Kanako Urai, better known to wrestling fans as Asuka, is scheduled to make her main roster debut next month. WWE returns to Madison Square Garden for a live event on March 12th and the NXT Women’s Champion will be replacing Naomi in an 8-woman tag team match.
Click here to find out who Asuka’s opponent will most likely be at NXT Takeover: Orlando, based on this week’s NXT TV tapings.
Asuka Main Roster Debut
Asuka competing at the upcoming WWE live event from MSG does not mean the 35-year old Japanese star is joining the main roster any time soon.
Asuka signed with WWE in the summer of 2015. After the departures of Bayley, Charlotte, Banks and Lynch, she’s become the focal point of the division. Her NXT title reign has been the longest of any singles title run in the brand’s history.
Updated Card For WWE’s Return To MSG (3/12)
Special Appearances by AJ STYLES and SHANE MCMAHON!
JOHN CENA VS. BRAY WYATT
-WWE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH-
BROCK LESNAR (WITH PAUL HEYMAN) VS. KEVIN OWENS
-SPECIAL ATTRACTION WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH-
DEAN AMBROSE VS. BARON CORBIN VS. THE MIZ (WITH MARYSE)
-TRIPLE THREAT MATCH FOR THE WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP-
LUKE HARPER VS. RANDY ORTON
AMERICAN ALPHA VS. THE USO’S
-WWE SMACKDOWN TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH-
APOLLO CREWS VS. DOLPH ZIGGLER
NIKKI BELLA, BECKY LYNCH, TAMINA & ASUKA
VS. ALEXA BLISS, MICKIE JAMES, NATALYA & CARMELLA (WITH JAMES ELLSWORTH)
RHYNO, HEATH SLATER & KALISTO
VS. BREEZANGO & CURT HAWKINS
Posted February 24th, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: Asuka.
Former WWE Superstar Ryback was a guest on the Ross Report podcast. The Big Guy spoke with WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross about Paul Heyman’s relationship with CM Punk screwing him over, Punk in UFC, life after WWE and much more. Here are some highlights of what Ryback said about:
Working with Paul Heyman & why Heyman’s relationship with CM Punk was screwing him over:
“I respect Paul [Heyman] a lot, and he’s lasted in this business a very long time, but we didn’t see eye to eye. Paul and CM Punk were really, really good friends. Heyman was supposed to be, from a creative standpoint, working with me. And he was with Punk all day and they were discussing business, and what they were going on to do, and it wasn’t doing me any favors and I knew that. We were overseas on an England tour [when] I finally had enough. Paul knew he had to get away from me, because I was gonna kill him at the time. He had went to Vince, him and Punk, and they didn’t do me any favors in there talking to Vince. I talked to Paul that night at catering at the hotel,” … “I had one last discussion with Paul at the catering table, in which he bought me beers for about two hours, as I cut a two-hour promo on him on everything, and what I thought of him, and how he did his business with me. He held a butter knife in his hand, twirling it the entire two hours. I kid you not, CM Punk walked around in circles the entire time, acting like he was gonna try to do something, while I was talking to Paul cutting this promo on him.”
CM Punk’s negative comments about him on Colt Cabana’s podcast:
“Not to say Punk gets along with everyone to begin with – he’s kind of his own individual, and a self-admitted asshole at times, but he was always friendly with me. But you gotta remember, when you’re dealing at the WWE level, and you’re dealing with those top slots, you’re dealing with millions of dollars. The two guys I had all my problems with, and everyone else there I’d get alone with just fine, was John Cena and CM Punk. There’s only a certain amount of slots there, and those guys have those slots, and they wanted to keep them. I do think Punk, he was really beat up during the periods that we worked together, physically, and he complained about other guys when he was there that are notorious for being good workers. I just think he was physically beat up, and he was frustrated, and he lumped that all in.” … “He had his issues with WWE, I think I just got lumped into all that. It is what it is. I don’t hate him, not at all.”
Punk pursing a professional MMA career with UFC:
“I’m happy for him, as far as the UFC. I know the fight didn’t go the way that he wanted it to go, or have the performance that he probably felt that he could have had. But having the courage to just take that chance, and anybody who knocks him for that, they have no idea the courage that it takes to be able to go out there and fight in front of the world. Essentially it’s being a modern day gladiator.” … “I think it’s cool. I wish him the best in everything that he’s doing going forward.”
