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Tag: AJ Styles

  • WWE Intercontinental Championship Plans For SummerSlam Revealed

    WWE Intercontinental Championship Plans For SummerSlam Revealed

    WWE Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles will reportedly defend the title against Jeff Hardy at the upcoming SummerSlam pay-per-view.

    WWE has not announced Hardy vs. Styles as of this writing, but PWInsider reports that this was the planned direction for the SmackDown episode that is taping in Orlando today at the Performance Center. This is the episode that will air tomorrow night on FOX.

    This would be the first we’ve seen of the Hardy vs. Styles feud on SmackDown. Hardy wrapped his feud with Sheamus a few weeks ago, and Styles has successfully defend the title over Drew Gulak, Matt Riddle and Gran Metalik in recent weeks.

    Below is the current line-up for the 2020 SummerSlam pay-per-view, which will air live on August 23rd:

    – WWE United States Champion Apollo Crews defends against MVP

    – RAW Tag Team Champions The Street Profits defend against Andrade & Angel Garza

    – RAW Women’s Champion Sasha Banks defends against Asuka

    – SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley defends against the winner of the Tri-Brand Battle Royal on SmackDown

    – WWE Universal Champion Braun Strowman defends against “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt

    – Seth Rollins vs. Dominik Mysterio (Mysterio will be allowed to use weapons)

    – WWE Champion Drew McIntyre defends against Randy Orton

  • Jim Cornette Talks Dixie Carter’s ‘Creative Influence’ on TNA

    Jim Cornette Talks Dixie Carter’s ‘Creative Influence’ on TNA

    Pro wrestling personality and former TNA backstage employee Jim Cornette recently discussed Dixie Carter and her influence on the TNA product. Cornette was responding to recent comments from WWE Superstar AJ Styles on his Drive Thru podcast.

    AJ Styles stated “Do I believe Dixie ruined IMPACT? Well, it was TNA back then, and 100%. IMPACT, there was a time when it was really gaining ground. The problem was, Dixie wanted to be WWE-lite and that’s not what people wanted. They wanted to see something else. All she had to do was let us do what we do, it was really that simple. Had she left it to the writers, I think TNA would still be around and be bigger than what they are, but not knowing what’s best for business? She hurt TNA” 

    Jim Cornette on Dixie Carter

    “Dixie had talent she liked” Jim Cornette began on the Drive Thru. “And I’m not saying that in an inappropriate way. She thought that Hernandez, and she was correct in this, should be a Latino Mexican superstar at one point. I fully agreed with that.”

    Cornette would then elaborate further on this, blaming Vince Russo for ‘destroying’ the potential they had with LAX member Hernandez. “Unfortunately for Hernandez? She’d [Dixie] picked an idiot to write her show [Vince Russo] who didn’t know how to get that guy over. And when I left? That was the end of that [Hernandez’s run], because he [Russo] didn’t understand it.”

    Jim Cornette would then blame Dixie Carter for bringing in Vince Russo to oversee the writing of the product, thus somewhat agreeing with AJ Styles. “Dixie was responsible for creative in terms of who she hired to be in charge of it. And Jeff Jarrett to his credit, while he was there was able to balance most of the bullsh*t out with actual sh*t that made sense. OR, wouldn’t harm talent when you presented him with a better way to do it.”

    “Dixie may have sat in on a few production meetings, not that many” Jim Cornette would continue. “Sometimes she wasn’t there at television and other times she would get there right before taping started. She’d be flying in from somewhere, she’d get there just in time to get her makeup done to go out in front of the fans and take post pictures holding the TNA title belt. But if you had a creative question, or if I did? I went to Jeff Jarrett.”

    Do you agree with Cornette’s assessment? Let us know in the comments

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  • AJ Styles Responds To Gallows & Anderson Wanting Him Back In Impact

    AJ Styles Responds To Gallows & Anderson Wanting Him Back In Impact

    AJ Styles has reacted to the recent news that former WWE Superstars Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows want to see him back in Impact Wrestling.

    Speaking during a Twitch stream, “The Phenomenal One” addressed his former O.C. stablemates’ comments. Styles admitted he didn’t know what to make of it, adding how fans “know how I feel about that.”

    “Yeah, Gallows and Anderson are trying to get me back [in Impact Wrestling] is what they said. Never say never but I also have said that I would like to finish my career in the WWE. So, we will see.”

    Styles acknowledged how Impact Wrestling has “a lot going on right now,” especially after its influx of former WWE Superstars. He stressed how Impact’s roster was good beforehand, but with the addition of The Good Brothers, EC3, Eric Young and more, “they’ve upped it just a little bit more.”

