– First-ever Women’s Royal Rumble winner and RAW Superstar Asuka has made her decision to challenge SmackDown Live Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 34. Asuka made her SmackDown Live debut this past Tuesday to confront “The Queen.”

Many fans have been wondering if this now means “The Empress Of Tomorrow” is a SmackDown Live Superstar. WWE still lists Asuka as a RAW competitor, however, if she beats Flair at WrestleMania for the SmackDown Live Women’s Title that’s likely to change.

– A fan recently took to Twitter to tell Heath Slater that he wants to see WWE give him a push. Slater said that he doesn’t need a push, if he gets just a ‘nudge’ he can do the rest:

https://twitter.com/drew3282/status/974110509392949248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

I don’t need a push…. If I could just get a nudge I would do the rest.. #igotkids #wwe https://t.co/axPJwOy6wa

— HEATHXXII (@HEATHXXII) March 15, 2018

– Former WWE Superstar Mo of “Men On A Mission” (real name Bobby Horne) took to his Facebook page to reveal he was about to undergo a kidney transplant surgery this past Tuesday. Here’s what he had to say before the surgery:

“To all my friends, fans and family. I love you all. I just received the call. I am on my way to Medical City Hospital for a kidney transplant. Please keep me in your thoughts and. prayers. For the record. I am scared.”

He also recently set up a crowdfunding effort to help pay for his medical costs related to the kidney transplant operation. Here’s his post on the matter:

“Hello, I am Bobby L. Horne and I ad suffering from end stage renal failure. I am Currently on the kidney transplant list in the State of Texas. This fund raiser is to cover the astronomical cost of anti rejection medication for the first year following a transplant. I have spent the majority of my adult life helping others and more importantly our youth. Now I need your help. Anything you can give will be greatly appreciated.”

– It looks like WrestleMania 34’s card will feature two Triple Threat matches for WWE titles. We’ve already seen that Monday Night RAW General Manager Kurt Angle has announced The Miz will be defending his Intercontinental Title in one against Seth Rollins and Finn Balor. Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer reports that SmackDown Live will have a Triple Threat Title match of their own.

United States Champion Randy Orton is expected to defend his strap against both Bobby Roode and Jinder Mahal in New Orleans. Roode announced his intentions to use his rematch clause at WrestleMania against Orton, after losing the strap this past weekend at Fastlane to “The Viper.” Mahal recently picked up a singles win over Bobby Roode, however, so it’s possible he’s added to the match on SmackDown Live next week.

– As for the finals of the 205 Live Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, Meltzer reports the plan has always been for Cedric Alexander vs. Mustafa Ali to take place in the finals. After Alexander already solidified his place in the finals, Mustafa Ali vs. Drew Gulak will take place on next week’s 205 Live to determine Alexander’s opponent. It was also added that Alexander vs. Ali was the idea for the finals once the idea was developed to have the match take place at WrestleMania.

– We’ve noted that the Fabulous Moolah Memorial Battle Royal announcement from WWE has received a ton of backlash from the professional wrestling world. Fans were so upset they started a petition to have the name changed, a petition that has received nearly 10,000 signatures. WWE seems to be aware of the backlash from fans now, as they have turned off commenting abilities on their YouTube video about the Battle Royal:

LOL pic.twitter.com/YJ09ABc4JB

— ????? ??????? (@ifyouseekcasey) March 15, 2018

– Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer was recently asked on Twitter why the WWE doesn’t have an actual, physical WWE Hall Of Fame. Meltzer responded by saying Vince McMahon doesn’t see the economic value in it and nobody else has offered to ‘foot the bill’:

No reason other than they don't because Vince doesn't see the economic value to it and nobody else has offered to foot the bill https://t.co/5Dg7bqVvJZ

— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) March 14, 2018

As we’ve noted, SmackDown Live Commissioner Shane McMahon announced that Kevin Owens would be taking on Sami Zayn at WrestleMania 34. This was announced shortly before Shane took an indefinite leave of absence from his duties as SmackDown Live Commissioner. Shortly thereafter, Owens and Zayn viciously attacked McMahon which caused a storyline injury.

