Archive for April, 2017

KUSHIDA Announced for the WCPW Pro Wrestling World Cup and Rev Pro British J Cup

KUSHIDA has been announced as the second participant in both the Pro Wrestling World Cup and British J Cup.

The former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion will be making his way to the United Kingdom for these two special appearances alongside Japanese wrestling legend Jushin Thunder Liger.

WCPW and Rev Pro recently announced a special working relationship to make these appearances happen. Rev Pro has been a long time partner of New Japan and it is interesting to see the Japanese promotion branching out and co-promoting with the YouTube based WCPW promotion.

PROGRESS Chapter 48 Main Event Revealed feat. WWE UK Division Competitors

PROGRESS has announced the main event for their next Chapter event taking place at the O2 Ritz in Manchester: ‘Bang The Drum.’

A number 1 contenders match took place at Chapter 47 between Mark Andrews and Mark Haskins, the bout ended in a draw and thus a triple threat match has been announced for ‘Bang The Drum.’

Andrews and Haskins are both former PROGRESS Champions and have the opportunity to become only the second 2-time PROGRESS Champion in company history behind ‘The Villain’ Marty Scurll.

Current Champion Pete Dunne has been THE story of 2017 on the UK scene and the WWE UK competitor will be looking to solidify himself as the best in PROGRESS.

Heavy ICW Influence on This Week’s NXT Show

This week’s episode of NXT featured a heavy UK presence, the UK Championship match between Tyler Bate & Jack Gallagher arguably stole the show and Scottish based promotion ICW heavily influenced the show.

Every bout from the show featured ICW alumni: Alesiter Black, Tyler Bate, Drew McIntyre and Nikki Cross have all performed for the company in prominent roles and it speaks volumes for the importance of the UK scene on worldwide wrestling right now.

Pete Dunne (who was seen at ringside) is challenging for the ICW World Heavyweight Championship this Sunday against current champion Joe Coffey. Coffey took the belt from WWE UK star Trent Seven.

WWE Payback 2017 Match Card & Predictions

WWE Payback 2017 will take place this Sunday at the SAP Center in San Jose, California. It is the first PPV after Wrestlemania 33.

Kickoff Show:

Miz TV with special guest Finn Balor

The Miz is currently in a feud with Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose. The Intercontinental Championship is not being defended on this show. I expect Ambrose to get involved in this segment and ruin it for The Miz.

Enzo & Big Cass vs Gallows & Anderson

Gallows and Anderson lost their RAW Tag Team Championships at Wrestlemania 33. They then lost their rematch for the titles to The Hardy Boyz the following night on RAW. Since then, Gallows and Anderson have been out of the title picture. Enzo and Cass haven’t been in the title picture since the Fatal 4-Way Ladder match at Wrestlemania 33.

Predicted Winners: Gallows & Anderson

Main Card:

Cruiserweight Championship: Neville (c) vs Austin Aries

Neville and Aries had a hard fought battle during the Wrestlemania 33 Kickoff Show. In the end, it was Neville that picked up the victory by hitting the Red Arrow. Neville has referred to himself as “the King of the Cruiserweight” ever since he won the Cruiserweight Championship. Austin Aries has been a thorn in Neville’s side the entire time and made a statement Tuesday night on 205 Live by locking Neville in The Last Chancery on the entrance ramp. I think Aries will capture his first title in WWE and defeat Neville to become the new Cruiserweight Champion at Packback. If Neville were to retain, it may be due to TJ Perkins showing up and costing Aries the match.

Predicted Winner & New Cruiserweight Champion: Austin Aries

RAW Tag Team Championship: The Hardy Boyz (c) vs Sheamus & Cesaro

In the past two weeks, Jeff Hardy has defeated Cesaro and Matt Hardy has defeated Sheamus. After each match, the two teams shook hands. On this past week’s episode of RAW, Matt Hardy seemed rather reluctant to shake Sheamus’ hand. Sheamus unnecessarily shoved Jeff Hardy outside the ring during his match with Jeff Hardy. There is no reason to take the RAW Tag Titles off of Matt and Jeff right now. Matt and Jeff win and Sheamus and Cesaro get pissed off. Sheamus and Cesaro beatdown The Hardys after the match as the crowd boos them out of the building.

Predicted Winners & Still RAW Tag Team Champions: The Hardy Boyz

Seth Rollins vs Samoa Joe

Seth Rollins barely made it to Wrestlemania 33 after he sustained a knee injury during an attack from Samoa Joe. Rollins wound up defeating Triple H at Wrestlemania 33 and during that match, Stephanie McMahon also fell through a table. Samoa Joe was brought to WWE by Triple H to destroy people. Joe wants to beat the hell out of Rollins for embarrassing Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. I think this feud continue after Sunday’s PPV, so I see this one ending in a DQ. Joe attacks Rollins with a chair and is eventually taken out of the arena by WWE security. Rollins and Joe have stated that this feud has become personal. I’m guessing the hatred between the two Superstars will increase after Payback.

Winner via DQ: Seth Rollins

United States Championship: Kevin Owens (c) vs Chris Jericho

Owens and Jericho were best friends for a long time. That all came to an abrupt end when Owens attacked Jericho at the Festival of Friendship on WWE RAW. Jericho got his revenge by showing up right as Owens’ match with Goldberg at Fastlane began. Goldberg then quickly defeated Owens and captured the Universal Championship. Owens went on to defeat Jericho at Wrestlemania 33 and took the United States Championship from him.

Jericho is about to release a new record with his band Fozzy and his current run with WWE might be coming to an end. Owens and Jericho will put on a solid match, but Owens ultimately retains. Owens then turns his attention to AJ Styles on SmackDown and Jericho finishes up one of the better runs of his WWE career.

