Former WWE Superstar and NWA EMPOWERRR Producer Mickie James recently appeared on the The Wrestling Inc. Daily show. The former WWE Women’s Champion discussed a number of topics during the interview, including the WWE Evolution PPV event that she claims was ‘set up to fail.’

“I thought we had made such a monumental stride by announcing Evolution,” Mickie James would begin. “We all thought it was the start of something really, really cool.”

“It was only really promoted for a month. The matches weren’t even announced but a week or two before. There was zero promotion or marketing,” James continued, lamenting how WWE promoted the all-women’s PPV event.

Mickie James on WWE Evolution

“It was almost set up to fail,” Mickie James added. “If there was as much energy and focus put into it as perhaps some of the other events, and made and highlighted how monumental this actually is, perhaps that wouldn’t be true.”

Mickie James would also reveal that the upcoming NWA EMPOWERRR event will hopefully not be a one-off All-Women’s event for the National Wrestling Alliance.

“We hope it’s the first of many,” James says of EMPOWERRR, “I really want to make this something unique and special and a way to highlight the women in a different way you don’t necessarily see on modern television today. I think there’s a cool way to do that from a female perspective.”

WWE NXT Superstar Johnny Gargano challenged for the NXT Championship on this week’s episode of the show. Johnny Wrestling took on Karrion Kross with Samoa Joe in the role of special guest referee.

Gargano was unsuccessful in his attempt to regain the NXT Championship from Kross, following a great match that headlined the episode on USA Network. Kross and Samoa Joe went toe to toe multiple times in the match between Kross would choke Joe out after the match.

Johnny Gargano took a nasty bump into a table during the main event of the show, and Fightful Select have reported that despite this the leader of The Way is not suffering from any clear injuries.

It’s not clear what the future is for Johnny Gargano or The Way, with WWE looking at potentially moving more Superstars across the three main brands as fans begin to return to shows.

It’s very unlikely however that we will be seeing Gargano appear in the NXT title picture for quite some time, after Kross got a definitive win over the former EVOLVE star.

WWE RAW Superstar Xavier Woods has taken to social media to say that he wants to ‘trade in’ his WWE Championship match for a chance to enter the King of The Ring tournament.

Xavier Woods defeated WWE Champion Bobby Lashley on this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW, ahead of his New Day tag team partner Kofi Kingston getting a shot at the ‘All-Mighty’ this Sunday at the WWE Money In The Bank PPV event.

“Last night I beat the WWE champion” Woods tweeted today. “Normally that means I’m owed a championship match. I’d like to exchange that for a one night King of The Ring tournament at the company’s earliest convenience” the 11 time WWE Tag Team Champion added.

Xavier Woods Wants Tournament

“And I’d like Riddle on the opposite end of the bracket. I owe him one…” Woods concluded, hinting at a showdown with the Original Bro at some point in the near future.

It was recently rumored that WWE were looking at bringing back the King of The Ring tournament as a gimmick for upcoming shows of RAW and SmackDown. AEW have had a lot of success with their special themed episodes of Dynamite, so WWE could also capitalize on the rich history of concepts/ideas that they have at their disposal.

Deathmatch legend and leader of 44.OH Rickey Shane Page has been announced for this week’s episode of AEW Dark. The tenured GCW star has been with Game Changer Wrestling since 2018, and Page has worked with AEW star Joey Janela in the past.

RSP will be facing Dark standout Dante Martin on this week’s episode of the show, following his recent Dynamite match against Matt Sydal.

Rickey Shane Page held the Game Changer Wrestling title for 488 days until he was defeated by the Deathmatch King Nick Gage at GCW rSpring Break on April 9 of this year.

Rickey Shane Page in AEW

RSP has also held several titles from the independent scene, racking up an impressive resume that includes the likes of the AAW Heritage, IWA King of The Deathmatch and the CZW World Heavyweight Championship. Page also won the fabled CZW Tournament of Death in 2016.

Here’s the full confirmed lineup for this week’s episode of AEW Dark:

• Dark Order (Evil Uno & Stu Grayson) vs. Papadon & Sean Maluta
• Brian Cage vs. Foxx Vinyer
• Matt Hardy vs. Jah-C
• Lee Johnson & Brock Anderson vs. Mark Davidson & Aaron Frye
• Penelope Ford vs. Robyn Renegade
• The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) vs. Derek Pisaturo & Roman Rozell
• Dante Martin vs. Rickey Shane Page
• Gunn Club (Billy & Colten Gunn) vs. The Wingmen (Cezar Bononi & JD Drake)
• Diamante vs. Harlow O’Hara

PROGRESS World Champion Cara Noir will be defending his title against British pro wrestling legend Jody Fleisch this weekend at the Chapter 115: For The Hearts That Never Played In Tune show.

