Becky Lynch isn’t emotionally ready to appear on WWE Raw.
Lynch hasn’t appeared on television since losing the Raw Women’s Championship to Bianca Belair at WrestleMania 38. The loss has affected her confidence. Lynch got accustomed to being a champion that she’s not yet ready to face the WWE Universe without her prized possession.
On Sunday night, Lynch posted a video from backstage at the WWE Live Event from Syracuse, NY. Lynch explained her television absence in a rare display of vulnerability.
“It’s been three years since the last time I walked out on RAW without the championship,” she said. “I’m not ready to walk out on Monday Night RAW without my championship.”
Lynch did not get to the top of WWE without being resourceful. She revealed that she had a plan to make things right. Ahead of her Sunday night showdown against Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley, she continued:
“I always have a plan, that’s why I’m here in Syracuse because I’m going to win back my championship. I will walk out tomorrow on Monday Night RAW as your new Women’s Champion.”
She will not walk out on Raw as the new Women’s Champion. Bianca Belair picked up the victory to retain the title.
Either Becky Lynch needs to get over the fear of facing WWE fans without being Women’s Champion, or it’s going to be a while before she’s back on Raw.
The Raw and SmackDown tag team championships will be unified at WrestleMania Backlash. It will be “Winners Take All” when RK-Bro battles The Usos on May 8th.
Last week, Roman Reigns ordered The Usos to bring the Raw tag titles ‘home’ to The Bloodline. The Usos paid a visit to Monday’s Raw, while Randy Orton & Riddle showed up on Friday’s SmackDown.
The teams are sure to have a great match next month. Ahead of the premium live event, the teams will square off against each other at WWE’s upcoming European tour.
Bloodline leader Roman Reigns unified the WWE Championship and the Universal Championship by defeating Brock Lesnar in the main event of WrestleMania 38. WWE has yet to formally announce how the “unification” will unfold. Reigns (and Paul Heyman) are still carrying around both belts.
Watch The Usos and RK-Bro go face-to-face on SmackDown to set up their championship unification match at WrestleMani Backlash:
Toni Storm is speaking out about her abrupt departure from WWE in December 2021.
Storm now finds herself as part of All Elite Wrestling after making her AEW debut two weeks ago. She will be part of the upcoming Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament and battles Jamie Hayter in the opening round.
During a Friday appearance on Busted Open Radio, Storm spoke about the decision to walk away from the job she dreamed about since childhood.
“I guess I just freaked out and went home.”
– Toni Storm on leaving WWE
Shortly after getting called up to WWE’s main roster in late 2021, Storm feuded with Charlotte Flair on SmackDown. It didn’t take long for her to realize that her dream job was not what she envisioned. She also felt it was unfair for her to take a spot on the WWE roster that could go to someone else who actually wants to be there.
Ultimately, it became “abundantly clear” that she was not cut out for life as a WWE Superstar.
“Something just happened and I left,” she said. “I felt like I was having an out of body experience, to be honest. Have you ever just lost your mind? That’s kind of what happened. The stress of not seeing family in years and then just so many overwhelming things all at once. I’ve been happier ever since.”
Despite the nature of her exit, Storm remains grateful for the lessons she learned in WWE and the friends she made there.
— SiriusXM Busted Open (@BustedOpenRadio) April 15, 2022
Interestingly, Bryan Danielson also spoke about being “oddly detached” in the main event of WrestleMania 37 just months before he decided to leave.
“It was really bizarre,” he told BT Sport. “It’s taken me time to fully process what the experience was like because it wasn’t like a normal thing. I felt very out of body in it. When I’m wrestling, I feel everything and feel like I’m enjoying it. This was weird, I was out there and it felt like I was detached. It was so strange that before the match started, I got this strange feeling like, ‘Oh no, is this what it’s like before you die? Am I going to die? Huh, well, okay.’ I don’t know why or how it happened, but it was unlike anything I’ve felt while wrestling.”
FTR have been invited to walk through another forbidden door that leads to Major League Wrestling (MLW).
