SEScoops

Author: Steve Russell

  • Elias Calls Out Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

    Elias Calls Out Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

    Everybody’s favourite ex-Drifter, Elias has made no secret about wanting the opportunity to share the ring with The Great One, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. 

    In a recent interview, he reiterated this sentiment, once again slandering The Rock and The Brahma Bull’s musical abilities. 

    When asked if he derived any inspiration from The Rock, Elias responded, “No inspiration whatsoever. I’ve stated this before, The Rock he did do this – he would play guitar and things like that in a way. And he would do cover songs on Monday Night Raw, but guess what? I’m doing original music every single week, man. I’ve got an album out with all original songs – written, performed by me.”

    He would go on to explain his evident frustrations, stating, “[…] people make comparisons, and maybe it’s because of how the crowd is, y’know? I’ve got my catchphrases with ‘Walk with Elias,’ things like that. The thing is, The Rock cannot do what I do. So when I hear these comparisons, I just get worked up about it, you know what I mean?”

    Elias couldn’t help but admit that “[…] he’s doing great things. He’s out in Hollywood, he’s killing it out there and he obviously killed it when he was here, but times have changed.”

    “It’s different now. Elias is the biggest and best thing going in WWE, and if The Rock – will we share a ring? He knows where to find me. I’ve told him. I’ve called him out a few times. Rock, you know exactly where to find me. On my show, Monday Night Raw. If you want to walk with Elias, come on out.”

    Would you like to see an Elias/Rock confrontation? If you do, would you prefer in-ring competition or a musical smackdown? 

  • Johnny Gargano Shares His Thoughts On The Star Ratings System

    Johnny Gargano Shares His Thoughts On The Star Ratings System

    Having been awarded two five star matches this year in bouts against Andrade “Cien” Almas and Tomasso Ciampa (at NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia and NXT TakeOver: New Orleans, respectively), Johnny Gargano provided a refreshing take on the star rating system when asked, “[…] how much does that really mean to you? Is that kind of a yardstick to you in any kind of way?”

    Speaking with Alex McCarthy during a WWE media event, Gargano responded “I take great pride in my work. To me, if the fans enjoy it, if they’re having a good time, if they’re making noise, that’s all the really matters to me.”

    “But trust me,” he continued, “I am still a wrestling fan, and I am a wrestling historian and a wrestling purist at heart. So, getting five stars and things like that, it is cool because people do care about that, and it’s cool to see, and it’s a notch in my belt, I guess.”

    “But at the end of the day, I think wrestling is all subjective. What Dave Meltzer gives five stars, some people give two stars, some people give three stars, it’s all personal preference,” Gargano shared. “And I think that’s the beautiful thing about professional wrestling, is that is it all just an art form. It’s all just personal preference.”

    Grounding his comparison, Johnny Wrestling would juxtapose the subjectivity of wrestling to other pop cultural touchstones, like Marvel movies.

    “I love Marvel movies, some people hate Marvel movies. I love 2K19. Some people may not like it. […] Video games, movies, music, television shows, it’s all personal preference, and I think that’s like that with wrestling, too. I take pride in it but at the end of the day if people enjoy it, that’s what matters.”

  • Nakamura Finally Feels Used To The WWE Style, Wants Another Match With AJ Styles

    Nakamura Finally Feels Used To The WWE Style, Wants Another Match With AJ Styles

    It turns out that Shinsuke Nakamura may not be completely satisfied with his recent feud with current WWE Champion, AJ Styles.

    Speaking to Bully Ray for ‘Busted Open Radio,’ Nakamura admitted to wanting to wrestle AJ once more, stating that “I want to wrestle him again. I think I can do more great matches.”

    His focus then turned towards what he perceives to have been an issue when crafting his matches with Styles, “Wrestling on pay-per-view, wrestling on TV show, time is very strict,” he explained, before saying, “[…] finally I feel like I got used to the WWE style. So, maybe next time, if I wrestle AJ, I can create more than before.”

    This isn’t the first time that Nakamura has suggested his displeasure with how that feud turned out, previously saying that he “didn’t show everything [as a heel]. Just a little bit.”

    Strong (WWE) Style

    Delving deeper into the idea of the ‘WWE style’ and what that means, especially for wrestlers who have to heavily adjust, Shinsuke provided a frank opinion:

    “WWE style is a much different platform than other wrestling companies, I think. Each wrestler wrestles under strict rules that fans never know,” he revealed. “Time-wise, they’re really strict, so you have to choose what is the most important thing to show in five minutes, two minutes, one minute. It’s completely different with other wrestling, I think.”

    What did you think of the Nakamura/Styles feud? Did it live up to what you hoped it would be or do you agree with Nakamura’s thoughts?

  • Johnny Gargano Reveals His Main Roster Dream Matches

    Johnny Gargano Reveals His Main Roster Dream Matches

    Not content with crafting one of the best stories to ever unfold in a WWE ring with his recent NXT feud with Tomasso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano is set to get fans eagerly awaiting his main roster call-up as he discussed his top three main roster dream match opponents in a recent interview.

    Speaking with Alex McCarthy during a media event, Gargano would take a moment to ponder the question, before diving straight into his first answer.

