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

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 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.”

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. pic.twitter.com/ECYLzMKbFo

— Dan Gable Museum (@wrestlingmuseum) August 28, 2018

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.

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

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.”

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 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!”

pic.twitter.com/b7IBRloGPd

— Sam Gradwell (@sam_gradwell) August 27, 2018

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!

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!

Brie @BellaTwins & @WWEDanielBryan vs. @MaryseMizanin & @mikethemiz at #HIAC!!

Only one thing to say… YES! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/saD8BcUS8c

— WWE (@WWE) August 22, 2018

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!

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 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!

Here's a snippet of my chat with @XavierWoodsPhD at #insomnia63 and he addresses the internet's speculation on when the New Day will break up and which member of the group will turn on the group first. @TrueKofi? @WWEBigE? Himself? Just watch. #WWE pic.twitter.com/LK8lTWRR5B

— Alex McCarthy (@AlMac_talkSPORT) August 25, 2018

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

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 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:

Very special weight belt crafted for @ALL_IN_2018

This Saturday on PPV/@FiteTV & @ringofhonor Honor Club pic.twitter.com/WFMMcikLwm

— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) August 26, 2018

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

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.”

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.

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

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

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!

Former WWE Intercontinental and United States Champion Carlito recently called in to the Chair Shots To The Cranium Show.

Carlito talked about traveling the world and working the independent scene. He noted he probably travels more overseas now than he did when he was with WWE. Carlito then commented on what he has learned since being released from WWE eight years ago:

“I think I’ve had time to really think about things,” Carlito said. “I enjoy the slowed-down pace. What I’ve learned is kinda like what I think the great athletes like basketball players and stuff what you start to learn as your physical abilities start to dissipate or whatever. You start to adjust to succeed otherwise.

“I feel like a much better wrestler just because of new ways that I have found to workaround situations and entertain people.

“It’s like a total difference performance now than when I was younger when I was just worried about how high I could jump or what flip I could do.”

When Carlito was getting his start in WWE, the company’s developmental system was still in Ohio Valley Wrestling. Today WWE has innovated NXT and the Performance Center. These tools weren’t at the disposal of stars from Carlito’s era.

He admits he has yet to see much of NXT but hears good things about it. Carlito did say, however, that there’s one issue he has with the system. He feels that today performers adapt to one system’s style as opposed to utilizing their own unique style of working:

“I don’t know much about NXT, I don’t really see much of it,” Carlito continued. “I’ve heard it’s a great product.

“I heard the [WWE Performance Center] is a state-of-the-art thing like you know, I wish we had that in our day — we didn’t have that — so you know they have a whole staff training. Not just wrestling, but weight training and all kinds of stuff

“I think it’s great. The only thing is I’ve always been a fan of not throwing everything into one bucket, like having different styles.

“I feel like a lot of those guys just go into a system and instead just work the system’s style and they start to deviate from what makes them unique.”

Discussion: What do you make of Carlito’s comments? Sound off in the comments!

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

WWE NXT Champion Tommaso Ciampa finally has an entrance theme.

Ciampa had been making his way to the ring in silence since turning heel. Now, in the midst of his NXT Championship reign, Ciampa has changed things up a bit. Last night WWE held its latest batch of NXT tapings at Full Sail University.

During the tapings, it was revealed that Ciampa will no longer be making his way to the ring in silence. WWE has now given Ciampa an entrance theme to walk out to. Watch a fan video showing the new theme here:

THE CHAMP IS HERE…CIAMPA GOT MUSIC!!!!! #Blackheart #NXTFSLive #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/tnXJgdQHea

— C ? Ross (@C_Ross22_) August 24, 2018

Ciampa comes off a successful NXT Title defense at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn 4 on SummerSlam weekend. He defeated rival Johnny Gargano in a Last Man Standing match in the night’s main event.

Recently, Ciampa went as far as telling WWE.com that he believes he’s the best sports-entertainer of all time:

“It’s good to be champ, and right now, there truly is no debate. I am the champion of champions.

