24.6 C
Lagos
Sunday, September 28, 2025
Home Blog Page 26

Support your Super Falcons-NFF Scribe

Paris 2024: Sanusi calls on residents of Abuja and environs to troop out to support Falcons

 

By Rasheed Adewuyi

 

Falcon in straining
Falcon in straining

 

The General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, has implored Nigerians based in the Federal capital, Abuja, and environs, and indeed from neighboring States, to troop out in large numbers to the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Friday to support the Super Falcons in their Women’s Olympic Football Tournament African final qualifying, first leg game against South Africa.

 

Nine-time African champions Nigeria and reigning African champions South Africa clash in a potentially explosive affair at 5 pm on Friday in Nigeria’s magnificent sporting facility. The return leg is due for Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld arena on Tuesday next week.

 

“The NFF is calling on Nigerians from all over the Federal Capital Territory and the neighboring States, and indeed from all over Nigeria, to come out in their tens of thousands to cheer the Super Falcons to victory in the match against South Africa.

 

 

“This is a big match by all standards. We especially appeal to our people to come en masse and support the Super Falcons. We need to get a big win here to be in good standing before flying to South Africa. A handsome win here will bolster our ladies’ confidence and mentality to overcome in Pretoria,” Sanusi said.

 

Nigeria had not participated in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament since 2008 when the Falcons lost all three matches in the group phase in China.

 

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade said on Wednesday that the objective of Africa’s leading women’s team, the Falcons, has remained the same since the beginning of the qualifiers.

 

“Since playing Ethiopia, we have been committed to seeing these qualification series through. Our objective has always been to win a slot in the Olympics. Most of us are yet to play in the Olympics and it is a big issue with us. We want to be there in Paris.

 

“There are a couple of issues the Super Falcons have to sort out with Banyana Banyana. However, that is not the motivation this time. The motivation is qualifying for the Olympics.”

 

Nigeria emerged as Africa’s top team at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand eight months ago. They were unbeaten in regulation time before exiting in the Round of 16 courtesy of a penalty shootout defeat by England.

 

At lunchtime on Wednesday, captain Ajibade and 20 other players were in the Super Falcons’ camp. The team had its first training session at the MKO Abiola Stadium on Wednesday morning.

 

The Banyana Banyana delegation arrived in Nigeria on Sunday.

 

In Camp:

 

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Tochukwu Oluehi, Linda Jiwuaku

 

Defenders: Jumoke Alani, Osinachi Ohale, Chidinma Okeke, Shukurat Oladipo, Michelle Alozie, Nicole Payne

 

Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade, Toni Payne, Deborah Abiodun, Jennifer Echegini, Christy Ucheibe, Halimatu Ayinde

 

Forwards: Uchenna Kanu, Gift Monday, Omorinsola Babajide, Ifeoma Onumonu, Esther Okoronkwo, Chiwendu Ihezuo

 

AEW Dynamite/Collision APRIL 3, 2024

0

 

ALL ELITE WRESTLING Superstars Set To Collide In Worcester, MA

 

Date: APRIL 3, 2024

Venue: DCU Center

City: Worcester, MA

Time: 7:30 pm ET

 

 

WWE NXT preview for April 2

0

Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes come face-to-face one final time before Stand & Deliver

.

 

 

Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes come face-to-face

Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes will come face-to-face one last time before their epic encounter at NXT Stand & Deliver.

 

Since the implosion of Trick Melo Gang at NXT Vengeance Day, Williams and Hayes have been attacking each other at every opportunity.

 

Both Superstars agreed to meet in the ring one last time before battling on NXT’s biggest stage.

 

Don’t miss this encounter live on Tuesday at 8/7 C in the USA!

 

 

Triple Threat Tag Team Match to decide No. 1 Contenders for NXT Stand & Deliver

 

NXT Tag Team Champions Bron Breakker and Baron Corbin will learn their No. 1 Contenders for Stand & Deliver when The LWO, Nathan Frazer and Axiom, and Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson face off in a Triple Threat Tag Team Match.

 

Each team earned the right to compete in the Triple Threat Match, and tensions exploded on the most recent episode of NXT, resulting in a massive brawl.

 

Which team will punch their ticket to Stand & Deliver? Find out on Tuesday at 8/7 C in the USA!

 

 

NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria and Roxanne Perez to appear on “Supernova Sessions”

 

Before battling at NXT Stand & Deliver for the NXT Women’s Championship, Lyra Valkyria and Roxanne Perez will finally meet during a special edition of “Supernova Sessions” with Noam Dar.

