SEScoops

Author: Steve Russell

  • Triple H Discusses NXT’s USA Network Premiere, Lio Rush’s Return

    Triple H Discusses NXT’s USA Network Premiere, Lio Rush’s Return

    Following NXT’s premiere on USA Network, Triple H took part in a media call to discuss the brand’s first episode on their new network, at one point sharing how proud he was of all the talent involved for the show they just put on.

    “I just stood in front of talent and said, hard to follow up what they just accomplished without saying anything that doesn’t sound trite other than to say how proud I am of all of this,” he said.

    He continued,” It’s taking a long time to get here. This was a starting line, not the finish line. We went out there tonight on the number one network on cable television, USA, amazing partners for us for years and put on what I feel was an epic hour of programming on USA. Number one trending in the USA the entire time, number one in the world the entire time, and number 4 in the world the entire time. Tough to say more than that other than I thought it was a hell of a night and thought it was an epic performance on everybody’s part.”

    Triple H added he is just as proud of the team behind the scenes as he is of the talent in front of the cameras. He thanked WWE’s partners at Full Sail University, stressing that without them, the show doesn’t happen.

    Rush Returns

    Last night also saw the return of Lio Rush to in-ring competition. When asked about Rush’s return, Triple H admitted that working on his comeback had been in the works for a while.

    “This whole thing with NXT on USA, we’ve been talking about doing it for a year and a half, two years, then when it finally happens it’s a recent development. Until it actually happens, it hasn’t happened. Until we knew what was going on there was a bit of a lag there. I’m just really excited, Lio Rush won. He’s just a phenomenal, energetic, and money performer to me. Thrilled that we get to put him on the show and have him showcase what he does. He and Oney tore it up and that’s what it’s about.”

    Lio Rush’s victory over Oney Lorcan grants him a championship opportunity against current Cruiserweight champion, Drew Gulak.

    H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

  • Michael Elgin Shares Why His Bound For Glory Match Against Naomichi Marafuji Is So Important To Him

    Michael Elgin Shares Why His Bound For Glory Match Against Naomichi Marafuji Is So Important To Him

    Ahead of his matchup against Naomichi Marajufi at Impact Wrestling’s Bound for Glory event, Michael Elgin has shared the personal importance the match has to him.

    Taking to Twitter, Elgin wrote about his love for Japanese wrestling since watching AJPW for the first time in 1992. This passion drove him as a child to perform in Japan. Elgin made his Japanese debut in 2003 but still dreamed of wrestling for Pro Wrestling NOAH. In particular, he wanted to face one man: Marafuji.

    He recalled how they were originally meant to wrestle in 2013, but an injury prevented Marafuji from competing that night. For him, it doesn’t matter that their bout isn’t for a championship or the main event of Bound for Glory. Elgin promised that the quality of the match will make it the main event of the night and will be the match people talk about on their way home.

    Impact Wrestling’s Bound for Glory pay-per-view takes place on October 20th from the Odeum Expo Center in Villa Park, Illinois.

    Bound For Glory Card

    At the time of writing, the following is the current Bound for Glory card:

    • Impact World Championship Match
      Brian Cage (c) vs Sami Callihan
    • Ken Shamrock vs Moose
    • Michael Elgin vs Naomichi Marafuji
    • The Rascalz (Dezmond Xavier, Trey Miguel and Zachary Wentz) vs Dr. Wagner Jr., TBA and TBA.
    https://youtu.be/hjWmn-rja_A
  • Dominic Garrini Signs Multi-Year Deal With MLW

    Dominic Garrini Signs Multi-Year Deal With MLW

    Major League Wrestling (MLW) has announced that they have signed Dominic Garrini to a multi-year contract. Garrini is described by MLW as “ice-cold, calculated and quick to submit adversaries.”

    As a competitor, he has earned himself the nicknames ‘The Crippler of Canton’ and ‘The Bone Collector.’ He represents Team East Coast Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

    Grappling Background

    In an official statement, MLW wrote that Garrini has reached rarified air by being one of the “top 10 ranked Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners in the world.” Garrini is a legitimate No-Gi grappler and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt. He trains under Chad Kuhn and James Clingerman and has been acknowledged by the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s No Gi Rankings as being one of the best BJJ competitors.

    Garrini has competed in over 200 competitive Jiu-Jitsu matchups. He has won gold medals from the IBJJF, ADCC, AGC, NAGA, Grapplers Quest and other notable grappling competitions. p

    ‘The Bone Collector’ made his debut against Ariel Dominguez during MLW’s War Chamber event on September 7th. He competed in a BJJ Gi and appears to be primed for a significant push in the promotion. His style blends his extensive grappling experience with the world of professional wrestling. Fans might be familiar with this fusion thanks to MLW star Tom Lawlor and WWE’s Matt Riddle.

  • Beth Phoenix On Commentating For NXT, Why She Left WWE In 2012

    Beth Phoenix On Commentating For NXT, Why She Left WWE In 2012

    Beth Phoenix recently spoke with Prime Time with Sean Mooney discussing her experiences as a commentator for NXT. She also spoke about why she left WWE in 2012.