Bryan Alvarez speculated on Wrestling Observer Live that he can’t imagine another scenario other than a Triple Threat match between Owens, Zayn, and McMahon at WrestleMania 34. He also expects General Manager Daniel Bryan to serve as the Special Guest Referee for the bout.

Alvarez said WWE has put too much effort into this storyline for it to simply conclude with Owens vs. Zayn in a singles match:

“There are four weeks left until WrestleMania, I presume it will be Shane McMahon, Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens in a three-way with Daniel Bryan as the guest referee. I don’t know that for sure but I can not fathom the idea that they spent this much time building up something and then at the end of the day he’s just off the show because he got beaten up.

“I mean they played it up like it was near death but he’s a McMahon and I presume he will be back in a few weeks and build up that match with those two guys. So, I think that match will be added to Mania.”

H/T Ringside News for the transcriptions

– WWE currently doesn’t have any plans for Rusev to perform in a match at WrestleMania 34. It’s likely that WWE uses him in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal. “The Bulgarian Brute” recently took to Twitter to comment on his WrestleMania status and said he’d like to fight a celebrity in New Orleans:

I need a celebrity to fight me at #WrestleMania34 ! #RusevDay

— Miro (@ToBeMiro) March 14, 2018

RusevDay Vs Celebrity #RusevDayVsCelebrity

— Miro (@ToBeMiro) March 14, 2018

WWE Legend The Rock responded to Rusev’s Tweet and volunteered his good friend Kevin Hart:

Kevin Hart. He’ll put you over but you gotta kayfabe his STD

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) March 15, 2018

– Per a report from Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE Uk Superstar Tyler Bate has been sidelined with a minor knee injury. Bate was originally scheduled to team up with Trent Seven in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Tournament.

– It looks like WWE could have called off its plans to have Sasha Banks vs. Bayley at WrestleMania 34 this year. Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer is reporting that the match may no longer be taking place in New Orleans, as per his count he has 14 matches currently on the card. At this point WWE doesn’t really need to add another match to the card, meaning Banks vs. Bayley could get the snub:

“I think we got the whole WrestleMania card. I got 14 matches listed and I don’t think they need more than 14. I don’t think they are going to have any more. They could still throw in a Bayley vs. Sasha Banks match but I’m guessing they are both in the Battle Royal.”

– Meltzer also reports that NXT TakeOver: New Orleans seems to be besting the post-WrestleMania episode of Monday Night RAW as far as ticket sales go. TakeOver is actually near a sellout and will be going head-to-head with a Ring Of Honor (ROH) show which seats 5,000 fans – as opposed to NXT’s venue that can hold double that at 10,000.

H/T Ringside News for the transcriptions

Former WWE Superstar Rey Mysterio was recently a guest on former WWE Tag Team Champions Edge and Christian’s podcast, E&C’s Pod Of Awesomeness, to talk about several professional wrestling topics. “The Master Of The 619” first revealed that his son, Dominic, is currently in Tampa Bay, Florida training with Ring Of Honor (ROH) star Jay Lethal for his professional wrestling career:

“Yeah, my son, Dominic is training in wrestling and working. He’s up training with Jay Lethal right now.” Mysterio later added, “I’m going to have him train as much as he can in different countries. Right now he’s training with Jay. I want to get him out with Lance in Calgary [Canada]. Is he in Calgary?

“Yeah, uh huh. And eventually, if I can get him to Japan and to Europe. And the final touch would be the Mexican side. That’s when I get ahold of him and we do one-on-ones, so eventually, when it’s time to tap out and hang up the mask, I would love to leave him set, so he can take over the name and the brand and take it to the next level.”

