We noted before how Samoa Joe missed this week’s episode of Raw due to an injury and his absence forced WWE to scrap a major dream match between him and John Cena.
However, another star which was notably missing from the show was none other than the Monster Among Men Braun Strowman, though the reason for his absence was not known.
Now the latest installment of Wrestling Observer Newsletter has revealed that Strowman didn’t miss Raw due to an injury or any other such issue and keeping him off TV this week was a creative decision.
According to the Newsletter, the company wants to save the physical confrontation between Strowman and Brock Lesnar for No Mercy and they want to avoid too much physicality before the PPV.
After their confrontation on last week’s episode of Raw, the belief backstage is that you cannot have both the Monster Sized athletes on the same show without interacting.
Since Brock was scheduled to appear on Raw, the Officials believed that having Braun appear anywhere else on the card didn’t make sense, hence they decided to keep him off Television.
Lesnar is not scheduled to appear on Raw next week so Braun Strowman is expected to return on the next episode of the Red Branded Show.
Although both these stars are currently being advertised for the September 11th episode of Raw and it’d be interesting to see if these two share the ring once again during the show.
Global Force Wrestling (GFW) star Robbie E recently spoke to Wrestling Inc. to discuss his status with the promotion. E discussed being off GFW TV for so long, the backstage changes made by the promotion, and his ‘Dad Bod’ feature for “Muscle And Fitness.” You can see what he had to say here:
His current status with GFW:
“I’m still a part of the company; I think when Jeff [Jarrett] took over, and Jeff is the man and has a lot on his plate right now,” Robbie said. “I think the number one thing he wanted to do when he restarted it was to revamp the GFW roster and give it a whole new look. To do so, you would have to take some people off of TV that have been there a while to make the product look different, so I’m not the only guy. There are a few of us that are still lingering to make our return.”
Having been off TV for so long:
“The cool thing is, like we talked about, with the seven years that I have been there holding the titles, where I’ve been looked at as a comedy guy where I hadn’t been taken seriously; so, this is my chance to start over in a more serious role and be a new Robbie E, so I believe it’s going to be better for everyone involved so I believe it is a good thing,” he said.
Backstage changes that have occurred in the company:
“If someone is going to come in there is going to be massive changes that are going to be made. People are thinking how there are massive changes happening all the time and they are getting sick of it, but I think this will be the last time changes will happen,” he said. “And now they have a direction of where they are going with it and I believe they will continue to go with it, so there won’t be as many changes going forward because I believe they are set on what they want their future to be.
“And again, Jeff Jarrett is the man, he’s been in wrestling for like 100 years; he is super smart, and he is the guy who was with the company when it was on fire and I think he is going to get it back there.”
His new ‘Dad Bod’ feature for “Muscle And Fitness”:
“The thing is, the ‘Dad Bod’ is a real thing. People I know who were somewhat in decent shape, once they become a Dad it all goes down the drain. You know what I mean? Everyone knows someone like that. Before they were a Dad they looked one way, and after they become a Dad they look another way,” he said.
“It happens; so, these videos are just ways to show what you can do to stay fit and your kids are having a good time while you are doing it. Even if you are not a Dad, they are still funny videos to watch, because you know me, everything I do is funny, so it’s a win-win for anyone who clicks and watches it.”
Former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns recently spoke with ESPN to talk about a possible reunion with the Shield. Currently Reigns’ former Shield members, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins, rule as the RAW Tag Team Champions after dethroning the team of Sheamus and Cesaro at SummerSlam.
Many have been wondering if Reigns would join them soon to fully reunite the beloved stable, but “The Big Dog” says he has unfinished business as a singles competitor first before he can entertain that idea:
“Over the next few weeks, we’ll be able to see it play out,” he said. “But the main thing right now is I’ve been in the title picture for the Raw brand, so I can firmly say neither of those guys would leave [that opportunity] to rejoin The Shield [and] rekindle that flame.”
“Maybe I’m a third wheel at this point,” he said. “It just really depends. I feel like the next few weeks are really going to play out some important things for me. Obviously, I need to transition coming out of this big feud between the four monsters.”
WWE Hall Of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin recently made an appearance on former WWE Superstar Sean “X-Pac” Waltman’s podcast, X-Pac 12360. During the interview “The Texas Rattlesnake” discussed Ric Flair’s health, his reaction to the Roman Reigns and John Cena segment on RAW, his thoughts on The Fashion Police, if he’s planning on attending PWG Battle of LA, and how he can’t find Ring Of Honor (ROH) on TV.
