SEScoops

Author: Jon Fuentes

  • Scott Hall Misses Show Due To Medical Emergency

    Scott Hall Misses Show Due To Medical Emergency

    WWE Hall Of Famer Scott Hall missed an appearance over the weekend. Hall was scheduled to appear at the Rival Pro Wrestling one-year anniversary show in Pomona, California on Saturday.

    The reasoning for Hall’s absence was said to be a medical emergency. There’s currently no indication as to what exactly is wrong with Hall. He has yet to release a statement on the situation.

    Rival Pro Wrestling announced the following about Hall’s cancelled appearance on their Facebook page:

    As we all know health is key & comes first.
    Earlier this week we were contacted by GeminiSports Cards informing us that Scott Hall has had a Medical emergency but will keep us updated on his Status for the show.
    This was released today by GeminiSports cards & Scott Hall

    “Dear Wrestling fans, we regret to inform you that Scott Hall will not be able to make his appearance tomorrow for The Rival Pro 1st Anniversary Show: Summer Rizing.

    Unfortunately due to a Medical Emergency, Scott will be unable to travel. We are working on a possible date to reschedule. Scott’s health is most important at this time and we wish him the best.

    Scott loves his fans and is upset he can’t make the show but as we said his health is most important and we are working on rescheduling with him.

    Regards,

    Gemini Sportscards”

    *Us here at Rival Pro Wrestling would like send a quick prayer out to Scott Hall and wish him a speedy recovery.
    We deeply apologize to all the fans that were coming out to see Scott. To all who have purchased a meet & Greet ticket GeminiSports Cards will be offering a credit to his next scheduled appearance at Rival Pro.
    (Any & all questions plz address to RivalProWrestling@gmail.com)

    •This has been a ruff road to an 1 Year Anniversary celebration. Our original main event for the RivalPro Championship was postponed due to both opponents flight schedules & being out of the country.
    Now a Medical Emergency to the Bad Guy himself. This will not stop us from having one hell of a show and we hope to see you all this Saturday at Rival Pro: 1 Year Anniv.

  • Eric Bischoff On Vince Russo Pitching WCW Star To Be His Son

    Eric Bischoff On Vince Russo Pitching WCW Star To Be His Son

    Eric Bischoff has been having some very interesting conversations about his days in WCW on his 83 Weeks podcast with Conrad Thompson.

    Recently, Bischoff divulged a rather interesting pitch Vince Russo made to him. Russo apparently pitched an angle in which Lance Storm would play Bischoff’s son. Of course, that never took place:

    “You know that Vince Russo… when Russo and I agreed to work together, one of his big ideas was that he wanted Lance Storm to be my son,” Bischoff said.

    Storm stayed with WCW until its bitter end, and went on to have a decent run with WWE. In regards to WCW’s end, Bischoff opened up about the final episode of Monday Night Nitro – which he wasn’t present for.

    Bischoff said that he’s glad he wasn’t there for the final Nitro, and said had he been there, a deal with WWE might have never materialized:

    “I am glad I wasn’t there – I am almost certain, knowing myself, that had I been there I probably wouldn’t have worked for the WWE a couple of years later.

    “I think my reaction—I wouldn’t have done anything crazy, but knowing myself, I wear my emotions on my sleeve. I’m not really good at hiding s*it. It would have been easy to read me and it wouldn’t have been a positive thing.

    “I would have been professional, but I don’t think anybody would say that they kind of dug that Bischoff guy.

    “I don’t think that would have been the thought of anyone if I would have been there so I am glad that it turned out the way it did. Like I said, sometimes things work out the way they are supposed to.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0w0dycBijao

    H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

  • Kane Gets Sworn In As Knox County Mayor (Photo)

    Kane Gets Sworn In As Knox County Mayor (Photo)

    Earlier today (Fri. August 31, 2018) former WWE Champion Glenn “Kane” Jacobs was sworn in as mayor of Knox County, Tennessee.

    Fellow WWE veteran Goldust was in attendance for the ceremony this morning. He took the following photo with “The Big Red Machine” and uploaded it to Twitter:

    “Congratulations my friend. Glad to be a part of this ceremony today. Discussing Mayor ?? security detail.”

    Becoming Mayor

    Earlier this year Jacobs won his Republican primary before going on to face Democratic opponent Linda Haney. Jacobs took the election in a landslide. He earned 43,526 votes (66%) as opposed to Haney’s 22,295 votes (34%).

    Jacobs’ campaign website lists the seven top issues he looks to topple during his tenure as mayor:

    1. Committed to keeping taxes low
    2. Renewed focus on quality of education
    3. Continue to attract new jobs to the area
    4. Improve our roads and infrastructure
    5. Full and absolute transparency
    6. Work to create safer communities
    7. A fresh outlook on limited government

    With Kane now becoming mayor of Knox County, it leads many to question his professional wrestling career. The 51-year-old admitted recently that he would entertain WWE appearances during his tenure as mayor.

    However, he won’t commit to anything long-term. His duties as mayor of Knox County will be his primary focus.

  • Rumor Killer On Kevin Owens & Paul Heyman

    Rumor Killer On Kevin Owens & Paul Heyman

    There seems to be a rumor floating around that WWE is considering pairing up Kevin Owens and Paul Heyman.