 

Perez has been a menace in the NXT locker room for months, punching out her fellow Superstars and even hospitalizing Valkyria before finally getting her one-on-one match for the championship.

 

What will happen when the determined Valkyria meets the unhinged Perez during “Supernova Sessions”? Tune in to NXT on Tuesday at 8/7 C to find out!

 

 

Fallon Henley to take on Jacy Jayne

.

Two of NXT’s best will square off when Fallon Henley takes on the toxic Jacy Jayne.

 

Henley finds herself embroiled in the rivalry between Jayne and Thea Hail after she sides with the peppy Chase U Superstar on her journey to rediscover her identity.

 

Chaos followed after Hail beat Jayne’s friend Jazmyn Nix, as Henley and Kelani Jordan helped fend off an attack from Jayne, Kiana James, and Izzi Dame.

 

Don’t miss this matchup live on Tuesday at 8/7 C in the USA!

 

WWE

 

Paris 2024 Olympics: Kaylin Swart on facing rivals Nigeria

…and significant growth of African champions, South Africa

 

 

  • Constantly, a great battle against Nigeria
  • I had to make a lot of changes and sacrifices to be the best
  • The unity and chemistry in the Banyana Banyana team is second to none

 

Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Kaylin Swart is expected to play a key figure when the reigning African champions take on Nigeria in the third and final round of the Paris 2024 Olympics Qualifier on Friday, 05 and 09 April, in a two-legged affair.

 

The Super Falcons are South Africa’s longstanding rivals. With a place at the Olympics at stake, the two-legged qualifier promises to be a highly tactical but thrilling affair.

 

Speaking to CAFOnline ahead of the first leg, Swart, coach Desiree Ellis’ first choice at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, where the team historically made it into the round of 16, says the team is looking forward to facing Nigeria.

 

She also discusses the team’s growth and how it has contributed to her being a better goalkeeper.

 

CAFOnline: Facing your arch-rivals, Nigeria, in a crucial final round, what do you make of your chances?

Kaylin Swart: Playing against Nigeria is always a great battle; we are familiar with each other only because we have been fighting for many years up until now, and this one is no different. I have complete confidence in my teammates, and I think if we stick to our strengths as a team and play for each other, we will get the results we need.

 

What have you made of your progress as a Goalkeeper before and after the World Cup?

I have grown so much over the years, and leading up to the World Cup in 2023, I had to make many changes and sacrifices to perform at my best with the help of my coaches. Ultimately, it came down to working on myself and my well-being, which has given me so much confidence and belief that I can be the best, and I strive to be the best every day.

 

There is healthy competition in the group of goalkeepers; what do you think has given you the edge in recent times?

Competition brings out the best in us, and I’m so grateful for our goalkeeping department on the national team because we push each other to the limits, but I can’t pin it on one thing. As I said, I’ve worked hard to be where I am, and I think my confidence has grown. I show up every day and give maximum effort. It’s the coach’s decision.

 

You will be drawn into Group C against Spain, Brazil, and Japan if you qualify. How do you fancy your chances against the world’s best?

There are massive opportunities for us to show and level up with the best, and I think to be the best, we have to compete with the best. African football has evolved so much; knowing that Spain, a world champion alongside Japan and Brazil, could be our opponents is a huge boost. All we need to do is focus on ourselves and prepare well to give us the best possible chance to get results.

 

SA has grown into one of the most respected teams on the continent; what can you attribute this to?

As a national team, we have grown so much over the years, and every obstacle we faced helped us grow day by day. The main thing that led us to where we are now is this team’s unity and chemistry, which are second to none, combined with the individual brilliance of our players and the overall growth of women’s football in our country.

 

CAFonline

 

NPFL Match officials & TV schedule

With Matchday 28 fixtures, kick-off times, and venues

 

NPFL 2023/2024 League Table

 

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) returns this midweek after the final matches in state FA Cups, NPFL reports.

 

Nine out of 10 games will be held this Tuesday and Wednesday as Rivers United versus Katsina United is postponed due to the former’s involvement in continental football.

 

Here are the match officials appointed for Matchweek 28. There will be five LIVE matches for this game on NPFL-Live and StarTimes.

