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Tag: AJ Styles

  • AJ Styles Reveals His Favorite Match Of 2016

    AJ Styles Reveals His Favorite Match Of 2016

    WWE Champion AJ Styles has had one hell of a year. Since making his shocking WWE debut at last year’s Royal Rumble, the Phenomenal one went on to have one of the best “rookie” years in WWE history and wasted no time establishing himself as one of the most valuable players on the entire roster. Of all the memorable matches Styles fought in 2016, he’s got a favorite. During an interview with Al.com, Styles said:

    “I have a lot of great matches in 2016. There are some I was real proud of. With Roman Reigns — and don’t get me wrong, WrestleMania was also a big one, too — but I just felt like my matches with Roman Reigns set the tone of how AJ Styles was going to be presented in 2016, like this guy who gets after it and has great matches with just about anyone on the roster.”

    Styles also spoke about one of his WWE “dream opponents” – Seth Rollins. The two Superstars currently compete on different brands, but Styles is sure that they will cross paths at some point.

    “That’s going to happen. There’s no doubt. At some point this year, hopefully there will be another draft. And whatever happens, at some point, before him and I both retire, we’re going to see each other in the ring. There’s no doubt about it.”

    You can check out the full AI.com interview with Styles by clicking here.

  • Fans Vote On Styles vs Owens, Kenny Omega’s Contract Update, AJ Styles Starts 2017 #1 On Power Rankings

    Fans Vote On Styles vs Owens, Kenny Omega’s Contract Update, AJ Styles Starts 2017 #1 On Power Rankings

    On WWE’s website, they currently have a poll up that asks which Superstar has been the better champion for their respective brand between Kevin Owens and AJ Styles. As of now, AJ Styles has 91% of the votes from the WWE Universe. Styles and Owens are both heel champions, yet Styles has won most of his matches on his own. Kevin Owens has relied on the assistance of Chris Jericho to retain his Universal Championship. Owens may wind up adding another championship around his waist tonight on Monday Night Raw. Roman Reigns will be defending the United States Championship against Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho later tonight.

    Dave Meltzer stated on Wrestling Observer Radio that Kenny Omega’s contract with NJPW ends on January 31st this year. The Royal Rumble is taking place on January 29th and Meltzer also claims that there are rumors that Omega has already re-signed with NJPW. Meltzer noted that Omega re-signing with NJPW is unconfirmed at this point.

    AJ Styles currently sits at the top of the list on ESPN’s WWE power rankings. Charlotte Flair comes in at number two and Kevin Owens is number three. You can check out the rest of ESPN’s power rankings by clicking here.

  • WWE Championship Contract Signing Announced (Video)

    A Royal Rumble WWE Championship contract signing has been announced for this week’s SmackDown with John Cena and champion AJ Styles.

    Here’s the updated line up for this week’s SmackDown:

    – Dean Ambrose vs. WWE IC Champion The Miz

    – Baron Corbin vs. Dolph Ziggler

    – Contract signing with John Cena and AJ Styles

  • AJ Styles Promoted As Champion For A Live Event After The Royal Rumble

    AJ Styles Promoted As Champion For A Live Event After The Royal Rumble

    On Smackdown Tuesday, it was revealed that AJ Styles will be defending his WWE Championship against John Cena at the Royal Rumble. Styles has had Cena’s number so far. However, it is Wrestlemania season and it is John Cena, it would be hard to imagine him losing once again to Styles. In the video promo for the live event, it was advertised that AJ Styles will be defending his WWE Championship against Dean Ambrose on February 4th, 2017. This doesn’t mean that Styles will defeat John Cena at the Royal Rumble on January 29th. I’ve seen local advertisements for live events in Boston that I thought spoiled a future event and it turned out to not be the case.

    There have been a bunch of rumors surrounding AJ Styles and John Cena. I haven’t heard too many people say that John Cena would be facing AJ Styles at the Royal Rumble. The rumor I heard the most was that Styles would be defending his WWE Championship against The Undertaker at the Rumble and that Cena might wind up facing The Undertaker at Wrestlemania. After the Royal Rumble, it is the Elimination Chamber. In my opinion, I would have thought it would be more likely for The Undertaker to show at the Royal Rumble rather than at Elimination Chamber. I’m just basing that off of the fact that he is coming off of hip surgery. It would seem odd that his first match back would be in the Chamber but stranger things have happened. For all I know, The Undertaker may wind up appearing at both the Royal Rumble and the Elimination Chamber.

    Discussion: Do you think Styles will retain his WWE Championship against John Cena at the Royal Rumble? Would you rather see John Cena vs The Undertaker or Styles vs The Undertaker at Wrestlemania? Share your thoughts below.

  • Everything That Happened On This Week’s Talking Smack

    Everything That Happened On This Week’s Talking Smack

    John Cena joined Renee Young and JBL as the first guest on Talking Smack. Cena complimented the current roster of the WWE and stated that they haven’t had this much talent in 15 years. JBL stated that he agreed with Michael Cole that John Cena was the greatest WWE Superstar of all time. JBL stated that Cena used to bash The Rock for being a part time wrestler. JBL asked Cena if he was now a part time performer and Cena didn’t really answer the question. Cena instead stated that he was wrong to say those things about The Rock because he is now the highest paid actor in Hollywood and has transcended the wrestling business.

    Cena once again stated that he is not leaving the wrestling business and he is sick of the rumors floating around that he is. AJ Styles then showed up and interrupted. Styles stated that Cena tried to big league him tonight by shaking his hand. Styles claimed that he already defeated Cena when he was at his best at Summerslam. Cena stated that he was still recovering from a shoulder injury and that wasn’t his best shot. Styles laughed off the comment and said that Cena was just making excuses.