Predicted Winner & Still United States Champion: Kevin Owens

RAW Women’s Championship: Bayley (c) vs Alexa Bliss

Alexa Bliss did whatever it took to remain at the top of the SmackDown women’s division. WWE’s Superstar Shake-Up brought Bliss to RAW and she immediately won a match to become #1 contender. Bliss tricked Bayley on this past week’s episode of RAW and attacked her from behind. Alexa Bliss will certainly become RAW Women’s Champion down the line, but I don’t think it will happen this Sunday. Bayley defeats Bliss with a Bayley to Belly to retain her title.

Predicted Winner & Still Raw Women’s Champion: Bayley

House of Horrors Match: Randy Orton vs Bray Wyatt

It was one of the better feuds heading into Wrestlemania 33, but it wound up being one of the worst matches at the event. Randy Orton captured the WWE Championship from Bray Wyatt at Wrestlemania 33. In the weeks proceeding Wrestlemania 33, Orton burned down Bray Wyatt’s compound that contained the ashes of Sister Abigail. I’m guessing that most of this match will be pre-taped and then it will eventually make it’s way to the ring. There could be a Sister Abigail sighting, worms and goblins. I have no idea what to expect from this match.

Bray Wyatt was moved to RAW after the Superstar Shake-Up. This match was originally scheduled to be for the WWE Championship, but that is no longer the case. Wyatt concluded this past week’s episode of RAW by taking out Dean Ambrose and Jericho. Wyatt also hit a Sister Abigail on The Miz. Since it is no longer for the WWE Championship, Bray Wyatt should pick up the win at Payback. It won’t be by simply hitting Orton with a Sister Abigail. There will be some sort of interference or event that costs Orton the match. All I know is that I will have a smile on my face after this match because it will mark the end of this feud.

Predicted Winner: Bray Wyatt

Roman Reigns vs Braun Strowman

Braun Strowman brutally attacked Roman Reigns on the April 10th episode of RAW. Reigns has not appeared on RAW since. With Reigns not being there, Strowman has been attacking random Superstars backstage. On this past week’s episode of RAW, Strowman lost to Kalisto in a Dumpster Match. Strowman then proceeded to beat the hell out of Kalisto, lock him in the dumpster and push the dumpster off the entrance ramp.

Reigns was interviewed by WWE.com about his brother’s passing and his plans for Strowman at WWE Payback. Reigns stated that he was physically and emotionally beat up. Reigns claimed that he has never experienced a beatdown like the one Strowman gave him a few weeks back. I have a feeling that the announcers during Payback this Sunday will continuously point out that Roman Reigns has still not recovered from the attack.

WWE spent a lot of time building Strowman up as a monster and there has yet to be a payoff. Strowman was barely a part of Wrestlemania 33 and was eliminated early in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. I’ve got to believe that Strowman will pick up the win in this match. Reigns will not be diminished in any way and WWE can play up the fact that Reigns is not at 100%. Strowman had a stare down with Brock Lesnar the night after Wrestlemania 33. WWE clearly wants to make Braun Strowman a star. The best way to do that is to give him a big win over Roman Reigns this Sunday at Payback.

Predicted Winner: Braun Strowman

What are your predictions for WWE Payback 2017? Let us know in the comments below.

The Rock Lands ‘National Review’ Cover, Zack Ryder Back In The Ring, Lana, More

– WWE returns to Madison Square Garden with a live event scheduled for Friday, July 7th. Ticketmaster.com has a live pre-sale offering using the code MSGWWE.

– Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is on the cover of the latest National Review, a conservative political magazine.  In a cover story titled, “The Celebrity We Need” looks at the possibility of The Rock getting into politics. The Rock has stated on more than one occasion that he might run for President one day and the National Review thinks Johnson has a lot of the characteristics of a candidate with upside.

“The GOP has a celebrity in the White House, he brings in celebrity friends for photo ops, and, outside the White House gates, progressive celebrities spew vitriol at their hated former entertainment-industry colleague. The Rock, however, has followed a different path. Rather than self-seriously viewing his career as secondary to his activism, Johnson clearly aims to entertain. He understands a core truth: that there is nothing wrong — and a lot right — with sheer, unmitigated fun.”

You can find the magazine on newsstands this Friday.

– Lana responded to fans on Twitter questioning her new ‘dancer’ character coming soon to SmackDown. With one fan comparing her to Emmalina and another saying, “I guess if you can’t wrestle, then dance” Lana replied:

– Zack Ryder is now back in the ring training for his return after undergoing surgery back in December to repair an ACL tear.

Ryder has been chronicling his recovery in the Z! True Comeback Story Youtube series. Here’s the latest installment looking back at Ryder’s first WWE match 12 years ago.

New Champions Crowned in NJPW This Morning

New Japan Pro-Wrestling is building to their big Wrestling Dontaku show on May 3rd. Last night/this morning, the company held a Road to Wrestling Dontaku event in Hiroshima.

Two titles matches were included on the show; the NEVER Openweight title and the junior heavyweight tag titles.