    “It’s been one of those things where I’ve had to just kind of commit myself, and give myself up to the process,” Phoenix admitted. “I fail all the time, and I’m always making mistakes, but we learn each and every week, and I’m learning to find my voice, and my place in the team, because, being a color commentator, adding that analyst role, is really different than being play-by-play.”

    She described how the two different commentary roles are “completely different animals.”

    “Driving traffic as a play-by-play guy, that is a big responsibility and a lot of work,” she explained. “[…] as an analyst, my job is to take some of the burden off the play-by-play announcer, and try to add a little bit of credibility from somebody that has experience in what is going on in the ring.”

    Phoenix confessed commentating wasn’t something she ever thought she would do. She remarked that, if she were told five years ago that she would be calling the action in NXT, she would have laughed out loud.

    Glamazon Departure

    Regarding her WWE departure in 2012, Phoenix explained that her decision was based on her unhappiness with the direction of women’s wrestling in the company at the time. 

    “I was really frustrated with where the women were at from a company standpoint and the investment that was being made in us,” Phoenix said. “I felt in my heart I had done my best, and I’d try really hard to change things but, at some point I just got really frustrated.”

    Beth Phoenix joins her NXT commentary partners, Mauro Ranallo and Nigel McGuiness every week on USA Network. 

    H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription. 

  • Johnny Gargano Reflects On WWE Rejections, Seizing NXT Opportunities

    Johnny Gargano Reflects On WWE Rejections, Seizing NXT Opportunities

    At one point in time, NXT’s beloved Johnny Gargano struggled to be a part of the WWE roster. Before his rise through the ranks and reign as NXT Champion, Gargano portrayed an Elf on WWE television in a match against MVP.

    In a recent episode of Lilian Garcia’s podcast, Chasing Glory, Gargano reflected on his WWE journey.

    Johnny Elf

    “I was an extra almost every time they came to Cleveland,” Gargano said. “I had my first extra role when I was 19 or 20 years old and I was Cedrick Von Haussen where I faced MVP; you can find that clip on YouTube.”

    He recalled having to get changed into an Elf costume and be approved by Vince McMahon. Their meeting was “like a movie” as Vince sat in a “villain chair with his back turned.” During his match as Cedrick Von Haussen, Gargano would suffer a bloody nose courtesy of MVP.

    Rebel Heart Destiny

    Despite his early tryouts and rejections, Gargano firmly believed that WWE was his destiny:

    “I always believed in my heart I would end up in WWE,” Gargano explained. “Gabe Sapolsky gave me great advice that he once told Daniel Bryan and CM Punk. He said being on the indies is like being a doctor. You can’t just start operating on people and be successful at it. You need to go to school, you need to learn, which is how the indies are. I wanted to do as much as I could do.”

    He continued,” Being told no made me work harder, being told no made me want it more. They [WWE] would only sign a certain amount of guys at a certain time. At my tryout, it was me, Tommaso Ciampa, Oney Lorcan, Ember Moon, TM61, Chuck Taylor and Drew Gulak, so it was a pretty indie-heavy. Matt Riddle was there but he wasn’t even an indie guy, he was a random guy from UFC, and they brought him in. They brought us in to do this tryout, but they said they could only sign one of us.”

    He was told that if he were 6’7″ then it would be a no-brainer. Gargano, however, didn’t fit into that mold. He recalled that “The stigma was still alive in 2015 where I was too small and didn’t have what it took to be here, I was directly told that there wasn’t a spot for me in NXT. I wasn’t good enough to be in NXT. I was told that there might be a spot for me here and there, now and then, but there isn’t a set spot. I still have my ‘no’ rejection email.”

    Cruiserweight Classic

    His opportunity finally came during WWE’s Cruiserweight Classic. Gargano attributed that tournament as playing a significant role in changing NXT. He also believes that he and Tommaso Ciampa were instrumental in shifting attitudes towards smaller, indie workers.

    Later, the two Superstars would be told they would be teaming together for the Dusty Rhodes Classic. He credited William Regal for doing all he could to help them be seen by management and the WWE Universe. When asked what he thought changed people’s mindsets towards himself, Ciampa, and indie wrestlers, Gargano points to their matchup with The Revival.

    “I think we got that shot against The Revival where we blew it out of the park,” Gargano said. “I think that was where people were like, oh, these indie guys can go. I think that really opened the door to what NXT has become now. It has become a part of an all-star roster mindset to tear it up and NXT has really grown from there.”

    Reflecting on his legacy in NXT, Gargano is aware that he hasn’t been around since day one. With NXT’s new incarnation, however, he feels like Superstars like himself and Ciampa are “The Godfathers” of NXT.

    H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription. 