    Styles stated that he is going to do what he does best and that is “beat up John Cena”. Cena went on to claim that Styles’ WWE Championship reign will be coming to an end at the Royal Rumble next month. Styles made fun of Cena’s hat and walked off the set. Cena stated that he feels like the other Superstars have a lack of respect for him now because he is filming movies and exploring other projects. Cena also claimed that he is stronger than he has ever been and that he is fed up with the new era and people claiming that he is done. Cena said that 2016 was not a good year for him and that he has something to prove in 2017. The segment ended with Cena laughing at the fact that Styles believed that he had already taken Cena’s best shot.

    American Alpha joined the show to discuss becoming the Smackdown Tag Team Champions tonight on Smackdown. JBL commented on how many people American Alpha came out during a commercial break and hugged. American Alpha apparently gave out a bunch of tickets to family and friends for tonight’s show. Jason Jordan stated that their victory tonight over the Wyatts helps solidify them as a team and when it is all said and done, American Alpha wants to be considered one of the best teams of all time. Chad Gable claimed they won the match tonight because he and Jordan are tag team specialists and the Wyatts are not. JBL compared American Alpha to the Steiner Brothers. JBL also stated that Gable’s catchphrase “ready, willing and Gable” was stupid and told him to stop saying it. JBL apparently hates all catchphrases and wants American Alpha to act like badasses. Gable wound up saying that he would stop using the phrase at the end of the segment.

    Dean Ambrose joined the set and stated the he discovered that he looked really good in collared shirts. JBL made fun of Ambrose’s previous attire. Ambrose said that he would “slap the piss out of JBL” if JBL continued to insult him. JBL asked Ambrose if he thought it was inappropriate that Renee Young slapped The Miz last week. Ambrose said that it wasn’t inappropriate and The Miz deserved it. Renee Young asked Dean Ambrose to sit down and he did for a minute or two and then stood back up. Ambrose claimed that he would rather wrestle Bray Wyatt than be locked in a room with an angry women. Ambrose also claimed that his grandmother sent the dog after him once because he stole a popsicle out of the freezer. Talking Smack ended with Ambrose stating that he will knock The Miz’s teeth out of his mouth in their Intercontinental Championship match. Ambrose also stated that The Miz is quietly putting together a Hall of Fame career but that Ambrose is going to “maim” him next week on Smackdown.

  • WWE SmackDown & 205 Live Previews For Tonight

    WWE SmackDown & 205 Live Previews For Tonight

    WWE ends 2016 with championship matches and John Cena’s return tonight on SmackDown and 205 Live.

    For SmackDown, WWE has announced Cena’s return to TV as well as a main event of WWE Champion AJ Styles defending against Baron Corbin and Dolph Ziggler. Other matches announced include Becky Lynch vs. SmackDown Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss and The Wyatt Family defending the SmackDown Tag Team Championships against The Usos, American Alpha and Slater & Rhyno in a Four Corners Elimination Match.

    WWE did not elaborate on Cena’s return but they wrote the following in their Five Point Preview:

    “What will Cena have to say to the WWE Universe? Will he have his eyes squarely on the WWE Championship? Or has someone else drawn the ire of the Cenation?”

    For 205 Live, Jack Gallagher will face Ariya Daivari in the first ever “Gentlemen’s Duel” while the main event will see Rich Swann defend the WWE Cruiserweight Championship against Neville.

    Join us later tonight for live coverage, news and notes from the Allstate Arena in Chicago.

  • Everything That Happened Last Night On Talking Smack

    Everything That Happened Last Night On Talking Smack

    Rhyno was dressed as Santa Claus last night for the entire episode of Talking Smack. He creepily hit on Renee Young the entire show and it was glorious.

    Natalya was also a guest on Talking Smack and she continued to take shots at Nikki Bella. Natalya stated that she is wrestling royalty and Nikki Bella was handed everything because she was pretty. Daniel Bryan took exception to this given the fact that he is married to Brie Bella. Natalya claimed that the Bella twins were not in her class because she is a member of the Hart family.

    Becky Lynch appeared on Talking Smack and she was still dressed as La Luchadore. Becky stated that she was ashamed that the Women’s division was represented by Alexa Bliss on Smackdown. Rhyno Claus started acting naughty again and rubbed a chocolate chip cookie on his chest in an effort to impress Becky Lynch.

    Baron Corbin went on Talking Smack and claimed that he was the biggest threat in the Triple Threat match for the WWE Championship next week on Smackdown. Corbin went on to say that Styles would pay for the four chair shots he gave to Corbin last night on Smackdown. Corbin didn’t seem to worried about Dolph Ziggler or AJ Styles. Corbin was also frustrated that Daniel Bryan made a match to determine the #1 contender to the WWE Championship while Corbin was away accepting his award for Most Metal Athlete of 2016.

    It would be shocking if Baron Corbin won the WWE Championship next week but there is no denying that he will be in the main event picture in 2017. Corbin has been on Talking Smack several times and he has done well every time he has appeared on the show. On Smackdown, Corbin’s promos sometimes feel forced. I’m not sure if it is because the promos are scripted or if Corbin simply tries too hard during Smackdown. Either way, Corbin has the potential to be great once he puts everything together. He is well on his way to becoming WWE Champion and one of the biggest stars on Smackdown.

