Current WWE Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles has opened up about his future ambitions in the squared circle. During his interview with Vicente Beltrán of ViBe & Wrestling, Styles also confessed he “would not hesitate” in giving The Undertaker a championship shot.
Styles believes he still has more to give before considering retirement. He admitted he intends to push his body to the limit. Styles highlighted how he enjoys what he does for a living, respects pro wrestling, and is proud of everything that he has accomplished. Because of this, Styles intends to “do this as long as my body and my mind allow it.”
He admitted how his body and mind are often at odds. Styles explained his head will tell him he can do something, only for his body to reject the idea. Comparing his position with his WrestleMania opponent, The Undertaker, Styles added:
“This is something Undertaker has already talked about and it is something that happens every day because you love what you do.”
AJ Styles On Giving The Undertaker A Title Shot
AJ Styles then turned his attention to The Dead Man. Having lost the Boneyard Match at WrestleMania 36, Styles shared how he is eager for a potential rematch. He acknowledged that, if it were to happen, he would be interested in performing in front of a live crowd as opposed to another cinematic matchup.
“If that means that he returns to a ring and we face in front of thousands of people, I would not hesitate for a moment. but will it happen? Would he be able to accept it? Probably not. If he decided that his career is over, I respect it. He has already done everything he had to do and has said: “That’s it, I have had enough” and believe me, I know what it is like.”
Styles reflected on The Undertaker’s extensive career. He added how ‘Taker has undoubtedly earned the right to say “enough” but reiterated how he wouldn’t hesitate in offering him a championship opportunity if he wanted it.
Current NXT North American Champion and NXT Champion Keith Lee is confident he is destined to headline WrestleMania with another NXT Superstar. According to Lee, it’s only a matter of time before he and Dominik Dijakovic cross paths on the “Grandest Stage of Them All.”
Taking to Twitter, Keith Lee shared how he and his longtime rival have “beat the crap out of each other” over the years. However, their professional rivalry and bond has only strengthened with each bout. Because of the way they push one another, Lee shared how Dijakovic is “forever my dude.”
“One day we will main event #Wrestlemania. And we’ll beat the crap out of each other again. Big shoutout to @dijakovicwwe. I love that guy. #FeastYourEyes”
We beat the crap out of each other. Our bond strengthens through combat every time. Because of that, this is forever my dude.
Keith Lee recently became the new NXT Champion, defeating Adam Cole in the main event of NXT’s Great American Bash Night Two. This victory saw Lee become a double champion in WWE. It also saw him snap Cole’s impressive 403-day reign as NXT Champion.
Dijakovic last featured on NXT programming on the May 6 episode of the black-and-gold brand. He lost to Johnny Gargano. It has been rumored that WWE is interested in bringing Dijakovic to either RAW or SmackDown in the near future.
All Elite Wrestling star Sonny Kiss has released an official statement regarding hateful comments made against him by a fan.
In the now-deleted tweet, the fan wrote:
“Seriously Cody Rhodes this is supposed to compete with WWE now? You having a match with this low class f*t he’s a joke that I’ll never take seriously. He Twerks in the ring like a stripper one of his moves is banging your face into his ass really?!!”
Having reflected on the swell of support he has received, Kiss shared how the support means a lot to him. In the wake of the negative words, both fans and pro wrestlers rallied behind Kiss.
Kiss shared how he has been open and comfortable with who he is since he was practically a baby. Because of this level of personal acceptance, “You can’t shame someone who is unabashed.”
He added how he firmly stands with the LGBTQ+ community and its allies in making wrestling a more positive and comfortable escape for people. Kiss believes this is something “we should all strive for.”
Sonny Kiss explained how “Sadly, I’d imagine the people on social media who spew hatred are often feeling more pain and sadness than what they’re inflicting on others. I won’t speak for everyone and I will continue to respect everyone’s responses that come naturally to them. We’re human. We have emotions. For me, I try my best to not counter hate with hate, but rather with confidence.”
Kiss is scheduled to face off against Cody Rhodes this Wednesday in a TNT Championship match. He added how this opportunity isn’t just for him, it’s for the entire LGBTQ+ community.
The July 13th episode of RAW aired from the Performance Center in Orlando. It was the final episode of RAW before WWE Extreme Rules: The Horror Show this Sunday. Bayley & Sasha Banks defended their Women’s Tag Team Championships against The Kabuki Warriors tonight in the main event.
WWE RAW (7/13) Results
Andrade & Angel Garza def. Viking Raiders
Bianca Belair & Ruby Riott def. The IIconics
Aleister Black def. Murphy via DQ
Kevin Owens def. Seth Rollins
Randy Orton def. R-Truth
Lashley def. Ricochet
Bayley & Sasha Banks def. The Kabuki Warriors to retain the Women’s Tag Titles
Here are 7 takeaways from this week’s show:
McIntyre Leveled Dolph Ziggler
Dolph Ziggler joined MVP for an episode of the VIP Lounge to start this week’s show. MVP praised Dolph for not revealing the stipulation for the WWE Championship match yet and said it was good strategy. Ziggler thanked MVP and claimed that McIntyre would be an unemployed loser if it wasn’t for him.
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre interrupted and joined Ziggler and MVP in the ring. Drew accused Ziggler of using him as his hired gun and they were never friends. Drew then vowed to hurt and torture Ziggler this Sunday at Extreme Rules. McIntyre stated that he didn’t want to wait until Sunday and got in Dolph’s face. McIntyre leveled Ziggler with a punch to the face to end the segment.
