– If you’re a big fan of The New Day member Xavier Wood’s YouTube Channel, Up Up Down Down, you may have seen Seth Rollins obliterate AJ Styles in the finals of their Madden Playstation 4 Tournament. After the match, Styles called for a rematch on Xbox which Rollins said he would happily oblige. Below are videos of Styles and Rollins each hyping up the rematch:
– WWE Superstar Chris Jericho took to Instagram to use his old “It” catchphrase to play into the equally-named film which hits theaters today (Fri. September 8, 2017). “Y2J” said he has heard the film is terrifying and he can’t wait to check it out:
It’s a known fact that WWE has banned several moves they consider ‘too dangerous’ for their programming and when AJ Styles first came to the company many believed that his Styles Clash would result in WWE Superstars being injured.
It was reported that Vince McMahon found out about a botched Styles Clash which broke Yoshi Tatsu’s neck and he was said to be concerned about it being used on WWE Programming.
At one point Styles didn’t use the move for long which started rumors that WWE has banned it and AJ himself had to clear that it wasn’t the case. Now it appears Chris Jericho played a part in getting the move ‘unbanned’ from the company.
During his recent appearance on 107.7 The Bone with Baby Huey & Bimbo Jimbo, Jericho talked about the time AJ first came to WWE and revealed that Styles Clash was unofficially banned because of rumors of people getting hurt about it:
“He had this finishing move called the Styles Clash which was kind of unofficially banned in the WWE because there was rumors that people had gotten hurt from it and all that sort of thing, but I knew it was a great move.”
Continuing on the topic Chris said that he let Styles use the move in their matches and eventually he reached Mr. McMahon and told the boss that AJ should use that move to which he replied positively, ending the unspoken ban:
“Eventually I went to Vince and said “Did you see that move that AJ Did?” Never using the words the Styles Clash because I knew…that name is taboo. So, I said you know that move where he picks me up and dumps me on my face?…He should use that as a finish!” [and McMahon said] ‘Yes, absolutely use it as a finish’.”
Apart from this Chris Jericho also talked about his recent WWE run and more.
AJ Styles and Kevin Owens have been feuding with each other over the United States title for a while now, though now it appears that Owens will be moving away from the title picture soon.
According to Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE has plans for Baron Corbin to have a rivalry with Styles for the coveted Championship in the upcoming time.
This is said to be one of the reasons why Corbin was made a special guest referee during the United States Championship match at SmackDown Live this week.
Regarding Kevin, Shane McMahon had stated that his match this past Tuesday would be Owens’ last opportunity to capture the United States title as long as AJ is the champion.
So it’s expected that the former Universal Champion will be moving away from the US title picture and he will be entering his rumored feud with Shane McMahon in the upcoming time.
Per Observer, the rivalry between the SmackDown Commissioner and the former Raw star is expected to lead to a Team Owens vs Team Shane match at the Survivor Series PPV.
Though it’s worth mentioning here that due to the repetitive reports of Baron Corbin having backstage heat, it’s hard to believe that Corbin would actually be winning the belt.
Instead, he appears to be a challenger for the former WWE Champion’s title until WWE decides to put the belt on someone else.
SmackDown Live star AJ Styles is convinced that his former Bullet Club partners The Young Bucks will be in WWE one day. During a recent interview with PWInsider, Styles commented about the possibility of Nick and Matt Jackson joining the WWE Universe.
“Oh man, that is a tough question. For guys who know to do what they do and they’ve got it done before they even get here….so, I would say….oh, that’s a tough question, man….I give them five years, at the most. Within five years. Yeah. That’s my timeline.”
Styles said the prospect of him being in WWE was once hard to envision.
“What do you think, had the people asked, ‘Do you think AJ Styles would come here?’, if you could have asked that ten years ago? What do you think people would have said then? You never know, man.”
The Young Bucks are the reigning ROH World Tag Team Champions and recently captured the ROH Six Man Tag Team Championships (with Adam Page).
Back in May, the Bucks appeared on Edge & Christian’s E&C Pod of Awesomeness commented on the possibility of joining WWE one day. Nick and Matt revealed that they’re currently under contract to Ring of Honor until the end of 2018, but “never say never.”