Mysterio is undoubtably one of the greatest Cruiserweights in the history of the business, and inspired a completely new generation talents today. He admitted that he only recently realized the affect he has and on the business:

“Maybe within the last five years,” Mysterio considered. “I want to say, you start getting comments here and there at signings or events where you get local wrestlers coming up to you and they tell you that they’re training, that they’re wrestling, if I have any advice because they were inspired by watching me wrestle and Psicosis, and our generation, so that’s when it kind of hits you not as strong as later down the road when I run into an AJ [Styles], when I do run into a Will Ospreay, when I do run into Amazing Red, Ricochet, who just signed with WWE.

“After being able to wrestle with these guys and them expressing how much of an influence I was to their career, and how without me being in the position that I was throughout the years, that they are now having the opportunities to be able to perform at the level that they always wanted to. That’s when it hits you and you go, ‘wow’. I mean, it was a game-changer, it was a door-opener for all the smaller weight, the guys that at another time thought, ‘oh, I could never be a part of this.’

“And then, seeing me, ‘oh, if he can do it, I can do it!’ So that’s when it really hits and it makes you feel good, man. There’s no better feeling than to know that you’ve given others the opportunity to perform at the highest level possible.”

You can listen to Mysterio’s full interview on E&C’s Pod Of Awesomeness by clicking this link here.

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

– On last night’ episode of SmackDown Live it was announced that General Manager Daniel Bryan would be making his WWE TV return on next week’s episode. Bryan was absent from WWE Fastlane and this week’s episode of SmackDown last night. The reason for Bryan’s absence was because he was attending a family wedding.

– Speaking of SmackDown Live, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn viciously attacked SmackDown Live Commissioner Shane McMahon on last night’s show after McMahon announced he’d be taking an indefinite leave of absence from his duties on the show.

Before the beatdown he also announced Owens would be taking on Sami Zayn at WrestleMania as well. “KO” took to Twitter to comment on attacking Shane:

https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/973771853792727041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

– After the beatdown of McMahon by Owens and Zayn, WWE announced a storyline injury sustained by the SmackDown Live Commissioner as a result of the attack:

Shane McMahon suffers several injuries while being attacked by Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn on SmackDown LIVE

After announcing he would be taking an indefinite leave of absence from his role as SmackDown LIVE Commissioner, Shane McMahon was brutally attacked by Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, whom he had just placed into a match against each other at WrestleMania. McMahon suffered several injuries during the attack, WWE.com can confirm.

“He sustained a laryngeal contusion when the steel chair was wrapped around his head and thrown into the turnbuckle,” WWE medical staff said.

KO & Zayn continued the onslaught by dragging McMahon to the back and powerbombing him onto a metal rack, resulting in further injuries.

“He was then thrown onto the metal rack, which resulted in trapezius and rhomboid strains,” medical staff continued.

McMahon is currently being evaluated to make sure his airway is not compromised. Further updates on McMahon’s status are expected in the next 24 hours. Stick with WWE.com for more details as they become available.

– Dean Ambrose has been out-of-action since December last year after suffering a triceps tendon injury. He was initially expected to being out for up to nine months, which puts him out of the question for a possible WrestleMania 34 return. PWInsider is reporting that Ambrose is expected to fly to Birmingham, Alabama this week for an evaluation.

– Reby Hardy recently took to Twitter to fire back at recent rumors over next week’s expected “Ultimate Deletion” segment on Monday Night RAW. Reby’s Queen Rebecca character is expected to be featured in the segment, which was filmed last week at Matt’s compound in North Carolina.

One fan noted on Twitter that Jeremy Borash and Matt were given creative control over the segment. While that has not been reported by any credible sources, it has been confirmed that Borash helped with production of the segment as he was a big part of the original “Broken” segments in TNA. Check it out:

https://twitter.com/RebyHardy/status/973764245388017664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://twitter.com/RebyHardy/status/973768533493497856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

That they just end this whole thing because WWE dont have a clue how to use the Broken/Woken gimmick. I should be looking forward to this but im not

— Gareth Jay (@SaysGareth) March 13, 2018

https://twitter.com/SMAK2122/status/973765336230227970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

– Jeff Hardy’s wife, Beth, took to Twitter to note that she dropped Jeff off at his final physical therapy appointment this morning. Jeff has been recovering from surgery to repair a torn labrum & torn rotator cuff:

Just dropped Jeff off at his last Physical Therapy appointment. ??????

— Beth Hardy (@BethBrittHardy_) March 14, 2018

Jeff later took to Instagram to thank the Pinehurst Surgical physical therapy department for assisting him in his recovery:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgTlRmjBgyg/

– There has been a ton of controversy surrounding the WWE’s announcement of the first-ever Fabulous Moolah Women’s Battle Royal. Former 80’s WWE Superstar and Moolah trainee Jeannine Mjoseth issued the following statement to Pro Wrestling Sheet on WWE naming the rumble after Moolah:

“The Fabulous Moolah was a real-life heel. A lot of women paid to train at her school and then went out on the road. They risked life and limb in their matches and she repaid them with the worst kinds of abuses. She skimmed their money, she ignored women who were badly hurt, she pimped women out to creepy men and on and on. She was not a mother figure. She was more like Kali, the Indian Goddess of Destruction. I met her in my early 20s and I had never met such a monstrous person.

“I was smart enough to get the hell away from her and start my own independent career in Tampa as part of the Championship Wrestling from Florida. Luna Vachon, Peggy Fowler and I all left together, which I hope put a serious dent in her confidence, if not wallet.

“I understand why Moolah was so grotesque. Her family was dirt poor and she determined that she was never going to be hungry again. But it doesn’t excuse her dog-eat-dog behavior. I’d much rather see WWE establish a named match for outstanding wrestlers (and decent human beings) like Susan ‘Tex’ Green, Beverly Shade, Leilani Kai, Wendi Richter, Princess Victoria or Joyce Grable. They all put their hearts and souls into wrestling for decades and helped others along the way.

“But wrestling isn’t PC. It’s about generating heat. And you can’t draw more heat than naming a match for The Fabulous Moolah. May she be the last of her kind.”

– Nickelodeon is planning on rebooting its famed children’ TV series, Blue’s Clues, and WWE Superstar John Cena auditioned for the hosting gig. Former show host Steven Burns was recently interviewed by TMZ and was asked about Cena auditioning.

He said he believes the new host of the show should be an “average Joe” but he understands why the network is auditioning and considering a celebrity the calibre of Cena. Burns then said that if Nickelodeon is serious about having Cena host the show, he thinks they should fight for the gig:

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

– Former WWE Superstar Eva Marie has released a vlog in which she talks about cyber bullying. You can check that out here:

– As we’ve noted, Asuka chose to challenge Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 34 for the SmackDown Live Women’s Title. The 2018 Women’s Royal Rumble winner had her choice between Flair or RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss. Despite currently being a Superstar on RAW, “The Empress Of Tomorrow” decided to challenge SmackDown Live’s top woman instead. Bliss took to Twitter to react to Asuka’s decision:

I knew that @WWEAsuka was a smart girl. Hope you had fun at #WWEFastlane, Empress!

— Lexi (Kaufman) Cabrera (@AlexaBliss_WWE) March 12, 2018

– On the Fastlane pre-show last night Breezango teamed up with Tye Dillinger to defeat Mojo Rawley, Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin in a Six-Man Tag Team match. During the match Rawley was receiving “You can’t wrestle” chants from the crowd. He took to Twitter to react after the show:

https://twitter.com/MojoRawleyWWE/status/972988482321879040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

– WWE Champion AJ Styles successfully retained his title in a Six Pack Challenge at last night’s Fastlane pay-per-view (PPV) event. “The Phenomenal One” will now go on to defend his strap in a dream match against 2018 Men’s Royal Rumble winner Shinsuke Nakamura at WrestleMania 34. Both men took to Twitter to hype the upcoming title bout:

It’s been called a dream match…
A fantasy born in Japan…

Open your eyes, pinch your arms.
AJ Styles vs. @ShinsukeN for the @WWE Championship in THE main event of @WrestleMania.

