Big E believes February 2018 is a good month to celebrate black history for two reasons. The first being that February is Black History Month and the second being that Marvel’s Black Panther film is being released this month as well.
He explained his reasoning below:
Yes, we’re wearing kente because it’s Black Panther season & Black History Month. No, you should not come for us because you think we’re being divisive & schismatic. Yes, we’re going to take some time to acknowledge our dreads, our Afro puffs, and our chocolatey skin. pic.twitter.com/c7uj9ThYh3
New Day Celebrating Black History (and Black Panther) Month
Part of Big E’s tweet reads “No, you should not come for us because you think we’re being divisive & schismatic”. This could be in reference to some backlash the New Day got following a tweet in late 2016.
At the time, New Day, Sasha Banks, and Rich Swann were all champions. Evidently, those involved in the photo received some backlash from fans.
Not long after, Kofi Kingston took the time to explain further what #BlackExcellence means. Kofi explained it is something people of all races can celebrate even if they don’t fall into a specific category.
“#BlackExcellence is not meant to be divisive. For even if you do not fall into the specific category, you can still take enjoyment in our pride, because in the biggest picture, in a society that often focuses on the negative aspects of race relations, what has transpired with the 5 of us speaks positively to the progress we’ve made as a nation.”
Posted February 15th, 2018 in News, WWE. Tagged: New Day.
Last month, it was reported that Hulk Hogan had been in negotiations with New Japan Pro Wrestling in regards to appearing at Wrestle Kingdom.
According to a recent report from Sports Illustrated, NJPW approached Hogan but a deal couldn’t be reached. Hogan was reportedly asking for $750,000 for the appearance, which was more than NJPW was willing to pay.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jcYVd7o2Ww
Hulk Hogan and New Japan Pro Wrestling
Hogan’s relationship with NJPW goes back to the early 1980s before Hulkamania boomed in North America. He would even participate in the precursor to the modern day G1 tournament. In the 1983 IWGP League, Hogan defeated Antonio Inoki in the final.
The Young Bucks have been vocal supporters of bringing Hogan into NJPW.
The Bucks had the following to say in regards to the Hulkster in NJPW:
“I’d love to welcome Hulk in. He’s honestly my favourite wrestler of all time, so working with him in any capacity would be fun,” stated Matt Jackson.
“I’d love to have him walk us down the aisle, while three of us play the air guitar. That’d be a dream come true.” added Nick Jackson.
Despite speculation he would finally leave the company, Dolph Ziggler recently signed a new deal with WWE.
Some felt Ziggler might test free-agency or the freelance pro-wrestling market. Others felt he might leave the company to pursue other interests, such as stand-up comedy. It turns out, however, Ziggler isn’t going anywhere as a result of a “sweetheart deal” offered to him by WWE.
Dolph Ziggler’s “Sweetheart Deal”
According to a report from Sports Illustrated, Dolph Ziggler has signed a 2-year deal with the company worth $1.5 million per year. The report continues to state that while it has been reported that negotiations with Ziggler came down to the wire, he was always expected to re-sign.
Since vacating the United States championship, Ziggler was off television for nearly two months. He returned as the #30 entrant in the Royal Rumble. Following the Rumble, he was given an opportunity to earn entry into the WWE championship match at Fastlane. He was added to the Fastlane main event after defeated Sami Zayn on Tuesday night. Perhaps Ziggler’s sweetheart deal is part of WWE storyline as well.
New Japan Pro Wrestling is continuing to expand outside of their traditional territory and into the United States. Not long after tickets to Strong Style Evolved on March 25th, 2018 sold out in just minutes, the company announced the opening of a training dojo in Los Angeles. The dojo is now accepting applications.
Early last year, NJPW President, Taakaki Kidani, told Tokyo Sports that opening a training center in Los Angeles was part of the promotion’s strategy to expand into the country further.
New Japan Pro Wrestling Los Angeles Training Dojo
The promotion has scheduled two 5-day camps for prospective wrestlers. They specifically mention the camps are not tryouts but also state they are always looking for new talent.
