WWE SmackDown aired live tonight from the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit Michigan. Sami Zayn battled Drew McIntyre in tonight’s main event. Drew will face Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at Clash at the Castle on September 3rd.

WWE SmackDown Results

• Ricochet def. Happy Corbin
• Natalya & Sonya Deville won the Last Chance Fatal 4-Way match
• Aliyah & Raquel Rodriguez def. Dakota Kai & IYO SKY to advance to the finals of the Women’s Tag Team Tournament
• Drew McIntyre def. Sami Zayn

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Ricochet Picked Up A Victory

Happy Corbin battled Ricochet in the first match of the night. Ricochet knocked Happy Corbin to the outside and posed in the middle of the ring. He connected with a Dropkick to the midsection and then a Splash for a one count. Corbin connected with a massive right hand to the face that knocked Ricochet to the canvas. The action spilled out of the ring and Ricochet hit a Corkscrew Splash before posing on the announce table as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Happy Corbin was in control and sent Ricochet into the barricade. Corbin unloaded some punches and rolled the former Intercontinental Champion back into the ring. Ricochet responded with a Tornado DDT and both superstars fell to the mat.

Ricochet unloaded some kicks to Corbin’s chest in the corner of the ring. He followed it up with an Enziguri and Corbin stumbled to the corner. Happy grabbed Ricochet by the throat but he escaped. Ricochet hit a Hurricanrana but Corbin responded with Deep Six for a near fall. Corbin followed it up with another slam but couldn’t keep Ricochet down for three.

Happy started shouting at the referee before dragging Ricochet to his feet. Corbin hit a Clothesline but Ricochet responded with a superkick. Ricochet climbed to the top rope and hit a Shooting Star Press for the pinfall victory. Pat McAfee mocked Corbin after the match.

Just an incredibly insightful breakdown from @PatMcAfeeShow on @BaronCorbinWWE. #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/txhRb5EZ6v

— WWE (@WWE) August 27, 2022

Can @KingRicochet go 2 for 2 against @BaronCorbinWWE?! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/yBTK7Sa6hS

— WWE (@WWE) August 27, 2022

Hit Row & Street Profits Meet Backstage, Karrion Kross Warns Drew McIntyre

Hit Row and Street Profits had a conversation backstage. Hit Row said they want the smoke.

Street Profits ? Hit Row#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/7BOKjnkv02

— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) August 27, 2022

Karrion Kross and Scarlett appeared on tonight’s SmackDown. Kross warned McIntyre that he can strike at any time.

Tick Tock ??@realKILLERkross sends an ominous warning to @DMcIntyreWWE#SmackDown???#WWE pic.twitter.com/KyrRvA9Nqt

— Sportskeeda Wrestling (@SKWrestling_) August 27, 2022

Natalya & Sonya Won The Fatal 4-Way

Fatal 4-Way Last Chance match for final spot in Women’s Tag Team Tournament. Natalya & Sonya Deville, Shotzi & Xia Li, Tamina & Dana Brooke, Doudrop & Nikki A.S.H. battled for the spot vacated by Toxic Attraction due to injury. The match ended quick with Natalya & Sonya Deville picking up the victory. They will battle Raquel and Aliyah later tonight.

.@NatbyNature & @SonyaDevilleWWE pull off the win and now face @RaquelWWE & @WWE_Aliyah in the semi-finals later tonight on #SmackDown! pic.twitter.com/uUs8RYJS6Z

— WWE (@WWE) August 27, 2022

Sheamus & Gunther Had A Staredown During A Brawl

Sheamus, Ridge Holland, and Butch made their way to the ring as the show went to a commercial. Sheamus vowed to become a Grand Slam Champion and defeat Gunther at Clash at the Castle. Intercontinental Champion Gunther interrupted and came to the ring with Ludwig Kaiser.

Sheamus said that Gunther isn’t The Ring General, he is. The Celtic Warrior ran down the list of WWE legends that he has defeated during his career. Sheamus added that Gunther reminds him of himself. He stated that Gunther has something that he wants and that is the Intercontinental Championship.

Gunther said that Sheamus is nothing like him and that he will teach him what violence really means at Clash at the Castle. The two then had a stare down as Butch and Ludwig brawled behind them. Gunther and Sheamus never broke eye contact as the brawl continued all around them. Butch and Ludwig fell down after trading punches to end the segment.

That was INTENSE. They didn't break eye contact…not even once ?@Gunther_AUT @WWESheamus #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/NJgDTp0JjY

— WWE (@WWE) August 27, 2022

Sami Zayn & Roman Reigns Had Another Conversation

Sami Zayn knocked on Roman Reigns’ door and The Usos answered. Jey Uso tried to get Sami to go away but Roman told him to stop. Zayn entered the room with The Bloodline and The Tribal Chief invited him to sit down. Roman noted that he lost last week and didn’t become the #1 Contender for the Intercontinental Championship but this gives Sami a change to redeem themselves.

Reigns thanked Sami for helping him last week and Zayn claimed that Roman can count on him for anything. Roman asked Sami to keep Drew McIntyre occupied. Sami said he has a match against Drew tonight and he is a master in getting in people’s heads. Reigns told Sami to prove his worth to The Bloodline tonight.

? @SamiZayn just got an invite!#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/CBy1O94M5I

— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) August 27, 2022

The Finals Are Set For The Women’s Tag Tournament

Aliyah & Raquel Rodriguez faced Natalya & Sonya Deville in the Women’s Tag Team Tournament. Bayley joined commentary as Kai & Sky were ringside. Aliyah and Raquel dominated early and sent Natalya and Sonya out of the ring. Natalya planted Aliyah with a Falcon Arrow on the floor outside the ring as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Natalya choked Raquel against the ring ropes and tagged in Deville. Sonya stomped on Raquel a couple of times against the turnbuckle and followed it up with a Clotheslines for a near fall. Raquel tagged in and hit a Splash for a near fall.

Natalya tripped Raquel up and went for the Sharpshooter but Rodriguez blocked it and sent her out of the ring. Raquel planted Sonya with the Texana Bomb for the pinfall victory. Raquel & Aliyah will face Dakota & IYO on next Monday’s edition of RAW to crown the new Women’s Tag Team Champions.

THE FINALS ARE SET!#IYOSKY & @ImKingKota vs. @RaquelWWE & @WWE_Aliyah for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship THIS MONDAY on #WWERaw! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/9Epko585cl

— WWE (@WWE) August 27, 2022

Maximum Male Models Spray Painted The Wrong Bus

Maximum Male Models were having issues on their photo shoot as Hit Row was singing on their tour bus. Maxxiine Dupri said she had an idea before a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Maxxiine had Los Lotharios with her and they spray painted the bus. It was then revealed to be Street Profits’ bus and MMM ran away to end the segment.

