IWGP United States heavyweight champion Hiroshi Tanahashi will defend his title against Kota Ibushi at Wrestle Grand Slam on September 4th in Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan.

New Japan Pro Wrestling made the match official today in a press release.

“…the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship will be on the line on September 4, as Hiroshi Tanahashi defends against the returning Kota Ibushi. This match was made official after an exchange of video messages from both men earlier today,” said NJPW.

Tanahashi defeated Lance Archer to win the championship at NJPW Resurgence on August 14th at The Torch at LA Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. The win helped Tanahashi become the second Grand Slam winner in NJPW.

Four days after his victory, Tanahashi released a video challenging Ibushi to face him at Wrestle Grand Slam. In the video, Tanahashi said, “…I know you want the IWGP World title. But there’s nothing wrong with a detour once in a while. There’d be risk for us both. A lot on the line, but Ibushi, have your comeback match against me.”

Kota Ibushi Return to NJPW

Ibushi will make his return after recovering from aspiration pneumonia. In his response video to Tanahashi, Ibushi admitted that he’s not fully healthy. However, he accepted the challenge and said, “… the direct path for me is the best. That means I must face you, Tanahashi.”

Before his illness, Ibushi earned an opportunity to challenge for the IWGP heavyweight championship in July. NJPW didn’t share in their press release if Ibushi gets another chance, now that he is returning. However, Ibushi has a new opportunity to win his first IWGP U.S heavyweight championship. If Ibushi wins, he would be the third grand slam winner in NJPW.

WWE superstar Keith Lee reveals what sidelined him earlier this year.

For a couple of months, Lee has posted on Twitter that he’d explain why he was off of TV. Today, He released a Youtube video explaining that he had covid in January, which resulted in him being inactive. In February, he would return, but Lee received news that something was off in his blood.

“…some people may have experienced this thing where there is an inflammation in the heart or lungs. For me, it was the heart. That led to very scary times. I was basically forbidden from trying, or any activity outside of a light walk,” said Lee.

He also shared that there was a possibility that if he did more than advised, he could’ve died. The health scare lasted for 3 or 4 months until the heart inflammation went away.

Timeline of Lee’s Absense

Lee’s last match in January was a win against Sheamus on January 11th at Monday Night Raw. However, after January 11th, he tested positive for Covid. Lee missed the Royal Rumble on January 31st.

He returned at a Raw event on February 8th to defeat Matt Riddle when he received the news from doctors about the heart inflammation. The original plan was for Lee to be in a triple threat match for the United States championship at Elimination Chamber on February 21st. However, WWE pulled him from the card, and he would be inactive till he got cleared.

After Lee recovered from the heart inflammation, he returned to Raw on July 19th in a loss against WWE champion Bobby Lashley. Except for this week, he has been active on Raw.

KEITH LEE IS BACK!#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/lNti1nNzXS

— WWE (@WWE) July 20, 2021

Although the experience was daunting, Lee feels appreciation for being healthy today. “… I don’t really know what’s next, right? The idea for me is I fought the battle that matters the most, and I’m healthy. At the end of the day, that’s all I can really ask for. That’s all my family can ask for,” said Lee.

WWE had the opportunity to sign current All Elite Wrestling talent Wheeler Yuta but passed on him.

Fightful Select reported on August 8th that there is a shift in WWE’s hiring process, which raised concern. The report noted that people in NXT were surprised WWE passed on talent after trying out.

“There were also some names passed on at recent tryouts that people in NXT thought were going to be a slam dunk that a couple of wrestlers claim were red flags,” said Fightful Select. 

A new report revealed today that Yuta was whom the sources were referencing.

“Fightful had noted recently that there was a WWE tryout name that didn’t receive an offer that turned several heads within the Performance Center and WWE and raised some flags that the hiring process had changed. It actually ended up being Wheeler YUTA, who is now regularly featured on AEW programming after his May 2021 WWE tryout,” the report states.

More Notes on WWE passing on Yuta

The news of WWE not signing him came as a surprise because of his age, experience, and appearance.