Applicants do not need to have previous wrestling expereince.
The first camp will run from March 19th to 23rd and the second from March 26th to March 30th.
The link to the dojo’s application form can be found here.
Fans of Chikara won’t be surprised to hear Dalton Castle has been named the new “Cruise Director” for “Chris Jericho’s Rock N Wrestling Rager” in October. Castle formerly adopted the gimmick of a yacht sailing enthusiast, Ashley Remington, for the rather bizarre promotion.
As the current Ring of Honor champion, Castle may have to defend his championship against the winner of the Sea of Honor tournament scheduled to take place on the cruise. This is assuming Castle is still champion by then, however.
Castle was booked for the cruise back in November but news of his promotion to “Cruise Director” was just announced recently:
Jericho has said he was inspired by attending a similar cruise for fans of the band Kiss. He has also said he will serve as the “Master of Ceremonies” for the event and Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler will be the official hosts.
Ring of Honor’s tournament will be a featured part of the cruise. ROH and other wrestlers such as the Young Bucks and Cody have been confirmed. Other guests include Mick Foley, DDP, Rey Mysterio, Raven, and SoCal Val are also expected to be in attendance.
Several bands, comedy acts, and live podcasts are also scheduled to take place.
The cruise will sail from Miami to the Bahamas and prices range from $749 to $8,381.
Last night’s Mixed Match Challenge show featured the unlikely team of Elias and Bayley going up against Rusev and Lana. Using the team name “Ravishing Rusev”, Lana and Rusev even unveiled matching outfits for the contest.
The finish of the match involved Lana pulling Bayley off the top turnbuckle. Bayley hit her head on the way down, allowing Lana to pin her and pick up the win for her team. It was Lana’s first victory in WWE… sort of.
Lana’s First WWE Victory
Congrats to the Wife @LanaWWE ! First EVER victory. Now the whole world knows …… Lana is the best Lana number 1 ??
Technically, Lana has won a bunch of matches in NXT. Most of them occurred on NXT house shows, however, so it seems WWE is not counting those in this case.
It is true, however, that Lana has never won a match on the main roster and has never won a match on WWE programming.
According to the German wrestling statistic site, Cagematch.net, Lana has wrestled 79 times in her career. She won 14 singles matches on NXT house shows from late 2016 to early 2017. She also teamed with Nia Jax and won a match on an NXT house show in May of 2016.
63-16 is her total record. 1-10 is her record for televised matches.
NXT tonight was taped during the brand’s stay at Center Stage in Atlanta. The show will feature two championship matches and the return of top contender.
NXT Preview
NXT Women’s Championship Ember Moon (c) vs. Shayna Baszler
At Takeover: Philadelphia, it seems Moon had met her match. Baszler dominated the match by focussing on the injured arm of her opponent. Moon was able to counter a submission attempt into a successful pin attempt, however, retaining her title in the process.
Baszler told NXT reporters that Moon was scared to face her again. This resulted in Moon calling out Baszler and this match being scheduled for tonight.
WWE United Kingdom Championship Pete Dunne (c) vs. Roderick Strong
Strong beat former UK champion, Tyler Bate, in order to earn this match here. He will be attempting to be the first American to win the UK championship, something Dunne will be heavily motivated to stop him from doing.
Aleister Black Returns
We haven’t seen the Dutch striker since he defeated Adam Cole in an Extreme Rules match at Takeover: Philadelphia.
Black has now been victorious over Cole two matches in a row, scored two big victories on the last two Takeover shows, and remains undefeated in NXT.
We should find out what is next for Black tonight.
205 Live has focussed on a single-elimination tournament to crown a new champion in recent weeks. The brand has also introduced the former Rockstar Spud, now known as Drake Maverick, as the division’s General Manager.
It is believed that Vince McMahon is no longer involved with the show and Triple H is hoping to bring back the feel of 2016’s Cruiserweight Classic to the show.
