Goldberg has vivid memories of his first year in WWE.
The WWE Hall of Famer and former multi-time world champion spoke about those early days on the latest edition of Talk Is Jericho, where he recalls it being one of the most stressful years of his entire life.
“It was not warm and fuzzy by any stretch of the imagination. No, it was not. The first year that I was at the WWE from what I can remember was one of the most stressful years of my entire life.”
Goldberg had come into WWE following the death of WCW, where he was one of the most popular talents. Despite his success, he felt like he had a target on his back coming in to WWE as he was now in enemy territory.
“Some of the things may have been fabricated in my own mind to lobotomize me but I felt as though I was still the enemy walking in the locker room. You know, everybody going What the hell is this guy doing here? And I’ve always felt like an outsider but never as much as I did then.”
Goldberg would eventually leave WWE in 2004, but made a grand return in 2016, where he was an inducted into the hall of fame. He also captured the WWE Universal championship twice.
A former WWE Superstar once told Vince McMahon to his face, “If you have a three-hour wrestling show and you can’t find five minutes for me to do anything, you’ve failed. You’re a failure.”
Eric Young was used as a top star as the leader of SAnitY in WWE NXT under the leadership of Triple H. However, once called up to the main roster, he was used sparingly. He was eventually let go in 2020.
Young believes that his run would have gone differently, had Triple H been in charge of creative as he is now.
Eric Young Stands up to Vince McMahon
Eric Young spoke about his frustrations in WWE while speaking with Jim Alexander of Reel Talker.
“I went to a meeting with Vince to pitch him some ideas and I told him to his face, if you have a three-hour wrestling show and you can’t find five minutes for me to do anything, you’ve failed. You’re a failure. I’d say that again to his face, because that’s what it is.”
Young then recalled producing as a favor to Triple H. At the time, he wasn’t being used and was being paid to be there, so he was thankful to have something to do.
With Vince McMahon out of power, Eric Young looks back and thinks he would have fared better in WWE if Triple H running creative/talent relations when he was there.
“Things would have been way different for me,” said Young. “I would do anything for him. I’d run through a wall. Help him hide a dead body (laughs), whatever he asked me to do. I respect him that much.”
Eric Young returned to Impact Wrestling in 2020 after leaving WWE. He still wrestles there today and actually held the Impact World Championship from August-October 2020.
Longtime WWE photographer Tom Buchanan says he was shocked and offended at an idea Vince Russo had for a 1998 WWF Magazine cover shoot featuring DeGeneration-X (DX).
DX was at the forefront of the Attitude Era, a chapter in WWE history that was all about pushing the limits, testing boundaries and often times, crossing the line. WWE programming featured antics that were “edgy” to say the least and would no longer be socially acceptable.
According to Buchanan, Vince Russo came up with an idea for DX’s WWF Magazine cover shoot that he refused to carry out. In the end, Russo’s “out there” concept never saw the light of day, but we now know what he intended to do.
If you know anything about the Attitude Era and the type of humor that was popular at the time, you probably won’t be shocked to learn the proposed ‘punchline’ relates to the late WWE Hall of Famer Chyna’s gender identity.
DX, The American Flag & Chyna’s…
Here’s the full story Buchanan posted on Facebook:
“In life there are battles you win, battles you lose, and battles that are negotiated to an uncomfortable settlement.
In the late 1990’s WWF was getting very edgy, and that was especially so in the magazine division under the direction of Vince Russo. We started publishing RAW Magazine in 1996 with the general concept that it would be a “shoot” oriented publication for a mature audience seeking the edge of edginess, and the legacy WWF Magazine would be a “work” publication for a family-type readership.
So I was troubled, really troubled, when Russo said we would celebrate United States Independence Day by putting Degeneration-X (DX) on the cover of the July 1998 WWF Magazine, and then presented his creative vision for the image. In his mind the five members of DX would be positioned behind a big American Flag with Chyna dead center. The American flag would cover their midsections but leave their bare shoulders exposed, and they’d be wearing old style white judicial wigs. At the bottom we’d see their bare legs in goofy slippers. The center of the American Flag would be right bellow Chyna’s belly button, and we’d position a piece of wood poking against it from behind, giving the impression that Chyna was sporting a giant erection while surrounded by naked men.
I found the entire concept offensive, and told Russo straight up that I wouldn’t shoot it, which was an almost unheard of flat-refusal. That turned into an ugly shouting match in the second floor hallway of Titan Tower, and we both had to back off and let the temperature cool for a bit. Within a day or so I had calmed down and could articulate specific concerns about desecration of the American Flag and the grotesque insinuation that Chyna had a penis. Plus, this photo was planned as the cover of a family magazine that lived or died with newsstand sales, which required that big distributors be willing to carry the magazine, and that shopkeepers in the American heartland be willing to display it openly on their magazine racks.
We fought hard. Eventually Russo agreed that we didn’t need to use a current American Flag, and could substitute the Betsy Ross flag. That helped, but he still insisted on the simulated nudity and the erection gimmick. That was a no-go for me, but I agreed to ask freelancer Rich Freeda if he would be willing to shoot the picture.
