There is mounting political pressure for WWE to “pause” or cancel their upcoming show in Saudi Arabia. Senators are now calling on WWE to not go through with the event.
According to a report from the Wrestling Observer, backup plans are being developed in case the show does not take place.
Linda McMahon’s role in the Trump administration is playing a role in the pressure the Senators are putting on WWE.
“Private enterprise is private enterprise, different than a governmental entity,” Sen. Bob Menendez said to the media. “but because [Linda McMahon] is part of the president’s cabinet, it falls into the grey area where the administration really should give it some thought and maybe even prevail upon them not doing it.”
Why Is There Political Pressure To Cancel Crown Jewel?
Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi is missing and presumed dead. He entered the Saudi Arabian consulate in Turkey on October 2nd, 2018 and has never been seen again. US spies are saying they have proof he was assassinated on the order of the Saudi Royal Family, a charge they are denying.
Furthermore, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau angered the Saudi Royal family recently as well. Trudeau called for the KSA to release journalists being held prisoner in the country and scheduled for beheadings. Following Trudeau’s comments, the KSA expelled Canadian diplomats from the country. They also pulled home Saudi Arabian students who had been studying abroad in Canada. As of this writing, no Canadians are scheduled for Crown Jewel.
When Tama Tonga is upset or disagrees with something, he’ll let you know…
Tonga is currently upset with a recent report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The report stated there is a morale problem backstage in NJPW and backlash against the new management team.
“There are people who in the past had never even considered WWE who are thinking about it,” the WON report reads. “And others who were completely committed to staying who are probably still leaning that way, but are considering the WWE option.”
Tama Tonga disagrees and he’s letting people know about it.
Funny reading that a lot of foreign performers are complaining about the work atmosphere not being “fun” in New Japan. What a load of shit. Plenty of great talents out there that would be grateful to have an opportunity to work in NJPW Who fed you those lies @davemeltzerWON ?
New President and management helping the company gain sponsorship with international expansion-What a time to be a part of New Japan. Traveling, big money, company growing.yeah bitch, us foreigners that have been here and worked our asses off are very proud of how far we’ve come
So to the foreigner or foreigners complaining to @davemeltzerWON that they are not having “fun” you can GTFO. I’ve never in my career here in New Japan have ever heard of a Japanese wrestler complaining about the work atmosphere not being “fun” in New Japan. GTFOUTTAHERE
There might be a morale problem in the back now as Tama Tonga goes to look for the person sending information to Dave Meltzer.
We don’t know how many wrestlers made anonymous contact with media in order to state their feelings towards the new management. Meltzer is saying, however, that it is not a member of the Elite. He also said it is NJPW wrestlers who you would never think would go to WWE.
According to the initial report, there are feelings that Harold Meij talks down to the wrestlers. The report also stated that the first round of contract offers was not met with a positive reception either.
Willie Mack will compete this Sunday at Impact Wrestling’s Bound For Glory. The current HOH Twitch TV Champion will team with Rich Swann to take on Matt Sydal and Ethan Page.
Swann announced Mack will be his partner last night on Impact Wrestling’s go home show before the PPV.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PaKXHuU87Y
Willie Mack & Rich Swann vs Matt Sydal & Ethan Page
Following Slammiversary and losing his X-Division Championship to Brian Cage, Matt Sydal began approaching Rich Swann about being his mentor. Swann said, however, that he’s not into yoga and Sydal’s style. The two had a single’s match in Mexico City last week which Sydal won after interference from Ethan Page.
Page accepted Sydal’s offer fro mentorship and the two challenged Swann to find a partner and face them at Bound For Glory. Swann only needed a week to announce Willie Mack as his partner.
Mack has not competed in Impact Wrestling before. He was on the Lucha Underground side of the Impact vs Lucha Underground show over WrestleMania weekend, however. Most recently, Mack challenged Cody for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. The NWA posted the full match to their YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwkiiSyJoME
In addition to being the current HOH Twitch TV Champion, Mack is also a 2x former Trios Champion on Lucha Underground.
Impact Wrestling presented the Go Home Show before Bound For Glory last night. Below we have the top 9 takeaways from Impact Wrestling 10/11 from Mexico City, Mexico.
Impact Wrestling 10/11
The Ceasefire Is Over
In the final segment before Bound For Glory, King cut a promo on Konnan as both the OGZ and LAX stood watch. He said that Konnan leached off of the Mexican wrestlers he’s mentored over the years and then admitted to having put a hit out on him.
Konnan then said King’s actions were not the actions of a leader and that the bosses were watching. He then said the ceasefire was over and a brawl started between the two sides.
Austin Aries Pinned Johnny Impact
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DttTUk79hxA
Austin Aries, Moose, & Killer Kross defeated Johnny Impact, Eddie Edwards, & Fallah Bah
With just days before Bound For Glory, the Champion is going in on a high note, having just pinned his upcoming challenger. Aries pinned Johnny after a brainbuster. Callis and Mathews commented on how much damage Johnny’s neck took during the match and how that may impact him heading into Bound for Glory.
Tessa Blanchard Pins Keyra On Route To Bound For Glory And Taya Valkyrie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh-bigGMwK0
Tessa Blanchard defeated Keyra
Blanchard’s Knockouts Championship reign will face its biggest test yet on Sunday. She was able to get by Keyra this week, finishing off the 22-year-old luchadora with her patented Buzzsaw DDT.
Taya Valkyrie has spent most of her career in Mexico wrestling stars like Faby Apache, who Blanchard defeated earlier in Impact’s trip to Mexico. Blanchard’s been able to wrestle two luchadoras in Mexico who have a similar style to her BFG opponent.
The Undead Realm Is Bound For Glory
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xgSZC1Yd68
This Sunday there will be a segment (of sorts) held in the “undead realm”. Allie will travel there with the help of James Mitchell in an attempt to save Kiera Hogan from Su Yung.
Father James Mitchell has re-appeared in Impact Wrestling. We last saw Mitchell as the manager of Abyss in his feud with Kongo Kong. This week he was approached by Allie as she requested safe passage to the underworld. Mitchell said Allie must sell her soul but that her soul won’t belong to him, it will belong to someone down low. He then started to say he would get heat with the office when she interrupted him. Allie and Mitchell made a deal to meet Sunday night and he would bring her into the undead realm. What exactly this means for Allie, Su Yung, and Kiera Hogan
Willie Mack Is Bound For Glory
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PaKXHuU87Y
Rich Swann announced this week that he’s found a partner for Sunday. Matt Sydal will team against his newest protege, Ethan Page. Swann revealed Willie Mack will be his partner to take on Sydal and Page at Bound For Glory
Eli Drake’s Open Challenge Is Bound For Glory
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1qgm0DMIQY
Last week, Eli Drake’s open challenge was answered by LA Parka. Drake seemed to be of the belief that he defeated LA Parka by DQ last week even though that’s not what happened. He then announced he was bringing his Open Challenge to New York City for Bound For Glory. The Open Challenge is only open to people from New York City, however.
Petey Williams Picks Up A Win In 4-Way Action
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9tOMkkwIdg
Petey Williams defeated Trevor Lee vs Puma King vs Jack Evans
In a match which consisted entirely of wrestlers who were shown trying to impress Scarlett Bordeaux in the back last week. Williams picked up the win after landing the Canadian Destroyer on Trevor Lee.
Gursinder Singh No Longer Part Of The Desi Hit Squad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHjTXgCaRRQ
Rohit Raju defeated Gursinder Singh
Rohit Raju was victorious over Singh this week. The inter-Desi Hit Squad match was booked by the Great Gama Singh to determine who the weak link of the team is. Singh will now have to go back to India while it appears Gama will continue to work with Raju.
Joe Hendry and Grado On Losing Streaks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AaLrwziQO0
Maximo defeated Grado
Last week, Joe Hendry was defeated by Murder Clown. This week, Grado was defeated by Maximo. It hasn’t been a successful trip to Mexico for the best friends. Perhaps Scarlett Bordeaux’s advice to the pair wasn’t so great after all.
Quick Results:
Petey Williams defeated Trevor Lee vs Puma King vs Jack Evans
Maximo defeated Grado
Rohit Raju defeated Gursinder Singh
Austin Aries, Killer Kross, & Moose defeated Johnny Impact, Eddie Edwards & Fallah Bah
Tessa Blanchard defeated Keyra
Bound for Glory LIneup
October 14th
Melrose, NY
New York City, NY
Impact World Championship
Austin Aries (c) vs Johnny Impact
Knockouts Championship
Tessa Blanchard (c) vs Taya Valkyrie
Eddie Edwards vs Moose
Sami Callihan & oVe vs Brian Cage & the Lucha Brothers
Concrete Jungle Deathmatch
LAX & Konnan vs OGZ & King
Rich Swann & Willie Mack vs Ethan Page and Matt Sydal
Impact Wrestling presents the final episode before Bound For Glory this Sunday on PPV tonight. The episode will feature the final matches and segments taped from Impact’s trip to Mexico City, Mexico.
Impact Wrestling 10/11 Preview
Eddie Edwards, Johnny Impact, and Fallah Bah vs Moose, Austin Aries, and Killer Kross
6-Man tag-team action this week features Impact’s top heel stable going up against the men they’ve been feuding with. Aries, Kross, and Moose have attempted to injure all 3 of their opponents tonight over television tapings in Canada and Mexico.