Cruiserweight Championship Tournament
Heading into last night’s show, the following matches had already taken place in the 16-man tournament:
Cedric Alexander defeated Gran Metalik
TJP defeated Tyler Bate
Kalisto defeated Lince Dorado
Roderick Strong defeated Hideo Itami
Last night, two more matches in the 16-man single-elimination championship tournament took place.
There is a new member of the cruiserweight division and his name is Buddy Murphy.
After Murphy’s inclusion on the roster was announced, a vignette of him training and weighing in was shown. 205 Live General Manager, Drake Maverick, was on hand to officially announce Murphy had made weight and would be entered into the cruiserweight championship tournament.
The 29-year-old Australian has been with the company since 2013 but has wrestled sparingly for NXT in recent years.
He is a former NXT tag-team champion along with partner, Wesley Blake. The team was accompanied to the ring by Murphy’s real-life fiancee, Alexa Bliss, before her main roster call-up in 2016.
Although Murphy has been competing on NXT house shows lately, he hasn’t been on NXT television since 2016.
Following the controversial ending to the Fatal 5-way match last night, Raw General Manager, Kurt Angle, has announced the men’s Elimination Chamber match in 2 weeks will have 7 participants.
Angle made the announcement on Facebook after Raw went off the air. If you are unable to view the video below you can see it at this link.
Seth Rollins and Finn Balor both being added to the Elimination Chamber means the match could start with 3 participants already in the ring, though that is just speculation.
The 7 confirmed wrestlers for the match are:
The Miz (will enter first)
John Cena
Finn Balor
Seth Rollins
Braun Strowman
Roman Reigns
Elias (will enter last)
The winner will go on to face Brock Lesnar for the WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania. Of the participants, Cena, Reigns, and Miz have all wrestled in and won a WrestleMania main event match. Seth Rollins cashed in the MITB briefcase once during the main event of WrestleMania as well.
Tonight’s Smackdown, Mixed Match Challenge, and 205 Live episodes will emanate from the Robobank Arena in Bakersfield, California.
Amongst several other matches for tonight’s shows, Dolph Ziggler will wrestle Baron Corbin with the winner being added to the WWE Championship match at Fastlane.
Smackdown Live Matches and Segments
Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin
Daniel Bryan booked a triple threat WWE championship match between AJ Styles (c), Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn for Fastlane but Shane McMahon added this match on Smackdown with the winner being added to the match at Fastlane.
Ziggler was also the 30th entry in the Royal Rumble and now has a chance to wrestle for the WWE championship. He’s received two big opportunities since vacating the US championship.
Flair continues her rivalry with the Riott Squad tonight.
Last week, Flair defeated Liv Morgan and this week she’ll go up against “Country Strong” Sarah Morgan.
The New Day vs. Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin
Last week, Gable and Benjamin let the tag-team division know they are tired of jokes. Gable and Benjamin have defeated the Ascension and Breezeango since dropping a title match to the Usos at the Royal Rumble.
Bobby Roode US Open Challenge
Roode will look to defend his US title on WWE programming for a 3rd straight time. He’s already defeated Rusev and Mojo Rawley.
Fast-acting customers would have been able to secure a voyage on Space Mountain yesterday. Ric Flair was briefly signing and selling official “contracts” for a ride on Flair’s amusement park/sexual analogy ride.
Unfortunately, it appears WWE asked Flair to remove the offers from his website.
“By Signing This Compromise, both parties involved agree to ride Space Mountain and engage in sexual relations on this night. This contract adheres to guidelines of informed consent, and both people in the relationship must be present and not in an intoxicated state before signing. No party shall be pressured or persuaded into something that they do not want to do, and they reserve the right to terminate the contract if need be. This contract has the signed and sealed approval of The Nature Boy Ric Flair, who has taken many women for a ride on Space Mountain, and has the utmost respect for women.”
While the WOOOO Compromise is no longer available, Ric is always putting out new merchandise at RicFlairShop.com. He’s currently got a new T-shirt up of himself and Hulk Hogan.
Ring of Honor heads back to Japan next week for their annual 2-night event in Korakuen Hall. This will be the 3rd straight year the promotion has held Honor Rising: Japan in Tokyo.
Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro Wrestling recently announced the lineups for the 2 shows this year.
ROH Honor Rising: Japan 2018 Lineups
Night 1 February 23rd, 2018
Katsuya Kitamura & Toa Henare vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Bad Luck Fale
Last night Raw General Manager, Kurt Angle, announced Ronda Rousey will be appearing at the upcoming Elimination Chamber PPV. According to Angle’s comments, Rousey will be there to sign her WWE contract.
WWE has specifically mentioned Rousey will be signing a contract with the Raw brand.
While WWE and Rousey have said she will be a full-time Superstar with WWE, it is expected she will work a part-time schedule but make WWE her top priority.
Ronda Rousey on Monday Night Raw
Rousey signing a Raw-exclusive contract takes a possible Rousey vs. Charlotte Flair match at WrestleMania off the table. She could still end up having a match with Stephanie McMahon, Alexa Bliss, Asuka, or a mixed-gender match, however.
The Elimination Chamber takes place February 25th, 2018 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event will feature the first-ever women’s Elimination Chamber match as well as the men’s chamber match which will decide who faces Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania.
Mondy Night Raw General Manager, Kurt Angle, has signed a match between Bayley and Sasha Banks for tonight.
While Angle claims the match will be “friendly competition”, there are signs Bayley and Banks’ friendship is breaking down. After all, Banks eliminated Bayley from the 1st ever women’s Royal Rumble last month.
“Friendly competition” is good.. So I’m making it official for tonight on #Raw– San Jose’s own @itsBayleyWWE will take on @SashaBanksWWE!
Sasha Banks and Bayley have wrestled each other in single’s action on 12 prior occassions. 10 of those matches took place in NXT, while the other 2 took place last year on Raw.
In NXT, Bayley won 7 of 10 matches against Banks including their 2 matches for the NXT Women’s Championship. On the main roster, Banks defeated Bayley on the March 3rd, 2017 Raw from Chicago but Bayley beat Banks in a #1 contenders match for the Raw women’s championship on July 24th, 2017 Raw from Washington.
Ivory has been announced as the latest member of the WWE Hall of Fame’s Class of 2018.
Ivory’s Career in Wrestling
Lisa Mary Moretti (aka Ivory) got her start in pro-wrestling in 1986 when she auditioned for the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling television show. Despite having no prior wrestling experience, Moretti was one of the women chosen. The Netflix series “GLOW” is based on the experiences of women who were on the show.
After training for six weeks, Moretti adopted the ring name Tina Ferrari and performed on the show. GLOW ended in 1992 and she would wrestle sparingly with other promotions after. In 1999, however, she returned to pro-wrestling in a big way when she signed with WWE. The promotion would rename her “Ivory”.
Ivory was the perfect heel woman in WWE’s Attitude Era. She would win the WWE (then WWF) women’s championship on 3 occasions before opting not to renew her contract with the company in 2005.
The 56-year old now runs a pet-sitting and grooming business in Washington State.
Ivory joins Bill Goldberg and the Dudley Boyz in the Class of 2018.
The 2018 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony takes place on Friday night, April 6th from New Orleans during WrestleMania 34 weekend.
A fierce and ground-breaking competitor, from an originator in GLOW to @WWE Women's Champion, #Ivory left an indelible mark on our industry. Welcome to the #WWEHOF! pic.twitter.com/7oFNf3MtPm
Billy Corgan was on Busted Open Radio recently. In addition to speaking about the latest events in his National Wrestling Alliance, Corgan spoke about his time in TNA/Impact Wrestling.
One of the more notable topics which came up on the show was TNA management’s opinion of Aldis while he was in TNA.
Dreamer (who was co-hosting) mentioned he has always felt Aldis has a bit of a chip on his shoulder, though it wasn’t clear if he was speaking that way of Aldis to build for his eventual title match. Dreamer will challenge the NWA champion at House of Hardcore 39 on March 24th from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.