I checked in with Rich and gave him a no-penalty option of refusal, with a commitment that I’d take the heat. Rich was also uncomfortable, but he was willing to do the shoot as long as I was there to negotiate with Russo and the talent. I quietly worked with our art directors to come up with softer alternatives in case the whole shebang blew up on set, and then we scheduled the shoot backstage at a TV event. My recollection is that none of the talent were bothered by the flag, but Chyna balked at the simulated nudity and the insinuation that she had a penis.
I grabbed Russo, and after talking it over with me and Chyna, and Rich Freeda, he reluctantly agreed that Chyna could be in front of the flag, dead center, looking tough, while the seemingly naked guys were being smug and goofy behind the flag. And that’s the way Rich shot the photo, as I looked on, still not happy with the image, but knowing I had at least softened it from the original plan and brought us to an uncomfortable settlement.”
The Final WWF Magazine Cover
Here is the WWF Magazine cover in question, which was a toned-down version from what Vince Russo originally envisioned:
In April 2020, as part of company-wide budget cuts, Matt Cardona was released from his WWE contract.
Cardona, a 15-year veteran of the company, had worked for much of his run as Zack Ryder, having captured the Intercontinental and United States Championships during his run.
Since his release, Cardona (now working under his real name) has reinvented himself as a dastardly heel, a far cry from his WWE character.
A Possible Return?
Since Vince McMahon retired from WWE, the company has seen a series of returns approved by WWE’s new Head of Talent Relations: Triple H.
Dakota Kai, Karrion Kross, Scarlett, Dexter Lumis and Hit Row have all returned to WWE so far, with more names expected.
“With Triple H is calling everybody back supposedly, if he called me back, of course I’d have a conversation. But, I don’t know if I’d go back. I don’t know. I mean, of course ‘never say never’ but I mean, my schedule now is pretty great, I’m making a lot of money and I’m having a lot of fun so it’s hard to trade that in for just to be a name on a roster. I already did that.
“I don’t know if I’d go back. I don’t know. I mean, of course ‘never say never.’”
Matt Cardona on whether he’d return to WWE.
Cardona suffered a torn biceps injury earlier this year that forced him to vacate the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.
He will return to the ring at NWA 74 on August 27.
In late-2021, Austin Theory, later just Theory, became the on-screen protege of Vince McMahon, in a series of rare TV appearances by WWE’s then-Chairman.
Theory’s alignment with McMahon would prove to be greatly beneficial for the young Superstar, who would be placed in the WWE Championship picture in February, and have a large role at WrestleMania 38.
Theory was also a last-minute entry into the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder match, which he would win, and it was alluded to on commentary that this was McMahon’s choice.
WWE Without McMahon
Theory appeared on-screen with Mr. McMahon for months, but the ex-Chairman won’t be seen anywhere in WWE anymore.
Last month, McMahon confirmed his retirement from WWE due to the ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct with female employees.
“Change can always scare people because it’s different and there’s not that comfort level of what you’re used to, but with change, and with somebody like Stephanie, Nick Khan, Triple H, and Bruce Prichard, there is so much creativity there that we haven’t seen. It’s time to have something fresher and newer. It’s a bunch of different minds now and I feel there is no better group of people to takeover.”
“It’s time to have something fresher and newer.”
Theory on the post-Vince McMahon era of WWE.
Lessons Learned
When asked, Theory said that the best lesson learned by McMahon was actually something said on an episode of Raw.
“The best thing I learned from Mr. McMahon, as funny as it was that we said it on TV, the mindset that he had and expect the unexpected. When he said that, it was like, ‘Wow, this is pretty much how it works.’ When we talk about my career, expect the unexpected. I wouldn’t have expected all of that to happen. With Mr. McMahon retiring, I think we all felt like we would never have seen that day.”
Since McMahon’s retirement, Theory has failed in his quest to regain the United States Championship and did not succeed in his cash-in attempt at Summerslam 2022.
For decades, Glenn Jacobs, aka Kane, dominated WWE, ever since his impactful debut at the 1997 In Your House: Bad Blood Pay Per View.
A multi-time WWE World Champion, Intercontinental and Tag Champion, Kane is also a former Mr. Money Money in the Bank, having held the SmackDown briefcase in 2010.
More recently, Kane has traded his seat in hell for a mayoral office, becoming Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee, and recently winning re-election.
No More Bumps
Kane’s age and work outside WWE has made his appearances for the company become more and more infrequent in recent years.
Now, the “Devil’s Favorite Demon” has given an update on his career, and has seemingly confirmed his retirement from wrestling.
Speaking on ‘The Right View,’ Jacobs addressed his future in wrestling, and doesn’t plan on wrestling again (via 411 Mania.)
” I don’t want to get into a wrestling ring and actually get knocked down because I don’t know if I could get back up at this point.”
Glenn ‘Kane’ Jacobs seemingly confirms his retirement from professional wrestling.