April 27th 2017 Road to Wrestling Dontaku Results

  1. Tomoyuki Oka, Hirai Kawato and Jushin Liger defeated Syota Umino, Katsuya Kitamura and Tiger Mask (Umino tapped to Oka’s boston crab).
  2. Will Ospreay & Toru Yano (CHAOS) defeated El Desperado and Taka Michinoku (Suzuki-Gun)(Ospreay pinned Taka)
  3. Satoshi Kojima, Hiroyoshi Tenzan & David Finlay defeated Chase Owens, Tanga Roa & Tama Tonga (Bullet Club) (Owens tapped to Tenzan)
  4. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championships
    Taichi and Yoshinobu Kanemaru (Suzuki-Gun)(c) vs. Beretta and Rocky Romero (Roppongi Vice)(CHAOS)
    Roppongi Vice wins back the Jr. Heavyweight tag team championships after hitting Strong Zero on Kanemaru. After the match Romero cut a promo bashing Suzuki-Gun and calling out the Young Bucks. 
    Despite their multiple championship wins, Roppongi Vice has only ever defended these titles successfully one.
    The Young Bucks have won the titles 5x and defended them 8x.
    The best junior heavyweight tag in NJPW history is Gedo and Jado who won the titles 4x and defended them 15x.
    In 2nd place is Apollo 55 (Prince Devitt/Finn Balor and Taguchi) who won the titles 4x and defended them 13x.
    Winners: Roppongi Vice (4x champions) (Beretta pinned Kanemaru)
  5. Yoshi Tatsu, Ricochet, Taguchi, Tanahashi & Juice Robinson defeated Hiromu Takahashi, BUSHI, EVIL, SANADA and Tetsuya Naito (Los InGobernables) (Juice pinned Sanada)
  6. Yujiro Takahashi, Kenny Omega and Bad Luck Fale (Bullet Club) defeated Yoshi-Hashi, Tomohiro Ishii and Kazuchika Okada (CHAOS) (Fale pinned Yoshi-Hashi)
  7. NEVER Openweight Championship
    Hirooki Goto (CHAOS)(c) vs. Minoru Suzuki (Suzuki-Gun)
    Goto was looking for his 4th straight title defence here, which would tie the record for the belt. Masato Tanaka and Tomohiro Ishii each had runs where they successfully defended the belt 4x. Ishii and Shibata are tied for the record at 6 title defences total, Ishii having had 4 reigns with the belt and Shibata 3.
    Beginning of the end came here when Desperado hit Goto with a chair behind the ref’s back. Suzuki then hit Goto with a series of strikes, locked in a sleeper, and transitioned into a cradle piledriver for the win.
    Winner: Minoru Suzuki (new champion)(Suzuki-Gun)

Brie Bella Baby Watch (Video), Brie Opens Up About Her Difficulty Conceiving

Brie Bella has checked in with her latest “Bella Baby Watch” video chronicling her pregnancy. At 39 weeks, Brie is in “full term” and Birdie Joe Danielson could arrive any day now. In this latest video, Brie and Daniel Bryan discuss the latest developments and Brie shows off Bridie ‘waving to the Bella Army’ from inside the womb.

Brie Having Difficulty Getting Pregnant

On a recent episode of Total Divas, Brie opened up about her struggle to get pregnant.

“Since I retired from the ring, which was in April, I’ve been trying to conceive,” Brie explains. “My period’s always been on time, never had anything abnormal. Since I’ve been trying my period’s either two weeks late, it’s a week late, it’s three days late, five days late, it’s crazy.”

She added, “I don’t know if it’s something where I am conceiving but maybe there’s something going on with my body and it’s just not dropping it?”

Brie says she went “full on vegetarian” as part of her effort.

Kenny Omega & Young Bucks Merchandise Coming To ‘Hot Topic’

The Elite (Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks) have reached an agreement with clothing store, Hot Topic, for their merchandise to be sold in their retail locations.

The Young Bucks tweeted out their reaction to the deal:

https://twitter.com/MattJackson13/status/857477305555230720

Young Bucks and Kenny Omega Merchandise Sales

It is believed that Omega and the Bucks are the top merchandise sellers on ProWrestling Tees. They often brag about how many T-shirts they sell at live events as well.

The deal is considerable for the Elite, as currently fans only have the option of buying their clothes online or at a live event (aside from some scattered pro-wrestling specific stores that exist). If the deal leads to similar agreements for other wrestlers as well, it could be a potentially good source of income for non-WWE wrestlers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDePc9YLQU0

NXT Highlights and Results: UK Championship Match

NXT
air date: April 26th 2017
Full Sail University

Ruby Riot and Nikki Cross Brawl
The show started this week with Nikki Cross coming down to the ring area and calling out Ruby Riot. This brought out Riot and the two brawled until separated by security.
William Regal would later announce the two will face each other in a single’s match later in the show.

1. Andrade “Cien” Almas vs. Drew McIntyre
The former La Sombra used some mannerisms of his old Los Ingobernables stable from CMLL. The same stable Tetsuya Naito belongs to in Japan. He forced Galloway to chase him which led to Almas being on offence for the first bit of the match.
McIntyre eventually got a hold of Almas, and put him away with a running boot to the face for the win.
Winner: McIntyre.

Who Is Roderick Strong?
We get a video package for Roderick Strong. In it, Strong details his harsh upbringing and his parents toxic and violent relationship. Pretty heavy stuff.

2. Aleister Black vs. Kona Reeves
Reeves plays up his Hawaiian heritage for a gimmick. He charged at Black to start the match, but Black backed him up with strikes moments later. Black hit him with strikes that knocked him down, then hit him with a spinning back kick to pin him. It was a Goldberg-style squash, if Goldberg was more of a kickboxer.
Winner: Black

3. Ruby Riot vs. Nikki Cross
These two women really went all out to showcase an aggressive brawl. Cross jumped Riot from behind and the match never started. They continued to brawl around the ring and stage area until once again separated by security.
Result: No-contest

William Regal announces there will be a battle royal next week to determine the next challenger to Asuka’s championship.

4. UK Championship Match
Jack Gallagher vs. Tyler Bate (c)
A very technical European style match, as you would expect from these two. Finish of the match came when Gallagher was unable to pin Bate after a series of headbutts, and then Bate hit the Tyler Driver 97 for the pin and successful title defence.
At ringside were several UK competitors, most notably Pete Dunne, who looked angry whenever shown on screen.
Winner: Tyler Bate

 

Nakamura Teasing Feud With AJ Styles, Charlotte Makes History, Aliya’s Phantom Bump

– WWE.com noted that Charlotte Flair made history on Tuesday’s SmackDown Live in her match with Naomi. Charlotte is the first female Superstar in history to battle one-on-one in Raw, SmackDown and pay-per-view main events.

– The following video of Aliyah taking a ‘phantom’ bump at an NXT live event has been going around social media.

– Shinsuke Nakamura posted this photo on Instagram with the caption, “See you later buddy.” Yes, that’s AJ Styles in the background. Now that Nakamura is a member of the SmackDown roster, an eventual ‘dream match’ with the Phenomenal One is a very real possibility.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTYGGFogLoD/

Triple H Praises Jinder Mahal & Drew McIntyre, Says They’re Now Ready For Success

WWE COO Triple H recently spoke with Josh Barnett of For The Win about former ‘3MB’ partners Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre returning to the company. 

