Vince McMahon has changed his mind on one of the biggest WWE matches of the modern era – John Cena vs. The Undertaker. That match had been considered for WrestleMania 33 in Orlando but it’s now off the books.
No word yet on who Taker or Cena will face at WrestleMania but it was reported by The Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Taker won’t be facing Braun Strowman, as has been speculated, and Taker will not challenge for the WWE Championship or the Universal Championship.
The current plan for the RAW Women’s Championship is a fatal 4 way with Charlotte vs. Bayley vs. Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax, instead of the expected Charlotte vs. Bayley singles match.
There are set to be 6 or 7 main event-level singles matches at WrestleMania 33 this year, not including cruiserweights or women. Top Superstars still without matches are Finn Balor, AJ Styles, Cena, Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose, who may defend the WWE Intercontinental Championship in a multi-man ladder match. It looks as if Chris Jericho will be defending the WWE United States Championship against Kevin Owens.
As of this week, the confirmed top matches remain – Triple H vs. Seth Rollins, Goldberg vs. Lesnar and Shaq vs. Big Show. The Observer speculates that Lesnar vs. Goldberg will be the main event.
The WWE is hyping up Shawn Michael’s return to Monday Night Raw tonight on Twitter by posting Michaels return in 2002 in which he was announced as the newest member of the NWO.
Last night at the Golden Globes, actress Meryl Streep gave a political speech. During the speech, Streep also took a jab at MMA and the NFL. Streep stated:
Hollywood is crawling with outsiders and foreigners, if we kick them all out you’ll have nothing to watch but football and mixed martial arts, which are not the arts.
Dolph Ziggler sent out a Tweet earlier in response to that comment from Streep. The WWE’s official account has since retweeted Ziggler’s post.
John Cena continues to post photos on Instagram in an effort to get fans discussing Kenny Omega joining the WWE. Cena recently posted a picture of Omega on his Instagram and has now posted a picture of Kenny from South Park. You can view that post by clicking here.
The WWE uploaded a new video that listed the top 10 biggest disses to John Cena over the years. The list included Dean Ambrose, The Miz, Kevin Owens, Paul Heyman, AJ Styles, Daniel Bryan, The Rock, Kurt Angle, Edge and Stephanie McMahon. The Kurt Angle one is absolutely hilarious. You can check out all the disses in the video below.
The WWE uploaded another video in which recruits discussed their goals in 2017.
John Cena posted a photo of Kenny Omega on his Instagram account. This is nothing new for Cena, as he has posted pictures of AJ Styles and CM Punk in the past. Following his loss to Okada at Wrestle Kingdom 11, Omega has stated that he is leaving Japan. This could be Cena just getting the fans riled up or Omega may be making his way to the WWE. Cena posted a picture of AJ Styles on his Instagram just four days before he made his WWE debut at last year’s Royal Rumble. This has led many to speculate that Omega might make an appearance at this year’s Royal Rumble.
In a Impact Digital Exclusive, The Wolves (Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards) challenged Matt and Jeff Hardy. The teams will meet on this week’s episode of Impact with the Tag Team Championships on the line. You can check out the video below.
– For the second consecutive week, there were no RAW or SmackDown Live pre-shows on the WWE Network. The shows were recently cut from 30 to 15 minutes, so WWE might have pulled the plug.
– Tonight’s NXT episode will be another two-hour episode with footage from the recent NXT house show in Melbourne, Australia. Matches confirmed to air include:
-Steel Cage: Samoa Joe vs. NXT Champion Shinsuke Nakamura
-TM-61 vs. NXT Tag Team Champions DIY
-Ember Moon vs. Billie Kay vs. Liv Morgan
-Murphy & Tye Dillinger vs. Elias Samson & Bobby Roode
– Below are previews for tonight’s Total Divas with The Bella Twins discussing the wine business and Nikki reconnecting with John Cena for date night:
The dark main event after this week’s 205 Live saw John Cena fight WWE Champion AJ Styles to a DQ after Baron Corbin interfered. American Alpha then made the save for Cena but The Wyatt Family soon arrived for a six-man match.
That match saw Cena, Gable and Jordan defeat Harper, Orton and Wyatt when Gable pinned Harper. Below are photos from the match:
As reported earlier, Roman Reigns responded to a video of him breaking character while stuck in a Kevin Owens headlock at a WWE house show this week. Reigns was laughing at Owens yelling at fans about how much money he makes. Reigns responded to the video on Twitter and cracked a joke about Owens’ merchandise checks from WWE. This brought a response from John Cena, who pointed out how he was working out while Reigns was making fun of what people earn.
Reigns took to Twitter this evening and responded to Cena with these harsh words:
A video of Roman Reigns laughing while in a Kevin Owens headlock went viral this week and Reigns responded, taking the time to crack a joke at how much money Owens makes off merchandise. Below is the video and Reigns’ response:
John Cena was watching and apparently didn’t approve of Reigns’ tweet poking fun at Owens’ pay. Cena wrote, “While @WWERomanReigns was making fun of what people earn I was at @GeorgiaTechFB to #EarnTheDay #recognize”
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.
John Cena took to Twitter today for a little bragging on SmackDown defeating RAW in viewership this week for the first time in the new era. Cena wrote:
As reported earlier, the final SmackDown of the year drew 2.885 million viewers while the final RAW of the year drew 2.855 million. SmackDown featured Cena’s return to TV.
As noted earlier, Tuesday night’s episode of WWE SmackDown defeated Monday’s episode of RAW in viewership on the USA Network. SmackDown drew 2,885,000 viewers, while RAW garnered 2,855,000 for their final episode of 2016.
Tuesday’s SmackDown was fueled by John Cena’s return to television, which WWE heavily promoted leading up to the episode. Cena was taking time off to film his FOX reality show American Grit. Cena took to Twitter on Thursday to comment on SmackDown beating RAW in the television ratings, saying that it was a goal of his for his show to beat RAW.
WrestleMania rumor season is picking up and according to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, John Cena vs. The Undertaker and a multi-woman match for the RAW Women’s Championship are new probable matches.
In regards to Cena vs. Undertaker, Vince McMahon has not decided on the match but it’s being considered. Another opponent being discussed for Taker is Roman Reigns but there’s a feeling that Reigns is the future of the company while Cena vs. Taker doesn’t do anything for the future. This could be Taker’s last match and the last chance to do Taker vs. Reigns on the big stage.
With Reigns and Cena both receiving championship shots at the Royal Rumble, it’s possible Taker gets a Universal Championship or WWE Championship shot at WrestleMania. That would indicate Taker having a spot in the Royal Rumble main event
The Observer noted that Braun Strowman, who is another favorite to win the Rumble, could end up facing Reigns for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania.
Chris Jericho vs. Kevin Owens looks to be another WrestleMania match but The Observer reports that as of this week, only three matches are considered to be a lock for the big event:
-Triple H vs. Seth Rollins
-Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar
-Big Show vs. Shaq
John Cena appeared on last night’s edition of Talking Smack and backtracked on comments he made about The Rock a few years ago. During their exchanges to promote their back-to-back WrestleMania matches, Cena often knocked The Rock for being a “part-timer.” Now that Cena is branching out into non-WWE projects, he’s changing his tune.
After JBL brought up the “part-timer” comments and asked if Cena sees himself in a similar role, Cena called those comments some of the “stupidest stuff” he’s ever said and blamed it on looking at Rock’s situation through “very blinded eyes.” Cena explains how he really wanted The Rock to come back to WWE and figured hitting him where it hurts would work. Cena admits Rock was right and he was wrong, adding that he’s apologized to The Rock in person.
Cena went on to praise Rock for being the highest paid actor in Hollywood and for transcending WWE. Cena sees it as a plus for the whole company when guys can give as much as Rock did to WWE but then actually transcend WWE.
– Neville is now due a WWE Cruiserweight Championship shot after defeating Rich Swann in the non-title main event of last night’s WWE 205 Live episode. No word yet on when Neville will get the match but it could come on next week’s 205 Live or they may save it for the Royal Rumble. Neville just returned to TV at Roadblock earlier this month.
– The Bella Twins posted this video of John Cena and Nikki Bella celebrating in NYC after his ring return at Madison Square Garden this past Monday night:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ECOmgMbVX0
– Indy wrestler John “Mr. 450” Yurnet blew out his knee in the loss to Mustafa Ali on last night’s WWE 205 Live episode. Yurnet has appeared on NXT several times as an enhancement talent but last night was his 205 Live debut. He posted the following to social media on the injury:
– John Cena and Dean Ambrose defeated WWE IC Champion The Miz and WWE Champion AJ Styles in the dark main event of last night’s SmackDown in Chicago. Below are some photos:
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.
John Cena vs. WWE Champion AJ Styles is now official for the 1/29 Royal Rumble PPV from The Alamodome in San Antonio.
Cena challenged the WWE Champion in his return promo on tonight’s SmackDown, seen below. Cena knocked the “New Era” and declared that this is still his era. Styles later retained the WWE Championship in a Triple Threat over Baron Corbin and Dolph Ziggler. The show ended after Styles accepted the challenge with a handshake.
Previously announced for The Rumble is the 30-Man Rumble Match featuring Goldberg and Brock Lesnar plus Kevin Owens defending the WWE Universal Championship against Roman Reigns in a match that will see Chris Jericho suspended above the ring in a shark cage.
Below is video of the closing segment with Cena and Styles:
– Goldberg turns 50 years old today. He wrote the following on the milestone via Twitlonger:
“Can’t thank everyone enough for the well wishes on my monumental 50th birthday……. just remember, 50’s the new 30! Meet u at the gym!!!!! #WhosNext #every1isnext @wwe @GoldbergGarage #silverback”
Other wrestling birthdays for today include Cesaro (36), Ax of Demolition (69), Tough Enough winner Andy Leavine (29), Bart Gunn (53), Thea Trinidad (26). Today would have been Chyna’s 46th and The Wall’s 49th birthday.
– John Cena just revealed on Twitter that he will be opening tonight’s WWE SmackDown broadcast from Chicago.
– “Blow Your Mind” by Ohana Bam is the official theme song for the 2017 WWE Royal Rumble PPV.
– ROH star Scarlett Bordeaux made her WWE debut last night on RAW from Chicago, which is her hometown. She played the role of a Sasha Banks fan who was destroyed by Nia Jax in a quick squash win. Check out video from the match below:
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.
John Cena made his return to WWE on Monday night at a live event at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The event took place while RAW was airing live from Chicago.
For his first match back after taking time off to film his FOX TV show, Cena took part in a triple threat match with AJ Styles and Dean Ambrose. Below are some photos and videos from Cena’s return at Madison Square Garden.
The WWE has released a video of the top 10 debuts in 2016.
Here is the the top ten list presented in the video:
10. American Alpha
9. James Ellsworth
8. Nia Jax
7. Bobby Roode
6. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson
5. Enzo & Cass
4. Bayley
3. Finn Balor
2. Shinksuke Nakamura
1. AJ Styles
Booker T complimented Kevin Owens and Charlotte recently on his podcast Heated Conversations. On Kevin Owens, Booker stated that “Canada has an awesome representative. Every single time he goes out there, he is an awesome performer”. Booker went on to say that Kevin Owens performs some dangerous moves in the ring and that he puts it on the line every time he performs in the WWE. Booker T also discussed Charlotte and called her one of his favorites of all time. Booker stated that Charlotte is “such a sweet girl behind the scenes” but when the camera turns on she completely morphs into her character. Booker stated that Charlotte always gives the crowd an awesome show and will “throw caution to the wind in a heartbeat”.
You can listen to the full episode of Heated Conversations by clicking here.
John Cena is making his WWE return tonight at a live event at Madison Square Garden. Cena will be making his return to WWE television this Tuesday on Smackdown. Here is the card for that show this evening.
AJ Styles vs John Cena vs Dean Ambrose
Bray Wyatt & Randy Orton vs American Alpha vs The Usos vs Breezango vs The Ascension vs Slater & Rhyno
Steel Cage Match: The Miz vs Dolph Ziggler
Alexa Bliss vs Becky Lynch
Jack Swagger, Apollo Crews & Mojo Rawley vs The Vaudevillains & Curt Hawkins
– Monday’s RAW from Columbus ranked #2 for the night in Nielsen’s social media TV ratings, behind Oprah’s Michelle Obama special on CBS. RAW had 92,000 Twitter interactions with 18,000 unique authors and 194,000 Facebook interactions with 136,000 unique authors.
– Speaking of last night’s RAW, below are the top 10 moments from WWE:
– The Rock has announced that his clothing collection with Under Armour was the company’s #1 selling collection of 2016. He wrote the following: