Archive for September, 2022

Roman Reigns has Advice for Wrestlers Unhappy with Celebrity Matches

WWE’s Undisputed Universal Champion Roman Reigns has shared some strong words for wrestlers who aren’t pleased with celebrities taking spots on the card.

Celebrity involvement in wrestling matches is nothing new, with WWE, AEW, WCW and other promotions bringing in big names to attract mainstream attention.

At Crown Jewel, Reigns will defend his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Logan Paul, who while technically a signed WWE Superstar, is best known for his career outside the ring.

Be So Good

Celebrity matches have often been criticized by wrestling fans and those in the industry alike. With so many stars trying to appear on a wrestling card and only a select few places, many feel these celebrities are taking away from a more deserving talent.

Speaking to Seconds Out, Reigns addressed this complaint and said that its up to a wrestler to make themselves irreplaceable.

“Be so good that nobody can take your spot. I don’t care who they bring in, you can bring in anyone, and they ain’t going to take the Tribal Chief’s spot.”

Roman Reigns on celebrity involvement in matches.

Reigns certainly doesn’t face the risk of being replaced, as he has become WWE’s biggest star in years, with today marking day 756 of his reign.

Logan Paul

Paul may still be seen as a celebrity first and a wrestler second, but his matches have impressed fans.

The YouTuber’s in-ring debut came at WrestleMania 38, where he teamed with The Miz to defeat the Mysterios.

At Summerslam, Paul defeated The Miz, who had turned on him following the WrestleMania victory.

“I Stand Alone” – Ricky Starks Rejects Being a Pillar of AEW

All Elite Wrestling has some of the most talented wrestlers in the world today, but Ricky Starks has no intention to be a ‘pillar’ of Tony Khan’s promotion.

The concept of AEW having four pillars was first coined by MJF in an interview and references four home-grown AEW talent he believes will be headlining for the promotion one day.

AEW’s four pillars consist of MJF, Darby Allin, Sammy Guevara and Jungle Boy.

The promotion has even released a shirt, confirming the four as the ‘pillars’ and future main-eventers of All Elite Wrestling.

I Stand Alone

Ricky Starks wasn’t named by MJF as a pillar of AEW, but that’s okay with the longest-reigning FTW Champion.

When a fan addressed the concept of pillars in AEW, stating that Starks’ name should be on the list, the wrestler said that he stands alone and those terms should be left to wrestlers “enclosed by those definitions.

Headliner

Starks isn’t interested in being a pillar of AEW, and has already been working his way up the promotion’s ranks.

In a separate tweet, the former FTW Champion pointed out that he headlined this week’s AEW Rampage: Grand Slam, after not being booked for the event the prior year.

Starks defeated his former teammate Powerhouse Hobbs in a ‘Lights Out’ match to close out the AEW Rampage: Grand Slam special.

After hitting Hobbs with some lights, Starks finished off his former tag-team partner with a Roshambo to get the pinfall victory.

Dark Side of the Ring Creator Addresses Future of the Show

For three seasons, VICE’s Dark Side of the Ring has focussed on the controversies associated with professional wrestling.

No topic has been off-limits from the show’s investigative practices, with the Chris Benoit tragedy, the death of Owen Hart, and the WWF steroids scandal all being covered.

The show has faced criticism from some in the industry, with Jim Ross claiming the show has “misrepresented” him and others with their choice of editing.

Ross also claimed during an April 2022 episode of his ‘Grilling Jr’ podcast that he doubts he’ll be on the show again.

Definitely, Hopefully

With criticism over the show’s production, the future of Dark Side of the Ring has been uncertain for some time.

Addressing the future of the show, DSOTR co-creator Jason Eisner told Comic Book that he remains optimistic.

“It’s not something I can quite answer yet, but it’s not … We’re definitely thinking about more Dark Side of the Ring.”

“It’s definitely something that will, hopefully, be in the cards in the future.”

Jason Eisner on the future of Dark Side of the Ring.

“But right now, we’re gearing up for Tales From The Territories to come out … But yeah, there’s going to be plenty more wrestling documentaries that are going to come out from me.”

Tales from the Territories

With Dark Side of the Ring on hiatus indefinitely, VICE has a new wrestling series in the works, Tales from the Territories.

Announced back in August, TFTT be produced by Eisner’s team from Dark Side of the Ring as well as Dwayne Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions.

A trailer for the show, featuring a voice-over from Johnson, can be seen here:

The series will debut on Tuesday, October 4, at 10 p.m. ET.

“Worth It” – Darby Allin Got Staples in Scalp After AEW Rampage: Grand Slam

Darby Allin isn’t phased after getting staples in his head following this week’s AEW Rampage: Grand Slam event.

During the show, Allin teamed with Sting to face the House of Black’s Buddy Matthews and Brody King.

At one point, Allin dropped himself and King off of the stage, which resulted in the former getting his head split wide open.

While Allin was willing to continue, AEW’s medical team advised him to exit the match due to the laceration.

Sting and Allin would win the match, following the interference from Japanese wrestling legend The Great Muta.

Staples

After the match, Allin required five staples in his scalp to close the wound.

On Twitter, the former AEW TNT Champion showed off the injury, but said that the staples had been “worth it.”

Death-Defying

Allin’s recent dive off of the stage is hardly the first time the AEW wrestler has put his body on the line.

In May, Allin faced Jeff Hardy, and hit the latter’s Swanton Bomb off a ladder in the ring, onto Hardy, who was laid across several steel chairs outside of the ring.

Darby’s high-flying antics aren’t reserved to just AEW, as he also performs stunts at various events not associated with wrestling.

Last month, Allin drove a jeep over his house in an insane 96-foot jump, which he called the “sketchiest” stunt he’s done.

Earlier this month, the former AEW TNT Champion performed a backflip on a tricycle after going down a long ramp.

WWE & AEW Stars React To Being Blocked By Former SmackDown GM Teddy Long: “He Can’t Hate Us All”

Teddy Long has apparently gone on a blocking spree on Twitter that involves some of today’s most popular stars in WWE & AEW.

Teddy Long debuted in WWF in 1998 as a referee before becoming a manager for the promotion. In 2004, Teddy replaced Kurt Angle as the general manager of SmackDown and held that role until 2012. Long was made “senior advisor” to SmackDown GM Booker T before being released from the company in 2014. He has made occasion cameos for the company and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2017.

Former WWE personality Renee Young (Renee Paquette) posted a screen shot of her being blocked on social media and a bunch of other stars noticed they suffered the same on Twitter.

WWE NXT Superstar Joe Gacy noticed that he was randomly blocked by the WWE legend as well.

All Elite Wrestling announcer Taz revealed that he is also blocked by Teddy Long on the social media app.

