SEScoops

Author: Chris Stephens

  • NJPW G1 27 Night 2 Results: Kenny Omega vs. Minoru Suzuki

    NJPW G1 27 Night 2 Results: Kenny Omega vs. Minoru Suzuki

    G1 Climax 27 Night 2
    Korakuen Hall
    Tokyo, Japan

    Preliminary matches:

    • El Desparado and Zack Sabre Jr defeated Hirai Kawato and Kota Ibushi
    • Tiger Mask, Yuji Nagata, and Toi Makabe defeated Gedo, Ishii and Goto
    • Chase Owens and Bad Luck Fale defeated Finlay and Tanahashi
    • Bushi and Naito defeated Jado and Yoshi Hashi

    G1 Matches

    • Juice Robinson (2pts) defeated Satoshi Kojima (0pts)

      • Robinson picked up a win in his first ever G1 match.
      • He kicked out of a strong lariat and hit Pulp Friction for the win

    • Tama Tonga (2pts) defeated Michael Elgin (0pts)

      • Commentary played up how Tonga is the most elusive wrestler in the game, and has a very unique style.
      • Tonga countered a move from the 2nd rope into a Stun Gun and got the pin.

    • Sanada (2pts) defeated EVIL (0pts)

      • A battle between members of Los Ingobernables!
      • Finish of the match saw Evil repeatedly get out of the Skull End, but Sanada then hit a moonsault for the pin.

    • Kazuchika Okada (2pts) defeated Toru Yano (0pts)

      • A lot of your normal Yano shenanigans and comedy.
      • After both of them nearly getting counted out, Okada locked in the Red Ink and got the tap.

    • Kenny Omega (2pts) defeated Minoru Suzuki (0pts)

      • Omega went to do a moonsault from the guardrail early, but Suzuki kicked it out from underneath him. His leg landed on the guardrail and Suzuki would focus on it for much of the match.
      • There was a ref bump mid-way through the match when Suzuki pulled Red Shoes in front of him as Omega was going for a V-Trrigger knee.
      • This brought out Suzuki-Gun, which would eventually bring out Chase Owens and Bad Luck Fale.
      • At one point Omega hit everyone on Los Ingobernables with a top rope senton into the first couple of rows of seats.
      • The two factions cancelled each other out (possibly building towards a match at the next ROH PPV) and it was down to 1-on-1.
      • Suzuki focussed again on the leg but Omega made a comeback.
      • He hit quite a few V-Triggers, and there was also a fairly botched reverse hurricanrana attempt as well.
      • Then Omega hoisted him up and hit the 1-Winged Angel for the win.
  • NXT Highlights: Drew McIntyre vs. Killian Dain, Ruby Riot vs. Ember Moon

    NXT Highlights: Drew McIntyre vs. Killian Dain, Ruby Riot vs. Ember Moon

    NXT this week came from Full Sail University. The featured match was between Drew McIntyre and Killian Dain, with the winner moving on to meet Bobby Roode at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn III.

    There was also an important match in the women’s division last night, as Ember Moon took on Ruby Riot.

    NXT
    July 19th 2017
    Full Sail University

    1. Ruby Riot vs. Ember Moon

    • Asuka resorted to under-handed, dirty tactics to beat Ember Moon in their title match, leading Moon to believe she deserves a rematch.
    • Ruby Riot on the other hand, has never been given a singles match for the NXT women’s championship, so she believes she should be the next to challenge Asuka. Hence, the two met here.
    • The match was fairly even, with Riot getting a couple of near-falls.
    • In the end however, Ember Moon hit the Eclipse, picked up the win, and will move on to meet Asuka next month.

    Winner: Ember Moon

    • A backstage clip is shown of Hideo Itami confronting Kassius Ohno about having requested a match against him next week. Itami kicked a garbage can, spoke in Japanese, and left the room.

    • A vignette for the “Street Profits” aired.

    2. Oney Lorcan vs. Danny Burch

    • These two guys beat each other up. Burch’s nose even got busted open.
    • Lorcan got the tapout victory with a rolling single-leg crab. Mauro mentioned that Lorcan was trained by Lance Storm, who used the same move as a finish up until he started using the Sharpshooter.
    • After the match, Burch challenged Lorcan to one more match. His offer was accepted.

    Winner: Oney Lorcan via submission

    3. No Way Jose vs. Cezar Bononi

    • No highlights were posted for this match.
    • No Way Jose picked up the win here with a pop-up punch to the face.
    • This was pretty much a squash match.
    • After the match, Andrade “Cien” Almas hit the ring (w/Thea Trinidad) and beat up Bononi.
    • This caused No Way Jose to make the save and drive Almas out of the ring.
    • Jose and Almas jawed at each other a bit as the segment ended.

    Winner: No Way Jose

    4. NXT Championship #1 Contenders Match
    Drew McIntyre vs. Killian Dain (SAnitY)

    • Mauro mentioned on commentary that the reason they are being given this opportunity is because they are both undefeated.
    • Dain had the early advantage in the match, using mainly power moves and clubbing blows until Drew made a comeback.
    • McIntyre hit a move Mauro referred to as a “Finlay Drop” after Fit Finlay.
    • Dain hit a fisherman suplex from the 2nd rope.
    • McIntyre hit a double-arm DDT, which I’m pretty sure was his finisher in his previous stint with WWE. Dain kicked out at 1 however.
    • Finally the end of the match came when McIntyre hit his Claymore kick, only for Dain to get right back up, then Drew hit him with another and pinned him.
    • McIntyre will now meet Bobby Roode at Takeover: Brooklyn.

    Winner: Drew McIntyre

  • Kevin Owens On Working With AJ Styles and Potential WrestleMania Opponents

    Kevin Owens On Working With AJ Styles and Potential WrestleMania Opponents

    Kevin Owens recently sat down with local southern New Jersey media outlet, “At the Shore”, and spoke on a variety of subjects.

    In true Owens style, he stayed in character for the majority of the interview, even when the reporter asks him non-kayfabe questions.

    Kevin Owens Interview Highlights

    When asked how much he enjoys working with AJ Styles:

    “Yeah, I don’t enjoy it at all actually. I’d rather never having to work with him again. He has my title, and I have to go after and it looks like we’re nowhere near done. Unfortunately, I have to step in the ring with him several more times. It’s part of what we do.”

    On WWE House Shows:

    “When I was a kid and went to shows, my favorites were Live Events,” Owens says. “You really see a performer’s personality on Live Events than on TV. I know sometimes people think Raw or SmackDown or the pay per views are the shows to go to. Whenever WWE is in town it’s a great time. But Live Events are special. If you’ve never been to one I highly recommend it.”

    On who he would like to face in the main event of WrestleMania:

    “I feel like Sami Zayn. It would be such a great chapter to add to our story. We’ve been at each other’s throats and by each other’s sides simultaneously the last 15 years. It would be great to do something with him.

    And also Finn Balor, who is my best friend. We got to the WWE the exact same time and didn’t know each other before hand. We had a bit of contact here and there before because we knew we both would spend time there. We bonded over that. Once we got to Orlando we’ve became very close quickly and getting to main event with him would be incredible. It would be another incredible chapter to our story. We both kind of dove in to uncharted territories, him from Japan and me from other places. We both did well for ourselves. To get to achieve that was very special.”

    When asked to say one nice thing about Sami Zayn:

    “Hmmm … well … I will say this. He’s really intent on changing the world for the better, and I do respect that about him. Pretty soon he’s going to be a big part in bringing help to those who need it. I respect that. But he gets in my way in the ring and I have to deal with him accordingly.”

  • Helicopter Carrying Shane McMahon Makes Crash Landing in Water

    Helicopter Carrying Shane McMahon Makes Crash Landing in Water

    ABC7 in New York is reporting that Shane McMahon was 1 of 2 passengers aboard a helicopter that was forced to make an emergency landing in waters off Gilgo beach earlier today.

    No injuries were reported, and McMahon and the pilot were ferried safely to land.

    Shane McMahon gave a press conference after the incident:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKVYDabRZ8M

    Shane McMahon’s Helicopter Crash Lands in Water

    Shane said that he was travelling to West Hampton from Manhattan to pick up his car. After that, he was on his way to see his family.

    According to McMahon, the crash landing was very soft and he credited the pilot for doing a great job.

    The press seemed unaware of who Shane is.

  • Announced Matches for Tonight’s NXT

    Announced Matches for Tonight’s NXT

    Two big matches have been announced for tonight’s episode of NXT from Full Sail University. Both matches should have implications for Takeover: Brooklyn III later this summer.

    Matches Announced for Tonight

    #1 Contenders Match
    Drew McIntyre vs. Killian Dain (SAnitY)

    • It’s Scotland vs. Ireland to see who will challenge for Bobby Roode’s NXT championship in Brooklyn.
    • From WWE.com:
      “Drew McIntyre and Killian Dain are on a collision course for pain. The question is: Which Superstar will walk away from the wreckage as the new No. 1 contender for Bobby Roode’s NXT Championship?Since arriving to NXT, McIntyre has been on a tear through every opponent thrown his way. To say the Scottish Superstar has b

    2. Ruby Riot vs. Ember Moon

    • Asuka has stated she won’t be returning to NXT until there is a worthy challenge. Although Asuka has defended the title against Moon successfully, she did use some under-handed tactics to get the job done. Something we hadn’t seen from Asuka up until that point.
    • Ruby Riot however, has never had a singles match for the championship, if she can beat Ember Moon tonight she just might be given that chance.
    • From WWE.com:
      “With NXT Women’s Champion Asuka making it clear on social media that she is waiting for a challenger that is deserving of her time to step up, two Superstars have made their intentions known.Now that Ember Moon has fully recovered from a shoulder injury caused by The Empress of Tomorrow, she wasted no time picking up w

  • 205 Live Highlights: Tozawa vs. Daivari, Gulak vs. Ali

    205 Live Highlights: Tozawa vs. Daivari, Gulak vs. Ali

    Last night’s 205 Live show featured the culmination of the long-running feud between Drew Gulak and Mustafa Ali. The two faced each other in a best 2-of-3 falls match to determine whose style of wrestling is superior.