    “[…] so I’m going up to the main roster…after I win the NXT title and everything’s done…” he added with a laugh. “After that…man, I’m gonna say, obviously Daniel Bryan. That’s a dream match that a lot of people would love to see now.”

    “I think I just posted a Tweet recently that the internet went nuts for, and that’s me and Seth Rollins,” Gargano said. “Because, of course, I wore my Captain America Infinity War gear and he just wore the Thanos gear, so you never know what can happen there.”

    The third choice caused him to pause for thought.

    “One more’s tough…so Daniel Bryan, Seth Rollins…and, of course, I would be remiss not to say AJ Styles. I’m going strictly on wrestling dream matches, I guess for certain people. Seth Rollins, Daniel Bryan, AJ Styles.

    “Those are my three picks, I think right now,” he stated, before adding, “If we’re going ‘story,’ maybe [it would be] a different answer, but if I’m going strictly wrestling dream matches those are my three.”

    What do you think? Who would you see in a dream match with Johnny Gargano? Who would you like to see him craft his next Ciampa level story with?

  • Liv Morgan Cleared For WWE Super Show-Down

    Liv Morgan Cleared For WWE Super Show-Down

    Despite being knocked unconscious and suffering a subsequent concussion due to Brie Bella’s errant ‘Yes Kicks’ during the September 24th episode of Monday Night Raw, it’s been revealed that Liv Morgan has now been cleared to compete.

    According to the Wrestling Observer, Morgan underwent testing backstage this past Monday and has been officially cleared for this Saturday’s Super Show-Down event in Melbourne, Australia.

    Liv Morgan was present this past weekend at the WWE Live Events, though she did not take any bumps as she was only permitted limited contact.

    A lot has been made over the ‘Yes Kicks’ that led the Riott Squad member to suffer a concussion, with Brie Bella candidly pushing back at the negative comments she found herself confronted with.

    Her husband, Daniel Bryan, would also speak up, defending Brie against the wave of ‘cyber bullies’ that she had encountered since the event.

    Liv Morgan is now set to compete this Saturday with her fellow Riot Squad members, Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan, against the team of “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey and The Bella Twins, Nikki and Brie.

    WWE Super Show-Down

    • WWE Championship Match: AJ Styles (c) vs. Samoa Joe
    • #1 Contenders Match: The Miz vs. Daniel Bryan
    • WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match: Cedric Alexander (c) vs. Buddy Murphy
    • WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship Match: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Charlotte Flair
    • SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match: The New Day (c) vs. The Bar
    • Triple H (w/Shawn Michaels) vs. The Undertaker (w/Kane)
    • John Cena and Bobby Lashley vs. Elias and Kevin Owens
    • The Shield vs. Braun Strowman, Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre
    • The Bella Twins and RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey vs. The Riott Squad
    • Asuka and Naomi vs. Billie Kay and Peyton Royce
  • WWE Hall Of Famer Praises NXT Superstar

    WWE Hall Of Famer Praises NXT Superstar

    Former four-time WWE Women’s champion, Lita, commented recently about the possibility of wrestling in the WWE past her one-on-one encounter with Mickie James at WWE Evolution, stating that “you never know.”

    If it were to pan out that Lita wanted to continue wrestling, it would be interesting to see where that trajectory takes her. The WWE Hall Of Famer has evidently been keeping up to date with the current product as she has an unabahsed admiration for one NXT superstar in particular.

    Speaking with The Sun, Lita was effusive with her praise for Bianca Belair.

    “Down at the performance center, all the guys at NXT are in the ring every day and in class,” Lita said. “They have everything they need to learn and there is so much talent in regards to physical ability and thinking about their character. But for someone to have that intangible star factor… Bianca Belair, along with some other the others there, is very talented.”

    Lita would highlight Bianca Belair’s “great attitude,” and note how “physically gifted” she is before confessing “[…] when I very first saw her she [Belair] had that intangible star quality that I just want to see more.”

    Commenting on Belair’s unique offense, where she utilizes her hair as a weapon, Lita observed, “It’s crazy, no-one has ever used their hair as a weapon. It’s so cool how she thought of that and how it works. She sure has that star quality and uniqueness.”

  • Concern Over NJPW Corporate Changes

    Concern Over NJPW Corporate Changes

    New Japan Pro Wrestling Ace, Hiroshi Tanahashi, recently shared his concerns over the Americanization of NJPW’s essence and aesthetic as the company continues to grow in the west. Since then, news has come from the recent Wrestling Observer highlighting some concern and confusion over New Japan’s future business strategies.

    It’s reported that there is, in fact, an entirely new regime in charge. Not just Harold Meij as the new President, but others that have been placed into prime positions within the company, courtesy of the new President.

    These individuals, who have found themselves in a lofty position within New Japan, apparently don’t have any background whatsoever in wrestling, and it has been noted that the etiquette within NJPW’s top tier has shifted accordingly. They have replaced popular long-time officials that the wrestlers on their roster trusted and respected.

    Questions

    This dramatic shake-up has supposedly forced a number of wrestlers to question why a company that has been experiencing such burgeoning global success would undertake such a dramatic change to their core business team. Many wonder what could be gained from replacing those who had helped helm the company to its current success.

    Naturally, the agenda remains unchanged as they continue to expand the business outside of Japan and proceed with their aggressive Western expansion, but it has been highlighted there is an undeniable concern.