While the reports said WWE passed on Yuta, it acknowledged it’s unclear if WWE gave an offer. “The same WWE official we spoke with this past weekend noted that was a head-turner for them as well, but they weren’t sure if Yuta was actually made an offer or not — but that the idea that they didn’t finish a deal was surprising,” as stated in the report.

The report also notes that AEW and Ring of Honor were trying to sign Yuta at that time. Ultimately, he joined AEW and debuted on AEW Dark Elevation at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida, on June 28th. He would lose to Karl Anderson in his debut. Since then, he has been on AEW’s programming. His first match on AEW Dynamite was a loss against Sammy Guevara on July 14th at Daily’s Place.

Ring of Honor has found a new location for their pay-per-view.

The promotion announced yesterday that the event would not occur at the RD Funding Center in Lakeland, Florida. ROH wanted to change locations due to the surge in Covid cases.

Today, ROH has revealed that Death Before Dishonor will occur at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 12th. The promotion already scheduled Glory Before Honor Night 1 and 2 events at the 2300 arena this month. ROH also announced that fans that bought tickets for Lakeland, Florida, will get a refund.

“…The safety, health, and well-being of our fans, talent, and staff remain our top priority. Those who purchased tickets for Lakeland will receive a full refund within seven business days. Details regarding ticket sales for Death Before Dishonor in Philadelphia to be announced soon,” said ROH.

Death Before Dishonor Scheduled Card

ROH has two matches planned so far for the event. One of the matches is the finals of the women’s world championship tournament. The winner will be the inaugural ROH women’s champion.

The other match will be an ROH Pure Championship match. However, ROH Pure Champion Jonathan Gresham must defend his championship against Rhett Titus at Glory Before Honor Night 1. The winner will face Josh Woods at Death Before Dishonor.

Former NXT superstar Mercedes Martinez has shared her thoughts on her WWE release.

On August 6th, WWE decided to cut 12 NXT talent unexpectedly. Among those cuts was Martinez, who had been with the company for a year. In a Twitter post, Martinez gave her first comments since being let go.

“My life…I never thought I would ever make it to the WWE. I stayed dedicated, hustled, grinded, and sacrificed more than I could ever imagined to reach that goal. It took 20yrs…but I wouldn’t change anything bc the universe has a way of making things work out,” said Martinez.

My life..I never thought I would ever make it to the WWE. I stayed dedicated, hustled, grinded, and sacrificed more than I could ever imagined to reach that goal. It took 20yrs…..but I wouldn't change anything bc the universe has a way of making things work out. pic.twitter.com/Jsir9DY2zo

— Mercedes Martinez ?????? (@RealMMartinez) August 10, 2021

Martinez Last Days in NXT

Martinez’s last appearance in NXT was on June 29th in a mixed-tag team match with Jake Atlas against Boa and Xia Li. In the match, Li landed a spinning heel kick that resulted in Martinez receiving a concussion. The referee stopped the match, and Martinez had to go to a local hospital. She has not given an update on her current condition.

The news of Martinez’s release after suffering a concussion on NXT is disheartening. However, she has shown gratitude for her time with the company.

…”I truly want to thank @tripleh, @wwe, and @WWENXT for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime. I understand this business is never a guarantee for anything and that sometimes the risk is higher than the reward. I’m grateful, blessed, and humbled,” said Martinez.

In her posts, Martinez seems ready to return to in-ring competition. “…The BEST of me is still yet to be unseen. I’m rebuilding myself, and I know my worth, always have. My drive, dedication, perseverance, and my hard knocks stubbornness says I have more to prove,” said Martinez.

It is unclear when Martinez can compete again or if she has a doctor’s clearance to wrestle.

CM Punk is reportedly showing promise in his in-ring training. On July 21st, Fightful Select reported that Punk was in talks for an in-ring return and that his destination is likely All Elite Wrestling.

Since January, Punk has been training in-ring for his role in the upcoming Starz TV series “Heels.” A new report suggests that Punk is looking good in training and has sources impressed.

According to wrestlers and Heels cast members who have worked with Punk over the past six months, the overall impression on Punk’s in-ring training has been very promising.

CM Punk’s Training

The latest update from Fightful cited multiple sources who have seen Punk in the ring this year. One person said Punk looked “completely healthy,” especially as compared to the tail end of his WWE run.

