SEScoops

Author: Chris Stephens

  • Matt Sydal Talks Having Creative Freedom in Impact Wrestling

    Matt Sydal Talks Having Creative Freedom in Impact Wrestling

    X-Division Champion, Matt Sydal, will defend his title this Sunday at Slammiversary against Brian Cage. He recently sat down with the Sporting News and discussed why having creative freedom as a performer is important.

    “We’re creating an ethereal consciousness during the match,” explained Sydal. “There’s a symbiotic relationship that we’re co-creating together and I want them feeling the same mystical experience that I am going through simultaneously. I just am trying to do more. It’s easy to go out there and wrestle. It’s hard to go out there and try new things, to create an atmosphere.”

    Sydal would continue to say that recent developments in the pro-wrestling landscape have reinvigorated his love for wrestling.

    “Wrestling used to be like this — it was this bathtub that we will fill up from only one faucet,” Sydal said. “It was mainly WWE filling the tub of love of wrestling for the entire world. And because of the internet, technology, the interconnectedness of people and the desire of independent artists to create their own work, this resurgence of wrestling has come up and it’s reinvigorating for me.”

    Sydal continued to say what he feels is different about today’s wrestling. “Now the bathtub of wrestling that we’re trying to fill up to the brim with water — it has a WWE faucet, it’s got a New Japan faucet, IMPACT Wrestling, some of these hotter indies, WWN, Evolve, Progress. It’s getting filled from everywhere and all of the water is warm and everybody’s saying come on in and take a bath with us because this is some good, clean fun.”

    Matt Sydal on His Slammiversary Opponent, Brian Cage

    Sydal will take on a much larger opponent on Sunday. Brian Cage is a heavyweight wrestler who utilizes an X-division style move-set.

    “Someone like Brian Cage, he’s a gigantic man who is trying to wrestle like me,” explained Sydal. “That’s his mistake because I clearly hold the top card in someone who is wrestling like Matt Sydal. I see things from a higher perspective. I can know what Brian Cage is doing before he’s doing it because he’s doing me. I’ve been facing the man in the mirror my entire life. That’s been my hardest battle is the one where it’s me versus me.”

  • #1 Contenders Match Scheduled For 205 Live Next Week

    #1 Contenders Match Scheduled For 205 Live Next Week

    Cedric Alexander is now the second longest reigning Cruiserweight Champion in the title’s short lineage. He is currently at 101 days as champion, 96 days short of Neville’s 197-day record.

    Last night on 205 Live, General Manager Drake Maverick made an announcement regarding who Alexander’s next title defense will be against. Maverick announced a #1 contenders match for next week featuring 4 of the division’s top-ranked competitors.

    Next week, Mustafa Ali, TJP, Hideo Itami, and Drew Gulak will meet in a fatal 4-way match. The winner will earn a title shot against Cedric Alexander.

    205 Live Title Picture

    Alexander won the title by defeating Mustafa Ali in the finals of a tournament to declare a new champion. The title had been vacated after Enzo Amore was released from the company. Alexander defeated Mustafa Ali on the WrestleMania 34 Kickoff show.

    Since then, Alexander has defended the title against Kalisto, Buddy Murphy, and most recently, Hideo Itami.

    205 Live 7/17 Results

    • TJP defeated Noam Dar
      • This was a rematch from two weeks ago when Dar defeated TJP in under 30 seconds.
    • Drew Gulak defeated Danny Garcia
      • After the match, Gulak stated his case for a Cruiserweight title shot.
      • Danny Garcia wrestles indies in the Toronto area.
    • Lio Rush defeated Akira Tozawa
      • Rush wins his first real test since debuting on 205 Live.
      • Rush pulled Tozawa off the top rope as he was going for his Senton. This allowed Rush to hit his frog-splash for the win.
  • WWE Awarded League Humanitarian Leadership Award

    WWE Awarded League Humanitarian Leadership Award

    Last night, WWE was awarded the League Humanitarian Leadership award by ESPN. They received the award at the 4th annual Sports Humanitarian Awards in Los Angeles.

    “The Sports Humanitarian Awards is a celebration of the impact made by athletes, teams and sports industry professionals who use the power of sport to make a difference throughout the world,” a company statement reads.

    Roman Reigns, Stephanie McMahon, and Charlotte Flair were on hand to accept the award.

    WWE League Humanitarian Leadership Award

    “Our mission is to put smiles on faces the world over, and we will continue to use our platform to inspire social good!” WWE Tweeted.

    “WWE  helps to address and provide support on important social issues worldwide, including diversity and inclusion, education, military and bringing hope to critically ill children,” WWE’s statement continues. “In 2017 alone, WWE generated 3.1 billion impressions, held 237 events in the community and donated more than $25 million in media value to its community partners.”

    WWE has placed emphasis on corporate social-responsibility these last few years. Their work on the Be A Star and Conor’s Cure are two examples of CSR projects the company has spearheaded.

    Earlier this year, WWE organized the Mixed Match Challenge tournament. Each team picked a charity of their choice. The winning team would earn a donation of $100,000 to that organization. The winning team of Asuka and the Miz earned a donation to the charity “Rescue Dogs Rock”. The charity supports neglected or abused dogs and helps find them a forever home.

    “Thank you ESPN for the honor of WWE the Sports Humanitarian Leadership award!” Stephanie Tweeted. “This award is for all of our Superstars, employees and fans who do so much to give back and put smiles on people’s faces.”

  • New Day Release Statement On Hulk Hogan’s Reinstatement

    New Day Release Statement On Hulk Hogan’s Reinstatement

    The members of New Day have released a statement regarding Hulk Hogan’s reinstatement into the WWE Universe. The statement was released through Kofi Kingston’s Twitter account early this morning.

    New Day Statement On Hulk Hogan

    “To the WWE Universe and whoever else it may concern:

    This will be the only statement we will make regarding Hogan’s reinstatement into WWE’s Hall of Fame. We do not wish to spend energy debating the point because between our kids, our external ventures, and this job, out energy is spread thin enough already, lol.

    We are only writing this simply to provide an answer to the many who have bombarded us with questions on where we stand on the issue.

    We preface this statement by emphasizing that this is our own opinion and may not necessarily reflect the opinion of anyone else affected.

    How do we feel? Indifferent. We are not happy, or sad, or resentful. Who WWE puts into the HOF is totally and completely up to the company and from a career standpoint, there is no argument on whether or not Hogan should have his place. We have no problem with his re-induction in the slightest degree. It is impossible to even begin to mention the history and evolution of the business without mentioning his name and accolades.

    On a personal level, when someone makes racist and hateful comments about any race or group of people, especially to the degree that Hogan made about our people, we find difficult to simply forget, regardless of how long ago it was, or the situation in which those comments were made. But we also do not respond with more feelings of hate. Instead, we just do not associate with the people who convey or have conveyed this negative and hurtful mindset. This instance will be no different. Perhaps if we see him make a genuine effort to change, then maybe our opinion will change with him. Time will tell.