Well this is awkward…. #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/KMqn4n9F6L

— WWE (@WWE) August 27, 2022

The New Day Tricked The Viking Raiders

Xavier Woods returned in a wheelchair and said they really underestimated the Viking Raiders. Kofi brought up the viking funeral last week and how Erik & Ivar burned New Day shirts and boxes of Booty-Os. The Viking Raiders interrupted and called the New Day pathetic. Woods then reveals he’s just in a walking boot and New Day beat Viking Raiders down with kendo sticks. Xavier took off the walking boot as well. It was announced that Viking Raiders will battle New Day in a Viking Rules match next week (Falls Count Anywhere, No DQ).

Call an ambulance…but not for The New Day!@AustinCreedWins @TrueKofi #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/MnNsZtWL0c

— WWE (@WWE) August 27, 2022

Drew McIntyre vs. Sami Zayn

It was announced that Roman Reigns will celebrate two years as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion next week on SmackDown. Before the match, Sami and Jey got in an argument about The Locker Room Leader talking behind Uso’s back to The Tribal Chief.

Is Jey @WWEUsos a little jealous of @SamiZayn? #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/TEfxuTtlX8

— WWE (@WWE) August 27, 2022

Drew dominated the action early and beat Sami down in the corner of the ring. McIntyre connected with a Backbreaker and then perched Sami up on the top turnbuckle. Drew went for a Superplex but Zayn blocked it. Zayn connected with a Sunset Flip Powerbomb that sent McIntyre down to the canvas as SmackDown went to the final commercial break of the night.

When SmackDown returned, Sami connected with a massive Tornado DDT and went for the cover but Drew powered out at two. Zayn set up for the Blue Thunder Bomb but McIntyre blocked it. Drew hit the Glasgow Kiss and Sami fell to the mat. Drew unloaded a couple of Clotheslines and sent Sami to the corner.

McIntyre launched Zayn across the ring and followed it up with a Neckbreaker. Drew geared up in the corner of the ring for the Claymore but The Usos provided a distraction. Sami capitalized with the Blue Thunder Bomb but Drew kicked out at two. Drew knocked The Usos off the apron and leveled Sami with the Claymore for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Roman Reigns rushed the ring and attacked Drew McIntyre. The Tribal Chief threatened to strike the referee and he retreated out of the ring. Drew launched Reigns into the ring post but The Usos attacked from behind. Drew unloaded some strikes and threw Jimmy & Jey to the outside. Reigns leveled Drew with a Spear and The Usos brought a steel chair into the ring.

The Usos beat Drew down with the chairs before throwing McIntyre to the outside. The Usos beat Drew down some more before clearing off the announce table. Jimmy and Jey slammed Drew into the barricade and held him up. Zayn delivered a Helluva Kick to Drew’s face and The Usos struck McIntyre several times with the steel steps. The Usos rolled Drew into the ring and Roman talked some trash. Reigns then applied the Guillotine choke until McIntyre passed out in the middle of the ring. Roman then took a seat over McIntyre and posed with the titles as The Bloodline and The Honorary Uce celebrated in the background.

What a Sunset Powerbomb from @SamiZayn! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/TTLxEl45Mv

— WWE (@WWE) August 27, 2022

This is a full on assault from #TheBloodline ?@WWERomanReigns @WWEUsos @SamiZayn pic.twitter.com/yNoNe6F2jK

— WWE (@WWE) August 27, 2022

Message. Sent.@WWERomanReigns @WWEUsos @SamiZayn #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/QUw56dfrvK

— WWE (@WWE) August 27, 2022

Makeup artist Lina Zunigao noted on Instagram that she did makeup for Renee Paquette, formerly known as Renee Young, while in Orlando. 

She noted that Paquette is there for WWE, indicating Paquette is filming something today at the WWE Performance Center. Zunigao posted the following on her Instagram account:

“Makeup for @reneepaquette this morning for WWE @wwe Hair by @lizsantanabeauty ??????????#miamimua #miamimakeupartist #orlandomua #orlandohairstylist #makeupmentor #makeupcoach #wwe.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Chujf8bDEuE/

Renee later revealed she was brought in to film WWE Rivals:

https://www.instagram.com/p/ChvH-H9pSZD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Renee Paquette’s Time In WWE

After working for Canada’s Score Television Network, Paquette started working for WWE in 2012. Throughout her time with the company, she worked in various roles, including pre-show host, interviewer, and color commentator. 

She hosted WWE Backstage on FS1, was a cast member for a season on Total Divas, and had her own WWE Network series, Unfiltered with Renee Young. 

Young was the first woman to become a full-time announcer for Monday Night Raw in August 2018 before moving to SmackDown as a “special contributor” in October 2019.  

While away from WWE, Paquette has stayed busy by being a mother to her first child with Jon Moxley and hosting her Sessions podcast. She also co-hosts a show on Sirius XM Fight Nation Channel 156 with UFC fighter Miesha Tate titled “Throwing Down with Renee & Miesha.”

Santos Escobar lost to Tony D’Angelo on the WWE Heatwave edition of NXT TV with the stipulation that if Escobar had won, then Legado Del Fantasma would be free of Tony, but if he lost, then he would leave NXT. 

Once it was clear that Santos was done with NXT and going to the main roster, there were questions about the rest of the Legado Del Fantasma group (Joaquin Wilde, Cruz Del Toro, and Elektra Lopez).

In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that the entire group will be debuting on Raw or SmackDown soon. Although it’s still unclear when they will make their main roster debut, it would make sense to hold off until the Clash at the Castle pay-per-view next Saturday.

More NXT Names

Meltzer also confirmed two other names reported about getting called up – Solo Sikoa and Indi Hartwell. WWE has considered bringing up Solo for months. 

Regarding Hartwell, she will likely be paired with Dexter Lumis once again after he returned to NXT to reunite with her before being arrested. 

Based on Lumis kidnapping Miz, it looks like WWE is building towards a Lumis & Hartwell vs. Miz & Maryse feud. These are wrestlers that Triple H was pushing before he had to take a step back due to health issues.

WWE Superstar Theory spoke with SEScoops correspondent Steve Fall this week for NBC Sports Boston. They discussed a wide variety of topics, including when he’ll cash in his Money in the Bank contract, comparisons to John Cena, Triple H taking over WWE creative and much more.

The interview was set up to promote Survivor Series, which takes place Saturday, November 26th from Boston’s TD Garden. Theory confirmed this year’s WWE Survivor Series will continue the tradition of a Raw vs. SmackDown theme.

