Roman Reigns will once again face Brock Lesnar for a WWE World Title.

Reigns is set to challenge “The Beast” at the company’s SummerSlam pay-per-view (PPV) this weekend for the Universal Title. The action goes down from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on August 19th.

This will be the fourth one-on-one bout between Lesnar and Reigns for a WWE World Title. Lesnar and Reigns first collided at WrestleMania 31 for the WWE World Title. In the end, Seth Rollins cashed in his Money In The Bank (MITB) briefcase to spoil their moment.

Next, Reigns challenged Lesnar on “The Grandest Stage Of Them All” three years later at WrestleMania 34. Lesnar defeated Reigns clean after a bloody back-and-forth contest. And lastly, Reigns again failed to capture the Universal Title from Lesnar at The Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia.

Reigns Speared Lesnar outside of the cage; and although his feet hit the ground first, Lesnar’s back landed before. Lesnar was declared the winner. Now Reigns will get a fourth opportunity at defeating “The Beast.”

There has been some criticism amongst the professional wrestling community about these two being matched-up yet again. Reigns recently addressed these criticisms in an interview with Sporting News. Here’s what he had to say:

“I think it’s awesome. We have a lot of critics. A lot of opinions nowadays with social media and everybody being able to connect. People can say whatever they want but I think 20 years from now, if you look at it, the three years, the first one we had (WrestleMania 31), that was a banger. That was two titans going at it. We killed each other. Then we had a couple of multi-man matches mixed throughout then the next one at ‘Mania (33).

“Say what you want — by the end of it, if you go back and watch the physicality, you can say whatever you want. Oh, there’s a lot of suplexes. But it’s Brock Lesnar. He’s a big ol’ giant, cornfed wrestler that throws bodies around. With blood all over the canvas, I thought it was a pretty good story and a good, physical contest.

“Then the third one, singles-wise, was in Saudi Arabia and I speared the guy through the freaking cage. It was the craziest action sequence other than Titus (O’Neil) about sliding back to America. I thought that was a pretty good contest as well. I think in due time, on top of what he’s doing with bouncing between UFC, there’s nobody like him.

“We literally have another one that is the top name in Ronda Rousey and you don’t hear her floating with the idea of getting back in that Octagon but Brock Lesnar is ready to step in there tomorrow if you’d let him.

“I think he’s — not to sound like Paul (Heyman) — he’s a once-in-a-lifetime athlete and for me to have this awesome rivalry with him over the past three years, I think it’s a huge defining mark for my career and it definitely was a launching pad coming from 2015.”

WWE NXT Superstar Ricochet recently did an interview with TV Insider to talk about several professional wrestling topics. During their conversations, Ricochet talked about finally getting to WWE after having worked for several promotions beforehand.

Ricochet has worked for the likes of Chikara, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, Dragon Gate, New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and Lucha Underground. Ricochet said working in WWE has been exciting since day one:

“WWE has been exciting since day one. Right now, it has been figuring out who I am going to be and what I’m going to be about. From the talent to the coaches to the medical staff to everyone in the locker room, it’s been amazing.”

He also talked about all the guidance he has received working at the WWE’s Performance Center:

“They’ve all helped me a lot and shown me how to look at wrestling totally different, in the best way possible,” he said. “Just about the timing, having positioning. Top to-bottom, in the ring and out of the ring, I’m looking at it in a whole new space of mind. I think it’s for the better.”

Keeping The “Ricochet” Ring Name

Ricochet then talked about getting to keep his “Ricochet” ring name in WWE after spending the past 15 years building it up:

“It was cool because the last 15 years of my life has been about trying to build up a name. When I got to WWE, there was some rumblings about changing it. I was okay with that because it has worked in the past, and I had a few choices lined up.

“But when they said I was able to keep it, it meant the world to me because it was definitely a name I put my blood, sweat and tears in building. I built my own name. All the hard work built up to this.”

We have some more details on Jim Neidhart’s passing.

It was announced yesterday that former WWE Tag Team Champion Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart had passed away. Neidhart is the father of current WWE Superstar Natalya. WWE paid tribute to Neidhart with a video package during Monday Night RAW last night.

According to a report from TMZ, Neidhart fell down at around 6:30 A.M. in his Florida home. He passed away shortly thereafter. Neidhart’s wife, Elizabeth, told emergency personnel that Neidhart collapsed while having a seizure. He hit his head during the fall.

She added that Neidhart got out of bed after having difficulty sleeping. He was going to change the thermostat. When he touched the thermostat he “turned weirdly as if he were about to dance. He then fell towards the wall and ground.”

Elizabeth subsequently called 911 as she thought he was suffering from a seizure. She noted that Neidhart “suffers from seizures and takes medication” for them. Neidhart hadn’t had a seizure since December of 2017.

When emergency personnel arrived at Neidhart’s home in Wesley Chapel, Florida, he was found on the floor with a four-inch gash on his face. Investigators also found medication in the home but determined that it had not been abused.