Jinder Mahal returned to WWE back in July 2016 after a two year layoff. Mahal was primarily working as an enhancement talent until being paired with Rusev earlier this year and more recently becoming #1 contender to Randy Orton’s WWE Championship.

Drew McIntyre returned to WWE around WrestleMania and is already making a big splash in NXT. McIntyre came a long way since his last run with the company in 2014, having captured world championships in companies like Impact Wrestling, WCPW, ICW and EVOLVE.

Triple H says Mahal and McIntyre may have been too young and immature to make the most out of their WWE opportunities during their first runs with the company. After some time away gaining experience wrestling for other companies, they’re better equipped to reach the top of the mountain and realize their full potential.

“Jinder is a guy who has always worked extremely hard. He trains hard; he’s very intense about what he wants with his career; he’s very thoughtful. That’s the same with Drew. That opportunity came for them when you’re too young and not ready for it and a little immature to it.  

(When they left), I had a conversation where I told them, ‘We’re not going to be able to do more with you here. Go other places, learn more in your career, mature and think about the business in a different way.’ Sometimes you get reliant on other people telling you what to do instead of going out there and figuring it for yourself, which is what you have to do.”

“To Jinder’s credit and to Drew’s credit, they left, they went and figured it for themselves, they improved. They’re both men now as opposed to kids trying to make it in the business. They see their careers differently and what they want and are still extremely hard workers and great people. Now hopefully they are in a better position to succeed.”

Check out USAToday.com to read the full interview.

Randy Orton Reveals His Favorite RKO After 15 Years With WWE

This week marked 15 years Randy Orton has been in WWE. Orton defeated Bray Wyatt at Wrestlemania 33 to capture the WWE Championship. Orton was recently interviewed by WWE.com and discussed his 15 years in WWE and his favorite RKO. Here are some highlights from the interview:

How does it feel to be a fifteen year veteran in WWE?

“How does it feel? It feels like, “Where did the time go?” to be honest. I’ve been around a long time, and it seemed for the longest time like I was the young guy. Now, all of a sudden, I’ve got fans with beards telling me, “I used to watch you when I was a kid.” So, I don’t know what happened to all those years, man, but the little bit I do remember? It was definitely a fun ride.”

With everything you’ve achieved, what do you consider to be the single greatest accomplishment of your career?

“There’s honestly not one thing. Youngest champ; I think I’ve won more Survivor Series Matches than anything else, maybe I’m tied with Ultimate Warrior; won two Royal Rumbles; won Money in the Bank; I’ve main-evented WrestleMania; I’ve wrestled in 13 WrestleManias — those are all up there. I’ve stolen the show numerous times. I’ve wrestled in Seoul, I’ve wrestled in Auckland, New Zealand. There’s not one thing, there’s a bunch of things.”

The RKO has taken on a life of its own within your career. As the man who performs the move, what is your single favorite RKO of all time?

“I would say probably the one with Evan Bourne. It just shows you how important timing is and I felt like the timing on that particular one was harder to achieve than any of the other ones. The one on Seth [Rollins] at WrestleMania was difficult, too. I’ve done some cool ones with Dolph [Ziggler] and Cesaro, too, and springboards in with Carlito and CM Punk. The timing is what makes that. But the hardest one, the highest-risk one to hit perfect was the Evan Bourne one, and that’d probably be why it’s my favorite.”

WWE SmackDown Draws Lowest Viewership Of The Year

The April 26th edition of WWE SmackDown drew it’s lowest viewership of the year on the USA Network. SmackDown averaged 2,493,000 viewers on Tuesday night, down from last week’s 2,544,000 viewers.

They placed #6 in cable viewership for the night, behind the NBA playoffs, Tucker Carlson, Hannity, and The Five. SmackDown was #3 in the 18-49 demo, behind NBA basketball.

The show was headlined by Naomi defending her Women’s Championship against Charlotte, and Randy Orton facing Erick Rowan in a no DQ match.

RAW on Monday had a considerably higher amount of viewers, averaging 3,007,000 viewers for three hours.

WWE Considering DVD Sets On Goldberg, Kevin Nash, Finn Balor, AJ Styles & More

WWE has a list of potential names they’re considering for DVD/Blu-Ray releases for late 2017 and early 2018. The company revealed some of the possible names in a survey recently sent out to their “Fan Council” this week.

Some of the concepts include a 1998 retrospective DVD, a New Day documentary, and a special about Chris Jericho’s “List.” Some of the names up for documentaries or match compilations include Kevin Nash, Goldberg, Finn Balor, Charlotte, AJ Styles and more.

Here’s the full list sent out by WWE this week:

1998: A Look Back (Documentary)

The year that brought us Stone Cold’s first WWE championship reign, the birth of the evil boss Mr. McMahon, the rise of The Rock, the RE-birth of D-Generation X with Triple H’s new leadership, Sable and her ‘hand print bikini’, and the debuts of several attitude era stars such as Edge and Val Venis. 1998 was the Austin Era, and ‘attitude’ was in full-swing.

Finn Bálor (Documentary)

After a remarkable first month in WWE, Finn unfortunately needed surgery that put him on the shelf for several months. During that time, WWE cameras had unprecedented access to Finn, following him to surgery, through rehab, back to Ireland with his family, all the way up to his eventual return to RAW in April.

Kevin Nash (Documentary)

A big man who broke the mold, Kevin Nash’s unique personality and superb athletic ability helped him rise to the top of the WWE ranks in route to becoming Champion. But Nash didn’t stop there, as the 7-footer was the very first man to “jump ship” to WCW and kick-start the Monday Night Wars. A true rebel, and founding member of the nWo, Kevin Nash holds a special place in wrestling history.

