Smackdown will head to Atlanta, GA tonight. The go-home show before Friday’s Crown Jewel event will take place inside the Philips Arena.
With just days left before the scheduled WWE Championship match between Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles, there are rumors Bryan will not travel to Saudi Arabia. Similarly, John Cena’s role in the upcoming show was written out last night on Raw likely due to his refusal to participate in the event. Cena was replaced by Bobby Lashley in the WWE World Cup.
Smackdown 10/30 Preview
AJ Styles To Confront Daniel Bryan
The real story behind what Daniel Bryan says to AJ Styles tonight on Smackdown is far more interesting than the fictional one. If Bryan has said he won’t go to Saudi Arabia for Crown Jewel what does that mean for the WWE Championship match scheduled for the event? Also, what does it mean for Bryan and WWE moving forward?
In storyline, Bryan will be confronting AJ about the two tag matches the pair have lost together to the Usos. In particular, Bryan may feel AJ took an opportunity to “accidentally” nail his upcoming challengers with some pre-emptive strikes.
We will start getting some answers to those questions tonight during this segment.
Becky Lynch To Prepare For Ronda Rousey
Last night on Raw it was revealed that it will be Raw Champion vs Smackdown Champion at Survivor Series this year. That means Becky Lynch and Ronda Rousey will be facing each other in single’s competition. Lynch sent out the following in regards to Rousey’s performance yesterday:
Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs Tye Dillinger – United States Championship Match
WWE appears to be going with the same format for Survivor Series this year that they used in 2017. Brand champions will collide when Ronda Rousey takes on Becky Lynch so the winner of this match could likely take on Seth Rollins at Survivor Series.
Dillinger has had his issues with Randy Orton as of late, which could factor into things tonight. Orton does seem to show up during Nakamura’s title defenses.
The Bar vs New Day – Trick Or Street Fight
It’s Halloween so somebody is taking part in a Trick Or Street fight. One member of the New Day will take on one member of the Bar in such a match tonight. The Bar will defend their newly won Smackdown Tag Team Championships against New Day on Friday at Crown Jewel.
World Cup Preview Segment
There will be a World Cup preview segment of some kind taking place tonight. Last night on Raw, WWE announced the brackets for the tournament to determine the Best in the World.
From the Smackdown side of the brackets, Rey Mysterio will take on Randy Orton and the Miz will face Jeff Hardy.
– Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins defeated Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre to win the WWE RAW Tag Team Titles in the main event of this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW in Providence, RI at the Dunkin Donuts Center. This would lead to Ambrose turning heel by attacking Rollins. Once the show went off the air, there was no dark match. WWE posted this video of Rollins being helped up after the attack.
AJ Styles & Daniel Bryan Respond To The Usos
WWE has announced that The Usos would take on Daniel Bryan and WWE Champion AJ Styles on this week’s episode of SmackDown Live in Newark, NJ at the Prudential Center. This is after the two top stars lost to the former WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions on SmackDown 1000 last week. Styles and Bryan have responded to the warning that The Usos sent out on social media.
Styles wrote, “Not going to take anything away from these boys. Great tag team, they know they have talent. but they also know why I’m the one holding the @WWE Championship. And will be for awhile.” On the flip side, Bryan wrote, “Everyone thinks they’re unbeatable until they get caught by a Small Package! #MrSmallPackage.”
Not going to take anything away from these boys. Great tag team, they know they have talent.
…but they also know why I’m the one holding the @WWE Championship. And will be for awhile. https://t.co/fGPL70oREY
– A return to WWE has been rumored for Rey Mysterio since he was a surprise entrant in the 2018 Men’s Royal Rumble Match in January and it will finally happen next week.
WWE announced this week that Mysterio will square off with United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura in a WWE World Cup Qualifying Match on next Tuesday’s historic 1000th episode of SmackDown LIVE in Washington D.C. Mysterio is advertised to wrestle twice on the show as WWE revealed tonight in an email to those in the D.C. area that he will also compete in a tag team match.
