SEScoops

Author: Steve Russell

  • Bruce Prichard On Vince McMahon’s Relationship With WWE’s Top Superstars

    Bruce Prichard On Vince McMahon’s Relationship With WWE’s Top Superstars

    If you’re one of WWE’s main event Superstars, chances are you’re going to have a pretty good relationship with Vince McMahon.

    In an episode of Something To Wrestle podcast, Bruce Prichard addressed Vince’s relationship with his top Superstars. He reflected on the friendship between Vince McMahon, Shawn Michaels and Kevin Nash back in 1995.

    “Well, that’s accurate, but, you know, I think that a lot of it starts, most of the time, it will start from a whole different relationship. I mean, Shawn Michaels wasn’t Vince’s favorite person in the beginning,” Prichard explained. “But, when [the top star gets] to that point, yeah, you got to have a strong relationship and a strong bond to be able to work together is as closely as we all do.”

    He added that Vince McMahon wants input from his top Superstars, knowing that they’re the ones showcasing the promotion. He stressed how, like most friendships and relationships, trust is built over time.

    “It’s not like, ‘God, I love you and I’m gonna make you champ,’ It’s, ‘We’re gonna put this on you, and we’re gonna get through it together.’ And if a bond builds, a bond builds, sometimes the bond doesn’t build.”

    H/T to Fightful for the transcription. 

    https://youtu.be/dgr47xTaG50
  • Adam Cole Discusses Undisputed Era’s Championship Ambitions

    Adam Cole Discusses Undisputed Era’s Championship Ambitions

    It’s no secret that Undisputed Era wants to drape themselves in NXT gold. Adam Cole is the current NXT Champion, Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly hold the NXT tag team championships, and Roderick Strong has an opportunity to claim the NXT North American Championship on the black-and-gold brand’s debut on USA Network. 

    Speaking with ComicBook.com, Adam Cole recalled starting Undisputed Era on their path towards NXT domination.

    “I think that was just something that I just said at one point where I talked about how I wanted Undisputed Era to have all the gold, and it was something that kind of just stuck, so it’s something that we’ve gone with kind of ever since then,” Cole said. “We’ve been adamant about saying, ‘Undisputed Era needs to get all the championships,’ and it just fits for our group. You know the tagline ‘Shock the system?’ Now, that’s evolved into wanting to have all the championship gold. I just feel like it’s a natural progression for the Undisputed Era and the next thing that we would say that we’re going to do.”

    “If We’re Going To Add One Guy, It Needs To Be Roddy”

    Cole continued, explaining how Undisputed Era was originally only ever going to be comprised of himself, Kyle O’Reilly and Bobby Fish. When Roderick Strong debuted for NXT, however, their mindset changed.

    “I remember the three of us talking and saying, ‘Gosh, if we’re going to add one guy, it needs to be Roddy.’ He just fits so incredibly well in the group. I feel like the group was good. The group was really good with the three of us, but I feel like it’s perfect with Roderick in there, just the four of us, the way we play off each other. Many people know the four of us have known each other literally for 10 years. We’re all incredibly close. We talk every single day. We’re legitimate close friends. We travel all the time, so to have him added to the group I really feel like took the group of the Undisputed Era to the next level, for sure.”

    Roderick Strong gets his chance to claim gold when he faces off against current NXT North American Champion Velveteen Dream. The two clash on September 18th when NXT debuts on USA Network. 

  • Alexa Bliss On Who Was Welcoming To Her When She First Debuted

    Alexa Bliss On Who Was Welcoming To Her When She First Debuted

    Starting in a new workplace can be a daunting experience. In an interview with TV Insider, one-half of the current WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Alexa Bliss, recalled her first days in WWE. Bliss pinpointed one Superstar in particular who was one of the rare few who welcomed her to the promotion: Charlotte Flair.

    “She was very welcoming,” Bliss said. “She was one of the few that was welcoming. Sarah Amato, who is an incredible coach, has always been crazy helpful. Since my first day she helped me along the way. I’m thankful to stay in contact with her.

    Recalling her time in NXT, she mentioned the one-hour time slot the black-and-gold brand had on the WWE Network. She remarked that its new two-hour slot on USA Network will give NXT talent ample opportunities to shine that they may not have had before.

    “There are over a 100 talents that are there,” Bliss explained. “A lot of people we don’t see because NXT is a shorter show. You only see three or four matches per show. If you’re not featured, you’re not going to be on there for a while. I think the show being extended on a bigger stage, it gives the world a view of NXT talent they may have not had before.”