The New Day’s Unlikely Success Story (Documentary)

Sometimes the best things happen by accident. When three talented-but-directionless superstars were paired together, the initial results were far from positive. But once Kofi, Xavier, and Big E flipped the switch and found their niche… it was magic, and the WWE Universe began clapping & singing along with the Power of Positivity. Witness the unlikely rise of The New Day, as they solely evolve into one of the most popular entertainers in WWE.

Goldberg (Documentary)

Get exclusive access to Goldberg as he makes his long-awaited return to WWE. Get up close and personal with Bill as he speaks about his family, his reasons for returning, and his goals for the future.

Charlotte Flair (Documentary)

Woooo! WWE Home Video takes you behind-the-scenes and follows Charlotte Flair as she prepares for one of the biggest matches of her career! Hear from “The Queen” herself as she shares what it was like growing up under the tutelage of her father WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair and the path she took to become a multiple-time WWE Women’s Champion. If there’s anything this 3-disc collection packed with extras will show you is if you’re gonna do it, do it with Flair!

The Phenomenal AJ Styles (Match Comp.)

This compilation would feature the most phenomenal matches of AJ Styles’ first two years in WWE. No superstar wowed the audience during that time quite like “P1” AJ Styles. Featuring battles with John Cena, Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Chris Jericho, and more.

Chris Jericho’s List of Greatest Matches (Match Comp.)

Chris Jericho has reinvented himself many times, and has struck gold with his recent ‘list-making’ incarnation. Relive some of Jericho’s favorite matches as he recounts them from the List of Jericho.

The Best of Charlotte Flair (Match Comp.)

The “genetically superior” athlete, Charlotte, stormed onto the scene and led the Women’s Revolution. Relive her classic battles with Sasha Banks, Bayley, Nikki Bella, and others.

The Best of Dean Ambrose (Match Comp.)

Relive the Lunatic’s greatest matches as he rises up the WWE ranks to become an unlikely WWE Champion. Watch his battles with Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, AJ Styles, and more.

Shane McMahon’s Craziest Matches (Match Comp.)

Shane is known as a huge risk-taker, who provides “OMG” moments on a regular basis. This compilation would feature all of his greatest & craziest matches, spanning his entire time in WWE. Featuring battles with Undertaker, Big Show, Randy Orton, Mankind, Kane, & more.

The Best of Roman Reigns (Match Comp.)

From his seasoning days in NXT, to his dominant run with The Shield, to his spectacular singles run, all the way to the WWE Championship and the main event of WrestleMania… witness the greatest high-impact, fast-paced matches of Roman Reigns’ career.

John Cena: The Face that Runs the Place (Match Comp.)

For over 15 years, John Cena has been the standard bearer in WWE. Every time a new crop of young hungry superstars make their way to WWE, Cena’s will is tested again. As the New Era flourishes, Cena faces his toughest challenges to date, as he goes into battle with The Miz, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, Baron Corbin, AJ Styles, The Club, and many more.

The Best of RAW & SmackDown 2017 (Match Comp.)

Best matches and moments from the year, along with exclusive alternate commentary for certain moments from the superstars themselves.

Best Pay-Per-View Matches 2017 (Match Comp.)

The greatest matches from the greatest events of the year.

The Best of WWE Superstars (Match Comp.)

Before the days of SmackDown, Heat, or NXT… Superstars was the only other weekly WWE program alongside Monday Night RAW. Rivalries were advanced, titles were defended, and significant moments took place on this classic show that aired from 1986-1996.

  • Which of these DVDs do you want to see the most? Join the discussion in the comments!

Vin Diesel Reportedly Says He Would Beat The Rock In A Real Fight

Vin Diesel reportedly thinks he has what it takes to go one-on-one with The Great One. In a recent TMZ interview, UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley recalled Diesel approaching him to say that he could hold his own against Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Woodley had previously made a comment that he would choose The Rock over Vin in a hypothetical one-on-one fight, but Diesel objected.

“Vin Diesel yelled at me yesterday at the party because I said in a fight versus him and The Rock, I gave it to The Rock,” Woodley told TMZ. “So he pulled up on me and said ‘come on man, I would flex on The Rock.'”

Diesel and the former WWF Champion are co-stars in the Fast & Furious franchise. Universal is reportedly planning a spinoff of the franchise that will focus on the characters of Johnson and Jason Statham.

  • Discussion: Would Vin Diesel lay the smack down on The Rock? Comment with your thoughts!


John Cena Addresses Potential Heel Turn, Miz Getting Personal In Their Feud

John Cena recently took part in a “Five Questions With…” interview with Sports Illustrated. Cena spoke about fans calling for him to turn heel, his relationship with Nikki Bella being incorporated into his WrestleMania feud with The Miz and the fact that he hasn’t headlined a WrestleMania since 2013.

For as long as John Cena has been the face of WWE and a rule-abiding hero to WWE’s younger fans, there’s a segment of the WWE Universe pining for the day Cena snaps and turns heel. As much as a heel turn could freshen up Cena’s character, his work with the Make-A-Wish foundation and countless other charities makes that a highly improbable scenario.

Cena relishes his role as the ‘Superman’ of WWE and knows that he provides a source of inspiration and escape for people around the world.

“I don’t think everyone wants me to turn,” Cena said. “There is a group of people that don’t like what they see, but the most important message I send is you can’t please everybody, never be ashamed to be who you are, and know that what you do affects people.

I look at it as a way to provide hope for families that don’t go through what we consider a normal day by providing a smile and happiness. I look at WWE as a vehicle to provide an escape and happiness. That’s why I’m here every year, I believe in what we do.”

John Cena’s real-life relationship with Nikki Bella was the focal point of their WrestleMania feud with The Miz and Maryse. Cena and Nikki already put their personal lives on display on Total Bellas, but Miz and Maryse said a number of things during their program that hit close to home.

When asked if things got “too real” in the lead-up to WrestleMania, Cena said his engagement to Nikki Bella was his most important WrestleMania moment.