Punk’s frustrations with WWE and how the “WWE machine” affects wrestlers:
“He was never the stereotypical WWE guy. He always had to eat shit, so to speak, from day one. He broke a lot of doors down up there for a lot of the independent guys. He kinda had to live through that first hand, where guys now are getting opportunities from the independents, he didn’t necessarily get all of those right off the bat, probably like he felt like he should have.” …
“Vince and the WWE, they’re a business. They essentially whore you out and run you into the ground, and then they replace you. Because there are so many guys who want those spots, and the brand is so strong now, that they can do that and get away with it. It gives you a negative feeling on wrestling at times. I feel like Punk had a lot on his shoulders, with the creative and the injuries, where it kind of makes you resent the job a little bit. And I think that’s where you can become a little bitter, and a little angry. Even though he had a lot of success, I feel like at times, but in his mind probably not the level that he wanted. And I can understand that because I know the level of success that I wanted, and wasn’t happy with that. And for him I think it was main-eventing WrestleMania. I think for him, after experiencing the struggles that he did early on just to get there, and then getting there and having success finally, and finally breaking through, and then still not actually truly getting that spot that he really wanted – his goal, so to speak – I think it was just a culmination of everything.”
How life on the road helped to prepare him for his post-WWE career:
“I’m very thankful for everything wrestling related, and my time in WWE. I always talked about how I rode alone. On those car rides, I look at that as very valuable time to myself. Anywhere from three to six hours on a lot of nights, where I could listen to audio books and learn about anything I wanted to learn about, and get a free education on the road while still doing what I love to do.”
Vince McMahon and why it’s important for wrestlers to communicate with management when they have issues:
“It’s a creative business. It’s his world, and if he doesn’t like you – and I know there’s guys there now that he’s sour on – and I always wondered why haven’t they gone in there and communicated? They’re just living week to week. In this day and age, a lot of guys walk on egg shells, and that’s what I’m proudest about myself. I’ve always stood up for myself, and I’ve gone and communicated. When I thought Hunter was against me on things, I’ve gone and I’ve talked to him. Do I think he was always honest with me? No, but I always approached him and I tried to talk to him, and gain ground, because if I don’t nothing’s gonna change. So I had nothing to lose. You gotta get rid of that fear mindset very early on, and most of the guys won’t. The ones that do, will do themselves the biggest favor, and helping themselves as they get to the main roster.”
Visit FeedMeMore.com to learn more about Ryback’s latest projects, including his new book and his line of nutritional supplements.
Posted February 24th, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: Ryback.
“I don’t know if I’m gonna be wrestling, per se, but I will be at Mania. I will be at Mania, I will be at Hall of Fame and I’m gonna do some Axxess signings.”
Kelly didn’t give a straight answer when asked if she’ll be inducting somebody at the Hall of Fame ceremony, but once again hinted that she’s open to another run with WWE.
WWE has been reaching out to several women who used to wrestle for the company to attend WrestleMania. It remains to be seen what their role will be, but former Superstar Victoria (Lisa Marie Varon) is also expected to be there.
Scott Levy, better known as Raven, is the latest wrestler to be given his own podcast. It is set to debut on Chris Jericho’s podcast network on Monday.
Make sure u tune in to my new podcast The Raven Effect starting this Monday nite on the Jericho network on podcast one.
Jericho’s podcast network also includes shows hosted by Lance Storm and Don Callis, as well as “Keepin’ it 100” with Konnan.
Raven has appeared multiple times on Talk Is Jericho and has been a popular subject of various shoot interview DVDs.
Raven’s Career
The 52-year old Raven has a cult following of fans that rivals the cultish appeal of his character. Many fans have followed his unique career from ECW to WCW, and then from WWE to TNA. Jericho is banking that Raven’s flock of fans will follow him into the podcast world as well.
Raven first appeared on the wrestling scene in the early 90s as Scotty Flamingo in WCW’s first attempt at a light heavyweight division. He would later show up in WWE as Johnny Flamingo, who was primarily a manager and broadcast personality. When he left WWE in 1994 he decided to completely redo his character. Raven was invented, and became a focal point of ECW from 94-97.
In 1997 Raven debuted with WCW with the same character, and many of the same storylines. He would leave the company and rejoin ECW in 1999. He would sign with WWE in 2000, but largely foundered on Sunday Night Heat and other lesser programming. Raven also performed with TNA from 2003 to 2010.
