Another WWE Superstar is set to undergo a name change, but this is one that most fans will appreciate.
WWE has a penchant for shortening wrestler names, a practice that appears to be on its way out since Triple H took over as the head of creative. We’ve also seen countless NXT stars saddled with cringeworthy generic monikers that are straight out of the Superstar Name Generator 3000.
Over the past several weeks, WWE has run vignettes on NXT television depicting a shadowy figure burning a Retribution mask and letting fans know that his ‘second coming’ is imminent.
The Return of Donovan Dijak
T-BAR of the defunct Retribution faction is now listed as Donovan Dijak on WWE’s internal roster, according to a report at PWInsider. Dijak used this name early in his wrestling career, including in Ring of Honor. He wrestled as Chris Dijak and Dominik Dijakovic in NXT before he was repackaged for the short-lived Retribution angle.
Triple H is said to be a strong proponent of Donovan Dijak, so he should fare well upon his return to WWE’s developmental brand. His most recent match for WWE took place on the September 5th edition of Main Event.
Dijak’s Superstar Profile at the WWE website still lists him as T-Bar, but expect to see that change in the coming weeks when he officially returns as his old persona.
We have another indication that Sasha Banks is on her way back to WWE.
Banks (and Naomi) have been off television since May 2022, when the former Women’s Tag Team Champions walked out of a Raw TV taping due to mounting creative differences with the company. The team was suspended indefinitely due to their conduct.
Since then, there have been conflicting reports about Banks and Naomi’s contractual status. WWE name-dropped Banks on commentary during the recent WWE Extreme Rules premium live event, which many saw as a sign that tensions are easing between the two sides.
Banks attended Sunday’s WWE non-televised live event from Mexico City, Mexico on Sunday, October 30th, according to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio. The Boss was there as a special guest and reportedly met with WWE officials, but did not appear in front of the live crowd.
Mexican wrestler Mamba served as a ‘tour guide’ of sorts for Banks and Bayley in Mexico over the weekend, according to Superluchas. Here’s a photo of them together:
A lot has transpired in the 5 months since Banks’ last WWE TV appearance, most notably the dramatic departure of Vince McMahon. Since Triple H took over the reigns of WWE, we’ve heard nothing but great things from talent about backstage morale. We’ve also seen the returns of various popular wrestlers who were released by McMahon, including Bray Wyatt, Johnny Gargano, Braun Strowman, Karrion Kross and countless others.
All of these dynamics bode well for another dramatic WWE return from Sasha Banks. Especially with WrestleMania season right around the corner, the company will want all hands on deck after the upcoming holiday season.
Logan Paul would make an incredibly interesting Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, at least according to Jeff Jarrett.
Paul made his in-ring debut for WWE this year, competing at WrestleMania 38 in a tag match with The Miz to defeat Rey and Dominik.
After being betrayed by the A-Lister, Paul defeated The Miz at Summerslam, and will challenge Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel this Saturday.
In Every Kind of Way
Since Paul’s title match was announced, he has faced backlash from fans who believe he doesn’t deserve a title shot so quickly in his career.
Paul himself has said it is somewhat “ridiculous” that his third match in WWE will be against the company’s biggest star for the top prize.
Speaking on his My Way podcast, Jeff Jarrett explained how the social media presence Logan and his brother Jake have, could translate into championship success.
“The audience, in general, whether it’s my 16-year-old son or daughter or whoever it may be, they’re consuming their content on their phones. YouTube. Twitter… That’s what the Paul brothers [have mastered.] They weren’t on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ or ‘The Voice’ or some kind of athletic [show.] They got over on social media, and now they’re bringing that to a televised product.
“The Paul kid becoming champion, I think would work, in every kind of way. Do I think they’re going to do it? No. I just don’t think they’ll switch the title in Saudi [Arabia.] But look, online audiences are talking about it.”
Jarrett’s co-host Conrad Thompson defended Paul against claims of being similar to David Arquette, who infamously became WCW World Champion in 2000.
Thompson explained how Arquette was an actor who WCW forced into a title run to try and get publicity, while Paul has proven himself to be an athlete, even boxing Floyd Mayweather.
WrestleMania
Whether Paul wins or loses at Crown Jewel, this isn’t expected to be his final foray in the ring.