Other Roles
Kane’s days as a wrestler may be over, but the WWE Hall of Famer still has something to give to the industry.
In the interview, Kane spoke about his recent appearance at Summerslam, where he announced the attendance for the event in Nashville, Tennessee.
The former WWE World Champion said it was “awesome” that he can still have a role even if he is not wrestling anymore.
He added that being a WWE alum has given him an edge in Politics, as his fame often allows him to connect with people.
Top WWE superstar Drew McIntyre will no longer be working this weekend’s live events.
According to ProWrestling.net the Scottish Warrior is dealing with some lower back soreness and was given the weekend off to properly recover. He is not expected to miss any weekly television, and is still slotted in to challenge Roman Reigns at the September 3rd Clash at the Castle premium live event.
McIntyre hasn’t clashed with Reigns since their Survivor Series 2020 champion vs champion showdown, which Reigns won after McIntyre passed out from the guillotine choke. Prior to that the two feuded at WrestleMania 35, but in that scenario the roles were reversed and McIntyre played the heel.
This past week’s SmackDown McIntyre teamed up with Madcap Moss to defeat Reigns’ cousins, The Usos, in tag team action. The match was made after the Usos attacked McIntyre during a promo segment at the top of the show, a segment that also featured Scarlett Bordeaux, who warned the Usos that Karrion Kross had Roman Reigns in his sights.
In April this year, Gunther (formerly WALTER) was called up to WWE’s main roster after a dominant run in NXT UK and NXT.
Just two months after his call-up, Gunther captured the Intercontinental Championship from Ricochet, his first title on the main roster.
Ricochet, Drew Gulak and Shinsuke Nakamura have all been beaten since Gunther arrived on the main roster.
Avoiding a Burial
From the outlook, it’d seem like Gunther has had a lot of support on WWE’s main roster, but that wasn’t the case up until recently.
Wrestle Votes reports that WWE’s previous regime had “soured” on the Austrian Superstar following his appearance on the July 4, 2022, edition of Monday Night Raw.
That episode saw Gunther, alongside Ludwig Kaiser, interrupt R-Truth during an independence day celebration and destroy the former 24/7 Champion.
Wrestle Votes adds that WWE had plans for Gunther to be buried on TV, and noted that the past month and change of regime has made a ton of difference.
Following his appearance on RAW on 7/4, those in power at the time really soured on Gunther for whatever ridiculous reason. To the point where a burial on TV was coming. Just a month later and quite the difference…
Thanks to WWE’s change of regime and Vince McMahon’s retirement, Gunther has remained booked well and has kept his Intercontinental Championship.
On this week’s SmackDown, the Austrian powerhouse retained his title against Shinsuke Nakamura.
At this time, Gunther hasn’t been booked for WWE’s next major event Clash at the Castle, which will air from Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales on September 3.
With Triple H taking over as head of the WWE creative team, we have already seen several stars make their way back to WWE. Another big name is expected back soon: Bray Wyatt.
As noted in a report from Fightful Select earlier this week, Triple H is said to be higher than Vince McMahon was on Wyatt, with a better working relationship. McMahon and his inner circle were very critical of Wyatt while he was part of the company, allegedly going so far as to spread the stories that Wyatt had a bad attitude and was hard to get along with. This is said to be something that talent themselves never experienced themselves with Wyatt.
Pro Wrestling Torch Editor Wade Keller backed up Fightful’s report this week during one of his audio shows. Keller said, “I can back up Fightful’s reporting that Bray is likely back in WWE soon.”
Upon Wyatt’s release from the company, there was reportedly a great amount of hard feelings on each side, with talent themselves feeling uneasy about the move as well. Fightful noted that some talent observed how much money Wyatt made WWE in merchandising, and despite that, he was still released. This made them feel like they could be expendable at any point too.
Bray Wyatt Was Critical of Vince McMahon
Wyatt was reportedly very verbal and critical of his use in WWE, leading to the deterioration of his relationship with McMahon.
“When things were shit, Wyatt would say they were shit, and Vince saw that as difficult to deal with,” a WWE source told Fightful.
As long as Vince was in charge of creative, a return by him seemed like a long shot as Vince seemed cold whenever the idea was brought up. However, with Triple H now taking over on the creative front, all bets are off.
While we don’t have a date to expect Wyatt back as of yet, Triple H has certainly relied upon television returns to create a buzz since he took over creative. Fightful’s reporting noted that Wyatt’s name has at least been brought up in WWE creative meetings of late, though that doesn’t mean a return is happening for sure. If Keller’s reporting is accurate, a return might not be too far off.
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WWE fans are still reeling from Cody Rhodes’ epic return at WrestleMania 38, and the incredible winning streak he has been on that have set him as one of the top stars in the company.
The American Nightmare unfortunately hit a setback in his quest for a WWE world title when he tore his pectoral muscle, and is expected to be out of action until next year.
Rhodes last wrestled against Seth Rollins in the main event of the Hell in a Cell premium live event, where he picked up a huge victory.
