with Bianca Belair.
The 30-year-old Banks also racked up a ton of other accolades in WWE, including being a five-time Raw women's champion, three-time WWE women's tag team champion, one-time Raw women's champion and one-time NXT women's champion.
On top of that, Banks has a huge social media presence and rabid fanbase, plus she has crossover appeal based on her appearance in the Star Wars series The Mandalorian as the character Koska Reeves.
Given her importance to the growth of women's wrestling and how popular she is, WWE could come to regret its reported decision to not pay her a top rate, especially if she moves the needle for New Japan.
Listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot wrestling topics. Catch the latest episode in the player below.
Tiger Woods, Son Charlie Generate Buzz on Twitter at 2022 PNC Championship Pro-Am
Dec 16, 2022
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 16: Charlie Woods plays a shot on the first hole as Tiger Woods of the United States looks on during the pro-am prior to the PNC Championship at Ritz-Carlton Golf Club on December 16, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)
Tiger and Charlie Woods were on the course together for Friday's pro-am at the 2022 PNC Championship.
The father-son duo are playing in the tournament together for the second consecutive year. Charlie hit a growth spurt over the past 12 months and is getting closer to being as tall as his father.
Tiger and Charlie Woods at the PNC Championship in December 2021 vs. December 2022 📸 pic.twitter.com/Z9ZmEY9Dj1
There was some drama before the Woods' duo began their round. Cameron Jourdan of GolfWeek.com noted Charlie rolled his ankle as he was warming up and was walking with a slight limp.
It didn't affect Charlie too much when he stepped up to the first tee.
Tiger and Charlie are one of 20 pairings competing at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. They had a strong showing last year, finishing second behind John Daly and his son, John Daly II, won the event.
This marks Tiger's first tournament since the Open Championship in July. He was scheduled to compete in the Hero World Challenge, but had to withdraw due to plantar fasciitis.
Tiger got a warm up for the PNC Championship last week in Capital One's The Match. The 46-year-old teamed up with Rory McIlroy in the annual event, but they were taken down 3 and 2 in 10 holes by Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas.
Round 1 of the PNC Championship will begin at 10:05 a.m. ET on Saturday. Tiger and Charlie will tee off at 12:02 p.m. ET.
Early National Signing Day 2022: Odds, Predictions for Top Football Recruits
Dec 16, 2022
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 04: A detail of a Nike official NCAA size footballs as they sit in the end zone prior to the West Virginia Mountaineers playing against the Clemson Tigers during the Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 4, 2012 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Many of the nation's elite high school football players in the Class of 2023 are already committed to a college football program. However, there are many who have yet to make an official decision.
The three-day college football early-signing period is slated to begin Wednesday, Dec. 21 and will run through Friday, Dec. 23. This gives the nation's top recruits the chance to commit to a program before the traditional signing day in February.
Of course, for many recruits, this is their chance to sign their national letters of intent to schools they've already chosen. However, some players could flip their commitments, and it will be exciting to see where undecided players land.
With that said, here's a look at predictions for some of the nation's top recruits entering the early-signing period.
5-Star EDGE Matayo Uiagalelei Will Commit to Ohio State
EDGE Matayo Uiagalelei, the brother of former 5-star quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei, listed Ohio State, USC and Oregon as his top three schools earlier this month.
At one point, it appeared USC had the edge on Ohio State and Oregon, but Chad Simmons of On3.com reported Dec. 15 that Uiagalelei's visit with Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day went well and that he believes they are in a prime position to land him.
If Ohio State lands a commitment from Uiagalelei, he will be the second 5-star recruit to commit to the Buckeyes 2023 class, joining wide receiver Brandon Inniss. The Buckeyes also have more than a dozen commitments from 4-star recruits.
Uiagalelei is 6'5", 265 pounds and is a native of Bellflower, California. He played his high school football at St. John Bosco and is the fifth-best EDGE in the nation, per 247Sports composite rankings.
Additionally, 247Sports has Uiagalelei as the fourth-best prospect out of California and the 31st-ranked recruit in the nation.
247Sports national recruiting analyst Chris Singletary wrote of Uiagalelei:
"This top-notch edge has unique athleticism for someone his size. Possessing excellent agility, change of direction, bend and power makes him one of the best players in the country. He is light on his feet and plays with very good power and technique on the edge and in the run game, with room to continue to develop and improve. As a pass-rusher, he does a good job using speed to power as well as having a good dip-and-rip move and always using active hands to prevent lineman from latching on to him."