    Through the course of our lives, people have used racist comments towards us and it doesn’t feel good. But if we stopped moving forward every time we were met with prejudicial hatred, then we would have never achieved our current accomplishments.

    We know we are worth it, we know our kids are worth it, and most importantly, we know that people that look like us are worth it and always have been. There isn’t a person on this planet who will ever be able to say anything to make us think otherwise because we believe in ourselves as a people and don’t need anyone’s approval on that, regardless of who they are.

    Having said that, his reinstatement won’t change anything for us. It will have zero effect on our ability to perform or the level of effort we will put into doing what we love to do, and that is: To deliver an entertaining product each week for our fan base.

    Sincerely,

    • The New Day

    “Never trade your authenticity for approval.”

  • Johnny Impact On Why Fans Should Be Watching Impact Wrestling

    Johnny Impact On Why Fans Should Be Watching Impact Wrestling

    Johnny Impact will face Fenix, Rich Swann, and Taiji Ishimori on Sunday at Slammiversary.

    “I can’t think of a better way to return to Impact than with this 4-way match between some of the most talented guys in the world, myself included,” Johnny said on a media call. “I plan on stealing the show for sure.”

    “The guys in this match are really on the upper echelon of athletism and charisma,” Johnny continued. “I’m stoked, bro.” 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEBlnX2BiJw&frags=pl%2Cwn

    Johnny Impact On Why Fans Should Be Watching Impact Wrestling

    We had a chance to ask Johnny Impact why fans should be watching Impact Wrestling right now.

    “The current roster of Impact Wrestling is possibly the best roster in the world,” Johnny said. “You’ve got your traditional American psychology type wrestling but now we’ve got with Ishimori, with Pentagon, with Fenix, with Sami Callihan and Cage and Kevin Kross now, Aries, and of course, Johnny Impact. You’ve got this crazy blend of wrestlers from different styles from all over the world that make the matches on Impact infinitely interesting.”

    “You’re seeing this collision of styles every time you’re out there,” Johnny continued.

    “Social media, the youtube channel, all the views are spiraling upward because there is a new interest in this product,” Johnny said. “That new interest is just a symptom of the fact that what we are doing is something that wrestling fans like to see.”

    Johnny Impact would also compare Impact Wrestling’s current product to right before a wave breaks when you’re surfing.

    “When you’re surfing right before a wave breaks, that’s where you want to jump on and surf because you don’t want to miss the boat,” Johnny explained. “That’s what Impact is now.”

    Slammiversary takes place July 22nd, 2018 from the Rebel Nightclub Complex in Toronto. It will be available to purchase live on the FITE app. 

  • Austin Aries On Why He Returned To Impact Wrestling

    Austin Aries On Why He Returned To Impact Wrestling

    Impact Wrestling World Champion, Austin Aries, will defend his title against Moose on Sunday in Toronto. He took part in a sit-down interview to promote his Slammiversary title defense and also mentioned why he decided to return to Impact earlier this year.

    “Not every platform is created equal. Not every platform allows the same freedoms, not every platform gives guys the opportunity to truly grab the brass ring.” – Austin Aries on Impact Wrestling

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_GdieEUHtM&frags=pl%2Cwn

    Austin Aries on Impact Wrestling

    “Why did Austin Aries choose to come back to Impact Wrestling?” Aries asked himself. “Cause Impact Wrestling needed me and I like to feel needed. I like to feel wanted. But in some ways maybe Austin Aries needed the platform of Impact Wrestling.

    “Not every platform is created equal,” Aries continued. “Not every platform allows the same freedoms, not every platform gives guys the opportunity to truly grab the brass ring.”

    They offered me an opportunity, they said ‘hey, we love what you do, we respect the artist you are, please come to Impact Wrestling, we’re going to give you a blank canvass to paint as you see fit.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BjQEBA5nvFz/?utm_source=ig_embed

    Austin Aries in Live Kindly

    Austin Aries is a vegan and promotes the diet and lifestyle whenever he can. He recently sat down with Live Kindly last week and spoke about what it’s like to be a vegan professional wrestler.

    “I’ve really had a positive impact on a lot of my fans just by being who I am,” he said before recalling a moment with a fan at a Veg Fest. “After a panel signing books, and a longtime fan of mine came up to me and said I was the reason he chose to become plant-based himself and in the time since, he lost 200 pounds. His sister-in-law lost 100 pounds but went back to her previous lifestyle, but the point is, I affected this young man’s life in such a huge way and turned his life in a completely different direction.”

  • Smackdown and 205 Live Preview 7/17: Shinsuke Nakamura vs Jeff Hardy

    Smackdown and 205 Live Preview 7/17: Shinsuke Nakamura vs Jeff Hardy

    Smackdown and 205 Live tonight will emanate from the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The featured match will be a rematch from Extreme Rules between Shinsuke Nakamura and Jeff Hardy with the United States Championship on the line.

    Only one match is confirmed for Smackdown, whereas two are confirmed for 205 Live.

    Smackdown Live! 7/17

    United States Championship
    Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs Jeff Hardy

    At Extreme Rules on Sunday, Nakamura defeated Jeff Hardy after a low blow and a quick Kinshasa. After the match, Randy Orton inexplicably came out and targetting Hardy. Was he trying to send a message to the champion? Or does he have some grudge against Hardy?

    WWE is reporting that Jeff Hardy demanded his contractually obligated rematch tonight.

    #AndStill WWE Champion AJ Styles

    At Extreme Rules, AJ Styles defeated Rusev. It was his 9th televised WWE Championship defense of this reign and 15th all-time.

    What is next for the champion? WWE.com is teasing Styles’ next challenger could make themselves known tonight.

    How Will Asuka React To Her Second Straight Loss To Carmella?

    Carmella retained her title on Sunday by slamming Asuka’s head into James Ellsworth’s shark cage. Despite her second straight loss to Carmella in a Championship match, WWE is indicating Asuka might not be out of the title picture yet as we get closer to SummerSlam.

    Will Team Hell No Bounce Back From Their Loss To The Bludgeon Brothers?

    Before their match on Sunday, the Bludgeon Brothers attacked Team Hell No. Kane’s leg was in a brace and Daniel Bryan had to start the match alone.

    Kane is still not medically cleared compete tonight.

    205 Live 7/12

    TJP vs Noam Dar

    When Noam Dar returned to 205 Live two weeks ago, he defeated TJP in under 30 seconds. Previously, TJP had been complaining he wasn’t being given tough enough competition.

    TJP demanded this rematch tonight.

    Lio Rush vs Akira Tozawa

    Lio Rush has been chastizing Tozawa as of late. He showed up on commentary during a recent match of Tozawa’s and then after the match told him he wasn’t doing enough to be successful.

    Tozawa returned the favor to Rush last week during Rush’s match. Drake Maverick then made this match official for tonight.