“Right now, we can’t, obviously, because we’re under a contract for the next, what, 18 months or so. But I don’t know. It’s such a hard question to answer because right now, I’d say ‘no’, obviously, because I can’t and we’re having a blast, like, on our own, doing it the way we do it. We’re having a good time doing it. I don’t know. It’s never say ‘never’, I guess. You can’t really say ‘no’ to that because that is the place everyone has wanted to wrestle, so I can’t say ‘no’, but, as of now, we’re happy with what we’re doing.”
https://youtu.be/D9QqZJysHmc
Matt stated that now wouldn’t be a good time for him and his brother to make the jump over to the WWE because of all the hot talent there, and fear of getting lost in the shuffle:
“Even if we were available right now, now is not the time to go for us because everybody in the world is going there and so for the first time I can even remember, it doesn’t seem cool to go there right now.” Matt admitted, “I think for us, if we did sign right now, we’d probably be lost in the shuffle.”
They added that right now, they have a lot of creative control over their characters, which they probably wouldn’t have in WWE.
Former WCW President and Monday Night RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff recently took to his podcast, Bischoff On Wrestling, to comment on the now-former NXT Champion Bobby Roode’s recent main roster debut on SmackDown Live. Bischoff claimed that he sees Roode being successful anywhere on the WWE’s card, even as a main eventer, and made an interesting comparison between Roode and AJ Styles. Here are the highlights:
Could Bobby Roode be successful as a main eventer:
“I think Bobby Roode has all of the talent in the world to be successful anywhere on the card, including the main event. I can’t say enough good things about Bobby Roode. As a human being, as a performer… I am just surprised it has taken this long quite frankly. I expected Bobby to kind of explode out of the scene much the same way AJ Styles did. I can’t say enough good things about him.”
If he wishes Roode and AJ Styles got a shot like this in WWE sooner:
“No. They are where they are because of what they learned, because of the experience and because of the journey. Both AJ and Bobby, neither one of them are injury prone. I still think they’ve got a lot of runway left in them. I really, really do. They are great athletes, unbelievably talented, smart, they know how to conduct themselves both in and out of the ring. All of that will lead to a lot of longevity in my opinion. I think we are going to be seeing AJ Styles and Bobby Roode for a long time to come.”
AJ Styles defended his United States Championship against Kevin Owens tonight during WWE SummerSlam. SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon served as the referee for the match.
AJ controlled the match early and connected with a Dropkick. Styles then spent the next couple of minutes in control until Owens connected with a jab to AJ’s throat. Owens followed it up with a Clothesline that sent AJ flipping across the ring. Owens connected with a series of right hands and shouted “who is phenomenal now?”.
Owens threw Styles to the corner and connected with a Cannonball for a two count. Owens shouted at Shane McMahon for a slow count and yelled at his positioning in the ring. Owens connected with a Senton for another two count and then applied a Chin Lock. Owens slammed Styles to the mat for a two count and once again started shouting at Shane McMahon.
Owens went for the Pop-Up Powerbomb but AJ countered it into a Fireman’s Carry Neckbreaker for a two count. AJ went for the springboard 450 Splash but Kevin Owens dragged Shane McMahon on top of him and Styles landed on Shane. Owens then hit the Pop-Up Powerbomb but Styles kicked out at two.
Kevin Owens once again started shouting at Shane McMahon as AJ made his way back to his feet. Owens charged at Styles but AJ got out of the way and Owens hit the ring post. Styles locked in the Calf Crusher but Owens raked AJ’s eyes to break the hold. Styles got frustrated and shoved Shane McMahon. Shane shoved back and Owens rolled AJ up for a two count.
Styles Suplexed Owens into the turnbuckle and then perched Owens up on the top rope. Owens battled back and hit a massive Superplex for a two count. Owens and Styles got back to their feet and started trading punches and chops. Styles went for a Pele Kick but Owens got out of the way and connected with a Superkick. Styles planted Owens with a Styles Clash but Owens was somehow able to power out at two.
