A new match has been announced for an upcoming WWE UK event.
On Wednesday, May 23, 2018, the sports entertainment company officially announced that NXT Champion Aleister Black would team up with Ricochet to take on EC3 and The Velveteen Dream in a Tag Team Match at the WWE UK Title Tournament Finals event that will air live on the WWE Network from Royal Albert Hall on June 19, 2018.
This event will feature WWE UK competitors facing WWE NXT stars in matches as well as the winner of the UK Title tournament facing UK Champion Pete Dunne for the strap.
“The @WWEUKCT at Royal Albert Hall on 19 June will host a MEGA MATCH as @WWENXT Champion @WWEAleister teams with @KingRicochet to take on @therealec3 and @VelveteenWWE!”
Former WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz was recently a guest on the Gorilla Position podcast to talk about several professional wrestling topics. During the appearance, The Miz discussed the fan criticism that Roman Reigns has been under in recent years. Interestingly enough, Miz defended his former foe against the naysayers.
Here’s what he had to say:
“He’s selling the most merch out of anybody. People are going to sit there and go ‘well, he should be here; he shouldn’t be doing this.’ Nobody knows. Nobody has a scientific formula to being the most ‘over’ superstar in all the WWE. The hardcore fans will sit there and go ‘oh well, you know, they’re shoving him down our throats.
“How dare you do that? Blah, blah, blah.’ But I guarantee there are kids out there that sit down and look at him — there are women out there that go ‘oh my God.’ Nobody likes the good ‘ol fashioned Superman, you know? Nobody wants that anymore. Everyone wants that blend of grey”
You can listen to The Miz’s interview on The Gorilla Position podcast by clicking this link here.
Sean Ross Sapp Of Fightful reports the producers behind the matches of this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW. Here is the list below:
Sarah Stock (formerly of TNA) – Fatal 4-Way match: Liv Morgan vs. Sarah Logan vs. Natalya vs. Dana Brooke
Dean Malenko – No Way Jose vs. Baron Corbin
D-Von Dudley – Breezango vs. The B Team
Jamie Noble – Dolph Ziggler vs. Chad Gable & Finn Balor vs Braun Strowman
Arn Anderson – Elias vs. Bobby Roode
Tyson Kidd & Michael Hayes – Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens & Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins vs. Kevin Owens and Jinder Mahal
Xavier Woods and Kenny Omega Exchange Words On Twitter
A fan recently asked Kenny Omega on Twitter which member of The New Day he’d have a better match with – Xavier Woods or Kofi Kingston? Omega turned the question into a video game question, which led to a brief exchange between himself and Woods:
You have an amateur comedian writing your tweets now? Look, if you want it so bad in @StreetFighter I'll be glad to play you to end all of this. In the words of Aaron Burr, "If you've got something to say name a time and place face to face" https://t.co/2WKWnrd6UK
Being forced to live in a house with @KennyOmegamanX? I wouldn't wish such a horrible situation on my worst enemy. He prolly drinks from the carton, smacks loudly when he eats, & talks to much during movies. https://t.co/NuhbL2NIkf
Earlier this week on Monday Night RAW, Sami Zayn “exposed” former ECW World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Lashely by interviewing his three sisters. Instead, Zayn brought out three indy wrestlers dressed as females, who mimicked Lashley’s sisters based on his stories about them.
Lashley later came out to interrupt things and wound up beating down Zayn and the three men dressed up as his sisters. The segment was received very poorly and fans were booing during the whole thing. It also faced some controversy as many interpreted it as Lashely beating up transgenders.
During a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Live, Bryan Alvarez discussed this segment and all the heat it received. Alvarez said the segment was designed to be bad and WWE hoped for all the heat it’s currently receiving. WWE was apparently hoping the “train wreck television” would boost viewership a bit.
Alvarez also noted that Lashely beating down the three men dressed as women was not designed to be a transgender thing. WWE simply wanted Lashely to beat down a few indy guys, as the company doesn’t allow man on woman violence.
Discussion: What were your thoughts on the Lashley-Zayn segment on RAW?
CM Punk, the man who’s name still gets chanted at almost every WWE event despite leaving the company four years ago, is still in high demand. Tickets for his meet and greet during “All In” weekend sold out almost instantly on Wednesday.
Only 200 tickets were allocated, so it was inevitable for the event to sell out so quickly due to Punk’s popularity, especially in his hometown of Chicago.
Being the awesome guy that he is, Punk took it upon himself to allow fans who missed out on tickets to still have a chance at meeting him by hanging around after 4pm.
Because all of the tickets for the @CMPunk appearance sold out rather quickly…. Punk has decided to accommodate as many fans as possible, he will stay later and have a walk-up option starting at 4pm. This will be a limited to time. pic.twitter.com/izEpiEAECm
Nikki Bella will appear on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior reality competition series on Thursday night (5/24) to promote Red Nose Day, an annual event to raise money and awareness for children living in poverty.
https://youtu.be/cHgYgIwGPv4
XFL Merch
Vince McMahon’s revived XFL football promotion is now selling official merchandise at XFLShop.com. The league is scheduled to kick off in 2020.
The #XFL kicks off in 2020, but you can gear up now with the launch of our official store: https://t.co/2KaTaKoefZ
As we’ve recently noted, PEOPLE reports that John Cena and Nikki Bella are “basically back together.” A source had this to say about the situation to PEOPLE:
“They’re basically back together. This was never really about ending their relationship— it was about calling off a wedding because something didn’t feel right,” the source says. “It was a wedding that was entered into under false pretenses.
“She was pretending she was okay with not having a kid, he was pretending he absolutely couldn’t and wouldn’t budge on that point. They both got a wake-up call once they canceled the wedding, and they both realized they could fix what was broken.
“He has poured his heart out to her, and she was more than ready to take him back once she heard what she needed to hear. He’s been saying and doing all the right things.”
Nikki took to Twitter in what seems like a response to the report, saying she’d like to meet these “sources” one day:
The lies… damn can make a girl want to hide… these articles are so incorrect. One day I would love to meet these “sources.” N
Former RAW and SmackDown Live Tag Team Champion Jason Jordan has been out-of-action since February after undergoing “a minimally invasive operation to decompress the nerve,” in his neck.
PWInsider‘s Mike Johnson is now reporting that Jordan is scheduled to be backstage for next weeks episode of Monday Night RAW in Richmond, Virginia. Perhaps Jordan could be making his return to TV on this episode.
It should be noted that Jordan’s former Tag Team partner, Chad Gable, is now on RAW and is having issues with Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler. Jordan could perhaps return to assist Gable in a feud against McIntyre and Ziggler.
WWE is keeping former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey busy.
