Tonight’s episode of NXT from Full Sail University features a main event with championship implications.

Former NXT Champion, Aleister Black, goes one-on-one with Johnny Gargano. The winner of tonight’s main event could determine the next NXT title challenger.

NXT 8/8 Preview

Aleister Black vs Johnny Gargano

Two weeks ago, Johnny Gargano hit Aleister Black in the head with the NXT Championship belt. The move resulted in Ciampa defeating Black and winning the NXT title.

Black let it be known he blames Gargano for the loss of his title last week. He’ll be looking for both revenge and to qualify for a rematch with Ciampa tonight.

Keith Lee In-Ring NXT Debut

Bask in his glory! Keith Lee debuts on NXT television tonight. The former PWG and WWN Champion appeared in the crowd at Takeover: Chicago but will appear in the ring tonight.

The tag WWE is putting beside Keith Lee’s name is “Limitless”. They released the above promotional video for Lee earlier this week.

Ricochet In Single’s Action

Ricochet will also be in single’s action on NXT tonight. As with Keith Lee, Ricochet’s opponent his yet to be named and is likely enhancement talent.

Ricochet will challenge Adam Cole for the NXT North American Championship at Takeover: Brooklyn IV. You can bet the champion will be watching this match closely. The Undisputed Era might even want to soften Ricochet up before Takeover.

Mae Young Classic II Qualifier
Vanessa Borne vs Taynara Conti

The second edition of the Mae Young Classic gets going today in Winter Park, Florida. Tayanari Conti and Vanessa Borne will clash tonight with the winner entering the tournament proper.

The second edition of the Mae Young Classic films today and tomorrow in Full Sail University and is expected to air in early September.

Last week’s results:

1. Heavy Machinery defeated The Mighty
2. Moustache Mountain defeated Matt Knox and Bradley Taylor
3. EC3 defeated Kona Reeves
4. (non-title) Shayna Baszler defeated Candice LeRae

Ricochet recently did an interview in his hometown with the WPSD 6 local news outlet. He began by discussing how he got into professional wrestling in the first place:

“I was having more fun doing wrestling than I was going to school, since I can remember I always watched it. … I quit the football team to start wrestling and at first my Dad was like, ‘I don’t think it’s a good idea, I don’t like it. It’s not a good idea.'”

Ricochet then talked about signing with WWE and when it had actually hit him that he’s inked a deal with the professional wrestling juggernaut:

“I never thought I would be here, the fact that I am is insane. I always say nothing is certain until it’s certain. That’s just always the way I looked at it. … It didn’t really hit me until I had the [WWE] contract and I was at the post office. I thought, ‘Oh man, when I send this off, that’s it. You know what I mean?'”

Being from Paducah, Kentucky may not sound like the coolest thing to hear from the WWE announcer who introduces you. In fact, some have suggested Ricochet opt to be billed from Louisville instead:

“They all poke fun at me like, ‘Where’s Paducah from? Where’s Paducah? You should be from Louisville, because Paducah doesn’t sound cool.’ I’m like, ‘Aw no, Paducah’s cool, man!’ I like the fact they say I’m from Paducah, Kentucky because home is where it all started.”

You can check out Ricochet’s full interview with WPSD 6 by clicking this link here.

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

WWE Hall of Famer and one of the greatest play by play commentators in the history of the game has some high praise for the bout between Ricochet and Velveteen Dream from last night’s NXT Takeover: Chicago event.

Jim Ross took to Twitter to express his love for the match between the two NXT Superstars, stating that “It’s any announcers dream to broadcast a match the level of @KingRicochet & @VelveteenWWE at #NXTChicago.” Good Ol’ JR went on to give extra special mention to the potential of the Velveteen Dream, claiming that “Considering his lack of experience, Dream can be truly spectacular for years to come.“

Opinion: There are persistent rumors that Velveteen Dream is due for a call up to the main roster of WWE in the near future. Dream’s stellar bouts in his short time for NXT has gained him some proponents in the company’s top brass and his bout against Ricochet will do him no harm at all.

It’s any announcers dream to broadcast a match the level of @KingRicochet & @VelveteenWWE at #NXTChicago

Superb wrestling match..congrats Gents.