    Alexa Bliss is scheduled to defend her Women’s Tag Team Championship alongside her partner Nikki Cross this Sunday. They will be competing against Mandy Rose and Sonya Devilla at WWE’s Clash of Champions event. NXT debuts on USA Network on September 18th.

  • Goldberg Wants To Wrestle Cain Velasquez

    Goldberg Wants To Wrestle Cain Velasquez

    Goldberg has announced his interest in wrestling former two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez during an interview with Helen Yee of Eyes On The Game. 

    “Cain’s doing great,” Goldberg said. “I saw a little bit of the coverage of his match, and, you know, put it this way…anyone in professional sports who was in that sport for a lifelong dream, like myself playing football, that’s all I ever wanted to do. It’s a great alternative, this wrestling business offers a lot, it really does.”

    He added that for high-level professional athletes like Velasquez, the career change into pro wrestling is a “perfect, easy transition” as opposed to those who don’t have an athletic background.

    “I’d still smash him in the ring. I’d wrestle Cain in the ring in two seconds,” he admitted. “I’d wrestle anybody, you know who I am, that’s what I do. But I’m just saying, he’s got a lot of potential.”

    Cain Velasquez made his pro debut recently during AAA’s Triplemania XXVII event. He participated in a 6 man trios match, teaming with Pyscho Clown and AEW’s Cody Rhodes. They took on the team of Texano Jr., Taurus, and Killer Kross. He has previously trained at the WWE Performance Center, fuelling speculation at the time that he was WWE bound. Velasquez recently confirmed he has been in talks WWE and AEW.

  • NJPW Announces First Names For New Japan Showdown Shows

    NJPW Announces First Names For New Japan Showdown Shows

    New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) has officially announced the first names that will be flying across to the United States for their New Japan Showdown shows:

    NJPW

    • Kota Ibushi
    • Jyushin Thunder Liger
    • Juice Robinson 

    CHAOS 

    • Kazuchika Okada
    • Will Ospreay

    Los Ingobernables de Japon

    • Tetsuya Naito
    • EVIL
    • SANADA

    Bullet Club

    • Jay White
    • Chase Owens

    Suzuki-Gun

    • Minor Suzuki
    • Lance Archer

    “New Japan Showdown in Los Angeles will emanate from LA’s Globe Theatre. Earlier this year, NJPW hit the Globe Theater as part of the New Beginning in USA tour. That night, Roppongi Vice reformed for one night only for a wild main event; what could happen when all the stars of New Japan return?” an NJPW press release for the event reads.

    New Japan Showdown will feature two shows taking place along America’s West Coast, one in San Jose, and the other in Los Angeles. 

    If you’re interested in attending, it’s worth noting that Jyushin Thunder Liger, Kazuchika Okada, and Will Ospreay will only be appearing at the San Jose event.

    New Japan Showdown in San Jose takes place on Saturday, November 9th. The Los Angeles show occurs two days later on Monday, November 11th.

    At the time of writing, there is no card information to let fans know what to expect, but as more names are announced it will only be a matter of time before the cards take shape. 

  • Shayna Baszler Describes NXT’s Move To USA Network As “The Most Important Day In Our History”

    Shayna Baszler Describes NXT’s Move To USA Network As “The Most Important Day In Our History”

    WWE NXT Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler has described NXT’s move to USA Network as the most important day in NXT history.

    During an interview with Muscle & Fitness, the champion was asked about changes she has noticed within the black-and-gold brand since signing to the company.

    “There’s a lot of things,” Baszler responded. “I think I got into NXT at a very historic time. And I don’t mean just the USA [Network] stuff. NXT on USA is probably the most important day in our history. We’ll look back on it as the key day, but even going back to the first-ever Mae Young Classic, I’ve been such a huge part of these historic moments with NXT and WWE that I’m so excited to see what’s next.”

    Baszler made her WWE debut during the Mae Young Classic in 2017. She lost in the finals to Kairi Sane before officially signing with WWE in October of that year. She has since gone on to make NXT history by becoming the first-ever two-time NXT Women’s Champion.

    “In my opinion, the NXT Women’s title is a very prestigious title to have,” Baszler said. “So, the fact that I’m the only person to have ever held it twice is a huge thing that I definitely add to my list of accomplishments and I am very, very proud of it.”

    NXT debuts on USA Network on September 18th.