    “The Real Deal. That’s What I Want To Show Them”

    Tanahashi noted, “I want to show that Made In Japan feel. With NJPW World there are so many fans now that watch our cards live or near live. I want to bring them what they see streaming on their devices in person right in front of them,” he said, before recalling, “It reminds me of when WWE came to Japan and I was at the show. It would have been 2002 maybe? The Rock was definitely there (March 1 2002, Yokohama Arena). They had a Japanese ring announcer translating what the English announcer said. Whenever that guy spoke he got booed.”

    “They were saying ‘forget the translation, we want to see the authentic American product’ I think. I think there are American fans that want the same from NJPW. Not something rearranged for ‘American tastes’ but the real deal. That’s what I want to show them.”

    What do you make of this? Is this corporate upheaval going to have a major impact on the NJPW product going forward? Is this something to be concerned about as a fan?

  • WWE Wants The Rock To Bring It At SmackDown 1000

    WWE Wants The Rock To Bring It At SmackDown 1000

    The WWE has been busy putting plans in place for their SmackDown 1000, which takes place October 16th in Washington D.C. They have already announced a stellar amount of talent will be present and returning. Rey Mysterio, The Undertaker, and the entirety of Evolution (including Batista) are all scheduled to be at the show.

    One name on that list, however, is the man who helped popularize the word that would become the name of the show itself: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.

    Locked Down In London

    According to Dave Meltzer, the WWE are working hard, trying to secure an appearance by “The Most Electrifying Man In Sports Entertainment” at their landmark event.

    It’s worth noting, however, that The Rock is currently in London with Jason Statham, filming ‘Hobbs & Shaw’, a spin-off to the mega-successful ‘Fast & Furious’ movie franchise. The movie is currently slated to release on July 26th 2019.

    With that in mind, unless an appearance doesn’t conflict with any sort of scheduling commitment, it might be difficult, if not impossible, for The Brahma Bull to finally return home to the blue brand come October 16th.

    Double Main Event

    The current card for that night’s historic SmackDown event is being advertised with a double main event (as per the Capitol One Arena website):

    • AJ Styles & Daniel Bryan vs. Samoa Joe & The Miz
    • Charlotte Flair, Asuka & Naomi vs. Becky Lynch, and The Iiconics (Peyton Royce & Billie Kay)

    The card is, naturally, subject to change. AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe, Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz, and Jeff Hardy vs. Randy Orton were originally scheduled but have subsequently been altered.

  • WWE Not Happy With MLW Trademarking ‘War Games’

    WWE Not Happy With MLW Trademarking ‘War Games’

    It was recently reported that the WWE had secured a number of new trademarks, mostly for show names that related to their old rivals, WCW.

    Though it wasn’t apparent at the time why the WWE had suddenly decided to lock down a number of show names – as well as a number of trademarks relating to NXT talent – it has been noted by the Wrestling Observer that it comes down to Major League Wrestling (MLW) and their recent War Games event.

    The WWE weren’t happy about MLW’s ability to trademark and use such a recognized name and stipulation for one of their recent shows, which would explain the WWE’s sudden eagerness to gain the trademarks they recently obtained.

    Recent Trademarks

    WWE filed trademarks for the following names, which were almost all exclusively past WCW events:

    • Saturday Night’s Main Event on 9/24
    • WCW Saturday Night on 9/24
    • WCW Thunder on 9/24
    • NWO New World Order on 9/21
    • All Star Wrestling on 9/21
    • WCW Monday Nitro on 9/21
    • WWE Hidden Gems on 9/21
    • World Championship Wrestling on 9/21
    • Halloween Havoc on 9/21
    • Fall Brawl on 9/21
    • Starrcade on 9/14

    Many NXT superstars also found themselves with newly associated trademarks with the WWE, including Angelo Dawkins, Montez Ford, Otis Dozovic, Tucker Knight, Adam Cole, Danny Burch, and Lars Sullivan.

  • Sting Recalls Vince McMahon’s Reaction When He Signed With TNA

    Sting Recalls Vince McMahon’s Reaction When He Signed With TNA

    Steve Borden, better known to wrestling fans as Sting, wrestled for TNA between 2003 and 2014 after his legendary tenure in WCW. WCW would be bought by their main competitors the WWE, then-WWF, in 2001.

    During a conversation with Bill Apter, Sting reminisced on his negotiations with the WWE prior to signing with TNA, as well as Vince McMahon’s reaction when told he would be heading to Total Nonstop Action.

    “I had probably had three… on three separate occasions, I had a conversation with Vince [McMahon] and I was close on a couple of those occasions to leaving [WCW],” Sting remembered.

    He explained that a primary reason he would never leave the WWE’s primary rival was that “WCW always ended up giving me what I asked for as far as…it wasn’t just financial – it was how much I work. I wanted to have it be in black and white, contractually. ‘I want to work X number of days and blah, blah, blah, only a certain number of house shows that I want to do throughout the year,’ so they gave me what I wanted.”

    “That’s Exactly What He Said…”

    When Sting confessed to Vince that he was bound for TNA, he can still remember Vince McMahon’s reaction.