On his show, Jarrett discussed the plans for Paul after Crown Jewel, and what WWE could have for him on the biggest show of the year.
“The Paul brothers, they just dominate the conversation and I’m curious. I don’t think they’ll switch it [the title at Crown Jewel] but where does Logan fit in the WrestleMania picture? That’s going to be interesting.
When it was suggested that a Paul Vs. Cody Rhodes title match at WrestleMania could be possible, Jarrett reiterated his belief that a title change could work.
“As far as belts and storylines, Roman does not need the title right now. I mean, Sami Zayn is the star of that attraction right now. You pull him out of that? It’s a completely different dynamic.”
No matches have been confirmed for WrestleMania 39 yet, but a showdown between Reigns and The Rock has been rumored.
It was not announced what Wyatt will be doing, though given that it was promoted as an appearance, a match seems unlikely.
Wyatt and Saudi Arabia
Wyatt has competed multiple times in the Middle Eastern kingdom but has had mixed results.
In 2019, Wyatt captured the Universal Championship from Seth Rollins at that year’s Crown Jewel, following their much-maligned Hell in a Cell match the prior month.
Wyatt’s reign would end at the 2020 Super Showdown event in Saudi Arabia, where his ‘The Fiend’ persona was crushed by Bill Goldberg.
The title change, mere weeks short of WrestleMania 36, received backlash from fans, who disagreed with WWE putting the then-53-year-old Goldberg over the popular Wyatt.
Not Coming Alone?
If Wyatt does not wrestle at Crown Jewel 2022, then it raises the question as to what will he do on the show.
It is possible that Uncle Howdy could also appear at Crown Jewel, after fans caught their first glimpse of the character last week.
On SmackDown, the character confronted Wyatt on the titantron, encouraging the former Universal Champion to embrace who he really is.
It is unclear if the character will be played by Wyatt, or if someone else will portray Uncle Howdy in person.
Another one of Vince McMahon’s rules has seemingly been scrapped, judging by what happened on last night’s Monday Night Raw.
McMahon retired from all roles with WWE in July, following allegations of misconduct with female employees.
The 77-year-old billionaire is alleged to have paid millions in non-disclosure agreements to multiple women who have worked for WWE.
Scrapping the Rule
During last night’s Raw, the main event saw Alexa Bliss and Asuka win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship from Damage CTRL.
Before the match begun, referee Shawn Bennett was mentioned by name, something that was banned under the previous regime.
McMahon infamously banned the use of referee names years before his retirement, after hearing a name he did not recognise during a WWE Live event.
Speaking on Talk is Jericho in 2020, former WWE official Mike Chioda explained how McMahon made his decision.
“He was like, ‘Who is this? Whose name is this?’ And they said, ‘Oh it’s the referee.’ He goes, ‘Goddammit, I am done hearing the referee’s name. I don’t want to hear the referee’s name no more.”
The win this week marks the third Women’s Tag Titles for Bliss and Asuka, albeit with different partners.
Asuka now holds the record for the most tag partners, having won the titles with Kairi Sane, Charlotte Flair, and now Bliss.
More Changes
WWE has undergone several changes since McMahon’s retirement, including ending some of his long-standing rules.
Not long after his departure, WWE began using the term Hospital again, while McMahon had preferred the vague ‘Local Medical Facility.’
RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair battled Nikki Cross tonight in a non-title match. Nikki returned last week with her old gimmick and interfered in the main event between Belair and Bayley.
Nikki attacked Belair and Bayley capitalized with a pinfall victory. Cross attacked Bayley after the match as well. Belair defeated Nikki Cross tonight on RAW but Damage CTRL attacked the champion after the match.
Asuka and Alexa Bliss returned and helped Belair fend off Damage CTRL. They then challenged Dakota Kai and IYO SKY to a match for the Women’s Tag Team Championships in this week’s main event. Bayley and Bianca Belair were ringside for the match and wound up brawling into the timekeeper’s area.
Bayley sent Bianca through a table with a Bayley to Belly as Alexa hit Twisted Bliss for the pinfall victory. Bliss and Asuka are the new Women’s Tag Team Champions.
Alexa Bliss & Asuka React to Winning the Women’s Tag Titles
Cathy Kelly caught up to the new champions backstage in a WWE Digital Exclusive interview. Bliss revealed that they are exhausted after winning the titles as Asuka celebrated and yelled “we are champions!”. Alexa added that they knew they could overcome Damage CTRL.