“I’m the main event. I’m untouchable. I, Tommaso Ciampa, am the greatest sports-entertainer of all time.”

He also suggested that he’s the perfect role model for children to look up to:

“If you are teaching your child to be content with a participation award, then you already failed at life. If you want your kid to be a winner, then tell them to look at Tommaso Ciampa for inspiration.”

Ciampa is certainly a confident character to say the least. Just 13 days after winning the NXT Title, he suggested he already has the greatest title reign in history:

https://twitter.com/ProjectCiampa/status/1026833788754685952

“I have been the NXT World Champion for 13 days,” Ciampa Tweeted.

“During that time, I’ve successfully defended my title against Aleister Black, Velveteen Dream, and EC3.

“You are witnessing the greatest NXT Title reign in history. Don’t take my gift for granted. Enjoy every second of it.”

Discussion: What do you make of Ciampa getting an entrance theme? Are you for it, or against it? Sound off in the comments!

Matt Hardy is currently taking a break from in-ring competition. Last week it was reported that Hardy will be taking an extended break to deal with nagging injuries. Hardy’s health will be reevaluated later this year. For now, there’s no indication that Hardy plans on retiring. However, Wrestling Observer Newsletter suggests his in-ring future is in question.

Recently, Hardy has been gearing up for the next chapter of his professional wrestling career. Hardy was recently “shadowing” WWE producers, with some speculating he’s preparing for a backstage role transition.

The 25-year professional wrestling veteran would be a huge asset backstage, as many have raved about his wrestling IQ. On Sunday afternoon before SummerSlam, Hardy took to Twitter to comment on his new role:

Hardy suggested it was strange to be a part of the show in a “different capacity”:

It’s quite strange to be at @WWE @SummerSlam in a different capacity. pic.twitter.com/wXNF18j9M6

— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) August 19, 2018

He also Tweeted out a photo of himself working with WWE broadcaster Mike Rome backstage at the Barclays Center:

I look ok in a suit. pic.twitter.com/DPg7DxLwFm

— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) August 19, 2018

Matt Hardy Confirms His Producer Role

Yesterday, Hardy further elaborated on his backstage role at SummerSlam. He confirmed that he was working as a producer at the show. Hardy said he loved working backstage, and also mentioned he was babysitting his sons at the same time:

I absolutely LOVE this behind the scenes @WWE Summerslam photo. Producing content AND babysitting at the same time. pic.twitter.com/HRrKOFgrpj

— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) August 23, 2018

Reby Hardy

Hardy’s wife, Reby, had this to say about her husband’s “transitional time” recently on an appearance on the Busted Open satellite radio show:

“Matt is good,” she said. “Matt is right now going through a transitional period. He’s not really sure what he’s going to be doing. His contract is up in March, which I’m not sure many people are aware of.

“But there’s sort of a decision to be made at this point as to whether or not he should continue his in-ring career or if he should pursue something different, which he would totally be up for and would be excited to do, I feel like.

“So, he’s kind of giving it a go right now backstage. He’s at SummerSlam. He’s not on the card but he’s there. And we’re kind of going to see from here. It’s really a transitional time right now.”

Discussion: What do you make of Hardy’s backstage role transition? Do you expect him to wrestle again? Sound off in the comments section below!

The poster for WWE Evolution has finally been released.

WWE’s first-ever all-female pay-per-view (PPV) is set for October 28th. The action goes down from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. Women from WWE’s past and present will be competing on the card.

Now, the poster for the historical event has finally been released. It features WWE Hall Of Famers Trish Stratus and Lita. NXT stars Kairi Sane and Shayna Baszler are also featured. Main roster figureheads such as Ronda Rousey, Alexa Bliss, Sasha Banks, Charlotte Flair and Asuka are all front-and-center as well.