He teased that he might cash in his Money in the Bank contract at Survivor Series. Then again, who knows, he might be the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion by then.

When asked about his Survivor Series dream team, Theory said his ideal partners would be Stone Cold Steve Austin, Batista and Hollywood star Robert Downey Jr.

They discussed Johnny Gargano’s return to WWE on Monday’s Raw. Gargano showed Theory “The Way” in NXT, but Raw is his show now and Gargano will have to accept that.

Failing to “Cash In” at SummerSlam

When asked if he’ll be cashing in at Clash at the Castle, Theory said he’s learned not to tell people when he’s cashing in. He also explained his failed cash-in attempt at SummerSlam.

“The reason why I wasn’t able to successfully cash in at SummerSlam is because of how ridiculously long the ramp was,” said Theory. “Did you see how long I was running? We would have been able to cash in, that was impossible, and did I know about that? No. I knew these guys were going to destroy each other, Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns, but did I know that the entrance was going to be like 2 miles? I mean, c’mon!”

Theory said he didn’t plan for a “2-mile” run to the ring, he didn’t plan for a tractor to lift the ring off the ground. He bemoaned that the whole situation was unfair and ridiculous.

Triple H Running WWE Creative

Theory was asked about Triple H’s new role as the head of WWE creative. Is everything ok with Theory and WWE management?

“Yes, absolutely,” he said. “I feel like I’m in a great position. There’s definitely a comfortability there, working with Triple H back in NXT, we all know the creative mind he has. Over past few weeks as he’s been running the show, it’s definitely a difference and by difference I just mean, a different side of a creative level, I think it’s going really well.”

He added that he wants a selfie with Triple H.

Comparisons to John Cena

“I will always appreciate that,” he said. “Just being a kid at 8 years old and seeing John Cena for the first time. It really inspired me to do what I’m doing now and it’s made a career and pretty much set up my whole life, so there’s always going to be that appreciation of comparison.

But for me, I want to be on my own and do my own thing. I think often times, when somebody is on the come up, people are always going to jump to, ‘He does this like this one, or he looks like this one,’ and thats great. People are always gonna do that. But I think time definitely tells and with time I think everybody is going to know that Theory is a standalone name.”

Watch Steve Fall’s interview with WWE Superstar Theory for NBC Sports Boston:

https://youtu.be/3uwYwIKyoYQ

Longtime professional wrestling commentator Jim Ross is worried about the number of titles in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) right now.

The WWE Hall Of Famer recently took to his podcast, “Grilling JR,” and voiced a bit of concern over the growing amount of championship belt that are being integrated into AEW at the moment. Ross fears this could lead to a bit of oversaturation down the line.

“We’re facing that right now in AEW with the Six-Man titles. I just believe that you have to be very careful on how many titles are represented on your television. You can get overexposed very easily.

“I don’t know. I don’t want to belittle anybody for their opportunities to earn a championship, earn more money, earn a bigger place on the roster and all those things. I don’t.

“I just think you have to be very careful in how many titles they have. I just think the more you have, the less most of them mean.”

Currently, there are eight official titles listed for AEW. The AEW World Championship, AEW All-Atlantic Championship, AEW TNT Championship, FTW Championship, AEW Tag Team Championships, the upcoming AEW Trios Titles, AEW Women’s World Championship, and the AEW TBS Championship.

The newest titles of the bunch being the All-Atlantic Title as well as the upcoming AEW Trios Titles. AEW is currently holding a tournament to crown the inaugural Trios Champions, which features some big names that are left in the brackets.

As for the current title holders around AEW, they’re undoubtedly around the waists of some of the promotion’s biggest stars; such as Jon Moxley, PAC, Wardlow, Thunder Rosa, and Jade Cargill.

While putting a title on a young star such as Wardlow or Cargill can certainly help their growth, the potential issue Jim Ross brings up is certainly a valid one.

It will be interesting to see if AEW continues to add more titles to the mix moving forward.

Quotes via WrestlingNewsCo

Thunder Rosa wants to clear the air.

The AEW women’s champion recently revealed that she would not be able to compete at next weekend’s ALL OUT pay-per-view due to a back injury, and that an interim women’s champion would be crowned in her absence. Competing for the interim title will be Toni Storm, Jamie Hayter, and former champions Hikaru Shida and Britt Baker.

However, Rosa’s injury wasn’t the only news that surfaced this week. Multiple reports claimed that La Mera Mera had a ton of backstage heat due to working stiff in the ring. This apparently included some problems with Hayter, who had her nose broken by Rosa when they wrestled earlier this year. It also reported that Rosa was set to lose the title to Toni Storm at ALL OUT so that there would be a new face of the women’s division.

Rosa addressed the rumors of her backstage heat on today’s edition of Busted Open Radio.

???.@thunderrosa22 joins @BustedOpenRadio w/ @davidlagreca1 & @THETOMMYDREAMER to share the REAL story of her injury that will prevent her from competing at @AEW #AEWAllOut ??#AEW #AEWDynamite #AEWRampage

Catch the full interview later on "The Busted Open Podcast"! pic.twitter.com/wNaQfQT38K

— SiriusXM Busted Open (@BustedOpenRadio) August 26, 2022

Clearing The Air

Thunder Rosa says there’s been a lot of misinformation about her spread online. She faces her issues head on and anybody who has a problem with her should speak to her directly.

“Stop reading the dirt sheets, guys. Not everything that’s being said is true. Seriously, and that’s why I’m here to clear the air. If anyone has a problem with me, anyone, you can call Busted Open, you can call my number, tell me to my face. I don’t hide from my problems, I don’t run from my problems. You can talk to me, my door is open and that goes for anybody.”

“I have taken accountability for things that have happened, we have talked about it on Busted Open, we have talked about it with people and that’s the person I am. I’m straightforward and some people don’t like that. Some people are scared of that, but I’m not. I’m a trained fighter, I don’t run away from sh-t, so stop reading stupid shit online. That’s all I have to say about that.”

Her Back Injury Is Bad Enough She Can Barely Walk

The next subject the champ would address is her back injury. She clarifies that not only is her injury legitimate, but pretty severe.

“I’m not the best physically right now, I’m not going to lie. I was in a lot of pain yesterday and one of the reasons I called — thank you for having me — a lot has been happening the past couple weeks and unfortunately, I’m going to be out of commission. I don’t know for how long, [but] for a couple months, probably. I have a problem with my back. And Tommy can [attest to this], back problems are not easy. Some days it’s very good, some days they’re not. Yesterday was not a good day. It was not a good day and I was in a lot of pain.”

Unfortunately, Rosa also reveals that she’s had some trouble walking due to the back pain.

“That’s one of the reasons I’m taking time off. I want to clear the air — this is not fake, this is not a work. I am not comparing injuries to [others], but if I can f-cking walk, I can f-cking work, I’m sorry. My doctor, he didn’t clear me to wrestle. I’m not cleared to wrestle and it’s not that I don’t want to wrestle on Sunday, I can’t work.

It’s a shame about — and we were talking about this last week about how people just want the dirt — it’s a shame to put it out on social media because it discredits me as an athlete, but it also discredits me as a wrestler. I’m sorry guys, I want to walk when I’m 40. I have the right to say no, I can’t walk. I can’t do it. I’m in my rights, because I don’t want to have surgery. And if we keep going, and you know this Tommy, if we keep going through the pain, then I’m going to be out for longer and I don’t want to do this.”

H/T to WrestleZone for the transcribed quotes

Roman Reigns has provided an update on a potential WrestleMania matchup with The Rock down the line.

Many have been hyping up a meeting inside the ring between the cousins, preferably at “The Grandest Stage Of Them All” WrestleMania. While both men have teased the potential match, nothing has been made official just yet.

Speaking to Sports Illustrated recently, Reigns was asked about the status of the much discussed dream match.

Reigns claims he things things are looking “better” in regards to the match happening. Especially with The Rock teasing the match on an episode of his sitcom, “Young Rock.”

“Update is Dwyane’s dropping it within his own project so it’s gotta be pretty good, it’s gotta be pretty special,” said Reigns. “I think that just goes to show the clamoring, the buzz for it, the chatter for it, the wishful thinking.

“So it’s something he definitely played into within Young Rock. As you know with him everything is highly strategic, lotta synergy with everything he does, with the projects that he’s guiding and has in mind.

“I would say just based off of that alone it looks better than the last time we spoke.”

Roman Reigns currently reigns as the Undisputed WWE Champion, appearing on both RAW and SmackDown from time to time. He leads at the forefront of The Bloodline, accompanied by The Usos, who also dominate the Tag Team Divisions on both RAW and SmackDown as champions.

With Reigns declaring himself the “Tribal Chief” of his family, many would love to see The Rock challenge such a notion in the ring.

Of course, Dwayne Johnson is one of the busiest men in Hollywood and is very much in demand. Making a match happen would be difficult, however, crazier things have happened in WWE.

Despite the ongoing controversies, the Vince McMahon Netflix project is still moving forward.

It was initially reported back in July that Netflix scrapped the project after the sexual misconduct scandal around McMahon came to light. However, a new report from Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that’s no longer the case.

Netflix is still doing the McMahon documentary with cooperation from WWE. This is one of at least two major documentaries on McMahon’s life that are in production right now. A Vince McMahon book is also slated to be released next year.

The Netflix documentary was first announced during WWE’s third-quarter financials call. Bill Simmons serves as executive producer, with Chris Smith, best known for his work on Frye: The Greatest Party That Never Happened, directing.

WWE had touted it as the highest-budgeted Netflix docuseries of all time. McMahon was forced to step down from his longtime role as WWE CEO earlier this year amidst reports of sexual misconduct with former employees.

He was soon replaced by Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan as co-CEOs. Although he remained head of WWE creative for a short while, he was also forced to retire from that role, and any involvement with WWE altogether, after investigations into the allegations begun.

Now, his son-in-law and multi-time WWE World Champion Triple H is filling that void. While it’s unfortunate McMahon is no longer with the company he built from the ground up, the changes under “The Game” have been very well received.

Wade Barrett has confirmed he’s signed a contract extension to remain with WWE.

Barrett was interviewed by BT Sport recently, where he discussed his two-year anniversary with WWE since returning in 2020. He has been serving as a commentator over on NXT, and announced he recently signed a contract extension with WWE.

“Glad to hit my two-year anniversary. Just signed a new extension to my contract actually. Contract was up so [it was extended]. Yeah it’s been two years, so very happy.

“I think it was August of 2020 when I came back, and last week agreed to the new deal so very very happy to be staying around with WWE and continuing in my role with NXT. Thrilled to be in that environment. Loving it.”

Barrett initially joined WWE back in 2006 as an in-ring talent. After runs in WWE’s then-developmental territories of Ohio Valley Wrestling and Florida Championship Wrestling, he went on to win the first season of NXT, earning a WWE contract.

However, his debut turned out to be Barrett leading a new faction built up of NXT rookies from the show’s first season, attacking John Cena and CM Punk during the main event of RAW on June 7 of 2010.

Barrett would go on to become a five-time Intercontinental Champion, as well as becoming King Of The Ring in 2015. In 2016 he was granted a release from his contract, taking a break from in-ring competition.

He finally returned to the fold with WWE in his current role with NXT in August of 2020.

Earlier this year, Will Ospreay made his AEW debut, alongside his fellow United Empire teammates Kyle Fletcher and Mark Davis.

So far, Ospreay holds a 2-2 record in AEW, including a singles win over Dax Harwood at the Road Rager episode of Dynamite in June this year

Ospreay’s Accusation

Will Ospreay has been impressive in AEW so far, but his time in the company could have come much earlier.

Speaking to Wrestle Inn recently, Ospreay accused a certain top AEW star of preventing him to come to the company last year.

“The rumor was that I was meant to be in AEW a year ago, just doing Forbidden Door stuff and somebody is putting the block on it. It doesn’t take two and two to realize who it is. One person who has not been there for a while and all of a sudden, I’m welcome in with open arms.”

Ospreay’s comments are aimed at Kenny Omega, as the former AEW World Champion had been out of action for months following last November’s Full Gear Pay Per View.

It was during Omega’s absence from AEW that Ospreay made his debut for the company.

Ready to Embarrass

Despite the alleged best efforts of Kenny Omega, Ospreay is now working with AEW, and is ready to embarrass the roster.

Speaking to SEScoops correspondent Samira last October, Ospreay spoke about several AEW stars including Bryan Danielson, Kenny Omega and Sammy Guevara calling him out for a match.

“Guys like Bryan Danielson made a living being one of the best wrestlers in the world. But if I showed up, he would not last in the ring with me.”

Ospreay added that the AEW roster don’t want him to show up, because he will “embarrass” them in the ring.

Watch: What Happened With Kenny Omega After Dynamite Went Off Air

From the moment All Elite Wrestling launched in 2019, the company has tried to be an alternative to WWE.