Earlier this week, earlier this week, Twitter account “Luchablog” noticed that FTR recently racked up four wins over tag team comprised of brothers:
Dragon Lee and Dralistico
The Gunn Club (Austin & Colten Gunn)
The Briscoes (Jay and Mark Briscoe)
The Young Bucks (Nick and Matt Jackson)
Dax Harwood of FTR asked, “Isn’t there a pair of Von Erich’s running around or something?” In fact, there are. Ross and Marshall Von Erich have been carrying on the family name as they hone their craft in MLW.
Marshall Von Erich saw Harwood’s tweet and replied, “Challenge accepted! My brother and I have never run from a fight and we want to face the best in the world.”
FTR vs. The Von Erichs
The exchange got the attention of MLW CEO Court Bauer, who offered to host this interpromotional tag match at an upcoming show.
Bauer is ready for the Von Erichs to step up against FTR at one of MLW’s upcoming shows, either May 13th from Philadelphia or the next time MLW returns to Dallas (“Von Erich country.”)
FTR has been on a tear as of late. The reigning ROH and AAA World tag team champions are hell-bent on proving they’re the best team in the world. They’ve shown their willingness to wrestle top challengers no matter what promotion they call home.
MLW returns to Philadelphia’s 2300 arena with Kings of Colosseum 2022 on Friday, May 13th. This is an MLW Fusion taping, with a double main event featuring:
MLW World Champion Alex Hammerstone vs. Richard Holliday
Jacob Fatu vs. Mads Krugger in a Weapons of Mass Destruction match
If you’re in the Philly area, tickets are now on sale at MLW2300.com.
Posted April 15th, 2022 in MLW, News. Tagged: FTR.
Toni Storm wants to see Tegan Nox (Nixon Newell) join here in All Elite Wrestling.
Storm recently joined AEW and is part of the inaugural Owen Hart Foundation Cup Women’s Tournament. The brackets have not been announced yet, but AEW President Tony Khan has signed Toni Storm vs. Jamie Hayter as a first round match.
Supreme confidence from #ToniStorm as fellow #OwenHart Foundation Tournament qualifier @jmehytr gets in her face with choice words!
Storm appeared on Friday’s episode of Busted Open Radio and expressed her desire to work with Tegan Nox once again. Host Dave Lagreca asked Storm if there is one particular opponent that you’d love to have in AEW.
Storm replied, “Oh my god. Um, Tegan Nox, I would have to say, would be high up on that list. I think that would be someone who would really deserve an awesome spot like that.”
She added, “I know she loves this business as much as I do, so that would be cool to see that one day in the future. Who knows, anything can happen, it’s pro wrestling.”
Nox was released by WWE back in November 2021. She is a free agent and could work anywhere else effective immediately.
Tonight’s WWE SmackDown takes place from Worcester, Massachusetts at the DCU Center. The top items advertised for the show include:
Jinder Mahal challenges Ricochet for the Intercontinental championship
Drew McIntyre faces Sami Zayn
We can also expect continued hype for WrestleMania Backlash, including a possible appearance by Raw tag team champions RK-Bro (Randy Orton and Riddle).
Jinder Mahal and Ricochet have been going back and forth on Twitter, talking trash ahead of their championship showdown.
On Thursday, Jinder Mahal wrote that the Modern Day Maharajah will rule once again when he embarrasses the current champion.
Ricochet replied with a sick burn about Mahal’s photo-cropping skills and says Mahal is the one who will be left embarrassed after the match.
Need to be embarrassed not knowing how to properly crop your photos.
The only one that will be embarrassed tomorrow, is you big dog. See you tomorrow ? https://t.co/L6JBEd7YXg
Taya Valkyrie returns to MLW on Friday, May 13th at the Kings of Colosseum ’22 event from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA.
The Queen of Lucha’s big return was announced on this week’s MLW Fusion. Valkyrie last competed for MLW in September 2019.
Taya has held championships around the world and will be a contender for the new MLW World Featherweight championship that is being introduced soon.
In a statement released on Thursday, MLW CEO Court Bauer had this to say about Taya Valkyrie:
“Frankly, money is how I’d describe Taya,” said Bauer. “Taya is a world class athlete and force of nature. Taya’s arrival will send shockwaves through the division. The road to winning the featherweight title just got a lot harder for her fellow competitors.”