Noir has defended his title since the return of the company in 2021, defeating the likes of Dan Moloney, Natural Progression Series winner Luke Jacobs, Kid Lykos and ELIJAH.

Jody Fleisch has been a staple on the UK independent wrestling scene since the early 2000s, as well as being one of the top high-flyers in the world during his illustrious career.

Fleisch has appeared for the likes of GCW, Ring of Honor and PWG, where he appeared as part of the BOLA tournament in 2018.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jody Fleisch said that he is looking forward to facing the reigning Champion.

“I’m really looking forward to my match with Cara. I’m on a good run of form for progress. I know I’m faster. I know I’m stronger. He’s a strange cat and he uses that to his advantage when he gets the chance but there really isn’t much in wrestling that haven’t seen and dealt with. Bring it on.”

PROGRESS Chapter 115

Here’s the currently confirmed card for PROGRESS Chapter 115 – For The Hearts Who Never Played In Tune:

• PROGRESS World Championship Match – Cara Noir (c) vs Jody Fleisch
• Big Money Gun Dogs vs Lykos Gym – Dog House Rules Match
• Malik (w/Kosta K) vs Ethan Allen (w/Luke Jacobs)
• Greedy Souls vs Sunshine Machine
• Mercedez Blaze (w/Taonga) vs Roxxy Hellz Belle
• Nick Riley vs Charlie Sterling – PROGRESS Championship #1 Contender’s Match

Former WWE Superstar Buddy Murphy has been confirmed for his first post-WWE match this September. The former WWE Cruiserweight Champion will be facing AEW star and FTW Champion Brian Cage on an independent card in the ECW Arena.

Brian Cage confirmed on Instagram that he would be facing the ‘Best Kept Secret’ on Saturday, September 18 at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. The match will be taking place for the Battleground Championship Wrestling promotion.

“JUST ANNOUNCED! Murphy vs Machine” Brian Cage wrote concerning the upcoming match with Buddy Murphy. “One of the hot matches I was looking forward to since the slew of WWE releases.”

Buddy Murphy vs Brian Cage

“Bout to own the spotlight, have the match of the night and def get my s–t in! One helluva return to the ECW Arena. On Saturday September 18th live from the 2300 Arena Worlds Collide! Secure your tickets now at battlegroundcw.com and witness live the epic clash of two forces that will come together in one incredible showdown.”

Buddy Murphy was released from his WWE contract back on June 2, meaning that he is still currently under the 90-day non-compete clause which ends on Tuesday August 31. Murphy would then be eligible to sign for the likes of IMPACT, NJPW, MLW or All Elite, who run the ALL OUT PPV event just a few days after his non-compete is up.

‘The Man’ Becky Lynch looks absolutely incredible ahead of her potential return to WWE programming. The RAW Superstar is currently on maternity leave following the birth of her daughter in December 2020.

Lynch was the RAW Women’s Champion prior to leaving the company last year, having to give up her Championship to Asuka. The Japanese star won the 2020 Money In The Bank ladder match, with the briefcase actually containing the title rather than a contract for a title match.

With Becky Lynch leaving in such a manner, it gives her the opportunity to have a tailor made storyline for when she eventually returns.

Becky Lynch Nearly Ready To Return?

The current RAW Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley was not on the RAW brand when Lynch had to relinquish the belt, giving ‘The Man’ a fresh storyline and opponent should WWE wish to involve her in such a way when she does eventually return.

There’s currently no official word on when Becky Lynch is expected to return to the company, however she was on the cards for a segment with Bayley at WrestleMania 37 which never materialized.

There’s a very slim chance that the 8th woman to be named for the 2021 Money In The Bank ladder match could be the former Champion, however this is extremely unlikey.

Check out the image below to see how ‘The Man’ is looking ahead of a return:

Former WWE Superstar and new AEW signee Malakai Black recently discussed several topics on his Twitch streaming account. One of the topics that the former Aleister Black addressed was the non-compete clauses that WWE have in place.