Coming up on Sunday Moose goes one-on-one with Edwards and Johny goes one-on-one with Aries. Tonight, however,
LAX and OGZ Summit
The crime family which controls this storyline ordered a ceasefire between the two factions after King ran over a little kid with his car on the streets of Toronto. That ceasefire is up in 3 days at Bound For Glory.
Konnan has been sure that neither Santana or Ortiz attack the OGZ and break the ceasefire but how much longer can they hold out? King has burned Konnan’s mask and continuously disrespected LAX.
Tessa Blanchard vs Keyra
Tessa Blanchard will have the toughest test to her Knockouts Championship on Sunday when she faces Taya Valkyrie. Before she gets to Bound For Glory, however, she’ll have to face the luchadora, Keyra.
The 22-year-old Keyra is tearing it up in Mexico at the moment. Will she have enough to give Blanchard a run for her money is another question, however.
Petey Williams vs Trevor Lee vs Jack Evans vs Puma King
All four of these wrestlers were shown in the back last week attempting to impress Scarlett Bordeaux. The Smokeshow is still holding her Global Talent Search for a full-time client and it is likely all four of the men involved in this match want to obtain her services.
Rohit Raju vs Gursindher Singh
Although not advertised by Impact Wrestling, it was mentioned that last week that these two teammates Will face each other in singles action to determine who the weak link is. The Desi Hit Squad has not been picking up many wins lately and the Great Gama Singh is not pleased.
Who Will Rich Swann Choose As His Partner?
Rich Swann will face Ethan Page and Matt Sydal at Bound For Glory but who will his partner be? We might find out more about this tonight on Impact.
Bound for Glory LIneup
October 14th
Impact World Championship
Austin Aries (c) vs Johnny Impact
Knockouts Championship
Tessa Blanchard (c) vs Taya Valkyrie
Eddie Edwards vs Moose
Sami Callihan & oVe vs Brian Cage & the Lucha Brothers
Concrete Jungle Deathmatch
LAX & Konnan vs OGZ & King
If ever there was a pro wrestling bucket list, Rolex shopping with the Ric Flair has to be up there. The legendary Nature Boy appeared on Peter Rosenberg’s Open Late with Peter Rosenberg show on Complex to promote the release of WWE 2K19. The two went jewelry shopping in New York City so Rosenberg could purchase his first Rolex.
Flair and Rosenberg’s jewelry shopping adventure begins around the 11-minute mark of this video:
Ric Flair on “Open Late With Peter Rosenberg”
Flair advised Rosenberg during the trip to be careful not to spend too much money. Rosenberg is married to MLB Network host Alexa Datt and Flair was quick to explain he didn’t want to purchase any jewelry which would cause his wife to worry. He did stress that if Rosenberg wants to be seen as one of the top celebrities in New York, however, he needs some flashy jewelry.
“You are Peter Rosenberg,” Flair said. “You cannot be one of the top 3 or 4 celebrities in New York City and not have a little bling – You want to walk through the door – You want to push it open – You want the sunlight to hit the diamonds – You want someone to turn around. In my case, it would have been a woman years ago. In your case, just your kids and family.”
One thing Flair was adamant about, however, was that purchasing a used Rolex is simply not acceptable.
At long last WWE’s UK division has an airdate and scheduled timeslot on the WWE Network. The NXT UK brand will air their first weekly episode in just 6 days on October 17th.
The show will air 8 PM BST or 3 PM EST. WWE announced the news this morning through their WWE UK Twitter account:
BREAKING: #NXTUK, a new weekly episodic series featuring the greatest male and female competitors from the UK, will stream on @WWENetwork on Wednesdays beginning 17th October at 8pm BST. pic.twitter.com/L8wVJquMdF
“BREAKING: #NXTUK, a new weekly episodic series featuring the greatest male and female competitors from the UK, will stream on @WWENetwork on Wednesdays beginning 17th October at 8pm BST.”
NXT UK Division
The NXT UK division will film two nights of tapings this weekend. It has been a long road to get to where the division is now.
Launch of WWE’s UK division came back in 2016, at a press conference from the O2 Arena. Triple H announced a single-elimination tournament to crown the first-ever WWE UK Champion. The tournament was won by Tyler Bate. He would later drop the title to current champion, Pete Dunne, however.
UK wrestling legend, Johnny Saint, was named the General Manager of the band back in June.
“The U.K. has an amazing talent base and incredibly passionate fans that are deserving of their own showcase,” said Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE Executive Vice President, Talent, Live Events & Creative. “This is the next step in our ongoing strategy to create localized content and further develop our brand globally.”
Chelsea Green looks like she might be WWE bound. The 27-year-old has been spotted at the WWE Performance Center and has reportedly been training there the last week.