  • Marko Stunt Talks About Creative Freedom In AEW, The Dynamic Of Jurassic Express

    Marko Stunt Talks About Creative Freedom In AEW, The Dynamic Of Jurassic Express

    All Elite Wrestling’s Marko Stunt recently spoke with media at Starrcast III. He addressed his inclusion into Jurassic Express alongside Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus and the dynamic between them, as well as the freedom that AEW has afforded him.

    “Originally, it was just supposed to be me and Jungle Boy, and then those two were already a team there,” Stunt explained. “They were an incredible team, and I just so happened to be put with them. It worked out, and I think we have a super dynamic team because we have something that nobody’s ever seen before. We have a walking dinosaur, a kid that lived in the jungle and an actual kid. How different can you get from that?”

    Stunt continued, sharing that AEW has given him all the freedom that he could want.

    “I get to go out there and show everyone who Marko Stunt is. Not necessarily who they want Marko Stunt to be, but who I’ve made Marko Stunt be,” he said. “That’s an incredible place to be because it gives me so many more opportunities to learn from what I’m doing and what I could be doing. Down the road, it only goes up.”

    Jurassic Express recently competed in a losing effort against SoCal Uncensored during AEW’s All Out pay-per-view on August 31st.

    H/T to Wrestlezone for the transcription.

  • ROH’s Kelly Klein Addresses Rumors Over ROH And Impact Merging

    ROH’s Kelly Klein Addresses Rumors Over ROH And Impact Merging

    Current Ring of Honor (ROH) Women of Honor World Champion Kelly Klein has addressed the rumors that Impact Wrestling and ROH could be consolidating into one promotion.

    When asked by a fan via Twitter who she would like to compete against if there was any truth to the speculation, Klein confessed she didn’t know anything about the rumors. She added that, although she has already faced a number of of the women on Impact’s roster, she would be thrilled to face the rest if the opportunity arose.

    “I don’t know anything about rumors. But the cool thing with wrestling is it’s very fluid and at any time I could see any number of people coming through ROH. I have faced many of the women on the current Impact roster and would be thrilled to face any of the rest.”

    Kelly Klein is set to defend her ROH Women of Honor World Championship against Allure member, Angelina Love. Their match takes place on Friday, September 27th from Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall in Las Vegas, Nevada. There will also be a set of television tapings taking place the next night on September 28th.

    Impact Wrestling recently announced that they will be moving to AXS TV in October.

  • Alexa Bliss Talks About Career Opportunities If Her In-Ring Career Had Ended

    Alexa Bliss Talks About Career Opportunities If Her In-Ring Career Had Ended

    Alexa Bliss is unfortunately all too familiar with concussive damage. In a recent interview, she revealed that she had no idea what she would have done if she had been unable to return to in-ring action in WWE.

    Speaking with Fightful, Bliss spoke about how WWE took care of her as she healed, allowing her a talk show segment in the interim. She also added that, had she not been able to come back to action, she would have liked to have become General Manager.

    “I don’t know (what I would have done). If I wouldn’t have been able to come back– WWE’s been incredible in helping me with all my injuries and everything,” she said. “They sought out the best medical team for me and they were incredible by giving me A Moment of Bliss. So maybe more of that route. Maybe General Manager. I like to boss people around so I think it would have been okay. I don’t know, but I’m very fortunate to be back in the ring, and I’m happy with where I am now.”

    Since returning to the squared circle, Alexa Bliss has managed to successfully capture the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships alongside Nikki Cross. The two will defend these belts this Sunday at Clash of Champions against Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville.

    H/T to Fightful for the transcription.

  • Triple H Discusses WWE’s Crossover Appeal With Mainstream Pop Culture

    Triple H Discusses WWE’s Crossover Appeal With Mainstream Pop Culture

    Triple H has addressed The Undertaker’s recent appearance at College GameDay. The EVP of Talent, Live Events and Creative explained how The Undertaker transcends WWE, allowing crossover appeal between wrestling fans and mainstream pop culture.

    “There are certain people that transcend their industry and become cultural icons, and The Undertaker transcends the WWE,” Triple H said to SI.com. “This was Vince’s vision at WrestleMania I: the integration of pop culture. So this was an opportunity for us to reach out to new fans, to reach out to lax fans, to reach out to everybody and create that buzz about what we do.”

    He then explained WWE’s crossover appeal, highlighting how Superstars such as The Undertaker and Becky Lynch appear on different shows outside of the wrestling world.

    “WWE has crossover appeal. Whether you’re a fan or not, people all over the globe know who The Undertaker is. So whether it’s Undertaker on College GameDay or Becky Lynch on SportsCenter, talent appearing on Fallon or throwing first pitches at baseball games, our talent are integrated into every walk of life,” Triple H said. “That’s an opportunity to platform WWE to people and being relevant on a day-to-day basis in pop culture.”

    Attitude Era Influence

    Looking to the past, Triple H recalled how the Attitude Era “changed the way people spoke and trash-talked one another” with NFL players would do the DX crotch chop after a touchdown or use Austin’s “Oh, hell yeah!” catchphrase.

    “That extends well beyond our business, and for our talent,” he said, “that’s when you truly know you’re getting to the place you want to be in this industry.”

    WWE Clash of Champions takes place this Sunday from the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

  • Chris Jericho Says AEW Promos Will Be Totally Unscripted

    Chris Jericho Says AEW Promos Will Be Totally Unscripted

    WWE has recently been giving certain Superstars more creative freedom when it comes to promos, allowing them to work off bullet points rather than having to memorize scripts. Turns out that All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has no interest in scripts at all.

    During an episode of the Mature Audiences Mayhem podcast, Chris Jericho explained why the promotion won’t be using scripted promos for any of its shows.

    “I think people are excited because it’s something different. I know this – there’s no scripted promos,” Jericho claimed.

    He continued, “There are no writers because that is what wrestling is. That is where it came from! ‘Austin 3:16’ was written by Steve Austin, ‘Y2J’ was written by Chris Jericho, ‘Never Ever Again’ was written by Chris Jericho. All that stuff came from my head because I am the one who has to deliver it.”

    Jericho addressed WWE’s attitude towards scripted promos, highlighting that “you have to say it because it’s what Vince McMahon wants.” 

    “I watch WWE – and listen, I love WWE. I worked there for 19 years. But you can see when people are saying s–t that they don’t buy, and you have to say it because it’s what Vince McMahon wants. And if you don’t say what he wants, you are going to hear about it. And if you don’t do it the next time, you probably won’t get promos anymore.”

    Chris Jericho will is scheduled to defend his AEW Championship against Cody at AEW Full Gear in November. AEW’s television debut on TNT airs on October 2nd.

    H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription. 

  • The Miz Promises To Make A “Moment” This Sunday At Clash Of Champions

    The Miz Promises To Make A “Moment” This Sunday At Clash Of Champions

    The Miz has promised his Clash of Champions opponent, Shinsuke Nakamura, that he will create a memorable “moment” this Sunday after he defeats him and becomes a nine-time Intercontinental Champion.

    Miz spoke backstage with WWE.com after being blindsided by Shinsuke Nakamura. The attack followed his victory over Andrade this past Tuesday on SmackDown.

    “You know, WWE being here at Madison Square Garden, it’s all about moments. Creating moments that people will remember for a lifetime. That’s what we do as WWE Superstars, and that’s what you do as a champion,” he said.

    He continued, “How many moments do you remember from Shinsuke Nakamura’s reign as Intercontinental Champion? How many? How many times has he been on TV representing the Intercontinental Championship? How many matches do you remember with Shinsuke Nakamura with the Intercontinental Championship? This is the stuff I got rid of when I was Intercontinental Champion, the type of stuff that I am sick of with the Intercontinental Championship.”

    “So this Sunday, I’m gonna create a moment, gonna create a match that Shinsuke Nakamura will remember in WWE for a lifetime when I become the nine-time Intercontinental Champion,” Miz promised. “And it’ll be right in his face, eye-to-eye, not behind his back, and it will be awesome. “

    The Miz gets his chance at Nakamura this Sunday at WWE’s Clash of Champions pay-per-view.

    If you use any quotes from this article, please provide a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.

  • Cody Comments On His AEW Championship Opportunity At Full Gear

    Cody Comments On His AEW Championship Opportunity At Full Gear

    After a string of notable victories in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Cody Rhodes has earned an opportunity at the inaugural AEW Champion, Chris Jericho.

    Responding to a Tweet from the official AEW account asking if the people were ready for Cody to become the new AEW Champion. He wrote about having fun being underrated throughout his career, before admitting that he wants to claim the championship for his wife, mother, and every fan who supported him when he bet on himself three years ago.

    “Being “underrated” was fun but also the least rewarding period of my career

    It may seem silly but in my house the World Championship is The Stanley Cup, The Oscar, The Lombardi Trophy

    I want it for my Wife, my Momma, & every fan who bet on me 3 years ago when I bet on myself”

    Cody holds victories over his brother Dustin Rhodes as well as his recent win over Shawn Spears at All Out. He also has a tag team loss against The Young Bucks with his brother Dustin, and a time limit draw against Darby Allin. The promotion has previously stressed the importance of wins and losses, and so with these victories under his belt, Cody became the number one contender for Jericho’s championship.

    AEW Full Gear takes place on November 9th from the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, Maryland.

  • ROH TV Champion Shane Taylor Takes Issue With Being Left Off Death Before Dishonor Advertising

    ROH TV Champion Shane Taylor Takes Issue With Being Left Off Death Before Dishonor Advertising

    Current Ring of Honor (ROH) World Television Champion Shane Taylor has taken issue with ROH.

    In a tweet aimed directly at ROH, Taylor took offence with promotion for leaving him off the poster advertising their upcoming event, Death Before Dishonor.

    He wrote, “@ringofhonor has time to retweet people talking shit, but ignores my response eh? Figures…but THIS is the bullshit, I’m talking about. Notice anything?? Rather do you NOT notice something?? #Done #NextChapter #LastStraw”

    Every ROH champion scheduled for a title defence is featured on the poster.

    ROH Women of Honor Champion Kelly Klein joins her challenger, Allure member Angelina Love along the bottom.

    The Briscoe Brothers, who will defend their ROH Tag Team Championships, are opposite Lifeblood members, Bandido and Mark Haskins. ROH World Champion Matt Taven dominates the top of the poster with his challenger, RUSH. Even the entirety of Villain Enterprises, Marty Scurll, PCO, Brody King, and Flip Gordon are included. Shane Taylor, however, is nowhere to be seen.

    Death Before Dishonor will also feature first-round matches in a tournament to determine the number one contender for the ROH World Championship. Colt Cabana faces off against Marty Scurll. Villain Enterprises stablemate PCO will compete against Kenny King.

    Death Before Dishonor takes place on September 27th from Sam’s Town, Las Vegas.

  • Bret Hart Reflects On His King Of The Ring Victory

    Bret Hart Reflects On His King Of The Ring Victory

    With WWE currently holding their King of the Ring tournament, many former Superstars have been reflecting on what the tournament has meant to them.

    During an interview with SI.com, WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart reflected on his King of the Ring victory in 1993, calling it one of the greatest nights in his lucrative career.

    “I prided myself on working different styles with different guys, and I appreciated that every single one of my matches that night was different.”

    Hart competed in three different matches that night on his way to claiming the crown. He faced Razor Ramon in the quarterfinals, Mr. Perfect in the semis, and then Bam Bam Bigelow in the final on the competition.

    “There’s always a lot of pressure on you on a big pay-per-view, especially a pay-per-view like that since it was the first one,” said Hart. “But I was up for the challenge.”

    He explained how he looked forward to every match he had that night. Hart called Bam Bam one of the best big men in the business before likening his matches with Curt Hennig with Mad Magazine’s Spy vs. Spy, saying how they had “great chemistry together” to the point where he feels they never had a bad match. When it came to Razor Ramon, Hart stated that theirs was “the best match we ever had together.”

    “It was all different stuff, too. The match with Bam Bam was so different from the match with Curt, and the match with Curt was different from the match with Razor. That’s what I remember the most about that night.”

    The finals of this year’s King of the Ring tournament will see Chad Gable take on Baron Corbin Monday night on RAW.

  • NXT UK Superstars Reportedly Moving To NXT Full-Time

    NXT UK Superstars Reportedly Moving To NXT Full-Time

    In recent weeks, WWE Superstars have been jumping across brands. Cesaro recently appeared on NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff; Kassius Ohno has become a mainstay on NXT UK, and both NXT UK’s Pete Dunne and Rhea Ripley have been featured on WWE’s NXT brand.

    According to PWInsider, there could be some permanent changes ahead once NXT has moved to USA Network as two NXT UK names are reportedly moving to NXT full-time.

    The first is ‘The Bruiserweight’ Pete Dunne. Dunne is apparently in the process of attaining the necessary visas that would allow him to live in the United States, becoming a full-time member of the black-and-gold brand in the process.

    He recently came back to NXT and competed in a triple-threat matchup against The Velveteen Dream and Roderick Strong at NXT TakeOver: Toronto in August. Velveteen Dream would successfully defend his NXT North American Championship. Dunne holds the record as NXT UK’s longest-running NXT UK Champion.

    The second name is the former NXT UK Women’s Champion, Toni Storm. There are reportedly big plans in place for Storm if and when she becomes a permanent fixture on NXT. Storm recently dropped the championship to Kay Lee Ray at NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff.

    NXT moves to USA Network on September 18th, extending to a new two-hour time slot.

  • Britt Baker On How She Balances Two Careers

    Britt Baker On How She Balances Two Careers

    All Elite Wrestling (AEW) talent Britt Baker recently took part in a media scrum during Starrcast III where she detailed how she balances her life as an AEW wrestler and her profession as a dentist.

    “You just can’t think about it,” she said. “It’s more of a don’t think, just do thing. When I wake up in the morning, I know I have to do this, this, this and this. It has to get done, and that’s what you do. You have to wake up, go to the office, do any after office paperwork, you have to go to the gym, you have to train and train, you eat, you get a little bit of sleep and then you do it again.”

    Baker continued, “You can’t really stress and freak yourself out with everything there is to do, you just have to say “Hey, you have to do it, I’m going to do it, that’s it.”

    She admitted that a lot of her patients are now starting to recognize her because of her work in AEW. Even when she’s backstage at a show, she’ll get people wanting to ask her dental advice. Despite this, Baker stated that she loves it when her worlds crossover as it allows her to flaunt her experience, which she finds rewarding.

  • Mandy Rose Opens Up About Her WWE Schedule

    Mandy Rose Opens Up About Her WWE Schedule

    WWE SmackDown Live Superstar Mandy Rose has opened up about her travel schedule for the promotion.

    In an interview with metro.co.uk, Rose detailed her typical schedule as a main roster Superstar.

    “When you get to the main roster it changes a little bit because you’re more on your own, you fit in your training when you can, but it’s hard,” Mandy admitted. “You land Saturday to get to the live event, I go right to the gym, work out, then we have to be at the venue at 5pm for a 7.30pm show. Then you drive to the next city which might be three or four hours away and you do it all over again.”

    She shared how this kind of non-stop schedule can be a grind, and that it gets to be tiring when all you want to do is sleep, but instead you have to get up and force yourself into the gym.

    “[…] you have to balance your time and go by how you feel,” she said. “I train five to six days a week, in developmental you’re training in the ring and in the gym, so that’s a crazy schedule. Once you get to the main you’re on your own and you do what you want.”

    Despite her adherence to a work out schedule, Rose confessed she finds it hard to stay strict with her diet. She explained, “sometimes it’s hard because the healthy food isn’t readily available all the time” when on the road.

    “It’s not everlasting, eventually I want to start a family and have children, so it’s being smart with your money and training and making sure you do have a long, successful career. Plus, injuries happen all the time, you need to make sure you don’t have all your eggs in one basket.”

    She added that WWE is her priority right now, but already has her eyes set towards a non-wrestling future, launching a YouTube channel with Sonya Deville called Damandyz Donutz alongside her skincare line, Amarose.

  • Kofi Kington Names Which NXT Superstars He’d Like To Face, Believes Big E Will Win Singles Gold Again

    Kofi Kington Names Which NXT Superstars He’d Like To Face, Believes Big E Will Win Singles Gold Again

    WWE Champion Kofi Kingston has named which NXT Superstars he would love to wrestle against. He also shared his belief that it’s only a matter of time until New Day stablemate, Big E, holds singles gold once again.

    Speaking with WrestlingNews.co, Kingston listed notable NXT talents such as Velveteen Dream, former NXT Champion Tommaso Ciampa, and current NXT Champion Adam Cole as Superstars he’d love to compete with.

    “I get this question all the time, and it’s impossible to pick just one,” Kingston said. “I mean, Velveteen Dream, Tommaso Ciampa, Adam Cole…there’s so much talent down there. I think it’s a really special time. They’re so good that they are getting to be on national television now on USA…”

    Regarding NXT’s move to USA Network, Kingston remarked that the change will only make everyone better:

    “It’s gonna make them that much better because they’ve had a lot of time to grind and they are very comfortable being in front of TV,” he explained. “They’ve built their own brand, so I think it’s gonna be great for them. The more exposure the better…”

    When it comes to his New Day stablemates, Big E and Xavier Woods, Kingston shared that he believes Big E will “eventually” win singles gold again, adding that “He deserves it.”