  • William Regal Books Rematch Between Killian Dain And Matt Riddle For Next Week, Winner Faces Adam Cole

    William Regal Books Rematch Between Killian Dain And Matt Riddle For Next Week, Winner Faces Adam Cole

    WWE’s NXT premiere on USA Network ended in a brawl between members of the NXT locker room. This occurred after the Street Fight between Kilian Dain and Matt Riddle spilled out of the ring. They fought into the backstage area before eventually finding themselves back in the ring, surrounded by their fellow Superstars.

    After the cameras cut on the WWE Network, NXT General Manager William Regal stormed to the ring. He then set a rematch for next week’s episode. Their rematch, which will also be a Street Fight, comes with an added caveat: the winner will face Adam Cole for the NXT Championship.

    Regal got into Killian’s face saying, “This Street Fight will continue next week on USA, and I’m going to give you both some incentive because the winner will face Adam Cole in an NXT Championship match!”

    His announcement was met with chants of “Thank you, Regal” from the WWE Universe within Full Sail University.

    Both Matt Riddle and Killian Dain nodded, staring at each other after the announcement was made.

    Last night saw Adam Cole’s stable, the Undisputed Era, finally fulfil their promise of being draped in NXT gold. No matter who comes out victorious from the Street Fight rematch next week, expect Cole and his stablemates to do everything they can to keep the gold within Undisputed Era.

  • Jon Moxley Plans To Be At Wrestle Kingdom, Reflects On G1 Climax, Juice Robinson

    Jon Moxley Plans To Be At Wrestle Kingdom, Reflects On G1 Climax, Juice Robinson

    IWGP United States Champion Jon Moxley recently sat down with njpw1972.com to discuss his experience in this summer’s G1 Climax tournament. He also addressed his future King of Pro Wrestling championship rematch against Juice Robinson.

    Moxley described the G1 as “probably the most difficult thing I’ve ever done” due to the intensity of the tournament. “There’s no peaks and valleys in the G1, no ‘go hard tonight, relax tomorrow’. It’s just full throttle constantly for four or five weeks.”

    He named Tomohiro Ishii as his most memorable matchup during the entire tournament, recalling their match in Korakuen Hall. He called Ishii the perfect opponent for him as Moxley doesn’t like “BS, gimmicks, interference. I don’t like to mess around, I just like to go in gun slinging. Whoever’s the fastest draw, we’ll find out and see who goes down. I don’t want to think about outside interference, I just want to go straight ahead. ‘F*** it, f*** you,’ ‘F*** you too’ and just do it. That’s Ishii, so we’re just perfect opponents for each other. We just had a showcase of glorious violence.”

    Moxley was eliminated from the G1 tournament after a crucial loss to Juice Robinson. This loss also allowed Robinson the opportunity to claim a rematch against Moxley, who won the IWGP United States Championship in his debut against Juice.

    Addressing their issues, Moxley said “I told the world, and I told the media. If he wants a shot at the US Championship, he gets it, but only if it’s no disqualification. I don’t want a referee in the way to save him from his fate. If he can beat me in that environment, fine. Take the championship; you deserve it. But let’s put this thing to bed, no DQ, and no ref to step in between us.”

    He later added, “As United States Champion, I think I’ve gotta settle the score with Juice Robinson. Before I do anything else, that’s number one on the agenda. So let’s get an answer, sign the contract, get the plane tickets and get that out the way. After I put him in the ground, I plan on remaining US Champion.”

    When it comes to long-term goals in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Moxley admitted he intends to be a part of the promotion’s Wrestle Kingdom event in January.

    “100% I plan to be at the Tokyo Dome. I don’t know who I’ll be facing, whether I’m still US Champion. But I’ve been in Wrestlemania, in the G1, and this is the next step. Anyone who’s anyone in Japan has competed in the Tokyo Dome, so I absolutely plan on being there.”

    Jon Moxley will defend his IWGP United States Championship against Juice Robinson at NJPW’s King of Pro-Wrestling event. The show takes place on October 14th from Ry?goku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan.

  • Kofi Kingston Reacts To Brock Lesnar’s Challenge

    Kofi Kingston Reacts To Brock Lesnar’s Challenge

    Last night, Brock Lesnar made an impactful return to SmackDown Live.

    ‘The Beast Incarnate’ appeared following a matchup between The New Day and The Revival and Randy Orton. This match kicked off last night’s episode. Lesnar’s advocate, Paul Heyman, informed WWE Champion Kofi Kingston of his challenge for the belt. They will compete for the championship on the FOX debut of SmackDown Live.

    The segment ended after Brock Lesnar laid out Kofi Kingston with an F5 after feigning a handshake.

    Since the challenge was set, Kofi Kingston has tweeted about his most dangerous opponent to date, writing:

    “Another day, another mountain. Let’s climb…”

    Kofi Kingston’s last mountain was in the form of ‘The Viper’ Randy Orton. Kingston succesfully defended his WWE Championship against Orton at WWE’s recent Clash of Champions pay-per-view.

    It was rumored that WWE would move Lesnar to SmackDown to set up this match for SmackDown’s FOX debut. His inclusion creates a stronger roster for the blue brand, as it is speculated SmackDown will become WWE’s new A-show because FOX is available in more home nationwide than USA Network.