“Chelsea Green was training at the Performance Center this past week,” wrote Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. “I think anyone who saw her at All In from WWE would have wanted her in.”
The 27-year-old participated in the well-reviewed fatal 4-way match won by Tessa Blanchard at All In. Madison Rayne and Dr. Britt Baker DMD were the other two in the match.
With many assuming Green has signed with WWE, it should be noted that she briefly worked for the company before.
Chelsea Green WWE
Green actually ended up working for WWE just months into her wrestling career in 2014. WWE needed Rosebuds for a house show in Canada and brought in Green since she was trained by Lance Storm at the Storm Wrestling Academy in Calgary. From there, Green was cast as Daniel Bryan’s scandalous physiotherapist.
“I started in January and by August I was already cutting a promo on Raw,” Green said.
She was on the Edge and Christian podcast earlier this year and mentioned the first promo she ever cut was with Stephanie McMahon on Monday Night Raw.
WWE has had a banner year financially. With the added revenue from the Saudi deal and pending new television contracts, WWE has money to invest.
It has previously been reported that WWE wants to invest in international Performance Centers and territories. According to a recent report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Saudi Arabia is a country WWE is hoping to open a Performance Center in.
“While nothing is imminent, there is talk of opening up different Performance Centers in different parts of the world,” wrote Dave Meltzer. “U.K. and Saudi Arabia are high on the list and there are other places considered as well, including Japan.”
WWE International Expansion
Triple H is seen as a driving force behind WWE’s global expansion. Earlier this year, HHH used the term “Global Localization” to describe their plans.
“With ‘RAW’ and ‘Smackdown Live’ calling up all of my NXT superstars, I quickly realized NXT needed a feeder system of its own,” Triple H said at the WWE 2018 Business Partner Summit. “We had to re-imagine once again how and where we were recruiting. Not only in the United States but outside as well.”
Triple H continued to describe what this will mean.
“Organizing tryouts, recruiting talent, establishing performance centers and building on the ground NXT style brands.”
WWE will hold two nights of tapings for the new NXT UK brand later this week.
The new management team for NJPW headed up by Harold Meij has apparently ruffled a few feathers within the promotion. According to a recent report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, some NJPW talent are even considering leaving the company.
In particular, there appears to be some backlash toward Meij himself.
“The initial reaction was that the feeling was that he talks down to the wrestlers,” Meltzer wrote. He then continued to say many of the wrestlers are concerned he has no history in the business as well.
Moral amongst some has changed enough that they are considering leaving the company.
“There are people who in the past had never even considered WWE who are thinking about it, and others who were completely committed to staying who are probably still leaning that way, but are considering the WWE option.”
NJPW Concerns
The above report does not indicate how many wrestlers in NJPW feel this way or what their standing in the company is. The report does confirm there are NJPW wrestlers contacting media anonymously to voice their concerns, however.
Ticket sales for Fighting Spirit in Long Beach did not go well, which may have led some wrestlers to be concerned. On the other hand, the company just sold out Madison Square Garden for the G1 Supercard next year. There have been concerns voiced in Japan that the product has become Americanized since Meij took over as well. How many fans feel this way, however, is unclear.
Impact Wrestling World Champion, Austin Aries, says he has never had more fun in his wrestling career than he has had in 2018 with Impact Wrestling. He was not as enthusiastic about the company during his initial two runs with them, however.
Aries wrestled in Impact from 2005 to 2007 and again from 2011 to 2015. According to Aries, his run with the company ended in 2007 after he was suspended for “bad behavior”. He revealed what it was which led to his suspension and subsequent leaving of the company on the latest edition of Talk is Jericho.
Austin Aries on Suspensions from TNA Wrestling
Aries mentioned that he was suspended twice while wrestling in TNA from 05-07. A conflict with Vince Russo then led to him deciding to leave and go back to Ring of Honor.
Jericho asked Aries what he got suspended for and Aries didn’t hesitate to answer that it was “a bad attitude”.
“So basically the story is, we are at the tail-end of this PPV which is obviously leaving a bad taste in a lot of people’s mouths,” Aries said. “The next day was a travel day, this happened to be my birthday weekend. We had a travel day Monday, we had television on Tuesday. At this point, the company decided to inform us shortly around the holidays that they are no longer going to provide our hotel rooms or transportation, Merry Christmas.”
Aries continued to say he cashed in some favors and he and the X-Division guys got a nice hotel, some food, and some alcohol for their day off. Vince Russo then came in and told everyone to be by their phones on their day off in case they needed someone to come in and film vignettes. Aries made a point of not being by his phone. He would also say the company got mad when he began asking questions such as why he couldn’t do the vignettes the next day while he was there for 8 hours. These question evidently did not go over well.