I guess I’m just another victim also! I love Teddy!!

https://twitter.com/OfficialTAZ/status/1573867296141070341?s=20&t=eR7Br4guoLZTIu7xkaBx_g

One-half of AEW Tag Team Champions The Acclaimed, Anthony Bowens, also revealed that he’s no longer welcome on the former SmackDown GM’s profile. His teammate, Max Caster, is not blocked by Teddy.

EVERYONE LOVES THE…

Former WWE Superstar and current AEW star Dustin Rhodes said that Teddy must of been blocked because he simply cannot hate them all.

Teddy Long must be hacked. He can’t hate us all

Former WWE and Impact referee Brian Hebner responded to Brandi Lauren and said that the 75-year-old was indeed hacked because he is blocked despite being his “homie”.

Guys relax. His shot got hacked. I’m blocked too. And he is my Homie.

https://twitter.com/WWEREALONE/status/1573871341962498048?s=20&t=eR7Br4guoLZTIu7xkaBx_g

WWE Hall of Famer Praises Saraya (Paige) After Her Debut In AEW: “Always Been One Of My Favorites”

Saraya, formerly known as Paige in WWE, made her shocking debut for All Elite Wrestling at Dynamite: Grand Slam.

The 30-year-old arrived in AEW following the 4-Way match for the AEW Interim Women’s Championship. Toni Storm successfully defended the title against Britt Baker, Serena Deeb, and Athena. After the match, Britt, Jamie Hayter, and Serena Deeb attacked Toni and Athena in the ring.

Saraya then made her way to the ring to an enormous pop from the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium. AEW has announced that she will be addressing the crowd this Wednesday on Dynamite.

Booker T Praises Saraya After Her Debut In All Elite Wrestling

Two-time WWE Hall of Famer Booker T spoke about Saraya’s debut in AEW on his Hall of Fame podcast and noted that he predicted that she would return to the ring after WWE opted not to re-sign her.

“Arthur Ashe Stadium, nice crowd, big pop. You could tell she was happy, you know, that smile was just radiating through the arena. So yeah man, I’m glad to see her back. Me personally, Paige has always been one of my favorites. She’s always been that chick, so I’m just glad to see her back seriously.

The 57-year-old also discussed the time he got her in trouble for a joke on WWE Backstage and said he enjoyed working with her on the now-canceled talk show.

“It was like a night off working with Paige. I remember getting her in trouble one night because I told her to introduce me as ‘The OG mother from the hood’. She got so much heat on social media man, people were blowing her up.I had to actually go out and defend her to say ‘come on I told her to say that’. That was all me. She wouldn’t have thought of anything like that.” [17:58 – 19:01]

You can check out Booker’s comments and the entire podcast below.

H/T: Sportskeeda Wrestling

3 Ways Sami Zayn Could Destroy The Bloodline

Sami Zayn’s journey to becoming an Honorary UCE has been wildly entertaining and some of the best content WWE has produced in years.

On Friday’s episode of SmackDown, Roman Reigns made it seem like The Bloodline was finally going to betray Sami. The Honorary Uce had spent months trying to join the group despite Jey Uso’s objections. The Tribal Chief demanded that Sami remove his The Bloodline shirt after he dared to speak.

Roman instructed Jey to rip off the shirt and Uso obliged. The Locker Room leader stood in the ring, shirtless and heartbroken, as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion continued to mock him. Reigns then suddenly changed his tune and tossed him a new “Honorary Uce” shirt to signify he’s a member of The Bloodline. Sami quickly put on the shirt, acknowledged Roman as his Tribal Chief and gave him a hug to end the segment.

While the ideal situation for Sami would be to become Intercontinental Champion and bring more gold to The Bloodline, the odds are that eventually the group will view him as expendable.

https://twitter.com/mckenzieas93V2/status/1573768210293424128?s=20&t=OUrNJqSA6VxfvG41yYyJww

When the time comes, here are three ways The Great Liberator can destroy The Bloodline:

With An Old Friend

The Usos have been Undisputed Tag Team Champions for an incredible 433 days. Sami’s old friend and rival, Kevin Owens, recently tried to talk some sense into The Locker Room Leader but Sami wasn’t hearing it.

Jey Uso then battled Kevin Owens in a singles match and Sami had the opportunity to hit KO with a steel chair but opted not to. This led to Jey getting angry at Sami and taking his eyes off of Owens. Kevin then planted Jey with the Stunner for the pinfall victory.

KO has not held a championship in WWE since he was United States Champion in 2017. He’s never held a tag team championship in the company. It would make sense for Kevin to come to Sami’s rescue if The Bloodline ever turns its back on him. The Usos versus Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens is a match the WWE Universe would certainly be excited about.

From Within

Solo Sikoa made his main roster debut at Clash at the Castle during the main event. Roman Reigns defended the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Drew McIntyre at the Premium Live Event in Cardiff, Wales. It appeared that Drew was going to walk out as the new champion but Sikoa interfered. The Tribal Chief was able to capitalized with his third Spear of the night to retain the championship.

Sikoa then went on to win the NXT North American Championship, successfully defend the title against Madcap Moss on an episode of SmackDown, only to have it stripped from him on the following NXT because was not “sanctioned to compete” in the title match against Carmela Hayes.

Despite those questionable booking decisions, one thing that is not in question is Solo’s admiration for the Honorary Uce. Sikoa has shown no animosity towards Zayn and that has only caused Jey Uso to get more frustrated. Sikoa had his main roster debut match against Drew McIntyre on the September 9th edition of SmackDown.

Solo said he wanted to go into the match alone but told Sami that he appreciates his offer to help him. Jey got frustrated and said that the entire Bloodline would be ringside for the match. On Friday’s episode of SmackDown, Ricochet and Madcap Moss had a conversation with Sami Zayn backstage. They tried to tell him that he’s not actually a part of The Bloodline and Solo brutally attacked them.

It was later announced that Sami & Solo will battle Madcap & Ricochet next week in a tag team match. Sami and Solo could team up against The Usos if The Bloodline were to ever implode, or Zayn could have Sikoa’s back if he decides he’s done answering to The Tribal Chief.

On His Own

Sami Zayn is a former NXT Champion and a three-time Intercontinental Champion. Much like Kevin Owens, he also has never been a tag team champion in the company. Unlike Kevin Owens, he’s never held a major championship in WWE. Owens captured the Universal Championship in 2016 after Triple H betrayed Seth Rollins and hit him with a Pedigree.

This scenario seems highly unlikely, but this is wrestling so anything can happen. Sami’s already become one of the more entertaining parts of SmackDown as he tries to fit in with The Bloodline, it’s hard to imagine how popular he’d be if he was the underdog that refused to stand down against them.

Zayn versus Reigns looks and sounds like a mismatch because it is. However, Daniel Bryan versus Triple H was a mismatch. Daniel Bryan versus Batista and Randy Orton in a Triple Threat was a mismatch.

The crowd bought it because they were invested in Daniel Bryan because he is one of the greatest wrestlers on the planet that also has the ability to connect with fans. In my opinion, Sami has already proven to be more than a B+ player because he made a match with Johnny Knoxville memorable. It is a long shot, but in a weird way it could be what is “best for business”.

