Stay Ahead of the Curve: Latest Insights & Trending Topics

Tag: Title

Dragon Lee Retains WWE Speed Title Against Chad Gable

Dragon Lee returned to action on WWE Speed.
On the February 1st episode of WWE Speed, Dragon Lee defended the WWE Speed Championship against Chad Gable. They battled back and forth, and Gable gained the upper hand. Lee rallied, and Gable took control again. Gable powerbombed Lee and grounded him. Lee persevered, and he ultimately scored the win with an inverted DDT.
The match marked Lee’s first in-ring action since the WWE Main Event taping on December 16th, as he missed some time as he was helping his pregnant wife prepare for the arrival of their child.
Lee previously won the WWE Speed Championship by defeating Andrade on the November 20th episode of WWE Speed.
The post Dragon Lee Retains WWE Speed Title Against Chad Gable appeared first on Wrestlezone.

In an intense and high-flying matchup, Dragon Lee successfully defended his WWE Speed Title against Chad Gable in a thrilling encounter.
Both competitors brought their A-game to the ring, showcasing their incredible athleticism and technical prowess. Gable, known for his amateur wrestling background, brought his technical skills to the forefront, while Dragon Lee relied on his high-flying and daredevil moves to gain the upper hand.
The match was filled with near falls and back-and-forth action, keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats. In the end, it was Dragon Lee who emerged victorious, hitting his signature move, the Dragon Driver, to secure the win and retain his title.
Congratulations to Dragon Lee on a hard-fought victory and to Chad Gable for putting up a valiant effort. The WWE Speed Title remains in the hands of a deserving champion.

Tags:

Dragon Lee, WWE Speed Title, Chad Gable, wrestling, title match, championship, WWE, Dragon Lee vs Chad Gable, wrestling news, WWE Speed Title match, professional wrestling, Dragon Lee retains title

#Dragon #Lee #Retains #WWE #Speed #Title #Chad #Gable
February 2, 2025
Bianca Belair Reacts To WWE’s New Women’s Championships, Hints At Future Title Pursuit – PWMania
(Photo Credit: WWE)
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Bianca Belair appeared on the Battleground podcast to discuss several topics, including how the WWE Women’s Intercontinental and United States Championships are giving more opportunities to the division.
Belair said, “I see it affecting the women’s division in such a positive way. Right now, our roster is the best it’s ever been. It’s the most stacked it’s ever been. People say, ‘What do women need to do to get more opportunities?’ We don’t need to do anything, we just need more opportunities because every time we step in, we step up and we show out when we get those opportunities. So adding these two new titles, it gives so much more room and opportunity for women to showcase themselves, and that’s all we want to do. We don’t want these opportunities just because we’re women. We don’t want these spots just because we’re women. We want them because we can sell tickets, we want them because we can put the numbers, and we want them because we can put on these five-star matches, and this is what these women are doing. It’s really giving opportunities too for women who may be new to the scene, and they’re trying to get themselves out there.”
On potentially fighting for the titles:
“I think that it’s amazing. I’ve been able to accomplish a lot in a very short amount of time, and I’ve been able to hold a lot of titles. Those two new titles, they’re very shiny and pretty, and those women that are holding those titles are amazing women. So, anyone that could take those titles from those women that hold those titles right now, that’s a huge accomplishment. But yeah, our roster’s just so stacked, so we’re getting more opportunities because we’re showing up, and we’re showing out.”
You can check out the complete podcast in the video below.
(H/T to Fightful for transcribing the above quotes)

Bianca Belair Reacts To WWE’s New Women’s Championships, Hints At Future Title Pursuit
WWE recently unveiled two new women’s championships, the Women’s Tag Team Championships and the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. The announcement has sent shockwaves throughout the women’s division, with many Superstars already expressing their interest in pursuing these titles.
One Superstar who has already set her sights on the new championships is Bianca Belair. The EST of WWE took to social media to react to the news, expressing her excitement about the opportunities that lie ahead.
“I am ready to make history and add more gold to my collection,” Belair tweeted. “These new championships are just another opportunity for me to show why I am the best in the business.”
Belair’s confidence and determination have not gone unnoticed by fans and fellow Superstars, with many believing that she has what it takes to become a double champion in WWE.
With her impressive athleticism, strength, and charisma, Belair is certainly a force to be reckoned with in the women’s division. It will be interesting to see how she pursues these new titles and if she can add even more accolades to her already impressive resume.
Stay tuned to WWE programming to see if Bianca Belair can capture the Women’s Tag Team Championships or the Women’s Intercontinental Championship and continue to solidify her legacy as one of the top female Superstars in WWE.