    The premiere episode of WWE SmackDown Live on FOX, which coincides with SmackDown’s 20th Anniversary, takes place on October 4th from the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.

  • Triple H On NXT TakeOvers No Longer Being A Part Of WWE PPV Weekends

    Triple H On NXT TakeOvers No Longer Being A Part Of WWE PPV Weekends

    Triple H took part in a conference call on Monday ahead of NXT’s debut on USA Network. As well as speaking about NXT’s creative team and whether the black-and-gold brand would be involved in WWE’s October Draft, Triple H also discussed NXT TakeOvers no longer being a part of WWE PPV weekends.

    “The TakeOvers will continue, but there’s a schedule shift going on,” he said. “That is an opportunity to better serve our Network subscribers to give them more live content on a more regular basis. So NXT TakeOvers will continue… but there are opportunities to do other content.”

    He spoke about putting on a Worlds Collide show in January, calling them “fun and spectacular events’ that create “an opportunity to cross combine and make some interesting content without having to take away from what they’re [RAW/SmackDown/NXT] doing individually.”

    Although NXT is getting longer by an hour, Triple H coyly addressed the idea that TakeOver events would become longer, too. He explained that if he’s watching a movie and looks at his watch, then there are obvious cuts that needed to be made. This is something he doesn’t want for NXT.

    “It’s about the content and the build, and if you build it right, then it’s not about the length of time, and hopefully you’re not even considering it when the show is over. You’re just like, ‘Man, that was good!’”

    NXT makes its debut tonight on USA Network at 8 PM ET.

    H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription

  • Tommy Dreamer Believes ‘The Fiend’ Can Transcend Sports Entertainment

    Tommy Dreamer Believes ‘The Fiend’ Can Transcend Sports Entertainment

    Former ECW Champion Tommy Dreamer has shared his belief that Bray Wyatt’s ‘The Fiend’ can transcend sports entertainment into mainstream pop culture.

    Dreamer praised Wyatt on a recent episode of SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio, saying:

    “I think Bray Wyatt is so on his game that, Husky Harris can debut on NXT and he would get that over as well,” Dreamer said. “I hate to say this because it’s been said a lot, but he’s a once in a generation type of character that can transcend over. […] he’s been a top guy since he’s become Bray Wyatt, whether it’s just promos, and again, he’s a third-generation wrestler, it’s built and ingrained in him.”

    He stressed how Wyatt has now been made to look strong against WWE Legends. Dreamer explained how attacking Mick Foley and Kane has helped set the stage for Wyatt to become “the guy.”

    “They’re setting the stage for him to be the guy, and they should be,” Dreamer said. “Cause as Bray Wyatt of the Wyatt Family, he should have been the guy, all the fans were talking about it, and now with this, another crinkle in his character—character development is very, very key to keep people fresh—and this character has legs for a long, long time.”

    Bray Wyatt is scheduled to face WWE Universal Champion Seth Rollins at WWE’s Hell in a Cell pay-per-view. The event takes place on October 6th from the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 

  • Big Cass Discusses Feuding With Daniel Bryan, Admits He Is Closely Watching AEW

    Big Cass Discusses Feuding With Daniel Bryan, Admits He Is Closely Watching AEW

    Before the incident that took place at WrestlePro last Saturday night, Big Cass sat down for an interview with Wrestling Inc., where he spoke about feuding with Daniel Bryan, wanting a dream match against Roman Reigns, and All Elite Wrestling’s forthcoming debut on TNT.

    “Working with him was absolutely amazing,” Cass said about working with Daniel Bryan. “We would call barely anything in the back, and we’d go out for house shows in the main event, and I was really nervous, and he was really calm, and he was like, ‘No, we’re gonna call [the match] out there.’ We would go like 25 to 30 minutes of nothing called except the finishing sequence. He would just walk me through and guide me through the entire match. While it was happening, I was like, ‘This guy is the best in the world. No one can touch him.’ He made me comfortable out there to the point where I could walk through a match with him, twenty minutes without anything called, and just be confident in what I was doing. He is the man.”

    Dream Match & Keeping Up With AEW

    Cass once said his ultimate dream match would be a WrestleMania clash against Roman Reigns. Given that he is no longer a part of WWE, however, he’s unsure if he’ll ever get another chance against the Big Dog.

    “It’s definitely a dream match [to go against Roman Reigns],” Cass explained. “I just don’t know if it’s feasible depending on where I go or what he does; I don’t know what his situation is. I don’t know if it’s feasible, but we shall see.”

    He then explained how he has been watching everything AEW has done so far. Cass added he is excited for AEW’s debut on October 2nd, saying that the promotion has put out an amazing product so far.

  • Shawn Michaels Explains NXT Locker Room Mentality Ahead Of Wednesday Night Wars

    Shawn Michaels Explains NXT Locker Room Mentality Ahead Of Wednesday Night Wars

    Shawn Michaels has offered his thoughts on the impending Wednesday Night Wars between NXT and AEW’s TNT television show. The two-time WWE Hall of Famer spoke about his impression of NXT when he started coaching at the WWE Performance Center as well as NXT vs AEW on an episode of the State of Combat podcast. 