I tell everyone who will listen, Nicole is the strongest, most inspiring person I’ve ever met. That’s why I love her. I’ve headlined with The Rock and I’ve been a part of a lot of WrestleMania moments, but this moment with Nicole is the one most important of all because I get to stand alongside her in a WrestleMania ring.

All of that is because of her story. She drives me, she inspires me. We learn from each other every day. On top of that, I’m head over heels for her. And she loves this business just as much as I do, so it’s special.”

Head over to SI.com to check out the full interview.

Renee Young Opens Up About Her Spontaneous 1AM Backyard Wedding To Dean Ambrose

Renee Young has revealed some interesting details about her recent wedding to Dean Ambrose. During an interview with EOnline.com,  Renee confirmed the wedding took place on Sunday, April 9th and the whole thing came together spontaneously.

“I wouldn’t even really say that we were engaged. We’ve been together for three and a half years and we knew that we wanted to have a Vegas wedding, because we live in Las Vegas we just figured we’d do it there and we’d just do it super low-key.”

They got their marriage license about six months ago when WWE had a live event in Reno, Nevada. They matter-of-factly walked up to City Hall, got the license and knew they could officially tie the knot whenever they wanted to. Earlier this month, Renee and Dean were laying in bed one night when Dean presented her with a ring. They decided to get married that night and found a 24-hour pastor to marry them at 1am in their backyard!

“We were going to bed! We were going to bed and he like busted out the ring and we were like, ‘Oh man I guess we should do this now.’ So we ended up going on Yelp and we found a 24-hour pastor to come to our backyard. It was so handy and his name was Pastor Pete and he lived around the corner from us, so he was there.

They were very concerned by the way because it was 1 o’clock in the morning, so technically it was Sunday and they were very concerned about us calling, they were like, ‘Is everything OK? Have you guys been drinking? What’s happening?’ We’re like, ‘It’s fine, you can come down.’ So we had to get a witness and we called and woke up a friend of ours and got it done.”

https://twitter.com/ReneeYoungWWE/status/852103416407097344

Renee said she and Dean are very non-traditional, which is why they didn’t feel the need to have a typical engagement and big fancy wedding. “It was so perfect and so us. There’s not a single thing about it I would change.”

Preview Chris Jericho’s New Music Video, Baron Corbin “Fined & Suspended”

– SmackDown Live commissioner Shane McMahon has announced that Baron Corbin has been ‘fined and suspended’ for putting his hands on a WWE official. Corbin viciously attacked Sami Zayn on Talking Smack and shoved a referee who attempted to break things up. Shane tweeted on Wednesday morning:

– The music video for “Judas” by Fozzy premieres next Tuesday, May 2nd. Chris Jericho released a preview clip for the video, which you can check out below.

Fozzy has been working on the follow-up album to 2014’s Do You Want To Start A War. No release date has been announced for their next project. Fozzy’s Judas Rising Tour kicks off next week in Virginia Beach, VA.  For details on the Judas Rising Tour, visit FozzyRock.com.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTWTIAbFroi/?taken-by=chrisjerichofozzy

Cody Rhodes Reportedly Joining Ring of Honor

Cody Rhodes will be joining Ring of Honor full-time roster member according to reports by MLW Radio and PWTorch.

Cody spoke with Sports Illustrated last week and revealed his plans to ‘settle down’ with one promotion. “I’m about to make a decision,” Rhodes teased. “It’s been really fun to cross all the streams, but at this point I do need to find a new home.”

After leaving WWE in May 2016, Cody Rhodes has competed for ROH, New Japan Pro Wrestling, Impact Wrestling, WCPW, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla and more. Now that he’s wrestled everywhere, Roads has his sights set on a new goal: the Ring of Honor World Championship.

“For the very first time in my career, my goal of the world title is clearly defined,” Rhodes said. “This is the first world title that I’ve put on a hit list. My last year was spent wrestling everywhere, and this was a departure from that. Now my sights are clear and my focus is channeled at absolutely one thing. It’s a nice juxtaposition from the past year, which has been everywhere.”

Ring of Honor announced this week that Cody Rhodes will face Will Ospreay at the upcoming ROH War of the Worlds: Toronto event on May 7th.

Update: Cody Rhodes says he has not officially signed with anybody yet.

Rusev Demands Title Shot At Money In The Bank Or He’s Going Home

Rusev is not happy about being traded to SmackDown Live in the Superstar Shake-Up and refuses to wrestle for WWE’s blue brand unless he’s given a championship opportunity.

Rusev has been out of action since before WrestleMania recovering from shoulder surgery. The Bulgarian Brute says he doesn’t like SmackDown commissioner Shane McMahon or GM Daniel Bryan and won’t wrestle for SmackDown just because they want him to. The only way he’ll agree to wrestle for SmackDown is if he’s granted a match for the WWE Championship at Money in the Bank. Otherwise, it’s back to Bulgaria for him.

No word on what this would mean for Lana, who has been working on a new gimmick in NXT and is ‘coming soon’ to SmackDown.

WWE Money in the Bank 2017 takes place on Sunday, June 18th from St. Louis, Missouri at the Scottrade Center.