    In the main event, Akira Tozawa faced Ariya Daivari in a rematch from Raw.

    205 Live
    Legacy Arena
    Birmingham, Alabama

    1. Mustafa Ali vs. Drew Gulak
    Best 2-of-3 Falls Match

    • Commentary pointed out these 2 have wrestled 4 times, with each having won 2.
    • The first fall was all grappling based.
    • Ali pinned Gulak’s shoulder’s to the mat with a pinning combination to get the first fall
    • Mustafa Ali 1 – Drew Gulak 0
    • Gulak was visibly upset after the first fall and came out more aggressive for the second.
    • After Ali made a comeback however, he started to go for dropkicks and similar non-grappling moves.
    • Gulak then trapped Ali in a dragon sleeper and got the tap.
    • Ali 1 – Gulak 1
    • Gulak held onto the hold after the tap and continued to take the advantage to start the 3rd fall.
    • During this fall, Gulak was able to counter some of Ali’s more high-flying moves.
    • Ali answered back with a reverse hurricanrana and a diving somersault senton to the floor.
    • Ali countered the dragon sleeper but was taken out by a strong lariat directly after.
    • Gulak became frustrated that he couldn’t keep Ali down.
    • He then decided to go against his principles (again) and go to the top rope.
    • Gulak took too much time and started to climb down from the ropes. Ali caught him with a hurricanrana however.
    • Ali then hit the inverted 450 splash and got the pin.

    Winner: Mustafa Ali

    2. The Brian Kendrick vs. Devin Bennett

    • This was a showcase match for Kendrick who is currently feuding with Jack Gallagher.
    • Kendrick was upset to learn before the match that Bennett is from Manchester, just as Gallagher is.
    • During the match Kendrick repeatedly screamed at Bennett “are you a clown?” in reference to his feedings about Gallagher.
    • Kendrick booted him in the face and locked in the Captain’s Hook for the submission victory.

    Winner: The Brian Kendrick 

    3. Akira Tozawa vs. Ariya Daivari

    • Tozawa came into this one with a shoulder injury, the result of his match on Raw. Titus O’Neil ended that match by throwing in the towel on behalf of his client.
    • Daivari dedicated the match to Olympic Gold Medalist Emam-Ali Habibi from Iran. Some are speculating the WWE has reached out to Habibi.
    • Tozawa picked up the win via pinning combination after Daivari had worked his shoulder most of the match.
    • After the match, Daivari threw Tozawa shoulder first into the ring post, potentially making his injury worse.

    Winner: Akira Tozawa

  • Johnny Mundo Taking Shots at Vampiro Over Taya/AAA Situation

    Johnny Mundo Taking Shots at Vampiro Over Taya/AAA Situation

    Meanwhile in AAA…

    Up until recently, Johnny Mundo and Taya Valkyrie held all the major titles for AAA in Mexico.

    Mundo won the company’s triple crown (all at the same time) in March at the Rey de Reyes 2017 show. Taya Valkyrie had been the company’s Reina de Reinas champion for the most part since June of 2014.

    Recently, Sexy Star returned to the company and won a multi-person match that was for the “vacated” Reina de Reinas championship. The storyline was that Taya used an illegal choke to regain her championship earlier in the year, so the title was vacated.

    Vampiro is the Director of Talent for AAA. Evidently he did not discuss plans to bring Sexy Star back to the company with either Mundo or Taya. Neither Mundo or Taya knew she would be winning the Reina de Reinas title either.

    Mundo Takes Shots at Vampiro

    Keep in mind the communication here is from a company’s world champion to their booker:

    Vampiro had posted a series of long tweets in regard to the situation which have since been deleted. In the posts he referred to Taya as a “mark” and that he was building an angle between Sexy Star and Taya. Vampiro did admit to never filling Taya in about the angle however.

    Taya has stated she won’t be returning to the company. Ricochet, who has had issues with Lucha Underground, can be found in the comments section generally siding with Mundo and Taya but for the most part just cracking jokes. What AAA will do about their triple crown champion and his intense dislike for Vampirio remains unclear.

  • Karen Jarrett Teases Potential Free Agent Signing; Posts Photo with Rey Mysterio

    Karen Jarrett Teases Potential Free Agent Signing; Posts Photo with Rey Mysterio

    Rey Mysterio Jr. is expected t become a free agent this fall after season 3 of Lucha Underground finishes airing on the El Rey Network. Mysterio would then have to complete a 90 day no-compete clause before he could wrestle for another promotion with a television deal.

    GFW and WWE are said to both be interested, but Karen Jarrett seems to be teasing that her promotion is the one that will land the popular 42 year-old luchador.

    She posted the following earlier:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BWtToiaDEDX/?hl=en

    Rey Mysterio to GFW

    Global Force Wrestling has had two public relations nightmares since the Jarrett’s regained control over the company. Between fans feeling the company is preventing the Hardys from using the Broken gimmick in WWE, and Alberto El Patron’s recent actions, GFW has come under some hard luck lately.