Kevin Nash is a World Champion in professional wrestling again. Nash competed at a Big Time Wrestling over the weekend and defeated Armstrong to win the Big Time Wrestling World Title. Nash hit his signature Jackknife powerbomb for the victory.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vo-XrFoPe7c&feature=youtu.be

Nash’s win is an amazing feat considering what he was dealing with not too long ago. He tweeted the following after the win:

Thanks Big Time Wrestling for the honor. Thanks @FlexArmstrong1 for the sacrifices you have given this business. Most important the friendship we've shared. pic.twitter.com/Se4vLXmjNQ

— Kevin Nash (@RealKevinNash) August 11, 2018

Nash’s World Title History

Of course, Nash’s victory of the Big Time Wrestling Title isn’t his first World Title victory. Nash is a four-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion and won the WWE Championship once as well.

Aside from World Title victories, Nash is a former Intercontinental and Tag Team Champion in WWE. He also won nine Tag Team Titles during his time with WCW with partners such as Scott Hall, Diamond Dallas Page and Sting.

It looks like Mick Foley told Vince McMahon to keep his eye on one current UFC Champion.

Recently the WWE has shown interest in scooping up stars from the mixed martial arts (MMA) world. WWE inked Ronda Rousey to a professional wrestling contract earlier this year.

They have worked with former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar for the past several years now. Lesnar is currently WWE’s Universal Champion and is set for a title defense this weekend at SummerSlam.

There are also reports that WWE has signed former UFC fighter-turned-professional wrestling Matt Riddle. It’s pretty clear WWE enjoys bringing in mixed martial artists. So what’s one more name to the list?

WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley recently spoke to TMZ Sports on the matter. During the interview, it was revealed that Mick Foley told Vince McMahon to keep his eye on current UFC champion Cris Cyborg.

Cyborg is currently the women’s featherweight champion for the MMA promotional juggernaut. She’s preparing for a possible superfight with UFC women’s bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes.

Foley revealed that he has actually been keeping in touch with Cyborg as of late:

“I’ve been trading messages with her the past few nights. I saw she was in New Jersey and so I’m going to be attending a viewing party with Cris Cyborg.”

Cyborg has a history with current WWE star Ronda Rousey. Although they never fought, Cyborg and Rousey traded barbs with one another thought the MMA media for several years.

Both women were at the top of the sport during their heyday. Cyborg is still in the midst of a lengthy undefeated streak. As for Rousey, it looks like her time in the Octagon has come to an end:

“You never know. I had a meeting with Mr. McMahon and I told him ‘Keep your eye on this Cyborg-Nunes fight. She’s gonna be larger than life.’

“I think she’d be great – I think she’d make a great WWE Superstar down the line, but she’s concentrating first and foremost on this superfight and I think it’s going to be one of the biggest fights in UFC history.”

IMPACT Wrestling star Tessa Blanchard has a bright future with the promotion after signing a longterm deal.

Blanchard is a third generation wrestler. Her father is WWE Hall Of Famer Tully Blanchard and her grandfather is NWA legend Joe Blanchard. Since beginning her training back in 2014, Blanchard has done work for various promotions.

She has made several appearances on WWE TV, worked for World Wonder Ring Stardom and The Crash. She currently serves as the Women’s Champion for the latter and is also in her first reign with the IMPACT Knockouts Title.

Blanchard spoke to Icon Versus Icon recently and discussed several professional wrestling topics. During the conversation, Blanchard was asked about who her favorite wrestler of all time is.

She named former NWA star Johnny Valentine as her all time favorite. Blanchard also expressed interest in sharing the ring with Gail Kim. She called Kim “one of the best women’s wrestlers in the world!”:

“My favorite wrestler of all-time is Johnny Valentine. I believe him to be the best bad guy ever in wrestling and he is my absolute favorite.

“Actually, recently I had a conversation with Greg Valentine about this at WrestleCon Mania Weekend in New Orleans. Female-wise, one person that I really, really, really would like to share the ring with is Gail Kim.

“I say that because I believe her to be one of the best women’s wrestlers in the world!”

We have an update in regards to the lawsuit between Randy Orton’s tattoo artist & WWE/2K Sports.

Several months ago Orton’s tattoo artist, Catherine Alexander, filed a lawsuit against the companies. She alleged they used her original tattoo designs on the WWE 2K video game without her permission.

In full, Alexander is suing WWE, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., 2K Games, Inc., 2K Sports, Inc., Visual Concepts Entertainment, Yuke’s Co., Ltd. and Yuke’s LA Inc.

Attempt To Dismiss The Case

Previously, both WWE and 2K Sports attempted to have the suit dismissed. Alexander filed the lawsuit in the United States District Court of Southern District of Illinois. However, WWE is headquartered out of Connecticut.

As a result, WWE argued the United States District Court of Southern District of Illinois doesn’t hold jurisdiction over them.

PWInsider reports that Alexander responded by saying “the court does not have personal jurisdiction over each entity because they chose specifically to aim their alleged infringement of her copyrighted work directly in the State of Illinois and because when previously contacted, WWE offered her a payment of $450 for the rights. ”

The response also included copies of six copyright applications for the assorted designs. They dated back to March of 2018. The court has ordered that all findings in regards to the case wrap up by January 7th.

A settlement conference has been scheduled for April 16th.

Its been a rough go for Tegan Nox in WWE. Last week, she suffered an injury during her Mae Young Classic match with Rhea Ripley.