When Will Cody Rhodes Return?
Rhodes is (unsurprisingly) set for a big push whenever her returns, according to Andrew Zarian from the Mat Men Pro Wrestling podcast. Despite the big shakeup with WWE management, Rhodes is still slated to be a centerpiece act in the lead-up to WrestleMania 39.
Although we do not yet have a solid timeline for Rhodes’ recovery, the company is working under the assumption that he’ll be back in time for the 2023 Royal Rumble.
Since returning to WWE, Rhodes has made his intentions clear. He hopes to accomplish what his father Dusty never did: win the “big one” in WWE.
Despite being an AEW original, Rhodes never reached the top of the mounting there either. He did challenge for the AEW World Championship at Full Gear 2019, but lost to Chris Jericho. Per the stipulation of that match, he would never challenge for the AEW World title again.
Kayla Sparks recently spoke with SEScoops Correspondent Steve Fall about her work with AEW and WWE, and also reflected on appearing on SmackDown and Rampage in the same night.
Double Duty?
On February 23, 2022, AEW taped the February 25 episode of Rampage. That night of tapings featured two Kayla Sparks matches; one on Dark: Elevation and the other on Rampage.
Kayla competed against Serena Deeb in The Professor’s Five Minute Rookie Challenge Match. Kayla would go on to lose this match at the tapings, however, that Friday she would also pop up on SmackDown.
On the February 25, 2022 episode of SmackDown, Sparks was featured on the Los Lotharios kiss came. Later that night, the episode of Rampage that Sparks appeared on aired. This made Sparks the first person to ever appear on SmackDown and Rampage on the same night.
“See, that means a lot to me. Thank you. I mean, I’m still blown away. I’m still it’s so mind blowing that that even happened. Like I just, you know, ever since I came back to wrestling, my goal is like WWE, and you know, AEW, has been great to me too. So any opportunity that, you know, comes my way. I’m just always hustling and grinding and just, you know, take what I can. And so that actually was a that was all luck, I guess, or the universe if you believe in all that like the signs and stuff, which I’m like, I’m silly, I believe in all that stuff.
Filming Both Shows
But like it was, where was I? I was in Bridgeport, Connecticut for AEW Rampage that night. I actually had to two matches, I was on AEW Dark: Elevation with Nyla Rose, Diamante. And that was like a trios match, and that was earlier, and then later on. I you know, you saw on there I wrestled Serena Deb, who I was really excited to wrestle her because she’s, she actually was in like, the women’s revolution. Like I have so much like respect for her. And I, I mentioned that, like, you know, it’s just awesome to see her still in the ring and killing it. But yeah, that was crazy to be on Rampage.
So they filmed it that Wednesday. And then Friday, I knew I was going to WWE. I was invited there for extra work, not knowing what you know what to expect. And they said, ‘Hey, we want you to be in the crowd for that Los Lotharios kiss cam.’ And I was like, ‘Okay.’ And then in my mind, I knew I’m like, ‘Oh boy, this is gonna be crazy.’ Because Friday, you know, Smackdown airs live at 8pm on FOX, and then Rampage was going to air at 10. And I knew my heart was racing, because I remember leaving the arena that night. Like all giddy and excited.
Only a few people knew like to check, my wrestling dad knew. And he was really excited. So I remember rushing to the hotel after Smackdown to get there in time so I could watch the live or the Rampage match. And I remember my phone just blowing up, which is still surreal that that happened.”
Possible Fears With Working Both Shows
Kayla continued by talking about her fears regarding working both shows for two competing companies.
She said, “Yeah, I mean, everyone, both WWE and AEW have been so, you know, so awesome with me, and nobody I was actually scared of that. Like, ‘Oh my god, what are they gonna think.’ Like, you know, like, I’m just trying out like, whatever opportunity comes up.
You know, they totally respect that and it shows like that, you know, I have so much like love for wrestling that you know, it’s just it’s cool to see. You know, all my peers and stuff with WWE and AEW have been amazing. So I’m just happy I could make you know, have that moment happen.”
Continuing The Relationships
Since then, Kayla has continued to do extra work for WWE, along with doing some promotional work for them on her social media pages.
She reflected on being able to work for WWE and said it was like being a kid in the candy store because of her love of wrestling since a young age.
“I’m like, I’m just so excited to like be a part of WWE and every time they invited me back I was just like you said like a kid like kid in the candy store. Like that’s how I always am because I like I said I grew up watching wrestling. It’s been like my passion my dream. You know, I had wrestler posters on my wall.
I went, you know, to all the shows when they used to come to Albany, my hometown for the MVP arena, which I’m hoping that you know, I can’t believe I don’t know if you noticed, but MVP arena, WWE and AEW are both going to be there. Coming up soon, next month in September AEW’s coming there. And then WWE’s coming there in November. But that would be that’d be a full circle moment, if they invited me back to go to either one would be cool.