In updated advertising for the event, Mysterio is slated to team with WWE Champion AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan against Randy Orton, The Miz, and Nakamura. A match pitting Styles and Bryan against Samoa Joe and Miz was previously advertised.
WWE also noted in the email that Flair will go one-on-one with SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch (after previously advertising Flair, Asuka, and Naomi vs. Lynch and The IIconics). This is presumably a dark match since they’re scheduled to face off at Evolution in a Last Woman Standing Match.
– After wrestling at WWE Super Show-Down last Saturday in her home country of Australia, Peyton Royce reflected on her long journey from the independents.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BoxA2xFnkLw/
Royce also revealed that she would spend thousands of dollars on professional photos hoping it would land her a tryout with WWE.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BozyA15HXCT/
Royce and fellow Australian Billie Kay beat Naomi and Asuka in a tag team match, with Royce scoring the pin on Naomi.
WWE Champion AJ Styles recently spoke with The Daily Star. During the interview, he brought up how he and WWE NXT UK Superstar Tyler Bate could have an unbelievable match.
Styles said, “If the opportunity presents itself, I think that him and I could have an unbelievable match.” The publication also got a comment from Bate, who stated about the potential match, “I think I could have a good one with AJ.”
Styles will make his next title defense against Daniel Bryan at the upcoming WWE Crown Jewel pay-per-view event takes place on November 2nd, 2018 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at the King Saud University Stadium on the WWE Network.
Alexa Bliss Gets New Tattoo
Former WWE RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss had tattoo work done at Metamorph Studios in Chicago this week and mentioned it on her official Instagram account with the “#WhiteInkTattoo” hashtag. She did not reveal the tattoo, which you can see here:
Bliss and Mickie James are slated to take on WWE Hall of Famers Mickie James and Trish Stratus at the upcoming Evolution pay-per-view event on Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Long Island, New York at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Charlotte Flair and WWE Champion AJ Styles defeated the Fabulous Truth (R-Truth and Carmella) on this week’s episode of Mixed Match Challenge in Indianapolis, IN at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse that aired on Facebook. This is after Flair speared WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch through part of the stage after their match on SmackDown Live. WWE’s YouTube channel has released this video where Styles praised her following their victory
Kane To Open Wrestling School
It was recently announced by Dr. Tom Prichard that former WWE Champion Kane, real name Glenn Jacobs, would be working with him soon as they plan to open a new wrestling school in Knoxville, Tennessee where Kane is the mayor of Knox County. The announcement will be formally made at the Bandit Wrestling live event on October 21. The school will be called Jacobs – Prichard Wrestling Academy.
Kane is slated to team up with The Undertaker to take on Triple H and WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels in a tag team match at the Crown Jewel pay-per-view event next month in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at the King Saud University Stadium and will air on the WWE Network.
The Phenomenal One, AJ Styles, only recently defended his SmackDown WWE Championship against Samoa Joe at the recent Super Show-Down in Australia. He now has new number one contender, Daniel Bryan, eagerly awaiting his opportunity at WWE Crown Jewel on November 2nd.
That hasn’t stopped the champ from surveying the rest of the WWE roster.
Inaugural WWE United Kingdom champion, and Big Strong Boy, Tyler Bate, recently spoke on facing AJ Styles, stating matter of factly that he believes he could “have a good one [match] with AJ.”
A Phenomenal Response
Word of this has reached Styles, and his reaction is a positive one. Speaking with DailyStar.co.uk, the WWE Champion said:
“If the opportunity presents itself, I think that him and I could have an unbelievable match.”
Tyler Bate has been making waves internationally – not only as a tag team competitor in Moustache Mountain but also as a worldwide singles competitor.
He recently headlined PROGRESS wrestling’s main event at their ‘Hello Wembley!’ event in a losing effort against PROGRESS champion, WALTER.
The two men have never met in singles competition before, but have found themselves on opposite sides of the ring on in a six-man tag bout for Chikara.
What do you think of this potential match up? Do you think we’ll ever get the chance to see it?