Check it out here below:

WWE Evolution Match Card

The match card for Evolution is shaping up rather nicely thus far. There are currently four Title matches set for the PPV. Check out the current card for the show below:

• RAW Women’s Championship: (C) Ronda Rousey vs. TBA
• SmackDown Live Women’s Championship: (C) Charlotte Flair vs. TBA
• NXT Women’s Championship: (C) Kairi Sane vs. TBA
• NXT UK Women’s Championship: TBA vs. TBA
• 2018 Mae Young Classic Tournament Finals: Io Shirai vs. Toni Storm
• Alexa Bliss vs. Trish Stratus

**Card subject to change**

Discussion: What do you think about the poster for Evolution? Do you think anyone was left out? Sound off in the comments!

IMPACT Wrestling World Champion Austin Aries was recently a guest on Keeping It Real With Konnan.

Aries discussed the differences between working in WWE and IMPACT Wrestling. Since leaving WWE last year, Aries has returned to great success on the indies. He currently holds several titles from different promotions. Of course, the most prominent of the bunch is his IMPACT World Title.

Why Aries Doesn’t Watch Much Pro Wrestling

During the episode, Aries noted that he doesn’t watch much professional wrestling anymore. He said that today’s product is more geared towards a young audience and it doesn’t appeal to him:

“I really don’t watch a lot of wrestling. I really don’t. People are surprised that I don’t. There was a time that I really loved pro wrestling, but I’m not a pro wrestling junkie, per se,” Aries said.

“I don’t have a lot of free time with the amount of traveling that I do, but most of pro wrestling isn’t catered to me. I am not a kid.

“There are a lot of guys that complain to me about the product, but it’s like, well, you are not a kid. It is catered to sell t-shirts and merchandise to kids and their parents.

“That is why with some of the things that we are doing at Impact Wrestling and other places there are more of a resurgence to more of an adult-orientated version of pro wrestling because that is what is missing for a long time,” he continued.

“Maybe, there is something we can do at Impact Wrestling that some corporate companies don’t want to touch. I think that there is a lot of people that miss what pro wrestling can give them too.

“I don’t watch a ton of it, I watch enough to see what is going on, I think it is also good to not be watching it because your ideas are your ideas.”

Discussion: What do you make of Aries’ comments on why he doesn’t watch much wrestling anymore? Sound off in the comments!

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

John Cena has announced his latest non-WWE endeavor.

Entertainment Weekly reports that Cena has partnered with hypnotist Chris Jones for a new prank series on Facebook Watch. Cena is producing and appearing in the six-episode series that will run 12-15 minutes long.

The show will also feature celebrities such as Steve-O, Adam Rippon, NeNe Leakes, Gabriel Iglesias and Pamela Anderson. The show’s premiere is set for September 5th. Watch a preview for the program here. Cena said the following about the show:

If you thought you couldn’t C me in a @WWE ring, get ready to do a #DoubleTake — premiering on Facebook Watch September 5th! https://t.co/xA91AI0CqN

— John Cena (@JohnCena) August 22, 2018

WWE even released a statement on Cena’s new show. Here’s what they said:

John Cena to star in new Facebook Watch prank show

John Cena is gearing up for quite a busy fall season. As far as in-ring action goes, The Cenation Leader is preparing to debut his “6th Move of Doom” for WWE Live Shanghai on Saturday, Sept. 1, and he’s training for a tag team match at WWE Super Show-Down, where he’ll partner with Bobby Lashley to face off against Kevin Owens and Elias on Saturday, Oct. 6.

Outside the ring, though, Cena will star in a brand-new Facebook Watch prank series, “Double Take.”

As announced by Entertainment Weekly, Cena will partner with celebrity hypnotist Chris Jones for “Double Take,” featuring celebrities pranking their biggest fans … but with a twist.

The 16-time World Champion took to Twitter with the news, sharing excitement and a taste of what’s to come.

Don’t miss “Double Take” when it premieres Wednesday, Sept. 5, on Facebook Watch!

Cena’s Current Whereabouts

“The Leader Of The Cenation” is currently in China filming a movie with Jackie Chan. He has been in the gym working on his physical appearance for the film. Cena is investing a lot of time into this project.

In fact, he missed his first SummerSlam in 15 years recently in order to film in China.

Discussion: What do you make of Cena producing “Double Take?” Will you be checking it out? Sound off in the comments below!