    Currently Owens is in a storyline in which he has “quit” WWE. After his unsuccessful bid for the Intercontinental Championship against Seth Rollins on Monday’s RAW, Owens said he “quit” before leaving the ring.

    There is a ton of speculation as to what is going to happen to “KO.” Will he join SmackDown Live? Perhaps turn babyface? The possibilities are endless. Somehow a pairing with Paul Heyman seemed to get into the rumor mix.

    Wrestling Observer Newsletter‘s Dave Meltzer reports that this is not true. “The story going around that Heyman will return to manage Owens has no validity to it,” Metlzer wrote. Owens’ WWE status remains unclear.

    He is currently advertised for live events in October. Owens will team with Elias against John Cena and Bobby Lashley. If this remains the case, it looks like Owens won’t be off TV for a long time.

    The reason so many people seemed to believe the Heyman story was because it actually makes sense. Heyman is now without an advocate with Brock Lesnar losing his Universal Title and departing to the UFC.

    Lesnar will challenge Daniel Cormier for the UFC heavyweight title in the beginning of 2019. A pairing between Heyman and Owens would certainly be an entertaining one, but it doesn’t seem to be in WWE’s plans as of this writing.

  • Jeff Jarrett Wants To See Elias In Main Event Of WWE

    Jeff Jarrett Wants To See Elias In Main Event Of WWE

    WWE Hall Of Famer Jeff Jarrett was interviewed on the Pancakes and Powerslams Show and discussed several professional wrestling topics.

    During their conversation, Jarrett was asked who on WWE’s current roster he’d like to see in the main event scene. Jarrett named Monday Night RAW star Elias as a talent he has been impressed with as of late:

    “I think Elias is a true main-event rivalry away from breaking to a completely different level,” said Jarrett.

    “Not to say that [Elias isn’t already] a main-eventer, but when they have that real rivalry, because if you look back and look at Stone Cold and Rock, Stone Cold and Vince McMahon, Hogan and Savage, Hogan and Warrior, you can just go all the way down that line.

    “You gotta look at where Lex Luger was at [in WWE] and when he jumped to WCW. Overnight, he became Sting’s ally, and Sting was on the fence in the nWo storyline.

    “And so, all of a sudden, Lex was that personified WCW face that name his name there, and he really helped nWo a lot more than people give him credit for. Because, again, it was another rivalry made. Lex Luger against nWo, Sting against nWo. And I think Seth and Elias are right in that.”

    SmackDown Live General Manager?

    Currently, SmackDown Live’s General Manager is Paige. The Englishwoman is unable to perform as an in-ring talent for WWE right now due to medical concerns. It’s unlikely she wrestlers for WWE ever again.

    The same thing was once said about Daniel Bryan, however, and he now wrestlers regularly on Tuesday nights. With that being said, there’s a possibility the SDL General Manager role could become available in the future.

    This is something Jarrett wouldn’t rule out if it was offered to him:

    “You would have to be a moron not to say [no],” Jarrett said.

    “Absolutely! Do I think it’s gonna happen? No. But, would it sure be intriguing? Multiple ways to go and, as a famous promoter has once said, ‘never say never.’”

    H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

  • Ron Simmons Gives Possible Reason For The Nation Of Domination’s Split

    Ron Simmons Gives Possible Reason For The Nation Of Domination’s Split

    WWE Hall Of Famer Ron Simmons recently spoke to Wrestling Shoots to talk about several professional wrestling topics.

    Simmons was asked about his run with The Nation Of Domination. The group consisted of members such as Simmons, The Rock, D’Lo Brown, Mark Henry and more. Of course, the gem of the group turned out to be The Rock.

    Rock won several World Titles after embarking on his singles careers. Not only is he one of the biggest WWE Superstars of all time, but he’s now a major Hollywood movie star. Simmons tips his hat to Rock for the success:

    “My hat off to him,” Simmons said. “I mean if that’s the way things go down, some get to go on and do other things — some don’t, but I’m glad I had a good part in helping him do what he had to do.

    “When things weren’t going well for him in the beginning, when they couldn’t get him to where they wanted to get him, I’m glad that I had a good solid position for him to come in where I had a good profound effect on where he is and coming into professional wrestling and then going on to doing what he’s doing now.”

    The Break Up

    Then Simmons opened up about his reaction to the news that The Nation would be splitting up. Simmons said he was shocked it was ending so soon. He suggested some guys “flipping out” about contracts could’ve played a factor in the decision:

    “I was shocked when it was ending so soon,” Simmons said. “It could have been some of the guys — you know we had some guys in the group that started going crazy, flipping out. Maybe it had something to do with them and their contracts or something. I was shocked when it did end.

    “So I don’t know exactly what profound reason why and pinpoint why they did it but you know, I was just shocked when it did end.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vf6W1PrZMEY&feature=youtu.be

    H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

  • Mike Kanellis On His Role With WWE

    Mike Kanellis On His Role With WWE

    Its been almost 20 years since Mike Kanellis entered the professional wrestling business.

    The 33-year-old has accomplished a lot in his career. He has worked under the banners of promotions such as Ring Of Honor (ROH), New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and of course WWE.

    Kanellis (formerly known as Mike Bennett) is a former IWGP Tag Team Champion. He also won the ROH World Tag Team Championships with Matt Tavern. In 2016 he won the TNA X Division Championship.

    Finally, Kanellis and his wife, Maria, signed with WWE in June of last year. However, Kanellis hasn’t been used much in WWE recently. He has been battling drug abuse and is doing a lot better at this point in his life. Kanellis has also made quite the physical transformation.

    Although he’s used at live events and in dark matches from time to time, his presence on WWE programming has been very low. Kanellis recently took to Twitter and discussed his current position in WWE.

    He admitted that he gets frustrated sometimes, however, he remembers there was once a time he used to go to bed hungry:

    “Sometimes I get really frustrated about where I’m at. Then I remember all the nights I went to bed hungry.”

    https://twitter.com/RealMikeBennett/status/1034933690533597184

  • Owen Hart’s Wife Poses With His HOF Plaque (Photo)

    Owen Hart’s Wife Poses With His HOF Plaque (Photo)

    Owen Hart was inducted into the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fam last month.

    Accepting the honor on Owen’s behalf was Davey Boy Smith, Jr., Diana Hart, Keith Hart, Bruce Hart and Ross Hart. A few notable names were missing from the ceremony. One was Owen’s brother, WWE Hall Of Famer Bret Hart. He was at a UFC event in Canada.

    Another was Owen’s wife, Martha. Instead, however, The Dan Gable Wrestling Museum Twitter account posted a photo of Martha posing with Owen’s Hall Of Fame plaque:

    “Martha Hart holding her husband’s Hall of Fame plaque. Owen Hart was inducted posthumously into the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame on July 28.”

    Owen Hart In WWE

    During his time in WWE, Hart won several titles with the promotion. He is a former European Champion, a two-time Intercontinental Champion, a four-time Tag Team Champion and the 1994 King Of The Ring winner.

    Unfortunately, Owen’s life was tragically cut short during a freak accident during a WWE pay-per-view (PPV). At the Over The Edge PPV in 1999, Hart fell from the rafters of the Kemper Arena. There was an issue with the harness and grapple that was supposed to support him while being lowered down.

  • Santino Marella Is Unsure About Possible IMPACT Return

    Santino Marella Is Unsure About Possible IMPACT Return

    Former WWE Superstar Santino Marella (real name Anthony Carelli) recently joined Busted Open Radio. During his appearance, Marella discussed his last run with IMPACT Wrestling.

    Marella currently runs his own professional wrestling gym out of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada called “Battle Arts Academy.” IMPACT Wrestling has now become a Canadian-based company.

    Working Relationship

    A working relationship between the pair developed, as Marella allowed IMPACT to use his gym to film some of their content. He has even become good friends with Impact Wrestling vice president Scott D’Amore:

    “Impact Wrestling moved their head office to Toronto,” Carelli said. “I mean we’re here, right? It started off as Scott D’Amore has become a very good friend of mine and they need different venues.

    “So I implemented a little OVW in Battle Arts where we have a little arena in the middle of the gym it transforms into an arena it holds 500 people pretty comfortably.

    “Impact started using our venue to do one of their platforms there. They have the Global Wrestling Network and they have Twitch.”

    Marella On IMPACT Wrestling

    Marella appeared on IMPACT Wrestling TV, however, he did not compete. Instead, he sent Battle Arts Academy’s Dustin Quicksilver to represent the school. Quicksilver was defeated by Austin Aries.

    Now, Marella isn’t ruling out a future appearance with IMPACT but isn’t up for a long storyline:

    “Somehow they got me on [the show]. I was talking to Scott [D’Amore], I really didn’t want to appear as a character anywhere, I’m just enjoying everything else.

    “But you have to be determined to make a long answer short. I might do something, I don’t know. It might be here or there, I’m not going to be a regular, that’s for sure.”

    Discussion: Would you like to see more of Marella on IMPACT Wrestling? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfwvgfD3TIE

    H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

  • Kane Says He’d “Never” Use Steroids

    Kane Says He’d “Never” Use Steroids

    Knox County Mayor-elect and WWE star Glenn “Kane” Jacobs spoke to the Knox County News Sentinel.

    “The Big Red Machine” was asked about claims made against him by Al Thompson. Thompson is the founder of Protect Our Youth from Steroids (POYS). Letters were sent to several media outlets suggesting Kane participated in “rampant steroid use.”

    Thompson has claimed that “Jacobs was perfectly fine with, for many years, surrounding himself with steroid users plus illicit drug and steroid dealers every day while on tour … Jacobs’ duties, as I understand it, will include some oversight over law enforcement in Knox County.”

    Kane responded in his interview with the Knox County News Sentinel, saying “I do not condone steroid use or the use of any illicit drugs.

    “I think that’s very bad. I’m a bit of a health nut, and I just think it’s just really bad. No, I’d never do that.”

    Thompson didn’t stop there. He also suggested that the “Kane” stage name be listed as a campaign donation. He further attempted to connect Kane to steroid use by reminding Vince and Linda McMahon donated $6,000 to his campaign:

    “Well, one of (those donations) was from the administrator of the Small Business Administration of the United States (McMahon’s wife, Linda),” Jacobs said.

