A few weeks ago, SmackDown Live Women’s Champion Naomi made a few modifications to her championship title to better fit her ‘Glow’ gimmick. The title now glows in the dark to go along with her unique entrance.
WWE Hall Of Famer and former Monday Night RAW General Manager Mick Foley recently took to his official Facebook page to throw a heap of praise Naomi’s way for the design change, dubbing her entrance unlike anything he has ever seen in his time with WWE:
“DO YOU FEEL THE GLOW? I do! Naomi’s entrance is unlike anything I have ever seen in #WWE and now she has a championship title…it’s still a #BELT to me…that is equally unique. A great look for a great #SmackDownLive #WomensChampion. I’m really looking forward to her #SummerSlam match with Natalya, and hope it is given a place on a packed card where it can shine”
Foley’s comments brought joy to the SmackDown Live Women’s Champ who took to Twitter to respond:
The Rock announced earlier today on Instagram that his new film is set to debut tomorrow on July 24th. His co-star will be Siri in the new adventure and the film will be released on Apple’s YouTube channel. On Facebook, The Rock stated that it will be “the biggest, coolest, craziest, dopest and most over the top movie ever”. Below is The Rock’s post on Instagram about the new film:
SmackDown Women’s Champion Naomi announced on Tuesday’s SmackDown that she will be the first one in the ring to congratulate the winner of tonight’s Fatal 5-Way to determine the #1 contender for her title. Carmella then interrupted Naomi and told her to watch her back because she may cash in the MITB contract at any moment. Carmella sent out the following tweet to Naomi:
Aiden English and Tye Dillinger cut promos before their match tonight
Aiden English and Tye Dillinger will face off tonight at WWE Battleground on the Kickoff Show. Aiden English will apparently be wearing a mask tonight at WWE Battleground.
Earlier today, WWE released the following videos of English and Dillinger discussing their match. English urged fans to sign up for the WWE Network so they could watch him defeat Dillinger. Dillinger responded and claimed that he was going to defeat English just like he did at WWE Backlash back in May.
As reported earlier, Lana complained on Twitter a few days ago that he shoulders were not on the mat when she was pinned by Naomi on SmackDown.
I obviously did NOT get pined! I want a FAIR title match! Clearly the ref & all of @WWE are cheaters & favor @NaomiWWE over me! #SDLivepic.twitter.com/puUUrbWIap
Lana talked her way into a shot at Naomi’s SmackDown Women’s Championship at Money in the Bank. She lost that match and then talked herself into a rematch on this past Tuesday’s episode of SmackDown. Lana lost that match as well, even after attacking Naomi from behind before the match started. Well, it appears that Lana has been able to once again talk herself into another shot at the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan announced today on Twitter that he has reviewed the photo of Lana’s shoulder up during the pinfall and has come to a decision. Naomi will once again defend her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Lana next Tuesday on SmackDown.
After successfully retaining her SmackDown Live Women’s Championship at the WWE’s Money In The Bank pay-per-view (PPV) this past Sunday, Naomi stated on last night’s episode of SmackDown Live that she’d grant “The Ravishing Russian” Lana a rematch for the strap on next week’s episode:
Longtime WWE commentator and WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross has released another blog on his JR’s BBQ website. Ross commented on the WWE’s booking of WWE Champ Jinder Mahal, Lana’s SmackDown Live Women’s Title opportunity, and the upcoming female Money In The Bank (MITB) Ladder match. Here are the highlights:
WWE’s booking of Jinder Mahal:
“I’m a fan of the decision to make Jinder Mahal the WWE Champ, but I feel that his random utilization of his Singh sidekicks might be overdone. Nonetheless, the former Bollywood Boys take a helluva, ass whipping. Enjoying the villains getting success, which generally adds to the build of most storylines within the genre. If I were to err in booking, and I have plenty of times, I’d suggest erring on the side of antagonist angst more often than not. ‘Heat’ is good.”