    Looking at the prospects on the horizon for Gallow and Anderson, AJ Styles expressed how thrilled he was for his friends, saying, “Man, I am so happy for those guys. I’m happy they’re happy, you know what I mean? ‘Cause there was a tough time there for all of us. So, they’re kicking tail right now anyway.”

    Gallows and Anderson were released earlier this year as a cost-cutting measure by WWE due to the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on business.

  • Gallows & Anderson Trying to Lure AJ Styles Back To Impact Wrestling

    Gallows & Anderson Trying to Lure AJ Styles Back To Impact Wrestling

    Former WWE Superstars Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows have made it clear: they want to see AJ Styles back in Impact Wrestling. Speaking with Gary Cassidy of Sportskeeda, The Good Brothers also shared Styles’ reaction to their decision to sign with Impact Wrestling.

    Luke Gallows revealed how Styles called them when he “knew that it was actually confirmed.” He acknowledged how Styles’ WWE schedule is so hectic and that they, in turn, have been “busier than we’ve ever been.”

    He revealed how they’d been occupied putting plans in place, but Styles let them know he was happy for them and their decision during a phone call. Gallows then noted how neither he nor Anderson “ever actually went to AJ for advice on whether we should do it or not.”

    At this point, Karl Anderson chimed in with their ultimate ambition. According to him, he and Luke Gallows want to entice Styles back to Impact Wrestling, where he once enjoyed several years as one of their top stars.

    “Ultimately, we’re going to talk AJ Styles into coming back to IMPACT. That’s what we’re doing every single day. We’re texting him and telling him to come back.”

    AJ Styles recently moved to SmackDown following issues with Paul Heyman on Monday Night RAW. He subsequently won the WWE Intercontinental Championship.

    After appearing on Slammiversary, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows recently made their Impact Wrestling in-ring debut, which you can see below:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zB7Y0oqnIm8
  • AJ Styles: Dixie Carter Is 100% To Blame For Ruining TNA

    AJ Styles: Dixie Carter Is 100% To Blame For Ruining TNA

    Current WWE Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles has revealed who he believes can be blamed for ruining TNA’s Impact Wrestling show. As far as he’s concerned, blame can be fully attributed to Dixie Carter.

    Reflecting on his time working for the promotion during a Twitch stream, Styles confessed how he loved Vince Russo as a person. However, when it came to working creatively together, he admitted they often “butted heads.”

    “[…] but I realized when we butted heads, it was because he was getting things from Dixie the whole time. It must have been very difficult to work with this woman who has no idea how wrestling works and wanted everything to be done to it and it didn’t make any sense.”

    Style then stressed how “Do I believe Dixie ruined IMPACT? Well, it was TNA back then, and 100%.”

    He explained how, at the time, Impact was gaining positive momentum. Styles believes the problem stemmed from Dixie Carter’s need to be “WWE-lite,” something Styles claimed people weren’t interested in.

    AJ Styles argued how instead of providing WWE-lite, fans were eager for “something else.” He shared how all Dixie Carter had to do was “let us do what we do.” He added how—had she left the creative direction to the writers—TNA would still be around and would probably be more popular than they currently are as Impact Wrestling. Styles added how, because Dixie Carter didn’t know what was best for business, she ultimately ended up hurting TNA.

  • Randy Orton Trolls AJ Styles After Downplaying His Flat Earth Belief

    Randy Orton Trolls AJ Styles After Downplaying His Flat Earth Belief

    Randy Orton didn’t let up on AJ Styles as he poked fun at the WWE Intercontinental Champion for his interesting belief. 

    For a few years, there has been an ongoing joke about Styles believing that the earth is flat. Earlier this week, Orton made fun of Styles for the belief by writing the following in a response to RJ City: 

    “They council me, they understand Multiple musical notes F**k you for doing this to me bro. As @AJStylesOrg  would say, ‘frick’…. also he’s a flat earther. Lets talk about THAT.”

    Styles recently talked about this topic on his official Twitch channel.

    “For instance, the whole flat Earth thing. I’m with you guys. Randy Orton likes to be a turd…I’m like, come on! There are some interesting things that come up, and I was like, wow, that’s interesting. You know? But it was never, ‘It’s flat! It’s flat! You’re gonna fall!’ It’s never been like that. Just because I said that was interesting I’m now a flat Earther? I’m like, alright then.”