    “I’ll never forget having that conversation with Vince,” Sting recalled. “He’s on the phone with me and he says, ‘you know, Sting,’ he said, ‘I find this hard to believe. The legacy that you leave behind and the thought of you going to TNA is just, blah.’”

    “That’s exactly what he said, ‘blah!’ And so then you fast forward to me coming back to do WrestleMania [31], I sent out a text to Vince and Triple H, and I simply said, ‘have you guys turned the page on Sting yet?’ because I honestly didn’t know. Did they turn the page? Are they done or would they consider a run up there?”

    Sting would finally wrestle for the WWE at Wrestlemania 31. He would face off against Triple H in an eventual loss to the King Of Kings.

    H/T to WrestlingINC for the transcribed quotes

  • Alexa Bliss Reveals Her Favorite Opponent

    Alexa Bliss Reveals Her Favorite Opponent

    Lil’ Miss Bliss, Alexa Bliss, was asked a pretty direct question during a recent interview. The former WWE Raw Women’s Champion didn’t take long to respond.

    When asked by the host her favorite opponent is, Bliss paused momentarily before replying, “My favorite opponent so far has to have been Becky Lynch.”

    “I had my first rivalry with her when coming into the main roster and it was a lot of fun,” she explained. “And I feel like, without Becky being such a great counterpart I wouldn’t have been able to be the villain that I knew I could be.”

    “It’s Been A Long Time Coming For Becky”

    It was reported last month that Alexa was a big fan of Becky’s “attitude change,” admitting that she felt “it’s [turning heel] been a long time coming for Becky.”

    “I think that attitude change is what she’s needed,” Bliss noted. “The attitude change really allows her to show that. Where, before, she was restricted. I think it just fits her far better.”

    WWE Evolution

    Despite having suffered from numbness in her left arm, Alexa Bliss has been cleared for “minimal contact.” She is still scheduled to face off against Trish Stratus in a one-on-one match at WWE Evolution. Evolution takes place October 28th from Uniondale, New York.

    Surprised by her choice of favorite opponent? Who would you have thought, if not Becky Lynch?

  • NJPW King Of Pro Wrestling Card Announced

    NJPW King Of Pro Wrestling Card Announced

    New Japan Pro Wrestling has released the full card for their upcoming event, King Of Pro Wrestling. The event takes place on October 8th in Ryogoku Sumo Hall.

    • IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match: Kenny Omega vs. Cody vs. Kota Ibushi
    • G1 Briefcase w/Wrestle Kingdom Title Shot: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Jay White
    • IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship Match: KUSHIDA vs. Marty Scurll
    • IWGP Jr. Tag Team Title Match: Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru vs. Jushin Thunder Liger and Tiger Mask
    • EVIL vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
    • Kazuchika Okada, Toru Yano and Roppongi 3K vs. Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, BUSHI and a mystery partner
    • Tomohiro Ishii, Hirooki Goto and Will Ospreay vs. Minoru Suzuki, Taichi and Takashi Iizuka
    • The Young Bucks, Hangman Page and Chase Owens vs. Guerillas of Destiny, Bad Luck Fale and Taiji Ishimori
    • Togi Makabe and Tomoaki Honma vs. Juice Robinson and Toa Henare

    Rare Triple Threat

    NJPW has previously only had one triple threat match for the IWGP Heavyweight title. Throw in Kenny Omega’s Golden Lovers partner, Kota Ibushi, into the mix alongside current NWA champion, Cody, and you’ve got yourself an intriguing main event steeped in further Bullet Club complications – one that bucks the trend previously set by NJPW.

    It was only recently that Cody and Omega were able to accept each other, despite their differences, after a brutal civil war over leadership of the Bullet Club at NJPW’s G1 Climax Special, this past July.

    Reinserting the newly crowned NJPW US champion into the IWGP Heavyweight title scene at this juncture is an interesting decision – one that could have a reverberating impact within New Japan going forward.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYi1aGCM8Hc

    Which match stands out the most for you? What, in your opinion could steal the show?

  • Tetsuya Naito Teases New Member For LIJ

    Tetsuya Naito Teases New Member For LIJ

    There have been a lot of unsubstantiated rumors recently regarding the status of New Japan Pro Wrestling stable, Los Ingobernables De Japon. The crux of the speculation was that a new member was in coming to make up for former-IWGP Jr. Heavyweight champion, Hiromu Takahashi suffering an unfortunate injury that has sidelined him since July 7th.

    Today, NJPW has released an official video to their YouTube channel. The incredibly slick video features a suited Naito sitting at a bar. He sips at a glass of whisky as he regales the fans with an update on LIJ’s future plans.

    He starts off with a reminder of what he said in the ring on April 29th in Kumamoto, “Of course staying the same and not giving up are important. But, I think will to change, determination to change and bravery to step forward are important, too.”

    Naito confirms he was actually referring to himself and his personal evolution with that comment – not his group’s growth.

    “LIJ Are About More Than Ever”

    The former IWGP World Heavyweight champion stressed that “We would like to let people know that Tetsuya Naito and Los Ingobernables de Japon are about more than ever.”

    He discussed Takahashi’s injury and his inability to defend the belt, and subsequent stripping of it before teasing a new member;

    “We “Los Ingobernables de Japon” would like to wait for his return and say ‘tranquilo.’ But, we’d rather step forward than just wait. 5, not 4 of us would wait for Hiromu’s return,” he stated. “In other words, new ‘Los Ingobernables de Japon’ would wait for Hiromu’s return.