Jericho then asked if he got a letter saying he was suspended. Aries then said they opted to call him and leave a voicemail when they knew he was on a flight.
“Like real men do they dropped the voicemail when you are in the air,” Aries said. He decided at that time it was time to leave and go to ROH.
The WWE Network will present 3 previously unaired shows tonight. 205 Live, NXT, and the Mae Young Classic will all air tonight beginning at 7 PM EST.
NXT Preview 10/10
NXT North American Championship Ricochet (c) vs Adam Cole vs Pete Dunne
The NXT North American Championship is on the line tonight in a triple threat match. Arguably 3 of the top wrestlers on the roster will compete in this match.
This match was scheduled by William Regal after a title vs title match between Dunne and Ricochet was interrupted by the Undisputed Era.
Keith Lee vs Kona Reeves
Kona Reeves only enjoys the finest things in life. Keith Lee tried to introduce himself to Reeves a few weeks back but the Hawaiian Superstar took offense to Lee approaching him. Lee then made fun of Reeves’ win/loss record leading to this match tonight.
Velveteen Dream Responds To Tommaso Ciampa
Velveteen Dream indicated to William Regal a few weeks back that Tommaso Ciampa is likely who attacked Aleister Black. Ciampa took offense to this and cut a promo on Velveteen last week. This week, Dream will respond to Ciampa’s promo from last week.
Does Nikki Cross Know Who Attacked Aleister Black?
Nikki Cross has been claiming she knows who attacked Aleister Black. William Regal doesn’t believe her, however. Cross has been angling for a rematch with Bianca Belair as well. WWE is advertising we will find out just what Cross knows regarding the attack tonight.
205 Live Preview 10/10
Lio Rush Open Challenge
Lio Rush is on fire these days. Not only is he the new hype man for Bobby Lashley, but he is also undefeated on 205 Live. Tonight, he plans on issuing an open challenge to anyone in the back.
Buddy Murphy is the new WWE Cruiserweight Champion and his reign begins tonight on 205 Live. After winning the title from Cedric Alexander in front of his hometown Melbourne fans, what does the champ have in store for tonight?
Becky Lynch survived two title matches with Charlotte Flair this last week. She’ll have to defend her title against Flair yet again at Evolution, however, this time in a Last Woman Standing match.
Lynch recently revealed she’s been working injured lately as well. She revealed on Twitter recently that she has a cracked jaw.
She is believed to have suffered the injury at Super Show-Down on Saturday in Melbourne, Australia. Last night on Smackdown, Lynch was speared through the stage by Flair following their match being ruled a double count-out.
Becky Lynch in 2018
Becky Lynch has become one of the most talked about Superstars on the WWE roster as of late. While her rivalry with Charlotte Flair hasn’t always gone the way some fans have wanted it to, it’s hard to argue that Lynch is more popular now than she’s ever been.
Unlike many others from her NXT class, Lynch was not a blue-chip prospect when she signed with WWE in 2013. Lynch was already 11 years into her pro-career by that point and had even quit the business once already. Her NXT career didn’t get off to a hot start either. She was given an Irish dancing gimmick which thankfully was abandoned not long after it began. In the following years, however, Lynch would be a key figure in the development of NXT’s women’s division and the subsequent Women’s Revolution/Evolution.
Nikki and Brie Bella attacked Ronda Rousey on Monday night in Chicago. The twins and the Raw Women’s Champion had just defeated the Riott Squad for the second time in a row when the attack occurred.
During the attack, the Raw commentary team speculated as to why the Bellas would attack Rousey. After the show, however, WWE cameras caught up with the pair to ask them why they did what they did.
When asked why they would attack someone who had been standing beside them in recent weeks, Brie offered up the following response:
“Been by our side? You mean taking up our space,” Brie said. “Standing in front of us, taking our shine, is that what you mean?”
“Brie and I are here for evolution but we’re here to remind everyone, even Ronda Rousey, that this is a ‘Bellalution’,” added Nikki.
Nikki and Brie Bella’s “Bellalution”
Both Nikki and Brie are former Divas Champions. Nikki held the title twice and Brie on just one occasion. Nikki’s 301-day title reign with the belt is the longest in the now-retired championship’s history. AJ Lee still holds the record for most combined days spent with the title at 406, split between 3 reigns. Unless the title is brought back, AJ will be the all-time record-holder in that category.
Ronda Rousey posted this on Instagram in regards to the attack:
5 and 1/2 years after Bullet Club’s formation in New Japan Pro Wrestling, the faction appears to be going back to their roots. At King of Pro Wrestling on Monday, Jay White joined the faction, something he opted not to do when originally offered a spot by Kenny Omega earlier this year.