The injury was particularly disheartening because it’s the second year in a row that her Mae Young Classic hopes were dashed due to injury. After signing with WWE in early 2017, she was forced to withdraw from last year’s MYC due to a torn ACL she suffered before the tournament began.

WWE COO Triple H ESPN about the situation, which he called heartbreaking.

“Tegan, to me is this story of, you know, last year we really wanted her to be in the tournament and she had the ACL injury that prevented her from being in it,” he said.

Nox was out of action for the remainder of 2017 recovering from that knee injury. After all the hard work it took for her to be medically cleared, tragedy struck again.

“To come here and be in a position to where, let me just say, it couldn’t have been any more heartbreaking for her. Emotionally, just couldn’t have been any more heartbreaking. I don’t know, at this point, what happened. She landed funky on a dive and hurt herself.”

Following her injury, Nox posted a message on Twitter explaining that she will not be deterred by injuries. “Freak accidents happen, it’s part of the job,” she said.

https://twitter.com/TeganNoxWWE_/status/1027804630963691520

Nox showed tremendous fortitude getting back in ring shape for this year’s tournament. This is another bad setback, but hopefully it will motivates her to get back in a WWE ring.

In case you missed it last week, check out Mae Young Classic Results (Spoilers) to find out how the tournament unfolded and who will wrestle in the finals at WWE Revolution.

Bray Wyatt Teases New Entrance Theme

It looks like Bray Wyatt is looking to shake things up. That may include a new entrance theme for “The Eater Of Worlds.” In his latest Tweet, Wyatt hinted at wanting a new WWE theme. He even tagged some artists that he’d like to hire for the job.

https://twitter.com/WWEBrayWyatt/status/1028770565216194562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Kevin Owens On WWE Getting New Universal Champion

It’s possible the WWE Universe has a new Universal Champion after this weekend. Current title-holder Brock Lesnar will defend his strap against Roman Reigns at SummerSlam. The pay-per-view (PPV) will go down Sunday from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

On the other hand, Kevin Owens will be challenging Braun Strowman for the Money In The Bank (MITB) briefcase. Its been speculated that the winner could have an impact on Reigns’ and Lesnar’s match.

Owens cut a promo at a WWE live event in Roanoke, Virginia over the weekend. He said in one week we’ll have a new Universal Champion. “KO” didn’t note exactly who that would be. Perhaps he’s teasing that he’ll leave New York as the new Universal Champion?

Check out the video here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmZfrqKHcFa/?utm_source=ig_embed

Discussion: Do you think Owens will win the Universal Title this weekend?

We have an update on Brock Lesnar’s status for tonight’s episode of Monday Night RAW.

“The Beast” will defend his Universal Championship at SummerSlam against Roman Reigns this weekend. It will be the fourth time the pair have matched up for a WWE World Championship.

“The Biggest Party Of The Summer” takes place Sunday, August 19th, from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Tonight’s episode of RAW will be the go-home show before the pay-per-view (PPV).

Lesnar is not advertised to make an appearance tonight. Despite this, Cageside Seats reports that “The Beast” is in fact scheduled to appear. It will be interesting to see if Lesnar interacts with Reigns before their meeting this weekend.

Also, it will be interesting to see the dynamic between Lesnar and Heyman heading into SummerSlam. Last time Lesnar was on WWE TV he attacked both RAW General Manager Kurt Angle and Heyman.

The storyline has led many to speculate that Heyman could turn on Lesnar this weekend, costing him the Universal Title in the process. The winner of Braun Strowman and Kevin Owens’ Money In The Bank (MITB) briefcase match is also speculated to have an impact on the match.

Join us here this weekend for our WWE SummerSlam live coverage.

Since Dean Ambrose has been sidelined with an injury, Seth Rollins has seriously flourished in WWE.

Ambrose has been out-of-action since late last year with a tricep injury. In his absence, Seth Rollins has been taking on a big role on Monday Night RAW. Rollins has been used frequently in the Intercontinental Title picture.

“The Architect” had an amazing year with WWE. He won the RAW Tag Team Titles with Jason Jordan. Next he won the Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania 34 in a Fatal Four Way match. Rollins had one of the most impressive performances of the year in a Gauntlet match on RAW earlier this year as well.

Not to mention consistently putting on great matches whenever he takes to the squared circle. Rollins recently spoke to The South China Morning News during WWE’s visit to Shanghai.

In regards to Ambrose’s injury, Rollins calls it “a blessing in disguise for my singles career”:

“Not that I would wish injury on Ambrose at all, but that was something that lit a fire underneath me. It’s definitely been a blessing in disguise for my singles career.”

A Great Year With WWE

Rollins is a candidate for Superstar Of The Year thus far, but admits that SmackDown Live’s WWE Champion AJ Styles isn’t too far behind him:

“Yeah, it’s been a really good year for me. Honestly, you look at my body of work from SummerSlam last year to SummerSlam this year – I really don’t think there’s anybody on the main roster, aside from an AJ Styles give or take, that can compare with what I’ve done.

“From winning the tag team titles, to winning the Intercontinental title at Mania, to the gauntlet match performance on Raw, to some of the matches I’ve been a part of the last six months, nobody can hold a candle to what I’ve done in the ring. I definitely feel I’m back on top for sure.”