Landing a commitment from Uiagalelei would be huge for Day and his staff.
Georgia Bolsters Defense with Commitment from 4-Star DL Jordan Hall
Defensive lineman Jordan Hall set his commitment date for Dec. 22 at 2:30 p.m. ET, and the 4-star recruit listed LSU, Alabama, Georgia and Florida as his top-four schools.
However, Hall is expected to land with the Georgia Bulldogs, according to expert predictions from 247Sports. If he commits to Georgia, he would join 4-star defensive tackle Jamaal Jarrett as the team's only defensive-line commitments in the 2023 class.
Hall is 6'4", 300 pounds and is a native of Jacksonville, Florida. He played his high school football at Westside and is the ninth-best defensive lineman in the nation, per 247Sports composite rankings.
Additionally, Hall is the 16th-best prospect out of Florida and the 73rd-ranked recruit nationally.
247Sports Southeast recruiting analyst Andrew Ivins said of Hall:
"By far one of the most promising prospects to ever come out of Jacksonville Westside. Looks like a man amongst boys next to his teammates when down in a three or four-point stance. Shoots his way into the backfield with a quick first step. Does a nice job of shifting his weight as he works east-west and has shown that he can squeeze his way through gaps to make a stop. Wins more times than not on Friday nights by simply overwhelming opposing blockers with his sheer mass and power. However, has also shown that he can get after the quarterback by untitling a well-timed spin move. Can displace obstacles with a stiff long arm, as well."
If Georgia can land a commitment from Hall, the defensive line will be in good hands for years to come.
5-Star CB Desmond Ricks Commits to LSU
Cornerback Desmond Ricks listed Alabama, Florida and LSU in his top three in early November, and the 5-star CB has set Dec. 22 as his commitment date.
While Alabama and Florida have heavily recruited Ricks, the LSU Tigers are favored to land him, according to expert predictions from 247Sports. If he commits to LSU, he would join Zalance Heard as the second 5-star recruit in the program's 2023 class.
LSU has developed some top-notch cornerbacks over the years—Morris Claiborne, Tyrann Mathieu, Derek Stingley Jr. and Patrick Peterson, to name a few—so it wouldn't be surprising to see Ricks commit to the Tigers.
Ricks is 6'1", 170 pounds and is a native of Bradenton, Florida. He played his high school football at IMG Academy and is the No. 2 ranked cornerback in the nation, per 247Sports composite rankings.
Additionally, Ricks is the No. 6 recruit out of Florida and the No. 23-ranked prospect in the country.
247Sports Southeast recruiting analyst Andrew Ivins said of Ricks:
"What everyone seems to be looking for these days in an outside cornerback prospect. Tall, fast, explosive and physical. Put together a standout youth football career up in Virginia before moving down to Florida and transferring into the national powerhouse that is IMG Academy for his final two years of high school. Was initially a member of the 2024 recruiting cycle, but reclassified to the class of 2023 in October of 2022 shortly after he turned 18 years old. Can run–and more importantly–find the football, which is an important skill to have in an era where most offensive coordinators want to stretch the field."
Even if LSU doesn't land Ricks, the program has already received commitments from 4-star cornerbacks Javien Toviano and Daylen Austin, so the Tigers will be in good hands regardless.
Brittney Griner Says She Plans to Return to WNBA's Mercury After Release from Russia
Dec 16, 2022
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 16: Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury poses for a photo at practice and media availability during the 2021 WNBA Finals on October 16, 2021, at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
Brittney Griner is planning on returning to the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury next season.
She announced Friday on Instagram she intends to play for the team in 2023 after returning to the United States following a 10-month stint under detention in Russia.
A Russian court sentenced Griner to nine years in prison on a drug charge in August. She was originally arrested in February for bringing vape cartridges containing cannabis oil into the country.
Maria Blagovolina and Alexander Boykov, Griner's attorneys, announced on Nov. 17 she had been transferred to a Russian penal colony.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said during an Aug. 1 press briefing that Russia wasn't negotiating in good faith when the two sides were discussing a prisoner swap that would bring Griner back to the U.S.
Griner was in Russia playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg of the Russian Premier League. She has played for the club since 2014 between WNBA seasons.
The 32-year-old has spent her entire WNBA career with the Mercury since being drafted No. 1 overall by the club in 2013. She has been named to the All-Star team eight times, led the league in blocks eight times, won two scoring titles and led Phoenix to a title in 2014.
Phoenix will open the 2023 season on May 19 against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena.