We knew we could dethrone Damage CTRL, that is exactly what we decided to do and we came out on top.
Bayley will look to bring gold back to Damage CTRL this Saturday at WWE Crown Jewel. The Role Model will once again battle Bianca Belair for the RAW Women’s Championship.
It will be a Last Woman Standing match this time at the premium live event this Saturday. The EST successfully defended her title against Bayley in a Ladder match at WWE Extreme Rules last month. Bianca will have to keep Bayley down for a ten count this Saturday to leave Crown Jewel as the champion.
Bobby Lashley arrived at the arena tonight for RAW looking for Brock Lesnar. They are set to meet inside the squared circle this Saturday at WWE Crown Jewel.
Brock Lesnar recently returned to WWE on an episode of RAW and attacked Lashley before his scheduled title defense against Seth Rollins. Lesnar beat Lashley down and hit him with a couple of F5s.
Seth Rollins capitalized on the opportunity and was able to convince Bobby to accept the match despite the attack. The Visionary easily defeated The All Mighty to capture the United States Championship.
Seth Rollins won the US Title in Barclays Center at SummerSlam in 2015.
Seth Rollins wins the US Title in the Barclays Center on RAW tonight 7 years later.#WWERAW
Lesnar and Lashley were set to have a split-screen interview but only The All Mighty showed up. The Beast’s music hit and Brock Lesnar made his way down to the ring.
Brock said he didn’t come to Texas for a sit down interview with Bobby Lashley, he came to RAW for a fight.
The All Mighty made his way toward the ring and Lesnar met him on the entrance ramp.
Several WWE Superstars and security rushed to the entrance ramp to break up the brawl. Brock and Lashley continued to trade words while they were being separated.
Matt Riddle was one of the WWE stars that tried to break up the brawl and he used an interesting technique to do so.
The Original Bro busted out his flip flop and threatened Brock Lesnar with it as seen below.
Logan Paul is set to challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship this Saturday afternoon at WWE Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia.
This will mark his third time stepping into the squared circle for a match, with it being his only second singles match thus far in his wrestling career.
He teamed with The Miz at WWE WrestleMania 38 to defeat The Mysterios (Rey & Dominik Mysterio), which marked his in-ring debut, and then defeated The Miz at WWE SummerSlam in July.
Paul on the Match
While appearing on TimboSugarShow with Tim Welch & Sean O’Malley, Paul was asked if there are people in the WWE who he doesn’t get along with. He noted that he stays to himself before admitting that it is ridiculous that he is getting this title opportunity so early on in his career.
“Truthfully, I keep to myself. I imagine there are a few wrestlers who have a problem with me going for a title in my third match. That’s ridiculous and I acknowledge that, but I don’t acknowledge the Tribal Chief and I’m going to f**k him up in Saudi Arabia.”
Logan said he’ll be flying to Saudi on Tuesday for his Saturday match against Reigns. Reigns is set to be part of Monday’s WWE Raw before going to Saudi as WWE taped this Friday’s episode of SmackDown last week.
WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H reportedly had plans for former Universal Champion Kevin Owens but those plans have been put on hold for the time being.
The reason is a good one. It is because his old pal Sami Zayn has become so popular that plans for him to reunite with KO have been put on hold.
Owens and Sami had a brief interaction backstage on a recent edition of SmackDown. Kevin walked by Zayn wearing his Honorary Uce merch and told him that he needs a new shirt.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXnZVPAg1WA
WrestleVotes spoke with Louis Dangoor of GiveMeSport in an interview posted today and revealed that Triple H has “paused” his plans to team Sami and KO due to how popular Zayn has become.
He was pegged to get involved with Sami and The Bloodline, but that’s white hot right now. Those plans from what I’ve been told are definitely pushed back, but they’re not off, because the plan is for Kevin Owens to be with Sami Zayn.
WrestleVotes added that the Honorary Uce’s involvement in The Bloodline was only supposed to last a few weeks but it is going so well that WWE has extended the storyline.
Whatever they had planned for Kevin Owens is totally on pause because this stuff with Sami doesn’t come around often. This was supposed to be a little three, four week comedy deal, and it’s getting big.