205 Live Highlights and Results: Neville and Aries Go-Home Show

205 Live
Des Moines, Iowa
April 25th 2017

1. Rich Swann & Akira Tozawa vs. Brian Kendrick and Noam Dar
Commentary confirmed that Alicia Fox isn’t on 205 Live anymore now that she and Noam Dar have broken up. Fox will most likely be on Raw from here on out.
Battle of the 205 mid-card storylines here. Tozawa pinned Dar after hitting the shining wizard.
After the match, Tozawa tells Kendrick he didn’t pick a good partner. Tozawa’s 4th lesson to Kendrick is to “always choose wisely”.
Winners: Tozawa and Swann (Tozawa pinned Dar)

2. Mustafa Ali vs. Tony Nese
Dru Gulak joined commentary to talk about how he doesn’t want the cruiserweights on 205 Live to use high-flying moves, continuing his program with Ali.
Gulak pulled Nese out of the ring to prevent him from being hit with a flying move from Ali. Since Gulak made contact with Nese first the DQ win was awarded to him.
After the match Ali hit a flying cannonball on Gulak and chased him away fro the ring area.
Winner: Tony Nese via DQ

3. “Gentleman” Jack Gallagher vs. Neville (non-title)
A good technical match between the two of them, but Neville ends up making Gallagher tap to the Rings of Saturn. After the match Aries attacked Neville on the ramp, giving him the Last Chancery and softening him up for their 2nd title match Sunday at Payback.
Winner: Neville via submission

Ric Flair Updates Status of Fiancee After Car Wreck

Ric Flair asked his fans for prayers of support last night after his fiancee, Wendy Barlow was involved in a serious car accident. Early this morning, Flair shared with his supporters that Wendy is going to be fine.

Ric Flair and Wendy Barlow

News that Flair’s fiancee was involved in a car accident reminded many of what happened last month to the Ross family. JR lost his wife Jan after she was struck by a vehicle while riding a scooter.

As mentioned on this site last night, Wendy Barlow portrayed “Fifi the Maid” in several Ric Flair interview segments in the early 90s.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dk7Wdo311TQ

Baron Corbin Attacks Sami Zayn, Breezango Celebrates Victory (Videos)

Baron Corbin Attacks Sami Zayn During Talking Smack

The more things change, the more they stay the same for Sami Zayn. Sami joined the SmackDown roster after WWE’s Superstar Shake-Up. Zayn had a rough go of it on RAW and people really wanted him to join the SmackDown roster. Since joining SmackDown, Zayn has lost a #1 contenders match for the US Title and lost a #1 contenders match for the WWE Championship. Now, Zayn is back to getting his ass kicked by Superstars that are much bigger than him.

Zayn spent a long time on RAW getting destroyed by Braun Strowman. He played the role of Kalisto in this past week’s Dumpster Match on RAW. Instead of Kurt Angle asking Kalisto if he was sure that he wanted to fight Strowman, it was at the time RAW GM Mick Foley begging Zayn not to enter a match with Braun. Zayn wound up asking for a trade to SmackDown and Foley shot it down.

Now, Zayn is finally on SmackDown and it appears he is going to enter a feud with Baron Corbin. WWE is very high on Corbin and folks like Jim Ross believe he is a future main-eventer. Zayn may have switched brands, but his role on the show looks like it has remained the same. Last night on Talking Smack, Baron Corbin attacked Sami Zayn. It was retaliation for Zayn hitting a Helluva Kick on Corbin earlier in the night. Corbin beat the hell out of Zayn and also launched a referee across the room.

Breezango Celebrate Becoming #1 Contenders To SmackDown Tag Team Championships

Breezango competed in a Beat The Clock Challenge last night on SmackDown to determine the #1 contenders to the SmackDown Tag Team Championships. Breezango defeated The Ascension in the quickest amount of time and will now face The Usos at WWE Backlash for the titles. WWE has uploaded a new video of Breezango celebrating their victory.

Ric Flair Reveals His Fiancee Is In Hospital After Serious Car Accident

Ric Flair posted on Twitter earlier this evening that his fiancee, Wendy Barlow, was in a serious car accident and is currently in the hospital. Flair wrote:

Ric Flair proposed to Barlow last July after three years of dating. Barlow was known as Fifi the Maid in WCW. There are currently no further details on Barlow’s condition.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH9-7ArFzrg

WWE SmackDown Recap & Reaction (4/25)

Renee Young kicked off this week’s episode of SmackDown and introduced Shinsuke Nakamura. Renee Young was about interview Nakamura but Dolph Ziggler immediately interrupted. Ziggler came down to the ring wearing a suit and a smirk on his face. Ziggler asked Renee for the microphone and she gave it to him and exited the ring. Ziggler poked fun at Nakamura for the way he talked and claimed that Shinsuke stated that Dolph Ziggler is his favorite WWE Superstar.

Ziggler then asked Shinsuke what was up with those wacky moves during his entrance and Nakamura didn’t answer. Ziggler then said that Nakamura’s actual name was Michael, inferring that he was Michael Jackson in disguise. Ziggler said that he googled “Shinsuke Nakamura” and it’s definition is “pathetic overrated freak”. Nakamura then grabbed the microphone and called Ziggler a jackass. Ziggler charged at Nakamura but Shinsuke got the upper hand and slammed him to the mat.

Reaction: This promo was alright. If this is someone’s first time seeing Shinsuke Nakamura, they might not get what the buzz is all about. However, once they see him perform in the ring they will understand it. Ziggler and Nakamura are going to tear the house down when they wrestle and I cannot wait to see it.

AJ Styles vs Baron Corbin

Kevin Owens joined commentary for the match and immediately began insulting Byron Saxton. The match started out back and forth. Corbin launched Styles out of the ring and Kevin Owens laughed as SmackDown went to a commercial break. When SmackDown returned. Corbin was in control of the match and launched Styles into the corner. Corbin then grabbed AJ by the throat and planted Styles with a Backbreaker for a two count.

Corbin began to get frustrated and hit Styles with a couple of forearms to the face. Styles slammed Corbin’s head into the top turnbuckle and then he connected with a Pele Kick. AJ was gearing up for the Phenomenal Forearm but Kevin Owens distracted him. AJ booted Owens in the face. Corbin went to a Powerbomb AJ but Styles rolled him up for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Corbin and Owens stomped on Styles. Sami Zayn sprinted down to the ring and made the save. Zayn hit Corbin with the Helluva Kick but Owens attacked him from behind. Owens threw Zayn out of the ring and planted Styles with a Pop-Up Powerbomb. Owens then raised the United States Championship over Styles as he laid in the ring.

Winner: AJ Styles

Reaction: This was a good match. Corbin always dominates matches and then finds a way to lose. Styles and Owens should have a very entertaining feud after Payback this Sunday.