    “I can remember coming into the NXT Performance Center three years ago and seeing what they had to offer, and telling people that this is going to be on TV someday,” Michaels recalled. “[…] with the WWE Network and how [NXT] was driving the WWE Network, you knew that it was TV-ready then. And three years later, it’s finally going to come to fruition then on the USA Network.”

    He added that he is thrilled for the Superstars of NXT and that he is excited to help them in any way he can now that they have the opportunity to show the world what they are capable of. 

    Michaels then explained how the NXT locker room doesn’t just consider AEW competition—they consider everybody that isn’t WWE competition. 

    “They are going to compete with every wrestling genre that is out there as far as they are concerned. It shouldn’t be any other way,” Michaels said. 

    He continued, “I think everybody should be doing that, and I think the biggest winners are all of us that get to watch. Make no mistake about it – the men and women of NXT look at the entire world as their competition, and want to go out there and show everybody why they think they are the best, and why you should be watching them. And now, on Wednesday nights on USA, you are going to get that opportunity, and they’re going to let it all hang out. It’s going to be a blast, not only for them but for every wrestling fan walking God’s green earth.”

    NXT makes its debut tonight on USA Network at 8 PM ET.

    H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

  • Triple H Addresses NXT Creative Team Ahead Of Move To USA Network

    Triple H Addresses NXT Creative Team Ahead Of Move To USA Network

    Ahead of NXT’s debut on USA Network, Triple H took part in a conference call to address the many aspects involved with the black-and-gold brand.

    During the call, Triple H addressed NXT’s creative team and whether there would be any significant changes made once NXT is on USA Network.

    “From a creative side, [the process] doesn’t change [with the move to USA],” Triple H said. “We’ve had a team that I’ve liked for a long time that is central to doing this. They’ve been our team for a long time, and they oversee NXT and also have some oversight on the UK. That’s been core and part of that core is having guys like [Road Dogg] and Shawn Michaels down there. I can’t say enough of us being able to work together with the writing team and with William Regal, Matt Bloom and Sara Amato.”

    Triple H stressed that NXT’s continuity will remain the same, and there are no plans to change what’s already working for the brand. There will, however, apparently be more integration between NXT and the input from USA Network and its sponsors.

    NXT makes its debut tonight on USA Network at 8 PM ET.

    H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

  • Adam Cole Calls NXT’s Debut On USA Network “The Exact Moment I’ve Dreamed Of”

    Adam Cole Calls NXT’s Debut On USA Network “The Exact Moment I’ve Dreamed Of”

    WWE NXT Champion Adam Cole has shared his belief that the black-and-gold brand will be the most exciting show on television. 

    Speaking with Sports Illustrated, Cole addressed the brand’s move to USA Network saying, “NXT is going to be the most exciting show on television. We have a chance to put so many more eyes on us, and we already have a chip on our shoulder because we know how good we are. Now we want the entire world to recognize that.”

    He explained how the move is the exact moment he’s dreamed of, adding “I perform best in high-pressure situations. I want TakeOvers, live television, and that feeling of adrenaline and energy inside my stomach—I feed off that. I’ve worked in a television environment before, but obviously live on the USA Network for two hours is a different animal. Of course there is pressure, but I’m really excited to get started on the work.”

    Not only is Cole the current NXT Champion, he’s also the leader of the NXT’s Undisputed Era.

    For him, the most important aspect that has led to their collective success is unity. He described how they’ve known each other for over a decade and talk every single day. The friendship and camaraderie on display isn’t just for TV, he said, it’s a reflection of their real-life relationships.

    NXT debuts on USA Network tonight 8PM ET.

  • Kenny Omega Hints At AEW Collaboration With ONE Championship

    Kenny Omega Hints At AEW Collaboration With ONE Championship

    During a recent trip to Asia, Kenny Omega took to the time to make some “new friends” before returning to America. This teased collaboration teased a developing relationship that could potentially benefit his promotion All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

    Taking to social media, ‘The Best Bout Machine’ upload a tweet of him in front of the ONE Championship logo. Omega holds up his finger in the picture, which he accompanied with the following caption:

    “Made some new friends before returning to America. You’ll probably see more of us in the future. #oneesportsgg #TNT #AEW”

    ONE Championship

    For those unfamiliar with the promotion, ONCE Championship is a mixed-martial arts company based in Singapore. The promotion launched in 2011 and have signed a number of top Western talent to fight for them.

    Despite ONE Championship’s MMA foundation, that’s not all the company provide. They are also involved in e-sports, which is what Kenny Omega’s tweet hints at with its ‘onesportsgg’ hashtag. It’s no secret that Omega is a huge video game fan. He has previously shared his aspirations for AEW to have its very own video game, calling it a top priority.

    With that in mind, his announcement will more likely to be related to ONE’s e-sports division as opposed to seeing Omega accepting a fight.

