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Tag: Rich Swann

  • Rich Swann Gets Championship Plates, What Happened After SmackDown, New NXT Ring Name

    Rich Swann Gets Championship Plates, What Happened After SmackDown, New NXT Ring Name

    – American Alpha and Dean Ambrose defeated The Miz, Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton in the dark main event after last night’s WWE SmackDown in Detroit. Ambrose hit Miz with Dirty Deeds for the pin. Fans in attendance noted that more than half of the crowd left during 205 Live, leaving a very small crowd for this 6-man.

    – NXT Superstar Kenneth Crawford is now using the ring name Montez Ford. The former US Marine has been teaming with Angelo Dawkins at house shows. Below is a photo of his current look:

    https://twitter.com/gravenbabies/status/810186711393271808

    – Rich Swann gets his custom side-plates for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship in this backstage video from 205 Live:

  • WWE Roadblock: End Of The Line Predictions & Match Breakdown

    WWE Roadblock: End Of The Line Predictions & Match Breakdown

    Big Cass vs Rusev

    Breakdown: The build to this match has mainly focused on Enzo Amore and Rusev. Enzo got suckered into meeting Lana at a hotel and Rusev beat the hell out of him. Big Cass now has his chance avenge his friend Enzo in a match against Rusev.

    Prediction: This is a tough match to predict. Enzo and Cass haven’t really been in the Tag Team Championship seen at all recently. I wouldn’t be surprised if the WWE wants to start a singles push for Big Cass. I think Enzo and Cass are a solid tag team but once you get past the entrance, they have the same match every time. Enzo gets destroyed and then Big Cass gets tagged in and takes care of business. In a perfect world, Rusev wins this match but Big Cass has a good showing.

    Winner: Rusev

    Sami Zayn vs Braun Strowman (10 Minute Time Limit)

    Breakdown: Sami Zayn has been obsessed with Strowman the past few weeks and Braun simply couldn’t care less. The two Superstars had a match a couple of weeks ago and Raw GM Mick Foley put a stop to it because Zayn couldn’t defend himself. Zayn demanded a rematch and finally Foley caved in and gave it to him this Sunday at Roadblock. Foley also put a 10 minute time limit on the match.

    Prediction: I cannot come up with a scenario in which it would make sense for Sami Zayn to win this match. Obviously, Sami Zayn has been underutilized on Raw since the brand split. However, Raw has spent far too much time building up Braun Strowman for him to lose a relatively meaningless match against Sami Zayn. I think Sami Zayn will last the 10 minutes and that will piss Strowman off. The match will conclude with Strowman beating down Zayn after the 10 minute mark was reached. Foley may come out to try to put a stop to it and maybe Strowman will attack him as well. I think this would be a good way to show that Sami Zayn never quits and that Braun Strowman is an uncontrollable monster that the Raw locker room should fear.

     Raw Tag Team Championship Match: New Day (c) vs Sheamus & Cesaro

    Breakdown: This match was announced at Tribute to the Troops on Wednesday. Sheamus and Cesaro defeated Golden Truth, Gallows & Anderson and The Shining Stars in a Fatal 4-Way match to become the #1 contenders. The New Day are now the longest reigning Tag Team Champions in WWE history.

    Prediction: A lot of people seem to believe that the New Day’s title reign is coming to an end. Sheamus and Cesaro got off to a rocky start when it came to crowd reactions but they have overcome that. They now work well as a tag team and are pretty much the only team on Raw that is ready to take the titles from the New Day. I think that will happen in due time. However, I do not think that will happen at Roadblock.

    Winners & Still Tag Team Champions: New Day

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

    Breakdown: TJ Perkins lost the Cruiserweight title to Kendrick and then Kendrick lost it to Swann. On 205 Live, TJ Perkins submitted Rich Swann in the middle of the ring. On Monday Night Raw, Kendrick defeated Perkins easily. Perkins and Swann are friends but they seem ready to turn on each other. Kendrick’s strategy has been to play mind games with both Swann and Perkins.