Considering his lack of experience, Dream can be truly spectacular for years to come. @KingRicochet is so gifted, too. pic.twitter.com/03fz4aj8u9

— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) June 17, 2018

‘Limitless’ Keith Lee appeared during last night’s NXT Takeover: Chicago broadcast and was seen in the crowd during the event. The former EVOLVE/PROGRESS star took to Twitter to offer some comments following his appearance, you can check these out below:

I believe my grandparents would have been proud.

I believe my aunt would have been proud.

My world seems proud.

I am at peace. And I am grateful.

Looks like my little time off will be coming to an end sooner than later.#BaskInMyGlory #iAmLimitless https://t.co/db5LS638aK

— Loving Lee (@RealKeithLee) June 17, 2018

Triple H has addresses the status of Ricochet heading into NXT’s next big special.

Earlier this week, there was speculation going around online that Ricochet suffered an injury during an NXT live event in Paris, France when he teamed with Johnny Gargano to defeat Tommaso Ciampa and The Velveteen Dream in a tag team match.

Near the end of the match, Ricochet hit a suicide dive on Dream while Gargano made Ciampa tap out. Fans in attendance noted that he landed awkwardly and was slow to get up as the referee threw up the “X” symbol.

Following the match, he was helped to the back but came back down to the ring to celebrate with Gargano. This led to him missing Tuesday’s NXT live event in Belgium after being advertised.

Triple H hosted a conference call to promote the upcoming WWE NXT TakeOver: Chicago II event. He spoke with the wrestling media about various topics involving the NXT brand.

During this call, “The Game” was asked about the status of Ricochet for his upcoming match against The Velveteen Dream at the NXT TakeOver: Chicago II event on Saturday, June 16, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois at the Allstate Arena.

Triple H stated that he tweaked his shoulders in Paris and he is not injured. He followed up by stating that they did not want to take a chance and thus the reason Ricochet did not work the next show. Ricochet is still scheduled to wrestle this weekend. 

What are your thoughts on this upcoming match? Sound off in the comment section below.

Lio Rush is no stranger to Twitter. The recent 205 Live signee earned some heat from fans and co-workers last year after Tweeting that Emma was not “ready for Asuka” following her WWE release.

Now it seems Lio Rush is involved in another Twitter-related incident. This time, however, Lio is dealing with someone still on the roster.

The Twitter beef started after Rush posted the below Tweet:

https://twitter.com/itsLioRush/status/1006277984691552257

Ricochet then declared shenanigans on the photo, claiming the car was not his.

https://twitter.com/KingRicochet/status/1006280775359172608

Moose, from Impact Wrestling, decided to make it an inter-promotional war by pointing out Rush was standing in front of a 2006 Jaguar. Moose will face Eli Drake this week on Impact Wrestling. The winner will face Austin Aries for the title at Slammiversary.

https://twitter.com/TheMooseNation/status/1006288747980296197

Lio Rush and Ricochet Twitter Beef

Things then started to get personal as Rush took a shot at Ricochet’s in-ring style.

https://twitter.com/itsLioRush/status/1006283110240178180

Ricochet then claimed Rush hasn’t been watching NXT. The show has recently featured Ricochet and the Velveteen Dream building to their match at NXT Takeover: Chicago II. While there has been mic work from both, Ricochet has also demonstrated some flips during the feud.

https://twitter.com/KingRicochet/status/1006284795767328771

Rush then began to claim Ricochet’s in-ring style will shorten his career. He then said he’ll be going into the Hall of Fame and Ricochet can induct him when the time comes.

https://twitter.com/itsLioRush/status/1006286298095775744

Ricochet then disputed Rush’s claims he will be going into the Hall of Fame someday.

https://twitter.com/KingRicochet/status/1006290838618550274

Rush then answered back with, “Oh I guess you want me in that parking lot selling them snazzy snaz #Ricochet T-shirts with you right?” Rush Tweeted. “I’m good.”

Ricochet then quipped back, “You can go to @WWEShop and get my shirt, where can you get yours? Oh wait, you don’t have one.”

There has been speculation that Ricochet could be heading to 205 Live after an abbreviated stay in NXT. If that is the case, we could see Lio Rush vs Ricochet sooner rather than later.

Ricochet Responds To Velveteen Dream

For the past few days, Velveteen Dream has been firing shots at his NXT TakeOver: Chicago opponent, Ricochet, on Twitter. Ricochet has finally responded, reminding Dream of his past appearance on Tough Enough when he was eliminated halfway through the show.

He then wrote “the result will be the same at Takeover: Chicago.”:

https://twitter.com/KingRicochet/status/1003325236488613890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://twitter.com/VelveteenWWE/status/1000376453261856768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://twitter.com/VelveteenWWE/status/1003102327950249985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Earl Hebner Is “All In”

September 1st’s “All In” event, self-funded by Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks, just continues to get bigger as it adds the biggest names in professional wrestling today. All In’s Twitter page has confirmed that former WWE and TNA referee Earl Hebner will be working the show.

He joins a cast of referees that includes the likes of Paul Turner, Rick Knox, Todd Sinclair, and Jerry Lynn:

https://twitter.com/ALL_IN_2018/status/1003350674183282688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

What Is The Secret Behind The Bar’s Success?

Cesaro replied to a photo uploaded by Sheamus of himself on Twitter, revealing what the secret to The Bar’s success is:

THE longest running Undisputed Champion of Handsomeness in WWE history. Who can take my crown? No one.
Wearing @FatherSons_ pic.twitter.com/lVNejnxO5q

— Sheamus (@WWESheamus) June 2, 2018

For those wondering what the secret to #TheBar’s success is, it’s @WWESheamus being so sexy! #SheamusIsDaddy https://t.co/p0WAneGypM

— Swiss (@ClaudioCSRO) June 3, 2018

Velveteen Dream Takes Shot At Ricochet

Velveteen Dream took a shot at Ricochet on how he used to get low pay after matches in the indies.

https://twitter.com/VelveteenWWE/status/1003102327950249985

Ricochet vs Velveteen Dream

Ricochet and Velveteen Dream both failed to capture the NXT North American Championship to become the inaugural champions at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans. On May 9 Dream confronted Ricochet which led to a match the next week which ended in a no contest as Lars Sullivan attacked them both. The two then teamed up to take on Sullivan in a handicap match a week later but Dream back-stabbed his partner Ricochet during the match and they lost. On last week’s episode of NXT Dream challenged Ricochet for a match at NXT TakeOver: Chicago which Ricochet accepted.

The two will face off each other at WWE NXT TakeOver: Chicago II which will take place on June 16 at the Allstate Arena in Chicago.

WWE has announced a new match that will take place at NXT TakeOver: Chicago II.

On Thursday, May 31st, 2018, the sports entertainment company officially announced that a singles match between Ricochet and The Velveteen Dream would go down at this upcoming event. Aleister Black vs. Lars Sullivan for the NXT Title will headline this show.

The NXT TakeOver: Chicago II event takes place on Saturday, June 16, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois at the Allstate Arena and will air on the WWE Network. Here is the updated card:

– NXT Title Match: Aleister Black © vs. Lars Sullivan

– Street Fight: Tommaso Ciampa vs. Johnny Gargano

– NXT Tag Team Title Match: Roderick Strong & Kyle O’Reilly © vs. Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch

– Singles Match: Ricochet vs.The Velveteen Dream

What are your thoughts on this upcoming match? Sound off in the comment section below.

A new match has been announced for an upcoming WWE UK event.

On Wednesday, May 23, 2018, the sports entertainment company officially announced that NXT Champion Aleister Black would team up with Ricochet to take on EC3 and The Velveteen Dream in a Tag Team Match at the WWE UK Title Tournament Finals event that will air live on the WWE Network from Royal Albert Hall on June 19, 2018.

This event will feature WWE UK competitors facing WWE NXT stars in matches as well as the winner of the UK Title tournament facing UK Champion Pete Dunne for the strap.

“The @WWEUKCT at Royal Albert Hall on 19 June will host a MEGA MATCH as @WWENXT Champion @WWEAleister teams with @KingRicochet to take on @therealec3 and @VelveteenWWE!”