Xavier Woods had a terrible experience on an airplane recently.

The New Day member was recently traveling and was stuck on an airplane for several hours. Woods and his fellow passengers were left stuck on the plane without air conditioning and were apparently all sweating.

Their initial pilots for the flights didn’t make it in time and a whole new crew had to be brought in. Those who were hungry were given the option to get off the plane and get something to eat in the airport. However, they’d have to take the risk of the plane leaving with zero warning.

Woods then said the plane began to smell because of the heat and everyone sweating. When the pilot finally arrived the entire plane began to cheer. To add more bad luck, it was only the co-pilot and he couldn’t fly the plane alone. They again had to wait for the captain.

When the captain finally arrived, the plane was understandably in a bad mood. To make matters worse, the captain warned the flight would be a very turbulent one due to weather. Finally the plane took off several hours later and the occupants finally received air conditioning.

The entire documentation from Woods was extremely entertaining and comedic. You can read the full line of Tweets here below:

Been sitting in an airplane since about 2:25pm…. We still haven't taken off. I'm pretty sure they have just decided to cook us. So many people are dripping sweat. Goodbye forever.

— Austin Creed (@AustinCreedWins) August 9, 2018

Day 31
We have now been told that the pilots are out of time and shall be leaving so we have to wait for a new crew. I haven't felt the wind on my face in so long. I wonder what the world is like now?

— Austin Creed (@AustinCreedWins) August 9, 2018

Day 86

One of the flight attendants just sprinted all the way to the front of the plane. Is something wrong? Is she doing wind sprints? Am I hallucinating? Am I even on an airplane? pic.twitter.com/EQ2NAfSHUs

— Austin Creed (@AustinCreedWins) August 9, 2018

Day 112

We have received word that things should be fine soon. Or that they also may not be fine soon. We have been told we can leave to go get food in the terminal but also that as soon as they are told we can leave then they are leaving with zero warning. My brain… It melts pic.twitter.com/QvcLRl7wju

— Austin Creed (@AustinCreedWins) August 9, 2018

Day 168

People are starting to spiral. Some are leaving, some are crying, some are screaming obscenities, there was a child here at one point but now its nowhere to be found. I think something on the plane is eating us. I am living inside the breakdown of humanity.

— Austin Creed (@AustinCreedWins) August 9, 2018

Day 205 (live)

The current stench inside this festering tube of filth has reached another level. It smells as if a rotting garbage can was tossed into a larger can of also rotting garbage that has been cooking all day inside of an industrial sized crockpot.

— Austin Creed (@AustinCreedWins) August 9, 2018

Day 248

A PILOT HAS ARRIVED! He walked into the plane while people cheered, kissed, someone threw underwear at him. But the cheers came to a halt when someone said "He can't take us alone, he's the co-pilot". So we waited, and waited. This mysterious "Pilot" may just be a myth.

— Austin Creed (@AustinCreedWins) August 9, 2018

Day 283

The plane is fine. Its filled with gas. It's filled with hungry, sweaty, angry people. We seek a hero to save us. His name is "Pilot". They said he was coming but he's not here. The only logical excuse would be that he was eaten by the monster that ate the child earlier. pic.twitter.com/AUC2yfJOO9

— Austin Creed (@AustinCreedWins) August 10, 2018

Day 316

I heard glass breaking in the distance then he appeared. The Pilot walked on the plane but the people had already soured. At this point we who were once civilized and clean were now savages covered in filth. We stared at him in disbelief as he walked to the cockpit…

— Austin Creed (@AustinCreedWins) August 10, 2018

Day 350

The strange pilot man speaks to us from on high
"the weather is bad"

I've never heard more harmonic sarcastic gasps in my life.

"So if you dont like horrible flights then get off the plane because this one wont be fun"

Thank you for your honesty but like…wut?

— Austin Creed (@AustinCreedWins) August 10, 2018

Day 384

The lights are off, the stench is high, people (if we can even call ourselves that anymore) are quietly growling as the ac finally turns on and begins to harden the pungent sweat against our heated flesh. But the plane is moving. Is this it? Will we finally escape?

— Austin Creed (@AustinCreedWins) August 10, 2018

Day 412

We are coming off the ground. If you find and are reading this then remember me and subscribe to my youtube channel. Breeze prolly runs it now.

— Austin Creed (@AustinCreedWins) August 10, 2018

Day 471

I thought it was over. I thought I had escaped. All of these people are waiting on lyft. It's backed up for miles. The previously hardened sweat from earlier begins to coagulate against my tired flesh. The monster has come with me. I cannot escape it. pic.twitter.com/RtLhZ2WGY0

— Austin Creed (@AustinCreedWins) August 10, 2018

WWE’s SummerSlam pay-per-view (PPV) is right around the corner. This year’s “Biggest Party Of The Summer” goes down from the Barclays Center in the Brooklyn, New York on August 19, 2018.

The card is full of great bouts and pivotal match-ups. This year’s card, however, will be greatly different from those of years’ past. It was noted by the WrestleVotes Twitter account that something about this year’s show will break a 30-year streak.