Charlotte was interviewed backstage about her match later tonight against Naomi for the Smackdown Women’s Championship. Charlotte stated that she was going to take the title tonight and prove that she is already the greatest Superstar ever in WWE.

SmackDown Tag Team #1 Contender Beat The Clock Challenge: American Alpha vs The Colons

This match was back and forth for over five minutes. American Alpha finally hit the Grand Amplitude and won the match at 5 minutes and 17 seconds. The Usos were shown backstage watching the match. The Usos didn’t seem too worried about American Alpha winning. The Ascension will face Breezango later tonight and have to beat 5:17 to become the #1 contenders.

Winners: American Alpha 

Rusev sent in a video and stated that he doesn’t like Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon. Rusev demanded a title match at Money in the Bank. If he does not get it, he will not join the SmackDown roster and return to Bulgaria.

Becky Lynch was confronted backstage by Tamina Snuka, Natalya, Ellsworth and Carmella. They told Lynch to choose wisely on whether she is with them or against them when it comes to Charlotte. Snuka, Natalya, Ellsworth and Carmella are upset that Charlotte already has a shot at the Smackdown Women’s Championship.

No DQ Match: Randy Orton vs Erick Rowan

Rowan started off the match in control. Orton fought back and Clotheslined Rowan out of the ring but Rowan landed on his feet. Orton slammed Rowan into the ring post and then bounced his head off the barricade. Rowan battled back and threw Orton into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Rowan hit a Dropkick for a two count. Rowan grabbed a kendo stick from under the ring and hit Orton several times with it.

Rowan got out of the ring and set up a table ringside. Rowan attempted to Suplex Orton from the ring apron through the table but Orton blocked it. Orton hit Rowan with the kendo stick a couple of times and then shoved Rowan off the ring apron. Rowan went crashing through the table and SmackDown went to a commercial break. When SmackDown returned, Rowan was in control and he got a chair from outside the ring. Rowan set up the chair against the turnbuckle and threw Orton towards it. Orton stopped short and Rowan charged at him. Orton got out of the way and Rowan went head first into the chair. Orton then connected with the RKO for the victory.

After the match, Orton cut a promo about his House of Horrors match with Bray Wyatt at Payback. Orton said that the House of Horrors match will be Bray Wyatt’s eternal hell. Orton raised the title above his head and Jinder Mahal interrupted. Mahal scolded Orton for overlooking him. Mahal bragged about having more wealth, talent, class and culture than anyone in the arena.

Mahal stated that Orton is just like everyone else because he disrespects Mahal for looking different. Mahal then spoke in Punjabi and then tried to attack Orton. Randy was ready for it and knocked Mahal to the mat. The Bollywood Boyz, now known as the Singh Brothers, attacked Orton from behind. Mahal then attacked Orton and slammed him to the mat. Mahal then left Orton in the ring and took the WWE Championship. Mahal was shown exiting the arena in a limo while raising the WWE Championship.

Winner: Randy Orton

Reaction: For the second week in a row, Jinder Mahal cut a great promo. The match between Orton and Rowan was entertaining as well. Orton received very little reaction from the crowd tonight. It is highly unlikely that Jinder Mahal will actually defeat Orton at Backlash and become the WWE Champion. Having said that, I’m already incredibly bored with Orton as WWE Champion.

SmackDown Tag Team #1 Contender Beat The Clock Challenge: Breezango vs The Ascension 

The Ascension controlled the first couple of minutes of the match. Breeze then hit Viktor with a Superkick and Fandango planted Viktor with a Falcon Arrow for the victory in under three minutes. Breezango will now face The Usos at Backlash for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.

Winners: Breezango

Reaction: Breezango can actually be a good team when they aren’t being booked as a joke. Tyler Breeze is excellent in the ring, but has just been in one awful situation after another. I’m glad Breezango are the number one contenders and I think they can have an entertaining feud with The Usos.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/857044732534501377

https://twitter.com/jordangarretson/status/857046020852768768

A video promo for the House of Horrors Match between Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt at Payback was shown.

Naomi was interviewed by Renee Young backstage. Naomi stated that Charlotte has accomplished a lot but doesn’t like her claiming that she is the greatest of all time. Naomi said that Charlotte will feel the glow tonight.

SmackDown Women’s Championship Match: Naomi (c) vs Charlotte

Naomi’s entrance wasn’t even shown. Instead, promos for Payback were aired and then SmackDown to Naomi standing in the ring. Charlotte started off the match in control. Naomi battled back and slammed Charlotte’s head into the second turnbuckle. Charlotte then tripped up Naomi on the ring apron and slung her to the floor outside the ring. SmackDown then went to another commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Charlotte was still in control of the match in the ring. Charlotte connected with a chop that knocked Naomi to the mat. Charlotte then trapped Naomi in the corner and connected with several chops. Naomi sprung out of the corner and hit Charlotte with a Jawbreaker. Naomi then hit Charlotte with a few kicks, a Hurricanrana and an elbow to the face. Naomi then leveled Charlotte with a kick to the head for a two count. Naomi hit the Rear View but Charlotte kicked out at two.

Charlotte then planted Naomi with a massive Powerbomb for two. Charlotte went for a Moonsault but Naomi got her knees up. Tamina, Natalya and Carmella then attacked Charlotte and Naomi in the ring. Tamina then kicked Charlotte in the face. Tamina then held up Charlotte and Carmella kicked her in the face. Ellsworth, Carmella, Natalya and Tamina then posed in the ring as SmackDown went off the air.

Reaction: The ending to this match was pretty predictable. The only thing that caught me by surprise was that Becky Lynch didn’t come down to the ring and help out Charlotte after the match.  I’m glad that WWE didn’t give Charlotte the Smackdown Women’s Championship right away, that would have been a bit ridiculous. Overall, this week’s episode of SmackDown was decent. I didn’t think either RAW or SmackDown were anything special this week.

What did you think of this week’s episode of SmackDown? Let us know in the comments below.