But yeah, As you mentioned Serena to and I actually I’m really looking forward to next month when AEW comes to the MVP Arena in my hometown. They haven’t announced it yet but I’m going to have a match with Serena Deeb for the Immortal Championship Wrestling Woman’s Title that I have so I can’t wait for that,” Sparks said.
Saraya, best known to fans as former WWE Superstar Paige, was hacked in 2017. Her personal photos and videos of her leaked online at a time when she was already experiencing personal hardships.
This hack occurred when she was serving a suspension for violating WWE’s wellness policy. She was also recovering from neck surgery.
The suspension, her health battle and the privacy violation pushed her deeper and deeper into a dark period in her life.
During a recent appearance on Renee Paquette’s The Sessions podcast, Paige recalled her reaction when she learned what had happened (via Wrestling Inc.).
“I felt so f***ing stupid and I felt so embarrassed, and I was already a cokehead at this time and loved to drink. That really got me to the point where I didn’t want to be alive anymore. It was f***ing awful. I was just so f***ing sad.”
“I didn’t want to be alive anymore.”
Paige on her thought process after the 2017 leak.
Paige said that immediately after finding out what had happened, she hid in a bush in fear of people recognizing her and judging her.
Family Help
It was while hiding in the bush that Paige rung her father, wrestler/promoter Ricky Knight to apologize for what had happened.
Knight made it clear that he was supportive of his daughter and there was nothing to be sorry about.
“I remember being like ‘If my dad is disappointed with me, I don’t think I could be here anymore. I was just crying my eyes out, and I was like, ‘I’m so sorry.’ My dad was like, ‘What are you sorry for?’ And I was just like, ‘I don’t know. I just don’t want to disappoint you.’”
“I just want you to know that I’m still proud of you and I’m not disappointed.”
Ricky Knight’s kind words to his daughter Paige after the leak.
“He was like, ‘It is what it is. You’ve got to suck it up. It’s going to hurt for a little bit and people are going to make fun of you for forever. But I just want you to know that I’m still proud of you and I’m not disappointed.’ He instantly changed the way I was feeling because I was very down. It was bad. I was ready to f***ing end it all.”
WWE’s Response
WWE did not publicly address the explicit videos and photos being leaked at the time.
In the interview, Paige explained that the company’s internal response earned her goodwill for years to come.
“I spoke on the phone with Mark Carrano, and I was like, ‘I’m going to lose my job. This is it too,’” Paige said. “But they were like, ‘Listen, it’s not your fault.’ That’s why I will never talk s**t about them, at least publicly.”
WWE also promised to work incredibly hard to get her images and videos off the internet as much as possible.
Three members of Hit Row returned tonight during WWE Friday Night SmackDown.
It was reported that Top Dolla and Ashante “Thee” Adonis were on their way back as they were scheduled to be backstage at the show. Also joining them is B-Fab.
At the end of the first hour of the broadcast, there were 2 enhancement wrestlers standing in the ring. SmackDown commentator Pat McAfee noted that they didn’t know who they would be facing until Hit Row’s music played. They quickly beat enhancement wrestlers in a quick squash match.
There is one person missing this time: Swerve Strickland, who is currently under an AEW contract. Following the squash match, all three members of Hit Row cut promos to remind fans who they are.
Hit Row quickly became a favorite group after they debuted in NXT, and they would quickly make their way to the main roster in the WWE Draft. Soon after B-Fab was released then the rest of the group was let go.
This marked their first appearance on WWE television since they were released last November. This wouldn’t have happened if Vince McMahon was still in charge, but with Triple H in charge, he has brought back several former stars.
The next WWE Draft is expected to take place in the near future. As Vince McMahon used to say, it’s [almost] “time to shake things up!”
Over the past several weeks, we’ve seen Triple H (WWE’s new head of talent relations and creative) make several changes to the rosters of Raw and SmackDown. We’ve already seen the returns of Bayley, Dakota Kai, Io Sky and Hit Row.
WWE’s internal scheduling for upcoming live events has Superstars feeling that the next Draft is happening sooner than later, according to Fightful Select.
WWE Roster Shakeup
Several Raw wrestlers are scheduled for the first Smackdown following Clash at the Castle on September 9, while SmackDown talent is internally scheduled for Raw episodes on September 4 and 11. This has led to wrestlers speculating that the WWE Draft will be shortly following the Clash at the Castle PPV, scheduled for September 3rd.
According to the Fightful, talent has indicated “there have been other things” that have tipped of the locker room that more changes are coming.
WWE is planning to ‘repackage’ a few wrestlers and the belief is that the character changes will take place once the Draft takes place.
The talent has yet to be “informed explicitly about a draft, much less what brand they’ll end up on if and when it happens.”
Last year’s WWE Draft took place in October. Since bringing it back a few years ago, the Draft has been held on two nights so that way both Raw on the USA Network and SmackDown on FOX get a bump in the ratings.
WWE has canceled two of the next set of NXT UK television tapings, which has led to “a lot of uneasiness” among the crew.
Dave Meltzer reported the news in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. BT Sport Studios is said to have been unavailable for the tapings due to football/soccer coverage.