Tags:
1. Bianca Belair
2. WWE women’s championships
3. Bianca Belair WWE
4. Title pursuit
5. Women’s wrestling
6. Bianca Belair reaction
7. WWE news
8. Wrestling championships
9. Bianca Belair future plans
10. PWMania interview
#Bianca #Belair #Reacts #WWEs #Womens #Championships #Hints #Future #Title #Pursuit #PWMania
February 1, 2025
Chelsea Green Had 17 Family Members At Her WWE Women’s United States Title Win

Chelsea Green says she had 17 family members present at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
On December 14th, WWE fans saw the return of Saturday Night’s Main Event on NBC, and the show featured several big matches, including the culmination of the WWE Women’s United States Title tournament. Chelsea Green would end up defeating Michin to become the first champion, and has held onto the title since.

Related Article
Tony Khan Says AEW Dynamite And AEW Collision Set UK Viewership Records
While speaking to Indy Sports Daily in a recent interview, Chelsea was asked about the championship win, with Green noting that she had 17 family members in attendance for her big win.
“It was definitely surreal. I had 17 family members there. I had all my family and my in-laws there, and obviously it was at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island. So it was just like, it was just really, really special. Other than having it in my hometown, I couldn’t have asked for a better place to have it, just surrounded by everyone that I love and I felt like in that moment, it was a culmination of everything I’ve ever done in 10 years. It’s been a lot of ups and downs in my career and I’ve never had the fans be so behind me as they are right now. I feel like I finally let them in on who I am and they know how much I love this. So it just felt really surreal.”
Green is scheduled to face off with Michin in a last chance match for her championship on tonight’s SmackDown. For the preview for tonight’s SmackDown, you can find it here.
If you use any of the quotes above, please credit and link to the original source with a h/t and link back to Fightful for the transcription.

Chelsea Green made history on Monday night when she captured the WWE Women’s United States Title, but what made her victory even more special was the fact that she had 17 of her family members in attendance to witness the momentous occasion.
The proud wrestler took to social media to share a heartwarming photo of her family celebrating her win, with the caption: “I couldn’t have done it without the love and support of my amazing family. Having 17 of my closest relatives cheering me on in the crowd made this moment even more special. Thank you all for being my biggest fans and believing in me every step of the way.”
Green’s win marks a significant milestone in her wrestling career, and having her family there to share in the joy and excitement of the moment made it all the more memorable. Congratulations to Chelsea Green on her well-deserved victory, and here’s to many more successes in the future!

Tags:

Chelsea Green, WWE, Women’s United States Title, family, victory, celebration, wrestling, championship, relatives, support, triumph, history, memorable moment, professional wrestling, athlete, competition, emotional win

#Chelsea #Green #Family #Members #WWE #Womens #United #States #Title #Win
February 1, 2025
WWE US Champ Chelsea Green Looks Back On Winning Her First World Title

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
Chelsea Green is currently flying high as the first-ever WWE Women’s United States Champion, and she has already defended the title against the woman she beat to win the title, Michin. However, her current championship is far from the first piece of gold Green has held.
During a recent appearance on “Virgin Radio UK,” Green reminisced about the first championship she ever won, and the first title she won on TV.
“That was the Girls Gone Wrestling title, and it kind of was around the same that I won my first TV title, which was for the Knockouts Championship for TNA. So there’s two, hand in hand, it was Girls Gone Wrestling for independents, and then on TV I was the Knockouts Champion. It was so cool, just coming up and winning my first championship and feeling validated you know?” she said.
Green won the ASW Women’s Championship when she wrestled as Jaida on the Canadian independent scene, defeating future TNA star Gisele Shaw in a tournament final in 2015. She held on to her crown for almost a full year.
Green’s first reign as TNA Knockouts Champion came over a year-and-a-half after she lost her ASW Women’s Championship, winning the title in November 2017, while wrestling as Laurel Van Ness, from Rosemary. She defended the title against both Allie and Kiera Hogan, before losing to Allie in March 2018, which was her final match for the company until July 2021.
Please credit “Virgin Radio UK” when using quotes from this article, and give a H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