The tension between Sami Zayn and Jey Uso almost came to a boiling point on this past Friday’s episode of SmackDown. The Tribal Chief instructed the two Bloodline members to hash out their differences but Jey claimed that he didn’t care what Reigns said.
Roman was visibly pissed off but Zayn calmed everyone down. Sami pointed out that Jey hasn’t been himself lately and is not feeling very “Ucey”. Jey and Roman could not contain their laughter in one of the more entertaining segments in recent memory.
WWE and Wheel of Fortune have announced a partnership for early next year leading into WrestleMania 39 in Los Angeles.
New Day’s Xavier Woods was a guest on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune and won over $96k for the Gamers Outreach charity.
Getting the chance to be on Wheel of Fortune after trying to get on for years was an unreal experience. I loved every second of it and thank you all for watching! #NewProfilePicpic.twitter.com/60DW2hIxo8
Woods then posted a video last night after his appearance on the show and announced that there will be a full week of Wheel of Fortune with WWE Superstars.
What’s going on? WWE Superstar Xavier Woods, aka Austin Creed, here. And y’all know that I love Wheel of Fortune.
I got a chance to be on the show, meet a bunch of the people. Pat Sajak, Vanna White. And I am here to announce that maybe you get the chance to be on Wheel of Fortune with your favorite WWE superstars because WWE and Wheel of Fortune are coming together to do a full week of WWE on Wheel of Fortune.
So hurry up and go to wheeloffortune.com right now to upload your contestant application and you might get the chance to spin the wheel while standing next to your favorite Superstar, which is obviously me. See you guys there.
Wrestling fans can also apply to be a guest on the show and pick which WWE Superstar they want to play Wheel of Fortune with. You can apply to be on the show here.
Wheel of Fortune also sent out a call for contestants. The episodes will be filmed in early 2023 and air in late March as WWE gears up for WrestleMania 39 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) October 31, 2022
In addition to being a WWE Superstar, Xavier Woods runs a very popular gaming channel on YouTube. He was a part of the G4 revival but the network was recently shut down by Comcast.
A former Superstar made a surprise return to WWE this past Friday, and it looks like she’s here to stay.
The Australian veteran has officially signed with World Wrestling Entertainment, according to a report from Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio. No additional details were given on her contract, such as the length, but we do know Emma is slated to join the SmackDown roster.
Emma returned to WWE on SmackDown last week, accepting a Smackdown Women’s Championship open challenge from “The Baddest Woman On The Planet,” Ronda Rousey. The two would battle back and forth before Rousey forced Emma to tap out from the armbar.
This marks Emma’s first appearance in five years, since her release in October 2017. Since then, she performed under her real name of Tenille Dashwood, notably competing in Ring of Honor and IMPACT Wrestling. Dashwood would claim the Knockouts Tag Team Championships earlier this year alongside Madison Rayne, before dropping the titles in June. Dashwood’s contract with IMPACT expired this summer, before she announced her free agency.
Now, Dashwood returns to Friday nights as Emma.
WWE published this video of Emma backstage after he return on SmackDown. Despite a loss to Rousey, she believes she learned from the match and is confident as she embarks on this new chapter of his career.
The NXT UK brand may be a thing of the past, but one of the brand’s popular Superstars has now taken their first steps in WWE NXT.
In August, WWE announced the formation of NXT Europe, which is set to launch at some point next year.
In the same statement, WWE said that NXT UK will be on hiatus until the new brand is up and running.
A New Dawn
Immediately after the announcement of NXT Europe, WWE released the vast majority of their NXT UK talent.
Those who weren’t released, including Ilja Dragunov and Pretty Deadly, have since made their way to WWE NXT: the company’s U.S.-based developmental brand.
At a recent WWE NXT Live event, Isla Dawn made her debut for the white and gold brand, facing fellow NXT UK alum Alba Fyre.
The match, which took place at last weekend’s NXT Live event, say Fyre get the win.
Dawn’s career with WWE began in 2017 when she lost a November 6, Raw squash match to Asuka.
Competing in the 2018 Mae Young Classic, Dawn was eliminated in the first round, but would still be signed by WWE.
Competing for NXT UK, Dawn would be unsuccessful in the tournament to crown the first NXT UK Women’s Champion, being eliminated in the first-round by eventual winner Toni Storm.