Over a decade into WWE’s PG rating, which is reportedly not going away anytime soon, AEW has tried to push the envelope with what makes it to TV.

Many fans have enjoyed AEW’s edgier content, comparing it to the WWE’s acclaimed Attitude Era.

Profanity

One way AEW has set itself apart from WWE is by the use of profanity that makes it on its programming.

AEW wrestlers have often used “sh*t” when cutting promos about their opponents, or in the case of Christian Cage earlier this year, when insulting the mother of Jungle Boy, saying that she “raised a piece of sh*t.”

In June, MJF laid into AEW and Tony Khan, branding the latter a “f**king mark.”

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter now reports that AEW is expected to tone down the use of profanity in programming, an order that has come from Warner Bros. Discovery.

It is unclear how AEW President will implement these changes and if certain words are outright banned if not limited.

Blood

AEW is expected to tone down the amount of cursing that makes it on their shows, but it appears blood is here to stay.

Blood has become a large part of AEW, as wrestlers are often bleeding both at Pay Per Views and on TV.

The red viscous liquid is obviously part of the Blood and Guts match, a name based on a dig by former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.

The Observer reports that there is no word on Warner Bros. Discovery wanting to tone down blood on AEW programming.

The use of blood in AEW has set the promotion apart from WWE, which very rarely allows blood.

New Report Says WB Discovery Asked AEW For “Shark Week” Tie-In

IMPACT Wrestling presents Lone Star Stampede this weekend from Dallas, Texas. The two-day television taping event will feature “The Quintessential Diva”, Gisele Shaw.

Ahead of the IMPACT tapings, Shaw spoke with SEScoops correspondent Ella Jay about why 2022 was the right year for her to sign the company, her thoughts on Killer Kelly joining the Knockouts Division, her ring-gear inspirations, and more.

Here are some highlights of what Gisele Shaw said about:

Why Now Was The Right Time To Sign With IMPACT Wrestling After Previous Attempts From The Company:

“I just feel like before there were no opportunities. So I’ve been the kind of person where if there’s no opportunities, I’m going to create opportunities for myself. So that’s why I went to the U.K, I did that. I was hoping anyway. I was banking on them loving me and hopefully making me want to stay and keep me there, which they did. At the time, I just wanted to make a name for myself and learn that type of wrestling.

When IMPACT first came to me, I just was not ready because I didn’t really feel like I’ve accomplished what I needed to accomplish in the UK at the time. So when I’ve reached the pinnacle, as you would say, in the British scene, I felt like, ‘okay, what’s next? You know?’. Then it just so happened at the time, IMPACT Wrestling came back again and they go, ‘Are you ready now?’ I said, ‘Let’s go. This is the time’.”

On Killer Kelly Joining The Knockouts Division:

“I actually know Killer Kelly from the UK when we were both working in that scene. It’s so crazy because, the only time that we’ve actually wrestled was once in a four way and immediately we were like, ‘Oh man, I really want to wrestle you,’ and vice versa. We’ve just been waiting and waiting and watching her now at IMPACT [Wrestling].

She’s so incredible. When she comes out on her entrance, I tell everyone, ‘oh, my God. She’s such a vixen’. She’s just got this aura about her that’s just like, ‘yeah, I’m about to mess you up,’ you know what I mean? I don’t know. It’s just like something about her. It’s like that, Je ne sais quoi.”

Ring Gear Inspirations:

“So my ring gear, I like it to be inspired like Victoria’s Secret style. When I was growing up–so this is what I was when I was growing up. I always wanted to either be a Victoria’s Secret Angel or a professional wrestler. And you know what? I’m doing it both right now. Pretty much. Why not have the best of both worlds? And so, yeah, they [Victoria Secret Angels] do inspire me to [be] like sexy but confident, strong, independent woman, That’s what the Quintessential Diva is.”

The Lone Star Stampede will run this Friday August 26th & Saturday August 27th from Dallas, Texas. Tickets for the event can be found here.

Wrestling veteran Bobby Fulton has confirmed that he has been released from the hospital and is now recovering at home.

The 61-year-old was rushed to hospital last week in North Carolina. He was diagnosed with double pneumonia and sepsis as well.

The wrestling legend recently promoted an upcoming New Age Outlaws appearance from his Twitter. When a fan asked him about his health, Fulton confirmed that he has been released from the hospital:

Thanks for the update Bobby! I’ve been praying for you

— Brian G. James (@BrianRDJames) August 26, 2022

Bobby Fulton has been part of the professional wrestling world since he was 16. He competed for many different territories during his time including Memphis, Mid-South, World Class Championship Wrestling, Jim Crockett Promotions, WCW and more.

The team of Fulton and late Tommy Rogers, collectively known as The Fantastics, were considered one of the best tag teams of the 80s. They feuded with teams such as The Midnight Express and The Sheepherders.

Fulton also made at least one WWF appearance, when he faced Rogers in a singles match in a tournament to crown the WWF Light Heavyweight Champion.

Bobby Fulton has remained active in the professional wrestling world despite his age. He regularly makes appearances at different convention and signing events.

He has previously defeated throat cancer and also underwent a successful shoulder replacement surgery earlier this year.

Tonight’s WWE SmackDown will arrive in Detriot, Michigan for the 1,201st episode of the blue brand.

The show will see the Superstars of the blue brand continue on the road to WWE Clash at the Castle, which will take place next Saturday.

Next week’s show will be at Principality Stadium, in Cardiff, Wales, and will mark WWE’s biggest event in the UK in 30 years.

Double Booking

Fans in Detriot will certainly get their money’s worth, as tonight will see not one but two SmackDowns being taped.

In addition to tonight’s show, next week’s go-home show before WWE Clash at the Castle will also be taped in advance, Fightful has learned.

Woods Return

According to Fightful, Xavier Woods is expected to be back on WWE TV during tonight’s SmackDown.

Woods missed the entirety of August, after an attack by the newly-heel turned Viking Raiders.

On the July 29, 2022, SmackDown, the Vikings trapped Woods’ leg in a steel chair and smashed it with their shields.

On commentary, Michael Cole made reference to Woods’ history of injuries, including missing six months due to an Achilles tendon injury.

JBL is Back

Xavier Woods isn’t the only prominent name expected back on tonight’s episode of SmackDown on FOX.

The report adds that WWE Hall of Famer John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield will also be at tonight’s event and will be used on-screen in some capacity.

It is unclear what exactly the former WWE Champion will be doing on the show.

Since retiring from the ring in 2009, JBL has made sporadic appearances for WWE, often on pre-show panels before WWE Premium Live Events.