    On October 8th, at Ryogoku Sumo arena. We will introduce a new ‘pareja [partner].’ Stay tuned.”

    Who do you think the mysterious member ‘X’ could be?

  • WWE Secures Several WCW Trademarks

    WWE Secures Several WCW Trademarks

    It’s come out that the WWE has filed for a number of trademarks last week. The majority of them are for previous wrestling shows, mostly associated with their former-rivals, World Championship Wrestling (WCW).

    WWE filed trademarks for the following names:

    • Saturday Night’s Main Event on 9/24
    • WCW Saturday Night on 9/24
    • WCW Thunder on 9/24
    • NWO New World Order on 9/21
    • All Star Wrestling on 9/21
    • WCW Monday Nitro on 9/21
    • WWE Hidden Gems on 9/21
    • World Championship Wrestling on 9/21
    • Halloween Havoc on 9/21
    • Fall Brawl on 9/21
    • Starrcade on 9/14

    It’s worth noting that the WWE ran a special show entitled Starrcade last year in Greensboro, North Carolina. That show was done under the SmackDown brand, specifically. It was the first Starrcade event under the WWE banner and the first for 17 years.

    Starrcade is returning once more this November 24th – once again as a special house show, only this time as a co-branded event with Raw and SmackDown. It takes place at the U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio.

    NXT Trademarks

    It wasn’t just event names that were trademarked. Many superstars also found themselves with newly associated trademarks with the WWE, including Angelo Dawkins, Montez Ford, Otis Dozovic, Tucker Knight, Adam Cole, Danny Burch, and Lars Sullivan.

    Though unclear as to what this could mean, having the WWE lock down trademark rights for this group of talent is probably a good sign that the company has future plans for them.

  • Adam Cole Comments On Undisputed Era Getting Cheered

    Adam Cole Comments On Undisputed Era Getting Cheered

    The inaugural NXT North American Champion, Adam Cole, recently appeared on Edge & Christian’s show, E&C’s Pod Of Awesomeness. During the course of the show, Cole discussed his stable – a group comprised of indie darlings, the Undisputed Era – as well as his real life friendships and relationships with the wrestlers that comprise the rest of the faction. 

    He also mentioned that Bobby Fish is ready to return to action, and highlighted that fellow former ROH-alumni Roderick Strong was a natural fit for the group when he eventually joined. 

    One subject in particular struck a chord with Cole: the positive crowd reaction to Undisputed Era.

    Cheering The Bad Guys

    Cole and co. play bad guys within a heel faction. Despite this, they have been receiving major fan adoration from those in attendance, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed by those in Undisputed Era. 

    “We have come to terms with the fact that when we walk through the curtain, we’re probably going to get a positive response,” Cole admitted. “[…] we used to think, okay, what can we do on television or how can we walk out, how can we get the people to hate us, kind of from the gate?’”

    The resolution is surprising, as he confessed that, “[…] we’ve kind of embraced the idea, ‘okay, they’re going to be excited to see us, but once the match starts, we’re going to really get them over time to root for our babyface opponents’ and we do run into that, which is good.” 

    Cole added, “It’s more focusing on what story we can tell or how we can present it. Once the bell rings and over time getting people to really, really want our babyface opponents to win throughout the match almost. And on television, obviously, we talk a big game, we ruin a bunch of matches, which helps us get a bunch of heat.” 

    You can hear the entire interview with Adam Cole (BAY BAY!) below:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NY0K66WUIg0

  • Becky Lynch Vents About Being Left Off Super Show-Down Poster

    Becky Lynch Vents About Being Left Off Super Show-Down Poster

    WWE Super Show-Down takes place October 6th from the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia. The WWE advertising machine has been in full swing in support for the show, hyping the event and building towards it over the past few weeks.

    One person, however, isn’t happy with the advertising that has taken place.

    SmackDown Live Women’s Champion, Becky Lynch, has taken obvious issue with the campaign that the WWE is running, highlighting, what she considers, to be an obvious omission:

    https://twitter.com/BeckyLynchWWE/status/1046517778809856000

    Despite the champion not being featured, the woman she bested recently at Hell In A Cell is featured prominently, as is the WWE Raw Women’s Champion, “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey.

    But no women’s championship representation for the blue brand?

    Super Show-Down

    WWE Championship Match: AJ Styles (c) vs. Samoa Joe

    #1 Contenders Match: The Miz vs. Daniel Bryan

    WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match: Cedric Alexander (c) vs. Buddy Murphy

    WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship Match: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Charlotte Flair

    SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match: The New Day (c) vs. The Bar

    Triple H (w/Shawn Michaels) vs. The Undertaker (w/Kane)

    John Cena and Bobby Lashley vs. Elias and Kevin Owens

    The Shield vs. Braun Strowman, Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre

    The Bella Twins and RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey vs. The Riott Squad

    Asuka and Naomi vs. Billie Kay and Peyton Royce

  • Lita Comments On Wrestling After WWE Evolution

    Lita Comments On Wrestling After WWE Evolution

    Former four-time WWE Women’s champion and WWE Hall Of Famer, Lita, appeared recently on Planeta Wrestling in the build-up to her return match at WWE Evolution. She is scheduled to take on Mickie Jame in a one-on-one encounter.

