WWE has just announced that a former Divas Champion will be competing in the Mae Young Classic later this summer. After hinting for months that a return to the ring was possibly in the cards, Kaitlyn has been officially confirmed as a participant in the upcoming tournament.
The former Divas champion sat down with ESPN recently to discuss her return.
“The thing that got me through [as a rookie in WWE] and the thing that allowed me to achieve my level of success was my attitude, and looking back now, I am coming back with experience,” Kaitlyn said. “I am certainly nervous because the level of competition is so much higher and there are so many different women from around the world and they bring skill levels. But it’s just so exciting.”
Kaitlyn began wrestling on a few independent shows earlier this year, fueling speculation of a possible comeback.
“Since I came back, I had the opportunity to work backward and really nail down the fundamentals and the basics — things that I really lacked during my first run with the WWE,” she said. “Now I am bringing these newly honed and developed skills that I have acquired recently and I am combining that with my fearless attitude. And because I don’t have this rookie vibe about me, now I can really concentrate on surprising the WWE universe with all the things I have learned.”
Kaitlyn’s career came and went before the “women’s revolution”. She told ESPN she’s excited to get to work with such the diverse array of talent which is out there today.
“It’s seen so many different types of women of all different shapes and sizes with different skills and techniques that it is so exciting to be a part of that world again.”
The Mae Young Classic begins taping on August 8th, 2018.
Owen Hart isn’t in the WWE Hall of Fame. A DVD on his life and career underwhelmed after its release and Owen’s inclusion in WWE history goes less documented than for others.
The reason for this has to do with an $18 million judgment awarded to Owen’s widow Martha after his death.
“I think Martha, Owen’s widow, she’s a very obtuse, square-headed person,” Hart said recently. “I think she’s done more to erase my brother Owen’s memory than she ever did to remember him.”
It is believed Martha Hart is behind efforts to prevent WWE from using Owen’s likeness. Although WWE still has the right to air footage featuring Owen, they likely don’t as much as possible due to pressure from the owner of Owen’s estate.
“I think it really bothers me that the fans that loved Owen so much didn’t get a chance to remember him,” Bret Hart said recently on “In this Corner” podcast. “You do these kinds of things for people that are here, left to remember them.”
Bret Hart on Owen Hart in WWE Hall of Fame
“I mean Owen, it would never matter to him if he was in the Hall Of Fame,” Hart continued. “I think that you know it would mean a lot to different family members in my family.”
Unfortunately, the WWE Hall of Fame inductees are chosen by the company and not from voting media members. This is also the case with the UFC’s Hall of Fame but is in contrast to almost all other sports.
Bret Hart on WWE Hall of Fame
Bret continued to talk about how WWE’s Hall of Fame has lost credibility.
“You look at some of the people in the Hall Of Fame,” Hart said. “There’s a lot of people who belong in the Hall Of Fame who are not in it.”
Hart is one of the many who feels WWE’s HOF has become more about the company than the wrestlers.
“If it turns out that the WWE is going to keep becoming Hall Of Fame that caters to suck-ups,” Hart continued. “I question the whole Hall Of Fame itself and I wonder if there will ever be a real Hall Of Fame that caters to just the wrestlers for their contributions.”
The topic of Chyna going into the WWE Hall of Fame is one the company would probably rather not be discussed much. While the former 9th Wonder of the World had a revolutionary impact during her short WWE run, she’ll likely not end up in the WWE Hall of Fame while Triple H and Stephanie McMahon are running the company.
Despite this, Mick Foley recently commented on Twitter that he would be honored to induct his old friend should he ever be asked.
Mick Foley and Chyna
Mick Foley was always a friend to Chyna. Inside and outside the ring! In this clip he helps protect her number one contender slot for the heavyweights title! Maybe if she got into the WWE Hall Of Fame he could induct her?#TeamChyna#ChynaHOF#ChynaWWEHOF @RealMickFoley pic.twitter.com/83HAagj1gg
“Mick Foley was always a friend to Chyna,” The official Twitter account for the late Chyna posted recently. “Inside and outside the ring! In this clip he helps protect her number one contender slot for the heavyweights title! Maybe if she got into the WWE Hall Of Fame he could induct her?”
Foley posted that he would be honored to induct Chyna.
According to her, there were once plans on the table for Chyna to become the first-female WWE Champion. Evidently, those plans fell apart only because Chyna agreed to pose for Playboy.
In an interview she gave to the Bell 2 Bell podcast before her death, Chyna detailed why her WWE title run never came to be.
“Yes, there certainly was (a plan for her to win the title), it was actually in the pipeline and ready to happen, but when Playboy came along and wanted me to pose for them, I had to make a choice. Vince (McMahon) told me if I did Playboy, I could never be world champion. I’m a woman, I like to feel pretty and liberated, and be able to kick some ass too. So I chose Playboy and was never world champion,” Chyna said.
Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson has toyed with the idea of possibly running for the Presidency of the United States. Unlike with either Bob Backlund or Hollywood Hogan’s announced Presidential runs, Rock is serious and has backers behind him.
It doesn’t look as though Rock will be throwing his hat into the political race just yet, however. While promoting his newest movie recently, the legendary actor/wrestler was asked about his often-mentioned potential Presidential run. The Rock indicated he won’t be running in 2020 but doesn’t rule out running further down the line.
“Unfortunately I don’t see it happening in 2020. It’s a position that requires years of hard work and experience to learn the skills. There’s a lot of ground to cover, and due to my schedule, it’s not possible in 2020,” Johnson said Tuesday. “I have so much respect for the position. It’s something that I seriously considered. What I need is time to go out and learn.”
Cool piece on why I should run for President. Maybe one day. Surely the White House has a spot for my pick up truck..https://t.co/JpkZ4w1eh3
The Rock has said his first interest regarding a Presidential run came from an article published in 2016. He told GQ Magazine that the article referenced in the above Tweet made him stop and seriously consider the idea.