It’s been well established that the sports entertainment company has already announced that Rousey is slated to challenge Nia Jax for the RAW Women’s Title at the upcoming Money in the Bank pay-per-view event.
Rousey, who made her WWE in-ring debut at WrestleMania 34 by teaming up with Kurt Angle to defeat Triple H and Stephanie McMahon in a Mixed Tag Team Match, recently worked a few live events as part of the recent WWE UK tour. She wrestled Six-Woman Tag Team Matches at those shows.
The sports entertainment company is advertising Rousey for the following dates including live events:
– Monday Night RAW TV Event: May 28th in Richmond, VA
– Monday Night RAW TV Event: June 11th, in Little Rock, AR
– MITB Event: June 17th, in Chicago, Illinois
– Monday Night RAW TV Event: June 18th in Grand Rapids, MI
– WWE Live Event: June 24th in Anaheim, CA
– Monday Night RAW TV Event: June 25th in San Diego, CA
– WWE Live Event: July 7th in New York City
– WWE Live Event: July 8th in Bridgeport, CT
– Monday Night RAW TV Event: July 16th in Buffalo, NY
– Monday Night RAW TV Event: August 20th in Brooklyn NY
– Monday Night RAW TV Event: August 27th in Toronto, CA
What are your thoughts on WWE using her as frequently as they are? Sound off in the comments section below.
John Cena has WWE fans talking after his latest post on his official Twitter account.
On Wednesday, the former WWE Champion took to the social media platform and wrote about “trying to change someone.” Thus, this has led to a lot of speculation online that he was making a reference to his relationship with Nikki Bella.
It’s been well documented that the hurdles in their relationship have been the fact that Cena was against marriage as well as having kids. Although he gave into the marriage part, it’s been rumored that having children may have led to their engagement being called off. He wrote the following: “Never try to change someone. They have every right to live their lives how they want. Instead, look inward and work to be the best you possible. #NeverGiveUp.”
Never try to change someone. They have every right to live their lives how they want. Instead, look inward and work to be the best you possible. #NeverGiveUp
Cena was last seen on WWE television when he beat Triple H in a singles match at the Greatest Royal Rumble event last month, which served as the opening match of the main card. It should be noted that WWE is not advertising him for any events for the time being.
What are your thoughts on Cena’s tweet? Sound off in the comment section below.
The first batch of matches has been announced for the upcoming WWE UK Tournament. On Wednesday, May 23, 2018, the sports entertainment company revealed the following first-round matches for next month’s tournament to determine who will face UK Champion Pete Dunne on 6/19 on the WWE Network live from Royal Albert Hall:
* Drew Gulak vs Jack Gallagher * Ashton Smith vs Joseph Conners * Flash Morgan Webster vs James Drake * Kenny Williams vs Dave Mastiff * Ligero vs Travis Banks * Zack Gibson vs Amir Jordan * Tucker vs Joe Coffey * Jordan Devlin vs Tyson T-Bone WWE NXT’s live events as part of the 2018 Download Music Festival in Great Britain on 6/8 through 6/10 will host the opening rounds of the tournament. The sports entertainment company will then present two live WWE UK Championship broadcast on the WWE Network. 6/18 will feature the tournament finals to determine who will challenge the WWE UK champion on 6/19. The remainder of the 6/19 event will feature WWE UK competitors facing WWE NXT stars.
What are your thoughts on these matches? Sound off in the comment section below.
205 Live last night presented a show from Worcester, MA. Next week will be a show from the brand, as Cedric Alexander will finally defend his Cruiserweight Championship against Buddy Murphy.
205 Live Results 5/22/18
1. Drew Gulak defeated Gran Metalik
Before the match, a backstage promo from Gulak was shown. Gulak said he plans on showing all the high-flying cruiserweights that when they get in the ring with him, they will tap out.
The submission expert got his knees up as Metalik went for springboard moonsault and this allowed Gulak to lock in the Gu-Lock and get the victory.
Gulak has now defeated Kalisto and Gran Metalik from the Lucha House Party.
2. TJP defeated Christopher Guy
Christopher Guy is actually Chikara’s Juan Francisco de Coronado.
TJP won with a Detonation Kick.
After the match, TJP was interviewed in the ring and stated he is the best technical wrestler in the world and has carried the division on his back. He seemed frustrated with 205 Live GM, Drake Maverick and said he wants bigger challenges. The commentators speculated he could sign somewhere else.
Several mentions were made of some well-reviewed matches between Cedric Alexander and Mustafa Ali on the recent European tour.
3. Hideo Itami defeated Akira Tozawa
These two had been a team in recent weeks but lost two straight matches. They ended up in a shoving match last week following their loss.
In a promo to start the show, Itami said he didn’t need a partner and didn’t want one either.
Tozawa missed his diving Cannonball Senton and this allowed Itami to go on offense. He hit several basement dropkicks before hitting a neckbreaker into a knee-to-face (not a GTS).
Cody Runnells was granted his release from WWE on May 22nd, 2016. A lot has happened since that time. It was believed then that Cody was frustrated with WWE’s creative department. He had been pleading with writers to end the Stardust gimmick for months and felt his numerous storyline pitches were being ignored.
Shortly after Cody was released, several members of the media chimed in with their belief WWE never gave Cody a chance.
“I can’t say I blame him a bit. Not even a little bit. WWE never gave him a real chance, and that’s just sad to me,” Dave Scherer of Pro Wrestling Insider stated.
Dave Meltzer noted at the time that Cody was “used as more of a lower and mid-card wrestler in a number of changing roles”, and also added that “his career had gone nowhere and he hadn’t been used well.”
Cody 2016-Present
Cody’s frustration would continue shortly after leaving the company when it was revealed WWE would be preventing him from using the last name “Rhodes”. Although he had never used the name outside of WWE, Cody protested against the patenting of a name his father made famous and that was associated so strongly with his family.
Cody debuted in Ring of Honor at the Final Battle PPV that December. He promptly turned heel during his match with Jay Lethal at the event. Cody then signed a deal to make Ring of Honor is home promotion but a few months later the deal would be re-worked.
On December 10th, 2016, Cody was shown in a video package which aired during NJPW’s World Tag League. Cody was announced as the newest member of Bullet Club.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90Gag53jOCM
Cody Wins ROH World Title
Cody won the ROH World Title at Best in the World 2017. He defeated Christopher Daniels after being involved in a 3-way feud for the title which also involved Jay Lethal.
He defended the title 14x and held it for 175 days before dropping it to Dalton Castle at Final Battle 2017. Cody has only recently announced he plans to cash-in his rematch clause later this summer.
Cody Reacts to Starrcade
That September, Cody reacted negatively to news WWE would be running an event named Starrcade.