 

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

 

GOMBE UNITED v REMO STARS

Referee: Precious Kalu

Assistant Referee 1: Emmanuel Atu

Assistant Referee 2: Victor Akokoba

Fourth official: Ishola Akanji

Kick-off: 4 pm

Venue: Pantami Stadium, Gombe

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

 

AKWA UNITED v DOMA UNITED (live on NPFL-Live)

Referee: Noah Adejoh

Assistant Referee 1: Abba Abubakar Fagge

Assistant Referee 2: Sani Abdullahi

Fourth official: Okechukwu Ezeogu

Kick-off: 4 pm

Venue: Godswill Akpabio Stadium (Nest of Champions), Uyo

 

BAYELSA UNITED v HEARTLAND

Referee: Taiwo David

Assistant Referee 1: Abdulmajeed Usman

Assistant Referee 2: Cletus Adewebi

Fourth official: Saheed Babayanju

Kick-off: 4 pm

Venue: Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa

 

BENDEL INSURANCE v NIGER TORNADOES (live on StarTimes & NPFL-Live)

Referee: Akachukwu Igwebikwe

Assistant Referee 1: Darlington Nwauzobilom

Assistant Referee 2: Smart Udeh

Fourth official: Justine Egwuom

Kick-off: 5:30 pm

Venue: Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City

 

ABIA WARRIORS vs. PLATEAU UNITED

Referee: Abdulrahman Adeniji

Assistant Referee 1: Samuel Pwadutakam

Assistant Referee 2: Mahmud Yakubu

Fourth official: Omotoye Oluwasakin

Kick-off: 4 pm

Venue: Umuahia Township Stadium, Umuahia

 

ENYIMBA v KANO PILLARS (live on NPFL-Live)

Referee: Adamu Yakubu

Assistant Referee 1: Hope Igho

Assistant Referee 2: Abibatu Yusuf

Fourth official: Funmilayo Alaba

Kick-off: 4 pm

Venue: Enyimba Stadium, Aba

 

RIVERS UNITED v KATSINA UNITED (Postponed)

Referee: Usman T. Majidadi

Assistant Referee 1: Olawale Adeleke

Assistant Referee 2: Adekunle Agunbiade

Fourth official: Blessing Chukwu

Kick-off: 4 pm

Venue: Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt

 

RANGERS v SUNSHINE STARS

Referee: Kassim Abdulsalam

Assistant Referee 1: Ahmed Tijjani

Assistant Referee 2: Tejiri Digbori

Fourth official: Ahmed Rabiu

Kick-off: 4 pm

Venue: Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu

 

SPORTING LAGOS v LOBI STARS (live on NPFL-Live)

Referee: Uchenna Anyadike

Assistant Referee 1: Mfon Friday

Assistant Referee 2: Cookey Sodieri

Fourth official: Chima A. Edwin

Kick-off: 4 pm

Venue: Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos

 

3SC v KWARA UNITED (live on NPFL-Live)

Referee: Osas Eboigbodin

Assistant Referee 1: Zuru Bello

Assistant Referee 2: Ikenna Okerulu

Fourth official: Sunday Effiong

Kick-off: 5:30 pm

Venue: Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan

 

WrestleMania preview for April 6

0

Cody Rhodes challenges Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship

 

 

WrestleMania Preview: Full Details

 

Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes

The Undisputed WWE Universal Championship will be on the line when Roman Reigns defends his title against the winner of the 2024 Royal Rumble, Cody Rhodes.

 

The Tribal Chief defeated The American Nightmare in the main event of WrestleMania 39. After a painstaking year, the two-time Royal Rumble winner will finally get another chance to finish his story and become the undisputed champion when he rechallenges Reigns.

 

After winning the Royal Rumble in January, Rhodes spent days mulling over whether he’d face Reigns or WWE Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins. Rhodes confirmed that he’d be facing the Tribal Chief during the WrestleMania XL Kickoff in Las Vegas, angering and insulting The Rock, who wanted a match with Reigns.

 

Will Reigns continue his dominant run as champion, or will The American Nightmare finally finish the story? Find out April 6 and 7 at 7 ET/4 PT, streaming LIVE on Peacock in the United States and on WWE Network everywhere else.

 

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson & Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes & Seth “Freakin” Rollins

At The Showcase of the Immortals, Cody Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins will go head to head with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns in a match with huge WrestleMania implications.

 

The Road to WrestleMania becomes increasingly intense with each passing week. Nowhere is that more evident than in the heated rivalry between Rhodes and Rollins with The Rock and Reigns.

 

The Rock has acknowledged Reigns as his Tribal Chief, further cementing their family bond as they set their sights on their adversaries. With the Undisputed WWE Universal Title main event against Rhodes officially set for WrestleMania Sunday, along with Rollins’ World Title Match against Drew McIntyre, The Great One they made a suddenly high-stakes challenge to The American Nightmare and The Visionary for The Show of Shows.