The following matches have ben announced for MLW Kings of Colosseum ’22 on 5/13:
World Heavyweight Championship Alex Hammerstone (c) vs. Richard Holliday (with Alicia Atout)
Weapons of Mass Destruction Match Jacob Fatu vs. Mads Krugger
Also appearing:
Davey Richards
nZo
Microman with Mister Saint Laurent
World Tag Team Champions Hustle & Power (Calvin Tankman & EJ Nduka)
Ross & Marshall Von Erich
National Openweight Champion Alex Kane (with Mr. Thomas)
With WrestleMania 38 in the history books, we look ahead to what’s next for WWE’s top Superstars.
As WWE’s creative team formulates plans for upcoming feuds, they use a “depth chart” that ranks specific performers. Information obtained by PWInsider reveals the current standing of the top babyfaces and heels on the Raw and SmackDown brands.
This article has been updated to reflect the men’s and women’s singles divisions. These rankings should be considered “internal guidelines” that WWE uses for booking, but still provides a unique look at how certain performers will be positioned in the coming months.
Raw
Here’s a look at the depth-chart for Raw. It’s worth noting that Roman Reigns is only included on the SmackDown side, even though he holds the top title on Raw as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. WWE is reportedly still in the process of deciding how the unification scenario will play out.
Babyfaces
Bobby Lashley
Cody Rhodes
AJ Styles
Bianca Belair
Alexa Bliss
Rhea Ripley.
Heels
Seth Rollins
Kevin Owens
Edge
Damian Priest
Becky Lynch
Carmella
Zelina
SmackDown
On the SmackDown side, we have limited rankings for the men’s singles division.
Heels
Roman Reigns
Babyfaces
Drew McIntyre
Intercontinental Champion Ricochet was listed as a top babyface on the SmackDown roster on another recent booking sheet.
WWE SummerSlam 2022 tickets will go on sale next Friday, April 22nd at 10pm CT.
This year’s SummerSlam takes place Saturday, July 30, from Nashville, Tennessee at Nissan Stadium. The venue is home to the NFL’s Tennessee Titans and has a maximum capacity of over 69,000 people.
SummerSlam start at $25 and will be available via Ticketmaster.com. Wrestling fans interested in attending SummerSlam can register for presale opportunities at WWE.com.
This year will mark first time WWE’s summer spectacular emanates from Tennessee. It’s the second consecutive year that SummerSlam is held in a football stadium. Last year’s event was held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV.
WWE is also offering SummerSlam Priority Passes, which provides “immersive VIP experiences” that will include premier seating, a dedicated stadium entrance, premium hospitality offerings and meet-and-greets with WWE Superstars and Legends.
Visit OnLocationEXP.com for details on the Priority Pass experiences.
Mickie James’ participation in the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble was significant in many ways. It marked the first time a reigning champion from Impact Wrestling competed on WWE programming.
The latest WWE 24 documentary takes an inside look at this year’s Rumble. WWE has released bonus footage from the show featuring backstage footage of James’ experience at the event.
Mickie James said she’s excited and grateful to be welcomed back to WWE with open arms. The last time she was at a WWE event was WrestleMania 37 weekend. She was released shortly after WrestleMania.
Even though Ronda Rousey was the last woman standing at the end of the Royal Rumble, it was still a very special night for James.
“No matter what, everybody wins.”
– Mickie James
Kofi Kingston said the Royal Rumble brings a special level excitement each year, but having a champion from another promotion enter the Women’s Rumble was really something unique.
James said it felt great to create history one more time and hear the WWE Universe react to her so warmly. She didn’t think she’d be back in WWE, but felt the love that fateful night.
Sasha Banks would love to see AEW stars Jon Moxley, Dustin Rhodes and Ruby Soho back in WWE some day.
The Legit Boss appeared on NBC Sports Boston’s Ten Count podcast to promote Friday’s SmackDown from her hometown at the DCU Center.
During her chat with host Steve Fall, Banks spoke about Cody Rhodes’ return to WWE, her history-making win at WrestleMania 38, her role on Star Wars: The Mandalorian and much more.