WWE US Champ Chelsea Green recently sat down for an exclusive interview where she reflected on the moment she won her first world title. Green, who has been making waves in the wrestling world, shared how much the victory meant to her and how it has shaped her career.
“I will never forget the feeling of winning my first world title,” Green said. “It was a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. I knew that I had finally reached the pinnacle of my career and it was a moment I will always cherish.”
Green went on to talk about the challenges she faced leading up to that moment and how she overcame them with determination and perseverance. She credits her success to her unwavering belief in herself and her ability to push through any obstacles that came her way.
As she continues to defend her US Championship title, Green looks back on that moment as a reminder of what she is capable of achieving. She hopes to inspire others to never give up on their dreams and to always strive for greatness.
Fans can catch Chelsea Green in action on WWE programming and witness firsthand the passion and dedication she brings to the ring. Her journey to becoming a world champion is a testament to her hard work and commitment to her craft, and she shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Tags:

WWE US Champ Chelsea Green, World Title, winning, wrestling, championship, professional wrestling, WWE, women’s wrestling, memorable moment, champion, career milestone

#WWE #Champ #Chelsea #Green #Winning #World #Title
February 1, 2025
Deonna Purrazzo Reveals She Helped Chelsea Green Put Together Her US Title Inauguration

Generate Key Takeaways
Deonna Purrazzo is very proud of what Chelsea Green has accomplished in WWE.
All Elite Wrestling‘s Deonna Purrazzo recently spoke with MuscleManMalcolm. When asked about Chelsea Green winning the WWE Women’s United States Championship, Purrazzo expressed how proud she is of someone she considers to be her sister.
“Holy moly. I mean, I speak so highly of Chelsea,” Deonna Purrazzo said. “Obviously, everyone knows that’s my best friend. That is — I don’t have a sister. If I had to liken my relationship to what it would be like to have a sister, that’s my sister. And to watch her succeed, it means even more than myself succeeding, because that’s who I’d want to give everything to if I couldn’t have it.
“And so to see her, and also, we’re talking about getting degrees. I have a history degree. I love US American history. So to watch her embrace being the United States Champion, using all US history, US government. She had a whole inauguration, which I loved helping her put together. Like it was just so fun. And I’m just I’m so proud.”
READ MORE: Deonna Purrazzo On Not Appearing On AEW Dynamite Often: It’s A Waiting Game
What do you make of Deonna Purrazzo’s comments? Have you enjoyed Chelsea Green’s run with the Women’s United States Championship? Let us know your thoughts by sounding off in the comments section below.
If you use any of these quotes, please credit MuscleManMalcolm with a link to this article for the transcription.
The post Deonna Purrazzo Reveals She Helped Chelsea Green Put Together Her US Title Inauguration appeared first on Wrestlezone.

Deonna Purrazzo, the reigning Impact Knockouts Champion, recently took to social media to share a heartwarming story about her friend and fellow wrestler Chelsea Green. In a post titled “Deonna Purrazzo Reveals She Helped Chelsea Green Put Together Her US Title Inauguration,” Purrazzo opened up about the special moment she shared with Green.
In the post, Purrazzo explained how Green had recently won the prestigious US Title and was planning her inauguration ceremony. Purrazzo, who is known for her attention to detail and creative vision, offered to help Green put together the perfect celebration.
Together, the two women spent hours brainstorming ideas, selecting the perfect venue, and coordinating every last detail. Purrazzo shared that it was a joy to see Green’s face light up as their vision came to life.
The US Title inauguration was a huge success, with fans and fellow wrestlers alike praising Green for her creativity and style. Purrazzo was proud to have played a role in making her friend’s special day truly memorable.
In her post, Purrazzo expressed her admiration for Green’s talent and dedication, and thanked her for allowing her to be a part of such a special moment. The post was met with an outpouring of support and appreciation from fans, who were touched by the bond between these two talented women.
Overall, the post highlighted the power of friendship and collaboration in the wrestling world, and served as a reminder of the importance of supporting and uplifting one another.