 

In response to an initial challenge by Rhodes for a one-on-one matchup, The Rock issued a counter-proposal for Rhodes and Rollins to battle him and Reigns in a tag team match on WrestleMania Saturday. If Rhodes and Rollins emerge victorious, The Bloodline will be barred from ringside for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship Match. If The Head of the Table and The Most Electrifying Man in All of Entertainment are to win, however, the main event title match the following night will become “Bloodline Rules,” meaning anything goes where the nefarious faction is concerned. The Rock threatened that the story would tragically end if Rhodes and Rollins did not answer the challenge.

 

More unified than ever and convinced that WWE’s future depends on them putting The Bloodline in check, Rhodes and Rollins journeyed to SmackDown to accept the challenge.

 

Bloodline banned or “Bloodline Rules” for Reigns vs. Rhodes? Find out on Saturday, April 6, at 7 ET/4 PT, streaming LIVE on Peacock in the United States and on WWE Network everywhere else.

 

World Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre

The Scottish Warrior will finally get his chance to win a world title in front of the masses as he faces World Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins at The Showcase of the Immortals.

 

McIntyre has been on a personal vendetta ever since Jey Uso was traded to Raw late last year, becoming a bitter version of the Superstar that was once beloved. The Scottish Warrior has placed The Visionary in his path for his quest to win gold in front of the WWE Universe since his previous two world title wins occurred in empty arenas.

 

Despite McIntyre’s mean streak, The Scottish Warrior could not defeat Rollins the two times he challenged him at WWE Crown Jewel and WWE Day 1, partially due to Money in the Bank cash-in attempts from Damian Priest.

 

After defeating Randy Orton, Kevin Owens, Logan Paul, LA Knight, and Bobby Lashley inside the Elimination Chamber, McIntyre can finally claim the World Heavyweight Title when he faces The Architect at WrestleMania. Find out April 6 and 7 at 7 ET/4 PT, streaming LIVE on Peacock in the United States and WWE Network everywhere else!

 

WWE Women’s Champion IYO SKY vs. Bayley

Bayley is hellbent on seizing the WWE Women’s Champion when she goes to war against her former ally, IYO SKY, at WrestleMania.

 

Following a confrontation with Nia Jax on Raw, Bayley said she would reveal which Women’s Champion she would challenge on SmackDown. Then, on the blue brand, The Role Model surprised the rest of Damage CTRL when she revealed that she understood Japanese and, therefore, knew that her perceived allies had been mocking her behind her back for some time. As the faction stood stunned, Bayley turned to SKY and declared that she would challenge the titleholder on The Grandest Stage of Them All.

 

The Genius of the Sky has proved herself to be just that by rising to new heights time after time to solidify her reign. Bayley is the fir-ever Triple Crown and one of the top Superstar challengers SKY has faced.

 

Can Bayley once again capture gold? Will the devious titleholder repel one of the most dangerous challenges to her title in her entire reign? What role will Damage CTRL play in the conflict? Find out April 6 and 7 at 7 ET/4 PT, streaming LIVE on Peacock in the United States and on WWE Network everywhere else.

 

Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley vs. Becky Lynch

At WrestleMania, Mami defends her Women’s World Title against The Man in what should be a legendary championship fight.

 

Becky Lynch has been eyeing the titleholder for some time, and now she finally has a chance to face her one-on-one.

 

After standing tall in the Elimination Chamber, the Man booked her ticket to WrestleMania, besting Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Bianca Belair, Naomi, and Tiffany Stratton in the vicious structure.

 

To capture her first singles title in nearly two years, The Man must go through Rhea Ripley, who has looked unstoppable since winning the championship from Charlotte Flair at last year’s Showcase of the Immortals.

 

Who will win this epic bout for the right to be Women’s World Champion? Find out April 6 and 7 at 7 ET/4 PT, streaming LIVE on Peacock in the United States and WWE Network everywhere else!

 

Logan Paul vs. Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens (United States Title Triple Threat Match)

At WrestleMania XL, United States Champion Logan Paul faces an immense challenge as he defends his title against Randy Orton and Kevin Owens in a Triple Threat Match.

 

The Social Media Megastar has been making more enemies than allies since dethroning Rey Mysterio for the U.S. Title last October at WWE Crown Jewel.

 

Paul wronged Owens by cheating his way to a disqualification victory during their match at Royal Rumble earlier this year, and KO has since been unrelenting in his pursuit of Paul.