Posted February 23rd, 2017 in News. Tagged: Raven.
Adult film company Brazzers is filming a parody of WWE’s Montreal Screwjob this week titled “The F**kjob.” Porn stars Johnny Castle (as Vince McMahon), Mia Malkova (as Shawn Michaels) and Romi Rain (as Bret Hart) are starring in the film.
Filming just began this week and no official release date has been announced.
You can see behind-the-scenes / promo photos below:
The TNA contacts of “Broken” Matt and Jeff Hardy are expiring very soon if they have not already. Their is a lot of uncertainty surrounding their future with the company.
According to the Wrestling Observer, they have independent bookings scheduled through April and have told promoters that they can’t commit to any shows in May until they figure out what’s next for them. WWE has expressed interested in bringing the Hardy Boyz back, but they won’t make any offers until they are officially free agents.
Former TNA Champion Drew Galloway contract also expires this month, ahead of the next set of Impact television tapings. Surprisingly, TNA has not offered him a new deal yet.
Another former TNA Champion, Magnus, has been offered a contract to return, but has yet to sign it.
2017 WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle was interviewed this week by Donald Wood for Ring Rust Radio. Here are some highlights of what Angle said about:
Who Will Induct Him Into The WWE Hall of Fame:
“I wanted someone that had a huge impact on the business and no one had a bigger impact than those three. With John Cena, I was more of a teacher to John when he started in WWE. I was his first match. Not only that, but Vince McMahon put me with him to kind of teach the trade a little bit, and for six or seven months, we traveled the world and I was giving him my advice and trying to bring him along. Vince really loved John and I don’t blame them for that. He is very marketable, great personality and he’s a great athlete. It was my job to kind of groom him a little bit.
The Undertaker and Austin, I don’t have to say much about those two. They are the biggest names in wrestling. They taught me a lot about the trade, in ring psychology, what to do and timing. They taught me more than anybody, and I would add up there Triple H as well. I know I won’t get Triple H because he is a Talent Relation director, but I wanted one of those three.
I have not been told whether or not if I could pick, but I don’t believe the talent is the one that gets to pick. I think WWE sets up who they want to induct you. I would be surprised if it wasn’t one of those three. Vince McMahon and Triple H know the type of relationship I have with Undertaker and John Cena and Stone Cold. They do know I want one of those three, so looks like it will be one of those three.”
Goldberg’s Return Giving Him Hope For Another WWE Match:
“That gives me a lot of hope. Goldberg’s a great wrestler and in his prime he was the man, especially for WCW. I don’t think his WWE career ended the way he wanted it to, but he is an incredible athlete and he has done a lot of pro wrestling. It’s nice to see somebody of his stature and somebody that hasn’t been there in 14 years to go in there and get a great spot. It does give me a lot of hope. I wouldn’t doubt once we get pass the Hall of Fame, I take the physical and pass it, which most likely they are going to want me to do. I wouldn’t doubt that I would be in the title hunt.
When you have big names like that you have to use them the right way. You don’t put them on an opening card match and not promote that. When you have a name like Goldberg, or Brock Lesnar comes back, or the Undertaker comes back when he’s been gone for 10 months, or a Kurt Angle that hasn’t been there in 12 years, you’re going to want to put them in a pretty high profile spot. I expect that if I do wrestle, so I’m looking forward to it. I’ve kept my body in great shape. I’ve been wrestling the Indies with great talent like Del Rio, Cody Rhodes and Rey Mysterio just to keep my body in shape in case WWE does call me, I’m ready to go.”
His New Anglestrong Addition Recovery Mobile App:
“What we’re hoping to do is help with the epidemic in the United States. Right now, it’s the worst epidemic in the United States history. Over 60,000 people have died in the last few years of heroin overdose and it’s getting worse and worse. I worked on this Anglestrong app with Dr. Jonas, who is a recovering addict and a doctor. He has been recovering for 30 years. He came out with an incredible concept with the app.
It’s an app that you follow every single day. You use it to check in daily and if you don’t check in daily, your lifelines—whether it’s your family, friends, loved ones, or sponsor—will get notified and it’s also GPS enabled so if you do relapse they will find you. It’s more of a way to hold yourself accountable and join up with Kurt Angle type of app. I walk you through it and there are so many different things on this app that are really cool. For the most part, you follow the app, you follow the program and hopefully that will keep you in recovery.
