Hey there! Thank you for reading the latest edition of the Weekly.
It’s Election Day tomorrow in the U.S. And, in eight days, our latest issue—the January “Women’s 150” edition of PWI—hits newsstands. Whether you buy your copy from your local magazine seller, order (or subscribe) directly through us, or grab the digital edition using our new and improved app, we’d like to remind you that the “Women’s 150” issue contains your OFFICIAL Fan Ballot for the 2022 PWI Achievement Awards. Don’t miss your chance to vote and make your voice heard!
WRESTLER OF THE WEEK
Jon Moxley may not have been the AEW World champion that the promotion planned for 12 months ago. But, as it turns out, he is exactly the kind of AEW World champion that it needs right now. Thanks to a concoction of injuries, interim belts, and backstage brawls, All Elite Wrestling was forced to change course from much of what had been brainstormed for its top championship this past summer and early-autumn.
While Mox has been the main beneficiary of the above, we would argue that All Elite Wrestling has benefited nearly as much by having him as its three-time champion. Reigning at a time when the promotion’s off-screen shenanigans have been as dramatic as what’s been happening on-screen, Moxley, with his fighting champion mentality, has brought a steadfast reliability to the belt—and to AEW—that has been sorely needed.
SPOTLIGHT ON …
Speaking of former members of The Shield … if Moxley has been a steady hand for AEW, then his old running mate Seth Rollins might just be the steadiest that WWE has to offer. Regardless of what his storyline is—or who he is facing off against— “Freakin’” Rollins never delivers anything less than his all.
It’s a testament to Rollins’ abilities that losing three big matches in a row to Cody Rhodes did nothing to diminish the star power of “The Architect”—and, on the contrary, actually seems to have propelled him toward his current reign as United States champion. Whether it’s his outlandish outfits or his in-ring prowess, playing the hateful heel or a beaming babyface, the spotlight is firmly fixed on “Monday Night Rollins.”
A QUICK WORD WITH …
Vita VonStarr
PWI: So, Vita, you’re the current CCW Network champion. How does it feel to be the champ?
VonStarr: It was written in the stars, man. I’m just following the path of righteousness.
PWI: You have a background on stage and screen, as well as in the ring. Has that helped you to be a better wrestler?
VonStarr: Absolutely! I’m here to put on a show and give the fans a good time, no matter what the stage is.
PWI: What’s the most important thing you learned from being a part of The Righteous?
VonStarr: To follow my own path and forget what society or the industry deems is “right” or “acceptable.”
PWI: Favorite career moment so far?
VonStarr: Being in the cage for the Ring of Honor main event at the ECW Arena when Vincent won (and ended) the two-year feud with Matt Taven.
PWI: The one thing PWI readers should know about Vita VonStarr is …
VonStarr: There’s never been a pro wrestler like me, and there never damn well will be.
FROM THE VAULT
In the above photo, taken by Bill Apter, “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes prepares to enjoy a meal—including a can of Tab cola!—on his flight to the Last Tangle in Tampa supercard, where he’d face Harley Race for the NWA World heavyweight championship.