 

At the WWE Elimination Chamber, Paul made another enemy in Randy Orton. After Orton eliminated Paul with an RKO, The Social Media Megastar faked an injury to remain inside the chamber before striking The Viper with brass knuckles. This allowed Drew McIntyre to pin Orton to clinch a World Heavyweight Title Match at WrestleMania.

 

After Paul mocked SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis for not announcing a match for Paul at WrestleMania, Aldis announced Paul would defend his title against KO and The Viper.

 

Paul must contend with two former U.S. Champions with championship pedigree and several signature wins at WrestleMania.

 

Orton and Owens have won titles and competed in main events at WrestleMania, something Paul has yet to do.

 

Paul famously broke the internet at last year’s WrestleMania when he faced Seth “Freakin” Rollins, eclipsing records with the views he achieved on social media.

 

The U.S. Champion seems sure to break social media again, but can he retain his title against two hungry challengers? Find out at WrestleMania on Saturday, April 6, and Sunday, April 7, at 7 ET/4 PT, streaming LIVE on Peacock in the United States and on WWE Network everywhere else.

 

Intercontinental Champion Gunther vs. Sami Zayn

At WrestleMania, Sami Zayn will seek to become the Superstar to dethrone Gunther’s historic reign as Intercontinental Champion.

 

By the time WrestleMania rolls around, The Ring General will have ruled as Intercontinental Champion for 664 days, bulldozing everyone in his path and defeating Jey Uso, Chad Gable, Sheamus, and Drew McIntyre, to name a few.

 

Thus far, not many challengers have come close to taking away Gunther’s title, but Zayn, a former Intercontinental Champion, will hope to become the first.

 

Zayn had to go through five of the best Raw Superstars to earn the chance, overcoming Bronson Reed, JD McDonagh, Ricochet, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Chad Gable in a grueling Gauntlet Match.

 

With Gunther winning, Zayn and The Ring General have faced off once in a one-on-one encounter inside a WWE ring. However, the Intercontinental Title was not on the line during that match.

 

Can Zayn make back-to-back WrestleMania history after dethroning The Usos’ historic tag team title reign last year with Kevin Owens? Or will The Ring General stay undefeated at WrestleMania?

 

Find out April 6 and 7 at 7 ET/4 PT, streaming LIVE on Peacock in the United States and on WWE Network everywhere else.

 

 

Jey Uso vs. Jimmy Uso

 

Some would say that a WrestleMania match pitting Jey Uso against his brother Jimmy Uso has been less than a year in the making, ever since Jimmy Uso turned against Jey to “protect him” at SummerSlam before Jey superkicked Jimmy and quit The Bloodline and SmackDown.

 

Others might argue that it was destined from the day Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns formed The Bloodline. Or perhaps it was even 38 years ago when The Usos first came together.

 

Regardless of the reason, “Main Event” Jey Uso and his estranged sibling are about to square off on The Grandest Stage of Them All.

 

Several times, Jimmy and The Bloodline have come to Raw to start trouble and mess with Jey, including costing him an Intercontinental Title Match against Gunther. Jimmy, on the other hand, carries the resentment of his brother, leaving him and The Bloodline in what he deems to be Jey’s attempt to make himself a giant star.

 

The brothers’ hatred boiled over with Jey’s shocking WrestleMania challenge, which Jimmy was happy to accept.

 

Who will win the brother vs. brother showdown at The Showcase of the Immortals? Find out on Saturday, April 6, and Sunday, April 7, at 7 ET/4 PT, streaming LIVE on Peacock in the United States and on WWE Network everywhere else.

 

Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Six-Pack Tag Team Ladder Match

The Judgment Day faces an uphill battle at WrestleMania as they contend with five other teams in a brutal Six-Pack Tag Team Ladder Match for their Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles.

 

Damian Priest and Finn Bálor have been dominant in their second reign as tag team champions, overcoming almost every team in WWE.

 

However, their dominance may end at WrestleMania, as five other teams can claim supremacy by retrieving the titles.

 

Raw General Manager Adam Pearce and SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis decided which teams would compete. Three from Raw and two from SmackDown rounded out the field.

 

On the March 18 episode of Raw, #DIY, Awesome Truth, and The New Day, you defeated The Creed Brothers, Indus Sher, and Alpha Academy, respectively, and earned the right to compete in the Ladder Match.

 

On the SmackDown side, Grayson Waller Austin Theory and New Catch Republic earned their way into the match by winning their side of the bracket in the SmackDown tournament.

 

Can The Judgment Day retain their titles against all odds, or are we destined to crown new tag team champions at WrestleMania?

 

Don’t miss WrestleMania 40 on Saturday, April 6, and Sunday, April 7, at 7 ET/4 PT, streaming LIVE on Peacock in the United States and WWE Network everywhere else!

 

One Superstar is out to make AJ Styles’ WrestleMania 40 experience a hard day’s Knight.

 

When LA Knight was competing inside the Elimination Chamber, Styles barged into the structure to attack him and disrupt his efforts to become the No. 1 Contender to World Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins at WrestleMania.

 

Ever since the Premium Live Event, Knight has been on a tireless quest to track down The Phenomenal One. He has looked everywhere, from backstage at SmackDown to catering to various places outside of WWE.

 

Unable to find his would-be adversary to get payback, Knight challenged Styles to a bout at The Show of Shows. As soon as the challenge was issued, however, Styles suddenly executed another vicious assault on Knight before declaring that he would see him at WrestleMania.

 

Don’t miss WrestleMania 40 on Saturday, April 6, and Sunday, April 7, at 7 ET/4 PT, streaming LIVE on Peacock in the United States and WWE Network everywhere else!

 

Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee vs. Santos Escobar & Dominik Mysterio

At WrestleMania, Rey Mysterio will join forces with Dragon Lee against his son “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio of The Judgment Day and Santos Escobar of Legado del Fantasma.

 

When Rey overcame “Dirty” Dom at WrestleMania 39, he thought he was finally done with their in-ring conflict. It wasn’t long before a new rival emerged when Escobar of The LWO viciously assaulted his mentor and unleashed a brutal surprise attack that injured the WWE Hall of Famer and caused him to miss significant time.

 

Three months later, Mysterio returned, and together with The LWO, he took out Legado del Fantasma and helped Carlito win a Street Fight against The Emperor of Lucha Libre. The rivalry continued between their two factions until Mysterio looked to settle the issue in a one-on-one showdown with Escobar. During the match, however, a masked figure emerged to interfere. He soon removed the mask and revealed himself as Dominik, as Santos used the distraction to pick up the win.

 

The following week, Rey interrupted the gloating pair and challenged them to a tag team match against himself and Dragon Lee, the newest member of The LWO, on The Grandest Stage of Them All.

 

Don’t miss the explosive action at WrestleMania on Saturday, April 6, and Sunday, April 7, streaming LIVE at 7 ET/4 PT on Peacock in the United States and on WWE Network everywhere else.

 

Bobby Lashley & The Street Profits vs. Final Testament (Six-Man Tag Team Philadelphia Street Fight)

At WrestleMania, Bobby Lashley and The Street Profits will go to war with The Final Testament in a Six-Man Tag Team Philadelphia Street Fight.

 

Karrion Kross and his dark faction have shown unbridled animosity toward The Pride. Perhaps it stemmed from when the returning Harbinger of Doom was eliminated by The All Mighty in a United States Championship No. 1 Contender Tournament in December. Whatever the reason, however, Kross and Scarlett soon shocked the WWE Universe when they aligned with the returning Authors of Pain and Paul Ellering to form the dominant Final Testament at SmackDown: New Year’s Revolution and attacked Lashley, Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins.

 

The rivalry grew more intense when Lashley and Kross eliminated each other in the 2024 Royal Rumble Match when The Pride added B-Fab to their ranks and through numerous volatile clashes between the factions on The Road to WrestleMania.

 

SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis recognized that the volatile conflict had reached a boiling point. He knew the only way to settle the score was to have an Extreme showdown in the city of brotherly love in The Grandest State of Them All.

 

Don’t miss the Six-Man Tag Team Philadelphia Street Fight on WrestleMania Sunday at 7 ET/4 PT, streaming LIVE on Peacock in the United States and WWE Network everywhere else!

WWE

 

Raw results for April 1, 2024

0

The Rock and Roman Reigns deliver a Bloodline beatdown to Cody Rhodes and Seth “Freakin” Rollins

 

Raw Results: Quick Hits

Raw Results: Full Details

 

The Judgment Day, def. The New Day and #DIY — Eight-Man Tag Team Match

 

Damian Priest, Finn Bálor, JD McDonagh, and “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio won a major victory ahead of WrestleMania XL by defeating the joint teams of New Day and #DIY.

 

After New Day nullified McDonagh, #DIY used their tandem offense to take out “Dirty” Dom. Still, it didn’t bode well for Xavier Woods, Kofi Kingston, Johnny Gargano, and Tommaso Ciampa after that exchange.