Lana’s SmackDown Women’s Title shot:
“Lana ‘earning’ a Women’s Tile match? Hmm….the pressure is on for her to deliver in front of a somewhat unforgiving and discerning fan base.”
Upcoming female MITB Ladder Match:
“Arguably, today I’m more excited to see the women’s [MITB] bout than the men’s in a few weeks, essentially because of the unique nature of this match being the first ever Women’s MITB match ever. I see these athletic women perceiving this booking as very personal and one can only hope that they are discerning about whey they want to do in this match and remember that their safety should never be compromised, which is largely up to the talents in the match. The Gents in the their TLC bout better lace them up tight or they could be outperformed by the women here.”
You can read JR’s full blog post by clicking this link here.
On this week’s episode of SmackDown, Lana made her debut and asked to be a part of the Money in the Bank ladder match. Shane McMahon declined and Naomi laughed at her for even asking to be a part of it. Lana then claimed that she could defeat Naomi and got in her face. Shane McMahon then broke up the argument and told Lana that Women’s Championship matches needed to be earned. Lana then threw a tantrum and exited the ring.
During the 6-woman tag match on SmackDown, Lana came down to the ring and tripped up Naomi on the ring apron. This wound up costing Naomi the match and Lana posed with the Welcoming Committee after their victory. Later on during SmackDown, Naomi approached Shane McMahon backstage. Naomi asked for a match against Lana at Money in the Bank and said that she would be willing to put her SmackDown Women’s Championship on the line. SmackDown commissioner Shane McMahon then made the match official. Naomi will defend her title against Lana at Money in the Bank on June 18th.
Former WWE Superstar CM Punk was a guest on MLB Now Extra yesterday. Punk discussed the Chicago Cubs and brawls in baseball, including the most recent brawl between Bryce Harper and Hunter Strickland.
Naomi Reacts To Women’s MITB Ladder Match Announcement
SmackDown Women’s Champion Naomi was interviewed after last night’s episode of SmackDown and discussed the announcement of a first-ever Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Naomi said that she will be ready for whoever wins the match and tries to cash in the briefcase.
In case you missed it, SmackDown commissioner announced during last night’s episode of SmackDown that there will be a Women’s MITB Ladder Match. There was supposed to be a Fatal 5-Way Elimination Match last night, but a brawl broke out and the match never took place. On June 18th, Charlotte Flair, Carmella, Tamina Snuka, Becky Lynch & Natalya will compete in the first-ever Women’s MITB Ladder Match.
The final title change at WrestleMania 33 on Sunday saw Naomi capture the SmackDown Women’s Championship in her hometown.
Naomi won the Six-Pack Challenge over former champion Alexa Bliss, Becky Lynch, Mickie James, Carmella and Natalya. Naomi becomes a two-time SmackDown Women’s Champion with the win.
Naomi returned to WWE SmackDown this week and announced that she’s cleared for WrestleMania 33 on Sunday. Naomi has been out of action for about a month after being forced to relinquish her newly-won SmackDown Women’s Title to Alexa Bliss.
Naomi will now join the SmackDown Women’s Championship match at WrestleMania 33, officially making it a Six-Pack Challenge. Bliss will defend against Naomi, Carmella, Natalya, Mickie James and Becky Lynch.
Check out video from her return below and Alexa Bliss’ reaction:
Posted March 29th, 2017 in WWE, News. Tagged: Naomi.
WWE appears to be planning for some surprise participants in the SmackDown Women’s Championship at WrestleMania. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE is trying to keep the participants a secret aside from Mickie James, Carmella, Natalya, and Becky Lynch. Naomi may be cleared to return by WrestleMania on 4/2 in her hometown, and other rumored participants include Summer Rae, Tamina, and Eva Marie.
It’s still possible that WWE may bring back some names from the past to take part in the WrestleMania match. Some names reportedly being considered include Kelly Kelly, Victoria and Lita.
WrestleMania 33 takes place on April 2nd at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
Posted March 23rd, 2017 in WWE, News. Tagged: Naomi.