In February 2022, Dawn would steal the title from then-Champion Meiko Satomura, and would return the gold in exchange for a title match that she’d lose.
Dawn would compete in a fatal four-way match on what would be the final episode of NXT UK, losing to Blair Davenport.
NJPW Never Openweight Champion Karl Anderson is officially off the card for Battle Autumn, the promotion has confirmed.
Anderson had previously been booked for the show on November 5, where he was scheduled to defend his title against Hikuleo.
In a statement on their website, New Japan confirmed that despite “extensive efforts,” the match is now off.
New Japan apologized for Anderson not being on the show, adding that they hold their champions “to the highest standard of professionalism.”
Instead of the pre-announced title match, Hikuleo will now face Yujiro Takahashi in a non-title match.
The Openweight Championship
Anderson returned to WWE earlier this month as the NJPW Never Openweight Champion, and the match with Hikuleo had already been booked and announced.
It was in a social media video that Anderson claimed he would not be at Battle Autumn and instead compete at WWE Crown Jewel (also November 5.)
In a response, NJPW said that Anderson will be stripped of the title if he does not compete at Battle Autumn, but the title’s future was not addressed in the recent statement.
More than Meets the Eye
The conflict between Anderson, New Japan and WWE has been going on for weeks now, but this isn’t how things are behind the scenes.
A report last week notes that there have always been plans for Anderson to wrestle for New Japan despite his WWE return.
Sources close to the situation said that “things are fine” between Anderson and the two promotions.
Ava Raine debuted in Joe Gacy’s Schism faction on a recent episode of NXT.
Ava stated that Schism is her family and posed with the group at the end of her debut. Raine cut a promo a WWE Live Event over the summer. She referred to herself as “The Final Girl” during the promo.
The 21-year-old began training at the WWE Performance Center in 2020. She is the daughter of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the grandaughter of Rocky Johnson, and great granddaughter of Peter Maivia.
TMZ Sports recently caught up with The Bloodline’s Jimmy Uso and asked him about Ava Raine’s debut in NXT. Jimmy said that he is ready to see her “pop off and represent The Bloodline”.
Shout out to her, you now what I’m saying. Anyway the family can get it I’m all for it. I’m ready to see what she do. I’m ready for her to pop off and represent The Bloodline.
Jimmy added that The Bloodline always looks out for each other and the whole family is behind her.
We all family, bro. We all look out for (each other). She’s got the whole squad on her side, the whole family bro. Her dad (The Rock), us, the cousins, she can reach out and we got it.
He said that the door is always open in The Bloodline for Ava Raine if she wants to join the group down the line and said the sky is the limit for her career.
It’s always an open door and we’ll keep it at that. The sky is the limit. You’ve got to put your work in here.
I’m sure she’s got the workhorse in her like we all do.
It runs deep in the blood and I’m excited for her future. I can’t wait to see where this takes her.
The Tribal Chief Roman Reigns is scheduled to defend the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship this Saturday against Logan Paul at WWE Crown Jewel.
Logan will challenge for the title in just the third match of his WWE career. Roman Reigns is heading into the match a heavy favorite and will likely leave the premium live event as still the champion.
The 27-year-old debuted at SummerSlam with The Miz in a victory over The Mysterios in a tag team match. The Miz turned on him after the match and Logan defeated the A-Lister at this year’s SummerSlam PLE in Nashville.
The 61-year-old said that he is looking forward to the match and complimented Logan Paul on taking this seriously. Cornette added that this is another good match for the Saudi Arabia crowd because Logan is a big American celebrity.
It’s going to be good. Logan Paul takes this seriously and he’s a very prideful person.
He’s been training. We saw him do way better before than what he ought to of for his level of inexperience.
They’re not going to switch the belt but they’ve given Saudi Arabia for their 50 million dollars a big main event with somebody they can say, and truthfully so, is a big American celebrity.
It’s kind of a freak show match. In terms of a celebrity from YouTube who’s dabbled in other sports and now is in wrestling, but he can compete at a high level because he’s an athlete.
It doesn’t have to sell tickets because nobody thinks he’s going to win. They’ve tried to create the doubt, ‘well if I get one good shot’. Well, you know, but he’s not.
Omos and Braun Strowman are set to battle this Saturday night at WWE Crown Jewel.