    Prediction:  This is one of those matches that could go a million different ways. I don’t like the idea of Kendrick getting the title back so quickly. He really doesn’t need it. I think that the WWE has been dropping some subtle hints that Perkins is gearing up for a heel turn. His interactions with Swann backstage have been bizarre. I think Rich Swann is going to retain his title but Perkins is going to attack him after the match. Brian Kendrick may even join in on the attack or simply smile and cheer Perkins on.

    Winner & Still Cruiserweight Champion: Rich Swann

    Seth Rollins vs Chris Jericho

    Breakdown: Rollins and Jericho have been battling for awhile now. Rollins was mainly focused on Kevin Owens but Jericho kept getting involved in their matches. Rollins hit a Pedigree on Jericho on top of a car a couple of weeks ago on Raw. Seth wants to defeat Jericho, take the Universal Championship from Kevin Owens and then fight Triple H. Jericho has a lot on his mind but mainly his beloved list and his broken friendship with Kevin Owens.

    Prediction: The only way Jericho can win this match is by some sort of outside interference. I do not believe that Triple H will be showing up at WWE Roadblock but you never know. I think it is more likely that this match is earlier in the show and Kevin Owens tries to help Jericho out. Owens is desperate to fix his friendship with Jericho. If he can accomplish that, maybe Jericho will show up later in the night in Owens’ title defense against Roman Reigns. Even if Owens interferes, I think Rollins overcomes it and still wins the match.

    Winner: Seth Rollins

    Iron Man Match For The Raw Women’s Championship: Sasha Banks (c) vs Charlotte

    Breakdown: Sasha Banks and Charlotte have essentially been trading the Raw Women’s Championship back and forth since the brand split. Sasha Bansk won the title back on Raw recently and celebrated with Ric Flair in the ring. The following week, Charlotte pretended to apologize to her father for embarrassing him back in May on Raw. Charlotte once again talked down to Ric Flair and then beat up Sasha Banks in front of him. Ric Flair stood there helplessly as his daughter beatdown Banks.

    Prediction: Charlotte is undefeated at PPVs and I wouldn’t be surprised if that continues. I think this match will be excellent and will showcase how talented both Sasha Banks and Charlotte are. However, I think the ending will involve Ric Flair helping out his daughter Charlotte. I don’t think the WWE is bringing back Ric Flair as an on-screen character for him to be in the corner of Sasha Banks. Thus, the Raw Women’s Championship will once again change hands and Charlotte will leave Pittsburgh with the title.

    Winner & New Raw Women’s Champion: Charlotte

    Universal Championship Match: Kevin Owens (c) vs Roman Reigns

    Breakdown: Roman Reigns has gotten the upper hand on Owens recently. Roman Reigns both want the Universal Championship. Reigns gets his shot on Sunday and Rollins battles Owens’ former best friend Chris Jericho. Reigns has already defeated Kevin Owens clean recently and that victory gave him the oppurtunity at the Universal Championship.

    Prediction: Much like the Jericho and Rollins match, the only way Owens can win this match is by someone interfering. Owens has been booked as a paper champion his whole title reign. He has relied on Chris Jericho to help him retain his Universal Championship. If Jericho or Triple H does not interfere, there is no way Kevin Owens is going to defeat Roman Reigns at Roadblock. Roman Reigns is currently the United States Champion and that is the only thing preventing me from picking him this Sunday. I think the person that is going to take the Universal Championship from Owens will be Seth Rollins. I think Owens retains by getting himself disqualified, running out of the arena or outside interference.

    Winner & Still Universal Champion: Kevin Owens

    What do you think will happen this Sunday at WWE Roadblock: End of the Line? Let us know in the comments below.

  • Kofi Kingston Responds To Criticism Over “#BlackExcellence” Backstage Photo

    Kofi Kingston Responds To Criticism Over “#BlackExcellence” Backstage Photo

    On Tuesday night, Big E tweeted a photo of Tag Team Champions The New Day, Women’s Champion Sasha Banks and Cruiserweight Champion Rich Swann backstage at SmackDown last night and used a “#BlackExcellence” hashtag.