  • Stevie Richards Comments On His Favorite Run In Wrestling, Talks About The Undertaker Vs Goldberg

    Stevie Richards Comments On His Favorite Run In Wrestling, Talks About The Undertaker Vs Goldberg

    The Undertaker’s matchup against Goldberg took place back in June at WWE’s Super Showdown. That hasn’t stopped others in the industry from sharing their thoughts on the clash.

    In an interview with Sportskeeda, former WWE Superstar Stevie Richards spoke about a range of topics including his favorite runs, on whether the Right to Censor would still work, and the infamous match between ‘Taker and Goldberg.

    According to him, many people assume his favorite run would be as a part of the Right to Censor or the bWo. For him though, it’s his portrayal of Stevie Night Heat as “that’s really where I was really truly allowed to do what I could do without being hindered, handcuffed.

    When it comes to the Right to Censor, Richards believes the concept for the stable could still work in WWE today.

    “They could always bring something like that back, you could rename it to match the labels of the people who try to control and censor people,” he said. “The right would say the left is doing it, the left would say the right is doing it. Whatever your local government is, whatever two sides of what I call the same party anyway.”

    “It’s A Double-Edge Sword”

    When asked about the Goldberg vs Undertaker match, Richards offered how it’s “popular” to bury their bout before claiming that the match was “designed to fail” because of it was planned to go too long.

    “Both guys were in incredible physical condition. Were they in wrestling shape, though? No, it’s not possible because it’s a double-edged sword. […] It’s something you have to temper, so just to let people know, when you want to get on guys for being in their 50s and they get put out there for a 15-minute match, and they’ve never worked together – that’s tough.”

  • Baron Corbin Explains Why He Thinks Fans Dislike Him, Says He Will Always Defend WWE Against Haters

    Baron Corbin Explains Why He Thinks Fans Dislike Him, Says He Will Always Defend WWE Against Haters

    Ahead of his finals match with Chad Gable, Baron Corbin spoke with Sports Illustrated. He opened up about being hated by the WWE Universe, explaining that his totally comfortable in the role.

    He believes the fans dislike of him stems from his lack of experience in the independent scene before debuting in WWE’s development brand. Corbin compared his time playing Football to his experiences in WWE, explaining he received similar levels of hate because he came from Division II.

    “I didn’t wrestle in the independents, I didn’t pay my dues the way people think you should in wrestling,” he said. “Someone like Seth Rollins, he wrestled in small gymnasiums for no money. I didn’t do that, but I’m still here—and none of those guys can do what I did. That absolutely fuels my ego.”

    “I’ll always stand up for WWE,” Corbin added. “We have the best superstars in the world, and we have the best people helping. We have Triple H, Michael Hayes, Fit Finlay, and Vince McMahon. We’re the best in the world, and I’m willing to stand up for that. I hold what we do to anyone in the world, no matter if it’s another wrestling company or the MLB or the NFL.”

    He continued, “We have no off-season, we’re on the road and sometimes doing the travel by ourselves. It’s a different grind. When I was in the NFL, it was all luxury team-owned planes and five-star hotels. We don’t have that, but we dominate the wrestling world and the entire sports world with some of the most talented and driven people I’ve ever been around.”

    Baron Corbin emerged successful last night from his finals match against Gable to become the 2019 King of the Ring.

  • More Details On Kevin Owens Returning To NXT

    More Details On Kevin Owens Returning To NXT

    WWE’s black-and-gold brand NXT debuts on USA Network this week. Ahead of the brand’s move, Triple H took part in an NXT media call. One of the topics brought up was the rumor that Kevin Owens may return to NXT after being fired from SmackDown by Shane McMahon.

    During the call, Triple H added to the speculation to the rumor by commenting on how Kevin Owens is a great talent. He stated he would love to have him back on NXT, explaining that he doesn’t see any barriers that would stop him from appearing or moving back. That same media call saw Triple H state there is no up or down progression anymore, just lateral movement between brands.

    Owens In Orlando

    According to PWInsider.com, it is expected that Owens will be in Orlando this week for September 18th where he will appear for NXT.

    It’s not known at this point in time whether his return is a long-term plan or a short stay to help shine main roster talent onto WWE’s development brand. Regardless, Owens is apparently a part of NXT’s plans for their USA Network debut.

    Owens teased a return to the brand in a recent social media post. The letters he tweeted corresponded with the alphabet, translating to NXT.

  • Triple H Discusses NXT’s Involvement In Upcoming WWE Draft

    Triple H Discusses NXT’s Involvement In Upcoming WWE Draft

    ‘The Game’ Triple H recently took part in a media call ahead of NXT’s debut on USA Network. One topic of conversation that came up revolved around NXT’s involvement with WWE’s upcoming draft planned for RAW and SmackDown.

    Triple H explained how WWE wants to put on the best show possible every week. According to him, he’s interested in NXT putting on the best show “against RAW, against SmackDown, against anybody.”