Punk has not wrestled in seven years after leaving WWE. His last match was the 2014 Royal Rumble Match on January 26, 2014, at the Console Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Another source said Punk looked so good in the ring that they wondered if he’d been training in private leading up to being in the ring with them. Punk showed virtually no ring rust, which is amazing considering the 7-year layoff.

As of this time, there is no official word about CM Punk signing a deal with AEW. The two sides have negotiated in the past, but never came to terms. Although now it seems that Punk is ready to make a comeback in professional wrestling.

Subscribe: Fightful Select

First Look At CM Punk In “Heels” Series On Starz (Photo)

All Elite Wrestling’s Serena Deeb has given an update on her knee injury.

Deeb has posted a video on her Twitter that she is making significant progress on rehabbing her knee injury. On July 31st, Deeb shared that she’s been having issues with her knee and taking time to recover. While not given a timetable, Deeb said, “…I will be back to AEW, and I will be back to once again be champion, and I will remind each and everyone one of you that not only am I the best women’s wrestler in the world, I’m the best wrestler in the world.” Today Deeb has revealed that she can walk, and she no longer needs a knee brace.

“…I’m already able to walk. In fact, I don’t even need my knee brace anymore, which means that I’m one step closer to being cleared,” said Deeb.

https://twitter.com/SerenaDeeb/status/1425108531632615431

Serena Deeb Injury Timeline

Deeb has been dealing with a knee injury since March. She posted on her Twitter account on March 5th that said, “I had a scope done, and it went really well. I’ll be back before you know it.”

She returned to AEW Dynamite on May 19th at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida, to successfully defended the NWA Women’s Championship against Red Velvet. Deeb would compete several more times. However, Deeb reinjured her knee once again and has not wrestled since July.

Deeb is still not cleared to compete, as she said in her Twitter post today. Although she has already alluded to several feuds that she can have when she returns. While not saying names, she used the moniker of AEW talents in the women’s division. “…So when I return, it doesn’t matter who they throw at me. Whether it’s a bunny, a beast, an alien, or a doctor, they will all see that there is only one professor of professional wrestling. I am Serena Deeb, the woman of a thousand holds, said Deeb.”

For now, Deeb will still need to rehab her knee injury so that she doesn’t have the same issues once again.

All Elite Wrestling is in the development stage of various new projects.

Warner Bros. Career posted a job listing for a new Director in Scripted Development and Programming. While giving details about the position, Warner Bros. also revealed that AEW is working on several new series and projects.

“Starting in August 2021, AEW is expanding from one two-hour weekly live show to a second weekly live one-hour show as well as adding quarterly specials. As well, we have 4 other AEW series in various stages of development (including Rhodes to the Top to be launched this year) and are helping them expand into various ancillary businesses such as comics, NFTs, EST distribution, streaming, etc.,” according to the job listing.

AEW Announced Projects

While not specified, Warner Bros. is referring to AEW Rampage as the new weekly one-hour show. Rampage’s first episode will be on August 13th. In a media conference, AEW’s Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes gave few details regarding Rampage. Miami Herald’s Jim Varsallone asked Rhodes about expectations for Rampage, and Rhodes said that the show would be “…more centered around the fight itself. The match itself, being that’s a one-hour program.”

‘Rhodes To The Top’ Reality Series Coming To TNT

AEW also revealed that the reality tv series Rhodes To the Top was in development in March. The project will show the behind-the-scenes life of Rhodes and his wife, Brandi. AEW hasn’t released more information about the show.

NXT has another superstar contract set to expire.

Wrestling Inc’s Raj Giri reported that NXT superstar Adam Cole’s contract would expire after Summerslam. Fightful Select reports today that NXT superstar Pete Dunne’s contract is expiring soon, saying, “Fightful Select has learned that Pete Dunne’s NXT contract is also up soon, with one source also pointing to “after Summerslam weekend,” though we haven’t confirmed that date with Dunne or WWE as of yet.”

Fightful Selects also reports, “The situation was similar to that of Adam Cole’s but haven’t been given any additional details.”

While Dunne’s contract may be expiring soon, Fightful Select didn’t say if WWE will re-sign Dunne or if he wants to leave.