According to comments White made after King of Pro Wrestling, he doesn’t believe “the Elite” is part of Bullet Club. Rather, White feels the sub-group of Bullet Club which took shape after the departure of AJ Styles, Karl Anderson, and Doc Gallows is just a “rip off”.
“Inevitable. One word, inevitable,” White said backstage. “I met Bad Luck Fale in London in 2014. Since then it’s been inevitable that I would end up here with these boys. Not the BC Elite, what is that rip-off sh**? Original Bullet Club taking it back to what started it. Get used to these faces, we’re taking over!”
Original Bullet Club member, Bad Luck Fale, yelled out “Full Circle” as White finished his speech.
Upcoming NJPW Schedule
NJPW’s new Bullet Club faction will be on the Road to Power Struggle tour. On November 3rd, White will team with Bad Luck Fale to take on Kazuchika Okada and Beretta from CHAOS.
NJPW Power Struggle
November 3rd, 2018
Osaka, Japan
The Golden Lovers (Kenny Omega & Kota Ibushi) (Bullet Club Elite) vs Hiroshi Tanahashi and David Finlay
IWGP Intercontinental Championship
Chris Jericho (c) vs EVIL (LIJ)
NEVER Openweight Championship
Taichi (Suzuki-Gun) (c) vs Will Ospreay (CHAOS)
Tetsuya Naito (LIJ) vs Zack Sabre Jr. (Suzuki-Gun)
Kazuchika Okada and Beretta (CHAOS) vs Bad Luck Fale and Jay White (BCOG)
As we approach arguably the most important period of free agency in wrestling since the Monday Night Wars, one free agent claims to have signed with NXT.
On the latest episode of Being the Elite, the faction reiterated they would stay together in 2019. One member then spoke up and claimed he was heading to NXT, however. That man was “Fat-A$$ Masa”.
— "FAT ASS" MASA ??BEING THE ELITE ??AEW ??????????? (@Masa_Anchan1971) October 10, 2018
This is just part of Being the Elite, however. Masa hasn’t actually signed with NXT.
Where Will The Elite Sign?
Between now and 2019, there will be much speculation about where the group could land. On the surface, there are actually only a few available options for them. Let us review:
WWE/NXT – likely to be the largest offered contract but comes with little creative freedom. They would be able to join back up with Masa, however.
ROH/NJPW – Arguably the front-runner to end up with the team once again is a combination of ROH and NJPW.
Impact Wrestling – This group has more money than what is being let on. Whether they see bringing in all 5 guys on monster contracts as a good investment for them at this point in their development is another story, however. In all likelihood, Impact would be better off partnering with other groups such as MLW and Lucha Underground to put in a joint offer to the group. Impact also has deals with promotions in Australia, Europe, Canada, and Mexico where the Elite could also wrestle from time to time.
ROH/NJPW and Impact/MLW/Lucha Underground – There is a chance that every non-WWE territory who wants the faction will team up to offer them a deal to prevent them from going to WWE or any other non-talent-sharing territory.
Other international territories could be in play as well.
Former WWE tag-team champion and current ROH producer, Joey Mercury, was arrested over All In weekend. He had been found sleeping in his car as finding a hotel room was a little difficult. When the police looked him up they found he had an outstanding arrest warrant in the state of Florida.
They arrested him but released him the next morning (likely just allowing him a place to sleep that night) as the warrant for his arrest in Florida was not on a charge serious enough to warrant extradition.
Joey Mercury Charged With Credit Card Fraud Under $300
Mercury is scheduled to be arraigned this morning in Orange County, Florida. He is pleading not guilty to everything he is charged with and claims he’ll be able to prove he was out of the country at the time they took place. Mercury is accused of charges relating to fraudulent credit card use above $100 but below $300. Nothing too serious but he is being charged in criminal court. The official charges can be read here.
Should Mercury be able to prove he was out of the country during this time (as passports and wrestling performances are able to prove) then he likely will be found not guilty. That is just speculation, however.
Mercury appeared on Lucha Underground recently. He was a guest at Taya and Johnny Mundo’s wedding and later a sacrifice to Matanza Cueto.
Bobby Lashley’s new hype man, Lio Rush, had to deal with bullies when he was younger. The Man of the Hour released a video on Twitter today which features Rush talking about an encounter he had with a bully when he was younger.
“True Story: When i was a young boy, a bully tried to light the #ManOfTheHour on fire. Fast Fwd to present day. Now I’m hot like a fire
! #LioHatesBullies”
“That guy tried to light me on fire,” Rush said. “I was 12 years old, 7th grade, middle school, I remember it. He tried to light me on fire, I stopped him from lighting me on fire. But you know what happened? You know what happened about 15-16 years later? Now the Man of the Hour is on fire! I’m hot like a fire right now!”