    Rey Mysterio is a proven draw, and with the loss of El Patron, that is something GFW needs. The company is most likely looking for any big splash they can make right now.

  • NJPW Director of U.S Operations Details Next Steps For Expansion

    NJPW Director of U.S Operations Details Next Steps For Expansion

    New Japan Pro-Wrestling executives were reportedly impressed by how well their two recent shows in L.A went. Kenny Omega however, has stated he felt NJPW under-estimated the support the promotion has in the United States. Omega has stated in interviews since that he feels the company should have tried to run a bigger building.

    It appears the shows were enough to convince NJPW that setting up a full-time office and dojo in Los Angeles is definitely the right next step.

    George Carroll Interview Highlights

    NJPW’s Director of US Operations, George Carroll, recently sat down with WrestleZone to discuss the company’s future plans.

    On NJPW’s Plans for Expansion:

    “This is going to be a global branding thing. I can’t go into too many details. We are very protective of what gets out there. Trust me, I’ve gone a little crazy with how stuff gets out and it’s easy to pinpoint how that stuff gets out when you know how protective we are with information. What’s next short term? As it has been laid out there. There are plans to open a dojo and an official LA office that will function for business and meetings. Which is insane at this time. First quarter of next year we should have some updates just based on the marketing team and when they want stuff to get out. I know that is very vague but we just can’t get too deep into it. There is a game plan in place and we don’t want to jump two steps ahead, fall down and have to pick ourselves up. We are being very strategic in how everything is getting out.”

    On Ring of Honor’s Support:

    “In fact I have personal dealings with the offices of Ring of Honor about things and everything has been great. They haven’t been anything but supportive of us and were there in Long Beach. We are here to support them. The relationship is great and it’s better for the business if that relationship stays strong. Not just for the promotions but for the talent.”

    On The Fans from the Los Angeles Shows:

    “I am appreciative and blown away by how respectful these fans were both of those nights. They came in expecting to get an authentic New Japan show and that’s exactly what they got. In return they treated themselves with respect. In retrospect I know the fans were really upset that they couldn’t throw streamers because that’s such a huge part of it but they were completely happy. They were completely respectful. It was mind blowing to me that by night two they were quiet like a Japanese audience would be. They reacted when there was something to react to. There was no hijacking going on. Having gone to PWG, ROH or WWE shows you see that stuff happen and there was none of that here. Again, to any of those fans out there listening, myself and the whole staff really appreciate what you did.”

  • Emma Voices Her Displeasure with Current Role

    Emma Voices Her Displeasure with Current Role

    28 year old Tenille Averil Dashwood, better known to wrestling fans as Emma, is not happy about how she is being used on Raw.

    Emma sent out the following Tweets during Raw last night:

    Emma’s Career Thus Far

    Emma began getting involved in Australian pro-wrestling scene when she was just a youngster. She began some training at the age of 14.

    She began more formal training as an 18 year old at Lance Storm’s school in Calgary. Emma would wrestle with Shimmer, ECCW and Melbourne City Wrestling before signing with WWE in 2011. She would report to NXT in the summer of 2012.

    In early 2013, she debuted on NXT television as a clumsy dancer, starting her career as a performer on WWE programming.

    Last fall, WWE attempted, but later abandoned, a plan to rebrand her as “Emmalina”, a gimmick similar to that of Eva Marie’s.

  • Smackdown Live! Announced Matches and Segments for Tonight

    Smackdown Live! Announced Matches and Segments for Tonight

    Tonight’s episode of Smackdown Live will emanate from the Legacy Arena in Birmingham Alabama. It will be the go-home show for Sunday’s Battleground PPV in Philadelphia.

    Announced Matches and Segments

    The Punjabi Prison Comes to Smackdown
    • The actual structure will be in the arena for tonight’s Smackdown.
    • From WWE.com:
      “WWE Champion Jinder Mahal has taken great exception with Randy Orton’s vow to make his life a living hell. After his victory over Tye Dillinger last Tuesday, The Modern-Day Maharaja promised to show Orton what hell awaits them both at WWE Battleground, as he promised to bring the Punjabi Prison to SmackDown LIVE.”
    AJ Styles & Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kevin Owens and Baron Corbin
    • AJ and Nakamura will once again join forces, this time to take on Kevin Owens and the MITB winner, Baron Corbin.
    • Nakamura will take on Corbin at Battleground.
    • AJ and Owens will have a rematch from MSG two weekends ago at Battleground for the US championship.
    • From WWE.com:
      “As WWE Battleground approaches, participants in two of this Sunday’s most anticipated matches will join forces for a huge tag team battle on SmackDown LIVE, as United States Champion AJ Styles & Shinsuke Nakamura face Kevin Owens & Baron Corbin.For Owens, the image of Styles taking his title at Madison Square Garden tw
    John Cena Addresses His Flag Match with Rusev
    • Former WrestleMania opponents, Rusev and John Cena will once again do battle, this time at Battleground.
    • Only one of these two returning superstars will be able to go into SummerSlam on a winning note.
    • From wwe.com:
      “Five days before he defends the honor of America in a Flag Match against Rusev at WWE Battleground, John Cena will address the impending battle in an exclusive interview on SmackDown LIVE.Though Cena and AJ Styles were victorious over The Bulgarian Brute in tag team action last Tuesday, Rusev sent a message to the 16-t
    Mike Kanellis vs. Sami Zayn
    • Zayn refused to apologize again to Maria regarding his interrupting Maria and Mike’s “Power of Love” segments, leading to this match here.
    • Last week, Mike broke a glass vase over Zayn’s back. This week Mike will make his in-ring Smackdown debut.
    • From wwe.com:
      “After weeks of preaching about the “power of love” to the WWE Universe, Mike Kanellis will finally get to show exactly how far that power can propel him in singles competition, as he makes his in-ring debut against Sami Zayn on SmackDown LIVE.Over the past few weeks, Zayn has run into Maria & Mike Kanellis on multiple
    Breezeango Look Out for “Ghost Aliens”
    • The sexy fashion rangers are looking for who stole Dango’s horse, Tully. It was probably Ghost Aliens.
    • From wwe.com:
      “Last Tuesday in Texas, Breezango tracked down The Hype Bros, the latest suspects in their ongoing investigation of SmackDown LIVE’s tag team division. While the “sexy fashion rangers” didn’t get any closer to cracking the case, Tyler Breeze & Fandango may have found a new lead after the disappearance of Fandango’s hors