    Orton saw the latest comments made by Styles and trolled him yet again, as seen below: 

    Jokes about Styles believing in this theory is due to Daniel Bryan, who shared it during an episode of Talking Smack. 

  • AJ Styles WWE Talent “Despise” Paul Heyman For Being A Liar

    AJ Styles WWE Talent “Despise” Paul Heyman For Being A Liar

    AJ Styles continues to publicly express his displeasure for former RAW Executive Director Paul Heyman.

    During a Twitch stream, Styles addressed his problems with Heyman, whom he has previously labeled a “liar.“

    AJ Styles confessed that the reason he requested to move to SmackDown was because he “couldn’t stand looking” at Heyman. He stressed how he “just can’t stand a liar.”

    He explained how, as grown men, he couldn’t understand why Heyman felt the need to lie. This led his feelings of animosity to grow to the point where, if an opportunity presented itself on SmackDown, he was willing to jump at it.

    AJ Styles: WWE Talent Despise Paul Heyman

    AJ Styles shared how fans wouldn’t believe how many people “despise” Paul Heyman because of his lies. He then claimed that Heyman would “find ways to throw them under the bus when he screwed up.”

    According to Styles, Heyman would do this so they would get in trouble instead of him. It’s a claim Styles said he’s heard from “several, several different people.” He added how it was hard to find someone who actually liked Heyman.

    “I didn’t know this, I just assumed everybody liked him and I was the only one. Vince is a very smart man and he can see through a lot of crap and I think he finally saw what everybody already knew and said ‘you know what man, you’ve done some great things in the past [but] you’re just not well-liked here, maybe hit the bricks. We’ll let you be the advocate for Brock Lesnar. You do it well, you can’t deny that. He’s good at that. I think that’s as far as it needs to go.’”

    AJ Styles then stated how the only person Heyman can blame is himself:

    “Just don’t lie to people man. This is the business that he, I don’t want to say grew up in but found a way to be successful in – probably by lying. I’m not the first guy to say this, as I found out.”

    AJ Styles has previously shared how he believed Heyman recommended that Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson be released by WWE as a cost-cutting measure due to COVID-19.

  • AJ Styles Retains WWE Intercontinental Title On Friday Night SmackDown

    AJ Styles Retains WWE Intercontinental Title On Friday Night SmackDown

    WWE decided to book a big match between Matt Riddle and AJ Styles on SmackDown instead of saving it for its Extreme Rules pay-per-view event.

    Styles successfully retained the Intercontinental Title during Friday’s episode of SmackDown from Orlando, Florida at the WWE Performance Center. The finish of the match that aired on FOX saw Riddle get rolled up for the quick loss. After the match, Baron Corbin came out and attacked Riddle to further their feud. 

    The former NXT star made his SmackDown debut on the June 19th episode of the show when he interrupted Styles’ Intercontinental Title celebration in the opening segment. 

    They were then booked in a non-title match that saw Riddle go over Styles, which kicked off the feud. 

    The former UFC star wrapped up his successful run under the NXT banner when he competed in a Fight Pit match against Timothy Thatcher with special guest referee Kurt Angle during the May 27th episode of NXT.

    WWE booking this championship match on the go-home episode of SmackDown for this Sunday’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view event caught some fans off guard as they believed it could’ve been saved for the PPV. However, based on the feedback on social media, it was a well-received match. 

    Matt Riddle Addresses Allegations Against Him

  • Spoiler For Matt Riddle vs AJ Styles Match on WWE SmackDown

    Spoiler For Matt Riddle vs AJ Styles Match on WWE SmackDown

    New SmackDown Superstar Matt Riddle will be challenging Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles tonight on the broadcast. Riddle made his ‘main roster’ debut just a few short weeks ago, defeating AJ Styles in a non-title match.

    In a spoiler for tonight’s match, AJ Styles will not be dropping the title just yet. According to a report by Fightful, Styles wins the match against the former UFC fighter. After the match, Baron Corbin will join Styles in a beatdown of the ‘Original Bro.’

    Matt Riddle vs AJ Styles Match Preview

    WWE released the following preview for the massive match tonight:

    “The Face That Runs The Place” will face a challenge from The Bro who is set on running the show as AJ Styles puts the Intercontinental Championship on the line against Matt Riddle.

    The Original Bro made an emphatic statement when he defeated The Phenomenal One in his SmackDown in-ring debut. At that time, the Intercontinental Champion would only grant a non-title matchup for Riddle, and Styles was distracted by his rival Daniel Bryan; who was watching from ringside among a host of blue brand Superstars. When the championship matchup was revealed to Styles during an interview with Sarah Schreiber, the titleholder promised things would be different for the neophyte with no other distractions at play.

