In the latest installment of the Get to Know series, we bring you a special interview with UK wrestling podcast Wresthings.

The United States has seen many independent wrestling podcasts grow and expand their reach worldwide. However, it’s not as common to see international wrestling content creators gain popularity in the U.S.

Wresthings have slowly risen as one of the most popular United Kingdom podcasts in wrestling. They’ve already grown a fanbase in their hometown of London, England, but they are also gaining popularity in America. People are taking notice of the Wresthings group, whether it be other podcasters or wrestlers.

I recently spoke with Delboy, N.K, Anarfi, VRSYJNES, and Mekz of Wresthings about their growing successful media career. Sam Blackz and Laps were, unfortunately, unavailable at the time.

Here’s the video of our discussion, followed by written highlights.

How Did The Wresthings Podcast Start?

The Wresthings podcast started as a group of wrestling fans wanting to discuss current wrestling content without being judged and making it cool to watch. Finding people still watching present-day wrestling in the UK may not be easy, particularly in the inner city community.

Working as musicians, Delboy and Anarfi know each other and bonded in an Instagram group chat about wrestling. Having a common interest, both creators decided to start the Wresthings brand.

When talking about coming together as wrestling fans to discuss wrestling, Anarfi said, “…It’s crazy because back in the day, I’d speak to people about wrestling, and the first thing people would say is oh, isn’t that fake or they say something like oh, Stone Cold still wrestling and stuff and it’s like those were conversations there I didn’t really want to hear. For example, there was a moment in time when I didn’t watch wrestling, and Del was my go-to guy.”

He continued, “…It was just nice that we can have this sort of like this forum or community, or brotherhood or sisterhood or family or whatever that we can actually come through, post our wrestling content, speak about other stuff, check on up with mental health and life and stuff. So yeah, It’s gone from us being like wrestling fans and just talking about wrestling all the time to doing other stuff and caring for each other.”

Delboy would also contact VRSYJNES and Blackz to join them as they also bonded about wrestling. They officially launched their podcast on Jan. 11, 2019. As the podcast progressed over the years, other current podcast members joined, and the brand gained popularity.

Dealing with Fame as Content Creators

While the podcast is gaining success, the group members are getting more recognized among their peers. Although it can sometimes be overwhelming, the group takes pride in helping make wrestling popular among the black community in the U.K.

The group noted how they are getting noticed in public by fans and how much it meant to them to see people love their work. Delboy shared what it meant to see his brother watching Wresthings.

“…I’m tired of my siblings watching WhatCulture. I’ll be real, said Delboy jokingly. He continued, “I’m tired of them watching What Culture and Cultaholic and Wrestletalk, no disrespect to them. I love them. I watch them all the time, but it brings a smile to my face when I’m going downstairs, and I’m watching my brother watch my podcast. it makes me feel like, yeah it’s just as important as watching Simon Miller or an Adam Blampied. For him to look at us, yeah I want to listen to your podcast. I don’t agree with this, what Anarfi said here was rubbish or what Blackz said here I enjoyed, for me it’s like yeah this is why I do it.”

Delboy also added that “…The fact that there are black kids watching us and being able to have us as an alternative to the majors, for me, it’s like we are doing what we need to do. So we have to carry on and continue until we take over, and we have all these black kids watching us.”

Their Thoughts on Clash at Castle Taking Place in Cardiff, Wales

WWE will hold its next event, Clash at the Castle, on Sep. 3 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. Although the event is in the U.K, it’s not an easy trip to make if you live in England.

Wresthings shared that they wouldn’t be able to attend, and the travel would cost more than going to New York. The group is also confused about why the event is happening in Cardiff.

“…No disrespect to Wales, but London is the capital or at least if not London, you know we have big other cities here Manchester, Birmingham, like not too sure why they went to Wales. Maybe it’s availability of the stadium, but those that are going, they’ve done hard work to make sure they are going,” said Mekz. He continued, “…I know people that are going that aren’t staying in Cardiff, which is the city it’s happening in. They are staying in other cities in Wales, just because of availability of hotels and cheaper tickets and they are going to go from those other cities into Cardiff on the day. WWE hasn’t made this show as accessible as you would like really and truly. You know, hopefully it’s a successful show for them and they come back to the U.K somewhere closer to us in general.”

Clash at the Castle isn’t sold out, with tickets still on sale at Ticketmaster. The event also has tickets available for resale.

What Are Wresthings Future Plans?

The future for Wresthings seems to be promising. Each podcast member has goals they want to accomplish for the brand.

One of the biggest things they look to achieve is creating subscription services like Patreon to create more content and earn more financial growth. However, Anarfi shared that it won’t be happening just yet.

Outside of doing weekly wrestling content, they continue to have famous U.K wrestlers sometimes appear on their show, like Will Ospreay or Gabriel Kidd. They recently had Ava White on their Aug. 12 episode, who will be competing in the IWGP Women’s Championship Tournament at Royal Quest 2 Night two on Oct. 2.

The group also discussed doing more things creatively in wrestling, like having their wrestling event under their brand. Wresthings have shown great ambition to take the brand to new levels.

They hope to continue making discussing wrestling fun and entertaining as they flourish. While it started as friends discussing WWE, Wresthings has become a successful wrestling media brand.

William Regal says he’s focused on the Blackpool Combat Club and helping develop younger talent who are interested in learning from them.

Over the past several weeks, there have been reports about AEW talent being disgruntled about a lack of television time. There was also the recent situation involving CM Punk’s shoot comments about “Hangman” Adam Page and the subsequent fallout.

Regal said, “there’s a lot going on” on the latest episode of his Gentleman Villain podcast.

“There’s always a lot going on with us,” he began. “We’ve talked talked about on this show before. We are trying to do our bit to change the views of some people, and younger talent.

Sometimes there’s things that play out on the show, but in reality, there’s the fact that we understand there’s a lot of young talent and they don’t get to wrestle better wrestlers, or people who have been in this for a long time, because the way the job has become, and the way TV is. A lot of the best wrestlers wrestle each other now.”

Blackpool Combat Club Staying Focused

“We’re out to do our thing, let’s put it that way. That’s all I can say. In our world, everything’s good.”

– William Regal

Regal was careful not to get too deep into the subject matter at hand, but you can read between the lines and see he’s alluding to the professionalism of certain people.

“I can’t say too much at the moment,” he continued. “I’m not a gossip merchant and I’m not going to dignify anything that comes out. Nothing seems to happen around me, I’ll put it that way. I know that myself.. Jon’s Jon, and that’s the way he is. But, I know myself, Claudio, Bryan and Wheeler, are all doing our thing. Hopefully it spreads, and as far as trying to be the best professionals we can be, that’s all you can do, and do whatever we’re tasked with.”

“We’ve got a great team of talent and we want to make people have to face people in the BCC. and we are also hoping that it sets sort of standards of how to conduct yourself, and .. this is sort of in reality, just how to conduct yourself as a pro, and not. Let’s put it that way.”

Regal says he’s made mistakes during his long career, so he’s not out to cast judgement on anybody. The Blackpool Combat Club arrives at the arena early when AEW has TV tapings. They train in the ring all day and anybody is welcome to join them.