— AJ Styles (@AJStylesOrg) March 12, 2018

I believed our destiny. It’s officially. @AJStylesOrg vs @ShinsukeN for the @WWE Championship in THE main event of @WrestleMania. #HellYeahOh !!!!!!

— Shinsuke Nakamura (@ShinsukeN) March 12, 2018

– Speaking of Royal Rumble winners, 2018 Women’s Royal Rumble winner Asuka appeared at Fastlane after Charlotte Flair successfully defended her SmackDown Live Women’s Title against Ruby Riot. She confronted Flair and pointed at the WrestleMania 34 sign, indicating her choice to challenge Flair at the event.

Although she didn’t verbally confirm her decision during the segment, a post-event interview with Cathy Kelly confirmed “The Empress Of Tomorrow” did in fact choose Flair for WrestleMania:

– WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz took to Twitter to congratulate and welcome new United States Champion Randy Orton to the Grand Slam Champions club. Orton defeated Bobby Roode at the Fastlane pay-per-view (PPV) event to capture the United States Title for the first time ever.

Orton is now the 10th Grand Slam Champion under the current format. He joins Big Show, Daniel Bryan, The Miz, Chris Jericho, Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, Edge, Kurt Angle, and Eddie Guerrero:

https://twitter.com/mikethemiz/status/973102767999987712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

– Speaking of Orton’s United States Title win, WWE posted a video of “The Viper” receiving his new title plates:

EXCLUSIVE: Out with the old, in with THE VIPER… #AndNew #WWEFastlane @RandyOrton pic.twitter.com/pH48MumOMX

— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018

– Also at Fastlane last night, 2018 Women’s Royal Rumble winner Asuka chose to challenge SmackDown Live Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 34. She joined Talking Smack after the PPV event to offer her thoughts on whether or not “The Empress Of Tomorrow,” who has remained undefeated in WWE for two years, is overrated. Flair said she’s not underestimating Asuka ahead of their WrestleMania clash, and she doesn’t think the Japanese star is underestimating her either:

Last night’s WWE Fastlane pay-per-view (PPV) event finalized a pair of key championship matches for WrestleMania 34. In the main event of the evening, AJ Styles successfully defended his WWE Title in a Six Pack Challenge match. He will now defend his WWE strap in singles action against 2018 Men’s Royal Rumble winner Shinsuke Nakamura at “The Showcase Of The Immortals.” Also on the card saw SmackDown Live Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair successfully defend her title against Ruby Riot.

After the match 2018 Women’s Royal Rumble winner Asuka, who had yet to announce who she decided to challenge at WrestleMania, came out after Flair’s victory to confront the champion. She pointed at the WrestleMania 34 sign while staring Charlotte down, indicating she had made her decision.

WWE Hall Of Famer and former RAW General Manager Mick Foley took to his Facebook page and suggested he thinks Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka will steal the show at WrestleMania 34 in New Orleans next month:

“FOLEY PREDICTS – this match will steal the show at #WrestleMania
The excitement surrounding #CharlotteVsAsuka is a testament not only to the two women in the match, but to every woman who helped make it possible – from those who laid the groundwork for the #WomensRevolution to those who raised the bar, to those who work so hard week in and week out to make #WomensWrestling stronger than it’s ever been – not just in #WWE but in #TNA #Shimmer #Shine US Indies and around the world.
What match do YOU think will steal the show at #Mania ?
The #20YearsOfHellTour begins #OneMonthFromToday in #ROSEMONT IL and continues with April shows in #DC #NASHVILLE #HUNTSVILLE #BIRMINGHAM and #EDMONTON & #CALGARY #Alberta
Get tix & info at http://www.realmickfoley.com/events/”

– PWInsider is reporting that Aro Lucha’s Jason Brown, Ron Harris, and Don Harris were backstage at Friday’s Lucha Underground tapings. Two days later on Sunday, IMPACT Wrestling’s Ed Nordholm was in attendance for a taping as well. The visits were reportedly part of the organizations trying to build a working relationship with one another of some sort.

IMPACT is already set to partner with Lucha Underground April 6th for a Twitch live event special as part of WrestleCon in New Orleans on WrestleMania weekend. Aro Lucha is currently looking for talent for its upcoming TV tapings that are scheduled to go down later this year in Nashville, Tennessee.

– Kevin Owens recently took to Twitter to suggest he thinks he should be WWE Champion. During last night’s Fastlane pay-per-view (PPV) main event; a Six Pack Challenge between AJ Styles, John Cena, Owens, Sami Zayn, Dolph Ziggler, and Baron Corbin, Owens looked as though he had the match won at one point.

SmackDown Live Commissioner Shane McMahon, who was sitting ringside for the entire match, interfered in both Owens and Zayn’s pinfalls that would’ve likely secured them the match. Owens took to Twitter to voice his frustrations:

https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/973062576732065793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mandatory.com%2Fwrestlezone%2Fnews%2F931263-kevin-owens-i-should-be-wwe-champion-right-now-watch-john-cena-be-humble-in-defeat-to-aj-styles

– Sports Illustrated is reporting that The Big Show’s WWE contract did expire in February last month. WWE has reportedly signed him to an agents contract in order to keep him with the company and prevent him from working elsewhere. Show recently stated that he plans to be back by WrestleMania 34.

– Just prior to WWE’s Fastlane pay-per-view (PPV) on the pre-show last night, Dolph Ziggler spoke to Cathy Kelly and Renee Young to hype his involvement in the main event of the evening – a Six Pack Challenge match for the WWE Title. During his promo Ziggler seemed to take a shot at WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar.

Ziggler said that SmackDown Live has their champion who defends his title week after week, seemingly taking a shot at Brock Lesnar’s part-time status over on Monday Night RAW:

“He [AJ Styles] is definitely a fighting champion and that’s been a huge factor that I like about SmackDown Live for RAW more. We have our champion, every night defending it but that also opens the door for me to slide in there and steal it.”

During a recent appearance for the Northeast Wrestling promotion earlier this month, former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Rey Mysterio suffered a bicep injury in the middle of his Tag Team match. Mysterio was still able to move his arm after the injury, however, had it been a complete tear he wouldn’t have been able to move it at all. As a result of the injury Mysterio did, and will continue to, miss some dates he was scheduled for.

Dave Meltzer recently discussed Mysterio’s injury on the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio and reports that the Mexican star is expected to miss a month of action. His status for the upcoming Long Beach show is currently unknown as it happens in two weeks from now:

“He was in Lexington yesterday and he said he would be out of action for one month. Now the long Beach show is two weeks from today and he said he didn’t know. At least I am going to say it’s touch and go. It may just be go. We’ll probably know in a day or two. I think he may wait until the end because he probably has this idea.

“If he can possibly do it because it’s New Japan then he will do it, but I think there is a recognition that he may not be ready in time.”

H/T Ringside News for the transcriptions

With Brock Lesnar’s WWE contract set to expire soon after WrestleMania 34 in April, it’s still up-in-the-air whether or not “The Beast” will stay with the company or return to mixed martial arts (MMA) competition in the UFC. Lesnar is currently scheduled to defend his WWE Universal Championship against Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania in New Orleans next month.

It’s expected that Lesnar will drop the strap to “The Big Dog.” WWE would like for Lesnar to enter a program with the returning Bobby Lashley soon after, but that’s dependent on whether or not he re-signs with WWE. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio reports that if Lesnar does want to return to the MMA world he won’t be allowed to work for the UFC simultaneously while with WWE:

“They won’t let him do it again and that’s why he’s leaving. Failed drug test is probably why. It’s a big risk for them. I was really surprised they let him fight with Mark Hunt. He had to kind of talk them into that. I think that they thought that he would beat Mark Hunt, which is surprising to a degree just because – well he did win. I thought that fight was far from a given that he would win.”