Dunne’s Current Storyline in NXT

On last week’s NXT, Dunne teamed with Oney Lorcan to defeat Tommaso Ciampa and Timothy Thatcher. After the match, Dunne and Lorcan reunited with the returning Ridge Holland. On Tuesday, Dunne officially formed a stable with Lorcan and Holland and said, “We’re the most dangerous men in NXT.”

For now, Dunne seems to be in NXT’s plans along with his group. However, as Fightful Select reports, WWE will have to figure out Dunne’s contract situation.

All Elite Wrestling Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes spoke with the wrestling media ahead of AEW Homecoming.

Rhodes will face Malakia Black this Wednesday at AEW Homecoming at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida. Before the event, Rhodes held a media conference to answer questions regarding AEW.

Rhodes started the conference by warning that he will not be answering any rumors or speculation.

Rhodes Answers Black Signing with AEW

Givemesport’s Louis Dangoor asked the first question. Dangoor greeted Rhodes and talked about Black’s surprise debut in AEW. he asked to get Rhodes’s reaction to finding out about Black being available to sign with AEW and “If any potential plans had to be changed” due to Black’s arrival.

“From my understanding, no plans have been changed. Whenever there is a free agent of that caliber, male or female, you have to jump on it,” said Rhodes. He credited AEW President and CEO Tony Khan for signing Black.

Rhodes also discussed the timing of the hiring and the match not being on Pay Per View. “Dynamite is the heart and soul of the company and what we do. Being able to put these matches on Television is huge, said Rhodes. He followed up by talking about AEW not following the classic model of doing the match on PPV and said, “TV is where their bread is buttered.”

Rhodes Discuss AEW approach to Signing Free Agents

SEScoops correspondent Michael Shalik talked to Rhodes about the current state of wrestling free agency and asked, “What is AEW current appetite for talent acquisition?”

Rhodes replied, “If there is a free agent out there that can move the needle and be something significant for us, I personally think you have to go after them.” He also touted AEW’s growing success and that the company can give wrestlers opportunities.

Rhodes Reveals Live Tour Status

Digital Spy’s Stephanie Chase asked Rhodes, “How much is AEW got an idea of their live touring schedule for the rest of the year.” Chase also asked AEW ambition to tour in the United Kingdom and the west coast of the United States.

Rhodes responded by saying AEW has “Already have a good layout of where they want to go.” He also confirmed that going to the west coast in the U.S is part of the schedule.

Regarding AEW touring the U.K, Rhodes revealed he wanted to face Anthony Ogogo in the U.K. “I had always envisioned that the match with Anthony Ogogo was meant to happen in the United Kingdom,” said Rhodes. While AEW wants to go to the U.K, Rhodes admitted that it depends on what happens with the handling of the pandemic and wants to make sure fans are safe.

Rhodes Shares Opinion on Deathmatches

Bleacher Report’s Chris Wheeler wanted Rhodes’s opinion on the Nick Gage vs. Chris Jericho match last week. Wheeler also wanted to get Rhodes’s thoughts on deathmatches and their place in mainstream wrestling.

Rhodes said about Gage’s match with Jericho last week, “The match was as advertised.” He also shared that he once considered having a deathmatch with Matt Tremont.

Rhodes also said, “We were the number one show on cable, and that is a huge honor. Three weeks in a row. That’s a huge honor and responsibility to our fanbase. During the Olympics, we are the number one show on cable.” He also believes there is a place for it but said, “I don’t think it’s something you’ll see often.”

Rhodes Gives Update on AEW Rampage

Miami Herald’s Jim Varsallone asked Rhodes what AEW will do to separate AEW Rampage other AEW programming and “What are the expectation for Rampage.”

Rhodes responded that Rampage would be “More centered around the fight itself. The match itself, being that’s a one-hour program.”

He also reveals that Mark Henry will be one of the commentators on the show. In another minor spoiler, Cody said the AEW logo on the ring canvas for Rampage.

Rhodes Discuss AEW’s Community Outreach Program

Wrestle Joy’s Amy Nemmity asked Rhodes about AEW ‘s Community Outreach Program and how AEW chooses the program they will be working with.