WWE has confirmed the WWE Championship match for November 2nd in Saudi Arabia. WWE Champion AJ Styles will be defending against Daniel Bryan at ‘Crown Jewel.’
Bryan defeated The Miz at WWE Super Show-Down in Melbourne, Australia earlier today. The match was unexpectedly short, Bryan took the win with a quick roll up very early on to a stunned reaction. WWE confirmed shortly after that Bryan would be heading to Saudi Arabia for the title match shortly after.
Daniel Bryan appeared for the bout with his mid-section taped. There did not appear to be any obvious signs of injury during the contest so it may have been cut short due to time restrictions. With the show being a WWE Network event it would be odd for a time cut but at the time of writing the Undertaker vs Triple H match had not yet occurred and may be going long.
AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan are two of the most well respected Superstars in the industry. The two former independent stalwarts have tread much the same ground in Ring of Honor, New Japan et al. This could be a potential match of the year candidate if the match is given adequate time.
The title reign of AJ Styles as WWE Champion has continued and the era of him being the top star on the blue brand remains.
AJ Styles was able to beat Samoa Joe to successfully retain the WWE Title at Saturday’s (October 6, 2018) WWE Super Show-Down pay-per-view event at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne, Australia on the WWE Network. This marks yet another win for Styles over Joe in a top match on WWE PPV.
Styles has held the title for over 300 days after winning it from Jinder Mahal on an episode of SmackDown Live in November of last year in Manchester, England, which started his second reign as WWE Champion.
It will be interesting to see if this feud will continue as it appeared to be the final match in this rivalry. However, WWE could always keep it going and book them in another match, which could come as soon as the next main roster pay-per-view event for the company, which is Crown Jewel
The WWE Crown Jewel pay-per-view event takes place on November 2nd, 2018 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at the King Fahd International Stadium and will air on the WWE Network. It’s possible that WWE books this rematch at Survivor Series that also takes place in November instead.
What are your thoughts on Styles still being champion? Sound off in the comment section.
It turns out that Shinsuke Nakamura may not be completely satisfied with his recent feud with current WWE Champion, AJ Styles.
Speaking to Bully Ray for ‘Busted Open Radio,’ Nakamura admitted to wanting to wrestle AJ once more, stating that “I want to wrestle him again. I think I can do more great matches.”
His focus then turned towards what he perceives to have been an issue when crafting his matches with Styles, “Wrestling on pay-per-view, wrestling on TV show, time is very strict,” he explained, before saying, “[…] finally I feel like I got used to the WWE style. So, maybe next time, if I wrestle AJ, I can create more than before.”
This isn’t the first time that Nakamura has suggested his displeasure with how that feud turned out, previously saying that he “didn’t show everything [as a heel]. Just a little bit.”
Delving deeper into the idea of the ‘WWE style’ and what that means, especially for wrestlers who have to heavily adjust, Shinsuke provided a frank opinion:
“WWE style is a much different platform than other wrestling companies, I think. Each wrestler wrestles under strict rules that fans never know,” he revealed. “Time-wise, they’re really strict, so you have to choose what is the most important thing to show in five minutes, two minutes, one minute. It’s completely different with other wrestling, I think.”
What did you think of the Nakamura/Styles feud? Did it live up to what you hoped it would be or do you agree with Nakamura’s thoughts?
Tonight’s Smackdown and 205 Live taping will take place in the Moda Center in Portland, OR. It will be the go-home show before Saturday’s Super Show-Down in Melbourne, Australia.
Smackdown Preview 10/1
Paige Addresses Samoa Joe’s Actions From Last Week
Smackdown General Manager Paige has announced she will kick off tonight’s show by addressing Samoa Joe’s actions from last week. Joe showed up at the home of WWE Champion AJ Styles last week. Now just 4 days before Super Show-Down (less if you count the time change), what will Paige have in store for Joe?
Becky Lynch Planning A Surprise For Super Show-Down
Smackdown Women’s’ Champion, Becky Lynch, has some sort of surprise for Charlotte Flair. What it is will be revealed tonight.