    Are Friday nights about to become “The Bro Show,” or will the Intercontinental Champion extend his Phenomenal reign?

    Tune in to Friday Night SmackDown on FOX at 8/7 C to see who leaves with the title!

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  • AJ Styles Credits Roman Reigns With Helping His WWE Career

    AJ Styles Credits Roman Reigns With Helping His WWE Career

    Current WWE Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles has shared his thoughts on Roman Reigns’ current hiatus away from in-ring action. Reigns made the decision to not attend his Universal Championship match at WrestleMania 36 due to coronavirus concerns.

    Speaking with The Irish Sun, Styles stressed how it’s impossible to deny Reigns’ star power. “The Phenomenal One” referred to Reigns as “one of the biggest stars in WWE” adding how “He’s WWE. I mean, he’s the guy. so to get him back would be a big help.”

    Styles then reflected on his interactions with Reigns since he first debuted in WWE back in 2016. He relayed how he was known as an “indie guy” and was presented with a perfect scenario against Reigns.

    “This guy from Japan just walked right in there and step in the ring with Roman Reigns. Now the perfect scenario was in place because not everybody loved Roman. Now he is definitely one of the biggest stars but not everyone loved Roman then and so you have this indiedarling, right? And it was like, oh, they made it easy for me to be in there with Roman, because Roman is such a huge star.”

    AJ Styles explained how it only got better from there when he had the chance to compete against Reigns. He reflected on his championship opportunity against “The Big Dog” and shared how their match was “unbelievable.”

    “I’ve watched it back. Wow. I can’t believe we did all this stuff that was really good,” Styles confessed. “So, yeah, Roman Reigns is a big part of the reason why my career’s where it’s at.”

    AJ Styles will defend his Intercontinental Championship during tonight’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown. He faces off against SmackDown’s newest Superstar, Matt Riddle.

  • AJ Styles On Rumors Behind SmackDown Move, Labels Paul Heyman A ‘Liar’

    AJ Styles On Rumors Behind SmackDown Move, Labels Paul Heyman A ‘Liar’

    WWE’s current Intercontinental champion AJ Styles has denied rumors regarding his move from RAW to SmackDown. Reports suggested that Styles had essentially been bullied off of Monday Night RAW and that the “Phenomenal One” was upset with Paul Heyman after Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson were released by the promotion.

    Speaking on a recent Mixer stream, Styles addressed the rumors head-on:

    “[…] there were some rumors going around that AJ Styles left Raw to go to SmackDown because he was being bullied. That may be the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard,” Styles stated. “I’m a grown man. If there was some bullying going on that upset me enough to leave Raw and go to SmackDown, I would handle it…”

    Styles then turned his attention to the supposed Heyman animosity regarding his former OC members. He stressed how “that’s now what it was at all. Not even close.” AJ Styles then shared a snippet of what he, Gallows and Anderson know by labeling Heyman a liar.

    “He’s a liar, now you know. I’m sure you’ve heard that before if you go back to his ECW days, you’ll hear that. He’s a bold-faced liar. That’s my take on that.”

    Styles’ former teammates, Gallows and Anderson, were let go by WWE as a cut cutting measure due to the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on business. They joined several other WWE Superstars and backstage personnel in being released.

  • AJ Styles Thinks Having Undertaker Rematch At WrestleMania 37 Would Be Ideal

    AJ Styles Thinks Having Undertaker Rematch At WrestleMania 37 Would Be Ideal

    AJ Styles is open to having a rematch with The Undertaker at WrestleMania despite the recent comments made by the legendary pro wrestler. 

    The former WWE Champion revealed during the fifth and final episode of his WWE Network docuseries that he has no desire to return to the ring again. This has caused many fans to think that he is retired. 

    Styles, who lost to Taker in a Boneyard Match at WrestleMania 36, did an interview with Sports Illustrated where he was asked whether a singles match against Taker is still in his mind. 

    He stated once they were told they were doing a Boneyard match, all the ideas that they had were thrown out the window because they weren’t going to work the same as the Boneyard Match was a fight. 

    “There is still hope The Undertaker is going to have one more match. You can’t blame him if he decides that this is it. I don’t know how he feels about it. I still have ideas of what we’d do in the ring. I’m going to keep them, I’m going to save them if he ever wants us to have that opportunity together in the ring. It’s all up to Taker, but I’m holding onto those spots.”

    Styles was then asked whether the end goal of the story would be to have a rematch at WrestleMania 37. He responded with, “it would be ideal.”

    Styles noted that they need to figure out if Taker wants to do one more because he doesn’t know. However, if Taker does then Styles would be willing to take that ride with him.

  • AJ Styles’ Issues With Paul Heyman Led To WWE SmackDown Trade

    AJ Styles’ Issues With Paul Heyman Led To WWE SmackDown Trade

    It turns out that there’s more to the decision to move AJ Styles from Monday Night RAW to Friday Night SmackDown. 

    Last month, in an unexpected move, WWE announced that Styles was officially traded to SmackDown. A new report has shed some light on this situation and it involves former RAW Executive Director Paul Heyman.

    Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter noted on the message board of F4Wonline that Styles “was furious” over Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson being released. 

    Per Meltzer, Styles reportedly blamed Heyman for their releases. Of course, Heyman doesn’t make the decision to release talent, but rather WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon. 

    Styles probably felt that Heyman could have fought McMahon over that decision, according to Meltzer. 

    Anderson and Gallows are now free agents as WWE released them back in April alongside several other talent and staff who were part of the mass firings due to budget cuts related to the coronavirus impacting their business. 

    As noted, Heyman was removed as the head of creative for RAW this past Thursday as Bruce Prichard will now take over in addition to his responsibilities with SmackDown. 

    However, Heyman still has a WWE performer’s contract and will remain as the advocate of Brock Lesnar on television. 

  • AJ Styles Wins WWE Intercontinental Championship

    AJ Styles Wins WWE Intercontinental Championship

    AJ Styles has become the new WWE Intercontinental Champion. 

    During Friday’s episode of SmackDown from Orlando, Florida at the WWE Performance Center on FOX, WWE held the tournament finals to crown a new Intercontinental Champion. 

    As seen on the show, Styles went over Daniel Bryan to become the champion. It was a long hard-hitting affair that saw both stars hit their signature moves. Several fans praised the contest on social media. 

    Back on the May 15th episode of SmackDown, WWE announced the full bracket for the Intercontinental Title tournament. There were 8 competitors in the tournament.

    Styles, Bryan, Drew Gulak, Elias, Jeff Hardy, King Corbin, Sheamus, and Shinsuke Nakamura were confirmed as competitors.

    WWE booked Elias vs. King Corbin, Daniel Bryan vs. Drew Gulak, Jeff Hardy vs. Sheamus, and AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in the first round. 

    The semi-finals of the tournament were supposed to take place on SmackDown with Jeff Hardy vs. Daniel Bryan and Elias vs. AJ Styles. But there were some changes due to a DUI storyline involving Hardy and Elias. 

    This tournament came about due to WWE stripping Sami Zayn of the title. The reason for this booking decision was due to Zayn being off of television. 

    WWE Star Posts Cryptic Mental Hospital Video

  • AJ Styles Responds To Harsh Comments From CM Punk: “I Don’t Respect Him Anyway”

    AJ Styles Responds To Harsh Comments From CM Punk: “I Don’t Respect Him Anyway”

    CM Punk had taken some serious shots at AJ Styles while replying to a fan tweet recently and now the Phenomenal One has responded to his comments with the same sharpness.

    The former TNA star recently had an interview with Times Of India where he talked about a number of things including his upcoming match with Daniel Bryan and more.

    When asked about Punk’s comments, Styles made some interesting remarks saying that he would not react to criticisms from a guy who he doesn’t respect:

    “I will not react at all coming from a guy like that I don’t respect anyway, it doesn’t really matter. Look, my job as a performer is to perform and get the mind off all the things that have happened throughout the world. I am not going to react to people saying ridiculous and stupid things.”

    CM Punk ‘Shoots’ on AJ Styles

    The comments in question came in response to a tweet where a fan had questioned AJ Styles for being quiet on the current events in the United States.

    The fan had called out the SmackDown star for promoting his streams and claimed that his “silence speaks volumes” before noting that he is unfollowing the former champion.

    CM Punk interestingly responded to these remarks from the fan and in a tweet which has since been deleted he wrote “Well. Come on. That one has been obvious for years.”

    Now it would be interesting to see where this rivalry between the two former WWE Champions is headed next and how CM Punk comes back at AJ Styles.

  • AJ Styles On Why His WrestleMania 34 Match With Shinsuke Nakamura Didn’t Live Up To Expectations

    AJ Styles On Why His WrestleMania 34 Match With Shinsuke Nakamura Didn’t Live Up To Expectations

    AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura are considered to be two of the greatest in-ring performers of the current generation so fans rejoiced when WWE announced a match between the two for WrestleMania 34.

    However, the bout between the two wrestling veterans failed to live up to the expectation of the fans and during his recent appearance on the After The Bell podcast, the Phenomenal One explained the reasoning behind it.

    Styles first explained that the expectations for their match at the Show Of Shows after their Wrestle Kingdom 10 match were too high and Nakamura also thought the same:

    “Expectations are way too high, I know Nakamura [thought so] too because no matter what we would have done in that match, the expectations were way too high.”

    AJ Styles On The Difference In Crowds Of NJPW And WWE

    AJ then claimed that the crowd is everything. He said the fans set the tone on what is a great match and their match in Japan would have not been declared great in WWE:

    “It’s how they respond to it, and in Japan, they’re so respectful. When they do respond, it’s huge. Wow, this is such an amazing match, but had that same match been done in a WWE ring without the same response, it’s not going to be declared as that great of a match.”

    Fans are everything. They dictate a great match.” said AJ Styles “It’s just the reality and the truth of the whole thing, and a lot of people don’t understand. The expectations, they were so high because what we did at Wrestle Kingdom. I was like, ‘oh man.’ I still think it was a great match.”

    The Former WWE Champion gave the example of the match between The Rock and Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania 18, saying that the crowd reaction made it a classic match.

    Shinsuke Nakamura challenged AJ Styles for his WWE Championship at WrestleMania 34. Though Styles managed to win this bout after countering a Kinshasa from the Japanese star into a Styles Clash.

  • WWE Does DUI Storyline With Jeff Hardy, Intercontinental Title Tournament Finals Set

    WWE Does DUI Storyline With Jeff Hardy, Intercontinental Title Tournament Finals Set

    The start of this week’s episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown was different as WWE did an interesting storyline involving Jeff Hardy. 

    Also, fans now know who will be in the finals of the tournament that will determine the new Intercontinental Champion as those competitors have been revealed. 

    The semi-finals of the tournament were supposed to take place on Friday’s episode of SmackDown in Orlando, Florida at the WWE Performance Center on FOX. The pair of matches were Jeff Hardy vs. Daniel Bryan and Elias vs. AJ Styles. 

    However, the show opened with a car parked on a curb with the hood open and Elias on the ground. Once EMT’s and police arrived, they found Hardy nearby and arrested him. Police found an alcohol bottle as well as the registration in the name of Hardy for the rental car. Elias was taken away by ambulance. 

    Hardy has a history of drunk driving and issues with alcohol abuse. 

    Thus, after a backstage meeting, it was determined that Styles would advance to the finals while Bryan would take on the winner of a 10-man battle royal in the opening contest. 

    This contest was won by Sheamus, who took on Bryan in the main event.  As seen on the show, Bryan went over Sheamus thanks to a distraction from the returning Hardy.

    The finals of the tournament between Styles and Bryan will take place in two weeks on SmackDown. 

  • AJ Styles Traded To SmackDown From Raw

    AJ Styles Traded To SmackDown From Raw

    WWE made a surprising change to the SmackDown roster this week and traded the former World Champion AJ Styles from the Raw roster to the Blue Branded show.

    The company had stripped Sami Zayn of the Intercontinental Championship and then announced a tournament for the crowning of a new champion last week.

    Styles was the only Raw star to be included in the tournament brackets, which suggests that the officials had already planned this move by then.

    The Phenomenal One then showed up on this week’s episode of the Blue Branded Show and competed in a first-round match against long time rival Shinsuke Nakamura.

    AJ Styles went on to win the bout and he will now be facing Elias in the second round of the tournament next week. Elias had beaten King Corbin last week to advance in the tournament.

    It’s interesting to note here that no trade has been announced for the former World Champion for Raw and he has instead been traded for a future draft pick.

    This means that it’s very likely that we will see a big star from the Blue Brand’s roster being traded to the Red Branded Show in coming weeks and it would be interesting to see who it turns out to be.

  • WWE Intercontinental Championship Tournament Semi-Finals Set

    WWE Intercontinental Championship Tournament Semi-Finals Set

    The semi-finals of the WWE Intercontinental Championship Tournament are set.

    The second batch of matches in this tournament took place on Friday’s episode of WWE SmackDown in Orlando, Florida at the WWE Performance Center on FOX.

    Those matches saw AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura with Styles going over and Sheamus vs. Jeff Hardy with Hardy being victorious. 

    WWE held the first batch of matches last week that saw Elias defeat Baron Corbin and Daniel Bryan beat Drew Gulak, who departed from the company after the match after his contract had expired with WWE and the company deciding to nix the talks about a new deal when he asked for more money. 

    WWE Intercontinental Championship Tournament Semi-Finals

    Now, Bryan will battle Hardy while Elias is slated to take on Styles in the semi-finals of the tournament. 

    WWE announced when the finals will take place. It will take place next week on SmackDown.

    WWE presents the Backlash pay-per-view event on Sunday, June 14, 2020 in Orlando, Florida at the WWE Performance Center that will air on the WWE Network. Time will tell whether the finals go down at this show.

  • AJ Styles Discusses Seth Rollins And Drew McIntyre, WWE Championship

    AJ Styles Discusses Seth Rollins And Drew McIntyre, WWE Championship

    WWE Superstar AJ Styles was unsuccessful in his attempts to claim the Money In The Bank briefcase during this past Sunday’s pay-per-view. Despite having the briefcase in his hands, “The Phenomenal One” would fumble the prize, dropping it into the waiting hands of Otis.

    Although he wasn’t able to secure the win, AJ Styles still has his eyes set on some of WWE’s top Superstars including Seth Rollins and WWE Champion Drew McIntyre. Those two clashed at the event in a title match, with McIntyre successfully defending his belt. 

    Joining WWE show The Bump, Styles discussed both men and whom he’d prefer to face for the championship if it came to it. AJ Styles admitted he didn’t have a preference, praising both as “super athletic” and “super on fire” when it comes to their performance. “They have what it takes to get the job done. There’s no doubt about that, they obviously have one who’s the champion what has been the champion.”

    AJ Styles On The “Biggest Threat” To Championship Contendenders

    AJ Styles then singled out current WWE Champion Drew McIntyre. He highlighted how McIntyre is on a “different level” at this time.

    Acknowledging his extensive experience in wrestling, Styles stated how McIntyre has also been wrestling for a long while. He believes that McIntyre is the “biggest threat to anyone who wants to go after the WWE Championship.”

    AJ Styles recently referred to the events at Money In The Bank as a “travesty,” perhaps hinting that he intends to take his issues with Otis further on-screen.

  • AJ Styles Calls Money In The Bank Result A “Travesty”

    AJ Styles Calls Money In The Bank Result A “Travesty”

    RAW Superstar AJ Styles has addressed the fallout of Money in the Bank from this past Sunday. Having scaled the ladder, he and King Corbin fought over the unhooked briefcase. Despite his best efforts to secure the prize, Styles would fumble the briefcase. Otis would catch it after Styles dropped it, winning the match in the process.

    AJ Styles’ Anger

    Taking to Twitter, “The Phenomenal One” vented his frustrations with the situation, believing he was cheated from his victory. He stressed how no one had heard from either Aleister Black or Rey Mysterio at the time of his message.

    AJ Styles noted how King Corbin was “running from the law,” acknowledging how Corbin had seemingly hurled both Black and Mysterio off the WWE HQ’s roof. Styles then noted how he was “CHEATED out of #MITB by @otisWWE!” The entire situation is something he called a travesty.

    Although AJ Styles wasn’t a featured part of last night’s Monday Night RAW, both Rey Mysterio and Aleister Black were on the show. The Superstars teamed up in a matchup against Seth Rollins and Murphy.

    With his win, Otis now has the opportunity to challenge for a championship. It is unknown at this time whether he will be challenging for gold on RAW, SmackDown or NXT, or if AJ Styles will take issue with Otis’ victory on TV.

  • AJ Styles Addresses Fan Criticisms Over WWE Return: “I’m With You”

    AJ Styles Addresses Fan Criticisms Over WWE Return: “I’m With You”

    AJ Styles has addressed the critical reception to his return to WWE programming. Prior to his inclusion on Monday Night RAW this week, Styles was last seen being buried by The Undertaker during their Boneyard match at WrestleMania 36.

    Acknowledging the criticisms over his comeback, Styles agreed that his return “could’ve been more” than what it was.

    Styles addressed the topic during a recent MIXER stream. He confessed he had seen people talking about it and how they felt WWE ‘wasted’ their opportunity to bring him back in a more interesting way, whether that was as a different character, mood, or even a different look. AJ Styles agrees. He stated, “I’m with you.”

    Also Read: AJ Styles Was Reportedly Expected To Stay Out Of Action Longer

    AJ Styles Underwhelmed

    He noted how the current coronavirus pandemic may have had a lot to do with WWE’s decision to bring him back.

    AJ Styles came back as a surprise entrant in a Gauntlet Match. The competitors were vying for a spot in this Sunday’s Money in the Bank ladder match. Styles would ultimately win the match.

    It was a comeback he felt was somewhat lacking, both in terms of return impact and competitors.

    “[…] the circumstances, the match… maybe we needed some more star power in the match. Maybe that’s what that was,” AJ Styles said. “I don’t know, I’m not tooting my own horn here, but, I wish we could’ve waited and had times been different, that could’ve been something that we would’ve went [with].”

    AJ Styles takes on Daniel Bryan, Rey Mysterio, Aleister Black, King Corbin and Otis this Sunday at WWE’s Money In The Bank pay-per-view.

    Money in the Bank

  • AJ Styles Was Reportedly Expected To Stay Out Of Action Longer

    AJ Styles Was Reportedly Expected To Stay Out Of Action Longer

    AJ Styles made his return to WWE programming this week on Raw and the Phenomenal One earned himself a spot in the upcoming Money In The Bank match at the show.

    Dave Meltzer talked about the former World Champion on the latest episode of Sunday Night’s Main Event podcast and revealed that the original plans called for him to stay away from WWE programming longer.

    AJ was apparently expected to spend more time on the shelf to sell his loss to the Undertaker in the boneyard match at WrestleMania 36 but the company changed the plans.

    There is no news on why the decision was made but it’s speculated that the recent low ratings could be one of the reasons why he was brought back earlier than expected.

    It’s worth mentioning here that Vince McMahon had talked about the low ratings on the 2020 Q1 earnings call and blamed them on the recent absence of big names from the WWE programming.

    AJ Styles made his surprise return to WWE programming as the final participant of the Last Chance Gauntlet match on Raw and he defeated Humberto Carrillo to win the bout.

    He will now be competing in the upcoming ladder match against Daniel Bryan, Baron Corbin, Otis, Aleister Black and Rey Mysterio at the Money In The Bank PPV this Sunday.

  • AJ Styles Returns On WWE RAW, Men’s MITB Ladder Match Set

    AJ Styles Returns On WWE RAW, Men’s MITB Ladder Match Set

    AJ Styles has made his return to WWE television and already has his match booked for the Money in the Bank pay-per-view event. 

    The former WWE Champion did so during Monday’s episode of RAW where he competed in the Last Chance Gauntlet Match. He ended up beating Humberto Carrillo to qualify for the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match.

    Also in the Gaunlet Match included Bobby Lashley, Titus O’Neil, Akira Tozawa, Shelton Benjamin, Angel Garza, and Austin Theory.

    This match was done as a way to determine the replacement star for Apollo Crews in the upcoming contest. WWE did a storyline where Crews suffered an injury in his latest match against Andrade for the United States Title on last Monday’s RAW. 

    As a result of the injury, Crews was unable to finish the match and ultimately pulled from the ladder match. 

    Thus, this year’s Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match will see Styles vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Baron Corbin vs. Otis vs. Aleister Black vs. vs. Rey Mysterio.

    Just like the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match will be held in Stamford, CT at the WWE headquarters. Stars will start at the floor of the headquarters and battle through the building until they get to the roof. 

    Details On Injury To SmackDown Star Leading To NXT Group Being Called Up

  • AJ Styles Expected To Return On Raw This Monday

    AJ Styles Expected To Return On Raw This Monday

    AJ Styles hasn’t been seen on WWE programming since WrestleMania 36 but now latest reports have revealed that the former World Champion would be returning to TV soon.

    According to reports from Post Wrestling, The Phenomenal One is scheduled to make his return during the upcoming Money In The Bank go-home episode of Monday Night Raw.

    The site also reports that AJ is expected to get involved in the men’s Money In The Bank match at the namesake PPV taking place from the WWE HQ next Sunday on May 10.

    There is no news on what he will be doing at the show but there is obvious speculation of the former Champion’s participation in the last chance gauntlet match on Raw.

    The last chance gauntlet match was announced because Apollo Crews was removed from MITB due to an injury. The company has not revealed the participants for the match so far and AJ Styles could be one of the persons to compete in the bout.

    The former TNA World Champion was last seen on WWE programming at WrestleMania 36 where he competed against The Undertaker in a highly praised boneyard match.

    Taker defeated Styles in the bout and it was reported later on that the company will be keeping him off television for a while to sell the loss.