Rhodes says that “All the stars were aligning at once on community outreach. Paul Wight, he’s an ambassador of the Special Olympics. Wight arrived, I have a relationship with him. Mark Henry is all about community outreach, and at the time, I was banging on Tony Khan’s door everywhere wanting to put this department together.”

Rhodes credits former WWE employee Sue Aitchison immensely for inspiring him to give back to the community. He also praised Paul Wight, Mark Henry, Thunder Rosa, and Sean Dean for their involvement with the program. Now with a committed department to the community outreach program, Rhodes shared the excitement that he can pull from different talent on the road for programs that AEW can help with. “I can ask Lance Archer about Texas. I can ask Jon Moxley about Cincinnati, and I can do that everywhere we go,” said Rhodes.

At AEW Homecoming, Rhodes announced that AEW would help transport 600 kids to attend the event.

Rhodes Thoughts on the United Center

Comicbook’s Connor Casey asked Rhodes about the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, and if they will do more shows there when in Chicago.

“I know for Tony Khan it was a childhood dream to run the United Center and to sell it out instantly,” said Rhodes. He went on to say that it’s not about the venue but that Chicago has been a great place to have shows.

Rhodes shared he doesn’t believe he’s wrestled in the United Center. “I can’t wait to see the vibe there,” said Rhodes.

Rhodes speaks on Mask Mandate

Spectrum Sport’s Jon Alba asked Rhodes about AEW’s stance on the CDC’s mask mandate and “Is there any concern over how that may impact future events like All Out.“

Rhodes responded by saying, “We’re always going to go off of state mandate. We’re not going to try to break any rules or any laws. The health and safety of our talent, staff, and fans it’s the highest priority.” He also said that while there won’t be a mask mandate for AEW Homecoming, AEW encourages wearing a mask if fans feel comfortable.

WWE Executives are not happy with NXT Superstar Adam Cole’s contract situation going public.

The news broke yesterday by Wrestling Inc’s Raj Giri that Cole will be a free agent after Summerslam. Giri also reported that Cole already has options, including “companies who are not even in the current wrestling space.”

PWInsider’s Mike Johnson has also followed up on Giri’s report and confirmed the news while adding that WWE executives are unhappy. “Multiple sources within WWE confirmed the story, admitting frustration that it had become public,” said Johnson.

Cole’s Contract Situation

The news of Cole’s contract expiring has caught fans by surprise. Giri reports that Cole’s contract actually expired after the Great American Bash on July 6th. However, Cole decided to extend the contract to this upcoming Summerslam.

Johnson also reports that WWE executives believed Cole was under contract to at least January 2022.

The timing of Cole’s contract issue could also be connected to the release of former Senior Vice President of Talent Development Canyon Ceman. Johnson reported Ceman release on July 23rd and noted he was very involved with the hiring process in NXT.

Wrestling Inc’s Marc Middleton reports that the timing of Cole’s contract issue “Very much lines up with the timing of Ceman’s departure.”

The WWE has yet to release a statement on Cole’s contract situation.

Cole’s WWE Career

Cole signed with the WWE on August 14, 2017, after leaving Ring of Honor. Five days later, he made his NXT debut at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn 3 on August 19, 2017, at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn, New York. Cole has been an NXT tag team champion, North American champion, and World Champion. He also still holds the record for longest-reigning NXT World Champion.

He’s currently in a feud with a long-time ally/rival Kyle O’Riley. Since February, the feud has been ongoing, with both Cole and Riley getting a win over the other. It is unclear if Cole will finish his feud with Riley at the upcoming NXT Takeover 36 on August 22nd.

The Super Jr. Tag League tournament will be returning next month.

New Japan Pro Wrestling announced yesterday that the Super Jr. Tag League would run from August 7th to August 17th. The tournament will also be a part of the Summer Struggle events that NJPW is doing at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

Rules of the Super Jr. Tag League

People may be unfamiliar with the tournament, so NJPW also explained the rules in a statement.

“Six teams will be part of the round-robin league, with matches running from August 7 to 17. The top point scorers at the end of the league will be the victors, with tiebreakers also at play; if teams are still tied, there will be a playoff match to determine the winners,” said NJPW.