He also addressed his absence from last week’s AEW Dynamite, noting that he had to tend to a “family incident” and was in contact with everybody at TV.

Listen to William Regal’s Gentleman Villain Podcast at AdFreeShows.com. Please credit SEScoops with a link to this article if you use any of the transcribed quotes.

Miro publicly gave some advice to wrestlers upset about the lack of television time they’ve been given in AEW. 

The promotion has a large roster as AEW President Tony Khan has signed many talent to either per-appearance or full-time deals. He also has talent for the ROH brand that he will use on weekly TV, whether Dynamite or Rampage. 

Some wrestlers will only work one match per month, while others will wrestle more often. There has been a lot of issues behind the scenes in AEW to the point that Khan had to hold a talent meeting last week. 

Miro Shares His Advice

Miro took to Twitter to share what he thinks wrestlers should do instead of being negative about it: 

“Being upset about not being on the show is a good thing. Now use that feeling and get better. Keep training, believing, and don’t be complacent.”

After losing to Bryan Danielson in an AEW Title Eliminator tournament match at Full Gear in November, Miro was off AEW programming for several months and knows what these wrestlers are going through. 

At first, Miro was sidelined with a hamstring injury but later medically cleared and just not used by Khan. Miro made his return to AEW television in June.

Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah are the new WWE Women’s Tag Team champions, but there’s more to this story beneath the surface.

On Monday’s edition of WWE RAW, Rodriguez and Aliyah defeated Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai in the the finals to crown new Women’s Tag Team champions. Some fans were confused and disappointed by the finish and expected Sky and Kai to win the titles instead.

SEScoops had learned some interesting details regarding WWE’s decision to put the vacant Women’s Tag Team Championships on Rodriguez and Aliyah.

WWE High on Raquel Rodriguez

WWE has big plans for Raquel Rodriguez and sees her as a breakout star. She’s one half of the new women’s tag team champions, but Rodriguez is already being groomed for bigger things down the road.

The 31-year-old former college basketball star is a former NXT Women’s Champion. This run with the tag titles will help her establish her presence on the main roster ahead of eventually going off on her own once again.

WWE has released a video of the new champions reacting to their win. Rodriguez & Aliyah attempt to describe how special it all is and how hard they have worked for so long through NXT, to the main event of Raw and eventually to the titles.

The new champs are “over the moon” excited about what lies ahead for them.

Former WWE star Velveteen Dream was arrested on multiple charges earlier this month.

As we noted, Dream, real name Patrick Clark, was arrested on August 26 for “possession of drug paraphernalia” in Florida. However, it looks like Clark has been having some trouble quite frequently as of late.

PWInsider reports that, upon checking court records, this wasn’t Clark’s first arrest of the month. Clark was also arrested on the 20th by Orlando Police for First Degree Battery and Trespassing on property after a warning.

Each of those are first degree misdemeanors. He bonded out the following day on the 21st for $1,200 and plead not guilty. Clark had an arraignment hearing scheduled for September 28 at 1pm ET. However, that hearing is now listed as canceled.

The victim in the case has also requested confidentiality. Clark’s only other violation was listed for a March 2021 traffic violation, for which he paid the ticket.

Clark competed in WWE from 2015 to 2021. He was a competitor on the NXT brand where he was a one-time NXT North American Champion. Clark was released from his WWE contract in May of 2021.

This was shortly after some allegations against Clark of sexual harassment against a minor.

WWE and Amazon have filed joint lawsuits against 13 vendors accused of marketing and selling counterfeit WWE Championship belt replicas.

In addition to civil lawsuits, WWE and Amazon worked with the Middlesex County, New Jersey, Prosecutor’s Office to pursue these bad actors which led to felony counterfeiting charges against two connected individuals.

Matthew Winterroth, WWE’s Vice President of Intellectual Property, was quoted:

“Amazon is the benchmark for collaboration with respect to brand infringement online. Official and licensed WWE products, branded by our IP, are trusted by our fans around the world and we go to great lengths to protect consumers from counterfeits and other types of infringements. It’s our hope that other companies look at Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit as a model of how to partner with companies of any size to help combat this relentless threat.”

– Matthew Winterroth for WWE

Here’s the official press release from the WWE corporate site:

FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT AGAINST COUNTERFEITERS

Amazon teams up with WWE, filing suit to protect customers and the authenticity of WWE’s historic championship title belts

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (WWE) (NYSE: WWE) and Amazon today announced joint lawsuits against 13 defendants who attempted to market and sell inauthentic replicas of WWE-branded championship title belts in Amazon’s store including inauthentic replicas of commemorative title belts as well as the historic WWE World Heavyweight, Universal, Intercontinental, United States and NXT Championship title belt designs.

WWE combined its proactive IP monitoring and enforcement program with Amazon’s Project Zero and Brand Registry protection tools to detect infringing listings, and Amazon removed them. Then WWE partnered with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit to pursue these lawsuits targeting bad actors who attempted to sell counterfeit products and falsely represent their locations and identities.

One of the defendants was found to be operating their fraudulent business out of New Jersey. In addition to the civil lawsuits, Amazon and WWE worked with the Middlesex County, New Jersey, Prosecutor’s Office to pursue these bad actors which led to felony counterfeiting charges against two connected individuals for sale of counterfeit WWE championship title belts.

“Amazon is the benchmark for collaboration with respect to brand infringement online,” said Vice President of Intellectual Property at WWE, Matthew Winterroth. “Official and licensed WWE products, branded by our IP, are trusted by our fans around the world and we go to great lengths to protect consumers from counterfeits and other types of infringements. It’s our hope that other companies look at Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit as a model of how to partner with companies of any size to help combat this relentless threat.”

“Amazon is committed to the authenticity of products in our store and protecting our customers from all forms of counterfeits, including those impacting fans of iconic entertainment brand WWE,” said Kebharu Smith, director of Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit. “We will continue to work with WWE and Middlesex County law enforcement to bring these bad actors to justice.”

WWE’s robust and aggressive IP enforcement program utilizes both internal and external resources to combat counterfeit and infringing products, piracy, and distribution abuse online as well as in physical points of sale. This includes trained internal staff and third-party vendors who consistently monitor online retailers around the world for IP infringements and counterfeit sellers. Amazon’s Project Zero also empowers WWE to directly remove suspicious listings from Amazon’s stores. Amazon’s latest lawsuit with WWE comes after Amazon in 2021 sued or referred over 600 criminals for investigation in the US, UK, EU, and China, an increase of more than 300% over 2020.  

Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit – a team of former federal prosecutors, former law enforcement agents, experienced investigators and data analysts – was formed to work with brands and law enforcement to hold bad actors accountable.

Amazon strictly prohibits the sale of counterfeit products, and won’t stop until there are zero counterfeits in its stores. Amazon’s efforts to stop counterfeit products is part of an investment of $900 million to protect its stores from fraud, counterfeits, and abuse. This includes using industry-leading tools to verify potential sellers’ identities and ensure product listings are authentic. In 2021, Amazon blocked more than 4 billion bad listings before they were listed in our stores. These listings were suspected of potentially being fraudulent, infringing, counterfeit, or engaging in other forms of abuse.