The full interview can be watched below:
Billy Corgan on Nick Aldis
Corgan, who took ownership of the NWA on October 1st, 2017, also stated that TNA management would openly bury Aldis for his perceived ego. Corgan mentioned he has never had a problem with Aldis but perhaps his friendship with Aldis’ wife, Mickie James, changed the dynamic of Corgan’s relationship with him.
“I sat in many TNA meetings where Nick [Aldis’] name came up and people in the company openly buried him,” Corgan said. “And you would say this guy is in his prime – both as a performer and as a talent – and it was always about his attitude. People didn’t want to work with him.” – Billy Corgan on TNA’s attitude to Nick Aldis.
The next big athlete from another sport to transition to sports entertainment might be Rob Gronkowski. The 28-year-old New England Patriot is a 5x Pro Bowl selection, 2x Super Bowl champion, and 5x 1st Team All-Pro in the NFL. He’s also a huge wrestling fan and helped his friend, Mojo Rawley, win the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at last year’s WrestleMania.
According to an interview he gave to TMZ Sports, Mojo Rawley believes the NFL Superstar will end up in WWE at some point.
Rob Gronkowski to WWE
“It’s not a matter of if it’s a matter of when baby!” – Mojo Rawley on Rob Gronkowski going to WWE.
Not hurting Gronkowski’s chances of being granted a WWE career in his post-NFL life, is that Stephanie McMahon and Triple H are both big Patriots fans.
NWA World Heavyweight Champion, Nick Aldis, recently announced plans to defend his championship across the globe. Aldis and his manager, Auston Idol, are attempting to defend the NWA title 20x in 60 days. Consequently, they’ve booked title matches for the next 2 months.
The NWA has clarified that should Aldis lose his NWA championship at any point along the tour, the new champion would pick up where he left off.
Yesterday on Championship Wrestling from Hollywood, the NWA revealed Aldis’ first challenger. Episodes of the show are available through the FITE App.
While the challenger was considered a heavy underdog against Aldis, he did have two fists and a chance.
https://youtu.be/bes65fJ-_K0
Nick Aldis vs. James Ellsworth
33-year-old James Ellsworth recently began competing on the independent scene again. His last match in WWE was a November 11th loss on Smackdown to Becky Lynch from Manchester. That same night AJ Styles won the WWE Championship.
Ellsworth’s first post-WWE appearances came at Santino Marella’s wrestling school in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. In addition to wrestling earlier in the evening, Ellsworth would win the first ever “Santino Cobra Battle Royal” that night.
Unfortunately, Ellsworth was unable to defeat Aldis for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. As a result, Aldis now has 19 title defenses left on his tour.
Saturday in Osaka, Kazuchika Okada defeated SANADA from Los InGobernables to retain the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. It was Okada’s 10th title defense in his record-breaking title reign.
Okada’s CHAOS faction also defeated Los InGobernables 3-2 over 5 singles matches on the show including 3 championship matches.
Following his victory, Okada challenged IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, Will Ospreay to a match at the upcoming Anniversary show on March 6th, 2018.
Kazuchika Okada versus Will Ospreay
Okada challenged Ospreay for the Anniversary Show as on that night the heavyweights will be busy preparing for the upcoming New Japan Cup, so it’s a convenient time for him to take on CHAOS’ junior heavyweight.
At the post-match press conference in Osaka, Ospreay wondered if his faction’s leader was testing him by issuing the challenge but thanked Okada and accepted the match anyway.
Earlier in the evening, Ospreay had defeated Hiromu Takahashi to retain the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.
Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair sat down with TMZ Sports recently and spoke about the possibility of Hogan returning to WWE someday and the friendship the two of them have developed through the years.
Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair Interview
In the second video, Flair talks about how Hogan has been there for him during difficult times in his life. He talks about how Hogan lent him money when his son was sick and how Hogan was the second person to the hospital during Flair’s health scare last year.
“For me, I’d love to change that last story that was told of the Hulk Hogan career. I’d love to get back in the fold, get back on the inside and correct a lot of stuff.” Hogan said of his desire to return to WWE.