Tags:

Deonna Purrazzo, Chelsea Green, US Title, Inauguration, Pro Wrestling, Impact Wrestling, Women’s Wrestling

#Deonna #Purrazzo #Reveals #Helped #Chelsea #Green #Put #Title #Inauguration
February 1, 2025
Stephanie Vaquer interrupts Fallon Henley’s title celebration: NXT highlights, Jan. 28, 2025

Raw highlights: April 10, 2017

03:57

04:47

02:09

01:16

04:27

WWE Network previews, highlights and excerpts

03:14

03:47

03:30

03:11

03:15

Stephanie Vaquer causes chaos at NXT title celebration: NXT highlights, Jan. 28, 2025

Tags:

Stephanie Vaquer, Fallon Henley, NXT, title celebration, wrestling highlights, 2025, WWE, interruption, championship match, NXT Women’s Champion, wrestling drama, Stephanie Vaquer vs Fallon Henley, NXT takeover.

#Stephanie #Vaquer #interrupts #Fallon #Henleys #title #celebration #NXT #highlights #Jan
February 1, 2025
Florida clears basketball coach Todd Golden of Title IX violation regarding sexual harassment, stalking claims, citing ‘no evidence’

Florida cleared head coach Todd Golden in a now-closed Title IX investigation. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
The University of Florida on Monday cleared basketball coach Todd Golden of a Title IX complaint that included allegations of sexual harassment and stalking of multiple women, including Florida students.
In a statement, Florida announced that it was closing the investigation after finding “no evidence” of a Title IX violation.
“The University of Florida takes these matters seriously and works deliberately to ensure that due process is upheld for everyone,” Florida’s statement reads. “After a thorough investigation that included dozens of interviews over the past months, the University of Florida has found no evidence that Todd Golden violated Title IX. The Title IX office has closed its investigation.”
Golden also released a statement addressing the decision and thanking Florida’s University Athletic Association for its support.
“The last several months have been a challenge for my family and me while this process dragged on,” Golden’s statement reads. “We asked for the public to allow the process to work through to its conclusion and not rush to judgment based on allegations. The UAA and so many at the university have been tremendously supportive — my family and I are extremely grateful.
“And thank you to our fans for your incredible support for our players and our program. It has made a huge difference.”
What Golden was accused of
The complaints against Golden were first reported in November by Florida’s student newspaper, The Independent Florida Alligator. Per the complaints, Golden was accused of making unwanted sexual advances on social media and taking photos of women who were walking or driving and sending them to those women.
Golden was also accused of sending photos and videos of his genitalia and showing up to locations of where he knew that the women he was accused of stalking would be.
Golden, 39, has continued to coach the program throughout the investigation. Following a Nov. 11 win over Grambling, Florida’s first game since the allegations were reported, Golden asked the public to “let the process take place.”
“Obviously in this situation, due process, and to continue to support our guys and I would just hope that they would let the process take place and see where it ends up,” Golden said in his postgame news conference.
Golden’s attorney criticizes ‘meritless’ claim
On Monday, Golden’s attorney, William Sheppard released a statement criticizing the complaint as “meritless.”
“Coach Golden and I have respected the process throughout while actively engaging with the university,” Sheppard’s statement reads. “However, there were many who did not respect the investigative process. Instead, they sought to target Coach Golden and drive their agenda and this investigation for their own self-interest.
“Some leaked confidential material to the media; falsely posed as a UF lawyer in an effort to intimidate; harassed UF students and parents to try to generate a false narrative; and harassed my client, his family, and his friends.”
A separate Title IX investigation involving a sexual assault allegation against Florida assistant coach Taurean Green remains open. Green, a former Florida player who won NCAA championships with the program in 2006 and 2007, is accused of kissing a female athletic department employee and putting his hand down her pants, per a complaint reported by ESPN in January.
Green has not addressed the allegation publicly and continues to coach. Golden was critical of the process’ lack of confidentiality when he announced that Green would continue to coach in January.
“So as frustrating and as disappointing and as hard as it is to do, I am going to do what I think I need to do and continue to respect the process, as I have.”
Florida is off to an 18-2 start and ranked No. 5 in the nation. Golden is in his third year as the program’s head coach after previously coaching at the University of San Francisco.