Raw Superstars at SmackDown

Several Superstars from the Raw brand are in Detroit for tonight’s SmackDown, including the Street Profits, Bayley, Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai.

In 1987, a decade before he’d become the evil on-screen monster fans know him for, Vince McMahon appeared in a video for ‘Stand Back.’

The music video saw the then-commentator strut his stuff with gorgeous women, while the Superstars of the time performed on stage.

The Worst Time I Had in WWE

Vince McMahon may have had a lot of fun with ‘Stand Back’ but Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts is not a fan.

For the performance at the 1987 Slammy Awards, the future-WWE Hall of Famer played a trumpet with his fellow wrestlers.

When asked about Stand Back during the latest episode of the “DDP Snake Pit” podcast, Roberts said it was the worst thing he’s ever done (via Wrestling News.)

“I don’t claim to be a dancer. I like to watch dancers, but I wouldn’t be a dancer. Musical instruments, I can’t carry a tune in a bucket, much less play a trumpet. That whole shenanigan was probably the worst time I’ve had in the WWE or any other organization.”

“That whole shenanigan was probably the worst time I’ve had in the WWE.”

Jake Roberts on his performance for ‘Stand Back.’

Making a Loss

Not only was Jake Roberts mortified to be part of ‘Stand Back’ but his performance ultimately cost him money.

Roberts told listeners that they were not paid for their performance and that because of the free time they had during the shoot at a hotel in Atlantic City, he ultimately made a loss.

“That trip cost me like six grand because they had gambling, they had alcohol, and we had way too much time on our hands.”

Jake Roberts.

Roberts did say that they were well taken care of at the hotel, but is pleased that the wrestling world ‘moved forward’ and there were no repeat performances.

In WWE, Christian captured the World Heavyweight Championship for the first time in 2011, after the title had been vacated following the retirement of Edge.

This was the highest peak of Christian’s WWE career, which also included reigns as ECW Champion, Intercontinental Champion, and several tag titles.

For many fans, Christian’s World Championship win was a long-time coming, as fans had followed his career since 1998 both in WWE and later in TNA Wrestling.

Parents Know Best

Cage’s two WWE World Heavyweight Championships were something fans (or rather ‘peeps’) were thrilled to see, but it could’ve happened much earlier.

In his new memoir, ‘There’s Just One Problem…: True Tales from the Former, One-Time, 7th Most Powerful Person in WWE’ former WWE head writer Brian Gewirtz recalled writing for Saturday Night Live as The Rock’s writer, and dropped a bombshell on Cage.

“SNL doesn’t really like outsides, especially friends of the host coming in and attempting to write material. As someone who’s received countless pitches from friends agents and even wrestlers’ parents who feel their prodigy should be Champion *cough* Christian *cough* I completely got the mindset.”

Gewirtz didn’t specify which title Mr. and Mrs. Cage pitched for his son to win, though it’s believed to be a World title.

Christian Today

Last year, Cage made his in-ring return, nearly seven years after his last match, competing in the 2021 WWE Men’s Royal Rumble match.

Despite this, Cage would leave the promotion, and join AEW at their March 2021 Revolution Pay Per View.

At this year’s Road Rager edition of AEW Dynamite, Cage turned heel, attacking Jungle Boy after he and Luchasaurus lost the AEW World Tag Team Titles to the Young Bucks.

Christian Cage: ‘To Get My Career Back After 7 Years Is A Gift’

Story broke out yesterday that Eddie Kingston had been suspended from AEW after a real-life altercation with Sammy Guevara.

The cause of this shoot confrontation was a promo the former TNT champion cut during a Rampage taping on August 10. Sammy used some derogatory remarks in the promo that Kingston wasn’t aware of.

The company chose not to air the segment on TV after the altercation. A video of the unaired segment has now emerged, which you can check out below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zYSIwrxvMg

Sammy Guevara and Eddie Kingston React

Reports have since revealed that Eddie Kingston has already completed his suspension and he is expected back on AEW programming next week.

Both Kingston and Sammy Guevara have also released statements on the matter. The Mad King admitted that he was wrong for being unprofessional.

Guevara on the other hand, blamed Kingston for not communicating things properly. He claimed that the fellow AEW star needs to do some kind of anger management because this isn’t the first time he has gotten out of control.

Sammy was originally expected to lose the match against Eddie Kingston at All Out. The bout is still advertised on social media by the company but it hasn’t been made official on TV. There is no word on who might win if the match does take place.

WWE may not be going back to TV-14 after all.

There had been reports last month that WWE could be changing the TV ratings of their programs and reverting back to TV-14.

It would have allowed the company to have a more mature presentation and potentially reintroduced the use of blood on WWE programming.

However, according to latest reports from PWInsider, there are no current plans to change the company’s TV ratings. WWE programming on both Fox and USA Network is expected to remain TV-PG for the foreseeable future.

This is a disappointing news for fans who had been hoping that the return of TV-14 ratings could help the programming rejuvenate further after Triple H took over the control of WWE creative.

Even stars like The Undertaker approved this change. The Dead Man said that it will allow the company to return to the formulas of the Attitude Era and make shows much more interesting.

Eric Bischoff had noted how it may help the company regain some lapsed fans who tuned out because the product got too soft.

How do you feel about WWE keeping the TV-PG ratings instead of reverting back to TV-14? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

The first big NXT call-up after Triple H taking over the creative might be coming soon and it can affect one of the most important storylines in the WWE.

According to sources in WWE, there has been a lot of talk within the past week that Solo Sikoa could be main roster bound in the very near future.

Sikoa made his wrestling debut back in 2021. He wrestled his first match in NXT in November 2021 and has been a regular for the brand ever since.

The 29-year-old is the son of WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi and brother of the current WWE Undisputed Tag Team Champions The Usos.

He is also the cousin of current WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. Reigns is set to defend his title against Drew McIntyre at the upcoming Clash At The Castle event.

There were early reports that WWE can attempt to split the world titles by adding Karrion Kross to the mix. However, so far they seem to be moving forward with a singles match at the show with both titles on the line at the same time.

The curious timing of talks about the future of Solo Sikoa is making fans wonder if we will see his main roster debut at the upcoming PPV itself.

• The Usos Say Solo Sikoa Changed Everything to Set Himself Apart

H/T: PWInsider

Former WWE CEO Vince McMahon has finally been seen in public following his shocking retirement from the company.

Vince stepped away from the company after alleged “hush money” payments to former female employees were uncovered by an investigation by WWE’s Board of Directors. WWE also reported an additional $5 million in payments by Vince to Donald Trump’s charitable organization in a recent SEC Filing, coinciding with his appearance at WrestleMania 23.