    When asked whether there were any plans for future matches in the WWE, or if her appearance at Evolution marks the end of her in-ring days, Lita replied:

    “If you follow WWE at all, I think the one thing that is consistent is: you never know.”

    She highlighted that “As a fan and as a performer, I kind of look at it [returning to wrestling] as a mom,” before stating that she’s “happy with my second chapter, my chapter outside of wrestling,”

    Despite this, Lita couldn’t help but admit that “[…] at the same time, every time I do go back, it feels like home and does feel like you jump right back in.”

    “You go in with it being the idea of a one-time thing, but it’s very, very likely and potentially – the excitement of it or the crowd’s response of it could turn it into something more than a one-off. Like my life in general, I just take it all as it comes. So, we’ll see.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=150&v=_LkAjbXSlrE

    Would you like to see Lita back for another run in the WWE, post-Evolution? Who would you like to see her feud with if she did?

  • Cody Reveals If He Can Use The Rhodes Name; Provides Further All In 2 Tease

    Cody Reveals If He Can Use The Rhodes Name; Provides Further All In 2 Tease

    It’s become a bit of a running joke with interviewers and podcasters whenever it comes to Cody’s lack of a surname. Chris Jericho, in particular, has enjoyed referring to him as Cody ‘Don’t-Call-Him-Rhodes.’

    Many believed that the lack of a surname, let alone one that carries so much clout within the wrestling industry, was due to some sort of WWE ownership over the name.

    However, in a recent Twitter exchange with a fan, Cody cleared the air on the topic, providing an emphatic answer. He declared that he could actually “use it [Rhodes] whenever,” before explaining that “I will not be using it any time in the foreseeable future.”

    He ended the explanation with a short but sweet assertion, stating, “I prefer just Cody.”

    “Revolutions Aren’t Just One Night”

    In another Cody update, “The American Nightmare” provided a tease as to the potential future of All In.

    He has spoken previously about what he would do differently if an All In 2 event were to take place, and has added further fuel to the fire in a recent video uploaded to his YouTube channel, entitled “ALL US | Epilogue.”

    In it, he addresses the fans’ clamoring for another event:

    “There is a question of whether we do it again. And the best answer I can give you is, it could have been a great night of matches at Chicago, sure, that’s all it could have been. But it felt like more, it felt like a revolution. Revolutions aren’t just one night.”

  • Tanahashi Voices Concern Over Americanization of NJPW

    Tanahashi Voices Concern Over Americanization of NJPW

    With Fighting Spirit Unleashed about to take place this Sunday at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California, njpw1972.com have been running a series of interviews with some of their top stars before they arrive on American soil.

    Today, NJPW has released an informative interview with New Japan’s Ace, and G1 Climax 28 winner, Hiroshi Tanahashi.

    Tanahashi has been vocal recently over his lack of respect for Bullet Club leader, Kenny Omega, and has openly called out wrestlers he wants to face in the build to Wrestle Kingdom 13, including Okada, who was also recently interviewed.

    This discussion is no different, with Tanahashi openly admitting frustration over New Japan’s booking decisions with their last American foray, March’s Strong Style Evolved event. That night was headlined by The Young Bucks versus Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi.

    Strong Style Devolved

    Looking back, Tanahashi remarked that he “recorded a podcast afterward with KUSHIDA. I think he’d had a few drinks and was mad, asked ‘Was that really a New Japan main event?!?’”

    Tanahashi admits he was frustrated as well, confessing, “That was the booking that the company felt was best for the American fans. I wasn’t so much thinking ‘that’s the wrong move’, but I did think ‘maybe it’s time to reflect on where the rest of us are lacking’. We weren’t in a position where our programs were main event worthy,” he explained, “and I think the responsibility for that fell on us somewhat.”

    “The Real Deal. That’s What I Want To Show Them”

    He then broached an issue that seems to have been weighing on his mind – one that is as candid as it is critical:

    “I really felt then that if NJPW was going to keep going to America, we needed to stop trying to alter things to try and make them more American. It should be New Japan Pro Wrestling, as is, in the States. We really need to show that ‘Made In Japan’ aspect, I think.”

    Juxtaposing this with a memory of watching the WWE in 2002, Tanahashi said, “I want to show that Made In Japan feel. With NJPW World there are so many fans now that watch our cards live or near live. I want to bring them what they see streaming on their devices in person right in front of them,” he said, before recalling, “It reminds me of when WWE came to Japan and I was at the show. It would have been 2002 maybe? The Rock was definitely there (March 1 2002, Yokohama Arena). They had a Japanese ring announcer translating what the English announcer said. Whenever that guy spoke he got booed.”

    “They were saying ‘forget the translation, we want to see the authentic American product’ I think. I think there are American fans that want the same from NJPW. Not something rearranged for ‘American tastes’ but the real deal. That’s what I want to show them.”

    You can read the full interview here.

    What do you think of The Ace’s latest thoughts? Agree or disagree with his take on New Japan’s recent US booking decisions?