How would you like to see the storyline between Sami Zayn and The Bloodline play out? Let us know in the comments section below.

Jon Moxley Set To Face NJPW Star Making AEW Debut In A World Title Eliminator On Dynamite

AEW World Champion Jon Moxley will battle NJPW star Juice Robinson this Wednesday on Dynamite in a World Title Eliminator match.

If Juice Robinson is able to defeat the champion on Dynamite, he will earn a future title shot, much like a Championship Contender’s match in WWE.

Robinson is one of the only two men that have defeated Jon Moxley in 2022 so far. The other wrestler is former AEW World Champion CM Punk at All Out.

AEW President Tony Khan announced the match on Twitter and noted that MJF can fight Moxley for the championship any time he chooses.

In addition to MJF, Jon Moxley now has to worry about another wrestler on the AEW roster coming after his title. On Rampage: Grand Slam this past Friday night, Hangman Adam Page took a massive step closer to becoming a two-time AEW World Champion.

Page hit Rush with a Dead Eye on the ring apron to win the Golden Ticket Battle Royal and ensure himself a shot at the title. It was announced that Jon Moxley will defend the AEW World Championship against Hangman Adam Page on Dynamite on October 18th. It will be a special Tuesday night edition of AEW Dynamite.

What Has Been Announced For Dynamite (9/28)?

Saraya, formerly known as Paige in WWE, made her shocking debut this past Wednesday at Dynamite: Grand Slam at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. AEW has announced that fans will hear from Saraya on Wednesday night.

Chris Jericho is set to have a celebration with the Jericho Appreciation Society after defeating Claudio Castagnoli to become the new ROH Champion.

World Title Eliminator: Jon Moxley (c) vs. Juice Robinson. Juice will earn a future shot at the AEW World Championship if he can defeat Jon Moxley.

MJF will address the crowd. Maxwell appeared on Dynamite: Grand Slam and interrupted Tony Schiavone’s interview with Wheeler Yuta. Maxwell took several shots at Wheeler and the Blackpool Combat Club. He then brawled with Yuta, shoved Schiavone to the floor, and was helped by W. Morrissey of The Firm.

Health Update on Julia Hart After Scary Bump on AEW Grand Slam: Rampage

AEW’s Grand Slam special is now in the rearview mirror, with the promotion’s Grand Slam: Rampage edition taking place last night. The show, which took place from Arthur Ashe Stadium, opened up with the anticipated House of Black (Brody King & Buddy Matthews) vs. Darby Allin & Sting no-DQ matchup, with Julia Hart accompanying the HoB to the ring.

The match was an all-out brawl that saw the daredevil Allin get busted open following an epic crash through a table alongside Brody King. Meanwhile the Stinger was left handcuffed to a chair as Matthews prepared to beat down the legend with his own baseball bat. Right before the attack the lights would go out and the fans in New York would be treated to their biggest surprise of the night, an appearance from Japanese legend, the Great Muta.

Muta came to the ring slowly and looked as if he was about to attack Sting, who he had an intense rivalry with during the early portion of his career. However, Muta instead hit Matthews with a Dragon Screw before spitting his signature green mist in Matthew’s face, which caused him to back up into Julia Hart, who was standing on the apron. Hart was supposed to take the bump and fall through a table, but she seemed to overshoot her jump and instead came crashing onto the pavement.

Hart Is Doing Just Fine

While many fans were worried about Hart’s condition after her fall, they need not worry for long. Both Hart and King took to Twitter to reveal that Hart is not only doing just fine, but that her scary looking hat is also okay.

King writes, “I just want everyone to know that TheJuliaHart’s Hat made it out safely. Thank you for your concerns.” Hart herself would then confirm this news with her own tweet. She writes, “Me and my hat are okay.”

Cody Rhodes On His Eventual Return From Injury: “Hopefully It’s A Run People Remember”

Cody Rhodes is ready to get back into the ring for WWE.

The American Nightmare has been on the shelf since June with a torn pec, with his last match being the classic Hell in a Cell encounter against Seth Rollins where his injury was present for the whole world to see. Rhodes was heavily applauded by fans, colleagues, and analysts for his gutsy performance on that night, but it came at a time when he was the hottest act in WWE.

However, Rhodes remains optimistic. In a recent interview with TMZ Sports the former three-time AEW TNT champion is ready to get back into the squared circle, and even hints that his run this time will be even more epic than the first. He does add that doctors are refusing to give him a return timetable due to a fear that he will test its limits.

“You know they haven’t really given me one because they know I’m stupid, and I’d try to test it. I got in my mind where I want to be, and I think a lot of fans have in their mind where I’d like to be, and that’s hopefully where it’s at.

Right now, I do actually agree with what’s going on because I think what happens next hopefully and what we do, and this is all speculative up in the air. Hopefully, it’s a run that people remember, and I got to be healthy for it.”

“Best Three Months Of My Life”

Rhodes was also asked about how he feels WWE has handled his return.

“No complaints. They’ve treated me like the house that built me, which they were. And honestly, it was amazing. We were back, and everything was rolling so fast, and then I tore my pec. It was like the best three months of my life. Hopefully, get back to that soon. I was told I have the strength of an 11-year-old, but I was pretty strong at 11. Hopefully soon.”

Speculation is that Rhodes will be back in time for the Royal Rumble, which many fans believe he will win and go on to challenge for the world title at WrestleMania 39.

Sting to Compete at The Great Muta’s Retirement Event in January 2023

AEW’s resident Icon Sting will be part of The Grea Muta’s final match after a legendary career next January.

During this week’s AEW Rampage: Grand Slam, aiding Sting and Darby Allin in a no-disqualification tag team match against the Houe of Black.

Muta hit the green mist on Buddy Matthews, giving Sting to hit the Scorpion Death Drop for the win.

Post-match, Muta and Sting embraced in the ring.

The Final Match

The Great Muta’s appearance during AEW Rampage: Grand Slam came in the midst of a retirement tour for the Japanese wrestling legend.

After the match, Pro Wrestling NOAH announced that Sting will be heading to Japan to participate in the Great Muta Final Bye-Bye show.

The event will take place on January 22, 2023.

The announcement notes that Sting “has decided to participate in the Yokohama Arena tournament” following Muta’s appearance on Rampage.

Muta and Sting

Muta would feud with Sting during his WCW tenure in 1989, capturing the NWA World Television Championship from the Icon in September that year.

In 1991, the pair rekindled their rivalry at the WCW-NJPW cross-promotion Starrcade event in the Tokyo Dome, where Muta would again defeat Sting.

The following year, the pair would team together in the Tokyo Dome to defeat the Steiner Brothers at WCW/NJPW Supershow II.

After capturing the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship in August 1992, one of Muta’s first title defenses would come against the Stinger that November.