In a recent development, the University of Florida has officially cleared basketball coach Todd Golden of any Title IX violation regarding claims of sexual harassment and stalking. The university conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations and found no evidence to support the claims made against Golden.
This news comes as a relief to both Golden and the university community, who have been eagerly awaiting the outcome of the investigation. The university’s decision to clear Golden of any wrongdoing is a testament to his character and integrity as a coach and a leader.
Golden has expressed his gratitude for the university’s support throughout the investigation and is looking forward to continuing his role as the head basketball coach. He remains focused on leading his team to success on and off the court.
The university’s swift and thorough investigation serves as a reminder of the importance of due process and the need for all claims of misconduct to be thoroughly investigated. It also highlights the university’s commitment to upholding a safe and respectful environment for all members of the community.
As the basketball season continues, Golden and his team can now focus on their goals without the cloud of these allegations hanging over them. The university community stands behind Golden as he moves forward from this challenging chapter.

Tags:

Florida basketball, Todd Golden, Title IX violation, sexual harassment, stalking claims, evidence, investigation, NCAA, college sports, Florida athletics, coach cleared, no evidence found

#Florida #clears #basketball #coach #Todd #Golden #Title #violation #sexual #harassment #stalking #claims #citing #evidence
February 1, 2025
Florida coach Todd Golden ‘happy’ to move on from Title IX case
Jan 30, 2025, 02:14 PM ET
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida coach Todd Golden is ready to move on, with any potential legal response to come after the season.
That might not happen until April for the fifth-ranked Gators.
In the meantime, Florida is embarking on a daunting, two-week stretch that includes three road games against top-15 teams. It begins at No. 6 Tennessee on Saturday — and with Golden seemingly absolved from sexual misconduct accusations he acknowledged were challenging.
Editor’s Picks
1 Related
The university cleared Golden on Monday following a four-month investigation into allegations of sexual exploitation, sexual harassment and stalking. The school said no evidence was found and ended its investigation.
“Happy to put it behind us,” Golden said Thursday. “Moving forward, we’ll continue to have our full attention on our team and then the game on Saturday. Look forward to talking about basketball with you guys.”
It’s unclear what’s next step for the Title IX complainants, who have the right to appeal the university’s decision. They also could consider filing a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights in Washington or suing in state or federal court. Their attorney, Karen Truszkowski of the Temperance Legal Group, has not responded to a request for comment.
Golden previously sidestepped chances to deny the allegations “out of the respect to the process” and threatened legal action, presumably against his unnamed accusers. The school’s university athletic association, Golden and his attorney released strong statements Monday, with the coach saying the process “dragged on” and his attorney ripping complainants for leaking confidential material.
Golden declined Thursday to address how he plans to rebuild his reputation.
“To be honest, it’s a very fair and real question,” he said. “I’m simply not worried about that right now. My job is to make sure our team’s prepared. My job is to make sure we’re ready to go for Saturday. I’ll worry about all that stuff later.”
The complaint against Golden accused him of sending photos and videos of his genitalia, making unwanted sexual advances on Instagram and requesting sexual favors. The Independent Florida Alligator first reported the allegations in early November.
Golden’s attorney, William Shepherd, said the university’s conclusion “proves that the complaint was meritless.”
Golden, 39, signed a two-year contract extension last March that included a $1 million raise and brought his annual salary to $4 million. The deal runs through the 2029-30 season. He is 58-31 in three seasons.
Florida has won 18 of its first 20 games. Winning in Knoxville would boost the team’s postseason résumé even more.
“Just going into one of the best venues in college basketball and holding onto your guts enough for 40 or 45 minutes, whatever it takes to find a way to win,” Golden said. “It would be a great feather to put in our cap. And I think if we can somehow find a way to win on Saturday, I think we, at this time, should be a [No. 1] seed, to be honest.”
The Gators also have upcoming games against No. 24 Vanderbilt, at top-ranked Auburn and at No. 14 Mississippi State.
“One of the benefits and one of the great things about this league is you don’t get punished for losing unless you lose in a really bad manner,” he said. “And every win is a résumé win. … Win a game like that and maybe you are in a position to be a 1-seed in the NCAA tournament.”
Florida coach Todd Golden has expressed his relief and happiness at finally moving on from the Title IX case that has been looming over him for the past several months. Golden, who was accused of sexual misconduct by a former student-athlete, has maintained his innocence throughout the investigation.
In a statement released by his lawyer, Golden expressed his gratitude to all those who stood by him during this difficult time. He also stated that he is looking forward to putting this chapter behind him and focusing on his team and their upcoming season.
Golden’s case has been a source of controversy and division within the Florida community, with many calling for his resignation and others supporting him and believing in his innocence. Now that the case has been resolved and no charges were filed against him, Golden can finally breathe a sigh of relief and move forward with his coaching career.
As he prepares for the upcoming season, Golden is determined to prove his critics wrong and lead his team to success on and off the court. He remains committed to upholding the values of integrity and respect within his program and is eager to show that he is deserving of the trust and support of his players, fans, and university.

Tags:

Florida coach Todd Golden, Title IX case, Todd Golden news, Florida basketball coach, Title IX investigation, University of Florida coach, NCAA Title IX, NCAA news, Todd Golden update, Florida Gators coach

#Florida #coach #Todd #Golden #happy #move #Title #case
February 1, 2025
Alex Pereira expected to corner Sean Strickland for title fight against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 312
Sean Strickland has plenty of backup in his corner when he faces Dricus du Plessis in a rematch with the middleweight title on the line at UFC 312.
In addition to his regular crew of coaches, which includes head corner Eric Nicksick, Strickland will receive some extra advice from UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.
The Brazilian is set to corner Strickland for his fight against du Plessis after they actually fought back in 2022. Since then, Pereira and Strickland have trained together and become friends while also no longer competing in the same weight class.
Pereira is expected to serve as the fourth coach in Strickland’s corner per Nicksick, who confirmed the news to MMA Fighting on Tuesday after initially revealing his plans to The Schmo on YouTube.
Strickland is attempting to reclaim the middleweight title after he lost the belt to du Plessis back in January 2024 in a razor close decision. Since that time, Strickland went onto beat perennial contender Paulo Costa to put himself in a position to get another shot at the belt.
Meanwhile, du Plessis vanquished longtime foe Israel Adesanya with an impressive submission victory this past August in his first title defense.
Following his win over Adesanya last year, du Plessis actually welcomed a future fight against Pereira after he posted a photo on Instagram saying he was interested in returning to middleweight for at least one more appearance to take on the new champion from South Africa.
The fighters exchanged a few more words over social media and through interviews but an actual bout between them never came to fruition.
Instead, du Plessis can just look across the octagon on Feb. 8 when he’s facing Strickland and he’ll see Pereira staring right back at him.

Alex Pereira, the former kickboxing champion turned MMA star, is expected to corner Sean Strickland for his upcoming title fight against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 312. Pereira, known for his devastating striking and knockout power, will bring his wealth of experience and expertise to Strickland’s corner as he prepares to face off against du Plessis for the middleweight championship.
Strickland, coming off a dominant performance in his last fight, is looking to continue his winning streak and capture the title in what promises to be a highly anticipated matchup. With Pereira in his corner, Strickland will have a seasoned coach and mentor by his side, helping him to navigate the challenges of facing a formidable opponent like du Plessis.
Fans can expect an electrifying fight between two elite middleweight contenders, with Pereira’s guidance adding an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup. As the countdown to UFC 312 begins, all eyes will be on Strickland and du Plessis as they prepare to battle it out for the title, with Pereira playing a crucial role in Strickland’s corner. Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable night of action-packed MMA.