    He added, “I want to compete against ourselves to have the best show that we can. That competition – that’s what leads to the best stuff in the business. From a product standpoint, when you have competition, it makes everything good. So we create our own.”

    NXT Draft Involvement

    Regarding NXT’s involvement with October’s WWE draft, Triple H doesn’t foresee much NXT involvement.

    “I think that right now, the main focus of the draft itself is RAW and SmackDown as October 4th comes along and moves forward. With FOX broadcast taking SmackDown and staying with our partners at USA and NBCU, those become two very competitive landscapes. I’m of the opinion that the NXT brand will continue to grow and I think that down the line, you will see. As much as I will say right now, NXT has grown to where it shouldn’t be referred to as a developmental brand even though we tend to debut newer stars.”

    He explained how the draft is more about creating a subsequent brand split between RAW and SmackDown, giving the shows two distinct rosters once again. His goal for the future is to establish three distinct brands that will all have a “different feel and flavor to them” all underneath WWE’s umbrella, stating that there is no up or down progression anymore, just lateral movement between brands.

    NXT debuts on USA Network this week on September 18th.

    H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

  • Baron Corbin Comments On Superstars And Fans Who Blame WWE For Misusing NXT Talent On Main Roster

    Baron Corbin Comments On Superstars And Fans Who Blame WWE For Misusing NXT Talent On Main Roster

    Baron Corbin successfully became the 2019 King of the Ring tournament winner last night, defeating Chad Gable in the finals. 

    Prior to his finals clash, Corbin spoke with the Not Sam Wrestling Podcast. He reflected on his time in NXT. Corbin also shared his thoughts on Superstars ansd fans who blame WWE for how they have “misused” talent.

    Misused Talent

    When it comes to moving from NXT to RAW or SmackDown, Corbin stated that the responsibility is on the talent to make the most of the opportunities available. 

    “What’s crazy is when people say, ‘I don’t want these guys to get called up so that they can be misused.’ Nobody is being misused. They’re going to be given opportunities; they’re either going to make them successful or not, that is just the way it is. There is a reason why NXT and Triple H has built an amazing thing down there because it gets guys ready to come down here [to the main roster].”

    He added that, if an NXT Superstar needs time to rebuild and figure out their new position on the main roster, that’s on them:

    “When they get called up it is up to the guys to find success. John Cena is somebody who has always preached that. It’s on you, it’s not on anyone else. If guys are being misused it’s not anybody’s fault but their own. They have to find an avenue to get successful, to get creative, to pitch ideas, and it’s hard because you do get lost in the shuffle here. There are a lot of guys that I think do great things when given the opportunity, but it’s all about fighting and finding that opportunity.”

    “It’s A Grind”

    Corbin commented on his own ambitions, admitting he “had hoped to be world champion by now; it’s taken me three-and-a-half years. It’ll come, it’s just going to take that grind.

    He continued, “Some guys have been doing it for six months and are like well, it’s not going to work out for me because I’m not champion. It’s a grind. Anything worth doing is a grind so it’s that kind of thing where you can’t feel sorry for yourself, and you have to keep pushing.”

    For him, there’s no point crying about missed opportunities. He explained if he is overlooked, he’ll simply focus on his next route to get to where he wants to go. 

    H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription. 

  • Madison Square Garden Gives WWE Legends Special Commemorative Gifts

    Madison Square Garden Gives WWE Legends Special Commemorative Gifts

    Madison Square Garden recently hosted both Monday Night RAW and SmackDown Live this past week. WWE brought in WWE Legends ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin and The Undertaker to appear on each show, with both returning to a heroes welcome.

    Austin appeared during the opening and closing segments of RAW. ‘The Dead Man’ appeared during the opening segment of SmackDown Live, choke slamming Sami Zayn after cutting a promo about how he considers SmackDown his “home.”

    To mark the occasion, Madison Square Garden gifted some special commemorative items to Steve Austin and ‘Taker. Both Superstars received custom jerseys with their name printed along the back. Austin’s was accompanied by a ‘3:16′ while Undertaker’s had ’33.’

    In addition to the jerseys, The Undertaker had a photo of him hung up on The Garden’s wall. In the picture, he is delivering a leg drop his brother Kane during WrestleMania XX. This photo was placed under a photo of Elvis Presley.

    ‘The Rattlesnake’ received a custom frame with iconic Austin moments that took place in MSG flanking a ‘Welcome Home Stone Cold’ message along the middle.

    Both men would share their gifts online via their social media accounts, with Austin writing:

    “Thank you from the great people here @TheGarden!!! Special times in a special building. It’s good to be back home. @WWE #Raw”

    The Undertaker, breaking character somewhat, admitted that MSG will always be his favorite venue.

    “Thank you to @TheGarden The most iconic venue in the world! The two photos were hanging on the wall backstage. MSG will always be my favorite…#msg #WWE #theking”

  • Davey Boy Smith Jr. Wants The MLW Championship, Believes The Door To Return To WWE Is Open To Him

    Davey Boy Smith Jr. Wants The MLW Championship, Believes The Door To Return To WWE Is Open To Him

    Davey Boy Smith Jr. may no longer be wrestling for New Japan Pro-Wrestling, but he’s not allowing his momentum or aspirations to slow down.