When appearing for WCW, Muta would often be on the losing end to Sting, coming up short against the WWE Hall of Famer at live events.

Newest Member of the Impact Wrestling Hall of Fame Announced

Former TNA/Impact Wrestling star Raven will take his place in the promotion’s Hall of Fame, the company has confirmed.

During last night’s Victory Road event, a video package confirmed Raven’s induction, using prose from Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Raven.’

The induction will take place at Impact’s Bound for Glory event on October 7, at the Albany Armory in Albany, New York.

Raven and Impact Wrestling

After runs in ECW, WCW and WWE, Raven joined Impact (then TNA Wrestling) on January 22, 2003, two days following his WWE release.

In June 2005, Raven would capture the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at that year’s Slammiversary.

After losing the World Championship to Jeff Jarrett, Raven would form the group Seratonin, consisting of himself, Frankie Kazarian, Johnny Devine and Matt Bentley.

Following a 2008 release from the company, Raven returned after over a year away in May 2009, working alongside fellow ECW alum Dr. Stevie (Steven Richards), and Daffney.

Raven’s final match for TNA/Impact came in November 2010, defeating then-TNA television Champion AJ Styles in a non-title match at a Live event.

Hall of Fame

Raven is the latest big name to join Impact’s Hall of Fame, which was founded in 2012 with the induction of Sting.

The Icon is one of three men to be both Impact and WWE Hall of Famers, alongside Kurt Angle and Jeff Jarrett.

The group also contains long-time Impact referee Earl Hebner, first-ever Knockouts Champion Gail Kim, and first World Champion in the promotion Ken Shamrock.

Team 3-D are the only tag-team to be inducted in the Hall of Fame, which also includes Impact veterans Abyss and Awesome Kong.

Thunder Rosa On Saraya Arriving In AEW: “She’s A Star, She Has What I Want”

AEW Women’s Champion Thunder Rosa was supposed to defend her title against Toni Storm at All Out but had to pull out of the match due to injury. She has not appeared on AEW TV since the Dynamite before the PPV on September 4th. Toni Storm is currently the Interim AEW Women’s Champion.

On Dynamite Grand Slam, Toni defended the title against Britt Baker, Athena, and Serena Deeb in a 4-Way match. Toni emerged victorious but Britt Baker attacked after the match. Jamie Hayter and Serena Deeb joined the D.M.D. in the attack before Falling in Reverse’s Zombified echoed throughout Arthur Ashe stadium.

Britt stood in the ring confused as the blood poured down her face from another busted nose incident. The name “Saraya” flashed on the screen and the crowd popped. Saraya (FKA as Paige in WWE) made her way to the ring to an incredible reaction from AEW fans as the heels retreated. Saraya then hugged Athena and Toni Storm in the ring to end the segment.

Thunder Rosa Praises Saraya After Her Debut

The AEW Women’s Champion was interviewed by Dave LeGreca on Busted Open Radio today and had some kind words to say about Saraya following her debut at Dynamite Grand Slam. She said that she is one of the stars that AEW helped create and she’s excited to have someone the caliber of Saraya to work with.

“I hope she is completely cleared to wrestle. She is going to teach a lot of the girls a lot of cool stuff that otherwise they wouldn’t have the opportunity to do. Wrestling was her bread and butter for a long time and she knows the grind.

Before she got signed, she was in the indies struggling just like everybody else. One of the things that Saraya has is that she has not changed her core. She continues to be the same person that she was before. I’m really interested to get to know her on another level.

I know that fans are very excited to see her because they haven’t seen her wrestle in a while and they are very eager for that. Company-wise and ratings-wise, this is going to be great for ratings and going to be great for the women’s division. You cannot deny that.

I want to come back a way that you guys have never seen me before and having Saraya there, I’m like ‘alright yeah’ there’s even more competition. Yes I’m on top, but when you have bigger sharks in the tank you better start eating because you have to get bigger than the shark that wants to take what you have.

So, it is going to be very interesting. She brings a lot to the women’s division. She brings a brand, something that is needed in the division too. That you cannot deny. I know Tony does a lot of stuff because he wants ratings. We want to be number one. If you start something and you don’t want to be number one, don’t start it.”

But for me as an athlete, for me as a champion, that is top competition right there, on every single aspect. Experience, persona, character, how well-known she is, she’s a star. She has what I want and I’m striving for.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit Busted Open Radio with a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.

Sheamus Reveals Why He Wants The Intercontinental Championship “More Than Anything”

Sheamus battled Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship at WWE Clash at the Castle in a match that received rave reviews from critics and fans. The Celtic Warrior came up short but still got a standing ovation from the crowd in Cardiff.

On this week’s edition of SmackDown, The Brawling Brutes competed in the main event against The Usos for the Undisputed Tag Team Championships. Sheamus, Sami Zayn, and Solo Sikoa were ringside for the match. It appeared that Ridge Holland and Butch were about to win the match but Imperium interfered.

Intercontinental Champion Gunther attacked Sheamus outside the ring and beat him down. The Usos capitalized on Imperium’s interference and hit the 1D for the pinfall victory to retain the titles. It was announced that Sheamus will battle Gunther once again for the Intercontinental Championship in two weeks on WWE SmackDown.

Sheamus Reveals Why He Wants The Intercontinental Championship

He joined WWE announcer Corey Graves on his After the Bell podcast and discussed why he wants to become Intercontinental Champion. The 44-year-old has never held the IC Title in his incredible career.

“My mentality is if you go in there and you’ve achieved X amount of stuff, there’s no doubt that your passion and drive is going to drop. And the idea is to zone that out and go in there like I’ve won nothing and today is the first day, and I want to achieve this, this, and this.

That is why I’ve been so adamant and so vocal about the Intercontinental Championship because it is the one title that is not sitting on this shelf right here. It is the one I want more than anything and that is what has been driving me. You have to have goals. You have to have targets and you have to know what is next.”

If you use quotes from this article, please credit After the Bell with a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.

7 Takeaways From AEW Rampage Grand Slam (9/23): Battle Royale, Action Bronson & Hook, Starks vs. Hobbs

AEW Rampage Grand Slam was taped Wednesday night at Arthur Ashe stadium in New York. A number one contender was crowned in the Golden Ticket Battle Royal, Action Bronson stepped into the ring, The Great Muta showed up, and Ricky Starks battled Powerhouse Hobbs in an All Out rematch in the main event.

Rampage Grand Slam Results

  • Sting & Darby Allin def. House of Black
  • Hook & Action Bronson def. Angelo Parker & Matt Menard
  • Samoa Joe & Wardlow def. Tony Nese & Josh Woods
  • Sammy Guevara def. Eddie Kingston via DQ
  • Jade Cargill def. Diamante to retain the TBS Championship
  • Hangman Page won the Golden Ticket Battle Royale & Will face Jon Moxley for the AEW Title on October 18th
  • Ricky Starks def. Powerhouse Hobbs in a Lights Out match

Here are the takeaways from this week’s special edition of Rampage:

The Great Muta Helped Darby Allin & Sting

House of Black (Brody King, Buddy Matthews) battled Darby Allin & Sting tonight at Rampage Grand Slam. Darby hit a Coffin Drop off the top of the tunnel on Buddy. He went for another Coffin Drop on Brody but he caught him with a chokehold. Darby tried to escape and both men fell off the stage and through a table below as Julia Hart angrily walked around with a giant hat on.