We are really hoping that a lot of people sign up and join. You can sign up at AngleStrong.com and I also have a lot of workout programs on there, AA meetings closest to you and we are going to have a monthly call with me where you will be able to talk to me and I’ll be answering questions. It’s a pretty cool concept and we are excited to bring it to the market.”
WWE announced on Thursday that the stars of the recent United Kingdom Championship tournament will be working the upcoming live events tour of the UK.
WWE United Kingdom Champion Tyler Bate, Trent Seven, Wolfgang, Joseph Conners, Tyson T-Bone, Mark Andrews, James Drake, Dan Moloney, Sam Gradwell, Saxon Huxley, Tucker, Jordan Devlin and Pete Dunne will be competing on the shows.
Here’s the full tour schedule:
Thursday, May 4: SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Scotland
Friday, May 5: 3Arena, Dublin, Ireland
Friday, May 5: Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Wales
Monday, May 8: Bournemouth International Centre, Bournemouth, England
Wednesday, May 10: Genting Arena, Birmingham, England
Thursday, May 11: Sheffield Arena, Sheffield, England
Friday, May 12: Newcastle Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle, England
For more information, check the WWE.me link below:
Chris Jericho returned at Wednesday’s WWE live event from Dusseldorf, Germany, his first public appearance since Kevin Owens betrayed him during last week’s Festival of Friendship.
Jericho came to the ring on crutches and wearing a neck brace. He cut a promo vowing revenge on his former best friend. Jericho was interrupted by Owens, who proceeded to beat Jericho down again.
Roman Reigns came out for the save, setting up the show’s main event. In a No Holds Barred match, Kevin Owens defeated Roman Reigns to retain the RAW Universal Championship.
This week’s SmackDown Live saw Alexa Bliss defeat Becky Lynch for the SmackDown Women’s Championship after Naomi was forced to surrender the title earlier in the show due to injury.
Noami injured her left knee at Elimination Chamber when she hit the moonsault that won her the championship. The initial timeframe for her return looked like two weeks, but after that time she was still not cleared to return. It now looks like she could miss up to two months, which would prevent her from working WrestleMania 33.
Over the past week, TNA announcer Josh Mathews has been very active on social media. Following a recent sit-down interview where he referred to himself as the greatest play-by-play announcer in wrestling today, Mathews trash talked several fans and industry personalities who disagreed with his proclamation.
Matthews may have crossed the line this week when told the producers of a wrestling podcast to “shoot themselves.”
The tweet in question is no longer visible on Mathews’ Twitter page. Unconfirmed reports are stating he was asked to delete the tweet by Impact Wrestling management. He has continued to send out insulting tweets to fans since however, indicating the company is aware of and fine with his recent activity.
Over the past week Mathews has engaged in Twitter wars with Jeremy Borash, Shark Boy, and many others. He doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
You know who is talking about Shark Boy in the office today? No one.
Wayne Maurice Keown, better known to wrestling fans as Dutch Mantel or Zeb Colter, has signed with Impact Wrestling. Colter went public with the news this week:
NEWS: Finally, I can OFFICIALLY announce that I have signed with @IMPACTWRESTLING in a creative/advisory capacity. Changes underway.
The 67-year old Colter first debuted in wrestling’s territorial system in the early 1970s. Originally he was known as Wayne Cowan, but adapted the “Dirty” Dutch Mantel gimmick by 1980.
By the 90s, Mantel had dabbled as a commentator for WCW but was eventually signed as a manager by WWE. He adopted the gimmick “Uncle Zebekiah” and managed Justin “Hawk” Bradshaw.
In 2003, Mantel started a six-year stint working on the TNA creative team. He left due to “creative differences” in 2009.
From 2013-16, Colter was under contract to the WWE again as a manager. It was during this stint that he played the role of an anti-immigration crusader. The storyline, which also featured Jack Swagger and Alberto Del Rios, stirred up a little controversy and garnered some mainstream media attention.
Colter’s signing is the latest in a string of backstage changes that Anthem and Jeff Jarrett have been making in recent weeks.
Following Wednesday night’s NXT TV tapings from Full Sail University, the card for NXT Takeover: Orlando is starting to take shape.
It was confirmed that NXT Tag Tean Champions the Authors Of Pain will put their gold on the line against DIY and The Revival in a triple threat match.