It will be the first SummerSlam not to feature John Cena, The Undertaker, Triple H or Bret Hart in the past 31 years:

Currently, as is, this will be the first SummerSlam ever to not feature one of these 4 superstars: Bret Hart, The Undertaker, Triple H or John Cena. In the past 31 years, the card has incldued at least one of them. pic.twitter.com/ZhwfgPrGhH

— WrestleVotes (@WrestleVotes) August 9, 2018

As it stands, the only two stars who have the slightest possibility of appearing are Cena and Taker.

The pair went one-on-one at WrestleMania 34 in April. Undertaker defeated Cena in a squash match at the New Orleans event. Cena has since expressed interest in a rematch to avenge the loss. Its been rumored that a possible rematch could happen at SummerSlam.

Undertaker even teased the rematch in a recent Instagram post. As of this writing, however, it doesn’t seem like Cena vs. Taker is a possibility for SummerSlam. Triple H isn’t involved in any WWE storylines at the moment, so a match for him wouldn’t make sense.

Finally, Bret Hart has long been retired from in-ring competition and won’t be competing either. With all that being said, it looks like this year’s SummerSlam will be the end of an era.

The SummerSlam Card

Check out SummerSlam’s full match card thus far below:

• WWE Universal Championship: (C) Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns
• WWE Championship: (C) AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe
• WWE RAW Women’s Championship: (C) Alexa Bliss vs. Ronda Rousey
• WWE Intercontinental Championship: (C) Dolph Ziggler vs. Seth Rollins
• WWE United States Championship: (C) Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Jeff Hardy
• WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship: (C) Carmella vs. Becky Lynch Charlotte Flair – Triple Threat Match
• Kevin Owens vs. Braun Strowman – if Owens wins then he gets the MITB contract
• Finn Balor vs. Baron Corbin
• WWE Cruiserweight Championship: (C) Cedric Alexander vs. Drew Gulak
• Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz
• WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship: (C) The Bludgeon Brothers vs. The New Day

Hulk Hogan is back in the WWE fold.

Several years removed from being fired by the promotion, Hogan was reinstated earlier this year. Hogan had a sex tape leak out into the public which included some racist comments towards African Americans.

As a result, he was removed from their Hall Of Fame and essentially black-listed from WWE history. Earlier this year before the WWE’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view (PPV), Hogan was reinstated into the Hall Of Fame. He also apologized to the entire WWE roster.

Its been said by several stars that the locker room is split on the reception of Hogan’s apology. IMPACT Wrestling star Abyss was recently interviewed by Wrestling Epicenter.

During the interview, Abyss offered his thoughts on Hogan’s reinstatement into the WWE Hall Of Fame. Abyss, who has worked with Hogan before in TNA, said he’s “thrilled” for “The Hulkster”:

“I’m thrilled about it. I’m so happy for him. I know how much it means for him to be back in the Hall of Fame. I got to know him really, really well when Hulk was working for Impact Wrestling. We became close, we became friends.

“We still talk. A lot of the things that happened were unfortunate. A lot of the things that happened were not good. I think he was truly apologetic, I think he truly feels sorry about it.

“I think he’s taken his rightful place back in the WWE Hall of Fame and back in wrestling history, I think that means more to him than anything in the world.”

Its only been two years since Alexa Bliss has been on WWE’s main roster. In those two years, however, Bliss has accomplished so much.

She is a three-time RAW Women’s Champion and a two-time SmackDown Live Women’s Champion. Bliss is also the first woman to have held both titles in history. Now, Bliss is preparing to defend her RAW Women’s Title in the biggest match of her career.

“Little Miss Bliss” will step into the ring at SummerSlam against Ronda Rousey. The pair will go one-on-one at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on August 19th. Their issues with one another go back to the Money In The Bank (MITB) pay-per-view (PPV).

Bliss cashed in her MITB briefcase just as Rousey was on the verge of defeating Nia Jax for the title. She used the briefcase to attack both Rousey and Jax before cashing-in and leaving Chicago with the strap.

Now, Rousey will attempt to extract her revenge at SummerSlam – taking the RAW Women’s Title in the process. Bliss recently spoke to Hollywood Life to discuss her professional wrestling career.

Her accolades with just two years on the WWE’s main roster were mentioned. In regards to what she has left to accomplish in WWE, Bliss had this to say:

“You know, I feel like I have had a very fortunate time with WWE over the last two years. I went to my first WrestleMania as SmackDown Women’s Champion and then I went to my second WrestleMania as the Raw Women’s Champion.

“I have been very fortunate with the opportunities that I have been given and for me, I think I just want to elevate this Women’s Evolution and division.

“The women are stepping the game up, time and time again. That is what I really want to focus on because I pretty much done all what there is to do and I am grateful for that. So I am looking forward to the next generation coming in and see how we can elevate the Women’s Revolution together!”

The Miz has shared a rare photo from his days on the indy scene.

Before embarking on his professional wrestling career, Miz (real name Mike Mizanin) got his start as a reality TV star on MTV. He appeared on “The Real World” in 2001 and appeared on several seasons of the show’s spin-off, “Real World/Road Rules Challenge.”