“There is a lot of uneasiness within the NXT U.K. crew. The next two sets of television tapings were canceled on 8/9,” Meltzer wrote.
“The reason given was that BT Sports Studios, where they tape, had to be used for football/soccer coverage. But as you can imagine with the talent how the reaction is, given you could tape somewhere else and shutting down tapings is never a good sign. Nobody really has been told anything”
NXT UK Future Uncertain
Since the NXT UK relaunch after being on a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the brand has held tapings at the BT Sports Studios.
WWE will keep some NXT UK wrestlers busy as there are talents slated to travel to Florida to participate in NXT programming shortly. Joe & Mark Coffey and Charlie Dempsey (son of William Regal) are expected to make the trip.
WWE has been using regular NXT stars for the NXT UK brand in recent months, including Josh Briggs and Brooks Jensen, who are the current NXT UK Tag Team Champions.
You can check out the complete NXT UK roster on our WWE Roster page.
When WWE relaunched NXT 2.0 last September, it was reported that Bruce Prichard worked with the NXT creative team while Vince McMahon had the final say on the product and Shawn Michaels was in charge of the day-to-day operations.
Although it may have seemed like McMahon had his fingerprints over the reimagining of NXT, Michaels suggested that McMahon didn’t play much of a role.
While speaking with Graham “GSM” Matthews of Bleacher Report, Michaels discussed the development of NXT 2.0.
“When Hunter first left, it became all me, and certainly from a television standpoint. Matt Bloom is the head coach and takes care of everything from the PC training standpoint, but when it came to NXT 2.0 television, that’s something myself and my team took over creatively. I know a lot of people thought Vince and Bruce were doing that. I can promise you, they did not have the time to do NXT television. If it’s good or if it’s bad, that’s on me.”
Michaels continued by stating it’s been a huge joy to run the show and work with the young wrestlers. He said the show always goes on, and it’s trial by fire for many of them. Michaels added that “it’s been an absolutely fantastic experience.”
Sasha Banks and Naomi have yet to make their return to WWE television. As previously reported, the two sides reached an agreement to return two weeks ago, but nothing has yet to be signed. However, with it being an agreement in principle, it’s believed to be as good as done.
WWE recently started the tournament to crown new Women’s Tag Team Champions. Many fans expect to see Banks and Naomi involved with the tournament in some way.
In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer also speculated that they’re likely to return in the Women’s Tag Team Title tournament as well.
Returning after the Women’s Tag Title Tournament?
Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah will battle Shotzi and Xia Li on tonight’s episode of SmackDown. Io Shirai and Dakota Kai are the favorites to win the tournament.
Meltzer wrote, “If they make the finals, it presumably won’t be on PPV since they already announced Sky & Kai for a trios match on 9/3. This being announced right as Naomi & Banks are expected back is probably not a coincidence and I guess the idea is for them not to be in the tournament and have them surprise appear later.”
When Banks and Naomi return, they will be the latest and biggest stars to be brought back by Triple H since he took over as the head of creative and talent relations.
The pro-wrestling industry is still reeling from the news of Vince McMahon’s WWE retirement, a decision that many have yet to fully buy-into as 100% truth.
One of those deniers is WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle, who told Renee Dupree on his Cafe de Rene podcast that he still believes the 76-year old McMahon is pulling the strings behind-the scenes.
“I personally don’t think he’s fully retired. You know Vince, he’s gonna be behind-the-scenes [laughs]. Vince is not letting go of that company, he will not let it go until his hands are dead cold and they pry it out of his cold, dead hands. He’s not letting go of that company until he dies. And that’s just it.”
The Olympic Hero has a right to believe that as McMahon’s grip on the industry has been felt since the 1980s and will continue to be felt long after he is gone. Angle adds that the placement of Stephanie McMahon and Triple H in key positions is further proof that he is continuing to run the show.
“I’m not trying to cause any problems for WWE or for Vince McMahon, because I love Vince to death. But there is no way he is going to let it go. He already set up, you know, Stephanie [McMahon] being in charge and Triple H being in charge of talent relations. He’s got everybody in the right positions so that he could continue to run the show.”
Angle has bee one of the many former WWE superstars who have defended McMahon as allegations and hush money evidence continues to surface against the former chairman.
Since debuting on WWE’s main roster, Roman Reigns has faced, and defeated some of the company’s biggest stars.
Triple H, John Cena, Brock Lesnar, and AJ Styles are just some of the names to fall to Reigns, and that’s before his heel turn in August 2020.
Since adopting the moniker as the ‘Tribal Chief,’ Reigns has kept an iron grip on the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship which he holds to this day.
For the First Time Ever
Reigns has defeated some of WWE’s biggest names, but there are a select few that the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion is yet to take on one-on-one.
During last Friday’s SmackDown, Karrion Kross returned to WWE attacking Drew McIntyre, and made it clear that he has Roman Reigns in his sights.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has reported that a plan between Kross and Reigns is in the works, and could be at this November’s Survivor Series Premium Live Event (via Sportskeeda.)