Sasha Banks says she’d love Ruby Riott, Goldust, & Dean Ambrose to come back to WWE. Goal is to Main Event in Saudi, Main Event with Naomi defending tag titles, excited to wrestle Dakota Kai, Io Shirai & more! pic.twitter.com/lWuKt7JiWS
While discussing Cody Rhodes returning “home” to WWE, Banks said she’d like to see several other AEW stars join him. She specifically named Dean Ambrose (Jon Moxley), Goldust (Dustin Rhodes) and Ruby Riot (Ruby Soho).
“It’s good to see the Rhodes’ back in WWE, you know.. Next, let’s bring back Goldust,” said Banks. “Let’s bring them all back. Dean Ambrose, you want to come? Let’s go! The more the merrier. Let’s do it!”
Banks wasn’t done name-dropping AEW talent. She’d also like to see Ruby Soho back on the WWE roster.
“I would love to see Ruby Riot back in the WWE Universe, yes,” she added. “Yes, absolutely. That’s one of them.”
It remains to be seen if Jon Moxley, Dustin Rhodes and Ruby Riot have any interest in going back to WWE. However, it’s interesting to see Sasha Banks at least extend the invite.
Check out Sasha Banks’ interview with Steve Fall of NBC Sports Boston:
Glazia’s profile on Lynch says, “Lynch stands for [equality] and women empowerment in every sector.
The multi-time WWE Women’s Champion is also quoted saying, “With women empowerment and women coming together, it’s not about being better than the guys or whatever. It’s not just about collaboration; it’s about being equal people and having more of a highlight on women’s athletics, and just women being equal in every aspect.”
Sonya Deville has stepped up as the first challenger to new Raw Women’s Champion, Bianca Belair. Deville will get her title shot at WrestleMania Backlash on May 8th.
The EST of WWE regained the title from Becky Lynch at WrestleMania. At Monday’s Raw, she made short work of Zelina Vega. After the match, Deville came out to present Belair with a contract for her next title defense.
Deville hyped up the mystery opponent and called for a drum roll and as part of the elaborate introduction. She proceeded she proceeded to attack Belair from behind, revealing herself to be the #1 contender for the Raw women’s title.
Later in the show, Deville’s colleague Adam Pearce approached her backstage and accused her of abusing her power as an authority figure. Deville brushed off the comment and promised to shock the world by winning the championship.
Backstage correspondent Sarah Schreiber caught up with Bianca Belair after Sonya Deville’s attack at Raw.
Belair said she “stays ready” for challenges like this.
“I stay ready, so I don’t have to get ready, and while Sonya Deville has been wearing suits and making matches for a year, I’ve been wearing titles and making history. So, let’s do it,” Belair said.
Fans who plan to attend have been encouraged to sign up for an “exclusive presale opportunity.” (Register here).
According to journalist Alex McCarthy, more than 59,000 people signed up for the Cardiff PPV in the first 24 hours. He wrote on Twitter that this demand marks a company record, including all WrestleMania shows.
It’s important to note these are pre-sale sign-ups, not tickets sold). However, the demand is certainly there for the WWE UK PPV tickets.
According to Wikipedia, the all-time attendance record for Principality Stadium is just over 78,000 fans for the Anthony Joshua v Carlos Takam boxing fight in October 2017.
SEScoops will provide an update when we learn about when tickets are going on sale for the September 3rd WWE UK PPV.
If you’re interested in wrestling ticket sales data, follow @WrestleTix on Twitter.
Ezekiel has produced a photo that should clear up any confusion regarding his true identity.
The handsome, clean-shaved grappler made his WWE TV debut last week on the Raw after WrestleMania. He bears a striking resemblance to WWE Superstar Elias, but maintains they are not the same person.
Ezekiel claims to be Elias’ younger brother and doesn’t understand why anyone would question him on this.
Are Elias and Ezekiel the same person?
On Tuesday, Ezekiel re-posted a photo on Instagram of himself with Elias:
Chris Dickinson has officially signed with New Japan Pro Wrestling.
On Tuesday, the “Dirty Daddy” posted a message on Instagram announcing the big career move.