Just days after Hayes’ offer to appear on a WWE show, Cody and ROH announced he had signed a multi-year exclusive deal with the company.
Being the Elite and Bullet Club Civil War
Tension began to mount between Cody and Kenny Omega over the leadership of Bullet Club in 2017. This played out mainly on the YouTube series “Being the Elite” as well as on NJPW and ROH shows.
In 2018, the long-teased rivalry between Omega and Cody kicked off. Cody turned on Omega at the New Beginning in Sapporo after Omega lost his IWGP US title to Jay White. The split in Bullet Club would lead to a Young Bucks vs Golden Lovers match at Strong Style Evolved and a match between Cody and Omega at ROH’s biggest show of the year.
Cody would defeat Omega and recently defeated Kota Ibushi at Wrestling Dontaku 2018. There has been tension teased between Marty Scurll and Cody recently as well which could turn into a storyline soon. His feud with Omega appears to be on the backburner as Omega prepares to face Kazuchika Okada on June 9th, 2018.
All-In
Not long after leaving WWE, Cody tweeted a list of goals he was setting for himself. One goal he has mentioned repeatedly in the last 2 years is to main event a show in a 10,000 seat arena.
The All-In event organized by the Young Bucks and Cody sold out the Sears Center in Chicago just minutes after going on sale. Cody will challenge for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at the event.
It’s been an eventful 2 years for Cody, ROH, NJPW and Bullet Club and it’s possible we haven’t even seen the full extent of what Cody can do outside WWE.
It was recently reported that Big Cass has heat backstage because he went off script during a recent SmackDown Live segment involving a little person dressed as Daniel Bryan.
Specifically, the plan was for Cass to deliver a big boot to the impersonator and then stop. However, the SmackDown Star asked permission to continue the assault afterward and went on to do so, despite Officials denying it.
During a recent episode of his X-Pac 1,2,360 podcast, Sean “X-Pac” Waltman discussed this topic among other things and shared his thoughts on the matter.
Waltman said that they have a saying in the pro wrestling industry that it’s better to say sorry than to ask permission for something and get told no.
However, continuing on the topic, the former WWE Star said that a lot of wrestlers have gone against the grain but they have never asked for permission and then went on to do something after being denied:
“A lot of us have gone against the grain and done things that the company doesn’t like, but we never really went and asked for permission, but specifically told no, and then went and did it anyway on live TV. So, I understand if you feel the need, you wanna go out there and get over, but man.”
Later in the interview, Sean Waltman said that the issue is not with him asking but defying the Officials and said that while he likes Cass, someone “can be in the doghouse so long, [WWE can] forget what you’re in there for.”
The new league which is expected to kick off in 2020, is in need of qualified people for several positions including for football players.
In order to apply for the job of “football player” to the XFL, one need only fill out this form.
Players are asked to fill out a form indicating what position they play and asked to mention if they have ever played in the NFL, CFL, XFL, Arena, or European football leagues. Players are expected to send the XFL links to their social media accounts as part of their application.
XFL Job Openings
The league needs more than football players, however. 6 executive positions located in Stamford, CT have also been advertised on the XFL Careers page.
The XFL is looking for a VP of Finance and Accounting, a Director of Social media and Content, SVP of Marketing, VP of Communications and Media Relations, Director Project Management, and VP of Project Management.
As for big-name players who could end up in the league in 2020, it’s not clear who exactly could end up in the league. Charlie Ebersol’s other league begins next year and could scoop up several non-NFL players the XFL might be interested in.
Jonny Manzeil recently signed with the Canadian Football League, which likely will prevent him from ending up in the XFL later.
As for Tim Tebow, he had this to say about possibly ending up in the XFL:
“That’s very nice of him, but 2020 is a long way from now,” Tebow said. “I’m focused on today, I’m focused on spring training and a lot of things before that. I’m not even close to thinking about that right now.”
“What if it’s an “I have no idea?” Tebow answered. “That’s in 2020 and I’m super excited about baseball.”
Tebow is currently in the Mets’ organization pursuing a career in professional baseball.
Last night on Smackdown, Lana scored her first single’s victory on the WWE main roster. The victory also earned her a spot in next month’s Money in the Bank ladder match.
Aiden English unveiled a “Lana Day” sign shortly before the match and led the crowd to chant “Lana Day” throughout the match. Lana’s opponent, Billie Kay, was distracted by English’s actions on the outside which allowed Lana to hit a facebuster and get the win.
WWE cameras caught up with her backstage after the win. Lana spoke about the possibility of her and Rusev becoming Mr. and Mrs. Money in the Bank. Rusev qualified for the men’s Money in the Bank match by defeating Daniel Bryan in the main event of Smackdown on May 8th, 2018.
Lana’s WWE Wrestling Career
Lana has won a few matches on NXT house shows but her first win on the WWE main roster came in the 1st round of the Mixed Match Challenge. Rusev and Lana defeated Bayley and Elias before being eliminated by Charlotte Flair and Bobby Roode in the 2nd round.
Not including house shows, Lana has wrestled 13 matches on the WWE main roster. She’s now lost 11 of those matches and won 2. She’s wrestled for the Smackdown women’s championship 3x and lost all 3 to Naomi. Although originally hired to serve as a valet for Rusev, Lana has been wrestling consistently on house shows since being sent to NXT for additional training last year.
“Lana is the best, Lana #1” – Rusev (and others)
Rusev Day Not Lasting Much Longer?
Fans of Rusev will not be pleased to learn his character is believed to be in for a change soon. Current speculation is the funny side of Rusev is not expected to be shown on television much longer. Yesterday, it was reported Rusev may return to his more ruthless character shortly.
What do you think of WWE’s booking of Lana and Rusev? Tell us what you think below:
He was recently also removed from the announced Money In The Bank qualifier because of a leg injury he suffered during a recent Live Event. However, many people believed that the whole thing is a work.
Now in an update, Pwinsider is reporting that Cass was walking with a noticeable limp backstage during this week’s episode of the Blue Branded Show.
While this could be a way to work talents backstage, after this report, the possibility of a legitimate injury cannot be ruled out either. We’ll keep you posted on the matter.
Kevin Owens Steals Producer’s Phone
Kevin Owens is known for his unique tactics and unprecedented behavior not only during his matches but during various segments and even during his entrance.
During a recent Live Event, the former Universal Champion once again did something unthinkable while making his way to the ring when he stole the phone of a WWE Social Media Producer.
After stealing the phone, Owens made a hilarious video of himself and his tag team partner for the show Sami Zayn. WWE later posted the video on their YouTube channel and it can be seen below:
It’s pretty well known that the Young Bucks’ run with TNA back in 2011 failed miserably and the duo was in pretty bad financial condition when they ended their stint with the company.