Brody King then handcuffed Sting and sat him up on a chair. The lights went out and The Great Muta arrived. The Great Muta spit green mist in Buddy’s face and Sting followed it up with the Scorpion Death Drop for the pinfall vitory.

Hook & Action Bronson Picked Up A Win

Hook and Action Bronson battled Angelo Parker and Matt Menard tonight on Rampage Grand Slam. Hook knocked Angelo Parker to the canvas to begin the action. Menard and Bronson tagged in and had a stare down. Bronson hit a massive shoulder tackle and then a Splash onto Daddy Magic and Cool Ang in the corner.

Hook tagged back in and delivered a Suplex to Parker. He went for a submission hold but Matt broke it up. Parker battled back and beat the FTW Champion down in the corner. The JAS members took turns beating Hook down and kept him isolated in the corner as Action Bronson waited for a tag.

Bronson got the tag and started dishing out Clotheslines. Action hit Parker with a Running Powerslam but Menard attacked him from behind. Bronson hit another big shoulder tackle and tagged in Hook. The FTW Champion leveled Matt with a Clothesline and hit Parker with an Exploder Suplex. Hook applied Redrum and Action Bronson locked it in at the same time and Parker and Menard tapped out.

Wardlow & Samoa Joe def. Tony Nese & Josh Woods

ROH TV Champion Samoa Joe and TNT Champion Wardow teamed up at Rampage Grand Slam to battle Josh Woods and Tony Nese. Wardlow appeared to hurt his knee during the match. Samoa Joe was unbothered and beat the hell out of Nese and Woods. Joe connected with the Muscle Buster on Tony for the pinfall victory. The heels attacked after the match but Joe and Wardlow fought them off. The TNT Champion delivered some Powerbombs to Mark Sterling to end the segment.

Jungle Boy def. Rey Fenix, Luchasaurus Attacked

Jungle Boy battled Rey Fenix tonight at Rampage Grand Slam. The action started off back and forth until both wrestlers fell to the outside. Rey was the first up as Rampage went to a commercial break. The two continued to trade punches during the break and the action returned to the ring.

When Rampage Grand Slam returned, Fenix and Jungle Boy continued trading strikes. Fenix hit a knee to the face and followed it up with a Cutter for a near fall. Rey hit a crazy springboard Crossbody but couldn’t keep Jungle Boy down for a count of three.

Jungle Boy battled back with a Sunset Flip Powerbomb and a running knee strike to the head for a two count. Fenix hit a kick to the face and went for a Brainbuster but Jungle Boy countered into a roll-up for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Luchasaurus attacked Jungle Boy from behind and Christian Cage cut a promo on him. Christian had his arm in a sling during the promo.

Sammy Guevara def. Eddie Kingston In Controversial Fashion

Eddie Kingston battled Sammy Guevara tonight on Rampage Grand Slam. Kingston lit up Sammy’s chest with some chops and went for a Powerbomb off the ring apron. Sammy countered into a Back Body Drop that sent Guevara to the floor.

Back from a commercial, the action had returned to the ring and Guevara hit a springboard Cutter for a near fall. Sammy went for another one but Eddie was ready for it this time. Kingston connected with an Exploder Suplex and went for Backfist to the Future but Sammy dodged it. Eddie hit another Exploder that sent Sammy flying across the ring.

Kingston followed it up with Backfist to the Future but one wasn’t enough. Tay Melo looked on in horror as Eddie hit another Backfist. Kingston hit a third but still didn’t go for the cover. Eddie applied a submission but Sammy was out and referee Bryce Remsburg called for the bell. Kingston wouldn’t let go of the hold until several security guards rushed the ring. Kingston started attacking them all as Sammy and Tay exited the ring. It was announced that Sammy actually won the match because Eddie was disqualified for not letting go of the hold.

Jade Cargill Retained The TBS Championship

Jade Cargill defended the TBS Championship against Diamante. Rapper Trina accompanied Diamante to the entrance ramp. Cargill dominated the action early and went for a Powerbomb but Diamante escaped. Jade leveled Diamante with a pump kick to the face and the champ posed for the crowd. The challenger connected with a Dropkick that sent Jade tumbling out of the ring. Diamante climbed to the middle turnbuckle and went for a Crossbody. Jade caught her and slammed Diamante on the ring apron.

The champion hobbled back into the ring and delivered some more kicks to Diamante. Cargill planted Diamante with Jaded for the pinfall victory. Jade Cargill remains undefeated and is still the TBS Champion. Trina shoved Diamante over after the match and posed with Jade.

Hangman Page Won Golden Ticket Battle Royale

The Golden Ticket Battle Royal aired tonight on Rampage. Dalton Castle was about to be eliminated but The Boys caught him. Castle and The Boys then eliminated Brian Cage. Matt Hardy and Private Party reunited for a bit and were quickly eliminated by Rush and The Butcher.

Hangman Adam Page eliminated The Butcher as John Silver and Rush traded punches in the ring. Pentagon Jr. tried to eliminate Jay Lethal but Satnamn Singh caught him. Jay sent Pentagon Jr. over the top rope for the elimination. Hangman launched Lethal over the top rope and were down to two wrestlers.

Page and Rush traded strikes in the middle of the ring. Rush ducked under a clothesline but Page caught him with a few forearm strikes. Rush sent Hangman over the top but he just barely hung on. Hangman dragged Rush to the apron with him and they traded chops. Rush set up for a Piledriver on the apron but Page countered into Dead Eye. Rush fell to the floor and Page won the Battle Royal. Hangman Page will battle Jon Moxley on the Oct. 18th Tuesday night edition of Dynamite for the AEW Championship.

Ricky Starks def. Powerhouse Hobbs

Powerhouse Hobbs squared off with Ricky Starks in a rematch from AEW All Out in the main event of Rampage Grand Slam. It was a Lights Out (No DQ) match. Mark Henry interviewed both wrestlers before the match.

Starks went after Hobbs right away and unloaded some punches. Powerhouse rolled out of the ring and Ricky chased after him. Starks connected with a Clothesline and then launched Hobbs into the steel steps.

The action returned to the ring with Starks in control. Hobbs battled back as Chris Jericho named him the Sports Entertainer of the week. Hobbs threw some weapons into the ring and bashed Starks with a chair as Rampage went to the final commercial break of the night.

