The inanimate toy cat of Hiromu Takahashi’s has sent out an update on the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion’s condition. Hiromu was dropped on his head during the G1 Special in San Fransico. It was reported he collapsed in the back after finishing the match and was taken to hospital.
Updates from New Japan Pro Wrestling on his condition have only stated he was conscious and sitting up in the hospital and has now flown back to Japan.
A Twitter post from Hiromu’s account appears to show Darryl Takahashi holding up a sign with an update from Hiromu.
While the sign states that Hiromu is fine, it also shows an illustration with his head severed from his body. So, it’s tough to know exactly what they are trying to communicate here.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter also noted he heard that Hiromu will not require surgery, which is also a positive sign.
IWGP United States Champion, Juice Robinson, also commented on Hiromu’s injury recently. Robinson made his comments during an appearance on Jim Ross’ podcast.
“When you hear broken neck people think (the person is paralyzed) but that’s not with every broken neck,” Juice said. “Hopefully his broken neck is just you know time off. Even though that still sucks but that beats the alternative. After seeing it, this is probably the best case scenario cause that looked like it could’ve been the last bump he ever took.”
Up until his injury, it had been a career year for Hiromu. He won the 2018 Best of the Super Juniors en route to winning the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship for the second time.
transcriptions via Mandatoryhttps://twitter.com/TIMEBOMB1105/status/1018007355957506053
Dolph Ziggler recently appeared on Lillian Garcia’s “Chasing Glory” podcast. Some of the more noteworthy comments he made during the appearance had to do with pitching ideas to WWE creative.
The topic of WWE Superstars who are not in angles or major storylines came up. Some feel it’s on Superstars to pitch ideas and angles to creative and not doing so is the reason they aren’t on television. Ziggler disagrees with this point of view.
“That’s not true, not at all,” Ziggler said. “11.5 out of 12 years I was doing everything I could, pitching ideas, having guys like Shawn Michaels tell me how awesome I was. I got to a point where I said to Shawn, ‘I’m going to go out here in this dark match and you tell me why the hell I’m not on TV kicking ass.’ He goes, ‘Ah Ok.’ I had the match, came to the back and he said, ‘Yeah, I don’t know.’ So, I got to a point where I was so fed up and that’s years ago. So, it happens.”
Dolph Ziggler on Lillian Garcia’s Podcast
Ziggler also spoke about how he can only worry about what he puts into something and now what WWE ultimately decides to do.
“I always told myself, ‘Do everything you possibly can. Don’t have something like, ‘I wish I would have told Vince [McMahon] this,” Ziggler said. “I wish I would have represented myself this way. I wish I would have pitched this idea. I wish I would have done this one extra thing where I hit the gym a little harder and look better on TV’…I hit every aspect I could so the frustration is it’s a little on yourself because maybe somebody hates me from eight years ago and they bring it up at every meeting. I have no idea; but, I’ve done everything I can…If you’ve done everything you can and creative has nothing for you sometimes they have nothing for you. Sometimes it’s personal. Sometimes it’s not.”
Fans telling Ziggler it’s his fault he’s not in major angles was also brought up on the show.
“People who tell me that, a couple old timers, even Hall of Famers, they’re like, ‘That’s on you.’ I’m like, ‘No man,’” he continued. “Seven years ago maybe it is on me. Now they know how good I am. I know how good I am. It’s not all in my court there to put myself on the show.”
NJPW held a press conference today to promote the G1 Climax 28. The tournament gets started tomorrow.
One of the match-ups that everyone is looking forward to will take place on July 21st, 2018. On that night, Kenny Omega will face Tama Tonga.
Tonga was all confidence when he appeared at the G1 Climax 28 press conference today. He turned his attention to Omega shortly after he began speaking.
“You can just feel the tension right here!” Tonga said before turning to Omega (who was seated to the left of the podium). “Do you blame me for what I did?”
Bullet Club “Firing Squad” versus Bullet Club “the Elite”
“(Kenny Omega) shouldn’t be mad. He should be thanking me,” Tonga said. “I granted him his wish! I cut him away from Bullet Club so he can be the super-Kliq, no wait Golden Lovers, no wait, Golden.. whatever team he’s always wanted. Obviously, he’s never wanted to be Bullet Club. You can just tell that from the very beginning!”
With the Cody vs Omega rivalry over, it now looks as though this version of the Bullet Club civil war angle will play a key role in NJPW storylines.
“As for the G1,” Tonga continued. “I want (Kenny Omega) and he knows that. Everyone here knows that. This G1 I’ll show you how good I am.”