  • Joey Janela Provides Injury Update

    Joey Janela Provides Injury Update

    Joey Janela took to Twitter in order to provide fans with an update to the injury he recently sustained during a Game Changer Wrestling event. The match took place September 21st in Asbury Park, New Jersey.

    https://twitter.com/JANELABABY/status/1045069791898284034

    He details the moment the injury occurred, reflecting on hitting a crossbody dive onto his opponent, Psicosis. Janela highlights that the move is one he has “hit a hundred times, without issue.”

    “I just came down wrong. Bad. On my left leg. Badly contorted my left knee. It bent into a position that a human’s leg should never bend in.”

    “It’s A Long List Of Things…”

    The Bad Boy then informed fans that had received his MRI results and that, sadly, “it’s a long list of things.”

    “I completely tore and destroyed my PCL. I completely tore and destroyed my MCL. There’s an impaction fracture in the one of the bones in my knee that I don’t know how to pronounce,” he joked, before pressing on, “[…] I have a mild bone contusion in another bone in my knee. A sprain, a fibular collateral ligament. A partial tear of another ligament. Patellofemoral ligament. I have a ACL sprain and a small knee infusion.”

    “That’s about 8 things. I’m going to need surgery, it seems like,” he divulged. “I talked to a few specialists, and I’m going to be out for a long while. I’m going to disappear for a bit.”

    Joey then promised, “When I come back 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 months from now, I’m going to be better than ever. Thank you.”

    https://twitter.com/badbadbrain/status/1043361240859533314

  • AJ Styles Feared WWE “Didn’t Need An AJ Styles”

    AJ Styles Feared WWE “Didn’t Need An AJ Styles”

    AJ Styles is the current WWE Champion, proudly representing SmackDown Live ever since he bested Jinder Mahal for the belt back on November 7th, 2017.

    ‘The Phenomenal One’ has become a beloved superstar. Bringing his indie mentality and aesthetic, he translated them into a WWE style that catapulted him into the main event since debuting as a surprise entrant during the 2016 Royal Rumble.

    Given how established he has become within the WWE – to the point that SmackDown is referred to as “The House That AJ Styles Build” – it’s hard to imagine that AJ Styles feared he would never be a part of the WWE at all.

    “They Didn’t Need An AJ Styles”

    Styles spoke with Daily Star Online during the WWE 2K19 press events that took place at the WWE Performance Centre in Orlando, Florida. During the interview, AJ admitted that he had assumed he and the WWE “just weren’t a fit” and that they would “never work together.”

    “I learnt to live with it,” he said, before reflecting on how he felt at the time, “I just assumed they didn’t need an AJ Styles.”

    “Thankfully I was wrong. It took me a while, but when I got here the timing was perfect.”

    A Phenomenal Pre-WWE Career

    AJ Styles had a storied career long before he was revealed as the third entrant into the Royal Rumble.

    Finding success within TNA and a worldwide independent scene, AJ would develop his in-ring style and continuously hone his craft. This dedication saw him win numerous titles across the world, including a run representing Bullet Club as the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship in New Japan Pro Wrestling.

    It was at the height of his independent success that AJ Styles decided to come back Stateside and sign with the WWE.

    Looking back, Styles contemplates the journey that led him to hold the title for 322 days (at the time of writing), “It’s been a rollercoaster ride, and you just have to ride that rollercoaster.”

  • WALTER Addresses WWE Rumors

    WALTER Addresses WWE Rumors

    Current PROGRESS World Champion, WALTER, has been surrounded by rumors recently regarding the WWE’s alleged interest in the 6’4” Austrian.

    Sitting down with Mirror Sport, WALTER addressed the WWE speculation head-on. The interview would also see him fielding a plethora of questions about his wrestling style, the growing popularity of European wrestling, his upcoming championship match at Wembley, and his challenger, Tyler Bate.

    “I don’t know if I mentioned this but being a part of the Raw or SmackDown roster is nothing I am interested in. I don’t want to live in the US,” the Austrian admitted.

    Walter Praises NXT

    His opinion on NXT, however, is vastly different compared to his dismissive thoughts on WWE’s main roster product.

    “I really like NXT though, I think it’s a great product, filled with the best talent in the world and is focused on competition in the ring, which is something I enjoy,” he admitted, before cryptically adding, “I don’t want to say it will never happen because in wrestling things change so quick.”

    Addressing his reputation and ever-growing fan awareness over who he is, his ability, and style, WALTER had this to say when asked about his worldwide main event success:

    “I would say it’s timing and work ethic that I carry with me. I was always surrounded by hardworking and focused people. When I perform I don’t think selfishly, I think about the whole thing and trying to carry that forward. I do my best for company and the fans. It’s a big part of what brought me to where I am now.”

    WALTER defends his PROGRESS World Championship against Tyler Bate this Sunday in an eagerly anticipated showdown. The match takes place at Wembley Arena, London.

  • Finn Balor Wants Dream Match With Brock Lesnar

    Finn Balor Wants Dream Match With Brock Lesnar

    Many fans consider Finn Balor vs Brock Lesnar to be a dream match that has yet to happen within the WWE. Turns out the Demon King himself also feels that way.

    Speaking with Kenny McIntosh for ‘Inside The Ropes,’ Finn Balor had a lot to say when asked about a possible matchup between himself and ‘The Beast Incarnate’ Brock Lesnar.