“WWE.com has learned that The Irish Lass Kicker has a very special Super Showdown Surprise that she will reveal on SmackDown LIVE,” WWE stated about Lynch’s planned surprise.
R-Truth & Carmella vs Andrade “Cien” Almas & Zelina Vega
Not only are R-Truth and Carmella teaming together in the Mixed Match Challenge they will also be in a mixed-tag match tonight on Smackdown as well. They take on Zelina Vega and Andrade “Cien” Almas tonight.
Between Miz and Maryse, Daniel Bryan and Brie, Vega and Almas, and Truth and Carmella, there is quite an inter-gender tag division brewing on Smackdown.
Zelina and Carmella got into a social media spat this week after the Fabulous Truth lost on the MMC.
Babe, #TruthTv was one of the best parts of #SDLive this week.. yano, the same show y’all weren’t even on. ?
Shelton Benjamin called out Smackdown General Manager Paige this week, stating he was not getting enough in-ring action on Smackdown.
I Am a warrior I am a competitor & I am DAMN GOOD! Yet I have not had a match on #SmackDownLIVE in months. I’m here to compete I thrive on competition @RealPaigeWWE Its time you Got me off the bench & LET ME FIGHT!
So Paige has given him what he wants, a chance to prove himself. Daniel Bryan and Benjamin will go one-on-one tonight. You have to wonder if Bryan’s Super Show-Down opponent, the Miz, will be watching closely.
New Day Reveal Recipe For Pancakes
New Day has been tag team champions so often that a little old upcoming title match doesn’t stop them from enjoying pancakes. While New Day will take on the Bar this Saturday, they will be sharing their secret pancake recipe during a segment on Smackdown tonight.
AJ Styles is the current WWE Champion, proudly representing SmackDown Live ever since he bested Jinder Mahal for the belt back on November 7th, 2017.
‘The Phenomenal One’ has become a beloved superstar. Bringing his indie mentality and aesthetic, he translated them into a WWE style that catapulted him into the main event since debuting as a surprise entrant during the 2016 Royal Rumble.
Given how established he has become within the WWE – to the point that SmackDown is referred to as “The House That AJ Styles Build” – it’s hard to imagine that AJ Styles feared he would never be a part of the WWE at all.
“They Didn’t Need An AJ Styles”
Styles spoke with Daily Star Online during the WWE 2K19 press events that took place at the WWE Performance Centre in Orlando, Florida. During the interview, AJ admitted that he had assumed he and the WWE “just weren’t a fit” and that they would “never work together.”
“I learnt to live with it,” he said, before reflecting on how he felt at the time, “I just assumed they didn’t need an AJ Styles.”
“Thankfully I was wrong. It took me a while, but when I got here the timing was perfect.”
A Phenomenal Pre-WWE Career
AJ Styles had a storied career long before he was revealed as the third entrant into the Royal Rumble.
Finding success within TNA and a worldwide independent scene, AJ would develop his in-ring style and continuously hone his craft. This dedication saw him win numerous titles across the world, including a run representing Bullet Club as the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship in New Japan Pro Wrestling.
It was at the height of his independent success that AJ Styles decided to come back Stateside and sign with the WWE.
Looking back, Styles contemplates the journey that led him to hold the title for 322 days (at the time of writing), “It’s been a rollercoaster ride, and you just have to ride that rollercoaster.”
AJ Styles has some issues with the player rankings in WWE 2K19. Styles is the cover athlete for this year’s game, following in the footsteps of Seth Rollins, The Rock, John Cena, and more. Styles was given a 91 overall ranking in this year’s 2K game. It turns out, four Superstars are ranked higher than him.