For his part, Omega chose not to comment on Tama Tonga or the Firing Squad. He simply promised the fans that he would put in a good performance at the tournament.
“I promise you, every match will be a best bout,” Omega said. “It will only be a race for a distant second place.”
Hangman Page vs Bad Luck Fale
While Omega vs Tonga might be the most anticipated match of the new rivalry, the first battle takes place tomorrow. The first match between the Elite and the Firing Squad will be between Hangman Page and Bad Luck Fale.
While Fale was not present for the Cow Palace attack, it’s been made clear since that he played a pivotal role in the planning. Fale also sent out the following Tweet which Page took offense to.
Fale then gave the same statement as his pre G1 speech during the press conference.
“Is there more to that?” Page asked Fale. “Is it F*** Me, is it F*** Kenny, is it F*** the Elite? Is that what you are trying to say? You’re not making it very clear, Fale. I guess we’ll find out tomorrow.”
Last Saturday, Haku and his sons, Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa, attacked Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks. As NJPW heads into the G1 Climax tournament, the big rivalry appears to now be the Bullet Club “Firing Squad” against Bullet Club’s “the Elite.”
Earlier this week, Haku appeared on the 2-Man Power Trip podcast with Shane Douglas and spoke on a variety of topics.
Haku on His Reputation
Haku is often credited with being one of the toughest men ever in the business. When asked, however, Haku admitted some of the stories about him are a little embellished.
“I’ll tell you that some of them are true and some of them they make up,” Haku said on people who tell stories about his toughness. “The beating up the people in bars is again just protecting the business and showing them what this business is all about. So most of them are true and I’m not bragging, I’m just telling you guys that it was just me protecting the business. People just had the wrong timing and had a few beers and would turn around calling the business saying it was fake and sometimes I guess it was jealousy that we were in the bar and that girls saw you on TV and start talking to you and are not talking to those local boys so there was other things that happened.”
Haku on Teaming With His Sons in NJPW
Since early 2016 when he appeared in the New Japan Rumble, Haku has been an occasional presence in Bullet Club. He often gets to team with his sons, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, and HIKULEO.
“I always try to give back to the Japanese and for what they have done for me,” Haku said. “I’ve always said that no matter who the promoter is that it is only a job but in Japan, it is showing them that I respect them and am grateful. With New Japan, we’ve gone to New Zealand together and of course, Japan and I hope that my boys understand that. With this new generation, I’m not too sure sometimes if they understand that. I’m not too sure if you know that sometimes history ends and my life is to give back and It is my life to show them the way and I hope they understand that. In Japan, they know our relationship and they give me another chance to go there.”
Haku On Legitimate Tough Guys In Wrestling
When asked about legit tough guy wrestlers such as the Road Warriors or Steiner Brothers, Haku says he was intimidated by them.
“I was afraid of them and I am still away from them. They were all the toughest guys that I knew in the field and I was just a third world country boy that has come into the business and trying to feed my family back home so whatever comes in my way (laughing) you know things happen.”
While others will disagree with him on this point, Haku does not believe he is the toughest man in the history of wrestling.
“I am not the toughest. I am a gentleman (laughing) just doing my job and it was those guys that are tough (Steiners and Road Warriors) and they don’t know how tough they are,” Haku said. “But things happen and in the old days we were taught that with the wrestling we “kayfabe” them and we protect our business inside and outside the ring. So when we weren’t filming it was when I was protecting our business and it was to show respect but things happen just because people showed disrespect and in life there is wrestling and there is no wrestling and for me it was protecting the business.”
MLW was supposed to be “Swerve’s House” but a $60,000 bounty was eventually too much for him. Low-Ki not only cashed-in on the bounty but he took the MLW Heavyweight Championship from Strickland in the process.
The title changed happened last night from the Gilt nightclub in Orlando, FL. As per MLW rules, Low-Ki now must defend the title against any opponents Strickland had been scheduled against.
Low-Ki will defend his newly won title against John Hennigan next Thursday in Queen’s NY.
Low-Ki becomes just the second champion since the title was brought back into existence earlier this year. Strickland defeated Matt Riddle in the finals of a tournament on April 12th, 2018 in Orlando.
Low-Ki is now the 6th champion in MLW history. Champions 1-4 in the title’s lineage are Shane Douglas, Satoshi Kojima, Mike Awesome, and Steve Corino.
Other MLW Announcements
MLW Battle Riot July 19th
The promotion also plans to air their upcoming Battle Riot event on July 19 for free on BeIN Sports.