“There is a middle ground. From a business point of view, I understand having a non-compete” Malakai Black began during a recent stream. “As a person who works on TV, I understand that they want separation between you going from one place to another. I get that.”

“Do I think it needs to be three months? No. That’s the standard contract. Obviously, with me, you guys know what happened” Black added, alluding to the now public ‘clerical error’ that meant he could join AEW after 30 days instead of the standard 90 for WWE main roster talent.

Malakai Black on WWE’s Non-Compete Clauses

“Something definitely needs to change and maybe there needs to be better prior notice” Black added. “One of the things that I don’t think is completely accurate is ‘hey, today we decided to do that and we’ll follow up on it.’ I think you need a little more notice, but it’s a different process.”

“The WWE is not a normal company. They kind of make the rules themselves” Malakai would then claim. “That’s where I think [Joe] Biden is trying to make a change where they have all the pros and you have all the cons.”

“I understand the need for change on multiple levels and I also understand that there needs to be a middle ground and that there needs to be spacing in between. They still pay you when you’re no longer working for them for the duration of your non-compete” the former NXT Champion would then conclude.

Former WWE NXT Superstar Chelsea Green recently made a shock appearance for Ring of Honor. The star, who is engaged to fellow former WWE Superstar Matt Cardona/Zack Ryder, appeared during the Best In The World PPV this weekend.

It is believed that Chelsea Green will now be part of the Women’s Championship Tournament, which has been organized on television by Maria Kanellis. Chelsea Green will likely be facing Mandy Leon in the opening round of the tournament which also includes the likes of Allysin Kay, Angelina Love and Holidead.

Chelsea Green Appears at Best In The World

According to a recent report from Fightful, the agreement to bring Green into the company was confirmed well over a month ago. Select also noted that Green reportedly had to get clearance from WWE to appear on the PPV before her 90-day non-compete clause had finished.

Chelsea Green was released from WWE on April 15 and several sites reported that a number of released WWE Superstars had requested that their non-compete clauses be rescinded. Green is believed to be one of those who asked shortly after leaving, otherwise she may have been running into some legal issues after the PPV appearance.

Green is also believed to be appearing on ROH programming in a commentary position, but as of right now she does not technically have a contract with Ring of Honor.

Former WWE Superstar Ronda Rousey took to Twitter to react to Conor McGregor losing at UFC 264. The former RAW Women’s Champion applauded McGregor for seemingly cutting a promo that sowed the seeds for a 4th match between he and Dustin Poirier.

The ‘Notorious’ 155 pound fighter suffered a fracture towards the end of the first round of five, where after a missed punch he handed back on his left foot and it buckled, indicated that something had broken.

Whilst McGregor was on the ground, he started shouting at officials and demanded that he be given a microphone. Once Joe Rogan went to interview McGregor, the former two-division Champion would continue his slights at Dustin Poirier’s wife, saying that she was ‘in his DMs.’

Ronda Rousey on Conor McGregor

“I’m amazed that as soon as you hit the ground you were already promoting the next fight @TheNotoriousMMA” Ronda Rousey wrote on Twitter, praising the Irish fighter. “I def wouldn’t have had the mind to do that. The other fighters, @ufc and media are lucky to have you.”

Ronda Rousey herself was slated for a return to WWE at some point in the near future, before it was publicly revealed that she was pregnant with her first child. It’s not confirmed if she will be returning to the company following the birth; however WWE are extremely keen to get as much starpower on the two main roster brands as possible.

We can exclusively reveal that PROGRESS Wrestling will be holding a #1 Contender’s Match for the PROGRESS World Championship at the Chapter 115 event next weekend on Peacock and WWE Network.

The Smokin’ Aces Nick Riley and Charlie Sterling will face each other to determine who will be the next challenger to Cara Noir’s PROGRESS World Championship. We spoke to both men before the match to get their take on arguably their biggest match to date in PROGRESS, which will be available to view on Saturday July 17.

Charlie Sterling

“Its very strange that I’m asked to talk about fighting my best friend” Charlie Sterling noted. “Our families are close. We get the same praise and compliments. Athletic. Technically gifted. Resilient. He’s the greatest tag partner I could ask for. I’d do anything for him and I’d hope he would say the same. I know his favourite meal is Black Bean Curry and he knows mine is Spaghetti Bolognese. We are brothers!”