  • NJPW G1 Climax 27 Night 1 Results

    NJPW G1 Climax 27 Night 1 Results

    The G1 kicked off early yesterday morning in Sapporo Japan.

    The first night of the tournament was highlighted by Kota Ibushi’s return, as he faced the 2013 G1 winner, Tetsuya Naito.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xw77Qp8PWK0

    G1 Night 1 Results

    • Jushin Liger, Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima defeated David Finlay, Juice Robinson & Michael Elgin
    • El Desparado, Taichi & Minoru Suzuki defeated Chase Owens, Tama Tonga & Kenny Omega
    • EVIL & Hiromu Takahashi defeated Bushi & Sanada
    • Toru Yano & Jado defeated Gedo & Kazuchika Okada
    • A Block
      Yuji Nagata defeated Yoshi-Hashi
    • A Block
      Bad Luck Fale defeated Togi Makabe
    • A Block
      Hirooki Goto defeated Tomohiro Ishii
    • A Block
      Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi
    • A Block
      Tetsuya Naito defeated Kota Ibushi

    The most notable upset was ZSJ defeating Tanahashi. ZSJ worked Tanahashi’s injured arm all match, and finally got the submission at the end.

    A Block Standings:
    Naito – 2pts
    Zack Sabre Jr – 2pts
    Bad Luck Fale – 2pts
    Hirooki Goto – 2pts
    Yoshi-Hashi – 2pts
    Yuji Nagata 0pts
    Togi Makabe 0pts
    Hiroshi Tanahashi 0pts
    Kota Ibushi 0pts
    Tomohiro Ishii

  • Finn Balor Posts Photos of Guitar Shot Aftermath

    Finn Balor Posts Photos of Guitar Shot Aftermath

    Last night on Raw, Elias Samson hit Finn Balor with his guitar. While it looked as though Samson was aiming for Balor’s shoulder, the edge of the guitar collided with the side of his face and head.

    Balor posted photos of his injury late last night:

    Finn Balor Injury Woes

    At the moment it looks as though the only injury suffered by Balor were the cuts, and he does not appear to have suffered a concussion. Since debuting on the main roster, Balor has suffered a shoulder injury which required surgery last summer, and a concussion shortly after his return this spring.

  • ROH War of the Worlds Liverpool Show to Air as PPV

    ROH War of the Worlds Liverpool Show to Air as PPV

    Ring of Honor is off to Europe in mid-August for a 3 night tour.. The company visits London on August 18th, Liverpool on August 19th, and then Edinburgh on the 20th.

    The company has just announced that the show from Liverpool on the 19th will air as a PPV on the FITE app. The main event for the show is scheduled to be Cody defending the ROH championship against SANADA from Los Ingobernables.

    For those unfamiliar with the FITE app, the streaming service carries free and PPV shows from various companies around the world. ROH TV streams a new episode on FITE every Monday and also hosts their PPV shows.

    Ring of Honor Press Release

    ROH WAR OF THE WORLDS UK – LIVERPOOL EXCLUSIVELY  ON ROHWRESTLING.COM AND THE FITE TV DIGITAL PPV PLATFORM AUGUST 19TH

    “New York, NY (July 17, 2017)? – FITE TV and Ring of Honor Wrestling announced today that, that FITE TV will be the exclusive digital PPV broadcast platform for Ring of Honor’s War of the Worlds UK – Liverpool which takes place Saturday August 19th at 1:00PM EDT live from Liverpool, England. This event will be available in the United States and Canada only on the FITE app, www.FITE.tv and on FITE through the ROHWrestling.com website at a $19.99 price point.