The promotion defines a Battle Riot match as:
“A mash-up of a battle royal, royal rumble and anything goes street fight, this super-sized main event will feature 40 wrestlers with new participants entering the ring every 60 seconds.”
The winner will receive a title shot against the MLW World Heavyweight Champion.
MLW War Games Returns
Earlier this week, MLW announced they will be holding a War Games match at the Fort Lauderdale’s War Memorial Auditorium on Thursday, September 6, 2018. The original inception of the promotion also featured a War Games match between Steve Corino’s Extreme Horsemen and Terry Funk’s “Funkin Army.”
Major League Wrestling owns the trademark to the name War Games for the following purposes:
“Entertainment services in the nature of organizing and arranging professional wrestling exhibitions for entertainment purposes; providing information and news about professional wrestling via a global computer network; presentation of live wrestling show performances.”
What started as a catch-phrase has turned into an officially celebrated holiday. Rusev Day has been officially declared in Knoxville, TN.
With his first-ever WWE Championship match upcoming this Sunday at Extreme Rules, the declaration couldn’t have come at a better time. Not surprisingly, it was a town with a connection to wrestling which announced the holiday.
Rusev spoke with ESPN earlier this year about how “Rusev Day” has taken off.
“I had no idea this was going to happen,” Rusev said to ESPN. “This was supposed to be a one-time ‘Rusev Day’ thing. I never thought in a million years it was going to be what it is today. It was something we planned to do, but just for one day. But it just caught on fire ever since then. Nobody expected that.”
While he might not have expected, Rusev says this has been the greatest part of his career.
“I’ve just been enjoying it,” Rusev said. “I’ve been booed out of the building for the past four years. So finally the people now appreciate me. But I’m just having fun, I’m just doing me. Every bad guy or good guy, we all enjoy the crowd reaction, so I’m just going with it.”
Rusev says he is even enjoying this period of his WWE run more than when he was undefeated and rode a tank to the ring at WrestleMania.
“By far it’s the most fun I’ve had in my career,” Rusev said. “I mean, I loved WrestleMania 31 with the tank — that was amazing, of course. But now I’m showing everybody that you don’t have to be stuck being a foreigner bad guy. Being a foreigner bad guy doesn’t have to be my destiny, and I can be much more than that.”
New Japan Pro Wrestling has announced Rey Mysterio will return to the promotion next month. The famous luchador is scheduled to have a match on the final night of the G1 Climax 28 show from the Nippon Budokan on August 12th, 2018.
Mysterio’s opponent for the show has yet to be named, however. His only match for NJPW to date was at last month’s Dominion. On that night, he teamed with Hiroshi Tanahashi and Jushin Liger in a losing effort to Cody, Hangman Page, and Marty Scurll.
Mysterio originally challenged Jushin Liger when he first appeared in NJPW. A match between the two legends for Strong Style Evolved was eventually scrapped last year, however. Mysterio was forced to withdraw from the event due to a torn bicep.
It’s possible Liger is named later as his opponent, however that is only speculation.
Rey Mysterio NJPW
At 43-years-of age, Mysterio has been working hard to keep in shape for what is likely the final few years of his career. Mysterio posted on Instagram recently that he is having stem cell therapy done on his knee (which has been a frequent problem) and his bicep (which he tore last year).
Yesterday, we reported that Rey Mysterio and WWE were close to a deal. The only remaining sticking points were the remaining commitments Mysterio has left. One of those dates is All-In on September 1st, 2018. Mysterio does have dates booked after then as well.
Impact Wrestling is now just 9 days away from Slammiversary. Last night’s episode of Impact Wrestling added 2 new matches to the card and built towards several others already signed.
Impact Wrestling started off last night with King’s OGZ, so they sound like a good place for us to start too. Here are 9 takeaways from Impact Wrestling’s July 12th show:
5150 Street Fight Scheduled For Slammiversary
After Homicide and Hernandez made short work of some local talent, King challenged Konnan’s LAX for Slammiversary. Even though Santana & Ortiz are the tag-team champions, however, King said they are not interested in titles at this time. They want LAX in a 5150 street fight.
King also explained why Homicide and Hernandez joined him. He said that when Konnan decided to bring back LAX he chose to bring in two new boys he could control rather than Homicide or Hernandez. Now the OGZ want to take out the new LAX.
A standout from RISE, Shotzi Blackheart was scouted by Impact management at a seminar run by the Illinois-based developmental promotion. Shotzi is a wild one with quite a lot to say.