The Viking Raiders battled Angel Garza & Andrade in a Tag Team Elimination match tonight on RAW. Before the match, Charly Caruso interviewed Angel, Andrade, and Zelina backstage. The Viking Raiders interrupted and Ivar ripped the rose out of Garza’s hand. Ivar gave it to Charly and she blushed.
Match Recap: Garza and Andrade controlled the action early and isolated Erik in the ring. Andrade planted Erik with the Hammerlock DDT for the pinfall elimination. When RAW returned from a break, Ivar sent Andrade out of the ring and went for a Suicide Dive but Garza broke it up with a Dropkick.
Ivar quickly battled back and took them both out with a Suicide Dive. Ivar leveled Andrade with a Clothesline and followed it up with a slam for the pinfall elimination. Garza hit Ivar with a Dropkick and followed it up with a Superkick. Ivar connected with a spin kick and went for the cover but Andrade put Garza’s foot on the ropes. Garza then planted Ivar with a Powerbomb for the pinfall victory.
The IIconics approached Ruby Riott backstage and started mocking her. The IIConics said that Ruby doesn’t have any friends and wouldn’t be able to find a partner for a tag team match. Bianca Belair showed up and told The IIconics that they cannot beat her and it led to a tag team match.
Match Recap: The IIconics dominated early and isolated Ruby Riott in the corner of the ring. Peyton stomped on Ruby Riott several times before Riott finally battled back with a Jawbreaker.
Bianca tagged in and leveled Billie Kay with a few shoulder tackles and then a Splash in the corner of the ring. Bianca lifted up Billie up, did some squats before slamming her to the canvas.
Peyton Royce got into the ring but Riott hit her out of nowhere with an Enziguri. Billie went for a kick to the face but Belair countered into the KOD for the pinfall victory.
R-Truth and Tozawa were supposed to have a 24/7 Championship match tonight. Before the match, R-Truth told Tozawa that he didn’t like that he was out here with his ninjas. Shayna Baszler’s music hit and the Queen of Spades made her way to the ring.
Baszler took out the ninjas one by one before setting her sights on Tozawa. Tozawa said “I’m out” and exited the ring. R-Truth said that he will show himself out of the ring and tossed the microphone to Shayna.
Shayna stated that she has been patient and has let everyone have their fun but now she is done. Baszler claimed that all the women’s champions are weak minded and are fooling themselves by believing that they are in control. Baszler added that she is hear to shatter that illusion with a hard dose of reality, and she is that dose of reality.
Mysterio Vowed To Rip Out Rollins’ Eye At Extreme Rules
Murphy was shown backstage with a worried look on his face and Rollins asked what was wrong. Murphy wondered if someone is actually going to lose an eye at Extreme Rules and Rollins told him that nothing significant happens without sacrifice. Seth then made his way to the ring and cut a promo to hype the Eye for an Eye match against Rey Mysterio at Extreme Rules.
Seth claimed that he never wanted to hurt Rey and cannot believe an Eye for an Eye match has been sanctioned by WWE. Rollins vowed to “pluck Rey’s eye out of it’s socket” at the PPV so that Mysterio will be blind and never see his wife or son again. Kevin Owens interrupted and called Rollins a scumbag for driving a nice gut like Mysterio to the point where he wants to rip Seth’s eyes out. Owens then said he knows a pirate named Jean-Pierre LaFitte (former gimmick of PCO) and handed Seth an eye patch.
A brawl broke out and Aleister Black and Murphy rushed the ring. Murphy then battled Aleister Black as Mysterio, Dominik, Kevin Owens, and Rollins were ringside. Aleister connected with Black Mass but Rollins broke up the cover and the match ended in a DQ. Owens then battled Rollins in a WrestleMania 36 rematch. Kevin Owens defeated Rollins after her was distracted by Rey, Black, and Dominik hopping on the ring apron. After the match, Rey told Rollins that he is leaving Extreme Rules with only one eye.
Randy Orton Will Face Big Show Next Week In An Unsanctioned Match
Randy Orton faced R-Truth tonight on RAW. Ric Flair came down to the entrance ramp and said that Randy Orton isn’t going to punt R-Truth’s head off tonight, he’s just going to hit him with an RKO.
R-Truth got in a few punches but Orton quickly dropped him with the RKO for the easy victory. After the match, Orton set up to punt R-Truth’s head but Big Show interrupted.
Big Show came down to the entrance ramp and was about to get into the ring but Orton grabbed a microphone. Randy said that he wasn’t going to punt R-Truth and challenged Big Show to an Unsanctioned Match next week on RAW. Big Show accepted and got into the ring but Orton retreated.
Bayley and Sasha Banks defended the Women’s Tag Team Championships against The Kabuki Warriors in the main event of this week’s show. Before the match, Bayley and Banks once again held a tribute for themselves and rolled the same video package that was shown on SmackDown.
Match Recap: Banks and Bayley attacked the Kabuki Warriors right when the bell rang and beat them down. Asuka and Sane battled back and Dropkicked them out of the ring as RAW went to a break. When RAW returned, Asuka and Bayley were battling in the ring. Sane tagged in and planted Bayley with a Neckbreaker. Sasha knocked Asuka out of the ring and connected with a kick to Kairi’s face for a one count.
Sasha threw Sane out of the ring and tagged in Bayley. The Women’s Tag Team Champions then catapulted Kairi into the plexiglass as RAW went to a break. When RAW returned, Sane was trapped in the ring as Bayley and Banks took turns beating her down. Asuka tagged in and hit Bayley with a Hip Attack. Asuka followed it up with a Bulldog and went for the cover but Bayley kicked out at two.
Asuka hit Bayley with a kick to the face for another near fall. Bayley battled back and tagged in Sasha. Banks slammed Asuka to the canvas and went for the cover but the RAW Women’s Champion kicked out at two. Bayley tagged back in and perched Asuka up on the top rope. Bayley hit Asuka with a Hurricanrana and tagged Sasha back in. Banks hit Asuka with a Crossbody for a near fall. Asuka quickly locked in the Asuka Lock in the middle of the ring. Bayley tried to break it up but Kairi leveled her with the Interceptor Spear.
Banks got her foot on the ropes and Sane tagged in. Asuka leveled Banks with a kick to the face and Kairi followed it up with the Insane Elbow but Bayley broke up the cover. Sane hit Banks with an Alabama Slam and went for a Clothesline but Sasha countered into the Bank Statement for the submission victory. Bayley and Banks are still the Women’s Tag Team Champions.
Opinion: Overall, this week’s episode of RAW was a solid show. It didn’t do much to hype up Extreme Rules but was an entertaining show throughout. I thought the McIntyre and Ziggler segment tonight was a lame follow up to the Heath Slater promo last week and I really don’t have much excitement for their WWE Championship match at the PPV Bayley and Banks have become the focal point of the shows and continue to knock it out of the park. WWE’s women’s division got even strong with Baszler and Belair finally coming back tonight.
How many Role Models does it take to flip a Kabuki Warrior? ??
Shayna Baszler has made her return to WWE television.
The former WWE NXT Women’s Champion did so during Monday’s episode of RAW when she interrupted WWE 24/7 Champion R-Truth and Akira Tozawa. The two stars were slated to take part in a title match, but Baszler took out Tozawa’s ninjas.
She allowed Tozawa and Truth to leave the ring. This led to her cutting a promo about how she’s been patient and has allowed everyone on the show to have their fun, which ends now because she’s done.
Baszler sent a warning to all the weak-minded women’s champions who were running around fooling themselves with the delusion that they are in control. She stated that the limbs and terror left in her wake are a distant memory. Now, she’s back to remind them of the reality, which is her.
Baszler sent out the following message on her official Twitter account after the segment:
Baszler has been absent since the May 18 RAW episode where she beat Natalya in the Submission Match. It’s been reported that McMahon pulled her from TV because he had “soured” on Baszler.
Karrion Kross is looking to do his own cinematic match in WWE NXT.
The trend of this type of match began at WrestleMania 36 with the Boneyard between AJ Styles and The Undertaker, which was highly praised, in addition to the Firefly Fun House between John Cena and Bray Wyatt.
Since then, WWE has done several of these types of matches including two in NXT.
Kross recently spoke with Stephanie Chase of Digital Spy. During the interview, he noted that he has a few ideas in mind for doing such a match. The reason for that is due to him thinking that it would suit his character.
“I have a couple in mind,” Kross teased. “And I have a feeling that we may see one before the end of the year.”
Kross had been teasing challenging for the NXT Championship next. Originally, he dropped hints at coming after Adam Cole, but Cole just dropped the top championship on NXT TV to Keith Lee last week in a Winner Takes All Match.
There’s speculation that Kross could challenge Lee, who is also the NXT North American Champion, for the strap at the upcoming Takeover event during SummerSlam weekend, but that has not been confirmed.
WWE Superstar The Miz recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio show. The ‘Awesome’ SmackDown Superstar would answer a number of topics from his time with WWE as well as his new role as the host of Cannonball.
With The Miz now hosting USA Network’s Cannonball show it gave him the opportunity to land the cover of TV Guide. Miz discussed how special it was to land that spot on the iconic infozine. “It only took me 20 years to get back on it!” The Miz began on Busted Open.
The Miz on TV Guide
“The last time I was on the cover of TV Guide? It was for The Real World Back To New York. That was back in like 2000. So, to be able to grace the cover once again of TV Guide? I grew up waiting for the Sunday paper to get my TV Guide to circle the shows that I want to watch for the week.”
“We didn’t have the luxuries that the kids have these days” The Miz continued. “We had to wait for the paper to come in so you get your TV Guide to circle all the shows. Like we didn’t have recording. Like our version of recording was getting a VCR, putting a tape in the VCR and pressing record.”
The Miz would then talk about his 15 year stint with the WWE. “I’m very fortunate for all the things that I’ve been able to do. From being a WWE Superstar on SmackDown? I mean I’m six foot nothing, 200 like 200 pounds of just nothing. And yet here I am today, 15 years in the business. I’ve held every major title WWE has, [as well as having my own] reality show Miz and Mrs.”
WrestleMania Moment
Mike Mizanin would then discuss the appearances of his father on WWE television. The biggest moment for ‘Mr Miz’ came at WrestleMania when he entered the ring and stood up to Shane McMahon. “It really warms my heart when my dad, even though it gets really annoying, tells me how famous he is. How at WrestleMania in MetLife Stadium when he got inside the ring with Shane McMahon and put his dukes up. He became a meme! He went viral and became like the biggest story of WrestleMania.”
“You know his 15 minutes of fame is my 15 minutes of hell” Miz continued. “Because now? He was able to take two seconds inside a ring, and make it something. I’ve been there for 15 years and I haven’t went viral like he has!?”
Cody will defend his TNT Championship Wednesday night against Sonny Kiss. A person on Twitter responded to the match announcement by using a homophobic slur. Cody was having none of this and ripped the fan online. His older brother Dustin also let his feelings about the comment be known.
This is terrible. And you’re not worth the signal boost.
But I’ll make this clear to fans worldwide.
If you have a problem with a gay man receiving a title shot, you can kiss my ass.
“Seriously Cody Rhodes this is supposed to compete with WWE now? You having a match with this low class f*****t he’s a joke that I’ll never take seriously. He Twerks in the ring like a stripper one of his moves is banging your face into his ass really?!!”
Dustin was a little more aggressive than Cody with his response:
You are one of those guys, a jackass of monumental proportions. Don't you ever speak like that again, you piece of shit! No room for that kind of crap. Now go bury your head forever. https://t.co/kCVeoN750t
Cody also spoke about Sonny Kiss in response to a Tweet from Taz. He noted that Sonny Kiss is talented and untested but ultimately stands no chance against him.
Strongest legs in the company, great balance, and explosive/flush offense(ie 450) when he executes. Really talented and untested.
Cody and Sonny Kiss have never wrestled against each other yet in their careers. The TNT Champion will come into this one having held the title for 53 days (as of Wednesday) and with 4 defences already under his belt. Cody has defeated Jungle Boy, Marq Quen, Ricky Starks and Jake Hager in successful title defences.
Sonny Kiss comes into this match with a 6-9 career record in AEW. He has recently been apart of a successful tag-team along with Joey Janela as well.
Earlier this month, WWE made it mandatory for spectators inside the WWE Performance Center to wear masks. Failure to do so will result in a fine. Previously, WWE had sent a statement to media stating that since social distancing measures were being adhered to inside the Performance Center masks were not necessary.
According to Pat Laprade of the French-language podcast Les anti-pods de la Lutte, mask-wearing was made mandatory after Kevin Owens spoke to Vince McMahon about it. According to Post Wrestling’s report, Laprade says Kevin Owens spoke to Vince McMahon about the situation during the tapings held on July 3rd.
Owens reportedly told McMahon he wasn’t comfortable with people not wearing masks and standing so close. He said he was going home but McMahon asked what they could do to make him more comfortable. Owens said mandating masks and instituting a fine would be sufficient. Owens also noted that he was once fined for swearing on Smackdown and then never did it again, proving fines are a good deterrent.
The fine for a first offence is $500 and it doubles to $1000 for a second offence. Owens has since said he will continue to take part in the tapings now that the policy is in effect. He is scheduled to wrestle Seth Rollins tonight on RAW.
EDIT: Shortly after this piece was posted, Kevin Owens was quoted by SI.com on the matter:
“At first, the masks weren’t being taken seriously enough. Eventually, a fine system was implemented to make sure people took it seriously. That came from me. I thought that the masks weren’t being worn seriously enough, so I went and talked to the people in charge. They immediately did what they could to remedy the situation,” Owens said.
All Elite Wrestling’s Matt Hardy has hinted at his concerns over WWE’s current storyline between his brother Jeff Hardy and Sheamus.
The two have been feuding for weeks, with a heavy focus of the narrative being put on Jeff Hardy’s past real-life substance abuse issues. It’s something Matt Hardy believes could be adding “unneeded pressure” on his brother.
Responding to a fan on Twitter, Matt Hardy stressed how AEW has allowed him to “brand his persona.”
I’m very happy with how AEW has let me brand my persona. Allowing me to help younger talent on & off screen, while also respectfully celebrating my legacy & contributions to the industry. I have those same concerns about the unneeded pressure on my brother.
He explained how this freedom has seen him help out younger talent both on-screen and backstage. Matt Hardy noted how AEW has celebrated his legacy and contributions to the pro wrestling industry.
It was argued how Matt is being celebrated for his impact on the industry in AEW, whereas Jeff is being presented as a “junkie.”
It was then asked, “What if he relapsed?” These concerns are clearly shared by Matt Hardy, who acknowledged he has the same worries for Jeff.
Having lost to Sheamus at WWE Backlash, Jeff Hardy and Sheamus are scheduled to face each other once more. They will clash in a Bar Fight. The match takes place at The Horror Show at Extreme Rules, which airs on July 19 on the WWE Network.
Former AEW Women’s Champion Nyla Rose has explained how she came to be hired by All Elite Wrestling. She shared her story during an interview with Tony Schiavone and Aubrey Edwards on AEW’s official podcast,Unrestricted.
When reflecting on her initial hiring, Rose was asked about how Kenny Omega first reached out to her. It was explained how nobody was aware that Rose was transgender when they first approached.
Nyla Rose explained how she wasn’t asked to join AEW just to fill a “check box.” Being approached on her own merits as a professional wrestler was “the biggest compliment” for her.
“It made me feel really good because they didn’t see me as a check box, like, ok, we got one of those. They were like, we like this chick. We like what she does in the ring. We want to put her on television and we want that with us,” Rose said. “Well, at the time, there was no television, but you know what I’m saying. They knew it was happening. I didn’t know it was happening.”
“The Native Beast” recently revealed how she has hired a manager to help her in-ring career and AEW championship aspirations. Nyla Rose made the announcement during Fyter Fest Night Two.
NXT Superstar Johnny Gargano has responded to a fan accusing him of being “scared” of moving to either RAW or SmackDown.
It was suggested that Gargano had achieved everything he could hope to achieve in NXT. According to the statement, Gargano wouldn’t have a successful career if he didn’t move to WWE’s red or blue brand.
Gargano replied to the accusation, wanting to directly address the idea that he is scared of WWE’s main roster. He argued how he’s in a position to work side by side with his wife, Candice LeRae. He added how he also gets to share the locker room with Superstars he has traveled the world with for years.
Gargano proceeded to explain how he has a “great relationship” with everyone in the office. Additionally, he gets to “WRESTLE” and help grow a product he truly believes in. According to Gargano, that is his definition of what success is.
Let's talk about this "scared" narrative. I get to work side by side with my Wife and guys I've traveled the world with for years. I have a great relationship with everyone in the office, get to WRESTLE and help a product I truly believe in. That's my definition of "success".
Johnny Gargano recently competed in a few unsuccessful attempts to reclaim the NXT North American Championship. He lost to Keith Lee at NXT: In Your House back on June 7. Gargano also lost a Triple Threat opportunity for the title on the June 17 episode of NXT. He went on to reclaim some momentum by defeating Isaiah Scott at NXT’s The Great American Bash Night Two.
SmackDown Superstar Jeff Hardy has shared a list of top names in WWE that he’d love to wrestle. Speaking with WWE show The Bump, Hardy opened up about some of his dream opponents once his current feud with Sheamus has concluded.
Hardy admitted that it’s been a dream of his to once again wrestle AJ Styles. He noted he they have crossed paths before when Hardy “went to another wrestling world.” He added how Styles was his first match back in WWE, “and I remember being so nervous because he was so good. We’re both the same age, but we’re the complete opposites.”
Alongside “The Phenomenal One,” Hardy named Roman Reigns and “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt as Superstars he’d love to compete against. Jeff Hardy noted how if he was able to feud with “The Fiend,” he’s confident they would be “something special between me and him.”
Jeff Hardy is set to face off against Sheamus at WWE’s upcoming event The Horror Show at Extreme Rules. They will compete in a Bar Fight matchup. The last time these two Superstars competed, Hardy lost to Sheamus at WWE Backlash back in June.
The Horror Show at Extreme Rules take place on July 19 on the WWE Network.
Former Los Ingobernables de Japon member EVIL has commented on his momentous championship victory at NJPW Dominion. EVIL defeated Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Championship, shocking the crowd in attendance.
Taking to his Twitter account, the new champion boasted about his win. He also taunted fans about his new “pareja” (partner), former Kai En Tai member Dick Togo.
“”EVIL is 71st. IWGP HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION and 25th. IWGP INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION. And you all like my new “PAREJA” Dick Togo @boliviacuba, don’t you!? Bullet Club is perfect EVIL. #EVIL #BulletClub.”
EVIL is 71st. IWGP HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION and 25th. IWGP INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION.
And you all like my new “PAREJA” Dick Togo @boliviacuba , don’t you!?
EVIL turned on his former LIJ stablemate after successfully defeating Kazuchika Okada during the New Japan Cup Finals on 7/11. He aligned himself with longtime heel stable Bullet Club. He debuted a new attitude, new gear, and even new theme music for his championship bout with Naito.
Following the bout, which featured Bullet Club interference, LIJ member Hiromu Takahashi would run out to assist Naito. These events led to a challenge that EVIL has accepted. His first-ever defense of both the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Championship will now take place against Takahashi at NJPW’s Segonku Lord in Nagoya event.
Prior to this champinoship clash, however, is New Japan Road. Taking place on 25/7, EVIL will be a part of a Bullet Club team set to face LIJ, including Naito and title contender, Takahashi.
Charlotte Flair is currently taking some time off after having dropped the NXT Women’s Championship to Io Shirai and losing a match to Asuka on RAW. It was initially reported that she was undergoing surgery but the nature of the surgery was not revealed.
In a series of Tweets, Flair recently revealed why she is taking time away from WWE.
“My air conditioning is broken, and we have a little free time. These tweets may be spaced out a bit, but we’re going to talk time off, plastic surgery and boobs,” Flair began the thread on Twitter.
Flair would then reveal she got sick in 2018 due to silicone poisoning from a leaking implant.
I’m going to save the history of my boobs for a different bedtime story, so:
Picture it. Charlotte, North Carolina, 2018. A young queen, shortly after a career defining Wrestlemania victory, finds herself sicker than sick at her brother’s house.
A trip to the doctor tells us the likely culprit is silicone poisoning, and that my implant had been leaking for quite some time. It was one of the worse cases the doctor had seen.
“At that time, I had a few options to fix the issue. Each option had a specific recovery time. I love this job more than anything, so I picked the option that allowed me to return the soonest. That was the choice I made,” Flair continued.
To clarify: I do not have silicone poisoning this time. The surgery is cosmetic to fix an issue from a prior surgery
“I’ll be back when I’m ready. The body will be rested, and the mind still focused on legacy. Focused on this job. Focused on being better. Always being better,” she ended the thread with.
Miroslav Barnyashev, better known to wrestling fans as Rusev, announced on a Twitch live stream yesterday that he has tested positive for COVID-19. Rusev also posted to his social media about his diagnosis. This news comes on the heels of both Lana’s parents testing positive for the virus as well.
I tested positive for COVID-19. Thank you for all the support. I will be okay and Miro Day will continue.https://t.co/Kpyr1LxPuP
There had been some speculation that Rusev could appear at Slammiversary this weekend. Impact has been teasing many names released from WWE in April could appear on the show. A Bulgarian flag has been shown in promo videos for the PPV. This led many to believe he could be on the show. His COVID-19 diagnosis will almost certainly prevent him from being there, however.
Following the events of yesterday’s Dominion 2020 event, New Japan Pro-Wrestling has announced cards for their upcoming events, New Japan Road on July 20th and Sengoku Lord in Nagoya on July 25th.
New Japan Road (July 20, 2020)
TenKoji (Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan) vs. Yota Tsuji & Yuya Uemura
Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma, Ryusuke Taguchi & Gabriel Kidd vs. CHAOS (SHO, Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano & YOSHI-HASHI)
Los Ingobernables de Japon (Shingo Takagi & SANADA) vs. Suzuki-gun (El Desperado & DOUKI)
CHAOS (Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto) vs. Bullet Club (Yujiro Takahashi & Gedo)
Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kota Ibushi, Yuji Nagata & Master Wato vs. Suzuki-gun (Taichi, Zack Sabre Jr., Minoru Suzuki & Yoshinobu Kanemaru)
Los Ingobernables de Japon (Hiromu Takahashi, Tetsuya Naito & BUSHI) vs. Bullet Club (EVIL, Dick Togo & Taiji Ishimori)
Sengoku Lord 2020 in Nagoya (July 25, 2020)
Yuya Uemura vs. Taiji Ishimori
Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma, Satoshi Kojima & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano, Yota Tsuji & Gabriel Kidd
CHAOS (SHO, Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI) vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon (Tetsuya Naito, SANADA & BUSHI)
WWE has declared that this upcoming week will be “Women’s Evolution Week.” The celebratory week is in recognition of the 5-year anniversary of Sasha Banks, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch making their debut on the main roster. All 3 debuted on the July 13th, 2015 episode of Monday Night RAW.
“Five years ago on July 13, Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair and Sasha Banks arrived to Raw, signaling a change for women’s wrestling in WWE. In honor of this landmark night in sports-entertainment history, WWE will celebrate Women’s Evolution Week on its digital and social channels all this week,” a WWE press release for the week reads.
Keith Lee won the NXT Championship on Wednesday from Adam Cole. The match was filmed the previous week, however, and news of the title change leaked. In an interview with Talk Sports, Lee said he was not bothered by the spoiler coming out but recognizes some people might prefer not to know what will happen ahead of time.
“At the end of the day the only way someone knows what happens is when it airs,” Lee said. He continued to talk about how the spoiler may have hurt the enjoyment for some fans, however.
“For those people that think that they’ve unloaded some big mystery or something is one thing, but the only thing that makes me sad in the scenario is how many of them are trying to ruin it for other people, because there is the potential for it.”
NXT has filmed multiple endings for matches previously to prevent spoilers from leaking out. There really was no certainty that the same thing had not happened this time.
“To me, it shows me how uncool some people can be, but at the end of the day, you don’t really know what’s happening until it happens and that’s just the truth of the matter,” Lee continued.
Lana stated on social media recently that both her parents have tested positive for COVID-19. Her mother was taken to the hospital as she was having trouble breathing. In a recent video update, Lana let fans know that her mother is doing much better. They have taken her off oxygen.
My mom tested positive for covid. She is in the ICU right now. She is asthmatic and is on oxygen. Thank you for all the thoughts & prayers ??
“My mom is doing much better. They have had her off of the oxygen in the hospital for over 24 hours now, so that’s incredible,” Lana said. “Thank you guys for all your prayers and positive thoughts. Her oxygen, the thing she has to breathe in, it’s like you don’t want it lower than 90 and its at 93 right now.”
“She’s out of the ICU, she’s in a hotel room and they are talking about releasing her today because she is doing much better. They said that she’s not out of the woods though yet. So, just keep her in your prayers and thoughts but she is doing much better.”
Lana also updated fans on her father’s condition.
“My dad is doing better. He’s on about day 15 now from his first symptom. He couldn’t get out of bed at all for a week. Last week, he could not get out of bed but he’s not asthmatic like my mother is.”
“Wear your masks, like for real and now that things are starting to open up in America, you have to be extra careful.”
“We have to come together and we have to be kind and be nice and continue to lift each other up and be nice.”
Following the events of yesterday’s New Japan Cup Final, New Japan Pro-Wrestling has been shaken up by the betrayal of EVIL, turning his back on Los Ingobernables de Japon and joining Bullet Club after his victory over Kazuchika Okada to win the New Japan Cup. Today, he challenges Tetsuya Naito in the main event for Naito’s IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Championships.
Watch exclusively on NJPW World with Japanese commentary. English commentary will be recorded and uploaded to NJPW World this week. Note: This event will have a reduced attendance capacity to comply with social distancing regulations. Also, the live audience was instructed not to cheer loudly to reduce exhalation of potentially contagious aerosols.
NJPW Dominion 2020 Results
Yuji Nagata, Satoshi Kojima & Ryusuke Taguchi def. Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma & Gabriel Kidd (9:25) The audience only reacting by applause is still somewhat jarring, but the crowd is making the most of it. There was an extended bit of Kojima and Honma trading Machine Gun chops in which the crowd clapped in time with every single chop. Their hands are going to be sore by the end of the night. These matches do get repetitive, but when a young lion’s in there it’s always satisfying to see the process of their development. Finish: Yuji Nagata over Gabriel Kidd by submission (Nagata Lock II)
Los Ingobernables de Japon (Hiromu Takahashi, BUSHI & SANADA) def. Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano & Yota Tsuji (10:15) The story of this match was more how Los Ingobernables de Japon were processing EVIL’s betrayal yesterday. None of them looked particularly happy to be there. and SANADA and BUSHI weren’t carrying the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championships that they were holding with EVIL. Hiromu Takahashi’s hair was frayed like he’d been up all night and his wrist tape had “Why?” written on it over and over again. Finish: Hiromu Takahashi over Yota Tsuji by submission (Boston crab)
Suzuki-gun (El Desperado, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & DOUKI) def.Master Wato, Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Yuya Uemura Master Wato’s strikes are a little loose, but he wrestles with a good energy about him and he’s very young so I don’t view it as particularly problematic. He got over as a young lion for being an underdog who you could really feel for, so his lack of dominance can be forgiven, but Hiroyoshi Tenzan being the one to draw sympathy by being beaten up by all three members of Suzuki-gun seemed misplaced. Finish: El Desperado over Yuya Uemura by pinfall (Pinche Loco)
Bullet Club (Taiji Ishimori & Yujiro Takahashi) def. CHAOS (Kazuchika Okada & Hirooki Goto) Okada threw his big coat at Yujiro as he entered, incensed by Yujiro’s intereference in the New Japan Cup yesterday, and he kept trying to go after Yujiro. This isn’t the first time Yujiro interfered to Okada’s detriment in a big match, so Okada’s bone to pick was evident. After a while, Gedo came out and hit Okada in the back with a spanner while Goto was the legal man, and this gave Ishimori and Yujiro the opportunity to team up on Goto for the victory. Finish: Yujiro Takahashi over Hirooki Goto by pinfall (Pimp Juice)
After the match, Okada was able to shake Gedo off to attack Yujiro some more, but Yujiro planted him with a Pimp Juice of his own. As he said in an interview yesterday, he wasn’t on Okada’s level, but he could pull Okada down to his own level.
NEVER Openweight Championship Match: Shingo Takagi (c) def. SHO We’ve seen a lot of this match over the last month, with SHO defeating Shingo for the first time in the first round of the New Japan Cup, and them coming to blows ever since. SHO has continued to carry himself more and more like Shingo’s equal despite Shingo’s advantage in experience and size. It goes without saying that these two hit each other hard and threw each other hard, but they brought it into a new gear in this match, just potatoing each other in a way that pleased my hindbrain very much. SHO looked to have Shingo on the ropes and lifted him for the Shock Arrow, but Shingo sprawled and lifted SHO for a Made in Japan that gave him a near fall. He hit a Pumping Bomber, but SHO kicked out immediately, even before the one count. SHO attacked with a cross-arm piledriver for a near fall. From that point, he kept going for a cross armbreaker, but Shingo used his strength to keep getting out of it. SHO finally hit a straight punch, followed by a GTW and the Last of the Dragon for the win. Shingo Takagi defends the NEVER Openweight Championship.
As Shingo celebrated on the ramp, El Desperado came from behind the curtain and punched him in the face, then hit Shingo with his own belt. He yelled that Shingo would be accepting this challenge no matter what.
IWGP Tag Team Championship Match: Dangerous Tekkers (Taichi & Zack Sabre Jr.) def. Golden Ace (Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kota Ibushi) (c) Even Zack Sabre Jr., who is considered a relatively noble wrestler by Suzuki-gun’s standards, couldn’t help but stoop down to Taichi’s level. The two of them took turns beating down Tanahashi while keeping him separate from Ibushi. Zack bit off more than he could chew and Tanahashi got out of his abdominal stretch and whipped him with a reverse Dragon screw. He reached Ibushi for the hot tag, who unleashed hot fire on his enemies. Ibushi was on the verge of winning, but Zack came in and put him in a guillotine, which he was nearly disqualified for. Ibushi landed a LOUD high kick that dropped Taichi to the mat, then tagged in Tanahashi as Taichi tagged in Zack. Tanahashi hit a sling blade for a near fall when Taichi came in to break up the pin. Tanahashi hit another sling blade and a high fly flow, but Zack got his knees up. With Taichi holding Tanahashi in place, Zack hit repeated dragonscrews on both of Tanahashi’s legs. Taichi hit a high kick on Tanahashi as Zack planted him with the Zack driver for the victory. Dangerous Tekkers (Taichi & Zack Sabre Jr.) are the new IWGP Tag Team Champions.
IWGP Heavyweight & IWGP Intercontinental Championships Match: EVIL def. Tetsuya Naito (c) EVIL entered with new music and a new look about him, like a cross between a Roman gladiator and a dominatrix. Every member of Bullet Club in the country accompanied him to the ring, but the referee refused to start the match with them present. EVIL rolled in and out of the ring as the match began, but the angered Naito ran straight after him. EVIL took the early edge, and with Naito laying, EVIL took Milano Collection AT’s EVIL toy scythe and broke it in half, then threw it at him. Incensed, Milano jumped the barricade and tried to fight EVIL, but EVIL whipped him into the guardrail, knocking him out of commission. EVIL continued to batter Naito, destroying his knee to nullify his speed advantage. He had pulled out a table earlier in the match and he lifted Naito and gave him a sickening knee drop straight through the table on the outside, which also gave Naito a big cut on his back. He grinned (evilly, as you might imagine) at Naito, then floored him with a running lariat and Darkness Falls for a two-count. Naito took back the momentum with a turning rope-assisted DDT and the Gloria for a near fall of his own. He lifted EVIL to the top rope to hit a super hurricanrana, then a running DDT for yet another count of two. Naito went for the Destino again, but EVIL blocked it and pushed him into the referee, giving Bullet Club the opportunity to interfere. Hiromu Takahashi ran out and took on Jado and Taiji Ishimori by himself. Although they were apprehended, EVIL had grabbed a steel chair amidst the chaos and slammed it right over Naito’s head, popping the seat off. He looked to capitalize, but Naito blocked the EVIL finish and went for the Destino only for EVIL to hit a mule kick while pushing the referee down. BUSHI came out and lifted Naito to his feet, only to attack him. EVIL stomped Naito in the groin and hit the EVIL for the three count. EVIL is the new IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Champion.
BUSHI, who had helped EVIL win the match, took his mask off to reveal he wasn’t BUSHI, but Dick Togo, a freelance wrestler who has been in NJPW before. Hiromu Takahashi came out and, to avenge Naito’s loss, wanted to challenge EVIL for his newly won championships. If not both, either one would be fine, he noted. EVIL brushed him off and left Hiromu going ballistic in the ring.
Last year, Kenny Omega was the second biggest wrestler to sign with AEW just behind Chris Jericho.
He was coming off highly praised matches for his efforts in NJPW where he was a top star for them. However, he has found a lack of success as a singles competitor in All Elite Wrestling. As a result, the direction of Omega’s character in AEW has been criticized by fans.
Dave Meltzer noted on the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio that AEW decided to book him in his first year as someone who could help build other talent and strengthen the tag team division.
Part of the idea set out by All Elite Wrestling was due to them wanting to build a foundation before he becomes a top star for them in year two. Meltzer added this might still be the direction AEW takes with Omega although plans may have changed.
Omega is aware of the criticism from fans about his singles career in AEW to the point where he has addressed fans over it. He has stated in the past that just because his career might not be what it was in NJPW doesn’t mean he’s not finding success elsewhere.
Outside of the ring, he’s also in charge as an executive for the women’s division.
Tommaso Ciampa wrote an interesting message that he posted on his official Instagram account.
Ciampa made a comeback after undergoing neck surgery in 2019 that forced him to relinquish the NXT Title.
In the post, he gave his thoughts on giving up the title, his career lows, and why he thinks he has been taken off NXT television. Here’s an excerpt from the post:
“Motivation is a fascinating trait. Throughout my career, I’ve often found that creating false dialogue has led to my greatest internal motivation. In 2018, I created a scenario in my head in which “nobody believed in me.” It drove me.
In 2020, after weeks of being left off television (yes, I’m healthy), I find myself with a new false dialogue. “Creative has nothing for you.” Whether or not this is true really doesn’t matter. Because in my head, it’s true.
In 2018, I willed my vision into existence. Well, today I have a new vision. And surprisingly enough, I’m hungrier than ever. It’s time to evolve. It’s time to catch that next wave and reach that next high.”
After returning from surgery, Ciampa did have a chance to reclaim the title but came up short at TakeOver: Portland against Adam Cole. He also lost an Empty Arena Match against Johnny Gargano and most recently a match against Karrion Kross at TakeOver: In Your House.
He hasn’t been since that match with Ciampa back on June 7th.
Taz announced Brian Cage as the new FTW Champion on Dynamite this week. This marks the first time anyone has held the title since Taz won the ECW World Championship on January 10th, 1999. AEW has announced Brian Cage’s first title defense.
Cage’s first title defence will take place on AEW Dark this week against Brian Pillman Jr.
AEW announced 6 matches for the show this week:
SIX matches are ready for #AEWDark next week with your main event set as the #FTW championship is on the line between champion 'The Machine' @MrGMSI_BCage & challenger @FlyinBrianJr.
FTW Championship Brian Cage (c) vs Brian Pillman Jr.
Serpentico & Luther vs Brady Pierce & Pineapple Pete
Robert Anthony vs Ricky Starks
Diamante & Rache Chanel vs Allie & Brandi Rhodes
Michael Nakazawa vs Marko Stunt
Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus (Jurrasic Express) vs Brandon Cutler & Peter Avalon
FTW Championship History
Taz introduced the rather unique title on May 28th, 1998. The show was titled “It Aint Seinfeld” and emanated from Queen’s, New York. He held the title for 219 days before dropping it to Sabu. This was a triple threat match from Philadelphia with Justin Credible as the 3rd man. Taz then won the title back at Living Dangerously 1999 in an “Extreme Death Match.”
The title then ceased to exist after Taz defeated Shane Douglas for the ECW World title in 1999.
Major League Wrestling is exploring the idea of holding an event on an island. The promotion is looking at holding an event in possibly either Puerto Rico or Hawaii in 2021. This all assumes MLW officials will be able to regain control of the company from Josef Samael’s Contra Unit by then, of course.
“We are cautiously optimistic about this project,” said an anonymous league official.
MLW has not been hosting events since the start of the pandemic. They appear hopeful that the situation will soon improve enough for them to do so, however.
“While the on-going COVID-19 pandemic continues, there is optimism that a vaccine is on the horizon and as such, the league is having meetings to push forward on expanding MLW into new territories,” reads an MLW.com update.
The Von Erich brothers are big stars in MLW and make their home in Hawaii with their father, Kevin Von Erich. Savio Vega is also a big star in Puerto Rico, making the two locations ideal for MLW to expand into.
Savio Vega is officially the Caribbean Heavyweight Champion but the title was stolen by Richard Holliday. We could perhaps get an official title match if an event is held in Puerto Rico next year.
“As for Puerto Rico, it was revealed on this week’s Pulp FUSION via Savio Vega that MLW’s CEO met with Puerto Rican government officials about hosting a Caribbean Heavyweight Championship title fight,” MLW.com’s report reads.