After his departure, his daughter Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan were named co-CEOs. John Laurinaitis was dismissed from the company and replaced by Triple H as the EVP of Talent Relations. The Game has also taken over as Head of Creative for the promotion. In one of his final TV appearances, Vince introduced John Cena to the ring to celebrate his 20th Anniversary with the company on the June 27th episode of RAW.

At 77, time for me to retire. Thank you, WWE Universe. Then. Now. Together. Forever. #WWE #thankful

Vince McMahon

At 77, time for me to retire.
Thank you, WWE Universe. 
Then. Now. Forever. Together. #WWE #thankful

— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) July 22, 2022

Vince Celebrates His Birthday With John Cena

The 77-year-old celebrated his birthday yesterday with 16-time WWE Champion John Cena and his wife, Shay Shariatzadeh. Vince tried to avoid the paparazzi by covering his face as while quickly walking to a car waiting for him.

An unidentified woman accompanied Vince to the Waverly Inn restaurant in New York City. Linda McMahon was not present for the birthday dinner. This was the first public appearance for Vince since he stepped away from WWE on July 22nd.

Video of Vince McMahon out celebrating his birthday in NYC last night.pic.twitter.com/NrSOKvBrZT

— One Stop Wrestling (@1Stop_Wrestling) August 25, 2022

this is a photo of Vince McMahon out in public for the first time since his retirement but all I care about is the woman holding her purse strap in her mouth??? pic.twitter.com/NDLL43auuj

— Billy Mays III (@infinitethird) August 25, 2022

The first public sighting of Vince McMahon since his retirement.

At his birthday meal, featuring John Cena! pic.twitter.com/qkJZbf4EoQ

— NukemTalksWrestling (@NukemWrestling) August 25, 2022

AEW star Sammy Guevara has issued a statement in regard to a backstage incident with Eddie Kingston. The two were involved in a feud that was supposed to lead to a match at AEW All Out on September 4th.

At the taping for the Quake by the Lake edition of Rampage, Sammy had a promo in the ring following his match. The 29-year-old mocked Eddie’s physical appearance during the promo, leading to the backstage incident. It has also been reported that Sammy has heat with previous wrestlers he’s worked with in the promotion as well.

Eddie Kingston apologized in a comment to PW Insider earlier today: “You know the truth.  I wouldn’t lie. I was wrong for being unprofessional. That is the blind fact. He did what he did and the public can judge that but I know for a fact I was wrong.”

We heard back from Sammy Guevara about the incident with Eddie Kingston. His full quote is coming to https://t.co/tS0DSoDJFi for subscribers, and might surprise some. pic.twitter.com/NV4glPfcMC

— FightfulSelect.com! Exclusive Pro Wrestling News (@FightfulSelect) August 25, 2022

Sammy Guevara’s Statement

Sammy Guevara has provided the following statement of his own to Fightful Select on the matter and called Eddie’s actions unprofessional:

“As a professional you communicate things that you don’t want to be said (like other people I’ve been in programs with and have worked with Matt Hardy, Jericho and others) and I did communicate of what I didn’t want to be said in this angle and Eddie didn’t. But Eddie did not do the same and Eddie did not mention to me or the coaches or TK or anyone in AEW what he didn’t want said.
 
So after Tay’s and my match with Sky Blue and Dante I cut a promo on Eddie insulting Eddie and the fans as a heel. Which I know the thing everyone loves to do is hate Me & Tay so I’m the perfect person to play this ass hole character for Eddie to ultimately beat at All Out. I see what people say online about Eddie and his appearance. (Which anyone who legitimately shames Eddie for how he looks can go to hell, it’s the same people who shame me for being too small) so Sammy Guevara the character I could be the physical person playing that person that Eddie can shut up at All Out.
 
But Eddie did not do the professional thing and communicate to me, which if he did I never would have said it cause the last thing I want to do is hurt someone for real.
 
So after the promo I get to the back and Eddie is flipping out yelling “YOU CANT CALL ME FAT” over and over as I’m trying to walk down the stairs in gorilla making a big scene. People get in between us, Eddie try’s to pie face me and he more life touches my face it was weird. And everyone backs everyone up. It was unfortunate cause this promo was on a taped show and easily could have been edited (which they ended up doing anyways) i know this isn’t Eddie’s first time being aggressive and getting out of control backstage. I know he had to do some kind of anger management after this whole thing. This whole thing was very unnecessary but it Is what it is, Live & learn I guess, onto the next we go.”

After more than 40 years Jimmy Hart still can’t get enough of the pro wrestling business. The Hall of Famer has been an active WWE ambassador these days. Who better than the “Mouth of the South” with his trademark megaphone to pump up a crowd? Hart’s enthusiasm is infectious. He crosses generations and is a constant reminder of the industry’s rich history. 

Someone whose experience is invaluable, making it even more important to have him around. And at almost 80, the colorful figure still looks like he did managing everyone from Jerry Lawler to Hulk Hogan and almost every baddie not seconded by Bobby Heenan from the 1980s into the 1990s you can think of over those glory years. I always get a kick out of sharing some time with Hart as he is always full of stories and experiences.

Below is a recap from our most recent chat from SummerSlam weekend. 

Do you think what WWE is looking for has changed, even in recent years from your vantage point?  

Jimmy Hart: “I don’t know so much about that, but in my opinion, I think somebody that can do a great interview is still important. Somebody that can talk with their hands and grab people’s attention. If you think about the “American Dream ” Dusty Rhodes, he looked great but wasn’t a big muscular guy. He could talk people into the building. Hulk [Hogan] will tell you he is not the best wrestler in the world, but he made millions and millions of dollars selling millions of t-shirts by talking people into the building. I think that is still so important. It’s great to have a good look too. I still love the larger-than-life characters.”

Is there anyone that you are a fan of when you look at this new generation on TV? 

Jimmy Hart: “I’ll tell you, someone, I like, that Logan Paul kid. He has captured the whole world with his podcast and doing the crazy things he does. He has a good look. He has good height. He can talk and has millions of followers. He might be someone to look out for.”

If social media were around back in your days, how do you think the business might have been? 

Jimmy Hart: “Oh my gosh, if we had social media back then it would have been light years for us. There are so many things you can do on social media. Of course, you have to be careful there too. Social media does so much for you. I’ll tell you a quick story, if I may. Bayley and I were in Texas for last year’s WrestleMania promotion. They had us go to one of the Mavs games. While we were sitting down, her leg was hurt, and at the time, couldn’t do much. She leaned over and said, ‘Jimmy, would you do a selfie with me?’ I said okay. We did the selfie. Within 10 minutes, we had almost 800,000 views on it. Think about that. Wow. All the girls that wrestled picked it up from there. It was unbelievable. It made me realize how big social media really is.”