“I am beyond proud to announce that I have officially signed an agreement with New Japan Pro Wrestling,” he wrote. “I’ve heard you all for years say I should sign with other companies and I appreciate everyone of your hopes for my success but this is what I’ve always wanted.”
Dickinson says his decision to sign with NJPW at this time was partially based on the easing of pandemic-related travel restrictions.
He intends to continue working independent dates in the US and overseas, but NJPW is now his home cmopany.
“With the companies expansion in the USA on the rise and Japan finally reopening, the future is brighter than ever,” he continued. “I am still available to work independently in the USA and internationally excluding Japan but NJPW is now home. Let’s continue to bring the highest level of pro wrestling to the world together.”
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns was in action after Monday’s Raw went off the air.
The Bloodline (Reigns and The Usos) battled Drew McIntyre and The New Day (Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston) in a 6-man tag match. The finish came when McIntyre hit the Claymore kick on Jimmy Uso.
Paul Heyman was ringside for the dark match main event. While the action was going on in the ring, Heyman was jaw-jacking with fans at ringside. At one point, Heyman challenged a member of the audience to fight him. The fan attempted to approach the baricade, but was stopped by security.
You can see video of this encounter embedded below, courtesy of Detroit News reporter Andrew Roth:
Paul Heyman challenges a member of the audience in Detroit to a fight after #WWERaw went off the air. (Security did not allow the audience member to approach the barricade.) @HeymanHustlepic.twitter.com/QXzp59pV8e
After the match, the New Day and Drew McIntyre addressed the crowd. Woods and Kingston said the Motor City (Detroit) inspired them to become The New Day.
Drew McIntyre lead a “New Day Rocks” chant to send the crowd home happy.
At Monday’s Raw, Cody Rhodes battled The Miz in his first Raw match in six years. Rhodes picked up the victory, with Rollins watching from ringside.
After the match, Rollins hit the ring and issued a challenge. Rollins wants a WrestleMania rematch at WWE’s next premium live event. Rhodes accepted.
Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes
WWE has confirmed the match is set for WrestleMania Backlash on May 8th.
In a backstage interview that took place at Raw, Rhodes explained why he’s “more than ready” to battle Rollins one more time.
The American Nightmare says he can “absolutely” defeat Rollins again. He wouldn’t have accepted Rollins’ challenge if he wasn’t 100% confident in his abilities.
Cody said, “this is his house” just like WrestleMania was Rollins’ house. He has no problem being the outsider and he’s ready to get pushed to his limits.
WWE has announced its first major stadium event from the UK will take place Saturday, September 3rd from Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
The will be called, WWE Clash at the Castle.
Principality Stadium is home to the Wales National Rugby Union team. The state-of-the-art venue has a max capacity of approximately 78,000 people for boxing events.
The (unnamed) Principality Stadium event will make WWE’s 6th stadium show of the year, following:
Royal Rumble (The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis)
Elimination Chamber (Jeddah Superdome, Saudi Arabia)
WrestleMania (AT&T Stadium, Dallas, TX)
Money in the Bank (Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, Nevada)
SummerSlam (Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee)
A press release sent in to SEScoops includes comments from WWE’s Senior Vice President of Live Events, the Welsh Government Minister for Economy and the Principality Stadium Manager:
“Principality Stadium is the perfect place for a major event, hosting our amazing fans from Wales, throughout all of Europe, and around the world,” said John Porco, WWE Senior Vice President, Live Events. “The weekend will be filled with a variety of WWE experiences that we believe will leave a lasting memory, on par with SummerSlam at Wembley Stadium in 1992.”
“Wales will provide an iconic location for WWE’s return to the UK after 30 years and showcase our country to a global audience of millions, including extended reach in the USA,” said Welsh Government Minister for Economy Vaughan Gething. “This is set to be the perfect addition to a huge year of sport, entertainment and culture in Wales that will attract people from across the globe to experience what our country has to offer.”
“We’re extremely proud that Principality Stadium has been chosen by WWE to host this major event, which is testament to the stadium’s reputation as a world-class venue,” said Mark Williams, Principality Stadium Manager. “Principality Stadium is unique in its position at the heart of the city centre, which will undoubtedly offer WWE fans an unrivaled event experience both inside and outside of the stadium and bring great benefit to the wider city of Cardiff.”