During their recent appearance on Chris Jericho’s Talk Is Jericho podcast, the Bucks once again talked about that time and how the company was not using them.
Continuing on the topic, they also revealed how after leaving TNA their second run with Ring Of Honor failed as well.
According to Bucks, they had a contract with ROH but the company did not want to use them. The reason they were given was that their ‘west coast flight was too expensive every weekend’ hence Officials decided to let their contracts expire.
Later in the interview, Matt Jackson recalled how he was ready to quit the wrestling business after these events because he was about to have a child:
“I was ready to quit, I think, because I was having a kid and it wasn’t because, ‘oh, I fell out of love with wrestling’. I still loved wrestling. It was, ‘I’m having a child and I need money!'”
Thankfully the brothers decided to stick around and since then they have worked hard to reinvent themselves and build their brand.
The duo is now considered one of the most successful tag teams in the Indies and their story is certainly inspiring for all the independent wrestlers out there.
Holding a big match after SmackDown Live and 205 Live goes off air every week has become somewhat a tradition in recent times, however, this week’s episode of the show had more than that.
While people in attendance are used to seeing a Championship match almost every other week after SmackDown Live goes off air, this week they got to see 2 title bouts, one before and one after the show.
The first match which took place before the cameras started rolling saw the SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella defending her title against Becky Lynch.
Their match went on for several minutes and it was said to be a decent bout with some good back and forth action. Carmella was victorious in the end after she pinned Becky via a roll up.
The second match of the night saw AJ Styles defending the WWE Championship against Shinsuke Nakamura after the Blue Branded show went off air.
However, unlike the first dark match, this bout didn’t have a clear winner. According to report, the match was interrupted by the Bar not too long after it began.
The former Raw Tag Champs tried to attack the WWE Champion which resulted in Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson coming out and making the save. The segment ended with The Club standing tall in the ring.
You can check out the complete SmackDown Live results of this week, which included a number of interesting Money In The Bank announcements here.
The May 22nd episode of WWE SmackDown aired live from the DCU Center in Worcester, MA. Here are 7 takeaways from this week’s show:
The Bar Cost Big E His Match Against The Miz
Photo Credit: @WWE on Twitter
SmackDown kicked off with The Miz in the ring. The Miz took a shot at the Boston Celtics losing the last two NBA Playoff games to the Cavaliers before promoting his new docu-series on the USA Network.
The Miz then introduced his guests, New Day, for an episode of Miz TV. Woods, Kingston and Big E came down to the ring. Miz asked which of them is going to compete in the men’s MITB Ladder Match. All three of them sang Nsync’s “it’s gonna be me”. Miz claimed that the New Day hold each other back.
Woods said that Miz quite possibly is the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time and has main evented WrestleMania. Xavier then referred to Miz as a living legend, but the thing that nobody likes about him is that throughout his life, career and relationships he has ever had, he always makes sure that Miz comes first.
The Miz boasted about winning the MITB contract in the past and cashing it in. Miz brought up Kofi being in six MITB matches and never winning. Miz turned his attention to Big E and complimented his size and charisma. Miz stated that Big E has everything it takes to be a champion, but he will never be taken seriously because he doesn’t take himself seriously.
Miz brought up Woods’ YouTube channel and how popularity. Miz called “Fortnite” Fortline and Woods corrected him. Miz added that each of them have a chance to go down as one of the greatest WWE Champions in history with this MITB contract and asked again which member of New Day will compete in the match.
Woods stated that it is going to have to be Big E. Big E then suggested Kofi and then Kingston suggested Xavier. Miz flipped out and said that he brought them down here to give him the scoop and for them to announce who will be in the match. Miz said that he was going to win the men’s MITB Ladder Match and that he could beat anyone of them any day of the week.
New Day huddled up and then Kofi grabbed the microphone. Kingston said that it will Big E. Woods said that they were not talking about Money in the Bank anymore, they were talking about tonight. The Miz asked the crowd if they wanted to see Big E versus The Miz right now and they chanted “yes!”. The Miz stated that if he doesn’t get what he wants, then the fans don’t get what they want.
New Day threw pancakes at Miz while shouting “shame!”. The crowd continued to chant “shame!” as pancakes rained down on The Miz. The Miz rolled out of the ring and retreated backstage. The Miz then bumped into SmackDown GM Paige backstage. Paige said that she gets it and that not everyone likes pancakes. Paige added that The Miz said he could beat any member of New Day any day of the week and told him to back to the ring and prove it. The Miz paced around on the entrance ramp as SmackDown went to a commercial break.
Big E then faced The Miz as Xavier Woods joined commentary for the match. Woods said that they wouldn’t reveal their strategy on who will be competing in the men’s MITB Ladder Match.
Big E started off the match in control and threw Miz down to the mat. Big E gyrated his hips a bit and then slammed The Miz to the canvas once again. The Miz connected with a few jabs, but got caught in an Abdominal Stretch from Big E. Big E then spanked The Miz a few times as the crowd chanted “New Day rocks!”. Big E continued the beatdown and stomped on Miz on the ring apron. Big E followed it up with a Splash and The Miz fell to the canvas.
Woods and Kingston then poured syrup in Big E’s mouth and wiped the sweat off his back with pancakes. Xavier joined commentary once again as The Miz battled back and slammed Big E face-first off the ring apron. Miz then launched Big E into the barricade as SmackDown went to a commercial break.
When SmackDown returned, Big E was back in control and drove Miz into the corner of the ring. Kofi Kingston was on commentary now and Graves tried to get him to reveal which member of New Day will be in the men’s MITB Ladder Match. Big E connected with three Belly to Belly Suplexes in a row as Woods played the trombone.
Big E connected with a Splash and then Miz retreated the ring apron. Big E lifted him back into the ring and slammed him to the mat for a two count. Miz battled back with a knee to the face and followed it up with a DDT for a two count. Big E and Miz then dropped each other with a double Clothesline.
Sheamus and Cesaro rushed down to the ring and attacked Woods from behind. Kofi left commentary and springboarded off of Cesaro and hit Sheamus with a Crossbody. Sheamus then leveled Kingston with a Brogue Kick. Cesaro hopped on the ring apron and distracted Big E. Big E knocked him down but turned around into a Skull Crushing Finale from The Miz for the pinfall victory.
Aiden English perfomed before the match to introduce Lana. English sang “Lana is the best, Lana number one!” and the crowd joined in before Lana danced her way down to the ring. Peyton Royce accompanied Billie Kay to the entrance ramp. They poked fun at Aiden English and performed a duet. They cleared their throats in obnoxious fashion as the crowd chanted “Rusev Day!”. They then sang “Lana is a loser!” in extremely high-pitched voices. The IIConics then added that SmackDown will become IIConic after they win MITB.