Braun recently returned to the company and was confronted by the Nigerian Giant on a recent episode of SmackDown.
Strowman and Omos stood face-to-face and it was revealed that Braun is several inches shorter. WWE advertised the match on social media as “two giants” and MVP claimed that it was false advertising because Strowman is significantly shorter.
Jim Cornette Previews Omos vs. Braun Strowman at WWE Crown Jewel
Legendary wrestling manager and promoter Jim Cornette discussed the upcoming bout between Strowman and Omos on episode 455 of The Jim Cornette Experience.
Jim suggested that they keep the match short because it will likely be rotten. The 61-year-old added that Saudi Arabia is a good place to have this match because domestic fans would ridicule it.
Saudi Arabia is probably the best place, no pun, no joke, and no sh**.
If you go back through wrestling history, a big show in a foreign, and I’m talking foreign to the United States, if you are in Saudi Arabia right now I’m sorry.
But a big show in a foreign market, two giants, the people are just thrilled to see live wrestling and thrilled to see the stars in person.
They get two giants and it looks great on a poster, or whatever. It’s going to be hopefully short, and not necessarily sweet.
They’ll be there for a good time but not for a long time.
A domestic audience would sh** all over this because they see wrestling on a regular basis and it’s going to be rotten.
Brock Lesnar returned to WWE and attacked Bobby Lashley on a recent edition of WWE RAW.
The All Mighty was set to defend the US Title against Seth Rollins but Brock’s music hit instead. Lesnar marched to the ring and attacked the champion.
Seth Rollins then capitalized on a weakened Lashley and defeated him to become the United States Champion.
Bobby Lashley and Brock Lesnar battled at the Royal Rumble PLE earlier this year. Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns interfered in the match and The All Mighty picked up the victory.
Jim Cornette Previews Lesnar vs. Lashley at WWE Crown Jewel
Wrestling legend Jim Cornette previewed the upcoming match between Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley on episode 455 of The Jim Cornette Experience.
The 61-year-old noted that the crowd in Saudi Arabia will likely be behind Brock Lesnar, which is the exact opposite reaction that WWE is going for.
They suddenly had Brock reappear and switch heel out of nowhere.
He just beat the sh** out of Bobby Lashley, the babyface, and the people cheered madly while he did it.
So, unfortunately, I think they are probably going to cheer Brock against Lashley, even though it is supposed to be set up to be exactly the opposite.
Bobby was a stronger heel, and also could take care of himself better as a heel with the manager and the group, because he’s not an over-the-top personality.
They are going to gravitate to Lesnar because he’s a f***ing freak of various natures.
I’m looking forward to seeing it from an athletic standpoint, but I think it will probably accomplish exactly the opposite of what they apparently want, which was Brock to turn heel on Lashley.
Were the ideas for Retribution and Raw Underground original concepts from WWE’s vast creative team? Not according to EC3.
After being released in May 2013, EC3 returned to WWE in 2018 and was a prominent upper-mid-carder in NXT.
This would not translate over to the main roster and after an underwhelming run, EC3 was released for the second time in April 2020.
Stolen Ideas
Not long after his release from WWE, EC3 shared cryptic videos, claiming he would control his narrative.
In August of that same year, WWE would introduce their Retribution stable, and later their Raw Underground show.
Speaking to the Wrestling Outlaws, EC3 claimed that the masked gang and the grimy setting were too similar to his videos to be a coincidence (via Sportskeeda.)
“The two things [Retribution and Raw Underground,] they stole from Control Your Narrative and my little video! Like, pull back in time and watch my original Control Your Narrative, my original little narrative, and watch RAW Underground and watch RETRIBUTION.
“A bunch of guys in hoods, walking around, real tough, causing mayhem. Where did I see that before? Oh yeah, Control Your Narrative on YouTube.”
Earlier this year, EC3 would found his ‘Control Your Narrative’ promotion, though the show is on hiatus at this time.
Retribution & Raw Underground
While EC3 believes WWE stole his ideas, neither Retribution nor RAW Underground received rave reviews.
After members of Retribution were revealed, the group faced ridicule from audiences until the group’s end in early 2021.
Raw Underground, a reported personal favorite of Vince McMahon, would only last a few weeks and received criticism for being too different from the wrestling fans tuned in for.
WWE Crown Jewel is the company’s next premium live event.