  • WWE Championship Triple Threat Announced For Final SmackDown Of 2016

    WWE Championship Triple Threat Announced For Final SmackDown Of 2016

    The final SmackDown of 2016 will now feature AJ Styles defending the WWE Championship in a Triple Threat against Dolph Ziggler and Baron Corbin. The match was previously announced as Ziggler vs. Styles but Ziggler put his shot up against Corbin on tonight’s SmackDown and that match ended in a double countout.

    WWE has also announced a Four Corners Match for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships to take place on next Tuesday’s show in Chicago.

    Here’s the updated line-up for next week:

    -John Cena returns to SmackDown

    -WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Baron Corbin vs. Dolph Ziggler

    -SmackDown Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss vs. Becky Lynch

    -Four Corners Match: SmackDown Tag Team Champions Bray Wyatt & Randy Orton vs. The Usos vs. American Alpha vs. Rhyno & Heath Slater

  • WWE & IC Championship Matches Announced For SmackDown

    WWE & IC Championship Matches Announced For SmackDown

    WWE Champion AJ Styles has been cleared for action as WWE just announced Styles vs. James Ellsworth for tonight’s SmackDown opener. WWE has also announced that The Miz will defend the Intercontinental Championship against Apollo Crews tonight.

    With those matches set, here’s what’s on tap for tonight’s SmackDown Live:

    • WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Ellsworth
    • Intercontinental Champion The Miz vs. Apollo Crews
    • Luke Harper vs. Dean Ambrose
    • Wild Card Triple Threat To Determine #1 Contenders To The SmackDown Tag Team Titles: Konnor vs. Heath Slater vs. Tyler Breeze

    Join us here later tonight for our SmackDown Live Results & Discussion.

    Update: WWE posted this backstage video of James Ellsworth reacting to the news that he’ll be getting a shot at the WWE Championship later tonight.

  • Ranking The 5 Undertaker Matches The WWE Proposed In New Video

    Here are the 5 opponents listed in the video:

    Braun Strowman

    AJ Styles

    Kevin Owens

    Finn Balor

    Shinsuke Nakamura

    All of these matches sound awesome. However, I’d prefer to see some more than others. Out of the five matches in the video, here are in order the matches I’d like to see the most.

    #5: Finn Balor

    Balor is an awesome performer and half of the excitement for this match would surround their entrances. My only issue with this match is that Balor is so much smaller than The Undertaker. I would really have to try and convince myself that Balor would have a shot in the match. It would still be great to see, but out of the 5 matches listed it comes in at number five.

    #4: Kevin Owens

    I would be ecstatic to see this match one year ago. Right now, Kevin Owens is being booked as someone that needs all the help in the world to win a match. Of course, this would still be an excellent match if it were to happen.

    #3:  Braun Strowman

    Braun Strowman has been one of the bright spots on Monday Night Raw. Sure, it is tedious to sit through Strowman squash matches every week, but he is being build up correctly. Another feather in Strowman’s cap is that he is actually decent cutting a promo. He is a rare Superstar in that he is a massive human being and is also very athletic in the ring. He is the total package when it comes to a WWE Superstar. If Strowman continues to defeat everyone in his path, I wouldn’t mind seeing him go against The Undertaker at Wrestlemania. I wouldn’t mind that one bit.

    #2: Shinsuke Nakamura

    I’m a huge Nakamura fan. His matches are so physical and every move he does looks like it legitimately hurts his opponent. This match is probably the least likely to happen out of those in the video but I would still love to see it. Nakamura has such an interesting style in the ring and I think it would be fascinating to see how he would work with The Undertaker.

    #1: AJ Styles

    In my opinion, AJ Styles is the best opponent for The Undertaker. He is currently the WWE World Champion and has been exceptional since arriving in the WWE at the Royal Rumble in January. Granted, Styles has always been phenomenal but I was skeptical if he would be given the chance to be in the WWE. Well, he was given the chance to show what he can do and he’s been the MVP for the WWE this year. Smackdown is a very entertaining show because Styles is on it. Styles is also a perfect opponent for The Undertaker because he can carry the match. AJ Styles can make The Undertaker look twenty years longer if they were to have a match together.

    Discussion: Out of these five matches, which would you like to see the most and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

  • AJ Styles Pulled From WWE Live Events

    AJ Styles Pulled From WWE Live Events

    WWE Champion AJ Styles has been pulled from all WWE events until December 26th at Madison Square Garden, where he’s set to defend against John Cena and Dean Ambrose.

    Styles did not defend the WWE Championship against James Ellsworth on last night’s SmackDown due to the ankle injury he suffered on 12/4 at TLC while taking a backdrop from Ambrose. The champion has not wrestled since that match.

    WWE announced last night that Styles would defend against new #1 contender Dolph Ziggler on the 12/27 SmackDown from Chicago. There’s been no word yet on when Ellsworth will get his shot but it doesn’t look like it will happen in 2016.

  • AJ Styles Talks To Booker T About Possible “Dream Match” Against Shawn Michaels

    AJ Styles Talks To Booker T About Possible “Dream Match” Against Shawn Michaels

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L_BDgnKHD4

    On the most recent edition of Booker T’s Heated Conversations podcast, WWE Champion AJ Styles talked about the possibility of a “dream match” against Shawn Michaels.

    “It’s not up to me to have dream matches,” AJ told Booker. “It’s up to the WWE Universe to have those dream matches and whatever they want, I want to deliver. Now, whether or not Shawn would like to do something like that, that’s totally up to him. I totally respect who he is and what he [has] done for this business. And so, that’s totally in his court.”