Here are some highlights of what Austin said about:
Ric Flair’s health:
“I talked to him yesterday, on the phone, and he’s laughing. He’s got a ways to go and I will elaborate no further about that.”
Roman Reigns and John Cena’s segment on RAW:
“Anytime you go out to the ring and you didn’t learn something new, you probably missed an opportunity. I don’t care how good you are, you can always get better. So, if Roman learned something from that and he can capitalize on it and gain and improve in the future, props to him.”
The Fashion Police:
“Fandango and Tyler Breeze together… and all of a sudden they put the Fashion Files out and I am like, when I watch Raw those guys, they crack me up. I’ll rewind their s–t, I don’t know how many times.”
If he’ll attend PWG Battle of LA:
“We just got finished filming (Broken Skull Challenge) so I might undertake one evening of that. Because I’ve been wanting to check out that scene because I’ve heard how cool the atmosphere is and everybody buys in.”
Not being able to find ROH on TV:
“I just never know what channel it’s on or how to watch it. I would DVR it because when I was filming (Broken Skull Challenge) I had a satellite and a big TV in my trailer.”
WWE COO Triple H recently made an appearance on ESPN’s First Take to talk about a variety of professional wrestling topics. “The Game” was asked about his thoughts on the promotion of Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor and if the WWE can learn anything from it, who would make a better WWE Superstar – LaVar Ball or Rob Gronkowski, the chances of seeing Ronda Rousey in WWE, and if you can create a personality or if it needs to be authentic. Here are the highlights:
The promotion behind Mayweather vs. McGregor and if WWE can learn from it:
“I think from a promotional standpoint they did a lot of things right. They found two personalities and that’s really what this is all about. Floyd will be the first guy to tell you that it’s personalities that sells fights, it’s what he does, he changed himself from ‘Pretty Boy Floyd’ to ‘Money Mayweather’ and that was based around WWE and the culture of changing Hulk Hogan to ‘Hollywood Hulk Hogan,’ and reinventing yourself. He invented that persona. McGregor created a persona, a lot of it having to do around what, kind of, WWE does and also what Mayweather does.
“When you have personalities like that and you put them in a ring with that type of conflict – it’s what we do no a daily basis. But they did it very well. It was a moment in time that I don’t think you can replicate. The great things is, I think what people where afraid of was that it wouldn’t deliver. I think it did deliver. I think people got an entertaining 10 round fight, it ended up where the educated person would imagine that it’d end up, but I think it was entertaining and it delivered on a lot of levels.”
Who would make a better WWE Superstar – LaVar Ball or Rob Gronkowski:
“LaVar Ball certainly has a pension for winding people up and wanting to see people beat him. I think that’s an important factor, but you never know what’s going to connect to people. Those personalities – when you look at McGregor, you look at Ronda Rousey, you look at Gronk, you look at LaVar Ball – all those people, what connects them is personalities. Whether you love them or hate them, those personalities drive people. They create a connection and that’s really what people pay to see. They’re a very few pure boxing fans in the world, there are very few pure MMA aficionados in the world, there are very few pure WWE or NBA or NFL that really admire the intricacies of all that stuff. The personalities drive them, whether that be the team or the individuals.”
If we’ll see Ronda Rousey in WWE:
“Ronda has been a huge fan of WWE her whole life, she has been very adamant about that. She has done plenty of stuff with us before, I think you’re watching a clip of her throwing me that I don’t know why you’re showing, but yeah she tends to throw me around when I see her – but she’s a huge fan. I think she’s a huge fan and I think it’s something she’s definitely interested – I’ll throw it out right now, if she’s interested I’ll give her the opportunity. But we’re all about personalities and that’s what she brings to the table. I think she has shown it, and you have seen, she has shown it in Hollywood, she has shown it everywhere. Her personality would drive fan interest.”
Can you create a personality or does it have to be authentic:
“I think you can do both. I think there are some people that just have it, they walk in a room and they have that ‘x’ factor. We look for that a lot. But I’m also looking, when I’m recruiting talent I’m looking for, even somebody that is a dormant characteristic or a trait in them that makes them that – they have that ‘x’ factor they don’t know they have it. Or its been held back in them, their whole life they’ve been taught ‘don’t put that out there,’ don’t brag, don’t be this, don’t be that, bring that back in.
“I think there are a million guys in the NFL or are attempting to get in the NFL that look at what we do and they live vicariously through us because they’re told ‘Don’t do that. Don’t celebrate, don’t be unique, don’t be those things.’ We want you to be all that and more. We want you to be unique, we want you to bring something we’ve never seen to the table, and that’s what we’re trying to get out of people. Whether they have that in them and they don’t know it, and we coach that out of them and we teach them how to do that, or whether they already have it and it’s already there, it doesn’t matter. As long as when the red light goes on in front of them, they can put that out to the world, then they can bring in whatever you want. They can make people come to arenas, they can make people follow them whether they love them or hate them. It’s all about charisma.”
The statement, courtesy of Lucha Blog, reads as follows (via Google Translate):
“These days have been very difficult for me. On Saturday I had a championship fight; Was very hard. I think it all went out of hand. I do not know, it’s a situation that right now I’m a bit confused. I want to be silent and when I feel it is time, touch the subject. Men, women, they want to finish me; Retire from this sport. I’m here; As I said at the outset: I will not stop, on behalf of all women who have been mistreated, physically or psychologically. I think I have to be stronger. If at that moment I went through a depression and left, I will leave this one too. I was doing what I had to do, what people deserve, give me a claw until the end. That happened, I gave it up. It seems that the girl is injured; I do not know, I do not know. She is the only one that can say.”
We noted before how the Undertaker was spotted heading to New York a day before SummerSlam. While he did not appear on the PPV, it was later reported that he was backstage during it.
Though now it appears that Taker did more than just hanging out backstage at SummerSlam and a new report about his activities has started the rumors of the former Champion returning to ring once again.
Per report from Pwinsider (Via Wrestlezone), while the Undertaker stayed away from cameras, he worked out in the ring before the SummerSlam PPV went on air and the site notes that it’s a possible sign of his in ring return.
Furthermore, it’s being said that Taker could make his return as soon as next month’s No Mercy PPV to set up a possible match with John Cena at Survivor Series.
It’s worth mentioning here that according to a report, one of the reasons why WWE is filling up No Mercy card with some strong matches is to head into the NFL season strongly and avoid massive drops in the ratings.
So the return of Undertaker certainly feels like a move which the company can pull off to create some massive headlines and keep the ratings up in the upcoming months.
However, it’s notable here that these reports seem a little overblown at this stage and unless WWE gives any hint of The Dead Man’s return, it should only be considered a possibility.
Former WWE Champion Batista recently spoke with Uproxx about various topics including coming up with his name in WWE, the storyline with D-Von Dudley, and more. Here are the highlights:
Reflecting on his Deacon Batista storyline with D-Von Dudley:
“Only in WWE. When I first came up, I did this character called Deacon Batista, so it was the same last name, but I was working with this guy named D-Von Dudley and he was doing this televangelist preacher type deal where he was collecting money and I held this big, goofy box and I was a security guard of his money box. So ridiculous. It was horrible.”
Receiving his ring name:
“I actually didn’t. All right, here’s the funny thing about that, because when I was …when I went up, when I was called up from OVW, which was our training facility, they changed my name and changed it to ‘Batista.’ I didn’t realized they changed the spelling of it. Well, I was told the reason they did that was so people would be able to pronounce it easier, and then I was told later by another wrestler, he said, ‘No, you dummy. They did that so they could own it. They just can’t own your name. They changed the spelling, now they own it.’ Which was true. I left WWE without my wrestling name, went back to my real name, and started over.”
RAW tag team champion Seth Rollins appeared on this week’s Sam Roberts Wrestling Podcast for an in-depth discussion about reuniting with Dean Ambrose, being out of the Universal title picture, Roman Reigns and more. Here are some highlights of what Rollins said about:
Teaming with Dean Ambrose and being out of the Universal Championship picture:
“The last couple of weeks and really this whole thing with Ambrose has gone extremely well and I think that’s just a testament to he and I, and The Shield, and the bond we sort of created with the audience over the past five or six years, stuff like that and we’ve been doing it, so it’s cool to see that everyone’s still emotionally invested in us as characters. And the fact that we are now on the same side, people are excited to see where we go moving forward. Keep me away from that world title picture right now! I’m having fun doing what I’m doing here. I think the fact that people are so emotionally invested in myself and Ambrose is really cool.”
Being open to reforming The Shield, as long as it happens organically:
“[Reigns] is obviously doing just fine for himself. Yeah, he’s doing alright. Whether you love him or hate him, he’s doing alright. He’s been in three WrestleManias in the main event now, which is… hey, say what you will about it, but it’s an impressive feat. There are not many men in the history of our industry who’ve been able to do that. So who knows? I mean, right now we’re happy with where we’re at and we’re in a good spot with me and Dean. If we do tell that story, we’ve got a long way to get there and if it happens, I’d welcome it. I’d welcome the possibility, but I’m really happy with the Ambrose situation right now and I don’t want to force anything.”
The original plan for him before teaming with Dean Ambrose:
“I believe what the plan was for me and Bray Wyatt to go a few pay-per-views. And them, whatever happened, happened. Something changed and they shuffled the deck and they ended up having to reposition, which, actually, worked out much better for me, in my personal opinion. But yeah, it [has] been almost a month or so that I’ve kind of known that we were heading in this direction.”
Global Force Wrestling and Pop TV have signed a deal to keep Impact Wrestling on Pop for another year, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
While it’s good news that Impact will continue airing through 2018, GFW barely makes any money from the deal and their viewership performance wasn’t strong enough to bring in any revenue beyond a split on ad revenue from commercials that air during the broadcast.
GFW continues to run on a very tight budget, with the India and U.K. TV deals bringing in the lion’s share of the company’s revenue.
The company has been running fewer TV tapings in recent months (with more shows taped each round) and there’s no live event business to speak of.
WWE Superstar Roman Reigns spoke with ESPN this week for an in-depth discussion on his television character and why he doesn’t define himself as a babyface or a heel. Instead, Reigns described himself as “the first true gray-area guy” in WWE history.
“To me, I’m neither.” said Reigns “If I’m totally off here, then I’m totally off, but I’m the first of my type. I’m the first true gray area guy … just being what he was born to be.”
The man who retired The Undertaker at WrestleMania 33 explained that why he can’t define himself as a heel or babyface.
“I don’t go out there and act crazy and flail around and be a heel,” said Reigns. “I don’t come out there smiling and kissing babies, telling each town it’s my favorite town at the end of the night. I keep it real. Sometimes I’m in a good mood. Sometimes I’m in a bad one. I want my character to be as human as possible, but not just a regular human that you see every single day.”
Reigns continued, “It’s just one of those things that helps me work with everybody. It’s not about, ‘Well, we can’t tell this story because it’s two bad guys going against each other, or it’s two good guys.’ I can adjust to any way [we want to do it]. I can wrestle any way I want. Sometimes you fight pissed off. Sometimes you fight smart with technique. It just depends.”
He also commented on a possible reunion of The Shield. With Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose holding RAW’s tag team championships, he’s the missing piece needed to reform one of the most dominant factions in WWE history. According to Reigns, “we’ll be able to see it play out” over the next few weeks. For now, he’s got other priorities.
“Over the next few weeks, we’ll be able to see it play out,” said Reigns. “The main thing right now is I’ve been in the title picture for the Raw brand, so I can firmly say neither of those guys would leave [that opportunity] to rejoin The Shield [and] rekindle that flame.”
Reigns will face John Cena next month at No Mercy.
Check out the complete Roman Reigns interview at ESPN.com.
WWE will hold the annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony during WrestleMania 34 weekend in New Orleans. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, one name being floated as a possible headliner is Dave Bautista.
Other big names in play as future HOF headliners are The Undertaker and The Rock.
Batista’s Hollywood career has really taken off in recent years and he’ll have a big role (as ‘Drax’ from Guardians of the Galaxy) in Avengers: Infinity War, which hits theaters in May 2018.
Batista has been outspoken about WWE when asked about the company in interviews. He’s stated numerous times that he’d like to wrestle for WWE again, but only live events because he wants nothing to do with WWE’s writers and storylines.
During a recent appearance on Chris Jericho’s Talk is Jericho podcast, Batista said he actually pitched an idea to WWE about returning, but only if he could work a program with Triple H.
“I’ve asked, yeah, I’ve asked,” he said. “Well, there’s… I’ve asked for what I want. I’ll tell you and I’ve talked to Hunter about it and I’ve talked to Vince about it. I said I would come back and run a whole program with Hunter. That’s the only thing I’m interested in doing. They’re just not interested in it, you know?”
When asked if he’d return and work with anybody else besides Triple H, Batista said, “At this point, no, because it would be my retirement thing. It would be what I would go out on. I would come back and I’d do a whole program and then I’d be done.”
He still loves pro wrestling, but told Jericho “it’s just too much bullsh*t” working for the company. “Yeah, I miss it a lot. … There’s nothing like it, you know that. There’s just an adrenaline rush that goes along with it. What I don’t miss is the company, to be honest with you. I don’t miss WWE. I miss wrestling, I just don’t miss dealing with the company and its bullsh*t. Yeah it’s the bullsh*t man, it’s just too much bullsh*t.”
– WWE Superstar Jeff Hardy turns 40 years old today. He was born on August 31, 1977. Jeff Hardy is a 6-time World Champion and is challenging for his 5th Intercontinental Championship reign next Monday when he faces The Miz on RAW.
– The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that the current plan for WWE’s rumored ‘United Kingdom’ series is for the show to begin before the end of the year. The original plan was to hold tapings back in June, but WWE has yet to announce any shows. There are a lot of logistics to work out with launching a new series that tapes over seas and according to Dave Meltzer, WWE apparently lost a lot of money on the original UK Championship tournament that aired back in January.
Pete Dunne is the reigning WWE UK Champion and WWE has been using some of the UK talent in NXT while they work on getting the UK series off the ground. WWE’s strong push in to the UK market was initially seen as a response to [UK TV network] ITV airing new episodes of a World of Sport wrestling series, but that project appears to be on hold indefinitely.
According to PWInsider Alberto El Patron may be making his way back to Global Force Wrestling either before or after Bound For Glory, dependent on whether they can film an angle first…
Patron was expected to take part in a major segment at AAA’s TripleMania event which would setup an angle and eventual match at Bound For Glory. AAA reportedly angered Alberto when they copyrighted the ‘Alberto El Patron’ name in Mexico and subsequently he refused to film the angle in their ring.
The only alternative for GFW is to film the angle at an independent show so that the footage would be available for Impact, there are currently no reports on where and how they plan to do so.
NXT opened up this week with SAnitY surrounded by security as Adam Cole, Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly appeared to have attacked them outside. Percy Watson states on commentary that he believes Cole, Fish and O’Reilly were behind the attack. Nigel McGuinness then defended his fellow ROH veterans and stated that this is America and you are innocent until proven guilty.
NXT Champion Drew McIntyre comes down to the ring. McIntyre raised the title and said that this was the culmination of his career, but he is aware that he now has a target on him. McIntyre said that if Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, Kyle O’Reilly or anyone else in the NXT locker room want a shot at him, they should come down to the ring and face him like a man.
Roderick Stong then came out and said that he doesn’t care about McIntyre being attacked at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III. All he cares about is himself, his family and the NXT Championship. Strong stated that when he is finished with Bobby Roode tonight, he is coming after that title. Drew McIntyre said that this is what he is talking about. Strong stepped up like a man and asked for a shot. McIntyre said that he hopes that Strong is ready to get knocked out like a man as well.
Royce controlled the match early and connected with a knee to Riot’s face before throwing her outside the ring as NXT went to a commercial break. When NXT returned, Royce was still in control and had Riot in a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring. Riot escaped and connected with a Dropkick. Riot then hit a Powerbomb for a two. Riot tried to pick up Royce but Peyton grabbed the ring apron. The referee then started shouting at Royce, which allowed Billie Kay to boot Riot in the face while the referee was distracted. Peyton Royce then hit the Fisherman’s Suplex for the pinfall victory.
Winner: Peyton Royce
NXT GM William Regal was interviewed in his office backstage. Regal discussed the attack on SAnitY that opened up the show but was quickly interrupted by Kassius Ohno. Kassius said that he wanted another shot at Itami and he wants it to be a NO DQ match. Regal made the match official for next week.
Lars Sullivan was shown in William Regal’s office. Regal stated that Sullivan has attacked three men recently and that his actions have consequences. Regal announced a 3-on-1 Handicap match for next week. Sullivan smiled and walked away.
The match opened up with the Full Sail crowd chanting “thank you Bobby” as Roode’s time in NXT is coming to an end. Roode shouted at Strong that he was a failure and that NXT will always be his. Roode went to pose in the ring but Strong shoved him down. Strong started out in control and connected with a series of chops. Strong then hit two Backbreakers in a row on Strong as the crowd started to boo Roderick.
Roode and Strong battled on the ring apron. Roode got the upper-hand and sent Strong flying back-first into the steel steps next to the ring. Roode then planted strong with a Spinebuster as NXT went to a commercial break. When NXT returned, Roode was back in control of the match. Roode took a break from beating down Strong to pose in the ring as the crowd cheered.
Strong battled back and leveled Roode with a Clothesline. Roode responded by knocking Strong out of the ring and then planting him with a Neckbreaker when he tried to get back into the ring. Roode went for the Glorious DDT but Strong escaped and connected with a running knee for a two count.
Roode and Strong battled on the top rope. Strong gets knocked down to the mat but quickly got back to his feet and connected with a kick to the side of Roode’s head. Strong then hit the Suplerplex but Roode was able to kick out at two.
Both Superstars made their way back to their feet as the crowd cheered. Roode and Strong then traded punches. Roode got the official in the way and then capitalized by hitting the Glorious DDT.
Roode went for the pinfall but Strong was able to get his foot on the bottom rope. Roode started insulting Strong which wound up costing him. Strong pumped himself up and connected with a flurry of knees to Roode. Strong then hit a Backbreaker, blew Roode a kiss and then planted him with another Backbreaker for the pinfall victory.
Winner: Roderick Strong
After the match, NXT Champion Drew McIntyre made his way to the ring. He pointed at Roderick Strong and then raised the title. As McIntyre was posing, Adam Cole, Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly attacked him from behind. They knock down a few security guards as well before NXT GM William Regal arrives on the scene. Cole, Fish and O’Reilly taunted Regal before exiting the arena.
The Tuesday, August 29th episode of WWE SmackDown Live saw a decrease in viewership this week. This week’s edition of SmackDown Live averaged 2.455 million viewers for the USA Network, down from an average of 2.685 million viewers for last week’s show.
By comparison, Monday’s RAW averaged 3.404 million viewers.
SmackDown Live this week featured a main event of Shinsuke Nakamura and Randy Orton vs. Jinder Mahal and Rusev, as well as the continuation of the A.J. Styles U.S. Open Challenge.
In case you missed the show, catch up on the Top 10 Moments of this week’s SmackDown Live:
WWE Superstars Nia Jax and Lana had an argument on Instagram on Wednesday. Nia Jax posted a photo and an inspirational message to others who have been told they are “too big” or “don’t look the part.” The Total Divas co-stars got into it over the topic of body shaming after this post from Nia Jax:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYbM6RlFixp/
Here’s the full exchange, including RAW Women’s Champion Alex Bliss chiming in:
Nia Jax:
“For the girl who was told, “You’re too big,” “You don’t look the part,” or “You just don’t fit. This isn’t the right path for you,” listen, maybe they’re right! Maybe that path isn’t right, that’s why I’m cutting my OWN path in this industry, one that I am in control of. I’m not like most, so why should my path be? It’s tough work, but well worth it! #NotLikeMost ?”
Lana:
“My life motto : follow your own path no matter what people think !
Btw I hear all the time I am too skinny and too fragile and not strong enough…. cough cough cough… umm wait was that what you said or @natbynature !!!! ??? ? I’m just saying
Remember that time you told me my amount of lifting weight wasn’t impressive like yours ??? Hmmmm interesting …”
Nia Jax:
“oh lord. Here we go…putting your #CrazyLana stamp on my heartfelt post ?! Making it about you…as always!!!!”
Lana:
“oh please I am just pointing out the truth…. body shaming comes in all shapes and sizes. Including being called too skinny and can’t lift enough…. some people are small some people are big, some people are flexible, some people can lift heavy. All of it is impressive and beautiful in it’s on way. I am just reminding you to practice what you preach. ?”
Nia Jax:
“hahahah! You’re delusional! Body shaming and telling someone that maybe you shouldn’t boast about lifting heavy when you could be showing a more athletic side to themselves are not even close to the same thing ?”