Those four Superstars being The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Brock Lesnar, and Roman Reigns. Here are their respective rankings:
Brock Lesnar – 93
The Rock – 93
Roman Reigns – 92
Stone Cold Steve Austin – 92
Styles recently did an interview with GiveMeSport’s Alex McCarthy to promote the video game. He was alerted of the four men who were ranked higher than him. Here’s how he reacted:
“Four?!,” Styled exclaimed. When alerted of Lesnar’s rating Styles simply said “shocker,” before saying “maybe I’d be a 93 you know – whenever I decided to – you know? And I’m not mad at Brock, so go figure.” Styles was then alerted that The Rock was a 93 overall. “What the freak!? He tore an ab the last time he wrestled! Come on man! I’m not saying he’s not jacked, but you gotta be in ring shape! What Rock are we going with here? Are we going with Hollywood Rock?”
As for Roman Reigns’ rating of 92, Styles said “I don’t know, I’ve been champion for a while now. Shouldn’t that count for anything? I guess – at least I’m a 91, right?” Finally, Styles was told of Austin’s 92 overall rating. “What the freak?! Come on man! What’s wrong with these guys? Listen, everybody respects Austin, but come on! Jeez man. At least I’m a 91.”
Smackdown tonight will be in the Pepsi Center in Denver, the same city and venue which hosted Raw last night.
Smackdown Preview 9/25
AJ Styles and Samoa Joe Contract Signing
Smackdown General Manager, Paige, has announced that Joe and Styles will sign their contract for Super Show-Down tonight. The match will be contested under No DQ, no count-out, and must-be-a-winner rules.
Big E vs Sheamus
New Day and the Bar will face each other at Super Show-Down on October 6th. Big E and Sheamus will go one-on-one tonight as each team looks to build momentum before they head to Australia. Last week, Cesaro defeated Kofi Kingston so the Bar will be looking to keep their winning streak going tonight.
Rusev Wants Answers From Aiden English
Last week on Smackdown, Aiden English turned on Rusev and cost the Bulgarian his chance at Shinsuke Nakamura’s United States Championship.
This week, Rusev wants answers from his former tag-team partner.
Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair Segment
While nothing has been announced for the Becky Lynch/Charlotte Flair rivalry for tonight, there will likely be some type of segment to preview their match at Super Show-Down. Last week, Charlotte came out during Lynch’s Championship celebration and let the champ know she’ll be receiving her rematch in Australia.
Daniel Bryan and Miz Segment
Nothing has been announced for tonight between Daniel Bryan and the Miz but the stakes have risen quite a bit for their clash in Australia. The winner of the single’s match between Bryan and Miz will earn a WWE Championship.
Asuka/Naomi and Iiconics Segment
WWE hasn’t announced anything for tonight but Naomi and Asuka are scheduled to team up at Super Show-Down against the Iiconics. Asuka defeated Billie Kay last week but the week prior Billie was victorious over Naomi. Royce and Naomi went 1-1 against each other in matches dating back to the August 21st Smackdown.
There was a point in time where current WWE Champion AJ Styles was “Mr. TNA” (IMPACT Wrestling). Styles earned his claim to fame in the professional wrestling industry during his tenure with the promotion. “The Phenomenal One” began a run with IMPACT that lasted well over a decade starting in 2003.
Styles won virtually every belt under the sun in IMPACT. That includes six TNA X-Division Titles, two World Heavyweight Titles, and a trio of NWA World Title reigns. Eventually, Styles would depart for the likes of Ring Of Honor (ROH) and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW).
In 2016, despite offers for a return to IMPACT, Styles signed a contract with WWE. He made his debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble, entering at the number three spot. Currently, Styles is the current WWE Champion in the midst of his second reign. He has held the belt for well over 300 days.
Recently, Styles was interviewed by Title Match Wrestling to talk about his career. During their conversation, they touched on his time in IMPACT Wrestling. A key reason he decided to split ways with IMPACT and eventually sign with WWE, was getting his pay cut by over 60 percent:
“I think that saying 60% is being generous, to be honest with you. That’s kinda crazy when that’s the first offer you know like, ‘wait what!
“That doesn’t make any sense! I’ve worked here for 11 years and hard for 11 years. I haven’t gotten less popular here in TNA, in fact gotten more popular, especially in the last year, so I don’t know what’s going on.’”