 

Señor Money in The Bank tagged into the match and ran roughshod over his competition before hitting Ciampa with a ring-shattering Razor’s Edge to earn the victory for his team.

 

Gunther attacked Sami Zayn during Zayn’s match against “Big” Bronson Reed

 

Sami Zayn attempted to exact payback against “Big” Bronson Reed, but Intercontinental Champion Gunther appeared and beat down his WrestleMania opponent.

 

 

Ivy Nile & Maxxine Dupri def. Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell

 

Maxxine Dupri scored a big confidence-boosting victory after she and Ivy Nile defeated Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae.

 

LeRae became increasingly frustrated with her friend and partner Hartwell, and their argument cost them dearly.

 

As they bickered, Dupri rallied and nailed a dropkick, subsequently rolling up Hartwell for the three-count, much to the anger of LeRae, who left her partner alone in the ring after the loss.

 

Ricochet def. Ivar

 

The high-flying Ricochet won significantly against Ivar on The Road to WrestleMania thanks to his supreme athleticism and unquestionable heart.

 

Ivar dominated because of his strength advantage. The Viking Raider tossed his opponent across the ring and even caved in his chest with a brutal sit-out splash in the corner.

 

Ever the fighter, Ricochet countered a Doomsault, caught Ivar in mid-air, planted him in the middle of the ring, and nailed a 630 Splash to win.

 

Damage CTRL def. Shayna Baszler, Zoey Stark & Tegan Nox

 

Asuka, Kairi Sane, and Dakota Kai dominated their competition ahead of their massive match at WrestleMania XL.

 

Shayna Baszler, Zoey Stark, and Tegan Nox were a formidable team, and Stark even looked poised to score the win, but Damage CTRL quickly regained control.

 

The trio isolated Nox after Kai’s perfect kick, and Sane followed with an Insane Elbow to give the dominant group another win.

 

Roman Reigns and The Rock brutalized Cody Rhodes and Seth “Freakin” Rollins after a Bloodline Rules Match

 

World Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins battled “The Enforcer of The Bloodline” Solo Sikoa in a Bloodline Rules Match, but it ended in a vicious beatdown by The Rock.

 

After chairs, tables, and a host of vicious strikes, the match ended in a no-contest when The Bloodline showed up.

 

 

Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso joined the fray, but it ended in disaster, as Roman Reigns and The Rock mercilessly whipped Rhodes and Rollins with a belt.

 

Martin and Perez in Spanish squad

0

 Set for World Race Walking Team Championships

 

Maria Perez wins the 35km race walk at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23 (© Getty Images)

 

A 22-strong Spanish squad, including double world champions Alvaro Martin and Maria Perez, has been named for the World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships Antalya 24, which will take place on 21 April, World Athletics reports.

 

Spanish athletes have been entered for each of the five events in the Turkish city, with three teams selected for the marathon race walk mixed relay.

 

The relay involves teams of one male and one female athlete, who will complete the marathon in four legs of approximately equal distance.

 

While the exact pairs are yet to be announced, the six Spanish athletes named for the mixed relay are Martin and Perez, who both won world 20km and 35km race walk gold in Budapest last year, together with European 20km race walk fourth-place finisher Alberto Amezcua, 2022 world 35km race walk sixth-place finisher Laura Garcia-Caro, 2015 world 20km race walk champion Miguel Angel Lopez and world 25km race walk fifth-place finisher Cristina Montesinos.

 

The first 22 teams to finish in Antalya will automatically qualify for the marathon race walk mixed relay at the Olympic Games in Paris. Up to five of those first 22 teams can be a second team from the same country, so Spain will be looking for a strong performance in Antalya to secure two relay spots for the Olympics.

 

Antalya’s men’s 20km team features national champion Paul McGrath and two-time European Championships medallist Diego García Carrera. In comparison, the women’s squad includes European 35km silver medallist Raquel Gonzalez, who is set to make her fifth World Race Walking Team Championships appearance.