For more information, including the related court filing case numbers, visit Corporate.WWE.com.

Darby Allin did not have an easy road to AEW. He’s been All Elite since the company’s inception in 2019, but first had to buy out his contract with another company.

Allin was DDP’s guest this week on the DDP Snake Pit podcast powered by Ad Free Shows. During their discussion, he spoke about the circumstances that led him to joining AEW.

In 2019, All Elite Wrestling executives were scouring the globe to sign talent for the upstart promotion. Former AEW Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes attended a show for Northeast Wrestling, where Allin was wrestling Pentagon.

Allin tells DDP that prior to seeing him work against Pentagon, Cody thought he was just a ‘crash test dummy’ taking gnarly bumps. After watching him wrestle in person, Cody saw that Allin could actually work.

“At the time, I was signed with another little promotion. The moment I heard Cody was interested, long story short, I paid $12,000 to get out of my contract. I took a loan out and I remember I used to hit Cody up like every day, just blow his phone up, and he would never really answer.”

– Darby Allin on joining AEW

DDP stopped Darby Allin mid-story and told him Cody’s father, the late Dusty Rhodes, used to be ‘the worst’ about returning calls, and knows Cody is the same way. DDP joked, “Even his texting sucks!” He’s known Cody since he was 12 years old and loves him.

Choosing AEW over WWE/NXT

Allin said he didn’t care about blowing up Cody’s phone, he wanted to be part of AEW. He wasn’t going to take out that $12,000 loan without having Cody’s word that AEW was really interested in him.

AEW hadn’t even run its first show at this point and this was long before a TV deal was announced. However, there was one factor that really sold him that AEW was the right fit for him.

“All I heard, when they were promoting it, were the words ‘Creative Freedom.’ I was like, ‘That’s where I need to be.'”

– Darby Allin

Cody eventually invited him to his house and the rest, as they say, is history. DDP complimented Allin’s persistence. He sad, “What you have to be, is pleasantly persistent.”

At the time, Darby Allin was being groomed for NXT. He says he saw the writing on the wall there.

“This was back when 205 Live was a thing. I was like, hell f*cking no, I’m not going there to do that. I don’t want to be put in a box.”

– Darby Allin

Allin felt his money was wrestling ‘David vs. Goliath’ matches and he’d have a better chance to get over as himself with AEW.

Darby Allin signed with AEW in April 2019. His debut match took place at Fyter Fest just two months later. His first opponent was none other than Cody Rhodes, which says a lot about how much Cody believed in him. That match went to a time-limit draw. Allin tells DDP that before the match, Cody texted him, “20 minute broadway?” Allin had no idea what the phrase meant at the time.

Allin has gone on to become one of AEW’s most successful homegrown stars. He’s a former TNT Champion and is currently aligned with the icon, Sting.

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WWE and All Elite Wrestling have been in a battle for years to establish which brand of pro wrestling is dominant.

While AEW would win the Wednesday Night Wars, resulting in NXT moving to Tuesdays, the two companies continue to compete for fans and that all-important 18-49 demographic.

Double-Feature

For wrestlers, competing on AEW or WWE programming can be a huge step in their careers, and now Katie Arquette has done both on the same night.

On this week’s Raw, Arquette, working under the name Katie Arks, teamed with Dani Mo and Kay Sparks, in a squash match loss to Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair, Asuka, and Alexa Bliss.

The self-professed ‘Queen of the Silver Screen’ didn’t have much better luck on AEW programming, losing to Serena Deeb on Dark: Elevation.

Arquette is the second person to achieve this impressive feat, after Cameron Stewart competed on Raw and AEW Dark in September 2021.

On the new @WWE RAW: Katie Arquette @TheKtArquette became the 2nd wrestler to compete in both WWE (RAW) & AEW in the same night.

Cameron Stewart @thecamstewart was the 1st wrestler to do so when he competed on NXT 2.0 & AEW Dark on 9/21/21.#WWE #RAW #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/8N4uTsW6FA

— The Local Competitor (@LocalCompWWE) August 30, 2022

Katie Arquette

Despite her name, Katie is no relation to former WCW World Heavyweight Champion David Arquette, though the two have appeared in the ring together.

After training, Arquette made her professional wrestling debut at IWC Proving Ground 6 in February 2017, in a losing effort to future AEW star and then-IWC Women’s Champion Dr. Britt Baker.

A year later, Arquette would challenge Baker again for the title, this time getting the win, which she told Daily DDT was “just incredible.”

Arquette would celebrate with David Arquette, who was also at the show, and would give her a fur coat which she still wears for matches to this day.

AEW has accumulated a huge fanbase since launching back in January 2019, which has in turn made the company a fortune in merchandise sales.

T-Shirts, hats, action figures and memorabilia are all available to buy from the company directly at ShopAEW.com, while shirts can be purchased from their global online shop.

AEW has a lot of merchandise available to fans, but some content is no longer available to buy. Admit discussions about AEW finding a streaming home with parent company Warner Bros. Discovery, it’s interesting to note that all AEW DVD’s have been pulled from the AEW Shop and Pro Wrestling Tees.

At this time, Ring of Honor Supercard of Honor XV, the first ROH after the company’s purchase by AEW President Tony Khan, remains available on Pro Wrestling Tees.

No explanation has been given as to why the AEW DVDs have been removed from both websites.

Streaming Deal Imminent?

AEW has given no reason publicly to pull their DVDs, though the act has fueled rumors of an AEW Network.

The idea of an AEW streaming service, akin to WWE’s award-winning Network, has been something fans have been wanting to see for a long time.

In October 2021, Tony Khan said he was “trying to build the library up” in an interview with Brandon Walker of Rasslin.

After purchasing Ring of Honor earlier this year, Khan gave an update on plans for a streaming service, saying he was working to make sure ROH’s large video library is available to fans.

MJF Removed From AEW Roster & Shop Pages

In WCW, few stars were more excitable than Marcus ‘Buff’ Bagwell, who worked for the promotion from 1991 to 2001.

A five-time WCW World Tag Team Champion, Bagwell would later join the WWF but his career only lasted for one match.

Considered by many to be the worst Raw main event, Bagwell faced Booker T on the July 2, 2001 episode, and was released from the company for reported ‘attitude issues’ not long after.

In recent years, Bagwell has been dealing with numerous substance abuse and legal issues.

Relapsing

As of late, the former WCW star has been working with WWE Hall of Famer Diamond Dallas Page, who helped changed the lives of Jake Roberts and Scott Hall among others.

Unfortunately, Bagwell has relapsed, as DDP explained in a video on his YouTube channel (via ITR Wrestling.)

“Because of some of the negative influences and Mark’s life, and I’m talking about people who love him and enable him. He’s had a relapse. So we had a meeting with all of my people and Marcus. And we all agreed that it was time for him to go to a rehab facility.”

DDP added that Bagwell is in a positive mindset, but will have to cancel some upcoming scheduled appearances due to rehab.