The @WWEUKCT at Royal Albert Hall on 19 June will host a MEGA MATCH as @WWEAleister teams with @KingRicochet to take on @therealec3 and @VelveteenWWE! Tickets available here: https://t.co/dHAxhGo2ks pic.twitter.com/aFjRPSizak

— WWE UK (@WWEUK) May 23, 2018

Do you plan on watching this event? Sound off in the comment section below.

Ricochet began wrestling house show and dark matches for NXT back in February. He then participated in the amazing ladder match at Takeover: New Orleans as his first-ever televised match with the promotion. It hasn’t taken long for Ricochet’s talents to be noticed by one of the all-time greats.

Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson, whose movie “Rampage” is currently in theatres, had this to say regarding NXT’s newest superstar recently:

He’s the man! Love the stuff King is doing and will no doubt be the leader in ushering in a new era of our wrestling business. Future champ.

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) April 20, 2018

It’s not the first time the box office megastar has heaped praise on Ricochet. Back in the summer of 2016, The Rock posted a message on Instagram calling Ricochet “incredibly gifted” and warning him to stay away from backstage politics.

Ricochet’s Career Up To Now

The 29-year-old Ricochet has long been on WWE’s radar. A lengthy contract term with Lucha Underground, however, prevented him from signing with the company until recently.

Trevor Mann began his pro-wrestling career by moving up the independent rankings quickly. He made his debut as a teenager for Chikara and a couple of years later moved on to compete with Evolve and Dragon Gate as well. In 2010, Ricochet began competed for Pro Wrestling Guerilla too.

He made his first appearance in New Japan Pro Wrestling in 2013. In his time with the promotion, he won the Best of the Super Juniors tournament (2014), the Super Junior Tag Tournament (w/ Matt Sydal in 2015), and the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag-Team titles on 3 occasions (2x with Sydal and once with Ryusuke Taguchi). Surprisingly, he never won the company’s IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.

In 2014, Ricochet signed with Lucha Underground. At the time, the company was signing performers to 7-season long contracts, though they have since gone back on these types of commitments. His Lucha Underground contract prevented him from appearing on television for other promotions. He was even prevented from appearing on the first NJPW show in Long Beach last summer.

Ricochet was officially declared a free agent after Lucha Underground’s 3rd season finished airing. During his time with Lucha Underground, he became the promotion’s first-ever World Champion. As the character, Prince Puma, he was to be the promotion’s first top babyface performer.

Two popular NXT stars may be going to 205 Live once their NXT runs are over.

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter claims that WWE officials are looking to prep Ricochet and Lio Rush for 205 Live. Ricochet recently signed with WWE and is set for a major match at Takeover: New Orleans (more on that here). Rush hasn’t been booked to be a world beater, but the report says that higher ups are still high on the former indie standout.

205 Live has undergone a bit of a resurgence since reports surfaced claiming that Triple H has taken over the direction of the show. For months, 205 Live was seen as a lite version of Raw and SmackDown Live. The cruiserweights were involved in storylines that fans weren’t invested in. An example of this is Noam Darr’s relationship with Alicia Fox.

In recent episodes, the focus of the show has been catered more towards wrestling. WWE signed Rockstar Spud and repackaged him as Drake Maverick. He is portrayed as the 205 Live general manager. Maverick has been involved in segments where he tells the talent to get serious. Currently, the brand is in the midst of a tournament to determine a new cruiserweight champion.

NXT Tag Team Champion Bobby Fish was at tonight’s NXT TV tapings but was on crutches after suffering a knee injury at a weekend live event. PWInsider reports that Fish is scheduled to undergo knee surgery later this week in Birmingham, AL.

There’s no word yet on when Fish will be back from the surgery but it was announced at tonight’s tapings that he and partner Kyle O’Reilly will put their titles on the line at “Takeover: New Orleans” during WrestleMania 34 Week.

In a change of plans, perhaps due to the injury, the finals of The Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic came down to air on NXT TV instead of Takeover. Roderick Strong and WWE UK Champion Pete Dunne vs. The Authors of Pain was set to begin as the finals but Adam Cole and O’Reilly attacked both teams for the contest. NXT General Manager William Regal then announced a Triple Threat for Takeover with Dunne & Strong vs. The Authors of Pain vs. O’Reilly & Fish with the winners being crowned Dusty Classic winners and NXT Tag Team Champions.

It was also confirmed at the NXT tapings that the Ladder Match to crown the inaugural NXT North American Champion will feature EC3, Adam Cole, Lars Sullivan, Killian Dain, The Velveteen Dream & Ricochet.

Here’s what looks to be the updated card for Takeover, which takes place on Saturday, April 7th from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Stay tuned for more updates & clarifications on the Takeover card.

NXT Title Match
Aleister Black vs. Andrade “Cien” Almas

NXT Women’s Title Match
Shayna Baszler vs. Ember Moon

NXT Tag Team Title Match, Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Finals
Roderick Strong & WWE UK Champion Pete Dunne vs. The Authors of Pain vs. The Undisputed Era

Ladder Match to Crown the First-Ever NXT North American Champion
Ricochet vs. Ethan Carter III vs. Killian Dain vs. Lars Sullivan vs. Adam Cole vs. The Velveteen Dream

Johnny Gargano vs. Tommaso Ciampa

Having finally confirmed the arrival of Lucha Underground, PWG and New Japan star Ricochet to the NXT brand WWE has released a photo gallery showcasing some of the bouts that the high flying veteran had from his time in Pro Wrestling Guerrilla.

WWE mentions that Eddie Guerrero, The Rock and Rey Mysterio are the stars in-ring inspirations and highlights that he is only ever two-time winner of the Battle of Los Angeles trophy.

As we mentioned in an earlier article the company are using Ricochet’s real name Trevor Mann in all of their promotional material so it remains to be seen if he will be going under that name in NXT or if they will assign a new character for the independent legend.

Photographic evidence that you NEED to be excited for @KingRicochet's @WWEPerformCtr arrival! https://t.co/QyqZtlcOSr

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) January 19, 2018

Earlier this week WWE announced the signings of several top independent wrestlers, including former NJPW/Lucha Underground/PWG star Ricochet (Trevor Mann).

The NXT Twitter account posted a video from the Performance Center that gave a glimpse inside the training facility, with WWE PC Strength & Conditioning Coach Sean Hayes leading a “Hercules-inspired upper-body workout.”

Today’s workout at the @WWEPerformCtr moved the chains! NXT Superstars were out in full force this morning. Spot any of your favorites? #WeAreNXT #NowWithLowerVolume pic.twitter.com/dg56yoD102

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) January 19, 2018

Ricochet, who’s seen in the video doing a set of chin-ups with weighted chains wrapped around him, joked that he had to show the Street Profits “how it’s done” in the weight room.

https://twitter.com/KingRicochet/status/954463638714224640

WWE.com published an article promoting this playful (for now) rivalry. It’s worth noting that the article consistently refers to Ricochet by his birth name Trevor Mann with no references to the name Ricochet.

“Following the workout, Mann was overheard saying that he’s coming for the Combine crown in 2018, a reference to NXT’s annual strength-and-conditioning Combine, a competition in which Ford has always been one of the top performers. Could a budding rivalry between the two athletic wonders be shaping up before our very eyes?

– We noted before how after being rumored for a while, WWE officially announced the signing of Todd “War Beard Hanson” Smith and Raymond Rowe, collectively known as War Machine and Ricochet.

In the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it was noted that all three of these stars have signed a three-year contract with the company. While not confirmed it’s speculated that other wrestlers who reported to the performance center this week may have signed a similar deal.

– Johnny Gargano is all set to challenge Andrade “Cien” Almas at the upcoming NXT Takeover: Philadelphia event for Almas’s NXT Championship during the Royal Rumble weekend.

Prior to his match at the upcoming event, Gargano posted the following emotional message on Instagram, saying that he wants to win the title to share it with his dad:

“When I was 8 years old.. “replica belts” didn’t exist yet but I was OBSESSED with Championship Titles and being a Champion. So much so.. my Dad got this made for me as a present at a trophy shop.

My first Championship.

My Dad went in for open heart surgery on Christmas day. He’s doing everything in his power to be able to travel to Philadelphia to attend #NXTTakeOver with the rest of my family.

I’m going to do everything in my power to bring home a new Championship to share with him.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd-7cj3Fi_q/

In case you missed it, former New Japan Pro Wrestling talents Ricochet and War Machine have joined WWE.

Ricochet (who portrayed Prince Puma in Lucha Underground) is regarded as one of the pioneers of the high flying juniors style, particularly in the United States with his performances for PWG seeing him achieve a cult hero status. One of Ricochet’s greatest opponents is IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Will Ospreay who recently tweeted a heartfelt message to the man he regards as a mentor in the industry:

All the feels right now.
Good luck brother, thanks for everything. pic.twitter.com/shnBEuvKLP

— Will Ospreay • ????????? (@WillOspreay) January 16, 2018

Japanese wrestling legend Satoshi Kojima also took to Twitter to offer his congratulations, but instead to the now former ROH/NJPW tag team stars War Machine, you can check out the tweet below.

Thank you very much in Japan.

You and I have gratitude and respect.

It's a wonderful fighter.

Please take care of yourself. pic.twitter.com/LyKPuQNF6s

— ?????SATOSHI KOJIMA? (@cozy_lariat) January 17, 2018

After months of speculation, WWE confirmed on Tuesday that international wrestling sensation Ricochet (Trevor Mann) has signed with the company. He’s already reported to  WWE’s world-class Performance Center training facility in Orlando, FL.

Ricochet, widely considered one of the top free agents in the world, has thrilled wrestling fans around the world with his work in New Japan Pro Wrestling, Lucha Underground, PWG, MLW and other independents.

https://twitter.com/kingricochet/status/953279021172842496

WWE’s official announcement reads, “Standing 5-foot-9 and weighing 188 pounds, Mann brings an astonishing assortment of aerial moves to the ring. He first earned notoriety in Japan for an eye-popping double-moonsault, and his 630° senton remains one of the most potent weapons in his arsenal. Mann, who credits Guerrero, Rey Mysterio and The Rock as three of his in-ring influences, was inspired to pursue sports-entertainment after watching The Great One and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin do battle at WrestleMania XV.”

The reference to Ricochet’s weight could be an indication that he’s bound for 205 Live and the Cruiserweight division.

NJPW/ROH tag team War Machine is also expected to be joining the Performance Center this month.

For more on Ricochet joining WWE, check out the .com article below.

Innovative high-flyer @KingRicochet has officially joined the @WWEPerformCtr! https://t.co/VMxa5uAxXi

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) January 16, 2018

PWG’s Mystery Vortex V event took place this past Friday from the American Legion Post #308 in Reseda, California.

Here are the results from the event:

– As noted last month, NJPW stars Ricochet and the tag team War Machine are WWE bound and are expected to be heading to the WWE Performance Center later this month. In response to a fan asking about an update to Ricochet & War Machine signing with WWE, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer stated:

Consider it done https://t.co/aOUIRHleNn

— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) January 5, 2018

– On Friday, WWE announced two more teams for the upcoming Mixed Match Challenge tournament that will air on Facebook Watch. SmackDown Live’s Jimmy Uso will team with Naomi and RAW’s Nia Jax and Apollo Crews.

As of this writing, the current lineup of teams includes:

• Finn Balor and Sasha Banks
• Bobby Roode and Charlotte
• Braun Strowman and Alexa Bliss
• Rusev and Lana
• Jimmy Uso and Naomi
• Apollo Crews and Nia Jax

WWE Mixed Match Challenge begins Tuesday, January 16th (after SmackDown Live). The winning team will be awarded $100,000 to donate to a charity of their choosing.

Several top independent talents are believed to be on their way to NXT next month. According to a report from PWInsider, the word around the Performance Center is that a top cruiserweight and a top tag-team are expected in NXT for January and possibly another top female talent as well.

Hanson & Ray Rowe of War Machine and Ricochet are the wrestlers expected to debut in WWE soon. The top female talent name was not mentioned in the report, but Tessa Blanchard is a possibility. Blanchard was in the Mae Young Classic and is dating Ricochet. She does have independent dates booked for 2018, however, indicating she’s not headed to WWE soon.

Candice LeRae is another name which has been rumored, though she does have independent dates booked for 2018 as well.

War Machine and Ricochet

War Machine and Ricochet have been on WWE’s radar for some time. In the case of Ricochet, his Lucha Underground contract was preventing him from signing with the company. Now that season three has fully aired and his no-compete clause is up, the popular high-flyer is free to sign with WWE.

War Machine recently finished up with Ring of Honor at the last set of TV tapings.

Independent star Ricochet recently appeared for Japan’s Dragon Gate promotion and cut a promo to say farewell to a company he has helped build during his illustrious career.

The high flying star said “No Goodbyes, this is just ‘see you later’. I don’t know how, I don’t know when but someday I’m coming back to DragonGate.”

The rumors of a WWE run for Ricochet have been brewing ever since it was revealed that his Lucha Underground contract was not going to be renewed this year. Although it is not confirmed there is a very good chance that he will appear at a WWE or NXT event at some point in early 2018.

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

New Japan Pro Wrestling star Ricochet captured the PWG World Championship at PWG’s All Star Weekend Night 2 yesterday after defeating Chuck Taylor in the main event.

The match had to be restarted after Ricochet cheated to win however he eventually won cleanly. Ricochet cut a post match promo claiming that he was not “going anywhere” and that “Daddy is here to stay.”

There have been reports recently claiming that Ricochet is WWE bound after his contract with Lucha Underground finishes, whether his promo after the championship win is a rouse remains to be seen.

https://twitter.com/KingRicochet/status/922024877208375296

WCPW will be hosting their ‘Stacked’ Pay Per View event this evening. The card will feature a number of high profile bouts including some of the biggest names in New Japan Pro Wrestling. Check out the full card below:

• Marty Scurll vs Will Ospreay
• Rey Mysterio vs Ricochet
• War Machine vs The Briscoes – Tag Team Titles
• Travis Banks vs KUSHIDA
• Primate vs BT Gunn – Hardcore Title
• Alex Gracie vs Martin Kirby
• Penta El Zero M vs Rampage
• Mike Bailey vs Takahashi
• Jay Lethal vs Angelico vs Drake
• Gabriel Kidd vs Lucky Kid – Internet Title

The event will be live from 7.15pm UK time (2.15/1.15c) and available to watch via WhatCulture Extra ($6.99 per month) and FITE TV ($14.99 one-time purchase).

Are you checking out the show? Let us know in the comments.

WCPW has announced the name and location of their latest Pay Per View offering; ‘Stacked’ will be available to watch via the WhatCulture Extra service and iPPV on August 22nd.

The main event for the…stacked show will see former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Rey Mysterio take on one of the premier high flyers in the industry, Ricochet.

Tickets for the Leeds, UK event are available to purchase via the Eventbrite.

August 22nd. Leeds. It's STACKED! Rey Mysterio vs Ricochet and MUCH more. O2 Priority now, general sale Monday 10am https://t.co/vJFqMaZCF0 pic.twitter.com/C8YNowOhbR

— DEFIANT Wrestling (@DEFIANTwres) July 29, 2017

First name announced for MLW: One-Shot

MLW: One-Shot will take place on October 5th at GILT Nightclub in Orlando, FL. Court Bauer announced Ricochet as the first confirmed talent to be wrestling at the event. MLW: One-Shot is taking place October 5th at Gilt Nightclub in Orlando, FL. Tickets are now on sale at http://mlw.eventbrite.com/.

https://twitter.com/courtbauer/status/888443636899295232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmlw.com%2F2017%2F07%2F21%2Fricochet-signed-for-mlw-one-shot%2F

Brie Bella wants to return to WWE in 2018

The Bella Twins uploaded a new video from the WWE panel at San Diego Comic Con. Brie Bella was part of the panel and revealed that she is hopeful that she can return to the ring in 2018. Here are Brie’s comments:

“He’s (Daniel Bryan) like “Well, Brie, I think we have enough room for a ring and why don’t we start training?” I’m was like ‘Yes!’ I’ve been begging him for one. So, I’m like I have the perfect coach /General Manager in Daniel Bryan and we’re going to start training. I’m hoping in 2018 I can get back in the ring.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfMQcKV0fm0