    “Well, I don’t make that decision. I’m just very low on the totem pole with regards to who makes the matches. But obviously, I would love that Brock Lesnar match more than anyone. I think it’s the classic David vs. Goliath match,” he explained.

    “[Lesnar] Destroyed The Reputation Of The Title Belt”

    Balor’s words became more critical towards Lesnar at this point, as he reflected on his time in New Japan Pro Wrestling – a time that saw the two in the same company, albeit for a short amount of time.

    “I don’t think it’s very much like a match I’ve had before…or he has had before, maybe? You know, someone who had a very brief crossing of the paths within New Japan. When I was in Japan as a young boy, he was in Japan as a Champion. He was the New Japan Champion. And do you know what he did? He walked out on the company and destroyed the reputation of the title belt.”

    Finn relates this experience with Lesnar’s recent Universal Championship run, observing that “He’s kinda doing the same thing again now [in the WWE].”

    Big Fight Feel

    Despite this, however, he can’t deny the big fight feel that Lesnar exudes every time his music hits and the Beast stalks towards the ring.

    “Despite all this talk about ‘he’s not there every week,’ ‘he’s not the best.’ I know that when his music hits and he walks out, I’m invested and I’m intrigued to see what is gonna happen. There is certainly an aura that Brock carries that nobody else carries. That’s the title aura that I want to be in the ring with and I wanna feel and experience it.”

    He explains that it’s the atmosphere, the electricity of the moment that he wants – something he has experienced before with Roman Reigns at Extreme Rules and wants to feel in a match against Lesnar.

    “[…] That feeling that Brock gives you when he walks to the ring, and that aura that Roman has when he walks to the ring. They are the type of moments that this business is built on.”

    What do you think? Is this a dream match you would want to see? If not, who would you prefer Finn wrestle against?

  • Carmella Explains Why She Changed Her Hair Color

    Carmella Explains Why She Changed Her Hair Color

    Following the end of last night’s SmackDown Live, Carmella provided an explanation as to why she recently changed her hair color.

    Speaking with Kayla Braxon backstage, Carmella was asked by the interviewer, “Obviously there is a little bit of a change with you. What prompted this?”

    The Princess of Staten Island replied, “[…] I just wanted to change. I mean, this is my natural hair color. I wanted to go back to my roots, no pun intended. I just wanted to change, so…I mean, it’s no surprise.”

    Carmella then joked how everything she does causes people to talk about her and her actions, reminding viewers that she is still “Main Event ‘Mella” and that “‘Mella is Money,” after all.

    “But in all seriousness,” she continued, “I guess it’s just the change. People are used to seeing me with blonde hair and so far the reactions have been pretty good, so I’ll take it. For right now, I’m going to say I’m going to stay dark, I’m going to stay brunette,” she declared.

    “But you never know what happens. But I think, so far, brunettes have more fun.”

    Carmella debuted the new look recently at a WWE Live Event in Tuscon, Arizona.

  • NJPW Reveal Fighting Spirit Unleashed Card

    NJPW Reveal Fighting Spirit Unleashed Card

    New Japan Pro Wrestling has just released the full card for their upcoming Fighting Spirit Unleashed event. The show takes place this Sunday, September 30th, at the Long Beach Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California.

    The card is stacked across the board, with talents like ACH and Flip Gordon making a welcome return to the promotion. Then there are the two title matches slated, an IWGP Jr. Heavyweight semifinal confrontation, and a stellar main event that sees CHAOS members, Okada and Ishii, take on The Golden Lovers.

    Destruction Fallout

    Coming out of Destruction in Kobe, with the shocking turn of “Switchblade” Jay White and Gedo throwing the ranks of CHAOS into disarray, it will be interesting to see the two tag together – a la Gedo and the Rainmaker, Okada – as we witness the beginning of what Gedo called the “new era.” He promised it would be “coming soon,” and it appears it starts Sunday.

    Additionally, we have the IWGP tag team championship on the line, pitting The Young Bucks against stablemate contenders, Guerrillas of Destiny. A lot has been made about this refreshed Bullet Club civil war, so there will no doubt be a big fight feel as these two teams clash with gold on the line.

    Those who had concerns or reservations over a weak card can rest easy. Looking at the sheer talent involved, it’s clear that NJPW wants Fighting Spirit Unleashed to be something special.

    Fighting Spirit Unleashed

    • ACH, Ryusuke Taguchi, and Liger vs Roppongi 3k (Sho, Yoh, and Rocky Romero)
    • Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian vs Hangman Page and Chase Owens
    • Jeff Cobb, Chris Sabin, and Flip Gordon vs Hirooki Goto and Best Friends (Chuckie T and Berretta)
    • Naito, Evil, and Sanada vs ZSJ and Killer Elite Squad
    • Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kushida vs Gedo and Jay White
    • IWGP Jr. Heavyweight tournament semifinal bout: Will Ospreay vs Marty Scurll
    • IWGP Tag Team Championship: (c)Young Bucks vs Guerrillas of Destiny
    • IWGP US Championship: (c) Juice Robinson vs Cody
    • Main event: Okada and Ishii vs Omega and Ibushi

    Which match are you looking forward to the most? Any that could steal the show?