Aiden English then cleared his throat at ringside and held up a giant “Lana Day!” sign. Peyton Royce and Billie Kay got pissed off and started shouting at him. Lana grabbed Royce and threw her into the barricade. Billie Kay brought Lana into the ring and Lana connected with a kick to the face. Lana shouted “Machka!” and slammed Kay face-first into the canvas for the pinfall victory. The crowd chanted “Lana Day!” as she celebrated on the turnbuckle. Lana has now qualified for the women’s MITB Ladder Match.
Andrade “Cien” Almas and Zelina Vega came down to the ring. Almas faced another jobber this week. Backstage before the match, Vega complained about Almas not being given competition on SmackDown.
Almas beat the hell out of the jobber and stomped on in him in the corner to start off the match. Vega shouted instructions ringside as the jobber connected with an elbow to the face. The jobber then ran into a ridiculous back-elbow from Almas and collapsed to the canvas.
Andrade set up the jobber in the corner and connected with Double Knees. Zelina smiled ringside as Almas hit another Double Knees to the back of the jobber’s head. Almas finished him off with the Hammerlock DDT for the easy pinfall victory.
Styles vs. Nakamura Will Be A Last Man Standing Match At WWE Money In The Bank
Photo Credit: @WWE on Twitter
Renee Young came down to the ring and introduced WWE Champion AJ Styles for a face-to-face meeting with Nakamura tonight on SmackDown. Nakamura will reveal the stipulation for the WWE Championship at WWE Money in the Bank next month.
Nakamura joined AJ Styles in the ring and circled him a couple of times. Renee was about to ask Nakamura what the stipulation was going to be. AJ interrupted and demanded that Shinsuke tell him what the stipulation was. Shinsuke told Styles to relax and rolled footage of Nakamura defeating him last week on SmackDown to earn the right to choose the stipulation.
Styles said that will never happen again. Shinsuke told him to be quiet and to listen to him very carefully. Nakamura said that he will not just beat him, he will dishonor him and AJ will never recover. Shinsuke added that the title will be his and that AJ’s house is now his. AJ once again asked what the stipulation was. Nakamura then said that it will be a pillow fight and started laughing in the ring.
AJ said that he always knew that Nakamura was the king of soft style. Shinsuke stated that he jokes because he has the upper-hand and Styles jokes because he is afraid. Nakamura then said all he wants to do is hit Styles with a knee to the face. Styles claimed that Nakamura cannot beat him when it matters and that is why he takes those cheap shots. AJ added that he can speak for the WWE Universe and that he is not he Nakamura they wanted on SmackDown Live.
Nakamura went to punch Nakamura, but AJ blocked it. AJ knocked Shinsuke out of the ring and threw him into the timekeeper’s area. Nakamura got up and went after Styles with a steel chair. Styles fought him off and knocked Shinsuke into the crowd. AJ threw Shinsuke over the barricade and back to the ringside area. Styles then leaped off the barricade, but Shinsuke was ready and struck him with the chair.
Shinsuke posed a few times as Styles struggled to his feet. Nakamura kneed him in the ribs and then dropped him on the announce table. Shinsuke geared up against the barricade and leveled him with the Kinshasa. Shinsuke started counting all the way to ten and AJ didn’t get up. Shinsuke got up on the announce table and said that the stipulation will be a Last Man Standing Match at WWE Money in the Bank.
Gallows & Anderson Will Get A Shot At The SmackDown Tag Titles At WWE Money In The Bank
Photo Credit: @WWE on Twitter
The Usos faced Gallows & Anderson tonight in a #1 Contender’s Match on SmackDown. Gallows and Anderson cut a promo before the match and said that they blew their chance against The Bludgeon Brothers. The Usos said that this wasn’t Japan or RAW, this is SmackDown Live where The Usos reside. They then welcomed Gallows & Anderson to the Uso Penitentiary. Anderson & Gallows called The Usos a couple of nerds.
Jimmy and Jey punched Gallows & Anderson in the face and a brawl broke out. The match then started with Gallows and Jey. Jey Clotheslined Gallows out of the ring and then hit a Crossbody onto both Anderson and Gallows as SmackDown went to a commercial break.
When SmackDown returned, Anderson had Jey Uso perched on the top rope. Jey headbutted Karl to the mat and leaped to the canvas. Jey Uso connected with a boot to the side of the head and then Gallows tagged in. Gallows missed with a splash and got two boots to the face from The Usos. Jimmy connected with a Superkick and Jey followed it up with a Splash for a two count.
Jimmy tagged in and then climbed up the turnbuckle. Jey climbed up on the opposite side and Anderson shoved him to the floor. Gallows decked Jimmy with a boot to the face and tagged in Anderson. Gallows & Anderson then planted Jimmy Uso with the Magic Killer for the pinfall victory. As a result of winning this match, Gallows & Anderson will face the Bludgeon Brothers for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.
Sonya threw Naomi to the mat, but Naomi did a spit and taunted her. Deville knocked Naomi down once again as Charlotte was shown backstage watching the match. Deville connected with a couple of jabs to the midsection in the corner. Sonya applied a Headlock, but Naomi got to her feet and broke up the hold by slamming Deville into the turnbuckle.
Deville planted Naomi with a Spinebuster for a two count. Sonya stayed on the attack and stomped on Naomi in the corner. Naomi battled back with a boot to the face and then a kick to the knee. Naomi and Deville then traded kicks and then both connected with a kick to the head at the same time. Deville got up first and kneed Naomi in the ribs. Naomi then rolled up Deville for the pinfall victory. Naomi is now in the women’s MITB Ladder Match.
Daniel Bryan Submitted Jeff Hardy, Will Face Samoa Joe Next Week
Photo Credit: @WWE on Twitter
Daniel Bryan was interviewed backstage about getting a second change to qualify for the men’s MITB Ladder Match. Bryan said that tonight means everything and added that it was insane that he will be facing Jeff Hardy tonight. Bryan stated that Hardy is a difficult mountain to climb, but he loves the challenge. Bryan vowed to tap a legend out tonight on SmackDown.
The winner of the match tonight between Jeff Hardy and Daniel Bryan will face Samoa Joe next week in a qualifying match for the MITB Ladder Match. Big Cass was deemed unable to compete due to an injury suffered last week. Cass was shown backstage on crutches during the show.
Jeff Hardy was interviewed later on during the show and said that he can do things with ladders that captivate the WWE Universe. Jeff said that he and Bryan are about to scorch the fans cerebrums. Hardy then excused himself and said he was about to take flight.
Samoa Joe came down and joined commentary for the match. The winner of Hardy versus Bryan will face Samoa Joe next week in a qualifying match for the men’s MITB Ladder Match.