In 2003 he began his pursuit of a career in professional wrestling. He trained and performed under the Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW) banner for a year. In 2004 WWE scooped The Miz up and signed him to a developmental deal. He has remained with the company ever since.

Currently on SmackDown Live, Miz is involved in a feud with former WWE World Champion Daniel Bryan. The pair will go on-on-one at SummerSlam later this month. Miz has been poking fun at Bryan’s indy background and urging him to return to the “bingo halls.”

He recently shared a rare picture of himself from his early indy days. Check it out here:

https://twitter.com/mikethemiz/status/1027611568660508673

Miz’s WWE Career

The Miz has been a regular on WWE programming for the past several years. He has blossomed into one of the industry’s best heels throughout his career. Miz is a former WWE Champion who has main evented WrestleMania opposite John Cena.

He is also an eight-time Intercontinental Champion, a six-time WWE Tag Team Title winner, and a former Money In The Bank (MITB) winner. Earlier this year Miz also won the first-ever Mixed Match Challenge tournament with Asuka.

Miz frequently appears on E! Network’s “Total Divas” reality show, alongside his wife Maryse. The couple also have their own reality show on USA Network, “Miz & Mrs.”

WWE Hall Of Famer Nikolai Volkoff was one of three professional wrestling deaths on July 29th last month.

The former WWE star passed away after being hospitalized for several days due to dehydration and other issues. Go Pro Wrestling has released an interview they did with Volkoff back in May.

It’s likely the last interview he did before his passing. Volkoff talked about WWE’s Rusev and Lana, and praised how good of people they are. He worked with the pair back in 2014 on an episode of Monday Night RAW in a backstage segment:

“Rusev and Lana, they’re good people,” Volkoff said. “Rusev is a good athlete and Lana is a beautiful lady.

“They’re a good couple and I wish them all the best, they’re very beautiful people. They even speak Russian.”

He then talked about how much the landscape of professional wrestling has changed since his day. Volkoff noted that change is necessary as people grow over time, and credits Vince McMahon for doing so:

“Everything’s changed, nothing’s stayed the same. Wrestling had to change the way people change because if you don’t change with the people then you’re missing something.

“Vince McMahon is a very intelligent man and he knows what to do that’s why he’s doing so good.”

Volkoff In Wrestling

Volkoff began wrestling in 1967. He worked for NWA and had several runs with WWE. After doing work in the AWA, Volkoff returned to WWE as an evil Russian aligned with The Iron Sheik. They won the Tag Team Titles together in 1985.

In 2005 Volkoff was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame by Jim Ross. It is one of the most star-studded HOF classes of all time; as it also included Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper, “Cowboy” Bob Orton, Jimmy Hart, Paul Orndorff and The Iron Sheik.

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

The Undertaker has teased a rematch with John Cena on Instagram.

“The Deadman” joined the social media world not too long ago, and its been entertaining to say the least. Undertaker has shared photos of himself at concerts, vacations and even showed off his new gun safe.

He also posts a lot of old photos from his career with people such as The Rock and Paul Bearer. Undertaker’s latest picture was a shot from his WrestleMania 34 meeting with John Cena.

Undertaker defeated “The Leader Of The Cenation” in New Orleans in a squash match. Cena has expressed interest in a rematch since the defeat.

Many have speculated that the match could take place at SummerSlam. However, there are currently no indications that Cena or Undertaker are booked for the show.

The WWE’s Super Show-Down in Australia on October 6th has also been suggested. The only issue with that is Undertaker is slated to face Triple H on that show.

Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter has since reported that there have been talks “around in certain circles including insider circles.”

Undertaker Teases Rematch With John Cena

All rumors aside, Undertaker now seems to be getting in on the fun. He posted the following photo from he and Cena’s match in April:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmOllfIAAPn/?taken-by=undertaker

In an interview with Sports Illustrated earlier this year, Cena talked about his WrestleMania loss to Undertaker and said it was an honor to bring back a WWE icon:

“I did not do well in this match. My ‘WrestleMania Moment’ was to spend the time in the crowd and not do well in a very short performance, but I loved it because it got the job done.

“The focus was not me, the focus was someone else. Often times, we look at things so selfishly, asking, ‘What’s in it for me?’ Well, what was in it for me was the chance to reintroduce a WWE icon.

“I had to stretch the suspension of disbelief to its breaking point to do it, but it was awesome.

“Every single week, the crowd would chant at the top of its lungs and no one thought I would be sitting in the crowd at WrestleMania, but I was able to do that. I was able to go out and be handily defeated in three minutes and bring back an icon.

Nick Aldis believes Triple H made an ill-informed decision by not signing him to a WWE deal. Aldis, who is the husband of current WWE star Mickie James, is a veteran of the sport. He has worked for promotions like TNA, Global Force Wrestling (GFW), Ring Of Honor (ROH), Pro Wrestling Noah and more.

Aldis currently works for NWA where he serves as the promotion’s World Champion. Aldis will defend his title at “All In” on September 1st against Cody Rhodes in Illinois. Recently, Aldis joined Busted Open Radio to talk about several topics.

During the interview, Nick Aldis discussed not getting signed by WWE. Aldis called out Triple H and said he made an ill-informed decision by not signing him. He then had a challenge for “The Game.”