Back from the break, Hobbs went for a Powerslam but Ricky escaped. Starks launched Hobbs into a steel chair and hit him with a Tornado DDT for a near fall. Hobbs set up a couple of chairs in the ring but Starks caught him with a low blow. Ricky put the chairs back to back and set up for the Roshambo. Powerhouse countered into a Back Body Drop and followed it up with a Powerslam on top of the steel chairs for a near fall.

Starks and Hobbs battled on the entrance ramp and near the tunnels. Ricky went for a Spear but Starks launched him into the tunnel. Hobbs ripped off a light from the tunnel and started following Ricky as he crawled down the entrance ramp. Hobbs swung the light but Ricky ducked and hit a Spear through the table. Ricky grabbed the beam and bashed Hobbs over the head with it. Starks followed it up with the Roshambo for the pinfall victory.

Watch: What Happened With Gunther After SmackDown Went Off Air

After the main event match between The Usos and Brawling Brutes on this week’s episode of SmackDown, fans in attendance got to witness another big dream confrontation.

The off air dark match after this week’s SmackDown saw Gunther coming face to face with Shinsuke Nakamura as they competed in a six-man tag team match.

The bout saw The Street Profits joining the Japanese legend in his fight against the current IC Champion and his subordinates Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci.

Gunther teased a confrontation with Nakamura early in the bout but he ultimately decided to tag himself out and send in Vinci instead.

He attacked Shinsuke towards the ending of the match but the former champion managed to get the upper hand over the Ring General.

The SmackDown dark match concluded with Shinsuke Nakamura delivering a Kinshasa to Ludwig Kaiser and pinning him for the victory.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4mS7wPzlpI

Shinsuke Nakamura was part of a backstage segment on this week’s SmackDown alongside Hit Row and The Street Profits.

Gunther has been feuding with Sheamus recently over the Intercontinental championship. The two delivered an impressive match at Clash At The Castle.

WWE has since announced a rematch between these two for the season premiere episode of SmackDown on October 7.

Bobby Fish Appears At Tonight’s Impact Victory Road Special

Bobby Fish has arrived in the Impact Zone.

The former WWE and AEW star made a surprise appearance at this evening’s Victory Road special from Skyway Studios where he immediately made his presence known to the Impact locker room.

Fish cut a promo about how controversial he’s been since his AEW departure, where he was most likely referring to the shoot comments he made against CM Punk following Punk’s blow up at the post-ALL OUT media scrum. He made it known that he was a guy who always did his job well, and that he has not joined Impact for the bull***t.

Fish made sure to state that he doesn’t officially work for the company, so Impact cannot fire him for any reason, and that he was in search of good competition. This brought out Raj Singh and Mahabali Shera, who confronted the former multi-time NXT tag champion thinking they would get one over on him due to the two-on-one advantage. Unfortunately for the heels, Fish would nail Shera with a kick and trap Singh in a heel hook before they eventually retreated.

As a reminder Fish left AEW near the end of August after the company decided to not renew his contract. At this time it is not known whether Fish is under contract with Impact or on a per-appearance deal.

Continue to follow Sescoops for more updates on Bobby Fish.

6 Takeaways From WWE SmackDown (9/23): Roman Reigns Returns, Title Match, Sami Zayn, White Rabbit

WWE SmackDown aired live this week from the Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Usos defended the Undisputed Tag Team Championships against The Brawling Brutes in the main event.

WWE SmackDown Results

  • Liv Morgan def. Lacey Evans
  • New Day def. Maximum Male Models
  • Braun Strowman def. Otis
  • Raquel Rodriguez def. Dakota Kai
  • The Usos def. The Brawling Brutes to retain the Undisputed Tag Team Championships

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Sami Zayn Was Embraced By The Bloodline (Besides Jey Uso), Tag Match Set For Next Week

Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa, Undisputed Tag Team Champions The Usos, The Honorary Uce Sami Zayn, and Paul Heyman made their way to the ring to kick off the show.

Reigns asked the crowd to acknowledge him before handing the microphone to Paul Heyman. Paul said that Solo was sent to The Bloodline by the elders of the Samoan dynasty because somebody had to put a stop to the conspiracies against The Tribal Chief. Heyman referred to Sikoa as the enforcer that will stop everyone from trying to take Roman’s throne.

Solo grabbed the microphone and acknowledged Roman Reigns as his Tribal Chief. Roman shared a hug with his cousin and everyone was about to leave. Sami cut the music off and apologized to The Bloodline. He wanted to extend his gratitude to The Bloodline for welcoming him into the family.

Roman Reigns got annoyed and wondered why Sami is saying anything right now. Hedemanded that Sami Zayn take The Bloodline shirt off. Jey Uso shouted at him as well but Sami tried to offer an explanation. Sami wondered if this was about him disrespecting The Wiseman Paul Heyman during the Crown Jewel press conference with Logan Paul.

Reigns instructed Jey to rip off the shirt and he obliged. The Tribal Chief told Sami that he will never wear a Bloodline shirt ever again. Roman presented Sami with a new Honorary Uce shirt and Sami danced around as Jey Uso was pissed off. Sami said, “I acknowledge you Tribal Chief” and shared a hug with the champion to end the segment.

Madcap Moss and Ricochet confronted Sami Zayn backstage and said he’s not actually a member of The Bloodline. Solo Sikoa arrived and beat the hell out Moss and Ricochet. Sami and Solo versus Ricochet & Madcap Moss was then announced for next week’s show.

Liv Morgan def. Lacey Evans & Sent A Message To Ronda Rousey

SmackDown Women’s Champion Liv Morgan battled Lacey Evans tonight on SmackDown. Lacey dominated the action early as SmackDown went to a break.

When SmackDown returned, Lacey hit a big boot and went for the cover but the champion kicked out at two. Evans applied a submission hold in the middle of the ring and did pushups while doing so. Morgan battled back and connected with Oblivion for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Liv attacked Lacey Evans with a kendo stick and slammed her against the barricade. The champion set up a table outside the ring as the crowd cheered. Liv hit a Senton off the top rope and through the table below. Liv Morgan will defend the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Ronda Rousey in an Extreme Rules match at the Premium Live Event on October 8th.

New QR Code, Max Dupri Flips Out

New Day battled Maximum Male Models tonight in a tag team match. Max and Maxiine Dupri were ringside for the match. Maxxiine Dupri wanted to take photos of Maximum Male Models instead and Kofi rolled Mansoor up for the pinfall victory. After hte match, Max Dupri ripped off his jacket in frustration and walked away.

Another QR code appeared that dropped more hints for WWE’s White Rabbit. It was a game that listed off the coordinates for next week’s RAW as well as the word “patricide”, which means the killing of one’s father.

Braun Strowman Dominated

Braun Strowman battled Alpha Academy’s Otis tonight on SmackDown. Otis showed off his power early and got in some offense. However, The Monster of all Monsters battled back and connected with a Powerbomb for the pinfall victory.