Here are some quotes from her backstage interview with Alicia Atout:
“Being here has given me a one-track mind and that track is to prove I’m no phony-baloney”
“This mango is ready to tango”
“My mind is a machine, my body’s the bullets and Allie is my target”
She dropped her debut match to Allie but she was able to get in a fair amount of offense and show what she can do. Don Callis mentioned on commentary that Impact management would be foolish not to sign her.
For the second week in a row, Tessa Blanchard interfered in a match involving Allie. The previous week, Blanchard came out to get revenge on Madison Rayne but was fended off by Allie who was teaming with her. This week it was Allie who was Blanchard’s target.
Following Allie’s victory over Shotzi Blackheart, Blanchard hit the ring and delivered a hammerlock-DDT. Shortly after the segment aired, Impact Wrestling management made the match between the two of them official for Slammiversary.
Matt Sydal Believes Organic Matter Beats Machines (he also mentioned his 3rd eye…)
Matt Sydal is not worried about having to defend his title at Slammiversary against an opponent so much bigger than he is, he’s been doing that his whole career. Sydal cut a backstage promo this week on Impact where he discussed why he feels he’ll be victorious against Brian Cage.
Sydal said they call Cage a machine but that is the very thing which will be his downfall.
“My opponent is a man who sees things completely mechanical but we live in an organic universe,” Sydal said. “When machines break, they fall apart but organic things they come back to life. No matter how hard you bury me down, I rise back up.”
Joe Hendry and Katarina May Not Have Grado’s Best Interests In Mind…
It’s starting to look as though Katarina may have ulterior motives as it concerns her relationship with Grado. That Grado has brought his “best friend” Joe Hendry into Impact is also an interesting development.
Josh Matthews noted on commentary that he follows Katarina on social media and she posts a lot of pictures but usually ones which feature only her and Hendry rather than Grado.
Eli Drake disposed of Grado in single’s action this week. After doing so, Drake tried to put the moves on Katarina only to be pushed away. Upon realizing Katarina was not interested in him, Drake attempted to inform Grado that something was going on between Hendry and Katarina.
Austin Aries Drops Truth Bombs On DeAngelo Williams
Austin Aries is a guy who doesn’t mince words. When DeAngelo Williams returned to Impact to talk about how his training with Moose is going, Austin Aries couldn’t help but get involved. After Williams called Aries “trash”, the Impact World Champion came out to confront him.
Aries ripped on Williams for not getting signed by an NFL team for next season. Then he ripped on him for never having won a Super Bowl. Finally, Aries knocked him in the head with a microphone and then beat him up with a chair.
Later in the show, Moose would call in to say he will be on the show next week to confront Aries.
Madison Rayne Sit-Down Interview Turns Into Horror Film
It was just supposed to be a sit-down interview…
What seemed as though it would be a rather uneventful segment when we mentioned it in our preview for this episode, Madison Rayne’s planned sit-down interview turned into a macabre scene. Rayne’s interview had barely begun when ominous stuff started happening around the studio.
After foolishly stumbling into an open field to escape the paranormal activity, Rayne was surrounded by Yung’s undead brides. The undead brides whispered that her time had come. Then Yung herself appeared before the camera suddenly went black.
It's safe to say @realsuyung is getting the better of the mind games over @MadisonRayne ahead of Slammiversary…
The night’s main event featured Pentagon and Sami Callihan building towards their Slammiversary Mask vs Hair match. It also featured 2 of the 4 wrestlers who will compete in the fatal 4-way.
Fenix and Rich Swann were on the same side in this match but will be in competition with one another at Slammiversary. Some of the highlights of this week’s main event might preview what is in store at Slammiversary when Fenix, Rich Swann, Taiji Ishimori and Johnny Impact face each other.
This week’s main event featured a Lucha rules 6-man tag. On one side was oVe and Sami Callihan and on the other was Fenix, Pentagon Jr, and Rich Swann.
During this match, Callihan kicked out from Pentagon’s Fear Factor (package piledriver). Callis noted on commentary that he has never seen anybody kick out of that move. Callihan would also kick out of the spiked-piledriver move the Lucha Brothers use as a finisher.
If Callihan can kick-out of two of Pentagon’s finishers in a row, what will Pentagon have to do to beat him at Slammiversary?
In a landmark announcement, ROH and NJPW have just announced a super-card from Madison Square Garden.
“ROH and NJPW are proud to announce that on April 6th, 2019, the companies will join forces to present the ultimate wrestling event,” an ROH press release reads. “G1 Supercard, to fans from around the world, LIVE from Madison Square Garden in New York City!”
It had previously been reported that talks between ROH and the historic venue had broken down.