  • Kevin Owens Injury Update Following Extreme Rules Cage Spot

    Kevin Owens Injury Update Following Extreme Rules Cage Spot

    WWE has released an update on the medical condition of Raw’s Kevin Owens.

    At Extreme Rules on Sunday, Braun Strowman chokeslammed Owens off the top of the cage through an announcer’s table below. Owens was taken away via stretcher after technically winning the match.

    Kevin Owens Injury Update

    “After a 20-foot descent through an announce table during his Steel Cage Match against Braun Strowman at WWE Extreme Rules,” A WWE statement reads. “Kevin Owens sustained multiple injuries, including bruising of the shoulder and back, bruised ribs and a neck strain. He will be re-evaluated later in the week.”

    “The injuries occurred during the final moments of the match,” the statement continues. “When Strowman hurled Owens from atop the cage, sending him through an announce table at ringside, technically winning the match by leaving the structure first. Owens was then rushed to a local medical facility for evaluation.”

    How Long Will Kevin Owens Be Out of Action?

    While Kevin Owens did not appear on Raw, he is still expected to appear at Raw’s house shows. He is still advertised as a featured performer for Saturday’s house show in Lexington, KY.

    Kevin Owens Social Media Accounts Back To Dark

    Following the Shania Twain concert, Kevin Owens returned all of his social media pages back to dark. Owens had previously stated the only reason he returned to Twitter was to encourage Shania Twain to play his favorite song at a Montreal concert.

  • John Hennigan Talks Differences Between Impact Wrestling and Lucha Underground

    John Hennigan Talks Differences Between Impact Wrestling and Lucha Underground

    John Hennigan is a featured performer for both Impact Wrestling and Lucha Underground. In the 4th season of Lucha Underground, Johnny Mundo’s World Wide Underground is in a feud with Kobra Moon’s Reptile Tribe. Meanwhile, in Impact Wrestling, Johnny Impact is booked for the upcoming Slammiversary pay-per-view in Toronto.

    Hennigan spoke with TV Insider recently and commented on the differences between the two companies.

    Johnny Impact and Johnny Mundo on Impact Wrestling and Lucha Underground

    Hennigan started by describing what he believes to be Lucha Underground’s style. “Lucha is hard-hitting, acrobatic, fast-paced. It has this cool world that is uniquely Lucha Underground.”

    He then compared Lucha Underground to Impact Wrestling. “Impact is similar, but it’s a different world. The stuff going on there is the evolution of traditional wrestling product into a cutting-edge, modern, present-day program.”

    “I think the best way to make an example of that is I’m returning there at Slammiversary on July 22,” Hennigan continued. “The match I’m going to have is Rich Swann vs. Taji Ishimori vs. Fenix vs. Johnny Impact. Rich Swann and I both worked for WWE. Taiji works for New Japan and Noah. Fenix is one of the best Luchadores in the world. He has worked for pretty much every company in Mexico.”

    John Hennigan on Impact Wrestling and Lucha Underground

    “The office for Lucha Underground and Impact Wrestling are both forward-thinking people that are trying to build something, instead of competing against one another, which traditionally happened in the past,” Hennigan stated.

    “Lucha, Impact and hopefully more companies going forward are working together now, which is awesome to me. As a wrestler, we get to work for both companies. As a wrestling fan, I get to see a bunch of dream matches five years ago you would never get to see.”

    The final Impact Wrestling television show before Slammiversary airs this Thursday. Lucha Underground’s 4th season continues on the El Rey Network this Wednesday night.

  • Corey Graves Shirt Pulled From WWE Shop

    Corey Graves Shirt Pulled From WWE Shop

    Unfortunately for fans of Corey Graves, his T-shirt is no longer available at WWEShop.com. The shirt had featured a picture of Graves with the words “Shut Up Saxton” on it.

    “Sorry guys, no #ShutUpSaxton shirt,” Graves tweeted. “Out of my hands. We tried.”

    Saxton had been campaigning for the shirt leading up to its release earlier this month. Graves added that he needs something else – “something different.”

    Corey Graves Comments on CM Punk

    Last month, Corey Graves made several Tweets after CM Punk’s second straight loss in the UFC.

    “Maybe abandoning everybody who stood by your side, even when we weren’t supposed to, only to have you turn your back on us wasn’t the right move after all?” Graves Tweeted short after the end of the fight. “No anger. Only sadness.”

    “The first rule of ‘punk rock’ is loyalty, and this guy betrayed it all,” Graves continued. “I still love you, “friend” and I’m sorry you got lost.”

    Graves continued to comment on the matter.

    “Awww. Seems the “fans” are disappointed. Maybe you guys should know that “That Dude” held my first son before I did because I was on tour and I trusted him,” Graves continued. “I had dinner with him the week after he quit.”

    The next day he spoke with Fightful.com

    “What really set me off was this week when he essentially disowned the business that made him,”Graves said. “My only issue with him was that he turned off people that actually loved and supported him. Beyond “the business” and he never wanted anything to do with us…yet continued to present himself as this ‘Punk’ hero.”

    He clarified his comments had nothing to do with Punk’s recent trial.

    “Dude, this has ZERO to do with court, or testimony or any of the above. Nothing that I tweeted was corporate,” said Graves. “I’m simply hurt/pissed off that a guy that I looked like as a big brother-type has turned his back on me and everyone that loved and supported him only because of the name on my paycheck. I’m definitely not the only one. I won’t name names, but there is a large group of us to this day that inexplicably lost a solid friend because of where we work.”

  • WWE Denies Hulk Hogan Apology Was Filmed

    WWE Denies Hulk Hogan Apology Was Filmed

    Yesterday, it was reported that Hulk Hogan’s apology to the WWE roster was filmed for an upcoming WWE Network special. The news was first reported by Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

    A WWE representative has denied that the segment was taped for a special to eventually air on the WWE Network.

    Hulk Hogan Reinstated

    Earlier this year, Mark Henry stated he didn’t feel Hogan was ready for a return to WWE. Henry said he felt Hogan needed to complete more community work but did not rule out giving the legendary wrestler a second chance.

    “There is going to have to be more community service and outside work, support for programs and even create a program that deals with diversity in the workplace,” Henry said on Busted Open radio. “There is going to have to be more community service and outside work, support for programs and even create a program that deals with diversity in the workplace”.

    Henry also spoke on how he sits on a delegation of African American wrestlers. “The delegation is pretty much all of the established African American wrestlers in the country and in the world, for that matter. Every promotion,” Henry said. “There is not a wrestling promotion that does not house someone from the delegation”.

    Henry appeared on TMZ Sports earlier this week and said he’s been meeting with Hogan and believes he is genuine.

    “He [Hogan] made an announcement, he apologized, he’s done a lot of stuff with the Boys and Girls Club. But I didn’t want to lose track of the fact that there’s more work to be done,” Henry stated.

    Hulk Hogan was officially reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame over the weekend.