The winners also get a chance to compete for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship.

Teams Competing in the Super Jr. Tag League

As well as announcing this year’s Super Jr. Tag League, NJPW revealed the teams competing. Included among the competitors are the current IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions El Phantasmo and Taiji Ishimori.

The other teams involved are Roppongi 3k, Suzuki-Gun, Team One or Eight, and Far East Connection. The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Robbie Eagles will team with Tiger Mask to compete in the tournament.

Favorites to win the Tournament

While anything can happen, Roppongi 3k could be considered the favorite. The five-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champions have won the tournament in 2018 and 2019. The team will look to win for the third time and become six-time champions. However, every team, including the champions, will look to pull off the upset.

All Elite Wrestling revealed a new event that will take place at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

AEW announced yesterday during AEW Dynamite Fight for the Fallen that Rampage will occur on August 20th at the United Center. AEW also indicated that the August 20th event would be significant by advertising it as Rampage “The First Dance.”

Rampage marks AEW’s fourth show that takes place in Illinois. AEW also announced that tickets go on sale on Monday.

Chicago, #AEWRampage is heading your way on Friday, Aug. 20 at the @UnitedCenter! Tickets for The First Dance go on sale this Monday at 10 am CT at https://t.co/UN1cNiJJrQ. pic.twitter.com/r5XmeXKKv6

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) July 29, 2021

AEW Schedule in Chicago

The August 20th Rampage event will be AEW’s first big event in Chicago this year. Their last Chicago show was AEW Revolution on February 29, 2020, at the Wintrust Arena. However, it comes as a surprise as AEW already announced a Dynamite show on September 1st, Rampage on September 3rd, and All-Out on September 5th, which would occur in the Now Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.

Tickets for the September AEW shows in Illinois went on sale to the public on July 9th. Both the Dynamite and Rampage show still have tickets on sale on Ticketmaster, while All Out has sold out.

With the addition of Rampage on August 20th, AEW seems confident that it can sell out all four events. However, this will be an ambitious act by AEW to sell out the United Center on two weeks’ notice. The United Center can have over 20,000 capacity crowd and will be the biggest venue AEW has run.

CM Punk Rumors

The announcement of “The Last Dance” has created speculation if former WWE Superstar CM Punk has signed with AEW. He is a well-known native of Chicago, Illinois, and Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp reported that Punk was in talks for an in-ring return with AEW. However, the company has yet to confirm Punk is signed. It’s also unclear if AEW signed Punk if they’d reveal the news to help boost sales for August 20th or make it a surprise if he was to appear.

All Elite Wrestling talent Vickie Guerrero has expressed interest in seeing former WWE superstar Ruby Riot sign with AEW. Since leaving WWE, Riot’s last name changed to Soho.

Guerrero appeared on the Thoughts Count Anywhere Podcast with Aaron Philips, Thomas Glenn, and Matthew Mullan to discuss various topics regarding AEW. When asked what unsigned talent she’d like to see signed to AEW, Guerrero said Soho.

“I think the one that comes to mind is Ruby. You know she was formerly with WWE; I would love to have Ruby on the roster for AEW,” said Guerrero.

Guerrero also said, “She was really underutilized, and I love her. She was on my podcast and just a great talent and a good wholesome human being.”

Former WWE Talent in AEW

AEW has signed a couple of former WWE superstars in the last couple of months. Malakia Black, formerly known as Alistair Black, made his debut two weeks ago. WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry also signed with AEW in June to a multi-year deal. While WWE has chosen not to resign or is unable to retain talent, AEW has boosted their roster.

AEW also made news last week on rumors that former WWE superstars Daniel Bryan and CM Punk have signed to the company. Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp reported that CM Punk is in talks for an in-ring return, likely with AEW. BodySlam.net’s Cassidy Haynes reported that Daniel Bryan has “100 % already signed a contract with AEW.”

Ruby Soho WWE Release

Soho was released from WWE on June 2nd. Her career in the company lasted 5 years after being signed in 2016. Soho’s last match in WWE was in a tag team match with Liv Morgan against Tamina and Natalya on May 28th’s Smackdown. She lost the match and was pinned by Tamina.

Since her release, Soho hasn’t made an appearance for another wrestling promotion. It’s unclear with Guerrero’s comments if Soho has caught the attention of AEW.

Former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Hiromu Takahashi says he’s been cleared to return to New Japan Pro Wrestling.

Takahashi posted on Twitter today that doctors have cleared him to wrestle again after rehabbing a torn left pectoral muscle. NJPW Global Twitter account also quoted Takahashi’s post and said, “Somebody is clear.”

Fightful’s Jeremy Lambert reported that the injury occurred in a tag team match with current IWGP World Heavyweight champion Shingo Takagi vs. Kota Ibushi and Tomoaki Honma on February 19th at Road to Castle Attack at the Iwate Prefectural Gymnasium in Iwate, Japan.

As a result, The timetable after he sustained his injury was that he’d be out for six months. The timing of Takahashi’s tweet suggests that the rehab went according to plan.

The tweet from Takahashi said, “Good news. The doctor gave me permission to return! Let’s go crazy again. Feeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.”

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???????????????????? pic.twitter.com/Vk0kZy7q2d

— ????? / Hiromu Takahashi (@TIMEBOMB1105) July 22, 2021

Hiromu Takahashi Injury History

When Takahashi announced his injury shortly after, he had to relinquish his IWGP Junior heavyweight championship. It marked the second time Takahashi had to vacate the championship because of an injury.

The first time Takahashi vacated the championship was when he broke his neck. The injury occurred in a match against Dragon Lee during the G1 Special on July 9, 2018, at the Cow Palace in San Fransisco, California.

Takahashi would be inactive for over a year until he made his return in December 2019. He reclaimed the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship by defeating Will Ospreay on January 4, 2020, at Wrestle Kingdom 14 in the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan.

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title Picture

El Desperado won the vacant championship at Castle Attack at the Osaka-j? Hall in Osaka, Japan, on February 28 in a three-way match against Bushi and El-Phantasmo.

Desperado will defend against Robbie Eagles at Wrestle Grand Slam on July 25th in the Tokyo Dome. However, now cleared, Takahashi could be on track to reclaim the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship once again.

CJ Perry, aka Lana, will join the new “The Surreal Life” reboot.

Deadline’s Peter White reports that VH1 will bring back the reality tv series “The Surreal Life” this fall. The article also reports that Perry will join other celebrities like Dennis Rodman, Tamar Braxton, and Stormy Daniels.

“The Surreal Life is known for bringing together some of the biggest names in pop culture and creating many unforgettable moments in reality television,” said Nina L. Diaz, President of Content and Chief Creative Officer of MTV Entertainment Group, in a statement to Deadline. “We are excited to see how this stellar celebrity cast will make captivating television for audiences everywhere.”

Perry’s Release From WWE

The WWE released Perry from her contract last month. Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp and Jeremy Lambert were the first to report the news, which WWE later confirmed. Ryan Satin reported that Perry signed a five-year deal with WWE in November 2019. However, WWE decided to let her go regardless. Perry’s career with WWE lasted eight years.

Perry’s last match was a tag team loss with Naomi to Dana Brooke and Mandy Rose on May 31st, Monday Night Raw. As of now, “The Surreal Life” will be Perry’s first TV appearance since her release.

Seventh Season of “The Surreal Life”

The upcoming reboot is the seventh season of “The Surreal Life.” The first season was in 2003 and lasted until 2006. The series revolves around celebrities living together in a mansion for a period of time while being filmed. It is unclear where the new season will occur or if the show will be in a different format.

“The Surreal Life” History with Wrestlers

Perry will be the fourth wrestler to appear in the reality series. “The Surreal Life” has seen former WWE wrestlers like Chyna, Sean Waltman, and Maven. Both Chyna and Waltman were in season 4, and Maven appeared in season 6.

Perry’s History on Reality TV shows

Perry is not unfamiliar with reality tv series. She appeared in four seasons of WWE’s reality tv series “Total Divas.” Perry has also been active in her acting career. She was featured in a movie released to Video on Demand this year with Bruce Willis called “Cosmic Sin.”

John Cena will be back in WWE’s live event schedule tour this Summer.