Lio Rush and Bobby Lashley On Monday Night Raw
Rush’s “main man” Bobby Lashley was victorious last night on Raw. He defeated Kevin Owens in single’s action. Owens would need help to the back and was later placed on the injured list. He is expected to undergo minor knee surgery and be out indefinitely.
Rush was shown in the back later with Lashley interrupting a promo by Bayley and Finn Balor.
The end of 2018 is shaping up to be the most important free agency period in pro-wrestling since the Attitude Era. Members of Bullet Club Elite are all going to hit free agency at the end of the year and have stated they plan to stick together as a group.
Kenny Omega Teases Signing With WWE or Impact On Latest Being The Elite
On the latest edition of Being the Elite, Kenny Omega teases potentially signing with WWE or Impact Wrestling.
During the episode, Omega is shown in a hotel room speaking on the phone. Omega makes it clear he is speaking to his friend, Impact Vice President Don Callis, when he says the line “Anyway, sucks you couldn’t be on commentary this week.” A reference to Callis not being available to call King of Pro Wrestling.
Then several notes are slipped under Omega’s door which seemed to be encouraging him to sign with WWE.
“Stuck in Japan but looking for more, why not come on down as entry #4? – H” reads one of the notes slipped under Omega’s door.
“Perhaps looking for a better payday? What about a single’s match with AJ? – H” reads the second note slipped under Omega’s door. He then decided to keep that note in his back pocket. When Omega finally did find who was slipping notes under his door, however, it turned out to be Cody. After Omega was able to get Cody to show him both his hands at the same time, the NWA Champ admitted he was just trying to give Omega a promotional code for Blue Chew.
A countdown was shown at the end of the episode. The same countdown was shown after the last episode as well. The clock is counting the days, hours and minutes until the group becomes free agents.
The full episode is listed below. Omega’s part starts at the 7:31 mark.
It was an eventful night at King of Pro Wrestling yesterday. One of the most talked about moments was when Jay White, Gedo and Jado aligned with Bullet Club’s Firing Squad. The faction then attacked Kazuchika Okada.
White had been offered a spot in Bullet Club at New Year’s Dash this year. He rejected the offer, however, and then attacked Kenny Omega. White’s history with the faction actually goes back years before then, however, to when he was originally recruited for the New Japan Dojo. He was recruited for NJPW by former BC leader Prince Devitt (aka Finn Balor) and fellow New Zealander, Bad Luck Fale.
Fale posted a photo of the two taken when White was just entering into his training at the New Japan Dojo.
In addition to adding White, Gedo, and Jado, Bullet Club also added Robbie Eagles to their roster this weekend. Eagles will team with Taiji Ishimori in the Super Junior Tag Tournament taking place in the build-up to next month’s Power Struggle event in Osaka.
Tama Tonga Clashes With Rocky Romero and Others
Shortly after the conclusion of King of Pro Wrestling, Rocky Romero and Tama Tonga clashed on Twitter. As if attempting to prove to everyone that NJPW is not PG-rated content, the two posted the following back-and-forth:
The 999th episode of Smackdown will take place tonight from the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Not only will Becky Lynch look to defend her Smackdown Women’s Championship tonight, 2 World Cup Qualifying matches will take place. The Big Show will also wrestle his first match in over a year.
Smackdown 10/9 Preview
Smackdown Women’s Championship
Becky Lynch (c) vs Charlotte Flair
Arguably the most talked about angle in WWE at the moment continues in a big way tonight. Lynch will take on Flair in a rematch from Super Show-Down. This time, however, if Lynch is DQ’ed, Flair wins both the match and the title.
Tonight’s match will be the 5th time the two have met in single’s action on the WWE roster (not including house shows). Lynch is 3W-1L while Charlotte’s only victory against Lynch came on Saturday by way of DQ.
WWE World Cup Qualifying Match
Jeff Hardy vs Samoa Joe
The WWE World Cup will be an 8-man tournament featuring 4 Superstars from Raw and another 4 from Smackdown. John Cena and Kurt Angle (aka the COnqu have already qualified. Hardy and Joe will have a chance to qualify with a win tonight.
WWE World Cup Qualifying Match
Big Show vs Randy Orton
So far, no non-American has qualified for the tournament. Several were given the opportunity in Baron Corbin’s Battle Royal last night but Spain’s the Conquistador was later revealed to be Kurt Angle.
Show’s match tonight will be his first in over a year.
Miz TV W/ AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan
Daniel Bryan will challenge for AJ Styles’ WWE Championship at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia. Tonight, however, he’ll appear alongside the champ on an edition of Miz TV. Bryan defeated the Miz at Super Show-Down to earn the title opportunity.