Hardy and Bryan locked up to start the match. Bryan knocked Hardy to the canvas with a shoulder tackle for a two count. Jeff connected with an Atomic Drop and then a Dropkick that sent Daniel out of the ring as SmackDown went to a commercial break. When SmackDown returned, Bryan and Hardy connected with a double Clothesline and both Superstars fell to the mat.
Bryan connected with a boot to the face that knocked Hardy out of the ring. Daniel followed it up with a Dropkick through the ropes and Hardy crashed into the barricade. Bryan missed with a knee off the apron and then Jeff leveled him with a Clothesline off the ring apron.
The action returned to the ring and Bryan perched Hardy on the top rope. Bryan got Hardy in the Tree of Woe and delivered a sliding Dropkick to his face. Jeff battled back and connected with Whisper in the Wind off the top rope for a two count. Bryan hit a Dropkick to Jeff’s knee and then hit a series of Yes Kicks.
Hardy ducked under a kick and planted Bryan with the Twist of Fate. Jeff made his way to the top rope and went for the Swanton Bomb, but Bryan got his knees up. Daniel then connected hit a kick to the face for a two count. Bryan geared up in the corner and went for the knee to the face, but Hardy was ready and went for a roll-up. Bryan kicked out at two and hit a few uppercuts to the face.
Bryan avoided another Twist of Fate and applied the Heel Hook in the middle of the ring. Hardy reached for the ropes but he couldn’t make it. Jeff then tapped out and Bryan won the match. Samoa Joe grabbed the microphone and shouted “Daniel!” before getting into the ring. Joe said that he fails to see what everyone is celebrating out here, because next week you face me. Joe then had a brief stare down with Bryan and then left the ring as his theme played. Daniel Bryan will face Samoa Joe next week in a qualifying match for the Men’s MITB Ladder Match.
Samoa Joe then was interviewed backstage. Joe vowed to put Daniel Bryan to sleep next week on SmackDown. WWE SmackDown then went off the air with Daniel Bryan celebrating in the ring.
Opinion: This week’s episode of SmackDown was very entertaining and helped me forget about last night’s brutal episode of RAW. I am already looking forward to next week’s main event between Samoa Joe and Daniel Bryan. I’m sure there will be outside interference during the match, but it still going to be awesome to see them face each other in a WWE ring.
Gallows & Anderson picked up a big win tonight against The Usos. I am much more excited for Gallows & Anderson vs. The Bludgeon Brothers at MITB than I would have been if they just faced The Usos again. I haven’t enjoyed the rivalry between AJ Styles and Nakamura as much as I thought I would have. Tonight’s segment was solid and I hope that we finally get the Nakamura vs. Styles match we deserve at WWE Money in the Bank.
What did you think of this week’s episode of SmackDown? Let us know in the comments below.
A new title match has been officially announced for the WWE Money in the Bank PPV
As seen on this week’s episode of SmackDown Live in Worcester, MA at the DCU Center on the USA Network, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson beat The Usos on the show to become the new #1 contenders for the SmackDown Tag Team Titles, which are held by The Bludgeon Brothers.
Rowan and Harper will defend the straps against Anderson and Gallows at MITB.
The Money in the Bank pay-per-view event takes place on Sunday, June 17, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois at the Allstate Arena and will air on the WWE Network and some traditional pay-per-view outlets. Both Raw and SmackDown brands will be featured. Here is the updated card:
– Men’s Money In The Bank Ladder Match: Braun Strowman vs. Finn Balor vs. The Miz vs. Rusev vs. Kevin Owens vs. Bobby Roode
– Women’s Money In The Bank Ladder Match: Ember Moon vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Becky Lynch vs. Natalya vs. Lana vs. Naomi
A big match is officially set for next week’s episode of SmackDown Live.
For those who may have missed this week’s episode of SmackDown Live in Worcester, MA at the DCU Center on the USA Network, Daniel Bryan defeated Jeff Hardy in a singles match.
Now, Bryan will face Samoa Joe next week in Raleigh, NC at the PNC Arena on SmackDown Live in a Money in the Bank qualifying match.
Also, The Miz and The Bar will take on The New Day in a six-man tag team match has been set for next week. As of this writing, no other matches for SmackDown has been announced.
What are your thoughts on these upcoming matches? Sound off in the comment section below.
We now know the stipulation for the WWE Title Match between AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura at Money in the Bank.
As seen on this week’s episode of SmackDown Live in Worcester, MA at the DCU Center on the USA Network, Nakamura and Styles did an in-ring segment that led to Nakamura attacking the WWE Champion.
The challenger would later reveal that their match at the upcoming PPV event will be a Last Man Standing Match.
The Money in the Bank pay-per-view event takes place on Sunday, June 17, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois at the Allstate Arena and will air on the WWE Network and some traditional pay-per-view outlets. Both Raw and SmackDown brands will be featured. Here is the updated card:
– Men’s Money In The Bank Ladder Match: Braun Strowman vs. Finn Balor vs. The Miz vs. Rusev vs. Kevin Owens vs. Bobby Roode
– Women’s Money In The Bank Ladder Match: Ember Moon vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Becky Lynch vs. Natalya vs. Lana
The May 22nd edition of WWE SmackDown Live took place at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA.
– Doors have opened and fans are now being seated in the DCU Center.
– Tom Phillips welcomes us to the DCU Center and says we’re going to find out the stipulation of AJ vs. Nakamura at Money In the Bank tonight.
– The Miz is in the ring to kick things off with the latest installment of Miz TV. The Miz announces his new reality show coming to the USA Network in July, and then introduces his guests The New Day. Big E, Kofi and Xavier come down to the ring and sit down across from Miz. The Miz tries to figure out which member is going to be in the Money In The Bank match. The New Day mocks Miz and doesn’t reveal who they’ve picked. The Miz says none of them will ever succeed on their own, outside of the New Day Group. Woods runs down some of Miz’s accomplishments, but says that no one likes The Miz because he puts himself first at other peoples’ expense. The Miz credits Xavier with building his 1.5 million subscriber YouTube channel, and implies he should go off on his own. They argue back and forth, and the Miz freaks out and says he’s sick of all their games and pancakes. The New Day won’t reveal who will be representing them in the Money In The Bank match, but they will reveal who is going to fight Miz tonight: Big E. The crowd chants “yes,” but The Miz says if he doesn’t get to learn who is going to Money In The Bank, then he’s not wrestling any of them tonight. The New Day throws pancakes at Miz and chants “shame,” until Miz runs out of the ring. The Miz runs up the ramp as The New Day throws pancakes from the ring.
– The Miz walks back to the gorilla position, and he walks right into Paige. Paige orders Miz to go to the ring right now and have the match. The Miz reluctantly goes back out through the curtain and heads back down to the ring.