Based on what went down at the tapings, it looks like we’ll also be seeing the following matches:
– NXT Champion Bobby Roode defends against Shinsuke Nakamura
– NXT Tag Team Champions The Authors defend against DIY and The Revival in a Triple Threat
– NXT Women’s Champion Asuka defends against Ember Moon
– Tye Dillinger, No Way Jose, Roderick Strong and Ruby Riot battle SAnitY (Nikki Cross, Eric Young, Alexander Wolfe, Killian Dain) in a mixed person match
TakeOver will be held on Saturday, 4/1 from the Amway Center during WrestleMania 33 weekend.
NXT taped TV episodes for March last night from the University of Central Florida. Below are full spoilers that are set to air in March for the lead-in to TakeOver: Orlando during Wrestlemania 33 weekend.
– Elias Samson came out to sing a song but Kassius Ohno interrupted him. They traded promos and Ohno challenged him to a Loser Leaves NXT match. Samson accepted for later.
– Tye Dillinger vs. Eric Young never happened as the rest of SAnitY came dragging Roderick Strong out to ringside. Dillinger went to check on him as No Way Jose joined them. Officials carried Strong to the back and Jose hit the ring with Tye. SAnitY beat them down and left the ring.
– Andrade “Cien” Almas defeated Hoho Lun with the DDT.
– Kassius Ohno defeated Elias Samson in a Loser Leaves NXT match. Ohno destroyed Samson’s guitar after the match as the crowd sang goodbye.
– Ember Moon defeated Billie Kay with the Eclipse. Billie may have injured herself on Ember’s finisher. Trainers came to check on her but she left on her own.
– The Ealy Twins vs. The Revival never happens as NXT Tag Team Champions The Authors Of Pain attack the twins. They go after The Revival next but they get away. They go back to the twins and hit one of them with the Last Chapter.
– Heavy Machinery defeated two local enhancement wrestlers in a squash.
– Nikki Cross defeated Macey Estrella. Tye and Jose attack SAnitY after the match but get beat up.
– Andrade “Cien” Almas defeated Oney Lorcan.
– Asuka defeated Priscilla Zuniga. Asuka cut promos before and after the match to send a message to Ember Moon.
– The Ealy Twins call out The Authors of Pain but get squashed in a quick match. After, DIY interrupts and want a fair rematch this time. The Revival interrupts next but NXT GM William Regal comes out and makes The AOP vs. The Revival vs. DIY for the championships at TakeOver.
– Tye Dillinger, Roderick Strong and No Way Jose vs. SAnitY ends in a No Contest after a big brawl breaks out. Nikki Cross attacks Dillinger until Heidi Lovelace makes the save, now using the name Ruby Riot. The babyfaces clear the ring and celebrate.
– Dash Wilder defeated Akam and Johnny Gargano in a Triple Threat.
– Bobby Roode defeated Kassius Ohno to retain the NXT Championship.
– Shinsuke Nakamura defeated TJ Perkins.
There was a dark segment after the match where Bobby Roode and Andrade Almas double-teamed Nakamura until Finn Balor made the save. Balor and Nakamura cleared the ring, hitting a Slingblade and a Kinshasa on Roode. Balor cut a promo about how he was coming back for what’s his. He said he’s not cleared to return yet but he will be back soon. He wished Nakamura a happy birthday before ending the show.
Finn Balor returned to the ring at Wednesday night’s NXT TV tapings from Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL. Balor, a former NXT Champion, hit the ring and had roughed up reigning NXT champ Bobby Roode.
Shinsuke Nakamura was still in the ring from a match involving Roode and joined Balor in the attack as the two babyfaces celebrated.
This was the first time we’ve seen Balor in a WWE/NXT ring since surrendering the Universal Championship back in August. He’s been recovering from major shoulder surgery ever since and looks to be in tremendous shape.
WWE noted that Balor is still not medically cleared to wrestle, but the physicality he showed here is a sign that he’ll be back in the ring soon.
Discussion: Who do you think Finn Balor will / should wrestle at WrestleMania 33?
The timetable for Balor’s return had always been February or March. While this does give him time to appear at WrestleMania, it appears there just wasn’t enough time to build a match for him. So long as there has not been setbacks in his rehab, Balor could likely return at WrestleMania or Raw the night after, as both shows typically feature superstar returns or debuts.
Balor tweeted out an “injury update” earlier today:
New Japan Pro Wrestling have announced that several title matches will take place on March 6th 2017. The event is to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the promotion and will air live on New Japan World (5am est.)