  • G1 Climax 28 Recommended Matches, Upcoming Schedule, more…

    G1 Climax 28 Recommended Matches, Upcoming Schedule, more…

    The G1 Climax 28 tournament is 3 shows into their 19 show tour. To keep everyone up-to-date with the tournament thus far we’ve put together a list of the most recommended matches thus far in the tournament. Below that we have the upcoming scheduled with key matches highlighted and the updated standings.

    All matches and events air with english commentary on NJPWWorld.com 

    Recommended Matches G1 Climax 28 (Nights 1 – 3) (Non-Spoiler)

    1. Zack Sabre Jr. vs Kota Ibushi (night 2) (B Block)

    2018 has been a breakthrough year for Zack Sabre Jr in NJPW. Winning the New Japan Cup solidified him as someone who will have IWGP-endorsed titles around his waist at some point.

    At a recent NJPW Strong Style Evolved UK show, ZSJ pinned Kazuchika Okada. ZSJ has defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi (NJ Cup Finals), Tetsuya Naito (NJ Cup opening round), and Okada this year. He’ll get a chance to wrestle Omega later in the tournament, which is pretty much the only big name he has left to beat.

    This match from night 2 in the B block is also a rematch from the quarter-finals of the New Japan Cup when the referee stopped the match after Ibushi passed out in a submission. Ibushi is the only of ZSJ’s 4 opponents in the tournament not to actually submit.

    2. Kenny Omega vs Tetsuya Naito (night 2) (B Block)

    If you’re an NJPW fan this match doesn’t require any selling. They are the two most popular stars in the company, including Kazuchika Okada.

    Here are just a few other statistics as to why this match was important:

    • It’s a rematch of the finals last year when Naito defeated Omega.
    • In 2016, Omega defeated Naito in the round-robin en route to winning the tournament.
    • It’s just the 3rd time they’ve faced each other in a single’s match.
    • Omega’s recent comments about how the Japanese wrestlers don’t go to the gym as much as the international wrestlers do seems to have hit a nerve with Naito. Omega frequently makes statements about not liking LIJ. At some point, an LIJ vs Bullet Club rivalry is coming.
    • Since Omega is the IWGP Heavyweight Champion, a win here would put him in line for a future shot against Omega.
    • They are also the last two men to win the G1.
    • This match is currently the highest-rated by users of the statistics-based website, Cagematch, with a 9.53 rating as of this writing.

    3. Hangman Page vs Bad Luck Fale (night 1) (A Block)

    This is the first match of the Bullet Club OG vs The Elite angle. It’s not recommended viewing so much for its athleticism as it is for its spectacle and storyline development.

    Also, Bad Luck Fale keeps shouting “F*** em” and that’s pretty funny.

    4. Hangman Page vs Michael Elgin (night 3)  (A Block)

    Kevin Kelly pointed out on commentary that these two met three times in Ring of Honor. This would have been when Page was just developing. He really shows just how much he’s developed in this match. His style meshes with Elgin’s strongman style well. Elgin is all slimmed down and looks to be in great shape too.

    5. EVIL vs Michael Elgin (night 2) (B Block)

    Speaking of Michael Elgin being in good shape, he demonstrated this in a different way during this match. Elgin and EVIL do some reversals and sequences in this match which are pretty impressive to see.

    6. Jay White vs Kazuchika Okada (night 1) (A Block)

    The story behind this match is White has said ever since he joined CHAOS that one day he’d face Okada. White is sort of the black sheep of the stable and Rocky Romero has frequently mentioned this on commentary.

    Romero would grow further frustrated with White as this match wore on. White and CHAOS is a storyline which could take time to develop or it could combust quickly, we’ll just have to see.

    Other recommended matches
    • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Minoru Suzuki (night 1)
    • Jay White Hiroshi Tanahashi (night 3)
    • Bad Luck Fale vs Kazuchika Okada (for storyline purposes…) (night 3)

    Upcoming Schedule

    Single’s champions are highlighted

    “Night 4 (B Block)
    July 19th, 2018

    • Juice Robinson vs Kota Ibushi
    • Hirooki Goto vs Kenny Omega
    • Tomohiro Ishii vs Tetsuya Naito
    • Toru Yano vs Zack Sabre Jr
    • SANADA vs Tama Tonga

    Night 5 (A Block)
    July 20th, 2018

    • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Bad Luck Fale
    • Togi Makabe vs EVIL
    • Michael Elgin vs Jay White
    • Kazuchika Okada vs Hangman Page
    • YOSHI-HASHI vs Minoru Suzuki

    Night 6 (B Block)
    July 21st, 2018

    • Juice Robinson vs Tetsuya Naito
    • Hirooki Goto vs Tomohiro Ishii
    • Toru Yano vs Kota Ibushi
    • Kenny Omega vs Tama Tonga
      • Every Kenny Omega match is important because it can lead to a future title match. This match, however, is also important for storyline purposes. If Tonga wins this match it could set up a Tama Tonga vs Kenny Omega IWGP Heavyweight title match at the September 30th show in Long Beach. That is just speculation, however.
      • This is a big match in the career of Tama Tonga.
    • SANADA vs Zack Sabre Jr

    Night 7 (A Block)
    July 22nd, 2018

    • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Hangman Page
    • Togi Makabe vs Kazuchika Okada
    • Michael Elgin vs YOSHI-HASHI
    • Jay White vs Minoru Suzuki
    • EVIL vs Bad Luck Fale

    Night 8 (B Block)
    July 26th, 2018

    • Juice Robinson vs Kenny Omega
    • Hirooki Goto vs Tou Yano
    • Tomohiro Ishii vs Zack Sabre Jr
    • Tetsuya Naito vs Tama Tonga
    • SANADA vs Kota Ibushi

    Night 9 (A Block)
    July 27th, 2018

    • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Togi Makabe
    • Michael Elgin vs Minoru Suzuki
    • Kazuchika Okada vs YOSHI-HASHI
    • Jay White vs Bad Luck Fale
    • EVIL vs Hangman Page

    Night 10 (B Block)
    July 28th, 2018

    • Juice Robinson vs Toru Yano
    • Hirooki Goto vs Tetsuya Naito
    • Tomohiro Ishii vs Kota Ibushi
    • Kenny Omega vs SANADA
    • Tama Tonga vs Zack Sabre Jr.