“Reigns is not booked on Extreme Rules in Philadelphia at this point. If they go with Reigns vs. Kross, as things stand right now, it would either be TV or the earliest would be Survivor Series barring the weekly circumstances involved in wrestling.”
Survivor Series will mark a decade of Reigns on the main roster, as he debuted at the event in 2012 as part of The Shield.
Before Survivor Series, Reigns will defend the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Drew McIntyre at next month’s Clash at the Castle event.
WWE Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg will forever be remembered for his devastating one-two punch move-set that secured him 173 straight victories in WCW and won him numerous matchups and titles during his run in WWE. The moves: the spear and the jackhammer.
The spear in particular has grown in popularity since Goldberg’s rise to superstardom back in the 90s, and is also used by the likes of Edge, Roman Reigns, Charlotte Flair, Ricky Starks, and many more throughout the industry.
However, fans and analysts have always labeled Goldberg’s version one of the best in the business due to the high-impact nature of how he delivers it.
Goldberg’s Spear
The former two-time Universal champion spoke about the origin of the spear during his appearance on the Talk Is Jericho podcast, recalling that he came up with the move in a matchup against Manny Fernandez.
“Walking out against Manny Fernandez, Jamie says ‘What’s your finish?’ I said ‘Finish? What is that, I don’t have a finish.’ He goes whatever you do, do something impactful that people are gonna remember. “
Once the move was actually executed it became clear to everyone backstage that they had just witnessed something special.
Goldberg continued, “So I get to the ring. Manny and I are circling. I say, ‘Manny, do you trust me?’ He goes, ‘Yeah’, I said ‘Then at the finish, tuck your head, spread your legs and kiss your ass goodbye.’ I did it, to me it was a natural move. I went in the back, and everybody’s mouths were open, hitting the floor, [they were] going, ‘Whatever you do, do that every single time.’”
Goldberg’s influence on the wrestling business is still felt to this day. He last competed against Roman Reigns at the Elimination Chamber special in Saudi Arabia back in February.
(Please credit Talk Is Jericho for the quote and SEScoops for the transcription)
Tonight, WWE SmackDown on FOX will descend on the PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina for the latest installment of the show.
After some monumental changes to WWE’s management and several returns, fans are interested in what will happen on the show in this post-Vince McMahon era of the company.
WWE’s Head of Creative Triple H will be running things behind the scenes, and thanks to a report, we have an idea of what will be taking place during tonight’s two hours of the blue brand.
Karrion Kross’ Return
On last week’s SmackDown, Karrion Kross and Scarlett returned to WWE, with the former NXT Champion attacking Drew McIntyre.
Kross’ abrupt appearance at the end of last week’s show also saw him stare down with Undisputed Universal Champion Roman Reigns, making it clear he wants to be champion.
According to Fightful, Kross will be on tonight’s show, “with full presentation” including his hourglass entrance.
The Contract Signing
Tonight’s SmackDown will continue the build to WWE Clash at the Castle, which will see SmackDown Women’s Champion Liv Morgan defend against Shayna Baszler.
The pair will have a contract signing tonight, where Morgan will still wear a sling, selling her kayfabe injury from Baszler earlier this month.
Ronda Rousey has been scheduled to get involved with the contract signing in some way.
And More
Fightful also reports that there is a table spot planned for tonight’s SmackDown on FOX.
Sheamus, Drew McIntyre, the Street Profits, and Roman Reigns are all tentatively scheduled for the show, though the card as always is subject to change.
WWE’s creative reshuffling continues, as a pair of former tag team champions are going their separate ways.
This week’s edition of WWE Main Event, taped Monday before Monday Night Raw, featured former tag team champions squaring off against one another.
Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander competed against one another on the show. This is the latest sign that their team, and the Hurt Business faction, are dead and buried.
Alexander got the victory in this battle of former partners. After the match, they embraced one another in a mutual sign of respect.
Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander
Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander were formerly part of the Hurt Business faction, along with Bobby Lahley and MVP.
The faction achieved a great deal of success during its limited run. Benjamin and Alexander were a big part of that success, capturing the Raw tag team championships from the New Day back in 2020 at the Tables, Ladders and Chairs (TLC) premium live event.
The Hurt Business has dissolved, with each member going its separate way. MVP turned on Bobby Lashley and sided with Omos, while Benjamin and Alexander are no longer teaming up together. Omos and MVP have since broken up, as well.
The Hurt Business
Despite the group breaking up, Bobby Lashley recently expressed interest in a Hurt Business reunion. During a recent appearance on WWE’s Out of Character podcast, Lashley said he might call on Alexander, Benjamin or MVP to help take down Omos.
When asked about a potential Hurt Business reunion, Lashley said, “You know what, I was thinking about what could happen to actually bring us together, and I thought about this the other day. I was like, if [MVP] made Omos too dangerous where he couldn’t contain him anymore, and Omos turned on him, he would need somebody to help him. There’s only one person that can beat Omos. I may need some help. You’ve got Cedric, you’ve got Shelton, you have MVP. We could take him down and we’re babyfaces again. [Fans] would love us.”