Due to an unfortunate knee injury, Naomi was forced to relinquish the SmackDown Women’s Championship last month to SmackDown LIVE General Manager Daniel Bryan because it was established that she would be unable to defend her title in the allotted 30-day period. Alexa Bliss then won the title back after losing it at Elimination Chamber by beating Becky Lynch in an impromptu match.
On March 7, Bryan announced that “every available woman on the SmackDown LIVE roster” will have an opportunity to compete for the SmackDown Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 33. His ruling opens up the possibility of Naomi competing at the April 2 event taking place in her hometown of Orlando, Florida, and according to her father, she will.
On Twitter, a Naomi fan asked the WWE’s star father, who is a musician in South Florida, if he had any news on when she’ll be back.
Naomi last provided an injury update to fans on March 7, where she said that she could still appear at WrestleMania 33.
Yes doing a lot better but I'm still going to rehab weekly knee still isn't at ? but I still have time to try & make mania I'm not giving up https://t.co/uCqd7Yxu8K
This week’s SmackDown Live saw Alexa Bliss defeat Becky Lynch for the SmackDown Women’s Championship after Naomi was forced to surrender the title earlier in the show due to injury.
Noami injured her left knee at Elimination Chamber when she hit the moonsault that won her the championship. The initial timeframe for her return looked like two weeks, but after that time she was still not cleared to return. It now looks like she could miss up to two months, which would prevent her from working WrestleMania 33.
Alexa Bliss is now a two-time SmackDown Women’s Champion after defeating Becky Lynch for the vacant championship on last night’s SmackDown.
The show opened with Daniel Bryan forcing Naomi to relinquish the championship due to the injury she apparently suffered in the win over Bliss at Elimination Chamber two weeks ago. Bryan then made Bliss vs. Becky and that match saw Bliss get the win with a cheap shot.
It should be noted that Naomi did wrestle at a WWE house show the night after Elimination Chamber.
Naomi did not work WWE’s live events this weekend, another indication that the Smackdown Women’s Champion knee injury is legit. Little is known regarding the extent of her injury, other than it is bad enough to keep her off of live events but not bad enough to require a change in storylines.
Naomi at WrestleMania in Orlando
Naomi is from the Orlando area, and as such the WWE would love to be able to promote a homegrown local champion for this year’s show. So far it appears WWE isn’t worried that Naomi’s injury will keep her off the event.
We should be provided with an update on Naomi tonight on Smackdown. Last week former champion, Alexa Bliss, gave Naomi one week to get ready for her rematch. If Naomi’s knee is only as bad as they thought it was last week then we should get that match tonight.
Posted February 21st, 2017 in News, WWE. Tagged: Naomi.
– Naomi announced on tonight’s SmackDown that she suffered an injury during her SmackDown Women’s Championship win over Alexa Bliss at Sunday’s Elimination Chamber PPV. Naomi did not give many details on the injury but she indicated that it is minor. She didn’t realize she suffered an injury until returning to her hotel room later that night.
Bliss and Naomi did an angle tonight that set up a potential rematch for next Tuesday night, depending on Naomi’s status. We will keep you updated on Naomi’s status when WWE announces any details.
– Coming off their Double Countout at Elimination Chamber on Sunday, Natalya and Nikki Bella will look to finish their feud on next Tuesday’s SmackDown from Ontario, CA. SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan announced tonight that Nikki vs. Natalya will take place next week in a Falls Count Anywhere Match.
WWE announced the following on the match:
After months of verbal assaults, blindside attacks and raucous brawls, Nikki Bella and Natalya will finally settle the score when they face off in a Falls Count Anywhere Match next week on SmackDown LIVE.
The match announcement was spurred on by SmackDown LIVE General Manager Daniel Bryan after the two Superstars got into another scrap, this time in Bryan’s office. Realizing that this issue could not continue much longer without some serious and dangerous repercussions, Bryan scheduled for the two to compete in a Falls Count Anywhere Match next week on Team Blue.
Who will come out the winner in one of WWE’s most unpredictable contests? Find out next week on SmackDown LIVE!
The WWE has made a habit out of playing hot potato with their titles. Last night at the Elimination Chamber, the WWE Championship and the Smackdown Women’s Championship changed hands. Bray Wyatt became the new WWE Champion and Naomi became the new Smackdown Women’s Champion. Both Naomi and Bray Wyatt captured their first single’s titles last night. Wyatt was the Smackdown Tag Team Champion recently but has never held a major title in the WWE until last night.
Alexa Bliss captured the Smackdown Women’s Championship on December 4th, 2016, at WWE TLC. She defeated Becky Lynch in a Tables Match. John Cena won the WWE Championship two weeks ago at the Royal Rumble. Cena defeated AJ Styles in a terrific match and tied Ric Flair’s record for most WWE / World Heavyweigh Championships. Many people were pissed off that Styles lost the title in the first place.
The WWE has seemingly made the decision that the amount of titles won means more than the title reign itself. Cena is now regarded as the 16x WWE Champion but his latest title reign amounted to nothing. Alexa Bliss only held the Smackdown Women’s Championship for two months and just dropped it to Naomi. She had a feud with Becky Lynch, emerged victorious thanks to Mickie James and then immediately dropped the belt. Charlotte and Sasha Banks spent several months trading the Raw Women’s Championship back and forth. Neither of them were given a legitimate title reign. Charlotte has held the title for a bit now but she still routinely loses non-title matches on Raw.
It feels like titles in the WWE have never meant less than they do now. Kevin Owens is currently the Universal Champion but nobody takes him seriously. He has relied on Chris Jericho to keep the title. He never wins a match on his own. Owens will now defend his Universal Championship at WWE Fastlane and everyone knows how that will play out. The only question is whether Brock Lesnar will interfere in the match or not. There is no way Kevin Owens will even put up a fight against Goldberg if nobody interferes. If Goldberg does win the Universal Championship at WWE Fastlane, he will then most likely lose it a month later to Brock Lesnar at Wrestlemania.
Discussion: Do you think that titles have become devalued in the WWE? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
– During an appearance on NBC’s Today morning show, John Cena announced that he’ll be hosting this year’s Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards. The event takes place on March 11th. Cena has appeared at the awards show several times and got positive reviews for his job hosting last year’s ESPY Awards.
– WWE announced during RAW that San Antonio native Shawn Michaels will be appearing during the Kickoff show for Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view. HBK has history in the Royal Rumble and at the Alamodome, having captured his second WWE Championship at the venue when he defeated Sid at the 1997 Rumble.
– Smackdown star Naomi returned to action at last night’s live event from Saginaw, Michigan. She had been out of action with an ankle injury.
– The BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee has officially announced Goldberg for the 3/5 WWE Fastlane PPV.
– Next week’s WWE SmackDown will feature Alexa Bliss defending the Women’s Championship inside a steel cage against Becky Lynch plus a segment with Carmella taking James Ellsworth shopping for his new look.
– Another week went by with no Naomi appearance on SmackDown and as you can imagine, her “#Naomob” expressed their unhappiness on social media. Naomi took to Twitter and wrote the following on why she’s been away from WWE TV as of late. It’s been reported that she did recently recover from an ankle injury but she doesn’t mention that in her tweet.
#naomob don't want y'all worried… I had to take some much needed time off for a few reasons but I'll be back soon ? thanks for all support
No word yet on results from Zack Ryder’s MRI that he had on Wednesday but the Wrestling Observer reports that he was using crutches to walk backstage at Tuesday’s SmackDown after suffering the knee injury in the #1 contenders battle royal.
Ryder and partner Mojo Rawley were scheduled to work the Tribute to the Troops tapings after SmackDown, but they were replaced by American Alpha in the six-man match with Dolph Ziggler against The Wyatt Family. He tweeted on Thursday that he is now in Birmingham, Alabama “and not for a vacation” – a sign that the MRI revealed he needs surgery.
Regarding The Usos returning to action, they appeared on Talking Smack this week and confirmed that Jey Uso has been dealing with an ankle injury. The Wrestling Observer reports that they are scheduled back in the ring at the 12/26 WWE house show from Madison Square Garden. The brothers talked about wanting to challenge The Wyatt Family for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships, saying they were the only team that can beat The Wyatts. They also talked about how The Hype Bros shouldn’t be the #1 contenders. It will be interesting to see what WWE does with the #1 contendership if Ryder is out of action for an extended period of time.
Both The Usos and Naomi were brought into this week’s SmackDown but not used. There’s no word yet on when Naomi will be back in action, as she’s also been dealing with an ankle injury, but The Observer reports that she is not scheduled for any of the post-holiday house shows.
The Wrestling Observer reports that three WWE talents are currently suffering from injuries – NXT’s Sawyer Fulton & SmackDown’s Naomi and Jey Uso.
Regarding Fulton, he’s expected to be out of action for several months with some sort of shoulder or biceps injury. His absence is the reason for Big Damo joining Sanity, which began on this week’s NXT episode. Fulton last wrestled on 11/17 at the NXT house show in Boston, teaming with Eric Young and Alexander Wolfe for a loss to No Way Jose and TM-61.
Naomi and Jey are both suffering with ankle injuries. Naomi is expected back this week but The Observer did not provide further details on Jey. They both last wrestled on 11/22 – Naomi a loss to Alexa Bliss on Main Event and The Usos a Tag Team Turmoil loss to American Alpha on SmackDown.
As seen in the Instagram videos below, Jey needed a wheelchair to get through the airport the next day:
Naomi and her Twitter followers are not happy after WWE left her off a Total Divas graphic to announce that the show has been nominated in The WIN Awards. As seen below, Paige is also missing but Alicia Fox was included and she’s not even on the current season.
Naomi has been re-tweeting dozens of comments from upset fans and posted a tweet asking “where’s my pic tho” in response to the original. You can see some of her other comments below:
– Retired WWE Superstar Christian turns 43 years old today while Naomi turns 29 while Japanese wrestling legend Jushin “Thunder” Liger turns 52.
– The following matches were taped during Survivor Series weekend for tonight’s NXT on the WWE Network:
NXT Champion Samoa Joe vs. Tye Dillinger
Women’s Champion Asuka vs. an enhancement talent
No Way Jose vs. Eric Young.
– As noted, Alexa Bliss vs. SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch at Sunday’s TLC PPV will now be a Tables Match after Bliss put Becky through a table on SmackDown last night. This backstage video features Bliss going on about the match, promising to take the championship and humiliate Becky.
– Enzo Amore and Big Cass will be the guests for Wednesday’s episode of “Unfiltered with Renee Young” on the WWE Network.
– It looks like the final work is being done on WWE Studios’ “The Marine 5: Battleground” but no release date has been announced yet. As seen below, Heath Slater and Naomi were doing audio work for the movie this week.
– The status of Eric Young has been unclear since the former TNA World Heavyweight Champion appeared at two NXT events in late April. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, however, revealed over the weekend that the 36-year-old will continue to appear for WWE’s developmental branch.
Meltzer responded with the following after being asked about Young’s status with NXT.
– Filming for WWE Studios’ The Marine 5: Battleground, which stars The Miz, Maryse, Naomi and The Social Outcasts, wraps up this week in Vancouver. Director James Nunn tweeted the following on Monday.
The Miz will be back in action next week as the official WWE website has him listed for Tuesday’s SmackDown taping in Miami, Florida. He has an autograph signing scheduled that same day at the Cricket Wireless Store at 12530A Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines, Florida.
– Former WWE ring announcer Eden is celebrating her birthday today as she turns 33-years-old. She was granted her release from WWE on May 24, just days after her husband, Cody Rhodes, also requested his release.