“Come Chapter 115 though, I will put all that aside. He won’t be my brother, he will just be my opponent” Sterling continued. “Nick will still be athletic. He will still be technically gifted. He will still be resilient. Everything that is said about me will still be true of him too. Except for one thing, one truth – Belief.”

“Nick will THINK he CAN beat me but I KNOW I WILL beat him” Charlie Sterling continued, laying in somewhat to his Smokin’ Aces partner in PROGRESS. “He will believe it too, when he’s defeated. However, when that bell rings and my hand is raised, I will put my arm around Nick, hug him close and thank him because we are still athletic. Still technically gifted, still resilient, still a team, still brothers.

Cara Noir

Charlie Sterling would also issue a warning to PROGRESS World Champion Cara Noir ahead of the match, saying that he is gunning for the phenom performer once Chapter 115 is said and done.

“Cara Noir needs to believe too – once I’ve beaten Nick? He’s in my sights. He may think putting us in this scenario will challenge us, it will only make us stronger. Give me an inch, I will take a mile. I’m coming for that World Title.”

Nick Riley

Here’s what Nick Riley had to say about fighting his tag team partner next weekend:

“Underrated and underused. The words most of the wrestling scene has used to describe Nick Riley and Charlie Sterling” Nick Riley began. “But now, we are in a position where one of us will fight for the PROGRESS World Championship.”

“No one has any idea of what this could do for me and Charlie, our families, our careers” Riley continued. “But what I do know, is my first title defence will be against Charlie Sterling.”

“Charlie, you are my best friend, my brother, my tag team partner…But for one match? You are the road block to greatness, and I’m knocking you down!” The Smokin’ Ace concluded.

PROGRESS Chapter 115

Here’s the currently confirmed card for PROGRESS Chapter 115 – For The Hearts Who Never Played In Tune:

• Big Money Gun Dogs vs Lykos Gym Dog House Rules Match
• Malik (w/Kosta K) vs Ethan Allen (w/Luke Jacobs)
• Greedy Souls vs Sunshine Machine
• Mercedez Blaze (w/Taonga) vs Roxxy Hellz Belle

Former WWE Superstar Killian Dain recently spoke to the It’s My House Podcast. The former member of Sanity discussed a number of topics during the interview, including what his immediate plans are now that he has left the NXT brand.

“So for the time being I’ll be staying in America with Nikkis success and everything else” the former NXT Superstar confirmed. “So then, literally once I am free to work again, I’m going to be picky, choosy and I’m going to take a bit of time to really get around the world you know?”

“There’s places I want to go, there’s companies I want to work for and there’s people I want to work” Big Damo continued. “I’ve got a full list of people I’m desperate to work. It was a blast when I got to wrestle a lot of the New Japan guys through Rev Pro, and I’d love it if I get a chance to wrestle the likes of Ishi again and Tanahashi again.”

Killian Dain on New Japan Run

“I’d love to wrestle Okada, Shingo, you know all those guys” Damo noted, basically confirming that he wants to have a run in New Japan. “And there’s so many others across the world so for me, I’m taking these three months to take a bit of time for myself to get myself prepared mentally, physically, everything else.”

The former Killian Dain finished by confirming that he needs to sort out some visa issues to remain in the United States. “Obviously I have to figure out my being a foreigner living in America. “There’s a couple of hoops we have to jump through next which will hopefully go down without a problem. And then yeah get myself around the world, because I do want to get back and do some things back in Britain, and I want to see how he scene is there, I want to be an inspiration for the next group of guys coming through.”

You can check out the full interview with the former Killian Dain below:

WWE Hall of Famer and arguably the greatest female performer in WWE history Trish Stratus recently tweeted an image of her ‘mom bod’ and several WWE Superstars have reacted to how great the former Women’s Champion still looks.

The 45-year-old former WWE Women’s Champion has two children with her husband; her son who was born in 2013 and her daughter who was born in 2017.

Several WWE Superstars reacted to the image of the toned Trish Stratus. Charlotte Flair, Carmella, WWE Hall of Famer Alundra Blayze, Impact Hall of Famer Gail Kim, Kayla Braxton and Eva Marie all commented on the physique of the Hall of Famer.

Superstars React To Trish Stratus

Carmella tweeted “DAYUMMMMMMMM” whilst fellow Hall of Famer and WWE alumni Alundra Blayze wrote “damn… I knew I should of birthed babies.”