    This marks the first time that Ring of Honor will broadcast a live event from outside of North America as a digital pay-per-view. ROH continues to bring the best wrestling on the planet to its fans and the War of the Worlds UK Tour will be no exception. Furthermore, ROH officials have chosen Liverpool to be the site of its pay-per-view with some major match announcements to come this week, including a change to the rematch between Dalton Castle and Marty Scurll. Both of these ROH stars are at the top of their game and certainly deserve their share of gold, but NJPW’s Kushida still holds the ROH World Television championship from the War of the Worlds Tour in the US. Also, former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and arch rival to Kushida, Hiromu Takahashi has made his claim that he should be next in line for this ROH title. Officials from both companies got together and decided that this match will be now be a 4-corner survival match for the ROH World Television Championship! Fans will not want to miss this one live or on the FITE App.

    Fans can also watch the Facebook Live Pre-Show on the Ring of Honor Facebook page with special guest and FITE TV personality SoCal Val as she brings you analysis and previews of all the matchups.

    “We are ecstatic that we have the opportunity to continue to work with Ring of Honor and to help make the programming available on a continued basis.  Live PPV events always bring the best out of the wrestlers and we can’t wait to see this event in-front of loyal ROH UK fans.”  said Michael Weber, COO of FITE TV.

    “Anytime we can deliver more ROH to our passionate fans, it is a good thing,” said Greg Gilleland , ROH General Manager. “Along with FITE, I am very happy in being able to make this event a little more special, with a card that our fans in North America definitely won’t want to, and now don’t have to miss.”

    ROH Wrestling’s weekly shows debut on FITE TV everyone Monday night at 7:00pm ET.  Make sure you tune in each week to keep up with the latest from ROH.  The FITE app can be downloaded at your Google Play or Apple app stores.”

  • GFW and Pro Wrestling NOAH Announce More Talent Exchanges

    GFW and Pro Wrestling NOAH Announce More Talent Exchanges

    Global Force Wrestling and Pro Wrestling NOAH announced further talent exchanges between the two companies earlier today.

    Moose and Eddie Edwards will be heading to Japan in October for a tour with NOAH, while GHC Jr. Heavyweight champion, Taiji Ishimori, will compete at Destination-X on August 17th.  

    GFW and Pro-Wrestling NOAH Press Release

    “Nashville – Global Force Wrestling (GFW), a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp., announced today that it is expanding its talent exchange with Tokyo-based Pro Wrestling NOAH.

    Taiji Ishimori, the three-time and reigning Global Honored Crown (GHC) Junior Heavyweight Champion from Pro Wrestling NOAH, returns to IMPACT Wrestling on Thursday, Aug. 17, to participate in Destination-X, live on Pop TV and broadcast to more than 120 countries worldwide.  Ishimori was a show-stealer in his GFW debut on July 2, at Slammiversary 15, originating from The Impact Zone on the backlot of Universal Studios Florida.

    Ishimori was joined at Slammiversary by Naomichi Marufuji.

    “All of us at GFW are excited to continue to grow our relationship with Pro Wrestling NOAH,” said GFW Vice President of International Relations Scott D’Amore.  “Having Ishimori back competing in the six-sided GFW ring at Destination-X shows our commitment to showcasing the very best athletes from around the world.”

    There is no confirmation yet on additional Pro Wrestling NOAH talent that will be in Orlando for Destination-X and the ensuing TV tapings for IMPACT Wrestling, D’Amore said.

    GFW stars also will be heading to Japan later this year to participate in Great Voyage 2017, vol. 2 from Pro Wrestling NOAH on Sunday, Oct. 1.  GFW stars Moose and Eddie Edwards will be competing in Japan.  Edwards was in Japan earlier this year, along with “Cowboy” James Storm.

    “GFW is excited and honored to be part of the Great Voyage from Pro Wrestling NOAH,” D’Amore said.  “Moose and Eddie Edwards are two amazing athletes who will be great representatives for GFW and IMPACT Wrestling.

    “These talent collaborations are examples of how GFW and its international promotional partners continue to work together on an unprecedented level to provide a truly global audience with the very best action in the wrestling business.”

  • Battleground Tickets Not Selling Well, Price Reduced

    Battleground Tickets Not Selling Well, Price Reduced

    Tickets for the upcoming Battleground PPV at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, are reportedly not selling well. WWE sent out an email blast recently, letting fans in the area know ticket prices have been reduced.

    Tickets which once cost $55 are now slashed all the way to $25. 2nd and 3rd row tickets are still available as well.

    Why Isn’t Battleground Selling Well?

    The famed hotbed of ECW, has been one of the hottest pro-wrestling markets in North American seemingly forever. The fans will turn on a show however, as was demonstrated by the 2015 Royal Rumble (and several other events).

    WWE runs Philadelphia frequently throughout the year, but evidently there is something about this card which isn’t resonating with fans in the area.

    The match lineup for the show is currently:

    • AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens – US Championship
    • Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Baron Corbin
    • Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch vs. Natalya vs. Tamina vs. Lana – #1 contender match
    • John Cena vs. Rusev – Flag Match
    • the Usos vs. New Day – Tag Title Match
    • Jinder Mahal vs. Randy Orton – Punjabi Prison match for the WWE championship.
  • Rey Mysterio Jr’s Pending Free Agency, WWE and GFW Interested

    Rey Mysterio Jr’s Pending Free Agency, WWE and GFW Interested

    According to a report from Sports Illustrated, both WWE and GFW are making a play to sign soon-to-be-free agent Rey Mysterio Jr.