– The Miz vs. Big E: Big E takes Miz into the corner early on and drops him. The Miz tries to wrestle Big E down to the mat, but the New Day Member tosses him down. They run the ropes and Big E leapfrogs Miz, then applies an abdominal stretch and spanks him. They fight out to the apron, and Big E hits a running splash on Miz right on the apron. Miz falls down to ringside, and then Woods and Kofi go to wipe Big E down and they squirt some maple syrup in his mouth. The Miz turns it around and scores a near-fall on Big E in the ring. Miz goes for a splash in the corner, but Big E catches him and suplexes him across the ring. Big E follows up with another big suplex. Big E hits the big splash and then starts clapping with the fans. The Miz ducks a shot from Big E, and he connects with a couple of kicks to Big E. Big E comes back with a side suplex. The Miz reverses a slam, they collide in mid-air with a double clothesline. The Bar runs down to jump Woods at ringside, and then Kofi leapfrogs off the ring steps onto Cesaro. Xavier then boots down Woods. Meanwhile in the ring, Miz hits the Skull Crushing Finale on Big E for the win.
Winner: The Miz
– The Miz heads up the ramp as everyone else recovers around the ring.
– We see a look at the history between Big Cass and Daniel Bryan, and then we see Cass complaining to an employee backstage about his injury.
– Daniel Bryan is backstage warming up and he does a brief interview. In relation to Cass, he says ‘if you kick the hornets nest, you get stung.’
– Aiden English comes out to the stage to introduce Lana. He leads the crowd in a pro-Lana chant, and then she makes her entrance for her match up next.
– Lana vs. Billie Kay: This one is a qualifying match for the Money In The Bank ladder match. Billie and Peyton cut a promo on Aiden and Lana before they make their entrance. They mock Aiden’s entrance and the crowd chants “Rusev Day,” and Peyton will be at ringside for this one. Aiden is at ringside with a “Lana Day” sign. Billie and Peyton confront Aiden at ringside and Peyton slaps him across the face. Lana comes out from behind to grab Billie. She takes her back in the ring and hits a big boot to the face, and then the X-Factor on Billie for the three count after a very short match.
Winner: Lana
– Lana celebrates in the ring with Aiden after the match as The Iiconics recover at ringside.
– Still to come: The Usos vs. Gallows & Anderson in a #1 contender match for the Tag Titles
– We go to a pre-taped promo from Zelina Vega, who talks up Andrade “Cien” Almas. She says he isn’t getting his rightful opportunities, and he is the future of SmackDown Live. She says if he does’t get what he deserves, he’ll have to take it.
– There’s a new CarMax commercial with The Fashion Police – Tyler Breeze and Fandango.
– Andrade Almas vs. Local enhancement talent: Zelina Vega is at ringside for this one. Almas starts off with kicks and chops, then he whips him into the corner for more punishment. Almas stomps a mud hole in the jobber, but the jobber fights back with some elbows to the face. Almas fakes going for a kick and hits a spinning back elbow to the face of the jobber. Almas sits him down in the corner and hits the running knees to the face. The jobber rolls over, and Almas hits the running double knee strike to the back of the head now. Almas follows up with the hammer lock DDT.
Winner: Andrade Almas
– Zelina comes in the ring and raises Almas’ head after the match.
– Carmella is backstage wearing an Asuka match for an interview. She calls the interviewer Dasha Fuentes a hater just like everyone else. She talks about beating Charlotte twice, and says that means she’s twice as good as Asuka. She says she sees through Asuka’s tricks and will moonwalk over her.
– Renee Young is in the ring and she introduces WWE Champion AJ Styles, and then she introduces Shinsuke Nakamura, who will face him at Money In The Bank. Renee tells Nakamura he’s earned the right to pick the stipulation for their match, and AJ interrupts and demands that Nakamura names the stipulation now. Nakamura tells AJ to relex and remember why he gets the choose the stipulation, and he shows a replay on the big screen of him beating AJ last week. AJ tells him to enjoy it, because it’ll never happen again. Nakamura tells AJ to be quiet, and says he won’t just beat AJ, he will dishonor him, and AJ will never recover. Nakamura says the stipulation at Money In The Bank will be a “pillow fight.” Nakamura laughs, and AJ tells Nakamura he must be the “king of soft style.” Nakamura repeats that he’s going to deliver the knee to AJ’s face, and AJ says he doesn’t care what the stipulation is, because Nakamura can’t beat him without cheap shots. Nakamura goes to throw a right hand, but AJ blocks it and drops Nakamura with a right hand of his own. They brawl out to ringside and AJ throws Nakamura into the timekeeper’s area. Nakamura swings a steel chair and misses, and AJ throws him into the crowd. AJ throws him back to ringside, and then leaps off the fan barricade, but Nakamura smacks him out of mid-air with the steel chair. Nakamura hits a knee to the body of AJ, and then he slams him onto the announce table. Nakamura hits hthe Kinshasa on AJ on the floor, and AJ is down. Nakamura counts to ten as AJ lays at ringside. Nakamura grabs a mic and says “last man standing.”
– Gallows and Anderson cut a brief promo on the Usos before their match. They say they respect The Usos, but they already blew their Title shot against the Bludgeon Brothers. The Usos slap their mics away and say they’re in the Uso penetentiary. Gallows and Anderson call The Usos nerds, and this prompts The Usos to start brawling with them. They fight out to ringside, and then back in the ring and the ref calls for the opening bell.
– The Usos vs. Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows: The Usos hit suicide dives on Gallows at ringside, before taking the fight back in the ring. Anderson gets the tag and fires up with some kicks on Jey Uso. They fight up to the corner, but Uso headbutts Anderson down, and then drops him with a kick. Gallows tags in and misses a shot in the corner. Jimmy Uso makes the tag and they double team Gallows, then Jimmy hits a superkick. Jey tags back in and hits the big splash for a two count. Jey misses a shot and Gallows hits a big boot to the face. Anderson tags in and they hit the Magic Killer for the win.
Winners: Gallows & Anderson
– Gallows and Anderson now have a shot at The Bludgeon Brothers’ tag titles at Money In The Bank.
– Noami comes out to the ring next.
– Sonya Deville vs. Naomi: Sonya starts off strong and keeps control of the opening moments of this one. Charlotte is shown backstage watching on a monitor. Sonya hits a series of kicks to the body of Naomi in the corner. Naomi fires back with some kicks of her own, and they end up both hitting a kick at the same time, and both women are down. Sonya looks for a Superman punch, but Naomi dodges it and rolls up Sonya in a strange looking pin. Naomi scores the three count and qualifies for the women’s Money In The Bank ladder match.