 

Spanish team for Antalya

 

Women
20km: Antia Chamosa, Raquel Gonzalez, Paula Juarez, Lucia Redondo, Lidia Sanchez-Puebla
U20 10km: Aldara Meilan, Sofia Santacreu, Griselda Serret

 

Men
20km: Diego Garcia Carrera, Alvaro Lopez, Ivan Lopez, Paul McGrath, Marc Tur
U20 10km: Miguel Espinosa, Daniel Monfort, Daniel Morilla

 

Mixed
Team relay: Alberto Amezcua, Laura Garcia-Caro, Miguel Angel Lopez, Alvaro Martin, Cristina Montesinos, Maria Perez

 

Woo, Tanaka lead Seiko Golden Grand Prix

0

Set for season’s fourth World Athletics Continental Tour Gold

 

Nozomi Tanaka Image credit: World Athletics

 

Woo Sanghyeok and Nozomi Tanaka are among the athletes announced for the Seiko Golden Grand Prix, this season’s fourth World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting, which will take place in Tokyo on 19 May, World Athletics reports.

 

Korea’s Woo claimed bronze in the men’s high jump at last month’s World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, two years after his title-winning performance in Belgrade.

 

Japan’s Tanaka also competed in Glasgow, finishing eighth in the women’s 3000m. The 24-year-old—who also finished eighth in the 1500m at the Tokyo Olympics, eighth in the 5000m at the World Championships in Budapest, and eighth in the mile at the World Road Running Championships in Riga—most recently competed at the World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, where she finished seventh as part of Japan’s mixed relay team.

 

Now Woo and Tanaka are preparing to return to Tokyo, where Woo finished fourth in the Olympics.

 

Woo’s competition will include Brandon Starc, Australia’s 2018 Commonwealth Games champion, and Olympic fifth-place finisher, Australian champion Joel Baden, and Japan’s Tomohiro Shinno, Ryoichi Akamatsu, and Naoto Hasegawa.

 

Tanaka returns to defend her Seiko Golden Grand Prix 1500m title after she clocked 4:11.56 to win in Yokohama last year.

 

Her compatriot Ririka Hironaka has been named for the women’s 5000m.

 

Asuka Terada and Masumi Aoki, tied for second place on the Japanese all-time list for the 100m hurdles, will face Yumi Tanaka. The 110m hurdles will feature joint national record-holders Shunsuke Izumiya and Rachid Muratake.

 

Do you smell what The Bloodline is cooking?

0

Raw sneak peek

 

 

Raw preview, April 1, 2024

Don’t miss a commercial-free first hour of Raw as The Rock and Roman Reigns head to Brooklyn for the final Raw before WrestleMania! Don’t miss a jam-packed Raw this Monday at 8/7 C on USA!

 

 

 

The Rock and Roman Reigns invade Brooklyn!

 

 

Raw Preview: Full Details

 

 

The Rock and Roman Reigns return on the final Raw before WrestleMania

 

Raw descends on Brooklyn just days before The Rock and Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns take on Cody Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins on WrestleMania Saturday in the biggest tag team match of all time.

 

That high-stakes showdown will determine whether the Undisputed WWE Universal Title Match between The Tribal Chief and The American Nightmare on WrestleMania Sunday will be No Bloodline or Bloodline Rules.

 

Last Monday, The Final Boss surprised Rhodes with a brutal parking lot attack, annihilating his adversary and leaving him a bloody mess. Following the vicious assault, what will happen when The Rock and Reigns return to the red brand?

 

 

Sami Zayn battles Bronson Reed in high-stakes rematch

.

Tonight, Sami Zayn will attempt to right the ship as he faces “Big” Bronson Reed in a rematch from last week.

 

With his upcoming WrestleMania title match against Intercontinental Champion Gunther likely on his mind, Zayn fell to Reed last week as The Ring General got to him with his mind games.

 

Can Zayn learn from his loss and defeat Reed before his massive championship match against The Ring General at WrestleMania?

 

 

New Day and #DIY combine to take on Judgment Day.

 

Next week on Raw, the WWE Universe will receive a teaser for the WrestleMania XL Six-Pack Tag Team Ladder Match when #DIY and The New Day combine to battle The Judgment Day in an Eight-Man Tag Team.

 

With The New Day and #DIY having already punched their tickets to WrestleMania, both sides will look for an enormous win en route to Philadelphia.

 

Which team will come out on top, less than a week away from The Showcase of the Immortals?

 

 

Ivy Nile and Maxxine Dupri to take on Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell

.

Weeks of vicious barbs from Candice LeRae toward Maxxine Dupri come to a head when Ivy Nile teams with Dupri to take on LeRae and Indi Hartwell.

 

The Poison Pixie snapped at The Alpha Academy Superstar a few weeks ago on Raw, scolding her in the ring and telling her that she doesn’t belong.

 

After she doubled down on her remarks in front of a surprised Hartwell, Nile attacked LeRae, forcing the need for a tag team match between all four Superstars.

 

WWE!