The NWA World Champ suggested he challenge him for his title. “They can take it however they want. It’s my understanding that a certain man who has a lot of power in that company who I have modeled myself after a lot over the years, has a replica of the 10 Pounds Of Gold on his office wall.

Aldis continued, “All I’m saying is if he ever wants an opportunity to hold the real one in his hands, all he’s gotta do is pick up the phone. It might be a chance for me to prove to the little birds he’s got buzzing around him that have been burying me to him that he’s been making an ill-informed decision when he had the chance.”

Nick Aldis & WWE

This isn’t the first time Nick Aldis has spoken out about not getting a fair shake in WWE. He told Interactive Wrestling Radio last month much of the same:

“If I had a dollar for every time I was asked why I’m not in the WWE. I’d never have to wrestle again. For different bulls–t political reasons and for different personal reasons, they won’t give me an opportunity there.”

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

Becky Lynch doesn’t date within the WWE.

Many in the company often do the opposite, and eventually get married. Couples such as Lana and Rusev, Naomi and Jimmy Uso, and Stephanie McMahon and Triple H all met in WWE. Of course, there are plenty of stars within WWE who have dated and since split.

This doesn’t seem to interest Becky Lynch. The former SmackDown Live Women’s Champion was recently a guest on Hall Of Famer Jim Ross’ podcast, The Ross Report. She discussed not having interest in dating within WWE in effort to keep drama out of her professional life:

“Do you know what? I think that’s one thing, that again, I’ve always wanted especially because you’re going to be around these people all the time.

“And, like, I would like to keep that separate from my own personal life and I feel like everyone ends up becoming like a family member.

“Do you know what I mean? Like, a brother or whatever and I just want to keep my work life so drama-free, so however I can do that, I can go in, not have any awkwardness with anybody, not have any fights.” Lynch added, “everything’s about the work.”

Lynch has a chance to reclaim the SmackDown Live Women’s Title. She will participate in a Triple Threat match for the strap at SummerSlam against Charlotte Flair and defending champion Carmella.

The pay-per-view (PPV) goes down from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on August 19, 2018.

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

Many fans have been wondering what the deal with James Storm has been.

Storm has remained relatively absent from the professional wrestling world for the past several months. He recently took to social media to offer fans an update. Storm revealed for the past seven months he has been focusing on his physical appearance.

He also asked fans to tag the promotion they’d like to see him work for:

“Everyone keeps asking me where I’m going & where would I like to go. For the last 7 months I’ve wanted to concentrate on being in the best shape I can be & the best I can be in and out of the ring.

“So, Where do you guys think I should go? Tag the promotion you want to see me in.”

https://twitter.com/JamesStormBrand/status/1026993858826121219?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1026993858826121219&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mandatory.com%2Fwrestlezone%2Fnews%2F984593-james-storm-opens-up-about-the-past-seven-months-how-hes-looking-for-the-right-promotion

Storm’s Links To WWE

Storm was a longtime member of TNA’s roster. He also did work for promotions such as New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), Pro Wrestling Noah, Defiant Wrestling, Insane Championship Wrestling and more.

Interestingly enough, Storm has made a few appearances on WWE TV for their NXT brand. Of course, that didn’t last very long as he opted not to sign with the company. In recent months, however, Storm has been rumored for a possible WWE move. He sometimes appears backstage at WWE events.

In a recent interview with Inside The Ropes, Storm commented on how he’d feel working a WWE schedule:

“I’m one of those guys that I like to be considered a road warrior. Like I don’t care about how many days I’m on the road. My wife loves for me to be on the road, she’s like: ‘get out of the house.’

“I just love to wrestle. That is why I got into wrestling is to wrestle. You always hear people complaining about being on the road too much and the travel and the hotels — pussies, f–k that. That’s what I’m about.

“Put me on the road because that’s what I signed up for to entertain these people. Run around in the world in my underwear and entertain the people.”

WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross is confused by WWE’s portrayal of Brock Lesnar as he approaches SummerSlam.

“The Beast” will defend his Universal Title against Roman Reigns from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on August 19th. Last week on RAW, Lesnar ran rampant on the program by attacking General Manager Kurt Angle. He even put his hands on his longtime advocate Paul Heyman.

WWE has been portraying Lesnar as someone who doesn’t care about the WWE fans, business or title. The fact that Lesnar is set to return to the UFC soon also feeds into that narrative.

WrestleZone Radio recently caught up with “Good Ole’ JR” and got his thoughts on Lesnar’s SummerSlam build. Ross said that he wouldn’t have taken the approach WWE has been using with Lesnar as we approach “The Biggest Party Of The Summer”:

“In hindsight it’s easier for us all to judge, myself included. Everybody likes to be a Monday morning quarterback and since we are recording this on Monday morning… It’s quarterback time.

“I would not have taken that approach, I do not believe in doing a negative sell, I just don’t think you get anything out of it, I think it’s the wrong kinds of emotions that you are attempting to create.

“I believe that, in my view, I would have taken a different route. That doesn’t mean that their route is wrong it just means that I don’t get it yet.”

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExE7e6bqRXg]

We now have full details on WWE’s 2018 Mae Young Classic tournament.