Owens avoided a forearm from Styles and planted AJ with a Pop-Up Powerbomb. Owens thought he won the match but AJ’s foot was on the rope. Owens got in Shane’s face and the two started shoving each other. AJ rolled up Owens for a two count. Styles hit the Phenomenal Forearm and then hit the Styles Clash for the victory.
Former Ring of Honor World Tag Team Champion Frankie Kazarian recently spoke with The Wrestling News Hub about various topics including his friendship with AJ Styles and Samoa Joe as well as Christopher Daniels winning the ROH World Title from Adam Cole at the ROH 15 Anniversary pay-per-view event in March. Here are some of the highlights:
Christopher Daniels winning the ROH World Title earlier this year:
“First and foremost, I was very, very proud of the entire angle, and how we were able to hook everybody and pull the wool over everyone’s eyes, which is hard to do these days in the professional wrestling landscape. That was great and everyone played their part so well. The Young Bucks and Adam Cole. Everyone played their part so well. The night Chris won the title I was right there with him and it was as though I had won the title myself. How much he has given this business, if people only knew they would be astonished, and I know it was something he wanted for so long and worked so very hard for. It was like imaging two guys who were actors that came up together, and one gets nominated for an Academy Award, you are going to be happy for them, it’s the pinnacle. For him to be the Ring of Honor World Champion meant so much to him because of his pedigree there. It was just a great night, one of the better nights of my career. I am very happy for him and so very happy the angle came off the way that it did. Everyone enjoyed the match, and everyone enjoyed the way the angle came off. It was just a really, really good night for me and my career.”
His friendship with AJ Styles and Samoa Joe:
“We just make it work. You would be hard pressed to find four guys that were closer than AJ, Joe, Daniels, and I; we have been through a lot together. From our time in TNA and being there from day one, and just all the ebbs and flows and ups and downs that each guy has gone through, great times and hard times, and being there for each other and having each other’s backs, and then wars in the ring whether it be on the same side or against each other. It creates a unique bond. I can’t really put it into words. We have such a strong bond, and no matter how much time passes, when you see each other and when you talk on the phone you are right back to where you started. I could go months without seeing Joe and AJ, but when we do get together it’s like it was five minutes. I am blessed and fortunate to have a bond with three guys that I have known many years. They are the best friends I could ask for. For me, it was real easy, and I have a lot of really good friends, but those are the guys that I will communicate with until they throw dirt on me. It is pretty simple because that bond is so strong.”
WWE United States Champion AJ Styles participated in a Q&A panel this past weekend at the Wizard World Columbus comic convention and spoke about which Superstars he’d like to work with in the future. Styes said there’s a number of guys looking forward to wrestling, whether it’s Shinsuke Nakamura, Finn Balor or Seth Rollins. He’d also be down for another program with Roman Reigns.
When pressed about which of those names he most wants to wrestle, Styles said it has to be Nakamura – and he knows when and where that match should take place. The two men have torn the house down before (see below) and Styles said his first match against Nakamura in WWE is worthy of the main event of WrestleMania.
https://youtu.be/UOkXGgJwmVk
Courtesy of ScreenGeek.net, Styles said, “I’m picking Shinsuke. Sorry, that’s nothing on Finn Balor. The reason why I say this is because at Wrestlemania, it’s not going to happen with Finn Balor and I. Why? Because he’s on Raw. Shinsuke’s my best chance getting into that Main Event picture at Wrestlemania. That’s why he wins the championship. I hope he wins it so I can get in there and wrestle him at Wrestlemania.”
Styles is excited that Nakamura is getting a shot at WWE Champion Jinder Mahal at SummerSlam. Whether that match closes the show or not, Styles can’t wait to see the match.
“This guy has paid his dues. He’s been in Japan for a long time and he’s so charismatic in everything he does. I’m looking forward to the match just like everyone else.”
NJPW stars The Young Bucks produce a popular YouTube series alongside Bullet Club/Elite member Kenny Omega called ‘Being The Elite.’
The Bucks took the show to Montreal over the weekend and managed to get some of their old friends from WWE on camera, including AJ Styles, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.
Matt and Nick Jackson were both appearing in Canada for an International Wrestling Syndicate event, you can check out the latest episode of ‘Being The Elite’ below.