    Mysterio is signed to Lucha Underground up until Season 3 finishes airing in September. He also has a “First Look Contract” with the El Rey Network which is believed to expire this summer.

    He will then have to complete a 90-day no compete clause before  performing for another promotion.

    Could Rey Mysterio Be Back in WWE?

    There is still no word given on when Lucha Underground plans to shoot a 4th season, leaving many on their roster frustrated. Should LU announce continued funding and future taping dates soon, the promotion might still be in a position to re-sign Mysterio.

    GFW is said to really want Mysterio, especially considering what has been going on with the company’s current top star, Alberto El Patron, at the moment.

    Another factor which could impact where Mysterio lands, is his son Dominic’s future training. Dominic has begun training to be a pro-wrestler, and a developmental deal for him could be part of Mysterio’s contract negotiations with WWE.

  • Earl Hebner Comments on When He Found Out About the Montreal Screwjob

    Earl Hebner Comments on When He Found Out About the Montreal Screwjob

    Famed referee Earl Hebner sat down with ring announcer David Penzer recently, for Penzer’s “Sitting Ringside” podcast. Hebner spoke on the Montreal Screwjob, and when he found out about it, and what working for WWE was like.

    Earl Hebner Interview Highlights

    When he found out about what his role would be in the finish to the Bret Hart vs Shawn Michaels Match at Survivor Series:

    “I found out walking to the gorilla position, I was pulled to the side and was told Vince wants you to do this, and this and this. I thought, Oh my God!’”

    His thoughts on what it was like working in WWF/WWE:

    “There was so much stress down there (WWE), it was miserable it was like you were in prison.”

    The “Twin Referees” Storyline Screwjob of Hulk Hogan in 1988:

    “I did count 1,2,3, with Hogan’s shoulders about four feet off the mat, and then my brother came down and there was two of us! We had our little battle royal there and then Hogan figured out that I was the evil one, so he picks me up and tosses me out of the ring over Andre and Virgil. It hurt bad. I injured my rotator cuff, I couldn’t move my arm. That was my first day there. After that night, I had to spend six to eight weeks in rehab.”

  • Sexy Star Resigns with AAA/LU, Taya Threatens to Leave

    Sexy Star Resigns with AAA/LU, Taya Threatens to Leave

    There is some drama going on in AAA at the moment. The company has re-signed popular women’s wrestler, Sexy Star, which has rubbed some in the company the wrong way.

    The 34-year old whose real name is Dulce Maria García Rivas, is a big draw in Mexico, but has been the subject of criticism amongst some of her colleagues for being difficult to work with. Evidently her signing represents the end of the line for Taya, who had been the company’s top women’s wrestlers since 2014.

    https://twitter.com/TheTayaValkyrie/status/886764300253118464

    Taya and Sexy Star

    Last year, Sexy Star left lucha libra to begin a career as a professional boxer. She won her debut fight back in April.

    On July 1st, AAA talent director, Vampiro, stripped Taya of the Reina de Reinas title, stating she had used an illegal choke in her last title victory and hadn’t defended the title in months. This was met with a fair amount of surprise as Taya had been the perennial champion for going on 3 years (she had recently lost and regained the title).

    Yesterday Sexy Star beat 5 other performers in Monterey to win the vacated title. After finding out, Taya let it be known she no longer plans to wrestle for AAA.

    Sexy Star’s resigning with AAA, also opens the door for her return to Lucha Underground for a potential season 4. Currently Sexy Star and Taya are building up a rivalry on the show, which may have strengthened the animosity between the two in real life, however that is just speculation.

    https://twitter.com/TheTayaValkyrie/status/886766012292517889

  • Non-Spoiler Match Listing For Mae Young Classic

    Non-Spoiler Match Listing For Mae Young Classic

    The first round of the Mae Young Classic was taped at Full Sail University yesterday. The order the matches will air on the Network is not currently known, but here is how the brackets lined-up.

    Non-Spoiler Lineup for the Mae Young Classic 1st Round

    • Princesa Sugehit vs. Kay Lee Ray
    • Serena Deeb vs. Vanessa Borne
    • Shayna Baszler vs. Zeda
    • Piper Niven vs. Santana Garrett
    • Mia Yim vs. Sarah Logan
    • Mercedes Martinez vs. Xia Li
    • Rhea Ripley vs. Miranda Salinas
    • Abbey Laith vs. Jazzy Gabert
    • Toni Storm vs. Ayesha Raymond
    • Dakota Kai vs. Kavita Devi
    • Candice LeRae vs. Renee Michelle
    • Rachel Evers vs. Marti Belle
    • Bianca Belair vs. Sage Beckett
    • Lacey Evans vs. Taynara Conti
    • Nicole Savoy vs. Reina Gonzalez
    • Kairi Sane vs. Tessa Blanchard

  • Former “Straight Edge Society” Member Returns at the Mae Young Classic

    Former “Straight Edge Society” Member Returns at the Mae Young Classic

    The Mae Young Classic got underway yesterday from Full Sail University. The company unveiled all 32 competitors on their Facebook and YouTube channels before the event got underway.