“There was a real sense of earnestness, which made me go home and think, ‘Let me really rethink my answer and make sure I am giving an answer that is truthful and also respectful,’ ” Rock said.
Last summer, the Rock jokingly promoted a Presidential run on SNL with Tom Hanks as his running-mate.
“It’s just that when it comes to politics, we need more poise and less noise,” Rock said during his monologue on the show. “Americans deserve strong, capable leaders. Leaders who care about this country and care about its people.”
“Dwayne, that kind of sounds like you and me,” Hanks responded to Rock. “I guess we got to do it!”
On Sunday Night, Rusev will receive his first WWE World Championship opportunity. The 32-year-old has held the United States on 2 occasions but has never challenged for either WWE-recognized World Championship.
Rusev sat down with ESPN recently and spoke about what the match means to him.
“Becoming heavyweight champion and holding the top title is on my bucket list,” Rusev said. “That spot is always getting tighter and tighter, but why not? A man can always dream.”
Few are picking Rusev to defeat Styles on Sunday but that does not mean a future World Title run for him is out of the question.
“I’ve been focused and I’m in the zone,” Rusev continued. “I’ve been training harder than any other day.”
After being signed to the company in 2010, Rusev would debut on the main roster in 2014.
“It’s great,” Rusev said. “Finally being able to climb up all the way to the top. I’ve worked hard enough and done everything I’ve needed to do. It just feels good that I have this opportunity, and I’m not going to waste it.”
Rusev earned his title match against AJ Styles by winning a Gauntlet match on the June 19th edition of Smackdown. After his victory, Rusev spoke to WWE.com correspondents.
“I’ve never had an opportunity before for a World Heavyweight Championship,” Rusev explained. “I couldn’t miss the chance. Aiden was there the whole way and Lana, of course, helping me morally in everything.”
After his victory, Aiden English taunted Styles and got punched for his efforts. Rusev also spoke to WWE.com regarding what he and English feel was a cheap-shot on the champion’s behalf.
“We’re trying to have this feel-good moment, all fun and games, and all of a sudden (Styles) just punches him,” Rusev said. “I thought it was the wrong move.”
On Saturday night inside the Cow Palace, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, and King Haku attacked members of the Elite from behind. Not only that, they turned on their Bullet Club allies, Chase Owens and Yujiro Takahashi, as well.
The Tongans have split away from the rest of the group but are still Bullet Club. This new sub-faction of the group appears to be going with the name “the Firing Squad.” A video providing further details on the Firing Squad was released through the Guerillas of Destiny YouTube channel late last night.
Bullet Club’s Firing Squad
In the video, two members of the faction who were not present in San Francisco are confirmed to be part of the group. Bad Luck Fale and Hikuleo (dealing with a leg injury) are both shown involved in the planning of the Cow Palace attack despite not being there personally.
This brings the group to 5 confirmed members: Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, Haku, Bad Luck Fale, and HIKULEO. Tonga, Loa, and HIKULEO are Haku’s sons and Bad Luck Fale are their cousin. Fale and Tonga met in the New Japan dojo, however, and were not aware they were related before then. They are two of the four original members of Bullet Club.
On Saturday, AXS TV broadcasters, Jim Ross and Josh Barnett, speculated that it was King Haku who was the mastermind behind the attack. While Haku did seem to be directing traffic in the ring on Saturday, the YouTube video tells a different story. In the video, Haku appears unable to connect to the group phone call.
New Japan Pro Wrestling has released another update on the condition of Hiromu Takahashi.
“Takahashi was able to return to Japan today and will proceed with treatment,” the statement reads. “We apologize for the delay in publishing this update, which was in order to ensure smooth and efficient transit for Takahashi at the airport. We deeply appreciate our fans’ concerns.”
An update from July 9th, 2018 stated only that Takahashi was conscious and able to sit-up.
“On July 7, during the G1 Special in San Francisco event, Hiromu Takahashi sustained a neck injury and was taken to a San Francisco hospital for evaluation.” – NJPW statement on Hiromu Takahashi injury.
Dragon Lee Comments on Takahashi Injury
Dragon Lee’s comments regarding Takahashi’s injury were translated online, “Hiromu is the most important rival I’ve ever had,” Lee said. “The most beautiful matches of my career have been against him. [Hiromu’s] injury was a wrestling-related accident. Though he is my rival, he is in my prayers.”
Takahashi was injured during a triangle to cradle-suplex move from his match with Dragon Lee at the G1 Special in San Francisco. He landed on top of his head but indicated to the referee he was OK and able to continue.
Takahashi finished the match and did not seem to be in much discomfort. He is said to have collapsed backstage, however, and was taken to hospital. The preliminary word on Sunday morning was that he had suffered a broken neck but that has yet to be confirmed.
Last night on Smackdown, Samoa Joe was scheduled to face Tye Dillinger. The match never happened, however. Joe attacked Dillinger before the show began and the match never took place.
After the conclusion of both Smackdown and 205 Live, WWE posted footage of Joe’s attack.
Dillinger took to Twitter to complain about the attack. “Yeah, I don’t win very often but I welcome all challenges and fight my battles head-on,” Dillinger Tweeted. “Win, lose or draw I’ll look a man in the eye before either giving or taking the first shot… Before the cameras rolled…This was just straight up bull***”
Samoa Joe vs Tye Dillinger
This match was scheduled as a result of a backstage segment from last week. R-Truth was in the backstage area and asked Tye Dillinger to be his new tag-team partner. Dillinger told Truth he was focussed more on his single’s career at the moment. This led Truth to then volunteer Dillinger up to face Samoa Joe this week.
Dillinger doesn’t get a lot of wins on WWE programming. Not including house shows, he hasn’t won a match since March. He teamed with Breezeango to defeat Chad Gable, Mojo Rawley, and Shelton Benjamin that night. His last single’s victory on WWE programming was last October when he defeated Baron Corbin.
Joe has been without a program for much of the year. He feuded with Roman Reigns early in 2018 but an injury kept him off WrestleMania and he’s been largely just floating since then.
In June, Joe announced he will be going to Mars. It is not clear what inter-planetary championships will be available to him once he leaves.
Impact Wrestling has locked up Tessa Blanchard to a multi-year contract. The 22-year-old prospect started with the company earlier this year but had yet to sign a long-term contract.
Impact Wresting announced the signing earlier today on Twitter.
BREAKING: @Tess_Blanchard will continue to prove she's undeniable in the Knockouts Division as she has signed a long-term contract with IMPACT Wrestling. pic.twitter.com/3SWenkIJyG
Blanchard started with Impact in April this year. She first appeared on the Redemption pay-per-view at the commentary booth while Kiera Hogan wrestled Taya Valkyrie. Over the next few days of tapings, she would defeat Hogan twice.
Blanchard looked as though she would skyrocket to the top of the Knockouts division upon her debut but she dropped two matches to Madison Rayne, knocking her out of title contention. Rayne used pinning combinations to score victories over the stronger Blanchard in each match. Now it will be Madison Rayne, and not Blanchard, who will challenge for the Knockouts Championship at the pay-per-view.
Blanchard attempted to get revenge on Rayne for the two losses last week on Impact. She interfered during Rayne’s tag-team match against Su Yung and one of her undead brides. Rayne’s tag-team partner last week, Allie, fought off Blanchard, however, allowing Rayne to pick up the win for their team over Yung’s undead bride.
Although not confirmed, Blancard and Allie could be on a collision course. Considering they are likely two of the top-ranked Knockouts in the division, a match between them could be scheduled for Slammiversary. Neither has a match booked for the pay-per-view as of yet.
Blanchard also regularly competes for organizations such as RISE, Shimmer, Bar Wrestling, and WOW. Impact is currently touting flexible contracts for their talent, which likely means Blanchard will be free to compete for other promotions while signed to Impact provided they don’t interfere with Impact taping and pay-per-view dates.
When WWE Universal Champion, Brock Lesnar, and UFC Heavyweight Champion, Daniel Cormier, clash in the octagon, Ronda Rousey will not be watching.
TMZ reporters recently caught up with the new UFC Hall of Fame inductee. When asked, Rousey said she will probably not watch the heavyweight clash between her two friends.
Ronda Rousey on Brock Lesnar vs Daniel Cormier
“Both of them are friends of mine so I don’t really want to pick sides,” Rousey said. “I can’t get involved on that one. That one will be hard to watch, I probably won’t watch.”
Rousey double-down on her comments and reiterated she wouldn’t enjoy watching either of her friends get hit.
“I hate watching friends of mine fight,” she said. “It’s heart-wrenching.”
Ronda Rousey on WWE Hall of Fame
Rousey was on her way home from the UFC festivities this weekend when reporters caught up with her. Rousey was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame this weekend and reporters asked her about the possibility of someday being inducted into WWE’s version.
“I don’t know, that’s up to them,” Rousey said. “I think I would have to put in a whole lot more work to be worthy of an honor like that.”
When asked if the WWE Hall of Fame was her next goal, Rousey responded, “We’ll see, I’m trying my best,” Rousey continued. “The best I can do is the best I can do.”
With Daniel Cormier winning the UFC Heavyweight Championship this weekend, Rousey was asked if she felt he is the greatest fighter in the world right now.
“I think right now, (Daniel Cormier’s) the best in the game right now,” Rousey said. “Olympic team captain, you don’t get that kind of position for nothing.”
Rousey is currently serving a 30-day suspension from Monday Night Raw. Despite the suspension, Rousey has purchased a front row ticket and will be present this Sunday at Extreme Rules.
5 matches have been confirmed for WWE’s Smackdown and 205 Live shows tonight. Both shows will emanate from the SNHU Arena in Manchester, NH.
Shinsuke Nakamura and AJ Styles will go one-on-one for the 7th time in their rivalry tonight, not including house shows. It will be just the second time they have faced each other without a single’s title on the line.
Additionally, the main event of 205 Live will feature a Cruiserweight Championship match. Cedric Alexander will defend the title against top contender, Hideo Itami.
Smackdown Live 7/10/18 Preview
Team Hell No Kick-Off Smackdown
MizTV will kick off Smackdown tonight. The Miz’s guests will be Daniel Bryan and Kane.
While not invited on the show, one might suspect Team Hell No’s opponents at Extreme Rules, the Bludgeon Brothers, might make an appearance.
Even though Bryan and the Miz aren’t currently in a program with one another, the two long-time rivals always have an interesting back and forth whenever they are in the same segment.
AJ Styles vs Shinsuke Nakamura
At Extreme Rules, both AJ and Nakamura will have championship matches. Styles will defend the WWE Championship against Rusev and Nakamura will challenge Jeff Hardy for the US title.
This will be the 7th match between the two (not including house shows). They are 2-2-2 against one another:
WrestleMania 34 – AJ Styles (c) defeated Shinsuke Nakamura – WWE Title
Greatest Royal Rumble – AJ Styles (c) vs Shinsuke Nakamura (double count-out) – WWE title
Backlash 2018 – AJ Styles (c) vs Shinsuke Nakamura (No-contest) – WWE Title
Smackdown May 15th, 2018 – Shinsuke Nakamura defeated AJ Styles
Money in the Bank 2018 – AJ Styles (c) defeated Shinsuke Nakamura – WWE title.
Asuka vs James Ellsworth – Lumberjack Match
Asuka will challenge Carmella on Sunday for a chance to win her first title on the main roster. She’ll get to enact some revenge on James Ellsworth tonight, however.
Ellsworth’s return to WWE at the Money in the Bank PPV caused enough of a distraction to allow Carmella to pull off a huge upset and defend her title.
Asuka might be looking for revenge tonight but rest assured Carmella is probably looking for an opportunity to soften up her opponent for Sunday.
Tye Dillinger vs Samoa Joe
Last week in a WWE exclusive, R-Truth volunteered up Tye Dillinger to take on Samoa Joe this week.
Truth had originally been trying to recruit Tye as his newest tag-team partner but some comic hijinks resulted in Truth challenging Joe on Tye’s behalf instead.
Sin Cara vs Andrade “Cien” Almas
In a match that has been pushed to the back-burner for a few weeks, Andrade Almas will finally face Sin Cara tonight.
The angle they have been going with is that Sin Cara and Almas used to be friends but now Almas has adopted a new outlook under the guidance of Zelina Vega.
205 Live 7/10/18 Preview
Only one match/segment is scheduled for 205 Live tonight.
Cruiserweight Championship Match
Cedric Alexander (c) vs Hideo Itami
Cedric Alexander insisted 205 Live General Manager, Drake Maverick, make this match as Itami defeated top-contenders Buddy Murphy and Mustafa Ali in a triple threat match on June 19th.
Maverick was hesitant only because Itami has been interfering in matches and the GM didn’t want to reward bad behavior.
Alexander is the 8th champion in the title’s lineage and the belt is currently in its 10th reign.
Not including house shows, Alexander will be attempting to defend the belt for the 3rd time.
Should Alexander be victorious tonight, his reign will move into the second longest all-time position, passing Enzo Amore’s 2nd run with the belt of 93 days. The longest reign in title history was Neville’s 197-day run between January and August of 2017.
Neville’s 7-title defenses during this reign is also a record.
Daniel Cormier doesn’t have any patience with MMA fans who are calling his altercation with Brock Lesnar “fake” or too much like pro-wrestling. The newly minted UFC Heavyweight Champion issued a challenge to Lesnar following his knockout victory of Stipe Miocic Saturday night.
Cormier, a longtime wrestling fan, channeled his best wrestler persona after the match and called Lesnar into the cage. Despite the two being friends and fans of one another, Lesnar shoved Cormier hard upon walking into the octagon. The WWE Universal Champion then cut a profanity-laced promo on the entire UFC heavyweight champion.
In response to fans who feel his confrontation with Lesnar was too much like pro-wrestling, Cormier had this to say, “Stay broke,” Cormier said. “You’ve got a guy like Brock Lesnar in front of you and you don’t go crazy on him? Are you crazy? Brock is a pro wrestler, he does fake fighting. So I will do fake fighting with you until I put my fist upside your face. I’ll do fake fighting with you, Brock. And then I’ll punch you upside your head.”
Daniel Cormier and Brock Lesnar Confrontation
“So yeah, yeah. You guys call it fake online,” Cormier continued. “I see a bunch of fighters. ‘Oh, it’s so fake, I don’t want to watch this.’ Tune in and keep lacing my pockets. You’ve guys gotta get on board. These guys get on the microphone after their fights and say, ‘Yeah, it’s whatever the UFC decides.’ OK.”
Cormier also spent time during the interview speaking on his love for pro-wrestling.
“You know me, I love wrestling,” he said. “I watched some WWE stuff this weekend. I watched WrestleMania back in the day. I love it. I think it’s great. But look, Brock Lesnar is the champion of the WWE. So, when he comes over here, there’s no script. There’s no Vince McMahon saying, ‘Hey DC, easy on the punches.’ There’s no [WWE star] Braun Strowman where if Brock punches him hard on purpose he isn’t gonna respond. The moment Brock Lesnar punches me, I’m gonna get in his ass. And we’re gonna have him running across that Octagon like a lot of other dudes did. So he can be big and bad and tough right now. But once that cage door closes, he’s gonna have to answer for his words. And he’s definitely gonna have to answer for that shove.”
A former Ring of Honor World Champion and 3x GHC Heavyweight Champion for Pro Wrestling NOAH has announced he is attempting a return to the ring. Takeshi Morishima retired on the advice of doctors in 2015. Morishima’s test results showed abnormally high levels of glycated hemoglobin, a likely indicator of diabetes.
Morishima’s return to the ring was announced at a show held earlier today and promoted by WON Hall-of-Famer, Riki Choshu. It was revealed Morishima is planning to return this October.
Check out footage of Morishima’s match with Bryan Danielson at Manhattan Mayhem in 2007 below. The match was awarded “Match of the Year” by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Takeshi Morishima
Takeshi Morishima held the Ring of Honor World Championship from February 17th, 2007 until October 6th, 2007. He defeated Homicide for the belt but eventually dropped it to current NXT color commentator, Nigel McGuiness. His 20 defenses of the championship are good for 7th in Ring of Honor history.
ROH World Champion Title Defenses
Bryan Danielson – 38
Nigel McGuiness – 38
Austin Aries – 29
Samoa Joe – 29
Jay Lethal – 28
Adam Cole – 22
Takeshi Morishima – 20
Kevin Steen – 18
Jay Briscoe – 18
Cody – 16
Davey Richards – 10
Morishima is a 3x GHC Heavyweight Champion, 5x GHC Tag-Team Champion, and won the Global League in 2011. He won the Cauliflower Alley Club Future Legend Award in 2007.
His highest ranking ever achieved in the PWI 500 rankings was 10th in 2007. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter awarded him Most Improved Wrestler of the year honors in 2006 and two more awards the next year. In 2007, he won Match of the Year w/ Bryan Danielson at Manhattan Mayhem and also the “Best Brawler” award.
During Monday night’s live Raw taping from Boston’s TD Garden arena, an on-screen graphic advertised a “WWE Live SuperShow” for Sunday, October 21st. That show had previously been advertised as the Tables, Ladders and Chairs pay-per-view.
When WWE announced via press release that all future PPV events will feature talent from both Raw and SmackDown, the following shows were listed:
July 15th: Extreme Rules
August 19th: SummerSlam
September 16th: Hell in a Cell
October 21st: Tables, Ladders & Chairs
November 18th: Survivor Series
December 16th: Clash of Champions
According to WWE sources, TLC has been moved to December 16th (from San Jose, CA), effectively bumping Clash of Champions from the schedule.
Making Room For The Australian Super Show-Down
With October’s TLC PPV moved back to December, it appears WWE is clearing the calendar for the big WWE Super Show-Down stadium show from Australia on October 6th.
It seems likely WWE did not want to feature 2 pay-per-views just 15 days apart. Triple H and other WWE officials have stated publicly that holding WrestleMania 34 and the Greatest Royal Rumble show so close together was challenging logistically and creatively.
There have been 9 WWE TLC pay-per-views in history. At last year’s event from Minnesota, Kurt Angle joined Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins in the Shield to take on the Miz, the Bar, Braun Strowman, and Kane in a 5-on-3 handicap match.
Jim Ross is reported to be in hospital this morning awaiting test results on a possible broken rib. Ross is believed to have sustained the injury during Juice Robinson vs Jay White at the Cow Palace on Saturday.
White suplex Juice into the guardrail on the outside which crashed into the announcer’s table and knocked Ross off his chair. AXS TV posted highlights of the move below:
“For the record, the ‘bump’ I took at ringside at #G1SanFrancisco was not storyline driven matter nor was it discussed,” Ross Tweeted. “I think I broke a rib. Couldn’t put my roller bag in the overhead today after a sleepless Sat night.”
Barnett also confirmed on Twitter that Ross’ injury is not part of a work.
Jim Ross and New Japan Pro Wrestling fans have had a tumultuous relationship since the legendary announcer began calling the shows for AXS TV. While Ross is a well-known name in wrestling, many NJPW fans have voiced their preference for Don Callis and Kevin Kelly’s commentary on New Japan World.
Following a previous New Japan special in Long Beach, Tama Tonga was openly critical of Ross’ commentary during his match. Ross has been criticized for not being as knowledgeable about NJPW’s product as much as Callis or Kelly as well. Additionally, Barnett has been criticized by the Young Bucks for not trying to get the talent over enough.
Ross published a response to these criticisms on his blog back in March.
“I read some of the criticisms about my work and the broadcast in general but essentially people want, the die-hards who follow New Japan World, they want their team. They want Kevin Kelly and Don Callis to do the show. I don’t blame them. I don’t even get mad about it. The only thing that gets frustrating is when you’ve got wrestling fans who’ve got like 40 followers on Twitter that tell you, “your career sucks,” and that you should be dead or not allowed to be on television. That’s kind of crude, I think. Does that really feel necessary for not knowing the certain name of a certain hold?”
Flip Gordon has been announced as the next challenger for Nick Aldis’ NWA World Heavyweight Championship.
Cody is scheduled to face whoever is the NWA champion in the main event of All-In on September 1st, 2018 in Chicago. Should Flip be victorious over Aldis (however unlikely that may be), he would face Cody at All-In.
Billy Corgan’s NWA released footage of Alidis finding out who his newest challenger is on the latest episode of “10 Pounds of Gold.” The events played out on a recent Championship Wrestling from Hollywood show.
“I should have seen this coming. Looks like Billy and Ring of Honor have played Cody and I for fools,” Aldis said on the program. “Because it says here that I’m defending the NWA World Wrestling Championship against Flip Gordon.”
The match will take place in Nashville, TN on July 20th, 2018.
Nick Aldis is currently defending the NWA World Heavyweight title’s 94th reign. He won the title from Tim Storm at a CZW show on December 9th, 2017. He’s defended the title against the likes of James Ellsworth, David Starr, Crimson, Lance Anoai, Tommy Dreamer, Colt Cabana, Matt Cross, and Sam Adonis.
26-year-old Flip Gordon is a young up-and-comer who has gained a large following through his appearances on Being the Elite. A long-running storyline has Cody not wanting to book Flip for All-In and Flip trying to qualify for the show during matches on indy shows. In 11 days, Flip will be involved in arguably the biggest match of his career.
Yesterday, Jay Lethal released a statement regarding accusations made by Taeler Hendrix. Lethal denied all allegations against him and encouraged fans on Twitter to refrain from sending hateful messages to either himself or the accuser.
Hendrix responded on Twitter, posting direct messages sent to her by Lethal.
deny all you want. you sent me this before you pulled me aside at a live event, told me what you told me. just because the business has been a certain way for so long. I'm tired of it and I'm fighting for what's right. pic.twitter.com/CxUkFsGOrY
Hendrix made her accusations against Jay Lethal during an interaction on social media with a fan on July 4th, 2018.
also the dude your standing up for is the same dude that told me because I didn't sleep with him they sabotaged me and took me off TV. that being the all mighty Jay.
I know this is going to be on wrestling sites. My name is Taeler & this is my statement: attorneys on my behalf have an ongoing investigation. I know I'm not the only one & ppl that have known of this investigation have been supportive. I'll continue to fight for what's right.?
ROH released a statement regarding the matter to PW Torch:
“We were troubled to hear the allegations that surfaced last night on Twitter. We take these matters very seriously and will be investigating this situation thoroughly, reviewing all evidence related to the matter. Ring of Honor strives to provide an environment and workplace where male and female wrestlers are free from any misconduct or abuse. We will take appropriate action upon the conclusion of our findings.”
Jay Lethal then released a statement on the matter yesterday:
Please do not use my words here as fuel to attack myself or my accuser, there is already too much hate going around in the world so let’s not add to it. pic.twitter.com/eZ5IVcPSez
“Let me be clear, there is absolutely no validity to these baseless allegations,” Lethal wrote in his longer response. “Throughout my career, I have sought to conduct myself with honor and integrity. I would never engage in any conduct that disrespects this business or the men and women in this industry.
“Every individual has a right to be heard and must be given every opportunity to speak truth to power. Anyone engaging in misconduct or abuse of any kind simply has no place in our business or our society.
“I am confident that these unfortunate allegations will be proven to be completely unfounded at the conclusion of Ring Of Honor’s investigation.”
Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter stated ROH officials told them Hendrix was never released from the promotion. “According to ROH, Taeler Hendrix was never fired,” Alvarez Tweeted. “She was not under contract, was working on a per-show basis, and was booked for events in April 2017, but then resigned in writing prior to those events.”
Fresh off reuniting with members of the Elite, Cody & Brandi Rhodes have announced a tour of Australia. They will be performing on 4 shows with World Series of Wrestlingin November.
WSW has been making waves over the last few years, booking several big-name talents to appear on their shows.
World Series of Wrestling shows are also posted to the Global Wrestling Network, the streaming service of Impact Wrestling and Anthem Sports & Entertainment.
World Series Wrestling
World Series Wrestling has been around since 2005 and often bring over big names from other markets. Austin Aries, Brian Cage, and the Young Bucks are frequent performers for the promotion.
The Young Bucks held the WSW tag team championships for just 2 days this March. They won the inaugural titles before dropping them two days later to the current champions, “The Concrete Dongs” of Joey Ryan and Concrete Davidson.
The World Series Wrestling heavyweight champion is currently Austin Aries, who is on his second reign with the title. Other former heavyweight champions in the promotion’s history include Ricochet (2017), Johnny Impact (2018), Brian Cage (2018), Bryan Danielson (2007), Billy Kidman (2007), Jeff Jarrett (2005), and Rhyno (2005).
Cody’s Summer of Championship Matches
Cody’s loss at the G1 Special on Saturday was his 3rd straight championship loss. He lost two straight ROH World Championship matches last weekend as well. Dalton Castle retained the title in a triple threat match at Best in the World before Jay Lethal won a 4-way match in Fairfax the next night.
On September 1st, 2018, Cody will challenge whoever is the NWA World Heavyweight Champion at All-In. Current champion, Nick Aldis, will face Cody should he retain the title throughout the summer.
Hiromu Takahashi is currently undergoing a thorough medical evaluation after sustaining an injury Saturday at the Cow Palace. Takahashi was dropped on his head during a cradle-suplex in his match with Dragon Lee. After finishing the match, Takahashi collapsed backstage and was taken to hospital.
IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega commented on Takahashi’s injury on Monday morning. “As everyone may know, ‘Kenny Omega’ isn’t an LIJ guy whatsoever, but there’s no mistaking that Hiromu was one of, if not, our company’s brightest current/future star. Let’s pray for his recovery.”
Hiromu Takahashi Neck Injury
Earlier today, New Japan Pro Wrestling sent out an update on Takahashi’s condition. “It is reported Takahashi, after the match was immediately taken to a nearby hospital,” the statement reads. “He is currently undergoing a thorough evaluation, Takahashi is conscious, and is able to sit and talk.”
Hiromu Takahashi was having a career year in 2018. He won the Best of the Super Juniors tournament and followed it up five days later by defeating Will Ospreay for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight championship at Dominion. It was the second time Takahashi won the title.
Takahashi and his opponent from the G1 Special on Saturday, Dragon Lee, are longtime rivals. Their rivalry sparked during Takahashi’s multi-year excursion to CMLL in Mexico. Dragon Lee unmasked Takahashi when he wrestled as Kamaitaichi as well. It had been speculated the two would meet in a Mask vs Hair match later this year or possibly at the Tokyo Dome show in 2019.
Following their IWGP Heavyweight tag-team title defense at the Cow Palace Saturday, the Young Bucks spoke to the press. When asked what was left to accomplish in their careers, Matt Jackson gave a surprising answer.
“How cool would it be to win the WWE tag team championship belts and not even have to perform on their show?” Jackson asked, seemingly out of nowhere.
After Matt made the comment Nick asked his brother, “a little one off?”, to which Matt replied, “yeah, a little one off.”
The dropped ominous comment could just be the Young Bucks attempting to stir up controversy. This isn’t the first time the Bucks have hinted that they would like to face someone from WWE but not in a WWE ring, however.
The brothers have also hinted they would like to face the Revival at All-In.
The Young Bucks Versus The Revival At All-In?
During an appearance on X-Pac’s podcast in May, the Bucks had this to say regarding who they would like to face on the big September 1st event in Chicago.
“I’d love to have The Revival on the show and do The Young Bucks vs The Revival,” Matt Jackson said. “That’d be my match probably.”
Regarding their opponents from the G1 Special in San Francisco, Evil & Sanada, Matt Jackson had this to say. “Those guys are awesome, honest, I’d love to wrestle those guys every night,” Matt Jackson said before reconsidering. “Well, not really, I’d love to wrestle them once a year.”
Is it possible we see the Young Bucks take on a WWE tag team at All-In?
New Japan Pro Wrestling has sent out an update on the condition of Hiromu Takahashi. The IWGP Junior Heavyweight champion collapsed backstage at the Cow Palace Saturday. He is believed to have suffered a broken neck during a triangle to a cradle-suplex spot where he landed on his head.
“It is reported Takahashi, after the match was immediately taken to a nearby hospital,” the statement reads. “He is currently undergoing a thorough evaluation, Takahashi is conscious, and is able to sit and talk.”
Takahashi indicated to the referee after the botched move that he was OK to finish the match despite the injury. He even performed his Time Bomb finisher without looking as though he was in much discomfort. Takahashi walked to the back on his own after winning the match as well.
Hiromu Takahashi Injury
“Hiromu Takahashi has been hospitalized after suffering a neck injury while facing Dragon Lee in the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship match on Saturday night’s G1 Special in San Francisco.” – NJPW official statement on Takahashi injury.
Several wrestlers have given their thoughts on Takahashi’s injury in the days since it happened. One wrestler, who also has a history of neck injuries, is Sean “X-Pac” Waltman.
“I’ve had my neck broken twice in the ring. 2nd time had it surgically repaired. I was able to make a full recovery & return to Wrestling for the most successful run of my career,” Waltman Tweeted. “Takahashi walked out of the ring on his own. He’s not done yet. Mark my words.”
Author Chris Charlton (EGGSHELLS: History of Pro Wrestling at the Tokyo Dome) relayed an interview Takahashi gave to NJPW following Shibata’s injury in 2015.
Hiromu Takahashi is believed to have suffered a broken neck during his match with Dragon Lee last night in the Cow Palace. The injury is believed to have been suffered during a cradle-suplex where Takahashi was dropped on top of his head.
“He finished the match, retained the championship and I guess he collapsed backstage or something. They took him to the hospital and the preliminary word is they thought that he had a broken neck,” Dave Meltzer said on Wrestling Observer Radio last night. “Hopefully, it’s not as bad as that but that’s the word we got.”
Takahashi would continue the match. Red Shoes checked on him after the spot and then backed off as if everything was ok. They did several spots after the injury, including Takahashi giving Dragon Lee the Time Bomb for the win.
Hiromu Takahashi in 2018
Takahashi won the Best of the Super Juniors tournament last month, defeating Taiji Ishimori in the finals. He then defeated Will Ospreay 5 nights later to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight championship. He is now a 2-time holder of the belt.
Dragon Lee is responsible for originally having unmasked Hiromu Takahashi when he was wrestling as Kamataichi in CMLL. They had a Mask vs Mask match in 2015 which Dragon Lee won. There had been speculation the two rivals could face each other in a Mask vs Hair match in NJPW.
New Japan Pro Wrestling presented the G1 Special in San Francisco tonight from the Cow Palace. 5 championships were defended on the show but none bigger than Kenny Omega defending the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Cody.
Tama Tonga picked up the pin over Yoshi-Hashi to get the win for his team but King Haku was the real star of the match.
“Haku” chants were heard throughout the Cow Palace. He even started the match for his team!
The finish of this match came when Haku locked in the Tongan death grip on Yoshi-Hashi and then passed him off to Tama Tonga who hit him with a cutter and got the pin.
2.Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii (CHAOS) defeated Zack Sabre Jr and Minoru Suzuki (Suzuki-Gun)
Suzuki-Gun used their wide array of submissions early. They worked on Yano a lot until he made a hot tag to Ishii.
Yano’s shenanigans led to the finish. ZSJ blocked a low blow by clenching his legs (he did that in the NJ Cup too) but ran into a lariat from Ishii and was cradled by Yano for a 3-count.
After the match, Suzuki brought out a chair and looked to want to get at Yano but took his aggression out on young lions instead.
Yano, Ishii, and Zack Sabre Jr are all in the same block in the G1 this year.
3. Marty Scurll and Hangman Page (Bullet Club) defeated KUSHIDA and Hiroshi Tanahashi
Hangman Page and Hiroshi Tanahashi are in the same block in the G1 this year. They paired off for much of this match while Scurll and KUSHIDA did the same.
It would be Page pinning KUSHIDA, however, after giving him the Right of Passage to end the match.
Tanahashi and Page will meet on Sunday, July 22nd in the G1.
4. NEVER Openweight Championship Hirooki Goto (CHAOS) (c) defeated Jeff Cobb
Goto seemed to wrestle a bit more of a heel style here than normal. This was likely due to how popular Cobb was with the live crowd.
The champ got the early advantage by throwing Cobb into the steel post on the outside.
After Goto worked him over for a few minutes, Cobb started his comeback with a standing dropkick. He was cut off pretty quick after missing a standing moonsault and then they went into their bigger moves around the 10-minute mark.
Cobb got a few near falls with a Stampede style power-slam and after hitting his standing moonsault.
They reversed each other’s finishers a bit but Goto eventual hit the GTR and got the win.
The IWGP Tag Team Championships on the line in a rematch from Dominion! The Bucks venture into the heart of the Darkness World as these teams push each other to the limit!#G1USA is LIVE on @njpwworld ! (Non US) Sign up Now?? https://t.co/CcdQ1XrpWApic.twitter.com/BFivGBQKxR
5. IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships the Young Bucks (Bullet Club) (c) defeated SANADA and EVIL (LIJ)
The Young Bucks pick up their first title defense victory as IWGP Heavyweight champions.
The match started with the Bucks doing some fun spots until LIJ took control and isolated Nick Jackson. Nick eventually made a hot tag to Matt and eventually all four wrestlers were brawling in the ring.
The Bucks kept control but SANADA moved out of the way from More Bang For Your Buck and tagged in EVIL.
EVIL hit a series of German suplexes and then LIJ got near falls from EVIL’s Darkness Falls powerbomb and a Magic Killer.
EVIL ducked a double super-kick and the ref got taken out. LIJ then brought out a chair but EVIL eventually had it super-kicked into his face.
The Bucks attempted the Meltzer Driver on a chair but LIJ reversed it and gave them their own Meltzer Driver onto a chair! They got a near fall on that as well.
The Bucks eventually regained offense and quickly hit their Meltzer Driver and got the win.
IWGP United States Championship Juice Robinson defeated Jay White (c) – New Champion
Before the match, it was announced that if Juice uses his cast as a weapon he may be disqualified at the referee’s descretion. He teased using the cast early in the match.
White cut off Juice’s early momentum by suplexing him to the outside.
White then beat him up on the outside and sent him flying into guardrails.
Juice started to make a comeback but White cut him off and put him in submissions based around his injured hand. He’d bend his fingers back and stuff like that.
They spilled to the floor and White and Barnett got into a shoving match which caused Barnett to chase him into the ring but red shoes cut him off before he could get to White.
White tried to hit Juice’s hand with a chair but Juice got out of the way.
After taking some suplexes on the outside, Juice gave White a spinebuster on the ring apron.
They brawled on the outside some more before Juice took control inside the ring, hitting a cannonball in the corner.
White got control back shortly after and locked Juice in a crucifix. He then landed a series of unprotected elbow shots to the head.
The ref ended up out of position and White landed a low blow, however with the ref distracted again Juice used his cast to hit White in the head. He then hit Pulp Friction but only got a near-fall.
White got the advantage and went for the Slingblade but White countered with a roll-up for the win!
Cody got an early near-fall on a power-slam and they went for some big moves early.
Omega was going to springboard to hit Cody on the outside but Cody used Brandi as a shield and Omega stopped.
Cody then took control and hit his own springboard move to the outside on Omega.
Cody worked on Omega for a bit but Omega eventually made a comeback. Omega then hit several of his bigger moves for near-falls.
Cody then hit a dragon suplex to get back into it and then locked in a traditional figure four-leglock (not Cody’s usual leglock move).
After Omega got out of the figure four, he went to the outside and got a ladder. Then Cody got a chair. Cody then slammed Omega on the ladder.
Cody then slammed him onto a ladder on the outside as well.
Cody and Matt Jackson started arguing over the use of weapons as both Cody and Omega climbed the ladder on the outside.
Omega teasted super-plexing Cody off the ladder on to the outside but Cody countered and super-plexed him inside the ring instead.
After teasing leaving the ring with Brandi, Cody hit a Disaster Kick. He then grabbed the title belt and motioned as if he was going to hit Omega with him. The Young Bucks pleaded with him not to do it.
Cody chose not to hit him with the belt and after some reversals he hit Cross Rhodes for a near-fall.
The Bucks cleared the ladders out of the ring. The fans weren’t too happy with that.
Omega then hit a series of V-Triggers to regain the offence. He power-bombed Cody to the outside on top of a table but the table didn’t break. Cody looked like he hit hard.
Omega rolled him back in the ring but Brandi shielded Cody from taking another V-Trigger. After Brandi left the ring Cody clotheslined Omega as he was going for a V-Trigger.
Omega regained the offense shortly after and hit his 1-Winged Angel for the win.
Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, King Haku Attack Kenny Omega and Other Bullet Club Members
After the match Omega cut a promo about how everyone, including Cody, deserves a second chance. He then thanked the nearly sold out crowd for being lively. As Omega and Bullet Club were celebrating on the stage area, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, and their father, King Haku, attacked from behind.
They attacked Omega and the Bucks first and then Yujiro Takahashi and Chase Owens after they questioned what they were doing. Cody eventually came out and Tama Tonga handed him a chair to hit Omega with. He motioned as if he was going to hit Omega but then tried to take out the Guerillas of Destiny instead. They cut him off, however, and Haku gave him a piledriver on a chair.
After the Tongas left, Omega, Cody and the Bucks all hugged, solidifying they are all together again.
Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, and their father King Haku attacked Kenny Omega tonight following his victory over Cody in the Cow Palace. The G1 Special in San Francisco appeared to be over as Bullet Club celebrated in the ring but suddenly Tama Tonga attacked Omega from behind.
Even their allies in Bullet Club, Chase Owens, and Yujiro Takahashi were attacked by the Guerillas of Destiny. Cody finally came out and Tama handed him a chair to hit Omega with. Cody motioned as if to hit Omega but then tried to take out the Tongans instead. They eventually cut him off and Tama gave him a cutter. Haku then gave Cody a piledriver on a chair.
The trio left the ring area as Tanga Loa stated they are the real Bullet Club into the camera. Jim Ross speculated as to where Bad Luck Fale stands in this, as he is likely aligned with the Tongans as well. Fale is their cousin and Fale and Tonga are 2 of the 4 original Bullet Club members.
After the Tongans cleared, Cody, Omega, and the Bucks hugged it out in the ring and showed they’re solidified again. With that, the Cody vs Kenny storyline is over and it will be the Elite against the Tongan faction.
Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, and Haku
There had been dropped hints of Tama Tonga’s dissension with Kenny Omega, the Young Bucks, and referring to themselves as “the Elite”. Tanga Loa made it clear into the camera tonight that they had no leader and that everyone is equal. Despite this, JR and Barnett speculated that Haku was the mastermind behind the attack.
Kenny Omega and Tama Tonga will meet on Saturday, July 21st, 2018 in the G1.
Juice Robinson has won the IWGP United States championship. He defeated “Switchblade” Jay White tonight in the Cow Palace at NJPW’s G1 Special in San Francisco.
Jim Ross and Josh Barnett spoke early in the match about how Juice really needed to win this match to show he can win big matches. Robinson had challenged for every heavyweight single’s title in the promotion minus the IWGP Heavyweight title but won his first tonight.
White would kick-out of Juice Robinson’s Pulp Friction, even after Juice had hit him illegally with the cast on his injured hand. Juice looked like he was going to drop yet another title match but then he countered White’s Switchblade into a roll-up and got a 3-count.
In doing so, Robinson becomes the first American to hold the IWGP United States championship.
Juice Robinson IWGP United States Champion
Winning a single’s championship in the semi-final of a big show at the Cow Palace should solidify that Juice Robinson is a guy NJPW wants to promote to their international audience. The live crowd was definitely behind him tonight.
Robinson earned a lot of praise for his profanity-laced promo earlier this month. Seth Rollins tweeted out that his former WWE developmental teammate was the best promo in the business in response to it.
They built up an angle leading up to this match where White broke a bone in Juice’s hand by hitting him with a chair. They announced a special rule before the match that if Juice used his hand as a weapon he could be disqualified at the referee’s discretion.
White’s title reign ends at 3 defenses over 160 days. Kenny Omega, the only other person to have held the title, defended the title 4 times over 210 days.