NJPW 45th Anniversary Show Lineup
Jushin Liger and Hirai Kawato vs. Tiger Mask and Tomoyuki Oka
Hirooki Goto, Yoshi-Hashi, Gedo and Jado (CHAOS) vs. El Desparado, Taka Michinoku, Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Minoru Suzuki (Suzuki-Gun)
Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Yuji Nagata, Manabu Nakanishi and David Finlay vs. Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa, Yujiro Takahashi, Bad Luck Fale and Kenny Omega (Bullet Club)
Tetsuya Naito, EVIL, Bushi and Sanada (Los Ingobernables) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Michael Elgin, Kushida and Juice Robinson
RPW British Heavyweight Championship
Katsuyori Shibata (c) vs. Zack Sabre Jr. *
IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship
Hiromu Takahashi (c) vs. Ryusuke Taguchi
IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championship
Roppongi Vice (c) vs. Taichi and Yoshinobu Kanemaru (Suzuki-Gun)
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship
Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano (c)(CHAOS) vs. Tomoaki Honma and Togi Makabe (GBH)**
Kazuchika Okada (CHAOS) vs. Tiger Mask W***
* Zack Sabre Jr. is making his NJPW debut ** This match was made after GBH beat CHAOS at Togi Makabe’s anniversary show this weekend. *** non-title match. Tiger Mask W is played by Kota Ibushi and is from the current Tiger Mask anime series.
Brian Kendrick vs. Akira Tozawa – Tozawa turned down Kendricks offer to mentor him, setting up this match to kickoff the show. – Kendrick trapped Tozawa’s foot under the ring and got the count-out victory.
– After the match Kendrick cut backstage promo, stating he wasn’t finished teaching Tozawa lessons.
– No Tajiri this week :( Winner: Brian Kendrick via count-out[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hl9ZPQoE6_k]
Mustafa Ali vs. Noam Dar
Before the match Dar cut a backstage promo, saying he wasn’t worried about Rich Swann dedicating his last match to Alicia Fox.
Fox was conspicuous in her absence this week.
Dar picked up the win with a shining wizard.
Winner: Noam Dar via pin
Austin Aries return video aired
Tony Nese vs. Jack Gallagher
Gallagher picks up a clean win over Nese.
He finished him off with his running dropkick in the corner.
After Monday’s RAW from Los Angeles went off the air, The Rock hit the ring to film a scene for the WWE Studios movie “Fighting With My Family.” The film focuses on WWE Superstar Paige and her famous Knight wrestling family.
The Rock was met with “CM Punk” cheers and took it upon himself to call Punk in front of the live crowd. Punk didn’t answer the call because he was out walking his dog, but word got out that WWE was none to pleased about The Rock’s unscripted call.
The Rock commented on the situation earlier this morning and explained why he called Punk, despite the common knowledge (and bold understatement) that Punk is on bad terms with WWE.
I work off instinct, always listen to the people and try to give em something special. Huge positive feedback from @WWE Universe. Fun night https://t.co/4AZFOMFqPw
The following is a preview for tonight’s episode of NXT on the WWE Network:
Pete Dunne vs. Mark Andrews
The UK division gets more time on NXT programming.
NXT Champion Bobby Roode vs. No Way Jose (non-title)
Roode is not going to want to drop a non-title match as he builds towards an eventual rematch with Nakamura.
No Way Jose has been hovering around mid-card status for his entire NXT tenure, but a win over Roode could change that however.
NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match Peyton Royce vs. Ember Moon vs. Liv Morgan
Royce was the only of the 3 in this match to have also been in the fatal 4-way title match at Takeover: San Antonio. She has the momentum going into this match seeing as her and partner Billie Kay defeated Moon and Morgan in a tag match last week.
Daniel Bryan has confirmed that AJ Styles will take on Luke Harper next week to determine a new #1 contender to Bray Wyatt’s WWE Championship. The winner of that match will take on Wyatt at WrestleMania 33.
Bryan also said he didn’t restart the battle royal immediately last night, as they were running out of TV time.
AJ Styles winning next week would present an interesting dynamic to the WWE Championship match at WrestleMania. Both Wyatt and Styles have been played up as”bad guys”, and typically two bad guys aren’t going to wrestle each other in a championship match, at least not at WrestleMania. They could turn one guy into a babyface pretty easily, but there’s not much time left to do that. WWE might decide to go with Styles vs. Wyatt despite this however, as both guys have fanbases who cheer for them regardless.