    Apparently there were some negative reactions to the photo as Kofi Kingston took to Twitlonger this morning and wrote the following in response:

    “While much of the feedback has been positive, there has also been a lot of negative response with regard to the picture we posted illustrating Rich, Sasha, Xavier, E, and myself wielding our championship titles. Perhaps this is because many are in question of the motivation behind the post:

    It does not come from a place of malice, spite, or gloating. It comes from a place of joy and a place of happiness. We have a very strong sense of pride in being the Black People simultaneously holding championships in WWE. Historically in our nation, there was period in time where this would not have happened, followed by a long period of time where it became possible, but had not actually materialized. Now, we are in the time in which the possibility has become a reality.

    Why does this matter?

    It matters because even though it is hard for some to fathom, the fact is that there are many people who feel as though it is impossible to attain certain goals because of the color of their skin. This is why we must acknowledge the color of ours in this instance. It is important for people of all races, but particularly people of color, and especially the youth, to see that it is entirely possible to achieve your dreams and aspirations regardless of your race. We are a shining example who want to be a source of motivation for others to believe in themselves and do the same.

    Excellence is not the same as supremacy. #BlackExcellence is not meant to be divisive. For even if you do not fall into the specific category, you can still take enjoyment in our pride, because in the biggest picture, in a society that often focuses on the negative aspects of race relations, what has transpired with the 5 of us speaks positively to the progress we’ve made as a nation.”

    Big E backed Kofi up, endorsing his defense of the #BlackExcellence photo.

  • Cruiserweight Championship Match Added To WWE Roadblock

    Cruiserweight Championship Match Added To WWE Roadblock

    WWE has announced a Triple Threat for the Cruiserweight Championship with Rich Swann defending against Brian Kendrick and TJ Perkins. The match will take place at Sunday’s Roadblock: End of the Line PPV.

    The card going into RAW looks like this:

    – WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens defends against WWE US Champion Roman Reigns

    – RAW Women’s Champion Sasha Banks defends against Charlotte in an Iron Man Match

    – Rich Swann defends the WWE Cruiserweight Championship against Brian Kendrick and TJ Perkins

    – Seth Rollins takes on Chris Jericho

    Below is video of Charly Caruso announcing the Triple Threat:

    https://twitter.com/WWE/status/808428132483022848

  • 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/

  • Matt Sydal Getting Out Of Jail, Goldust Praises Cruiserweights, WWE & Surf’s Up 2

    Matt Sydal Getting Out Of Jail, Goldust Praises Cruiserweights, WWE & Surf’s Up 2

    – Matt Sydal will be released from a Japanese jail on 12/6, according to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Sydal was arrested for possession of liquid cannabis in late September after trying to bring the cannabis in using a hidden pipe. He was then convicted on drug charges in October and sentenced to prison. Sydal will be returning to the US to resume his pro wrestling career.

    – Goldust took to Twitter this week and praised Brian Kendrick and new Cruiserweight Champion Rich Swann after this week’s 205 Live premiere. The WWE veteran tweeted:

    https://twitter.com/Goldust/status/803979373997096960

    – Surf’s Up 2: WaveMania will be released via DVD and Digital on 1/17 with animated appearances by Mr. McMahon, The Undertaker, John Cena, Triple H and Paige. You can see the new trailer below:

  • The Success Of 205 Live Depends On Monday Night Raw (Editorial)

    The Success Of 205 Live Depends On Monday Night Raw (Editorial)

    Last night was the debut episode of 205 Live on the WWE Network. 205 Live is a show dedicated to Cruiserweight wrestling. The debut episode introduced the WWE Universe to new Superstars like the Bollywood Boyz and Jack Gallagher. It also featured a Cruiserweight Championship match with Brian Kendrick defending his title against Rich Swann. It was a decent show and if you are a wrestling fan, a good wrestling show is few and far between nowadays. Rich Swann wound up capturing the Cruiserweight Championship last night and we will see how that story progresses on Monday Night Raw.

    The vast majority of people that tune into Monday Night Raw every week didn’t watch 205 Live last night. These are the people that do not visit websites like this or tune into every single show every week.  The WWE is putting out so much content right now that is almost impossible to keep up, unless you are an absolute diehard wrestling fan. Monday Night Raw is three hours and with the edition of 205 Live, Smackdown is essentially three hours now. That is six hours of wrestling in two days and then the next night there is NXT. If you are a fan of other promotions, Lucha Underground also airs on Wednesday nights and then TNA Impact is on the following night. Even if you are strictly a fan of WWE programming, the brand split has introduced more PPVs and there is just a ton of content to sift through. Talking Smack was a popular show that aired immediately after Smackdown. It has now been pushed back an hour to account for 205 Live.

    There is so much WWE programming that 205 Live may get lost in the shuffle. The success of 205 Live depends on Monday Night Raw. Since the debut of the Cruiserweight division, it has been an afterthought. Every Cruiserweight match has been short and there has been virtually no character development for any of the Cruiserweights featured on the show every Monday. It has been a bunch of random six-man tag matches and Brian Kendrick battling with TJ Perkins.

    In order for 205 Live to last, the WWE needs to build up the Cruiserweight division on Raw. They need to explain who these people are and give the general audience a reason to care. Last night, Rich Swann had an excellent vignette that aired before his title match with Brian Kendrick. Swann also delivered an emotional speech after his victory and dedicated the match to his late mother. The WWE needs to show that vignette and that promo again on Raw. If Swann just comes out to the ring with the Cruiserweight Championship and starts dancing around the ring, 75% of the crowd will not care. Last night, the crowd actually got into a couple of matches on 205 Live. The Cruiserweight matches on Raw almost never generate a response. If they do, it is usually a “boring” chant. There are people that are simply not a fan of Cruiserweight wrestling and I understand that. However, Monday Night Raw is a three hour program and they need to devote some more time to the Cruiserweights in order for the division and 205 Live to be successful.

  • New WWE Cruiserweight Champion Crowned On 205 Live Premiere (Video)

    New WWE Cruiserweight Champion Crowned On 205 Live Premiere (Video)

    Rich Swann got his first taste of WWE gold by defeating Brian Kendrick for the Cruiserweight Championship in the main event of tonight’s 205 Live premiere on the WWE Network.

    https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/803811891378319360

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BNa77hmBSuF/

  • 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.

  • 205 Live Premiere & WWE SmackDown Live Previews For Tonight

    205 Live Premiere & WWE SmackDown Live Previews For Tonight

    Tonight’s WWE SmackDown from Columbia, SC will feature the go-home hype for Sunday’s TLC PPV with James Ellsworth on The Ambrose Asylum, Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt vs. American Alpha with a TLC title shot up for grabs and more.

    WWE will also premiere 205 Live tonight from Columbia after SmackDown goes off the air. Rich Swann vs. Cruiserweight Champion Brian Kendrick will headline that shot. TJ Perkins, Cedric Alexander, The Bollywood Boyz, Noam Dar, Ho Ho Lun, Jack Gallagher, Gran Metalik, Lince Dorado and others are also advertised.

    WWE’s official Five-Point Preview highlights these angles for tonight’s SmackDown:

    -Who will challenge the SmackDown Tag Team Champions at WWE TLC?

    -Ellsworth is a SmackDown Superstar. Now what?

    -Is Alexa Bliss due for an Irish Lass Kicking?

    -SmackDown LIVE provides A-list opportunity to gain the advantage

    -Keep your seats as Corbin and Kalisto prepare for Chairs Match

  • NXT Preview & Video For Tonight, The Rock Does The Mannequin Challenge, More

    – Tonight’s NXT episode on the WWE Network will feature No Way Jose calling out Eric Young, Rich Swann vs. Kona Reeves, six-person action with Ember Moon, Liv Morgan & Aliyah vs. Peyton Royce, Billie Kay & Daria, plus highlights from TakeOver: Toronto.

    In the video below, Kay and Royce recruit Daria for tonight’s match:

    – Speaking of Aliyah, she’s celebrating her 22nd birthday today while former WCW and WWE star Juventud Guerrera turns 42.

    – Former WWE Champion Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson just had to do the Mannequin Challenge, as seen int he video below. Rock recently participated in the viral social media challenge as a way to celebrate being named People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” for 2016.

  • 205 Live: WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match Announced

    205 Live: WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match Announced

    Rich Swann defeated TJ Perkins and Noam Dar on tonight’s RAW from Toronto to become the new #1 contender to WWE Cruiserweight Champion Brian Kendrick.

    Swann will get his title shot on next Tuesday’s 205 Live premiere on the WWE Network, which airs after SmackDown in Columbia, SC goes off the air.

    Below is video from tonight’s match:

  • NXT Preview For Tonight, WWE RAW Rating Up, Apollo Crews Vignette

    – As noted, Monday’s RAW from Los Angeles drew 2.797 million viewers, up from last week’s record-low of 2.478 million. The final rating for this week’s RAW was a 1.92, up from last week’s 1.75.

    – Tonight’s NXT episode will see the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic kick off with The Authors of Pain vs. The Bollywood Boyz and The Revival vs. Andrade “Cien” Almas and Cedric Alexander.

    Other matches taped for tonight include Dan Matha’s debut, Rich Swann vs. Patrick Clark and Danielle Kamella vs. Peyton Royce.

    – Apollo Crews is shown preparing for matches in this new Tapout ad:

  • John Cena Confirms He’ll Miss Backlash, Cruiserweight Classic & NXT Matches For Tonight

    John Cena Confirms He’ll Miss Backlash, Cruiserweight Classic & NXT Matches For Tonight

    – The WWE Cruiserweight Classic quarterfinals continue tonight with Rich Swann vs. TJ Perkins and Noam Dar vs. Zack Sabre Jr.

    – Tonight’s NXT episode will feature Asuka vs. Danielle Kamela, Ember Moon vs. Leah Vaughn, TM-61 vs. Tony Nese & Ariya Daivari and Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Steve Cutler.

    – John Cena confirmed on Twitter that he will miss the first SmackDown exclusive PPV this Sunday, Backlash. Cena will be working the international tour instead. He tweeted:

  • NXT Stars Advance In The Cruiserweight Classic, Next Week’s Main Event, More

    NXT Stars Advance In The Cruiserweight Classic, Next Week’s Main Event, More

    This week’s Cruiserweight Classic show saw the following stars advance to close the first round:

    • Rich Swann (over Jason Lee)
    • Jack Gallagher (over Fabian Aichner)
    • Noam Dar (over Gurv Sihra)
    • Johnny Gargano (over Tommaso Ciampa).

    Gargano will now face TJ Perkins while Gallagher will face Akira Tozawa, Dar will face Ho Ho Lun and Swann will face Lince Dorado in the second round.

    The second round kicks off next week with:

    • Tajiri vs. Gran Metalik
    • Kota Ibushi vs. Cedric Alexander

    Corey Graves looks at next week’s show in this video:

    Here are post-match reactions from Noam Dar and Jack Gallagher:

  • Biff Busick Makes NXT In-Ring Debut, Konnor Of The Ascension Returns

    Biff Busick Makes NXT In-Ring Debut, Konnor Of The Ascension Returns

    – Chris Gigard, better known as “Biff Busick” on the independent scene, made his NXT in-ring debut at the NXT live event in Citrus Springs, Florida on Saturday evening. He lost in a singles match to fellow NXT and indie standout Rich Swann.

    – Also this weekend, Konnor of The Ascension returned to in-ring action at the WWE live event in Montgomery, Alabama on Saturday night. Konnor had previously been on the sidelines for a week or two with what was believed to be a jaw injury of some kind. The Ascension wound up losing to the team of Goldust and Fandango in what was their first match back as a team on a main roster event since Konnor took time off to heal up. Konnor’s first match back in general was a tag-team match that saw The Ascension lost to NXT Tag-Team Champions Dash and Dawson at the NXT television tapings this past Thursday night.

  • Rich Swann On His NXT Goals, WWE Performance Center vs. Japanese Dojos & More

    New NXT star Rich Swann recently spoke with WWE.com about signing with the company, his goals and more. Below are some of the highlights.

    On how training at the WWE Performance Center compares to training in dojos in Japan:

    “It’s very similar [as far as] the training regimen and the schedule, but WWE’s facility is just a bit nicer. [Laughs.] The dojo’s grimy; in the winter it’s cold and in the summer it’s hot. No air conditioning. It’s crazy. Plus, you’re in a country where you barely speak the language in the beginning, it definitely takes a toll. In Japan, you gotta get it, you’ve gotta go after it. You have to prove yourself and wrestle what they call the “young boys.” They don’t teach them the art of wrestling until they feel they deserve it, so when you’re in there with them, you’re getting beat up and bruised and smacked and thrown around and you’re having to prove yourself.”

    On who he was influenced by:

    “Wrestlers like Psicosis, Eddie Guerrero, Chavo Guerrero, Rey Mysterio, RVD, Jerry Lynnn, Super Crazy, like that. Once I found out what ECW was when I was in middle school — boom — that turned me. WCW, too. I love these bigger guys, but I knew I was never going to be that big. The cruiserweights, however, look at these guys move, flipping around, doing crazy things and being daredevils. Guys like The Hardys. I was drawn to them because that’s what I wanted to do.”

    On his goals in NXT:

    “Definitely. If you’re in wrestling, you want to be the top guy and you want to be the champion. But my goal right now is to make it onto NXT Live Events, make it onto NXT at Full Sail and TakeOvers, and I want to take it one step at a time. And as the time comes, I just want to have killer matches and do things that have never been done before.”

  • Photos: Rich Swann, Biff Busick Formally Introduced At NXT Live Event In Jacksonville

    As noted, former top independent wrestling stars Rich Swann and Biff Busick made their official NXT live event debut in a “Halloween Costume Battle Royal” last weekend. At last night’s NXT live event in Jacksonville, Florida, Swann and Busick were formally introduced to the NXT fans in attendance.

    Below are a number of photos of Swann and Busick at the NXT live event on Friday evening.

    https://instagram.com/p/9xfUHtoXlz/

    https://instagram.com/p/9xWHqdIXqq/

    https://instagram.com/p/9xf47AIXme/

  • Finn Balor Dresses As CM Punk For Halloween, Busick & Swann Debut In NXT

    Biff Busick and Rich Swann made their NXT live event debuts in Gainesville, Florida in a Halloween costume battle royal. NXT Women’s Champion Bayley, who was dressed up as a Lego, ended up winning the battle royal.

    It’s worth mentioning that NXT Champion Finn Balor appeared to be dressed up as CM Punk, with a Dolph Ziggler hoodie on, while Aiden English dressed up as current WWE Intercontinental Champion Kevin Owens.

    Below are some photos from the event.

    https://twitter.com/snkxwwe/status/660243852327067648

    https://twitter.com/swampneko/status/660258953906008064

    https://twitter.com/ilyassking1/status/660271399089643520

    https://twitter.com/snkxwwe/status/660240415875010560

    https://twitter.com/snkxwwe/status/660240917224361984

    https://twitter.com/snkxwwe/status/660242227382325248

    https://twitter.com/snkxwwe/status/660243011666878466

    https://twitter.com/WWEDrakeWuertz/status/660236121734008832

  • WWN Statement Regarding Rich Swann & Biff Busick Signing With WWE

    Earlier this week, WWE announced that 19 new talents will begin training at the Performance Center soon. The list included Tough Enough competitors, independent wrestlers and other athletes. Two of those indy stars now under WWE developmental contracts are Biff Busick and Rich Swann.

    Related: Videos of Biff Busick and Rich Swann In Action

    WWN issued the following statement to their newsletter subscribers about Busick and Swann signing with WWE:

    Our biggest congratulations to Biff Busick for signing a WWE contract and reporting to NXT. Busick was an integral part in the relaunch of EVOLVE in August of 2014. His hard-hitting, technical style defined EVOLVE’s identity. His rivalry against Timothy Thatcher and Drew Gulak popularized the new EVOLVE style. Thank you for all your contributions, Biff. You know we’ll be watching you climb in the ranks in the WWE universe.

    We offer a very deep and heartfelt congratulations to Rich Swann for signing a WWE contract and reporting to NXT. Rich has been an important and groundbreaking part of WWN since 2009. He paved the way for American stars in Dragon Gate USA as part of Ronin. He was a crossover star in both Dragon Gate in Japan and DGUSA. He is a former FIP Champion and half of the last DGUSA Open The United Gate Champions. Swann got his first match by impressing in a DGUSA Seminar/Tryout. We watched him climb the ranks and grow in the business. WWN would not be what it is today without the contributions of Rich Swann. Thank you.

  • Update On WWE Signing Top Independent Wrestler Rich Swann

    It was reported that independent wrestling stars Biff Busick and Rich Swann were going to be signing with WWE, pending the results of their physicals, only for it to be reported later that both Busick and Swann had already signed with WWE. In a bit of an update that further confirms the fact that at least Swann has already signed with WWE, U.K.-based Revolution Pro announced that Swann is off of their upcoming shows due to WWE-related commitments. Revolution Pro stated the following:

    “Unfortunately due to commitments with WWE Rich Swann has had to pull out of his advertised appearances in two weeks time at Broxbourne Civic Hall & Southampton Guildhall respectively. We wish Rich Swann all the best and thank him for some of the most memorable moments in RevPro over the past few years.”

  • Backstage Update On WWE Signing Multiple Top Independent Wrestlers

    While there was talk recently that Biff Busick and Rich Swann were waiting to pass physicals before signing with WWE, however that is apparently not the case as it is being reported that the two have signed with WWE and are expected to start with the promotion in October.

    In addition to Busick and Swann, four-to-six additional talents are expected to start at the WWE Performance Center in the next month or two.

    WWE is also looking for Latino referees. New Jersey independent talent Bandido Jr. has either signed with WWE already or is very close to doing so. He will be working with WWE as a referee.

    Other independent stars expected to start with WWE soon are Johnny Gargano, Drew Gulak and Chuck Taylor. It’s possible that Tommaso Ciampa, who teamed with Gargano at a recent NXT taping, could be part of the group as well.

  • Report: Rich Swann & Biff Busick Sign With WWE Pending Medical Physicals

    Independent wrestlers Rich Swann and Biff Busick have been signed to with WWE, according to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Both men must now pass WWE’s medical physicals, as is customary with all new talent joining the company.

    Both men have competed for EVOLVE, one of the promotions under the WWN banner. WWN officials met with WWE officials at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn and the two companies have been rumored to be working together over the past several months.

    Swann (24) has been wrestling since 2009 and started with CZW before moving to EVOLVE and Dragon Gate USA later on. He’s a former Open the Owarai Gate Champion, Open the Triangle Gate Champion and Open the United Gate Champion.

    Busick (29) also started with CZW back in 2012 and is a former CZW Heavyweight Champion. He’s wrestled EVOLVE and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), among others. He was trained by former WWE and WCW star Lance Storm. He received a WWE tryout earlier this year.

  • News On This Year’s WWE Tribute To The Troops, NXT Takeover 2 Preview Special, More

    – WWE will be taping their “Tribute to the Troops” special for this year on December 10th.

    – Independent wrestlers Rich Swann and Jeff Cobb were among those who took part in the latest WWE tryout camp at the Performance Center in Orlando this past weekend.

    – WWE will premiere a preview special for NXT Takeover 2 on the WWE Network this Thursday at 4pm EST. There will also be a NXT Takeover 2 “Kickoff Show” prior to the special on September 11th.

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