New Japan Pro Wrestling has released the main 5 matches for the Power Struggle event scheduled for Osaka on November 3rd. As previously reported, one of those matches involves Chris Jericho defending his IWGP Intercontinental Championship against EVIL.
NJPW recently revealed 4 more matches for the event in addition to the Super Junior Tag Tournament finals and Jericho vs EVIL.
NJPW Power Struggle
November 3rd, 2018
Osaka, Japan
The Golden Lovers (Kenny Omega & Kota Ibushi) (Bullet Club Elite) vs Hiroshi Tanahashi and David Finlay
IWGP Intercontinental Championship
Chris Jericho (c) vs EVIL (LIJ)
NEVER Openweight Championship
Taichi (Suzuki-Gun) (c) vs Will Ospreay (CHAOS)
Tetsuya Naito (LIJ) vs Zack Sabre Jr. (Suzuki-Gun)
Kazuchika Okada and Beretta (CHAOS) vs Bad Luck Fale and Jay White (BCOG)
Finals of the Super Junior Tag Tournament
The teams announced for the Super Junior tournament include:
BUSHI & Shingo Takagi
Jyushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask
KUSHIDA & Chris Sabin
Super 69 (ACH & Ryusuke Taguchi)
Volador Jr. & Soberano Jr.
Roppongi 3K (SHO & YOH)
Taiji Ishimori & Robbie Eagles
Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado
The Super Junior tournament which concludes at Power Struggle will take place on the tour leading up to the event. Not all of the shows will air on New Japan World but the ones on the 16th, 17th and again on the 26th and 27th will.
The Super Junior tag tournament in NJPW this year will follow a different format. Instead of being a single-elimination tournament as has been the case previously, this year’s tournament will follow the G1/World Tag League format.
2018 NJPW Super Junior Tag Tournament Teams
The teams entered into this year’s tournament are:
BUSHI & Shingo Takagi
Takagi was announced as the newest member of Los InGobernables De Japon at King of Pro Wrestling yesterday.
Jyushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask
KUSHIDA & Chris Sabin
Super 69 (ACH & Ryusuke Taguchi)
Volador Jr. & Soberano Jr.
Roppongi 3K (SHO & YOH)
Taiji Ishimori & Robbie Eagles
Eagles joins up as the newest member of the Bullet Club OG faction.
Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado
The team’s ranked 1st and 2nd from the 8-team round-robin will meet in the finals on November 3rd at NJPW Power Struggle in Osaka Japan. Unless current champions, Kanemaru and Desperado, win the tournament, the winning team will earn a shot at the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships.
The tournament will begin on October 16th on the Road to Power Struggle show in Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
Kevin Owens requires knee surgery and will be out indefinitely. This injury was made part of storyline last night on Monday Night Raw. Owens lost to Bobby Lashley and his knee was a focal point during the match.
There is no timetable for Owens’ return at this moment. He also missed time in 2015 and again in 2017 due to requiring knee surgery. The surgery he currently requires is being described as minor, however.
Kevin Owens Babyface Turn?
Some are saying Owens was wrestling more of a babyface style against Lashley in Chicago last night. Lashley’s new hype man, Lio Rush, was irritating fans and Owens at ringside during the match, causing Owens to lose focus on Lashley and go after him. Despite having teamed with John Cena at Super Show-Down, it appears Lashley now falls on the heel side of things with Lio Rush by his side. Rush later appeared to challenge Finn Balor to a future match with his client.
Owens has won 7 titles since signing with the company. He’s a former NXT Champion, Universal Champion, 2x Intercontinental Champion, and former 3x United States Champion. Before arriving in WWE, Owens was a former ROH World Champion and 3x former PWG Champion. He was elected into the Quebec Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2017.
Matt Hardy released a video on his personal YouTube account today. The video seems to be a teaser for the Broken Universe special expected to air on the WWE Network later this month.
Hardy explained to Senor Benjamin that there are dark forces gathering and he needs him to prepare the battlefield for massacre. He was then distracted by two of his pets sparring. Hardy revealed earlier this month that filming was taking place at the Hardy compound.
Matt Hardy From Wrestler To Producer
Although he never specifically used the word retirement, Hardy indicated last month he is stepping away from in-ring wrestling.
“Thank you for letting me live my dream for 26 years, wrestling fans,” Hardy wrote on his YouTube channel. “I don’t necessarily wish it was this way, but it’s time to go home. Time to go home and be a father. Time to go home and be a husband. I did so much more than I ever imagined I would do. Thanks for making this incredible journey with me, ladies and gentlemen. I love you all.”
Matt Hardy’s in-ring career might be over but his career behind the camera might just be beginning. The ever creative Hardy brother has moved into a producers role with the company and the Broken Universe special is to serve as a pilot for a potential reoccuring series.
