Daily Update: SmackDown notes, Cody Rhodes, AEW Dark tapings

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SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • Before last night’s SmackDown went on the air, Tommaso Ciampa defeated Pete Dunne in a dark match.
  • Seth Rollins appeared in front of the crowd for a dark segment after SmackDown. Rollins was attacked by The Usos, but he fought both of them off and laid them out with stomps.
  • Last night’s SmackDown averaged 2.16 million viewers in the fast national ratings. The rating in the 18-49 demo was a 0.6 in the first hour and a 0.5 in the second hour.
  • During an appearance on Stories with Brisco and Bradshaw, Jimmy Hart was asked about Hulk Hogan’s health: “Well, he’s doing a lot better. Still, after 12 back surgeries, hips, and knees, he’s doing so much better. He’s been taking this therapy every week and it’s been really improving him more and more so he can get up and get about pretty good now. He still looks good. He always has the hair and has the tan. His upper body is unbelievable. He always looks the part. He can still do an interview at the drop of a hat. He knows what to say and when to say it. He is such a magnet. People love him no matter where we go. It’s crazy.”
  • Road Dogg tweeted about his release from WWE: “I know it would be sexier if I had resentments towards @WWENXT/@WWE but like @RealKingRegal I am thankful for the last decade of learning/employment! They also saved my life and gave me a second chance! Thank you #WWE #OUDK”
  • On Twitter, Mustafa Ali showed his interest in a cast listing for Marvel Studios’ “Blade” and asked fans to help make it go viral.
  • This week’s Talking Smack featured interviews with Happy Corbin & Madcap Moss, Naomi, and The Usos.
  • WWE’s YouTube channel uploaded the nWo Invitational Battle Royal from WCW Road Wild 1998, Rey Mysterio vs. Batista from the January 8, 2010 episode of SmackDown, and Kevin Owens vs. Jey Uso from the November 27, 2020 episode of SmackDown.

Other Wrestling

  • After it was announced that he’s off tonight’s AEW Battle of the Belts show, TNT Champion Cody Rhodes wrote on his Instagram stories that he and Brandi Rhodes are in isolation with family that has tested positive for COVID-19: “I appreciate everybody reaching out. Brandi and I are in isolation with family that have unfortunately tested positive for Covid. It’s been a scary time dealing with such a strong virus and the complications that can come with it. We are doing all we can to nurse and protect the family during this time. I will remain in quarantine as long as needed. Everyday is more encouraging. Thank you immensely for your support and respect for our privacy. Thank you to AEW for understanding and allowing me to be where I am needed today, and for still allowing the TNT Title to be represented. I look forward to being back soon. All the love in the world!”
  • Dustin Rhodes and Sammy Guevara are facing off in an interim TNT title match at Battle of the Belts.
  • AEW will hold two sessions of Dark tapings at Universal Studios in Orlando on Saturday, January 15. Adam Cole, Jade Cargill, Orange Cassidy, Eddie Kingston, Anna Jay, Tay Conti, and John Silver are advertised for the tapings.
  • Brandon Thurston reported that Thursday’s Hard to Kill go-home episode of Impact averaged 104,000 viewers on AXS TV. The rating in the 18-49 demo was a 0.02. It’s Impact’s best viewership since November 18.
  • Sports Illustrated has a Q&A with Josh Alexander ahead of Hard to Kill.
  • Big E congratulated Tom Hannifan (formerly known as Tom Phillips in WWE) on being the new play-by-play voice of Impact Wrestling: “One of the very best at his craft. Couldn’t be happier for my dawg!”
  • Kimber Lee and Brandi Lauren denied a report from PWInsider that said they’ve departed Impact Wrestling. 
  • The Briscoes will defend their GCW Tag Team titles against The Rejects (John Wayne Murdoch & Reed Bentley) at Game Changer Wrestling’s Say You Will show in Hoffman Estates, Illinois on Saturday, January 15.
  • Quinn McKay will be a special backstage correspondent at Northeast Wrestling’s Wrestlefest 26 show in Poughkeepsie, New York on Saturday, January 22.
  • Christopher Daniels vs. Nick Wayne for Daniels’ Defy Interim Championship will take place at Defy Year V at Washington Hall in Seattle on Saturday, February 12.
  • PWInsider reported that Dominic Garrini and Kevin Ku have departed MLW. It was noted that the departure was a mutual agreement.
  • Former GLOW wrestler Matilda the Hun (Deanna Booher) has passed away.