    “So, I’m pretty proud of that … it’s always nice when someone from the President’s Cabinet supports your political endeavor. I’m just very happy and proud to have their support, that’s what matters to me.”

  • Mick Foley On The Biggest Pop Of His Career

    Mick Foley On The Biggest Pop Of His Career

    WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley recently did an interview with the Saskatoon StarPhoenix to talk about several professional wrestling topics.

    Of course, Foley was asked about his historic 1998 Hell In A Cell match with The Undertaker. Foley was tossed off the top of the cell and through an announce table during the match. It’s a highlight-reel moment that lives on in professional wrestling history.

    Foley offered up why he thinks fans still talk about the moment:

    “Part of it was that it grew on an organic level. There wasn’t social media so it didn’t trend for three days and then disappear.

    “It traveled by word of mouth – It was brutal but it was also surreal so that it wasn’t difficult to watch in a way like the January 1999 match I had with The Rock was.

    “[Foley took 11 chair shots to the head with his wife and two young children — captured in the critically-acclaimed documentary Beyond The Mat — watching in tears at ringside.] It stands up to repeated viewings.

    “But it doesn’t feel like watching a snuff film [laughs]. I sometimes talk at these shows about the element of magic in the air. I think it was alive that night.”

    He confirmed that his HIAC moment is what he gets asked the most about by people. A close second is his tag team with The Rock:

    “There’s nothing that’s even close. Running a distant second is my tag team with The Rock. They don’t recall specific matches. They just recall the chemistry and how much fun they had watching us.”

    The Biggest Pop Of His Career

    Finally, Foley discussed the biggest pop of his career. It was winning the WWE Title on an episode of Monday Night RAW in 1999. Of course, that wasn’t the biggest pop of the entire night.

    The biggest pop – and maybe event he biggest pop of all time – came upon Stone Cold Steve Austin’s entrance. He assisted Foley in winning the title:

    “It’s funny that the largest pop I ever received was only the second-largest of that match [Laughs]. Steve’s music had everyone up standing. That was an incredible night.”

  • Two WWE NXT UK Stars Injured

    Two WWE NXT UK Stars Injured

    Two WWE NXT UK stars have apparently suffered injuries. Travis Banks and Sam Gradwell both announced on social media that they’re dealing with injuries.

    Travis Banks

    Banks released a statement and revealed he suffered a dislocated shoulder during a recent match. He assumed he would be medically cleared to return by now. However, that’s not the case and he doesn’t have a return date:

    “Hello everyone. As probably a surprise to no one now. About a month ago I suffered a dislocated shoulder.

    “Initially I thought I would be clear to wrestle sooner rather than later. However, that hasn’t been the case and unfortunately, I still don’t have a return date to give everyone.

    “At the moment shows and dates I have been advertised for will have to be postponed until I’m cleared. I will try [to] keep you all updated as best as possible. Many blessings.”

    https://twitter.com/Travis_BanksPW/status/1033992023626461184

    Sam Gradwell

    Gradwell released a statement of his own. He noted that, during a recent WWE physical, doctors detected a suspected re-injury or loosening of his left ACL. In 2012 Gradwell had that ACL reconstructed:

    “Currently awaiting an MRI to assess damage (hopefully minimal) but in the meantime, I am unfortunately not cleared to wrestle.

    “Apologies to those who were looking forward to seeing me wrestle over the coming weeks, hopefully, it’s nothing major and I’ll be back ASAP!”

  • WWE Reportedly Making Moves For Saudi Arabia Return

    WWE Reportedly Making Moves For Saudi Arabia Return

    WWE seems to be angling for their Saudi Arabia return.

    This past April, WWE put on a massive show in the middle east. WWE called it The Greatest Royal Rumble, which featured several huge names from the industry. It also featured numerous title bouts, gimmick matches and returning WWE legends.

    The night was capped off by the biggest Battle Royal match in WWE history. A 50-man Greatest Royal Rumble match. The bout was eventually won by Braun Strowman. WWE’s Saudi Arabian show was a huge success financially.

    It appears as though they’re angling for a Saudi Arabia return later this year. PWInsider is reporting that WWE has rescheduled two of their European tour dates to May of 2019. WWE moved their October 31st show from Stockholm, Sweden to May 11th.

    They also moved their Oslo, Norway event on November 1st to May 12th. It was noted that this move was made because WWE is expected to return to Saudi Arabia in the first week of November. WWE has yet to officially announce such an event.

    Discussion: What do you think about WWE returning to Saudi Arabia later this year? Did you enjoy The Greatest Royal Rumble? Sound off in the comments section below!

  • Spoilers On WWE’s Plans For Upcoming SDL Episodes

    Spoilers On WWE’s Plans For Upcoming SDL Episodes

    We have some insight into WWE’s plans for SmackDown Live in the coming weeks.

    PWInsider is reporting that Maryse is scheduled for tomorrow’s episode of SmackDown Live. The plan is to have her become a regular on the program moving forward. The report also notes there have been talks of having Maryse vs. Brie Bella at Evolution.