Family Man
Styles is a dedicated family man, and a pay cut of that magnitude wasn’t going to work for the Georgian:
“I am a family man. That’s my job, and my job is to take care of them. You don’t know how much I made, or how less I made. But if you are going to take a pay cut at your job, I’m gonna take a pay cut at my job. But think about that! Because you’ve got mouths to feed.”
What do you think of IMPACT cutting Styles’ pay by so much?
WWE Champion AJ Styles recently appeared as part of a WWE 2K19 event at the Performance Center. Styles made comments on his WWE Championship run and being the cover star for the game when speaking to Cultaholic’s Adam Pacitti.
One aspect of the interview revolved around Styles’ height and how he looks very different to World Champions of days gone by. Styles remarked that “We’re moving in a new direction. Athletes are smaller these days in everything. In American Football, Rugby…guys are not as big as they used to be but they’re faster, quicker. They’re better athletes and I think that’s literally in every sport we’re seeing nowadays. That’s not a bad thing, that’s a good thing for me!”
Styles’ also commented on whether his height affected him being ‘pushed’ in the past; “I’m sure people have looked at me and gone ‘he’s just way too small.’ AJ went on to say that “I don’t disagree. I’m not the biggest guy. So I make everything that I do count. Every move, every strike is going to count.”
AJ also made mention of his huge love for gaming and what being on the 2K19 cover meant to him. “I wanna enjoy being on the cover of 2K19, that’s a huge deal for me, being a gamer.” Styles’ also referred to how he never envisioned his career would take that trajectory; “Who would’ve thought that AJ Styles would not only be the longest reigning Smackdown Champion but he’s also on the cover of the video game. Years ago I couldn’t of imagined this, I wouldn’t of picked me on the cover.”
Bobby Lashley returned ‘home’ to WWE in 2018 and his career appears to have come full circle. Lashley was originally a member of the roster from 2004-2008 and held the ECW Championship in that time. Since then the Superstar has appeared for TNA/IMPACT and delved into the world of MMA.
Bobby Lashley recently appeared on The Big J Show and talked his decision to move away from WWE. Lashley also discussed the reasons why he returned to the company. “I wanted to work with some of the people that I probably would have never had the opportunity to work with before”.
When discussing his MMA career, Lashley said, “The MMA part was to show people that I can do it, a lot of people look at me as such a nice guy, they don’t understand how dangerous I can actually be.” He has a pretty impressive MMA record of 15 wins and 2 losses.
Lashley also expressed his desire to feud with WWE Champion AJ Styles. The two were both working for Impact Wrestling at the same time a few years ago, but never crossed paths there. “He was going out while I was coming in and he was involved with these other things.”
He continued, “The thing with AJ is a crazed good guy needs a crazed bad guy. When I flip that switch and you see that bad side of me like I had in TNA, I believe I’m a perfect person to AJ’s good.”
All In has come and gone, and the professional wrestling world is still abuzz following the groundbreaking show. Cody and The Young Bucks’ self-funded event sold out the Sears Centre in Chicago, Illinois earlier this month. WWE Champion AJ Styles has finally offered his thoughts on the show.
“The Phenomenal One” spoke to The Daily Star to promote the WWE 2K19 video game, which he serves as the cover athlete for. Styles admitted he didn’t see the show but watched some highlights. He said it’s good business for everybody and is happy for Cody and The Bucks’ success:
“I did not watch All In. I watched the highlights. And good for them, man, they did great. Those guys are my friends and I am happy for them. I am happy with their success, I hope they continue to do it.
“This is good for business for everybody. When there is someone to compete against it is good for everyone and steps everybody’s game up.”
While Cody and The Young Bucks enjoy the success of All In, Styles is enjoying some success of his own. He has been champion in WWE for over 300 days after defeating Jinder Mahal for the strap back in November. Styles currently feuds with Samoa Joe over the WWE Title over on SmackDown Live.
What do you make of Styles’ comments regarding All In?