Tags:
1. Alex Pereira
2. Sean Strickland
3. Dricus du Plessis
4. UFC 312
5. Title fight
6. MMA news
7. Fight predictions
8. Middleweight division
9. UFC matchups
10. Alex Pereira vs Sean Strickland vs Dricus du Plessis
#Alex #Pereira #expected #corner #Sean #Strickland #title #fight #Dricus #Plessis #UFC
February 1, 2025
Six Nations 2025: How Scotland went from title contenders to worried about Italy
The way we view Italy has changed – or ought to have changed. Some, perhaps subconsciously, still see them as a nailed-on win with only the margin up for discussion. That was the case for a long time, but not anymore.
They have class and power all over their team, they have clever creators, deadly finishers with dynamism and belligerence.
Scotland have lost more Six Nations games to Italy (eight) than all the other nations combined, so the warning signs are there, flashing blue. Would it be a massive surprise if Italy won? Not in the minds of anybody who’s been paying attention to them.
Townsend has injuries, but he’s not wallowing. He has absolute faith in Stafford McDowall filling in for Tuipulotu and bringing some of his ball-carrying and defensive solidity to the party.
McDowall is not Tuipulotu but he’s still a seriously accomplished footballer, a leader, a big presence who will relish a run in the team. Save for Cherry and the undercooked, but freakish unit, Gray, then this is an impressive Scotland team with an impactful bench.
And they’ll most likely need it. A recurring theme throughout last season’s championship was Scotland’s fast starts and slow finishes, the opening day hair-raiser against Wales being the classic illustration of that.
In points scored across the four quarters of games they went from first, to third, to joint fifth to sixth in the final quarter. For points conceded they were again at their weakest in the final quarter.
Townsend has some terrific firepower on the bench. George Horne, Tom Jordan and Kyle Rowe can create things out of nothing. Gregor Brown, with his physicality and skill-set, could be a real breakout star. Jack Dempsey hasn’t played a whole pile of rugby but his carrying and his intensity might be just the ticket to get Scotland over the line.
It could be nervous, it could be positively terrifying, but it’s the Six Nations and it’s back and it’s a hell of a time to be alive.

As the Six Nations tournament in 2025 unfolds, the rugby world has been shocked by Scotland’s sudden decline from title contenders to a team worried about facing Italy. Once considered one of the top teams in the competition, Scotland has struggled to find their form in recent years, leading to questions about what has gone wrong for the once dominant side.
In 2023, Scotland came tantalizingly close to clinching their first Six Nations title in over two decades, finishing in second place behind England. The team was lauded for their attacking flair, solid defense, and impressive teamwork, with many fans and pundits predicting that they would be strong contenders for the title in the years to come.
However, the 2024 season saw Scotland falter, with a string of disappointing results that left them languishing in the bottom half of the table. Key players were plagued by injuries, the team struggled to find consistency in their performances, and their once formidable attack seemed to have lost its spark.
As the 2025 Six Nations tournament kicked off, Scotland’s woes continued, with a shock defeat to Wales in the opening round followed by a lackluster performance against Ireland. The team’s once fearsome reputation has been tarnished, and they now find themselves nervously eyeing their upcoming match against Italy, a team that has shown significant improvement in recent years.
Scotland’s fall from grace has left fans and pundits scratching their heads, wondering what has gone wrong for a team that was once considered a genuine title contender. Will they be able to turn things around and rediscover their winning ways, or will they continue to struggle against their rivals? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – Scotland’s road to redemption will be a long and challenging one.

Tags:
1. Six Nations 2025
2. Scotland rugby
3. Six Nations title contenders
4. Italy rugby
5. Scotland vs Italy
6. Six Nations 2025 predictions
7. Scotland rugby team
8. Italy rugby team
9. Scotland rugby news
10. Six Nations 2025 analysis
#Nations #Scotland #title #contenders #worried #Italy
February 1, 2025