    This makes sense given The Miz and Maryse vs. Daniel Bryan and Brie Bella will take place at Hell In A Cell. The two real-life married couples will face off in a Mixed Tag Team match.

    Evolution goes down from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in East Garden City, New York on October 28th.

    Tag Team Tournament

    PWInsider also notes that next week’s SmackDown Live will feature a Triple Threat Tag Team match. The Usos, Sanity and Rusev & Aiden English will compete against each other. This is to be a part of the mini-tag team tournament implemented by General Manager Paige.

    The winner of the tournament will challenge The New Day for the SmackDown Live Tag Team Titles. Last week on SmackDown, The New Day defeated The Bludgeon Brothers in a No Disqualification match to win the straps.

    Discussion: How do you feel about a potential Maryse vs. Brie Bella match at Evolution? And who do you think will win the SDL mini-tag team tournament? Sound off in the comments section below!

  • Kevin Owens Teases Return On Tonight’s RAW

    Kevin Owens Teases Return On Tonight’s RAW

    Kevin Owens has gone into hiding after his loss at SummerSlam.

    “KO” was last seen being squashed by Braun Strowman at “The Biggest Party Of The Summer.” Strowman had been torturing the former Universal Champion for weeks. Owens talked his way into a match with Strowman at SummerSlam.

    Had Owens won, he would’ve won Strowman’s Money In The Bank (MITB) briefcase. However, Strowman absolutely demolished Owens with ease in Brooklyn. He wasn’t featured on the next night’s episode of RAW.

    Tonight is the perfect opportunity for Owens to come back to the show. Owens would be returning in front of his native Canadian crowd. RAW is in the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada tonight.

    Owens Tweeted out the following hours away from the show:

    https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/1034146936352395267

    https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/1034168466658471936

    It should also be noted that Owens wiped out his Twitter feed. All past Tweets and replies have been deleted. Last week he changed his profile picture to black and his bio reads “back to darkness.”

    Should Owens return on RAW tonight it should be interesting to see in what capacity he’ll be used. Perhaps a Universal Title run is in his sights.

    Discussion: Do you think Owens will return on tonight’s RAW? If so, what do you think he’ll be doing? Let us know in the comments below!

  • Goldberg Reunites With Sting At Appearance (Photo)

    Goldberg Reunites With Sting At Appearance (Photo)

    Over the weekend two of the biggest names in WCW history reunited with one another.

    Both Goldberg and Sting were at the Stand Alone Wrestling: Boardwalk Beatdown Pro Wrestling Experience convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Goldberg and Sting reunited and took a photo with one another.

    Sting sported the old WCW World Title around his shoulder while Goldberg held the WWE Universal Title. Goldberg also met up with WWE legend Haku and took a photo with him as well.

    He uploaded the photo to his Instagram to share with professional wrestling fans. Check it out here:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm6w_YTF7sv/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_loading_state_control

    “Never know who your going to run into!!! To say these 2 men had a positive influence on me during my wrestling days is a mild understatement! Seems like just yesterday!!”

    There’s no doubt that Sting and Goldberg are two of the biggest professional wrestling stars ever produced by WCW. Sting was with the promotion from 1987 until its collapse in 2001. During his tenure “The Stinger” captured one NWA World Heavyweight Championship and six WCW World Titles.

    Goldberg also had a tremendous run with the company. He began his professional wrestling career with WCW in the late ’90s and had an undefeated streak that lasted a year. Eventually he defeated Hulk Hogan to win the WCW World Title on a historic episode of Nitro.

    After the company went under Goldberg had two runs with WWE. His latest featured a great rivalry with Brock Lesnar that included a WWE Universal Title run. Sting finally came to WWE in 2014.

    He feuded with Triple H but lost to “The Game” at WrestleMania 31. He went on to have matches with Seth Rollins and The Big Show before being inducted into the Hall Of Fame in 2016 – announcing his retirement. Goldberg wasn’t too far behind, as he was inducted into the Hall Of Fame himself this past April.

  • Xavier Woods Says The New Day Will Never Turn On Each Other

    Xavier Woods Says The New Day Will Never Turn On Each Other

    Xavier Woods thinks The New Day will never turn on each other.

    Recently, the trio captured the SmackDown Live Tag Team Championships again. They finally toppled The Bludgeon Brothers after feuding with them for quite some time. The New Day have now won five Tag Team Titles in WWE between the RAW and SmackDown brands.

    For several years now the team of Woods, Big E and Kofi Kingston have been going strong in WWE. Usually a faction will split up after a good run of several years – if not shorter. Woods recently addressed this in an interview with GiveMeSport.

    Woods said that he has no intentions of coming to work and not working with his friends. While he knows some fans might think he’s saying this because it’s going to happen – Woods shut that down as well.

    He seemingly went out of character, saying he’s speaking as Austin Watson now (his real name). He proclaimed that what he’s saying is the truth, and The New Day are not breaking up:

    “I don’t remember a group in wrestling that hasn’t turned on itself, or they’ll turn, then come back and be a group again. New Day – I’m telling you this right now – New Day will never turn. Ever. And that’s because we have zero desire to ever do that. I have zero desire to go to work and not work with my friends.”