AJ Styles Discusses Hell In A Cell Controversy (Video)
WWE’s YouTube channel has released this video of Kayla Braxton talking to WWE Champion AJ Styles after his controversial win over Samoa Joe at Sunday’s (September 16, 2018) Hell in a Cell pay-per-view event in San Antonio, Texas at the AT&T Center on the WWE Network.
The finish saw Styles tap out to the Coquina Clutch right before the referee counted Styles’ three count on Joe. Later in the show, WWE SmackDown General Manager Paige revealed that the Joe vs. Styles match at WWE Super Show-Down must have a winner, which indicates that there will be stipulation announced soon.
WWE Super Show-Down pay-per-view event takes place on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne, Australia and will air on the WWE Network.
The Marine 6 Trailer
The official trailer for WWE Studios’ “The Marine 6: Close Quarters has been released. The film, which will be released on Digital & Blu-ray Tuesday, November 13, features WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels, The Miz, and new SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch. You can see it here:
In case you missed the show, you can read our full play-by-play recapof the latest pay-per-view event presented by the WWE on their streaming service.
Current WWE Champion AJ Styles spoke to ESPN last month to promote his match with Samoa Joe. Styles and Joe battled it out for the WWE’s top prize in a bout that ultimately ended in a disqualification.
During the conversation, Styles talked about signing with WWE back in 2016. That process included a meeting with WWE COO Triple H. “The Game” wasn’t sure that they would be able to retain his “AJ Styles” ring name.
Styles said he would be okay with that, but the big “AJ” tattoo on his side might be a problem:
“When Triple H and I were talking, he said, ‘I don’t know if we’ll be able to keep your name.’ I said, ‘That’s fine, I’ll be any name you want me to be called, except I do have this huge AJ tattoo on my side so that might be a problem,’” Styles said.
“I think it worked out for the best because we weren’t taken and being changed into something else. We were the same characters that they saw from different companies and that they were familiar with and people were already invested in. I think that was a good move by WWE.”
How do you think a name change would’ve impacted Styles’ WWE career?
AJ Styles recently opened up about his WWE success as well as his favorite matches while competing in the company.
The WWE Champion recently spoke with Amarillo.com to talk about various topics. When asked about his WWE success, he noted that he shouldn’t be the only one surprised about it as if you told him a few years ago that he would be WWE Champion two times, a United States Champion and held the belt for at least half of his career then he would’ve thought it was ridiculous.
“But, hard work has paid off. In the long run, if I was to lose this title tomorrow, I’ve had a great run and I’m very happy.”
His favorite WWE Matches
He stated that it’s tough to say which is his favorite match as he has had so many memorable moments so far as he pointed out his classic match with John Cena at the Royal Rumble a few years ago.
“There is also Roman Reigns. Then when I won the championship from Dean Ambrose. There are so many matches that are hard to pick.”
Styles is slated to make his next title defense against Samoa Joe at Hell in a Cell, which takes place on Sunday, September 16th from San Antonio, Texas at the AT&T Center. The show will stream live on the WWE Network and is available for purchase on select pay-per-view providers.
AJ Styles has closed in on a significant milestone as WWE Champion. The Phenomenal One has been champion for 300 days straight. Only eight other superstars have held the WWE Championship for 300 consecutive days: Bruno Sammartino, Bob Backlund, Pedro Morales, Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Kevin Nash, John Cena, and CM Punk.
The next milestone for Styles would be CM Punk’s 463 days as WWE Champion. If you recall, Styles began this title reign on the November 7, 2017 episode of SmackDown Live on the USA Network when he beat Jinder Mahal in Manchester, England. As of this writing, Styles has held the title for 302 days.
Of course, the man who was WWE Champion more days than anyone else in history is the late Bruno Sammartino, who held the title for a staggering 4,040 days (11+ years) during his illustrious career.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Styles will extend his streak to 31 consecutive WWE pay-per-view events this month. Styles is slated to make his next title defense against Samoa Joe at Hell in a Cell, which takes place on Sunday, September 16th from San Antonio, Texas at the AT&T Center. The show will stream live on the WWE Network and is available for purchase on select pay-per-view providers.