Meltzer then noted that a possible superfight at heavyweight against former 205-pound UFC champion Jon Jones is a key reason Lesnar is interested in returning to UFC. He also suggested, however, that “The Beast” could simply be leveraging WWE for more money:

“The big fight with Jon Jones is probably one he won’t win but there is so much money to be made and I think that’s why he wants to do that fight. I don’t think UFC is that comfortable having to work through WWE to get somebody that they don’t have under contract. I mean they did because it was UFC 200 and it was a special show but I think that they would rather not do that.

“I think that he would rather not have to go and get Vince McMahon’s approval on everything he does. So it just makes sense. If the right fight is there, then the money is there for him to leave. If it’s not, it’s different. The flip is this may all be a bluff anyways and he’s just doing it to leverage and to get a better deal from Vince.”

H/T Ringside News for the transcriptions

TMZ Sports uploaded a video in which they caught up with WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz and his wife Maryse. Miz was asked about how the thinks Ronda Rousey has done in WWE thus far. Rousey recently picked Stephanie McMahon to be her opponent at WrestleMania 34. She will team with Kurt Angle against McMahon and Triple H after Stephanie slapped her at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view (PPV) and Triple H sucker punched Angle on RAW.

Miz said that Rousey is doing a good job on WWE TV thus far despite picking the wrong people to mess with in Stephanie and Triple H:

“I think so. So far she’s getting a great reaction out of the crowd, and that’s what it’s all about. But I think she’s messing with the wrong people in Triple H and Stephanie McMahon.”

As far as Rousey’s in-ring work, Miz can’t really comment on it as he hasn’t seen “The Rowdy One” in the ring and doesn’t know where or who she was training with:

“Form as in being in WWE – transitioning from the WWE – I haven’t seen her do anything in the WWE yet, as in her wrestling. In UFC she’s incredible, she’s one of the baddest women on the planet. In WWE, it’s a completely different art and I haven’t seen her train in the ring yet. I’m not down – wherever she’s training, I haven’t been there, so I haven’t seen it.”

Miz was also asked what Rousey should name her signature Armbar in WWE:

“I don’t know. I haven’t really thought about that – “Baddest Armbar On The Planet?”

During last night’s Ring Of Honor (ROH) 16th Anniversary Show, current IMPACT World Champion and former ROH World Champion Austin Aries made a surprise appearance (showcasing all his current titles from various promotions) to challenge Kenny King for his ROH World TV Title. Aries has yet to win that championship in his professional wrestling career:

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/972307529446371328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/972308133539348480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

PWInsider reports that ROH and IMPACT are not currently working together in any sort of capacity. Aries is not signed to a contract with IMPACT so he is able to work for anyone else simultaneously at will. ROH and IMPACT have a rough history with one another after IMPACT bumped an ROH PPV off Direct TV thanks to a cease and desist letter for Matt and Jeff Hardy’s “Broken” gimmicks. Aries did reportedly alert IMPACT of his appearance for ROH last night and they supported his decision.

New IMPACT management are looking to run more of an open door policy to work with other promotions, and saw Aries’ appearance for ROH as a positive. IMPACT also allowed Aries to show off his IMPACT World Title at the show as well.

At Saturday night’s WWE live event from Minneapolis, Minnesota WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar was in action against Intercontinental Champion The Miz. You can probably guess how this one played out.

The Miztourage (Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel) tried helping out, but Lesnar ended up destroying them as well with suplexes. The referee called the match after about a minute after Lesnar had F5’d Miz, Dallas, and Axel.

The bell was rung without a pinfall even taking place and Lesnar was given his title back, which he hoisted up above his head as the crowd cheered.