WWE United States Champion AJ Styles was recent a guest on former WWE Tag Team Champions Edge and Christian’s podcast, E&C’s Pod Of Awesomeness, to talk about his journey in WWE. During their conversation “The Phenomenal One” talked about Vince McMahon doubting his popularity with fans prior to his WWE debut at last year’s Royal Rumble, and how having a relationship with “The Chairman Of The Board” has made all the difference in his WWE career. Here’s what he had to say:
Vince McMahon initially doubting his popularity with fans prior to last year’s Royal Rumble:
“I didn’t know if anybody was going to know who I was. I was gone for almost two years and now I was debuting in Orlando [Florida], which benefited me in WWE.”
“The way that they did it, with coming out number three, it couldn’t have been any better. It really couldn’t’ve. The reaction was unbelievable. I did not expect that. It’s one of those things in WWE history that will be forever there because it was that kind of reaction that I didn’t expect. I don’t think anybody expected that. I definitely don’t think Vince expected that because I’ve heard stories that he’s like, ‘nobody’s going to know who this guy is and you want him out number three!’ So it definitely worked out to my benefit.”
Having a relationship with McMahon and it making all the difference in his WWE career:
“It made the biggest difference and I learned that he wants to talk to you. He wants to have a relationship with you and it’s up to you to do that. I mean, the guy’s super busy, so I try not to bother him unless I have something that I think is important, but it’s nice to know that there’s one guy I can talk to and he’ll tell me ‘yes’ or ‘no’ and that’s it.”
Check out Styles’ interview with Edge and Christian by clicking here.
Shane McMahon looking forward to being the special referee for US Title match at WWE SummerSlam
Smackdown commissioner Shane McMahon was announced as the special referee for the United States Championship match at WWE SummerSlam on August 20th. AJ Styles defended the US Title against Kevin Owens to kick of this week’s episode of SmackDown on Tuesday night. Styles won the match in a controversial manner as Owens accidentally struck referee Mike Chioda. Styles then rolled up Owens for the victory, but Owens’ shoulders were clearly off the mat.
Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan were telling Mike Chioda backstage that he made a huge mistake during the finish of the match and that he should have called for help. Owens then interrupted and flipped out on Chioda. Owens tried to grab Chioda but Shane McMahon got in his face. Shane McMahon gave Owens another shot at the US Title at SummerSlam, but Owens wasn’t satisfied. Owens demanded a capable official and Daniel Bryan suggested Shane McMahon. Owens claimed that McMahon was the most incompetent person on SmackDown, but Shane informed Owens that the only way he will get his rematch is if Shane is the referee. Owens accepted but was visibly frustrated before walking away.
Shane McMahon tweeted out the following a couple of hours ago and said that he back to training and is looking forward to being the referee for the match at WWE SummerSlam:
Back in the ring in the BK. Looking forward to refereeing the US championship match at #SummerSlam.
AJ Styles on his WWE SummerSlam match against Kevin Owens
While this storyline and the fan reaction seems to be focused on Shane McMahon and Kevin Owens, United States Champion AJ Styles tweeted out the following to let everyone know what he is focused on:
A lotta talk about the guy wearing the black and white stripes but I'm focused on the red, white, & blue title on my shoulder. #SummerSlampic.twitter.com/zrNRXHAltb
AJ Styles defended his United States Championship against Kevin Owens tonight to kick off this week’s episode of SmackDown. Kevin Owens controlled the majority of the match, but the match turned when Kevin Owens accidentally punched referee Mike Chioda in the face. Owens then quickly went for the Pop-Up Powerbomb on Styles but AJ reversed it into a roll-up for the victory. Owens’ shoulders were clearly off the mat but Chioda didn’t realize it due to being punched in the face.
SmackDown commissioner Shane McMahon and SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan had a conversation with Mike Chioda backstage. They pointed out that he made a huge mistake and Chioda owned up to it. Owens then stormed in and interrupted the conversation and started shouting at Chioda. Owens went to grab Chioda but Shane McMahon got in his face.
Shane said that Owens will indeed get another shot at the United States Championship because of the referee’s mistake. Owens wasn’t satisfied and continued to shout at Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon. Owens demanded a competent referee for the match and Daniel Bryan suggested Shane McMahon. Shane agreed to it and Owens got even more pissed off. Owens said that Shane McMahon was even more incompetent than the referees on SmackDown.
WWE United States Champion AJ Styles recently did an appearance on former WWE Tag Team Champions Edge and Christian’s podcast, E&C’s Pod Of Awesomeness, to talk about his time thus far in the WWE. Styles discussed his recent United States Title win at a MSG house show, who he has yet to work with in the WWE that he’d like to, feuding with Shinsuke Nakamura in the future, and his top goal that he has with the company. You can check out the highlights here:
Winning the United States Championship at an MSG house show:
“To me, it’s smart. It’s something that hasn’t been done in a long time and to do it at Madison Square Garden and everybody with WWE knows that’s a big deal. I think it was awesome. I think it was very clever and I loved it.” Styles recalled, “there was a pop, ‘he won!
“Yes!’ but, ‘well, who’s going to walk out there?’ and then, there was another pop because nobody walked out there. It was really cool, but it was smart to not do that every year, but every couple of years to do something like that. I think it just came down to doing something different and it was Vince’s call and no one else’s. And yeah, it was great.”
Who he still wants to work with in the WWE:
“I have yet to wrestle Rusev and I think that would be really fun, to wrestle a guy like him. But there are guys on the RAW side that I haven’t really been in the ring with like Seth Rollins and Finn Bálor. I think people want to see. I’ve never worked Shinsuke Nakamura on US soil, so that could be a big deal as well.”
Already pitching a feud with Shinsuke Nakamura to WWE officials:
“Hopefully, when it finally happens in WWE, it should be something big. It should be bigger than just a match. That’s the one I’d like to do at WrestleMania, to be honest with you. But, I’ve let them know how important it is to me that we don’t do that, that we don’t just have a match.
“There’s so much build that can go into this and I almost feel like right before people think it’s about to happen, finally we get Nakamura and AJ Styles at this pay-per-view, something happens. Like, we can stretch this out as long as we want to finally give you the big payoff when it’s necessary, the climax of it, if you will.”
Wanting to main event WrestleMania:
“I would like to somehow find myself back at the main event. Everybody wants to be in the main event of WrestleMania. I’ll keep climbing that ladder and see where it takes me, but there’s nothing better than being a part of WrestleMania except being in the main event of WrestleMania.”
You can listen to Styles’ full interview with Edge and Christian by clicking here.
Tonight on SmackDown, Chris Jericho made his surprise return to WWE. He confronted Kevin Owens and stated that he was in line for a rematch for the United States Championship. AJ Styles came down to the ring and said that he was entitled to a shot at the title before Jericho because he just lost it two days ago at WWE Battleground. Owens denied both of them the opportunity and claimed that the United States Championship will not be defended in front of the people of Richmond, Virginia. SmackDown commissioner Shane McMahon then came down to the entrance ramp and informed Kevin Owens that he will be defending his US Title tonight in a Triple Threat match against both AJ Styles and Chris Jericho.
During the SmackDown main-event, Kevin Owens hit Jericho with a Superkick and then planted him with a Pop-Up Powerbomb. Owens went for the cover but Jericho somehow was able to kick out at two. Owens then climbed up to the top rope and connected with a massive Frog Splash. Owens once again went for the cover but AJ Styles sprinted into the ring and threw Owens to the outside. Styles then quickly covered Jericho and stole the victory to become the new United States Champion.
After the match, Kevin Owens lost his mind and destroyed the announce table ringside. Owens then grabbed a microphone as Styles celebrated with the United States Championship on the entrance ramp. Owens told everyone in the crowd to shut up and ranted that it wasn’t fair that Shane McMahon made him defend the United States Championship tonight in a Triple Threat match. SmackDown went off the air with Owens demanding that he get his rematch for the US Title against AJ Styles next week on SmackDown.
United States Champion Kevin Owens kicked off this week’s episode of SmackDown. Owens defeated AJ Styles at WWE Battleground via a roll-up. The crowd booed Owens as he stood in the ring. Owens was back to wearing a suit and tie to the ring. Owens held up the title and said that it just feels right. Owens referred to Styles as a “thief” and stated that he was happy to have his title back. The crowd started to chant “AJ Styles!” as Owens vowed to defend the title with the pride and the honor it deserves.
Owens announced that he was reinstating the Kevin Owens United States Championship Open Challenge and that it will begin next week. The crowd booed and Owens said that “there is no way I would ever defend my title in front of a bunch of hicks in Richmond, Virginia”.
AJ Styles interrupted and made his way to the ring to a great reaction from the crowd. Owens said that Styles better be out here to congratulate him and admit that Owens is the better man. Styles stated that he was in the ring to get his rematch for the United States Championship. Owens said that he literally just said that Owens would not defend his title tonight in Richmond, Virginia.
Chris Jericho then appeared and the crowd went nuts. Jericho had the List of Jericho in his hands and joined Owens and Styles in the ring. Owens started freaking out and Jericho told him to be quiet several times. Jericho said that after a few months of rehabbing from Kevin Owens’ attack, he is back. Jericho stated that he was back to get his rematch for the United States Championship tonight.
AJ Styles welcomed Jericho back but stated that he was next in line for a shot at Owens’ United States Championship. Jericho then added AJ Styles to the list for trying to cut in front of him for a shot at the US Title. Kevin Owens started walking away and Jericho called him a “stupid idiot” while he was on the entrance ramp.
SmackDown commissioner Shane McMahon then joined Owens on the entrance ramp and Owens rolled his eyes. Shane said that both AJ Styles and Chris Jericho will get their opportunity tonight. Shane McMahon announced that the United States Championship will be defended in a Triple Threat match tonight. It will be Kevin Owens (c) vs AJ Styles vs Chris Jericho.
Former WWE Champion AJ Styles recently joined The Sam Roberts Wrestling podcast to talk about his journey in the WWE thus far. During the show, “The Phenomenal One” discussed the rumors that he would be facing Shawn Michaels at the Royal Rumble earlier this year, the notion that John Cena ‘buries talent’, and what he did that got himself over with Vince McMahon. Here’s what he had to say:
Rumored Royal Rumble match against Shawn Michaels:
“I’m just glad someone asked him because I actually pitched it, ‘can we… has anyone asked Shawn? No? Can we? Can someone just ask him? All he can say is ‘no’.’ And truthfully, I respect him so much as a man because when he said he retired he actually did it. He didn’t come back. And even I said, ‘well, money talks, doesn’t it?’ Not to Shawn Michaels. He’s a man of his word and at the end of the day all you have is your word.”
Styles added, “it really doesn’t do anything for anybody, so he was absolutely 100% correct and made the right decision.”
Learning a lot from John Cena and the notion that he ‘buries talent’:
“I learned a lot from him. It’s just the little things that he does.” Styles continued, “people aren’t going to like this, but I’m telling you, I’d say 90% of the things I’ve learned that I felt helped me tremendously is John Cena. The guy… there’s a reason he was able to stay on for more than 10 years and done what he has done in his career.”
“I don’t think that’s true (Cena burying talent). It’s up to you, if you leave after your storyline with John Cena to carry on what you’ve been called. Exactly, exactly. That’s all it is and if you continue to do that, you’ll find a way to get to whatever spot it is.”
What he did to get over with Vince McMahon:
“Well, I think it was the MizTV where I beat him up. I think that’s when he goes, ‘whoa, okay…’ It’s one of those things where you’ve just got to… I don’t know… I think Vince kind of likes a tough guy to some degree. And I’m not saying I’m Brock Lesnar, but I fought all my life.”
If you couldn’t figure out what the heck happened at the end of the Kevin Owens vs. AJ Styles match at Battleground, you are not alone. Something appeared to go wrong at the end of the match, though nobody is quite sure what.
AJ Styles Heavily Favoured to Win
Fans who follow betting odds were the first to notice something awry had occurred. AJ Styles went into the match a -4950 favourite. Such heavily favoured betting odds normally means that a Superstar has been booked to win. All other favoured wrestlers won their matches at Battleground.
Wrestling historian, Dave Meltzer, has speculated that the finish of the match was changed last minute to have Owens win the title. How this plays into the botched finish however, is anyone’s guess.
The ref was knocked out, then AJ and Owens exchanged submissions but neither tapped out. Then Owens countered into a pinning submission and a groggy ref counted the 3. The referee never missed a submission or a pin attempt, so why was he knocked out?
Some believe AJ was supposed to have his shoulder up during the pin, and just didn’t do that.
AJ Styles throws first pitch at today’s Phillies game
WWE United States Champion AJ Styles threw out the first pitch today at the Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers game at Citizens Bank Park earlier today. Styles will defend his United States Championship against Kevin Owens at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia later tonight.
Jinder Mahal says The Great Khali has given him some advice for tonight’s match
Jinder Mahal will defend his WWE Championship tonight at WWE Battleground against Randy Orton in a Punjabi Prison match. The Punjabi Prison was introduced in 2006 and build for former WWE Superstar The Great Khali. Mahal revealed in a recent interview with The Times of India that he has recently received advice from The Great Khali. Here are Mahal’s comments to The Times of India:
“I chose the Punjabi Prison Match because the match at MITB was in St. Louis which is Orton’s home town. It was on his terms; his father was sitting in the front row. So, when I had the chance, I wanted my match on my terms and my terms are Punjabi Prison match. It was invented by the Great Khali and he has given me some tricks and tips to how to win the match and I am more than ready to defend my title.”
AJ Styles recently spoke to Edge and Christian on E&C’s Pod of Awesomeness about his encounter with Shinsuke Nakamura at WWE Money in the Bank last month. During the match, Nakamura and AJ Styles were the only two Superstars in the ring. Styles and Nakamura proceeded to have a stare down and the crowd went crazy for it. It was a moment that felt special, especially for those who have seen Styles and Nakamura work together in New Japan Pro Wrestling. Styles and Nakamura then traded some punches and the match continued.
Styles revealed on the latest episode of E&C’s Pod of Awesomeness that it was his idea for the stare down to happen during WWE Money in the Bank. Here is what Styes said on the podcast:
“Well not to toot my own horn here, but that was my idea. Because I wanted to show Vince (McMahon) that there’s something special here. Something that people wanted to see. So let’s wait until we give it to them, and give them something bigger than just you know, a TV match. It was one of those cold chill moments that I got, standing in the middle of the ring looking through the ladder at Nakamura.”
Photo Credit: WWE.com
AJ Styles and Nakamura teamed up last week on SmackDown in a losing effort against Baron Corbin and Kevin Owens. However, Nakamura approached AJ Styles backstage earlier during the show and warned Styles that one day he will be coming for the United States Championship.
Former WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens took to Twitter to finally address his loss to the ‘Phenomenal’ AJ Styles.
Styles won the United States title in a House show bout at New York’s Madison Square Garden, although this is certainly not the first time that a major title has changed hands at a non-televised event it is extremely rare.
Owens ‘blacked out’ his Twitter account after the loss and has remained silent until now. KO had not commented on social media since July 5th but he has now outlined his plans to regain his title and once again become the Face of America:
Smackdown Live! will air from the AT&T Centre in San Antonio tonight. No matches have been announced for the show (Edit: Tye Dillinger vs. Jinder Mahal, and Xavier Woods vs. Jey Uso have now been made official), but several storylines should continue to develop.
Tonight’s show will be the first televised event for the brand since AJ Styles won the US championship in Madison Square Garden on July 7th.
Smackdown Preview
WWE posted the following regarding a future rematch between Styles and Owens:
“There is no doubt that Owens will return to Team Blue thirsty for retribution, but will we see a rematch between Styles and The New Face of America this week on the blue brand? Or will we have to wait until the July 23 pay-per-view? ”
It seems likely we get an answer to that question tonight.
Other storylines likely to be followed up on tonight:
Baron Corbin attacked Shinsuke Nakamura in the back last week. Perhaps this will set up a match between the two at Battleground.
Last week Daniel Bryan fined James Ellsworth $10,000 and suspended him 30 days. Now Carmella must go it alone without Ellsworth’s help.
Last week Tamina came out to help Lana, after the Ravishing Russian lost yet another title match to Naomi. What could be building there? There have been no women’s matches announced for Battleground yet.
New Day won a Rap battle with the Usos last week. It is now official the two teams will meet again for the titles at Battleground. New Day defeated the Usos at MITB via count-out.
Jinder Mahal and Randy Orton meet in a Punjabi Prison match in 2 weeks for the WWE championship. Last week Jinder attacked Orton after his match with Aiden English (which Aiden won via DQ).
In 2 weeks Rusev will meet John Cena in a flag match at Battleground. Cena’s return spiked a big rating for Smackdown last week.
Matches Announced for Battleground So Far:
John Cena vs. Rusev – Flag Match
Jinder Mahal (c) vs. Randy Orton – Punjabi Prison Match for the WWE Championship
The Usos (c) vs. New Day – Smackdown Tag Team Championship Match
AJ Styles on winning the United States Championship
AJ Styles defeated Kevin Owens and captured the United States Championship tonight at a WWE Live Event at Madison Square Garden. Styles defeated Kevin Owens by hitting the Phenomenal Forearm. WWE posted an interview with Styles after winning the United States Championship and you can check that out in the video below.
SmackDown commissioner Shane McMahon and several WWE Superstars took to Twitter to congratulate AJ Styles on his surprise victory:
Update on why Austin Aries was released from WWE earlier today
PWTorch is reporting that Austin Aries requested his release from WWE. According to PWTorch, Aries had grown unhappy with being stuck in the Cruiserweight division and saw more potential for himself outside the role he was stuck in on 205 Live. The report also stated that Aries had a bad attitude backstage and that made it easier for WWE to grant him his release. The report also claims that Aries was working through a back injury before asking for his release. Aries will most likely hit the independent wrestling scene in the near future.
AJ Styles defeated Kevin Owens at Friday night’s WWE live event from Madison Square Garden to capture the United States Championship.
Owens has held the United States Championship since May 2nd. Styles was scheduled to face Owens for the United States Championship on July 23rd at WWE Battleground.
This week on Smackdown, AJ Styles narrowly defeated former Olympian, Chad Gable, in singles competition. The match would determine who would move on to compete in the battle royal later that night, with a chance to earn a US title shot.
While Styles would win the match, Gable won over the respect of the former WWE champion. The two shook hands after their match, and the sportsmanship continued on social media later.
It's scary how motivating a night like last night is for a guy like me.
Fans of American Alpha will note that little mention was given to Gable’s tag-team or tag-team partner on Tuesday night. This fact is fuelling unconfirmed speculation that Gable could be in-line for a singles push, and American Alpha might not be a team for much longer.
Since forming in 2015, American Alpha has won the NXT and Smackdown tag-team championships. Since losing the belts to the Usos in March, the team has struggled to stay relevant in Smackdown’s tag division.
– In the video below, SmackDown Live star AJ Styles joined Talking Smack following last night’s (Tues. June 6, 2017) episode of SmackDown Live to discuss the upcoming Money In The Bank (MITB) Ladder match and when he’d cash-in if he were to win.
Styles said it would all depend on how he feels after the match and if he’s in good physical condition. “The Phenomenal One” stated “Winners find a way to win,” and if he gets the briefcase, he’s focused on cashing in at the right time:
– As we’ve previously reported, Lana made her SmackDown Live debut last night and also joined Talking Smack. Lana discussed receiving a shot at the SmackDown Live Women’s Champion Naomi at the MITB pay-per-view (PPV), seeing as the rest of the women’s division will be involved in the first ever female MITB Ladder Match.
Lana claimed that SmackDown Live is “The Land Of Opportunity” and also said she has had doubters her entire life telling her she’d never amount to anything. After crossing the ocean and making it out of her ‘pathetic’ little village in Russia, look at where she is now. “The Ravishing Russian” says she will prove all her doubters wrong against Naomi and vows to make history. Check it out:
– Following his attack on Shinsuke Nakamura, who defeated WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens in the main event of last night’s SmackDown Live, Baron Corbin took to Twitter to rub it in the WWE Universe’s face:
To all the people complaining and crying about tonight. I just want to say HAHAHAHAHAHA#EOD