“It has to be the perfect timing for both sides,” he added. “We’re all on good sides and all working towards the same goal so hopefully, I’ll be able to be back with my wrestling family someday soon.” To which Flair chimed in to say he is looking forward to that day.
The Miz continues to pass milestones on his quest to being known as the greatest Intercontinental champion of all time. Just recently, Miz passed Don “the Rock” Muraco for 2nd all-time in combined days as champion.
Tenille Dashwood (FKA Emma) has signed with Ring of Honor and will be participating in the promotion’s tournament to crown a Women of Honor champion.
Dashwood was a surprise appearance at Ring of Honor’s recently live-streamed show from Concord, North Carolina on Friday night. She also teamed with Mandy Leon and defeated Kelly Klein and Stacy Shadows later in the evening.
Corey Graves recently accepted Booker T’s invitation to appear on his “Heated Conversations” podcast. While Booker had seemingly threatened Corey for causing his removal from the Raw broadcast team, it turns out not everything was as it seemed.
According to comments he made on the podcast with Corey, Booker was thankful to be removed from his commentating position on Monday Night Raw. They even joked about how Corey saw Booker backstage that day and he was grinning from ear to ear.
Booker and Corey are now saying the entire saga was a work and never intended to go anywhere. Listen to their conversation below:
Booker T’s On-Air Threat
Following being removed the Raw announce team, Booker made the following comments towards Graves:
“But if I catch Corey Graves on the street, I’m gonna do something to him. Alright? I ain’t gonna do it at the office or anything like that. But if I catch him… not gonna do it in the airport, nah, I’m not gonna do that. But if I catch Corey Graves on the street? You see that little bouffant hairdo he got? I’m gonna rearrange it for him.”
What led some to believe his comments were not serious, however, was that he worked in the radio station’s call signs while he made them.
“So, me and Corey Graves… WrestleMania coming up, right? There’s room for one more match. Right now, on my show, Heated Conversations, Sports Radio 610, I’m calling Corey Graves out to a fight. Not a match. Not a pre-show posedown or anything like that. I’m calling Corey Graves out to a fight.”
New Japan Pro Wrestling presents a big show February 10th, 2018, from Edion Arena in Osaka, Japan.
The event is built around the CHAOS versus Los InGobernables rivalry. The final 5 matches on the show will all feature single’s matches featuring wrestlers from each faction against each other. 3 CHAOS single’s champions will defend their titles against members of LIJ.
The press conference for the event (w/ English subtitles) is below:
New Beginning in Osaka Lineup
Yuji Nagata vs. Katsuya Kitamura (Kitamura’s 7-match trial series)
Roppongi 3K (Sho and Yoh) vs. El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru (Suzuki-Gun)
I would imagine if Suzuki-Gun wins, they would earn a shot against Roppongi 3K for the Jr. Heavyweight titles.
David Finlay, Juice Robinson, & Tenare vs. Toru Yano, Tomohiro Ishii, & Jay White (CHAOS)
Earlier this week, White attacked Finlay after defeating him in a single’s match. Kelly has been playing up their history training together on commentary.
If someone pins Jay White (or even someone else on CHAOS) they might be in a spot to challenge White for the IWGP US title.
Ryusuke Taguchi, Michael Elgin, Kushida, & Togi Makabe vs. Taka Michinoku, Taichi, Takashi Iizuka, & Minoru Suzuki
Suzuki turned down Makabe’s challenge for an IWGP Intercontinental championship earlier this week.
Gedo (CHAOS) vs. Bushi (LIJ)
Gedo stole Bushi’s mask earlier this week
Yoshi-Hashi (CHAOS) vs. Tetsuya Naito (LIJ)
IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship
Will Ospreay (CHAOS) (c) vs. Hiromu Takahashi
NEVER Openweight Championship
Hirooki Goto (CHAOS) (c) vs. EVIL (LIJ)
IWGP Heavyweight Championship
Kazuchika Okada (CHAOS) (c) vs. SANADA (LIJ)