“The Beast” then turned to the referee and hit him with an F5 as well before leaving the ring.

https://twitter.com/JJWilliamsWON/status/972312995932995587

Brock Lesnar © vs. The Miz – WWE live Minneapolis #WWEMinny: https://t.co/veOOyMSJZF via @YouTube

— WWEFanCam (@ProWresFanCam) March 10, 2018

Brock fighting everyone at #WWEMinny pic.twitter.com/fKqJTtDmNK

— Dan Virchow (@dannyvirchow) March 10, 2018

– The Rock has been receiving quite a bit of mainstream media attention for the video he posted with his young daughter earlier this week on International Women’s Day. Watch the adorable video here below:

“Girl power.
To every woman out there ‘round the world – all ages and races – I proudly stand by your side to always honor, protect and respect. Especially, the loves of my life at home.
Now if I can just get Jazzy to say the daddy is the most handsome, brilliant, sexiest man alive part, then we all gonna be cool.
#MyAnchors #InternationalWomensDay ”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgFhs6rlhvn/

– WWE posted the following YouTube video of the 10 “Most Infamous Sucker Punches In WWE.” Most recently, Triple H’s sucker punch on current Monday Night RAW General Manager Kurt Angle during a segment with Ronda Rousey was featured. Check out the video here:

– NXT General Manager William Regal took to Twitter to offer some advice to young current wrestlers looking to get into WWE. Regal noted that advertising themselves via Twitter is not the way to go about things:

If you are a Pro looking for work, be a Pro and find out the correct way to apply for @WWE or other Wrestling companies positions.Putting yourself over on twitter to companies is absolutely not the way to show yourself in the best way.

— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) March 9, 2018

WWE SmackDown Live Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair recently did an interview with Hollywood Life to talk about a variety of professional wrestling topics. Flair was asked about RAW Superstar and the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble winner Asuka possibly picking her to face-off against at WrestleMania 34:

“Streaks are meant to be broken and we’ve never faced each other. I think if she does choose me, then ‘The Empress’ versus ‘The Queen’ is a WrestleMania moment. I want to break her streak. I want to be that woman who can say, ‘I beat Asuka!'”

Flair was asked if she wants a regular match or a gimmick match against Asuka in a possible WrestleMania collision:

“You know, I thought about that. Maybe like a ‘Falls Count Anywhere’ match or an ‘Iron Man’ [match] but I think what will be so special is a regular match. No one has seen us in the ring before and we have such different backgrounds and styles. I don’t think it needs any enhancement or name on the match. I think just seeing us go at it on the biggest stage of all is just as exciting.”

Being the daughter of two-time WWE Hall Of Famer Ric Flair, Charlotte has learned a thing or two from one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. She discussed what she is still able to learn from “The Nature Boy”:

“The one thing I love about my Dad is he knows who he is and he never second-guesses himself. He is just Ric Flair. I don’t know how really to explain it, but if you watch the 30 For 30, he doesn’t apologize for knowing that he is the best. He wakes up every morning and lives life to the fullest. I appreciate that.

“And him being so honest and not being afraid, and telling me how he did something well or this or that. It’s just a hope that I can get to a point in my life where I don’t second guess myself. That is what I learn from him everyday.”

You can read Flair’s full interview with Hollywood Life by clicking this link here.

WWE Superstar Baron Corbin recently spoke with NOLA.com about several professional wrestling topics. Corbin is a part of tomorrow’s WWE Title match at the Fastlane pay-per-view (PPV); which will be a Six Pack Challenge between WWE Champion AJ Styles, John Cena, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Corbin, and Dolph Ziggler. “The Lone Wolf” explained his need to win the match by pinning Styles:

“While guys are worrying about what John Cena and AJ Styles are doing, I can take Sami Zayn’s head off and walk out WWE champion. Pretty simple. I think that’s a good strategy to have. I’m going to keep my head on a swivel and take opportunities when I see them.”

Corbin also expressed interest in getting his revenge on John Cena for costing him his Money In The Bank cash-in last year:

“I think it would be good retribution (to cost Cena on Sunday). To see the look on his face knowing his WrestleMania moment just got taken away, his dream of another WrestleMania championship match is taken away. It would make me feel good to know I played a role in taking his little dream.”

The former NFL lineman also said he’s looking forward to taking away the ‘dream match’ between Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura at WrestleMania with a WWE Title win tomorrow:

“How many people can say they walked into WrestleMania as the WWE champion? I would like to watch all the people cry that they don’t get AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura. There’s a lot of gratification in that.”

You can read Corbin’s full interview with NOLA.com by clicking this link here.