The Miz sees himself as a “jack of all trades” who can fill any role WWE needs him to fill.
When WWE needed a tag team partner for Logan Paul at WrestleMania, they called The Miz. When Cody Rhodes wrestles his first match on WWE Raw in six years, he’s fighting The Miz.
Whether it’s the main event of WrestleMania, an appearance on the red carpet or starring in his own reality TV shows, The Miz is always delivers.
The Awesome One recently spoke with the Detroit News to promote Monday’s WWE Raw from the Little Cesars Arena. During his conversation with Adam Graham, The Miz said his range and flexibility have kept him relevant since he joined WWE in 2004.
“I would say my role in the company now is as a person who can develop newcomers but also be in the main event, or help the main event out, or be on the mid-card. I can be anywhere.”
– The Miz
Not only is The Miz a versatile on-screen performer; he’s also a pretty humble guy.
“I’m always good, 100% awesome, all day, everyday of my life,” says The Miz. “When you have two beautiful daughters who are healthy and happy and you have an amazing wife, I think you’re pretty happy.”
Carter’s soon-to-be-ex-wife, wrestler Kimber Lee, accuses him of physical abuse and released a photo of him giving a Nazi salute while wearing a Hitler mustache.
WWE has yet to publicly address Nash Carter’s situation, but his Superstar profile no longer appears on the company website.
On Tuesday’s NXT 2.0, five teams will battle in a Gauntlet match to determine the next champions. The teams include:
Grayson Waller & Sanga
Legado del Fantasma
The Creed Brothers
Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen
Pretty Deadly
Who do you think will become the next NXT tag team champions?
Tommaso Ciampa has officially been “called up” to the main roster. He’s now a full-time member of WWE’s Raw brand and is scheduled to be at tonight’s Raw from Detroit, according to PWInsider.
Ciampa has been a fixture of WWE’s developmental system since 2015. He is a two-time NXT Champion and a former NXT tag team champion, along with Johnny Gargano. His second reign ended last week, when he lost to Bron Breakker on the Raw after WrestleMania.
Much like Gargano, Ciampa was a perfect fit for the “black and gold” version of NXT headed by Triple H and William Regal. The company has since rebranded the show NXT 2.0 and is focused on younger performers from more diverse athletic backgrounds.
Just last week, Tommaso Ciampa spoke about his time in NXT winding down. He said the NXT crew looks very different these days, but he cherishes his time there and was honored to learn from men like Triple H and Shawn Michaels.
Chris Jericho is disappointed Cody Rhodes jumped to WWE. However, he understands the decision and says Cody is now “bigger than he’s ever been.”
The wrestling world is still reeling from Cody Rhodes jumping ship from AEW to WWE. All Elite Wrestling has signed a ton of former WWE Superstars, but Rhodes is the first high-profile name to move the other way.
Jericho spoke about the situation on the latest episode of his Talk is Jericho podcast. His own career has taken many twists and turns. He’s wrestled for ECW, WCW, WWE, New Japan and now AEW.
“I was honestly disappointed he left, but I get it. I’ve done it many times myself.”
– Chris Jericho on Cody Rhodes jumping to WWE
Chris Jericho on Cody’s Rhodes’ Decision
Chris Jericho is known for many things, but reinventing himself has to be at the top of the list. Jericho believes Cody felt the time was right to make a big move and advance his career. According to Jericho, it’s paying off for the American Nightmare.
“I mean, I left WWE in 2017 for basically the same reason why Cody left AEW, from what I understand, is he just didn’t think he was getting the, I don’t know if it’s the spotlight, or respect or whatever the word being, but you can kind of see the writing on the wall,” said Jericho.
He continued, “So obviously, now Cody is bigger than he’s ever been just by changing companies, and obviously they did a great job in putting him over at WrestleMania and bringing him in at the highest of levels.”
Since returning to WWE, Cody Rhodes is being positioned as a top babyface on the Raw brand. After defeating Seth Rollins at WrestleMania, he faces The Miz tonight on Raw. Once he gets a few wins under his belt, it’s only a matter of time before Cody Rhodes crosses paths with the top dog in WWE, Roman Reigns.