WWE has officially revealed what Cena’s tour schedule would look like for the Summer. The plan will see Cena appear at Raw and SmackDown tapings, non-televised live events and a pay-per-view (SummerSlam) from July 23rd through August 21st.

WWE is promoting Cena’s return to the road as, the “Summer of Cena.”

In total, Cena is advertised for 15 upcoming shows. It’s worth noting that Cena is only appearing at select shows through SummerSlam. You can see the full schedule at WWE.com.

Cena vs. Reigns at SummerSlam

John Cena made his long-awaited return at this year’s Money in the Bank after Universal champion Roman Reigns defeated Edge. He appeared on last night’s episode of Raw to challenge Reigns to a championship match at Summerslam.

Cena explained why he returned and said Reigns “Needs to be knocked down a peg in the promo.” Cena also confirmed that he would be on Smackdown this Friday to confront Reigns.

The last time that Cena faced Reigns was at No Mercy at the Staples Center in Las Angeles, California, on September 24, 2017. Reigns defeated Cena with the spear.

Cena’s Challenging Tour schedule

The “Summer of Cena” will be Cena’s most demanding WWE tour schedule in quite some time. Over the past couple of years, Cena hasn’t toured with WWE to this level. His last WWE match was a firefly funhouse match against the Fiend at Wrestlemania 36 on April 5, 2020.

At 44 years old, Cena has been focusing more on his acting career than wrestling consistently. It’s unclear if he will have matches leading to Summerslam to condition himself or if he’s been training already.

WWE’s Live Event Struggles

WWE is looking to make Summerslam a big event. Cena earned a big reaction for his return at Money in the Bank and Raw. With Cena set to appear at live events throughout the Summer, it may result in more sold-out shows.

WWE has seen mixed results with ticket sales since the return of live events. Some markets have been strong, while others have struggled. WWE recently canceled shows in Georgia and Florida after slow ticket launches.

As of this writing, tickets are still available on Ticketmaster for SummerSlam as low as $25. The announcement of Cena vs. Reigns for the Universal Championship may generate interest to help sell out the event.

If you are interested in ticket sales and the business side of live wrestling shows, the @WrestleTix Twitter account has been doing excellent work lately.

WWE and Tik Tok are looking to the WWE Universe to find a new ring announcer.

WWE announced yesterday that they would be doing a talent search for ring announcers through Tik Tok. The announcement also confirmed Pure Life Purified Water as the official sponsor for the contest. Contestants have to upload videos that showcase their skills on the app using the hashtag WWEAnnouncerContest. WWE and Tik Tok will hold the competition until August 16th and will select two winners. The winners will receive a trip to Summerslam on August 21st at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, as they will serve as announcers for the event.

WWE & Tik Tok Relationship

WWE has over 11 million followers on Tik Tok. Tik Tok marks WWE’s third most prominent social media platform, with Facebook with over 59 million followers and Instagram with over 24 million followers. WWE is looking to grow its followers and expand its relationship with Tik Tok with this contest.

WWE’s Vice President in Digital Media Steve Braband released a statement regarding the ring announcer search on WWE.com. “Our engagement on TikTok to date has been incredible, and we couldn’t think of a better platform to help us find the next great ring announcer,” said Braband.

The WWE announcement also alludes that this will be a new way to recruit talent in the article. “Today’s announcement follows another innovative TikTok activation, through which WWE aims to discover and recruit its next generation of Superstars via the TikTok Resumes product, said WWE.”

Lack of Clarity for Ring Announcer Contest

This year Men’s Money in the Bank Winner Big E did a Tik Tok video to promote the contest. The video, however, doesn’t explain the criteria to be considered eligible to win.

@wwe

Want to ring announce a match live at #SummerSlam ? Show us your best Superstar intro and use #WWEAnnouncerContest for a chance to win! @purelifeus

? original sound – WWE

WWE will also be hosting invite-only tryouts in Las Vegas during Summerslam weekend from August 18th to August 20th.

The winners of the ring announcer contest will also have to appear at the invite-only tryout. However, unlike the ring announcer search, the tryout has criteria for applicants like wrestling experience, public speaking, and acting experience. It’s unclear if this indicates that the contest winners will not have a permanent position as ring announcers after SummerSlam.