“he needs to take care of himself. Addiction. We all know someone who’s fighting it. And it’s a tough place

DDP on Buff Bagwell missing scheduled appearances.

We at SEScoops with Buff nothing but the best as he works hard to get back on track.

JBL Denies Trying To End Buff Bagwell’s Career

So far, AEW has released two mobile games for fans to play, the Double or Nothing Casino game and AEW Elite GM.

Right now, AEW is working on its first console video game, AEW: Fight Forever, which is hotly anticipated by fans and gamers alike.

Fight Forever will be the first wrestling action game by the company, allowing fans to play as their favorite AEW stars

FTR Pulled

Fans will get to play as their favorite AEW talent, with Kenny Omega, Adam Cole and Bryan Danielson just some of the names confirmed, but they won’t be playing as FTR.

It was reported this week that FTR had been pulled from the game, but no explanation was given as to the reason.

On Twitter, Sports Gamers Online managing director Mike Straw addressed FTR’s removal, and said that a problem with move set captures and nominations was a factor in AEW’s decision.

Update re FTR/AEW Fight Forever: One reason I was told was that there were some issues with move set captures and animations. This has caused changes to game's launch roster which includes FTR.

It's not the whole answer, but a logical reason why.#AEWFightForever

— Mike Straw (Insider-Gaming.com) (@MikeStrawMedia) August 29, 2022

If so, it is possible that more AEW talent could be pulled from the game, as this isn’t just a problem exclusive to FTR.

AEW: Fight Forever

Last week, fans caught a glimpse of AEW: Fight Forever at the 2022 Gamescon in Cologne, Germany.

Speaking about the game, Evil Uno and Colt Cabana said that Fight Forever will feature a “deep career mode” which will see players go “on the road” with AEW.

AEW: Fight Forever also picked up the Best Sports Game award at Gamescon.

Despite reports of a release this year, no date has been confirmed for when AEW: Fight Forever will hit shelves.

FTR Reacts To Winning The IWGP Tag Team Championships

The WWE Universe was hoping for the return of former Women’s Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks and Naomi tonight.

It appeared to be the perfect time for them to make their return. Sasha and Naomi walked out of WWE during the May 16th episode of RAW. They left their Women’s Tag Team Championships on former EVP of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis’ desk and left the arena.

Banks and Naomi were the champions at the time but creative wanted to put the tag titles on the back burner so the two could have singles matches against the RAW and SmackDown Women’s Champions at the Hell in a Cell premium live event. Sasha and Naomi were scheduled to compete against each other in a Six-Pack Challenge on the night they walked out.

The finals of the women’s tag team tournament took place to crown the new Women’s Tag Team Champions. Many fans expected to see them arrive after the match as the real champions but it did not happen. Aliyah and Raquel Rodriguez defeated Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky in the main event of RAW to crown the new champions.

Bayley tried to interfere multiple times but Bianca Belair, Asuka, and Alexa Bliss chased her through the crowd. Dakota and Iyo were distraught by Bayley not being ringside and it allowed Aliyah to tag in while they weren’t paying attention. Dakota Kai went to attack Raquel but Aliyah snuck up from behind and rolled her up to win the tournament. Raquel and Aliyah celebrated with Bianca, Asuka, and Alexa to close the show.

It's celebration time for the NEW WWE Women's Tag Team Champions @RaquelWWE & @WWE_Aliyah on #WWERaw as @itsBayleyWWE, #IYOSKY & @ImKingKota await @BiancaBelairWWE, @AlexaBliss_WWE & @WWEAsuka this Saturday at #WWECastle! pic.twitter.com/tlfyuhC6c9

— WWE (@WWE) August 30, 2022

Sasha Banks Sign Removed From Crowd

During tonight’s show, a sign could be seen several times that read “We want Naomi, not botch Banks”. The disrespectful sign towards The Boss was shown several times on camera before it was eventually removed.

While Asuka, Alexa, and RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair were cutting a promo, a security guard can be seen quickly approaching the fan holding the sign in the crowd. Towards the end of the video below, you can see the security guard walking by the barricade with the sign.

This is so funny to me, the negative Sasha Banks sign in the background, the producer running to snatch the sign and Bianca saying damage control at the same time. Like the coincidence ??. #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/dpgN2Jp49t

— Josh ?? (@joshynostalgia) August 30, 2022

Anyone else see they took the sign we want @NaomiWWE @SashaBanksWWE #WWERaw explain yourself @wwe pic.twitter.com/xf4Cvw1fYR

— Jess (@jessjordyn) August 30, 2022

Seth Rollins and Riddle could not wait until this week’s RAW went on the air to trade punches.

The two superstars brawled in the parking lot until WWE security broke it up. WWE RAW opened with a backstage brawl between Riddle and Rollins last week.

Rollins was originally scheduled to battle Riddle at WWE Summerslam but the match was canceled due to injury. Seth brutally attacked Riddle on the RAW before the premium live event and Riddle was not cleared to compete. He still made an appearance at SummerSlam but Rollins attacked him once again.

The two will finally square off this Saturday night at WWE Clash at the Castle. The premium live event will take place at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. It is WWE’s first stadium show in the United Kingdom in over thirty years.

Hanging out in the parking garage before doors opened for #WWEPittsburgh and saw this happen w/ @WWERollins & @SuperKingofBros . Notice no @WWE cameras. ???????? pic.twitter.com/pKnW4srZC1

— Chip Dominick (@chipdominick) August 29, 2022

Riddle Gets His First Name Back

After Seth and Riddle brawled in the parking lot, the Face-to-Face scheduled for tonight was changed to an interview in separate rooms.

Corey Graves moderated the interview and the rivalry got even more personal. Riddle claimed that Becky Lynch was “The Man” in the Rollins household and Seth reminded Riddle that he doesn’t have a wife anymore as they are getting divorced.

Corey referred to Riddle as “Matt” during the interview and his full name was displayed in a graphic. WWE also referred to him as “Matt Riddle” in the tweet below.

Matt Riddle is ready to settle this with Seth "Freakin" Rollins once and for all THIS SATURDAY at #WWECastle!@SuperKingofBros @WWERollins #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/CxYWydFBxr

— WWE (@WWE) August 30, 2022

Riddle got his name back as “MATT Riddle.”

Thank you Papa H. #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/4QbUYLz0ec

— #TeamJD (@EddieChiefLord) August 30, 2022

Theory is also rumored to be getting his full name back soon. Former WWE CEO Vince McMahon asked the 25-year-old to remove the “Austin” from his name after following the worst Stunner of all-time from Stone Cold at WrestleMania 38.

After 30 Years Vince McMahon still can’t sell a Stunner ? pic.twitter.com/4Ef8U763dP

— Macho T (@ItsMachoT) April 4, 2022

IYO SKY and Dakota Kai vs. Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah was booked in the finals of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Tournament Finals on Monday’s episode of Raw. 

The match served as the main event of the show. The finish saw SKY hit a moonsault to Raquel for a near fall. Bayley argued with the referee until Bianca Belair, Asuka, and Bianca Belair ran her off. Aliyah rolled up Kai for the win. 