This year marks the fourth installment of Crown Jewel as a standalone show. It was established in 2018. This year’s event takes place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Crown Jewel follows October’s Extreme Rules event and precedes the Survivor Series premium live event later on in November.
WWE Crown Jewel Match Card
The following matches are confirmed for WWE Crown Jewel 2022:
WWE Undisputed Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. Logan Paul
The O.C. (AJ Styles, Karl Anderson, and Luke Gallows) vs. The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, and Dominik Mysterio)
Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley
Drew McIntyre vs. Karrion Kross (Steel Cage match)
Braun Strowman vs. Omos
WWE Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair vs. Bayley (Last Woman Standing Match)
WWE Undisputed Tag Team Champions The Usos vs. The Brawling Brutes
WWE Crown Jewel takes place Saturday, November 5th from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at Mrsool Park. The main card of this premium live event starts at 12pm ET / 9am PT. It is an early start time in the United States and North America due to the time zone difference.
How to Watch
WWE Crown Jewel streams live on Peacock in the United States and on the WWE Network internationally.
Pro Wrestling NOAH dropped a bombshell early this morning as they have announced Shinsuke Nakamura will wrestle the Great Muta on January 1st, 2023 at Budokan Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
Keiji Mutoh will be retiring next February and has been announcing dates plus new matches in the process.
While he will be teaming with Sting in his final match for Pro Wrestling NOAH, he will be wrestling as “The Great Muta” to open the 2023 calendar wrestling year against another Japanese legend.
Shinsuke Nakamura is no stranger to big time matches in Japan. Nakamura is a 3-time IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and 5-time IWGP Intercontinental Champion.
Nakamura last wrestled outside of the WWE organization on January 30th, 2016 in his final New Japan match. That was a six-man tag where his team emerged victorious. A team that included Kazuchika Okada and Tomohiro Ishii.
The Great Muta and Shinsuke Nakamura have wrestled one other time in their careers. As an active member of the All-Japan roster, Muta crossed over to over New Japan Pro Wrestling and defeated Nakamura on April 27th, 2008 to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
This match will take place on the Pro Wrestling NOAH “The New Year 2023” card. Nakamura took to Twitter this morning saying “This is miracle.”
The fact that we are getting a match between a WWE contracted employee and a legendary performer from Japan who is not under the WWE umbrella is astounding.
What’s more surreal about this bout is it’s taking place outside of the WWE promotion. One thing is for sure, this announcement has already made a lot of waves.
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. The Great Muta is not a typo folks. This match between two of the biggest Japanese icons is coming at you in less than two months.
Earlier this year, Cody Rhodes shocked the wrestling world by leaving the company he co-founded to go back to WWE. He debuted at WrestleMania 38 in of the most anticipated moments in recent WWE history.
Unfortunately, “The American Nightmare” has been out with a torn pectoral muscle. He wrestled Seth Rollins at Hell In A Cell with the painful-looking injury. His return is believed be around Royal Rumble in January.
Rhodes Clarifies Why He Left AEW
(via WWE)
A Twitter account posted a picture of The Elite and Rhodes with the caption, “They changed the world”. Someone replied to the tweet and asked “then why did Cody leave?” This drew a direct reply from Rhodes.
In his response, Rhodes clarified that he didn’t leave AEW because of The Elite or CM Punk. In fact, he said that he didn’t “have issues with Punk. We got along.” He also stated that he is “forever bonded” with Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks.
Rhodes said he left due to a “personal issue and my wanting to go for the big one.”
I didn’t leave because of the Bucks/Kenny. I’m forever bonded to those men over what we created and I remain very proud of it, and I didn’t leave because of/or have issues with Punk. We got along. Not money, not booking, just a personal issue and my wanting to go for the big one.
Since his return to WWE, Rhodes has stated his desire to be WWE Champion. According to reports in recent months, there were no plans to make him champion prior to his injury.
WWE is getting aggressive in building up its women’s division.
With the return of Emma on SmackDown Friday night, there has been word that WWE has interest in bringing back several performers that were released during one of the many budget cuts.
Tegan Nox is someone that WWE would like to bring back, per Fightful. The former NXT star hasn’t wrestled since her release last year and says visa issues have delayed her return to the ring.
When Nox was previously in WWE, she was mostly in NXT. She has teamed with and feuded against Dakota Kai. Shotzi is another person that Nox has teamed with. Perhaps she will be main roster bound if she returns.
Another talent rumored to be brought back is Chelsea Green. She is currently a member of VXT, where she teams with Deonna Purrazzo and Gisele Shaw.
Prior to the addition of Shaw, Green and Purrazzo were Knockouts Tag Team champions. Green has reportedly filmed an exit vignette, which has lead to the speculation that she is headed back to WWE.
Is WWE prepared to add another singles championship to its women’s division? Bayley certainly hopes so.
In the Men’s division, each brand has a mid-card championship, the United States title (Raw,) the Intercontinental title (SmackDown,) or the North American Championship (NXT.)
In AEW, the company has a Women’s World Championship (and currently an Interim Women’s World Champion) but also has the AEW TBS title held by Jade Cargill.
WWE does not have a mid-card title for their women’s division, only the Raw and SmackDown Women’s Championships and the Women’s Tag Team titles.
Mid-Card Championship
Bayley has had reigns as the Raw, SmackDown, and NXT Women’s Championships, and is a multi-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, the Role Model said it wouldn’t hurt WWE to introduce a mid-card title for their women’s division.
“I mean, it wouldn’t hurt. It would be nice to have another title. I think it’s just gonna take time. When we wanted those Women’s Tag Team titles, it took a long time and it took someone actually fighting for them.
“So if that’s what we want, someone has to stand up for it and really fight for it and prove that it’s going to be a benefit for the division.”
WWE introduced their Women’s Tag Team Titles in early 2019 which fans, and Bayley herself, had been calling on for some time.
Bayley and Sasha Banks would become the first Women’s Tag Team Champions, winning a tag-team Elimination Chamber match.
Rallying Support
Bayley is hopeful to see WWE introduce a women’s mid-card title, but she’s not the only one.
Due to the crew flying overseas for Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia, next week’s episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown from the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, MO, was filmed after the October 28th show.
WWE SmackDown Spoilers
Here are the spoilers for next week (November 4), courtesy of F4Wonline.com:
Liv Morgan defeated Sonya Deville in a no disqualification match. Morgan kicked out of a powerbomb onto a pile of chairs, then won with a springboard facebuster on top of the chairs.
LA Knight defeated Ricochet. Knight hit on ring announcer Samantha Irvin before the match, causing Ricochet to attack him as she and Ricochet are in a relationship. Knight won after reversing Ricochet’s roll-up and grabbing the ropes for leverage.
The Usos cut a promo saying they will be the longest-reigning WWE Tag Team Champions after Crown Jewel. The New Day said that if The Usos retain, they will be waiting for them. The Brawling Brutes attacked the Usos, with Sami Zayn and Solo Sikoa coming in to even the odds. The Bloodline end up standing tall.
Shayna Baszler (with Ronda Rousey) defeated Natalya via submission.
Braun Strowman defeated five men picked by MVP. Strowman ended up repeatedly powerslamming MVP.
Gunther defeated Rey Mysterio to retain the Intercontinental Championship.
Bianca Belair defended the RAW Women’s Championship against Bayley in a Ladder match at WWE Extreme Rules. The EST emerged victorious but will once again have to face The Role Model on November 5th.
WWE announced that Bianca Belair will put the RAW Women’s Championship on the line against Bayley in a Last Woman Standing match at Crown Jewel. Bayley battled Bianca in a non-title match in the main event of this week’s RAW. Nikki Cross returned and interfered in the match. Bayley capitalized on the interference and won the match but Nikki attacked her after the bell.
The Usos will also be defending their Undisputed Tag Team Championships at Crown Jewel against The Brawling Brutes. On last week’s episode of SmackDown, The Bloodline brutally attacked Sheamus and Butch & Ridge Holland will seek revenge at the Premium Live Event next month.
On tonight’s episode of SmackDown, Roman Reigns addressed the tension between Jey Uso and Sami Zayn in The Bloodline. The Tribal Chief told them both the let everything out and Sami offered a truce.
Jey refused to shake Sami’s hand and said he didn’t care what Roman had to say. Sami calmed Reigns down and said that Jey isn’t being very “Uce-y” lately. Roman suggested that they take the Honorary Uce title away and just refer to him as “Sami Uso” moving forward, which pissed Jey off even more.