Harper vs. Wyatt at WrestleMania also presents an interesting storyline. The WWE Championship match at WrestleMania could be the platform for the Wyatt/Orton/Harper storyline to develop further. Also, if you haven’t checked out Luke Harper’s Twitter account, I suggest you do so now.
Alexa Bliss is now a two-time SmackDown Women’s Champion after defeating Becky Lynch for the vacant championship on last night’s SmackDown.
The show opened with Daniel Bryan forcing Naomi to relinquish the championship due to the injury she apparently suffered in the win over Bliss at Elimination Chamber two weeks ago. Bryan then made Bliss vs. Becky and that match saw Bliss get the win with a cheap shot.
It should be noted that Naomi did wrestle at a WWE house show the night after Elimination Chamber.
Daniel Bryan opened up the show and called Smackdown Women’s Champion Naomi to the ring. Naomi came down to the ring wearing a knee brace. Daniel Bryan stated that this is the hardest thing he has ever had to do as Smackdown General Managaer. Bryan said that he and Shane have reviewed the medical records and that it has become clear that Naomi will not be able to defend her title within the mandatory 30 days. Daniel Bryan asked Naomi to relinquish her title and the crowd booed.
Naomi said that she knew that this was difficult for Bryan to do, given the fact that it had happened to him. Naomi said that she felt like she was on top of the mountain when she defeated Alexa Bliss, but now feels like she is in a free fall. Naomi began to get emotional when discussing Wrestlemania 33 and that the oppurtunity for her to defend the title in front of her hometown is probably now impossible. Naomi handed the title to Daniel Bryan and then the two hugged. Naomi vowed to recapture the Smackdown Women’s Championship when she makes her return.
It's official … the #SDLive Women's Title is now vacant, due to @NaomiWWE's injury.
Alexa Bliss stormed down to the ring just as Naomi was leaving. Alexa told Daniel Bryan that she had an idea and that idea was for him to just give her the Smackdown Women’s Championship. Daniel Bryan came up with a different idea and made a match between Alexa Bliss and Becky Lynch to determine the Smackdown Women’s Champion.
Smackdown Women’s Championship Match: Alexa Bliss vs Becky Lynch
Lynch controlled this match early. Becky hit a Dropkick off the top turnbuckle but Alexa kicked out at two. Alexa pulled the apron skirt into the ring and the referee became distracted by it. While the referee was fixing that, Alexa Bliss hit Becky Lynch in the throat with a cheap shot. Alexa then rolled up Becky while grabbing her tights for leverage. The referee didn’t see it and counted to three. After the match, Mickie James tried to attack Becky Lynch but Becky fought her off and knocked her out of the ring.
Winner & New Smackdown Women’s Champion: Alexa Bliss
Renee Young interviewed Natalya backstage. Natalya called Nikki Bella a fraud and claimed that she would win their match tonight.
Breezango vs American Alpha
American Alpha defeated Breezango easily. After the match, The Usos called out American Alpha and challenged them to a fight. American Alpha were ready but The Usos said that the fight wouldn’t happen tonight.
Five quick backstage segments were shown in in a row. AJ Styles screamed at someone backstage that he is going to main event Wrestlemania. Dolph Ziggler cut a promo in front of a green screen. Ziggler said that he is irreplaceable and then Superkicked the green screen and it changed to a backstage area. Mojo Rawley had a backstage promo and said that he will win tonight’s Battle Royal and main event Wrestlemania. Luke Harper cut a backstage promo and stated that he is now free. Harper said that the years of following Bray Wyatt will not prevent him from winning the Battle Royal and facing Bray at Wrestlemania. Finally, Nikki Bella cut a promo and vowed to shut Natalya up during their match tonight.
Falls Count Anywhere Match: Nikki Bella vs Natalya
The match started out back and forth. Nikki and Natalya quickly went over the barricade and started fighting in the crowd. They made their way back to the ring area and Nikki hit Natalya with an Alabama Slam on the announce table. The action then goes to the production area backstage. Maryse was walking by and Nikki was launched into her by Natalya. Maryse fell hard to the floor and the match continued. The fight returns to the entrance ramp and Natalya tries to apply the Sharpshooter. Nikki reverses it into the Fearless Lock and was about to win the match but Maryse broke up the hold. Maryse then beat the hell out of Nikki with a pipe. The Miz eventually came down to the ring and stopped her. Natalya then simply pinned Nikki for the victory.