Winner: Naomi
– Noami heads up the ramp and hugs some fans in the front row.
– Jeff Hardy is backstage for an interview with Renee Young. Hardy talks about all of the things he knows how to do with a ladder, but he’s going to take things one step at a time, and he needs to focus on Daniel Bryan tonight.
– Next week: The Bar & The Miz vs. The New Day in a six-man tag
– Samoa Joe comes out and joins the commentary team at ringside for tonight’s main event.
– Jeff Hardy vs. Daniel Bryan: The opening bell sounds and they start with a dollar and elbow tie-up. Bryan grabs Jeff’s arm and wrestles him down to the mat. Jeff fights back with a shoulder block, and they circle each other again. Bryan wrestles Jeff down to the mat and puts him in a shoulder hold. Bryan follows up with a big boot for a two count. Bryan dodges a shot from Hardy and backflips off the turnbuckle. Hardy comes back with an inverted atomic drop and he sends Bryan out to ringside for a breather. Back in the ring, Bryan continues working on JEff’s shoulder. They run the ropes and collide mid-ring, and both men are down. Bryan follows up with uppercuts, and Jeff fires back with right hands. Bryan hits some kicks to the chest, and then an enziguri that sends Jeff falling out to ringside. Bryan follows up with a running dropkick through the ropes on Hardy at ringside. Bryan misses a shot off the apron and Jeff drops him on the floor. Back in the ring, Bryan knocks Hardy down on the top rope and then hangs him upside down in the corner. Bryan hits some kicks, then takes Hardy up top again. Hardy knocks Bryan down and follows up with the Whisper In The Wind. Bryan comes back and drops Hardy, then hits the Yes kicks. Hardy fires up, but this leads to Bryan hitting a dragon screw takedown on Hardy. Bryan works over Jeff’s leg and then puts him in a knee bar. Jeff struggles, but he taps out, and Bryan wins via submission.
Winner: Daniel Bryan
– After the match, Samoa Joe gets on the mic and calls out Bryan. Joe steps in the ring and gets in Bryan’s face and reminds him that next week, Bryan has to get through Joe. Joe and Bryan will face off next week in a Money In The Bank qualifying match, which will be their first time meeting in a WWE ring. Joe leaves and Bryan leads the crowd in a “Yes” chant.
– Samoa Joe does a brief interview in the back where he says next week, Daniel Bryan goes to sleep, yes, yes, yes.
2018 has been a rollercoaster of a ride for Daniel Bryan.
Bryan was forced to retire two years again due to his history with concussions. Despite that his run on top in WWE was short-lived, he no doubt made a mark on the history of the sports entertainment company. Then it was revealed in March that Bryan had been medically cleared to return to in-ring competition and worked his first match back by teaming up with Shane McMahon to take on Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in a Tag Team match at WrestleMania 34.
Daniel Bryan strongly disliked his role as SmackDown GM
“It was just the best. It was weird because as the GM they would play my music, sometimes I would get a really good reaction and it would make me smile sometimes but it didn’t make me happy. There’s a difference, right? “A lot of the time I get this thing where I feel very lucky to be in the position I’m in doing this thing that l love, to where I would go in front of 50 people, my music would hit and nobody cared. You’re trying to work to make them care and no matter how hard you work, they don’t care. The hard work is the in-ring stuff but sometimes the hardest thing is getting the fans to accept you. That’s already done [for me] so it’s really cool.” “It was very difficult. I disliked it, strongly. I would try and leave as soon as I could and if I found out they might not have a segment for me on TV, I would be texting the writers being like, ‘Hey can I just stay home’ – a portion of that is not liking it and portion of that is because now I’m being away from Brie and my baby to do something I’m not passionate about. That was a weird mental thing for me.”
There was some speculation that he would be working a part-time schedule following his return but he will be working a full-time schedule as he just completed the recent UK tour.
Ever since it was announced that he would be competing once again, there has been a lot of dream matches pitched involving him.
When asked about it, Bryan has several names in mind including one feud with Roman Reigns and a match that he has wanted for years, which is against WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar.
Daniel Bryan wants Brock Lesnar
“I want to work with everybody. When I look at the roster of Smackdown Live specifically: Shinsuke Nakamura – yep! Samoa Joe – of course. Andrade Cien Almas – sure! I did the match with Rusev – it was the first match we had ever wrestled each other before. I’ve been wanting to wrestle Rusev for a long time. I also think there’s something there with me and Roman Reigns, somewhere down the line. I just feel there’s something there. “And the big match that I always say – I really want to wrestle Brock. I’ve been wanting to wrestle Brock for years, when I came back from my neck surgery in 2015, it was the match that I wanted. I’m sure Brock doesn’t want it, he doesn’t care! “But there’s a lot of stuff that I get really excited about when I think about it and also that a lot of my friends from the independents are now here in the biggest wrestling promotion in the world. I think that’s the coolest.”
Who do you want to see Bryan feud with next? Sound off in the comment section below.
New Japan Pro Wrestling’s premier tournament for the Junior Heavyweight Division has now begun. The 2018 iteration features some of the finest high flying and technically gifted athletes on the planet and should present some top tier bouts over the next few weeks.
Here are the results from Night 4 of the tournament which featured the combatants in Block B:
SHO b. Chris Sabin– SHO took the win after hitting then package piledriver and getting the pinfall
Dragon Lee b. Ryusuke Taguchi – Taguchi had an ankle lock applied but Lee escaped and hit the Desuncadora for the win
KUSHIDA b. Marty Scurll – Great match, KUSHIDA hit a a knee trembler and Back to the Future to secure the win
El Desperado b. Hiromu Takahashi – Another one for the ‘shock’ column, Desperado attempted to hit low blows on Takahashi multiple times, after distracting the referee for the third time in the match he followed up by low blowing Takahashi and hitting the Guitara De Angel…but Takahashi kicked out. Desperado followed up with an Angel’s Wings for the three count and the win
WWE Hall of Famer and former Intercontinental Champion Scott Hall appears to be teasing a return to in ring action.
The WWF and WCW Superstar has been the General Manager for the Knight family owned World Association of Wrestling (WAW) promotion for a long time and helped to further establish the brand on the East coast of the United Kingdom, particularly in their home base of Norwich. The current rumored bout would feature WAW owner Ricky Knight taking on Hall. When a fan asked about the possibility of a Hall/Knight match the ‘Bad Guy’ responded with “Ricky Knight doesn’t wanna get in the ring with me. I’ll retire him.”
Whilst the prospect of a Scott Hall match in 2018 is highly unlikely it isn’t out of the question, he is good friends with the Knight family through their most famous daughter (WWE’s Paige) and this could be a huge opportunity for WAW to branch out to a wider audience.