In the first round, SKY and Kai beat Tamina and Dana Brooke to advance before beating Asuka and Alexa Bliss to make it to the finals. On the other side of the bracket, Rodriguez & Aliyah defeated Xia Li and Shotzi in the opening round then went over Natalya and Sonya Deville in the semi-finals. 

#AndNew WWE Women's Tag Team Champions!!!@RaquelWWE and @WWE_Aliyah have won the WWE #WomensTagTitles on #WWERaw! pic.twitter.com/xTwPP2sEEd

— WWE (@WWE) August 30, 2022

The WWE #WomensTagTitles FINALS are taking place right now on #WWERaw as @RaquelWWE & @WWE_Aliyah take on @ImKingKota & #IYOSKY! Who will win it all?@itsBayleyWWE @shirai_io pic.twitter.com/tm6s5kp8U8

— WWE (@WWE) August 30, 2022

Post-match, they celebrated with Bianca, Bliss, and Asuka in the ring. Fireworks were going off as the show went off the air. 

Many fans expected to see the return of Sasha Banks and Naomi after this match after they reached an agreement to return to the company.  Banks and Naomi walked out of a WWE Raw event in May due to creative differences as WWE wanted Naomi to win a six-pack challenge on the show. WWE suspended them and stripped them of the Women’s Tag Team Titles.

That didn’t happen, and fans will have to wait a little bit longer. 

Wardlow had his biggest match to date this past May at the AEW Double or Nothing pay-per-view event where he defeated MJF. This marked the last time that fans saw MJF wrestle before he did his infamous promo, where he begged Tony Khan to fire him on Dynamite days later. 

The match was in jeopardy as MJF missed the Double or Nothing fan fest and booked a flight out of Las Vegas. This was a big night for Wardlow after the storyline had been building for two years. 

Wardlow Wasn’t Sure MJF Match Would Happen

Wardlow reflected on what happened at the event while speaking to Stephanie Chase of Digital Spy:

“That should be considered one of the best nights of my life and it really wasn’t,” Wardlow said. “Everything that was going on with Max at the time and then in my life personally. Just nothing was going right and it’s kind of sad that everything built up to this big night and there was so much that ruined it.

All the crap with Max and everything he was pulling. I mean, I showed up that day not knowing if I was wrestling. There’s a lot more I could say about it but I don’t want to get angry but yeah, that should have been one of the best nights of my life and obviously the outcome was amazing but I really didn’t ever have the opportunity to enjoy it.

I feel like ever since that night things have kind of been just off and I feel like I’m still trying to get back on track ever since that night and we’ll get there. But it is what it is, in this in life and in this business, not everything goes perfectly.” 

Wardlow has since won the AEW TNT Championship last month. 

MJF has not been seen on AEW television since his promo on the Dynamite, but it’s been reported that he’s expected back soon. 

https://twitter.com/stephaniemchase/status/1564363594648674304

Former WWE star The Velveteen Dream, real name Patrick Clark, was arrested on August 26th in Orange County, Florida.

As of this writing, there are not many details available regarding the arrest, although county records state he was charged on an out-of-county warrant for possession of drug paraphernalia. We hope to have more details shortly. 

Downfall Of The Velveteen Dream

In 2020, Clark was accused of having inappropriate contact with a minor. He hasn’t worked a match since December 23, 2020. He was released from WWE NXT in May 2021. 

There were several reports about the decision made by WWE to let him go ranging from allegations to behavioral issues to problems with fellow wrestlers. Clark previously stated in his statement that the accusations against him from April 2020 were the reason why he was fired.

Last July, he did have his first post-WWE booking lined up until it got canceled. 

Clark has been hinting on social media that he was going to make an effort to get back in WWE and added the #BringBackVelveteenDream hashtag to his Instagram account.

Clark has yet to publicly commented on his arrest.

WWE RAW aired live from Pittsburgh this week. It was the final episode of the red brand before Clash at the Castle this weekend. Kurt Angle appeared during the show and the new Women’s Tag Team Champions were crowned in the finals of the tag team tournament.

• Watch: Parking Lot Fight Breaks Out Before WWE RAW

WWE RAW Results (8/29)

• The Judgment Day def. Dolph Ziggler & AJ Styles
• Asuka, Alexa Bliss, Bianca Belair def. Dani Mo, Kayla Sparks, and Katie Arquette
• Street Profits def. Alpha Academy
• Bobby Lashley def. The Miz
• Kevin Owens def. Jey Uso
• Raquel Rodgriguez & Aliyah def. Iyo Sky & Dakota Kai to become the new Women’s Tag Team Champions

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

The Judgment Day Picked Up A Win, Edge Arrives

Finn Balor & Dolph Ziggler of The Judgment Day battled AJ Styles and Dolph Ziggler in the first match of the night. Styles knocked Damian out of the ring and hit him with a flying forearm as RAW went to a break.

When RAW returned, The Judment Day isolated Dolph in the ring. Dolph rolled up Damian but the referee was distracted. Finn hit Ziggler with a cheap shot and Damian followed it up with a Chokeslam for the pinfall victory.

After the match, a jeep pulled up in the parking lot and Edge got out of it. The Rated-R Superstar made his way through the parking lot as RAW went to a break. When RAW returned, Judgment Day cut a promo on Edge. Priest claimed that referee cost him the match next week and Edge interrupted.

Edge said that Balor’s ego has gotten in the way and warned Rhea Ripley to keep her hands to herself before Beth Phoenix gets involved. Rey and Dominik Mysterio arrived and attacked Damian and Finn with kendo sticks. Rhea dared Dominik to hit her with a kendo stick but he doesn’t do it. The Judgment Day retreated to end the segment. Edge & Rey Mysterio versus The Judgment Day was announced for Clash at the Castle.

Was @RheaRipley_WWE about to fight @DomMysterio35, @reymysterio AND @EdgeRatedR on #WWERaw?! pic.twitter.com/hrvCNZVRcw

— WWE (@WWE) August 30, 2022

Asuka, Alexa, and Bianca Dominated, The Miz Returns

Asuka, Alexa Bliss, and RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair dominated tonight in a 6-woman tag team match against Dani Mo, Kayla Sparks, and Katie Arquette. After the match, they warned Bayley, Iyo Sky, and Dakota Kai ahead of their match at Clash at the Castle.

But will @itsBayleyWWE, @ImKingKota and #IYOSKY be ready at #WWECastle this Saturday?!@shirai_io pic.twitter.com/KwaLtImDWn

— WWE (@WWE) August 30, 2022

The Miz and Ciampa were interviewed backstage. The Miz refused to comment on what happened to him after he was kidnapped by Dexter Lumis on last week’s WWE RAW.

The Miz had nothing to say about #DexterLumis.@mikethemiz | #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/H2gQbJtY0H

— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) August 30, 2022

Street Profits def. Alpha Academy, Kurt Angle Appears

Kurt Angle made his way to the ring in his wrestling gear to a big pop from the crowd. Alpha Academy interrupted to a chorus of boos as RAW went to a commercial break. Kurt Angle and Chad Gable traded words and catchphrases when RAW returned. Alpha Academy challenged Angle but Street Profits made the save.