    “People say on Twitter, ‘New Day is doing this, Big E is going to turn, this is happening. Oh, Woods is the snarky one, he’s going to turn. Oh, Kofi’s been up at the top of the mountain before, he’s gonna turn!. It’s like, why? We are having the most fun we’ve ever had in our careers.

    “It’s not like someone’s like, ‘Oh, I need to sabotage my friends to be champ.’ What is it to be champ when you’re a champ by yourself? You’re standing up there alone on this cold mountainous castle? That’s not fun. I’d rather be up there with my friends.

    “Especially, if Kofi wins the Heavyweight Title, I’m also the Heavyweight Champion because we have ‘The New Day Rule’ and we share it. Just basic mathematics, we have a better chance of becoming Heavyweight Champion if we stay a group and we just share it.”

    “So, there’s your answer, internet. We will all retire before we turn. That’s a legitimate answer, this is not some, ‘Oh! He’s saying this because it’s happening!’ No, my government name is Austin Watson. Austin Watson is telling you that is the truth. Thank you.”

    Discussion: What do you make of Woods’ comments? Do you think The New Day will split soon? Sound off in the comments section!

    H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

  • Zack Gibson On How He’s Trying To Be Taken More Seriously

    Zack Gibson On How He’s Trying To Be Taken More Seriously

    WWE NXT UK star Zack Gibson recently spoke to The Mirror. Gibson discussed WWE’s NXT UK brand and also talked about his own professional wrestling career.

    Firstly, Gibson discussed changing up his look in effort to be taken more seriously. Originally he had long blonde hair. He has since shaved his head and grown out his beard:

    “I had long blonde hair if you can believe that! I remember very clearly being at a show and [British wrestling legend and NXT general manager] William Regal told me that I looked very nice and that I would turn a few heads. … I’ve chipped loads of teeth but I won’t get them fixed. If you look at some of us British wrestlers, we have an authenticity.”

    Gibson was then asked who he is targeting in the NXT UK division. He named some high-profile characters such as Trent Seven, Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne:

    “If you look at Trent Seven, Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne, they got to the WWE’s United Kingdom division a year ahead of me. They have dominated in that time. But now I’m here and I’m coming for them.”

    You Don’t Need To Be A Big Guy

    In recent years WWE has seen a rise in small wrestlers, or stars that aren’t ridiculously large, becoming top guys. Gibson discussed how you no longer need to be a big guy to have success in the industry. He noted that it’s even taking affect beyond the realm of professional wrestling.

    He points to Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr., two lighter weight fighters, putting on the highest-grossing fight in history:

    “If you look at the biggest grossing fight in history, it was Floyd Mayweather versus Conor McGregor. That’s a fact and they both weigh around 150 lbs. Look at Pete Dunne [the WWE UK Champion].

    “He’s shown that you don’t have to be the biggest guy to find success. That said, for me, I have chosen to get in the gym because I want to be as strong as possible.

    “That, to me, is more important than being chiseled or having a six-pack. I have to work really hard because I’m naturally skinny. I think God wanted me to be an accountant!”

  • Cody Rhodes Shows Off Custom Weight Belt For All In (Video)

    Cody Rhodes Shows Off Custom Weight Belt For All In (Video)

    Cody Rhodes is preparing for his match at All In next month.

    The former WWE Intercontinental Champion will face Nick Aldis for the NWA World Title. Rhodes is self-funding All In alongside The Young Bucks. It goes down from the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Illinois on September 1st.

    Yesterday Rhodes took to Twitter and debuted his custom weight belt that he will debut at All In. The title has “Do The Work” and “Rhodes” inscribed on it. Check it out here:

    Rhodes and The Young Bucks have acquired some of professional wrestling’s biggest names for the card. You can check out the match card and broadcast information here:

    Zero Hour Preshow on WGN America (6P.M. ET)

    • Over Budget Battle Royale (Winner races Jay Lethal for the ROH Title): Brian Cage, Jordynne Grace, Moose, Rocky Romero, Colt Cabana, Ethan Page, Billy Gunn, Jimmy Jacobs, Marko Stunt, Trent, Chuckie T, Brandon Cutler, Virgil, TBA
    • The Briscoes vs. Frankie Kazarian and Scorpio Sky

    All In on PPV (7PM ET)

    • Adam Page vs. Joey Janela
    • Tessa Blanchard vs. Madison Rayne vs. Chelsea Green vs. Britt Baker
    • Stephen Amell vs. Christopher Daniels
    • Kazuchika Okada vs. Marty Scurll
    • Kenny Omega vs. Pentagon
    • ROH World Title: (C) Jay Lethal vs. Over Budget Battle Royale winner
    • NWA World Heavyweight Championship: (C) Nick Aldis vs. Cody Rhodes
    • Rey Mysterio, Bandido and Fenix vs. The Young Bucks and Kota Ibushi
  • Tyler Bate Likes To Think He Is WWE’s Strongest Man

    Tyler Bate Likes To Think He Is WWE’s Strongest Man

    NXT’s Mustache Mountain, Tyler Bate and Trent Seven, recently spoke to The Mirror. Bate has shown amazing feats of strength inside the ring at times. He says he likes to think he is WWE’s strongest man:

    “I like to think I’m the strongest man in WWE. It’s why I call myself the Big Strong Boi.”

