News here! Commentary on the passing of The Destroyer, contract status of Rousey, Styles, Jim Ross and more!

The Destroyer Passes Away At 88

The Destroyer , real name Dick Beyer, passed away today at 88 years old. According a Facebook post from his son, he died at his home surrounded by his family. They have asked fans to post their memories on Facebook at the The Destroyer – Honoring A Wrestling Legend page that you can find

Jason’s Take

A tough week for the world of wrestling continues. The Destroyer wrestled a bit before my time, though I remember growing up near Minnesota, we used to get re-runs of classic AWA programs when I was a kid and when Beyer was then known as Doctor X. He was one of the first masked wrestlers I can remember. Thoughts and prayers with his family.

Jushin Thunder Liger Announces Retirement

Legendary Japanese wrestler Jushin Thunder Liger announced that he will retire January 2020 at the Tokyo Dome. Many US fans remember Liger taking on Brian Pillman in the first ever match in WCW Monday Nitro history.

Jason’s Take

Honestly, I have rarely followed Japanese wrestling, so I am only vaguely familiar with Liger with his short time in WCW in the late 90’s. As his career comes to a close, I’m sure many of the other writers on the site more familiar with him will have thoughts, tributes, and matches that are must watches.

Jim Ross To Leave WWE

Jim Ross announced today on his latest podcast that he will be leaving WWE when his contract expires at the end of March. He also stated that he believes he will not be out of work for long.

Jason’s Take

When the initial rumblings of AEW started, it was heavily rumored that Jim Ross would be involved. Out of all the names rumored for the promotion, Jim Ross makes the most sense. The company unassumingly intends to have weekly television in addition to pay per views, so having a widely recognized voice in professional wrestling would be a key hire for the company.

Update On Lars Sullivan

Yesterday I commented on the initially planned match involving John Cena and Lars Sullivan at WrestleMania and how it was changed to Samoa Joe. As an update to some of the anxiety issues Sullivan has been dealing with, ProWrestlingSheet is reporting that Sullivan is in a good place mentally, and Vince McMahon is still a big supporter of Sullivan.

Jason’s Take

Not to be a walking public service announcement, but depression and anxiety sucks, and if you are suffering with it, talk to someone. A friend, a family member, a counselor, someone. Struggling with it myself in the past, I know that some jobs aren’t so understanding, so it is refreshing to see the WWE handle this well.

AJ Styles Contract Status

A few months ago, there were rumblings regarding the contract status of AJ Styles. Would he resign with WWE or make the jump to AEW? The Wrestling Observer Newsletter has reported that while he has not yet signed a new WWE deal, he has told many that he plans on staying with the company, and many people backstage are under that impression as well.

Jason’s Take

I am sure there was legitimate interest from AEW to bring Styles in. Kenny Omega has often said a match with Styles would be his ideal dream match. I think Styles is legitimately happy in WWE, and they have done well with him creatively.

Ronda Rousey Contract Status

It has been widely speculated that Ronda Rousey will be leaving the WWE after WrestleMania. On the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer is reporting that her departure date is up to her, and the belief of many is she has yet to make a decision. As of a few weeks ago, the creative team was planning for her match at WrestleMania to be the send off for her.

Jason’s Take

I have said it previously but will say it again; the feud over the RAW women’s championship is one of the hottest angles the company has had in sometime, and is the hottest women’s angle in company history. Rousey has been running hard since last WrestleMania, and in order to keep her fresh and keep her as an attraction, time off would do her well.