A SHOOSH-OFF!! ?#WWERaw #WWE pic.twitter.com/Z8fq7inEOX

— Sportskeeda Wrestling (@SKWrestling_) August 30, 2022

Welcome home, @RealKurtAngle!#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/7aVes0f3cF

— WWE (@WWE) August 30, 2022

Street Profits battled Alpha Academy with Kurt Angle ringside. Otis slammed Montez Ford to the mat and tagged in Gable. The action spilled out of the ring and Angelo flipped onto Gable & Otis outside the ring. Back in the ring, Gable hit Dawkins with a Dragon Screw in the corner.

Montez Ford tagged in and hit Chad with a Crossbody. Ford followed it up with a thunderous Clothesline and flexed for the crowd. Montez hit a standing Shooting Star Press for a two count and made his way to the top rope. Otis hopped on the ring apron for a distraction and Gable capitalized with a Belly to Belly throw off the top rope as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Montez connected with an awesome DDT and leaped to the corner to tag in Dawkins. Otis tagged in at the same time and sent Angelo across the ring with a shoulder tackle. Otis followed it up with a Powerslam and went for the cover but Angelo kicked out at two. Montez knocked Otis out of the ring as Angelo connected with a Neckbreaker on Gable for a two count.

Montez tagged in and went for a Frog Splash but Gable rolled through into a cradle for a near fall. Chad connected with a Northern Lights Suplex and went for the cover but Montez kicked out at the last moment. Otis and Dawkins took each other out with a Clothesline and rolled out of the ring.

Gable started taunting Kurt Angle and posed like him in the ring as the Olympic Gold Medalist shook his head. Chad applied an Ankle Lock in the middle of the ring but Montez escaped. Ford then got Gable in an Ankle Lock of his own but Otis broke it up with a Splash just before Gable tapped out.

Otis got out of the ring and trash-talked with Kurt Angle. Angelo shoved Otis over the announce table as Montez hit the Frog Splash from the heavens on Gable for the pinfall victory. Kurt Angle celebrated with the Street Profits after the match and drank some milk.

When the milk arrives at the party! ?#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/a1bzWDAX35

— WWE (@WWE) August 30, 2022

Edge and Kurt Angle relived one of their classic moments later on the show.

Sweet Molly McGee! @EdgeRatedR got @RealKurtAngle again 20 years later!! ?#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/J8Zvac0Ze1

— WWE (@WWE) August 30, 2022

Seth Rollins & Riddle Interview

Seth Rollins and Riddle were interviewed in separate rooms tonight on RAW. The two stars brawled in the parking lot before the show. Seth called Riddle a thorn in his side and claimed that he isn’t on his level. Riddle responded by saying Rollins is worried that he’s going to get embarrassed at Clash at the Castle. Seth vowed to stomp Riddle’s head into the mat over and over at the premium live event. Riddle joked that there is only one man in Rollins’ family and that is Becky Lynch.

Speechless. Absolutely speechless right now…#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/TAqYKwl1R0

— WWE (@WWE) August 30, 2022

Lashley def. The Miz

United States Champion Bobby Lashley battled The Miz tonight on WWE RAW. Bobby dominated the action early and planted Miz with a Suplex. When RAW returned from a break, Ciampa distracted Lashley and Miz capitalized with a Dropkick through the ropes.

Back in the ring, Miz delivered a big boot to the face and went for the cover but Lashley kicked out at two. Lashley battled back with a DDT and followed it up with a Belly to Belly Suplex.

The US Champion went for a Spear but Ciampa pulled The A-Lister to the outside. Ciampa hit a cheap shot while the referee was distracted. The Miz hit a DDT and went for the cover but Lashley kicked out at two. The Miz went for the Skull Crushing Finale but Dexter Lumis showed up in the crowd. Ciampa didn’t see him and thought The Miz was losing his mind. Lashley capitalized on the distraction with the Hurt Lock for the submission victory. The Miz exited the arena but Dexter Lumis was shown in the back of his car.

Where to, @mikethemiz? ?#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/Bazu77i8TV

— WWE (@WWE) August 30, 2022

Sami Zayn Refused To Hit Kevin Owens With a Steel Chair

Undisputed Tag Team Champions The Usos made their way to the ring with The Honorary Uce, Sami Zayn. Jey bragged about Roman Reigns being champ for almost two years and promoted the celebration for him on Friday’s show. Sami hyped up The Usos as the most dominant tag team in history.

Kevin Owens interrupted and claimed that RAW is his show. Owens said that Roman still owes him one but Sami claimed that The Tribal Chief doesn’t owe Kevin anything. Kevin noted that Jey is the reason he didn’t win the title 18 months ago and challenged him to a match.

The action went back and forth to start it off. Jimmy Uso distracted the referee as Jey told Sami Zayn to go get a chair. Sami obliged but hesitated and ultimately did not hit Owens with it. The Usos were pissed and started yelling at Sami. KO capitalized and delivered a Stunner to Jey Uso for the pinfall victory.

What would YOU do?@SamiZayn @FightOwensFight @WWEUsos #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/Y5D5FXmpr4

— WWE (@WWE) August 30, 2022

Raquel Rodriguez & Aliyah Are The New Women’s Tag Team Champions

Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah battled Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky in the finals of the women’s tag team tournament for the vacant titles. Dakota booted Raquel in the face on the apron and posed for the crowd. Iyo sent Aliyah into the steel steps as Bayley cheered them on from ringside.

When RAW returned from the break, Raquel launched Dakota Kai across the ring. Iyo tagged in and Raquel lifted her up for a Powerbomb. Iyo escaped and rolled Rodgriguez up for a near fall. Raquel connected with a massive Clothesline and set up for a Chokeslam. Dakota distracted the referee and Bayley hit Rodriguez with a cheap shot.

Iyo climbed to the top turnbuckle and connected with a Moonsault but Rodriguez kicked out at two. Bayley flipped out and hopped on the ring apron. Bianca Belair, Alexa Bliss, and Asuka showed up and chased Bayley away. Aliyah tagged in while Dakota wasn’t looking. Dakota hit a Codebreaker and Iyo followed it up with a Slingblade. Aliyah then rolled up Kai from behind for the pinfall victory. Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah are the new Women’s Tag Team Champions.

#AndNew WWE Women's Tag Team Champions!!!@RaquelWWE and @WWE_Aliyah have won the WWE #WomensTagTitles on #WWERaw! pic.twitter.com/xTwPP2sEEd

— WWE (@WWE) August 30, 2022

Seth Rollins and Riddle couldn’t wait for Saturday’s Clash at the Castle event to mix it up.

Rollins and Riddle are scheduled to have a face-to-face showdown on tonight’s Raw just five days before their match this weekend.

About two hours before Raw was scheduled to go live on the USA Network, the two competitors were involved in a physical altercation outside the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh PA.

As seen below, WWE officials had to jump in and keep the two men apart. It’s difficult to make out exactly what they are saying, but you can hear them screaming at one another.

You can also hear fans yelling at the sight of the two WWE Superstars needing to be physically kept apart.