Lashley is the reigning WWE United States Champion. As part of his quest to find worthy challengers, he recently named Benjamin and Alexander as men he’d like to see step up and take a shot at him.
Watch the Top 10 Beset Moments of the Hurt Business:
WWE fans are no strangers to seeing romance on their screen, with huge stars like Triple H and Edge being involved in romantic angles throughout their careers.
While WWE Superstars often have on-screen relationships, many on the roster enjoy happy relationships with other wrestlers when the cameras aren’t rolling.
Budding Romance
With Superstars spending so much time together, it’s natural that some wrestlers will fall for each other while at work.
On Instagram, Cora Jade took to her Stories to reveal that she is seeing reigning NXT Champion Bron Breakker.
Jade shared a picture of the second-generation Superstar over a pastel background and included a heart, showing her emotions for the NXT Champion.
Jade also tagged Breakker in the post.
Bron Breakker
Cora Jade is certainly smitten with Bron Breakker, and WWE higher-ups are also fond of the second-generation Superstar.
Since NXT’s relaunch as NXT 2.0, Breakker has been the brand’s biggest star, defeating some of NXT’s veteran performers.
It took Breakker 112 days from debuting to becoming NXT Champion, dethroning Ciampa at the NXT: New Year’s Evil event in January 2022.
Breakker’s second title win came over another WWE veteran, Dolph Ziggler on the Raw after WrestleMania 38.
It has been reported that WWE wishes to fast-track Breakker to the main roster, but it is unclear if that is still the plan following the recent management changes.
Cora Jade
Joining WWE in early 2021, Jade had previously appeared for both AEW and Impact Wrestling before reaching the McMahon/Khan promotion.
At last month’s Great American Bash special, Jade and Roxanne Perez captured the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships, marking both women’s first titles in WWE.
The following week, Jade turned heel and attacked Perez, costing her the NXT Women’s Championship match against Mandy Rose, and would later throw her own title in the trash.
This week, WWE hosted its WrestleMania 39 tickets launch event, with a star-studded show in Los Angeles, California.
Snoop Dogg was at the event, and presented Becky Lynch and Bianca Belair with some Death Row chains as a gift, but the pair also had something special for him.
Snoop’s Title
A WWE Hall of Famer, rap legend Snoop Dogg already has plenty of accolades to his name, but now has his own custom championship title.
During the event, Lynch and Belair were on hand to present Snoop with the title, with the help from some of the LA Lakers Cheerleaders team.
Belair said it was a one-of-a-kind custom WWE Championship, which is white and gold with green accents.
Snoop was clearly thrilled by the gift, which he proudly held over his head.
The self-professed ‘Dogg-father of WrestleMania’ has made multiple appearances for WWE over the years.
At WrestleMania 24 in 2008, Snoop was the master of ceremonies for the Lumberjill tag-team match between Maria & Ashley and Melina & Beth Phoenix.
After being confronted by Santino Marella, Snoop leveled the former Intercontinental Champion before sharing a kiss with Maria.
In 2009, Snoop was the guest host of Monday Night Raw and again got physical, tackling Chavo Guerrero with a spear during a segment including Hornswoggle.
In 2016, Snoop performed at WrestleMania, providing a track for his cousin Sasha Banks, who challenged for the WWE Women’s Championship.
That same year, he would enter the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the celebrity wing.
Since Triple H took over as WWE’s Head of Talent Relations, the company has seen several returns.
At Summerslam 2022, Dakota Kai returned to WWE to align with Bayley and IYO SKY, the latter of whom had been expected to leave WWE this year when her contract expired.
On the post-Summerslam SmackDown, Karrion Kross and Scarlett returned, with the former NXT Champion attacking Drew McIntyre.
During this week’s Raw, Dexter Lumis made his presence felt in the crowd and teased a program with AJ Styles.
Two More Returns
Plenty of Superstars have returned to WWE in the post-Vince McMahon era, and two more could be appearing on tonight’s episode of SmackDown.
Ashante ‘Thee’ Adonis and AJ ‘Top Dolla’ Francis are scheduled to be at tonight’s SmackDown in Raleigh, North Carolina, according to pwinsider. It was not confirmed that the pair will be appearing on-screen though it seems likely given the recent returns.
The Hit Row members were released by WWE in November 2021 alongside the rest of the group.
Hit Row
Hit Row was a popular quartet of Superstars, comprising of Adonis, Francis, B-Fab, and their leader Isaiah ‘Swerve’ Scott.
In October 2021, the group was called up to the main roster, but it was reported that Francis would serve as the group’s leader.
The group’s tenure on the blue brand was short-lived, as B-Fab was released on November 4, with the rest of the stable cut two weeks later.
There is no report that B-Fab will appear on tonight’s SmackDown.
Scott will not be appearing as he is with AEW, competing as one-half of the World Tag Team Champions as Swerve Strickland.