    Smith Jr. recently caught up with the Total Slam podcast. During their conversation, he revealed he has major championship aspirations in Major League Wrestling (MLW). 

    “I would like to challenge for the MLW World Title against whoever holds the title,” he stated. “I would like to thank the fans for believing in me and the majority choosing me as the future MLW World Champion, I really appreciate that. I promise you once I procure the World Championship I won’t let anybody down and I will be a fighting champion.”

    Regarding a potential WWE return, he believes the door is open for him to come back. Smith Jr. used to tag with Tyson Kidd in a team named the Hart Dynasty.

    “Right now, I am signed with MLW, and they’re really showcasing me good, so before I come back to WWE at some point, I would like to do some great things in my career and build my name back up in North America before I come back.”

    In MLW, Smith Jr. is a part of the Hart Foundation stable alongside Brian Pillman Jr. and Teddy Hart.

    H/T to Fightful for the transcription.

  • Nikki Bella Addresses Pregnancy And Motherhood Rumors

    Nikki Bella Addresses Pregnancy And Motherhood Rumors

    Former WWE Superstar Nikki Bella has dismissed rumors that pregnancy and motherhood are in her near future.

    Speaking on her podcast, The Bellas Podcast, which she co-hosts with her sister, Brie, Nikki explained how babies aren’t on her mind right now.

    “Yeah. My ovaries are like cringing,” she said. “Love is on my brain, and lust, but not babies.”

    She addressed the idea that she and Brie might fall pregnant at the same time, saying ‘Well, so, look, I couldn’t even imagine the world if Brie and I were pregnant the same time. Oh, my God. Those hormones in one room would be unreal.”

    Nikki continued, “It’s weird, guys. And I know what some people are saying. But like, I am not craving babies whatsoever right now. I’m just I’m enjoying my career. I’m enjoying my life. I’m enjoying my midriffs. Brie, and I know I’ve said it before, is an amazing form of birth control. Like her and Bird. I’m with them all the time, and I just don’t want that right now.”

    Nikki is currently dating her former Dancing with the Stars partner, Artem Chigvintsev. She has previously stated that, despite having been a part and seeing other people, she still considers John Cena her soul mate.

    H/T to Fightful for the transcription.

    https://youtu.be/DAO3pIHKTs0
  • Joey Janela Doesn’t Want To Wrestle To A Formula, Thinks Those Who Do Are “Lazy”

    Joey Janela Doesn’t Want To Wrestle To A Formula, Thinks Those Who Do Are “Lazy”

    Despite being known for his penchant for hardcore wrestling, Joey Janela has explained how he doesn’t adhere to a formula.

    Speaking with Bleacher Report, Janela detailed that he doesn’t “have a set move set or a formula. A lot of these guys, they get lazy,” he said. “They develop a formula which they use every match. And it makes their matches lack excitement.

    He continued, “I’ve always been a good technical wrestler. I’m pretty good at adapting to my opponent. I wrestled a match with Zach Sabre Jr. a couple years ago where we went to a 30-minute time limit draw. Thirty minutes of technical wrestling. That’s the kind of match my critics are never going to watch, because they don’t want to admit I have that aspect.”

    Janela is a member of the All Elite Wrestling roster. During their recent show All Out, he participated in a Cracker Barrel Clash triple threat match alongside Jimmy Havoc and Darby Allin.

    He called their match “good, harmless fun,” admitting there was some craziness involved throughout. Janela added they were within the boundaries of a PG-14 environment and, had they removed the staple gun, the match could work in a PG environment.

    Joey Janela will become a full-time member of AEW when the show debuts on TNT on October 2nd.

  • Diamond Dallas Page Comments On Wednesday Night Wars

    Diamond Dallas Page Comments On Wednesday Night Wars

    Diamond Dallas Page has shared his thoughts on the impending Wednesday Night Wars between WWE’s NXT and All Elite Wrestling’s show on TNT.

    The former WCW World Heavyweight Champion recently told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that everybody wants war:

    “Hell yeah, everybody always wants war. We don’t want anybody to get killed, but they want war,” he said. “When there’s no competition, things (and) fans get dull. When wrestling really works is when you blur the lines and reality — you don’t know what is reality.”

    Despite not being officially signed to All Elite Wrestling, DDP has cameoed for the promotion a number of times. He accompanied Cody Rhodes to the ring during AEW’s All In show, where Cody faced off against NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion, Nick Aldis. 

    DDP also accompanied Cody to the ring at Double or Nothing and during AEW’s recent All Out event. He joined Brandi Rhodes and MJF in Star Trek outfits, alongside Pharaoh. Cody would end up selecting MJF to second him for his matchup against Shawn Spears. Cody would emerge victorious in his grudge match against Spears.

    NXT debuts on USA Network on September 18th. Two weeks later on October 2nd, AEW will air the first episode of their television show on TNT.