This is probably a storyline situation to build anticipation for WWE Clash at the Castle, but that doesn’t make it any less entertaining.

Check out the video, courtesy of Twitter user @MusicByMaleena:

Riddle & Seth Freakin Rollins fighting in the parking lot before #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/JfY9kQZqhR

— Maleena (@MusicByMaleena) August 29, 2022

WWE is not done bringing former Superstars back in to the fold.

According to a new report by Fightful Select, ex-WWE Champion Braun Strowman is among the names discussed about bring brought back to the company.

It’s unclear if the Strowman talk ever got beyond the brainstorming phase, but WWE officials believe The Monster Among Men looks “ring ready” as of late.

Sun walk!!!! Make sure you’re getting your #VitaminD #TitanLife pic.twitter.com/EQxwXSZsiZ

— The Monster of all Monsters (@Adamscherr99) August 26, 2022

As we noted last week, there’s also been some interest in bringing back former NXT star Bronson Reed. He’s currently wrestling for New Japan Pro Wrestling and made a great impression with his performance in the G1 Climax tournament.

Braun Strowman in WWE

Strowman was initially signed by WWE in 2013, where he was later a key member of The Wyatt Family. In 2016 he was called up to the WWE main roster, where he began a singles career.

During that time, Strowman captured the WWE Universal Title, an Intercontinental Title reign, and two RAW Tag Team Title wins. He was also the winner of the Greatest Royal Rumble in 2018, and followed that up with an Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal the following year in 2019.

Strowman was released from WWE in June of 2021. It was one of the more shocking cuts that the company made, but it’s believed his then-hefty contract was a factor in the decision.

During the May 16, episode of Monday Night Raw, Sasha Banks and Naomi walked out of the show over a creative dispute.

There had been plans for Banks and Naomi, then the WWE Women’s Tag Champions, to enter feuds for the SmackDown and Raw Women’s Championships, but losing both feuds.

The then-Women’s Tag Team Champions felt this was disrespectful to their titles, and haven’t been seen on WWE TV since.

Any Week Now

While there was a time when it seemed Banks and Naomi were gone from WWE for good, that is no longer the case.

With Vince McMahon retired, it has been reported that the pair have agreed to return, as their main issues were with the former Chairman.

On the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reports that Banks and Naomi are expected back any week now.

Bryan Alverez added that both women have been re-added to the internal roster, a huge sign that they’ve resolved the issues between them and the company.

Tonight’s Raw will see new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions be crowned after Banks and Naomi were stripped of the gold in May.

Changes

Banks and Naomi are expected to be back soon, but they are returning to a much different WWE.

Reports at the time of the walkout stated that the former champions left their WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles on the desk of then Head of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis.

Laurinaitis has since been released from WWE over his alleged role in the alleged misconduct between Vince McMahon and WWE employees.

In his place, Triple H is serving as Head of Talent Relations, and reportedly has a good relationship with both women.

Charlotte Flair: “I Can’t Imagine Never Wrestling Sasha Again”

Kurt Angle will be on tonight’s episode of Monday Night RAW, and we have some indications as to what WWE has planned for him.

The WWE Hall Of Famer is slated to appear on RAW tonight, which will be the go-home show before Clash At The Castle this weekend. Fightful Select reports that early plans have Angle penciled in for a segment with The Alpha Academy and The Street Profits.

One segment will even see Angle drink milk with The Street Profits. Aside from Angle, we have some more indications on what WWE has in store for tonight’s show.

The plan is to continue the Dexter Lumis storyline, having  “advanced security guards being planned to enhance the story.”

Both Lumis and The Miz are slated to appear after Miz was kidnapped by Lumis to close out last week’s show. Also, the report suggests there’s a lot of pomp and circumstance surrounding the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles.

WWE wants to make them seem as important as possible. Several segments and matches have already been confirmed for tonight’s show. Check them out here below:

• Seth Rollins and Riddle meet face-to-face
• Kurt Angle set to appear
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Title Tournament Finals: Dakota Kai & IYO SKY vs. Raquel Rodriguez & Aliyah
• The Usos and Sami Zayn will appear
• Non-Title Match: United States Champion Bobby Lashley vs. The Miz

Nearly three years after getting engaged, WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev got married in Paris, France. 

The wedding took place on August 26 and is set to be chronicled in a four-part E! special. Bella confirmed the exciting news in a post on Instagram.

“We said I DO. Can’t wait to share the entire journey with you all when our four-part special event, ‘Nikki Bella Says I Do,’ premieres on E!”

– Nikki Bella

Total Bellas and Total Divas formerly aired on E! Chigvintsev was Bella’s partner on Dancing with the Stars in 2017, and they started dating shortly after the show.

WWE Hall of Famer Nikki @BellaTwins took to Instagram to announce that she and @artemchigvintse have officially tied the knot.

Join WWE in congratulating Nikki and Artem!??

??https://t.co/jJhreHkJEx pic.twitter.com/vQe1QBhw1q

— WWE (@WWE) August 29, 2022

Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev got engaged in France in November 2019, but Bella waited until January 2020 to announce the news. The couple has a two-year-old son together.

Bella was previously engaged to fellow WWE star John Cena. The couple announced their separation in 2018 after dating since 2012 and being engaged for a year. Before their split, Cena and Nikki were scheduled to get married in May 2018.

Nikki and Brie were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2020.

Wardlow has named WWE Superstar Brock Lesnar is his dream opponent. He’d love to mix it up with the likes of Kenny Omega and Jon Moxley, but thinks Wardlow vs. Lesnar could be the biggest money match in the history of cable television.

AEW’s reigning TNT Champion appeared on The Zaslow Show to hype this weekend’s All Out pay-per-view from Chicago. During the appearance, the Cleveland native spoke about his road to the top, his plans to “flip the wrestling world upside down” and much more.

Here are some highlights of what Wardlow said about:

Wardlow’s Dream Opponent

As Wardlow’s star rises, fans will continue to think about ‘dream matches’ for him. He’s been in AEW for several years, but has yet to cross paths with the promotion’s top stars.

Wardlow named Kenny Omega and Jon Moxley as two men in AEW he’d like to work with. However, there’s another wrestler outside of AEW that he considers his true ‘dream’ opponent.

“Kenny Omega is very high on that list,” said Wardlow. “Jon Moxley is also at the top of that list. I would say within AEW, it is Kenny Omega and Jon Moxley – I want those two more than anybody. Outside of that, it is the dream match.”

“I always saw Wardlow vs. Lesnar to be the biggest money match in the history of national TV”

– Wardlow on his Dream Opponent

This is not the first time Wardlow has discussed wanting to work with Brock Lesnar. Earlier this year, during an appearance on the Battleground Podcast, Wardlow said, “I think if I ever found myself in the same ring as Brock Lesnar, that has money pouring out of the idea of it. I think him and I would just murder each other, I don’t know if there’s a ring that can hold the two of us.”

• Related: WWE Hall of Famer Sees ‘Brock Lesnar Potential’ in Wardlow

How He Got Into Wrestling

“I have been obsessed with professional wrestling ever since I could remember. There’s a video of me somewhere, before I could even talk, clanging and banging an old junkyard dog and action figure, using the kitchen table chair as my ring. I caught the bug young. My first memory is falling in love with Bret Hart — he’s the one that really started it for me. I just never looked back. I fell in love and it was game over.”