When I think about Nasty Boys, Andre the Giant, I can’t think of what would have happened if social media was around then. 

Jimmy Hart: “We may be in trouble, but it was mostly funny stuff going on. Harmless stuff. You probably couldn’t get by with doing a lot of it now. At the same time, they meant no harm doing it. I think about everyone I worked with and my favorite SummerSlam memories. It was Ultimate Warrior and Honky Tonk Man where we lost in 31 seconds! When Honky grabbed the mic and said he’d challenge anyone, I didn’t think it was a good move. Out comes the Warrior. Rope shake, rope shake, wham bam. “

Talk about maximizing your time though. We’re still talking about that match today. 

Jimmy Hart: “We had a great time too with ‘American Dream’ Dusty Rhodes. Then we shot a big thing with Andre, but he had an operation and couldn’t come back in time. It was Typhoon and Earthquake versus the Bushwackers. Andre was in their corner with me on the other side. Was that fair or not having Andre and poor Jimmy Hart on the other side? It was all so much fun.”

You’ve had an incredible career from The Gentrys to Memphis to WWE and beyond. Has there been any further talk about writing a book? A Jimmy Hart documentary? 

Jimmy Hart: “If you’re offering, I’m open! [laughs] I’m doing some docs today. One on Hulk and Andre and whatever they ask me to do. I’m happy to do those for others. I’ve been on a lot of the Most Wanted Treasures episodes. I did one for John Cena called WWE Evil. I just filmed one with The Rock’s production company. It was me Jeff Jarrett, Jerry Jarrett, Dutch Mantel, and Jerry Lawler about the territories. I’m just so happy I’m still rocking and rolling. How many people are left that were part of WrestleMania 1?”

And you still look the same! 

Jimmy Hart: Don’t’ jinx me! Don’t jinx me.

This week’s AEW Dynamite saw the surprise announcement by Thunder Rosa that she is not medically cleared to compete. As a result, she will be unable to defend the AEW Women’s World Championship against Toni Storm at All Out on September 4th.

During her absence, an Interim Champion will be crowned. a fatal-four way matchup will occur between Toni Storm, Britt Baker, Jamie Hayter, and Hikaru Shida, with the winner being crowned AEW interim women’s champion.

BREAKING NEWS: #AEW Women's World Champion Thunder Rosa announces that she is injured and cannot defend the championship.

Tune in NOW to #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS pic.twitter.com/fxX6z7yW0b

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) August 25, 2022

Thunder Rosa vows to return with a chip on her shoulder and solidify her spot at the top of the card. She did not disclose the nature of her injury on Dynamite, but PWInsider reports that Rosa is dealing with a back injury. It’s something she has been working through for some time and there is no timetable for her return.

There was a rumor going around that Thunder Rosa has been suspended by AEW, but we can confirm this is not true.

Original Plans for the AEW Women’s title

According to the Wrestling Observer, Thunder Rosa was booked to lose the AEW Women’s World Championship to Toni Storm at All Out.

Say what you want about Rosa’s title reign, but AEW officials are well aware that interest in the women’s division has taken a considerable hit since Britt Baker dropped the title to Rosa earlier this year.

It will be interesting to see if Toni Storm still gets the Women’s title at All Out. Britt Baker is the most popular female performer on the roster and they might just put the gold back on her as a ‘reset.’

This isn’t the first time AEW has had to rely on an interim championship. CM Punk went down with an injury one week after winning the world title at Double Or Nothing, with Jon Moxley capturing the title at Forbidden Door. The Purveyor of Violence solidified his second championship reign when he squashed Punk on last night’s Dynamite.

Bianca Belair is looking to break out into the mainstream.

The WWE Raw Women’s Champion signed with talent agency WME for “representation in all areas,” according to a report by Variety. 

Variety wrote that WME will work to build Belair’s business across podcasting, acting, marketing, and more. Belair later reacted to the news by writing the following on Twitter: 

EST TO @WME!!! ?? https://t.co/zGrgLtd4kZ

— Bianca Belair (@BiancaBelairWWE) August 25, 2022

Bianca Belair’s WWE Success

Belair, who first signed with WWE in 2016, has found a lot of success under the WWE banner. She is a one-time Raw Women’s Champion and a one-time SmackDown Women’s Champion. 

She headlined WrestleMania 37 with Sasha Banks to win the SmackDown title, marking the first time two black women headlined the company’s biggest event of the year. Belair and Banks won the Best WWE Moment award at the ESPYS in 2021 for the moment. 

This past April, she won the Raw Women’s title from Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 38. Belair retained the Raw Women’s title against Lynch in a WrestleMania rematch at SummerSlam last month.

Belair is slated to team with Asuka & Alexa Bliss in a six-woman tag match against Bayley, Dakota Kai & IYO SKY at Clash at the Castle on Saturday, September 3. 

This week, it was reported that Eddie Kingston has completed a suspension over comments made about Sammy Guevara.

Kingston’s suspension is said to have happened a few weeks ago, which explains the “Mad King’s” recent hiatus from television.

The Update

In the initial report about Kingston’s suspension, it was unclear what exactly had been said that forced AEW to take action.

In an update from PW Insider, it’s reported that Kingston took issue with a promo that was ultimately cut from AEW TV.

Kingston was mad because Sammy Guevara hadn’t spoken with him or cleared the content of the promo ahead of time.

The promo in question saw Guevara refer to Kingston as a “fat piece of sh*t.”

Kingston felt the line was wrong, especially as he was booked to win their match at AEW All Out 2022.

His reasoning is that Guevara’s line buried the match, especially as the “fat piece of sh*t” was going to won.

More than just words

While the initial report claimed that Kingston was suspended for what he said about Guevara, that isn’t the whole story.

It’s reported that when Kingston confronted Guevara, the latter simply smiled at Kingston, which did little to calm him down.

This led to Kingston ‘pie-facing’ Guevara, shoving the former TNT Champion in the face, that Sammy was furious about.

Kingston’s suspension lasted two weeks before it ended.

Silent Treatment

The report adds that before this incident, the pair had not spoken since Blood and Guts where Kingston threw Guevara off of the cage.

Kingston had asked to work with Sammy, which came as a shock to some, as Guevara had earned a reputation of being difficult to work with, following his program with Scorpio Sky and Ethan Page.

When asked by PW Insider, Kingston said “I was wrong. That is all.”

Eddie Kingston On His Feud With Chris Jericho: “I Learned What It Was To Be A Snake Backstage”