Earlier today WWE made the official announcement on several topics regarding the tournament. First, it was announced the tournament will premiere on September 5th on the WWE Network.

The single-elimination tournament continues each Wednesday until two competitors are left. The finals will be held at the all-female WWE Evolution pay-per-view (PPV) on October 28th on the WWE Network.

Commentators for the tournament will be Michael Cole, Renee Young and WWE Hall Of Famer Beth Phoenix. It’s the first time in WWE history that two women are in the announce booth. Cathy Kelley and Shadia Bseiso will also join the broadcast team as they will handle backstage interviewing responsibilities.

Kayla Braxton is serving as the ring announcer for the tournament. WWE has confirmed 31 of the 32 participants in the tournament thus far. The final slot will be announced on tonight’s episode of NXT (spoiler here).

Check out the list of confirmed competitors here below:

• Kaitlyn (U.S.)
• Io Shirai (Japan)
• Tegan Nox (Wales)
• Kacy Catanzaro (U.S.)
• Toni Storm (Australia)
• Jinny (England)
• Ashley Rayne (U.S.)
• Kavita Devi (India)
• Meiko Satomura (Japan)
• Rhea Ripley (Australia)
• Deonna Purrazzo (U.S.)
• Reina González (U.S.)
• Lacey Lane (U.S.)
• Jessica Elaban (U.S.)
• Nicole Matthews (Canada)
• MJ Jenkins (U.S.)
• Karen Q (U.S.)
• Zatara (Chile)
• Mia Yim (U.S.)
• Mercedes Martinez (U.S.)
• Allysin Kay (U.S.)
• Hiroyo Matsumoto (Japan)
• Xia Li (China)
• Zeuxis (Mexico)
• Isla Dawn (Scotland)
• Aerial Monroe (U.S.)
• Rachel Evers (U.S.)
• Priscilla Kelly (U.S.)
• Killer Kelly (Portugal)
• Vanessa Kraven (Canada)
• Xia Brookside (England)

History Of The Mae Young Classic

Last year during WrestleMania 33 weekend WWE announced its first ever Mae Young Classic. The tournament featured 32 female professional wrestlers from around the world. WWE Hall Of Famers Lita and Jim Ross served as commentators for the tournament.

When it was all said and done, Japanese star Kairi Sane emerged victorious by defeating Shayna Baszler in the finals. In the aftermath of the tournament, however, Baszler has emerged as the more successful of the pair thus far.

She is the current NXT Women’s Champion and could bee eying a main roster call up in the next several months.

The passing of former WWE Tag Team Champion Brian Christopher (Grandmaster Sexay) has hit the professional wrestling world pretty hard.

One man who felt the affects of Christopher’s passing rather personally, was WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross. “JR” served alongside Christopher’s father, Jerry “The King” Lawler, as the commentary duo for Monday Night RAW for several years.

Ross On Christopher’s Passing

He offered his thoughts on the matter in a recent episode of his podcast, The Ross Report. Ross doesn’t quite understand why Christopher was being held in solitary confinement. Christopher was only being held for a DUI charge:

“I never quite understood the reason for that,” said Ross. “I understand getting incarcerated for a DUI, or any other crime, I get that.

“But, in the solitary confinement? Unless you’re gonna say that it was for his own protection, I don’t know.”

Ross then put over Christopher’s in-ring skills and also joked about hinting on WWE TV that Grandmaster Sexay was in fact Lawler’s son:

“I loved calling his matches with the King during the Attitude Era, as many as already remarked on social media,” said Ross.

“Because I always had fun hinting that ‘Grandmaster Sexay’ was the King’s son. Good ole days, right? Good ole days.”

Christopher’s Passing

Christopher was arrested late last month on DUI and evading police charges. Several days later he was hospitalized for an apparent suicide attempt in prison.

Medical staff at a local Tennessee hospital were able to keep Christopher alive long enough for his family to say their final goodbyes. He was just 46-years-old.

Christopher’s father, Jerry Lawler, believes that “There may be more to this than meets the eye,” in regards to his son’s death. As a result, an investigation was opened into the matter.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqIUfaAefwA]

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

Matt Riddle suffered a nasty injury over the weekend during his EVOLVE World Title loss to Shane Strickland.

Riddle will join WWE at the company’s next TakeOver event prior to SummerSlam later this month. After his loss to Strickland, Riddle’s mother took to Instagram and shared a nasty injury her son suffered during the match.

The former UFC fighter lost the tip of what looks to be his right index finger. Check out a photo of the injury below (WARNING: it’s a bit graphic and contains some blood):

“Thank you for watching and checking in on him @prowrestling5star! Today Matt wrestled an intense hardcore match that involved tables, ladders and chairs. The first chair clip took the tip of his pointer finger off (wrong finger in my comment).

“Blood within the first few minutes got the kids attention for sure. He explained to them today that he was going to wrestle hard, and it was going to be intense to watch. They smiled and said they couldn’t wait to see.

“It did rock them a little. Watching Dad get carried off like he did was not easy. Thankfully Fred got the wink he did at them on video! When he showed them how Dad gave them a wink as he was getting taken out they felt better.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmFAhj8Ao5K/?utm_source=ig_embed