    One of those competitors, was former Straight Edge Society member, Serena Deeb.

    Serena Deeb

    In January 2010, Serena became a member of CM Punk’s “Straight Edge Society”. As a result her head was shaved and pledged to be straight edge.

    Serena’s WWE career ended on an auspicious note. Photos of her drinking an alcoholic beverage surfaced, which were inconsistent with the straight-edge character she was portraying on television. WWE chose to release her for her infraction. Her entire run on the main roster lasted only 8 months.

    She returned to the independents and SHIMMER, where she had wrestled from 2007-09 before she signed with WWE. Serena would announce her retirement in 2015, as she focussed more on her yoga instructing.

  • Bayley Comments on Relationship with Vince and Turning Heel

    Bayley Comments on Relationship with Vince and Turning Heel

    Bayley appeared recently as a guest on the “Stone Cold Podcast” with Steve Austin.

    She spoke on a variety of issues, including her relationship with Vince McMahon and potentially turning heel.

    Bayley Interview Highlights

    On talking with Vince McMahon:

    “I feel comfortable talking to Vince, which seems so crazy for me to say. For me, I’ve been a fan, I’ve been watching him forever, and I’m like, ‘yeah, I’m comfortable to talk to Vince McMahon.’ Yeah, but if it was something I felt really strongly about, like I had the perfect idea, and I have the direction I want. I want ideas. I want kind of… I’m not going to go in there and be like, ‘hey, I feel weird – maybe I should change a little bit.’ I want to have exactly the idea of what I want to present to him and I’d probably just go to Vince because that’s the only way to go, if it’s something like that.” Bayley admitted, “I’ve talked to him a few times to where I’m like, ‘now, I feel fine.’ Like he’s still intimidating as hell when he walks by and you want to make sure you’re on your best behavior, but I feel comfortable enough.”

    On possibly turning heel:

    “It breaks my heart even thinking about it! And so, when I do have these ideas, like, I write everything down, ideas, just in case, they want ideas, ‘like, okay, we’re going to do this,’ I have ideas for that. But even just thinking about that, like one day, I was like, ‘yeah, I’m going to pitch this! I’m going to do it! Like, I want to be a heel!’ And then, I went out that night for our match and I saw maybe five or six girls dressed up like me and we had met these girls before the show that were just in tears meeting us. I was like, ‘okay, no, I can’t do it! I can’t turn my back on them. I don’t know what would happen.’”

  • John Cena PSA Nominated For An Emmy

    John Cena PSA Nominated For An Emmy

    Last year John Cena teamed up with the Ad Council of America to create a public service announcement. The “We Are America” video has recently been nominated for a Primetime Emmy in the category of “Outstanding Commercial”.

    The awards ceremony is scheduled for September 17th. Cena is already a 10x Slammy award winner.

    Watch the video below:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MdK8hBkR3s

    Who Are the Ad Council?

    The ad council is a non-profit organization aimed at promoting healthy American values through commercials and public service announcements.

    They have been responsible for advertising campaigns such as:

    “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires.”

    “Take a Bite Out of Crime.”

    “I am an American.”

    “Take Time to Be a Dad Today.”

    From there website:

    “Since 1942, the Ad Council has offered trusted advice and inspiring calls-to-action. In fact, we created the category of public service advertising, and our icons and slogans are woven into the very fabric of American culture. The Ad Council is where Smokey Bear lives. The Ad Council saw that “A mind is a terrible thing to waste,” and reminded Americans that, “Friends don’t let friends drive drunk.”

    Today, we continue to be the leading producer of public service advertisements in the United States, raising awareness and inspiring action on a diversity of issues, from texting and driving to autism awareness. We connect with Americans across ever-expanding communication channels to inspire, inform and save lives.”

  • Ronda Rousey Attends Mae Young Classic

    Ronda Rousey Attends Mae Young Classic

    Ronda Rousey, and the entire 4 Horsewomen of MMA faction, are at Full Sail University to support teammate Shayna Baszler. The 16 year veteran of mixed martial arts, was announced as an entrant in the tournament earlier today.

    Mae Young Classic

    Earlier today, WWE announced all 32 participants in the tournament:

  • WWE Posts Video of Fandango’s Metal-Inspired Leg Tattoos

    WWE Posts Video of Fandango’s Metal-Inspired Leg Tattoos

    “I think we were both good cops there” – Fandango
    “No Dango, we were great cops” – Tyler Breeze

    Fandango and Tyler Breeze have caught fire recently due to their well-received “Fashion Files” segments. For Curtis Jonathan Hussey, better known as Fandango, his recent success is the result of 11 years of hard work.

    Recently his leg tattoos were featured on a video posted to WWE’s YouTube channel:

    Fandango

    The 35-year old Fandango has been under contract with WWE for 11 years, having signed in 2006. He made his main roster debut in 2013, and despite an initial push (which included a WM match against Chris Jericho) he has spent the last few years near the bottom of the card.