    Night 11 (A Block)
    July 30th, 2018

    • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs YOSHI-HASHI
    • Togi Makabe vs Bad Luck Fale
    • Michael Elgin vs Kazuchika Okada
    • Jay White vs Hangman Page
    • EVIL vs Minoru Suzuki

    Night 12 (B Block)
    August 1st, 2018

    • Juice Robinson vs SANADA
    • Hirooki Goto vs Kota Ibushi
    • Tomohiro Ishii vs Tama Tonga
    • Toru Yano vs Tetsuya Naito
    • Kenny Omega vs Zack Sabre Jr

    Night 13 (A Block)
    August 2nd, 2018

    • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs EVIL
    • Togi Makabe vs Hangman Page
    • Michael Elgin vs Bad Luck Fale
    • Kazuchika Okada vs Minoru Suzuki
      • The first time these two met was in 2013. Suzuki defeated Okada that night. Okada has won the last 4 NJPW matches between them, however. His victories include 2 IWGP Heavyweight title defenses and 2 matches in G1 round-robin matches.
      • The last time they faced each other was actually outside NJPW, however. They met in the main event of Minoru Suzuki’s 30th Anniversary “Great Pirates Festival”. In the pouring rain, the two went to a time limit draw.
    • Jay White vs YOSHI-HASHI

    Night 14 (B Block)
    August 4th, 2018

    • Juice Robinson vs Zack Sabre Jr
      • A Zack Sabre Junior victory here would put him in line for a shot at the IWGP United States Championship. ZSJ is one of the big names NJPW has to showcase to their European audience and Juice is becoming that for their American audience.
      • This seems like it could be an important match for NJPW’s international markets but it could also just be a good wrestling match.
    • Hirooki Goto vs Tama Tonga
    • Tomohiro Ishii vs Kenny Omega
    • Toru Yano vs SANADA
    • Tetsuya Naito vs Kota Ibushi

    Night 15 (A Block)
    August 5th, 2018

    • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Michael Elgin
    • Togi Makabe vs Jay White
    • Kazuchika Okada vs EVIL
    • YOSHI-HASHI vs Bad Luck Fale
    • Hangman Page vs Minoru Suzuki

    Night 16 (B Block)
    August 8th, 2018

    • Juice Robinson vs Tomohiro Ishii
    • Hirooki Goto vs Zack Sabre Jr
    • Toru Yano vs Kenny Omega
      • Yano’s inclusion in the G1 seems to really upset some people. His comedy is also seen as a way of breaking up the monotony of serious single’s matches but some feel the G1 should be a straight-up serious tournament.
      • Omega and Yano matches in this tournament before have been both hilarious and controversial. This one will likely be as well. Yano is saying he is trying not to cheat this tournament but somehow I don’t see that holding up…
    • Kota Ibushi vs Tama Tonga
    • Tetsuya Naito vs SANADA

    Night 17 (A Block)
    August 10th, 2018

    • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Kazuchika Okada
      • This will be the main event of the night and is arguably the biggest rivalry in NJPW history.
      • We won’t know exactly what is on the line until match time, however.
    • Togi Makabe vs Michael Elgin
    • Jay White vs EVIL
    • YOSHI-HASHI vs Hangman Page
    • Bad Luck Fale vs Minoru Suzuki

    Night 18 (B Block)
    August 11th, 2018

    • Juice Robinson vs Hirooki Goto
    • Tomohiro Ishii vs SANADA
    • Toru Yano vs Tama Tonga
    • Kenny Omega vs Kota Ibushi
      • The Golden Lovers collide!
      • They’ve met each other twice before, each time in DDT in 2008. Ibushi won both matches.
      • By the time this match comes about, we’ll no more about how it could impact the standings.
    • Tetsuya Naito vs Zack Sabre Jr

    Night 19 (Finals)
    August 12th, 2018

    • A Block Winner vs B Block Winner”

    G1 Climax 28 Results (Nights 1-3)

    Night 1 (A Block)
    July 14th, 2018

    • Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Minoru Suzuki
    • Togi Makabe defeated YOSHI-HASHI
    • Michael Elgin defeated EVIL
    • Jay White defeated Kazuchika Okada
    • Hangman Page defeated Bad Luck Fale via DQ

    Night 2 (B-Block)
    July 15th, 2018

    • Tama Tonga defeated Juice Robinson
    • Hirooki Goto defeated SANADA
    • Tomohiro Ishii defeated Toru Yano
    • Kenny Omega defeated Tetsuya Naito
    • Kota Ibushi defeated Zack Sabre Jr

    Night 3 (A Block)
    July 16th, 2018

    • Jay White defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi
    • Togi Makabe defeated Minoru Suzuki
    • Michael Elgin defeated Hangman Page
    • Bad Luck Fale defeated Kazuchika Okada
    • EVIL defeated YOSHI-HASHI

    Standings:

    Block A

    • Michael Elgin – 4pts
    • Togi Makabe – 4pts
    • Jay White – 4pts
    • EVIL – 2pts
    • Bad Luck Fale – 2pts
    • Hangman Page – 2pts
    • Hiroshi Tanahashi – 2pts
    • Minoru Suzuki – 2pts
    • Kazuchika Okada – 0pts
    • YOSHI-HASHI – 0pts

    Block B

    • Hirooki Goto 2pts
    • Kota Ibushi 2pts
    • Tomohiro Ishii 2pts
    • Kenny Omega 2pts
    • Tama Tonga 2pts
    • Tetsuya Naito 0pts
    • Juice Robinson 0pts
    • Zack Sabre Jr 0pts
    • SANADA 0pts
    • Toru Yano 0pts
  • Carmella Fires Back At Her Critics

    Carmella Fires Back At Her Critics

    Smackdown Women’s Champion, Carmella, is having a great time on social media this morning. Carmella was victorious over Asuka last night at Extreme Rules. It was her second straight victory over Asuka, having defeated her at the Money in the Bank event last month as well.

    She was able to win the match after throwing Asuka head first into the shark cage which was supposed to be holding James Ellsworth.

    Some of Carmella’s critics took to Twitter to let the champion know how they feel about her victory last night. Carmella was all too happy to respond to them.

    “Me: (breathes) Internet: “Carmella sucks at breathing. It’s so unfair she gets to breathe more than girls who are better than her at breathing. She gets zero stars for not knowing how to breathe properly!!”

    The pinned Tweet atop Carmella’s Twitter feed lists the opponents she’s beaten:

    Carmella’s Smackdown Women’s Championship Reign

    Carmella is the 6th person to ever win the Smackdown Women’s Championship. She won the title by cashing-in her Money in the Bank contract on Charlotte Flair during the 1st Smackdown following WrestleMania this year.

    As of this writing, Carmella has held the title for 97 days, good for the 3rd longest reign of all time. Charlotte Flair holds the record for the longest reign at 147 days. Naomi holds the record for the most title defenses in a reign with 5. So far, Carmella has held the title for 97 days and defended it 4x on WWE programming (i.e not including house shows).

    Naomi’s 5 title defenses are also the all-time accumulative record for the title as well.

  • Masa Saito Passes Away From Parkinson’s At 76

    Masa Saito Passes Away From Parkinson’s At 76

    Legendary wrestler, Masa Saito, has passed away at 76. He is reported to have passed away due to complications related to Parkinson’s disease over the weekend.

    WWE fans will be most familiar with Saito from the tag-team he formed along with Mr. Fuji. Saito and Fuji are 2x WWF tag-team champions. He is also a former AWA World Heavyweight champion, winning the title from Larry Zbyszko in 1990. The match was held in front of 63,000 people inside the Tokyo Dome.

    Saito retired from the ring in 1999 and was given a special Service Award from Tokyo Sports in recognition of his contributions to pro-wrestling. He is also the innovator of the Saito suplex.

    Reactions to the Death of Masa Saito

    The death of the legendary wrestler has caused an outpouring of support online.

    Shinsuke Nakamura sent out the following in response to the news: “Rest in Peace the legendary Japanese wrestler Masa Saito.”

    Japanese wrestling expert and author, Chris Charlton, also commented. “Masa Saito got his start in the JWA and was part of the pioneering IWE,” Charlton Tweeted. “His work in America as a liaison and trainer forged a path for so many American stars in Japan, including Hulk Hogan.”

    Samoa Joe recently sent out the following:

    “RIP Masa Saito. May your reigns of terror never be forgotten.”

    WWE Performance Center trainer, Steve Corino, also spoke about the influence Saito had on his career.

    “Masa Saito was in the first tag team match I ever saw on TV 1981,” Corino Tweeted. “I was fortunate to be a fly on the wall while him and Nick Bockwinkel (I was the 3rd wheel) had lunch at our hotel in Tokyo in 2006. I was floored by how nice of a man he was. A true legend. Rest well.:

  • James Ellsworth WWE Contract Update

    James Ellsworth WWE Contract Update

    James Ellsworth might not be sticking around WWE for much longer. At Sunday’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view from Pittsburgh, Ellsworth once again helped Carmella defeat Asuka. He did the same thing last month when he re-appeared in the promotion at Money in the Bank, distracted Asuka, and allowed Carmella to get the win.

    According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer, Ellsworth’s latest run with the company could already be over. “I wonder if that’s it for him,” Meltzer questioend. “He’s working independent dates everywhere. They never signed him, they never offered him a contract this time out.”

    With Ellsworth on only a per-show agreement, his future with the company may consist of occasional one-off appearances. The beating he took at the hands of Asuka last night could serve as a way for WWE to write him off television for the near future.

    James Ellsworth in WWE

    Ellsworth first debuted with the company as one of Adam Rose’s Rosebuds in 2014. He would frequently be in Rose’s entourage when the company was in Baltimore or the surrounding area.

    His first match with WWE was shortly after the brand-split in 2016. The company was utilizing occasional squash matches at the time and Ellsworth was a frequently used enhancement talent. He wrestled Braun Strowman in Pittsburgh in his first match.

    Ellsworth is also said to have canceled bookings in China in order to be available for the Money in the Bank pay-per-view last month.

  • Bobby Lashley Wants To Challenge Brock Lesnar (Video)

    Bobby Lashley Wants To Challenge Brock Lesnar (Video)

    Last night in Pittsburgh, Bobby Lashley picked up the win over Roman Reigns. In what many considered an unofficial #1 contenders match to the Universal Championship, Lashley picked up his biggest win since returning to the company.

    He appeared on the WWE Network’s post-event show and spoke about what the victory means to him. Lashley says that Lesnar should return to WWE now that there is a new challenger ready to face him.

    “Brock has the title, I don’t know where Brock is but when Brock is ready to come back and fight somebody for the title, I’m the man,” Lashley said. “Now, there’s a new big dog and that’s me. So if he wants to come back and defend that title, he has somebody else to comeback and defend that title (against).”

    Bobby Lashley vs Brock Lesnar

    With Brock Lesnar having defeated Roman Reigns at both WrestleMania and the Greatest Royal Rumble, it looks as though Lashley will be his next challenger. The match will likely be scheduled for SummerSlam.

    Last week, It was reported by Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer that Lesnar’s next match with WWE would be at SummerSlam. Lesnar made headlines recently at UFC 226 after shoving heavyweight champion, Daniel Cormier. The new UFC 2-division champion challenged Lesnar after defeating Stipe Miocic.

    The 42-year-old Lashley also has a background in MMA. The Bellator heavyweight has a career 15-2 record as a professional.

    SummerSlam 2018 will take place in Brooklyn, NY on August 19th, 2018.

  • Hulk Hogan Backstage Speech Filmed For WWE Network

    Hulk Hogan Backstage Speech Filmed For WWE Network

    Hulk Hogan has been reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame. Hogan was backstage at the Extreme Rules pay-per-view in Pittsburgh and met with the WWE roster.

    According to a report from Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer, Hogan’s meeting with the roster was filmed for a WWE Network special.

    Earlier this year, WWE expressed interest in Hogan helping others to learn from his mistakes. They issued a statement echoing such sentiment shortly after Hogan was present at the Andre the Giant documentary premiere.

    Hulk Hogan Backstage Meeting

    “After a three-year suspension, Hulk Hogan has been reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame,” WWE’s statement reads. “This second chance follows Hogan’s numerous public apologies and volunteering to work with young people, where he is helping them learn from his mistake. These efforts led to a recent induction into the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Alumni Hall of Fame.”

    Reports are Hogan was emotional and apologetic as he spoke to the roster. He apologized for embarrassing the company and also warned the roster to be careful what they say.

    His daughter, Brooke Hogan, talked about her father’s transformation in the time he’s been away.

    https://twitter.com/MizzHogan/status/1018606509637304320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

    “So proud of the true transformation my father has made spiritually & as a human. None of us are perfect, but we can UNlearn old things & learn new ways. Everyone’s evolution is unique to them & Gods timing. Thx to the fans for the endless love. Round 2 here we come.”

    Hulk Hogan Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame

    The Boys and Girls Club inducted Hogan into their Hall of Fame as well recently. He was emotional during his acceptance speech.

    https://twitter.com/BoysGirlsClubGA/status/991919889727111168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E991919889727111168&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cagesideseats.com%2Fwwe%2F2018%2F5%2F3%2F17315396%2Fhulk-hogan-addresses-past-mistakes-in-speech-at-the-boys-girls-club-wwe

    “And what’s so cool now is working with the Boys Club,” Hogan said during his speech. “I have a chance to help these kids not make the mistake I made, being at the wrong place at the wrong time or saying the wrong words.”

  • Kofi Kingston Says New Day Want To Win Single’s Titles

    Kofi Kingston Says New Day Want To Win Single’s Titles

    At the recent Money in the Bank pay-per-view, Kofi Kingston was chosen as the one New Day representative in the MITB match. Kingston came up short in the match, however, continuing his long losing streak in such matches.

    Kingston recently spoke with Sports Illustrated regarding the members of New Day having single’s championship aspirations.

    “All of us want to be top-tier singles champions,” Kingston said. “That’s the goal all the time. Now a lot of people think you have to break up to do that. We’re told, ‘You know, you have to go your separate ways.’ I think that’s the dumbest thing in the world…”

    New Day Single’s Careers

    This is not the first time a member of New Day has made such comments. The trio previously indicated they would be open to using the “Freebird Rule” on a single’s title if such a thing is possible.

    Kofi talked about the possibility of this happening during an interview with Sportskeeda.

    “You never know. The thing about singles titles is when one of us is champion, we are all champions,” Kingston said. “So it’s in the cards. There’s a lot of championship titles out there that need to be won and we like winning. So, we’ll see. Like I always say, you never know what’s gonna happen.”

    The idea also appealed to Big E.

    “But imagine ya boys Freebirding — nay, New Daying — a singles title,” Big E said. “That’s fresh, that’s what the people need. That’s what the people want to see.”

    Xavier Woods noted during the same interview that he was hoping they could enter a King of the Ring tournament.

    “That’s what I’ve been talking about! Been trying to get us into that King of the Ring mix,” Woods said.

    Tonight, New Day will take on members of Sanity on the Extreme Rules pre-show.

  • Champion Challenged To Double-Title Match At All-In

    Champion Challenged To Double-Title Match At All-In

    Only two matches have been officially confirmed for All-In so far. Cody will challenge for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship (likely against Nick Aldis) and Marty Scurll will take on Kazuchika Okada.

    Another championship match may appear to be in the works. Madison Rayne just challenged Tessa Blanchard to a match which could have title implications for multiple belts.

    Rayne sent the following message to Tessa Blanchard recently:

    This made Tessa ponder the idea…

    https://twitter.com/Tess_Blanchard/status/1018463834737127424

    Madison Rayne vs Tessa Blanchard At All-In?

    Blanchard captured a title recently for the Crash promotion in Mexico. She is also the RISE champion, WSU champion, PCW women’s champion and the list goes on.

    https://twitter.com/Tess_Blanchard/status/1018532782778167297

    Madison Rayne and Tessa Blanchard have met twice recently on Impact Wrestling. Both times Rayne used a pinning combination to score the upset victory over Blanchard. Those are the only two losses on Blanchard’s Impact record so far.

    Partially as a result of the victories, Rayne has been granted a title shot against Su Yung. She’ll take on the champion July 22nd at Slammiversary. Should Rayne be victorious on that night she’s challenged Blanchard to a champion vs champion match at All-In.

    Tessa Blanchard in Impact Wrestling

    Blanchard just signed a new deal with Impact reported to be 2-years in length. The contract with Impact will keep her from competing for the second year in a row in the Mae Young Classic. She lost to Kairi Sane in the 1st round of the tournament last year.

    On a recent Impact Wrestling media call, Blanchard had this to say about how she’s glad she didn’t sign on with WWE last year or after her initial tryout with the company.

    “These life experiences, these personal experiences through wrestling, if I was signed on (with WWE), my entire path would be different,” she said. “I’m very blessed for things to have played out the way they have.”

  • Sasha Banks Feels Left Out Of WWE Extreme Rules

    Sasha Banks Feels Left Out Of WWE Extreme Rules

    There are 12 matches scheduled for tonight’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view. You won’t find Sasha Banks on the show, however.

    Despite being involved in a storyline with Bayley, Banks is not scheduled for the show tonight. Banks referenced this with the below Tweet:

    She has also been mentioning on social media about how it has been 3 years since she’s been on the main roster.

    Banks also continues to make vague comments likely directed at Bayley through her social media accounts.

    Sasha Banks vs Bayley

    There is some speculation the reason Bayley vs Sasha Banks was not added to the Extreme Rules show is that it is being saved for SummerSlam. This also allows WWE to further build the angle through the therapy segments.

    In a previous article on the Sasha Banks vs Bayley rivalry, we compiled their head-to-head statistics (not including house shows).

    1. NXT September 12th, 2013: Banks defeated Bayley
    2. NXT January 9th, 2014: Bayley defeated Banks
    3. NXT January 30th, 2014: Bayley defeated Banks
    4. NXT March 13th, 2014: Bayley defeated Banks
    5. NXT April 24th, 2014: Banks defeated Bayley
    6. NXT July 17th, 2014: Bayley defeated banks
    7. NXT July 31st, 2014: Bayley defeated Banks
    8. NXT September 25th, 2014: Banks defeated Bayley
    9. NXT Takeover Brooklyn August 22nd, 2015
      NXT Women’s Championship
      Bayley defeated Banks (c)
    10. NXT Women’s Championship
      30-Minute Ironman
      Bayley (c) defeated Banks (3:2)
    11. Raw March 6th, 2017: Banks defeated Bayley
    12. Raw July 24th, 2017: Bayley defeated Banks
    13. Raw February 12th, 2018: Bayley defeated Banks
    14. Raw April 16th, 2018: No Contest

    Sasha Banks A Ronda Rousey Fan

    Banks recently commented on Ronda Rousey’s addition to the Raw roster. Rousey has made a fan of the multi-time champion, Banks.

    “She has been killing it,” Banks said to CBS. “She has proven all the doubters wrong, and it’s so crazy to see her matches. I’m in shock; I’m in awe. I loved her match at WrestleMania. I loved her match at Money in the Bank, and I definitely think she’s one to watch. I can’t believe Money in the Bank was only her second match. I am so impressed, and I hope that I get to wrestle her in the future. I’m so excited for her career in WWE, and man, she really has been killing it.”

  • Keith Lee Talks His Chances Of Being At Takeover: Brooklyn IV

    Keith Lee Talks His Chances Of Being At Takeover: Brooklyn IV

    Keith Lee bid farewell to the independent scene at the end of May. He is believed to have signed a WWE deal at the beginning of the month, finished up his dates, and then appeared at Takeover: Chicago in June.

    Since then, however, Lee has been out of action. He’s yet to have an official match since reporting to NXT. A fan on Twitter asked Lee if there was any chance he’ll find himself on the card for NXT Takeover: Brooklyn IV.

    “There are many things to be considered, and many transitions to be made. I cannot make any guarantees at the moment. What I can *promise* you…however, is that I will do everything in power to be active as quickly as possible. And give my all as per usual.”

    The show takes place the night before SummerSlam on Saturday, August 18th, 2018.

    Keith Lee in WWE

    The former PWG Champion has been wrestling since 2005. His career started to hit a real upswing in 2015, however, when he began competing for Ring of Honor. By 2017, he had become one of the most talked about athletes on the independent scene primarily because of the cult-like following he obtained in Pro Wrestling Guerilla.

    Lee defeated Kassius Ohno at a WrestleMania Axxess event in April. It was widely believed after that WWE had a strong interest in him. Lee finished up his independent schedule in late May, concluding with a loss to Mia Yim on a Beyond pay-per-view show.

  • Bianca Belair Injured, Will Miss Mae Young Classic

    Bianca Belair Injured, Will Miss Mae Young Classic

    One of the faster-rising athletes in the NXT women’s division has just been placed on the injured list. Bianca Belair will miss the upcoming Mae Young Classic and a scheduled #1 contenders match with a back injury.

    WWE’s Sarah Schreiber broke the news earlier today.

    The update only stated that Belair was dealing with a back injury. There is no timetable for her return.

    Bianca Belair Injured

    Belair was scheduled to face Nikki Cross, Candice LeRae, and Kairi Sane in a fatal 4-way match to determine the new #1 contender for Shayna Baszler’s belt. With Belair removed, the match will now be contested under triple threat rules.

    It is also not clear if this injury is legitimate or part of a storyline. Lars Sullivan’s reported broken jaw from Takeover: Chicago has since been reported as only part of a storyline. Belair and Montez Ford were married late last month and the injury angle could be a way to explain Belair’s absence from television due to a honeymoon. That is only speculation, however.

    Bianca Belair in the Original Mae Young Classic

    Belair defeated Sage Beckett in the first round of the Mae Young Classic last year. She lost to the eventual tournament winner, Kairi Sane, in the second round, however.

    She has steadily moved up the rankings in NXT as well. At the moment, Belair is 7-0 in single’s matches on NXT programming. She has defeated Lacey Evans, Latoya Allsopp, Jessix Hill, Miss Drew Renee, Candice LeRae, Aliyah, and Dakota Kai.

  • Rich Swann Talks Impact Wrestling, Slammiversary, and Supportive Fans

    Rich Swann Talks Impact Wrestling, Slammiversary, and Supportive Fans

    Rich Swann is becoming a major part of Impact Wrestling. Since debuting with the company at the recent television tapings held in Windsor, ON, Swann has become a part of the angle involving the Lucha Brothers, Sami Callihan, and oVe.

    He is booked for the upcoming Slammiversary show next weekend as well. Swann will be part of a fatal 4-way with Taiji Ishimori, Fenix, and Johnny Impact. Swann is also a regular for the re-launched Major League Wrestling promotion. He’s booked on the upcoming Battle Riot event on July 19th, 2018 as well.

    The former Cruiserweight Champion appeared on Interactive Radio recently and spoke about his run in Impact Wrestling so far, MLW, and the fan support he’s received since returning.

    Rich Swann Talks Impact Wrestling Run

    While Swann has not signed a long-term deal with Impact, he indicated on a recent media call that they are looking to work out an agreement.

    “I think (Impact Wrestling) is an amazing company,” Swann said. “I’ve always followed it ever since I was younger. It has always been the company where you’re going to see pro wrestling. It is not just geared towards the entertainment. You’re going to see what people have been die-harding to see – That fast-paced, fight forever type style. That is what you’re going to get out of Impact. I love that.”

    Swann also spoke about the supportive fan response he has received since arriving in Impact. “I’m very surprised, honestly,” he said in regards to the fan response. “When I had made my return to independent wrestling, a lot of people didn’t take too kindly to having me on the shows. I think once I was able to show my talents, people gave me, for lack of a better term, a second chance. I’ve taken that second chance and rolling with it and I’m not going to let anybody stop me no matter what they say and no matter what they do.”

    There was an initial backlash against Swann when he returned to the independents following his arrest late last year. Following supportive comments from Su Yung, Impact Management and many of his colleagues, however, response to Swann has been back to positive.

    “The people that have jumped on board, I’ve always said I greatly appreciate their support. I’ve grown up with these people, with these fans,” Swann continued. “Wrestling has been in my life since I was 16 years old. These people see that. I grew up with them in their eyes. For them to give me reactions like that means the world… You know?”

    In terms of his Slammiversary match, Swann assures fans it will steal the show.

  • Becky Lynch Talks Pressure To Fit The “WWE Mold”

    Becky Lynch Talks Pressure To Fit The “WWE Mold”

    Unlike many of the athletes Becky Lynch came through the developmental system with, her road to WWE was long and arduous. Lynch began wrestling at just 15 years of age but it wouldn’t be until 11 years into her wrestling career that WWE would sign her. In that time, she began to doubt if she was what the company was looking for.

    The 31-year-old recently appeared on the Conversations with Maria Menounos show and spoke about the pressure she felt earlier in her career.

    Becky Lynch on Fitting the “WWE Mold”

    “I remember hearing from a woman who said, ‘They don’t want girls like us. They want fluff.’ And I remember thinking in my head, ‘Well let’s see about this.’ But, also being like, ‘Oh ok, well what do I got to do?’” Lynch said on the show. “So at that time everybody was just drop dead models, stunning, and looked phenomenal.”

    Lynch worked numerous jobs while she chased her WWE dream. She worked as an airline attendant and also did stunt work on the show, Vikings.

    “I thought if I looked like a fitness model maybe I’ve got a better chance of getting hired,” Lynch continued. “So that’s why I got into bodybuilding and with that, of course, I didn’t do it properly. I didn’t really know what I was doing….and I just dropped so much weight and I didn’t have the energy and with that your mood changes…everything changes and gets messed up.”

    She would continue to say the early frustrations in her career led to depression.

    “I was going into depression and lack of self-belief more than anything,” Lynch said. “That lack of self-belief can be so detrimental to anybody in any field…they just throw away their art and what they’re good and what they’re meant to do because they just don’t believe in themselves.”

    Lynch would also credit Dusty Rhodes for helping her have more confidence. “If it wasn’t for Dusty Rhodes believing in me a lot of the times, I wouldn’t be here.”

    transcriptions via WrestleZone

  • Daniel Bryan: I’ll Likely Re-Sign With WWE

    Daniel Bryan: I’ll Likely Re-Sign With WWE

    Much has been made of Daniel Bryan’s WWE contract expiring later this year. September 1st is believed to be the final date on his current deal with the company. Based on comments he made during WWE’s recent stop in Tapei, however, Bryan won’t be leaving the company anytime soon.

    “The wrestling world is an interesting world right now,” Bryan said. “But I love working with WWE and my wife (Brie Bella) is a part of WWE and so there’s a good chance I’ll re-sign.”

    “The drive is always to do something better,” he continued. “I want to create a performance next that’s better than any performance I’ve ever done. And when you talk about that, you talk about the high points of my career like main-eventing Wrestlemania 30. That’s the highest you can really get. How do you create things that are as creatively, mentally and emotionally satisfying as that? And that is what I am in the pursuit of.”

    Daniel Bryan Likely To Re-Sign With WWE

    The 37-year-old also spoke about his upcoming title match at Extreme Rules. Bryan will team with Kane to challenge the Bludgeon Brothers for the Smackdown tag-team Championships.

    “I love teaming with Kane,” Bryan said. “When we were tag team champions in the past, that was really one of the most fun parts of my career and so I’m looking forward to getting back with him and doing it.”

    When asked, however, Bryan said there aren’t too many youngsters on the Smackdown roster for him to pass his knowledge down to.

    “It’s weird. We actually don’t have many young guys on SmackDown,” Bryan said. “Most of them are in their 30s. Almost everyone with the exception of Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas are in their 30s and Andrade has been wresting since he was 15 years old. When you wrestle with people, you learn from wrestling with them and when you talk to people, you’re learning without specifically coming up to somebody and saying, ‘Hey, what do you think about this?’ Just within the process of wrestlers talking, we’re learning about each other’s ideas, about what we are doing, and doing matches with each other. I think everyone is constantly learning within our industry.”