    Recently, WWE introduced an NXT UK Women’s Championship. Spoilers on that here. Bate said he thinks it’s a great opportunity for the women of NXT UK to show what they got:

    “It’s a great opportunity for all of the women in the company to show the world what they’re made of and show everybody how good they are. I’m looking forward to everybody else getting to watch them perform and I’m sure they will do a great job.”

    Quite The Comparison

    At NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn 4 Mustache Mountain failed to capture the NXT Tag Team Titles. The Undisputed Era defeated them to retain their titles. On the TakeOver panel, Pat McAfee compared Mustache Mountain to the British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith and Dynamite Kid).

    Trent Seven said it was very complimentary to receive such a comparison:

    “Yeah, well he was very complimentary. It does make you think about just what kind of impact we can have as regards being UK and British wrestlers, having the chance to travel abroad and overseas, being able to wrestle on that stage, it’s a burden I’m more than happy to have.”

    Bate sympathized with his partner’s sentiment, and believes they can live up to the pressure of such a comparison:

    “Yeah it’s a lot of pressure to be compared to teams like the Bulldogs and I think Mustache Mountain can really live up to that pressure.”

    Seven agreed, saying he believes it’s that kind of pressure that pushes talents to the next level:

    “I agree, I think it’s that kind of pressure that really pushes people on to the next level. Our goal is to continue climbing the ladder of WWE and eventually get on the main roster but for now, let’s just keep building the brand of NXT UK.”

  • Jim Ross Reveals The Unlikely Genesis Of His Friendship With Paul Heyman

    Jim Ross Reveals The Unlikely Genesis Of His Friendship With Paul Heyman

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross and Paul Heyman have been friends for decades. The duo worked together multiple times over the years, first in WCW and later in WWE. On the latest episode of the The Jim Ross Report podcast, JR revealed their friendship actually formed after Ross was arrested for DUI (driving under the influence).

    “I’ve mentioned before that I’ve had a DUI.” Ross said. “I’m not proud of it. I lost my drivers license for, I think, three months or six months. I’m not sure, but I know my driver was Paul Heyman, which let me get to know Paul and we started working together.

    “And you see how that has worked out over the years, very good. It’s funny how sometimes a calamity can bring people together. And the volatile ‘Happy’ Heyman and I became connected through my stupid DUI.”

    Today, Ross is featured on WWE TV from time to time. Heyman has served as the Advocate for Brock Lesnar in recent years. Following Brock Lesnar’s loss to Roman Reigns at SummerSlam, it remains to be seen whether or not he will remain with the company.

    Last summer, Paul Heyman made a surprise appearance at the Ringside with Jim Ross show during SummerSlam weekend. Heyman gave an emotional speech about JR’s late wife Jan, who had been killed by a reckless driver just weeks earlier.

  • Jack Swagger Claims He’d Own Brock Lesnar In Amateur Wrestling

    Jack Swagger Claims He’d Own Brock Lesnar In Amateur Wrestling

    Former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Jack Swagger was recently interviewed on Submission Radio.

    Swagger signed a deal with Bellator MMA last year and will compete in their heavyweight division. Bellator’s new signee is actually a decorated amateur wrestler. He wrestled for the University Of Oklahoma and was named an All-American.

    His background is similar to that of Brock Lesnar. Lesnar is also a decorated NCAA Division I heavyweight amateur wrestler. He subsequently signed with WWE before going on to win a UFC title.

    Jack Swagger vs. Brock Lesnar In Amateur Wrestling

    Swagger was asked if he and “The Beast” ever challenged one another on the mat. Swagger suggested he’d pretty much own Brock Lesnar in amateur wrestling:

    “By compare wrestling techniques you mean that I can take Brock Lesnar down at will? Yes, then we compared wrestling techniques.

    “I could close my eyes and tie one hand behind my back and I could bounce Brock Lesnar’s forehead off the mat if he ever, ever tried to wrestle with me (laughs).”

    He was then asked if he ever needed to use his amateur wrestling in the ring when a WWE star got out of control. Swagger then shared an interesting story about himself, Cesaro and Brodus Clay:

    “Oh yeah, absolutely. Sometimes the amateur wrestling doesn’t send the right message. Like, if you squeeze someone down and put the clamps on and they’re still like squirming a little bit, sometimes you just gotta use the old right hand to get them to calm down.

    “You can ask Cesaro about this. I’m friends with Brodus Clay, but we were tagging with him on Raw one day and he just wasn’t getting the message.

    “And like, Cesaro was hitting him pretty hard and tagged me in, and I started hitting him hard and he still wasn’t getting the message. So me and Tony just kind of looked at each other, and I mean, I hit him with everything I had and I’m pretty sure he went down (laughs).”

    Discussion: Do you think Swagger could own Lesnar in amateur wrestling? Sound off in the comments section below!

  • Steve Austin Comments On Becky Lynch’s Heel Turn At SummerSlam

    Steve Austin Comments On Becky Lynch’s Heel Turn At SummerSlam

    WWE Hall Of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin recently reviewed SummerSlam on his podcast, The Steve Austin Show.