    Styles had previous said in Sports Illustrated that he wanted to face Michaels at the Royal Rumble. Jim Ross wrote on his blog that based on his conversations with Michaels, he thinks the match is a “long shot” but that Michaels would at least consider a request like that from WWE. “I’d realistically put the odds of this main event happening at less than 50-50 but I’d love to be wrong on this one,” Ross wrote in October.

    You can listen to AJ’s entire appearance on WWE Hall of Famer Booker T’s podcast here.

  • Photos From Lana’s Latest Match, WWE Lead Writer Let Go, WWE Championship

    Photos From Lana’s Latest Match, WWE Lead Writer Let Go, WWE Championship

    – There was a shakeup with WWE creative this week. Dave Meltzer reports that Tom Casiello, the managing lead writer  who oversaw both the RAW and SmackDown teams, was let go. Casiello was a strong proponent of women’s wrestling.

    – For those keeping score, the championship held by AJ Styles is once again listed as the “WWE Championship” at WWE.com. In recent months it’s been referred to as the WWE World Championship and the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

    – Lana competed at Friday night’s NXT live event from Winter Haven, FL, defeating Sarah Bridges (Crazy Mary Dobson). Lana worked as a babyface, had new entrance music, danced a lot and was wearing ring gear similar to when she was paired with Dolph Ziggler on WWE TV. According to a correspondent who was at the show, Lana looked good but her inexperience did show at times. Here’s a look at Lana’s match from #NXTWinterHaven:

    https://twitter.com/JJWilliamsWON/status/807402964474179584

    https://twitter.com/50ShadesPhotos/status/807459980832047104

  • AJ Styles In A Walking Boot On WWE SmackDown (Video)

    AJ Styles In A Walking Boot On WWE SmackDown (Video)

    WWE World Champion AJ Styles’ ankle injury was acknowledged on Tuesday’s SmackDown Live. As noted, Styles was injured during his main event TLC title defense against Dean Ambrose.

    Styles came out tonight on SmackDown wearing a walking boot and announced that he is not cleared to compete against his scheduled main event against James Ellsworth. Styles said he has to wear the boot for at least one week.

  • Update On AJ Styles’ Injury & Status For This Weekend

    Update On AJ Styles’ Injury & Status For This Weekend

    As reported earlier, WWE World Champion AJ Styles suffered a minor injury to his right ankle during the WWE TLC main event against Dean Ambrose on Sunday. Styles did not work Monday’s house show in Tyler, TX and was replaced in the main event.

    In an update, Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio speculates that the injury happened when Styles hit the springboard 450 through a table on Sunday night.

    There’s still no word on if Styles will be able to defend the championship against James Ellsworth on tonight’s live SmackDown but we will keep you updated throughout the day. There’s also no word on Styles’ status for weekend house shows but without Styles or John Cena, the already-slim roster would be taking another hit.

  • Styles vs. Ellsworth Tonight On SmackDown, Owens Subjected To Reigns Fans

    Styles vs. Ellsworth Tonight On SmackDown, Owens Subjected To Reigns Fans

    Tonight’s WWE SmackDown Live from Houston, Texas will feature WWE World Champion AJ Styles vs. James Ellsworth in the main event. Ahead of their match, AJ Styles sent a message to the challenger.

    WWE United States Champion Roman Reigns wrote the following after his match with Chris Jericho on RAW. Reigns mentioned Kevin Owens in the tweet and Owens wasn’t happy with the “mind-numbing” replies he was subjected to from Reigns supporters.

    https://twitter.com/fightowensfight/status/806128229882953728

    Owens re-tweeted some of the messages from Reigns fans and is pleading with Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley to take action.

    https://twitter.com/fightowensfight/status/806128818884902912

    https://twitter.com/fightowensfight/status/806129573553471489

    Owens defends the Universal Championship at Roman Reigns later this month at WWE Roadblock.

  • 205 Live Main Event, AJ Styles On His TLC ‘Wardrobe Malfunction’

    205 Live Main Event, AJ Styles On His TLC ‘Wardrobe Malfunction’

    – Rich Swann will defend his WWE Cruiserweight Championship against former champion Brian Kendrick in the main event of this week’s WWE 205 Live from Houston.

    – You may have noticed WWE World Champion AJ Styles suffering a back-side wardrobe malfunction at TLC on Sunday night. Styles took to Twitter tonight and addressed the slip, noting that his “gear and butt cheek were sliced” by a steel chair.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BNqGgvhDo6p/

  • AJ Styles Pulled From The Ring At WWE House Show

    AJ Styles Pulled From The Ring At WWE House Show

    WWE World Champion AJ Styles did not work tonight’s SmackDown house show in Tyler, TX. The main event instead saw Dean Ambrose vs. The Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler in a Triple Threat.

    Styles was pulled from the ring as a “precautionary measure,” according to PWInsider.

    As we reported earlier, Styles suffered a minor ankle injury during the main event of WWE TLC on Sunday night. No word yet on if he will still defend the WWE World Championship against James Ellsworth on SmackDown but we will keep you updated.

  • Video: WWE World Championship Match Announced, James Ellsworth On Helping AJ Styles At TLC

    Video: WWE World Championship Match Announced, James Ellsworth On Helping AJ Styles At TLC

    James Ellsworth vs. AJ Styles for the WWE World Championship has been announced as the main event for this Tuesday’s live SmackDown. The match was made by SmackDown GM on tonight’s post-TLC Talking Smack episode.

    Ellsworth appeared on Talking Smack and commented on why he helped AJ Styles retain the championship over Dean Ambrose at TLC. Ellsworth made it clear he didn’t turn on Ambrose as much as he wanted to face Styles for the title because he feels he has AJ’s number after the recent wins. Ellsworth also mentioned giving Ambrose the first championship shot after he wins.

    Below is video of Ellsworth on Talking Smack:

  • WWE Smackdown & 205 Live Reaction (11/29)

    WWE Smackdown & 205 Live Reaction (11/29)

    WWE Smackdown (11/29)

    This week’s episode of Smackdown kicked off with Renee Young in the ring. Alexa Bliss and Becky Lynch joined her in the ring for a contract signing for their Smackdown Women’s Championship match this Sunday at WWE TLC. Alexa Bliss told Renee Young to get out of the ring. Bliss also scolded Renee for her fashion choices. Becky Lynch then compared Alexa to her four year old cousin. Bliss continued to insult Becky Lynch and they both signed the contract. After they both signed it, they brawled in the ring. Lynch hit the Becksplex on Alexa Bliss. Alexa then fought back and shoved Becky through a table off of the turnbuckle.

    Reaction: I thought this promo was really good. Becky Lynch can be a bit of adventure on the microphone but tonight she did a good job. Alexa Bliss is excellent on the microphone and her facial expressions are hilarious. I find this feud to be much more interesting than the one between Charlotte and Sasha Banks on Raw.

    Dolph Ziggler & Kalisto vs Baron Corbin & The Miz

    Corbin dominated the match early and threw Ziggler out of the ring. The Miz was then tagged in and he immediately grabbed a ladder from under the ring. Ziggler got up and connected with a DDT on The Miz outside the ring. Ziggler then hit Corbin with a Superkick. Back in the ring, Ziggler tagged in Kalisto. The Miz hit Kalisto with a boot to the face and dove outside the ring onto Ziggler. Miz then launched Ziggler into the barricade surroinding the ring.

    Kalisto then dove onto Corbin outside the ring. Ziggler hit a Superkick on The Miz as he was lying on the ring apron. Maryse shoved the ladder into Ziggler’s face. Kalisto landed the Salida del Sol on The Miz in the ring. Before the referee could count to three, Baron Corbin nailed Kalisto in the back with a chair. The referee then disqualified The Miz and Baron Corbin.

    Winners via DQ: Dolph Ziggler & Kalisto

    Reaction: This was a quick match but it served a purpose. Ziggler will be facing The Miz in a ladder match for the IC Title on Sunday. Corbin will be squaring off with Kalisto in a chairs match at TLC. Both the ladder and a chair came into play during this match. I like it when things make sense, don’t you?

    American Alpha were interviewed backstage about their match tonight versus Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton. Gable and Jordan stated that they will prove again tonight why they are the best team in the WWE.

    Bray Wyatt, Randy Orton and Luke Harper were then shown backstage. Orton interrupted Wyatt and questioned Luke Harper. Orton asked Harper if he was going to do what needs to be done tonight against Kane. Harper looked aggravated and Wyatt instructed Harper to go send Kane back to hell. There is obviously some friction between Harper and Orton. I do not believe that Harper is completely sold on Orton joining the Wyatt Family.

    Carmella came down to the ring for a match but that never happened. Carmella gave a special message to John Cena. Carmella apologized for what she will do to his girlfriend, Nikki Bella at TLC. Carmella claimed that she was going to rearranged Nikki’s “Bella twins” and her face as well. Nikki Bella came sprinting from backstage and attacked Carmella. The referee seperated them and that allowed Carmella to haul off and slap Nikki in the face. Nikki then got up and continued the assault on Carmella.

    Ambrose Asylum w/ Dean Ambrose

    Dean Ambrose introduced James Ellsworth as his first guest on the Ambrose Asylum. An “Ellsworth!” chant broke out amongst the crowd. Ambrose poked fun at Ellsworth’s old wrestling boots. Ellsworth thanked Ambrose for helping him become an official WWE Superstar. Ellsworth stated that if Ambrose ever needed anything he would do it. Ambrose asked Ellsworth to wash his car, do his laundry and pick him up a six-pack and some candy for later.

    Ambrose asked Ellsworth who he will be rooting for this Sunday at TLC. Ellsworth stated that it would be an honor to wrestle Dean Ambrose for the WWE World Championship. AJ Styles interrupted the party and stood on the announce table. Styles poked fun at Ellsworth and called him a dummy. Ambrose stated that Styles had then lost to a dummy three times.

    Styles got in the ring and claimed that he was tired of Ambrose making him out to be a joke. Styles demanded respect and claimed that he was going to beat the hell out of Ambrose at TLC. Styles dared Ellsworth to show up during his match againt Ambrose at TLC. Ambrose claimed that Styles was weak mentally. Ambrose stated that this Sunday the fun and games were over. Ambrose went on to state that he will recapture the WWE World Championship at TLC.

    Styles pushed Ellsworth into Ambrose who fell into a ladder. AJ then whipped Ellsworth into a table and smashed Dean Ambrose with the steel steps. Styles returned to the ring and beatdown Ellsworth. Styles hit Ellsworth with a ladder and then tossed him out of the ring. Ellsworth’s feet got caught up in the bottom rope and Styles hit him with a steel chair. AJ then hit the Styles Clash on Ellsworth off of the steps onto the floor outside the ring.

    Reaction: Finally, Styles got the upper hand on Ellsworth and Ambrose. I find Ellsworth to be very entertaining but I’m not really interested in seeing him in the WWE World Championship picture. Having said that, this was a very good promo. There has only been one match in the first hour and fifteen minutes of tonight’s Smackdown. Usually that would annoy me but tonight’s promos have all ended in brawls.

    Luke Harper vs Kane

    Kane and Harper tied up to begin the match. Kane shoved Harper down and Harper got back up and they locked up again. Harper bounced off of the ropes and hit a couple of shoulder blocks but Kane was not phased. Kane then leveled Harper. Luke Harper got back up and hit Kane with a series of uppercuts. Kane once again shrugged them off and came right back at Harper. Smackdown went to a commercial break with Luke Harper outside the ring with a shocked look on his face.

    When Smackdown returned, Harper was in control of the match and had a Chinlock applied to Kane in the center of the ring. Kane battled out of the Chinlock and hit a Jawbreaker. Kane went for a Chokeslam but Harper blocked it and kicked Kane in the head. Harper went for a pinfall but Kane kicked out at two. Kane fought back and connected with a DDT on Harper. Kane followed it up with a Sidewalk Slam and went for a pin but Harper kicked out. Harper battled back and hit Kane with a Dropkick to the ribs. Kane was affected and hunched over in the corner. Harper leaped on him twice and connected with a couple of shots to the ribs. Harper then then climbed to the second turnbuckle and hit Kane with a couple of punches.

    Kane fought out of the corner by hitting a Powerbomb on Harper. Kane once again went for the Chokeslam but Harper grabbed the rope. Harper connected with a Sidewalk Slam of his own but Kane kicked out once again. Kane slammed Harper to the mat and climbed to the top rope. Kane went for a Clothesline off of the top rope but Harper ducked it and drilled Kane with a Superkick. Kane once again powered out of the pinfall at two. Harper then climbed to the top rope but Kane got up and punched him in the face. Kane then joined Harper on the turnbuckle and connected with a massive Superplex to Harper.

    Both men slowly got back to their feet and began to trade punches. Kane blocked a punch by Harper and grabbed his throat. Kane then connected with a Chokeslam and picked up the victory.

    Winner: Kane

    Reaction: When you think of Kane versus Luke Harper it doesn’t sound like it would be a good match. This match was actually quite good. The announcers made a comment after the match that Bray Wyatt will not be happy with Luke Harper following this loss to Kane. I’m intrigued with the Wyatt Family storyline right now. It appears that Harper may be on his way out and Orton will be replacing him. I’m curious if this will wind up with Orton turning his back on Bray after he has already destroyed the Wyatt Family from the inside. I do not really know where they are going with this and that is a good thing. Luke Harper has always been one of the more underrated Superstars on the roster. I wouldn’t mind seeing him in the Intercontinental Championship picture and having a single’s run of his own. Harper can work well with almost any male Superstar on the Smackdown roster. I think if you put him up against someone like Baron Corbin they would put on some very physical and entertaining matches.

    Smackdown Tag Team #1 Contenders Match: Randy Orton & Bray Wyatt vs American Alpha

    Randy Orton and Jason Jordan started out the match. Jordan went on the offensive to start things off. The WWE cut to Slater and Rhyno watching the match from backstage. This was humorous because the television screen they were watching was black for a second and essentially Slater and Rhyno were staring at nothing.

    Bray Wyatt entered the match and Jordan went to jump onto him but Wyatt ducked and Jordan went flying into the ropes. Bray tagged in Orton and he continued the assault on Jordan. Gable tagged himself in and immediately connected with a Crossbody off the top rope on Orton. Gable climbed to the top rope again but Wyatt knocked him to the outside of the ring and Smackdown went to a commercial break.

    When Smackdown returned, Wyatt and Gable were in the ring. Wyatt hit Gable with a DDT on the ring apron. Wyatt then went for a pin but Gable kicked out at two. Orton then entered the match and applied a Chinlock to Gable. Orton hit a Powerslam on Gable and once again went for a pinfall but it was unsuccessful. Orton tagged in Wyatt and Gable connected with a Dropkick then sent Bray to the mat. Gable tried to tag in Jordan but Bray got up and punched Jordan off of the ring apron.

    Bray mounted Gable on the mat and punched him in the face several times. Orton was tagged back in and propped Gable up on the top rope. Orton connected with a Superplex on Gable. Jason Jordan and Bray Wyatt were then tagged in. Jordan leveled Wyatt with an overhead Belly to Belly Suplex. Chad Gable hit Orton with a Cannonball off of the ring apron. Back in the ring, Jordan hit a German Suplex on Bray Wyatt.

    The lights then went out and Luke Harper was ringside. Bray went for the Sister Abigail but Gable prevented it. American Alpha then went for the Grand Amplitude but Orton hit Gable with an RKO out of nowhere. Jordan went to hit Bray with a Spear but Harper pulled Bray out of the way. Wyatt then hit the Sister Abigail on Jordan for the victory. Wyatt and Orton will now face Slater and Rhyno at TLC this Sunday. Slater and Rhyno were interviewed backstage but AJ Styles interrupted. Styles stated that nobody cared about the Tag Team titles. Ambrose then appeared out of nowhere and attacked Styles and Smackdown went off the air.

    Reaction: This was a very solid match to close out a good episode of Smackdown. It appears that Harper and Orton are back to getting along for now. Tonight’s episode was promo-heavy but they all were effective. TLC is shaping up to be an exciting show and I cannot wait to watch it on Sunday.

    Winners & #1 Contenders For The Smackdown Tag Team Championships: Randy Orton & Bray Wyatt

    205 Live (11/29)

    Austin Aries and Corey Graves joined Mauro Ranallo on commentary. All of the Superstars on 205 Live were on the entrance ramp and they were introduced to the WWE Universe. A vignette for the Bollywood Boyz was then shown.

    https://twitter.com/WWE205Live/status/803797913251917824

    Bollywood Boyz vs Drew Gulak & Tony Nese

    Harv and Gurv Sihra started out the match on the offensive. Tony Nese was laid out by both of them but was able battle back and tag in Gulak. For the next few minutes, Gulak dominated the match. Nese was tagged back in and he continued the assault on the Bollywood Boyz. Gulak got back into the match and maintained control of the match.

    Nese got back in the match and he applied a Chinlock to one of the Bollywood Boyz. Harv battled out of the Chinlock and connected with a Neckbreaker. Harv tagged in Gurv and he hut Gulak with several chops and a kick to the face. The Bollywood Boyz hit a double Superkick on Drew Gulak for the pinfall victory.

    Winners: The Bollywood Boyz

    Reaction: Not the best way to start off the debut episode of 205 Live. There were some cool spots in this match but overall it was very clunky.

    https://twitter.com/WWE205Live/status/803800282756878338

    TJ Perkins and Brian Kendrick had a confrontation. Perkins stated that he is still owed a rematch and that he wants Kendrick to retain the Cruiserweight Championship tonight. Perkins wants Kendrick to keep the belt so he can get his rematch and take the title away from him.

    https://twitter.com/WWE205Live/status/803801771600580608

    Ariya Daivari vs Jack Gallagher

    Gallagher started out this match extremely cocky and applied a few submission holds to Daivari while posing for the crowd. Daivari battled back and but Gallagher escaped his Headlock. Gallagher did a handstand on the top turnbuckle and then took Daivari down. Gallagher then tied Daivari up in a knot in the center of the ring and taunted him from the corner. Gallagher then hit him with a running kick and Daivari escaped the knot.

    Daivari connected with a Neckbreaker on Gallagher and slapped him in the face a couple of times. Daivari applied a Chinlock but Gallagher fought out of it and connected with a couple of Dropkicks. Gallagher then headbutted Daivari and hit him with a Dropkick in the corner for the victory.

    Winner: Jack Gallagher

    Reaction: This match was bizarre and entertaining. Jack Gallagher may look ridiculous but he is fun to watch. The main positive to take from this match is that Gallagher was able to get the crowd into it. That is something that has escaped the Cruiserweight division when it is featured on Monday Night Raw.

    https://twitter.com/WWE205Live/status/803803266274369537

    Cruiserweight Championship Match: Brian Kendrick (c) vs Rich Swann

    Kendrick started off the match in control. Swann battled back and hit a Dropkick. Kendrick kicked out of a pinfall and Swann applied a Chinlock. Kendrick reversed the Chinlock into a German Suplex. Kendrick attacked Swann in the corner but Swann fought back and connected with several chops to the chest of Kendrick.

    Swann landed a Tiger Bomb on Kendrick and Kendrick rolled out of the ring. Swann followed him out of the ring and hit a Summersault Clothesline off of the barricade. The action returned to the ring and Kendrick connected with another German Suplex. Kendrick then hit a Neckbreaker and Swann’s head hit the top turnbuckle. Swann then fell out of the ring and to the floor.

    Swann was able to get back in the ring before the referee counted him out. Kendrick immediately hit him with a Suplex. Kendrick went for the Captain’s Hook but Swann blocked it. Swann then connected with a Michinoku Driver on Kendrick. Swann followed it up with a kick to the face of Kendrick. Swann went for the Standing 450 but Kendrick got his knees up and then locked in the Captain’s Hook.

    Swann was able to reach the bottom rope and the crowd cheered him on. Both men were on the top turnbuckle and Kendrick bit Swann’s wrist and hit Sliced Bread. Swann kicked out and the crowd started to chant “this is awesome!”. Swannt connected with three spinning heel kicks in a row and pinned Kendrick for the victory.

    After the match, Swann thanked his mother that has passed away and dedicated the match to her. Kendrick was also interviewed on the entrance ramp. Kendrick blamed the loss on TJ Perkins for playing mind games with him earlier in the night. Kendrick also stated that the WWE Universe should not get used to Swann as the Cruiserweight Champion. Kendrick vowed to get his title back and walked away.

    Winner & New Cruiserweight Champion: Rich Swann

    https://twitter.com/WWE205Live/status/803809979639558144

    Reaction: 205 Live started off slow but picked up momentum and wound up being a pretty decent show. I thought the match between Kendrick and Swann was very good. I hope that the Cruiserweight division gets some more time on Monday Night Raw as a result of this show but I doubt that will be the case. Overall, both Smackdown and 205 Live were good shows tonight.

    What did you think of this week’s episodes of Smackdown and 205 Live? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

  • AJ Styles vs. The Undertaker Rumored For Royal Rumble 2017

    AJ Styles vs. The Undertaker Rumored For Royal Rumble 2017

    Last night during the nine hundredth episode of SmackDown, The Undertaker made his long awaited return to WWE television. The impact he had in five minutes of television time is a testament to the level of respect the WWE Universe has for The Deadman, but it seems he’s only just started taking souls and digging holes.

    It was reported earlier today that The Undertaker will be featured on SmackDown for the foreseeable future, which will lead him onto The Road to Wrestlemania. There has been a lot of speculation about what he will be doing at Wrestlemania 33 next year, but his opponent for next year’s Royal Rumble is just as interesting.

    According to a rumor from CageSideSeats, the expectation is that Team SmackDown will lose on Sunday to Team Raw. The Undertaker warned SmackDown’s five men that they’d have to answer to him if they failed, so the plan is for someone to cost them the match and for that individual to be The Undertaker’s next feud.

    It can be assumed that Randy Orton or AJ Styles will be responsible for costing SmackDown the match at Survivor Series. It’s been rumored for the past few days that we could be seeing Undertaker vs. Orton or John Cena at Wrestlemania, so the next high profile Undertaker match will most likely take place at the Royal Rumble when WWE looks to sell out the Alamo Dome.

  • Jim Ross Says AJ Styles vs. Shawn Michaels Is A Long Shot, But Could Happen

    Jim Ross Says AJ Styles vs. Shawn Michaels Is A Long Shot, But Could Happen

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog at JRsBarBQ.com with some thoughts on a potential AJ Styles vs. Shawn Michaels dream match. It’s important to clarify that there are zero credible reports of this match actually happening or Michaels ever wrestling again.

    With the 2017 Royal Rumble taking place from the Alamo Dome in Michaels’ home town of San Antonio and WWE looking to pack over 60,000 fans in the stadium – some fans have speculated that a Styles vs. Michaels dream match could help make the show a success. That said, time for the speculation. JR thinks the odds of this match happening are a “definite long shot,” but expressed optimism that anything could happen if WWE reached out to Michaels looking for help selling out the Rumble.

    “The odds of Shawn Michaels wrestling at the Royal Rumble vs AJ Styles is a definite long shot as HBK has stressed to me on multiple occasions including the Ross Report podcast that he’s done with in ring activities in the wrestling biz. However, Shawn is a ‘company man’ and if WWE really needed a main event that could move a large amount of tickets in San Antonio at the Alamo Dome, I think that HBK would consider the company’s request. Without question, a Michaels vs Styles match in San Antonio at the Royal Rumble would be coveted by all involved if it were to occur. I’d realistically put the odds of this main event happening at less than 50-50 but I’d love to be wrong on this one.”

    Styles himself recently commented on the hypothetical dream match. During an interview with Sports Illustrated, the WWE World Champion said he’d love to work with Michaels, but there’s no concrete evidence to get excited just yet.

    “I’d love to learn from him, but who’s to say if that’s going to happen,” AJ explained. “Right now, it’s all speculation and rumors that I’m finding out like everyone else is, but man, what a match that would be.”

    He also tweeted this fan-created image hyping the dream match:

  • AJ Styles Says He Wants Shawn Michaels At Royal Rumble 2017

    AJ Styles Says He Wants Shawn Michaels At Royal Rumble 2017

    WWE World Champion AJ Styles wants to face the currently-retired Shawn Michaels at Royal Rumble. In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, “The Face That Runs The Place” said he wants Michaels in the Heart-Break Kid’s hometown of San Antonio, TX, where the 2017 Royal Rumble will be hosted.

    “I’d love to learn from him, but who’s to say if that’s going to happen,” AJ explained. “Right now, it’s all speculation and rumors that I’m finding out like everyone else is, but man, what a match that would be.”

    Styles also addressed Ryback’s story about Vince McMahon wanting Ryback to “squash” Styles at WrestleMania 32. That didn’t end up happening and rather than squashing him, Vince McMahon gave Styles a main event push and eventually the World Championship.

    “I think what Ryback said may have been true at that time,” Styles said of Ryback’s story, which would have occurred either before or shortly after his debut.

    “I don’t know that Vince knew exactly what he had in AJ Styles, and I think his opinion of me changed somewhat quickly,” explained Styles. “That’s OK, I’ve been doing that my whole life—changing people’s opinion of me and what I’m capable of. I’m not mad at Ryback. If it was said, it was said, and I’m not mad at Vince McMahon. Opinions vary, and they change.

    You can read the WWE World Champion’s entire interview at SI.com.

    Update: AJ Styles tweeted the following in response to the speculation of him facing Shawn Michaels at the Royal Rumble:

  • Daniel Bryan Makes WWE SmackDown Main Event For Next Week

    Daniel Bryan Makes WWE SmackDown Main Event For Next Week

    The main event of next week’s WWE SmackDown from Green Bay will see WWE World Champion AJ Styles take on Dean Ambrose in a non-title match. If Ambrose wins, he will be the new #1 contender.

    The match was made below on tonight’s Talking Smack after Styles demanded that SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan book him in a match against Ambrose next week.

  • AJ Styles Speaks On The Possibility Of WWE Buying TNA, Facing Nakamura In WWE

    AJ Styles Speaks On The Possibility Of WWE Buying TNA, Facing Nakamura In WWE

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muF5ghYUgWM

    AJ Styles says he’s unsure if he would like WWE to buy TNA. In a recent interview with The Phoenix New Times, the “face that runs the place” addressed his former place of employment TNA’s questionable future.

    “I don’t know. I think that I would love for them (TNA wrestlers) to be them and us to be us,” AJ said of the possibility of WWE acquiring TNA’s roster. “Competition’s a good thing and to see some of my friends maybe losing their jobs, that’s never good. So I would love to see them continue to exist and do so.”

    In an interview earlier this week, Styles said we’ll have to be patient to see him in the ring with Shinsuke Nakamura again. When the Phoenix New Times asked about the possibility of defending his World Championship against Nakamura, Styles says Nakamura has a long way to go.

    “I think Shinsuke Nakamura’s going to have to work his way up to where I am. I don’t have to work myself to where he is,” Styles said. “I’m the world heavyweight champion. So if he wants a piece of AJ Styles and can find a way of getting onto the SmackDown roster, he can come and get some. It may sound cliché, but he don’t want none. But, would people like to see that matchup? Absolutely. And I would love to give it to them.”

    AJ also noted that he would love to see WWE sign The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega. You can read the entire interview here.