    “[Big] E and Woods both,” Kingston said. “Honestly, all of us are already in the Hall Of Fame, not to toot my own horn or whatever. The New Day, we’ve already done so many significant things. E and Woods are incredibly talented individuals. I’m so blessed to have been grouped with these guys and to have met these guys … There’s big things always.”

    Kofi Kingston will attempt to defend his WWE Championship against “The Viper” Randy Orton at this Sunday’s Clash of Champions pay-per-view.

    H/T to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.

  • KUSHIDA Makes 205 Live Debut As Jack Gallagher’s Mystery Partner

    KUSHIDA Makes 205 Live Debut As Jack Gallagher’s Mystery Partner

    WWE NXT Superstar, and former New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, KUSHIDA made his 205 Live debut during Tuesday night’s episode of the show. He would be revealed to be Jack Gallagher’s mystery partner.

    The pair defeated the team of Akira Tozawa and The Brian Kendrick. The win came afer KUSHIDA locked in the Hoverboard Lock, forcing Kendrick to tap out.

    https://twitter.com/WWE205Live/status/1171609098577596416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1171609098577596416&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fightful.com%2Fwrestling%2Fkushida-debuts-205-live-jack-gallagher-s-mystery-partner

    Time For 205 Live?

    At the time of writing, it is not known whether this is a permanent move for KUSHIDA, or if his appearance on 205 Live was merely a one-off with the brand. With more and more WWE Superstars jumping between brands in recent months, it’s not impossible that KUSHIDA may wrestle for both NXT and 205 Live.

    If he does continue to compete for WWE’s purple brand, it may only be a matter of time before he finds himself rekindling his competitive rivalry with Cruiserweight Champion, Drew Gulak.

    The two have faced each other multiple times across both NXT and EVOLVE. KUSHIDA holds numerous victories over Gulak, including in a submission match on NXT back in June. He went on to challenge for Gulak’s Cruiserweight Championship at EVOLVE 134 in August, where he ultimately lost to the defending champion.

  • AJ Styles Reacts To Championship Match Against Cedric Alexander

    AJ Styles Reacts To Championship Match Against Cedric Alexander

    Off the back of his victory over AJ Styles on this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW, Cedric Alexander has been granted an opportunity at Styles’ United States Championship. WWE’s Twitter account revealed the matchup, noting how Alexander had “earned it.” 

    Now AJ Styles has responded to the announcement. The WWE United States Champion replied, “Celebrate your night @TheGarden kid. # TheOC’s been doing this a longggg time and one night isn’t good enough. You have to be better than good. Better than great. To beat me for the #USTitle? You have to be #phenomenal. #WWEClash”

    Cedric Alexander also shared his thoughts, simply tweeting “UnitedStatesOfAlexander.”

    Alexander defeated AJ Styles via disqualification after O.C. members, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, got involved in the match, attacking Cedric Alexander. The Viking Raiders, however, would make the save, helping Alexander fight off the assault at the hands of The O.C.

    Cedric Alexander will face AJ Styles for the WWE United States Championship this Sunday at WWE’s Clash of Champions pay-per-view. 

    Clash Of Champions 2019

    • WWE Universal Championship Match Seth Rollins (c) vs. Braun Strowman
    • WWE Championship Match Kofi Kingston (c) vs. Randy Orton
    • WWE RAW Tag Team Championship Match Seth Rollins & Braun Strowman (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler & Bobby Roode
    • WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship Match Bayley (c) vs. Charlotte Flair
    • WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match Drew Gulak (c) vs. Humberto Carrillo vs. Lince Dorado – Triple Threat
    • WWE Intercontinental Championship Match Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. The Miz
    • WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match The New Day (c) vs. The Revival 
    • WWE Raw Women’s Championship Match Becky Lynch (c) vs. Sasha Banks
    • Roman Reigns vs. Erick Rowan
    • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross (c) vs. Sonya Deville & Mandy Rose
    • WWE United States Championship Match AJ Styles (c) vs. Cedric Alexander
  • Kota Ibushi Details His NJPW Goals

    Kota Ibushi Details His NJPW Goals

    Kota Ibushi has shared his long-term goals in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) now that he has won the G1 Climax tournament. He shared his ambitions in the second part of an interview with njpw1972.com.

    He spoke about wanting to broaden pro wrestling, and how, as the G1 winner, it makes his “goal of broadening wrestling easier” as people will take his aspirations more seriously.