WWE announced earlier this week that AJ Styles will team with SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte on Mixed Match Challenge Season 2.
What are your thoughts on Styles’ reign as WWE Champion?
Last night on Smackdown, Samoa Joe was fooled into thinking AJ Styles was at home protecting his wife Wendy. Joe had previously said he was going to visit the Styles family home this week. He then proceeded to cut a promo on Smackdown saying he wouldn’t do that as he’s not a monster.
What Joe had done, according to him, was cause Styles to actually be home with his family on a Tuesday night. Only Styles wasn’t at home. Styles was in Detroit and came out to confront Joe. This then begs the question what if Joe had gone to Styles’ home?
A fan on Twitter pointed out to Karl Anderson that perhaps Styles could use some help from his former Club partners on this one. Anderson explained to the fan why he and Gallows aren’t coming out to help Styles in his feud with Joe.
Most recently, Anderson and Gallows lost a triple threat tag-team match two Smackdowns ago. The Bar won the match and will move on to face Rusev Day for a chance to take on New Day for the Smackdown Tag-Team Championships.
WWE Champion AJ Styles is in the midst of an impressive streak that speaks volumes about the company’s faith in him as a top performer. According to Cageside Seats, AJ Styles has wrestled on 30-consecutive WWE pay-per-view events.
Not only is Styles considered one of the best wrestlers in the world, but this streak shows just how consistent and reliable he has been for WWE. He is closing in on 300 days as WWE Champion, one of the longer title reigns of the modern era.
Rounding out the Top 5 list of WWE Superstar with the longest streak of consecutive pay-per-view matches:
Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins (15)
US Champion Shinsuke Nakamura (14)
Braun Strowman (12)
Roman Reigns/Kevin Owens (tied at 8 events)
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Styles will extend his streak to 31 consecutive WWE pay-per-view events next month. He defends the WWE Championship against Samoa Joe at Hell in a Cell. That show takes place on Sunday, Sunday, September 16, 2018.
WWE has announced that the WWE Title would be on the line at the Super Show-Down event. WWE Champion AJ Styles will defend the strap against Samoa Joe.
This marks the third time that these two superstars will do battle inside of a WWE ring as their first match was back at the SummerSlam pay-per-view event that saw Joe win by DQ once Styles hit him several times with a steel chair after taunting his wife. Next up is Styles vs. Joe at the upcoming Hell In A Cell pay-per-view event that takes place on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas at the AT&T Center.
The WWE Super Show-Down pay-per-view event takes place on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne, Australia and will air on the WWE Network.
The Card
Triple H vs. The Undertaker
#1 Contender’s Match: Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz
WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe
John Cena and Bobby Lashley vs. Elias and Kevin Owens
The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns) vs. Braun Strowman, Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre – Six-Man Tag Team Match
Ronda Rousey & The Bella Twins vs. The Riott Squad – Six-Woman Tag Team Match
Discussion: What are your thoughts on the matches thus far announced by the WWE? Sound off in the comment section.
The WWE is slated to make a return to world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden, in New York City on Wednesday, December 26th, 2018 for a live event. This event will feature the superstars from the blue brand, SmackDown Live.
The arena has released two matches that are advertised to take place. Those matches are AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe and Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz.
Charlotte Flair, Carmella, The New Day, Shinsuke Nakamura, Becky Lynch, Asuka, Naomi, Jeff Hardy, and The Bar are advertised to appear. The WWE will be announcing more matches for this live event in the coming months. For decades, WWE considered MSG their home arena and only the company held events at this arena. However, that all changed once ROH and NJPW teamed up to hold an event there during WrestleMania 34 weekend.
WWE has already announced that Styles would defend the WWE Title against Joe and Bryan would team with his wife, Brie Bella, to take on Maryse and The Miz in a mixed tag team match at the upcoming Hell in a Cell pay-per-view event.
That show goes down on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas at the AT&T Center and will air on the WWE Network and some traditional pay-per-view outlets.