Wardlow joked that he’s really mad at Bret Hart, because he met him early in his wrestling career and was too nervous to ask for a picture with his hero.

Comparisons to Batista

Wardlow says he doesn’t mind people comparing him to Batista. He actually appreciates the comparison, because Batista is a legend who always carried himself well on television.

“I’ve gotten the Bautista comparisons, and there’s no greater compliment because I was a huge Bautista fan as I’m sure you could’ve guessed. Guys that influenced me in my life – Dave Bautista, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson – guys when they came out on T.V. would dress nice, and that’s how I’ve always been. I’ve always dressed nice, taking care of myself, I enjoy looking good.”

Wardlow also spoke about recently wrestling in front of his hometown crowd when AEW Dynamite took place from Cleveland, Ohio. Wardlow says it was “an adrenaline rush like I’ve never experienced in my life” and wishes he could feel that way every single day.

Listen to Wardlow’s appearance on The Zaslow Show:

For the past two years, Roman Reigns has dominated WWE like never before, holding an iron grip on the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.

Winning the Universal title in August 2020, a week after returning to TV, Reigns unified the title with Brock Lesnar’s WWE Championship at WrestleMania 38. 

The list of names who have lost to Reigns is a who’s-who of WWE, including Lesnar, John Cena, Edge, Finn Balor, Bray Wyatt, and others. 

The End is Near?

This Saturday, Reigns will defend the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship at Clash at the Castle against Drew McIntyre. 

The two faced off one-on-one at Survivor Series 2020, where Reigns got the win, but the result could be much different this time. 

WrestleVotes reports that for the first time in a long time, there have been discussions about Reigns losing at this weekend’s event.

It’s reported that “multiple ideas” have intrigued those who will decide the finish for Reigns Vs. McIntyre, which will headline Clash at the Castle. 

For the first time in a long time, there has been some discussions creatively regarding Roman Reigns dropping the title(s). I’m hearing multiple ideas have intrigued those making the final call come Saturday in Cardiff. Should be an interesting week ahead…

— WrestleVotes (@WrestleVotes) August 29, 2022

Today marks Day 729 since Reigns became Universal Champion. 

McIntyre: Why it makes sense

While Reigns has been virtually untouchable since turning heel and becoming the Tribal Chief, a McIntyre win makes sense. 

McIntyre is yet to have a World Championship win in front of a live crowd, with his first coming at the empty-arena WrestleMania 36, and his second in the Thunderdome. 

McIntyre has also been kept protected in recent years and is arguably the only Superstar active at this time who would make sense as the one to defeat Reigns. 

With reports of WWE considering more international stadium shows (depending on whether Clash at the Castle is a success) a World Title change this weekend would go a long way in proving stadium shows outside the U.S. are important.

Drew McIntyre Has Something “Extremely Special” Planned for WWE Clash at the Castle

This Saturday at WWE Clash at the Castle, Roman Reigns defends his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Drew McIntyre. It’s a dream match scenario because the previous match between the two at Survivor Series 2020 delivered at the highest level, and WWE has mostly kept them apart ever since.

Moreover, in the two years to follow, The Head of the Table has only built upon his credibility via a long title reign full of good-to-great matches. Meanwhile, fans have clamored to see McIntyre return to the main event picture after spending most of his time in the mid-card since mid-2021 when Bobby Lashley got the better of their WWE Championship feud.

That’s all the more true in the UK—a setting starving to see one of their own on top, not to mention starving for a PPV. This all comes to a head at Clash at the Castle, but how should this blockbuster match play out?

It’s Not Time For Roman Reigns To Drop The Titles Yet

WWE seems to have booked itself into a corner. The fans at Principality Stadium are likely to be very disappointed if Drew McIntyre doesn’t emerge champion. By the same token, Roman Reigns is on a historic and it stands to reason WWE will want him to remain champion at least until WrestleMania for his presumptive dream match with The Rock.

Ordinarily, the simple enough answer would be for McIntyre to win in Cardiff, then drop the title back to Reigns, but because so much of The Tribal Chief’s identity and credibility are wrapped up in having the longest world title reign in modern WWE history, that simply doesn’t seem like the right move at this time.

Drew McIntyre vs. Roman Reigns Has To Deliver

While Roman Reigns beating Drew McIntyre won’t make UK fans happy any way they cut it, one way to mitigate disappointment is to be sure the match itself delivers. Reigns and McIntyre are each exceptional talents and have proven chemistry—as long as WWE gives them time, they’re likely to hold up their end, particularly with a raucous crowd behind McIntyre elevating anything they do.

Delivering a match at or above the level of what they did at Survivor Series 2020 will go a long way toward helping fans feel like they saw something historic, regardless of the finish.

WWE Needs A Surprise to Balance UK Fans’ Disappointment

WWE has a proven track record of using a big surprise to lessen the sting of a disappointing moment or, more to the point, distract from a choice fans might otherwise reject. Consider Seth Rollins cashing in Money in the Bank to protect Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar alike in the main event of WrestleMania 31 and send fans home happy for the sense they’d been a part of something unique and electric.

While history hasn’t looked as kindly on it, one could even lump in Hulk Hogan beating Yokozuna after Yokozuna defeated Bret Hart for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 9 as another example of moving the storyline along, and throwing in a huge twist to captivate the audience.

Incorporating an attempted Money in the Bank cash-in by Theory could certainly factor into Clash at the Castle, though fans aren’t invested enough in the young star to be happy with him taking the title (besides which, that would still mark a premature end to The Tribal Chief’s title reign). Karrion Kross has also interjected himself already in the Reigns vs. McIntyre storyline and could factor in. The real key may rest with something Triple H has already embraced in his short time heading up WWE creative, though: the surprise return.

Having someone emerge to confront Reigns post-match, stealing fans’ attention away from McIntyre’s loss could offer Clash at the Caste a satisfying end. A UK-specific star showing up could have merit to pop the crowd in Cardiff, but unfortunately there aren’t many, if any, main event level talents waiting in the wings. It’s a stretch, but if WWE could book Davey Boy Smith Jr. to fill that role, he’s one of the few faces the fans live would accept, and whom WWE might be able to spin as credible short-term threat to Reigns.

Braun Strowman is a big enough name with former world champion credentials to conceivably fit as well. The best option, if WWE could pull it off, would be to pull the trigger on Bray Wyatt. This is purely fantasy booking as it’s unclear if Wyatt is available or interested in such a return (or if WWE, even without Vince McMahon, wants him). Nonetheless he’s probably the single most buzzworthy free agent out there, besides having a ready-to-tell story with Reigns given it was The Fiend whom Reigns beat for the Universal Championship in 2020, and Wyatt never got his rematch.

In the end, WWE will have its work cut out for it booking a finish at Clash at the Castle that pleases fans at home and in Wales, besides serving their long-term vision. There are no easy answers, but there are creative opportunities available to pull off something special.