    “[…] when you’re the G1 winner, then people look at you differently and listen to you more closely. If I’m the IWGP Heavyweight Champion, I can spread my vision of wrestling even further. And if I were to win the Heavyweight, then the Intercontinental in two back to back days, in the Tokyo Dome. That’s… legendary.” 

    Ibushi continued, explaining that “If I could accomplish that, then I could make wrestling bigger in an instant. Someone being able to achieve a feat like that, everybody would take notice, and from there, a good performance suddenly has all these people along for the ride. That’s my goal here.”

    Looking to the future, Kota has two potential challengers for his Right to Challenge Contract: KENTA and EVIL. Both men defeated Ibushi during the G1 Climax 29 tournament, granting them the chance to take Ibushi’s Wrestle Kingdom opportunity away. 

  • Ric Flair Lists His Top Three Performers Of All Time

    Ric Flair Lists His Top Three Performers Of All Time

    Ric Flair has revealed who he believes to be the top three performers of all time. He shared his views during a recent appearance on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio, where he was discussing this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW which saw “Stone Cold” Steve Austin returning to Madison Square Garden. 

    “The only problem with bringing Steve out there, who will always, in my estimation, be the biggest star in the history of the business,” Flair said. “The three biggest […] in my estimation are Hulk, Steve, and ‘Taker. They’re just three names that are gonna be synonymous, they’ve drawn huge amounts of money. But when you send Steve out there, just like they did at the RAW reunion, man, it’s just…what are you going to do? He’s unbelievable.”

    He added that, if Austin hadn’t gotten injured, forcing him to retire “ten years too early,” “Stone Cold” would probably still be performing today. 

    Flair has previously stated that if he and Austin were able to feud with each other during their prime, he has no doubt they would have set box office records everywhere.

    Austin was involved in a contract signing segment on Monday between WWE Universal Champion Seth Rollins and his opponent at Clash of Champions, Braun Strowman.

  • Cedric Alexander Reflects On Monday Night RAW, Being A Role Model

    Cedric Alexander Reflects On Monday Night RAW, Being A Role Model

    Cedric Alexander continues to enjoy his run of success on Monday Night RAW since moving to the red brand. On this week’s episode, Alexander picked up a huge victory over WWE United States Champion, AJ Styles. This win has given him the opportunity to challenge Styles for the belt at this Sunday’s Clash of Champions pay-per-view.

    Alexander recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio. During their conversation, he looked back on the past few weeks, including being able to share the ring (and a beer) with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. 

    “You know, it’s scary, it’s one of those things that I never thought would happen, but now that it is, it’s almost unbelievable, you know what I mean?” Alexander said. “To the point where I try to describe how I feel about this, about being, you know, closer to the top of WWE, and things like Madison Square Garden, and just sharing a beer with Stone Cold, and getting a win over AJ Styles, it’s almost like sensory overload. Everything’s happening so fast. To me, it just means that all the hard work that I’ve done for the last 10 years doesn’t go in vain.”

    When asked about how he deals with being a role model for people who look up to him, Alexander admitted he still doesn’t know how to handle it. He reflected on how he looked up to wrestlers like AJ Styles and Chris Hero as personal heroes, adding that to be treated in the same way is a humbling experience.

  • Rock ‘N’ Roll Express To Make NJPW Debut At Fighting Spirit Unleashed

    Rock ‘N’ Roll Express To Make NJPW Debut At Fighting Spirit Unleashed

    Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson are primed to make their New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) debut. The Rock N Roll Express will officially be a part of NJPW’s Fighting Spirit Unleashed Tour, which starts on September 27th and ends on September 29th. The tour includes shows in Lowell, Massachusetts; New York, New York and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    NJPW1972.com highlighted the team’s lucrative career, writing that the duo has been wrestling over four decades and have had over 30 championship reigns all over the world. Despite their success, the team have never wrestled for NJPW—but Fighting Spirit Unleashed changes that.

    More Names Announced

    NJPW also announced that SHO, YOH, Rocky Romero (Roppongi 3K), and Suzuki-Gun member Lance Archer will also be in attendance. Roppongi 3K was recently over in the United States for the promotion’s Super J-Cup tour. Archer, meanwhile, participated in NJPW’s gruelling G1 Climax tournament this summer.

    These names join several of NJPW’s top stars including Kota Ibushi, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tetsuya Naito, Tomohiro Ishii, and IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada.

    For those interested in attending, there are still tickets available for NJPW’s show in Lowell, MA. Both Fighting Spirit Unleashed shows in New York and Philadelphia, however, are sold out.