IMPACT Wrestling Hall of Famer and former WWE Superstar herself Gail Kim tweeted “Oh yes girl!” Kayla Braxton from WWE’s The Bump and backstage on SmackDown commented, saying “Lord have mercy.”

Trish Stratus retired from WWE in 2019, following her SummerSlam match against Charlotte Flair. It’s not confirmed if Stratus is looking to get back into action, although judging by her toned physique she is definitely in a position to if she wants to.

Check out the tweet below from the multiple time WWE Women’s Champion and WWE Hall of Famer:

Outspoken pro wrestling personality Jim Cornette has taken to social media to rip into a ‘fan’ who claims that they jumped the barricade at the AEW Dynamite Road Rager show ‘in his name.’

There was an altercation at the start of the Chris Jericho and MJF segment on this week’s episode of the show, an both Jericho and Maxwell Jacob Friedman referencing the ‘fat b*stard’ jumping the rail during their promos.

The ‘fan’ was sent to jail following the incident, however he has now taken to social media himself to tell Cornette and Brian Last that he did it in the name of ‘real’ wrestling fans.

Jim Cornette Responds To Dipsh*t

“@TheJimCornette @GreatBrianLast, how did you like my #AEW debut?” The ‘fan’ wrote. “I did this for all of us real wrestling fans, wrestling is no longer a safe space for friends to dance around and play dress up.”

“Reality can hit at anytime” the man removed from Dynamite continued, “did they think it is going to be f*cking playtime forever?”

Despite Jim Cornette not liking AEW or some of the stars on the show, he absolutely ripped the ‘fan’ a new one for his actions and said that he does not do anything in his name.

“Got news for you dipsh*t” Cornette began. “The ring is sacred ground for US, and even if you and a lot of others THINK you can kick the s–t out of the Young Bucks, I would have turned you into a tennis racket popsicle.”

“You’re lucky someone there didn’t gut you like a fish. And you’re blocked,” Cornette concluded.

Cornette’s podcast host Brian Last also lambasted the barricade jumper, saying “real wrestling fans don’t jump the rail. You should be embarrassed. You are blocked.”

Former WWE Superstar August Grey has returned to using the moniker Anthony Greene since being released from the company on Friday, June 25. Greene appeared on 205 Live the same night that he was released from the company, with the show being pre-taped to air live later in the week.

Greene was previously know as ‘Retrosexual’ on the independent scene, however he is now going under the name of ‘The Alternative.’

Anthony Greene released a video to Twitter where he stated that his career would’ve ended ‘a long time ago’ if he had listened to the naysayers.

Anthony Greene Is The Alternative

“If my career ended when I was told, ‘No,’ I would have been done a long time ago” Greene began. “Life is not about pass or fail. It’s about how you come back from it. It’s about having a backup plan. Having an alternative. Anthony Greene does not have an alternative. I am the alternative.”

The following talents were also released on June 25, and reportedly have differing lengths of non-compete clauses:

• Tony Nese
• Ariya Daivari
• Ever-Rise
• Fandango
• Tyler Breeze
• Bollywood Boyz
• Arturo Ruas
• Curt Stallion
• Marina Shafir
• Killian Dain
• Tino Sabbatelli

It is not confirmed how long Anthony Greene’s non-compete will last, however recently reports have indicated that 205 Live talents are more likely to have 30-day non-compete deals on their contracts. Greene should theoretically be free to join the likes of AEW, IMPACT, NWA or New Japan as of July 25.

You can check out the full segment released by Anthony Greene below: 

CM Punk’s MMA career looks slightly better today with his second fight in the UFC now being declared a No Contest. Punk now officially sits at 0-1-0 (1 N.C) due to his second opponent failing a drugs test from the fight way back in 2018.

MMA Junkie reported the news recently but it was apparently confirmed way back in October 2018 by authorities, but it has only been confirmed publicly this week.

Punk’s opponent Mike Jackson reportedly tested positive for “tetrahydrocannabinol due to marijuana,” thus rendering the fight a no contest. Jackson was tested on the night of the fight, and this is when the failed test was administered.

CM Punk Fight Overturned

CM Punk has not reacted to the story publicly, and Jackson himself has been dismissive of the result being changed, saying on Instagram “it’s funny how you losers think your opinions matter.”

Punk nor Mike Jackson have fought for the UFC since that contest at UFC 225 in June 2020, with Dana White saying at the time that he didn’t want Jackson back in the cage and that the gamble on Punk hadn’t paid off.

Punk is as always being rumored for a return to pro wrestling, although these rumors have softened somewhat over the past few months. With Tony Khan saying that there will be ‘bug surprises’ coming in the new few months, Punk has once again been slated for a return to wrestling as a member of the All Elite roster.

WWE NXT Superstar LA Knight defeated Cameron Grimes on this week’s episode of NXT to retain his Million Dollar Championship. With Knight winning the match during the Great American Bash, he now has the services of Grimes as a ‘butler’ for the foreseeable future.

It appears as though WWE will be looking to have elements of the original angle between Ted DiBiase and Virgil, with the man now know for liking his ‘F*CK MONEY’ turning on DiBiase and becoming a big star for a very short time.

LA Knight revealed the plans he has for Cameron Grimes after NXT aired on the WWE YouTube channel. “I’m the Million Dollar mega star and now I have help. I got my own help,” LA Knight began when talking to cameras backstage at the Capitol Wrestling Center in Orlando, Florida.

LA Knight on Cameron Grimes

“The clause in the contract says that I have to give him a day to gather his stuff before he can come over [to my house] to do stuff for me” Knight continued.

“Well, Cameron, I hope you got your plunger, toilet brush and all the plumbing gear you need, because I got some toilets for you to clean” the Million Dollar Champion continued.

“I got some cars for you to clean and some meals for you to cook for me. I got an expensive chef but now I have free help, and I love it” LA Knight then concluded.

It is not confirmed exactly how long this angle is expected to go on for, but it looks as if we’re in for the long haul on this one.

AEW star ‘All Ego’ Ethan Page recently appeared on the AEW Unrestricted podcast. The former IMPACT star discussed a number of topics on the show, including his All Elite debut at the Revolution PPV event earlier this year.

Page would admit that the debut was almost actually not going to happen due to visa issues for the Canadian. “Probably a week or less before the match. I was given the date and start time, but it was up in the air because of the whole visa process,” Page began on the podcast.

“So before it was actually confirmed, which is literally probably about a week before, it was just a hope and a dream, which is a lot in pro wrestling, until it happens, it might not happen” Ethan Page continued.

Ethan Page on AEW Debut

Page would also talk about the difficulty of moving from the pre-taped environment of IMPACT, which was without a crowd due to the pandemic, to Daily’s Place where there was at least some audience members and a live environment in general.

“I had to book private sessions in a closed-down wrestling school, during a pandemic, and Canada is very high restriction level” Page revealed. “I’m trying to manage that, have a training partner that I trust that will keep a secret or not care why he’s coming to train with me.”

You can check out the latest episode of AEW Unrestricted below:

WWE Superstar Cesaro recently spoke to GiveMeSport’s Louis Dangoor. The tenured SmackDown Superstar discussed a number of topics during the interview, including the return of WWE to the United Kingdom later this year.

This will be the first time that the company has ventured overseas since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. Many fans in Europe and the UK would travel to the United States for WrestleMania, however they could not for WrestleMania 37 due to travel restrictions, so these could be pretty big shows for the company when they head over the Atlantic in September.

Cesaro on Return To The UK

“Europe is just the best. I’m biased as well, so you’re asking the wrong guy, but it’s the passion, it’s the love” Cesaro said in the interview with GiveMeSport. “It’s the fact that you don’t get those live events all the time, you don’t get the TV events all the time.”

“That’s why whenever we broadcast TV from England it’s just special, it’s different” Cesaro continued. “It’s the energy, it’s the fans, it’s the passion, it’s the chants. It’s everything and that’s what makes it. That’s what makes it different, and different is good. Different makes it special, different makes it unique, it makes it authentic. That’s what I love.”

WWE’s European Tour Schedule

Here’s the currently confirmed dates for WWE’s return to the UK in September:

• Newcastle – Utilita Arena (Sunday, September 19, 2021)
• London – The O2 (Monday, September 20, 2021),
• Cardiff – Motorpoint Arena (Tuesday, September 21, 2021)
• Glasgow – The SSE Hydro (Wednesday, September 22, 2021)

WWE Superstar John Cena recently made some pretty bold comments regarding pop star Cardi B. Speaking to Vice, Cena would say that Cardi B would be a great WWE Superstar if that was something she wanted to pursue.

“Cardi B would be a hell of a WWE superstar” Cena began. “What I admire most about her is she is authentically herself – through good, bad and indifferent – and I think that’s an admirable quality.”

“To have enough confidence and love in yourself to be yourself in any given situation, I think that’s very impressive” John Cena would continue.

John Cena on Cardi B

“She’s so identifiable as Cardi B, it would be tough for her to be anyone else” Cena claimed. “It’s not like Cardi B goes to record a track and then she’s a different person outside the studio – she’s always Cardi B.”

“Cardi, Ludacris and Tyrese could all have their own entrance music!” The 16-time World Champion would conclude.

With the mainstream buzz and success of Bad Bunny around WrestleMania 37, it’s clear that WWE would want to bring in more pop icons to build engagement on social media and mainstream appeal. Cardi B is arguably a bigger name than Bad Bunny in terms of the US audience; so she could be hugely beneficial if WWE are able to utilize her services.

Cardi B was originally slated to host the SummerSlam 2021 PPV event, however she recently revealed that she was pregnant; so she may not be available for the show in Las Vegas this August. This has however not yet been confirmed.

PROGRESS Wrestling have announced a big Tag Team Championship match for their upcoming Chapter 115 event on Peacock and WWE Network. Chapter 115: For The Hearts That Never Played In Tune will be available to stream on Saturday 17th July from 5pm BST.

The PROGRESS Tag Team Champions Kid Lykos and Kid Lykos II (Lykos Gym) will be defending the titles against the Big Money Gun Dogs (Gene Munny and Big Guns Joe). The Champions lost to the Gun Dogs in a non-title match at the last Chapter show when Gene Munny ‘locked’ both of the Champions inside of a travel bag for dogs (yes, really).

PROGRESS Tag Team Titles on The Line

The title will now be on the line in a Doghouse rules match. It’s not confirmed exactly what this is and what the rules for the match will be, however an influence for the match is reportedly the Kennel from Hell match between Big Boss Man and Al Snow from Unforgiven 1999.

If you’ve never seen the Kennel from Hell match, it’s a terrible, terrible gimmick bout that just did not work due to the live dogs used inside the kennel being scared infront of a live wrestling crowd.

This match however looks promising, with the ‘comedy’ tag team of Gene Munny and Big Guns Joe proving that they can go in the ring with Lykos Gym at the last Chapter and the Champions heading into a match where they’re likely to have the disadvantage.

Mexican wrestling legend Konnan has appeared on AEW programming over the past few months sporadically. The former WCW star appeared first for the company during the Stadium Stampede 2 match and most recently on an episode of Dynamite where he went face-to-face with Tully Blanchard.

Konnan recently discussed what it was like appearing on the show as part of his Keepin It 100 with Konnan podcast.

“It was one of the greatest experiences of my career,” Konnan noted during the show. “Because everybody’s very, very happy, everybody’s very helpful, everybody’s very professional.”

Konnan on AEW Appearance

“There’s this one room in there, that’s with Don Callis, Kenny Omega, the Young Bucks. They’re all in there, they’re playing basketball games, they’re watching the NBA. It’s a very fun atmosphere” the former WCW star would note.

“And I thought to myself ‘wow, I wish I would have grown up in this type of atmosphere.’ And everybody is happy. I saw Vickie, I hadn’t seen her in fifteen years. I hadn’t seen Jerry Lynn in fifteen years, I hadn’t seen Big Show in like fifteen years. Legit, they’re very happy” he continued.

Konnan would finish by saying that his praise for the company atmosphere was genuine; and not just trying to gain favor and get a job from Tony Khan.

“It’s a really good, I’m not trying to get a job or anything like that” Konnan claimed. “It’s a real cool vibe. Even after the show, they have food for everybody in this big conference room. You can take food to your room, you can eat it right there and then they have this other little lounge where everyone is just listening to music.”

AEW star Eddie Kingston recently spoke to Dominic DeAngelo of WrestleZone ahead of this Wednesday’s AEW: Road Rager event where he and Penta El Zero M will be challenging for the AEW Tag Team Championships.

Kingston discussed a number of topics during the interview, as well as making some scathing in kayfabe comments towards the AEW Tag Team Title holders, The Young Bucks.

“They’re the best tag team in the world, the Young Bucks are and that’s proven by being the World Tag Team Champions. That’s it, it proves it” Kingston began, before laying into Matt and Nick Jackson.

Eddie Kingston on The Young Bucks

“Have they done it not in their normal ‘hooray’ way? No, my biggest problem with them is because they’re both children, childs, babies” Kingston added, starting to move into a more kayfabe rant on the duo.

“Not because of what they do in the ring and all that other stuff that people want to bash on them. It’s because ‘being the EVP’ was too hard for them. That kind of annoys me, man” Eddie Kingston continued.

“And then they’re going to come out here and ‘Oh, it’s too hard so we’re go start burying people’ and ‘oh now we’re just gonna start acting like a**holes and Don Callis, and us and Kenny, we’re the original club, and Bullet…’ and I don’t even know any of that stuff” the former IMPACT star concluded.

Here’s the full card for AEW Dynamite Road Rager that takes place this Wednesday on TNT:

• AEW World Tag Team Championship Match – The Young Bucks (c) w/ Brandon Cutler vs Penta El Zero Miedo & Eddie Kingston w/ Alex Abrahantes
• South Beach Strap Match – Cody Rhodes vs QT Marshall
• Andrade El Idolo vs Matt Sydal
• Orange Cassidy & Kris Statlander vs The Blade & The Bunny
• Inner Circle (Santana, Ortiz & Jake Hager) w/ Konnan vs Pinnacle (Dax Harwood, Cash Wheeler & Wardlow) w/ Tully Blanchard
• Chris Jericho & MJF face to face standoff

PROGRESS Wrestling held their latest Chapter event this weekend on Peacock, WWE Network and demandPROGRESS. Chapter 114: Set Eyeballs To Stunned featured a number of high profile bouts including a main event contest for the PROGRESS Women’s Championship.

Here’s the full results from the show:

• Chuck Mambo b. Brendan White – The Sunshine Machine member defeated White of the Greedy Souls via pinfall
• Big Money Gun Dogs (Big Guns Joe & Gene Munny) b. Lykos Gym (Kid Lykos & Kid Lykos II) – The Gun Dogs took the win after locking the PROGRESS Tag Team Champions inside of a portable dog kennel
• Gisele Shaw b. Taonga – Shaw took the submission win after locking Taonga in the Disarmher
• TK Cooper b. Danny Jones – The Sunshine Machine member defeated Jones of the Greedy Souls via pinfall
• Danny Black b. LK Mezinger – Black took the win after hitting a 450-elbow drop and getting the pinfall
• No Disqualification Match: Mercedez Blaze b. Alexxis Falcon – Blaze took the win after Taonga hit Falcon with the Unprettier and dragged Mercedez over to get the win
• Jody Fleisch b. Omari – Fleisch took the win after hitting the 720 DDT
• North West Strong (Chris Ridgeway, Luke Jacobs & Ethan Allen) b. Cara Noir, Nick Riley & Charlie Sterling – The trio of Ridgeway, Jacobs and Allen took the win over the Smokin Aces and Noir dream team
• PROGRESS Women’s World Championship Match: Kanji (c) b. Laura Di Matteo – Kanji took the win via pinfall to retain her Championship

PROGRESS Chapter 114 Highlights

Check out the highlights from the show below:

International megastar and former WWE Superstar Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson recently revealed a career ‘regret’ from his time in WWE, specifically from The Invasion in 2001 when WCW and ECW ‘invaded’ the company.

Hurricane Helms tweeted that he was watching an old Rock vs Booker T match from SummerSlam 2001. “Doing cardio watching @TheRock vs @BookerT5x from @WWE SummerSlam 2001. Two of my favorite opponents and favorite people I’ve worked with in the Biz. I wish these two woulda had more matches together.”

The Rock then responded to this, saying that he too wishes he had the opportunity to work more with Booker T when both men were in WWE. “Thank you, brother. I do too actually” Dwayne Johnson revealed. “One of my biggest regrets was not having a long run w Book.”

The Rock vs Booker T

“He was one of my fav workers and the best pure athlete I’ve ever wrestled” The Rock continued. “Fluid, sharp, believable movements and work style. I always say his moves had a rare swagger.”

The feud between The Rock and Booker T during the Invasion was a dud, as was the whole angle itself. Booker T should’ve been shown as on the same level as The Great One for the angle to even work, and WWE (then WWF) decided to have The Rock steamroll through the five time WCW Champion.

It’s arguably the biggest misstep in Booker T’s WWE career, as it took years to rehab the character until he was seen as a legitimate main event talent…this was before he lost to Triple H at WrestleMania 19, but that’s a different story.