Battle Royal To Determine The #1 Contender For The WWE Championship: Luke Harper vs Mojo Rawley vs The Miz vs Dean Ambrose vs Dolph Ziggler vs Apollo Crews vs Kalisto vs AJ Styles vs John Cena vs Baron Corbin
The match started out slow and nobody was eliminated before the first commercial break in the match. When Smackdown returned, Baron Corbin launched Mojo Rawley over the top rope to eliminate him. Dolph Ziggler and Kalisto battled on the ring apron. Ziggler connected with a Superkick and Kalisto was eliminated. Crews then immediately kicked Ziggler while he was still on the apron. Ziggler fell to the ground and he was eliminated. Ziggler then grabbed a chair and hit Kalisto with it. Crews was shouting at Ziggler when Corbin threw Crews out of the ring from behind and eliminated him. Crews then chased Ziggler backstage.
The Miz then had control of the match as everyone was leaning against the turnbuckle. The Miz mocked Daniel Bryan by doing the “yes!” chant and connecting with a series of Dropkicks. Miz then hit a series of “yes!” kicks on Cena. The Miz went for one more and Cena ducked and threw The Miz out of the ring and eliminated. Smackdown then went to a commercial break with The Miz in shock outside the ring.
When Smackdown returned, Cena connected with a double German Suplex onto Dean Ambrose and AJ Styles. Baron Corbin then planted Cena with the End of Days. Corbin celebrated the move but lost track of Ambrose who then came up from behind him and eliminated him. Corbin lost it and dragged Ambrose outside the ring. Corbin then hit the End of Days onto Ambrose outside the ring. From behind, The Miz got back into the ring and thew Cena out to eliminate him. Cena couldn’t believe that it was legal for The Miz to eliminate someone after he was no longer a part of the match. Cena walked backstage but was very annoyed at what just happened.
Ambrose was still recovering from the End of Days while Styles and Harper battled in the ring. Styles and Harper battled for a minute and Ambrose finally re-entered the match. Ambrose tried to eliminate them both at the same time, but Styles and Harper caught themselves on the ring apron. Ambrose then joins them on the ring apron and all three Superstars battled on the apron. Harper connected with a kick to the chest of Ambrose and he fell forward and was eliminated. It was now down to AJ Styles and Luke Harper. Styles and Harper battled for the next several minutes. The end of the match came when Harper tried to Suplex Styles off the ring apron and they both fell to the ground. The referees argued for a bit but could not determine who won the Battle Royal. Daniel Bryan came down to the ring and announced that they will figure out who will become the #1 contender next week on Smackdown. Harper leveled Styles with a Clothesline and pointed to the Wrestlemania sign hanging above the ring. Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton then appeared on the titantron. Smackdown went off the air with Bray Wyatt laughing and Randy Orton looking on.
Reaction: Tonight’s episode of Smackdown was decent. It was unfortunate to see Naomi have to relinquish the Smackdown Women’s Championship so quickly after winning it. Alexa Bliss now holds the title once again but she doesn’t have a feud at the moment. Becky Lynch has a feud with Mickie James so it will be interesting to see who the WWE decides to have challenge Bliss for the title. With Maryse attacking Nikki Bella and The Miz screwing over Cena in the Battle Royal, it appears that the Wrestlemania rumors are true. It has been rumored that John Cena and Nikki Bella will face The Miz and Maryse at Wrestlemania. It seems like that is definitely going to happen after tonight’s events.
The finish to the Battle Royal was clunky. I thought Styles hit the floor before Harper but obviously the storyline was that they both hit at the same time. I still believe that Randy Orton will be in the WWE Championship match at Wrestlemania, so I’m not sure where this is all heading. Luke Harper got a solid reaction tonight from the crowd, but I find it hard to believe that the WWE would place Harper in the main event of Wrestlemania. It could somehow lead to a Triple Threat match at Wrestlemania between Harper, Orton and Wyatt for the WWE Championship. Styles versus Bray Wyatt would also be an interesting match but there have been a ton of rumors that Styles will be facing Shane McMahon at Wrestlemania. Overall, tonight’s episode of Smackdown wasn’t anything special. There were a ton of pre-taped interviews/promos on this show. Some were great and others were goofy like Dolph Ziggler booting an image that wasn’t there.
What did you think of this week’s episode of Smackdown? Let us know in the comments below.