Karrion Kross Choked Out Drew McIntyre

Drew McIntyre cut a promo about Karrion Kross on tonight’s SmackDown. He said that he wanted to battle Karrion Kross in a Strap Match at Extreme Rules on October 8th.

Kross’ theme hit and Scarlett appeared on the entrance ramp. Karrion attacked Drew from behind but McIntyre battled back. Drew whipped Karrion with the strap several times but got distracted by Scarlett. She apparently shot a fireball at him ala The Wizard Chris Jericho. Karrion capitalized and applied the Kross Jacket to choke McIntyre out.

Raquel Rodriguez Picked Up A Win

Raquel Rodriguez faced Dakota Kai tonight on SmackDown. Bayley interfered and hit Raquel with the one of the Women’s Tat Titles. Shotzi rushed down the entrance ramp and attacked Bayley. Raquel capitalized on the distraction and rolled up Dakota for the pinfall victory. Shotzi and Raquel stood tall as Damage CTRL retreated after the match.

Gunther will defend the Intercontinental Championship against Sheamus in two weeks in a rematch from Clash at the Castle. Bayley will battle Shotzi next week and Hit Row will square off against Los Lotharios.

The Usos Retained After Imperium Interfered

The Usos defended the Undisputed Tag Team Championships against The Brawling Brutes (Butch, Ridge Holland) in tonight’s main event. Sheamus was ringside for the match for The Brawling Brutes. Solo Sikoa and Sami Zayn of The Bloodline accompanied The Usos to the ring. The Usos controlled the action early and took the Brawling Brutes out of the ring.

Jey started getting annoyed with Sami Zayn as he mocked Butch and Ridge ringside. Back in the ring, The Usos slammed Butch down to the mat for a two count as SmackDown went to the final commercial break of the night.

When SmackDown returned, referee Charles Robinson caught Sami ringside approaching Butch. Jey jumped out of the ring and started shouting at Sami again. The two continued to argue and Sami implored Jey to focus on the match. Butch capitalized on the distraction and caught Jey with an Enziguri.

Ridge Holland tagged in and sent Jey to the outside. Holland planted Jimmy Uso with a Powerslam and went for the cover but Jimmy kicked out at two. Jimmy connected with a Samoan Drop but Butch broke up the cover and then tagged into the match.

Butch climbed to the top rope and went for a Moonsault but The Usos countered with two Superkicks to his face. Jimmy went for the cover but somehow Butch kicked out at two and the match continued.

Jey Uso tagged back in and The Usos went for the 1D. Butch countered into a DDT that sent Jimmy out of the ring. Butch started bending back Jey’s fingers and tagged in Holland. Ridge went for an Alabama Slam but Jimmy tagged himself in. The Usos went for another double Superkick but Ridge countered into a double Back Body Drop.

Butch tagged back into the match and went for the cover but Jey broke it up at the last moment. Sami Zayn grabbed a steel chair but Sheamus ripped it away. Imperium rushed down the entrance ramp and attacked Sheamus. Intercontinental Champion Gunther beat Sheamus down. The Usos hit Butch with a Superkick and then the 1D for the pinfall victory. The Usos are still the Undisputed Tag Team Champions.

WWE Drops More White Rabbit Clues on SmackDown

WWE’s White Rabbit teases continued on Friday’s edition of SmackDown. During a backstage segment featuring Hit Row and Street Profits, a new QR code could be seen.

When scanned, it takes fans to another hidden section of the WWE website.

It is another game where you control the White Rabbit through a maze. After you’ve completed the game, the coordinates to next week’s edition of WWE RAW are revealed. The location for Monday’s edition of the red brand is Rodgers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

The word “patricide” is seen at the end of the video and it means “killing your father”. Several WWE fans have pointed out that Bray Wyatt has referenced murdering his father in a previous promo. The white rabbit hops through the red door and the coordinates and the word are revealed.

WWE’s “White Rabbit” cryptic teaser campaign has been a big success for the company as fans are really enjoying trying to solve the mystery.

Most fans are convinced that Bray Wyatt is the White Rabbit. Alexa Bliss recently referenced White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane during her promo on RAW. Bliss was aligned with Bray before his release from the company last year.

Other fans seem to believe that Karrion Kross is the White Rabbit due to his stint in Lucha Underground. You can check out our full breakdown of WWE’s White Rabbit here.

Saraya (Paige) Reacts to Report That Says she’s Not Medically Cleared to Wrestle Yet

Saraya has responded to a recent report in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that she is not cleared to wrestle despite making her AEW debut this past Wednesday on Dynamite. 

The former Paige made her AEW arrival following the fatal four-way match in which Toni Storm defeated Britt Baker, Serena Deeb, and Athena to retain her Interim AEW Women’s Title while saving Storm and Athena from being attacked by Baker, Jamie Hayter, and Rebel.

Saraya is one of Baker’s dream opponents, something the former AEW Women’s Champion has said in a number of previous interviews. It appeared that AEW started a feud between Saraya and Baker once this angle occurred.

Saraya Responds

Saraya
(AEW)

Meltzer reported that “she had not been cleared as of very recently, which would explain not touching anyone, but [she] would like to be cleared.”

Saraya did not confirm or deny what was reported by Meltzer but did tweet the following: “Ignore the dirt sheet clickbait. See ya Wednesday. #AEWDynamite.”

AEW President Tony Khan also retweeted what Saraya had to say. 

Due to spinal stenosis, Saraya hasn’t wrestled since 2017, which is the reason she hasn’t been given the all-clear. Although they were also informed they couldn’t wrestle because of spinal stenosis, wrestlers like Edge and Sting were able to receive medical clearance years later after retiring. 

WWE Sent Out Feelers to More AEW Stars Including FTR & Swerve Strickland (Report)

Several AEW stars were contacted by WWE or those working with WWE about potential returns to the company.

When these reports came out, former WWE stars were contacted by WWE talent relations, referred the contact to their attorney, and informed AEW management of the contact.

The Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer previously reported that WWE contacted Malakai Black. Fightful Select reports that they heard from WWE sources that Black indicated to contacts in the company that he wished he was still there.

For now, Black is effectively done with AEW, but with the inability to compete for WWE for an extended period. Several in AEW management initially had the impression that he wanted to go back to WWE, and there were higher-ups in AEW who were of the “if they want to go, let them” mentality.

Malakai Black Wasn’t The Only One Contacted

Malakai Black
(JayLee Photography)

The report noted that a source within WWE stated they heard that feelers were sent out to Cash Wheeler, Dax Harwood of FTR, and Swerve Strickland. 

FTR has a while to go until their AEW contracts run out. They had spent years in the WWE system working with Triple H. Before they left WWE, the company made numerous efforts to re-sign them. 

An AEW source added that “WWE had reached out in August to an AEW name who had been with the company since the start, but that even we’d be surprised to learn they reached out to.”

Bobby Fish Tried to Get Adam Cole & Kyle O’Reilly to Leave AEW for WWE (Report)

Bobby Fish tried to get his former stablemates – Adam Cole and Kyle O’Reilly to leave AEW to return to WWE, according to a report by the Wrestling Observer’s Ryan Frederick. 

Frederick noted on the message board of the website that  Fish was trying to get them to ask for their AEW releases, but they told him. 

The Report

Bobby Fish
(via AEW)

“I posted it in the Bobby Fish thread but I know Fish was trying to get them to Cole and Kyle to ask for their releases to go back to VVWE and they both told him no. It’s possible Cole may have clued Tony [Khan] in. If he did, I doubt he was the only one. I’m sure Swerve was one of them who did so.”

Fish left the promotion last month when his contract expired, and it was not renewed, while Cole and O’Reilly have several years left on their contracts. Both stars are currently sidelined with injuries as Cole has been out of in-ring action since Forbidden Door in late June, when he reportedly suffered a concussion. 

Kyle is out of action after undergoing neck surgery, with his last match taking place on the June 8th Dynamite show. 

Cole, O’Reilly, and Fish had a successful run as The Undisputed Era in WWE NXT before they had a stint as The Undisputed Elite together in AEW.

Shawn Michaels Talks Degeneration-X’s Legacy Ahead Of 25th Anniversary Reunion

Shawn Michaels is very fond of his days in one of the most popular wrestling factions of all time, Degeneration-X.

The WWE Hall of Famer recently spoke with the New York Post about the group’s legacy ahead of their 25th Anniversary reunion at the October 10th edition of Monday Night Raw, which will take place from the Barclay’s Center in New York.

One of DX’s most famous signature taunts was the crotch chop, a move the Heartbreak Kid credits fellow Hall of Famer Sean Waltman for originating.

“The first place I remember seeing it was Sean Waltman, who was then known as 1-2-3 Kid and later X-Pac, doing it over in the UK. Then all of a sudden, we were doing it as a group, to each other, kind of thinking it was funny.”

Everything In DX Felt Natural

Michaels would later discuss how comfortable the group felt while on television together, explaining that a lot of their on-screen chemistry stemmed from their friendships off-screen.

“From a television standpoint, as we started to do DX, it just felt kind of natural. A lot of things that we did on TV as DX were things we were doing as friends behind the scenes long before we ever brought it to TV.”

Despite being a heel faction DX became super over with the WWE Universe. When asked why he thought they were being cheered Michaels states that their amusing antics and occasional truth bombs probably resonated with fans.

“At first, they felt like we were doing it to them — and their favorite superstars — and they booed us. But after awhile they found it amusing because some of the things we said were true and resonated. Nothing seemed to bother us. We always had a witty comment for someone else.”

DX would not have been the group it was without the presence of the Ninth Wonder of the World, Chyna. Michaels acknowledges this, adding that not only was Chyna a trailblazer for women’s wrestling, but that her impact probably would not have been the same if she was wrestling today.

“From a performer standpoint she would clearly fit in and be phenomenal. I think what makes her the awe-inspiring, innovative and transforming woman that she was was that she did it earlier than all of them. It would be a bit more commonplace today. She would certainly have an incredible career — but I don’t know that she’d be the trail blazer today that she is if she were currently doing it today.”

Michaels is now one of the main heads of NXT since Triple H took over for the now retired Vince McMahon.

Latest on Saraya’s Medical Status After AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam Debut

Saraya’s future in the ring within AEW remains unclear following her shock appearance at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam. 

The former WWE Divas Champion parted ways with the company in July, when WWE opted not to renew her contract.

Saraya has since made it clear that the decision to leave was not her decision.

Career-Ending Injury

Saraya hasn’t competed in any ring since a Boxing Day 2017 WWE Live event where she suffered an injury during a tag-team match.

The match saw Paige, Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose defeat Mickie James, Sasha Banks and Bayley, in a repeat of the previous day’s Raw taping.

In April 2018, Paige confirmed her retirement from in-ring competition and was promoted to SmackDown General Manager shortly after

Medical Update

WWE was hesitant to clear Saraya again due to her neck issues, and that may also be the case.

In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that it is unclear if Saraya will wrestle in AEW. 

It was pointed out how nobody touched Saraya during her appearance, which implies that she is still not medically cleared. 

It was also reported that while in WWE, not only could the then-Paige not wrestle, but she was also not allowed to be touched or get physical in any capacity.

Saraya was not cleared to wrestle in a very recent evaluation of her, though her condition may have improved since then. 

Outside of AEW

It remains to be seen if Saraya will get physical in AEW, but the former Superstar is getting back in the ring in her native England. 

It has been confirmed that the first-ever NXT Women’s Champion will be a special guest referee at the upcoming Frightmare event for World Association of Wrestling.

Saraya will officiate the match between her brothers Roy Knight and Zak Zodiac on October 15.

World Association of Wrestling is based in Norwich, England, and run by Saraya’s family the Knights.

Sheamus Calls Clash at the Castle Match the Biggest Moment of his Career

WWE Superstar Sheamus has said that becoming World Champion or winning the Royal Rumble can’t compare to his match with Gunther at Clash at the Castle. 

At the event earlier this month in Cardiff, Wales, Sheamus challenged the Austrian for the Intercontinental Championship in a losing effort. 

The match has been praised by fans and those in the industry alike, earning five stars by Dave Meltzer. 

The Biggest Moment

Sheamus’ match in Cardiff came during something of a career renaissance for the Irish Superstar. 

Speaking on the latest After the Bell, Sheamus explained the importance of the match, after a 13-year career on the main roster. 

“Going into that match, I knew there was a lot of hype about it. I knew that people really wanted to see it… First of all, the reception when I went out. I didn’t know what way it was going to go. Gunther obviously has a cult following from being NXT UK Champion for so many years. I didn’t really know what to expect. It’s a moment I’ll never forget. It’s probably the biggest moment I’ve had up until this point in WWE.”

Speaking about Gunther who retained against Sheamus, the Celtic Warrior had nothing but praise. 

Gunther. Great wrestler. Very aggressive. Knows his role. A great heel and a great opponent

Sheamus’ praise for the reigning Intercontinental Champion.

Outshining Drew

While Gunther and Sheamus had the arguable match of the night, the show’s main event saw Drew McIntyre face Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. 

Speaking about McIntyre, his real-life best friend, Sheamus said how he had no problem outshining the Scottish Warrior. 

“That’s the goal for everybody. If that’s not your goal in this business then what the hell are you doing here? Listen, me and Drew are best mates but I was going out there to bleeding steal the show no matter what. That was the goal from day one. Once I knew that this match was going to happen, I’m like ‘I’m stealing the show here.’ There’s no doubt about it. 

“Give me 15-20 minutes in that ring against a formidable opponent and I will give you a match of the night every single time.”

Sheamus made it clear he still plans on becoming Intercontinental Champion, the only men’s main-roster title he’s yet to capture.

For use of these quotes please give a h/t to SEScoops.