Lana:
“I never ever ever said I left heavy! Never ! Because I don’t ! So don’t put words in my mouth. And I have no problem posting the little amount of weight I lift because that is me and my journey and I don’t think anyone should be laughed at for not lifting as much as you do or super strong people. At the end of the day I follow my own path and share it to the world… the good bad and the ugly. Because I am the first to say I am far from perfect and have much to learn”
Alexa Bliss:
“Oh good , you found my title ! @niajaxwwe”
Nia Jax:
Typical!!!! Two of the most attention seeking women in the WWE coming on my post and trying to make it about themselves ??? @thelanawwe@alexa_bliss_wwe_ ….
Lana:
” literally never making it about myself…. actually you come on my posts and always make it about yourself ! Interesting. But anyways. All these people attacking me I was just calling her out but I wish her the best and I am all for people breaking molds… I also ?? @alexa_bliss_wwe_ ???”
Xavier Woods has provided an update on his injury scare (Video) from Monday night’s SmackDown live event and the situation could have been a lot worse.
The New Day member appeared on SmackDown Live on Tuesday evening wearing a knee brace and using crutches to get around, all-the-while toting a sign that read, “It’s Sore,” a reference to the injury.
After undergoing an evaluation backstage at the SmackDown Live taping on Tuesday, WWE’s medical staff determined Woods suffered an MCL sprain. Woods posted the following on Twitter on Tuesday night confirmed that he will still be attending this weekend’s Dragon Con fan fest in Atlanta, GA.
It remains to be seen how long Woods will be out of action, but his MCL sprain has to be considered good news when you consider Big Cass’ ACL tear the previous week resulted in a surgery that will keep him on the sidelines until early 2018.
Global Force Wrestling has released the following statement regarding the Rosemary/Sexy Star incident that took place during AAA’s TripleMania event:
“It was an honor for GFW to be invited to participate in TripleMania XXV, held this past weekend in Mexico City. The AAA talent that we have worked with have been consummate professionals and the company organized and delivered an extraordinary event, in which both DJZ and Andrew Everett had spectacular showings following their recent surgeries. While the incident with Sexy Star marred an outstanding show, AAA executives have confirmed to us that appropriate measures are being taken in respect of this incident. Both AAA and Sexy Star have apologized to Rosemary. It is time to focus on the positives of the weekend (TripleMania XXV outrated the other sports entertainment event on Saturday evening in Mexico; Eddie Edwards became the first gaijin to win the GHC Heavyweight title at NOAH) and look forward to building our relationship with AAA and NOAH to bring an ever improving wrestling product to our fans.”
In case you missed the original story; former TNA Knockouts Champion Rosemary was injured during the finish of the Reina de Reinas Championship match at AAA TripleMania XXV. Sexy Star retained her title in the 4-Way match.
At the end of the match, Sexy Star applied an Armbar Submission and popped Rosemary’s arm out of place while applying the hold.
Lady Shani and Star were legitimately shooting on each other during the match. It was reported that Star left the arena after the match, but was brought back by Vampiro to apologize to Rosemary. Star then quickly exited the arena again. Shani was reportedly still upset following the match and was looking for Star backstage.
Ahead of next month’s big MLW: One-Shot event from Orlando (10/5 at Gilt Nightclub), MLW is producing a special digital series ‘MLW360’ profiling the two competitors who will battle in the main event.
In the first two episodes of this documentary-style series, take a look inside Ricochet and Shane Strickland’s competitive friendship and you’ll see the chemistry (and tension) that will culminate when they step in the ring at One-Shot.
The card for MLW: One-Shot is already looking pretty stacked, with more matches to be announced in the coming weeks. As of this writing, the first three matches announced are:
Ricochet vs. Shane Strickland
“Filthy” Tom Lawlor vs. Jeff Cobb (UFC fighter vs. Olympic Wrestler)
MVP vs. Sami Callihan
Former WCW lead announcer Tony Schiavone and the former “Voice of NXT” Rich Bocchini will call the action on October 5th, with MLW One-Shot streaming on-demand in the following days on the new MLW.TV over-the-top streaming service. Tickets and more information are available at: MLW.com.
MLW360: Ricochet vs. Strickland Chapter 1: Friends & Competitors
The road to MLW: One-Shot begins as MLW360º takes you inside the world of the 2 men main eventing the October 5th show in Orlando. In chapter one, Ricochet and Shane Strickland discuss their friendship and competitive nature.
https://youtu.be/hntEyO7o8iA
MLW360: Ricochet vs. Strickland Chapter 2: Twitter Drama
Promotional work gets underway for MLW: One-Shot while Ricochet plays games with Shane Strickland.
https://youtu.be/Yg4d83yBjO4
Posted August 30th, 2017 in MLW, News. Tagged: MLW.