    One of the key moments from SummerSlam was Becky Lynch’s heel turn. Initially Lynch was to face Carmella for the SmackDown Live Women’s Title in a Singles match. However, upon Charlotte Flair’s return from surgery, she was inserted into the match.

    Flair wound up winning the Triple Threat bout and the SDL Women’s Title. After the match, Lynch attacked her now-former friend after becoming fed up. Austin seemed amazed by the reaction Brooklyn had to the moment:

    “All the women, damn good.” Austin said, “Carmella, probably the least experienced in the ring, for sure the least experienced, great character though.

    “Anyway, they’re telling their story and all-of-a-sudden, the finish goes down, and then, at the end of the match… I want to talk about this, just the psychology and people’s reaction there in Brooklyn, New York, whatever you want to call it.

    “Charlotte goes over. She’s happy, obviously. Becky and her are close friends. They hug, and then, just that big ass right hand, slap. And then, more devastation from Becky Lynch and she blows the roof off the place. She’s turning heel and gets a babyface reaction.”

    In Austin’s estimation, he believes Charlotte Flair is a far better heel. He also prefers Lynch as a babyface. Austin questions whether or not fans will accept Lynch as a heel:

    “I’m a fan of all the women in this match, but I love Charlotte as a heel.” Austin admitted, “Becky, she’s a better babyface than heel, but she’s that fiery individual that people just really love, so I’m wondering if they’ll take her as a heel.

    “And I thought Charlotte was very effective in the sell job, kind of sitting there on her ass. I don’t know, awestruck, or dumbfounded, or just devastated of what happened to her. So I thought her selling on the backend of that was very strong and very effective.”

    Discussion: What do you make of Austin’s comments about Lynch’s heel turn? Sound off in the comments section!

    H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

  • Taeler Hendrix Says She Will Never Join WWE

    Taeler Hendrix Says She Will Never Join WWE

    Former IMPACT Wrestling and Ring Of Honor (ROH) star Taeler Hendrix recently spoke to GO Pro Wrestling.

    Hendrix said that it’s an honor to be known as one of the women who helped start various women’s divisions. She had a key role in ROH’s Women Of Honor and is currently working in the NPWL’s women’s division.

    “Never”

    When asked when fans could expect to see her in WWE, Hendrix’s answer was simple. “Never.”:

    “Never,” said Hendrix, “Never. “I am with National Pro Wrestling League and I am very happy. I found a home for myself, I found a brand that I can believe in, and I can help revolutionize.

    “And, honestly, not many women can they’re there for the starting of a division. And this just isn’t any division, let’s be clear. This isn’t just an independent. This is a TV program. This is a revolutionary program. How many women are going to be able to say that?”

    Despite not having any interest in signing with WWE right now, Hendrix says she wishes WWE all the best. She’s content where she is right now with NPWL’s women’s division:

    “I wish the WWE best, but I know where my home’s at, I know where my heart’s at, and I go where I’m really appreciated,” Hendrix said. “I go where I’m gonna see the most potential for myself.

    “For all of my dreams, my hopes, my aspirations. Have I had opportunities with the WWE? Yes. Have I had opportunities with TNA, Ring of Honor? Yes. I’ve done, in this business, almost everything I’ve ever wanted to do to some level, in some way, shape, or form.

    “So, I think that’s really cool for the little girl in me that watched it growing up to be able to say.”

    H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

  • Alexa Bliss Says She’s Preparing For Ronda Rousey Rematch

    Alexa Bliss Says She’s Preparing For Ronda Rousey Rematch

    WWE Superstar Alexa Bliss was interviewed by the CT Post during her appearance at the Connecticut Open.

    Bliss comes off a RAW Women’s Title loss to Ronda Rousey at SummerSlam over the weekend. She admitted that if anyone had to take the title off of her, at least it was Ronda Rousey. Not many get to say that they shared the ring with the female mixed martial arts (MMA) pioneer:

    “My thing on the whole situation is if there’s anyone that had to take the title from me at least it was Ronda Rousey,” Bliss said.

    “Not many people can say they had their first big title loss to Ronda Rousey. I guess I’m OK.”

    Bliss pointed out that she still has a rematch clause that she looks to invoke soon. She says she’s currently preparing for the rematch but doesn’t know quite yet when it will take place:

    “But I do have a rematch clause that I get to invoke at any point,” said Bliss. “Every champion is entitled to a rematch. I am preparing for that. I don’t know when it’s going to happen. She’s going to hold the title for now, but she’s not going to hold it for long.”

    WWE Evolution

    Aside from a pending rematch with Rousey, Bliss has another high-profile match on the horizon. She has been announced to be facing Hall Of Famer Trish Stratus at WWE Evolution. The pay-per-view (PPV) is WWE’s first all-female show in history:

    “It’s very exciting,” said Bliss. “I’ve always loved Trish, I always watched Trish growing up. I actually got to meet her for the first time at the Women’s World Rumble Match.

    “I wasn’t able to be part of it because I was holding a title at the time. I’m really excited to be in the ring with her, to have this match with an idol.

    “I really want to work with Trish. I’ve worked hard for this. It might be a little harder to get mad and mean at Trish.”

    Discussion: Do you want to see Bliss rematch Rousey? Sound off in the comments below!