G1 Supercard Madison Square Garden
“The G1 Supercard is an event that can only represent the absolute best possible matches with both NJPW and ROH stars. Madison Square Garden is the perfect venue for them,” said Greg Gilleland, ROH General Manager
“This is a historic initiative for ROH and New Japan Pro-Wrestling,” Harold Meij, President of NJPW proudly commented. “This gives us a great chance to expose fans to NJPW in the building which housed so many memorable and compelling matches.”
The only confirmed participants so far are Kazuchika Okada, Tetsuya Naito, and Hiroshi Tanahashi.
ROH and NJPW Book Madison Square Garden
“We are thrilled to welcome Ring of Honor Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling to Madison Square Garden for the much anticipated G1 Supercard,” said Joel Fisher, Executive Vice President, MSG Marquee Events. “We expect April 6th to be another memorable night of wrestling at The World’s Most Famous Arena.”
“This is destined to join a long list of historical wrestling moments and where better to hold it than at Madison Square Garden,” ROH Chief Operating Officer Joe Koff said.
Koff would continue to say that this would not be possible without the tremendous fan support they enjoy.
Tickets will go on sale August 8th, 2017 at 10AM ET for Honor Club VIP subscribers. They will go on sale to the general public August 10th.
Sami Callihan will face Pentagon Jr in a Mask vs Hair match at Slammiversary on July 22nd, 2018. He was this week’s guest on the Impact Wrestling teleconference media call.
Callihan is currently a featured wrestler for 3 different promotions. Impact Wrestling, Lucha Underground, and MLW all have Callihan on their roster. He believes this fact is proof that he is the most revolutionary wrestler going right now.
“I’m making history right now, I’m one of the first people, if not the first person, to work for 3 national television programs at the same time,” Callihan said. “I’m on TV every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Who else in professional wrestling history could ever say that?”
Out of everything he is currently doing, however, there is nothing more important to him than taking Pentagon’s mask at Slammiversary.
“I’m starting a revolution, I’m changing wrestling from the inside out.” – Sami Callihan
Mask vs Hair Match
Sami Callihan vs Pentagon Jr.
Slammiversary
July 22nd, 2018
Callihan didn’t mince words when talking about his plans for Slammiversary. “Slammiversary I’m going to take Pentagon’s mask once and for all,” Callihan said. “A lot of people outside of Impact’s world don’t realize that me, Pentagon, Fenix, Dave & Jake (Crist, oVe) we’ve been doing this for years all over the world. Now, we get a chance to do it on national television, on live pay-per-view and there’s nothing that’s going to stop me from taking his mask once and for all.”
“(Pentagon) may have the rest of the wrestling world fooled that he’s some undead Mexican Zombie but I know his secret. He is just a really good professional wrestler that wears a mask. I’m going to take that ask from him and he’s not going to be special anymore.”
Should Callihan lose at Slammiversary, however, he’ll have his head shaved bald. In the past, having their heads shaved has caused many wrestlers to spiral into madness. We asked Sami if he was worried that this could be his fate at Slammiversary.
“Well, I’m not going to have my head shaved, that’s the point,” Callihan said. “I’m going to beat Pentagon, I’m going to take his mask. Then I’m going to parade all around the world wearing it. Maybe I’ll become Pentagon. I don’t know if you saw TV a couple of weeks ago (it was last week), I wore his entire outfit and at this point, I’m pretty sure I make a better Pentagon than he does.”
Bret Hart has been openly critical of his brother Owen’s widow, Martha. According to the Hitman, Martha Hart’s continued efforts to prevent WWE from using Owen’s image has been detrimental to his legacy.
“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.”
Martha Hart Responds To Bret Hart
Marth Hart published her response to Bret’s comments on the Owen Hart Foundation website.
“The suggestion by Bret Hart that I am “erasing” the memory of my late husband, Owen Hart, is reckless, irresponsible, and clearly untrue,” Martha’s statement begins.
“Bret’s comments are rooted in the fact that I have steadfastly refused to work with the WWE to exploit Owen’s image for commercial gain. Owen was an incredible entertainer and I know that his many fans around the world enjoyed his wrestling career immensely. I encourage them to continue to do so. But I am firm in my belief that the WWE was responsible for Owen’s death. As a result, I cannot and will not support any efforts by the WWE to profit from Owen’s memory.”
After giving the above statement regarding why Martha refuses to work with WWE, she then spoke on the work the Owen Hart Foundation has done and how that work honors Owen’s memory.
The Owen Hart Foundation
“Instead, I, my son Oje and daughter Athena have worked tirelessly to honor Owen through the good works of The Owen Hart Foundation, which has exceeded $4 million in gift giving and contributions toward scholarships, home owner bursaries, and other special projects that have greatly improved the lives of so many in Canada and around the world. We have always believed that this is the most fitting public tribute to a man of profound integrity; a wonderful human being who just happened to wrestle. I know that Owen would be very proud of the tremendous accomplishments the Foundation has achieved in his name.”
Severed Ties Between Bret Hart and Martha Hart
According to Bret’s book, Bret and Martha were very close in the days following Owen’s death. Over the years, however, the topic of WWE using Owen’s likeness has driven a significant wedge between them.
“Bret Hart’s comments are disrespectful and cruel. It is disappointing that so many in the media have chosen to report them without seeking my perspective. Whatever Bret may believe, the fact is that, far from “erasing” Owen’s memory, I have devoted the last 20 years to celebrating his life in a very public way. I can think of very few people who have been remembered so glowingly by their spouse.”
Impact Wrestling is back tonight with an episode taped from Windsor, ON, Canada. It will be the second last show before Slammiversary on July 22nd, 2018.
The OGZ (King, Homicide & Hernandez) Kick Off Impact
The first segment for this week is scheduled to be King, Homicide, and Hernandez.
Last week’s episode concluded with LAX in tatters due to a civil war. King admitted being behind the hit on Konnan. He attempted to recruit Santana and Ortiz but when that didn’t work, Homicide and Hernandez took them out.
We still don’t have an Impact tag-team championship match at Slammiversary. Perhaps we could see King’s OGZ challenge Konnan’s LAX for the straps.
Austin Aries Speaks The Truth
In the build-up to Austin Aries vs Moose at Slammiversary, it’s been a war of words.
Aries went on vacation shortly after winning the title back from Pentagon but tonight he will have a chance to say whatever he wants to his upcoming challenger.
Aries has been criticizing Moose for being a failed football player trying a second career.
Moose, on the other hand, says he left the NFL for pro-wrestling and is here to chase a dream.
DeAngelo Williams Returns To Impact
DeAngelo Williams will return to Impact Wrestling tonight. He’s been helping Moose train for his World Title match and will likely have plenty to say regarding his chances against Austin Aries.
Allie In Single’s Action
Allie is back and she’ll be involved in a single’s match tonight against an as of yet unnamed opponent.
This is a new version of Allie, however, one that is a little darker and not quite as bubbly as before. She’ll need that new attitude too as she has a potential new rival waiting in the wings.
Last week, Tessa Blanchard interfered in Allie’s match in which she was teaming with Madison Rayne and facing Su Yung and one of her undead brides. Blanchard wanted at Rayne because of the two straight upset losses Rayne has handed her lately. Perhaps Allie and Blanchard are on a collision course.
Madison Rayne Sit-Down Interview
In just 10 days, Madison Rayne will go one-on-one with Su Yung. Tonight, she takes part in a sit-down interview to discuss her career, Slammiversary, and, of course, her opponent on that night, Su Yung.
Pentagon, Fenix, and Rich Swann vs Sami Callihan and oVe
Callihan has promised that during this match not only will he take Pentagon and Fenix’s masks but he plans to rip off Rich Swann’s face!
We will get a build-up to the Mask vs Hair match between Pentagon and Callihan here.
While Fenix and Rich Swann are on the same side in this match, they will be opponents at Slammiversary. They are two of the four competitors (along with Taiji Ishimori and Johnny Impact) involved in the fatal 4-way match.
WWE has announced the name of the second confirmed wrestler for the 2018 Mae Young Classic. Yesterday, the company announced that former Divas Champion, Kaitlyn, was the first to officially enter the tournament.
Today, WWE unveiled Australia’s Rhea Ripley will be back in the tournament this year. The 21-year-old got her start wrestling in Melbourne’s Riot City Wrestling from 2013 to 2017. After a solid performance at last year’s tournament, WWE signed Ripley and sent her to the Performance Center in Orlando.
Rhea Ripley
In last year’s tournament, Ripley defeated Miranda Salinas in the first round before losing to Dakota Kai in the next.
Since signing with WWE last year, Ripley has been active on the NXT house show circuit. She has only competed once on NXT television, however, participating in a battle royal on the October 4th, 2017 edition of the show.
“The hard-hitting Ripley, who began wrestling as a teenager and competed in Japan before joining NXT, is considered one of the strongest women in the WWE PC weight room” WWE’s press release states. “In addition to a wide arsenal of power moves, Ripley boasts wicked striking ability, which can be traced back her extensive background in soccer.”
2018 Mae Young Classic
This year’s version of the Mae Young Classic will take place on August 8th and 9th from Full Sail University. As was the case with last year’s tournament, the finals will take place at a later date and likely air live on the WWE Network.
Last year’s winner, Kairi Sane, competes in NXT. The other finalist from last year, Shayna Baszler, is now the NXT Women’s Champion.
Abbey Laith (Kimber Lee), Sage Beckett, and Zeda were signed after last year’s tournament but have since been released.
Candice LeRae, Kavita Devi, and Shayna Baszler all signed shortly after the tournament. Serena Deeb would also sign with WWE but as a trainer assigned to the WWE Performance Center.
On Monday night, WWE presented Raw from Boston. Despite Brock Lesnar’s newsworthy appearance at UFC 226 with Daniel Cormier over the weekend, no mention was ever made of Lesnar on the show.
According to a recent report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Vince McMahon gave the direction for him not to be mentioned.
“At the production meeting before Raw, McMahon told everyone that the show in Boston is to focus completely on building Extreme Rules, a show Lesnar isn’t on, so his name wasn’t to be mentioned,” the report reads.
As for when Brock will be mentioned on WWE programming again, McMahon said: “When he’s being offered to our audience and we can capitalize on it.”
Brock Lesnar and WWE
WWE is continuing the angle where Brock is seen as the part-time outsider who doesn’t really care about WWE. Roman Reigns is portraying the company savior, the one who shows up every week. The idea, once again, is to get people to cheer Roman.
Roman Reigns vs Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns have been in 5 matches together not including the 2015 and 2017 Royal Rumbles.
WrestleMania 31 WWE World Heavyweight Championship Triple Threat
Seth Rollins defeated Brock Lesnar (c) and Roman Reigns
Fastlane 2016 #1 Contenders Match Triple Threat
Roman Reigns defeated Dean Ambrose and Brock Lesnar
SummerSlam 2017 WWE Universal Championship Fatal 4-way
Brock Lesnar (c) defeated Braun Strowman, Roman Reigns, and Samo Joe
WrestleMania 34 WWE Universal Championship
Brock Lesnar (c) defeated Roman Reigns
Greatest Royal Rumble WWE Universal Championship Steel Cage
Brock Lesnar (c) defeated Roman Reigns
Brock Lesnar is 3-1-1 against Roman Reigns. Reigns is 1-3-1 against Brock.
Following his main event NXT title match with Aleister Black at Takeover, WWE announced Lars Sullivan had suffered a broken jaw. The promotion event sent out an X-Ray of Sullivan’s injury through their social media accounts.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter had originally reported the injury as legit. They have now released a correction, however, stating that Sullivan’s broken jaw is just a part of his storyline. He did not actually suffer an injury at Takeover but that is the story WWE wants to tell.
It is not known when NXT will bring back Sullivan. The injury was likely a way to protect Sullivan while still having him lose to Black as it gives his character an excuse as to why he lost.
Sullivan’s loss to Aleister Black was his first loss in a single’s match on NXT programming.
Triple H on Lars Sullivan
Following Takeover: Chicago II, Triple H spoke with Cathy Kelley. He spoke in regards to how Sullivan’s loss to Aleister Black will likely make him stronger.
“Here’s the thing, size, and strength but how long has (Lars) been doing this?” Triple H asked. “That’s really the unknown factor of how good can he become.”
“Lars Sullivan has been here for a cup of coffee, been in the ring for a cup of coffee,” Triple H said on Sullivan’s experience level. “Not someone who has spent years and years doing this.”
Triple H then talked about Lars’ performance in the main event that night.
“I don’t think there was a moment in there where he looked like he didn’t belong,” Triple H said. “To me, that is the ultimate victory. That Lars Sullivan, at this point in his career, was able to go toe-to-toe with Aleister Black.”
“He could be the most dangerous person here and this loss might actually be a blessing for him.”
Rey Mysterio and WWE are continuing to engage in contract negotiations but there are a few sticking points which might delay the luchador’s return to the company. Namely, Mysterio has commitments outside of WWE he would like to keep. One of those commitments is Cody and the Young Bucks’ “All-In”.
A recent report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is stating that the two sides have come close to a deal but Mysterio’s commitments are all that is left to be worked out.
“While Rey Mysterio has not signed with WWE, the discussions are close enough that they’ve talked about what commitments he has and doesn’t have left,” the report reads. “All-In is obviously a key thing.”
The report continues to say WWE would rather Mysterio not work the event.
Mysterio was announced as being All-In back in May. He appeared on Jim Ross’ podcast last month and spoke about the Chicago-based event on September 1st. Ross asked him who he thinks his opponent will be on the show.
“I don’t have a clue yet,” said Mysterio. “I’m sure they have something good cooked up because they’ve been doing this very methodical and just the way they announced the show, the way they’ve announced talent little by little. It’s a good strategy, so I’m sure they have a good show lined up.”
Rey added that he’s been in touch with Cody and The Young Bucks, who are giving him input regarding who he works with at the show.
Rey Mysterio speaks thanks the counsel for making June 19th Rey Mysterio Day. He also eludes that he maybe going back to WWE soon. pic.twitter.com/OWvjIv6LU3
On June 19th (6/19) the city of San Diego declared a holiday to celebrate one of their most famous residents. Media at the event asked Mysterio what his status with WWE is.
“I’m actually getting ready to go back to possibly a WWE contract, so – we’re talking about another three years if my body hangs tight and holds on.”
On Saturday night from the Cow Palace, the Tongan members of Bullet Club attacked members of the Elite. Bullet Club’s “Firing Squad” is comprised of Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, Haku, HIKULEO, and Bad Luck Fale. They insist their faction has no leader.
Following the attack, Tonga sat down with Sports Illustrated. He was asked what led to the attack in the closing moments of the G1 Special in San Francisco.
“This has been a long time coming,” said Tonga. “Kenny Omega started a subgroup, ‘The Elite,’ within Bullet Club. No one is the head of Bullet Club, no one ever has been, and we had a self-proclaimed leader focusing on his own ‘Super Kliq’ or whatever else nerd ass name it’s called. This war was sparked the moment ‘The Elite’ was formed.”
“Fale is the one who made the call,” continued Tonga. “You’ll all find that out soon.”
Fale was shown on the Guerillas of Destiny YouTube channel recently phoning other members of the group and saying it was time.
Tama Tonga on Differences Between NJPW Bullet Club vs ROH Bullet Club
“Rank is how Japan is run, and that’s how Bullet Club—true Bullet Club—is run. Not egotistical clowns running around, shouting ‘Look at me!’ True Bullet Club is discipline and order.”
Some NJPW Bullet Club fans have expressed the sentiment that the version of Bullet Club which exists outside of Japan is a little silly. These fans have been calling for a return of the old Bullet Club and Tama Tonga is the guy they place their faith in.
“The ones putting in the work day in and day out in Japan, we were cast away,” said Tonga. “We tried, over time, to give them the benefit of the doubt, but it kept getting worse. The ideals of Bullet Club working together, being a team, and watching each other’s backs was no longer what we stood for. We were a divided club. It was just too much to ignore.”
Tama Tonga on The Firing Squad
“I am not the leader of Bullet Club,” Tonga explained. “Fale, me, and Loa, we are the leaders of Bullet Club and anyone that’s with us. We are not ‘Firing Squad,’ we are Bullet Club, the Bullet Club. ‘Firing Squad’ only arrives when there is bulls— and betrayal.”
Tama Tonga and Kenny Omega are in the same Block in this year’s G1. They will meet in 9 days on Saturday, July 21st, 2018.
Golden Lovers teammates, Kota Ibushi and Kenny Omega, will face each other in the round-robin of this year’s G1 tournament. The two will meet on Saturday, August 11th, 2018, the final night of the round-robin. The match will take place inside the same venue as their last match did, the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo.
The last time Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi met, Ibushi was banned from performing in the famed Nippon Budokan again. Ibushi delivered a moonsault from the balcony, causing the venue to state he was not allowed to wrestle there anymore. The venue has since lifted his ban, however.
Author, Chris Charlton, provided a translation of Ibushi’s comments:
Kota Ibushi vs Kenny Omega – August 11th, 2018 – Nippon Budokan – Tokyo, Japan
“I hate it. Hate that I have to face (Kenny Omega). It’s like ‘the time has finally come’. To have Kenny last, that’s a really dangerous scenario. The finals are the very next night, remember. But we have to do it. I don’t have all the time in the world, so we have to do this.”
Ibushi also spoke about his feelings regarding the rest of the B Block this year.
“It’s the more athletic group I think,” Ibushi said. “It’ll be a more athletic, physical style in these matches. People that stand out, of course, Kenny, Naito, SANADA. He’s interesting. I haven’t wrestled him before. I think there’s something about him he hasn’t shown. I want to get that out of him.”
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.