WCPW has announced the first match for their ‘Refuse to Lose’ iPPV taking place on October 2nd from Newcastle, England.
The Young Bucks will be challenging for the WCPW Tag Team Titles against current champions War Machine. Ring of Honor fans are well aware of what these two teams are capable of producing and now the Bucks will be stamping their mark on one of the biggest companies on the UK scene in WCPW.
WCPW appear to be establishing the ‘Refuse to Lose’ yearly show as one of their premiere events, the 2016 iteration was headlined by Joe Hendry facing WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle.
Tickets for the event are available to purchase via Eventbrite.
PROGRESS will be heading to Alexandra Palace on September 10th for their biggest show of the year. Chapter 55: Chase The Sun will see all of PROGRESS’ top stars clash in front of thousands of the PROGRESS Ultras.
The Women’s Championship match for the card has now been announced and it is a huge one. South Pacific Power Trip member Dahlia Black will be challenging PROGRESS Women’s Champion and Mae Young Classic Competitor Toni Storm for the strap in a match that could easily steal the show.
We’ll update you with further news on the show as it becomes available.
FloSlam has announced that EVOLVE 58 will be available to view for free on their streaming service for one week only.
The pay per view took place during Wrestlemania weekend and featured an incredibly stacked card. You can check out the full event here.
Here is the full breakdown of matches from the event:
EVOLVE Tag Team Title Match
Drew Galloway & Johnny Gargano (w/Kota Ibushi) (c) vs. The Premier Athlete Brand (Anthony Nese & Caleb Konley) (w/Andrea & SoCal Val)
EVOLVE Title Match
Timothy Thatcher (c) vs. Matt Riddle
Singles Match
Fred Yehi vs. Marty Scurll
Singles Match
Ethan Page vs. Sami Callihan
Singles Match
Ricochet vs. TJ Perkins
Singles Match
Will Ospreay vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
Tag Team Match
Catch Point (Drew Gulak & Tracy Williams) (w/TJP) vs. Heroes Eventually Die (Chris Hero & Tommy End)
Zack Sabre Jr. recently spoke with NJPW’s official website about various topics including not signing with WWE, competing in the G1 Climax, his travel schedule and more. Here are some of the highlights:
Competing in the G1 Climax tournament:
“When it comes to the G1, you’re talking about probably the highest quality tournament that I’ve been in. But for four or five years now, I’ve not had any time off. There have been some weeks where I’d wrestle in three countries, in that same week! I’ll have three international flights coming up next week, all within four days. So being in Japan for one month has almost been like a rest for me!”
Not signing with WWE:
“It would be like asking a musician, ‘Why didn’t you sign with the biggest record label?’ I’m just concerned with being the best professional wrestler I can be. …It was really just a personal choice. This is my path.”
On this week’s edition of Jerry “The King” Lawler’s Dinner With The King pocast, Lawler spoke with c-host Glenn Moore about his return to Monday’s WWE RAW from Memphis.
“Originally, they were going to do something with Pelvis Wesley and wanted me to be there to introduce him. So I knew I was going to be on the show. And it wasn’t basically until 3 p.m. in the afternoon, I got a text message from Michael Cole saying, ‘Get your ass down to the FedEx Forum; you’re going to be doing the commentary tonight.’
But it was great to be back. I wish I would have been able to do more with Corey Graves, as far as going back and forth with. Vince McMahon said, after the show, that I hadn’t missed a beat and gave me a hug.”
Lawler also provided new information regardingRic Flair’s condition after a recent conversation with fellow WWE Hall of Famer Ricky Steamboat, who visited Flair in the hospital.
“Apparently it was really a touch and go situation, they explained to him [Ricky Steamboat], and when the Nature Boy had that first surgery, the doctors said that Ric had a 20% chance of survival of making it through that surgery. But we all know that he did pull through. And I heard yesterday, he’s already cutting promos on nurses.”
Other topics discussed include Lawler’s visit Playboy Mansion, his most outrageous purchases over the years, if Jerry Jarrett will be in the WWE Hall of Fame someday, and much more. You can listen to the full episode here: